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Andalusia High School held graduation for the senior class of 2023 Friday night and was led by Meleah Treadaway as the valedictorian and Aubree Caldwell as the salutatorian.

Treadaway is the daughter of Angi Hicks and Marty Treadaway. She has a sister, Kayla Treadaway, a niece, Halo, and a nephew, Matthew.

Caldwell is the daughter of Erin Grissett and Joey and Anna Caldwell. She has a brother, Landon Caldwell, and two sisters, Kate and Caroline Caldwell.

“My class has been through a lot, but we have prevailed. I know that we are all destined for some form of greatness, and I am honored to be able to lend my voice to express this sentiment,” Treadaway said.

“Being named as the salutatorian of the class of 2023 at Andalusia High School is a huge honor and accomplishment,” Caldwell added.

The pair will go in opposite directions after graduation.

“I will be attending the University of Alabama where I will be majoring in Psychology and Spanish with a minor in Interdisciplinary Medical Studies. I was really uncertain about what I wanted to do with my life until I began volunteering with South Central Alabama Mental Health Center. I am now an employee there and love working with the kids. I realized I had a real interest and passion for pediatric psychiatry, and these degree paths will help me join this field,” Treadaway stated.

“I plan to attend college at Auburn University and major in Radiation Oncology. I chose this major because radiation therapists are in high demand right now. Radiation therapists generally see the same patients, which means I will be able to form a relationship with my patients and watch their progress as they battle cancer,” Caldwell said.

Both said they are honored to attend AHS and agreed that they will always cherish the traditions that embody student life on the campus.

“Andalusia High School is such an incredible place and filled with traditions. I loved being a part of these traditions alongside my friends. It was the little moments during these times — the laughs, the late nights, the chaos-filled bus rides, the homecoming skit practices — in which I found the most joy,” Treadaway said.

“The most enjoyable part about being a student at Andalusia is definitely the traditions. Homecoming is one of our biggest traditions and is the most fun week of the year. We get to spend the entire week working with our friends on the class float, practicing in the homecoming skit for alumni, and rolling houses. On the day of homecoming, we perform our skit, march in the parade, and get to enjoy a home football game,” Caldwell said.

Treadaway stated the one thing she would miss the most is the chaos of being a high school student.

“The real world has its own messiness, but there’s just something different and indescribable about the furor contained within the walls of any high school,” she said. “With every unexpected moment, I felt this buzz of excitement and I’m really going to miss that.”

Caldwell felt she would miss those who have guided her and other students over the past four years.

“No matter what, they always work to make sure everything is the best it can be. The teachers always make sure their students are prepared for the tests and spend countless hours after school or during their planning to provide students with extra help. The school strives to prepare all of its students for the real world. They want the best for each and every one of us, and I am very thankful I had the privilege of attending AHS,” Caldwell said.

Both are excited to begin the next chapter of their lives.

“I am most excited about all the new people I’m going to meet as I enter the real world. I love forming relationships, and there’s a whole world of people out there for me to explore,” Treadaway said.

“I am looking forward to moving off to college and entering the real world. I love meeting new people and am very excited to see what the future holds for me,” Caldwell added.

Both graduates are looking beyond college with the hopes of settling into careers and adult life.

“I hope that I will begin a long and fruitful career as a child psychiatrist. I work very hard and am certain God will continue to provide for me along this path,” Treadaway said.

“In the next five to 10 years, I will have completed school and be working full-time as a radiation therapist,” Caldwell said.

The two graduates look forward to seeing what the future holds for them.

“This is a great honor, but it is an even greater honor to have known all the amazing people I have met through the years. I am so grateful to have been a part of their lives, and each and every person holds a special place in my heart,” Treadaway stated.

“I am very blessed to have attended Andalusia High School and couldn’t have asked for a better high school experience,” Caldwell added.