Dressed in a gray “Seniors 2011” T-shirt and jeans, and opening the front door of her alma mater, the quiet Southside High graduate Mary Peeples flashes a polite smile as she enters the school one last time.

Graduating at the top of her class with a 4.6 grade point average, it’s not surprising that the 18-year-old has made straight As since her first day of grade school.

“As soon as I entered the ninth grade, being valedictorian was my goal,” Peeples said. “I worked hard to get it. I was excited to finally graduate; all of the hard work has finally paid off.”

In just a few months, Peeples will travel to Montgomery to attend Alabama State University. She will major in accounting, which is something she’s grown to love.

“When I took the class, I found it to be easier than pre-calculus,” Peeples said. “It’s something that I’m good at, and I can see myself making a career out of it. Maybe one day I’ll work in partnership with someone somewhere in the South.”

The youngest of three, Peeples said life with her older siblings and parents, Dianne and Wayne, was good.

“I never got into trouble, and my parents were supportive,” Peeples said. “My parents knew I was capable of making good grades, but I was harder on myself.”

Peeples was a part of the National Honor Society, Southside’s robotics team at this year’s Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology (BEST) competition, Future Business Leaders of America and Success Team, a mentoring club that prepares students for job success.

“I also played the flute for five years in our marching band,” Peeples said. “It’s fun. It helped me to keep my mind off of my school work.”

And when Peeples is not stressing out over final exams or projects, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and boyfriend, Joshua, who will also attend Alabama State.

“One of my favorite things to do is to eat out — I love Mexican food,” Peeples chuckled. “I’m excited about going to college. My boyfriend and I can help support each other.”

Looking over her life and recalling Thursday’s graduation speech, Peeples gave this advice to those following behind her.

“Work as hard as you can and be the best you can be,” Peeples said. “Keep striving for greatness.”