Cape Girardeau Central High School valedictorians

Tessa Valleroy

Parents' names: Diana and Paul Valleroy

What extracurricular activities were you involved in? Can you tell us a little bit about your experiences?

I was involved in scholar bowl, a trivia team that became a second family to me; the Cape Central Marching Tigers Band, the most dedicated group of people I've ever met; the world language club; NHS (National Honor Society); the Casual Debate Club; and Girl Scouts.

Who is your role model, and why?

My role model is Mrs. Katy Andersson, my high school counselor, because she is such a warm and understanding person who spends her days trying to help her students through any problems they might encounter.

What is your favorite high-school memory?

My favorite high-school memory is riding home after scholar bowl districts because I had never felt closer to a group of people than I did with my team that day.

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.

My plan after graduation is to attend the University of Missouri-Columbia for my undergraduate degree. Through I haven't officially declared a major, I would like to pursue a double major in anthropology and biology, with a focus on human tissues.

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

I would give incoming freshmen two pieces of advice: First, find a good group of friends, either other freshmen or older students, who you are comfortable around and can open up to. Second, don't worry too much, but also don't slack off.

In just three words, describe your high-school experience: Stressful yet valuable.

Alex Gentle

Parents' names:

Amelia Essman and Donald Gentle

What extracurricular activities were you involved in? Can you tell us a little bit about your experiences?

I was on the varsity swim team and varsity tennis team. Both were great experiences that improved my athletic ability and expanded my group of friends. I was also in speech and debate, where I competed in public forum debate and radio speaking.

Who is your role model, and why?

Steve Jobs. He started up Apple in his parents' garage. Jobs was eventually forced to leave the company but came back when Apple was failing and turned it around. I value Jobs' dedication and his effort to make products right the first time.

What is your favorite high-school memory?

My favorite high-school memory is when the swim team won conference. It was the first time in many years that the swim team had done that, and it felt like the best way to end my four years on the team.

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 will be attending Bowdoin College to study physics. I chose physics after taking AP Physics this year and enjoying it immensely. I will possibly double major in either statistics or computer science along with physics.

What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?

Join a couple clubs in your first year. It gives you a sense of community right away, and you can always leave or join a different club if you don't feel like you enjoy it.

In just three words, describe your high-school experience: Stressful. Fun. Successful.