42 seniors celebrate graduation at Leake Academy

Leake Academy held its graduation ceremonies May 7 at the Joe F. Shepard Gymnasium with the graduating Class of 2021 consisting of 42 graduates, 21 of whom were honor graduates. 

The Valedictorian of the Leake Academy Class of 2021 was Hagen Davis, son of Michael and Sonya Davis of Philadelphia. He has one sister, Molly Davis. Hagen is the 2021 Valedictorian, Star Student, an Honor Graduate, and a Headmaster's list student with a numerical average of 100.7, a 4.0 GPA, and an ACT score of 32. 

“Being the Valedictorian is a great accomplishment knowing that all my hard work paid off,” Davis said. “I had to study a lot, stay on time with my work, do my homework every night, and just stay on top of everything.” 

He encouraged his fellow students to live for Christ and share the Gospel with others during his Valedictorian speech. 

“I told my classmates to always keep doing their best,” he said. “I’m thankful that God blessed me with being smart and that my hard work paid off. Good luck to all of my fellow graduates.”

The Salutatorian of the Leake Academy Class of 2021 was Emma “Emmi” Harkins, daughter of Derrick and Marianna Harkins of Carthage. She has two brothers, Will-Lawson and Jack. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA and has an ACT score of 30.

“Being the Salutatorian has always been one of my biggest goals since I was a child,” Harkins said. “It’s been tough and a lot of hard work, but it was worth it in the end.” 

Harkins said she had to stay up late a lot of nights studying and had to miss out on events and activities she wanted to attend to keep her grades up. 

“Keep God first,” she said. “He’s the reason I’ve been able to achieve this goal. Trust in him.”