A 4.0 GPA is achieved by receiving straight A's; exceeding that is done with the help of AP, advance placement, classes.

"For every semester of AP, they get .021 extra credit," Hampson said. "So, if you get an A in an AP class, instead of a 4.0, you get a 4.021."

Some colleges also grant college credit for high school AP classes.

Neither student was too surprised to learn Friday that they had been selected, considering the effort they put into their studies.

"It's not what anyone else did. It's what you did for yourself," Wyatt said.

"Working hard for four years seems like a lot, but it pays off," Wisner said.

Wisner is the daughter of Mark and Margaret Wisner. Wyatt is the daughter of Camron and Becky Wyatt.

Although the girls have achieved valedictorian status, they still have their work cut out for them until the end of the school year. Each is taking four classes at Homer High School, as well as a correspondence course through the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District's Connections Program. They also have a speech to deliver during the May 20 commencement ceremony, something they can do separately or as a team.

Sports -- including wrestling, football and track -- as well as some random funny moments are the memories Wyatt says she'll take with her when she leaves HHS. For Wisner, sports -- volleyball and cross-country skiing -- also top the list, as well as serving as editor of the school's yearbook.

Next fall, Wisner hopes to attend Bowdoin College in Maine, where she may major in the social sciences. Wyatt is considering Pacific Lutheran University in Washington and Colorado State University in Colorado. She is considering pursuing an interest in the biomedical sciences.

With their high school years almost behind them, Wisner and Wyatt had some advice for others students.

"Work hard," Wyatt said.

"And stay on top of things," Wisner added.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky@homernews.com.