Grizzlies Academy celebrates graduates
2007 Salutatorian Ashley Ellis congratulates her fellow gratuates.
Joe Murphy/NBAE/Getty Images
As each student walked across the stage to receive their hard-earned diploma, the magnitude of the moment set in. By graduating from high school, they’d accomplished one of life’s major milestones.
Grizzlies Academy held their graduation ceremony for the 14 students comprising the Class of 2007 Tuesday night at FedExForum, a night none of the graduates will soon forget. Their years of hard work had paid off, as with diplomas in hand, they celebrated the end of one era of their lives, while looking ahead to the next.
“The students of the Grizzlies Academy’s Class of 2007 should be very proud of themselves today,” said Memphis Grizzlies President of Business Operations Andy Dolich. “All of their hard work and dedication over the last few years has paid off, and their graduation from Grizzlies Academy is an important milestone in each of their lives.”
The 14 graduating students are: Sarah Averett, Courtney Bailey, Trishauna Campbell, Connie Ellington, Ashley Ellis, Brandon Hampton, Ashley Hunt, Christina Roebuck, Kevon Rudd, Treena Simpson, Derrick Smith, Tony Weatherby, Jr., Nicardo White and Geneive Willis.
In addition to their diplomas, several students also got a boost as they seek to further their educations. Class valedictorian Brandon Hampton was the recipient of a Tennessee Hope Lottery scholarship and a Grizzlies Academy scholarship, and has already been accepted to numerous state schools. Class salutatorian Ashley Ellis was the recipient of a Dahntay Jones Foundation scholarship, Tennessee Hope Lottery scholarship and a Grizzlies Academy scholarship, and will be attending the University of Memphis. Sarah Averett was awarded a Grizzlies Academy scholarship and will attend UT-Chattanooga. Derrick Smith will be attending Mid-South Community College in the fall, thanks in part to a Mid-South Community College Principals’ scholarship. Also, Trishauna Campbell was awarded a Grizzlies Academy scholarship and will attend Lane College.
The Grizzlies Academy was opened four years ago by the Memphis Grizzlies Charitable Foundation to students who, for a variety of reasons, were at least two years behind in school. The Class of 2007 was the school’s second graduating class.