Andalusia High School held graduation for 2023’s senior class Friday night. It was accompanied by Meleah Treadaway, who was the valedictorian as well as Aubree Caldwell who was the salutatorian.
Treadaway was born to Angi Hicks as well as Marty Treadaway. She has a sibling, Kayla Treadaway as well as a niece Halo and a nephew named Matthew.
Caldwell is the child of Erin Grissett and Joey and Anna Caldwell. Her brother is named Landon Caldwell, and two sisters, Kate and Caroline Caldwell.
“My class has had to go through a lot, however we’ve prevailed. I am sure that we are all on the path to some kind of excellence and I am honoured to have the opportunity to to proclaim this,” Treadaway said.
“Being recognized as the salutatorian of class of 2023 in Andalusia High School is a massive honor and accomplishment,” Caldwell added.
The pair will continue to go in opposite directions following graduation.
“I am currently studying at an institution called the University of Alabama where I will major in Psychology and Spanish with an additional concentration in Interdisciplinary Medical Studies. I was unsure of what I would like to accomplish in my life until I decided to volunteer with South Central Alabama Mental Health Center. I’m now a staff member there and am awed by working with children. I discovered I had a deep desire and a passion for the field of pediatric psychiatry. I hope these degrees will allow me to get into the field.” Treadaway stated.
“I intend to go to the college of Auburn University and major in Radiation Oncology. I decided to pursue this degree since radiation therapy therapists are in great demand at the moment. The radiation therapists typically work with the same patients so I’ll be able to establish relationships with my patients and observe their progress in fighting the disease,” Caldwell said.
Both students said they were honored to be part of AHS and both agreed that they would always appreciate the traditions that make up the student life on campus.
“Andalusia High School is an amazing place, and is brimming with tradition. I was incredibly happy to be a participant in these customs along with my classmates. It was the smallest moments of these occasions such as the laughter and early nights, chaotic bus rides, homecoming dance routines — that I experienced the most joy.” Treadaway said.
“The most enjoyable thing about being an undergraduate at Andalusia is the tradition. Homecoming is among the most important traditions at our school and is the most exciting period of time. We can work all week together with our classmates for the class float. We also spend time working on the homecoming skit, which is performed for alumni and even rolling houses. When it comes time for homecoming we will perform our skit, take part through the crowd, and then get to play a home football match,” Caldwell said.
Treadaway said that the thing she’d regret the most is the chaos that comes with being a student in high school.
“The real world is full of its own chaos There’s something special and unique about the excitement that is contained in every high school’s walls,” She said. “With every new moment I felt this tingle of excitement and I’m going to miss it.”
Caldwell believed she would be missing the teachers who guided her and other students in the last four years.
“No whatever they do, they will ensure that everything is most effective it could be. Teachers always ensure that their students are well-prepared for tests and they devote countless hours after school or in the planning process to give students extra assistance. The school is determined to prepare its students for life in the real world. They strive to provide the best for every single one of us. I am extremely grateful that I was privileged to attend AHS,” Caldwell said.
They are both excited to begin the next chapter in their lives.
“I am very excited about new people I’m about to meet in life. I am a huge fan of building relationships and I’m sure there’s a vast world of people for me to discover,” Treadaway said.
“I am excited about getting into college and getting into the world of work. I am always looking forward to getting to meet different people, and am looking forward to seeing what the future will bring myself,” Caldwell added.
Both students are looking beyond the college experience with hopes of starting a new career and adulthood.
“I believe that I can begin a long, rewarding career as child psychiatrist. I am very dedicated and I am sure God will support me on this route,” Treadaway said.
“In 5 to 10 years’ time, I’ll finish my education and begin employed full-time as a radio therapy therapist,” Caldwell said.
The two graduates are looking forward to what the future holds for them.
“This is an incredible honour, but it’s an even greater honor be a part of the incredible people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting over the years. I am so thankful to be a part of their lives. Each person has an important spot in my heart,” Treadaway stated.
“I am extremely blessed to have been a student at Andalusia High School and couldn’t ask for an even better high school experience,” Caldwell added.
The story Treadaway was named valedictorian and Caldwell salutatorian in AHS appeared at The Andalusia Star-News.
