Shemiah has been going to Quitman School District schools ever since she was in kindergarten. Although she is excited about graduating from QHS in May of 2020, she doesn’t want to get too far away from home to attend college. The National Honor society, National Technical Honor Society, Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, and Mu Alpha Theta member explains,

“I have a lot of family here, and I am the youngest with three brothers. I didn’t want to go to a university where I don’t know anyone, and I didn’t want to go too far. Belhaven University sent me a scholarship for $11,000 a year, but I am going to East Central Community College with my cousin who is like a sister to me. We’re going to room together in the dorm.”

“The dorms are first come, first served. We turned in our applications last week. I have already done my FAFSA, and I’ve finished taking my ACT, though I may want to take it again in April. Senior year is going fast, and deadlines are sneaking up on me. I needed to have the final requests for scholarships in last Friday.”

Even with the pressure of looming deadlines and time seemingly in warp speed, Shemiah is able to complete her schoolwork and plans to graduate with nine college credits. Keeping up with her academics has never been a problem for this Top 20 graduate.

“Math is my favorite subject. It makes your brain think. I like to solve problems. I want to be an LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse). I took Health science my sophomore and junior years, and I liked what the LPNs did when we went to clinical. I liked doing vital signs. At East Central (Community College) I’ll take my basics the first year, but during the second year I’ll go into the program. I hope to end up working in a hospital in this area.”

For those wondering what Demarus, Lemichael, and Michael’s baby sister would advise someone who wants to know how to strive for excellence while still in high school, Shemiah smiles when she says,

“Take everything serious. Do not joke around. Everything goes by so fast.”