BROOKESMITH – The Brookesmith High School graduation ceremony for the Class of 2024 will take place at 7 p.m. Friday, May 24 at the Brookesmith ISD Gymnasium.

Trey Toft, son of Porter and Erin Toft, is the valedictorian while Nevaeh Neith, daughter of Stormey Lunceford and Byron Langley, is the salutatorian.

“Being valedictorian, I feel accomplished so far in my life,” Toft said. “It’s not an easy feat. I never stopped reaching for that goal so it feels good to accomplish it.”

Of the salutatorian accolade, Neith said, “It makes me feel like I have a better chance of getting into college and having a good future, be able to afford living. I grew up in a poor family and this helps me realize I am on the path to success.”

Toft intends to attend West Texas A&M in Canyon.

“I’m going to major in Agribusiness,” Toft said. “I come from an agricultural background and it’s something I feel comfortable with and it’s something I want to do the rest of the my life.”

Neith is staying close to home and attending TSTC in Brownwood.

“We went toured the EMT program one year and I was really interested in it,” Neith said. “We got to do CPR on the dummy. My stepdad is a sheriff and he always tells us stories and I love hearing about it. I feel like I’d loved to be in it.”

Regarding extracurricular activities at Brookesmith, Toft is both the FFA and 4-H president, a member of the National Honor Society, was the basketball team captain and offensive player of the year in district. He also competed in Texas High School Rodeo where as a freshman he went to nationals, and qualified for state every year of high. Toft also won a jeep at a team roping last summer.

“That helps a lot knowing I don’t have to find a car for college,” Toft said.

Neith focused on her studies during her senior year, but as a freshman, sophomore and junior she, “did all the sports my first three years, but only cross country my senior year. I was also in One-Act Play for two years and I loved that, it was a lot of fun.”

Both students stated their favorite class was P.E., while Neith, “was good at Math. I always understood it really well.” Toft added, “I liked History. It was pretty cool.”

As for what they will miss most about Brookesmith, Neith said, “my classmates. Everyone says their class is so close but our class really is. I love them.”

“Same for me, too,” Toft said. “I’ll miss hanging out with my friends at school.”

Neith extended a thank you to teacher Mary Drexler for helping her reach her potential in the classroom.

“Ms. Drexler, I didn’t like her at first,’ Neith said with a laugh. “I had her two years and didn’t like her the first year whatsoever, but last year we became really close and she helped me through a lot.”

Toft wanted to thank, “My parents for supporting me and making sure I do my school work. And Ms. (Jennifer) Barrow for helping us out with everything, college and classes, and making sure we do the right things.”

Looking into the future a decade from now, Neith said, “Living in a big house, being a doctor, maybe have a dog, that’s what I’m seeing.”

Toft added, “Hopefully I have a family, a good job, and I’m getting by.”