Trigg County High School’s Class of 2023 took the final walk through Wildcat Gymnasium Thursday night — a packed, sweltering house once again at graduation. And, naturally, breaking the soft rule of waiting to cheer by whooping and hollering for 147 seniors.
Of the group, 39 of them strolled out with honors — colored tassels, sashes, cords and medals draped around their shoulders.
Superintendent Bill Thorpe, of course, had the final say.
Valedictorian Ashley Geary reflected on a class battered, but unbroken, by an odd four years — two of which were virtually squashed by the global pandemic and its consequences.
Salutatorian Jasmine Velez touched on how she spent so much time chasing grades and test scores, that early on, she never really had a chance to disconnect her personality from her academics.
Now, she feels more confident, and more like herself, and she’s challenging others to stay true to themselves.
TCHS Principal Tim Bush also pointed out that, for this Class of 2023, half of high school was spent either at home or virtually hybrid, making consistency, repetition, work ethic and any rhythm a real challenge.
And yet, this core exceeded expectations.
Bush also recognized a trio of international students, who embraced part of the graduation process.
Chloe Johnson gave invocation, relaying timely verses from Psalms and Hebrews to her classmates.
Elizabeth Alexander closed with a benediction, asking her class turn to good works after leaving the halls of Trigg County.
Four surprises came from Thursday’s celebration. Elizabeth Hiter and Ryan Hampton were named the “Wildcats of the Year” — an honor chosen by teachers. The “Clyde Doyle” Award, given to someone succeeding through tough circumstances, went to Adreanna Penn. And for the second time in school history, a graduate completed the “career work experience” certification by churning through four work-based learning courses over a minimum of three years.
This belongs to Erica Baker.
Full audio from Thursday’s ceremony:
No data found.
