By Mike Hutchens. UC Schools Communications Director
Commencement exercises for the Class of 2024 at Union City High School are set for Saturday at 8 p.m. at War Memorial Stadium.
Seventy-eight seniors will receive their diplomas as UCHS Principal Jacob Cross presents the widely decorated class to family members and friends of the graduates.
Valedictorian Marlee Theobald will address her classmates as the keynote speaker, following words from Salutatorian Molly Kizer.
The remainder of the Class Top 10 includes Sarah Del Valle, Lucas Greer, Shelby Bondurant, Ella Palmer, Joseph Lattus, Emily Hammond, Bailey Wagoner, and Drew Smothers.
Collectively, the group has continued its storied commitment to the excellence of Union City Schools.
All totaled, they’ve been offered nearly $3.5M in scholarships while performing over 2,200 community service hours. Fifty-nine percent of the graduates qualified for the HOPE Scholarship, with half the class planning to attend a four-year college.
There are 13 graduates of the prestigious UCHS College Preparatory Magnet School, and those students average 29.23 on the ACT. Seven class members made 30 or higher on the ACT, with the average score of the group on the ACT 21.31.
There are eight Distinction graduates, 13 BETA graduates, 16 Tennessee Scholars, and 20 Honors graduates.
Another 16 percent of the class will continue their educational journey on the community college level, with 15 percent attending a vocational-technical school. The class will send 14 percent of its graduates immediately into the workforce, with five percent opting for military opportunities.
School Board members Bedford Dunavant, Cathy Waggoner, and Rev. Curtis McLendon will award diplomas to graduates, with Director of UC Schools Wes Kennedy officially accepting the Class of 2024.
The class will arrive to the traditional Pomp and Circumstance processional, with Class President Jermiya Bond welcoming guests.
In case of inclement weather, ceremonies will be moved inside to the Union City Civic Auditorium.