By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Dr. Justin Phillips mixed nostalgia, encouragement and direction in his message to members of this year’s Union City High School Top 10 Monday night.
Phillips, a 1995 UCHS graduate, published author and Executive Editor of The Other Journal, told the distinguished honorees to fully appreciate their academic standing and the effort it took to earn that.
“I hope every one of you will make time over the next few weeks to celebrate this achievement and know it was worth the sacrifices and every long hour you spent to make it happen,” he said.
The Top 10 from each of the four classes – based on this year’s grade point averages — were recognized after Phillips’ remarks. UC High School Principal Jacob Cross noted that a dozen honorees were attending their second such banquet while 10 students were recognized for the third year. Six students were ranked in the Top 10 all four years at UCHS.
Phillips, himself a member of the Top 10 twice in high school and three times at UC Middle School, insisted the Union City Schools experience was critical in his current character and professional make-up.
“It means so much to me to be back in this place. It’s a place where I learned to be courageous physically, emotionally and intellectually,” he told an audience that included special guests of honorees and banquet sponsors.
“I learned about race and religion here. I learned how to become courageous and practice courage. I met my first Jewish friend in school here. I met my first Muslim friend here, and I had my first awkward conversations about religion, politics and race.
“Thank you for transforming me and sending me out to serve. I’ve found out I’m at my best when I stand up for voices who have been minimized or silenced.”
Phillips, who has a Ph. D is Christian Ethics to go along with degrees from Union University (B.A. in political science) and a Master of Divinity from Duke University Divinity, referenced Greek Philosopher Aristotle several times in his delivery.
He also spoke extensively about courage.
“We’re looking at a time where adults are losing their minds,” Phillips told the honorees. “We need you to have courage during these days to help us keep our sanity.
“We need a community of teams to practice courage to strengthen our bond.”
Among the honorees were:
FRESHMEN
Antonia Chavez-Pastor
Alli Kate Frilling
Claire Elizabeth Frilling
Xavier Jack Hinson
Benjamin Harris Kail
Addison Grace Kitchen
Myranda Louise Parr
Edie Corinne Rodgers
Dylan Rogelio Ruiz
Daisy Anahi Sanchez
SOPHOMORES
Jermyia Alexis Bonds
Shelby Grace Bondurant
Sarah Ann Del Valle
Lucas Tyler Greer
Emily Kate Hammond
Molly Smith Kizer
Joseph Daniel Lattus II
Ella Anne Palmer
Marlee Mae Theobald
Bailey Marie Wagoner
JUNIORS
Susan Antonie Armstrong
Khali Jean Brooks
Reagan Elizabeth Durkee
Chloe Kathleen Meade
Emma Reagan Powell
Owen Christopher Rodgers
Jocelyn Denis Ruiz
Katherine Caroline Schlager
Madeline Grace Underwood
Charlton Anderson Wisener
SENIORS
Kamia Lashae Cross
Daniel Mack Edwards
Gabrielle McCall Jones
Hope Ella Kennedy
Elizabeth Ann Lattus
Olivia McCall Tanner
Kobe Carson Terrell
Sophie Claire Theobald
Sara Elizabeth Ullrich
Annie Grace Wade