Since the time they were freshmen, Escambia Academy’s valedictorian and salutatorian got down to business when it came to school.

Abigail Smith is EA’s valedictorian, and Eli Godwin is the salutatorian for the Class of 2017.

Smith said she started to come around on school work in middle school.

“I started taking it very seriously,” Smith said. “Then, during my freshman year, I set a goal. That was probably the most important part is setting a goal that you need to reach.

“My goal was valedictorian and keeping straight As throughout all four years,” she said.

Knowing that he wasn’t going to catch up to Smith grade wise, Godwin said he focused on getting second place as he was competing with classmate and close friend Bailey Lancaster.

“I really didn’t start taking it (school) serious until ninth grade because that’s when I knew grades really started to count for college,” Godwin said. “My parents really pushed me, too. I couldn’t have done it without them. It’s the same with Bailey Lancaster, with us competing against each other. We pretty much knew that Abby was going to get valedictorian. I was competing for second place.”

Smith’s weighted grade point average (GPA) 4.53, and Godwin’s is 4.31.

When asked how both could sum up the last four years at EA in a few words, Smith and Godwin said their experience was memorable, encouraging and a learning experience.

“It’s hard to think up one word to sum up one experience,” Smith said. “It was a learning experience, which obviously it was in more ways than one.”

Both were involved in quite a lot while at EA.

Godwin was in the marching band, the Student Government Association, the Beta Club, the Pep Club, the yearbook staff, Cougars for Christ, an Atmore Area Chamber Ambassador, and is a part of the youth group at Atmore First Assembly of God.

Smith was in the Beta Club, SGA, Cougars for Christ, a Majorette in the band, Youth Leadership Atmore and in the youth group at First Baptist Church of Atmore.

This fall, Smith will be going to Auburn University, where she will be majoring in communication disorders.

Smith said when her younger brother took speech therapy, she knew what she wanted to do for the rest of her life.

“I always wanted to do something with kids because that’s my main interest, but this year, it started to get real,” she said about her decision. “It just made the most sense. Every aspect of it appeals to me and that’s what want to do the rest of my life.”

Godwin is going to Troy University, and is undecided on his major.

Eventually, he said he wants to join the Peace Corps, and serve in South America or Europe.

Godwin is the son of Blake and Krista Godwin of Bay Minette. Smith is the daughter of Pam and Allen Smith of Canoe.

Graduation for EA is Thurs., May 18, at Bachelor Field.