Published 1:18 pm Friday, May 9, 2025
By Andrew Garner
One-hundred-and-ninety area high school students were honored as Atmore Rotary Club Academic All-Stars May 8 at the Escambia County High School auditorium.
The Academic All-Star Program, which is in its 40th year, began in 1985 by the Atmore Rotary Club to recognize students who obtained academic achievement in high school by maintaining all As and Bs.
More than $30,000 in scholarships were awarded to high school seniors based on the number of years they have been an Academic All-Star.
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Additionally, the Rotary Club presented Merit Scholarships to three seniors:
the Little John Memorial Scholarship ($2,000) to Madison Freeman, Escambia Academy; the William and Mary Grissett Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) to Ana Chesley Robinson, Escambia Academy; and the Randolph B Luttrell Sr. Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) to Colton Cristwell.
Escambia County Extension Director Dr. Millie Murphree served as the program’s speaker.
Murphree said the All-Stars celebrated something extraordinary, an academic excellence.
“To the honorees, this is your night,” Murphree said. “We celebrate something deeper than grades.”
Murphree said the students made a choice to show up, work hard and persevered through challenges.
She said academic success is rarely a solo journey, and gave kudos to the students’ families for their support.
“Your child’s success is not an accident,” she said to the families present. “Your role is just as important now than it ever was.”
Murphree reminded the All-Stars that their excellence isn’t a destination, it’s a mindset and they’re just getting started.
“Excellence isn’t just a grade or a test score, it’s about finding your why,” she said. “Find what lights you up, and you’ll be unstoppable.”
Murphree encouraged the students to stay curious, and to not let success keep them settled, and to stay bold.
Students from Atmore Christian School, Escambia County High School, Escambia Academy and Northview High School were honored during the program.
The full list of students by school includes:
Atmore Christian School
Escambia Academy
Escambia County High School
Northview High School
**denotes four-year Academic All-Star
