Commencement 2021

Commencement

On May 25, 2021 at the 49th Commencement, Interim Head of School Alan Barr delivered a message to the Class of 2021 and their families. He commended them on a successful year despite adversities brought on by Covid-19. He encouraged them as they head on from Tuscaloosa Academy to “remember the laughter, because those memories will get you through any bumps in the road.” He regarded this class as “irreplaceable” and one of “unlimited energy.” He spoke of the resilience and poise they possess; and how strong a group of young people they have shown themselves to be.

Valedictorian Address This year the Valedictorian honor was awarded to Natalie Sanders. She opened her address by thanking the TA community for tirelessy working on behalf of the senior class to make their highschool experience the best it could be. She went on to point out the most heard phrase in Upper School: “Be the captain of your own ship.” and to thank Mr. Swann for his unwavering dedication to his students.

She expressed her gratefulness for learning how to be the captain of our own ship; however, “while a ship is safe in harbor, that is not what ships are built for. Every day we have spent here at this school has prepared us to set sail and take on our futures. Our journey is just beginning.”

To conclude, she offered one last piece of advice from Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” As we grow more independent, and accept new responsibilities, it is so easy to get side tracked, and lose sight of what’s most important to you on the inside.”