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By: Brandon Ussery

As graduations wrap up and schools let out for the summer, the Chambers County Board of Education recognizes top achievers from both Valley and Lafayette High Schools. On Wednesday, May 21, the top three students from each high school were gathered in front of friends and family as the school board awarded the students for outstanding achievements both in and out of academia during a regularly scheduled meeting.

Graduates Madison Turner, Da’Mauriel Davis and Skye Favors from Lafayette High School received gifts and honors as their achievements were listed along with their aspirations for life after high school.

Madison Turner has been active in the Health Sciences Career and Technical Education (CTE) program while also being a member of both Future Health Professionals (HOSA) and Future Farmers of America. She performed as the color guard captain for the school band in her off hours while also working part-time. Turner’s future plans involve attending Alabama A&M for a degree in social work.

While attending Lafayette High School, Da’Mauriel Davis was involved in the marching band, serving as drum major for the Mighty Marching Bulldogs. He was also a member of the track team, running the 800-meter and 400-meter races. Davis has a decorated academic record, serving as a member of the National Technical Honor Society while also serving as a Chambers County Junior Ambassador. During the school year, Davis was voted Bandsman of the Year along with Mr. LHS. He was selected for the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Collegiate Experience and plans to attend Tuskegee University to pursue occupational therapy.

Skye Fabers is involved with the JROTC program at Lafayette High, reaching the rank of Cadet Lieutenant Colonel, filling the role of Battalion Commander for the detachment. Fabers also balances school and work life as she aspires to major in Pre-Med and Chemistry at Auburn University, for a potential career as an anesthesiologist. She is also a candidate for the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Course (AFROTC) and is interested in military service with the Air Force Reserves after college graduation. Her ambitious nature inspired her fellow students to vote her as “most likely to become a millionaire.”.

Valley graduates Benjamin Clifton, Simone Floyd and Meredith Crawley were also recognized for their achievements and their post-graduation plans.

Benjamin Clifton was active in many clubs during his time at Valley High. He served as a member of the Beta Club, which promotes a civic mindset for students while developing leadership skills, alongside the National Honor Society, which promotes academic excellence. Clifton has also completed 30 hours of community service annually with the Valley High School Key Club. His achievements outside of academia include earning a tier 2 second-degree black belt in Taekwondo. Clifton will attend Southern Union. He then plans to go to Auburn University for a degree in Computer Science to work in cybersecurity or data analytics.

Meredith Crawley volunteered for several clubs and organizations focused on professional development and community service during her high school career. She served as Vice President for both the Mu Alpha Theta chapter at Valley High, which focuses on excellence in mathematics, and the Key Club. Crawley participated in the band as an assistant drum major and was a member of Valley High School’s scholars bowl, where students compete state-wide by demonstrating academic proficiency. Crawley plans to attend the University of Alabama to pursue a degree in nursing.

Simone Floyd participated in a myriad of academic activities, including Ecology Club, Scholar’s Bowl, Mu Alpha Theta, Science Olympiad, Soccer, Student Government Association, Art Club and Marching Band. She was accepted into the Auburn Summer Science Institute Program, which gave her knowledge on topics not discussed in high school classrooms. Her future plans are to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham to pursue a degree in Genetic Sciences.

Best of luck to these students as they take the next steps towards creating a better future for themselves.