As we prepare to send off another class of graduates, I am filled with admiration for the incredible students at J.R. Arnold High School. As Panama City Beach’s hometown high school, Arnold holds a special place in the heart of its community, and it’s only fitting that we shine a spotlight on these remarkable Marlins in this issue. This year, 392 seniors are on track to graduate, and together they’ve earned an impressive $7.8 million in scholarships. They’ve also demonstrated their career readiness, with 83 CTE certifications earned. Additionally, 13 students have committed to serve in the U.S. military, exemplifying courage, leadership, and service to our country. These students make us incredibly proud to call them our own.
Academic, Artistic, and Athletic Excellence
At Arnold, Principal Britt Smith’s commitment to the “Triple A” philosophy—Academics, Arts, and Athletics—is more than just a guiding principle; it is a lived experience, embodied most vividly by this year’s valedictorian, Memphis Messina. Memphis is the epitome of a well-rounded student. She has excelled academically at the highest level, thrived in the arts through her contributions to theater and musical performances, and shown tremendous leadership as a four-year letterman and team captain for the swim team.
Another shining example of this year’s graduating class is Lily Cobb, a true scholar-athlete who has earned the AP Capstone Diploma and was named an AP Scholar with Distinction. Her exceptional academic performance also earned her a scholarship offer to MIT, which she turned down to pursue a track and field scholarship at the University of Colorado School of Mines, where she plans to study civil engineering.
The athletic accomplishments of the Class of 2025 are also truly remarkable. Notably, the Arnold High School boys soccer team, led by many senior athletes, captured their third state title in five years with a hard-fought win over Jesuit High School in the Class 5A state championship. After a 1-1 draw, the team secured victory with a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout. Senior goalie, Lincoln Guynn, helped lead the team with outstanding defensive play and was selected to play in the Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Game.
Eli Blair and Cooper Moss have been an unstoppable force on and off the baseball diamond. Both will graduate with academic honors and will continue their education and athletic careers at the University of Florida. These four-year lettermen have helped lead a revival of Arnold’s baseball program, breaking records and setting new standards of excellence along the way.
We also proudly recognize Joy Green, a scholar-athlete and four-year member of the girls’ basketball team, who will graduate with both a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree. Joy will attend Florida A&M University with the goal of entering the medical field, and I have no doubt she will make a profound impact in the years to come.
As we celebrate these milestones, we must also acknowledge the administration, teachers, staff, families, and community members who have supported these students every step of the way. Your investment in their lives has helped shape this phenomenal class into who they are today.
To the Arnold High School Class of 2025: Congratulations! You are truly putting the “A” back in Bay—and making Panama City Beach proud.
