Top of the class

Editor's note: Saxony Lutheran High School selected six valedictorians for the class of 2015. We will feature two of these distinguished graduates each week.

NAME: Chase Steffens

SCHOOL: Saxony Lutheran High School

PARENTS' NAMES: Kerry and Dana Steffens

WHAT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WERE YOU INVOLVED IN? CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES?

Nicholas Henry, 2015 Saxony Lutheran High School co-valedictorian. (Glenn Landberg)

Varsity basketball and baseball, student council, National Honor Society, Saxony Ambassadors, small group ministry and Pep Club. I've learned valuable lessons from these activities -- especially the importance of teamwork and humble leadership.

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY?

My mom. Everything she does is for the benefit of people around her. Even if she's a little pushy sometimes, I wouldn't be where I am today without her motivation.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HIGH SCHOOL MEMORY?

Nathan Ruark talking about his homecoming and prom dance experiences.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION? WHERE DO YOU PLAN TO ATTEND SCHOOL, AND HAVE YOU DECIDED YOUR MAJOR? IF SO, TELL US WHY YOU CHOSE THAT PATH:

Attend the University of Missouri-Columbia and become a physical therapist to work with injured athletes and military veterans.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO INCOMING FRESHMEN?

Enjoy every day, especially in sports, because you'll want it all back when it's over. Also, make decisions that will help the people around you, not just yourself.

IN JUST THREE WORDS, DESCRIBE YOUR HIGH-SCHOOL EXPERIENCE:

Entertaining, humbling, motivational.

NAME: Nicholas Brian Henry

SCHOOL: Saxony Lutheran High School

PARENTS' NAMES: Jeff and Carole Henry

WHAT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WERE YOU INVOLVED IN? CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCES?

Scholar bowl four years, one state championship; band four years; small group ministry three years; Math Field Day four years; National Honor Society two years. Through these activities, I have gotten to know and spend time with some of my best friends.

WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL, AND WHY?

My mom is my role model because she is always striving towards her goals, and she is always trying to do the right thing and help people. She inspires me to reach for my goals and to let nothing stand in my way.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE HIGH-SCHOOL MEMORY?

My favorite high-school memory is the band and choir tour this past spring. I had a lot of fun with my friends and got to see some new places.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS AFTER GRADUATION? WHERE DO YOU PLAN TO ATTEND SCHOOL, AND HAVE YOU DECIDED YOUR MAJOR? IF SO, TELL US WHY YOU CHOSE THAT PATH.

I plan to attend Missouri University of Science and Technology to major in ceramics engineering. I chose this course of study because I have always had an interest in science, and I want to be a part of a growing field where I can help people.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO INCOMING FRESHMEN?

I would tell incoming freshmen not to be afraid of asking questions -- it is easier to ask a question than to not know what to do and get yourself in a predicament -- and not to stress about the little things.

IN JUST THREE WORDS, DESCRIBE YOUR HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE: Exciting, faith, friendship.