City Personals

Hank Wheeler of Newnan, Ga., was in town over the weekend to watch the graduation of his grandson, Grady Brooks.

Marshall Academy took a unique approach to graduation. Monday night, the 30 seniors were able to have a live graduation. There were chairs set up on the football field for each graduate and their parents only, in groups of five. The first group included the class valedictorian, Erin Burleson, and salutatorian, Kristy Wang, as well as the three other Hall of Fame members, Amanda Barnett, Grady Brooks and Sonni McKinney.

Outgoing headmaster Barrett Donahoe delivered a quick welcome to the families before proceeding with the awards and scholarships earned by each graduate. Kent Smith, president of the school board, awarded graduates with their diplomas.

The groups of five, having received their diplomas, were proclaimed high school graduates by Coach Donahoe, moved over their tassels and tossed their caps up. The entire ceremony with each group was posted on the Marshall Academy Facebook page. Friends and family who could not attend due to the restrictions were able to watch. It was a very forward thinking graduation using the guidelines given by the City of Holly Springs.

Congratulations to the MA Class of 2020 – the year spring break never ended.