Growing up in a small community such as Vandalia, it came as no surprise to Alaya Kampeter when she was named salutatorian while her friends Erin Childs and Abigail Shelton were named co-valedictorians.

“It has always been the three of us at the top since kindergarten,” said Kampeter.

Kampeter, daughter of Jenny Kampeter and Travis and Mindy Kampeter, is preparing to attend Truman State University to pursue a bachelor's degree in science and nursing – a natural next step as she spends her time outside the classroom working at the Vandalia nursing home as a certified nurse aide.

As a member of Student Council, National Honor Society, the A+ program and softball team, all while being a student ambassador, Kampeter has kept plenty busy in school.

Her dedication was inspired by her mother who she said has modeled a strong work ethic.

“She has worked hard to provide for me,” Kampeter said. “She has worked several jobs just to make sure that I always have what I need or want and make sure we are never without.

To the salutatorians who will come after her, Kampeter shares her own bit of advice.

“Just do the work,” she said. “If you don’t know something, just ask a question because most people will help you.”

She knows that to be true because she was always there to help college-bound valedictorian Shelton.

Shelton, daughter of Christy and Chris Shelton, will also be pursuing a career in nursing. She is seeking an associates in nursing degree from Moberly Area Community College so she can stay close to her family for the time being.

Her career path was inspired by her grandfather who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Ever since then, my grandmother and I have been taking care of him and it just puts you in the perspective that people really do need care and that’s what I want to do,” Shelton said.

Shelton was a member of National Honor Society, Future Farmers of America, Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, Student Council, the A+ program and a student ambassador in addition to competing in softball, basketball, track and cross country but her favorite high school memory was senior prank.

The Van-Far seniors resorted to some good old-fashioned “vandalism” for their senior prank. Halls were filled with streamers, sticky notes, and balloons and the walls were covered in photos of administrators. Random booby-traps utilized Saran Wrap, tin foil and cups of water full to the brim all over the floor.

Shelton didn’t have the kind of high school experience you might expect from a valedictorian.

“I was not here throughout my high school career,” said Shelton. “I almost failed by attendance.”

But it was her mother who always told her not to give up and continued to push her.

The road may have been rough, but she always had Kampeter and Childs to look to in a time of need.

Childs took a more traditional route to valedictorian, following in the footsteps of her brother Ennis who was one of four class of 2022 valedictorians.

“He was crazy smart,” said Childs. “He left a little bit of a legacy to live up to and I felt like it definitely pushed me a little harder.”

Childs will also follow his legacy to the University of Missouri where she plans to study nutrition and exercise physiology with a minor in agribusiness management. Her goal is to be a physician assistant.

Childs was very involved in Future Farmers of America throughout high school in addition to cross country, cheerleading, track, Student Council, National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and band where she played alto saxophone and she was a student ambassador.

For aspiring valedictorians, Childs leaves this piece of advice:

“Make sure you slow down and don’t get so caught up in the future and your goals that you miss those once in a lifetime high school moments,” she said.

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