A trio of Twin Rivers R-X seniors were at the top of the 2024 graduating class.
Brooke (Makayla) Kok, 19, and Alissa Stanley, 18, share the co-valedictorian honor. Brett Robards, 18, is salutatorian.
They each credited hard work, their families, faith and their teachers with their success.
Counselor Anna Whitlow said the co-valedictorians “both have 11.00. It is rare, for us, to have two students with identical GPAs.”
Robards’ GPA was 10.94.
Kok is president of both the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Scholar Bowl. She is a member of the Future Teachers of America, National Beta Club, Talent Search, Students Standing Strong, Stand For The Silent, Game Club and Chess Club.
Her parents are Chris and Cynthia Gonzalez and her younger siblings are Skylar, Azariah and Melody.
She attends the First United Methodist Church in Poplar Bluff and volunteers in many community outreach programs through the church.
“I strive for excellence in everything I do and have had unfailing support from my loved ones since day one,” Kok said. “Without God and my family’s help, I would not have reached this point. They have seen me at my lowest and have encouraged and pointed me back to the one who has everything already figured out.
“I thank God for his faithfulness and for never failing me,” Koks said. “I thank my family for always being there for me and for pushing me to do my best. I would also like to thank my incredible teachers who have touched my heart and have helped me grow into the woman I am today.”
Koks knows she “will miss my teachers, seeing my friends every day, and the four-day school week.”
She plans to do the Missouri Highlands Dental Apprenticeship program in Poplar Bluff to become a certified dental assistant.
“After that, the sky’s the limit,” she proclaims. “Ultimately, I would love to be a world traveler and fulfill the plan God has for my life. I am looking forward to experiencing new things and being able to give back to those who have helped me.”
Stanley’s parents are Jeff and Veronica Stanley of Wappapello.
Thanking her parents, Stanley said, “They have always supported me and have made many sacrifices in order for me to succeed.”
She is a member of Beta Club, Student Council, FBLA, FCCLA, FTA, and Scholar Bowl.
“Outside of school, I enjoy being outdoors, deer and turkey hunting, reading, and photography,” Stanley said. “I believe hard work pays off, and I have been motivated to work hard in school in order to achieve my future career goals.”
Stanley praises the several teachers and mentors who “have impacted and helped me during my journey, but my preschool teacher, Mrs. Diane McClure, and my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Kayla Wombles, are the reasons I love to learn.”
She explained, “I am going to miss a well-respected, well-known asset in the Twin Rivers community. Mrs. Shotsie Clark never fails to make my days better. I have enjoyed spending my high school career with her. “
Stanley plans to study biomedical sciences on a pre-optometry track at Southeast Missouri State University. After completing her undergraduate work, she plans to attend optometry school to become a doctor of optometry.
“I look forward to new experiences and opportunities while working toward my goals,” she said.
Robards’ parents are Stacie Lourance and Jamie Robards, both of Broseley.
“My parents and my brother, they support me in anything that I do and always encourage me to do my best,” Robards said.
His school clubs and activities are baseball, basketball, FCCLA, FCA, FTA and Beta Club.
Away from school he lifts weights and plays guitar.
He’s been motivated to work hard because, “I don’t like to give half effort, it doesn’t feel good.”
Robards said, “We conclude an educational journey that has lasted us 13 years, and we’ve learned a lot along the way. For example: last week I learned how to say the word salutatorian. ‘Ain’t nothing wrong with silver.’ Throughout the years, we’ve made many friendships, learned from our mistakes, and become better versions of ourselves through our struggles. None of this would have been possible without the amazing parents and guardians, teachers, and staff. We thank all of you, for making this day possible and pushing us to do our best in everything we do.”
Robards told his fellow classmates, “My advice to you is to never stop learning, and work hard to achieve the goals you set for yourself. So remember when you are writing your story; not everyone will remember what you achieved, but everyone will remember the impact you left on them. One of the biggest ways we impact others is through kindness. Keep in mind that no matter what happens to you, you can always choose to be kind to others.”
He thanked “all of the great teachers and staff at Twin Rivers, my parents, my brother, and all of my friends. They have all helped me throughout school.”
He will miss being around his friends.
He plans to study business administration at Mineral Area College and, “Ultimately, I want to own my own business or company. I am looking forward to being closer to my goal of being a successful business owner.”
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