farragutpress

Martin, Walker named CCS valedictorian, salutatorian

April 1, 2026 by Tammy Cheek

Seniors Joseph Martin and Delaney Jane Walker take center stage at Concord Christian School as CCS’s valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

Graduating with a 4.58 grade-point average, Martin’s focus has been psychology on the pre-medical track. He plans to attend the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, and pursue a career in private practice psychiatry.

“There is nothing more lovely than the sanctification that comes in Christ,” said Martin, the son of Jill and Timothy Holder and Robert and Jennifer Martin. “My time in high school was one of nearly exponential growth and happiness, and I can only encourage the same for others.”

At CCS, he was a member of the National Honors Society, Student Government Association, Marching Band, Key Club, Science Olympiad, Mock Trial Team, CCS Worship Team, Creative Writers Club and CCS Pep Band.

Additionally, Martin had a 35 ACT cumulative score and received the Association of Christian Schools International Distinguished Christian Student Award for Academics, ACSI Distinguished Christian Student Award for Fine Arts, a Science Olympiad Medalist and other numerous awards.

Future teachers honored at HVA

April 1, 2026 by Jake Nichols

On Friday, March 27, students and teachers packed into the auditorium at Hardin Valley Academy.

Seven of those students sat at decorated tables onstage, and above them, a large graphic with three words reflected the occasion: Future Teacher Signing Day.

The school’s fifth-annual ceremony honored HVA seniors Amanya Washington, Allie Hedrick, Corley Vaughn, Addisyn Wagner, Lillian Lanza, Karla Pawlak and Destiny Smith.

Each student is part of Hardin Valley’s Teaching as a Profession (TAP) program, which has been led by Dana Sherrell since 2014.

During the ceremony, each student signed to declare her intent to become an educator, listing teachers who have made impacts on their own lives.

“It’s incredibly meaningful,” Sherrell said after serving as the emcee for the ceremony. “Teaching is one of the most important professions in our society, but it’s also a profession that requires a great deal of dedication and heart. To see students not only consider education as a career but truly feel called to it is very special. Over the past five years, we’ve watched students discover their passion for teaching through the TAP pathway and through their field experiences in real classrooms.

“When they make the decision to pursue education, it’s exciting because you know they will go on to influence the next generation of students. That ripple effect is powerful.”