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Dr. Kesia Smith has just completed her first year as principal of Selma High School, and she believes it was an overwhelming success.

“It has been an absolute honor to lead Selma High School throughout the 2024-2025 academic year,” Smith said in a letter to the community. “As a first-year principal, I truly could not have asked for a better group of students and more supportive parents. While it’s natural for students to make occasional missteps, I’m proud to say we did not experience repeated offenses. Together, we set high expectations for both students and families, and you rose to meet them.”

As a result of their efforts, Selma High saw significant progress this year. Here are a few that Smith outlined:

• Chronic absenteeism dropped from 26% last year to 19%, a 7% improvement.

Although we’re still aiming lower, this shows we are moving in the right direction. Our goal for next year is 15% or below.

• Suspensions and incident infractions also decreased.
• The senior class finished with a 99% graduation rate, with 157 out of 158 seniors receiving their diplomas.

“I’m especially excited about our students’ performance on the ACT,” Smith said. “Through our Saturday School program-attended by 40-50 students weekly-we focused on ACT strategies and writing. Several students scored between 18 and 29, with our top scorer earning a 29 and receiving a monetary award. Others earned incentives for their senior year. Saturday School also offered a space for students to catch up or get ahead in their coursework.

Looking ahead, we plan to improve ACT WorkKeys scores. This year, four students earned Platinum, the highest level, and three earned Gold, the second highest.”

Smith also highlighted the success they enjoyed in athletics and academic competitions:

• Basketball (Boys and Girls): Both teams made it to the Class 5A Regional Tournament at Alabama State University.
• Flag Football advanced to the second round of Class 1A-5A playoffs.
• Outdoor track competed in the 5A State Meet in Gulf Shores, placing in the top 16.

Also in the Wallace Community College A.C.E. Competition, five students earned first place awards, and two placed 2nd in various subjects including Natural Science Division II, Keyboarding I, English Composition, Geometry and Brick Laying.

“We are especially proud of one of our 11th-grade students who earned an Associate of Science Degree through Dual Enrollment,” Smith said. “Additionally, two seniors received top honors at Wallace Community College Selma graduation: The James Mitchell Award and the Academic 4.0 Award.

“These accomplishments would not have been possible without the dedication of our outstanding faculty and staff, and the continued support from our Superintendent and School Board. I am truly grateful.”

As the summer begins, Smith asked parents to encourage their children to continue working on their MyACT.org account. Please note: starting next school year, phones and other digital devices will not be allowed at school.

“I encourage you to read the Governor’s Focus ACT initiative for more information,” Smith said. If you have any questions or need support over the summer, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”

One thing that Smith said she wants to build on the success of this year. In particular, she said it takes time to build the culture it takes for Selma to achieve the goals that the community needs it to achieve.

“Thank you again for an incredible year, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together next school year,” Smith said.