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Hollow Rock-Bruceton High School Graduates 43

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HOLLOW ROCK-BRUCETON (May 10) — Forty-three Hollow Rock-Bruceton Central seniors became alumni during graduation ceremonies held at the school Friday at 7:30 p.m. with a capacity audience witnessing the event.
Following the senior class processional, senior Andrew Morrow gave the invocation with the Central Band playing the “Star Spangled Banner”.
Senior class president Ana-Kate Welsh welcomed the audience to the ceremonies. “It is my honor to welcome each and everyone one of you to our graduation. Today we stand on the brink of a new chapter in our lives. Take a moment to remember where you started and to appreciate where you are today, because today is our opportunity to acknowledge our accomplishments. It is an achievement in its own to have made it here today, and I am so proud to share this moment with all of you.
However, we have not made it here alone. On behalf of the class of 2019, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge those who have helped us along the way. Thank you to our parents who are unwavering in their support for us and to the distinguished faculty at Central High School who have prepared us exceptionally, so we may have a smooth transition into the next stages of our lives.”
Following the welcome, the senior class sang “Lean On Me” and later sang “You Got A Friend In Me”.
Central Principal Joe Norval recognized the Honor Graduates. He noted these students scored at or above all of the college readiness benchmarks on the ACT. To earn this distinction, students must score an 18 or above on the English section of the ACT, a 22 or above on the Mathematics section, a 22 or above on the Reading section, and a 23 or above on the Science section. Five Central seniors are graduating as Honor Graduates including Emily Behzad, Brent Cole, Olivia Frazee, Robert Miller, and Ana-Kate Welsh. The remainder of Central’s Top 10 graduates include Callie Bratton, Katelyn Santiago, Kaitlyn French, Mason Gross, Alayna Schuck, and Trent Taylor.
Seven graduates earned District Distinction by achieving a cumulative 3.0 GPA and earning an industry certification. These students include Callie Bratton, Jordan Hinson, Bianca Kinney, Astin Patterson, Brady Snider, Chase Snider, and Lynsey Wimberly.
Ten seniors are graduating with State Distinction. To earn this, a graduate must have an overall B average and either have a composite score of 31 on the ACT, participate in one of the state’s All-State Musical Organizations, earn 12 or more semester hours of transcripted postsecondary credit, participate in at least one of the Governor’s Schools or earn a nationally-recognized industry certification. These graduates include Callie Bratton, Olivia Frazee, Kaitlyn French, Jordan Hinson, Bianca Kinney, Astin Patterson, Brady Snider, Chase Snider, Ana-Kate Welsh, and Lynsey Wimberly.

Three Central graduates scored a 26 or above on the ACT including Olivia Frazee, Robert Miller, and Ana-Kate Welsh while three other graduates earned the Tennessee Tri-Star Scholar Award by scoring a 19 or above on the ACT and earning an industry certification. These graduates were Callie Bratton, Jordan Hinson, and Lynsey Wimberly.
Six graduates earned the Community Service Award by completing 10 or more hours of volunteer community service each semester a student is in high school. These graduates are: Callie Bratton, Destiny Dillingham, Kaitlyn French, Robert Miller, Trent Taylor and Ana-Kate Welsh.
This year’s C-Award, which is obtained by earning two athletic C’s and one academic C, was won by Andrew Morrow and Dalton Williams. Morrow earned the right to wear a red, white, and blue cord along with a “Citizen Soldier” stole by enlisting with the Tennessee National Guard. He reports soon to basic training and will attend college in the fall.
Nine graduates participated in the Red Cord Program through Lifeline Blood Services. These students donated lifesaving blood. They are Emily Behzad, Brent Cole, Rikki Graser, Kevin House, Dillon Ivy, Cameron, Sala, Alayna Schuck, Chase Snider, and Jordan Hinson.
After the awards, Salutatorian Callie Britton told the audience in her address, “It is finally here, the moment we’ve waited for the past 13 years of our lives. It has been a long road, but we’ve made it. It is an honor to stand before you today as we close this chapter in our lives.” Britton encouraged her fellow graduates to remember two things as they all move on to the next chapter of their lives.
“First, our school’s mantra, ‘Once a Tiger always a Tiger’. Anyone who has attended Central High School knows you become a family over the long years you spend here together. Secondly, remember this, Isaiah 41:10 says “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, and I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Times may seem troublesome along this new path ahead of us but with the Lord, you can overcome any obstacle in your way.”
Valedictorian Ana-Kate Welsh told the audience and fellow graduates, “It seems as if we have waited for this moment our entire lives, but now that it’s here, I find myself looking back, remembering the past and all of the memories we have shared.”
She went on to say, “When you spend every day together for 13 years, you share each other’s heartache, happiness, laughter, and tears. We have watched each other grow into the wonderful young men and women we are today. However it’s time to accept the change and say farewell to this part of our lives.” Following the addresses, Special Honors, Awards and Scholarship Awards were recognized by Principal Norvel.
Diplomas were awarded and the new Central Alumni formed a receiving line and accepted the traditional coin from Superintendent David Duncan before throwing their mortar boards in the air in final celebration of their accomplishment.

Hollow Rock, Bruceton, Graduation, 2019