One was the Quitman High School drum major and competed in Academic UIL writing events. The other was the star of the softball team, recently being named the district’s “Co-Defensive Player of the Year.” One wants to be a child psychologist, and the other wants to own her own agri-business someday.  Even though it seems drum major and valedictorian Alexus Richey and softball star and salutatorian Kennedi Elmore are worlds apart in current and future interests, these best friends will be hitting the road to College Station where they will be roommates. 

After a very close race to the top, Richey was named valedictorian with Elmore named salutatorian. Richey will begin her academic career at A&M-College Station, majoring in psychology. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue her master’s program and work as a child psychologist. Richey loves music, but plans to pursue it only as a hobby after high school. In addition to being the drum major, Richey also participated in the Key Club where she served as president her senior year. Richey was also the president of the National Honor Society and served as secretary on the Student Council. Earning the right to compete at regional competition three years in a row in feature writing, Richey placed 6th at regional competition in 2023. She also qualified for regionals in news writing for 2023. 

Elmore will be ending her softball career after high school and will be leaning into her passion for agriculture at college, majoring in agricultural leadership and development. Elmore participated in FFA all four years of high school. She was a state finalist for the Star Greenhand in Agribusiness in 2020. She was the State Champion Star Chapter in Agribusiness in 2021 and the Star Lone Star in Agribusiness state champion in 2022. She also won awards for the broilers she raised and for her floral designs. Her athleticism earned her the QHS softball MVP award for three years in a row, 2022-2024. She placed 4th at the regional girls powerlifting competition in 2023 and was an area & regional qualifier in girls discus in 2023. In addition to being named co-defensive player of the year for the district, Elmore also earned 1st team all-district pitcher in 2022, and was the District 13-AAA Pitcher of the Year in 2023. She was named academic all-district all 4 years and 1st team academic all-state for 2024.

Both students enjoyed their time at QHS and appreciate their teachers who helped them reach their goals.

“All my teachers during my high school career were extremely dedicated, supportive, and understanding,” said Elmore.

Richey appreciated all the efforts her teachers gave her to help her succeed, but she mentioned two that went the extra mile for her. “Mrs. Brown was my English teacher for three years, my UIL journalism coach, and the Key Club sponsor. She would always stay after school with me to help with different essays, UIL practice.

“I also had the privilege to work alongside her for Key Club when I was the president this past year.” Richey also appreciated Band Director Michale Barron. “Being the Drum Major for the past two years I had the opportunity to be his right-hand person in all of the band’s activities and practices. He has always supported me and pushed me to be the best I could be while on and off the podium.” 

Though these best friends may have different backgrounds and plans for different futures, they both hope that the academic foundation they built for themselves while at QHS will carry on to College Station as they pursue their dreams. And they’re happy to get to be there for each other and help each other through this next phase of their lives.