Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – If you want to see the first senior class of Orange Beach City Schools graduate, you need to find a family with a spare ticket.

“Each student was given 14 guest tickets to graduation, held at the Orange Beach Event Center,” 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.”

At the Tuesday city council meeting, Mayor Tony Kennon said he was unaware of the ticket situation but was assured he’d be allowed to attend.

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.

“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,” Superintendent Randy Wilkes said. “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.”

The ceremony starts at 7 p.m. at the Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf.