Jillian Page is a junior at Poplar Bluff High School and currently holds the No. 4 position in a class of 338 students. The 17-year-old daughter of Teri and Tony Page said her education is in her hands.
"I've studied hard," Page said. "I always do my homework, always ask teachers for help. I ask my parents for help and just always try to better my education on my own."
Page said after high school, she hopes to attend Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., and later become a stock broker. She said next year, her class schedule will be designed to prepare her for the post-secondary journey through education.
"I'm looking at it with anticipation," Page said. "It will probably be filled with AP (Advanced Placement) and college courses. I know it's going to prepare me for college, but I'm just very worried about not expecting that work load, but I think I'll be able to manage."
Currently, Page stays busy with heavy involvement in extracurricular activities. She serves as the president of Politics Club and Math Club, and is a member of the high school's academic team, Science Club, Health Occupations Services of America, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Council, and Teenage Republicans Club.
She said next year, despite a tough schedule, she expects to balance her workload with having fun and creating lasting memories with the Class of 2019.
"Just all the fun that comes with (senior year) and all the stuff you get to do with your friends," she said. "Senior year, everybody is like, 'Okay, let's throw caution to the wind, this is our last chance. Let's do whatever we want to do.' Just those new experiences of this is my last year here. Let's just have fun and do what we want to do."