Florala High School’s valedictorian and salutatorian said academics have been the foundation for their success in high school.

Valedictorian Morgan Stokes said other than academics, the key to success for her was preparing early.

“I knew in order to excel in life, I would have to prepare early so that I could get into college and make something great of myself,” Stokes said.

Salutatorian Katilyn Geohagan said academics have always been important to her.

“I know that they are the gateway to my future,” Geohagan said.

Stokes will graduate from FHS tomorrow night with a 4.2 grade point average (GPA), while Geohagan will graduate with a 4.1 GPA.

Stokes will attend Troy University on a Millennium Scholar’s Award, the Mabel Amos Scholarship, the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 80 Scholarship, a HOBY Scholarship and Girls State.

Stokes said FHS teachers Patricia Peoples and Amanda Martin, and her parents have always been a team of support.

“They’ve pushed me to my limits, even when I felt like giving up,” Stokes said. “My parents have always given me their continuous love and support.”

Geohagan will attend Mississippi State University and will pursue a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. After attending MSU, Geohagan plans to transfer to the University of South Alabama for a degree physical therapy.

Geohagan said her parents have pushed her the farthest.

“There have been times in my life where I wanted to give up and quit, but they pushed me to continue forward,” she said.

Geohagan will attend MSU on an academic excellence award scholarship and a salutatorian award scholarship.

In high school, Geohagan was president of the Beta Club, president of Key Club, and president of the Fellowship of Christian Students. Geohagan was also a member of the FHS softball team, Science Club and class treasurer.

Stokes was in Beta Club, Key Club, president of the Student Government Association, Science Club, Peer Helpers, Pacers, Fellowship of Christian Students, Future Farmers of America, editor of the yearbook, Drama Club, Journalism Club, FCCLA and Mu Alpha Theta. Additionally, she was in the junior leadership team for Alabama’s State Council on the Arts, and Liberty Hill Assembly of God Youth Group.

Stokes is the daughter of Raymond Stokes, Jamie Stokes and David Scroggins, and Geohagan is the daughter of Beverly and DeWayne Geohagan, all of Florala.