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The Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2025 Student of the Year is Andalusia High School senior Olivia Cravey.

Olivia is among the top students in her class while also participating in several extracurricular activities and volunteer community efforts.

“This honor is a significant external recognition of my years of hard work and dedication to my academic and extracurricular pursuits. It demonstrates that it is possible to participate in various school and community activities while still achieving good grades. I am actively involved in several school clubs, participate in multiple sports, and work a part-time job, all while maintaining a strong academic record. I sincerely appreciate the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce for acknowledging my efforts, and I am beyond thankful for their generous recognition of my achievements,” Cravey said.

Ranked third in her senior class, Olivia’s weighted grade point average is 4.27. She serves as the parliamentarian of the Student Government Association, an associate on the Principal’s Student Advisory Board, vice president of the Usher Club, secretary of the Anchor Club, and the director of the DHR Foster Closet Pajama Charity Drive. She is also the varsity cheerleading captain, varsity softball captain, varsity volleyball captain, AASSP Outstanding Student, and senior maid. She has been accepted into the Honors College at the University of Alabama.

“Andalusia City Schools focuses on their mission to ‘Educate and Empower Excellence.’ Andalusia High School can best be described as traditionally excellent, while working daily to uphold this mission. I am grateful for the teachers I encountered throughout my time at Andalusia High School. Without them, I would not have been as successful in my academic achievements,” she said.

Olivia’s extracurricular activities involve the Covington County Youth Leadership, National Honor Society, an Alfa Insurance Youth Leadership officer, the Troy University Youth Leadership Conference, LBW Youth Leadership Conference, Key Club, a Spanish Club officer, AHS Graphic Design, Skit Club, Girl Talk Youth Group, the social marketing manager for ACC Sub-Debutante, and the youth group at Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

According to Olivia, she believes community service and involvement are vital for one’s character.

“I firmly believe true happiness comes from uplifting others, and this commitment fuels personal growth in remarkable ways. By prioritizing the well-being of those around us, we not only enrich their lives but also gain invaluable lessons that foster our own development. The selfless actions of those who choose to help do not only impact the happiness of a specific person or group; that positivity spreads,” Cravey said.

Olivia is also involved in several activities throughout the local community. Those are Daniel’s Helping Hands Foster Closet, a volunteer with the Department of Human Resources, Christmas in Candyland, PowerSouth Energy Softball, the Andalusia Mental Health program, Operation Christmas Child, Cookies with Characters, Meredith’s Miracles, Full Tummy Project, Foster Parent Touch-A-Truck, and an associate and model for Town and Country Boutique.

Olivia said her most significant contribution in 2024 was coordinating a pajama charity drive for Daniel’s Helping Hands Foster Closet.

“Witnessing my school and community unite to support this cause was a humbling experience that further fueled my dedication to community service. This experience strengthened my responsibility, communication, and organizational skills significantly,” she said.

The recognition received by the Andalusia Chamber will guide her in the future as she begins her college journey.

“The application process, the challenges of decision-making, the importance of networking, and determining my next steps all require a significant investment of time and patience. Although I’m often eager to advance into the next step of life, I realize patience is not my strongest attribute. Receiving this award not only encourages my efforts to strengthen these traits but also highlights areas where I can grow,” Cravey said.

Olivia plans to further her education at the University of Alabama and pursue an undergraduate degree in Finance on the track to Pre-Law. She plans to apply for First Year Council at the Capstone Women Program at UA and also complete her master’s degree.

“It is with great pride and excitement we celebrate Olivia’s well-deserved recognition as the Andalusia Area Chamber of the Commerce Student of the Year. Olivia’s remarkable accomplishments both in and out of the classroom make her an exemplary representative of what it means to be a dedicated, driven, and compassionate student at Andalusia High School. Her achievements, work ethic, and character are a true inspiration to all of us. She is not only a model student but also a model citizen, demonstrating that success is about more than just personal achievement; it’s about lifting others up and making a difference in the world around you. We are incredibly proud to have Olivia as part of our AHS family, and we have no doubt that she will continue to excel and lead with the same passion and integrity in everything she does,” Principal Ray Wilson said.

Olivia is the daughter of Heather and Ashley Cravey.