By Mike Hutchens UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Mother Nature attempted to rain on Union City High School’s graduation parade.
There were 108 seniors and their families and friends who would have nothing of it.
A brief shower drove the Golden Tornado graduates and a standing-room-only crowd inside to the Union City Civic Center from War Memorial Stadium, but did nothing to dampen the spirits of the ceremony Sunday night.
“You guys will have one of the most memorable graduations in school history,” a grinning UCHS Principal Jacob Cross jokingly told the graduates after presenting the class with their diplomas.
Cross had only a few minutes earlier begun to identify each class member and their future plans when the rain came.
The Civic Center was already set up to host the ceremony, though, and less than 15 minutes later, graduates, their families and friends packed the facility for completion of the event.
“This group certainly knows how to be flexible,” Cross added.
The 2019 graduating class was one for the records at UCHS, the group collectively earning more than $4.5 million in scholarship offers.
Cross spoke glowingly of other accolades achieved, including 19 – or 18 percent of the class – who made 30 or better on the ACT, the most in school history.
A total of 60 percent of the group earned the HOPE Scholarship.
Sports-wise, the class has combined to win 11 district championships, nine regional titles and a state championship.
The UCHS administrator said 66 percent of the class would be attending a four-year college, with another 13 percent going on to community college. Ten percent will attend either vocational or technical school, while eight percent will join the workforce. Three percent has or will enlist in the military.
After the graduates entered War Memorial Stadium to the traditional processional of “Pomp and Circumstance” Sunday evening, class president Claire Tanner welcomed those in attendance.
Salutatorian Will Hogan then delivered his address, followed by that of valedictorian Jacob Virgin.
Cross then officially presented the class, with Board of Education Chairman Karl Ullrich and fellow board members Dr. John Clendenin and Rev. Curtis McLendon handing out the diplomas.
Director of Schools Wes Kennedy accepted the class, with the seniors singing the school alma mater in their final act together before dismissal.
Cross proved prophetic when — even before the rain came to force the unscheduled change of venue – he told the class: “You’ve carried the torch of our ‘No Excuses’ motto here at Union City High School.”
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