VHA Announces Class of 2025 Historian and Theologian

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In preparation for the graduation of the Class of 2025, Vidalia Heritage Academy has named the class’s historian and theologian.

In addition to having the traditional valedictorian and salutatorian in each graduating class, Vidalia Heritage Academy uniquely honors two additional students, as they name the student with the third highest cumulative high school GPA as the class’s Historian and the student with the fourth highest cumulative high school GPA as the class’s Theologian.

Mallie Beth Braddy, daughter of Brandon and Donna Jean Braddy, is the class’s historian. Braddy has attended Vidalia Heritage Academy for her entire academic career and has maintained Heritage Honor Roll – meaning she kept a GPA of 95 or higher – for the entirety of her time at the school. She is a member of the school’s National Honor Society and has been recognized for her character and brawn during her high school years, earning the Daniel Character Award and Softball All-Region Outstanding Player Award. She also is a past Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest winner.

She is also very involved in the community, as she has served on the Meadows Regional Youth Board and People’s Bank Youth Board. Braddy is also the recipient of the Meadows Hospital Auxiliary Scholarship, Meadows Medical Staff Scholarship, Modern Woodmen of America Scholarship, and Vidalia Presidential Rotary Scholarship.

“I am very humbled and grateful by this honor!” Braddy reacted. “First, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ; He has given me the strength to achieve this. I would also like to thank my parents and my sister, Briley, for all their love and support!”

When asked if she had any advice for underclassmen, Braddy emphasized the importance of leaning on faith and working hard. “Know that you can do all things in Christ who gives you the strength! Study and put forth your best effort!” she shared.

Reese Neal, daughter of Jody and Cassie Neal, was named the class’s theologian. Neal has also attended the school since kindergarten. During her time at the school, she has received several awards for her character, talents, and brawn. Neal received the Daniel Character Award, VHA Soccer Unsung Hero Award, VHA Archery Golden Eagle Award, and 2025 Morris C. Johnson GIAA Coaches Association Academic Athlete award. She placed first in the regional literary competition, and third in state leadership competition.

She also served as a member of the People’s Bank Youth Board, Greater Vidalia Youth Leadership Class, and participated in Harvard Model Congress in Boston.

She is a member of VHA’s National Honor Society and served as one of the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) huddle leaders.

“It’s gratifying to receive this honor after all the hard work it took,” she remarked. “I would like to thank my mom and dad, my grandparents, my sister, and Jesus [for helping me to achieve this award].”

When asked if she had any advice for underclassmen, Neal replied, “Keep working hard. It pays off in the end.”

Vidalia Heritage Academy Class of 2025 will turn their tassels at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 24, at the First Baptist Church of Vidalia.