The desire to experience new things and new places motivated Elizabeth Porter to become Straughn’s valedictorian.

“I felt like I could not chase my dreams without an education,” Porter said. “And something that would set me apart from my peers.”

Porter said she has always been competitive.

“I have always competed with the salutatorian,” Porter said. “However, he is not nearly as competitive as I am, so it is almost as if he let me win.”

At SHS, Porter has been involved in several extra-curricular activities including SHS Diamond Dolls, SHS Envirothon Team, Spanish Club and Jobs for Alabama’s Graduates.

She said that her role models are the people in her detachment unit in the Alabama National Guard.

“My role models would definitely be the cadre at my detachment unit,” Porter said. “I have enlisted in the Alabama National Guard and the NCOs have been so helpful and inspiring, especially my recruiter, Sgt. Johnson.

Outside of the classroom, Porter said that she has done several community service projects, including coaching her own soccer team and volunteering at Mizell Memorial Hospital. She also has a part time job.

After graduation, Porter is enlisting in the Alabama National Guard and will be going to military training for six months. When she returns, she will attend Auburn University to earn her nursing degree to continue working for the military.

She is the daughter of Jennifer and Cory Wiggins and the great-granddaughter of Phyllis Stethem.