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Lee Academy held its annual Honors Day ceremony, recognizing the outstanding achievements and dedication of its students across various academic and extracurricular pursuits. The event, held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, celebrated students from junior high through senior high, highlighting their commitment to scholarship, leadership, and service.
The program commenced with a welcome from Mr. Duvall, followed by an invocation led by Mitch Smith. The National Honor Society members were then acknowledged for their ongoing commitment to the organization's principles.
A significant portion of the ceremony was dedicated to special recognitions, highlighting student involvement in a range of activities. Toby Nichols was recognized for an EACC Presentation, while Ashley Bosnick was lauded for her participation in LA Community Cougars, Student Council, and achievements in Art & AR. Angie Stepp was acknowledged for her involvement in Boys & Girls State and the Woodruff Electric Youth Tour.
Mr. Duvall then took the stage to recognize the Junior High Honor Society members. Students who maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for the preceding semester were called forward for recognition. The honored students included:
7th Grade: Eldon Reed, Lee Kathryn Felton, Fuller Higginbothom, Forrester Southerland, Anderson Glass, Jane-Anne Reed, Ellie Hughes, and Ashlyn McDaniel.
8th Grade: Amelia Cate Jones, Jane Felton, Baxter Helton, Anne Gerrard, and Cole Kennedy.
9th Grade: Caleb Stacks, Pete Adams, West Higginbothom, Diesel Long, Gavin Glass, Mattie-Jane Southerland, Parker Tefteller, Mattlee Ashburn, and Ayden Lake.
The Senior High Honor Society members were also celebrated. These students maintained a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for the preceding semester while undertaking a full honors course load. Recognized students were: Addison Culp, Alexis Vickers, Sam Gerrard, David Hall, Lily Jones, Addison Jackson, Emmy Lewis, Ava Helton, and Adalee McDaniel.
A special moment recognized the newly inducted Honor Society Members: Addison Parks, Hugh Gerrard, Noah Price, Margaret Felton, Corey Jones, and Jack Gerrard.
The anticipation in the room grew as Mr. Duvall prepared to announce the Lee Legacy Teacher of the Year, the recipient's name left with bated breath.
The honor roll, based on the first semester and the third nine weeks grades, further celebrated academic achievement.
A–B Honor Roll recipients included: Ashlyn McDaniel, Jane-Anne Reed, Forrester Southerland, Jane Felton, Anne Gerrard, Baxter Helton, Amelia Cate Jones, Matlee Ashburn, Gavin Glass, Ayden Lake, Diesel Long, Mattie Jane Southerland, Caleb Stacks, Parker Tefteller, Margaret Felton, Cade Harvey, Ava Helton, Emmy Lewis, Addison Culp, Will Felton, and Lance Robb.
A Honor Roll recipients were: Lee Kathryn Felton, Fuller Higginbothom, Eldon Reed, Pete Adams, West Higginbothom, Addison Jackson, and Lily Jones.
Perfect attendance was also acknowledged, with Mattie Jane Southerland receiving recognition.
The high school faculty then presented their departmental awards, recognizing students who demonstrated exceptional participation, attitude, willingness to learn, and interest in their respective subjects.
The outstanding students for the year were announced by the faculty and headmaster. Chosen for their school spirit, willingness to help, responsibility, and contribution to Lee Academy, the honored students were: Jackson Oxner, Eli Weeks, Addison Culp, Sam Gerrard, Lily Jones, Ava Helton, Hugh Gerrard, and Addison Jackson.
The prestigious All-Around Boy and All-Around Girl awards, selected based on outstanding citizenship, school loyalty, and leadership, were presented to Eli Weeks as the All-Around Boy and Addison Culp as the All-Around Girl.
The Ushers, selected by the senior class to serve at their final three appearances, were also announced. These juniors, who will assist at Class Day, Baccalaureate, and Commencement, are: Addison Jackson, Hugh Gerrard, Ava Helton, Jackson Oxner, Adalee McDaniel, Garrett Long, John Henry Poe, and JuJu Chamness.
Mr. Duvall also addressed the audience regarding test results and scholarships, further highlighting the academic achievements of the student body.
The culmination of the Honors Day ceremony was the recognition of the honor graduates of the Class of 2025. Mr. Duvall outlined the criteria for this special academic distinction, noting that these seniors maintained a high academic record throughout their high school careers, often taking all honors courses offered.
The honor graduates were announced as follows:
5th Honor Graduate – Hannah Wiggins: Graduating Cum Laude.
4th Honor Graduate – David Hall: Graduating Magna Cum Laude.
3rd Honor Graduate – Sam Gerrard: Graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Salutatorian – Alexis Vickers: Graduating Summa Cum Laude.
Valedictorian – Addison Culp: Graduating Summa Cum Laude.
These honor graduates will wear stoles, cords, or sashes at their Baccalaureate and Commencement ceremonies, signifying their academic excellence.
The Lee Academy Honors Day served as a proud occasion to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of its students, setting a high standard for future academic endeavors.