Sierra Lutheran seniors to graduate

The two highest academically ranked seniors at Sierra Lutheran High School

have gained more than good marks over the last four years.

"The best part of high school was being able to get to know my class," said

17-year-old Jaclyn Latragna, named 2008 valedictorian. "It's really like a

family here."

Latragna and 18-year-old Stephen Deterding, 2008 salutatorian, are two of

seven students graduating from the small Minden-based private school.

"The teachers are really accessible here, and you are able to build

long-lasting relationships," said Deterding.

Latragna played volleyball and basketball and helped the volleyball team

make it to regionals for the first time. Both students helped Sierra

Lutheran defeat Henderson International and win the 2007 Academic Olympics

state title in the 1A division.

"I have to thank the board that put this school together and the teachers,"

said Latragna. "We've also had some generous anonymous donations."

Latragna and Deterding share something else in common: their love of

chemistry.

"I love chemistry because I love absolutes and finding the right answer,"

said Latragna.

Latragna plans to attend University of Nevada, Reno, and major in

biochemistry with a minor in political science.

"I eventually want to go to law school and become a patent lawyer," she

said.

Deterding plans to attend Marshall University in West Virginia and double

major in chemistry and mathematics.

"I don't know what I want to do yet, but I figure I'll be fine with those

two degrees," he said.

The students thanked school administrators, teachers, their parents and God

for their success.

Sierra Lutheran graduation will be 6 p.m. today at Bethlehem Lutheran

Church, 1837 Mountain St. in Carson City.