BUCKFIELD — Two seniors at Buckfield Junior-Senior High School who plan to enter the medical profession have been named tops in their class.

Jacob Bailey, 18, of Buckfield is this year’s valedictorian. Jennifer Hammond, 17, of Hartford is the class salutatorian.

Jacob is the son of Rebecca and Jens Engleman, and attended school in Germany before coming to Buckfield in the fourth grade. Jennifer is the daughter of Paula Landry of Hartford and Jeff Hammond of Livermore.

Both students plan to attend the University of Maine in the fall.

Jennifer plans to major in biology in the pre-med program, with the goal of becoming a family doctor or a physician assistant.

“The human body has always been fascinating to me,” she said.

Jacob considers himself a generalist, a latter-day Renaissance man or a polymath, which is someone, he said, who learns a broad range of subjects. He said he wrote his college essay on being a polymath and plans to enroll in the biology/pre-med program at UMaine. He’s not sure which area he’d like to specialize in.

Both said being diligent in school work is important.

“I knew that college would look heavily at my transcript,” said Jennifer.

She said she reads nearly everything she can get her hands on, while also enjoying horseback riding and fly fishing. She also is a member of the National Honor Society, the Student Council, and the school’s history club and participates in cheerleading.

“I’m excited about graduating and starting my life and working toward a career,” she said.

Jacob advised high school students just starting out to not screw up.

“Be serious right from the beginning,” he said.

He said he also believes everyone has it within themselves to learn and succeed.

“You’ve got to believe you can do better and want to be successful,” he said.

Among his many activities are soccer, basketball, math team, Dirigo Boys’ State and dramatics. He received this year’s Maine Principal’s Award from his school. He has taken many Advanced Placement courses, including one where he didn’t take the class, going straight to the test, instead.

“I like Buckfield, but I want to try something new,” he said.

Jennifer works part time at a convenience store in Livermore. Jacob helps out with yard work for his neighbors.

The two graduate with their class on Saturday, June 8.