JAY — Spruce Mountain High School’s valedictorian and salutatorian for 2015 are planning very different careers.

Valedictorian Nicholas Esty of Livermore plans to attend Johnson and Wales University in Providence, R.I., to study hospitality.  He said he likes dealing with people.

“I like the comfort industry,” he said, adding he’d like to work in a tropical area. He hopes to get a job a local hotel this coming summer.

Salutatorian Sam Brenner of Livermore will enter the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., to study mechanical engineering. He will be commissioned as a second lieutenant when he graduates and will be required to serve five years.

Nicholas is the son of Michael Esty and Rebecca Purrington.

Sam is the son of Michael and Kerry Brenner.

“I’ve done a lot of studying and put a lot of effort into all my assignments, Esty said. “Good grades are important to me. My parents have encouraged me to try to be the best I can be. It’s been a personal goal to get into a good college.”

Brenner has a similar philosophy.

“Ever since I started high school, I’ve wanted to do something better. I’ve taken all the hardest classes I could and got good grades,” he said.

Both students also took advanced placement courses and are members of the National Honor Society.

Esty is active in History Camp, archaeology, tennis, cross country skiing and the humanities. He also likes to hunt, fish and travel.

Brenner is active in robotics, track, Envirothon and the math team. He trains at the University of Maine in Farmington in racewalking. He and his dad are model train enthusiasts.

The two are among more than 100 members of the Class of 2015 graduating June 7.

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