Kingfishers gathered in the Auditorium on the morning of May 29 for recognition and distribution of both outside and school awards. Mrs. Joyce Gates, president of our Board of Directors, gave a warm welcome to the whole crowd. Then Dr. Gates spoke about new discoveries in science that demonstrate exactly how hand-writing, rote memorization, and getting plenty of sleep forge connections in the brain which help us think better and faster. “These scientific studies just prove what we all already know,” he said. “We can’t go back to an age before screens but we can limit their influence.”

Dr. Gates congratulated a long list students who had received awards during the year. Then he and the teachers presented our TGS awards: Arts Award-Branton Baker, Academic Award-Sydney Strickland, Athetic and Extra-curricular-Hannah Bridges, Service Award-Larson Lee, and the Kingfisher Award-Eleanor Hucks.

Baryck Jackson won the coveted Senior Speech Award.

2026 Honor Roll students for high school are: Eleanor Hucks, Nolan Cheek, Branton Baker, and Sydney Strickland. Middle school Honor Roll students are: Ellie McBee and Stelios Papanikolaou.

We gathered back in the Auditorium at 5:00 for the 2026 Commencement Exercises. The seats were filled to capacity with family and friends holding balloons and signs. When the music began, a hush fell over the crowd as the faculty filed in. Then everyone stood for the entrance of the Class of 2026. Our eight seniors marched in to the traditional music, accompanied by Mr. Rodney Mason on piano and Nathan Gates on cello.

Dr. Gates introduced Father Paul MacNeil of Precious Blood of Christ to give the invocation. Then Mrs. Joyce Gates welcomed everyone and gave a message of encouragement to the seniors. “The greatest lesson you carry forward is not simply how to succeed in the classroom,” she said. “It’s how to think critically, act with integrity, and continue learning long after today.” She exhorted them to value their unique gifts and use them for the common good.

Dr. Gates then called Bryan Amerson, the salutatorian, to the lectern. Bryan thanked his family, teachers and fellow seniors for helping them all along the way. “Every year felt faster than the last one,” he said, “but despite this, the memories we have made will last forever.” Next it was the turn of the valedictorian, Larson Lee. Larson expressed thanks to his teachers. “We helped each other,” he told his classmates. “Even though we got on each other’s nerves, we always had each other’s backs. I wouldn’t be here today without you guys.”

Now it was time for Dr. Gates to call the roll. He shared memories, funny incidents, and milestones which showed how each senior had made it to that day. They received their diplomas one by one. When the process was complete, Dr. Gates presented the class and they tossed their caps in the air. The house exploded in applause.

After the end of the official ceremony, the seniors were like Hollywood stars. Everyone was giving them gifts and snapping pictures, milling around at the front of the Auditorium. There were many tears but much more laughter. Best of luck to you, Class of 2026! We will miss you!

Special thanks go to Mrs. Amy Rogers, Mrs. Beth Strickland and Ms. Nikki Sharp for preparing the ceremony, flowers, and lovely reception. Thanks to Sonny and Lori Burgoon for giving the seniors their class rings.

Photo credit: Marsh Deane (MLNL Media) and Laura Lee–thank you!