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They're ready.

Jessi St. Marie and Amy Gadient have excelled during their high school careers and will graduate at the top of Zumbrota-Mazeppa's 2009 senior class. In addition to earning high marks, they've made a name for themselves in extracurricular activities.

"Their Z-M's best of the best," Principal Eric Enger said.

As graduation day approaches, the two say they're eager for the next step - college and life beyond the small town they grew up in.

Gadient will attend Winona State University this fall, where she plans to major in nursing.

"I'm very interested in the medical field. I want to make people feel better," Gadient said. "And it's a good profession to be in right now."

St. Marie will attend the University of North Dakota on athletic and academic scholarships. St. Marie said she's excited to meet new people at the large university. She plans to major in marketing, or a business-related field.

As well as graduating, St. Marie is helped lead the Cougars' softball team.

"This year's been a lot of fun," the all-state catcher said, noting the team has seven seniors on the roster. She's set to play for the University of North Dakota team next year.

Gadient already made her trip to a state tournament team this year. She was on the dance team that placed sixth at state.

The busy seniors also juggle work in their daily schedules.

Gadient lives on a farm and does chores before and after school. She wakes up at 5 a.m. to milk cows and does so again after school. Gadient said this summer she also plans to work as a nursing assistant.

"If I ever call her she's usually busy," St. Marie said of Gadient.

St. Marie holds down three jobs herself. Weekends she works at the local grocery store and golf course, while weekdays she works afternoons at a photography studio.

The two outstanding seniors will end their high school careers at 7 p.m. Saturday when Z-M High School hosts its 2009 graduation ceremonies in the school's gymnasium.

Tags: k-12, graduation, news