Co-valedictorians Adam Gnott and Alex Freshour have a lot in common. Both have high hopes for the future, and both used sports as a guiding light through academics.

Freshour will continue his athletic career at Bethel College playing rugby for the Pilots. After lettering in both soccer and golf, he plans to go on to conquer rugby at Bethel, which just introduced the program. Freshour will study to become an elementary school teacher and hopes to also become a coach in the future.

Gnott had a childhood dream of being a professional baseball player and played baseball, basketball and varsity golf for the Eddies. Once Gnott turns his tassle, though, he will move on to being a spectator at Michigan State University, as the majority of his time will be spent studying bioengineering.

“I was accepted into the Honors College and am excited to watch athletics,” Gnott said.

Both said they had great role models to help them along the way. Gnott watched the success of his brother Andrew as well as of his parents and aunt. Freshour said his parents supported him every day and that teachers should receive a lot of credit for his successes.

“Every Edwardsburg teacher has impacted me in some way. I have been successful because of my teachers here,” Freshour said.

When it is time to make their big valedictory speeches at graduation, both students have already been thinking about what they are going to say.

Freshour said he is a still a little nervous because he has not already written out his speech, but Gnott said he is confident in his delivery.

The valedictorians said one aspect their speeches might include is advice to future generations.

Gnott’s advice for future generations is to “be respectful, do your work and play a sport.”

Whereas Freshour advises, “take everything seriously. Always work hard to do well on everything, even the little assignments.”

While Gnott said he has no regrets, Freshour joked that he would have made wardrobe changes or maybe lived in South Florida.

“I wish that I could have worn shorts more during the school year,” he said.

Edwardsburg’s commencement ceremony is scheduled for May 31.

Finishing up the Edwardsburg Class of 2015 top 10 GPA list are:

3. Rebecca Oppman

4. Olivia Bachteal

5. Meredith Mayfield

6. Michael Brooks

7. Jacob Baylor

8. Alise Markel

9. Aubrey Ritchey

10. Frank Allen