Sheltia Strickland is a 2009 honors graduate and class valedictorian of Franklin Military Academy. Having held the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and Battalion Commander, Sheltia was the senior ranking cadet in her class. Not only did Sheltia excel in military rank, but she also achieved success in and out of the classroom as well.

Sheltia's extracurricular activities consist of Honor Guard, Color guard, Royal Guard Drill Team, and Raiders Team. Her academic honors and awards include: the University of Virginia's Jefferson Book Award, National Honor Society, High Grade Point Average Award, Superior Academic Achievement Award, Outstanding Achievement Certificate, and numerous Honor Roll Trophies for achieving the honor roll for each marking period.

Outside of the classroom, Sheltia's community service efforts include feeding the homeless, the Annual Angel Tree Drive, marching in the annual Richmond Community Parades, flag folding at community funerals, and Saber Team at community weddings.

Sheltia plans to major in Exercise Science & Physical Education in order to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in kinesiology (the science of human movement). Sheltia became interested in kinesiology when she tore a ligament in her knee playing basketball. The experiences of working with the doctors, physical therapists, and athletic trainers, made her fascinated by their work. After she graduates from college, Sheltia would like to become an Athletic Trainer or Doctor of Sports Medicine in order to serve in the community where she was reared.

Sheltia has been described as a warm, highly intelligent, hard-working, and perceptive young lady. She will attend Norfolk State University in the fall.