Lexi Whittington named PCA Class of 2026 valedictorian

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Porter’s Chapel Academy graduate Lexi Whittington was named the Class of 2026 valedictorian after finishing with the highest academic honors in her class.

Whittington officially graduated Friday and completed her high school career with a 4.71 grade point average and a 27 ACT score. Along with excelling in the classroom, she was also a multi-sport athlete during her time at PCA.

“It’s a dream come true because I’ve always thought about this as a kid and education is so important in my family and when my grandfather found out he had tears in his eyes,” Whittington said.

Whittington said she learned months ago that she would be the class valedictorian after being informed by guidance counselor Nancy McClain.

“Mrs. McClain is the best and she’s one of the ones who helped me and Aimee (salutatorian) get to this point,” she said.

Whittington also credited class salutatorian Aimee Alexander for pushing her academically throughout the years.

“Aimee was such a blessing when she came to our school because before I didn’t have to compete hard but then in our eighth grade year all of the academic awards went to Aimee so I knew I had to get my stuff together,” Whittington added.

During Friday’s graduation ceremony, Whittington delivered her final speech to classmates, where she thanked her teachers, encouraged classmates to keep their faith and thanked her family for their support.

“Wherever you go classmates, I beg you to take Jesus with you,” Whittington said. “Jesus is our only hope and without him life has no meaning. In a man’s heart, we pick our steps but only God ordain our path. No matter what you are facing, you can never be too far gone, too damaged or too sinful for God’s redeeming love.”

Whittington also spoke directly to her family during the ceremony.

“You guys are the best,” she said. “You took everything you had and you gave it to me in hopes that I would be better than you ever were. God blessed me with you.”

Whittington will attend Mississippi State University in the fall. She is the daughter of Derek Whittington and Ron and Dawn Kinard.