News & Announcements
TFS Celebrates Class of 2024
Class of 2024 picture album: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBsxZG
Ninety-four graduating seniors celebrated their accomplishments at the Tallulah Falls School’s commencement ceremony on Friday, May 24.
The class of 2024 earned more than $8 million in college scholarship offers and was accepted to over 140 colleges and universities.
President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy welcomed graduates, families, faculty, staff, and guests, both in person and those joining virtually from around the world. Peevy exhorted the class of 2024: “You have what it takes to make a difference. Wherever you go, have a positive impact on other people,” he said. “I wish you all significance and success.”
TFS chaplain Randy Morris presented a prayer of blessing to the class of 2024. This was followed by a word from the Board of Trustees chair James Weidner. Weidner commended the class on “a job well done.”
Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr., the chancellor of Troy University, gave the commencement address before Peevy and Academic Dean Kim Popham presented diplomas to the class.
Georgia “Dani” Prince and Jakob Wehrstein were named valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively. Both delivered speeches expressing gratitude to family, teachers, and others, reflecting on memories of time spent with friends, and acknowledging the impact of the TFS experience.
Excerpt from valedictorian Georgia “Dani” Prince’s Speech:
After missing our middle school graduation because of Covid, I am so excited to see us gathered here today to celebrate the completion of high school. I would like to thank the people who have impacted my high school experiences. Ms. Bly, thank you for letting us play with Play-Doh. Ms. Barraco, thank you for the stickers. Mr. Grieving, I really enjoyed playing pickleball. Mrs. Morrison, thank you for the sweet cards, and Ms. Huebner, thank you for the plus ones. Thank you to all the teachers for helping us get to this point today. Thank you to Dr. Peevy and the administration for all that you do. Thank you, Mr. Staton and all the bus drivers, for getting us to and from all the activities through the years. The other day, I was looking through the yearbook, and several moments stood out. I will never forget flying through the trees on the zipline trip, cheering on the basketball team in the student section, and showing up to the school really early on the first day of our senior year to see the sunrise…The mid-mester pages took me back to September when all of us went on our own unique adventures. On college day, when we all painted our skirts, it really hit me that we are all parting ways. As this chapter of our lives comes to a close, we will now branch off into our own separate journeys. Each of our lives will look very different and so will our opportunities in the future. Take advantage of every opportunity you are given because, usually, it will take you down the path you least expect…
Excerpt from salutatorian Jakob Wehrstein’s speech:
As we collectively anticipate this new and exciting chapter of our stories, Class of 2024, I would like to start by congratulating each and every one of you. Today, we celebrate not only our achievements but also the perseverance, resilience, and determination that brought us here. Reflect on the journey that brought us to this moment. Think about the times when the path wasn’t smooth sailing, when every aspiration seemed insurmountable, and when it felt as if we were standing in the eye of a hurricane. Despite these challenges, here you are, hosting amongst greatness. Each obstacle you overcame has shaped you into the person you are today, and each triumph is a testament to your strength and determination. Rather than thinking of today as merely the end of high school, consider this to be the first day of the rest of our lives. As we find ourselves on the brink of new opportunities and adventures, I urge you to acknowledge the immense potential within you. Each of you possesses limitless abilities ready to be brought to life. Now is the moment to cast aside any doubts or insecurities and accept the fact that you hold the reigns to the future…