The nine students making up Tennessee School for the Blind’s Class of 2018 were excited to have finally met all the criteria, and finally be ready to become alumni of the school. Commencement exercises were held on the 1^st day of June at 10:00 a.m. in the school’s auditorium. The occasion was full of excitement and tradition. With the school’s annual Alumni Weekend beginning that afternoon, the campus was buzzing with visitors and friends of the school.

This commencement exercise marked the first graduating class under TSB Superintendent Dr. David Martin, and one could sense his excitement. It was easy to tell he took pleasure in overseeing the creation of “contributing, participating members of society.”

The 2018 class roll consisted of Christian James Black of Murfrreesboro, Carlos Daniel Medrano (Valedictorian) of Gallatin, Esperanza Monzalvo of Woodbury, Abigail Saige Pace (Salutatorian) of Hendersonville, Leighton Taylor Ramsey of Elizabethton, Demi Orine Richards of White House, Cody Lewis Spicer of Springfield, Sean Dallin Wenheimer of Mt. Juliet, and Courtney Amethyst Wilson of Murfreesboro.

The order of the program was as follows:

Processional

“Pomp and Circumstance” Elgar

“Graduation Day” Lyrics and Music by The Beach Boys

“Benediction” Lyrics and Music by John Conahan

Pledge… Abigail Pace

Remarks… Ms. Theresa Nicholls, Assistant Commissioner, Special Populations and Student Support

Farewell Address…Carlos Medrano

Holmes Award… Ms. Debbie Propst, President, Alumni Association

Frank DePriest Award…Mr. Jim Oldham, President, FTSB Inc.

Introduction of Speaker…Dr. David Martin, Superintendent

Class Address…Dr. Candice McQueen, Commissioner of Education

Presentation of Seniors…Dr. Tonja Dandy, Principal

Presentation of Diplomas…Dr. David Martin, Superintendent

Ringing of the Bell…Joe Gray, TSB Staff Member

Recessional, “Pomp and Circumstance” Elgar

Congratulations to the 2018 graduates and their families!