Puxico, Missouri - The Puxico High School honored their Class of 2016 graduates on Friday evening.  McKenna Hawthorne was named the Valedictorian and Nathan Dare was named Salutatorian.

McKenna is the daughter of Chad and Nacole Hawthorne.  She graduated with a 4.32 GPA.  She was a member of the Puxico Softball Team, and Beta Club.  Her future plans are to attend Missouri State University and earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biochemistry.

Nathan is the son of Kyle and Carmel Dare.  He graduated with a 4.30 GPA.  He was Puxico RhythmSteppers in marching band as well as a drum major and section leader, he participated in basketball as captain, baseball as captain, Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America and was District 20 President.  His future plans are to the University of Missouri - Columbia and earn a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences.  He plans to also earn a Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy.  Nathan was also a Missouri Bright Flight Scholar.

Information and photo submitted by Carmel Dare of Puxico.