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Coosa Valley Academy said goodbye to 22 seniors in the 52nd graduating class during a commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 16 at The Church at Chelsea Westover. (Reporter photos/Noah Wortham)

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor 

HARPERSVILLE ­- Seniors excitedly dunked their caps through a basketball goal while others tossed theirs in the air at the conclusion of heartwarming commencement ceremony for the Coosa Valley Academy class of 2024.

Coosa Valley Academy said goodbye to 22 seniors in the 52nd graduating class during a commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 16 at The Church at Chelsea Westover.

“I would like everyone for coming tonight and welcome you to our graduation,” Administrator Pam Lovelady said. “This is a wonderful time in our students lives and I appreciate you joining us and being a part of that.”

During commencement, Lovelady took the time to personally recognize each of the 22 graduating seniors and their family members by describing each senior’s personality and explaining how much her students mean to her.

“I would like to introduce you to my class of 2024, I love them so much,” Lovelady said. “Thank you, guys, for your attention, thank you for loving my kids almost as much as I do.”

Senior Bryce Wilson was named as the salutatorian for the 52nd graduating class of Coosa Valley Academy and gave a salutatory address.

“Each one of us has had a unique journey to get here, yet despite our diverse paths, we stand here united today as a testament to our resilience perseverance and unwavering commitment to succeed,” Bryce said. “Because of all these moments we’ve shared together, we have formed friendships and bonds that transcend the boundaries of time and distance.”

Senior Trinity Thomas was named as the valedictorian for the 52nd graduating class of Coosa Valley Academy and provided the valedictory address.

“I just have to say, that it went by fast, just like everyone said it would,” Thomas said. “And we didn’t really believe them until now, until we’re about to walk on the stage and receive our diplomas. So, I hope that each one of you has cherished the moments we’ve spent together.”

Thomas shared that, when writing her speech, she had the dawning realization that these are likely the last words she’ll ever share with her fellow classmates. In response, she decided to share a few of the lessons that she has learned in life.

“I hope that you learned how to let go of everyone’s opinions of your life,” she said. “I hope can start to see from a place that lives deep within you, that there’s no universally correct way to live a life that is solely your own.

“Every human being has different goals, has different concepts of what happiness looks like, has a different vision of what it truly means to be alive. Because of that people will judge you and the world will try to change you. But you must continue to move in your own direction. You must continue to go at your own pace. Because if you allow the opinions and perspectives of others to alter how you live your life, then you will end up living someone else’s.”

After both the valedictorian and salutatorian address and the bestowing of awards, it was time for the traditional conferring of the diplomas by the staff at Coosa Valley Academy.

Each student was called forward and was presented the senior flower by Shawn Baker and conferred their diploma by Bill Goodwyn alongside Lovelady who gave each of her students a farewell hug. As they reached the end of the stage, each student turned over the tassel—solidifying their status as a graduate.

The ceremony closed with a singing of the alma mater led by Kaydee Brannen, Addison Fields, Maddison and Jolie Baker before seniors traveled to the back of the building and joined one another in throwing their caps.

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