By Thomas Sellers Jr.
The Commencement Program for the 52nd graduating class of Tipton-Rosemark Academy took place Saturday morning in the Millington First Baptist Church. The Class of 2021 began the day with the Baccalaureate program starting with the processional then opening prayer by Alex Thomas (National Honor Soceity Historian). The welcome was given by Margaret Fullen (National Honor Society Secretary). The scripture reading was handled by Madison Douglas (Beta Club and National Honor Society Member). The Baccalaureate continued with special music “Reckless Love” by Cory Asbury performed by members of the Class of 2021. Another scriputre reading came from Brianna Hall (Beta Club and National Honor Society member).
Nate VanKampen, medical student at UT Health Science Center and former TRA educator, delievered the sermon for the day. The senior presentation duties went to National Honor Society members Charli Rice and Brooklyn Rose. After the benediction, there was a recessional and brief intermission before the graduation.
After the Pomp and Circumstance entrance, Student Council Chaplain Emily Crane gave the opening prayer. Beta Club Treasurer Bryce McLane welcomed the friends and family to the long awaited graduation ceremony.
In years past the students set in front of the staging area. This year the 56 members of the Class of 2021 were in stadium style setting facing the audience.
Speeches were given by Valedictorian Noah Roland and Salutatorian Davis Cox. Historian Elisabeth Lodholm gave reflections talking about her journey from the Rocky Mountains to the Mississippi River with COVID-19 in between.
Several honors and awards were given out by outgoing Head of Schools Bobby Baker and Upper School Principal Stephanie Wehrer.
Then it was time for the senior video and presentation of diplomas to Jordan Allen, Alexander Anderson, Robert Backwell III, Katherine Brassfield, Evan Coats, Davis Cox, Daniel Craddock, Emily Crane, Emma Curtis, Joseph DeLuco III, Cameron Donegan, Madison Douglas, James Dunavant, Sarah Fullen, Ella Gilbreath, Brianna Graham, Patrick Green, Lydia Grigsby, Brianna Hall, Joseph Harrald, Pavel Harvey, David Hill, john Hughes, Jalen Hurt, Tucker James, Kylie Jimenez, Braden Leggett, Reginald Lewis, Elisabeth Lodholm, Myles McClinton, Bryce McLane, Sarah Myers, Alannah Naumann, Gracey neuman, Lucrezia Orsini, Robert Parchman, Hannah T-kai Shamari Powell, Charli Rice, Joshua Rickard, Noah Roland, Brooklyn Rose, Rodrick Seals Jr., Zachary Seward, Aydin Simpson, Andrew Smiht, Aidan Sprenkle, Corbin Standridge, Ethan Stewart, Haley Sutter, Alex Thomas, Sarah Thornell, Cooper Thorpe, Mary Catherine Turner, Zakris Vinson, Seth Walker and Emma Wilder.
With the conferring of the diplomas done, closing prayer was given by Robert Blackwell (National Honors Society vice president). Then the class was presented by Class President Hutcheson Dunavant.
