Class of 2015 graduates

“So, dear school thy fondest memories, we’ll cherish ‘til we die, hail to thee, our alma mater, hail to thee dear Erwin High”
The 2015 graduating class of Unicoi County High School recited this UCHS Alma Mater, J.C. Rule, on Monday, May 18, before ending one of the biggest chapters of their lives.
Over 150 students either received a diploma or certification of completion during the school’s 99th commencement.
After a rendition of “Lean on Me” by the UCHS a cappella group, UCHS principal Dr. Chris Bogart and Unicoi County Board of Education Vice-Chair Tyler Engle each welcomed the packed house of family and friends of the class.
Senior class president Osiris Vazquez addressed her fellow graduates, telling the group they can learn from their mistakes and to remember their accomplishments.
“The memories cannot be put in simple words,” she said. “No matter where we go.”
Following Vazquez’s speech, senior class parliamentarian Morgan Lee Brown spoke to the class, seconding her classmate’s sentiments by reciting a quote from author C.S. Lewis.
“Repeated failures are the finger posts on the road to achievement,” she said. “One fails forward to success.”
Brown was also able to share a special moment with her mother, Denise.
The senior presented Brown, the director of schools during the seniors’ high school careers, with a plaque to give thanks for the years of work.
Before walking across the stage, Bogart took to the podium to give the class one final farewell. According to Bogart, the senior class comprised $2 million worth of scholarships and accounted for over 21,000 capstone hours. Over 20 seniors graduated with distinction and nine were honored as Tennessee scholars.
“On behalf of the faculty, we’re very proud of your accomplishments,” Bogart said. “We’re honored to be here in your presence tonight.”