Dawson County High School seniors Jessica Abe and Krista Morgan have a history of battling it out ... on and off the tennis court.

Whether it’s academics or athletics, the two are often neck and neck for the top spots.

Late last week, they were named the class of 2010’s valedictorian and salutatorian.

Abe came out on top with a 99.518 grade-point average, while Morgan was a close second with a 99.125.

Abe, 17, and Morgan, 18, were at the top of the high school’s list of 2010 honor graduates, released last week.

Principal Neil Harrison said students who made the list “are successful because they stay focused on why they’re at school, and that’s to make the most of their opportunities.”

Abe and Morgan have taken advantage of academic as well as athletic opportunities.

Abe said as tennis players they “both kind of shoot for the one and two spot.”

Added Abe: “We’re pretty close everywhere, but it’s friendly competition.”

Along with sharing the tennis court, the two are involved in many of the same extracurricular clubs, including student government association and National Honor Society.

Morgan said being involved in extracurricular activities is challenging.

“If you challenge yourself,” Morgan said, “it will be worth it in the long run.”

Abe agreed.

“You have to be willing to accept challenges,” she said. “It’s more than just getting the good grades. You want to know that you can take on challenges and succeed at them,” Abe said.

Harrison said Abe has succeeded in something few students have in the school’s history.

“I did a little research,” Harrison said. “My colleagues and I can’t remember any instance except for one when the valedictorian has been the same person as the STAR student. It’s quite a rarity at this school.”

Abe was named STAR student in March for earning the school’s highest SAT score in one testing.

Following graduation, Abe plans to attend the University of Georgia, where she will study marketing with an emphasis on sports.