The Class of 2020 gathered one last time beneath a stunning sunset to celebrate their long-awaited graduation at the Brickyard July 30.
Head of the Upper School Steve McCartney led the procession of faculty and students onto the field as friends and family watched from socially-distanced 6-person sections of the bleachers or live on The Raider Network. Although graduates and participants were required to wear masks, nothing could hide the excitement and pride the students felt in formally recognizing the end of their high school experience. Lily Grace Thigpen gave the opening prayer, and Don Waller led the pledge of allegiance. Anna Roberson, the Class of 2020 salutatorian, then shared a poignant speech thanking the families, friends, and faculty who shaped the graduates’ lives. In addressing the faculty, Anna said, “There is no sentence and not enough words in the world to adequately describe the gratitude we all have for your work.”
After a slideshow of the students’ front porch photos, Logan Hatten presented the senior gift: funds to purchase a picnic table for the amphitheater, and a generous donation to the Alpha and Omega program. Associate Head of School and Academic Dean Matt Morgan accepted the gift, saying, “While none of us will forget the year 2020, this gift ensures that the class of 2020 will always be remembered fondly on our campus.” Next, a video of Senior Class Representative Lizzy Childress’ reflections on the seniors’ time at JA played on the jumbotron. “It is true that we will be in different places next year, experiencing new things and making new friends,” Lizzy said, “But remember JA is always home to us and the people we’ve met will be our forever friends.”
Caroline Hill introduced the platform guests; Associate Head of School and Academic Dean Matthew B. Morgan, Chair of the Board of Trustees Scott W. Pedigo, Head of Upper School Steven L. McCartney, and Head of School Jack F. Milne. The graduating class then walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, with valedictorian Anna Katherine Ray and salutatorian Anna Roberson receiving the first and second diplomas. After the Class of 2020 had each collected their diplomas, Anna Katherine Ray challenged the graduates to live full of joy, love, and purpose in her valedictorian speech. Student Body president Land Gebhart then led the class in moving their tassels from right to left, putting the finishing touches on the graduation with a prayer before the graduates tossed their mortarboards high in the air and processing off the field.
After much persistence, patience, and hard work, Jackson Academy was honored to graduate the Class of 2020 and is proud to call each of them a graduate of our institution. Thank you to the parents who entrusted their children’s education to JA and to our faculty for caring for each of them throughout their time at JA. In Land Gebhart’s closing prayer, he said, “Lord, we ask that you give each of us our purpose in life and help us live our lives out for you.” That is our prayer for this class, and we are confident that God will be with and bless each of them as they begin their college journeys.
