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Northview’s class of 2020 celebrated its triumph during graduation exercises on June 24 at the Pensacola Bay Center.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, graduation exercises, usually held in late May, had to be postponed.

The class of approximately 130 followed social-distancing guidelines at the ceremony by sitting 6-feet a part on the main floor.

Salutatorian Kayla McKillion thanked her parents, family and friends, along with teachers, for helping her achieve this moment of success.

“To the class of 2020, we came in our freshman year to show the other classes we would dominate from our freshman year,” McKillion said. “Think back to that first day. Since then, we have proven to be Hercules strong.

“This year, COVID-19 thought it was going to take this day from us,” she said. “But, we are here, ready to take on the next challenge that life brings our way.”

McKillion said if the pandemic taught her one thing, it’s to cherish everyone around her.

“I appreciate each and every one,” she said. “I thank you for all that you do to make our high school years a better memory.”
McKillion said the class wrote one chapter, and it’s up to them to see what the next chapter unveils.

Looking up in the crowd and with a smile, Valedictorian Keaton Brown thanked his mom.

Brown said it took him a little while to realize that high school is a time for making memories.

“It’s not my intention to make this speed incredibly dark,” Brown said. “There is no such thing as a fine line of success. There is however, a little grey area. This grey areas are those who kept up their grades, and enjoyed high school.”

Brown encouraged those underclassmen who weren’t present to cherish their years in high school prior to graduation, adding that it’s important to hold onto those memories made.