92nd Graduating Class
Tiffner the lone graduate from Pickens School
The Inter-Mountain photos by Brooke Binns Chad Michael Tiffner, the lone graduate of Pickens School’s class of 2021, moves his tassel from right to left to symbolize his completion of high school.
Art Wilson, left, presents Chad Michael Tiffner, 2021 graduate of Pickens School, with the Pickens American Legion Post No. 122 Award.
The Inter-Mountain photos by Brooke Binns Chad Michael Tiffner, the lone graduate of Pickens School’s class of 2021, moves his tassel from right to left to symbolize his completion of high school.
Art Wilson, left, presents Chad Michael Tiffner, 2021 graduate of Pickens School, with the Pickens American Legion Post No. 122 Award.
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PICKENS -- An intimate and special commencement ceremony was held for the 92nd graduating class of Pickens School Tuesday evening.
Chad Michael Tiffner was honored as the lone graduate from Pickens School during a ceremony where Tiffner's family, educators and community members celebrated his accomplishments.
Donna Knotts, commencement speaker and former teacher of 43 years at Pickens School, recognized Tiffner as passionate, responsible and committed.
"Chad, today marks and important milestone in your life for so many reasons. One book in the sequel of 'Chad Tiffner's Life' has ended, and an amazing new one is just beginning," Knotts said. "The personal attributes that have gotten you this far -- passion for learning, personal responsibility, an open and fair mind, creative talents, commitment to finishing what you begin, wittiness, and really, most important of all, a kind heart -- will be just as important, if not more so, than the skills and knowledge you acquire as you further your education."
Knotts went on to say she believes Tiffner will be part an individual who embraces change.
"Chad, your adult world will be much different from mine, and your grandparents, and your parents. Changes are occurring rapidly; as one form of technology becomes outdated and it's replaced with new technology," she said. "…. As one of the great economists of the 20th century stated, 'You cannot manage change, you must get ahead of it.' The challenges of your generation will be unlike any of the past generations as advancements in all fields is evolving so rapidly. …
"After having you as a student, I am certain that you will embrace the changes and challenges of the future and be one of the movers and shakers and develop a positive changes to tackle the problems our state, our country and our world are facing," Knotts continued.
Tiffner received a number of awards and scholarships including the Pickens American Legion Post No. 122 Award, Pilgrim Commandery Foundation Scholarship, Pickens High School Alumni Association Scholarship, Promise Scholarship, Fairmont State University SOAR Scholarship and FSU Opportunity Scholarship.
The 2021 graduate offered a video presentation to those in attendance that highlighted group activities he participated in -- including national and world archery competitions and 4-H -- as well as friendships created from kindergarten to graduation.