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It was written in the stars that longtime classmates and friends Brennan Plank and Emily Jo Matthews were named Springwood’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian, respectively. 

“My dad predicted, since kindergarten, that it was going to be one of us,” Plank said. “I was proud of Emily and happy that we both got our results.”

The pair was interviewed for their accomplishments together. It was clear they had grown up together, finishing each other’s thoughts and sharing memories of their time as Springwood Wildcats. Matthew’s story will be published in the Wednesday, April 7, edition of the Valley Times-News. 

Plank is a Wildcat through and through. He has been attending Springwood School for his whole life. His father, Michael Plank, is the Director of Development at the school, and his stepmother, Kim Plank, is the current Head of School. 

Unsurprisingly, he is heavily involved at Springwood. Plank is the president of the National Honor Society, captain of the scholars bowl team, captain of the soccer team and co-captain of the math team. 

The Valedictorian will be attending Auburn University in the Fall. He hopes to study chemical engineering. 

“I’m excited for the transition to where I can study what I want to study, because I’m a STEM mind,” Plank said. 

It will be a transition for the senior, having gone to Springwood his entire life. 

“I’ve known Springwood my whole life, and I’m really grateful that I was able to grow up in this school,” he said earnestly. “I’m really grateful to be around like-minded people who are striving for academic excellence, because that’s the way I’m wired, and it’s nice to be around people like that who will push you.”

Over the years, he has bonded with his classmates and seen firsthand how tight-knit a community the school has. He shouted out Kris Huynh and the connection he has made with those in the International program. While the school and those in it pushed Plank to achieve, he credited his parents for their support. 

“My parents, Kim and Dad, they always told me they believed in me in whatever I did. My mom’s been super supportive, emotionally…while [we’re] trying to work as hard as we can, because we’re under so much academic pressure.”

Plank is a Christian and made it clear that his wins are not solely his own. 

While speaking for himself and Matthews, he said, “Everything that we’ve done in our lives, we’ve done for God…Even if we look so successful, it’s not for our own benefit, it’s for God’s.”