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More than 100 graduated from Northview High School in a commencement exercise on May 18 at the school.

Valedictorian Delaney Reynolds said she’s reminded of how lucky she was to be a Chief over the last four years.

“I have always set my goals and standards very high for myself, and the support I have received from these other graduates has been incredible,” Reynolds said. “Even as I was writing this speech, my fellow graduates encouraged me and provided support and helped me through it. I hope that, in the same way, I have always been able to support and be a friend for those around me during my years here as a Chief.”

Reynolds said the journey over the last four years has been amazing, adding the growing and growing along side them has been especially great.

Reynolds said the seniors learned a lot from their time at NHS.

“Despite what may leave our memories, we will never forget the encouragement we received from you and the extra time and help you offered to push us towards success,” she said. “For this, I know myself and many others are extremely grateful for. From this point on, we should shift our focus to enhancing what the future holds for us and continuing to set positive examples for those who follow behind us.”

Reynolds said she wouldn’t be where she is without her faith.

“I believe I am where I am through faith and I am extremely blessed to be standing here in front of you today,” Reynolds said. “To my fellow graduates, always remember Deuteronomy 31:6, which says, ‘Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; and for the Lord your God, he is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.’”

Salutatorian Seth Killam spoke about the importance of staying on your path.

“Along this journey, there are three places I want us all to look in life,” Killam said. “First, is to look up. The Bible says the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. I believe that God has a plan for each of our lives.

“Second, look to each other,” he said. “Proverbs says as iron sharpens iron, so another sharpens another. I know Delaney and I will say we couldn’t be up here without you.”

Killam said thirdly, don’t look back, but never forget, adding that Classmate Dariontae Richardson taught him a lot. Richardson passed away this spring.

“He taught me to enjoy this life because you never know when it’s going to be taken away from you,” Killam said about Richardson.

Escambia County School District Superintendent Malcolm Thomas lauded the class for its achievements, which included 11 percent having a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) all four years; 36 percent graduating with honors; 51 percent having a GPA better than a 3.0; scholarships totaling more than $550,000; 15 seniors who are Academic All-Stars; 26 percent passing as dual enrollment students; 60 percent earning industry certifications; the school’s FFA program being nationally ranked; the R.O.T.C. program serving 698 community service hours; and many enlisting in the military, to name a few.