Rabun Gap's Class of 2018 graduates

Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School graduated one of its largest classes in school history during the 115th Commencement Weekend.

Eighty graduates from the Class of 2018 walked across the stage Sunday, May 20 in an outdoor ceremony surrounding statues of school founders Andrew Jackson and Addie Corn Ritchie. Members of the Class of 2018 hail from across the nation and globe, representing  16 countries and eight states.

With 100 percent college acceptance, members of the Class of 2018 are headed to the nation’s top colleges and universities. Overall, the class received 450 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 19 states and four different countries. Five students committed to participation in collegiate athletics.

“I am immensely proud of the Class of 2018,” said Head of School Dr. Anthony Sgro. “These graduates represent the best of Rabun Gap — in academics, the arts, athletics, and character. The students’ acceptances into such prestigious colleges and universities is a testament to their hard work and our exceptional academic program. I look forward to seeing them grow and continue Rabun Gap’s legacy as alumni.”

Senior girls from the Rabun Gap Chamber Choir opened graduation by singing “The Star Spangled Banner.” Singers were Madison Albury of Port Saint Lucie, Florida;  Kendall Butler of Atlanta, GA; Julia Jones of Highlands, NC; Remi Le of Hanoi, Vietnam; Siyuan Lyu of Hangzhou, China; Emmaline Talley of Otto, NC; and Aloysie Umutoniwase of Kigali, Rwanda.

Nicole Poku of Accra, Ghana was the student speaker.

Dr. Sgro presented special senior awards during graduation. Oscar McMullen of Highlands, NC earned the Valedictory Award. Josie Earnhardt of Rabun Gap, GA and Edmundo Ortiz of Mexico City, Mexico, were each presented with 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 Reverend Dan Wilson  delivered the baccalaureate address.

Senior class president Anna Yin of Shandong, China, and Honor Council President Gavron Campbell of Atlanta, GA delivered the Prayers of the Class of 2018 during baccalaureate. Campbell also performed the scripture reading.