By CHRIS MEYERS
Staff writer

Each spring as graduates from high school count down to get their diplomas, they’re also waiting to hear on scholarship awards and other various recognitions that come with completing high school.
For two students from every high school though, graduation time means it’s time to see if the past four years of studying and dedication have paid off in the form of two coveted rankings — that of valedictorian and salutatorian.
From Whitko High School, Thomas Winget has taken the title of valedictorian.
Winget plans to attend Purdue University and major in computer engineering.
According to a press release from Whitko High School, Winget has been involved with academic super bowls in the math division for three years, the cross country team for four years and the track and field team for four years.
Coming in with the title of salutatorian is Audra Winger.
She has been involved with the school’s softball team for four years, the basketball team for three years, Fellowship of Christian Athletes for three years, National Honor Society for two years, Kosciusko Youth Leadership Academy for one year and Business Professionals of America for one year.
Heading up state Route 205 to the opposite corner of the county to Churubusco High School, two students with the same first name will be taking the title of the two highest academic achievers.
According to the ’Busco guidance office, Alexander Noah has been named the valedictorian of the Class of 2008.
Named as salutatorian is Alexander Murphy who, according to the guidance office, is considering going to Indiana University in Bloomington to obtain a degree in education, but has not made any commitments.
No details were available about Noah’s plans.
Moving back to the center of the county to Columbia City High School will find seniors Michael Jeffrey and Sylvia Miller taking the coveted titles.
Jeffrey has been named as the school’s valedictorian and, according to the school’s guidance office, will be attending St. Olaf.
According to the college’s Web site, it is private, national liberal arts college of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America with world-class programs in music and mathematics.
Miller has been named the school’s salutatorian and will be attending Tufts University, according to the CCHS guidance office.
According to the university’s Web site, it has many programs, including several science and medical colleges.