NATCHEZ — E’Keria Williams’ list of accolades and achievements grew recently when the National Society of High School Scholars selected her for membership.

Claes Nobel, the NSHSS’ founder and chairman, recently selected the Natchez High School junior for membership into the society. Nobel is a member of the same family that founded the Nobel Peace Prize.

The society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment.

“I was so excited,” Williams said. “I received something in the mail that said I was accepted and all I had to do was register.”

Williams, 16, said she immediately took to the Internet to research more about the organization.

“I found out they only pick certain people to join, and that it helps you get scholarships and things like that,” Williams said. “It felt very good to know that I was selected.”

Other than the honor of being one of 844,519 members ranging throughout 162 countries, Williams said the most rewarding part of being selected was the potential to receive scholarship funding to help pay for college.

“I want to go to a four-year university first and then attend medical school to become an anesthesiologist,” Williams said. “I like math and science, so I knew the medical field was good for me.”

What college Williams will eventually attend, however, is more complicated than what she will be studying.

“I want to go to whatever college has the best medical program,” she said. “I have a few that have been calling me, but I want to wait and see what all my options are before I make a decision.”

No matter where she ends up going to college, Williams said she wants to eventually return to Natchez.

“I’m from Natchez and this is my home,” she said. “I want to return and help my hometown.”

Williams took the ACT in February and scored a 24, but she said that score will not be the one she puts on any college application.

“My goal is to get a 30 or above,” Williams said. “I feel like I’ll do better in math the next time because I’m more experienced.”

Apart from the ACT score and getting accepted into college, Williams said she has one more accomplishment she hopes to achieve before leaving the high school’s campus.

“I want to be valedictorian of my senior class,” Williams said. “I feel like colleges will look at you more if you’re at the top of your class.”

Williams is also a member of National Honor Society, Beta Club, student council and plays on the girl’s basketball team.

She is the daughter of Ernest and Tammy Williams of Natchez.