John Bevilaqua, Jayne Arnold Holder, Tahnika Thomas Rodriquez, and Roy Exum
photo by Photography by Lifetouch
Before a near capacity audience in the school gym, Chattanooga Central celebrated its 82nd Senior Day and honored the members of this year's senior class, while introducing the most recent members of the Distinguished Alumni and Supporters Hall of Fame.
Former homecoming queen and Miss Central Jayne Arnold Holder (1970) told the members of the 2015 senior class to "celebrate your accomplishments, learning never stops and Central is a special place to me."
Former Chattanooga Free Press executive sports editor Roy Exum, accepting the Distinguished Alumni award for his grand father, Roy K.
McDonald (1919), received applause and laughter from the students, parents, teachers and school supporters as he exclaimed to the current seniors, "don't mess up with three weeks before graduation and don't be stupid."
Mr. Exum went on to say, "I also need each of you seniors to get a piece of paper and pen and write a thank you note to one person who has helped you get to this point in your life.
"So write the note and get a stamp and envelope - I don't want to hear that you sent a text or e-mail - and put the letter in the mail so your mom or dad or coach or teacher can read and re-read your letter from years to come."
Ms. Holder and Mr. Exum joined four others - Rick Hansard, Tahnika Thomas Rodriquez, and the later George Connor and Mary Alice Bevilaqua - as the 2015 class of Distinguished Alumni and Supporters.