Twenty-six Escambia Academy seniors received their diplomas at a graduation ceremony last Thursday night at First Assembly of God.

The graduation ceremony was held inside due to the threat of severe weather.

Salutatorian Saige Garrett reminded her classmates that they have acquired the knowledge to go out in the world and succeed.

“We’re ready,” Garrett said.

Garrett said the class shared many memories together, adding that she always hated endings.

Noah Blue, EA’s valedictorian, gave his classmates some advice as they start another chapter in their lives.

“First, never underestimate the power of working hard,” he said.

Blue said it’s OK to try something and not succeed.

“It’s up to us to work hard to achieve our goals,” he said. “We must know how to prioritize efficiently.”

In her final speaking engagement as Miss Alabama 2015, Meg McGuffin told the 26 seniors that their best years lie ahead. McGuffin will give up her crown next month.

“This marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another,” McGuffin said.

McGuffin spoke about how as a young girl, she had goals of becoming Miss America.

Growing up, McGuffin competed in many pageants, and was crowned Miss Alabama Teen.

At 14, she said she knew she wanted to be Miss America. In fact, she finished fourth runner up this past year.

Even while preparing for the Miss Alabama competition, she was told she couldn’t do it, McGuffin said.

“I was told no,” she said. “But, you know, I believed in myself. And even while I didn’t become Miss America, I didn’t fail.”

Throughout her speech, McGuffin spoke toward the graduates while acknowledging the crowd.

“The only person you can make happy in life is yourself,” she said.

McGuffin challenged the graduates to live by Proverbs 3: 5-6.

“Trust in God with all of your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding,” she said.

To wrap up her speech, McGuffin gave the graduates a few pieces of advice.

“Give 100 percent,” she said. “Ask for help if you need it. You have 10 minutes to cry, and afterward, tackle that monster head on. Be confident in who you are and what you bring to the table.

“Forgive yourself,” she said.