By Thomas Sellers Jr.
Tipton-Rosemark Academy has been celebrating its 50th anniversary all school year.
Today in the sanctuary of the Millington First Baptist Church, the most important gathering and celebration took place with the Class of 2016 participating in the Commencement Program. The 47th graduating class of TRA featured 50 students.
Those students, faculty, administration and special guests were led in an opening prayer by National Honor Society Co-Historian Ethan Watson.
After the welcome by Science Club President Drew Whiteside, senior Zachary James addressed the audience on the legacy of the Class of 2016 at TRA.
The Reflection of the Class of 2016 was given by Alexandria “Ally” Naifeh. She gave her peers and the parents a trip down memory lane from the elementary school day to the last month of senior year.
Then led by Lalania Vaughn, the Senior Ensemble performed “See You Again.”
Head of Schools John Scott opened the podium to several guest speakers to award scholarships. Winners were Hailey Savannah Thomas (Alicia Hornsby Memorial Scholarship), Brodie Starnes (PTO Scholarship), AJ Wimberley (FAME), Leona Miller (FAME), Mary Grace Simonton (FAME & Josie Gray Memorial Scholarship), Zachary Richardson (TRA Alumni Association Gail Davis Memorial Scholarship), Lillie Cox (TRA Alumni Scholarship), Taylor Beasley (Booster Club Scholarship), Zachary James (Booster Club Scholarship), Shea Grace Morrow (Commissioner Terry Roland Scholarship), Ethan Watson (Commissioner Terry Roland Scholarship), Colton Vaughn (Mike Griffin Memorial Scholarship) and Sarah Kate Downing (Masonic Lodge Scholarship).
Before the tradition Senior Video showcasing the growth of each student, the audience heard form Michell Long, Student Council president.
Once the lights were turned back on in the sanctuary, Scott was joined by administrators and senior sponsors like Alex Hooker, Gretchen Goode, Allison Fisher and Johnie Sanfratello handing out the diplomas.
The day concluded with a prayer from Student Council Chaplain Morrow and then the presentation of the class was made by Senior Class President Naifeh.