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Demopolis High School has named Hillary Harrison and Emery Wideman as the top graduating seniors of the Class of 2025.

Valedictorian Hillary Elizabeth Harrison, daughter of Valley and Julie Harrison, takes the top rank in her class with a grade point average of 4.33. Her long list of accomplishments include first place in introduction to FBLA in state competition, first place in business procedures at state FBLA competition, tennis team co-captain, 2025 Prom Queen, memberships in the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), BETA Club, Technology Student Association (TSA), Youth Lead, DHS Cheer Team, and Mu Alpha Theta – the Science National Honor Society. 

Combining these achievements with an ACT score of 31, Harrison was awarded multiple scholarship opportunities, including the University of Alabama Presidential Scholarship granting four years of tuition, Auburn University’s Founders Scholarship of $36,000, and a $78,000 award from the University of Mississippi.

“I have enjoyed playing tennis and cheering on the DHS Cheer Team, along with spending time with friends and the strong friendships made,” Harrison said. 

After graduation, she plans to accept the offer from Auburn University, where she will attend as a chemical engineering major.

Salutatorian Emery Wideman, daughter of Chad and Beth Wideman, is equally impressive with a grade point average of 4.29 and an extensive list of accomplishments. She is also co-captain of DHS varsity tennis, co-captain of DHS varsity cheerleading, DECA Vice President of Leadership, a member of Mu Alpha Theta, BETA Club, FBLA, TSA, Youth Lead, Peer Helper, is the Secretary of the Demopolis Jr. Chamber Ambassadors, served on the Alabama Continuous Improvement Program (ACIP) committee for DHS, and was crowned Miss Christmas on the River 2024. 

Wideman has been awarded the Bryant-Jordan Foundation Scholar-Athlete Award, Auburn Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship, and the Spirit of Auburn University Scholarship. 

“I have enjoyed my classes and teachers at DHS. I have also enjoyed taking part in numerous extracurricular activities. These opportunities have taught me a multitude of leadership and communication skills for which I will be forever grateful,” Wideman said.

After graduation, she also plans to attend Auburn University, as a biosystems engineering major.

“After completing my degree, I intend to enter the pulp and paper industry,” Wideman said. “This field holds special significance for me because the paper mill in Demopolis plays a critical role in the community, providing jobs and supporting the local economy. I am particularly interested in contributing to advancements in efficiency and sustainability within the industry. I hope to develop innovative approaches to improving processes and utilizing renewable resources in a way that reduces environmental impact while maintaining the industry’s importance to communities like mine.”

Demopolis High School graduation will be held May 16, at Tiger Stadium.