Maury County Class of 2023 walks into bright future

Class of 2023 seniors walked across the stage, received diplomas and tossed graduation caps in theair as they embark upon a new beginning after high school. Seniors from six high schools in Maury County Public Schools celebrated commencement ceremonies last week.

MCPS Superintendent Lisa Ventura described the Class of 2023 as having "grit" and "determination" in striving to meet their goals, as the only class to make their way through four years of high school during the pandemic.

"I am so incredibly proud of the Senior Class of 2023," Ventura said. "This class had grit, determination and resilience. This class was unexpectedly sent home their freshman year due to a pandemic. They weathered the storm of watching the adults in their life adapt to new ways of teaching, and they showed us how resilient they could be."

The class achieved much despite obstacles brought on by the pandemic and changes in education.

"This class has a high number of college credits upon graduation, because they led the charge of dual enrollment with our partners at Columbia State Community College. The 2023 class also graduated with an unprecedented number of technical opportunities and certificates, as they forged new pathways in the district's CTE programs and partnerships with industry and Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology."

Valedictorians and salutatorians gave inspiring speeches. And parents and teachers beamed with pride as students set out to accomplish their goals and dreams after graduation.

Seniors from the following high schools celebrated their accomplishments and will now take what they've learned to forge bright futures ahead: Columbia Central High School, Culleoka High School, Hampshire Unit School, Mt. Pleasant High School, Santa Fe Unit School, Spring Hill High School and Northfield Academy.