By Oniska Blevins
The Selma Times-Journal

Being named valedictorian of her Southside High School senior class means a great deal to Janelle Williams.

Williams is the first person in her family to achieve the title and said she is happy and proud of the honor.

“I was the first valedictorian in my family,” Williams said. “I’m just ready for the next steps in my life.”

Williams graduated Tuesday evening at the top of her class with a 4.1 GPA. Not only did she leave her mark at Southside she left her mark in the community as well.

Throughout the school year, Williams volunteered at local nursing homes and served as the leader of the American Cancer Society Relay for Life committee for Southside.

She said even though the year began with a slow start for donations, she was happy with the final outcome.

“We raised over $1,000 to donate to the American Cancer Society this year,” Williams said.

In addition to her service, Williams was also involved in many school activities.

She was a cheerleader, bookkeeper for the basketball and baseball teams, member of the BETA Club, National Honor Society and drama club.

Earlier this month, she graduated with honors from Wallace Community College Selma and received certifications as a patient care technician, EKG technician and a phlebotomy technician.

Williams had to complete the required courses, labs, and log clinical hours at Vaughan Regional Medical Center in order to receive the certifications.
Williams plans to attend Wallace Community College Selma and earn her associate’s degree in nursing.

After obtaining her associate’s, she plans to set her sights even higher and attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham where she will earn her degree in Bachelor’s of Nursing.

After school is complete, her plan is to work for the Children’s of Alabama hospital in Birmingham for the newborn infant care unit.

“I’m looking forward to accomplishing all of my goals,” Williams said. “I’m looking forward to the time when all of my hard work will pay off.”

According to Williams, “this is the next step and not the final destination.”

Her parents are Angela and James Williams.