On Saturday, May 24, the 102nd Commencement Ceremony for Russellville High School was held at the Jim Young Gymnasium, honoring the graduating Class of 2025. Faculty and graduates processed into the gymnasium under the guidance of Tammy Triplett and Jennifer Rogers as the RHS Panther Band, directed by Trevor Cardwell, performed Pomp and Circumstance.
The stage platform guests included members of the Russellville Board of Education: Lovis Patterson, April Triplett, Shawnri Gamble, and Chairman James Milam; Superintendent Kyle Estes; Teacher of Honor Tanya Mullen; Dean of Students Mikie Benton; School Counselor Juli Link; Assistant Principal Tracy Naylor; and Principal Drew Teel.
Following the National Anthem, also performed by the Panther Band, Mr. Teel opened the ceremony by welcoming guests and recognizing the vital role played by parents, guardians, families, and staff in the graduates’ journeys.
Mrs. Mullen, honored as this year’s Teacher of Honor, delivered a heartfelt and inspiring speech on purpose and perseverance. Mr. Teel then recognized the Top 10 academic graduates of the Class of 2025. Due to a tie, this year’s list included twelve outstanding students:
Grayson Beard
Gage Bollenbecker
Sam Edge
James Graves
Riley Hatfield
Santos Johnson
Anastasia Knight
Reed Parrish
Abryian Rodriguez
Emily Shackelford
Liza Vanna
Addison Wright
Coach Benton invited students wearing the “Russellville Ready” lapel pin to stand and be recognized. These students completed rigorous requirements and a culminating presentation to earn this distinction. Coach Benton also acknowledged college- and career-ready students. Impressively, 50 graduates earned a combined total of 292 college credit hours, equivalent to approximately 97 college courses, saving their families over $60,000 in tuition costs.
Assistant Principal Naylor presented the prestigious Thomas P. deGraffenreid Award, administered by the City of Russellville, to Addison Wright.
Principal Teel and Counselor Link presented academic trophies to the top scholars in the class:
3rd in Class: Riley Hatfield, son of Scott Downey and Cori Hatfield. He plans to attend Western Kentucky University.
Salutatorian: Santos Johnson, son of Barry and Courtney Kennedy. He plans to attend Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College.
Valedictorian: Grayson Beard, son of David and Valerie Beard. He plans to attend Eastern Kentucky University.
Chairman Milam delivered his traditional remarks, followed by the conferring of diplomas alongside Superintendent Estes.
The 72 graduates of the Class of 2025 were officially recognized and received their diplomas. The ceremony concluded with the singing of the RHS Alma Mater, led by class member Carolina Gwynette, followed by the traditional turning of the tassel and celebratory cap toss.
The 72 members of the RHS Class of 2025 include:
Roman Aguilar Gracie Bailey Grayson Beard
Cadence Bertram Justin Bigbee Alivia Blakey
Miller Bloodworth Gage Bollenbecker Aubrie Buckner
Evelyn Calles-Xum Laura Climer Bryce Cox
Samuel Cruz Lara Kayelynn Davenport Ariana Dean
Marshall Deweese Jasmine Duncan Samuel Edge
Marlei Elliott Alexis Escobar Cancino Raigan Fuston
James Graves Kein Gray Carolina Gwynette
Hunter Hallman Caine Hampton Deric Hardimon
Riley Hatfield Tori Holder Alex Holdren
Morgan Horsley Santos Johnson Sarah Key
Maddison Kimbrough Anastasia Knight Kingston Lashley
Kenia Lemus Brianna Maguire Lucian Mallory
Emy Mateos Octavius McKeage Christian Milam
Zackery Morgan Tryce Moore Zediah Morris
Demetri Ogburn Enrique Ovalle David Owens
Rolando Pacheco Ramirez Reed Parrish Paul Quincy Perez
Hadley Phillips Karson Pitts Madalyn Qualls
Caleb Ragland Elizabeth Ramirez Kayden Ramirez
Cristian Rangel Paloma Range Abryian Rodriguez
Ellie Rogers Emir Salpa Emily Shackelford
Lay’Auna Smith Jayce Sparks Noah Stovall
Mattie Stratton Dylan Tanner Liza Vanna
Trayden Watson Tyzavier Whitlow Addison Wright
The graduation ceremony was live-streamed by Mrs. Lisa Rose, and still photographs were taken by Mr. Chris Holloman and Mrs. Ali Steele. Access to the video and photos can be found on the Russellville High School Facebook page.