McKenzie High School turned out 91 brand new graduates during commencement exercises Sunday afternoon in
the MHS gymnasium.
The gym, however, wasn’t nearly as packed out as it usually is, considering that each graduating senior was only
allowed to invite six family members and/or friends to the event, thanks, of course, to COVID-19.
Everyone stood as members of the Class of 2020 filed into the gym two by two while “Pomp and Circumstance”
was played over the sound system.
Class Secretary Sydney Pate led everyone in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and then Class Treasurer Nathan
Rorer sang the National Anthem.
Class President Lane Horton welcomed his classmates, MHS staff and administrators, Board of Education
members, and all attending family and friends.
Speeches were then delivered by Salutatorian Jenna Tucker and Valedictorian Isabella Colotta.
VALEDICTORY ADDRESS – Isabella Colotta gives her valedictory address during graduation ceremonies at
McKenzie High School on Sunday.
MHS Principal Kelly Spivey recognized those seniors receiving special honors and awards and offered a few
words of advice to the soon-to-be graduates.
“You control your responses,” said Spivey. “You have the power to change everything in the way you respond to
the challenges of life.”
Row-by-row, seniors filed up to the podium, and as their names were called, each senior stepped up to claim his
or her diploma.
DIPLOMA IN HAND – With her diploma in hand and a smile on her face, McKenzie High School graduate Shelby
Davis exits the stage during commencement exercises Sunday afternoon.
Spivey invited them to turn their tassels as an outward sign of their new status as graduates.
The new graduates then sang the “Alma Mater” before tossing their caps high and filing back out of the
gymnasium to meet outside with family and friends.
