Michael Pierce and Hobie Hughes are two high achievers.

As the valedictorian and salutatorian (respectively) of Straughn High School, the two have worked ferociously during their high school career to earn high marks. In fact, a 4.0 grade point average wasn’t enough to calculate the difference between the two. Pierce’s 105 points earned him the class’ highest honor, while Hughes ended with an impressive 103.96 points.

Pierce, the son of Mike Pierce and Ellen Pierce, made time for several high school honors and activities, including serving as the treasurer of the National Honor Society and a member of the Spanish National Honor Society. He served as a congressional page in the Alabama House of Representatives and as a 2012 Boy’s State delegate. He also placed on the LBW Community College’s president list for the summer 2011 term and earned distinction as the college’s distinguished freshman honor student for 2013.

He plans to attend Troy University and pursue a degree in computer science.

His motivation for academic success – “to become a productive individual in society and to make a difference in the world,” Pierce said.

Hughes, the son of Terry and Stacey Hughes, served as vice-president of the National Honor Society and was chosen as the school’s Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athlete.

He, too, plans to attend Troy University and plans to pursue a degree in the medical field.

He said his motivation for academic success rested with support circle.

“My parents, teachers, coaches and friends all motivated me to achieve a high academic success,” Hughes said.