Bolivar’s Caitlyn Clark Named Class of 2024 Valedictorian

Senior Caitlyn Clark proudly represented Bolivar Central High School’s (BCHS) Class of 2024 as its valedictorian during the graduation ceremony that was held on Friday, May 17, 2024. The little girl who once proclaimed, “When I go to school, I’m going to learn everything” the summer before she started kindergarten at Whiteville Elementary School (WES), has learned a lot academically and done so at the top of her class.

“I knew Caitlyn was something special when she was about three years old and she could say her ABCs backwards,” said her mother, Candace Crisp. “I am extremely proud of Caitlyn. Since starting school in preschool at WES, she has been focused on learning and getting good grades. Within the last year, Caitlyn has been through some hardships and challenges, but she did not give up and for that, I’m even prouder.”

Caitlyn comes from a family of educators. Her grandfather, Jerry Crisp, has served as a member of the Hardeman County School Board for the past 13 years. Her grandmother, Patricia Crisp, was a fourth grade teacher and guidance counselor at WES. Her mother, Candace, has been a teacher for 23 years, 10 years with the Memphis City Schools and 13 years as a preschool teacher at WES. Caitlyn’s uncle, Cedric Crisp, was the principal at WES for several years, and her cousins, Lashauna Bell, Cameron Crisp, and Kim Crisp, are also educators.

Her grandfather, Jerry Crisp, who is also the pastor of Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church, has made an impressionable impact on Caitlyn’s life. He and his wife, Patricia, have both encouraged Caitlyn to do her best and always put God first.

“They taught me to believe in myself, to do my best, and I have to put God first,” said Caitlyn.

The Crisps shared a fond memory of when  Caitlyn was small, that she would get a book and say, “read Papa, read,” thus developing her love for learning. Although the Crisps are beyond excited for Caitlyn being named valedictorian, they want her to continue staying focused on what is ahead, because they realize she has so much more to accomplish in her future.

“As grandparents, of course, we feel that being named valedictorian is a great accomplishment, but we also know that it is not the end. It’s just the beginning,” said Mr. and Mrs. Crisp. “We are proud, but we want her to take nothing for granted. Rather, keep striving and working. We are proud grandparents and will continue to support her in any way we can in anything that she strives to do.”

Caitlyn describes herself as “goal-oriented, humble, and loving”.  She always wanted to do well and get good grades while in school. As she got older, especially in middle school, although Caitlyn did not want others to know what kind of student she was or could be, she continued to keep her grades up.

“Something special about being named valedictorian is seeing my goals come to life. I was valedictorian in middle school, and I knew I was going to have to put in even more work to become valedictorian in high school,” said Caitlyn who realized what she needed to do to succeed. “If I wanted to do my best, I had to put in more effort.”

Caitlyn noted it was hard over the years and she had many sleepless nights, but also shared it was most definitely worth it.

“I’m proud of myself for that,” said Caitlyn, who hopes to inspire others coming behind her. “I want to inspire other young black girls to know that they can do whatever they put their minds to.”

While in high school, Caitlyn participated in several clubs that included Beta, HOSA, and History, and was also a cheerleader. She has many special memories from over the years, but a favorite one is senior night during football season. Outside of school, she enjoys eating, spending time with family and friends, and going to church.

Caitlyn plans to attend the University of Mississippi/Ole Miss to study pharmacy. She is going to miss BCHS, a place that felt like a home to her. To her peers who she leaves behind, Caitlyn encouraged them to, “put God first in everything you do”.

Caitlyn’s mother noted how proud her family is of Caitlyn and that her hard work has paid off in being named valedictorian. She shared a few words of encouragement with her daughter as Caitlyn prepares for college and the next step in a rewarding academic career.

“As your mother, I just want you to know how much I love you and how proud I am of you. I want you to take the life lessons I’ve taught you and continue to soar into adulthood,” said Candace Crisp. “And as you start this new journey, always pray, and keep Good first. Your mommy loves you and I’ll be here cheering you on!”

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