Organization was a crucial tool for Sonoraville High School senior Amber Kay, who was named valedictorian at the school this year.

One way Kay stayed focused and made good grades was by organizing her book bag: color-coding her folders, separating her pencils and pens into one area and carrying her books in a separate area.

“I know exactly where everything is and I know what is due when. That’s how my mind works,” Kay said.

Not only was Kay exemplary in academics, but she also earned a national title: the agri-science award for her senior botany project at the National FFA (Future Farmers of America) Convention in Indianapolis, Ind.

“I start studying when I know I have a test,” said Kay, but she admitted the amount she studied sometimes depended on the subject.

“I have struggled in some classes and the teacher was there to challenge me … to make me a better student. Classes like anatomy, taught like a college class, and honors 12th grade lit, AP calculus,” she said, proud that she was able to make As in those classes.

Kay’s involvement with the school’s FFA club led her to pursue science as a career.

“My research in plants is something that led me to want to be a botanical gardenist,” she said.

As further proof of her interest, Kay already helped her school’s greenhouse save money by finding out that liquid Dip-n-Grow, a plant hormone product, increases plant growth most rapidly.

Next year, the Sonoraville grad will attend Mississippi State. She plans to major in biochemistry and will take courses required for botanical pharmacy. Eventually she wants to make her own organic medicines from plants.

Teacher Sara Clark said she is a joy to have as a student.

“She is self-motivated and a passionate young lady about things she’s interested in. All you have to do is point in the right direction and she just goes,” Clark said.

Kay says she has her parents, teachers, principal Mr. Potts and friends to thank for her many successes in school and out.

“Mrs. Sara Clark has influenced me and helped me to decide what I want to be. She has showed me how to be a leader, public speaker and has been a good role model for me. She sees the potential in students and saw the potential in me,” Kay said.