Time to stop, where do you dare me to draw the line? You got the bad soul, don't even think about it, say no go Yeah, I'm... Good afternoon. I'm Mike Sherrill, the principal of Northview High School. On behalf of the administration, faculty, staff, and student body, I welcome all of you to the commencement exercises for the class of 2024. We're honored to have you join us as we pay tribute to our graduates.
At this time, I now invite all of our graduates to stand and wave to their family and friends for a few moments as we play pomp and circumstance. Go ahead folks. Alright, thank you.
Now back to the formal ceremony. This dignified ceremony is profound in tradition. It's a formal ceremony which has been organized in the same manner worldwide, regardless of nation or country.
I urge all of you to help preserve the dignity and decorum by your acts of respect and appreciation for this event. Please abide by our request to silence your cell phones and all other electronic devices. Also, it would be appreciated if you refrain from using air horns or any other type of noise makers during this most joyous event.
At this time, please stand and remain standing for the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the retirement of the colors by our NJROTC color guard. Gentlemen, please remove your caps. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please be seated.
Good afternoon. On behalf of the Northview High School administration, faculty, and staff, I would like to welcome the following honored platform guests to our 2024 graduation commencement ceremony. Superintendent of Escambia County Public Schools, Mr. Smith Leonard. School Board Chairman and Member District 4, Ms. Patty Hightower.
School Board Vice Chairmanman and member District 3 Mr. David Williams. School Board Member for Northview District 5 Mr. Hill Slayton. School Board Member District 1 Mr. Kevin Adam.
School Board Member District 2 Mr. Paul Fetzko. Deputy Superintendent Ms. Sheena Payne Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Mr. Denny Wilson Director of High Schools Ms. Lisa Morgan Director of Workforce Education Mr. Steve Carroll Director of Exceptional Student Education Ms. Sondra Hill Principal of Northview High School, Mr. Michael Sherrill. Assistant Principal of Northview High School, Mr. Gary Pippins. The senior class president of Northview High School is Ava Kate Greganus. Ava says the overwhelming love and support from the community surrounding Northview is beyond rare for such a small school.
I love most that Northview has the most kind and understanding teachers, always willing to guide you through your school journey and provide you everything you need to not only help with your success but guarantee it. Ava plans to attend Auburn University to pursue a double major in civil and environmental engineering along with biomechanical engineering. Ava's parents are Kelly and Mason Greganus.
Seniors class president Ava Kate Greganus. Good afternoon teachers, faculty, staff, family, friends, and of course the graduating seniors. It is with honor today that I welcome you to the Northview High School graduation of 2024. I'm so thankful you have all made it here safely and will spend today with the people you love the most. To my fellow seniors, we finally did it.
I remember going into my first day of kindergarten at Bratt Elementary and seeing some of your faces. Back then, our graduation day seemed to be an eternity away. I spent my Friday nights at Northview football games, doing cartwheels and making handshakes, thinking about how cool the big high school kids were. Coming into my freshman year, I realized that was now us.
The cool, big high school kids. We actually had people looking up to us, wanting to be like us. Luckily, I can't name a better group of young role models. I have watched my classmates get college degrees before their high school graduation, make it to state championships, get multiple industry certifications, and find their people, all while growing into such kind, beautiful souls. I can say without a doubt in my mind, Northview is an extremely special place.
The community that surrounds our school is unmatched. So many of you sitting here today once walked the halls of Northview. And I know you can agree that Chief Pride runs deep. Northview is not just a school, but a family of many generations.
The second you walk into the school, you're greeted with hundreds of trophies, plaques, and pictures of past students and their accomplishments. Northview not only celebrates their current students, but also all the people that have helped form our school into a beautiful community of past and present students and families. families.
This is what Northview is to me. After today, each of you leaves a legacy. Your kids and grandchildren may one day walk into the same classrooms that you did. I know that seems far away, but today is the beginning. After today, you're your entire world changes.
Whether you're going to college, joining the military, or joining the workforce, you're now a big, big kid. Still cool, just a little more qualified now. I wish unto all of you the blessings and guidance of the Lord, and I know for a fact that you all will be the biggest blessing to people you may have not even met yet.
Seniorss, I'd like you to take a second to truly soak in this moment. Pause and look around you. After today, you may only see some of these classmates through social media, or maybe this is your last time under the same roof. No matter the circumstances the future holds, you all have something in common. You are the Northview High School class of 2024. Go into the world and do well, but more importantly, go into the world and do good.
Once achieved, always achieved. Thank you. The salutatorian of Northview High School is Maggie Rose Godwin.
Maggie says, what I love about Northview is the closeness of the people and how everyone supports each other. I've made the best of friends and the greatest memories during my time here. Maggie plans to to the University of West Florida to get a bachelor's of science in nursing and she wants to specialize in pediatric nursing.
Maggie's parents are Ryan and Crystal Godwin and Heather and Jeremy Andrus. Salutatorian Maggie Rose Godwin. Good afternoon to friends, family, teachers, coaches, staff, and to the class of 2024. I never dreamed I would be standing here in front of you all today, but I'm very honored to do so.
First, I want to thank my parents, family, friends, teachers, coaches, and most of all, Jesus Christ, for supporting me and bringing me to be able to be where I am today. As I started to think about what I wanted to say in my speech, my mind kept coming back to the same question that I've been asked the most in the past year. What are you going to do after high school?
And I'm sure... many of you have been asked the same question. To my fellow graduates, I think it's time to start asking ourselves a different question, which is who are you going to be? There are many things to make the Northview class of 2024 who we are.
I remember keeping a wild turtle as a pet in Mr. Shugart's class, going to State for football in our junior year, and knowing that we could always count on Jake to livestream at all. These stories are things that I want to remember from my class, but what I want to remember the most are the things that make each person who they are. they are. So To the class of 2024, no matter where you go and what you do, who you meet, or how much you succeed or fail, I encourage you each to always stay true to yourself. I am so excited to see what each and every one of us will accomplish in our future.
Congratulations, graduates, and as Ava said, never forget, once a chief, always a chief. Thank you. The valedictorian of Northview High School is Sarah Elaine Bailey.
Sarah says, I love Northview because of the people and the experience it offers. Everyone at Northview truly cares about the success of the students. Sarah plans to attend the University of West Florida. in the fall to earn a bachelor's degree in psychology.
Then she plans to apply to medical school, join a residency program, and complete a fellowship to become a pediatric psychiatrist. Sarah's parents are Adam and Amanda Bailey. Valedictorian Sarah Elaine Bailey.
I had two very tough acts to follow, but I wanted to say good afternoon to the graduating chiefs, our family and friends, and all the teachers and staff from Northview, and all the other guests. I'd like to say how thankful I am to be the 2023-2024 valedictorian. I would not have achieved this without my parents, thanks mom and dad, the rest of my family, my friends, the Lord, and the amazing faculty and staff of Northview, especially Ms. Carroll. These people have supported me through every endeavor, and I'm beyond thankful for that.
So nothing any of us have accomplished has come easy. While we learned the importance of working hard, making the right choice, and becoming who you want to be at school, school is not the easiest thing, but it is very rewarding. I remember thinking my high school experience would be boring and nothing like the movies.
But thanks to Northview, I've been able to go to New York City, bond with my best friends, being in clubs, sports, and going to the beach almost every weekend together. I almost got to go through half of the stunt positions and cheerleading, and it was quite a difference going from the lifter to the lifted. And I also... learned more academically and in life than I would have anywhere else in the world. Whenever we went to cheer camp, there would always be a time to discuss what makes our school special, and we would always say the stinky cows that are right outside the front door.
Most people didn't understand this, but we just laughed because at Northview, it makes sense. We've all changed tremendously in our four years here, and I hope that we'll all meet up for class reunions and see each other blossom even more, because if there's one thing this class is, it's doers. When we all set our minds on something, we make it happen. We've had athletes from several sports go to state competitions.
We have FFA officers taking their chapter to the next level. We've even had several friends graduate with over 5.0 GPAs. This list of accolades could go on and on, but most importantly, we're good friends to each other and those around us.
Proverbs 13.20 states, whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companions of fools will suffer harm. So far, we have all taken great steps in the right direction towards success. I pray that as we go on to the next stages of our life, lives we continue to do so.
Chiefs I'll always hold our high school memories near and dear to my heart but do not be dismayed by what we are leaving behind be encouraged by what is on the horizon. It's Chief Nation, let's ride! Thank you ladies, very well done.
The class of 2024 definitely has accomplished a great deal during their time at Northview High School. Academically, this class has 28 seniors that are at or above a 4.0 GPA, seven that are grad or above 3.85 GPA and 16 from this class that earned at least a 3.5 GPA. Six of these seniors have finished their AA degrees.
49 seniors were workforce program completers. 16 graduates qualified for one of the four Bright Futures scholarships. And the total cash value of the scholarships that this class has earned is over $1,180,000. Congratulations. Our NJROTC program continues its path of success.
In the last four years, the seniors in this class have helped lead our NJROTC orienteering team to be in the top three at the Battle of Blakely every year. They also finished in first or second place in the area championship three times over the past four years, and they qualified for nationals two of the last three years. Last year's team, led by this senior class, placed ninth in the nation. Our NJROTC unit has completed over 10,000 volunteer hours over the last four years. I also know that some of our cadets and several of our other students that are about to start their military careers, if you've already enlisted or plan to enlist in the military, please stand so that we may recognize you and show our appreciation.
This year seniors led the Northview FFA chapter to numerous victories. Five seniors will be receiving the highest award given by the state association, the state FFA degree. Seniorss from this class placed second in districts. For parliamentary procedure, speech, and the forestry team contest, one of these seniors was the district FFA president for the year, and another is currently a candidate to be the Florida FFA state vice president. Northview has been ranked and awarded the title of the district FFA president for the year.
of Florida's finest chapter, the premier chapter award, and an agricultural advocacy finalist under the leadership of this senior class. One student has also received the DeKalb Agricultural Accomplishment Award. That's awesome, congratulations on that. The class of 2024 were part of successful performances at football games for the past four years.
We have seniors in this class that participated and led the marching band to success in several competitions. Seniorss in this class assumed various leadership roles, such as percussion captain and color guard. and also one of our senior color guard students graduating today qualified and performed at state solo and ensemble.
Our football team has played in at least the second round of the FHSAA playoffs during the past four years while the senior. from this class were on the team. That means four straight years of playoff berths.
Seniorss present today led our softball team to a top eight finish in the state while hosting the regional championship game. Two seniors in this class competed in the state track meet this year, and one of these seniors with us today competed in the state track meet four years in a row. Finally, several seniors in this class participated on Northview's first ever tennis team.
I always try to look at a senior class and do my best to collective. reflect or characterize the group. I told you all the other night at senior honors night that the class of 2024 is what I consider a very kind or warm-hearted group. That trait will serve all of you well in your life and it speaks volumes for who you are inside.
As you strive forward, it's my hope that your life has a plan or path to achieve your dreams. Some of you already have your life completely mapped out and some of you may be trying to discover which direction to go. Either way, you will have many successes and some difficulties.
difficulties along the way. That's guaranteed. You will enjoy many accomplishments, but you must work through those tough times that are inevitable. Your ability to work through the difficult times and to make adjustments are what will ensure your success.
Don't forget those that have helped you get to this point. Of course, many of them are here today. Make an effort to show and express your gratitude to family and friends or anyone that has supported you along the way. Remember, they own the journey with you.
The rest of your life starts from this moment right now. I know that y'all are well prepared. and have what it takes to create and earn the life you desire. Work hard and make it happen. I'm most grateful to have had the opportunity to be your principal.
As always, I love you all, and I'll miss you all very much. Congratulations. Thank you.
And now the part that we've all been waiting for. This is the most important part of this honorable occasion. I urge the audience to act in a respectful manner so that each graduate is recognized appropriately. Each family member deserves the right to hear their graduate's name and to see their graduate walk across the stage. Seniorss, please stand.
graduating summa cum laude in GPA order Sarah Elaine Bailey Maggie Rose Godwin Daniel Tyler Riggs Leah Katherine Hetrick Ava Kate Gerganus Kayleelee Brooke Glick Reagan Michael Abbott Riley Elizabeth Dawson Carson Lane Dortch Jacquez Keyshawn Gabriel Moore Berkley Sarah Hall Heath Samuel Parker Chloe Adele Ragsdale. Emma Lynn Doyle. Brooke Kaylee Litton.
Doria Renee Beach. Austin Allen Minshew Kaylee Sienna Gibson Mason Claire Edwards Layla Ann Mason Kinsley Abigail Coker Kendall Ann Alvaree Julius Christian St. Louis Mikaela Jane Golson Chloe Faith Criswell Wyatt Alexander Scruggs Jacob Andrew Spence Skyler Maggie Williams Chance Avery McElhannan Daquan Rashad Shabazz Allison Brianna Jones Rebecca Danielle Abbott. Olivia Peyton Bush.
Mason Johnny Mack Parker Jocelyn Diane Hilton Graduating Cum Laude and GPA Order Kayleelee Michael Hamilton Kaden Thomas Mills Calista Grace Denny Board Lee Ferguson Kayleelee Ann Jay Skyla Maggie Gaskey Janiyah Amanda Hooks Gloria Elizabeth Decker Ava McKenzie Wilson Darren Thomas Leatherberry Kendall LaVon Smith Jr. Joe Wright V Amber Lorraine Erby Chloe Lane Morris Isaiah Jamar Thomas. Kaden Luke Peterson. Sarah Kate Long graduating in alphabetical order Hunter Lane Andrews William Anthony Antrim Adriana Lily Ottola Kendall Brooke Beasley Brooke Elizabeth Bellows Ethan Cole Bingham Jarrett Allen Botaford Robert Allen Botaford II Destiny Maggie Bossard Kira Ann Bryan Ja'kyra Therese Carter Cassidy Paige Chupe Edward Luke Conway Arianna Ja'Kiah Courtney Kamani Kizaria Akis Cox Fletcher John Culleton Jamiracle LaTrinity Culpepper Melani September Curry DeAndre Tyrell Dawson Nathaniel Wayne Decker Austin David Dunsford Noah Hayden Faulkner Armiya Jalaya Denise Finley Ashley McKenzie Fleming Jayden Connor Franklin Addison Ruby Geck Paisley Desiree Green Bryce Alexander Hall Sanaya LaShay Hickson Tristan Joan Holmes Jakir Anthony Hudson Brayden Michael Janeski Devin Earl Kelly Quentin Troy LaVert Lambert James Judson Lee Carlton John Levens Ryan Samantha Little Devon Montez Lyons Jr. Chance Gavin McCurdy.
Tideasia Monet McKenzie. Ryan Smith Miner. Gloria Lynn Mumaw Allison Kathleen Neal Ryan Adam Odom Ada Teagan Parsley Evan Taylor Petticord Dennis Michael Pittman III Caleb Isaiah Pouncey Cody Tyler Pugh Jordan Warren Pullen Tyler Nicholas Reagan Jasmine Najae Robinson Cheyenne Lee Seto Caleb James Selig Aiden Zidane Smith Shakira Claire Stallworth Kayleelee Maggie Starr Briar Rosaline Thompson Jada Lynn Walker Jake Lyndon Warner Bailey Brooke Wiley Superintendent Leonard, as principal of Northview High School, I hereby certify each of these seniors has met the eligibility requirements for a high school diploma as prescribed by the Escambia County School Board and the state of Florida. Thank you Mr. Sherrill. On behalf of the members of the Escambia County School Board in the state of Florida, Y'all want me to start over?
It's a great lesson in life, seniors. Always good to be humble. And I think that's what Mr. Sherrill talked about when he talked about you, your kind heart, your generosity.
Thank you for being kind to me. Jacquez. On behalf of the members of the Escambia County School Board in the state of Florida, once again, I'm not starting over. By the powers vested in me as the superintendent of schools for Escambia County, I hereby declare each of these seniors receiving a diploma today as graduates of the Escambia County School District.
You may now turn your tassels. At this time I present to you the graduates of the class of 2024 for Northview High School. There you go. Hall. This concludes our ceremony.
Remember, we've been asked to leave in a timely manner so the facility may be prepared for the next ceremony. Please drive home safely, and always, Go Chiefs!