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Right before each graduate’s name was called, a hush went over the crowd at the Pensacola Bay Center today during Northview High School’s Class of 2023 commencement exercises.

One-hundred-and-sixteen seniors received their high school diplomas, an end to a chapter filled with challenges.

“We need to have pride of all that we have accomplished,” Salutatorian Blake Yoder said. “We all faced challenges.”
Yoder encouraged his classmates to take advantage of the moments ahead.

“Moving forward, the world is full of opportunities,” he said. “We have given the tools and knowledge to success. It’s up to us to use them.”

Yoder, on behalf of the class, thanked the teachers, and all parents.

“You gave us your best,” he said. “Congratulations everyone. This is only the beginning. Let us go out into the world, and make a difference.”

Valedictorian Drake Driskell said that tomorrow isn’t promised, and all know that today could be their last.

“I would not be standing on this podium today without God,” Driskell said. “Every one in this center is blessed to be here.

“It is our job to use our talents that God has given us,” he said. “We all have different gifts.”

Escambia County School District Superintendent Dr. Timothy Smith encouraged the seniors to remember this moment.

He recalled his high school graduation in Washington, D.C. inside of Constitution Hall.

“This is a special time for you,” Smith said. “You have worked hard, and accomplished a lot.”

NHS Principal Mike Sherrill spoke about the senior class’s accomplishments, including earning more than $1.7 million in scholarships; several earning high grade point averages; and earning FFA and sports honors, to name a few.