Pomp and Circumstance for Class of 2020
by Chris Tramel
It has definitely been a year to remember for the DCHS class of 2020. The Covid-19 pandemic put an end to their school year in mid March, halting all school activities and sports events, and even threatened to cancel prom and graduation. But school officials worked hard to give this year's class seniors the pomp and circumstance they deserved, giving them a graduation ceremony that was better late than never.
Classmates returned to DeKalb County High School one last time last Friday evening as friends and family filled that stands at Vanhoosier Field. Clad in their cap and gowns, the students marched onto the field and took their seats.
The ceremony began with an invocation by FCA member Isaac Cross, which was followed by an introduction by 2020 Class President Hannah McBride.
McBride began by recognizing members of the class who are enlisting in the US military.
“You have my utmost respect. No matter what branch you go into, you're making a sacrifice that most of us will never ever be able to make. Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and willingness to serve.” said McBride.
Calling on a technique used by the late Fred Rogers, of the long running children’s TV program “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, McBride asked the crowd for 15 seconds, at which time they should remember people that 'loved you into existence' and that had been by their side.
In her speech, McBride recalled growing up through the years with a class that was born just after the events of September 11, 2001. “You have all worked hard and I have grown up with many of you since Kindergarten. It amazes me to see how far all of us have come, not to mention how tall some of us have gotten. We came into this world at a time when our country was filled with fear, and the latter half of our school year was spent inside four walls while the world panicked yet again."
"Go forward with determination, strength, and kindness in your heart. Don’t lose the sense of wonder and curiosity. See what wonderful things the world has in store for you." said McBride.
2020 Valedictorian, Anna Chew, took to the podium next and started by thanking the faculty and school board for making the graduation ceremony possible.
In her remarks Chew said, "You are strong, you are resilient, and I am so proud of each and every one of you. We have spent the past twelve years growing and learning in this school system and I hate that this is the ending we got. Since the first day of freshman year, when we walked down that red carpet for the first time, we have been told not to wish our high school years away. Only now, standing here, do I realize how true that statement actually is."
Chew continued, “It is more than okay to look back and reminisce on the times we have had here, but the time has come for us to move forward and we are ready. This place has shaped and molded us into young adults who are ready to take on the world. I believe we all have a very bright future ahead of us and we have the potential to make a huge impact on the world."
"Class of 2020, I encourage you to work hard, do great things, and show the world what we are made of. I also encourage you to cherish every moment you have along the way, and to never take anything for granted."
Chew also recognized her faith during her remarks. "As we have seen in the past few months, life can take some pretty unexpected turns. With that being said, the biggest piece of advice I can give you is to keep the Lord first in every single thing that you do. After all, in a world of certain uncertainty, one thing is certain. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His love for you is never ending."
Next, DCHS Guidance Counselor Lori Myrick recognized students graduating with honors and distinctions. The students were recognized as having met the requirement for Tennessee State Distinction by having a B average and meeting at least one of the following: Earned a nationally recognized industry certification, participated in at least one of the Governor’s Schools, participated in one of the state’s All State Musical Organizations, been selected as a National Merit Finalist or Semi-Finalist, attained a composite score of 31 or higher on the ACT or a total SAT score of 1420 or higher, attained a score of 3 or higher on at least two Advanced Placement (AP) exams, earned 12 or more semester hours of postsecondary (dual enrollment credit).
Distinction:
Connor Adcock, Cody Antoniak, Sarette Aranda, Caitlin Bennett, Nicholas Birmingham, Payton Bowman, Meghan Brandt, Eli Cantrell, Jade Cantrell, Sarah Carver, Anna Chew, Caden Close, Emme Colwell, Madeline Cook, Matthew Cook, Isaac Cross, Jadyn Dawson, Justice Dawson, Myla Dilligard, Zackary England, Holly Evans, Brooke Farmer, Tara Floyd, Mackenzie France, Alexis Gammons, Kiersten Griffith, Elizabeth Guinn, Jaley Hale, Peyton Harris, Braedon Jett, Mary King, Karlee Knowles, Katherine Malone, Raiden Martin, Hannah McBride, William Miller, Caitlin Milligan, Alan Munoz, Tanner Myers, Ricky Pack, Kaley Padilla, Madison Paladino, Daniel Puckett, Jake Ramsey, Preston Ray, Rachel Rhody, Cody Robinson, Hunter Robinson, Mya Ruch, Brett Sexton, Benjamin Snipes, Shelby Sprague, Malia Stanley, Alley Sykes, Christian Trail, Connor Vaughn, Darren Waggoner, Megan Walker, Harper Wallace, Justin Washer, Eric Williams, Jocelyn Williams, and Jadyn Young.
For Tennessee State Honors, the following students have met the requirements by meeting all of the ACT or SAT subject area readiness benchmarks. The ACT benchmarks are as follows: English-18, Reading-22, Math-22, and Science-23. The SAT benchmarks are as follows: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing-480 and Math-530.
Honors:
Connor Adcock, Cody Antoniak, Blake Barnes, Payton Bowman, Meghan Brandt, Chloe Braswell, Eli Cantrell, Anna Chew, Emme Colwell, Matthew Cook, Isaac Cross, Holly Evans, Makenzie France, Kiersten Griffith, Jacob Johnson, Joseph Johnson, Katherine Malone, Raiden Martin, Hannah McBride, William Miller, Caitlin Milligan, Terry Mitchell, Alan Munoz, Ricky Pack, Kaley Padilla, Madison Paladino, Daniel Puckett, Makenzie Ray, Rachel Rhody, Hunter Robinson, Mya Ruch, Jake Ramsey, Brett Sexton, Benjamin Snipes, Alley Sykes, Megan Walker, Harper Wallace, and Justin Washer.
Guidance Counselor Shelly Painter then took to the podium to announce the students eligible for Top Rank and Service. To be considered for top Rank, students must take at least 10 honors, dual enrollment, and AP courses and students must have a 21 or higher ACT composite score.
Top Rank:
Anna K. Chew, Holly C. Evans, Meghan E. Brandt, Mya K. Ruch, Kiersten E. Griffith, Megan R. Walker, Daniel J. Puckett, Joseph D. Johnson, Jake R. Ramsey, Justin G. Washer, Emme K. Colwell, Alley E. Sykes, Connor B. Adcock, Isaac A. Cross, Benjamin A. Snipes, Harper L. Wallace, Eli C. Cantrell, Rachel A. Rhody, Katherine A. Malone, Mackenzie F. France, Caitlin A. Milligan, Raiden A. Martin, William B. Miller, Ricky P. Pack, Alan D. Munoz, Matthew D. Cook, Payton B. Bowman, Elizabeth G. Guinn, Peyton A. Harris, Hannah E. McBride, Malia N. Stanley, Chloe L. Braswell, Kaley Padilla, Myla N. Dilligard, Cody L. Antoniak, Sophia E. Hofmann, Justise L. Dawson, Noah B. Roberts, Madison R. Paladino, Hunter A. Robinson, Makenzie D. Ray, Alexis J. Gammons, Jadyn P. Dawson, Allison C. Sanders, Mary M. Maple, Braedon C. Jett, Eric G. Williams, Darren C. Waggoner, Logan C. Speaks, Jacob A. Johnson, Tanner C. Myers, Molly M. Carrier, Mattalynn H. Mofield, Elisabeth N. Saylors, and Jack C. Famulski.
The following students volunteered their time for service at least 10 hours per year since starting high school: Connor Adcock, Payton Bowman, Anna Chew, Dallas Cook, Isaac Cross, AJ Crips, Holly Evans, Peyton Harris, Grace King, Katherine Malone, Madison Paladino, Daniel Puckett, Jake Ramsey, Mya Ruch, Ben Snipes, Christian Trail, and Justin Washer.
Next, DCHS Principal Randy Jennings addressed the students. “Congratulations Class of 2020. It has definitely been a unique journey for you guys to get to this day, and we are honored to get to be a part of it with you. Obviously, you guys have missed several exciting and fun experiences and a lot of good memories that most graduating seniors get to enjoy. In that we are truly sorry. But I would like to tell you, just think of all the good stories that you will have to tell your children, and your grandchildren. All you’ll have to do is just say ‘let me tell you about my senior year in high school” and they won’t believe it,” said DCHS Principal Randy Jennings.
“On behalf of the faculty and staff of DeKalb County High School as well as the Director of Schools Patrick Cripps, and the DeKalb County School Board members, we would like to take this time to thank each of you for your attendance here tonight to show your continued support for these students as they reach this milestone,” Jennings said.
Principal Jennings then presented awards to Salutatorian Holly Evans, and then the Class Valedictorian Chew. The Citizenship Award, given to one student and chosen by the faculty of DCHS who exemplifies strong academic performance and contribution to the school and community, was then presented to Raiden Martin.
White Rose awards were then presented to male and female students with strong academic performance and exemplary moral character. The awards were presented to Holly Evans and Isaac Cross.
Director of Schools, Patrick Cripps then addressed the class. “Congratulations class. You have experienced a time like none other. You have gone through ups and downs your senior year, and the one thing I hope you learn from it is to live in the moment. Always give your all, so you don’t ever have any regrets.”
During his comments, Director Cripps recognized retiring DCHS teachers Walteen Parker and Susan Hinton. “You have always been part of our family, and we thank you for all your hard work and the dedication you have given, not only to the DeKalb County School System, but to our students and our county. You have made it a better place.”
Principal Jennings then welcomed the 2020 graduating seniors, as one by one the 166 students were presented with their diplomas.
After the diplomas were presented, the Benediction was delivered to close out the commencement by Mackenzie France, member of the FCA Club.
