By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Not even heavy rains could dampen the enthusiasm and excitement of the 2022 graduating class at Union City High School.
Though inclement weather forced commencement ceremonies inside to the UC Civic Auditorium Saturday night, graduates, their families, and friends celebrated the many accomplishments of 101 seniors with the annual end-of-the-school-year ritual.
The classy ceremony that lasted less than an hour drew a capacity crowd and rightfully celebrated the multiple achievements of a beaming group that leaves UCHS well-prepared for their collective next step into adulthood.
“This year’s senior class is full of wonderful young men and women,” Principal Jacob Cross told the audience before presenting the graduating class. “They have carried the torch of UCHS with class and dignity for the past four years and have maintained the ‘No Excuses’ attitude we believe in so firmly.”
The Class of 2022 was offered more than $4.9M in scholarships and together earned just under 4,000 community service hours.
UCHS has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of America’s Best High Schools each of the past four years and has also been named a Beta Club National School of Merit each of the years the seniors were in high school.
Sixty-five percent of the graduates will attend a four-year college or university. Thirteen percent will attend a community college, with another 12 percent to attend a vocational-technical school. Ten percent will join the workforce.
Athletically, class members have been a part of 10 district championships, seven region titles, and three sectional championships.
Among the many other class notables:
- 12 graduates made a 30+ on the ACT.
- 21.62 is the average ACT score for the class of 2022.
- 28.12 is the average ACT score for the 26 Magnet School graduates.
- 65 % of the class qualified for the HOPE Scholarship.
- 26 students were graduates of the UCHS College Preparatory Magnet School.
- 27 students were BETA Club graduates.
- 29 graduates earned Tennessee Scholars designation.
Valedictorian Sarah Ullrich and Salutatorian Olivia Tanner each spoke glowingly of their Union City School experience and preparedness for the class’s future.
“We’ve had access to a top-tier education,” Ullrich said in her address. “What we’ve created is second to none.
“We’ve seen how a small town can come together. This town is special. When people ask in the future, don’t be afraid to tell them where you’re from.”
Tanner, who also served as the Class President, spoke of her fondness for reading and encouraged her classmates to “Write your own story. No one’s story is more important than your own.
“This student body is writing its own story.”
Several groups of students were recognized for various distinctions, including the Top 10, Honors Graduates, Tennessee Scholars, students earning the Presidential Award of Achievement, and those earning the Presidential Award of Excellence.
Mr. and Miss UCHS — Kyrell Littleton and Sophie Theobald — were also recognized.
Director of Schools Wes Kennedy conferred the graduates before the senior class led those in attendance in the school alma mater prior to dismissal.