Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School graduated one of its largest and most diverse classes in school history during the 116th Commencement Weekend.
Eighty-three graduates from the Class of 2019 walked across the stage Sunday, May 19 in an outdoor ceremony surrounding statues of school founders Andrew Jackson and Addie Corn Ritchie. Members of the Class of 2019 hail from across the nation and globe, representing 20 countries and nine U.S. states.
Members of the Class of 2019 are headed to the top colleges and universities in the United States and across the world. All were accepted to college. Overall, the class received 387 acceptances. More than half of those were to public or private universities listed in the U.S. News and World Report’s Top 50, with several listed in the Top 20. Students will attend colleges and universities in 18 states and seven different countries. Five students committed to participation in collegiate athletics.
“It is my honor to present the Class of 2019 as the newest alumni of Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School,” said Head of School Dr. Anthony Sgro. “These graduates represent the best of Rabun Gap — in academics, the arts, athletics, and character. Their acceptances into such an impressive list of colleges and universities is a testament to our students’ hard work and our exceptional academic program. I look forward to seeing them grow and continue the Rabun Gap legacy of excellence.”
Senior boys from the Rabun Gap’s Barbershop Quartet opened graduation by singing “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Singers were Daniel Dobromirov of Novi Sad, Serbia, Muya Kahiga of Buford, GA, Alexander Kehoe ’19 of Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, and Kacper Kuzimski of Sky Valley, GA.
Jazmyn Pickstock of Nassau, Bahamas was the student speaker.
Mikolaj Stankiewicz ’19 of Gdansk, Poland earned the Valedictory Award. Graham Jump of Rabun Gap, GA, Anja Racic of Novi Sad, Serbia and Pickstock were given the Crystal Eagle Award. The Crystal Eagle Award is the highest award given to Rabun Gap seniors, and it honors outstanding service in campus and community life.
The baccalaureate service preceded graduation and The Venerable Janet Tidwell, Archdeacon for Formation of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, delivered the baccalaureate address.
Senior class president Yannik Gruner of Vienna, Austria delivered the Prayers of the Class of 2019 during baccalaureate. Racic, the Honor Council President, gave the scripture reading.
