Cape Girardeau Central High School

Elizabeth Kunz

Elizabeth Kunz, the 1997 valedictorian of Cape Girardeau Central High School, is the daughter of David and Gail Kunz of Cape Girardeau.

Kunz was in Student Senate, the Knowledge Master and Scholar Bowl, National Honor Society serving as first vice president and National Beta Club serving as treasurer and representative on the Scholarship Committee. Her honors inlcude a National Merit Scholar, the Sons of the American Revolution Award, the Veterans of Foreign War Voice of Democracy Award, the "I Dare You" Leadership Award and the All School Booster Club's Scholar Athlete Award. She attended the Missouri Association of Student Councils Leadership Conference, the Missouri Scholars Academy and the Sophomore Pilgrimage in Jefferson City. She was All-State high jumper for three years in track and All-State in basketball.

Kunz will attend the University of Missouri-Columbia where she received a Curator's Award, Bright Flight and a National Merit Scholarship. She will participate in track and field.

Bonnie Taylor

Bonnie Taylor, the 1997 salutatorian of Cape Girardeau Central High School, is the daughter of Philip and Helen Taylor of Cape Girardeau.

Taylor was in Student Senate, Red Dagger, Beta Club serving as president, National Honor Society serving as president and International Thespian Society serving as secretary. She was in the Cape Central Marching Tigers Band. Her honors include the Rotary Student of the Month and the Renaissance People's Choice Award.

Taylor will attend the University of Missouri-Columbia where she received a Curator's Award and Bright Flight.

Notre Dame High School

Nathan Garrett McGuire

Nathan Garrett McGuire, the 1997 valedictorian of Notre Dame High School, is the son of Jay and Theresa McGuire of Cape Girardeau.

McGuire was in National Honor Society serving as treasurer and played basketball and baseball. He won the Notre Dame Bulldog Award. In basketball, he received All-State Academic Honors, and Co-Most Valuable Player. In baseball, he was the Most Valuable Pitcher and was named the Most Valuable Player in the Southeast Missouri Conference. His other honors include the American Legion School Award, the U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award and academic awards in physics, pre-calculus, Spanish IV and social studies.

McGuire received Bright Flight as well as scholarships from Southeast Missouri State University, Washington University, the University of St. Louis and the University of Missouri-Columbia. He plans to major in pre-dentistry.

Jeffrey Ryan Mueller

Jeffrey Ryan Mueller, the 1997 salutatorian of Notre Dame High School, is the son of Stephen and Diane Mueller of Cape Girardeau.

Mueller was in the Scholar Bowl, Spanish Club, Campus Ministry, Concert Choir and National Honor Society. He was in a musical, played freshman basketball and was the varsity boys' basketball manager for two years.

Mueller will pursue a degree in engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla where he received a Curator's Award, Bright Flight, the Honors Academy Scholarship Package and the Masters Student Fellowship. He was also offered a Freshman Engineering Scholarship from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Governor's Scholarship from Southeast Missouri State University.

Scott City High School

Sara Emerson

Sara Emerson, the 1997 valedictorian of Scott City High School, is the daughter of David and Margo Emerson of Scott City.

Emerson was in Future Business Leaders of America serving as vice president, Key Club serving as president, National Honor Society serving as president, Pep Club, Student Council, Model United Nations, IMPACT Bible Study and her church youth group. Her honors include a Silver and Gold Award in Girls Scouts, the United States Navy Certificate for Academic Excellence, the George Washington Carver Award, Elks Lodge #639 Student of the Year, the Sons of the American Revolution Outstanding Citizen Award, the Daughters of the American Roveolution Good Citizen Award, Tandy Technology Oustanding Student Award, the Xerox Award, the "I Dare You" Leadership Award, Elks Club Student of the Month, the Exchange Club Youth of the Month, the Breakfast Optimist Club Outstanding Student Award and Who's Who Among American High School Students. She participated in basketball of which she made All-Conference, All-Distirct and First Team All-State.

Emerson will attend Friends University in Wichita, Kan., where she received an academic scholarship, a music scholarship in piano and flute and a basketball scholarship. She will major in zoo science and biology and minor in christian studies.

Kirt Michael Burger

Kirt Michael Burger, the 1997 salutatorian of Scott City High School, is the son of Charles and Carol Burger of Scott City.

Burger was in National Honor Society, Pep Club, Future Business Leaders of America and Science Club. He particpated in baseball, basketball and football.

Although Burger received a Regents Scholarship from Southeast Missouri State University, he will major in physical therapy at Maryville College where he received a Promise Award.

Chaffee High School

Brandi Lynn Loucks

Brandi Lynn Loucks, the 1997 valedictorian of Chaffee High School, is the daughter of Danny and Joyce Loucks of Chaffee.

Loucks was in Future Business Leaders of America, Pep Club, Biology/Ecology Club, French Club serving as secretary, Varsity Club and Beta Club. Her honors include Who's Who Among American High School Students, the Steven Goetz Award, a National Scholar Athlete and a nominee to the Missouri Scholars Academy. She was captain in cheerleading and drill team and played volleyball.

Loucks will attend Southeast Missouri State University where she received a Regents Scholarship. She also received the Mary Hopkins English Award. She will major in business administration and be a Sundancer.

Renee C. Vandeven

Renee C. Vandeven, the 1997 salutatorian of Chaffee High School, is the daughter of Alvin and Betty Vandeven of Chaffee.

Vandeven was in Future Business Leaders of America serving as vice president. She qualified for National Leadership Conference and has been recognized for outstanding service. She was also in Biology/Ecology Club, Pep Club, Varsity Club, French Club, Beta Club and Future Homemakers of America. She was a class officer for four years, Prom Queen and attended Sophomore Pilgrimage. Her honors include Who's Who Among American High School Students, Academic Letter Recipient and academic awards in housing interior design, health, government, fitness, home economics, American history 11, psychology, contemporary issues, speech and advanced composition. She played basketball and was captain, leading rebounder and won awards for hustle, best free throw percentage, high point average, defense, All-Conference and All-District Honorabale Mention. In volleyball, she was Most Valuable Player and won the Hustle Award. In track, she won awards for Most Dedicated, Most Valuable Player, Most Outstanding Performer, Outstanding Senior Girl Athlete, All-District and state qualifier.

Vandeven will pursue a degree in nursing at Southeast Missouri State University. She received a Men's Brotherhood Scholarship, a Chaffee Optimist Club Scholarship and the Midwest Bank of Chaffee Scholarship.

Jackson High School

Ryan Kasten

Ryan Kasten, the 1997 valedictorian of Jackson High School, is the son of Brad and Vickie Kasten of Jackson.

Kasten was in Student Council, National Honor Society, French Club serving as secretary and executive board member, Speech Team serving as president, Peer Tutors serving as president and Future Business Leaders of America serving as committee chairman. His honors include Elks' Student of the Month, 1994 Missouri Scholars Academy, 1993 Southeast Missouri State University Writing Contest winner, Optimist Oratorical Contest winner, Who's Who Among American High School Students and the Tandy Technology Scholars Outstanding Student Award. He attended the Tufts University Summer Summit Program in France.

Kasten will attend Brown University in Providence, R.I., where he received a CAS Scholarship. He also received a Proctor and Gamble Sholarship and Bright Flight. He will major in biology and pre-medicine.

Shaun Darrell Hanschen

Shaun Darrell Hanschen, the 1997 salutatorian of Jackson High School, is the son of Darrell and Cheryl Hanschen of Jackson.

Hanschen was in Future Business Leaders of America participating on the FBLA Missouri State Parliamentary Procedure Team, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Speech Team, Scholar Bowl Team, Peer Tutors, ALERT and 4-H. His honors include National Merit Commended Student, Scholar Athlete, 4-H State Champion, All-District in Scholar Bowl and Who's Who Among American High School Students. He participated in cross-country and attended Boys' State and the National Scholars Academy.

Before attending law school, Hanschen will pursue a degree in engineering at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Oak Ridge High School

Amy Beth Strickland

Amy Beth Strickland, the 1997 valedictorian of Oak Ridge High School, is the daughter of Paul Strickland of Jackson and Sally Strickland of Oak Ridge.

Strickland was in Art Club, Science Club serving as treasurer, Pep Club serving as secretary, Spanish Club, Students Against Driving Drunk serving as secretary, Future Homemakers of America serving as treasurer and National Honor Society serving as president. She was class president freshman year and class treasurer for the last three. She competed in numerous math and science competitions, three times at the state level. She was a member of the Girl Scouts for 11 years and won the Silver and Leadership Awards. She was a twirler and a drum majorette, participated in cheerleading and marching, pep and concert bands and played volleyball and softball.

Strickland will attend Drury College in Springfield, Mo., where she received the Scholar's Award, the Leadership Award, the Dean's Scholarship and Matching Scholarship. She also received Bright Flight and the Proctor and Gamble Scholarship. She will major in sociology and philosophy.

Lindsey Nicole Thomas

Lindsey Nicole Thomas, the 1997 salutatorian of Oak Ridge High School, is the daughter of Roger and Pat Thomas of Friedheim.

Thomas was in National Honor Society serving as vice president, Future Homemakers of America, Pep Club, Science Club, Art Club and Spanish Club. She was senior class president and received Who's Who Among American High School Students and two National Achievement Awards in mathematics. She was a twirler, participated in marching, pep and concert bands and played volleyball.

Thomas will pursue a degree in pre-elementary education at Southeast Missouri State University.

Delta High School

Jody Below

Jody Below, the 1997 valedictorian of Delta High School, is the daughter of Johnny and Co-Ann Below of Delta.

Below's honors include a College Preparatory Certificate and the George Washington Carver Award.

Below will attend Southeast Missouri State University where she received a President's Scholarship. She will major in secondary education and she hopes to become a high school math teacher.

Paula Eftink

Paula Eftink, the 1997 salutatorian of Delta High School, is the daughter of Eugene and Jerralee Eftink of Chaffee.

Her honors include National Scholar Athlete Award, a College Preparatory Studies Certificate and the George Washington Carver Award.

Eftink will attend the University of Missouri-Columbia where she received the Dale Wilson Memorial Scholarship. She also received the MFA Agri-Services Scholarship, the National Honor Society Scholarship and the Delta PTO Scholarship. She will major in physical therapy.

Sikeston High School

Brad Kiesling

Brad Kiesling, a 1997 valedictorian of Sikeston High School, is the son of Scott and Martha Kiesling of Sikeston.

Kiesling was in Biology Club serving as president and National Honor Society serving as vice president. He was senior class president and was the co-founder and president of the Sikeston Student Chamber of Commerce. He attended Boys' State, was selected as a Missouri representative to Boys' Nation and will return to Boys' State to serve as an assistant city counselor this year. He participated in a high school production of "The Music Man."

Kiesling will attend Westminster College in Fulton where he received the Trustees' Scholarship and the Churchill Book Award. He also received the National Honor Society Scholarship, the Noranda Scholarship, Bright Flight and the Missouri Bankers Award. He will study business and political science.

Kelly Ann Moss

Kelly Ann Moss, a 1997 valedictorian of Sikeston High School, is the daughter of Melvin and Joan Moss.

Moss was in cheerleading, Biology Club, Young Writer's Club, Red Peppers, National Honor Society and ASTRA, a youth division of Altrusa International and a service club for young women. She received the Science Award given for taking five sciences in four years and attended Missouri Scholars Academy and Girls State.

She will attend Southeast Missouri State University where she received the Governor's Scholarship and Bright Flight. She also received an American Legion Scholarship for scholastic achievment. Her goal is to receive a master's degree in speech pathology.

Rebekah Halter

Rebekah Halter, the 1997 salutatorian of Sikeston High School, is the daughter of Charles and Lisa Hicks of Sikeston and Gary Halter of Cape Girardeau.

Halter was in National Honor Society, Red Peppers, Young Writers' Club, Teens Against Pollution, Foreign Language Club, Junior Chamber of Commerce, ASTRA and Drama Club serving as secretary. As the co-editor of yearbook, she won a Show Me rating for overall theme presentation. Her honors include Spanish I Student of the Year, Accounting I Student of the Year, Accounting II Student of the Year, Who's Who Among American High School Students, Elks' Student of the Month and the George Washington Carver Award. She attended Freedom Forum at Southeast Missouri State University and journalism camp at the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Halter will attend SEMO State University where she received a Regents Scholarship. She is considering a major in communications.

Meadow Heights High School

Elaine Carolyn Mills

Elaine Carolyn Mills, the 1997 valedictorian of Meadow Heights High School, is the daughter of Melvin and Carolyn Mills of Marquand.

Mills was editor of school publications and attended the state convention for Student Council. He was also in Beta Club, Future Homemakers of America and Science Club serving as secretary and reporter. Her honors include Who's Who Among American High School Students, National Honor Roll, the National Science Merit Award, the United States National Merit Award, the International Foriegn Language Award, All-American Scholar, the United States Achievement Academy, the George Washington Carver Award, a College Preparatory Studies Certificate and academic awards in language arts I-III, keyboarding I, physical science, social studies II, computer science, physical education, chemistry, trigonometry and citizenship. She was also the recipient of the Student Council Award and Senior Superlative for "Most Likely to Succeed." She participated in band, Math Field Day, a mock Constitutional Convention and played softball, earning "Most Improved Player."

Mills will attend Southeast Missouri State University where she received a Regents Scholarship. She also received a Security Bank Scholarship and a Missouri Association of Mutual Insurance Companies Scholarship.

Amy Louis Statler

Amy Louis Statler, the 1997 salutatorian of Meadow Heights High School, is the daughter of Ricky and Barbara Statler of Sedgewickville.

Statler was in Student Council serving as vice president, Beta Club serving as president, Future Farmers of America serving as vice president, Future Homemakers of America serving as vice president and Community 2000. She was Prom Queen and Homecoming Queen. Her honors include an Academic Bar, the George Washington Carver Award, the Agriculutre Award, the High School Band Award and a College Preparatory Studies Certificate. She played softball and was band drum major basketball stat-keeper.

Statler will major in pre-veterinary medicine at Southeast Missouri State University. She received a CTA Scholarship, an Alumni Scholarship, a Special Scholarship and a Mercantile Scholarship.

Woodland High School

Earl Lynn Tipton

Earl Lynn Tipton, the 1997 valedictorian of Woodland High School, is the son of Lynn and Linda Tipton of Marble Hill.

Tipton was in Beta Club at Woodland. He attended Duke University Pre-College in North Carolina. At Duke, he was in Drama Club, Student Government, Literary Club and played intramural sports. His senior year at Woodland, he was dual-enrolled at Southeast Missouri State Univeristy and received 11 hours of college credit. His honors include a Missouri House of Representative Certificate of Recognition, the Presidential Physical Fitness Award, the George Washington Carver Award, the Tandy Technology Scholars Academic Top Two Percent Award, academic awards in speech and physics, a College Preparatory Studies Certificate. He participated in Science Olympiad where he finished first in the inidividual "Scrambler" competition.

Tipton will be enrolled in the Honors College at the University of Missouri-Columbia where he received an engineering scholarship and a Curators' Award. He will major in chemical and bio-medical engineering.

Travis H. Whitener

Travis H. Whitener, the 1997 salutatorian of Woodland High School, is the son of Henry and Linda Whitener.

Whitener was in Beta Club, was the co-editor of the yearbook and participated in Science Olympiad. His honors include the Optimist Youth Appreciation Award, the Presidential Academic Physical Fitness Award, the National Scholar Athlete Award, Who's Who Among American High School Students and academic awards in American government, computers II, desktop publishing Award and physical education. He attended Sophomore Pilgrimmage and was co-captain in basketball. He made All-Conference and All-Conference Tournament teams.

Whitener will major in engineering at GMI Engineering and Management Institute in Flint, Minn. He received the Lloyd Ivey Scholarship and the Security Bank Scholarship.

Kelly High School

Brian Heuring

Brian Heuring, the 1997 valedictorian of Kelly High School, is the son of Norman and Dorothy Heuring of Oran.

Heuring was a class officer and was in Future Farmers of America serving as a state officer, Beta Club, 4-H and his church youth group. His honors include the 4-H Key Award, the 4-H State Award, the FFA State Proficiency Award, the George Washington Carver Award, a College Preparatory Studies Certificate and academic awards in math analysis and chemistry. He attended Boys' State and Sophomore Pilgimmage and played in basketball.

Heuring will attend the University of Missouri-Columbia where he received a departmental agriculture scholarship. He also received the Kelly Parent-Teacher Organization Scholarship and the National FFA Scholarhsip. He will major in animal science.

Dana Seyer

Dana Seyer, the 1997 salutatorian of Kelly High School, is the daughter of Gerald and Lori Seyer.

Seyer was in Beta Club, Future Homemakers of America, Foreign Language Club and yearbook. She attended Girls' State. Her honors include the George Washington Carver Award, a College Preparatory Studies Certificate, the President's Education Award and academic awards in biology II, nutrition and wellness, English literature and social studies.

Seyer will attend Fontbonne College in St. Louis where she received a Fontbonne Alumni Scholarship. She also received a Wal-Mart Scholarship.

Perryville High School

Celeste Kay Ramsey

Celeste Kay Ramsey, the 1997 valedictorian of Perryville High School, is the daughter of David and Kathe Ramsey of Perryville.

Ramsey was in National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America serving as vice president, Varsity Club, and Drama Club. She attended Missouri Business Week in Columbia, Girls' State, Engineering Camp at the University of Missouri-Rolla and a math contest at Mineral Area College. She participated in cross country and track and was a district and state champion in both. She was also a member of the 1997 Track Dream Team. She played basketball and participated in concert choir. Her honors include the 1994 Student of the Year, the 1997 DARE Student of the Year, "Ms. Future Business Leaders of America" at district FLBA, Who's Who Among American High School Students and academic awards in fundamental physics, art I, German I, language arts II and calculus.

Ramsey will attend Southeast Missouri State University where she received the Athletic Scholarship for Cross Country and Track, the President's Scholarship and the Leadership Scholarship. She also received a TG-USA Scholarship, the Perryville Athletic Club Scholarship, the National Honor Society Scholarship, the Robert Heflin Memorial Scholarhsip and the Vernon Meyr Valedictorian Scholarship. She will major in pre-engineering and participate in the cross country and track teams.

Dana Nicole Seibel

Dana Nicole Seibel, the 1997 salutatorian of Perryville High School, is the daughter of David and Charlotte Seibel of Frohna.

Seibel was in National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America for which she won several awards at district competition, Varsity Club serving as secretary and Lutheran Fellowship of the Lutheran Church in Altenburg serving as secretary, treasurer and president. Her honors include Scholar Athlete, the Terry Cissell Leadership Award, the Olene Heflin Social Studies Award and the 1997 Sweetheart Queen. She played softball and was co-captain in volleyball, making First Team All-Conference and All-District.

Seibel will attend Southeast Missouri State University where she recieved a President's Scholarship. She will major in criminal justice or business.

St. Vincent High School

Sarah Unterreiner

Sarah Unterreiner, the 1997 valedictorian of St. Vincent High School, is the daughter of Harold and Velda Unterreiner.

Unterreiner was in Student Council serving as senior class president, yearbook serving as the assistant editor of the Tribe, Naitonal Honor Society, Sodality, Pep Club, Students Against Driving Drunk and Spanish Club. Her honors include Who's Who Among American High School Students, the Presidential Scholar Award and the USCAA Scholar Award. She was captain in cheerleading and earned the USCAA Scholar Award and the Cheerleader Scholar Award. She made the UCA All-Star Squad, which traveled to London to perform in the New Year's Day Parade. She also attended Freedom Forum.

Unterreiner will attend the University of Missouri-Rolla where she received Bright Flight, an Achievement Scholarship, a University Scholarship and a Quality Scholarship. She also received a Chrysler Corporation Fund Sholarship, a TG-USA Corporation Scholarship and the Perry County Wildlife Chapter Scholarship. She will major in chemical engineering.

Melinda Bohnert

Melinda Bohnert, the 1997 salutatorian of St. Vincent High School, is the daughter of Michael and Judy Boynert of Perryville.

Boynert was in Sodality serving as prefect, Students Against Driving Drunk, National Honor Society serving as treasurer, Pep Club, Spanish Club, Team Spirit, 4-H and the Tribe yearbook staff. Her honors include w'ho's Who among Amnerican High School Students and the Service Award. She participated in band, played softball and attended Freedom Forum.

Bohnert will attend Southeast Missouri State University where she received a Regents Scholarship. She also received a Bank of Perryville Scholarship. She will major in elementary education or actuarial science.

Oran High School

Tori Patterson

Tori Patterson, the 1997 valedictorian of Oran High School, is the daughter of Wayne and Linda Patterson of Oran.

Patterson was in Future Business Leaders of America serving as president, Beta Club serving as president, yearbook serving as assistant editor, Student Council serving as class president and Future Homemakers of America. Her honors include Who's Who Among American High School Students. She competed in FBLA state and district competitions and attended the 1995 Missouri Scholars Academy.

Patterson will attend Southeast Missouri State University where she received a Regents Scholarship. She also received a First Financial Bank of SEMO Scholarship. She will major in business.

Melissa Jones

Melissa Jones, the 1997 salutatorian of Oran High School, is the daughter of Gary Jones and Patricia Jones of Oran.

Jones will attend Southeast Missouri State University where she received a President's Scholarship. She will major in nursing.

Advance High School

Katrina Georger, the 1997 valedictorian of Advance High School, is the daughter of Gary and Helen Georger of Advance.

Georger was in Beta Club, Pep Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Future Farmers of America, Future Homemakers of America, Students Against Driving Drunk and Student Council. She particpated in band and pep band and played softball.

Georger will attend Southeast Missouri State University where she received a Regents Scholarship. She also received the Dexter Wal-Mart Scholarship and a Knights of Columbus Scholarship. She will major in accounting.

Nicole Cooper

Nicole Cooper was the 1997 salutatorian of Advance High School.

Marquand-Zion High School

Cheryl Ann Cook

Cheryl Ann Cook, the 1997 valedictorian of Marquand-Zion High School, is the daughter of Raymond and Deanna Cook of Marquand.

Cook will major in elementary education at Mineral Area College. She received the Mary A. Whitener Scholarship.

Joseph Clauser

Joseph Clauser, the 1997 salutatorian of Marquand-Zion High School, is the son of Bill and Helen Clauser of Fredericktown.

Clauser was a class reporter, a volleyball scorekeeper, editor of yearbook and was in Beta Club serving as secretary, Future Business Leaders of America serving as reporter and secretary, Library Club, church youth group and the Lt. Governor's Southeast Missouri Youth Council. He received third place in the School-Wide Science Fair as well as in the high school chemistry devision at the Mineral Area College Science Fair. Other honors include academic awards in world history, physics, creative writing, Spanish II, chemistry and vocational business, the John Phillip Sousa and the Instrumentalist of the Year awards in band, the National Beta Club's John W. Harris Leadership Award and the Special Appreciation Award for Computer Service. He particpated in band, the Mr. Missouri Teen Scholar Program and the Atlanta International Ministries 1996 Summer Missionary to the Olympics and attended Boys' State.

Clauser will major in business and commercial aviation at Bob Jones University. He received the Mary F. Whitener Memorial Scholarship.

Leopold High School

Cindy Renee Eeftink

Cindy Renee Eeftink, the 1997 valedictorian of Leopold High School, is the daughter of Richard and Geralyn Eeftink of Leopold.

Eeftink was in Beta Club serving as president and business Club serving as secretary. She was class treasurer and captain of volleyball. Her honors include the George Washington Carver Award, the President's Education Award, the National Student Athlete Day Award and the U.S. Navy Honors Program Certificate.

Eeftink will attend Southeast Missouri State University where she received a Regents Scholarship. She also received the Leopold Beta Club Scholarship and the Lloyd Ivey Scholarship. She will major in special education.

Jill Landewee

Jill Landewee, the 1997 salutatorian of Leopold High School, is the daughter of Bill and Glenda Lendewee of Leopold.

Landewee was in Business Club serving as president, Beat Club serving as vice president, Pep Club serving as treasurer, Glee Club serving as song leader and editor of yearbook. Her honors include several music awards at district and state levels, a Gold Cup for voice and piano at the Southeast Missouri State University Musical Festival, the vocal winner at the District Music Festival, winner of SEMO Math and Business contests, the U.S. Navy Honors Program Certificate of Achievement, the Arion Music Award for voice and a College Preparatory Studies Certificate. She attended the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Seminar.

Landewee will attend SEMO State University where she recieved a State Beta Scholarship and a music scholarship. She also received a Missouri Teachers Scholarship and the Joyce Walsh Music Scholarship. She will major in music education.

Zalma High School

Alisha Nicole Goolsly

Alisha Nicole Goolsly, the 1997 valedictorian of Zalma High School, is the daughter of Tom and Lorita Goolsby of Zalma.

Goolsly was senior class president and a junior class reporter and was in A-Club, Beta Club, Student Council and Drama Club. Her senior year, she was dual-enrolled at Three Rivers Community College. She particpated in a school Christmas play and cheerleading, attended Sophomore Pilgrimage and played volleyball. Her honors include All-American Scholar, Who's Who Among American High School Students, the Cheerleading Dedication Award, the George Washington Carver Award and a College Preparatory Studies Certificate.

Goolsly will attend Southeast Missouri State University where she received a Presidents Scholarship. She also received the Aministrator's Scholarship. She will major in math education.

Michael Wade

Michael Wade was the 1997 salutatorian of Zalma High School.\

Scott County Central High School

Kelley Dawn Rodgers

Kelley Dawn Rodgers, the 1997 valedictorian of Scott County High School, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Rodgers of Morley.

Rodgers was senior class secretary and was in Beta Club serving as secretary, president and Missouri State Beta Club secretary, Student Council serving as president, Future Homemakers of America serving as vice president, History Club serving as vice president, Future Teachers of America, the Scott County Community Health Assessment Research Team and the Morley Baptist Church Youth Group. Her honors include Who's Who Among American High School Students She attended the Broyhill Leadership Conference in Belmont, N.C., played softball, was captain in cheerleading and participated in band and chorus.

Rodgers will attend Southeast Missouri State University.

Gary Lee Mize Jr.

Gary Lee Mize Jr., the 1997 saludatorian of Scott County High School, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Mize of Morley.

Mize was in History Club, Beta Club serving as president, Student Council serving as vice president, president and senior class president and the Morley Baptist Church Youth Group. His honors include being a two-year nominee to the National Leadership Conference in Washington D.C. and Who's Who Among American High School Students. He played junior varsity and varsity basketball, particpated in band and was the assistant coach of the AAU basketball team.

Mize will attend Southeast Missouri State University.

Shawnee High School

Jennifer Jordan Schaefer

Jennifer Jordan Schaefer, the 1997 valedictorian of Shawnee High School, is the daughter of Richard and Kay Schaefer of Wolf Lake, Ill.

Schaefer was photography director and co-editor of yearbook and was in Student Council serving as president, secretary, co-vice president and vice president, Beta Club, Scholar Bowl serving as team captain, Future Homemakers of America, Future Farmers of America and 4-H serving as president, vice president and secretary. Her honors include the Outstanding Research Paper Award, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Essay Contest Winner, a National Merit Scholarship semi-finalist, the Anna-Jonesboro Rotary Student of the Quarter, and Illinois State Scholar. She particpated in concert band, Regional Honor Band, Heartland Honor Band, marching band, pep band, the Regional Gifted Student Olympiad, the Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering Academic Challenge and numerous FFA competitions and conferences.

Schaefer will attend Southern Illinois State University in Carbondale where she received a Chancellor's Scholarship. She also received the Union County Homemakers Extension Association Scholarship and the Christy Lynn Schaefer Memorial Scholarship.

Misty Jean Jameson

Misty Jean Jameson, the 1997 saludatorian of Shawnee High School, is the daughter of Gregory and Delphia Jameson of McClure.

Jameson was in Beta Club, Student Council serving as vice president, Future Farmers of America serving as treasurer and 4-H serving as president. Her honors include Student of the Quarter, a Top Achiever, Who's Who Among American High School Students, the Gary Abernathy Award, the "I Dare You" Award, the U.S. Army Reserve National Scholar and Athlete Award, the Presidential Academic Fitness Award, Homecoming Queen and academic awards in history and government. She placed fourth in Olypiad, made First and Second Team All-Conference in softball, played basketball and participated in band.

Jameson will attend Three Rivers Community College where she recieved a full scholarship for softball. She will major in accounting.

Egyptian High School

Farrah Gathright

Farrah Gathright, the 1997 valedictorian of Egyptian High School, is the daughter of LaWanda Gathright of Tamms, Ill.

Gathright was in Beta Club, Future Homemakers of America, Science Club, Drama, Hosa, Upward Bound and yearbook. Her honors inlcude academic awards in algebra I, algebra II, geometry, independent math, english II, english III, business concepts, home economics, food service and American history.

Gathright will major in political science and law at Illinois State University. She received the Illinois State MPO Scholarship, the McKendree Presidential Scholarship, the Shawnee Valedictorian Scholarship and the Shawnee Community College Escrow.

Christina Honey

Christina Honey, the 1997 salutatorian of Egyptian High School, is the daughter of Terry and Rachel Honey of Tamms, Ill.

Honey was in Beta Club, Science Club, Photography Club and band. She has received numerous art awards and played in a band at Walt Disney World.

Honey will attend Shawnee Community College where she received an art scholarship and the Salutatorian Scholarship. She will major in art education.

Meridian High School

Abigail Casey

Abigail Casey, the 1997 valedictorian of Meridian High School, is the daughter of Miriam Casey of Mounds, Ill.

Casey was in Beta Club, National Honor Society, Principal Club and Praise Club. Her honors include the Xerox Award, the All-American Scholar Award, the Beta Club Award, the National Honor Society Award, the Praise Club Award, the Principal Club Award, the United States Navy Award of Academic Excellence, first place in art and logo competitions and Academic awards for art, english, constitution, American history, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, physical science, chemistry and physical fitness.

Casey will attend Shawnee Community College where she received a Valedictorian Schoalrship and a Shawnee Development Block Grant Scholarship. She will study architecture for one or two years and then transfer to Southern Illinois State University in Carbondale.

Heather Dawn Edwards

Heather Dawn Edwards, the 1997 salutatorian of Meridian High School, is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Edwards of Olmsted, Ill.

Edwards was in Beta Club, Foreign Language Club, Praise Club, Principal's Club and National Honor Society serving as vice president. Her honors include an All-American Scholar, Who's Who Among American High School Students, an Escrow Honors Program participant at Shawnee Community College in Ullin, Ill., and academic awards in math, computers, english and science.

Edwards will continue attending Shawnee Community College where she received the Salutatorian and Honors scholarships. She also recieved the Merit Recognition Scholarship from the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and the Salutatorian Congratulations Award from the Cairo Rotary Club. Then she will transfer to Southeast Missouri State University where she will major in accounting.

Cairo Public High School

Latoya Knowles

Latoya Knowles was the 1997 valedictorian of Cairo Public High School.

Ryan O'Shea

Ryan O'Shea was the 1997 salutatorian of Cairo Public School.