Laura Bailey named as the 2025 Valedictorian at Warren Central High School

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Laura Bailey fulfilled a long-held dream last week when she proudly represented Warren Central High School as the Class of 2025 Valedictorian. Baily, who graduated on Thursday, took a moment to reflect on the dedication and hard work that had brought her to this milestone.

“I’m overwhelmingly proud of myself because I’ve been working towards this since the eighth grade,” Bailey said. “So I’m really proud of myself.”

Bailey’s path to valedictorian was motivated in part by a playful childhood promise. When she was 10 years old, she and her father made a bet: if she ever became valedictorian, he would buy her a brand-new car—specifically, the hot-pink Barbie convertible she had her heart set on.

Academics were always a high priority in the Bailey household. From an early age, she pushed herself to maintain exceptional grades.

“I remember I had a B on a progress report in the sixth grade, and my mom grounded me,” she recalled, laughing.

Six years later, her efforts paid off. Bailey earned the top academic rank in her class with a 4.79 GPA. She also completed 10 college credits, one Advanced Placement course, and 12 honors classes.

In addition to her academic achievements, Bailey was involved in a wide array of extracurricular activities. She participated in Key Club, Red Cord, National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, the Miss Mississippi and Outstanding Teen Pageants, Vicksburg Cotillion, Vicksburg Sub Debs, and served on the Prom Committee. She was also a cheerleader and a member of the tennis team.

Before receiving her diploma, Bailey delivered an emotional valedictory speech, encouraging her classmates to use their voices.

“As we begin this new chapter in our lives, know that your opinion holds value,” she said. “Let others know what you think, argue for what you believe in, and most importantly, be your own person.”

Bailey will attend the University of Mississippi, where she plans to study Biological Sciences with hopes of attending medical school.

She is the daughter of Steven and Susan Bailey.

“Mom and Dad,” she said during her speech, “thank you for being the two wonderful role models I’ve had the privilege of looking up to. I wouldn’t be here without your willingness to argue with me over basic algebra at 11 p.m. at the kitchen table.”