Sports

Three Lady Vikings get special graduation after missing ceremony for state championship game

Fort Walton Beach High School held a special graduation ceremony Wednesday for three softball seniors who missed commencement to win the state championship.

Jared Williams

The Fort Walton Beach High School varsity softball team’s historic state championship celebration continued Wednesday as the school honored three seniors who missed graduation to capture the program’s first state title.

Seniors Alyx Hall, Hali Smith and Taitum Tolliver participated in a special graduation ceremony held on the softball field Wednesday, five days after the Lady Vikings defeated American Heritage 7-6 on May 23 in Orlando to claim the Class 4A state championship.

The three seniors missed Fort Walton Beach High School’s graduation ceremony, which was held the same night as the championship game. However, Principal Lindsey Smith began that graduation by giving the entire team a shoutout, specifically acknowledging the three absent seniors.

Following their championship victory, the seniors had their own graduation “walk” at the team hotel in Orlando. But the school wanted to provide a more formal recognition back home.

“Congratulations Alyx, Hali, and Taitum! We wish you luck in your futures and can’t wait to see the greatness that you will accomplish,” the school wrote in announcing Wednesday’s ceremony. “Thank you to all the family, friends, and staff for attending to support our girls. Thank you to our school board members and district employees for being there with us as well.”

The ceremony featured assistance from the school’s JROTC program and Voices of Valhalla, with photography provided by DJ Hearne.

The state championship marked the first softball state title in Fort Walton Beach High School history, capping a remarkable playoff run for the Lady Vikings.

PROMOTION

Join the conversation...Cancel reply

Continue reading 👇

Sports

The best of 2025-26: A look back at the top 15 Okaloosa & Walton sports highlights

Sports

Fort Walton Beach High School celebrates signing day as 21 Vikings commit to next level

Sports

Fort Walton Beach softball’s season ends in extra-inning heartbreaker against Baker County

Sports

Fort Walton Beach softball books fourth straight Sweet 16 trip with 3-1 win over St. Augustine

Patty Novak commented on Kemp’s ridley sea turtle found dead on Walton County beach, entangled in beach chair

“😢This is so sad. After seeing all that the Gulfarium does to rehabilitate other turtles, this is frustrating.”

Respond

Michael Cobb commented on WordroW: June 18, 2026

“4:00”

Mrs. Z commented on Superintendent Chambers addresses accusations, supports the 3 incumbents in upcoming election

“Thank you for your opinion, Mr. Chambers. I will not be voting for the three candidates you recommended. It’s interesting how you have spent years making sure students are held...”

Scott Schaeffler commented on WordroW: June 18, 2026

“1:22, 4 attempts”

Timothy W Yelverton commented on Col. Terrance Keithley takes command of 96th Test Wing at Eglin

“I sure hope he will change the hunting regulations and let us hunt during the week days this year.”

Brenda J Castillo commented on Okaloosa Administrator says property tax amendment could cut $24 million from county budget by year two

“A compromise would be to reduce property taxes for all senior citizens, with restrictions for newcomers. Without restrictions, too many seniors would flock here. Maybe seniors who have their homes...”

Robin commented on Kemp’s ridley sea turtle found dead on Walton County beach, entangled in beach chair

“Just heartbreaking.”

Neal Brickner commented on Okaloosa Administrator says property tax amendment could cut $24 million from county budget by year two

“A 3 percent reduction on a budget that's almost doubled in 6 years. Come on. How could they possibly do it? They might actually have to drive their personal vehicle...”

Ken commented on Okaloosa Administrator says property tax amendment could cut $24 million from county budget by year two

“We can also sell the naming rights to roads. Eglin Parkway becomes Amazon Road, for example.”

Keith in Crestview commented on Okaloosa Administrator says property tax amendment could cut $24 million from county budget by year two

“So sick of politicks complaining they cant live on less blood from the host. You and I are the host! CUT! CUT! CUT! Enough! Why does a county have VA...”