Three Elko High students tie for highest point average

ELKO -- Even in a gambling state, the odds were astronomical.

Three students at Elko High School took four years of classes and every honors course available. And they are graduating with identical grade point averages. Down to the 10-thousandth of a decimal point.

Since honors courses award 5 points for an A, Inga Schindler, Lisa Gilbertson and Kersten Barnhart each has a 4.4571 average.

Each took 28 courses. Each took 19 honors courses. None ever saw anything but an A.

"Usually, somebody gets clipped," Principal Moyal Kump said. "Frequently, in physical education, where they'll get a B."

The three said they studied about an average amount.

"More than some, less than some," Schindler said.

And they were not book drudges. Schindler played soccer, Gilbertson enjoyed forensics. Barnhart played flute in the marching band.

All three will speak at their June 6 graduation.

But don't call them valedictorians.

Elko High doesn't use that term.