Hannalyse Hudson, Leeds High School Class of 2025 Valedictorian

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Hannalyse Hudson has attended Leeds City Schools since kindergarten and loved every second of it. During her senior year, she was team captain of the varsity volleyball team as well as president of Future Teachers of Alabama, and she worked in the after-school care program at Leeds Primary School. This fall, she will move to New York City to attend New York University and study early childhood education.

What has your experience been like at Leeds High School and with Leeds City Schools?

I have loved growing up in the Leeds community! Being able to grow up with the same kids and knowing each other through so many stages of life brings a sense of closeness that I think is harder to achieve at a bigger school. Everyone in the school system values you and your well-being, and it has been wonderful to be a Greenie for the past 13 years of my life!

How do you feel Leeds High School and VIDAL Access have prepared you for the next stage of your life?

Going to Leeds and being graced with the opportunity to work with Mr. Bev through VIDAL Access have given me so many life skills that I will continue to use in college. From creative essay writing to leadership skills, I am confident in my solo and interpersonal abilities going into the next chapter of higher learning. 

What is your favorite memory of the last four years at Leeds High School?

The annual Spring Fling that SGA throws every year is my favorite event at Leeds! We have food trucks, face painting and a huge kickball game that brings the student body together. It is a perfect way to relax and have fun as the school year comes to a close! 

Who is your favorite teacher and why?

My favorite teacher that I’ve had while at Leeds High School is Mr. Argo! I took him for Algebra II in 10th grade and AP Statistics my junior year. He is a very goofy guy, and he made learning math (not my strong suit) something I looked forward to every day!

What advice would you give to those entering high school in the coming months?

Take hard classes. You are so much more capable than you believe, and your teachers and peers are more than willing to help you out along the way. My learning and work ethic improved so much while taking AP classes that I wasn’t 100 percent confident I could handle.