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By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
It was deemed by many as the perfect start to a perfect day.
Having enjoyed a hearty breakfast together commemorating their final time gathering as a group, members of the Union City High School Class of 2025 had celebrated their graduation ceremonies well before noon on Saturday.
By all accounts, it was a memorable occasion for all involved.
A spectacular sunny morning and a respectful capacity crowd of adoring family members and friends paid tribute to a widely decorated and celebrated group of 91 graduates at War Memorial Stadium.
The morning celebration time varied from the traditional schedule but likely set a new trend following the many positive responses from both the student body and those who turned out in mass to honor them before enjoying the rest of their weekend.
Valedictorian Addison Kitchen, Salutatorian Myranda Parr, and Class President Edie Rodgers all delivered eloquent and from-the-heart speeches to begin the ceremony. Each graduate spoke glowingly of their time spent at UC Schools, the many memories made and family support received, and the countless future opportunities that awaited them – collectively and as individuals.
UCHS Principal Jacob Cross then recognized the class Top 10, the College Preparatory Magnet School graduates, BETA graduates, Tennessee Scholars, and Honors graduates.
After acknowledging a group of Distinction graduates, Cross reeled off an impressive array of statistics from this year’s class – the most notable being more than $5M earned in scholarships and more than 3,500 community service hours performed.
He also pointed out that the class was recognized as a National School of Merit and among the U.S. News and World Reports as a top high school in the nation in all four years.
Cross additionally noted:
- 27.94 is the average ACT score for the 16 Magnet School Graduates.
- 21.39 (with KP) is the average ACT score for the class of 2025.
- 69% of the class qualified for the HOPE Scholarship.
- 56 % will attend a 4-year college.
- 6 % will join the military.
- 19 % will attend a community college.
- 14 % will attend a vocational technical school.
- 5 % will join the work force.
Members of the class of 2025 earned 246 Dual Enrollment credits through UT Martin, Bethel, and TCAT Northwest, while 17 members earned the national certification of Patient Care Technician.
Four graduates made 30 or higher on the ACT.
Cross also noted the considerable success in the athletic realm enjoyed by the class, mentioning team and individual accomplishments on district, regional, sectional, and state levels.
Union City School Board Chairman Cathy Waggoner and board members Rev. Curtis McLendon and Bedford Dunavant presented diplomas, before Director of Schools Wes Kennedy accepted the class and declared them official graduates.
The traditional signing of the school’s alma mater concluded the ceremonies and began the usual picture-taking and congratulatory hugs and handshakes from many of those in attendance.
A list of awards and scholarships is attached.