By: Derrick Thomas

Roshadia Purifoy, daughter of Roosevelt Ford and Tanesha Purifoy, was immediately surprised, and later proud, when she received the news that she would be co-valedictorian of Dallas County High School.

Purifoy graduated Dallas County HighSchool with a 4.25 GPA. Earning high grades and being named co-valedictorian took a lot of dedication to her studies..

“It was shocking for me to find out I was valedictorian, because I worked so hard for a lot of things,” Purifoy said. “I’m very proud for the accomplishment I made, because it wasn’t easy. There are a lot of other smart kids at Dallas County, but I’m just happy that I rose to the occasion and got it done.”

Throughout her years of being a student at Dallas County, Purifoy participated in many organizations.

She was a cheerleader for four years, and served as co-captain during her junior and senior years. She was Honor Society president, member of BETA club, vice president of the student council, a member of choir, and also participated in both Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA).

Outside of school, Purifoy stated she has a love for singing and playing tennis.

She strives to live life to the fullest in both a positive and productive way.

Purifoy has been accepted into the University of Alabama, and plans to major in Criminal Justice with the possibility of taking up a minor in either Education or Foreign Language.

Once she graduates from the University of Alabama, she hopes to be accepted into Howard University’s law program.

Her dedication to her school work has gotten her this far, and she plans on seeing what else lies ahead in her future.

Expressing her immense gratitude, Purifoy said, “I’m so thankful for this opportunity. I just know this is God’s plan, and even though I don’t see it yet, I know that he has a lot in store for me.”