FERRIDAY — Working with people and helping them has always been a passion for Delta Charter School’s Class of 2019 Valedictorian Lara Elisabeth Boothe, she said.

“I’ve just always wanted a career that involves people, and helping them is the most important thing I can think of,” said Boothe, the daughter of Leo and Kim Boothe. “My goal is to be a pediatrician. … My uncle is a family doctor … and I’ve always loved working with kids.”

Boothe said she gained experience being around children while working as a lifeguard at Panola Woods Country Club.

“I just love being around them,” she said. “They make me happy.”

Lara received all-academic composite team in tennis, valedictorian and the Delta Award from her school for showing determination and enthusiasm, which is awarded by the students and teachers in her class.

Lara was voted most likely to succeed by her classmates three straight years, was class president and a member of the Beta Club, and she earned 36 college hours in dual enrollment classes all while maintaining a 97.14 grade point average throughout high school. She was also the school’s homecoming queen.

“It feels unreal to be graduating,” Lara said, “and it’s the best feeling knowing that I will be doing something different with my life after high school. I’ll miss the people at my school that I’m used to seeing every day without thinking about it.”

Lara also earned the Tiger Legacy Award for $1,000 and an academic scholarship for $2,000.