34 Graduate from Piedmont Academy
Some 34 students graduated from Piedmont Academy Saturday morning, with the ceremony held in the school gymnasium.
The class featured co-salutatorians—Lillie King and Gracie Hunt, and valedictorian Lawton Harris.
After Deacon Robinson offered the invocation, Miss King gave her remarks, talking about overcoming obstacles. . She was followed by Miss Hunt, who reminisced on high school years, especially this last year. Then Miss Harris talked about life being about change as she asked everyone to imagine being a sailboat.
Cassidy Cook acknowledged the contributions of the staff and faculty on behalf of the senior class.
Headmaster Tony Tanner explained the significance of the special stoles and cords the students wore before presenting the diplomas. Gold tassels indicate an Honors College Preparatory Diploma; those with gold stoles are members of Beta Club or the National Honor Society; honor graduates had a gold cord; and a white cord signifies a special distinction graduate.
Chairman of the Board Bryan Bush assisted Mr. Tanner in presenting the diplomas to Lawton Elizabeth Harris, Lillie Bove King, Gracie Christine Hunt, Deacon Elizabeth Robinson, Cassidy Jaree Cook, Kathryn Mae Smith, Matthew Clayton Carter, Richard Caden Clark, Matthew Phillip Griffin, Madison Michelle Sanders, Rylee Faith Owens, Robbie Gerald Allgood, Jr., Neely Patricia Bradford, Meg Elizabeth Collins, Logan Ray Conner, Sydney Elizabeth Davis, Madison Hope Morton, Savannah Brooke Mote, William Christopher Parker, Hailey Marie Hooper, Madelyn Claire Johnston, Clayton Christopher Jones, Amber Dawn Kelly, Rainey Anne Loftin, Madison Reese McCart, Isabel Elena McLaurin, Kailyn Grace Evans, Caleb Dixon Faircloth, Jackson Brock Greenwood, Stephen Chase Porter, Lucy Kate Tuggle, Jeremy Tyler Webb, Jr., Samuel James Wright, and Samuel Thomas Younker.
After the graduates received their diplomas, Ryn Smith spoke on behalf of the class, thanking their parents. Clayton Carter gave special acknowledgements, with a special wish for Mr. Tanner for a good retirement, “as he graduates with them.”
