USN graduates 103 during Commencement

Seniors turned their tassels and graduated from University School of Nashville on Sunday, May 19 on the Back Lawn. Visit usn.org/classof2024 for more highlights from their last year on Edgehill and to learn what they will do next.
By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing & Communications
 
On Sunday, May 19, University School of Nashville conferred diplomas upon 103 seniors, celebrating one of its largest graduating classes. These 103 graduates will head to more than 60 colleges and universities. At least five of them plan to play a sport (baseball, golf, swimming, and track and field) at the collegiate level. Thirteen percent of the the Class of 2024  was named National Merit Semifinalists or designated Commended Students.
 
Third Grade Teacher Kyleen Shyer, who was recently named the Bovender Faculty Chair Recipient, kicked off the festivities by reflecting on the class’ time at 2000 Edgehill and offering words of congratulations.
 
Following opening remarks from Director Amani Reed, Kari Belle King ’24, Kate Vaughn ’24, Leah Joseph ’24, Ella Rienets ’24, and Caroline Quinones ’24 performed a heartwarming rendition of “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac that captivated the crowd.
 
Tre Sheats ’24 was selected by his classmates to give the Commencement address. Sheats reflected on his and his classmates’ time at USN by not only sharing memories of class trips to Washington, D.C. and in class over the last 13 years but also what he learned from each of those memories. He said no matter what profession or walk of life the Class of 2024 goes into, each of them will be a better person for the experiences they shared at USN. 
 
“This is a time in our lives when we are often asked about what we want to do in life,” said Sheats. “However, I think the more important question will be what kind of people we want to be, and I’m grateful that we’ll have our experience at USN to call back on when we ask ourselves that question.”
 
Before presenting diplomas, Head of High School Quinton Walker, who will is transitioning to Assistant Head of School for Academics, also shared remarks. He brought up the Class of 2024’s determination and resilience in the face of adversity as the class was the first group of High School students to return to the Edgehill Campus in September 2020 in the face (technically, the mask) of COVID-19. 
 
After the diplomas were presented, Head of Lower School Amy Woodson, who is retiring this year, offered farewell remarks, urging the seniors to make their mark on the world, using the skills and talents they’ve developed at USN over the years.
 
Graduates recessed to an audience of cheers, tossed graduation caps, said final farewells and thank yous to beloved faculty, and enjoyed a reception with families in Durnan Auditorium after Commencement. 
 
The Class of 2024’s year of senior celebrations began with the senior class retreat in Ocoee Ridge, Tennessee. As the year progressed, students enjoyed many memory-making moments like Prom and their senior T-shirt design day, culminating in an unforgettable final year as students on Edgehill. The week of celebration was kicked off at Convocation, where the class was inducted into the PDS/USN Alumni Association and heard from 2024 Distinguished Alumnus Seth Feman '97. 
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.