With a GPA of 3.92, Kyryn Jacot is the salutatorian for Naselle/Grays River Valley School District's Class of 2017.

Jacot was accepted to Central Washington University, where she plans to study biology.

"Ever since I was a little kid I've loved working with animals," Jacot said. "That is my end goal to have a job that is working with animals."

She considered being a veterinarian, but that would require her to be in school. Despite the obvious work it has taken to be salutatorian, she would rather spend less time in a classroom and more time outdoors.

Jacot admits that she struggled academically in middle school. Something shifted in high school, though she can't quite put her finger on what it was. She spoke gratefully about the encouragement she received from her parents and teachers.

Part of her success comes from her natural curiosity.

"My favorite classes are history, biology, and science classes," Jacot said. "For history, I really like learning about the past, it's something that never changes. You can learn as much about it as you want without it ever changing."

She loves to read, write, and draw. She's even had some of her stories and artwork published online.

She reads mostly science fiction and history, and is especially fascinated by the Kennedy era. She loves mythology.

"I love so many things," Jacot laughed.

Pinning down a favorite teacher is difficult. She likes all of them, and she can tell you why.

"I really like all my teachers because they all have different qualities," Jacot said. "Mr. Wise is super smart and a really good teacher, he knows a lot and I learn a lot from him. Mr. Smith is encouraging and helpful with work. Mr. Dalton is funny and makes things interesting."

Jacot played volleyball and basketball all four years for the Comets. She also played flute in the pep band, and went to Girls' State, where she learned about government.

"I learned how hard it is to get anything done," she said.

The daughter of Rhiana and Scott Jacot is a lifelong resident of Naselle. Her classmates are essentially extended family.

"I'm going to Central, which is really small," Jacot said, "but I'm going to miss this community and all my friends that are here. We've been together for a long time."