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In the eighth grade, Timaya Jennings nearly didn’t make it out of the eighth grade to advance to Southside High School.

After she had that experience, Jennings decided to turn her academic career around.

“After nearly not passing one class in the eighth grade, I told myself that I would be on top of my class, and I did it as the valedictorian,” Jennings said. “I knew that I was capable. This is a point for me to prove to myself also.”

After delivering her valedictory address at Southside High School, Jennings, who is already certified as a patient care technician, she plans to go to Tuskegee University and study to be veterinarian.

“I love being around animals,” Jennings said. “I want to be able to care for all animals, including the bigger ones like cows, horses and others.”

Jakayla Hatcher said her hard work to become the salutatorian has paid off.

“All four years, I’ve been working day and night to get to this point,” Hatcher said. “And I get to reap the reward in the end.”

Hatcher plans to attend the University of Alabama-Birmingham and study physical therapy. She possibly would like to own her own practice in the future.