Nobody pushed Amie Whittington to become Cathedral’s Class of 2000 valedictorian.

&uot;It’s a goal I set for myself,&uot; she said.

Whittington said her parents, Jamie and Ann Whittington, have been supportive of her but never pressured her. &uot;I really appreciate that,&uot; she said.

Whittington began to realize about midway through junior high school that she was doing better than she had done throughout her elementary years.

&uot;Something changed,&uot; she said. &uot;I began to subconsciously step up a bit each year. Looking back, I can say I pushed myself. I’m very honored, though, because there are so many smart people in my class — I mean really smart.&uot;

Before the name of the valedictorian was announced, Whittington was told by friends to begin writing her speech, just in case. &uot;I didn’t want to jinx it, so I didn’t write one. Then I had no speech and stressed out — now that it’s over I’m just relieved,&uot; she laughed.

Whittington was not all brains and no brawn, though, having lettered in varsity softball for four years. After a year of activities that included tutoring, Key Club, Retreat Team, Harmony Day and being the National Honor Society’s parliamentarian, Whittington is &uot;ready to move on,&uot; she said.

Whittington has decided to go to Millsaps College in Jackson, where she will major in business. &uot;I’ve always pictured myself in a big office building, but I’m still deciding what I’m going to do to get that desk job — maybe be a corporate attorney or an accountant,&uot; she said. &uot;I’m ready to experience new things — and at college you start all over, meeting new people and doing new things.&uot;

Whittington will begin those new experiences this summer. She will fly to Connecticut with friends and tour New England. &uot;I’ve never been on a plane before, and I’ve never been to New England. I’m especially excited about seeing Boston.&uot;