School officials at Tombstone High School, including teachers and administrators, will select two seniors from a pool of nearly 100 graduating seniors based not only on their G.P.A., but also their extracurricular activities, class attendance and courses taken.

"It is a great honor and we have many students that are currently in the running," said academic adviser Lyn Braswell.

The valedictorian will be considered the highest rank in the graduating class. The salutatorian will have the second-highest rank. The commencement ceremony is scheduled for May 21 at Tombstone High School.

Students in the top percentage of the class are anxious to hear of the outcome.

"It's exciting to know all the hard work is going to finally pay off," said Andie Devere, a senior in the running for the class honor who plans to attend the University of Arizona­.

In addition to her high G.P.A., she has been a member of the Tombstone Knowledge Bowl team, a group of students who compete statewide in various academic subjects.

"My mom said if I worked hard enough I could make it happen," said Alyssa Evans. "I realized it was only a matter of working hard then I could do it."

Evans, considered a top contender for the valedictorian honors, has been a member of the Knowledge Bowl team for the last four years. She delivered her eighth-grade valedictorian address and maintains a 4.25 G.P.A. due to her honors courses. She also hopes to attend the UA on a full scholarship.

Other students who are being highly considered for the honors are Nathan Hutchinson, Dakota Zimpleman and Sean Hector, among others.

Students find out who will address their graduating class a week before commencement.