By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Dr. Dylan Bondurant’s message to honorees at the Union City High School Academic Top 10 banquet was a simple one that has withstood the test of time.
It certainly has worked out well for Bondurant.
“Grit plus discipline will get you far,” the 1999 UCHS graduate and widely-respected local optometrist told students and their honored guests at the 39th annual ceremony that celebrates top students. “Vision matters. And that’s not just looking into someone’s eyeball.
“Grit gets things done. Show up every day. Lead by example. Put others first. Make someone else’s life better. I tell my kids that every day. Never stop helping others.
“And start dreaming big.”
That blueprint has been the basis for Bondurant’s professional and personal success. He also insists that the education he received from UC Schools and local support from his hometown — where he elected to settle and raise his family of five — was instrumental in his standing as a community leader.
Bondurant – accompanied by his wife, Courtney, and his parents, Jim and Mary Nita – detailed his education journey from Union City to UT Martin as an undergraduate student, and then on to optometry school in Memphis before quipping: “I’m about as West Tennessee as you can be and I’m proud of that.
“You can travel the world over and not find what we have right here in Union City. You are set up for much success because of the accomplished academic environment at Union City Schools.
“I have three children in the Union City System, and I wouldn’t want them to get an education anywhere else.”
Twenty-six area businesses and individuals sponsored Monday’s event that highlighted the academic accomplishments of top students in all four classes – based on grade point averages.
The honorees received a special surprise when it was announced that each of the 40 students would receive a $100 bill after the ceremony, courtesy of an anonymous donor.
Union City High School Principal Jacob Cross emceed Monday’s ceremony, with Director of Schools Wes Kennedy, UCHS Vice Principal John Graham, and teacher Michelle Huffstutter reading the names of the honorees and their parents.
Of the recipients, five were recognized for the fourth time in as many years. Six honorees were recognized for the third time.
Bondurant explained his “5-4-3-2-1” philosophy when facing life’s regular challenges in closing.
“5-4-3-2-1. It’s a mental tool that I use to get started to count down to begin what I know needs to be done,” he said. “5-4-3-2-1. Take a deep breath. Put your feet on the ground and get after it.”
Members of the Top 10 in their respective classes included
SENIORS
Jamie Becton, Antonia Chavez-Pastor, Allie Kate Frilling, Clare Frilling, Addison Kitchen, Hannah Moon, Myranda Parr, Edie Rodgers, Maya Runions, Daisy Sanchez
JUNIORS
Clare Atwill, Addison Carr, Bertie Jenkins, Tristan Scott
Landon McAdams, Arnav Rajwadi, Rylee Stone, Madie Theobald, Gracie Worrell
Trent Craddock
SOPHOMORES
Andrew Beard, Layton Courtright, Jenna Kate Cross, Arianna Gear, Rori Howell
Chloe Hubbard, Briley McKinney, Ja’Miyah Morris, Madison Pate, Foster Rodgers
FRESHMEN
Ainsley Beard, Phoebe Coleman, Montichello Dale, Lindsey Del Valle, Wrigley Harder
Skyler Hillin, Addyson Launer, Blythe Ogden, Jack Theobald, Marley Waddell
Photo: Speaker Dylan Bondurant, second from right, after his presentation.