Gaffney High valedictorian Madison McCraw and salutatorian Hannah Wood are shown at Thursday's graduation ceremony. Madison McCraw and Hannah Wood have been a couple since before the two Gaffney High graduates were old enough to drive.

McCraw and Wood have been together since November of 2004. In an unusual twist, the boyfriend and girlfriend are the top two 2008 graduates at GHS.

McCraw solidified his status as the school's valedictorian early in his senior year. Wood found out last week she was the salutatorian.

Both spoke at graduation Thursday before they head to the same school, Clemson University.

Their interest in making good grades in school never led to the fierce competition that has caused some states to stop naming valedictorians. High schools in Washington, Minnesota, Maryland and Vermont are among those that no longer recognize the students with the top grade point average, citing concern about student competitiveness for grades.

McCraw and Wood have always taken a different approach.

While they occasionally studied together, the Gaffney High students have supported and enjoyed each other's company over the past three years.

"It's always been a friendly competition," McCraw said. "We were always able to take similar classes and help each other out."

The students' senior class schedules included taking Advanced Placement classes for college credit in calculus, government, economics, honors physics and a dual credit course in English from Spartanburg Community College.

"We competed on a couple of things. It just never really was an issue," Wood said. "We studied together sometimes, but not quite as much as some people would think."

Both students were heavily involved in school and extracurricular activities throughout the past four years. They are active in the Grassy Pond Baptist Church youth group and the school's Beta Club.

McCraw was on the wrestling and cross country teams. He works part-time in his father's metal fabrication shop in Gaffney.

Wood is a competitive clogger who will join her "Southern Jewels" clogging team for a final contest June 13. She is a member of the L'Etoile service club at Gaffney High.

McCraw and Wood joined classmate Jacob Waters in receiving national Robert C. Byrd honors scholarships. Valued at $1,500 annually for four years, the Byrd scholarship is given to students with a minimum score of 1,300 on the SAT and a 3.5 grade point average.

"Studying always came naturally to me," McCraw said. "I just kept working to stay on top. I figured it would lead to better opportunities later."

The academic opportunities will come at Clemson University.

McCraw's blood has always run orange.

"I've always been a Clemson fan," McCraw said. "I love it. I have been going to football games since I was little."

Wood explored her college options before deciding she would join her boyfriend in attending Clemson.

"I applied to several colleges. Madison took me to a football game at Clemson," she said. "After I visited the campus, I decided Clemson was a place where I could have a good time and enjoy myself."

Wood is the daughter of Chris and Rachel Wood. Madison is the son of Michael and Page McCraw.