Graduation Day!

Hardin Valley Academy completed the fourth year of operation and celebrated the graduation of the first class to attend the school for all four years. We had over 500 students graduate. The ceremony was held in Thompson Boling Arena on the campus of the University of Tennessee. The arena is UT's basketball stadium and seats over 20,000. Even though our graduating class was huge, there was plenty of extra space!

Students gathered before the ceremony and lined up in the proper order. This was a bit challenging because for many students, this would be the last time they will see each other (for a long time). Despite this need to make connections with friends, we were successful in getting students ready to walk into the arena.

Students wore special decorations to signify accomplishments during their high school careers. The white collars signified membership in the National Honor Society. The cords with tassels designated the student as one who completed a special endorsement program in addition to completing basic graduation requirements.

Teachers were dressed in black gowns, with colorful hoods for those with Masters and Doctorate degrees. The special colors are those of the school where the teacher completed the post-graduate work.

Students walked out of the Big Orange tunnel into the arena and moved  to their seats. For some of the girls it was a fashion show of fancy, very high heel shoes. Thankfully all of them made it safely in and out.

Almost all the teachers attended the ceremony to show their support for the students.

After many speeches the name of each student was read as they walked across the stage and received congratulations from the school system superintendent and the school principals.