Jayne Rhode, 2004 graduate and class valedictorian of South Effingham High School, has recently earned top honors at West Point Military Academy. Cadet Rhode, daughter of John and Mary Rhode who now reside in New York, received the Superintendent’s Award for Excellence, the Distinguished Cadet Award as well as the top physical fitness award for a female in her class.

The Superintendent’s Award is presented to the top 5 percent of cadets in each of the academic, military and physical programs. The Distinguished Cadet Award is presented to West Point cadets who demonstrate academic excellence by achieving a grade point average of 3.67 or higher. Rhode earned the award for physical fitness by obtaining top scores in several indoor and outdoor physical fitness tests.

In addition to graduating from SEHS as the valedictorian, Rhode was a Wendy’s Heisman finalist and student athlete. This past June, Cadet Rhode completed airborne training at Fort Benning.

She plans to graduate from West Point in 2008 and be commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.