Pictured are Lowndes High School salutatorian Dalton Johnson, left, with valedictorian Joseph Culligan.

Fellow Georgia Bridgemen Joseph Culligan and Dalton Johnson are the Class of 2010 valedictorian and salutatorian for Lowndes High School.

The duo claims there was little competition between each other during their time at Lowndes High School as both have worked hard to stay at the top of the class.

“I kind of expected it,” Culligan said of the valedictorian honor.

Joseph Culligan

Culligan will attend the Georgia Institute of Technology in the fall and plans to major in chemical biomolecular engineering. His goal is to eventually work with alternative fuels, Culligan said.

The 18-year-old is looking forward to his time at Georgia Tech and the personal freedom and responsibility that will come with balancing his personal time and studies.

In high school Culligan was a member of the Science Club, Student Council, Math Honor Society, Environmental Club, Georgia Bridgemen, Jazz Ensemble, Beta Club, Young Democrats, Academic Bowl, Science Bowl, Mock Trial and First Federal’s Student Advisory Board.

He also participated in the Governor’s Honors Program at Valdosta State University.

During his speech at graduation, Culligan said he plans to impart the importance of living a productive and purposeful life on his fellow seniors.

Culligan is the son of Jane and Larry Culligan.

Dalton Johnson

Johnson, 18, said his speech as salutatorian will center around the huge change seniors undergo as they graduate from high school and head out into the world.

“It’s a big world with real responsibilities,” he said.

In the fall Johnson will attend Yale University in New Haven, Conn.

Johnson does not know yet what he will major in at the Ivy League school, but his fields of interest include economics, political science and history.

In a previous interview Johnson said he got the idea to apply to Yale after speaking with fellow students participating in the Governor’s Honors Program.

Johnson said the university appealed to him because of its exemplary academics and close-knit and laid-back atmosphere.

During high school Johnson was a member of the Georgia Bridgemen, Jazz Ensemble and Young Democrats.

Johnson is the son of Dudley Johnson and Beth Lind.

The Lowndes High School Class of 2010 will graduate at 9 a.m. today at Martin Stadium.