The vision to become valedictorian or salutatorian and the overall need to be successful is what drove Red Level High School’s valedictorian and salutatorian to their successes.

Valedictorian Alex Selman said education has always been important to her.

“I have always had the desire to be the best I could be,” she said. “We pretty much knew we were going to be the top.”

Salutatorian Paige Cook said she’s always desired to be at the top of her class.

“I have always had the support of my parents,” she said. “I always tried my best and was dedicated to school and studying. I always thought I had the ability to be salutatorian, but it was a surprise to find out. I always dreamed of being val or sal, so that I would know that my hard work paid off and my parents would be proud.”

Selman plans to attend the University of Alabama in the fall, where she’ll major in political science and plans to enter law school when she completes her undergraduate degree.

“I want to go to law school to become involved in politics,” she said. “I want to create change in the world.”

Cook will attend LBWCC and transfer to Troy University, where she will major in accountant.

“I want to become a forensic accountant,” she said. “I love math. I actually have a hard-core passion for it.”

Both girls have been active in their school and community.

Selman was selected as the National Rural Electric Association’s Youth Leadership Council delegate for Alabama; served as student council president; drama club president; placed first in the local VFW essay competition in 2013 and 2014 and was a HOBY delegate.

She also received the Capstone Scholar scholarship to the University of Alabama and two scholarships from the local alumni chapter.

Cook was president of the Spanish club, vice president of the science club, member of the Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta, Diamond Doll, Hoopla, majorette captain and a member of Pigeon Creek Baptist Church. She also represented RLHS as a Girls State delegate and the Covington Electric Youth Tour.

She was awarded several scholarships including the LBWCC Honors Scholarship, Alabama Rural Water Association Scholarship.

Cook is the daughter of Shane and Tonya Cook and Selman is the daughter of Larry and Brenda Selman.