By Lauren Kendall, Obion County Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Last night, the Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tennessee, hosted a prestigious event that celebrated academic achievements and offered inspiration for the future. The Obion County Schools Top 10 Banquet recognized the highest-performing students from South Fulton High School and Obion County Central High School, highlighting the dedication and success of these young scholars.
The evening commenced with a warm welcome from Tim Watkins, Director of Schools, setting a tone of pride for the accomplishments to be honored. South Fulton High School Senior Daniel Pitts led the attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a thoughtful invocation by Cailyn Newcomb, a senior from Obion County Central High School, who prayed over the meal.
The delicious dinner was catered by The Willow Tree from Obion, TN, providing a delightful experience for all guests. As people enjoyed their meals, the atmosphere was filled with anticipation and camaraderie.
The highlight of the evening was the speech delivered by Dr. Bryce Warner DDS, a 2015 graduate of Obion County Central High School and a well-known dentist at Dyersburg Dental Associates. Dr. Warner shared insights from his journey post-high school, emphasizing the evolution of personal goals and the pursuit of one’s passions. His message resonated with both students and adults, reminding everyone that the paths we envision in our youth can transform as we grow and learn more about ourselves.
Following the inspiring talk, the top 10 students from grades 9-12 at both high schools were honored for their academic excellence. The presentation of these awards was a testament to the hard work and perseverance of these young individuals.
The banquet also featured a surprise announcement by Obion County Judge Jimmy Smith. Two scholarships of $2,000 each were awarded to seniors Allie Lamb from Obion County Central High School and Aubree Gore from South Fulton High School. These scholarships were respectively dedicated in honor of esteemed educators Tommy Parr, James West, and Bill Gray, who have collectively contributed over a century of teaching to the community.
Photo: Scholarship presentations.