Hardin Valley Academy Graduation 2021
‘Trekkie’ val; Romain is Hawk Awardee; 4 HVA seats memorials
In addition to the announcement that this class of 487 earned $32,061,235 in scholarships, one of the most rewarding moments came when graduate Dominique Romain, who will attend Yale University, earned the prestigious Hawk Award.
“She is one of the top students in our senior class while also keeping a positive attitude full of drive and perseverance,” Speas announced during the ceremony. “She exhibits unwavering kindness towards others at all times. ... She has represented our school at the local, state and national level for track and field. Dominique as been All-state seven times.”
He also announced the names and attributes of five other nominees: Faith Carter, Megan Quigley, Naomi Shumpert, Michael Spurgeon and Kaylyn Tran.
On a somber note during his address to the Class of 2021, Speas referenced the four empty chairs to the front and left of where the graduates sat, which served as a memorial to assistant principal Ken Dunlap and three HVA students who died during the school year.
“We’re four Hawks short today,” Speas announced in honor of Mr. Dunlap, Elise Curse, Ben Howell and Maddie Purcell.
“While we miss them for the beautiful individuals that they are, we remember then and honor with the four chairs to my right,” he added.
