BETHEL — Staying on track, paying attention in class, doing the homework and caring about doing well have all played big roles in the success of Kara Zadakis and Megan Bonney.

The two young women from Greenwood are this year’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively, at Telstar Regional High School.

They’ll talk about how they were able to be tops in their class while still finding time to participate in myriad school activities during the June 11 graduation, as well as other topics.

“I want to be a success,” said Kara, 18. “I want to be able to give my (future) children lots of opportunities.”

Kara will attend the University of Maine in the fall with a major in engineering. She’s not sure which branch of engineering she’ll choose, but that’s where she’s headed.

Both she and Megan, 18, have been active in the National Honor Society, the Future Business Leaders of America, and the Freshman Awareness Committee. They have also taken numerous advanced placement and honor classes.

FACT, as the committee is called, aims to help incoming freshmen as they learn how to participate in and get to know a new school situation.

“It really helps,” Kara said. “We also talk about bullying, gay rights and other things.”

“It’s fun,” Megan said.

She plans to attend the University of Maine as well. Her major will be theater.

She has taken voice and piano lessons for years, and regularly performs in the school’s musical productions.

Megan is also a certified lifeguard.

As she writes her salutatorian address, she’ll ask her classmates what they believe was important in their high school career.

“It’s their graduation, too,” she said.

Kara said she was shy when she first began school in the SAD 44 system, but over the years, people have helped her make friends.

“I have confidence that I can make friends at college,” she said.

Megan knows she will miss Telstar and the teachers and students.

“But it will be nice to meet new people,” she said.

She said caring about getting things done has always been part of who she is.

“I want my family to be proud of me,” she said.

As much as she loves her home area, she believes she may have to leave to become successful as a performer.

Both young women plan to work in the area this summer to try to earn as much money toward college as possible.

Kara is the daughter of Robin and Joseph Zadakis and has a brother in the sixth grade. Megan is the daughter of David and Leslie Bonney and has a brother in the sophomore class.

eadams@sunjournal.com