"Excellence" was a word Dr. Rodger Berg used often when talking about the Northampton Exchange Club's students of the year.

"An exciting night. It's the finale," said Berg, chairman of the Northampton Exchange Club's Service to Youth program, at the dinner honoring Darby McCall, class salutatorian, and Nicholas Wachter, class president.

"We truly have the best of the best," Berg said listing the achievements of McCall and Wachter.

Berg said the students' support systems – their parents – were pivotal in helping them achieve success. When speaking at the podium, both McCall and Wachter mentioned the influence of their parents.

McCall is a member on the National Honor Society and Dean's Scholarship program and was a member of Scholastic Scrimmage and the Spanish Club.

Co-captain of the tennis team, she also received recognition and honor on the court.

Wachter is a member of National Honor Society, was a student government representative and member of the chorus. He served as DECA treasurer, was a stage performer and served as both vice president and president of the drama club. He was also a DECA International Conference qualifier and DECA treasurer. He also was a member of the golf team and received the Donley Award for Excellence.

Both students submitted award winning essays for the National Exchange Club's "Youth Volunteerism: Working Magic in Our Communities."

"Over the past five years my family and I have established a program called Let Them Walk in Our Shoes," McCall wrote in her essay. The program asks people to donate shoes to benefit local children and the children of Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and Native American tribes in Arizona.

"Volunteering in your community is important for numerous reasons. By becoming a volunteer, you are able to benefit both the community and yourself by gaining valuable skills and lessons," Wachter said in his essay.

Volunteering unites a community and allows its members to reach a common goal. Along with his volunteer efforts, Wachter started a Toys for Tots drive at the high school as a freshman, continuing the project through his senior year. He also volunteers for the Dakota Galusha Memorial Basketball Tournament and Konkrete Kids Educational Foundation.