Howard, Mischka Top Grads At DHS

Luke Howard

Photos by Steve Inman

Doniphan’s top students both boast above average GPAs.

Valedictorian Luke Owen Howard and Salutatorian Desiree Nicole Mischka delivered speeches to their graduating class of 2022 Friday night.

Luke, son of Nicki and Scott Marler, plans on attending Southeast Missouri State University where he will major in electrical engineering.

Desiree Mischka

Desiree, daughter of Danielle Mischka, also plans on attending Southeast Missouri State University.

Both graduates have received the Copper Dome Scholarship and the Residence Life Scholarship. Howard also received an A+ Scholarship and Mishka was also given the Success Scholarship, the Sherry Ball Bond Memorial Scholarship, and The Peoples Community Bank Scholarship.

Howard’s academic excellence is made evident in his 4.3 GPA and the many honors he has received. These include Honor Roll, Student of the Month, the Trig Award, the George Washington Carver Award, College Prep certificate, top ten, Science Overall Award, 21+ ACT Award, and the Outstanding Academic Excellence Award.

The Doniphan High School class of 2022 held commencement exercises on Friday, May 13. The class of 88 graduates were lead by Valedcitorian Luke Howard (top right photo) who plans to attend college at Cape Girardeau and major in engineering. Salatorian Desiree Mischka also plans to attend Southeast Missouri State University this fall to pursue a pre-architect construction management engineer degree. Howard thanked all the teachers, “every student has a teacher who changed their life.”

He was also heavily involved in extracurriculars, including Key Club, Beta Club, and Pep Club, all of which he was president of, as well as being on the varsity Scholar Bowl team.

Howard claims his most important accomplishment as being Valedictorian of his class.

When asked what his experiences at high school have meant to him, Howard says, “I am happy to be furthering my education and starting my life. My experiences at DHS have given amazing opportunities for my future.”

Howard lists his favorite memory as setting up a 6 ft.. pool in his physics teacher’s classroom as a prank.

Mischka also possesses an impressive academic prowess seen in her 4.2 GPA.

She also received several honors including the President’s Education Award, George Washington Carver Award, College Prep Certificate, Science Overall Department Award, top ten, Desktop Publishing Department Award, Mathematics Overall Department Award, and 21+ ACT Award.

Mishka’s involvement in school also went beyond her academics and into extracurriculars such as the Scholar Bowl Team, Senior Class President, Future Teachers of America, Ambassadors and Yearbook Staff. Designing the yearbook is Desiree’s favorite school memory.

Her most important accomplishment is “being a good person and treating others with kindness”.

Mishka is excited to start her future and claims her experiences at Doniphan High School have shaped her as a person.

Desiree’s family includes her older sister Janelle Mishka.