Both of Quitman ISD’s top two 2025 graduates plan to go into the medical field, and both intend to have a specialty in pediatric medicine.

Despite several differences in their school careers – valedictorian Emilee Baker says that she’s gone to QISD “since kindergarten,” while Regina Soldevilla moved to the school in 7th grade – both girls intend to go into the same career field, which was prompted by a shared love (for) children and an interest in the medical field.

After graduation, Baker intends to have a busy summer. She will fill it with vacation and working, then finalizing her plans for heading to UT Tyler in the fall. Because of her designation as valedictorian, Baker received a scholarship at the school, which she says pays for “tuition, fees, room…basically everything.” She plans to live on campus for the first year while she pursues her medical degree. 

In the future, she plans to go “as far as I can go” in the medical field – potentially, she says, even earning her doctorate. She wants to be a pediatric anesthesiologist. 

Soldevilla is pursuing a very similar path, but will be attending Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches in the fall. She intends to stay there for all four years and has already received an academic scholarship.

“I would like to specialize in pediatric or labor and delivery,” says Soldevilla. “I just like learning about (it).”

“She’s very calming,” added Baker.

Although both girls have around 40 hours of dual credit work already completed, both intend to graduate with their bachelor’s degree in 2029.

Even the girls’ habits and hobbies are similar: reading and “hanging out” make up a lot of their time outside of school and work. Baker also enjoys acting in plays.

Despite what they think was probably a “pretty close” score at the beginning of the semester, Baker and Soldevilla say that they “basically already knew” what their final roles would be, since they are often with QISD Student Advisor Amy Park and are highly involved in their own education.

Baker says that she ended up being first for much of the year – mostly, she says with a laugh, because of pressure she puts on herself. Soldevilla relates to the sentiment.

Now that their hard-won school journey is almost over, both have advice they want to share with those who are coming after them.

“Don’t be a procrastinator,” said Baker. “I was. I got everything done, and it was well done, but I wish I would have saved myself the energy and stress and just do it earlier. And, don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

“Just don’t stress,” said Soldevilla. “That sounds silly to say, but some things aren’t just that big of a deal. And, it’s like, just enjoy the time you have here.”