Thomas Jefferson Academy seniors honored with special awards

Thomas Jefferson Academy held its high school graduation in the school gymnasium on May 17. Seven special awards, which are given by the school, are the David Thanepohn Torchbearer Award, B. J. Jones Spirit Award, Pamela Gibson Memorial Scholarship, James P. Hight Memorial Scholarship, Wayne Battle Award, Jonathan Charlie Kitchens Scholarship, and the Denny Livesay Helping Hands Award. The recipients of these awards were selected by the high school faculty.

David Thanepohn lost his battle with cancer over 38 years ago. His parents, Ron and Sally Thanepohn, helped TJA establish the David Thanepohn Torchbearer Award in his honor. This award is presented to an athlete or athletes who have made a significant contribution to the athletic program of TJA through service in the name of the team and teammates. The torchbearer is one who places himself in the shadow by holding high the flame so his teammates may feel the warmth of glory and see the way to victory. This year Shelby Valduga and Ty Cobb received the award. Shelby is the daughter of Billy and Lisa Valduga of Bartow. Ty is the son of Jason and Charla Cobb of Midville.

B. J. Jones died in December 1999. Her parents, Stan and Jane Jones, established the B. J. Jones Spirit Award in her memory. B. J. was always enthusiastic about her school and had a charismatic influence on her fellow students. Her contagious spirit influenced her parents to recognize other students who possess this quality. The award is not based on athletics or academics, but on a student’s commitment to school spirit. The award’s recipient was Will McNeely. Will is the son of Adam and Beth McNeely of Bartow.

Pamela Gibson was an active parent and cheerleading sponsor at Thomas Jefferson Academy. Pam died in 2002 after a long battle from cancer. Her husband and son, Dan Gibson and Bradley Arrington, established the Pamela Gibson Memorial Scholarship in Pam’s honor. The scholarship is given to a student who possesses the same character qualities that Pam possessed. The student chosen to receive the scholarship should be an outgoing person who demonstrates good Christian morals and a desire to succeed. The recipient should be involved in extra-curricular activities at Thomas Jefferson Academy as well as volunteer work throughout the community. He/she should display leadership qualities to his/her peers and superiors. Most of all, the recipient should demonstrate a strong love and affection for Thomas Jefferson Academy like Pam did. The scholarship’s recipient was Malana Moore. Malana is the daughter of T.J. and Alice Moore of Wadley.

Mr. James P. Hight was a lifelong teacher at Thomas Jefferson Academy. He gave unselfishly of his knowledge and love to each of his students. The Hight family established the James P. Hight Memorial Scholarship in memory of Mr. Hight who died in 2006. The scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who is college bound, excels in academics, and who demonstrates good Christian morals. The scholarship’s recipient was Jackson Dowdy. Jackson is the son of Dalton and Amber Dowdy of Wrens.

Mr. Wayne Battle was a man who always put the interest of the children and his community at the forefront of his personal life. He was a founding father of Thomas Jefferson Academy who embodied the spirit of hard work for the greater good of the school. His personal commitment to others is a trait in which we all can strive to achieve. The Battle family would like to honor his memory by presenting the “Wayne Battle Award” to assist a student in however they choose to further their career or education. This award recognizes a well-rounded graduating senior who demonstrates leadership and innovative thinking and who commits to giving 100% of his or her ability to academics, extracurricular activities, and most importantly the support of family, friends and Thomas Jefferson Academy. The selection is made by high school faculty members. The award’s recipient was Will McNeely. He is the son of Adam and Beth McNeely of Bartow.

Jonathan Kitchens, a 2017 graduate of Thomas Jefferson Academy, passed away in 2023. He was a student who was always kind to others, put others before himself, assisted anyone in need, displayed joy and grace in everything he did, while doing so with a smile. The Kitchens family established the scholarship in Jonathan’s honor. This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who displays the same character qualities as Jonathan. The scholarship’s recipient was Malana Moore. Malana is the daughter of T.J. and Alice Moore of Wadley.

Denny Livesay was a man who always lended a hand and never wanted any credit for anything he ever did. Denny was always lending a hand at Thomas Jefferson Academy whether it was cooking, coaching, or any event he was ever asked to help with. He did it with love and out of the goodness of his heart. This award is presented to a graduating senior who is always lending a hand when needed and always willing to help. This award’s recipient was Will McNeely. He is the son of Adam and Beth McNeely of Bartow.

This article originally appeared on Augusta Chronicle: Thomas Jefferson Academy seniors honored with special awards