JAMESTOWN, Mo. - Growing up in the halls of Jamestown schools, sophomores Trenton Barbour and Cara Scheperle looked up to the high schoolers.
Receiving the Second Mile Awards this spring, now Barbour and Scheperle will be the role models for the younger generation.
"I didn't try for it; I put in the extra effort anyway," Barbour said.
Although they each hoped for the award - given to one girl and one boy in either the sophomore or junior class - they said they were both surprised to receive it this year.
In fact, Barbour nearly missed his award, as he was headed to the bathroom in advance of the basketball awards portion of the program earlier in the month, he said.
The Second Mile Award recognizes students who go above and beyond what is expected in academics and life.
Both are involved in sports and are regulars on the Principal's Honor Roll.
Barbour's activities include FFA, FBLA, National Honor Society, basketball, track, academic team and Boy Scouts.
Scheperle's activities include FFA, National Honor Society, band and choir, dance and cheer, softball, academic team, 4-H, student council and babysitting.
Next year, Barbour will serve as FFA vice president and Scheperle as reporter. They have other leadership aspirations, which exemplify their extra effort.
"If we didn't have family helping us; I don't think we would have got it," Scheperle said.
From her parents, Scheperle said, she has learned structure and discipline.
"They have always told me to do what I think is right and try my best," she said.
Similarly, Barbour's parents have taught him that working hard now will help him in the future, he said.
"And be thankful for what you get," Barbour added.
The next two years at Jamestown High School holds high expectations for them, they agreed.
"People look up to you," Barbour said.
At the rural Moniteau County school, good character and strong grades are common, Scheperle noted.
"We help each other out, not put each other down."
