By Moly Seales

On Saturday, June 20, 2020, Riverdale Academy held its annual ring ceremony for the upcoming seniors at First Baptist Church Coushatta.  Many things about this ring ceremony were different due to COVID 19, including that it wasn’t the day after graduation like usual.  Despite all the complications, the junior class sponsor Mrs. Kelly Azlin, along with parents and students of the class of 2021 worked hard to make sure that this class could officially become seniors. 

The ceremony started with Mrs. Kelly welcoming everyone. Following the welcome, the new principal of Riverdale, Mr. Danny Rester, opened in prayer.  Mrs. Kelly then presented the junior class. Unfortunately, four members of the class were unable to attend but were not forgotten as Mrs. Kelly mentioned their names. These students were Witt Almond, Ronda Black, Austin Giddens, and Garrett Wilhite.  Then it was finally time for the much-anticipated ring presentations.

Tylee Adams was the first student to receive her ring, which was presented to her by her parents Tye and Amanda Adams.  Next was Parker Almond, whose ring was presented to him by his parents Will and Heather Almond. Brennan Edie’s grandparents Gene and Karen Dixon presented him with his ring. Abby Jones was presented her ring by her sister and 2017 graduate of Riverdale Academy, Sidney Jones.  Pacey Lindsey was next and received her ring from her parents John and Christie Lindsey.  Tinley Ogden’s mother and step-father Jamie and Stephen McCoy presented her with her ring.  Matthew Seales was presented his ring by his sister and current sophomore at Riverdale Academy, Molly Seales.  Next was Jake Wilhite, who was presented his ring by his father Rex Wilhite.  Lastly was Noah Wren, who was presented his ring by his parents Kyle and Heather Wren, along with his nephew Konner Tate.  As the students were presented their rings, Mrs. Kelly named some of the students’ achievements in sports and academics and their favorite memories so far at Riverdale.

After the presentations there was a slideshow of all the students, which included pictures beginning in their childhood and ending with pictures of their junior year of school.  There was laughter from the students as it brought back some old memories. When the slideshow was over, Mrs. Kelly asked the class to stand, and the future Riverdale Academy Class of 2021 was officially presented as the new senior class.

Following the ceremony there were refreshments and a reception for the students, parents, family, and friends.  The Riverdale Class of 2021 would like to thank Mrs. Kelly for being their sponsor and for all of her hard work and their family and friends for all of their support over the years.