Lillie is the daughter of Cory and Maudie Sickafoose, South Whitley; Kira is the daughter of Matt and Amanda Sordelet, also of South Whitley.

Both students plan to attend Purdue University: Lillie to study agribusiness as a prelude to becoming a veterinarian; Kira to study biomedical engineering with a planned career as a dentist or orthodontist.

A member of the National Honor Society, student council and FFA, Lillie is a 4-H member and shows livestock.

“I’ve realized the importance of learning through experiences,” Lillie said. “We all face challenges. Learning how to respond to situations allows you to adapt, grow, and move confidently.”

Lillie said she’s had several influential teachers at Whitko, “They taught me the importance of having a good work ethic, how to problem solve, and the importance of management skills. Most importantly, they have encouraged me to always do my best.”

The valedictorian’s advice to incoming freshmen is “Don't take anything in life for granted, always appreciate the little things.”

Kira is a PeaceKeepers member and runs track for the Wildcats. Outside of class she enjoys motocross, snowboarding and hunting.

Kira appreciates Whitko’s small community environment and the feeling of closeness to everyone.

“I’ve become more responsible, independent and confident,” she said. “I’ve also improved my leadership skills and experienced many new opportunities.”

The salutatorian’s advice to incoming freshmen is “try to be comfortable being out of your comfort zone. Being comfortable limits what you're capable of accomplishing.”

Classmates from South Whitley and planning to attend Purdue University, this year’s top students also have another thing in common, naming long-time teacher John Strayer as their favorite instructor.

Strayer had a few things to say about them, too.

“Lillie consistently stands out not only for her intelligence, but also for her curiosity and determination to fully understand and engage with the material,” Strayer said. “She demonstrates strong critical thinking skills, communicates effectively, and collaborates well with others, making her a true role model among her peers. In addition, her natural sense of humor brings a positive energy to the classroom, often lifting the spirits of those around her while still maintaining focus and respect for the learning environment.

“What truly sets Lillie apart is her caring nature. She goes out of her way to support those around her—whether by helping a struggling classmate, offering words of encouragement, or volunteering her time without hesitation. Her kindness and empathy foster a positive environment, and she leads by example through both her actions and her character. Her ability to balance compassion with a lighthearted personality makes her admired by her peers.

“Beyond her academic achievements, Lillie has shown exceptional character. She treats others with respect, maintains a positive attitude, and faces challenges with confidence and resilience. Her involvement in school activities, combined with her genuine desire to help others, reflects her natural leadership ability.

“Earning the title of valedictorian is a testament to Lillie’s hard work, discipline, and perseverance. I am confident that she will continue to accomplish great things and make a meaningful impact in whatever path she chooses.”

Of this year’s salutatorian, Strayer said, “Kira has distinguished herself through academic excellence, an amazing work ethic, respectfulness, and a strong commitment to personal growth. In the classroom, Kira consistently demonstrates intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and clear communication. She approaches challenges with determination and takes pride in producing high-quality work. Her outgoing personality allows her to connect easily with peers, and she naturally creates a welcoming and inclusive environment where others feel comfortable participating and contributing.

“Kira’s leadership stands out in both subtle and significant ways. She leads by example—setting high standards for herself while encouraging those around her to do the same. Whether working in group settings or participating in school activities, she is dependable, organized, and thoughtful in her decision-making. She listens to others, values different perspectives, and helps guide her peers toward success without ever seeking recognition for herself.

“Equally impressive is Kira’s character. She is genuinely caring and consistently goes out of her way to help others. She also brings a wonderful sense of humor to everything she does. Her positive energy and lighthearted nature make the classroom an enjoyable place to learn, and she has a unique ability to lift the spirits of those around her.”

The Class of 2026 graduates Friday, May 29 and the ceremony starts at 6 p.m.

For more information about Whitko Junior Senior High School or Whitko Community Schools, visit whitko.org.