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Courtney Farmer decided her career path six months before being named valedictorian at Dallas County High School.

Farmer will enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps on Aug. 4. Farmer discussed her choosing military over college during the farewell address at Tuesday’s graduation ceremony at Martin Field in Plantersville. Li’Donna Woods was named salutatorian. Both had over 4.5 Grade Point Average.

“If the last six months taught me anything, hard work truly pays off,” Farmer said. “If you told me my future self decided to join the Marines, I would have called you crazy. Being in the Marines, I will get a chance to serve my country and become a better person.”

Farmer said finishing as the top student in DCHS’ Class of 2024 is an honor.

“Being the class valedictorian is a huge honor for me.” Farmer said. “I worked so hard for it.”

Woods said finishing as the second-best student among her senior classmates was a surprise, due to DCHS’ depth of academic scholars. Woods will attend Talladega College, majoring in Civil Engineering.

“Being the salutatorian means a lot to me,” Woods said. “I was shocked because there were a lot of smart people in the class. Finishing near the top means something. Dallas County High School is why a lot of colleges were interested in me.”