Seniors at Escambia County High School and Escambia Academy became high school graduates this week as the Blue Devils held commencement services Friday night, just a day after the Cougars celebrated their students on Thursday.

ECHS Principal Zickeyous Byrd passed out diplomas Friday at Herbert Barnes Stadium as 95 students crossed the stage to close out their high school careers.

Mayor Howard Shell served as this year’s guest speaker after which Valedictorian Quinston Ephraim Jr. and Salutatorian Jazmine Adams spoke addressed their classmates as fellow students for the last time.

Ephraim graduated in the top spot academically for the class of 2012, but was involved in much more than just the classroom during his time at ECHS. Ephraim was also active in the school band, choir, EsCoHi newspaper, Future Business Leaders of America, Atmore Kappa League, National Honor Society, Relentless, Student Government Association and Atmorala yearbook staff. After high school he plans to attend the University of South Alabama and obtain a bachelors degree in chemistry on a pre-med track. Afterwards he plans to continue at USA or attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham to pursue a doctorate degree in anesthesiology. Ephraim is the son of Lakeisha and Quinston Ephraim Sr.

Adams was also active outside of academics at ECHS. She was active in high school with Atmore Ivy League, Chamber Ambassador, EsCoHi Newspaper staff, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, Student Government Association, Youth Leadership Atmore, and Atmorala yearbook staff.

In the future Jazmine plans to attend Alabama A & M University and obtain a bachelors degree in English.  Afterwards she plans to either go to law school   or obtain a masters degree as well as a doctorate degree in English and teach at the post secondary level. Jazmine is the daughter of Paula and Reginald Adams.

The best Escambia Academy has to offer was also on display this week as 27 students received their diplomas from headmaster Betty Warren Thursday night in Canoe.

EA Valedictorian Brandon Goddard and Salutatorian Katelyn Chastang also addressed their fellow graduates before the class heard from former EA student and teacher Lori Diller.