The Sulphur Bluff Independent School District named Kennley Russell as the 2026 Junior High valedictorian and Bailee Sheffield as salutatorian.
Valedictorian Kennley Russell Kennley Jo Russell, daughter of Michael and Kristy Russell, has been attending SBISD since she was in pre-kindergarten, and is moving to high school with a 4.74 grade point average.
After high school, Russell has planned to attend Baylor University since she was four years old, so that she can become an orthopedic surgeon. She has an interesting in helping people, and according to Russell, specifically with sports related injuries.
“Softball is a passion of mine, so helping people to continue to chase their own dreams is a dream of mine,” Russell said.
Russell is the current Sulphur Bluff Class of 2030 president, and is an active member of Future Farmers of America and Family, Career and Community Leader of America.
According to Russell, she is most proud of receiving Outstanding Student of the Year in 2025. This award goes to only one student, annually, for exemplary performance in academics, attendance and behavior.
Russell has participated in cross country, volleyball, basketball, track and softball with the district. She has also been involved with club volleyball and softball with Texas Glory.
“I am thankful for my parents for always supporting me and pushing me to do better, but I am most thankful for Jesus because he died for my sins,” Russell said.
Salutatorian Bailee Sheffield
Bailee June Sheffield, daughter of Sharon Sheffield, has been a student at SBISD since she was in pre-kindergarten, and is graduating with a 4.55 GPA.
After high school, Sheffield’s top three schools for higher education include New York University, Baylor and the University of Texas at Tyler. Following her education, she is interested in becoming a labor and delivery nurse.
“So I can help new lives come into the world,” Sheffield said.
She has been involved in University interscholastic League (UIL), FFA and FCCLA. She has also been recognized for A and B honor rolls.
For her sports careers, Sheffield has played volleyball basketball, softball, track and cross country. She has also participated in club volleyball.
Sheffield is active in youth ministries and thanks God for showing her that she is beautifully and gratefully made. She also notes that her mother has made a big difference in her life.
“She has taught me that no matter how much bad there is in your life, you can always find the good out of it,” Sheffield said.
According to Sheffield, when asked what advice she would give to others, she noted how people don’t have to be great to start, but must start to be great.
“Live deliberately and make the most of your life,” Sheffield said.