Meet the Valedictorian: Mekhyia Smith of Vicksburg High School

After working hard and making education a priority, Mekhyia Smith witnessed everything she dreamed of as she was named Vicksburg High School’s 2024 Valedictorian.

Great academics started the moment Smith was eligible to attend school at a young age.

“I’ve had straight A’s since I started school and my love for school kept me going,” Smith said.

Smith spent her ninth-grade year in Fayette, Mississippi and soon transferred to VHS where she had to move at a much faster pace. Although it was tough, she never let anything get in her way of finishing out on top.

“High School was the biggest roller coaster I’ve ever had,” Smith said jokingly. “They told me that it would be fast but I never knew it would be that fast but I’ll always remember my friends that I made because they never switched up on me.”

At VHS, Smith was introduced to dual enrollment, and by her sophomore year, she began making plans to be at the top of her class. While participating in tennis, dance, archery, cross country, and choir, Smith managed to still graduate as Valedictorian with a 4.602 grade point average.

Smith gave much credit to educators Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Tucker, and Mrs. Watson for helping her choose the right path. She also interns at Positive Pathways, thanks to the help of Mrs. Watson.

Smith will be attending Alcorn State University where she plans to become a child psychiatrist. 

“Not a lot of people know that I never rest, and I am never satisfied,” Smith added. “I’m always preparing myself to be able to receive more, so I can accomplish even greater goals.”

One thing that many are unaware of is that Smith enjoys anime characters and “Attack on the Titan” is her favorite one.

Mekhyia is the daughter of Kawuana Smith.