Porters Chapel Academy names Brianna Poole as Valedictorian

Published 9:39 am Friday, May 21, 2021

After finishing up sixth grade, Brianna Poole set a goal.

She aimed her sights on becoming the valedictorian for Porters Chapel Academy’s class of 2021, and in addition to being named the school’s STAR student, Poole succeeded in accomplishing the goal she set for herself six years earlier.

“Unlike with STAR student, I had set out to be valedictorian for my class from the start of seventh grade, because I had been valedictorian of my sixth-grade class and wanted to keep that tradition going,” Poole said.

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Poole is the daughter of Nick and Jamie Poole.

Poole credited her academic successes to the support from family, friends and teachers.

“I would like to thank my teachers who have taught me well.  Most importantly, I would like to thank my friends and family for always offering me help when I need it and supporting me all along the way,” Poole said.

In following with tradition, Poole is set to give her valedictorian speech during commencement exercises which will be held at First Baptist Church on Saturday at 3 p.m.

Poole’s 18 classmates, along with the friends and families of the graduates who will be attending the ceremony, will have the opportunity to hear a speech, Poole said, that will reflect on a year met with challenges and rewards.

“The focus of my speech will be how this past year has taught me how to be grateful for those around me,” she said.

At Porters Chapel Academy, Poole was a member of the Key Club, Student Council, National Honor Society and the cross country team. She also studied dance at the Teresa George School of Dance for nine years.

Poole received the Outstanding Student Scholarship from Louisiana Tech University, as well as the Bulldog Out-of-State Fee Scholarship. She plans to attend Louisiana Tech and major in biomedical engineering.

About Terri Cowart Frazier

Terri Frazier was born in Cleveland. Shortly afterward, the family moved to Vicksburg. She is a part-time reporter at The Vicksburg Post and is the editor of the Vicksburg Living Magazine, which has been awarded First Place by the Mississippi Press Association. She has also been the recipient of a First Place award in the MPA’s Better Newspaper Contest’s editorial division for the “Best Feature Story.”

Terri graduated from Warren Central High School and Mississippi State University where she received a bachelor’s degree in communications with an emphasis in public relations.

Prior to coming to work at The Post a little more than 10 years ago, she did some freelancing at the Jackson Free Press. But for most of her life, she enjoyed being a full-time stay at home mom.

Terri is a member of the Crawford Street United Methodist Church. She is a lifetime member of the Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary and is a past member of the Sampler Antique Club and Town and Country Garden Club. She is married to Dr. Walter Frazier.

“From staying informed with local governmental issues to hearing the stories of its people, a hometown newspaper is vital to a community. I have felt privileged to be part of a dedicated team at The Post throughout my tenure and hope that with theirs and with local support, I will be able to continue to grow and hone in on my skills as I help share the stories in Vicksburg. When asked what I like most about my job, my answer is always ‘the people.’

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