Resumes of Escambia Academy’s Top 2 seniors could take some time since both young women have had an active career at the school and have great plans for their future.

Bailey Vaughn has been named as valedictorian of the Class of 2011 at EA with Kristen Matthews earned the title of salutatorian for the class.

Vaughn is the daughter of Greg and Cyndi Vaughn and has been a student at EA since her seventh-grade year.

“I’ve been here since seventh grade,” Vaughn said. “I’ve been involved in a lot of activities at the school since I’ve been here.”

Vaughn’s activities have included athletic, leadership and academic groups and organizations throughout her years at the Canoe school. She has served as class officer including offices of secretary, president and vice president. She has been a cheerleader for the Cougars for four years and even served as co-captain during her last two years at the school.

Other clubs and organizations she has been a part of include Beta Club, Pep Club, Math Team, Scholars Bowl, Student Government Association, Youth Leadership Atmore, Atmore Chamber Ambassadors, co-chair of the prom committee, yearbook staff, EA Track and she was named a Rotary Academic All-Star for three years.

As a result of her hard work and dedication throughout her years at EA, Vaughn has been the recipient of nearly a quarter million dollars in scholarship opportunities.

“I got $240,000 in scholarships,” Vaughn said. “Scholarships came from Springhill College, King’s College on Broadway, Auburn University and Troy University. I also had some smaller scholarships awarded to me as well.”

Although many colleges had offered Vaughn an opportunity to attend their school’s, the valedictorian said the decision to attend Auburn University was easy to make.

“I’ll be attending Auburn to major in pre-physical therapy,” Vaughn said. “I’ll be going there in the fall. I plan to volunteer at the Andrews Institute Clinic this summer.”

Her volunteer time may help her when she finishes her education since being a part of a physical therapy team is her career goal.

“After I finish at Auburn, I plan to attend the University of South Alabama to earn a doctorate for physical therapy,” Vaughn said. “During breaks and during my intern time I plan to be at Andrews Institute. I believe by volunteering and interning there I’ll be able to get my foot in the door. Everyone wants to work there because it’s such a great place. That’s where i want to work when I complete college.”

Matthews has plans for her future in business and will be working toward that goal by attending Auburn University.

The daughter of Hooper and Diann Matthews, the 2011 salutatorian will begin her college career soon after graduation.

“I plan to start this summer at Auburn University,” Matthews said. “I’ll be majoring in business there. I’m not sure if I’ll go into family business or business management. I’ve got a little time to make that decision. I had a hard time deciding where I would go. I looked at a few places but when I made a trip to Auburn for a game I met some people and decided it would be a good place to go. I plan to join rush this fall at Auburn.”

Matthews’ time had been limited because of the number of activities she was involved in during her time at Escambia Academy. She served as class president during her sophomore and junior years, class vice president during her senior year, and has been involved in a number of athletic, academic and social groups. Her activities include track, cross country, basketball, softball, Pep Club, Beta Club, Math Team, Scholars Bowl, Student Government Association president, Atmore Chamber Ambassadors, Rotary Academic All-Star, Youth Leadership Atmore, prom committee, yearbook staff and was chosen as Homecoming Queen and Prom Queen at the school.

Matthews received a number of scholarships including the Laura Higdon scholarship and scholarships to Springhill College among many offers.

Vaughn and Matthews presented speeches during Thursday’s graduation ceremonies held on the campus in Canoe.