By Derrick Thomas

The Selma Times-Journal

Earning the title valedictorian is no easy feat, however, Alicia Deavers of Meadowview Christian School, through hard work and sheer determination, rose to the top of her class and obtained the prestigious honor.

Alicia Deavers, daughter of Mike and Brenda Deavers, graduated from Meadowview Christian with an GPA of a 3.9.

Upon entering the school, Deavers, along with her friend Norma Smoke, tasked themselves with becoming the school’s valedictorian. Their friendship had turned into a friendly-rivalry to see who could come on top.

“It took a lot of work, I competed really hard against my best friend. We would constantly ask, ‘what did you make on this test, what did you make on that test?’” Deavers said. “It was all friendly. We worked hard together all throughout high school.”

She said as the school year came closer to its end, the classes, as well as the competition to become valedictorian, became increasingly difficult, but she did not allow the stress to overcome her.

When she was declared the valedictorian, she said she was surprised and excited. Smoke, also shared these feelings as she was declared salutatorian.

“At first, I thought she [Norma] was going to beat me, and it came down to wire and they announced me [as valedictorian],” Deavers said. “We were both incredibly shocked, but we were both happy for one another.”

Deavers’ high school experience was more than just studying and striving for the highest achievement, she also was involved in many of her school’s organizations.

She was a member of the Student Government Association (S.G.A.), serving as an officer. She also was a member of the National Honor Society, Senior Beta Club and was the editor of the yearbook publication staff.

Deavers said she had always been involved at her school, and loved doing so.

She plans to attend Auburn University in Montgomery and plans to major in Medical Laboratory Science.

“I was really inspired to do that because, growing up, I watched my dad, and I always had a want to help people,” she said. “I’m not squeamish at all and I love chemistry.”

Outside of school she is a member of the Kentucky Mission Team and is a waitress at the Downtowner.

She also is an avid writer and has already written multiple stories that she hopes to get published in the future.