Editor’s Note: Franklin’s Future is a regular feature spotlighting a high school senior in Franklin County and what they have planned for life after graduation.

Belgreen senior Katey Hargett has worked hard the past four years of high school and will finish out her time at the top of her class.
Hargett was named BHS’ valedictorian – a goal she has been working towards since seventh grade that finally became a reality after school started back for the second semester this year.
“I’ve gotten the highest academic average every year since the seventh grade so I knew it was possible for me to end up being the valedictorian,” she said. “I found out for sure in January and I was so excited. It’s something I’ve worked really hard for, even though I dread giving a speech in front of everyone.”
Becoming the person with the highest GPA in her graduating class isn’t a feat that was smooth sailing for someone as involved as Hargett has been in many different aspects of her high school career.
In addition to all the hard work it takes to maintain perfect grades, Hargett has served as president of Health Occupation Students of America and she has been a member of Beta Club, Faith Followers, the annual staff, Beautification Club, Students Against Destructive Decisions and Diamond Dolls.
“Getting involved was just another way to be able to be around all my friends and have a good high school experience,” she said. “There have been a lot of good memories, like raising money for the senior class by having a haunted house in the basement of the gym. I wouldn’t have all these memories if I hadn’t gotten involved.”
Hargett said it was also easy to get involved in a smaller school atmosphere, which is something she enjoyed about BHS.
“I’ve always gone to Belgreen and you just feel like you know everyone – all the teachers and the students,” she said. “I’ll miss being around the same people one I graduate because I’m so used to that.”
But as much as she will miss it, graduation is only a little over a month away and Hargett will be leaving the high school hallways behind and will set out into the world of college classes at the University of North Alabama in Florence.
“I just really felt comfortable when I was visiting at UNA,” she said. “It’s not as big as other colleges that I could’ve gone to but it was big enough to still feel like you’re getting that college experience.”
Hargett said she wants to get into UNA’s nursing program because being a nurse is something she always thought she’s enjoy doing.
“I just really like to help people and I figured becoming a nurse was the best way to do that through my career,” she said. “I think I would ultimately like to become a general practice nurse practitioner.”
Whether she graduates as a nurse or goes on to become a nurse practitioner, Hargett said she would like to come back to the area when she is ready to settle down and start her career.
“Franklin County is just a quiet, quaint, good place to live and grow up,” she said. “There aren’t many bad things that happen here and everyone is more laid back.”
Hargett said she also wouldn’t mind staying close to her parents, Kevin and Kim Hargett.
In her spare time, Hargett said she loves to scrapbook and fish. She also works with the Community Education After School program reading to kindergarten and first grade students.
“I’ve enjoyed working at the After School program because I like making sure the kids have a good foundation to build on,” she said. “It’s important for children to learn to read at an early age to be successful.”