For Pleasant Home School’s Salutatorian Hailey Hardy, the honor is a dream come true.

“For as long as I can remember, I have always pushed myself really hard,” Hardy said. “I knew that I wanted to be one of the top two in my class, and no matter what it took I was going to get there. It was like a dream, and I just wanted to make that dream come true.”

Ever since elementary school, Hardy has competed with Valedictorian Bella Worley.

“Even in elementary school and middle school, Bella and I would talk about becoming Valedictorian or Salutatorian,” Hardy said. “We used to say that we didn’t care who got what, we just hoped it was us two in the end. She is well-deserving and I am so happy to be able to share this experience with her.”

Hardy is actively involved at her church, Hopewell Baptist.

“Through our church, we have been blessed with the opportunities to participate in many community service projects,” Hardy said. “I also have a part-time job at Camp SONshine, a childcare facility.”

The people that inspire her the most and motivate her are her parents and the women from her church.

“They have the most loving hearts and the kindest souls,” Hardy said. “They are such Christian examples in my life.”

Outside of school, Hardy enjoys spending time with friends and family, as well as going fishing.

Although she does not know exactly what she wants to pursue in college, Hardy is planning to attend LBW Community College and transfer to a different university to finish her degree.

“I have yet to decide what I will study in college,” Hardy said. “But I know that by going to LBW I will be given the time to figure things out.”

Hardy is the daughter of Jason and Rhonda Hardy and the granddaughter of Dave and Cathy Hardy and Barbara McCurley.