Asher, Dollins lead the class at Neelyville

This weekend Neelyville High School’s valedictorian and salutatorian will address their graduating class on their original graduation date, but via a non-traditional outlet.

The district elected to postpone its commencement ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but graduates will be recognized Saturday night through a video ceremony, which includes speeches from the Valedictorian Taylor Asher and Salutatorian Emily Dollins.

“Obviously, everybody wants to have that real graduation when they’re supposed to because it’s such a big accomplishment to go through 12 years of school,” Dollins said. “They’re looking toward scheduling the real ceremony, but I’m glad that the school was thoughtful enough to come up with something that we could have during that first time.”

Both young women have worked toward this honor for years and said it feels rewarding to be recognized.

Asher said she’s wanted to be in the top of her class since about sixth grade when she found out what a valedictorian is.

Meanwhile, Dollins said, she strived to be valedictorian, but is happy with salutatorian.

“Taylor deserves that so much,” she said. “I’ve always been wanting to be one of the two.”

Both earned above a 3.9 weighted grade point average over their time at Neelyville High School and plan to attend college as their next step.

Asher will become a Raider, attending classes at the Poplar Bluff campus of Three Rivers College. She said she hopes to earn a doctorate and become a surgeon.

Dollins will attend online classes at Mineral Area College, with one class a week at the Fredericktown campus, studying to be a physical therapist.

While Asher has taken part in BETA Club since freshman year, her primary activity outside of class has been Educational Talent Search.

“It helps students get on track with filling out stuff for college and everything, and helps them just prepare for their next step in life after high school,” she explained.

Dollins plays softball for Neelyville, but also has been a member of BETA Club, Spanish Club, yearbook and the Future Farmers of America. This year, she served as the president for the Future Business Leaders of America.

“I know sometimes you won’t be able to do everything; you can’t fit everything into the amount of time you have within a day or week,” she said. “I can always make time at a different time for something that I’m wanting to do.”

The pair’s advice for fellow students feeds off of one another. They encourage students to identify what they want and work for it.

“Tell them to figure out their first goal,” Asher said. “Don’t try to take on too much at one time. Just take it slow and know what you’re striving for, but don’t bite off more than you can chew.”

“Work for what you want to achieve, and if you have your mind on something, just go and push it. Don’t overthink it,” Dollins said.