Russellville Salutatorian: Layne Boyd

For Layne Boyd, being named Russellville High School Class of 2017 salutatorian is something for which she has always worked hard. “I remember I made a B on one of my exams in seventh grade, and I just thought, I don’t want to make any low grades like that. I always want to strive to do my best,” Boyd said. “You never know what kind of potential you have unless you try and work hard.”

Boyd plans to attend Northwest-Shoals Community College before transferring to either the University of North Alabama or the University of Alabama for pre-med. “I want to be a physician. That’s my plan right now,” Boyd said. Anatomy class piqued her fascination with the heart, so she is considering a path in cardiac medicine, but Boyd said she is still weighing her options. “I’ve always liked math and science, and I’ve always wanted to learn how the body works.” She is eager to help people and, potentially, help saves lives.

While at Russellville, Boyd has been active in the gamut of clubs and groups, including student council, National Honor Society (vice president), Girls State, Governor’s School, the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership, HOSA, peer helper, annual staff, Mu Alpha Theta, RHS Singers, DAR Good Citizen, Homecoming Court, Who’s Who Most Studious, Franklin County Distinguished Young Woman second alternate and scholastics winner, Christian Students United project chairman, FBLA (treasurer), FEA (vice president), Franklin County Junior Leadership and Miss RHS Pageant Overall A Average Winner, among others. She also played basketball. She said she has particularly embraced opportunities to be in leadership roles. “You learn more about yourself and the qualities you have,” she said. “It brings you to a new level of perspective and you gain self-confidence.”

She is the daughter of Heath and Heather Boyd.