‘In shock’ Hubbs is tops among BHS seniors; Page is salutatorian
Kendall Hubbs recently received personal news that, to her, was surprising yet wonderful: she was named Bearden High School valedictorian.
“I was honestly in shock,” Hubbs said. “I couldn’t believe it; my jaw hit the floor.”
Likewise, Grace Page was surprised she was chosen BHS salutatorian.
“I was not expecting rankings to be released that day, and I also did not expect to be ranked so high,” she recalled. “While I was very shocked, I also felt very honored by this achievement.”
Detailing Hubbs’ paths
As a freshman, “I remember walking into Bearden and feeling so small, so nervous,” said Hubbs, daughter of Joe and Shasta Hubbs. “I remember thinking to myself that four years is ‘such a long time to be in high school’ that I had all the time in the world.
“Now looking back, I realize just how fast it all went by,” the valedictorian added. “How I can now say it? I am a confident young woman who has a powerful voice and knows that I can change the world.”
At BHS, Hubbs earned the Bearden’s Best Award ’2; was president of the Senior Committee, secretary of Latin Club, co-founder and president of Mock Trial her sophomore year, member of Member of Key Club, National Honor Society and Model United Nations and played varsity softball for four years.
The valedictorian plans to attend University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and major in public policy. Hubbs plans to “go to T-14 Law School and be a corporate attorney.”
As she leaves Bearden High, Hubbs advises underclassmen: “standardized tests don’t define you as a student. It can’t measure heart. What does is perseverance.”
Never loosing your edge, “even when the world is trying to tell you how great you are,” the valedictorian added.
Page’s detailed path
Page received the 2024 Service to Humanity Award granted by the Optimist Club of Knoxville for doing more than 200 hours of community service, and is an AP Scholar with Honors and AP Scholar with Distinction.
She received the St. Michaels Book Award for Academic Excellence; High Point University Book Award; VolMUN IX Best Delegate of The Wild Bunch: Law, VolMUN X Best Delegate of the 1917 Russian Provisional Government Committee; and the Who’s Who Award Class of 2025, which was selected by her peers and teachers.
Additionally, she served as vice president for Bearden Model United Nations; president/founder of Crochet/Craft Club; board member of Bearden Key Club; member of National Honor Society; member of National Art Honor Society; and played on the BHS tennis team.
After graduation, the salutatorian plans to attend University of Chicago to study chemistry and pursue a minor or double major in political science.
“I have always loved law and plan to pursue a career in constitutional law,” Page said.
Overall, “I have loved my time at Bearden,” reflected Page, daughter of Lisa and David Page. “Everyone here is so kind and supportive.
“Before Bearden, I went to a small middle school and was unsure about what a large public high school would be like,” she added. “However, I quickly learned how wonderful and inclusive Bearden is, as all of my peers and teachers are some of the most welcoming people I have met.
“While I have loved the past four years with my friends and outstanding teachers, I have also thoroughly enjoyed the academic side, as all students are encouraged to challenge themselves intellectually. The community Bearden has fostered is one where all students are able to collaborate on intellectual endeavors and do so fully committed.”
As for advice, “One thing I would encourage underclassmen to do is to always push themselves and put forth their best effort,” Page said. “As my mother has always told me, ‘If there is a will, there is a way.’ I would encourage underclassmen to always reach for their goals because even the seemingly unattainable can be achieved.
“I hope that my time at Bearden High School might encourage other students to continue to pursue their goals,” the salutatorian added.
