School News

Last Updated on Tuesday, 27 June 2023 01:19

Thomas Jefferson High School’s Class of 2023 received their diplomas Tuesday night, June 6 to conclude a resilient four-year journey unlike most since the first TJ class graduated in 1960.

Graduating Honor Students pose for a photo

Shanice McNeil, TJHS class of 2023 President, addresses the crowd.

A total of 219 West Jefferson Hills School District seniors graduated at TJ Stadium before a large, enthusiastic crowd under sunny skies.

The latest TJ graduates are the first class to have attended the new Thomas Jefferson HS for all four years. The 64th TJ class were freshmen when the new TJHS opened its doors in August 2019. Seven months later, the world was tragically turned upside down when the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools and brought about nearly two years of remote learning, followed by in-person school while masked before a return to a more normal senior year.

Senior class president Shanice McNeil addressed the audience and two seniors were selected to speak on behalf of their classmates. Rachael Parsons spoke about “Writing a Story of Resilience,” while Kaylin Peters spoke on the “Power of the Present.” All TJ seniors had the opportunity to submit remarks for consideration.

Thomas Jefferson Principal Pete Murphy and WJHSD Superintendent Dr. Janet Sardon also addressed the graduates.

Four TJ graduates will begin military service by this fall and were recognized during graduation: Nathan Barr (U.S. Air Force ROTC), Che Day (U.S. Air Force), Torrey Lewis (U.S. Air Force) and Nico McCullough (U.S. Navy).

The TJ Class of 2023 officers were: Shanice McNeil (president), Jacob Christian (vice president), Gavin Sweeney (secretary), Kiley Dorrian (treasurer) and Blayne Downer (public relations).

A total of 150 TJ graduates were recognized at the Senior Honors Ceremony for posting a 3.2 grade point average or higher, representing 68 percent of the 219 seniors who graduated on Tuesday. A total of 68 seniors earned Highest Honors (4.0 GPA or higher), an increase of 10 from last year.