Kristen Gehman and Morgan Nichols’s grades have been close all the way through school and they finished up high school the same way. Gehman is the valedictorian at Escambia County High School, while Nichols is the salutatorian.

Gehman’s honors include 2010 Alabama Girl’s State representative, 2010 Southern Pine Washington,D.C. Youth Tour representative, United States House of Representatives Page Program participant, Atmore Rotary Club Four-Year Academic All-Star, third runner-up in Alabama Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship essay competition.

She was also the Student Government Association president, National Honor Society president, Escambia County High School newspaper editor and is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, Relentless Student Ministry, 2010 Youth Leadership Atmore class, Atmore Chamber Ambassador Service program, A-List Student Mentoring program and the Escambia County High School Scholars Bowl team.

“My favorite subject is world history and my favorite teacher is Mr. Stanford,” Gehman said. “I plan on attending the University of Alabama. Right now my plans are to major in pre-dental studies.

“The best advice I can give someone who will be a senior next year is to expose yourself to new places and activities during your senior year; to plan ahead for scholarship and admission deadlines; and to find guidance from faith, family and friends.”

Gehman is the daughter of David and Shyrell Gehman of Atmore.

Among Nichols’ honors are National Honor Society, Student Government Association, A-List, Youth Leadership Atmore 2010, Miss ECHS 2010, Homecoming queen 2010, Rotary Club Four-Year Academic All Star, softball, Girl State alternate, Capstone Leadership applicant at the University of Alabama and Youth 180. She was also in the colorguard and served as captain in 2008-2009, and co-captain in 2009-2010 and in 2010-2011.

Nichols said her favorite subject is English and that all her teachers during her senior year were her favorites.

“I plan to attend Faulkner State Community College for two years,” Nichols said. “After that I will transfer to The University of South Alabama and major in radiology.

My advice to an upcoming senior is to get ready to fill out all scholarship applications and get a good start with good grades. Don’t wait until the last minute to do everything to do with college. Take in every minute of your senior year, because it will go by so fast.”

Nichols said she will miss seeing all the people she has grown up with in school.

She is the daughter of Jay and Teresa Nichols of Atmore.