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When Tyeisha Middlebrooks heard her name announced as Callaway High School’s 2025 valedictorian during a livestream, she could hardly believe it.

“I was sitting with my mom and dog when I heard it. Initially, I was in super shock. I’m still in shock.” Middlebrooks recalled with a big smile on her face.

Middlebrooks balanced academic excellence with active involvement in school life. She played flag football, was a member of the National Honor Society (NHS) and the Juniorettes, a community service organization focused on giving back to the community through activities like Toys for Tots and local festivals.

When asked who inspired her most during her high school journey, she said that there were many teachers who inspired her, but named Shalanda Lovett, Callaway High School’s Assistant Principal, who Middlebrooks said always provided guidance and support whenever needed. 

“She [Lovett] always guided me through everything. Any questions I had, even though she wasn’t a counselor, she was always there to answer them,” Middlebrooks said, “I even picked her for my senior night at flag football.”

Her advice for younger students is simple but profound.

“Start strong because some people look back on their ninth-grade year and…they played around so it affected their GPA and start regretting that towards their later years. Don’t take ninth grade lightly, because it’s tough trying to catch up later,” Middlebrooks stated.

Reflecting on her academic challenges, she pointed to her experiences with dual enrollment classes, particularly mastering the MLA format in English 1101. Perseverance paid off. She figured it out and it led to greater success in subsequent courses.

Time management also helped her throughout high school. 

“I just kind of take it day by day so I won’t be overwhelmed,” she said., “I think some people struggle with time management, so they succeed in one area but fail in another.”

Some of her favorite high school memories come from her time on the flag football field.

“Just all the experiences out there; playing on the team, supporting the team, meeting new people, and all of the bonds I’ve created,” she said, “We got new coaches this year, so that was fun.

Middlebrooks credits her success in part to her mother’s unwavering support and encouragement from close friends.

“Every achievement, my mom celebrated with me. That positive reinforcement drove me.” Middlebrooks said, “My friends, even though we didn’t usually have classes together when we did, it was fun, so it was like a relaxer from all the stress of taking the class.”

Middlebrooks admits she’s naturally shy—something that surprises many who know her.

Her mom adds, “Tyeisha is also very talented. She’s great at putting things together. I haven’t found things she isn’t able to do.”

After graduating, Middlebrooks will pursue a biology major at Augusta University, with the ultimate goal of becoming a dentist.

As she prepares to address her classmates at graduation, her message here focuses on resilience and forward momentum. 

“My future is about the future, of course, the book doesn’t stop now. All these memories you’ve made, they’re fun, and you can keep them in your heart, but don’t just dwell on them, keep moving forward,” Middlebrooks shares.