Peebles, Cross named valedictorian, salutatorian at Red Level School

Published 9:15 am Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Red Level School will have graduation for the senior class of 2023 Thursday, May 25, and will be led by Kayley Peebles as the valedictorian and Elizabeth Cross as the salutatorian.

Peebles is the daughter of Cynthia and Phillip Peebles. She has a sister, Ashley Peebles.

Cross the daughter of Jamie and Patricia Cross. She has a brother, Jacob Cross.

“Becoming valedictorian has been my dream ever since I was 10 years old, so representing my class after all these years of hard work feels unreal. I am so unbelievably grateful,” Peebles said.

“It is an honor to be able to represent my class as the salutatorian,” Cross added.

Although they will pursue different fields, both share the same interest to help children.

“I plan to attend Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in the fall and then transfer to Auburn University to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences. From there, I will attend medical school and become a pediatric dermatologist. I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare, but my love for helping people, especially children, confirmed my decision in wanting to pursue a profession in pediatric dermatology,” Peebles stated.

“I plan to attend William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and major in education and coaching. I have always wanted to be a coach to give back to the sport I love. Being in education means I can do just that,” Cross said.

They will treasure the memories they made in high school and use them as a stepping stone moving forward.

“My most memorable experiences occurred whenever I witnessed other students enjoying their time at our school just as much as I did. Between talking to friends, playing sports, and conquering physics tests, there were many moments when I shared a familial love for Red Level School with my classmates,” Peebles stated.

“I really enjoyed all the memories and friendships I have made with my classmates and peers,” Cross said.

The duo will miss being RLS students but looks forward to their future endeavors.

“More than anything, I’ll miss playing another season of volleyball with my teammates,” Peebles stated.

“I will miss the teachers that have made an impact on my life and the students who I have gone to school with for the past 13 years,” Cross said.

Both graduates have goals in mind for the days ahead and are ready for the real world.

“I’m ready to discover who I truly am as a person: my values, passions, limits, etc. Money is great, too,” Peebles said. “In five to 10 years, I will have obtained my degree in Biomedical Sciences and been accepted into medical school. Hopefully, I won’t be single, and at the very least, I would appreciate a dog. I never really appreciated this statement enough before now, but ‘Once a Tiger, always a Tiger!’ Thank you Mom and Dad. Your little girl’s dream came true.”

“I am looking forward to the new experiences the real world will give me. I see myself teaching high school math and coaching a softball team in the next five to 10 years,” Cross added.