Heartland's Best Students for 2017
High School | Valedictorian | Activities & Honors |
Advance High School | Cade Parker Long | Cade was named Elks Student of the Year. Cade was named for two years to cross country all-district team and a state qualifier. Cade also placed 2nd in mathematics at Beta State Competition and was a national qualifier. |
Anna-Jonesboro High School | Elle Basler | Elle was named an Illinois State Scholar. She received All-State Academic Team Honorable Mention. She was named Volleyball Player of the Year. She also set the record for most career goals in soccer. |
Anna-Jonesboro High School | Mackenzie Boget | Mackenzie was named an Illinois State Scholar. She was named a Rotary Student of the Quarter. She also received a Sons of the Revolution Good Citizenship Award. MacKenzie will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Anna-Jonesboro High School | Madisyn Bigler | Madisyn was named an Illinois State Scholar. She served as National Honor Society president. She was a Scholar Athlete. She was also named a Union County/Southern Illinois Top Achiever. |
Arcadia Valley High School | Jared Branstetter | Jared was class president for 4 years. He attended Missouri Boys State. He was president of the National Honor Society. He was also president of Mu Alpha Theta. |
Ballard Memorial High School | Shelby Hawes | Shelby was named a Kentucky Governor's Scholar. She was a 2-time national competitor for Health Occupation Students of America Club. She was captain of the varsity softball team for 2 years. |
Bell City High School | McKayla Renee Hunt | McKayla served as Student Council President. She was named to Academic All-State. She was named to All-District Second Team in Volleyball. She was also cheerleading co-captain. McKayla will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Bloomfield High School | Carla Ollinger | Clara was a member of choir. She served as Beta Club president. She also served as senior class vice president. |
Campbell High School | Anna Ockel | Anna attended Missouri Girls State. She served as Area 16 FFA Reporter. She also served as senior class president. She attended Missouri Scholars Academy. Anna will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Calloway County High School | Sydney Roberts | Sydney was senior class reporter. She served as Future Business Leaders of America Treasurer. Sydney was also a varsity Cheerleader. |
Cape Central High School | Amy Dai | Amy was captain of the state-qualifying speech and debate team. She was named to Missouri Scholars 100. She was received Gold Key recognition for the scholastic national writing portfolio and Silver Key recognition for the scholastic national painting portfolio. |
Carrier-Mills Stonefort High School | Chloe Nicole Brandon | Chloe was a Model Illinois Government State Champion. She was a two-time Worldwide Youth in Science and Engineering Regional and Sectional Champion in Biology. She was also a member of the Math and Science Club. |
Carterville High School | Taylor Heil | Taylor was named an Illinois State Scholar. Taylor was a member of the National Honor Society. Taylor took 2nd place at the Illinois State Drafting Competition. Taylor placed 5th in Math at WYSE State Competition. |
Carterville High School | Justice Conover | Justice went to state with cheer team twice. Justice was a member of the National Honor Society. Justice participated in 3 mission trips. Justice will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Century High School | Natalie Taake | Natalie was named an Illinois State Scholar. She was Senior Beta Club secretary. She served as class president. She was 1st team all-conference for volleyball and softball. Natalie will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Chaffee High School | Madison Chapman | Madison served as student council president. She was FBLA President. She also will be competing in FBLA Nationals in California this summer. |
Charleston High School | Dakota L. McCurter | Dakota received the 4-year award for highest GPA in Math and Science. Dakota was a member of the National Honor Society. Dakota was the public affairs officer for JROTC. Dakota received the marksmanship award for JROTC for 3 years. |
Christopher High School | Megan Elizabeth Wilson | Megan was named Prom Queen. She won 4 regional championships. She also received the Honor award. |
Christopher High School | Athena Flint | Athena was named an Illinois State Scholar. She was Scholar Bowl captain. She was a WYSE medalist. She was also a member of the National Honor Society. |
Clarkton High School | Curtis Coleman | Curtis served as class treasurer. He was Beta Club treasurer. He received the MSHSAA Scholar Athlete Award. He was also a delegate to Missouri Boys State. |
Clearwater High School | Emma Roach | Emma was a scholar athlete. She was a national Beta scholarship recipient. She was on the Pro-start culinary team. Emma also served as a class officer for 4 years. Emma will attend community college then Southeast Missouri State University. |
Clearwater High School | Jordan Fuchs | Jordan was on the 3-time softball district championship team. She was a 2 time Tennessee High School Rodeo National Qualifier. She also served as senior class president. |
Delta High School | Triston Perry | Triston was a member of FFA, FBLA, National Honor Society, Science Club and Library Club. Triston will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Dexter High School | Janie Lindsey | Janie was student body and student council vice president. Her volleyball team won districts twice and the first sectionals game in several years. She also received the Math Award. Janie will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Dongola High School | Kellee Laminack | Kellee served as Beta Club President. She received an Advanced Honors Scholarship. She was recognized as a Union County Top achiever. |
Du Quoin High School | Quinn Kirkpatrick | Quinn was named an Illinois State Scholar. Quinn was class vice president. Quinn was a member of the National Honor Society. Quinn was recognized as the Illinois Cheerleading Coaches Association Senior Scholar Athlete. |
Du Quoin High School | Emily Born | Emily was named an Illinois State Scholar. She received an Outstanding Citizen Award from the Sons of the Revolution. She also received a Scholastic Excellence Award. |
Eagle Ridge Christian School | Kaitlyn Todd | Kaitlyn has received Health Occupations, CNA certification. She participated in Skills USA. She was a member of student council and the National Technical Honor Society. Kaitlyn will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
East Carter County High School | Tessa Hope Shaffer | Tessa was editor-in-chief of the newspaper. She was also editor-in-chief of the yearbook. She was Beta Club President, FBLA President and Class President. |
East Prairie High School | Gabrielle Wicker | Gabrielle served as FBLA President. She qualified for state FBLA competition all four years. She dual enrolled for 24 hours of college credit. Gabrielle will attend Southeast Missouri State University |
Egyptian High School | Emmalea Bigham | Emmalea was a member of the Student council. She was a member of Beta Club, Science Club and band. She played volleyball and softball. |
Egyptian High School | Dancesra Cartnell | Dancesra was a member of the Beta Club. She was also in the Science Club. She served on the Student Council. |
Ellington High School | Kara Loyd | Kara was the Black River Electric Essay contest winner. She was senior class vice president. She was Senior Beta Club vice president. She was also named to the Black River League All Conference in Volleyball. |
Farmington High School | Evan B. Reeves | Evan was all-district team captain for cross country. He was a 4-year varsity track member. He was a jazz ensemble pianist. He served as National Honor Society Vice President. He was also named "Elks Teen of the Year". |
Fredericktown High School | Jonathan Moore | Jonathan placed 7th at DECA Internationals. He placed 1st in Scholar Bowl at Missouri Beta State. He attended Missouri Scholars Academy. He played basketball and baseball for 4 years. He was a National Merit Finalist. Jonathan also served as Student body vice president. |
Fredericktown High School | Lauren Bathe | Lauren attended Missouri Girls State. She served as FFA treasurer and qualified for FFA state convention for 4 years. She served as FBLA vice president for 2 year and president for 2 years. She was a member of Scholar Bowl, Student Council, Beta Club and Math Club. Lauren will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Galatia High School | Sara Simpson | Sara was named an Illinois State Scholar. She was president of the FBLA and Student Council. She was vice president of Beta Club and her senior class. She completed 54 college credits while in high school. |
Hayti High School | Demaria Woods | Demaria was a member of the Band, Student Council and Beta Club. She also participated in Ladies of Hope. |
Holcomb High School | Alec McDaniel | Alec attended Missouri Boys State. He was Beta Club President. He had a lead role in 2 school plays. He was named best all-around Senior boy. |
Jackson High School | Anastasia Compton | Anastasia won Missouri Class 4 Cross Country State Championship. Her team won 4th at state in 2015. She was president of the National Honor Society. She was a member of the Student Council. |
Kennett High School | Heidi Lynn Shetley | Heidi made all-state in basketball. She was 2nd in state tennis doubles. Heidi served as Key Club President. |
Kennett High School | Gunner Reed Smith | Gunner received the best All Around Student Award. He was president of the Student Council, Student Relations Board and FCCLA. He also served as a Missouri Youth/Adult Alliance Ambassador. |
Kennett High School | Matthew Figgins | Matthew won the state entrepreneurship competition at State FBLA and will get to go to Nationals in June. He served as National Honor Society President. He performed in 7 school plays and was cast as male lead last fall. Matthew also was a Missouri Boys State delegate. |
Leopold High School | Alyson Fluchel | Alyson was seinor class president. She served as Beta Club Vice President and Cheer Captain. She was also a Choir Ensemble member. |
Malden High School | Jordan Mitchell | Jordan was student council and class president. Jordan participated in softball and cheerleading. Jordan was also a SADD reporter and a member of the Beta Club. |
Meadow Heights High School | Kassy Henson | Kassy attended Missouri Girls State. She received the Girl Scout Gold Award. She was a member of the Student Council and Beta Club Secretary. Kassy will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Meridian High School | Aly Agbayani | Aly was a member of the National Honor Society. She served as FFA reporter and sentinel and Beta Club vice president. Aly will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Murray High School | Myla Taylor | Myla was a quarterfinalist at NCFL nationals in speech and debate. She qualified for finals in numerous categories at state for speech and forensics. She was captain of the volleyball team. She was also president of French Club and Black History Club. |
Naylor High School | Jonathan Matthew Sopko | Jonathon served as vice president and treasurer of the FFA. He was treasurer of Math Club. He received a citizenship award. He was also a member of FBLA, Beta Club, Scholar Bowl and Speech and Debate team. |
New Madrid County Central | Erica Palmer | Erica served as class president. She was vice president of the student council. She was sergeant at arms of the National Honor Society. She also was varsity volleyball captain. |
New Madrid County Central | Josh Williams | Josh attended Missouri Boys State. He was president of the Student council. He was recognized with the Renaissance Award and Physics Award. He was also a Pep Rally Leader. |
New Madrid County Central | Annemarie Brown | Annemarie was a member of the National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society. She was also a member of the Future Business Leaders of America. She participated in Science Olympiad. |
New Madrid County Central | Matthew Givens | Matthew was Beta Club Vice President. He was senior class secretary. He went to state in FBLA for 2 years. He received the College Biology Award and Pre-Calculus Award. Matthew will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
New Madrid County Central | Eddie Maxwell | Eddie went to state for band for 4 years. He qualified for FBLA Nationals. He attended Missouri Boys State. He also attended the Mizzou Mini Medical School. |
Notre Dame Regional High School | Sylvia Kolda | Sylvia was a member of the National Honor Society. She was named a National Merit Commended Scholar. She got a 36 on the math portion of the ACT. |
Oak Ridge High School | Brynn Myers | Brynn was a two-time participant in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. She was a varsity cheerleader for 4 years. She was FCCLA secretary and a member of the National Honor Society. Brynn will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Oran High School | Breanna Nichole Hahn | Breanna was student body president. She was elected a member of the all-tournament cheerleading squad. She served as class president for 3 years. She received the George Washington Carver Award. Breanna will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Perryville High School | Phoebe Pohlman | Phoebe attended Missouri Scholars Academy. She was captain of the cheerleading squad for 2 years. She was a Missouri Girls state delegate and served as city mayor. She was National Honor Society President and Student Body Vice President. |
Pinckneyville High School | Caleb Logan | Caleb was named an Illinois State Scholar. He served as FBLA President. He received All-State Academic Team Honorable Mention. He was named to All State in Track. |
Poplar Bluff High School | Hunter Aud | Hunter was a member of the Academic Team for 4 years. He founded a table tennis club. He was a member of the Beta Club and National Honor Society. |
Portageville High School | Emily Brown | Emily was a member of the National Honor Society. She served as yearbook editor and class president. She was also FCCLA Regional Vice President. |
Puxico High School | Alexandra Blake Crabb | Alexandra served as vice president of the Senior Beta Club. She was Varsity Volleyball Captain. She was section leader of the Marching Band. She was also a member of the Science Club and Art Club. |
Richland R-1 High School | Jerry Austin Craft | Jerry served as class president. He went to state for FBLA. He was a member of the Beta Club and student council. He also received the English award. |
Risco High School | Allison Stephens | Allison was student council president. She was FBLA Vice president. She placed first in state in Beta Club for "Spotlight in Service". |
Saxony Lutheran High School | Emily Killen | Emily was a National Merit Scholarship finalist. She was co-captain of the dance team. She was yearbook editor. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and Beta Club. Emily will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Saxony Lutheran High School | Jonathan Mueller | Jonathan qualified for state in golf. He was a member of the student council for 4 years. |
Saxony Lutheran High School | Rachael Koehler | Rachael was a commended National Merit Scholar. She was president of the Beta Club. She was vice president of the National Honor Society and Scholar Bowl Captain. |
Saxony Lutheran High School | Andrew Aufdenberg | Andrew was a National Merit Scholar. He was charter member and President of the Saxony FFA Chapter. He also served as president of the National Honor Society. He played baseball and cross country. |
Saxony Lutheran High School | Hannah Aufdenberg | Hannah served as Spanish Club secretary. She was a member of the Scholar Bowl, Drama Club, Beta Club and National Honor Society. Hannah will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Saxony Lutheran High School | Nathan Aufdenberg | Nathan was a National Merit Scholar. He was charter member and President of the Saxony FFA Chapter. He also served as secretary of the National Honor Society. He participated in cross country and track. He was also a Missouri Scholars 100 Honoree. |
Scott City High School | Jamie Glastetter | Jamie's team won 3rd in state softball her freshman year. She served as National Honor Society President. Jamie will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Scott County Central High School | Maddison Lynn Avance | Maddison placed 2nd in state Beta club and will be competing at Nationals. She placed 3rd in district for FBLA. She won All State Academic and MSHSAA Sportsmanship Integrity Award for Softball. |
Sesser-Valier High School | Grace Styve | Grace was a member of the Band and choir. She was on the Math Team and Scholar Bowl. She also participated in Worldwide Youth in Science & Engineering. |
Shawnee High School | Drew Alyssa McLane | Drew was named to 1st team all-conference in basketball and softball. She was named an Illinois State Scholar. She was named to all-tournament in basketball each year. Drew will attend community college then Southeast Missouri State University. |
South Iron High School | Kallie Middleton | Kallie served as Senior Beta Club president. She maintained A Honor Roll throughout High School. |
St. Vincent High School | Alayna M. Layton | Alayna attended Missouri Scholars Academy. She was Team Spirit president. She also served as National Honor Society President and Class Treasurer. Alayna will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Ste. Genevieve High School | Thomas Antony Engelmann | Thomas was a member of the SGHS Spirit Committee. He was National Honor Society Treasurer and Service Chairman. He received the "Danforth" I Dare You Award. He was the policy debate District Champion for 3 years and Duet Acting 2nd place in Districts for 2 years. |
Thomas W. Kelly High School | Bryston Beggs | Bryston was a member of the Drama Club. He served as class president. He placed 2nd at FBLA Nationals in Virtual Business Management. |
Trico High School | Kristin Bunselmeyer | Kristin was named an Illinois State Scholar. She received the Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizen Award. She was a member of the National Honor Society. She served as Student Council President and Varsity Cheer Captain. |
Twin Rivers High School | Kassidy Sentell | Kassidy served as class president. She was volleyball captain and FBLA parliamentarian. She was also a member of Beta Club and Student Council. Kassidy will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |
Valle High School | Sarah Marie Bauman | Sarah was vice president of the National Honor Society. She attended Missouri Girls State. She was an executive board member of Students Against Destructive Decisions. She received the Ronald Reagan Student Leader Award. |
Van Buren High School | Hannah Truncone | Hannah was named Student of the Year. She served as vice president of her senior class, Senior Beta Club and FBLA. She was editor of the yearbook. Her softball team was 2016 District 1 State Softball Champion. |
Woodland High School | Brea Sloan | Brea was a member of the jazz band and All-District Band. She was also in FCCLA and Beta Club. Brea will attend Southeast Missouri State University. |