Future Looks Bright For LP's Top Students

LAKE PLACID - The future is bright for Lake Placid High School valedictorian Yesica Hurtado and salutatorian Jessica Coury.

The two young women laughed easily and enjoyed chatting together at the high school on Thursday. The slim difference for overall Grade Point Average between the two scholars was four one-hundredths of a single point.

Coury said she didn't care whether she was chosen as first or second in her class of about 150 graduating seniors.

"I just wanted to get it over with," said Coury, with a smile.

Hurtado wanted to be chosen as valedictorian, but not until near graduation.
"There was much tension at the end of the year," she said.

Hurtado attended Lake Placid schools since kindergarten. Her parents are Antonio and Edubjes.
She will attend South Florida Community College for a semester and then the University of Central Florida, where she will major in finance.

"You can do anything," said the class president about a business career. "You're not stuck in one section. It's very broad."

Hurtado was a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Government Association, Interact and SFCCLA.

She earned a 5.12 GPA. Her favorite teacher was Mr. Whitne, who taught her algebra II and then calculus.

"He makes going to class enjoyable," said the soon-to-be graduate, who never earned a "B" grade, or lower, for a semester's work. "He doesn't treat us like kids - he treats us like adults."

The Green Dragon valedictorian works at Walgreens and is saving for college expenses and to buy her own car.

Coury is a lifelong Highlands County resident and the daughter of Tim and Beth.
The saluatorian is headed to the University of South Florida and wants to become a first- or second-grade teacher.

She was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Students, Interact, the NHS, student government and the SGA. She hopes to settle down in a small town, start a family and have children.
Coury's mother is her favorite teacher.

"She taught me that school wasn't just about grades," said Coury. "You need to have fun."

The Century 21 employee is working as a marketing assistant and is banking the money for college. Coury is looking forward to a trip to several European countries this summer.