During his Valedictory address to his class last week, Dallas County High School (DCHS) Valedictorian Preston McGee asked his classmates a seemingly simple question.

“I encourage you to ask yourself, ‘Who am I?’” he said.

Though seemingly a simple question, McGee elaborated that there is actually much more to it.

McGee said that he felt it was important for his peers to ask themselves this question.

“I felt it was important for them to answer that question as they go forward in life so that they could stay true to themselves,” said McGee. “That’s the only way that you’re going to be successful, is if you stay true to yourself… stay true to yourself so that you’ll know where to go.”

As for where McGee is going, he will head to the University of Alabama (UA) this fall where he’ll study pre-law and political science.

McGee has always been interested in politics.

“I’m an outspoken person,” he said. “I believe in standing up for what you believe in.”

That, combined with his love for people, made the choice as to what to study an easy one.

“I love meeting new people,” said McGee, “and I can also help people, and become their friend and say ‘I’m here for you.’”

McGee is excited to head off to Tuscaloosa in the fall.

Though he’ll always love his hometown of Plantersville, he said he’s ready for a change of pace.

McGee will be enrolled in the honors college and also plans to become actively involved in UA’s Student Government Association (SGA)

Though it may sound like quite a bit to some, McGee has always been able to stay busy.

As a student at DCHS, McGee was actively involved in SGA, Student Council, Beta Club, National Honors Society and an active member of the Plantersville Baptist Church Youth Group.

“I like to stay busy,” said McGee. “I don’t like sitting down.”