Douglas High's top two ready to take on the world

Minden - The question isn't so much if Douglas High School's top two students are ready for the world, but rather if the world is ready for them.

"I want to make sure I can do everything I want to do - I have big dreams," Valedictorian Lulu Yu said on Monday. "I know it will take hard work to achieve them, but I know I just have to keep working."

This fall, Yu will be attending Washington University in St. Louis where she plans on studying biochemistry, molecular biology and international relations. Then it's on to medical school.

"I want to be a doctor, an oncologist," Yu said. "The way the world is today, it would also be good to know how countries relate to each other."

Yu envisions herself someday on the front lines in the battle against cancer.

"I definitely want to be one of those doctors," she said. "After some time, I would like to join Doctors without Borders."

Yu, who was a member of Danceline and the Key Club, is looking forward to meeting new people, but said she'll also miss Douglas High and Carson Valley.

"I think I'll miss the strong sense of community," she said. "But I feel prepared for what the world may throw at me."

Salutatorian Clara Ritger will also be heading east after graduation. The 18-year-old, who played tennis and was a major part of speech and debate and drama, as well as a contributing writer to the Douglas Times, will be attending Notre Dame this fall. There she plans on double majoring in film and television and either communications or English.

"I want to do some acting, but I'm also interested in broadcast journalism and writing," Ritger said. "I can't wait. I'm going with both feet first."

Like Yu, Ritger is not intimidated by the world, but she is going to miss some things about Douglas County.

"I've already had some sob moments with my mom," she said. "I'm going to miss those personal relationships, but I'm hoping to make similar connections there."

Both students will be speaking at Douglas High School's graduation ceremony on Friday.

Without revealing too much about their speeches, each offered some advice for their fellow classmates.

"Do what you love while you can," said Ritger.

"Stay open-minded, and give it all you got," said Yu.