This year’s W.S. Neal High School valedictorian and salutatorian is Hannah Wiggins and Atalya Jones.
The young women, along with other members of their grad-uating class, will walk down the aisle Friday at 7 p.m. at WSN.
Wiggins, the daughter of Rachel and Phillip Wiggins of the Rock Creek Community, has had an active high school career. She served as captain of the WSN majorette line, played the flute in the band, was inducted in many academic honor societies such as Mu Alpha Theta, the National Honor Society, and was elected as the vice president of the school’s student government association.
She earned a chancellor’s scholarship to Troy University and will serve on the Sound of the South’s majorette line.
“High school has been great for me,” Wiggins said. “(She and Jones) were never really in competition together. I just always strive to be the best at what I do.”
Wiggins said physics was her favorite subject in school. She plans to major in geriatric physical therapy while at Troy – a field she chose after visiting West Gate Village in Brewton.
“I always wanted to be a volunteer,” she said. “I love the elderly and knew that was a field I wanted to go into.”
Jones, the daughter of Tina Jones of Brewton and Keith Godbolt of East Brewton, plans to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham and become a nurse.
Her high school accomplishments include being a WSN varsity cheerleader and member of Mu Alpha Theta, Phi Delta Kappa and the National Honor Society. She also was elected as class vice president.
Jones said her mother served as her inspiration during high school and in her choice of profession.
“My mom pushed me a lot,” she said. “She’s the reason I got to be salutatorian. I’m not lazy, but I know without her, I wouldn’t have done as well.”
Jones plans to pursue a career as a nurse anesthetist.
“My mom is a nurse, and I see how much she loves her job,” Jones said. “I want that for me too, and I wanted a career where I could make a good living.”
While a little nervous, both girls said they are ready for Friday’s graduation ceremony.
“I’m ready for new challenges and adventures,” Jones said, and Wiggins agreed.