Friends Luke Eckstein, Jacob Kitchens and Sarah Elisabeth Newman have always been close in class rank, and because of that extreme closeness, this year’s graduating class at St. Aloysius High School will feature a twist: two valedictorians, Eckstein and Kitchens, and a salutatorian, Newman.

Ecktein said previously when two students had tied, the school looked at the students’ averages in the classes to determine who would be named valedictorian but he and Kitchens didn’t want that to happen because they both felt that they both deserved the honor.

“We never made a B throughout high school, so I don’t think it would have been fair,” he said. “We really wanted to share it if we could. The school administration was very helpful and they allowed us to do that.”

Eckstein, Newman and Kitchens always had very close GPAs and Kitchens was glad the school was willing to work with them.

“I’m very, very happy we were able to do the co-valedictorian,” he said. “I’m glad all three of us will have an opportunity to make a speech at graduation.”

Kitchens said he thinks this is the best possible outcome.

“We’ve been so close and helped each other with homework and done study groups all the time,” he said. “I honestly think this has been a group effort. I think we deserved these honors.”

Luke Eckstein, the son of Jeffrey and Adrienne Eckstein, started at Vicksburg Catholic School in the eighth grade.

While at St. Aloysius, Eckstein played basketball and tennis, and he participated in cross-country and track. He was in Key Club, National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, in which he served as vice president.

Eckstein, a U.S. presidential scholar, also served as captain for both the Math and Science Team and the Quiz Bowl Team.

Eckstein attends St. Michael’s Catholic Church, he is an Eagle Scout with Boy Scout troop 102, and he volunteers at the storehouse community food pantry.

This fall, Eckstein plans to attend U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he will major in chemical engineering

Eckstein said his favorite class was government with Maggie Nasif.

Jacob Kitchens, the son of Steve and Teresa Kitchens, has attended Vicksburg Catholic School since preschool.

At St. Aloysius, Kitchens played football, and he was a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta, in which he served as president.

Kitchens, a National Merit Finalist, served as mechanical captain for the robotics team, and he was a member of both the Math and Science Team and the Quiz Bowl Team.

Kitchens is a member of Crossway Church, and he has participated in various service activities thorough the years.

In the fall Kitchens plans to attend Mississippi State University where he will major in mechanical engineering.

Kitchens said his favorite class was AP Physics with Michael Brantley.

“I’d like to thank the school and the family for helping me and teaching me and getting me where I am now,” he said. “I don’t think I would be here if it weren’t for everyone teaching me and helping get me ready.”

Sarah Elisabeth Newman, the daughter of Kent and Deborah Newman, has attended Vicksburg Catholic School since first grade.

At St. Aloysius, Newman was involved in Key Club, Environmental Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Student Government Association, in which she served as class treasurer.

Newman was also a member of the Math and Science Team, the robotics team and the girls golf team.

Newman is a member of Crossway Church, where she is active in the Youth Leadership Team and the Youth Praise Band, and she spends time volunteering with various local organizations.

This fall Newman plans to attend Mississippi State University where she will major in aerospace engineering.

Newman also said her favorite class was AP Physics.

“I’m going to miss the close-knit atmosphere of the students and faculty,” she said. “With everyone at St. Al it’s just a big family.”