NATCHEZ — For four years, Natchez High School juniors Shaylin Williams fuel each other’s passion to do well both on the track and in the classroom.

The two have shined for Natchez this season in cross country, but on top of that, they have excelled in their studies.

Williams has a 4.0 grade point average, while Ramirez sits at a 4.1. Williams also scored a 24 on her ACT and Ramirez posted a 25.

“It kind of helps each of us out, competing on the track and in the classroom,” said Ramirez of the competition. “It makes us want to beat each other more.”

The two also motivate each other to perform well athletically, and both have high hopes as their careers begin to wind down.

“In track, I want to make it to state in my individual event,” Williams said.

Ramirez, who made it to the state finals last year, said she hopes to do the same this year, but make it to the podium.

“They are running with great efficiency, and it is great to have them,” Natchez cross country coach Larry Wesley said. “Shaylin hasn’t missed a practice since I’ve known her, and Mar’Kaja has already made the finals at state.”

Having two competitors as a part of the cross-country team has pleased Wesley, and he said he has no doubt the two will excel both on the track and in the classroom.

“They are great to work with,” Wesley said. “They are dedicated, and they are leaders. There are so many good qualities about children that do their work. Kids that really get into their lessons pretty much bring the same to the track, or whatever job they have.”

Both Williams and Ramirez hope doing their work and putting in the countless hours of studying and preparing will pay off when college comes around.

“I want to have the option to choose anywhere I want to go without having to limit myself,” said Ramirez of making a college choice.

Williams agreed, saying she wants to earn a scholarship to the school of her choice.

Both are also looking to take a big leap to a distant school.

“I think I want to major in economics and go far away,” Williams said. “Somewhere like Howard University.”

Ramirez is also hoping to go down a similar path.

“I want to do something in business or marketing,” she said. “I want to go far, somewhere like California.”

Both said math is their favorite subject in school, and they hope to find a career that involves numbers.

Although being far apart may be in their near future, the two will have to share the spotlight for now and continue to compete for the top spot in their class.

Ultimately, it comes down to the two balancing their schoolwork and athletic events, which is something they’ve been able to execute perfectly up to this point.

“I was raised that if you do something, you have to put your all into it,” Ramirez said. “School is mandatory, it isn’t an option. I do my best in school, and I just come out here and want to do my best, too.”

Williams is also pushed by the desire to be at her best.

“I do my best in everything I do,” she said. “That is what I tell myself in track and in school.”