Parrott’s seniors wore masks and practiced social distancing during their June 26th commencement

Arendell Parrott Academy graduated one of its largest senior classes at commencement exercises on Friday evening in Ellis Simon Gymnasium.  The 66 seniors and their parents observed six-feet social distancing policies and wore face masks,  but they reveled in the live ceremony. In an email on May 8th, Headmaster Bert Bright notified senior families that commencement would be moved from its original May 29th date to June 26th.  

Simal Omer of Kinston joined classmates Baylor Merritt and Richard Williams in giving senior speeches. In addition to awards that are usually given at a Senior Banquet the night before graduation, Dr. Bright bestowed traditional graduation night awards.  Natalie Christiano was named class Valedictorian, and Rachel Alexander-Lee was class Salutatorian. This year’s Hobgood Distinguished Faculty Award was given to Donald Clark, who has taught both AP History and AP English, as well as coaching tennis during his six years at the Academy. 

Headmaster Bright, presiding over his last commencement before retirement, saluted these seniors for their many achievements. Twenty-one are AP Scholars and twenty-two are Presidential Service Award winners.  He also saluted their resilience. “This spring—their senior spring—they’ve faced a pandemic that has tried to divide them but has only proven that they are joined at the heart,” he stated.  

Awards went to the following Lenoir County students. EmilyAngel, received the Langley Science Cup. Jackson Crocker was given the Carolyn G. Bright Humanitarian Award, the Lillian Parrott Spanish Cup. Named Collier-Hodges Male Athlete of the Year, Trey McLawhorn also won the Perry Leadership Cup. Reagan Perry received the Rex Smith Award and the Poole Community Service Award while Lillian Warner got the Jane Moore Stubbs Award.  Brandon Zoltek received the Sharon K. Brooks Community Service Award, and Abby Turner was the Lillian Parrott French Cup winner.