Valarie was born and raised in Sumter County, Georgia to Shirley(Hartage) and Henry Trice. She is a 2001 graduate of Americus High School. Immediately after high school, she enrolled at Georgia Southwestern State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Middle Grades Education in 2009.  In the Spring of 2004, she became a member of the illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She is the single mother of one son, Mr. Brandon Levi Bridges. 

She has spent the last 16 years serving the kids and parents  of Sumter County. As an educator, her impact has made  a lasting impression on thousands of students. She has not only been innovative in the classroom, but each kid that walks through her door leaves with an understanding of the subject matter, but also a sense of self worth, pride, and the power to conquer the world. She is determined to reach every child, and vows that, "if a child doesn't learn the way she teaches, then she will teach the way they learn." Thus far, this motto has made her one of the most loved and top performing teachers.  She has mentored several teachers as they began their careers, presented at The Georgia Middle School Association Conference,  served as Department Chairperson/ team leader, served as building/ district level Writing to Win Trainer, sponsored Drama Club, served on the School- Wide Leadership team, was a member of  the district Vertical Alignment team that helped develop local curriculum,  was a past member of the Superintendent's Teacher Cabinet, and has served in many other capacities.

In 2015, she was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Failure. In spite of her illness, she continued to serve the kids on Sumter County.  She only  missed work when sickness prevented her from coming. In an effort to continue serving kids, she made the decision to do home Peritoneal Dialysis. Unfortunately, in December of 2018, this form of treatment  ceased to be effective. 

In spite of all her obstacles, Valarie continued to serve inside and outside of the classroom donating to and helping to organize several community causes,and even endowing scholarships that have helped several local graduates achieve their collegiate goals.  She is truly and asset to the Sumter County community. She has worked tirelessly to make a positive impact locally. Through her students, surely her impact has grown to make a difference not  only locally but across the nation.