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having the highest average in numerous subjects. She also received the Christian Character Award for three years of high school.

“Receiving this honor is something I have always dreamed of. I began working towards this goal when I was in the first grade and have worked my hardest through the years to be able to achieve it. I would like to thank my parents for encouraging me through the years and always pushing me to do my best. I would like to thank each and every one of the teacher’s I have had at VHA for all they have done for me and the lasting impact they have made on my life,” Horne emphasized.

This fall, Horne will attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College to obtain a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Agriculture with an emphasis in Animal Science, and then hopes to attend the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine in hopes of becoming a large animal veterinarian.

When asked her advice for underclassmen, she said, “To the underclassmen, have fun, enjoy your years in school with your friends. There will come a time when you won’t get to see your friends every day, so just enjoy the time you spend with them. Always remember who you are working for and who your life should exemplify – Jesus Christ.”

Salutatorian

The 2026 Vidalia Heritage Academy Salutatorian is Celina Reaves, daughter of Chris and Jana Reaves.

Reaves has attended Vidalia Heritage Academy for six years, and was a member of the school’s soccer team and National Honors Society. She plans to attend Georgia Southern University and study nutrition and dietetics after graduation.

“It feels amazing to be awarded for all of my hard work! I am so thankful for the people that helped me along the way!” she commented. “I would like to thank my parents, Chris and Jana Reaves. I’d also thank my friends that have pushed me to work harder or been my study partners in school!”

When asked if she had any advice for her fellow students, Reaves said, “I would tell them to work hard, but to remember that grades are not the most important thing in life. A relationship with Jesus should come first. The reason I have been able to be successful is because I didn’t consume myself in just grades but had a balance of friends, fun, studying, and had God before it all.”

Vidalia High School

The 2026 Vidalia High School Valedictorian is Sadie Berry, daughter of Jason and Stacy Berry.

Berry has attended Vidalia City Schools since kindergarten, and has been very active in the schools extracurricular programs, having participated in softball, where she received 1st Team All-Region honors, and tennis. She is a member of the school’s HOSA Club, Beta Club, and FCA. She has represented her class as a Homecoming Court representative for four years and served as the Student Government Association President. Berry has also received the Georgia Merit Scholar and Scholar Athlete Awards.

She will attend the University of Georgia this fall, as she majors in biology on a Pre-Physician Assistant track. “I am truly honored to be named valedictorian of my class. It is such a special and humbling feeling to see all of the hard work, sacrifices, and perseverance throughout the years lead to this moment,” Berry emphasized. “I would like to thank my family for always showing me unwavering support and love.”

When asked if she had any advice for younger students, Berry replied, “Cherish your time in high school, it really does go by in a blink of an eye, so hold closely to your friendships, make as many memories as possible, and just enjoy every moment.”

Salutatorian

Vidalia High School Salutatorian Samantha Hall is the daughter of Anthony Hall and Mildred Anderson-Hall, and has attended the school for the entirety of her high school career.

She has been a member of the school’s Beta Club and the SoundTribe marching band. She has received several accolades over the last four years, such as AP Scholar with Honors, Georgia Certificate of Merit, 8 semesters of honor role, and highest average in multiple classes.

After graduation, she will attend Georgia Tech to study biomedical engineering.

“I am truly honored to receive this honor and I am proud of myself for the hard work and dedication it took to receive this honor,” Hall commented. “I would like to thank my friends and family who have supported me throughout my high school journey.”

When asked her advice to underclassmen, she shared, “Figure out a few things you like doing during high school and focus on them. Don’t compare yourself and what you are doing to others because everyone has their own path that they follow and high school is where everyone’s paths start to split and become unique.”

The Advance congratulates all members of the Class of 2026 and wishes them the best on their future endeavors.