The University Heights Academy Class of 2026 had a lot to be proud of Friday night, as 39 students walked across the stage, took their diploma in hand and then walked out of their gymnasium with eyes on the future.
If one theme held true throughout the graduation ceremony, it was the feeling of closeness and true friendship the class of 2026 held for their fellow graduates and the faculty and staff that have made UHA feel like a home during their school years. There were an impressive four valedictorians in this year’s class, which were Jillian McCourt, Alexis Pollard, Jackson Flynn and Megan Long, along with salutatorian Alyssa Grise.
McCourt quoted the Percy Jackson novels during his speech, saying they all had to face their own ‘Herculean’ struggles to reach this point, but they did it. She says senior year always seemed distant, but now it was here and it left her memories she will carry with her.
Pollard congratulated her fellow graduates, and encouraged them to go out and experience everything life has to offer, and now it’s time to start a new, amazing, chapter.
Flynn brought the laughter with him in his speech, at times leaving those on the stage with him shaking their heads, but he says he will take everything he learned at UHA with him towards whatever comes next.
Drew Fields was presented with the Head of School Award by Headmaster Tonya Oakley, and the Norman J. Wiedmer Faculty of the Year Award was presented to Kim Quisenberry.
As a whole, the University Heights Academy Class of 2026 earned just over $1.9 million in scholarships, with that number still climbing as of graduation Friday night. In her final piece of advice to her graduating students, Oakley urged them to keep on learning, make good choices and that they have already brought great pride to her, their school and the community they call home.
