The Selma Times-Journal

Good news just keeps on coming for John T. Morgan Academy senior Houston Searcy.

The 17-year-old is valedictorian of his class, finishing the year with a 4.0 GPA. His pristine academic record has earned him the highly competitive four-year Presidential Scholarship at the University of Alabama, where he’s headed this fall. Then on Friday, Houston learned he was the recipient of the Alabama Independent School Association’s (AISA) Headmaster’s Scholarship, a $1,000 scholarship awarded to the top student in the AISA 3A region based on GPA and ACT scores. Houston’s ACT score is 32 &045; only four points shy of a perfect score. Houston may spend the $1,000 as he sees fit.

Houston says he’s excited to receive these great honors, but has mixed feelings about his upcoming graduation, and his transition into collegiate life.

Houston took a tour of the Alabama campus and found the honors program &8220;impressive.&8221; He filled out a general scholarship application, and received his formal acceptance letter in late March.

Having a keen interest in technology, Houston will major in computer science and pursue a career in software design.

Those who know Houston say he can do anything he puts his mind to. Morgan Academy secretary Gale Bedgood described Houston as well-rounded, driven and &8220;a nice young man.&8221; Houston has served as an office aide for Bedgood and other Morgan Academy secretaries this year.

Dr. Christopher de Buzna, Morgan Academy headmaster, also speaks highly of Houston.

Houston is the son of Chris and Manera Searcy of Selma. He has an older brother, C.J., who will begin his sophomore year at University of Alabama this fall.