Metro Nashville Public Schools

The year was 1998.

It was a time in history where big events were happening all around the world.

For example, the nation witnessed one of its largest industrial mergers in history when Mercedes-Benz bought Chrysler for $40 billion and formed DaimlerChrysler;

It was a year when New York Yankees’ David Wells pitched a perfect game against the Minnesota Twins;

Just 21 years ago marked the series finale of Seinfeld, considered one of the most influential sitcoms of all-time;

And, of course, 1998 was the year that Metro Nashville Public Schools’ director, Dr. Adrienne Battle, graduated from John Overton High School.

As the first woman to ever serve as director of schools, Battle also holds the distinction of being the first director to be a homegrown product of the school district.

The graduates of Overton High School’s Class of 2019 have been awarded $9.8 million in grants and scholarships and acceptance to several prestigious colleges and universities. This collective achievement marks a record for the school.

“We are so proud of the accomplishments of our graduates and the postsecondary plans they have for continued success,” said Dr. Jill Pittman, principal of Overton. “The spirit and excellence of Overton will be well represented all over the country. We wish all of our students the absolute best as they prepare for the next phase in their lives.”

Is it possible to graduate high school in just one year?! It is for Madelyn Grace Boles, who accomplished the feat at MNPS Virtual School this year – and at the age of 15.

Her commitment to academic excellence, hard work and perseverance not only helped her finish high school early, but also landed her the coveted title of class valedictorian.