Local News
Legacy Academy Holds Commencement
- Lockesburg, ARK–Lockesburg enjoyed an event for the second time in recent years, after a previously long hiatus—a high school graduation. Legacy Academy, Sevier County’s private Christian School in Lockesburg, held its second ever commencement on Friday, May 27, 2022 at the gymnasium on its campus. The evening included a video salute of memories of each graduate, a recording of counsel and advice from teachers, and a charge to the graduates from school founder, Chad Gallagher. Valedictorian Gracie Tucker and Salutatorian Daniel Williams also gave remarks. Gallagher said, “It was an exciting night to celebrate the accomplishments of these graduates and to honor their efforts and celebrating the next phase of their lives beginning. For the school, it was a rewarding experience as we continue to see the vision of Christian education in our area come into full fruition.”
The ceremony was followed by a reception in the school’s auditorium with refreshments and gift tables set up for each graduate. This year the school graduated three graduates. It’s first graduating class had two students. Founded fifteen years ago, the school added a grade each year and its early graduating classes are the smallest. With more than 130 students K-12, the school’s future graduating classes will average between 10-15 graduates at its current size. Record enrollment going into next year is causing the school to grow and consider new facility projects.
Legacy Academy requires all graduating students to meet the Arkansas Smart Core graduation requirements, plus have an additional five and a half credits that include more foreign language, logic, debate, and rhetoric, and a Bible assembly credit. Graduates must also complete 400 service hours, be in good character standing, and complete a two year honor capstone project in order to graduate. Graduate Jessica Nogueria wrote and illustrated a short book for pre-teens for her capstone, while Daniel Williams wrote a full length fiction novel, and Gracie Tucker completed a wall mural on the side of the school building. Valedictorian Gracie Tucker, the daughter of Scott and Jamy Tucker has received over $78,000 in awarded scholarship funds. She will attend Ouachita Baptist University in the fall. Gracie scored in the top ten percent in the nation on her ACT, served as a team captain and founding member of the Lady Warriors basketball program. She also ran track and was the recipient of this year’s Legacy Honor award, the highest award given at the school. The award is given for best representing Legacy values and the Christian faith.
Salutatorian Daniel Williams scored in the top 5% of the nation on his ACT and will be attending Pensacola Christian College on a full scholarship. He plans to major in computer science. Both Tucker an Williams also received the Southern Bancorp-Lockesburg branch Legacy scholarships. Legacy Academy student are also eligible for the Arkansas Lottery Scholarships.
