Success is a characteristic Riley Watson's and Nick Allen’s parents instilled in them at a young age. And Thursday night, when the two Straughn seniors walk across the field at graduation, they’ll be recognized as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Allen will graduate with a 100.8 average, while Watson earned a 101.9 average. "I’ve always kept my grades high," Allen said. "My sister was the valedictorian at Red Level. Our parents always told us to keep our grades up and do our best." Watson said he’s always made it his goal to make good grades. "I knew that to be successful, I’d have to set goals and to have the right job," he said. "The only way to get that is to have good grades. "My parents have always encouraged me to do my best," he said. "But they haven’t been pushy." The boys have a long list of activities between them. Allen played football and baseball, and was a member of the National Honor Society and Spanish club. Watson was SGA president, a member of the football team, co-president of the senior class, National Honor Society president, Spanish Club president and a member of the Spanish Honor Society. Both already have a start on their college careers, having taken several courses. In fact, Watson recently was honored as an outstanding freshman at LBWCC. When fall arrives, the two will go their separate ways. Allen will go to Troy University with plans of majoring in geomatics and environmental engineering. Watson will attend Auburn University and plans to major in chemical engineering with an emphasis in biochemicals. After Auburn, he plans to go to medical school to specialize in ophthalmology. Allen is the son of Keith and Debbie Allen, and Watson is the son of Joey and Penney Watson.