Academic success is a priority for Sabine Pass High School’s valedictorian, Baylee Battise, and salutatorian, Kayly Barragan.

“I am Native American and most of the time Native Americans do not graduate from high school,” Baylee Battise said. “I wanted this to be a chance and pave the way for others to follow.”

Barragan said she sought academic success to make her parents proud.

Overcoming distractions is something students must contend with and each of these students had her own way of dealing with this.

For Battise, listening to music was a way to tune out distractions and the thought of all the hard work she had already done kept pushing her to better herself.

Barragan would go to a quiet room and turn her phone off and this forced herself to focus, she said.

When not studying or doing school work, Barragan enjoys working out and spending time with family while Battise plays sports, makes art and competes in University Interscholastic League work and thus stays busy.

Both Battise and Barragan had advice to freshmen.

“Do not turn in your homework late and do not give up,” Barragan said.

Battise said every grade counts, even ninth grade courses. “Start strong and finish strong.”

The valedictorian plans to attend the University of Texas and become a neurosurgeon. She also wants to travel the world and help impoverished countries.

The salutatorian plans to attend Vista College and become a medical assistant.

Ten years from now, Battise sees herself starting residency at a hospital in order to pursue her career in neurosurgery. Barragan sees herself working at a good job and being successful.

Battise’s favorite movie is “The Help,” because of how the women overcame their fears and speak their minds even though they could have been killed.

Barragan’s favorite movie is “Beauty and the Beast,” because it brings back many childhood memories.

Battise is the daughter of Amy and Darth Battise.

Barragan is the daughter of Alicia and Reynaldo Barragan.