Huntingdon High Graduates 87 During Commencement

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HUNTINGDON (May 17) — Huntingdon High School held its 2025 Commencement on Saturday, May 17, 6 p.m. at Paul Ward Stadium.

The 87 members of the Class of 2025 marched onto the football field to the sound “Pomp and Circumstance” as played by the Huntingdon High School Band.

The program started with an invocation by Tylan Johnson, the Pledge of Allegiance and then the welcome by Ciaire Cary, president of the class.

HHS Principal Porche McClerking recognized the top ten academic students.

That was followed by the Salutatory Address by Amelia Yeager and the Valedictory Address by Amelia Yeager.

McClerking and Assistant Principal Shanna Boyd announced special scholarships that are provided by the community’s organizations or individuals.

Dr. Jonathan Kee, director of schools announced each graduate’s name as he or she came forward to be presented a diploma by Dr. Lee Carter and Kennedy White, members of the Huntingdon Special School District Board of Education.

The formal ceremony ended with the tradition of passing the torch from the senior to the junior class. Claire Cary, 2025 president, passed the torch to Blaine Todd, president of the Class of 2026.

Following a benediction and the singing of the Alma Mater, class members tossed their caps into the air in celebration.

Top 10 academically were:

#1 Elijah Carter, son of Carolyn Carter. He played tennis, was president of the Science Club, was the Chamber of Commerce ACT honoree, and plays to attend Tennessee Tech for Mechanical Engineering.

#2 Amelia Yeager, daughter of Lori Paradis, was in marching band, Beta, Science Club, Math Club, Chess Club, Drama Club and Jazz Band.

She was an Chamber of Commerce ACT honoree. She plans to attend TCAT for accounting for one year and then enter a four-year college for Accounting and Business.

#3 Nolan Foley, son of Carolyn Foley and James Foley. He participated in Cross Country and Tennis. He was a Chamber of Commerce ACT honoree and a Distinguished Scholar. He plans to attend UT-K for Nuclear Engineering.

#4 Daniel Ou is the son of Yong Ou and Xiao Dan Hu. He was a member of Beta Club and Chess Club. He plans to attend UT-Knoxville for Computer Science.

#5 E.J. Lewis is the son of Heather and Jason Lewis. He participated in Basketball and Cross Country, was a Distinguished Scholar, and plans to attend UT-Martin for a degree in Finance to become an insurance underwriter.

#6 Samuel Freeman, son of Clyde Freeman and Tammy Freeman. He was part of the video team, and participated in Chess Club, Book Club, Science Club and Math Club. He earned the Technology Award, Literature Award, He has joined the U.S. Army to study cybersecurity, networking and development.

#7 Grace Smothers, daughter of Deanna and Nathan Smothers. She was a cheerleader, member of Beta Club, Mentors Club, JAG, Carroll County Youth Leadership, Math Club, Drama Club, AB Club. She plans to attend UT-Martin to pursue a degree in Education and also to cheer.

#8 Lainey Bales is the daughter of Michael and Kim Bales. She played tennis and was a member of Beta, AB, ACE, Math, Drama clubs, a member of Student Council, and was a Mustang Mentor and member of JAG. She plans to attend UT-Martin and pursue a degree in Psychology.

#9 Tylan Johnson, son of Meredith Weathers and Terrell Johnson. He was a member of AB Club, Carroll County Youth Leadership, Beta Club, Student Council, Math Club, Drama Club and a Mustang mentor. He plans to attend UT Martin and pursue a degree in Psychology and Pre-Med.

#10 Cole Chafin, son of Shawna Johnson. He played soccer, football, tennis, track, basketball, and cross country. He was a distinguished scholar and plans to attend UT-Knoxville.