Boyd celebrates Class of 2025

Boyd Christian School held its graduation ceremony Thursday evening, May 22, at Central Church of Christ, celebrating the Class of 2025 in a service filled with pride, reflection and encouragement for the future.

Principal Donna Newby opened the evening with welcoming remarks to a crowd of families, friends and faculty. “We’re gathered to celebrate this significant milestone,” said Newby. Turning her attention to the seniors, she added, “I’m confident you are equipped with the knowledge to navigate life’s adventures. We hope you never forget the memories you made at Boyd Christian School.”

The graduating class included 14 students: Vivian Adams, Connor Andrews, Brianne Brown, Kelly Bush, Kendlee Ferrell, Hailie Greer, Regin Grissom, Lottie Hash, Ava Jones, Emma Lamb, Annaley Myers, Gavin Terry, Autumn Turner and Mason Westlake.

Westlake, the salutatorian who attended Boyd for his entire school career, delivered a brief but passionate speech centered on commitment. “Let’s commit our spirits to God and our minds to success,” he said, concluding his address with a message of focus and faith.

Andrews - Boyd’s 2025 Valedictorian - brought thoughtful insight and humor to the podium.

“Graduation is often described as the finish line... and let’s be honest, some of us did our best work with 10 minutes left on the clock,” Andrews said, earning smiles from the audience.

He went on to reflect on the meaning of achievement. “One thing I have come to realize is that success is not about what we do, but how we do it. Define success by things that truly matter: purpose, passion and peace of mind,“ said Andrews.

Faculty member Lane Dix delivered the commencement speech, blending fond memories with words of wisdom.

“Normally when I stand before this senior class, I say, ‘Name, date, class period in the top right-hand corner,’ but I won’t get to say that to you anymore,” Dix said.

In a heartfelt moment, he added, “There’s a young man in the front row that I told in ninth grade, I wanted to grow up and be like him.”

Dix encouraged the graduates to embrace adulthood with courage, reminding them that while not every decision will be important, each one will be theirs to make. He concluded with a message of faith and perseverance, invoking the story of Gideon from the Bible. “You are a special creation of God. Regardless of what limitations the world throws your way… do not let them get in your way.”

Graduates were recognized for numerous academic honors and achievements. Several (Andrews, Greer, Hash, Myers and Westlake) earned dual enrollment credit. Honors diplomas were awarded to Adams, Turner, Andrews, Brown, Greer, Grissom, Hash, Myers, Terry and Westlake.

National Honor Society members included Andrews, Adams, Greer and Turner. Ten students were members of the National Beta Club, and the Legacy Award was presented to Westlake and Hash.

A number of graduates received scholarships. Hash earned the Dr Pepper Scholarship and the MTSU True Blue Scholarship, which she shared with Westlake. Turner received the 7th Rex Spry Memorial Scholarship and a CYC Christian School scholarship. Maryville College awarded Bush the Scots Scholarship, and Jones accepted a full athletic scholarship to Trevecca Nazarene University. Freed-Hardeman University scholarships were awarded to Andrews, Adams and Turner.

During the ceremony, Boyd Christian School also named its 2024–25 Teacher of the Year. Becky Vassar was recognized for her passion, creativity and energetic approach to the classroom. “This year’s Teacher of the Year has shown an exceptional dedication to her students,” said Newby. “She approached every day with enthusiasm and excitement. And she loves to use glitter… lots and lots of glitter.”

Diplomas were handed out by board chairman Mitch Burke, with Newby reading each name aloud. As each graduate left the stage, they were greeted by Dix, who presented them with a Bible, a personal gift marking the spiritual foundation the school hopes each student will carry into the next chapter of life.

Boyd’s Class of 2025 left the ceremony with cheers and applause, surrounded by the love and support of a community that has watched them grow. The evening served not only as a send-off, but as a celebration of faith, learning and the bright futures ahead.