Twin sisters named valedictorian, salutatorian at Notre Dame Regional High School

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) — Notre Dame Regional High School has named its valedictorian and salutatorian for the Class of 2026 — and for the first time in school history, the top two students are twins.

Principal Paul Unterreiner said the achievement is something the school has never seen before.

“I don’t know that it’s ever happened in our school… that a set of twins turned out to be our valedictorian and salutatorian,” Unterreiner said. “That’s just an incredible feat.”

Elena Ripperda was named valedictorian, while her twin sister Lucy Ripperda earned salutatorian honors. Both students were selected based on cumulative grade point averages over their four years of high school.

Elena earned top honors across multiple subjects like math, science, and Spanish and was an active member in music, honor societies and leadership programs.

Lucy is involved in several student organizations, including National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America.

Elena plans to attend Saint Louis University on a pre-med track, while Lucy will also attend Saint Louis University to study healthcare management.

Unterreiner said the competition among top students was close, but Elena established herself early, while Lucy worked to earn her position.

“Second through fifth was pretty tight,” he said. “Elena kind of established herself as the front runner, and Lucy worked hard to put herself in position to earn salutatorian.”

Beyond academics, Unterreiner said what stands out most about the sisters is their character and the way they carry themselves both inside and outside the classroom.

“They’re two of the most humble people I know,” he said, recalling a recent conversation with their younger brother, who also attends the school. “For him to say that about his older sisters, I thought that was really telling of who Lucy and Elena are.”

Unterreiner said despite earning the top two academic honors in their class, the sisters have remained grounded and focused, never seeking attention for their accomplishments.

“They don’t talk about it. They just go about their business,” he said. “They handle everything with such grace.”

Unterreiner said the twins complement each other in unique ways. He described Elena as academically curious, often asking questions to fully understand material, while Lucy developed her strengths through hard work and collaboration.

“A lot of times they’d go home, and Elena would teach Lucy the material,” he said. “Sometimes she teaches so well that Lucy would do better on the test.”

He added that Lucy’s leadership also sets her apart.

“She’s not afraid to speak the truth… but she does it in a way that treats people with dignity,” Unterreiner said.

The sisters’ commitment extends beyond the classroom. Both students commute from southern Illinois, traveling up to three hours round trip each day to attend school.

“You wouldn’t know any different when you saw them,” Unterreiner said. “They’re as involved, if not more involved, than anyone else in our school, and they don’t complain about the drive.”

He said their dedication reflects the broader commitment of families who choose Notre Dame, including those who travel long distances.

“They make major sacrifices to come to the school,” he said. “They don’t complain about the drive… they just love learning and what this high school has to offer.”

Unterreiner said that support system is part of what makes the school community unique, especially for families who travel long distances to attend.

“I send my kids to Notre Dame High School because there’s joyful Catholic adults in that building,” he recalled one parent telling him. “That’s what I want my kids around.”

He said the comment came during a conversation with a parent who regularly makes the drive from southern Illinois — one of many families who choose the school despite the distance.

Unterreiner said those families value not only academics, but the relationships built within the school.

“When they come to events like report card night, they expect teachers to know their child — not just their grades, but who they are,” he said. “That’s what makes this place special.

For Unterreiner, the twins represent the values the school strives to instill.

“They’re incredible ambassadors of our school,” he said. “The way they carry themselves… they’re always willing to help and be there.”

As graduation approaches, he said he is proud not only of their academic success, but of the example they leave behind.

“They complement each other, they learn from each other — that’s the cool thing,” he said. “We love them… and I couldn’t ask for anybody better to carry that mission forward.