Leyton Class of 2016 Salutatorian – Caitlyn Deal

When the Leyton High School Class of 2016 salutatorian Caitlyn Deal crosses the stage to receive her diploma this Saturday, she won't be the only member of her family making the journey into adulthood that evening.

"I have two brothers who are also graduating seniors," 18-year-old Caitlyn said, referring to her brothers Jeffery and Zachery. "I am a triplet."

Caitlyn is the daughter of John and Jennifer Deal. She grew up in Gurley and participated in volleyball, track and speech during her senior year. She is also the secretary of the Leyton FFA, competing in land judging on the state level with her team, and is the president of the Leyton chapter of the National Honor Society.

Caitlyn said she is also very active with the Cheyenne County 4-H program, where she received the National "I Dare You" volunteer award recognizing her volunteer work in her local club.

"Most of my volunteer work is through 4-H, and it involves working with children in the community and younger 4-H members," she said.

Caitlyn was also selected to attend the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta, Ga.

Earning the salutatorian honor has made Caitlyn feel "very blessed and honored" to reach a personal goal she had for herself.

"Although the recognition is not necessary, it is satisfying to be acknowledged for hard work," she said.

Caitlyn said even if the goal of becoming valedictorian or salutatorian was not there, she still would have put forth the effort to attain high grades.

"I set high values and standards for myself, and I try very hard to attain those values and standards," she said. "My parents have taught me to develop and keep a strong work ethic, and have taught me to put everything into what I do."

Caitlyn credited her success to parents, without whom she said she would not be the person she is today. One lesson she learned from her parents was that even if someone is not recognized for the hard work they have done, that hard work will always pay off in the end.

"While my parents have always encouraged me to push myself, they never forced me to do something," she said. "I am thankful for that because they taught me how to work hard and succeed, but they let it be my choice as to whether I wanted to actually work hard and do my best."

Caitlyn said while much of what she has accomplished has been because of her own physical effort, she also knows that her success is dependent on others.

"My success is dependent on those around me, including my parents, brothers, close friends and God," she said. "I am very honored to recieve this honor, but I am also very thankful for those who helped me along the way."

As she prepares her address for Saturday's commencement ceremony, Caitlyn said she is not very nervous yet about giving a speech, but knows that once she steps up to the podium "everything will become real and nerve-wracking."

"I've had experience speaking to larger crowds, but this crowd will be the largest that I have spoken to," she said. "However, I don't think I will have much of a problem speaking to my class and community."

As for life after high school, Caitlyn will attend the University of Nebraska - Lincoln to study pre-veterinary medicine as enters a path towards ultimately achieving a doctorate in veterinary medicine.

"I have grown up on a ranch and have always helped my dad take care of animals," she said. "Working with him is what inspired my passion to become a veterinarian, which I have always wanted to become since I was in kindergarten."

As she prepares for the next chapter in her life, Caitlyn had some parting advice for incoming freshmen students.

"Work your hardest and don't forget the people who helped you along the way," she said. "Never give up on your passions and never compromise your values and morals in order to attain your goals."