Top of Their Class

This story was originally published on May 24

Lora Manley, of Middlefield, has been named Valedictorian of the Coginchaug Regional High School Class of 2011, while Erin Holden, of Durham, has been named the class' Salutatorian.

Patch caught up with the pair of "Whiz Kids" shortly after the announcement was made Tuesday.

"I can't believe it. I can't believe all the hours I spent on homework, and all the hours I spent studying for tests actually paid off. It feels so good to have accomplished [my] goal," Manley explained. 

The Boston College bound Manley maintains a 4.12 grade-point-average (out of a possible 4.33). She is undecided on a major, but plans to study math and science.

Manley was the builder of a team that placed fifth in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals a couple of years ago.

"I built an 18 gram structure out of balsa wood that held 1,007 pounds," she said.

She has also been active in sports throughout her high school career, including serving as captain of the volleyball team and being named MVP of the indoor and outdoor track teams. Manley is also a member of the National Honor Society and participated in the Future Business Leaders of America.

"When my brother graduated from high school in 2006 I first learned what Valedictorian was. All I can remember saying to my mom is 'that's what I want to be.'"

Holden, of Durham, said that one of her most important accomplishments was participating in the district's Read and Lead program, which gives high school students the opportunity to mentor and tutor students at Korn School.

She was a part of the program all four years.

"It's really important to me because I want to be a teacher," said Holden, who will attend the University of Connecticut this fall.

Holden also serves as co-president of the French Honors Society and has been the co-editor of Yearbook for two years, while maintaining a 4.05 gpa.

"Its an honor to be recognized for all the hard work that I've put in for the past four years, staying up late, staying after school to get all of that extra help."

Both students will give a speech during Coginchaug's graduation, which will be held on Friday, June 24 at 7 p.m.