Their junior year went awry with two months to go, knocked off track by a virus that changed everyone’s life. They didn’t have a chance to go back to their schools until nearly a year later, just as they were approaching the final weeks of their senior year.
The Class of 2021 has been through some things. But this year’s graduates persevered, and leading the way is a talented group of high-achieving students who are no strangers to adversity, persistence, advancement, and triumph.
- One-third of this year’s MNPS valedictorians and salutatorians started their academic careers as they were still learning English.
- Four received Exceptional Education services.
- One valedictorian co-wrote and rapped an uplifting song with two classmates.
- At least two are headed to Ivy League universities.
- One student has earned more than $1 million in scholarship opportunities.
- One salutatorian started high school at another school, then thrived after she transferred and changed her focus during her sophomore year.
All of them are stars.
“Congratulations to each of our high school valedictorians and salutatorians across the district on your tremendous achievements throughout your academic careers,” Director of Schools Adrienne Battle said. “Each of you has your own success story, but you all share a tremendous work ethic and great resilience. Your final two years of high school brought challenges no one could have anticipated, and you handled them with grace and skill. I wish you all the best in college, career, and life.”
In the weeks ahead, we’ll share photos of each high school’s top two graduating students on MNPS's social media channels. Without further ado, here is the list of valedictorians and salutatorians for Metro Nashville Public Schools’ Class of 2021.