Last night was the first graduating class from the new Orange Beach High School. The ceremony took place at the Orange Beach Event Center, located at The Wharf.

“Each student was given 14 guest tickets to graduation,” Director of Student Affairs Mary Courtney said. “Students are allowed to distribute the tickets to friends and family. Those wishing to attend should request a ticket from a graduate.”

This is not only the first graduating class as an independent school system – the city took over in the summer of 2022 – but it is also the first class to spend all four years in the new high/middle school building and graduate.

Prior to the event, Superintendent Randy Wilkes stated “On Thursday, May 18, 2023, in the Orange Beach Event Center, Orange Beach City Schools will proudly present its inaugural graduating class, the Class of 2023,” He further added, “The system and community are especially proud of the one hundred seniors who will be honored during the ceremony as they have experienced many challenges since nearly a dozen began their educational journey at Orange Beach Elementary Schools 13 years ago. Because they have experienced a myriad of firsts, they are pathfinders, path makers, trendsetters – they are legacy makers. We are especially proud of their achievements both inside and outside of the classroom, their citizenship and their character.”

Notables of this class include:

• More than $3.1 million awarded in academic scholarships

• 10 graduates have accepted athletic scholarships to play on the collegiate level

• Valedictorian: Emma Lindley

• Salutatorian: Dorian Price

“They have risen to each challenge, and created a lasting legacy of adaptability, growth, and fortitude,” Courtney said. “We could not be more proud of the Class of 2023.”