Introducing our Senior Spotlights for the Class of 2025! Destined for Greatness, these students have shined throughout their academic journeys, rising above challenges and embracing growth. As they share their stories and pursue bold dreams for college and career, we celebrate their resilience and the incredible potential that lies ahead. Join us in honoring the Class of 2025 as they step confidently into their futures. #DestinedForGreatness

“If you can maintain a strong and positive mindset while going through grief, pain, and depression – that’s one of the most powerful things you can do.” 

Those are the words of Raleigh-Egypt High School (REHS) senior Mariah P., who is preparing to walk across the graduation stage and enter adulthood. The loss of loved ones has shaped some of the challenges she faced during her school years, but the grief she’s endured is fueling a future rooted in psychological and cognitive science. 

Mariah, a Memphis native, is a daughter, sister, athlete, and now a U.S. Army soldier after recently enlisting in the Army National Guard. She grew up in the Raleigh community as the oldest of four siblings. As the oldest sibling, she understood that her actions would set the tone for those coming behind her. Whether at Egypt Elementary, Grandview Heights Middle, or REHS, she carried that responsibility with her, knowing the importance of striving for greatness and setting an example worth following. 

Over her four-year journey through REHS, she explored a variety of sports, including track and field, volleyball, and basketball, which she admits was the toughest of them all. No matter the sport, she focused on being the best teammate possible. Whether anchoring the defense on the basketball court or running her leg of a relay, she enjoyed gameday and showed up as someone her teammates could count on.

Her tough-minded nature didn't stop on the court or the field; it carried into the classroom as well. Mariah is graduating with a scholarship to Southwest Tennessee Community College and was recently inducted into the National Honor Society. 

What’s next for Mariah?  Before she takes her talents to Southwest Tennessee Community College, she’ll spend three months in Oklahoma for basic training. Once she finishes at Southwest, she plans to complete her collegiate career at the University of Memphis by obtaining a bachelor's degree in psychology and cognitive science.  

What's she taking with her? A mindset that was cultivated by her teachers, counselors, administrators, and mom. One that pushes her to take the second chances she's been given and do things better than before. Of all the advice that she received, what can become something that she comes back to is what she learned from her coaches: "Push forward, keep going, keep your head up, and stay focused."  

What will she remember most? Mariah’s most memorable moments will always be game days and track meets, letting go and releasing stress at both games and track meets and going to the city and state track and field championships. 

Her life in 10 Years: In 10 years, she sees herself in a small apartment, in a Dodge Charger, and living life: “I’m putting in all the hard work now so I can chill in the future.”  

 Senior Quote: “As a teenager, don’t ever settle for the person that you think you are now – be better than what you are now. Always let go of anything that you feel is holding you back from being the best version of you, and remember you only live once – SO LIVE!”