By Matthew Phillips. 

As the sun began to set and the ceremony began on May 22, family members and friends filled the home side bleachers at Delaney Kervin Stadium to recognize the class of 2025 graduates that will be leaving the halls of Pike Liberal Arts School. 

Leading the class of 2025 were valedictorian Dawson Bradford and salutatorian Allyn Wilson. Dawson Bradford will be continuing his education at the University of Alabama, where he will be majoring in business finance for a career one day in real estate. Allyn Wilson will be continuing her education at Auburn University, where she will be majoring in marketing, in hopes of building a platform on social media with a professional sports team in the future.

Salutatorian Allyn Wilson shared that high school at Pike Lib wasn’t just about the grades or classes. It ultimately was about growing up and cherishing the memories.

“High school wasn’t just about showing up to class or making good grades; it was about growing up and learning how to fail and try again,” she said. “It was about learning to say goodbye and also learning to say, I’m just getting started. During our years at Pike Lib, we have all been blessed to have been surrounded by the most rewarding faculty around.”

Commencement speaker Judge Benjamin M. Bowden, a proud alumnus of the Pike Liberal Arts School Class of 1985, was recently appointed to the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. .

“What a great night. We can just feel the anticipation and the excitement, and I’m so excited to be here with you tonight,” Bowden said.” I love the tapestry of graduation and all the music and tradition. It was 40 years ago this month that I sat where you graduates are sitting tonight—four decades. Commencement speeches are an extreme challenge; there are many emotions present—pride, sadness, maybe a little relief.

“It’s been a long day already, and I am aware that there are activities still planned for later. Graduates, don’t sit on the sidelines or find a reason not to do something or not to be something. Be passionate about life, commit yourself, go for it, and just do it. As a patriot for life, you should take that passionate attitude when you leave here.” 

He went on to lace the Revolutionary War in his speech, mentioning that Nathan Hale,  who worked as an undercover for General George Washington, was recognized as a spy and ultimately taken into custody by the British.

“The British marched and hanged Nathan Hale, then 21 years old, on the morning of September 22, 1776,” Bowden continued. “‘My only regret is that I have but one life to lose for my country,’ (Hale said). Graduates, that is standing for something. You ladies and gentlemen are patriots, and all I’m telling you is, when the time comes, stand tall for what you believe in. I promise you, you will never regret it.”

Valedictorian Dawson Bradford, spoke on behalf of growing up together from elementary school to high school at Pike Liberal Arts School. 

“Now to my classmates, the Class of 2025, we have grown up together from crayon drawings to class projects,” Bradford said. “From awkward middle school dances to senior prom. From JV, to Varsity, from first day nerves to final exams. We survived late night study sessions, survived each other’s driving through it and yes survived some unforgettable teachers. We are leaving here with more than just a diploma, we are leaving with a foundation, a foundation built on values, on memories, and lessons that will anchor us no matter what storms may come.” 

A total of 33 Pike seniors went on to rotate their tassels from the right to left side, marking a sense of completion. The Pike senior graduating class is leaving behind a trail of academic excellence. This class uniformly was awarded in scholarship funds that exceeded up to $1.8 million dollars.