First Senior Class at All Saints High School Graduated Friday, May 20

History was made last Friday when the first All Saints High School graduating class participated in commencement exercises on May 20, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. in Kirby Commons on the school campus.  Friday’s graduation is the first senior class to graduate in All Saints Episcopal School’s 60 year history. This is the first year all four grade levels are in attendance at the high school, which opened August 2012.

Commencement Exercises began at 5:30 p.m. Friday, May 20 in Kirby Commons on the All Saints Episcopal School campus, with a reception immediately following.  Graduation day began for the 12 seniors with Baccalaureate at 8 a.m. in Jones Gym and ended with an all-night party (Project Graduation) at Premier Sportsplex.

Marsha Sharp presented the Commencement Address.  Sharp’s nephew, Michael Sharp, is a member of the graduating class. Seniors Jaci Garrett and Keely Umstot also spoke.

Catherine Elizabeth Latour is the class valedictorian while Benjamin Paul Tipton is the class salutatorian. 

Latour’s grade point average is 4.9. She is the daughter of Dr. Jonathon and Mrs. Patty Latour. Catherine will attend will attend Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. Her honors include: Girl’s State Delegate,Youth Award for Service and Leadership from the Lubbock Volunteer Center, Regional Finalist for Coca Cola Scholarship Award, AP Scholar, Phi Beta Kappa Excellence Award, and National Honor Society.

Tipton’s  grade point average is 4.7. His parents are Dr. Roger and Dr. Nadene Tipton. Ben will attend Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana.  His honors include: Future Problem Solver – state medalist;  All Saints Student Scholar Awards in Debate; Pre AP Pre-Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP Spanish 3 and 4, Russian 1,2,3,4; Academic All State in Basketball and Track; National Honor Society; and Student Council.

The 12 seniors of the Class of 2016 have been accepted as of May 17 into over 26 universities.  These universities include: Washington & Lee, William and Mary, Texas A&M, University of Texas, University of Oklahoma, Villanova, SMU, St. Andrews – Scotland, North Carolina State, Missouri Southern State, Colorado State, Colorado School of Mines, Baylor, Boston College, Texas Tech, LCU, Purdue, Wayland Baptist, Abilene Christian, West Texas A&M, Georgetown, Tufts, University of Virginia, Vanderbilt, Southwestern University, and Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.   Projected scholarships thus far total approximately $1,068,000.  Additionally, one member of the junior class (Class of 2017) has been extended an offer to skip his senior year and enroll at Stanford University.

All Saints High School opened in August 2012 with seven freshmen.  A grade level has been each year culminating with all four grade levels in attendance this year, the school’s fourth year.  The Class of 2016 is the school’s first graduating senior class.

The high school experienced rapid growth with a population of 80 students for the 2015-2016 school years.  Three members (Catherine Latour, DJ McCallister, Ben Tipton) of the 12-member senior class have attended All Saints since they enrolled in three-year-old preschool. The Senior Class has set the traditions and standards for the high school for generations of Patriots to follow.

The Class of 2016 has enjoyed a senior year full of accomplishments.  The one act play troupe won the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) state championship last fall followed by the yearbook winning the TAPPS state championship in the spring.  The academic team finished third in the State TAPPS Academic Meet in April, with one student winning the Literary Criticism state title.

Both the boys and girls Cross Country teams won the TAPPS state championships in October. The varsity volleyball team finished second in the TAPPS state championship last fall while varsity boys basketball finished third in the TAPPS state tournament.  In the spring, the girls’ tennis team won the TAPPS state championship while the boys and girls golf teams each finished second in the state championships.  The boys track team finished third in the state with two members winning state titles.  The girls track team finished fourth in the state meet.

All Saints has experienced its largest enrollment in the school’s history this school year.  The enrollment peaked at 477 students this spring.  Open enrollment is underway for preschool (3 year-old) through 12th grade.  Parents may contact the school office (806-745-7701) at any time for more information.  Founded in 1956, All Saints is open to all faiths with a focus on educational excellence.  The school is widely-recognized for its Fine Arts program as well as excellent academic programs.  The foundation of an All Saints education is based on academics, fine arts, athletics, spiritual development and service to others. The high school offers a college-preparatory curriculum with pre-advanced and advanced placement courses through a 90-minute block schedule.  No more than 12 students can be enrolled in a classroom in preschool and lower school classes with 16 students per teacher ratio in middle school and high school classrooms.

(News release from All Saints High School)