In a colossal 11-story building, one that features hundreds of floor-to-ceiling windows, there are many views. As students progress in their journeys at North Atlanta, they go up within those floors until views taken in include distant vantage points of the city. So many views, and for the members of the school’s Class of 2023, those views become one culminating vision.

This year, North Atlanta’s baccalaureate event – Visions of the Future – was held on Friday, May 19, at 6 p.m. The annual ceremony is a pageantry filled event that takes place “at home” on the North Atlanta campus. Graduation candidates kicked off their action-packed graduation week in their black and white gowns, a sure sign to them that their commencement day was not far off at all. “Visions is special because we get to be here on the campus and in the building that’s been our home for four years,” said senior Ella Kaufman. “It will be special to be at Georgia Tech for graduation, but how nice that we can celebrate the moment here in this place where we’ve all grown up so much together.”

Visions this year featured an inspiring address from North Atlanta alumnus Malika Begum, a member of the Class of 2009, and currently a senior supply chain management consultant with Deloitte in Atlanta. The North Atlanta Combined Orchestra under the direction of Stephen Lawrence-Carroll, played an arrangement called “Irish Tune.” Members of the North Atlanta Bel Canto Singers sang “For Good.” Atlanta Public Schools Board member Jennifer McDonald also offered an address. After concluding remarks from Principal Curtis Douglass, Visions attendees filed out of the gymnasium before proud parents, friends and gathered teachers. Soon-to-be graduates said it was meaningful to have the “pre-graduation” event. “It really seemed like the reality of our leaving became something a bit more concrete because of the ceremony,” said senior Kameron Smith. “It’s bittersweet to be leaving, but collectively we’re all so glad to have had these years together.”

After Visions, the school’s PTSA sponsored a reception on the Hillside patio. Those gathered for the reception streamed across the wide expanse for cake, pastries and refreshments. Photos were taken, hugs were exchanged, and beaming parents reflected on the nearing end of high school journeys for their children. Towering above it all, there was the backdrop of an 11-story building that provides so many views to those within it. From so many views, to the brightest of all possible visions for the Class of 2023.  

North Atlanta’s graduation will be held on Friday, May 26, at 10 a.m. in Georgia Tech’s McCamish Pavilion. This year’s graduating class, with more than 550 members, is the school’s largest ever.