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“It’s time to take the next step, take on new challenges and build lives we’re all proud of. Congratulations, Class of 2025. I am so proud and feel extremely honored to be one of you.”

That’s what Flomaton High School Valedictorian Harper Harrison said during commencement exercises May 15 in the school’s auditorium.

Harrison, who had delayed speech as a child, said his challenge gave him something even more important than words – grit.

“It taught me that sometimes, the best things in life come after a long, hard fight,” he said. “That fight not only showed up in the classroom, but on the football field, and on the baseball diamond as well.”

Harrison said the mindset of working hard to earn his accomplishments followed him everywhere, from the football field to the baseball diamond.

“I truly believe the work I put in on the field early on made a huge impact in my academic performance,” he said. “From each rep as a quarterback to managing the mental game as a catcher, I learned the importance of communication, focus, strategic thinking, leadership skills and most importantly, work ethic.”

Harrison said his father, Chris, showed him that hard work isn’t something you talk about, it’s something you live.

“He taught me that when things get tough, you don’t walk away,” he said. “You did deeper. You get stronger. And my mom (Courtney), who made it her mission to push me every single day to be the best version of myself – even on the days when I thought the ‘best version’ of me should probably just take a nap. Thanks for never letting me settle. This great honor wouldn’t be possible without your continued support in my academic and athletic development.”

Harrison said a lot of credit goes toward the people that played a part in their journey.

“To our parents, teachers, coaches, mentors and friends – your belief in us made all the difference,” he said.

Salutatorian Mya Etheridge thanked all who volunteered their time and effort for putting on the exercise.

“We decide who we want to be, it’s our responsibility to lead the younger students,” Etheridge said. “To the underclassmen, soon you’ll be on this stage. Soon, yo9u will have the responsibility yourself.”

Etheridge encouraged her classmates to embrace the moment.

“To the class of 2025, we finally made it,” she said. “The path we chose will affect our lives.”

She said success and growth aren’t linear.

“This is just the beginning,” Etheridge said.