The son of a local farmer who has spent nearly a decade showing animals at the county fair, Dowagiac Union High School senior Douglas VanTuyle is no stranger to putting in a full day’s work.

On Monday, administrators with the district recognized VanTuyle’s dedication as they named the student as the high school’s next valedictorian.

Union High School Principal Kelly Millin announced the names of the school’s top 10 graduating seniors during the district board of education’s meeting Monday evening at Dowagiac Middle School. VanTuyle, the son of Joe and Beth VanTuyle, leads the class of 2017 with a perfect 4.0 GPA.

The senior is a lifelong resident of Dowagiac, growing up on his family’s farm outside the city limits, he said. For years, he and his older brother helped their father out with his farm, he said.

For the past nine years, VanTuyle has shown beef, dairy feeders and other animals at the Cass County Fair, something he plans to do again this summer as well, he said.

He was also a former member of the band, playing the trombone. He participated in several solo and ensemble competitions, and was also a member of the jazz band.

He is also a member of the National Honor Society.

In spite of his commitments, he has maintained a perfect grade point average.

“I never let emotional things bother me,” VanTuyle said about the reason behind his success. “I just kept working toward my goals.”

He currently works part-time at the local Little Caesar’s. In his spare time, he enjoys working out — both his body and his mind — driving and hanging out with friends, he said.

VanTuyle is still considering what he plans to do after he graduates. He currently plans to attend Southwestern Michigan College, where he is currently dual enrolled, in the fall to study business, though he is also considering studying political science as well, he said.

The senior thanked his family for their support over the years, especially his older brother, Joe, who he considers an inspiration, he said. He also thanked his teachers for their help as well, he said.

“Sometimes I think they wanted me to succeed more than I wanted to,” he said.

Rounding out the rest of the top 10 are:

2: Salutatorian Kayla Cromer, daughter of Kelly J. and Kelly A. Cromer. Cromer has a 3.912 GPA, and is involved in Rotary Interact Club, student senate, National Honor Society and other activities. After graduating she plans to attend Southwestern Michigan College to major in business before transferring to Ferris State University to complete her bachelor’s degree.

3: Hailee Green, daughter of Dustin Green and Sarah Simmons. Green has a 3.911 GPA, and is involved with National Honor Society, book and writing clubs, and tennis and golf teams. She plans to attend Southwestern Michigan College after graduation for general studies before attending a four-year university to study English.

4: Lauren Smith, daughter of Julia and Everett Smith. Smith has a 3.897 GPA, and is involved in theater, choir, the Rotary Interact Club and National Honor Society, among other activities. Smith plans to attend Southwestern Michigan College in the fall to earn her associate’s degree before transferring to Bethel College.

5: Magali Carrillo, daughter of Jose and Graciela Carillo. Carrillo has a 3.87 GPA, and is involved in National Honor Society, Rotary Interact and the humanities club. She plans to attend Western Michigan University in the fall to study nursing.

6: Marcus Winchester-Jones, the son of Tom Jones and Michele Winchester-Green. Winchester-Jones has 3.838 GPA and is involved with National Honor Society, Rotary Interact and student senate, among other activities. He plans to attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall, to study business.

7: Katlyn Briney, daughter of Doug and Judy Briney. Briney has a 3.83 GPA and is a member of the Rotary Interact Club, National Honor Society and the equestrian team, among other activities. She plans to attend Grand Valley State University in the fall to study physical therapy.

8: Christopher Symonds, the son of Bob and Ann Symonds. Symonds has a 3.818 GPA and is a member of the school band, robotics team and the National Honor Society. He plans to attend Lake Michigan College in the fall to earn his associate’s degree in engineering before transferring to the University of Michigan or Purdue University to study aerospace engineering.

9: Abby Klann, daughter of Keith and Julia Klann. Klann has a 3.817 GPA and is a member of the marching, concert and pep bands, among other activities. She plans to attend Indiana or Purdue in the fall to study music therapy.

10: Megan Soderbloom, daughter of Paul and Cari Soderbloom. Soderbloom has a 3.808 GPA, and is a member of the National Honor Society and plays varsity softball. She plans to attend Hope College in the fall, where she will study business and finance.