Douglas seniors walk Friday

There is about .025 of a point that separates Douglas High School's top two graduating students who have gone to school together since seventh grade.

"We've always had a competition between us since Carson Valley Middle School," said Allison Andraski, salutatorian of the class of 2007.

"I'm glad Allison will be there with me at graduation because we went to school together," said valedictorian Brigita Oxoby.

The estimate of Brigita's grade point average, since final grades aren't officially posted, is 4.465. Allison's GPA is about 4.439. Students who take advanced placement classes earn more points, which accounts for straight-A grades exceeding 4.0.

They are among more than 380 students set to graduate on Friday from Douglas High School.

The young women have a non-stop week until the graduation ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Friday and agree this rite of passage is sad, happy and scary.

"It's all that," said Allison.

"I keep thinking, 'This will be my last Spanish class,'" said Brigita. "I think this may be the last time I'm in the bubble of people I know."

Allison, daughter of Brian and Janet Andraski of Minden, pursues a biology major at University of California, Santa Barbara, this fall.

"I've lived here my entire life but the change will be good for me," said Allison. "This school focuses on research and has a really good graduate program. The next step is biological research - I'm interested in recent medical discoveries. I like evolution and putting together the missing pieces."

Brigita, the daughter of Rick Oxoby and Susan Langford, will attend Hillsdale College, a private liberal arts school in Hillsdale, Mich., this fall. She has an interest in physics and science but said she wants an education that allows her to build skills in different fields.

"I hope to be using my education in other countries, as in a missionary field, to bring useful skills like teaching or in medicine - something I could give to people who can't afford it," Brigita said.

"I expect to travel abroad but I really love Carson Valley," she said. "I've seen half the country but I still love it here best."

Details:

Douglas High School graduation

5:30 p.m. Friday, June 15