TJA plans graduation ceremony for May 20
Thomas Jefferson Academy will hold its graduation ceremonies Friday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m. at Wayne Battle Football Field in Louisville.
Katrina Hennessy, daughter of Melanie and Terence Hennessy of Bartow, is TJA’s valedictorian.
While attending high school she has been a member of the softball, basketball and tennis teams, participated in one act play, literary and served as a football manager and tutor for other students.
When not in school she also worked at Broad Street Books and interned at the Clerk of Superior Court’s office.
“I’ve always felt like pushing myself to be better every single day,” Hennessy said. “I feel like there’s always a way to better yourself, and I try to find one thing to improve every day.”
She said that her parents have been her biggest supporters both academically and throughout her life.
"They’ve always pushed me to do my best, while also being the people I could turn to whenever something went wrong,” Hennessy said.
She encourages other students to never stop pushing themselves to succeed.
“No matter if you’re coasting at the top or struggling, it’s worth it to do your best,” Hennessy said.
She said that loved her school’s small class sizes and that she felt as if she could get individual help in anything she needed.
Hennessey plans to enroll at the University of Georgia’s honor’s program to study journalism.
Kevin Unruh, son of Merve and Tina Unruh of Louisville, is TJA’s salutatorian.
As a Jaguar, Unruh was a member of the football, basketball and track teams. Outside of school he enjoys hunting, fishing and weightlifting.
“My parents have always pushed me to be the best that I can be in everything that I do,” Unruh said. “My mom has supported and influenced me throughout my academic career by never allowing me to give up on anything and always making me challenge myself.”
He recommends that other TJA students who want to succeed academically put a full effort into everything they do. Don’t take the easy way out, he said.
Unruh said that TJA is like a family.
“This makes it so much easier to get extra help and ask questions at any time,” he said.
Unruh is planning to enter Georgia Southern University and hopes to study construction management.
This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: TJA plans graduation ceremony for May 20
