Editor’s note: This is the next in a series of articles spotlighting the valedictorians from each of the schools in Dallas County.

For Ellwood Christian Academy valedictorian Ronita Brazil, “there’s no other place to go but up.”

With a 4.1 grade point average, the straight A scholar, homecoming queen and National Honor Society inductee, has worked hard her entire life.

“I was always on the honor roll — making As and Bs,” said Brazil, who’s the youngest of four girls. “Once I got into the ninth grade, I challenged myself to make all As.”

Brazil also said her siblings helped her to stay focused on her studies. She credits the support of her family as the reason she has succeeded.

“My family always told me I could do anything I put my mind to,” Brazil said. “My sisters always pushed me to work hard. We’re closer than close.”

Brazil plans to attend Auburn University at Montgomery and major in finance when she graduates. Brazil is also passionate about people.

“I love numbers and for some reason, every part of math comes easy to me,” Brazil said. “I can catch on to math quicker than any subject. That’s why I decided to do finance.

“After AUM, I want to go on to law school and become a defense attorney to help free innocent victims and help them get their lives back,” said Brazil energetically. “Wherever I end up, maybe back in Selma, I also want to help students who suffer from low self-esteem and help build up their confidence.”

The consummate bookworm, Brazil enjoys reading. Her favorites are titles by Edgar Allen Poe and the Rev. T.D. Jakes.

“I like the book ‘Make It’ and ‘Not Ashamed’ by T.D. Jakes because when I feel like giving up or there’s too much pressure on me, reading them brings my confidence back up,” Brazil said. “I also love mystery in stories and trying to figure out the meaning behind them and that’s why I like Edgar Allen Poe. I’m definitely drawn to books because of their meanings.”

Brazil is optimistic of her future. When she’s finished with her collegiate studies, Brazil wants to travel Europe.

“I want to visit Germany, France and Asia,” Brazil said. “I also want to go to Africa. I want to experience new languages, people and cultures.

“I’m very excited to enter college,” Brazil said. “With any problem, I know all I have to do is pray; when a situation is bad, it can only get better.”