Casper Safranski’s best friend Wyatt Salmons died from brain cancer when he was 12 years old.

Rather than take the loss lying down, Safranski dedicated his life to making real change in the field of cancer research, advocating for the funding of pediatric cancer research to his legislators and pursuing a career in biochemistry with an emphasis in genetics.

Safranski, son of Tim and Trista Safranski, was honored as the North Callaway class of 2025 salutatorian at the commencement ceremony Thursday, and it was a complete surprise.

It is a Thunderbird graduation tradition to recognize the graduating class’s top 10 students on stage before diplomas are given out. Dean of students Kevin O’Neal said only the counselors know who will be named valedictorian and salutatorian until it is announced on stage.

“I am excited for this bunch,” O’Neal said just moments before graduates entered the gymnasium. “They are great leaders in our school and I am excited to see what the future holds for them.”

Once the top 10 students were up on stage, medals were awarded from 10th place to first. When Safranski’s name was called second to last, Sophie Geppert, daughter of Kate and the late Doug Geppert, knew she had just been named valedictorian.

“I never really thought that I would be here standing as valedictorian even two weeks ago,” said Geppert.

She will be attending the University of Missouri in the fall to study agribusiness management.

“My future career will continue in agriculture working in communications or marketing, really just working to tell the true agriculture story,” said Geppert.

Right there with her will be Safranski, who is also heading to MU, where he will start with his bachelor's degree before deciding where he will take the next steps on his way to a doctorate.

“Wyatt passing and getting sick inspired me to look at potential ways to fight against that because Neil Armstrong’s daughter had the same type of cancer in 1962 and there was no development in treatment from 1962 to when he passed away and that’s not OK,” said Safranski.

Safranski was involved in football, wrestling, National Honor Society, track, Quiz Bowl, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Farmers of America, band (marching and concert), drama, student council and biology club.

Outside of the classroom, he does most of his advocacy work with the Super Sam Foundation out of Fulton where he is on the youth board. He is also in 4-H.

Geppert was also involved in a wealth of activities in high school, including Future Farmers of America, student council, biology club, Future Business Leaders of America, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Quiz Bowl and softball.

Outside of school she is involved in Callaway Youth Expo serving on the youth board, 4-H, National Holstein Association.

Safranski said the secret to academic success was his support from teachers and coaches.

“There is no way that I would have found academic success and the success in developing into the person I am today without the help of my teachers and coaches,” said Safranski.

The sentiment was shared by Geppert, who said her teacher, Caleb Olson, was one of her biggest supporters in addition to her mother.

Before students walked across the stage, special performances were given by the North Callaway choir and band.

Salmons, who should have been up on that stage right behind Safranski, was remembered by his classmates who wore a yellow ribbon and pin in his honor. On his seat, which bore a Thunderbird jersey, lay a single yellow sunflower.

For more photos, see the Mexico Ledger’s online photo galleries.