Assistant principal Josh Howell and Engineering teacher Cody Coleman direct seniors to their seats before graduation. Commencement exercises for Fairhope High School’s 354 graduating seniors took place on W.C. Majors Field at 7 p.m., May 20.
Community Leaders…Administrators, counselors, and distinguished guests await the graduation ceremony. Senior class president Bryce Boothe later announces the special guests to the audience.
They’re Retiring!… Principal Jon Cardwell recognizes Nelda Reichley and Catherine Coleman for their retirement during the processional. Teachers and staff joined Reichley and Coleman on the field during the graduation ceremony. “I’m so envious; you have zero idea,” Cardwell said.
Pledge of Allegiance… Teagan Lanicek leads the Pledge of Allegiance. Lanicek served as the Student Government Association President.
National Anthem… Fairhope High School’s Encore Ensemble sings the national anthem. Director Diane Ham directs the ensemble through the national anthem and then later the Alma Mater. Six seniors and one junior comprise the ensemble.
International Baccalaureate…Counselor Cammie Adams recognizes IB graduates. Sixteen seniors earned this distinction. “The Baldwin County college preparatory distinction for IB diploma is a rigorous diploma program that is designed to meet the needs of highly motivated secondary students and to promote international understanding,” Adams said.
All smiles…Connor Morris acknowledges his teachers seated on the field. Morris joined his classmates in line to receive diplomas. Photo submitted by Angela Hobart.
It’s a done deal…Graduate Catherine McCaleb returns to her seat after receiving her diploma. McCaleb served as a cheerleader throughout her high school years. “Graduation was such a tender, bittersweet moment. It’s funny how high school felt like it was taking forever, but now it’s just a collection of sweet memories,” McCaleb said. “I’m absolutely overflowing with gratitude for all the experiences and the wonderful people who made it special. To graduation signifies not just an ending, but a beautiful beginning filled with endless possibilities and dreams waiting to be chased.”
Tradition… Ana Marie Bathrick receives her diploma while honoring her Hawaiian heritage. Bathrick wore a lei to symbolize the culture in Hawaii.
Overjoyed…Graduate Atkins McMillan celebrates after receiving her diploma. McMillan is joined by other graduates Halle Shilston and Wiley Turner.
Caps everywhere… The Class of 2025 throws their caps, symbolizing the finalization of their graduation ceremony. The Pirateship fired its cannon signifying the seniors becoming Alumni of FHS. Graduates anticipated this moment, stood and cheered during the Alma Mater, which their friends and family members reciprocated in the audience. Following graduation, families fellowshiped with their prospective graduates on the field.
The Pirateer would like to congratulate the graduating class. Enjoy and share the special moments that we captured for you.
Halle Smith currently lives in Fairhope, Alabama, where she was born and raised. Smith is currently a member of the Varsity Cheerleading team at Fairhope High School and a company dancer at Bayshore Ballet. She enjoys tumbling and shopping in her free time. Smith is an active member at Faith Family Fellowship Church and serves in the preschool and special needs ministry there. She hopes to have a future in politics and is excited to continue her education and her cheer career at a collegiate level.
