For Brianna Wood, achieving good grades has always been a priority. At Belgreen her years of dedication to education have paid off, as she will walk across that graduation stage as valedictorian of the Belgreen High School Class of 2017.

In the summer Wood plans to jumpstart her college career by taking classes at Northwest-Shoals Community College. In the fall she will take classes at UNA, with plans to ultimately transfer to Auburn University for pharmacy school. “They have a really good pharmacy school,” she said.

Wood was involved in volleyball, softball and track during high school, but the basketball court is where she really shone, finding herself to be a leader on the team. Among special memories she will carry with her from Belgreen will be time spent with her teammates in the locker room, listening to music before a big game.

Wood was also active in FBLA, Envirothon, History Club, Yearbook Staff, Beta Club, SADD, Scholars Bowl and FCA. Being involved in a wide array of extracurriculars was important to her. “It gives you something to do and a way to communicate with everybody.”

In other honors, Wood was selected to the senior Homecoming Court.

As is true for many high school seniors, Wood said. this time of life is bittersweet.

“I’m ready to leave, but it’s going to be sad,” Wood said. “I’m ready for a change.”

Susan Thompson, who teaches history at Belgreen, described Wood as “an exceptional young lady with strong work ethic,” someone who Thompson knows will succeed in whatever she choose to do.

Wood is the daughter of Brian and MiMi Wood.