Submitted photo From left, Pickens School’s 2024 Valedictorian Mason Tiffner, keynote speaker Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Spittler and graduate Hunter Bachman smile during the school’s commencement ceremonies.

PICKENS — Pickens School’s 95th graduating class consists of two young men who plan to enlist in the military.

Valedictorian Mason Tiffner and Hunter Bachman, the Pickens School Class of 2024, were honored during the school’s graduation ceremony. Both plan to join the United States Air Force. 

In his valedictorian speech, Tiffner described his love for Pickens School, which he has attended from kindergarten through his senior year.

Tiffner skipped first grade as a result of his academic achievement and was accelerated into a class with more students. In his speech, he thanked his classmates, teachers, principal, parents and community for supporting the two seniors.

The commencement’s keynote speech was provided by Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Spittler, a Pickens School alumnus of the class of 1971.

In addition to his time in the Marine Corps, Spittler graduated from Murray State University in 1981, earning two bachelor of science degrees, in political science and English literature. In 1998, he was a distinguished graduate from Webster University, where he received his masters degree in security management.

Spittler urged the students to be nice, work hard and be patient, giving examples of how he applied those traits as a United States Marine. 

“Achievement requires effort – a lot of it,” he said. “You should set goals for yourself, and then strive to achieve them. Remember though – a goal without a plan to achieve it, is just a daydream.”

Pickens Principal Christine Long recommended the graduating class of 2024 to Randolph County Superintendent of Schools Debra Schmidlen, who confirmed and awarded both students with their diplomas. 

The next day, two Pickens School kindergarten students, Ashlyn Johnson and Levi Scott, received honors as they progressed to first grade. 

At the kindergarten graduation and award ceremony, the elementary students sang the Pickens School Alma Mater:

“Though the snow upon the ground

Melts into the past

In our hearts the memories

Of PHS will last

“Pickens School cannot die

Because the memories true

Though we leave we still will hail

Her colors, white and blue

“As united now we stand

Unto thee we sing

Thanks and praise and loyalty

Our proud voices ring

“Pickens High cannot die

Because of memories true

Though we leave we still will hail

Her colors, white and blue!”

The communities of Pickens, Helvetia, and Czar hosted a picnic for the graduates, students, teachers, and families. A “haven in the hardwood,” Pickens School is a unique and important part of American education and opportunity, officials said. This building was constructed to replace the school that

Pickens School was built in 1936, with its first class graduating in 1937. The 1936 school was built to replace the Pickens School that had been destroyed by fire in the previous school term. 

The current facility was completed in October 2006.