Heartland's Best Students for 2016
High School | Valedictorian | Activities & Honors |
Advance High School | Creighton Miles | Creighton served as FBLA and Beta Club treasurer. He was FFA secretary. He was also on the cross country and golf teams. |
Anna-Jonesboro High School | Hannah Reach | Hannah was named an Illinois State Scholar. She served as Student Council president and Spanish Club vice president. She was the school and conference pole vault record holder. She was also named outstanding senior. |
Arcadia Valley High School | Ethan Jones | Ethan was named to the Missouri Scholars Academy. He participated in Boys State. He was also a Future Business Leaders of America State contestant for 4 years. |
Ballard Memorial High School | Hayden LeFevre | James was a member of the marching band for 6 years and concert band for 4 years. He was named to All District Band and Quad-State Band for 4 years and All-State Band for 2 years. He was also a member of the Academic Team. |
Bloomfield High School | Mara Mayo | Mara served as FFA President. She was student council treasurer. She was named to All-Conference Softball. She was also Beta Club service chairperson and treasurer. |
Cairo High School | Shakaela Jangjirawat | Shakaela was named MVP in Basketball & Softball. She was Vice-President of her senior class. She was also a member of the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. |
Campbell High School | Austin Vincent | Austin served as Academic Team Captain and was named to Academic Team All District. He was a delegate to Missouri Boys' State. He received an FFA Chapter Scholarship |
Cape Central High School | Riley Knight | Riley was Varsity Captain of the Tiger Dancers. She was President of the International Thespian Society. She served as varsity football manager and was named Ms. CHS. |
Carterville High School | Harrison Thomas | Harrison was a National Gold Medalist in the Scholastic Art & Writing Competition and a Cross Country Sectional Champion. Harrison was on the IHSA Academic All State Team. Harrison was also an FBLA state champion in Publication Design. |
Central R-3 High School | Kaitlyn Ellen Moore | Kaitlyn was a member of The National Honor Society. She was named a Rotary Student of the Month. She received 2nd place in the VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Contest. |
Century High School | Amber McIntosh | Amber served as cheerleading captain for 2 years. She was involved with Beta Club for 6 years, including serving as secretary. She competed in the Illinois State Science Fair 3 times winning first in behavorial science in 2014. Amber will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Century High School | Kelcey Meyer | Kelcey was a member of the Beta Club. She served on Student Council. She was also a member of the Science Club. |
Century High School | Kaitlyn Nale | Kaitlyn received 1st place in computer processing at Business Skills Competition. She was recognized as a National High School Scholar. She also received 1st place in the Young Writer's Fiction Contest. Kaitlyn will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Charleston High School | James Wright | James attended Missouri Boy's State. He was played varsity football. James will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Christopher High School | Hayden Michale Fasig | Hayden was named an Illinois State Scholar. He was on the WYSE team. He was named Prom King. |
Christopher High School | Rachel Almeda Miller | Rachel was named an Illinois State Scholar. She was selected as a State and National 4-H Conference Delegate. She was National Honor Society President. She was also editor-in-chief of the yearbook. |
Clearwater High School | Elizabeth Chitwood | Elizabeth was named to all-conference volleyball. She received 2nd place state Prostart Management. She named a Wendy's high school Heisman School Winner. |
Clearwater High School | Kiareu Mikaela Grimes | Kiareu served as cheer captain. She is a cheer Hawaii alumni. She also served as student council vice president. |
Clearwater High School | Carlie Jade Niederkorn | Carlie participated at the state History Fair for 2 years. She was a member of the volleyball team. Carlie will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Cobden High School | Annie Gearhart | Annie was named an Illinois State Scholar. She served as president of the Beta Club, reporter of FFA and vice president of student council. She was also on the scholar bowl team. |
Delta R-V High School | Jamie Elizabeth Hodge | Jamie was a state qualifier for cross country for 4 years, medaling 1 year. She was a track sectional qualifier. She played basketball for 6 years. She was a solo and ensemble band state qualifier. She also served as student council vice president. |
Dongola High School | Austin Rider | Austin was a member of the Beta Club. He was also a member of the FFA and served as FFA President. |
Dongola High School | Logan Wiseman | Logan was a member of the Beta Club. He was also a member of the FFA. Logan was also a member of the baseball team. |
Eagle Ridge Christian School | Caleb Friedrich | Caleb was student body president. He was a member of the varsity basketball team. He was also a 3-time MCSAA Division 2 Soccer State Champion. |
East Carter County High School | Lauren Elizabeth Neidenberg | Lauren was a member of Beta club and the yearbook staff. She also participated in FBLA and Birdbacker. She served on the Student Council. |
East Prairie High School | Gretchen Hanlin | Gretchen attended Missouri Girls State. She served as cheerleading captain and Beta Club President. She was also named to the National Society of High School Scholars. Gretchen will attend Southeast Missouri State University |
East Prairie High School | Madeline Pearson | Madeleine served as a drum major. She was vice president of Beta Club. She was a member of the Dance Team. She also served as vice president of FTA. Madeline will attend Southeast Missouri State University |
Egyptian High School | Olivia Khourie | Olivia served as president of FCCLA. She also served as Beta Club Secretary. She received the Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement Award. She was also in Honor Band. |
Egyptian High School | Kimalee Jena Story | Kimalee served as student council president. She was Beta Club vice president. She was named to 2nd team all-conference Softball. |
Egyptian High School | Kimber White | Kimber served as senior beta club president. She was Scholar Bowl Captain. She was also science club president. |
Ellington High School | Carlee Albert | Carlee was Beta Club historian and Fellowship of Christian Athletes President. She was captain of the varsity volleyball team. Her team was SEMO Dig for Life Challenge Bronze Bracket Champions. |
Farmington High School | Michael Patrick McNamara | Michael attended Missouri Scholars Academy as well as Missouri Boys State. He was captain of the Scholar Bowl Team that finished 3rd in State. He was also an Eagle Scout. |
Fredericktown High School | Hannah Lewis | Hannah was a chapter FFA officer for 2 years. She went to National Beta Convention in Spelling. She was recognized with 2 state level FFA Proficiency Awards. She was also a member of the Missouri All-state Choir. |
Gallatin County High School | Makalyn Smith | Mary won 1st at State for WYSE. She played volleyball, softball and basketball. She served as president of FBLA and Beta Club. |
Gideon High School | Allen Earnheart | Allen's basketball team placed 3rd at state. He was named to the All-State basketball team. He was a Fellowship of Christian Athlete Leader and a member of the National Honor society. Allen had the honor of being the 100th valedictorian at Gideon High School. |
Greenville R-2 High School | Leslie D. Becker | Leslie was a member of the Beta Club. She served as junior class treasurer and senior class secretary. She was also a member of the National Honor Society. |
Hayti High School | McKenzie Garner | McKenzie was a member of Beta Club, FBLA & Quiz Bowl. She also served on Student council. She helped with a Canned Food Drive and Coats for Kids. |
Holcomb High School | Pearson Neal McClendon | Pearson was named to Academic All-State. He attended Missouri Boys State. He served as SGA president and Beta Club President. |
Jackson High School | Lindsey Kathryn Breer | Lindsey was president of the FBLA. She was a Spear It Dancer. She placed 2nd at the state FBLA competition and went to Nationals. She also served at an orphanage in Guatemala. |
Joppa High School | Gabriel Wrye | Gabriel was FFA Section 25 Secretary and chapter FFA president. She received the Ranger Award (MVP) in softball and basketball. She was also selected as homecoming queen. |
Kennett High School | Alexa McPherson | Alexa was president of the National Honor Society and the Student Relations Board. She played tennis and qualified for state for 3 years. She was also a member of Key Club and the Student Council. |
Leopold High School | Emily Seiler | Emily was a member of Beta Club, pep club and choir. She also played varsity volleyball. She was involved with class government, the American Red Cross and her church youth group. |
Leopold High School | Alexis Vandeven | Alexis pitched her first no-hitter perfect game this year in softball. She placed 2nd in Algebra at Math Field Day. She attended National Beta twice. She also went to super-regionals in Robotics. |
Malden High School | Steven Blackiston | Steven was a member of Showstoppers of Southeast Missouri Show Choir and traveled to LA, Nashville, Orlando, and Chicago to perform. He is an Eagle Scout. He attended Missouri Boys State. He was also in Scholar Bowl & Beta Club. |
Marion High School | Zachary Dane Belanger | Zachary was a member of the National Honor Society. He received the "Gale Jeter excellence in Government award. He also received the AP History Award. |
Meadow Heights High School | Sara Mae Michele Haupt | Sara attended Missouri Girls State. She was named to the all academic volleyball team. She was also carnival and homecoming queen. |
Meridian High School | Megan Hammon | Megan was president of Beta Club. She was a member of the Student council she was also a member of the FFA. |
Naylor High School | Stormi Broege | Stormi was a member of the Beta Club. She was copy editor of the yearbook. She was student of the month in January.She was also a cadet teacher for kindergarten. |
Neelyville High School | Paige Reinbott | Paige was named to All-district, all-region and all-conference for softball. She was president of the Beta club and Student council. She was also vice president of Spanish Club and the senior class. |
New Madrid County Central | Matelyn Bolen | Matelyn was historian for the National Honor Society. She received the John Philip Sousa Band Award. She was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Matelyn will attend Southeast Missouri State University |
New Madrid County Central | Phillip Stegman | Phillip was a member of the National Honor Society. He was also a member of the Beta Club. He the the Eagle Award. |
New Madrid County Central | Erica Townsend | Erica's volleyball team was district champion in 2015. Her softball team was back to back softball district champions in 2015 & 2016. She attended Missouri Scholars Academy. Erica will attend Southeast Missouri State University |
North Pemiscot County High School | Hannah Crawford | Hannah was student council president. She served as class president for all four years. Hannah will attend Southeast Missouri State University |
Notre Dame Regional High School | Joshua Seabaugh | Joshua was vice president of both the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society. He played varsity basketball. He received a Sons of the American Revolution Award. |
Oak Ridge High School | Ashley Lemonds | Ashley was a varsity cheerleader. She was a class officer for 4 years serving as secretary for 3 and vice president for 1 year. She was an FBLA state competitor. She placed 4th in the Bridge Building Competition. |
Oran High School | Ashlyn McIntosh | Ashlyn was a 3 time FCCLA National Star Event qualifier. She was a 2 time Beta Club national competition qualifier. She served as president for 2 years for both FCCLA and Beta Club. Ashlyn will attend Southeast Missouri State University |
Oran High School | Emily Phillips | Emily was a 2 time FCCLA National qualifier. She was a 2 time Beta Club national competition qualifier. Emily will attend Southeast Missouri State University |
Oran High School | Mitchell Schaefer | Mitchell was president of FBLA. He was secretary of FCCLA. He was on the Student Council. He also received a perfect attendance award. Mitchell will attend Southeast Missouri State University |
Perryville High School | Mollie Kluender | Mollie was elected junior and senior class president. She received the John Philip Sousa Award. She served as a drum major. She also has been awarded a Bright Flight Scholarship. |
Pinckneyville High School | Brooklyn D. Morrow | Brooklyn was named an Illinois State Scholar. She served as Beta Club President. She received an American Legion School Award. She also received a Daughter's of the American Revolution Award. |
Poplar Bluff High School | Jackson Rideout | Jackson was president of the National Honor Society. Jackson served as president of Young Democrats. Jackson was also an Americorps Volunteer. |
Portageville High School | Johanne Hayson Karizamimba | Johanne placed 1st 3 years in a row at the District FBLA public speaking contest and will now represent Missouri at the National FBLA Convention for public speaking. Johanne was also a member of the scholar bowl. Johanne has an internship with the Greitens for Missouri campaign. |
Puxico High School | McKenna Hawthorne | McKenna served as class president for 4 years. She served as vice president of the FBLA. She was also a member of the Beta Club. |
Richland R-1 High School | Jamie LeeAnn Smith | Jamie played in the band. She was a member of FCCLA. She was also a member of the Beta Club. |
Risco High School | Caitlyn Elizabeth Earnheart | Caitlyn attended state, regional and national History Day. She was a member of FBLA, Beta Club and FCCLA. She also participated in FCA and the Student Council. |
Saxony Lutheran High School | Maddie Brune | Maddie was president of the National Honor Society and served as Student Body President. She has been awarded a full soccer scholarship. She was recognized as 2016 Class 2 Regional Player of the year. She also received all state honors in Soccer. |
Saxony Lutheran High School | Elizabeth Keifner | Elizabeth qualified for the state swim meet her senior year. She was crowned prom queen. She had the lead role of Annie in the school musical. She also received a Daughters of the American Revolution Citizenship Award. |
Scott City High School | Bella Bowers | Bella was named to all-state in track twice placing 2nd in the 1600 her junior year. Bella started a Quidditch club at her high school. Bella will attend Southeast Missouri State University |
Scott County Central High School | Colten Winter | Colten served as Region 6 FCCLA president. He played baseball. He also served as senior class president. |
Sesser-Valier High School | Blake Dorris | Blake was named an Illinois State Scholar. He was on the math team. He was on the WYSE team. He was also a member of the Outdoorsmen Club. |
Sesser-Valier High School | Zach Mabry | Zach was named an Illinois State Scholar. He was on the scholar bowl team and WYSE team. He was also involved with student government. |
Sikeston High School | Erin Crader | Erin attached Missouri Scholars Academy. She was in marching and jazz band for 4 years. She was named to Missouri Scholars 100. |
South Iron High School | Garrett V. Jackson | Garrett had the privilege of singing at the National Beta Convention. His team wond basketball districts. He was also a member of the cross country team. Garrett plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University after community college. |
St. Vincent High School | Landon Schnurbusch | Landon was named to both 2015 and 2016 All-State Choirs. He received a one at state in piano and vocal solo. |
Ste. Genevieve High School | Danielle Kemper | Danielle attended Missouri Scholars Academy. She played softball for 4 years. She was a member of the National Honor Society for 3 years, serving as president her senior year. She was also chairman of the Recycling committee for 2 years. |
Steeleville High School | Kirsten Doeding | Kirsten was named an Illinois State Scholar. She served as president of the National Honor Society. She served as the 2015 Junior Marshall. She received the Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement Award. |
Thomas W. Kelly High School | Darrien Boden | Darrien was president of the FFA. |
Trico High School | Carolyn Phoenix | Carolyn was named an Illinois State Scholar. She was Captain of the Black Diamond All-Conference volleyball team. She received 2nd place at the FBLA State Leadership conference in Computer Applications. She was a member of the National Honor Society |
Twin Rivers High School | Kira Leigh Cunningham | Kira was FBLA District 20 Vice President of Communications. She was named to Academic All State in Softball. She played varsity softball and basketball for 4 years. She was also class vice president for 4 years. |
Waltonville High School | Dylan Miller | Dylan was named an Illinois State Scholar. Dylan served as class vice president and was a member of the Student Council. Dylan was FBLA historian and a member of the Beta Club. Dylan was also Southern Area Business conference 2nd place finisher. |
Woodland High School | Reed Walker | Reed was a National Beta Club member. Reed was a 2-time winner of Louis Armstrong Jazz Award. Reed received the "Glory of Missouri" Award for Knowledge. Reed will attend Southeast Missouri State University |
Zalma High School | Kylee Newberry | Kylee attended sophomore pilgrimage. Kylee qualified and went to National Beta Club Convention in 9th grade for Quiz Bowl. |
Zeigler-Royalton High School | Logan Giles | Logan was named an Illinois State Scholar. Logan was a member of the National Honor Society. Logan also received Illinois P.A. Student Recognition. |