MAY 10, 2024

OH, WHAT A COMMENCEMENT!

On Saturday, May 4, Huntingdon deployed 164 points of light into service to the world. We celebrate the Class of 2024 for their academic achievements, their contributions to the life of the College, and their determination to succeed in the face of adversity. Go forth, Hawks. We're confident you are ready to apply wisdom in service!

Associate Professor of Religion Dr. Diana Abernethy delivered a commencement address to graduates.

Will Pilgrim '24 of Tuscumbia, Alabama, spoke on behalf of the graduating class.

A trio of seniors were awarded the Margaret Read Scholarship Medal for having the highest grade point averages across their Huntingdon experience. Standing with President Cam West from left to right are Emily Stehl '24 of Montgomery, Alabama, Abigail Hoggle '24 of Moundville, Alabama, and Breanna Smith '24, of Blountsville, Alabama.

Michael Storie '24 of Springville, Alabama, was recognized with the Willard D. Top Award.

Ty Martinez '24 of Belle Chasse, Louisiana, was honored by the graduating class as the recipient of the Senior Loyalty Award.

SENIOR BRUNCH

On Friday, seniors feasted on chicken and waffles and shrimp and grits in the Julia Russell Dining Hall for one last meal together.

SENIOR TOAST

Seniors and their families gathered on the lawn of Jackson Home Friday night for a Senior Toast.

SPRING 2024 DEAN'S LIST ANNOUNCED

282 high-achieving Hawks were recognized this week on the Dean's List of Honors and the Dean's List of High Honors. See the complete list here.

NATIONAL TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

For 170 years, one of the hallmarks of the Huntingdon experience has been quality teaching provided by a dedicated faculty of scholars. In this National Teacher Appreciation Week, we honor all of the members of the Huntingdon faculty - past and present - for devoting their lives to our students. Thank you, all, for your service!

VEGAS, BABY, VEGAS!

Jack Burr '26, the Collegiate Conference of the South Golfer of the Year, will lead the Huntingdon men's golf team to the NCAA Division III national championship tournament next week in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. The Milton, Georgia native was joined on the CCS All-Conference First-Team list by his teammates, Stephen Baker '26, of Fairhope, Alabama, and Zack Coker '25 of Orange Beach, Alabama. Cole Humphrey '27 of Roswell, Georgia, and Tyler Bjorgum '25 of Gulf Shores, Alabama, were named to the Second-Team. Tyler was also recognized on the All-Sportsmanship Team. This is Huntingdon's eighth-consecutive invitation to the national tournament. Let's go, Hawks!

BRANDON SEWELL '15 COMES HOME!

One of the pioneers of Huntingdon men's lacrosse is returning home as the head coach of the Huntingdon women's lacrosse team. Brandon Sewell '15 was a four-year contributor for the Hawks lacrosse team before venturing into a successful coaching career. We welcome him back to Huntingdon to lead our Lady Hawks! Read more here.

THOMPSON TAKES OVER TENNIS

Veteran tennis coach Kathleen Thompson has been tapped to lead the Huntingdon women's tennis program. Welcome to Huntingdon, Coach Thompson. Read more about her here.

BASEBALL CELEBRATIONS

A whole lot of power at the plate and dominance on the mound was seen for the last time Saturday at Neal Posey Field as Hawks Baseball honored a dozen men for their contributions to the program. We salute from L-R: Daniel Phillips '24 of Highland Home, Alabama, Noah Phillips '24 of Highland Home, Alabama, Gavin Gomez '24 of Newton, Alabama, Christian Lasecki '24 of Panama City, Florida, John Hale '24 of Vestavia Hills, Alabama, Daniel Patton '24 of Homewood, Alabama, Will Cowan '24 of Hazel Green, Alabama, Seth Killam '24 of Century, Florida, Jordan Raley '24 of Milton, Florida, Michael Driver '24 of Marbury, Alabama, Chris McGiboney '24 of Calera, Alabama, and Matthew Robinson '24 of Montgomery.

We also congratulate a trio of Hawks for being named to the CCS All-Conference Team. Read more about Noah, Davis and Seth here.

PODIUM PEOPLE

Several Hawks made the podium at the CCS men's and women's track and field championship this week in Tennessee. Congratulations to the men's 4x400 relay team -- Gavin McAbee '27, Blake Bailey '25, Woody Anthony '25, and Rory Gilroy '27 -- for a second place finish. We also celebrate Rhiannon Sevier '25 for a third place finish in the women's 400 meter hurdles, Caden Howard '26 for second place in the men's high jump, and Rory Gilroy '27 for second place in the men's 400 meter hurdles and third place in the men's 100 meter hurdles.

LACROSSE HONORS

The USA South Athletic Conference recognized a quartet of lacrosse Hawks last week. Kylie Clune '27 of Trinity, Florida, was named to the women's All-Sportsmanship Team. Gage Kettlewell '26 of Washington Township, Ohio, and Tristan Dial '26 of Woodstock, Georgia, were named to the men's Second-Team All-Conference list. JT Klam '27 of Houston, Texas, was honored on the men's All-Sportsmanship Team. (Editorial note: men's lacrosse players are nicer than their roster pictures make them out to be.)

THE WEEK AHEAD

ATHLETICS

BASEBALL: The Hawks are in Maryville, Tennessee competing in the Collegiate Conference of the South tournament. They'll play again this morning at 9:00 a.m. CST against Covenant. Follow the tournament schedule here.

SOFTBALL: The Lady Hawks are awaiting news of a postseason berth in the NCAA Division III national tournament. The 33-6 Lady Hawks are having one heck of a season!

MEN'S GOLF: The Hawks will be competing May 14-17 in Nevada at the Division III tournament. Follow the action at golfstat.com.

GOT NEWS / ANNOUNCEMENTS / STORY IDEAS?

Do you have news or an announcement of an event in the coming week? The deadline for inclusion in Huntingdon News is Thursday evenings at 5:00 p.m. Email your news to me.