Powell High School has named Brittany Christensen and Jessica Wurzel as valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2011.

Both seniors have maintained 4.0 grade-point averages during their four years at Powell High School, and they were chosen for the honor based on their scores on the ACT test. Both are members of the National Honor Society and have participated in the society’s service projects.

Christensen, the daughter of Dr. Kelly and Mindy Christensen, has been active in student government and is student body secretary. She was a four-year member of the Lady Panther swim team and qualified for state competition three times. This past season, she was a team co-captain.

Outside of school, she has volunteered with Loaves and Fishes, helped with Vacation Bible School at her church and worked at the Powell Aquatic Center. She also plays piano and has taught swim lessons.

Following her junior year, Christensen was selected to participate in a summer engineering program at the University of Wyoming, and she intends to pursue a degree in chemical engineering at the University of Oklahoma next year.

Wurzel plans to attend the University of Montana at Missoula. She hasn’t decided on a course of study as yet, but she is looking forward to opportunities to continue participating in drama.

In announcing their selection, PHS Principal Bill Schwan praised Christensen and Wurzel for their performance in the classroom and for their many contributions to PHS during their careers.

“These are kids we hate to see go,” Schwan said. “Each of them will leave a piece of themselves behind because of what they have done for this school.”

Christensen and Wurzel will speak during PHS commencement ceremonies at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 22.