Florala High School held graduation for 2023’s senior class on Friday on May 26, and was conducted by Chloe Russell as the valedictorian and Zane Weeks as the salutatorian.
Russell was born to Kevin Russell and Tori Russell. She has a sibling, Maggie Russell.
Weeks is the youngest son of Aaron and Chase Norman and Josh and Katie Weeks. Two of his siblings include Sawyer Norman and Ruby Weeks.
The two were pleased to be ranked first and second in this year’s graduating class.
“I am thrilled to be representing my class of seniors as valedictorian. The senior class of Florala High School is an exceptional group of students. We have smart students and creative minds, as well as state champion athletes, and hardworking employees. As a school we’ve worked to achieve the highest number of students who have been awarded honors in recent the past. Being a part of them is to be an honorable group of students, and I’m proud of it,” Russell said.
“It is a huge honor to represent my school, class and my community as the honorary salutatorian in Florala,” Weeks added.
They both look forward to helping others in the future chapters in their respective lives.
“I will be attending Lurleen B. Wallace Community College this autumn. I’m still undecided about the major I want to pursue however I do know that I would like to pursue a career that will allow me to assist people. This is something I love. While I’m still undecided about a significant is concerned, I have definitely determined that I would like to work in an in a place where I can be directly helping people as me and my family.” Russell said.
“I am unsure of what I would like to study in college, however I plan to earn my bachelor’s degree and major in nursing. I would like to be able to assist and assist people. A lot of my relatives are working in the medical field, and they have inspired me the most.” Weeks stated.
They shared their top high school memories and felt fortunate by being Wildcats.
“The most enjoyable thing about being as a pupil of Florala High School would most definitely be my fellow students. We made every moment fun. From pep rallies to physics classes Together, we laughed and created memories that I will keep forever. They’re definitely one of the people I will always remember. I’ll also miss my staff and teachers. They have taught me a lot and we’ve become more close throughout the many years. I am grateful for their knowledge and drive to make an impressions on us students.” Russell said.
“I was happy to be able be a part of all extracurricular activities, including clubs and athletics. I will be missing the camaraderie and friendships I’ve formed with my fellow colleagues and teachers,” Weeks said.
As they prepared for the real world they felt the same way about the future.
“I am excited about the possibility of choosing how I’ll spend my time. I’ll be at college and working however, I believe I’ll become more productive during my time off and may even go on a trip,” Russell stated.
“I am fascinated by the freedom that comes from living in actual life,” Weeks said.
The pair are confident that they’ll find their passion in the next five to 10 years.
“I imagine myself graduating from college, and maybe having a job I like. I’d also like to marry and have children. My aim is to be content wherever my life takes me I hope this is where I’ll end up,” Russell said. “I believe I’ll be at the beginning of my career, or getting my post-grad education completed,” Weeks added.
They also acknowledged the man in the top photo for helping them achieve this milestone.
“I could not have achieved this prestigious distinction without the continuous guide of my Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. His words and His love have been the glue in my life, keeping me in the right direction and guiding me in my life. I owe all good things that I have experienced all to Him,” Russell said.
“I am extremely fortunate to have this opportunity while living in the wonderful community that I live in and am in a community of. God Bless you and take the Wildcats,” Weeks stated.
The article Russell, Weeks top of the class for Florala High School students appeared in The Andalusia Star-News.
