You made it, Class of ’21

‘Be unique, take the moment’ is advice: FHS 2021

  • Farragut High School Class of 2021 graduates signify their official point of graduation with the traditional hat toss Sunday, June 6. - Tammy Cheek

  • Among the emotional scenes following Farragut High School’s graduation ceremony Sunday evening, June 6, Jenny McCarter hugs her son, Class of 2021 grad Ethan Atchley. - Tammy Cheek

Despite the adversities and uncertainties of COVID-19 and threat of rain, Farragut High School’s 466 Class of 2021 members triumphed as they walked across the stage during commencement exercises on FHS’s Bill Clabo Field Sunday evening, June 6.

“I’m going to miss you,” FHS principal Dr. John Bartlett told the class.

In acknowledging the hard work of teachers, parents and students, Bartlett presented art teacher Wendie Love with Excellence in Teaching Award, and he announced Class of 2021 students earned a total of $30 million in scholarships.

Among the acknowledgements were valedictorian Blake Cragen and salutatorian Magdalena Ohstrom, as were Yash Patel and Nathan Nelson, who received appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Additionally, they had the “Tolling of the Bell” in memory of deceased FHS students.

Focusing on the class quote, “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect,” class speakers Reva Bagi, Bennett Ogle and Kylee Poole each had advise for their fellow graduates.

Bagi, in her speech, “It’s Your Turn to Spin,” compared life to a board game. Although there is a chance for losing, she urged her classmates to “take the moment.”

Ogle, in his speech, “A Uniquely Perfect Curriculum,” urged classmates to be unique.

Poole, in “The Power of Change,” warned classmates, “You are going to be challenged and tested in so many ways.

“We are the most resilient students I have ever seen, and we did it with grace and pride,” she added.

In his address, Bartlett urged students to “embrace the sauce, don’t shy away” from adversities.