CRESTVIEW — The Crestview High School Class of 2015 marched across the stage Friday night and into the next chapter of their lives. Many have their futures already charted.
See photos from Crestview High School's graduation>>
Justin Thompson is heading to New York to try his luck in acting or modeling.
Evan Land, Michael Huggins, Jessica Hinton, Robert Helms, Phillip Knapp and Taylor Henderson are enlisting in the Army. Tayler Hudson and Alexander Hubbard are Navy bound, and James Horne is heading into the Air Force.
Rachel Ordoqui is off to the University of West Florida to major in neonatal nursing and minor in vocal performance.
Unlike neighboring outdoor graduations, including Thursday evening's in Baker, the Crestview ceremony was rain-free as family and friends packed both sets of grandstands on either side of Jack Foster Stadium and lined barricades near the field.
PURPLE RIBBONS
As the 386 graduates, many wearing purple ribbons in remembrance of their deceased classmate Valerie Camacho, lined up for the processional, school resource officer Dep. Randall Joiner distributed hugs, backslaps and handshakes.
"I'm glad to see them graduate but it's kind of sad, too," he said. "You get attached to them. They're my kids."
Surrounded by classmates in red gowns, Austin Weston stood out with his still over his arm shortly before the 8 p.m. march into the stadium.
"It's too hot!" he said. "This thing's 100 percent polyester!"
Across the field and behind the south grandstands, Caleb Overton, Noelle Schroeder, Savannah Barefield and Caylee Forrest happily jangled the plethora of medals and awards that attested to their academic and co-curricular prowess.
'STAND OUT'
Delivering the ceremony's opening remarks, Nathan Shaw encouraged his classmates to exert their individuality despite wearing identical red caps and gowns.
"Stand out from the crowd or sit down," he said.
In her graduation address, Destiny Moser recounted fond memories of the class's four years together.
"Looking back, the only regret we should have is not enjoying this time here," she said.
Email News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at brianh@crestviewbulletin.com, follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian or call 850-682-6524.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview High graduates begin life's next chapter (PHOTOS, VIDEO)