Members of the Class of 2012 of Piedmont Academy celebrated their graduation ceremony with Headmaster Mr. Tony Tanner, Board of Trustees, faculty, junior class ushers and senior class mascots led the processional to Handel's "Largo." "Pomp and Circumstance" by Elgar was the opening theme as the 19 graduates entered.
Briana Rebecca Bailey and Davis Matthew Kimball were the special distinction graduates. Honor graduates included Nicholas Cole Hamilton, Caroline Jade Wilson, Samuel Bryson McGinnis, Jeremy Darren Wood and Joshua Todd Brennan.
The remaining graduates included Amy Lee Anuszczyk, Zachary Nigel Benjamin, Christopher Austin Corley, Tyler Nelson Cullum, Jacob Donald Dunagan, Seth Thomas Harvey, Ashton Leigh Hicks, Savannah Sue Holifield, Daniel David Leinweber, Kevin Daniel McBroom, Robert Joseph Mitchell III and Justin Taylor Wilson.
Parents and friends were greeted by the invocation given by Samuel Bryson McGinnis. Salutatorian Davis Matthew Kimball thanked all of the guests and reflected on the experiences that have shaped the lives of the Class of 2012.
Soloist Amy Lee Anuszczyk, pianist Jeremy Darren Wood and guitarist Samuel Bryson McGinnis entertained the audience with "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey.
This was followed by Briana Rebecca Bailey's Valedictory speech about the futures of the Class of 2012. Mr. Tanner presented Briana and Davis with plaques for their accomplishments.
The Headmaster recognized Tyler Nelson Cullum whose father was a Piedmont alumnus. The following students have been at Piedmont since kindergarten: Tyler Nelson Cullum, Robert Joseph Mitchell III, Justin Taylor Wilson, Daniel David Leinweber, Caroline Jade Wilson, Savannah Sue Holifield, Ashton Leigh Hicks, Kevin Daniel McBroom, Seth Thomas Harvey and Zachary Nigel Benjamin.
The Headmaster's Award is presented each year to a student who best exemplifies the mission statement of Piedmont, embodying the characteristics of mind, body and spirit. This year's recipient was Zachary Nigel Benjamin.
The Outstanding Senior Girl award was presented to Briana Rebecca Bailey and the Outstanding Senior Boy award was presented to Davis Matthew Kimball. Samuel Bryson McGinnis was honored as this year's STAR student. His STAR teacher Ms. Martha Mock, was also honored.
