Sierra Lutheran announces valedictorian, salutatorian

Seventeen-year-old Michael Kubel and 18-year-old Tori Swearingen have been named valedictorian and salutatorian of Sierra Lutheran High School.

"I'm honored," Kubel said on Monday.

"It's good to know that all the hard work we put into school is respected," added Swearingen

Both students started at the Minden-based private school as freshmen. Swearingen played volleyball, basketball and ran track. Kubel also ran track and competed in cross country. But the strong athlete said he was a little nervous about his valedictorian speech for graduation, which is May 29.

"I'm not a great public speaker," he said. "I didn't want to do it at first, but now I'm looking forward to it. I want to talk about how the school has affected our lives."

Swearingen wants to take a similar angle in her speech.

"I want it to be a recap of all our experiences and memories," she said.

Even if a little nostalgic about growing up, both students are looking forward to a bright future.

Kubel is planning to attend the University of Nevada, Reno, where he wants to major in mining engineering.

"I want to spend a lot of time outdoors," he said.

Swearingen is planning to attend Calvary Chapel Bible College in California where she wants to focus on theology and biblical studies. Then she wants to transfer to another school and major in organizational leadership.

"I'm not sure what I want to do, but I think learning budgeting and communication skills would benefit me in a lot of jobs," she said.

Kubel and Swearingen are two of 13 students graduating from Sierra Lutheran this year. Not intimidated by the dismal economy, they had some encouraging words for their classmates.

"Hard times build character," Kubel said. "This is not the time to waste life. Character is built during this part of life."

Swearingen quoted a verse from the New Testament about perseverance and then related it to the challenges ahead.

"If you desire to finish things to the best of your ability, then you'll find success, because you'll be working towards the goals you set for yourself," she said.