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Florala High School held graduation for the senior class of 2023 Friday, May 26, and was led by Chloe Russell as the valedictorian and Zane Weeks as the salutatorian.

Russell is the daughter of Kevin and Tori Russell. She has a sister, Maggie Russell.

Weeks is the son of Aaron and Chase Norman and Josh and Katie Weeks. His two siblings are Sawyer Norman and Ruby Weeks.

The two were proud to rank first and second in this year’s graduating class.

“I am overjoyed to represent my senior class as the valedictorian. The senior class at Florala High School is an outstanding group. We have intelligent students, creative minds, state champion athletes, and hard-working employees. As a class, we have worked hard to have the biggest group of honors students in years. To represent them is to represent an honorable group of people, and I’m proud of that,” Russell said.

“It means the world to be able to represent my class, school, and community as the salutatorian of Florala,” Weeks added.

Both look forward to assisting others in the next chapter of their lives.

“I plan on attending Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in the fall. I am undecided on a major, but I know I want to do something that allows me to help people. That is something I enjoy. Although I am still undecided as far as a major goes, I have surely made up my mind that I want to be in a work environment where I can be directly helping people just like myself and my family,” Russell said.

“I am undecided on where I want to attend college at this time but intend to receive my bachelor’s degree with a major in Nursing. I want to be able to help and work with people. Many of my family members are in the medical field and have motivated me the most,” Weeks stated.

They shared their favorite high school memories and were blessed to be Wildcats.

“The most enjoyable part about being a student at Florala High School would most definitely be my classmates. We made everything fun. From pep rallies to physics lessons, together we laughed and made memories I will cherish forever. They are definitely a group of people I will miss. I will also miss my favorite teachers and staff. Many of them have taught me so much, and we’ve grown closer over the years. I’m thankful for their wisdom and their drive to make an impact on us students,” Russell said.

“I enjoyed being able to participate in all of the extracurricular activities such as athletics and clubs. I will miss the fellowship and friendships I have made with both my classmates and teachers,” Weeks said.

As they prepare for the real world, they felt the same about the days that lie ahead.

“I am most looking forward to the freedom of deciding how I will spend my days. I will be attending college and working, but I do believe I will be more productive with my free time and maybe even do some traveling,” Russell stated.

“I am interested in the independence that comes with being in the real world,” Weeks said.

The two are optimistic they will find their calling within the next five to 10 years.

“I see myself graduated from college and hopefully working a job I enjoy. I also want to get married and have kids. My main goal is to be happy wherever life takes me, so hopefully that’s where I will be,” Russell said. “I see myself either in the beginning stages of my career or just finishing up post-grad schooling,” Weeks added.

Both paid tribute to the man above for helping them reach this milestone.

“I couldn’t have been given this great honor without the lifelong guidance of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His word and His love have been the glue to my life keeping me in line and giving me purpose. I owe everything good in my life to Him,” Russell said.

“I am extremely blessed to be in this position while being in this great community in which I live and am surrounded by. God Bless and go Wildcats,” Weeks stated.