Less than two weeks ahead of graduation, Beaumont ISD recognized the top 20 students in the Class of 2017 at Central Medical Magnet High School, Ozen High School, and West Brook High School.
The valedictorians are Winston Hung at West Brook, Ki' Anna August from Central and Lillie Shelton from Ozen.
They are all excited to take the next leap in their academic careers.
"My school, the teachers, and the environment offered a very supportive, a very supportive and collaborative type of environment," Hung said.
"Everyone always says when you're small you'll eventually you'll change who you want to be but I've never changed that, I always want to help animals," August said.
"It's daunting because this is one of the best universities in the nation and I was a bit afraid to accept my letter, but something deep inside me said go for it," Shelton said.
Hung will be attending the University of Texas at Austin to pursue chemical engineering, August will be attending Texas A&M for Animal Science.
Shelton will head to Johns Hopkins University to pursue engineering.
Beaumont ISD says they plan on continuing to make improvements so future classes are set up for success.
"We're definitely looking to increase dual credit courses, course offerings to the students," BISD spokesperson Nakisha Burns said.
And students like August are excited to pursue their dreams.
"Actually being on my own, it's exciting and scary, but I feel like I can do it, and mainly knowing that I'm about to start my future, I'm not a kid anymore, it's mind blowing right now," August said.
The Lamar Institute of Technology president, Dr. Lonnie Howard also surprised three students with scholarships during the luncheon.
12 News has also learned that a West Brook senior was accepted into Yale University. Two other West Brook seniors were accepted into Howard University.