For Jada Mims and Jacey Eldridge, it’s been a race to the top since Mims arrived at Winona Christian. Before her arrival, Eldridge and Cade and Colby Marlow were always neck and neck for the top average in the class. As the end of senior year approached, Mims advanced to the top of the pack.
Mims was the 2019 valedictorian, and Eldridge was salutatorian.
On Friday, Mims, Eldridge, the Marlows, and the rest of the Class of 2019 officially became graduates and a new chapter of their life began and they couldn’t be more excited.
After graduation, Mims plans to attend Holmes Community College in Grenada and major in physical therapy assistant. She said right now, she’s undecided as to where she wants to continue her education and just wants to take it one step at a time.
“I want to see how PTA school is first, but I do want to become a physical therapist,” she said.
Mims said when she was little, she wanted to become a veterinarian, but she changed her mind after tearing her ACL.
“I had to go through physical therapy, and I liked what they did and how they did it and I decided I wanted to become a PT,” she said.
She said she has always been close to Eldridge and the Marlow twins.
“I was shocked when I learned I was valedictorian. I thought I was going to be salutatorian. I wasn’t expecting it, but it’s a major accomplishment,” Mims said.
Eldridge will continue on to Mississippi State University in the fall. She’s excited about what’s next in life. “Whatever God has for me in this season, I want to encounter it,” she said.
She wants to mayor in biochemistry. After State, she wants to attend the University of Mississippi Medical Center and become a general pediatrician.
“I’ve always wanted to be a doctor and I’ve always wanted to work with children, so being a pediatrician is exactly what I wanted to do,” Eldridge said.
Mims and Eldridge were both very active during their time at Winona Christian. Mims, who’s from Winona, participated in basketball, softball, track and Beta Club. Eldridge, who’s from Vaiden, was the president of Student Council, Beta Club, 4-H, a cheerleader, Homecoming Queen, and taught dance with the Hot Shots Dance Company.
Mims is the daughter of Jamey and Julie Mims and is a member of Bible Baptist Church in Greenwood. Eldridge is the daughter of Adam and Tara Eldridge and has a sister, Audrey. She attends New Salem Baptist Church in Vaiden.
“I want to thank my parents who have encouraged me and helped me along and the way and my family and friends,” Mims said.
“I want to thank everyone that was helped me along the way,” Eldridge said.
