Published 6:01 pm Sunday, June 8, 2025
By Lanell Downs Smith
Central valedictorian graduates high school, college
Central High School’s valedictorian recently earned dual credentials, graduating both high school and college simultaneously.
Karis Mickle has made history in Lowndes County, earning her high school diploma and an associate’s degree in science while achieving a series of remarkable academic milestones.
She is the valedictorian for the Central class of 2025 and is the first known graduate to earn the degree with honors from George Coley Wallace Community College-Selma through dual enrollment.
“[Karis is driven,” said her father, Carlos Mickle. “She’s very goal oriented. Once she sets her mind to achieve something, she really strives hard to meet her goal.”
Mickle completed rigorous coursework that consisted of 62 college credit hours, which is a testament to her dedication, discipline and drive for excellence.
In addition to her academic success, Mickle received a total of over $1,000,000 in scholarship awards from 23 different schools, and a wide array of opportunities preparing her to pursue a career in physical therapy by earning her doctorate degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Carlos Mickle described Karis’s lifelong focus on setting and achieving goals.
“She is the type that never really hung out,” Carlos said. “She had her goal set on getting her associates degree from Wallance and being in the top of her class. She wanted to go on to UAB to major in physical therapy and get her doctorate [degree] in physical therapy. She’s had these goals for years.”
In her senior year Mickle crowned Miss Central High School and Prom Queen. Her accomplishments not only set a new standard for academic excellence in the county but also serve as an inspiration to younger students and the broader community.
Central’s principal, Achie Curtis, called Karis an outstanding student, committed to achieving excellence in everything she sets her hand to do.
“She’s very consistent in excelling academically,” Curtis said. “She’s a social person, not just academically. She’s part of FBLA (Future Business Leaders of American) and other organizations at school. She’s just a great student. It’s been a pleasure for me to be her principal over the years.”
Mickle said her success story exemplifies the power of perseverance and the promise of what’s to come from the bright minds of Lowndes County.
“I’m proud to represent Central High School and Lowndes County,” she said. “This journey has taken hard work and sacrifice, but I hope it shows others what’s possible with faith, humility and determination.”
