19 Graduate From Piedmont Academy
The Piedmont Academy Class of 2012, consisting of 19 students, celebrated their graduation last Saturday.
Briana Rebecca Bailey and Davis Matthew Kimball were the special distinction graduates. Honor graduates included Nicholas Cole Hamilton, Caroline Jade Wilson, Samuel Bryson McGinnis, Jeremy Darren Wood, and Joshua Todd Brennan. The remaining graduates included Amy Lee Anuszczyk, Zachary Nigel Benjamin, Christopher Austin Corley, Tyler Nelson Cullum, Jacob Donald Dunagan, Seth Thomas Harvey, Ashton Leigh Hicks, Savannah Sue Holifield, Daniel David Leinweber, Kevin Daniel McBroom, Robert Joseph Mitchell, III, and Justin Taylor Wilson.
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Headmaster Tony Tanner, Board of Trustees members, faculty, junior class ushers, and senior class mascots led the processional to Handel’s “Largo.”
Parents and friends sat quietly as the invocation was given by Samuel Bryson McGinnis. Salutatorian Davis Matthew Kimball thanked all of the guests and reflected on the experiences that have shaped the lives of the Class of 2012.
Soloist Amy Anuszczyk; pianist, Jeremy Wood; and guitarist, Samuel McGinnis entertained the audience with Don’t Stop Believing by Journey. This was followed by Briana Bailey’s valedictory speech in which she discussed the futures of the Class of 2012. Mr. Tanner presented Miss Bailey and Mr. Kimball with plaques for their accomplishments.
The headmaster recognized Tyler Cullum whose father was a Piedmont alumnus. He also named the following students who have been at Piedmont since kindergarten: Mssrs. Cullum, Mitchell, Wilson, Leinweber, McBroom, Harvey and Benjamin, and Misses Wilson, Holifield, and Hicks.
The Headmaster’s Award is presented each year to a student who best exemplifies the mission statement of Piedmont, embodying the characteristics of mind, body, and spirit. This year’s recipient was Zachary Benjamin. The Outstanding Senior Girl award was presented to Briana Bailey and the Outstanding Senior Boy award was presented to Davis Kimball. Samuel McGinnis was honored as this year’s STAR student. His STAR teacher, Martha Mock, was also honored.
Gayle Marsh, president of the Grandparents’ Club, presented Jeremy Wood with a scholarship. The Jack Yearwood Memorial Scholarship was presented to Tyler Cullum by last year’s recipient, Rhett Roberts. Toni Reese presented Caroline Wilson the Turtle Cove Woman’s Club Scholarship. Chris Cain awarded the Chase Cain Memorial Scholarship to Justin Wilson. Ms. Mock presented Briana Bailey with an award from North Georgia College and State University in honor of her scholarship for the next four years.
Eight students participated in dual enrollment classes with Georgia Military College to receive college credit: Misses Wilson, Anuszczyk, and Bailey, and Mssrs. Wilson, Hamilton, Wood, Kimball, and McGinnis.
Chairman of the Board Mitch McEwen and Mr. Tanner, presented all 19 graduates with their diplomas in accordance with the requirements of the state of Georgia and the by-laws of Piedmont Academy.
Nicholas Hamilton recognized the contributions of the faculty to this class’ success. Zachary Benjamin thanked the parents for their support, guidance, and love. Jeremy Wood acknowledged the many people who have contributed to the success of this ceremony, particularly the Junior Ushers: Lanie King, Kacy Swart, Lucy Strickland, and Carley Cain. Senior mascots, Dakota Mosley and Carson Hammock, were also recognized. Room mothers Melissa Harvey and Rebecca Bailey were honored as was Ms. Mock, senior class sponsor.
Briana Bailey introduced the visual presentation of seniors, and Davis Kimball led the class in its tassel turning ceremony. Amy Anuszczyk and Jeremy Wood rendered another musical selection to Good Riddance by Green Day. Tyler Cullum led the class commitment for the future, and Seth Harvey, class chaplain, led the benediction. Each senior presented his mother with a rose as all seniors left the stage to take part in the cap toss to conclude the ceremonies.
