Red Level High School valedictorian Matthew Nolan and salutatorian Rebecca Galinski know something about competition – only one-tenth of a point separated the two after school officials calculated students’ grade point average.

Nolen, with his 4.0 GPA, has worked hard to achieve academic success. The son of Rickey Nolen and Debbie Nolen, the senior earned the Alabama Capstone Leadership Academy participant award and a PHS academic letter award and served as the National Beta Club president.

Nolen plans to attend Wallace Community College in Dothan before transferring to the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He plans to become an animal vet.

“I give God the glory (for his academic success), because without him, I would not have done as well as I did,” Nolen said. “I’m also thankful for my wonderful parents and everything they have done for me.”

Galinski is the daughter of Deborah Scott and James Galinski. She plans to attend the University of Alabama in the fall to purse a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

“My family has always been behind me and very supportive, and I believe this has influenced my success a lot,” she said.

While in high school, she: earned an academic letter and a Herff Jones “Believe in You” scholarship and second place wins at the JAG Bowl Competition and the county math tournament. She also served as a Beta Club service hours chairman; JAG vice president, science club vice president and student council representative.