By KENNETH KNIGHT | The Tampa Tribune Published: May 29, 2012 Updated: May 29, 2012 - 8:44 AM

They are smart and share an appreciation for the Florida Gators, but that is where the similarities end for Freedom High School seniors Crystal Fleming and Chris Tolson.

Fleming, the class valedictorian, is reserved, spiritual and musically talented. The tenacious 17-year-old recently recovered from a serious car accident to begin planning for college and to wed her high school sweetheart.

Tolson, the salutatorian, is a fun-loving prankster who is eager to launch his college experience with some of his "main bros" in tow.

Although they have vastly different personalities and hobnobbed in separate social circles at Freedom, Fleming and Tolson have traveled similar paths to academic success.

Their journeys were etched by self-determination, concentration and a zest for knowledge. They both plan to attend the University of Florida on scholarships this fall.

"I think God blessed me with the ability to excel," Fleming said.

The West Meadows resident will graduate Tuesday with a 6.99 grade point average.

Tolson, 17, of Tampa Palms, who finished with a 6.84 GPA, offered a jovial rationale.

"I have keen eyesight," he quipped. "I'm very popular, so I got all the text messages with what questions were on the tests."

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Freedom High scholars take different paths