They are both National Merit Semifinalists - the only ones in the area as a matter of fact.

"It's definitely the most prestigious thing I've ever done, which is cool," said Reeves, a senior from Southaven. "This ranks pretty high."

Knight, who has been on the superintendent's list for her stellar grades for as long as she remembers, said one of her favorite quotes is by Walt Disney - "All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them."

"To me, this is hard work paying off," she said.

Both students said they have gotten letters from schools all over the country.

Knight said she's particularly intrigued by one from the University of Central Florida, in spite of several offers from Ivy League schools. Reeves said he'd gotten some pretty impressive letters too.

"Harvard sent me an application but they turn down, like, everyone," he said with a laugh. "But that was exciting."

Both seniors said they enjoy reading, which is a possible reason for Knight's aspirations of being an English and Spanish teacher when she graduates from college.

"It's something I feel called to do," she said.

Meanwhile, Reeves, who comes to MSA from Southaven High School, said he also enjoys science. He's had his rounds with all the subjects, as a matter of fact.

"Science can be pretty fun, and I actually used to like math until I got to Algebra II," he said.

But their hobbies are divergent, though both artistic and expressive.

"I like to oil paint," Knight said, adding that she takes lessons from Jean Tolbert in Brookhaven. "I also like to play with my puppy Gabbi."

Reeves, who is a literary student at MSA, has musical interests as well. He said he plays the guitar in his free time and listens to "a lot of hardcore music."

Overall, both students said they are excited to hear back from the National Merit Corporation on whether or not they've been selected as National Merit Finalists. In September, 16,000 semifinalists are announced, and only 1,000 are cut before the final 15,000 in the country are notified in February.

"I'm really glad I've made it this far, and the further I can go the happier I'll be," Reeves said. "I'm looking at this as an opportunity to help me go to college. The Ivy League would be cool, but I'll go wherever I can get the best education and the best deal."