Class of 2021 - Dresden

Dresden Graduation Highlights
Posted on 05/19/2021
This is the image for the news article titled Dresden Graduation HighlightsDresden’s 55 seniors garnered approximately $1,520,000 in scholarship monies.

The following students have met the requirements of a 3.0 or higher cumulative grade point average or a 21 or above ACT composite score to receive the Tennessee Education Hope Lottery Scholarship of $3,500 or $5,000 at a 4-year college or university or $3,000 a year at a 2-year college in the state of Tennessee: Gracee Adams, Rachel Blassingame,
Baleigh Brackett, Savannah Carr, Rylie Childs, Zach Crawford, Aleea Davis, Daniel Dean,
Autumn Frazier, Elizabeth Fulcher, Brenton Glover, Caroline Killebrew, Molly Maddox, Erin Mallory, Julie Mathis, Emily Matz, Cassidy Melton, Maddox Melton, Trevor Moore, Taylor Oliver, Matthew Parker, Carolina Pritchett, Caylin Quick, Brinna Sanchez, Tanner Scronce, Carlee Sutton, Jenelle Tanis, Kellie Warren, Deven Williams, Chase Wiseman, Emily Witt, Olivia Woodruff.

The following students have received scholarships in addition to the Tennessee Education Hope Lottery Scholarship and the Tennessee Promise.

Gracee Adams – University of Tennessee at Martin Achieve Scholarship

Rachel Blassingame -- Kaci Bailey Empowering Women Scholarship, Dresden Foundation Scholarship

Savannah Carr -- UTM Excellence Scholarship, Woodman of the World Scholarship, UTM Gooch Scholarship

Rylie Childs -- Ole Miss Academic Merit Scholarship, Ole Miss Alumni Scholarship, Dresden High School Beta Club Scholarship

Zach Crawford -- UTM Chancellors Scholarship, Bethel University Baseball Scholarship, Bethel University Presidential Scholarship

Aleea Davis -- UTM Dean’s Scholarship

Autumn Frazier -- Lohist North America Scholarship

Elizabeth Fulcher -- UTM Dean’s Scholarship, University of California, Santa Cruz Dean’s Scholarship, General Assembly Merit Scholarship

Caroline Killebrew -- UTM Dean’s Scholarship, Dresden Foundation Scholarship, Dresden Rotary Club Scholarship, Weakley County Young Professionals Scholarship, Westbrook Family Scholarship, The Moran Memorial Scholarship

Molly Maddox -- Berry College Dean’s Scholarship, Berry College Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship, National Beta Club Scholarship, Barbara Anderson Tennessee Beta Club Scholarship, Miss Heart of Dresden Scholarship, UTM Chancellor’s Scholarship, Rhodes College Presidential Scholarship, Trinity University Murchison Scholarship, Trinity University Legacy Scholarship, UTM Arthur L and Nell L Sparks Math Scholarship, General Assembly Merit Scholarship, FMY Orthodontics Scholarship, Kaci Bailey Empowering Women Scholarship, Dresden High School Beta Club Scholarship, Dresden Rotary Club Scholarship

Erin Mallory -- UTM Beatrice and Buford Irwin Ag Scholarship, UTM Chancellor’s Scholarship, Tennessee FFA Terry Oliver Memorial Scholarship, Iris Festival Scholarship, Freed Hardeman Merit Scholarship, Dresden High School Beta Club Scholarship, Dresden Foundation Scholarship

Julie Mathis -- University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys Presidential Scholarship, University of Memphis Emerging Leaders Scholarship, University of Memphis Merit Award, Woodmen Life Focus Forward Scholarship, General Assembly Merit Scholarship, Kaci Bailey Empowering Women Scholarship, Dresden Rotary Club Scholarship

Emily Matz -- UTM Dean’s Scholarship

Cassidy Melton -- UTM Excellence Scholarship

Maddox Melton -- UTM Chancellor’s Scholarship, UTM University Scholars Scholarship, UTC Chancellor’s Scholarship, Austin Peay Dean’s Scholarship, University of Memphis Provost Scholarship, General Assembly Merit Scholarship, Dresden High School Beta Club Scholarship

Trevor Moore -- UTM Dean’s Scholarship, Dresden Rotary Club Scholarship, Weakley County Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship

Taylor Oliver -- Dresden FFA Scholarship, UTM Excellence Scholarship

Matthew Parker -- Crowley’s Ridge College Baseball Scholarship, Crowley’s Ridge College Academic Scholarship

Carolina Pritchett -- UTM Dean’s Scholarship, University of Memphis Dean’s Scholarship

Caylin Quick -- Austin Peay Academic Scholarship

Brinna Sanchez -- UTM Excellence Scholarship

Tanner Scronce -- UTM Dean’s Scholarship

Jenelle Tanis -- UTM Cayce L Pentecost Scholarship, UTM Dean’s Scholarship

Logan Taylor -- Bethel University Football Scholarship

Kellie Warren -- Weakley County Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship

Olivia Woodruff -- UTM Excellence Scholarship

Top Ten
Maddox VALEDICTORIAN Molly Maddox is the daughter of Mark and Kerri Maddox. At Dresden High School, Molly has been an active member of the Beta Club, Student Council, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), and the Ethics Bowl Team. This year, she served as President of the Beta Club, President of the Student Council, and Secretary of FBLA. She has been Class President for four years. Molly was the chairperson of the 2019 First Community Bank Weakley County Youth Leadership class. In 2020, Molly was one of two students chosen to represent her school at the Student Congress On Policies in Education Conference in Murfreesboro. During her senior year, she was selected as Miss DHS by the student body, and she represents the city of Dresden as the 2021 Miss Heart of Dresden. Molly is a member of the Dresden Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and she enjoys participating in the Dresden First Baptist youth group. Molly is passionate about serving her community and others outside of Dresden. She has volunteered with the Dresden Rotary Club, Dresden Youth Soccer League, Weakley County Backpack Program, Gleason Summer Reading Program, World Changers in North Carolina, and Bright Light Volunteers in Costa Rica. She has played soccer in Dresden for 14 years and coached her first team of six- and seven-year-olds in the 2019 season. In addition to her school and community involvement, Molly works part-time at ClaireBrooke Consignment in downtown Dresden. Molly is a Tennessee Scholar, and she will graduate with honors and distinction. After graduation, Molly plans to attend Berry College in Rome, Georgia. She has been selected as a member of the Lettie Pate Whitehead Scholarship Program at Berry. She will be participating in the Honors Program while pursuing a degree in Environmental Science.

Mathis SALUTATORIAN Julie Mathis is the daughter of Brian and Lori Mathis  of Dresden, Tennessee. Julie will graduate with honors, distinction, and as a Tennessee Scholar. Julie enjoys participating in school clubs and volunteering in her community. Julie had been on the DHS Softball team for four years as the first baseman. Julie is active in school clubs such as Ethics Club, Beta Club, Weakley County Youth Coalition, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Council, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Julie holds officer positions in many of the clubs she participates in; this year she serves as Vice President of the Senior Class, President of Future Business Leaders of America, Vice President of Ethics Club, Vice President of Weakley County Youth Coalition, Vice President of Student Council, and Treasurer of Beta Club. Julie was selected for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards her freshman year and Weakley County Youth Leadership as a sophomore. Julie enjoys volunteering in her community through the Weakley County Backpack Program, working election polls, and other school-related service opportunities. Julie works after school at Mathis Battery Company. Julie is an active member at Dresden First Baptist Church and their youth program. After graduation, Julie plans on attending the University of Memphis and majoring in Finance.

MalloryErin Mallory is the daughter of Claude and Donna Mallory of Dresden, Tennessee. Erin will graduate with honors, distinction, and as a Tennessee Scholar. Erin is also a graduate from the Tennessee Governor’s School for Agricultural Sciences. During her four years at Dresden High School, Erin has been an avid member of Future Farmers of America(FFA), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Spanish Club, Beta Club, Student Council, and has served as a Class Officer over the past four years. Erin currently serves as the Dresden FFA President and as the Tennessee Western Regional FFA Secretary, along with being Class Secretary, Beta Club Secretary, and Student Council FFA Representative. Erin has also been elected as the Senior Representative for the Tennessee Iris Festival this year, along with being one of the Grand Marshals for the parade for being voted the Kindest Person in her grade. Erin has attended many leadership conferences including the National FFA Washington Leadership Conference throughout her high school career. Erin has also been involved in various volunteer activities including serving as a student worker at the Dresden Elementary Summer Enrichment Program and volunteering in school and community events. In addition to her school and community involvement, Erin also works two after school jobs at a college bookstore and library. Erin is an active member of the Martin Church of Christ and attends the ministry’s Student Center. After graduation, Erin plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Martin and major in Natural Resource Management with a concentration in Park Administration.

MooreTrevor Moore is the grandson of Tina Trevathan and Nephew of Jared and Kelly Moore. Trevor will graduate with honors, distinction, and as a Tennessee Scholar. During his four years at Dresden High School, Trevor was involved in several clubs such as BETA, FBLA, and Student Council. Trevor has been a part of Dresden's football program for four years, serving as a captain his junior and senior year. Trevor was also awarded 1st Team All Region three out of the four years. He also played baseball all four years and was a captain his junior and senior year. Trevor was also involved with several community service activities such as helping with the Backpack program, visiting the nursing home, and wrapping Christmas gifts for the middle school students. Outside of school, Trevor is involved with the community by refereeing sports such as peewee basketball and flag football. After graduation, Trevor plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Martin and major in Electrical Engineering.



DavisAleea Davis is the daughter of Barbara Davis and the late James Davis. She will graduate with honors, distinction, and as a Tennessee Scholar. During her four years at Dresden High School, she has participated in the Dresden High School Choir, Ethics Bowl, Student Council, FBLA, BETA, Spanish Club, and Book Club. Along with her school activities, Aleea also participated in a local dance studio for three years of her high school career and has worked all four years at Smart Dollars. After graduation, Aleea plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Martin.




CrawfordZach Crawford is the son of Jim and Traci Crawford of Dresden, Tennessee. Zach will graduate with honors and distinction. During his four years at Dresden, Zach participated in many sports and school clubs. He played Baseball and Basketball for four years and he played football for three. Zach earned all-district honors in baseball and basketball three out of four years. He was also a member of the Beta club and FBLA. Zach also volunteered several hours at the Weakley County Backpack Program. Zach’s future plans include attending the University of Tennessee at Martin and majoring in finance. He also plans on attending law school after graduating from UTM.


KillebrewCaroline Killebrew is the daughter of Scott and Jinny Killebrew. She has lived and attended school in Dresden her whole life. Caroline will graduate from Dresden High School as a Tennessee Scholar and with distinction. She has participated in several clubs during her four years at DHS. Caroline is a member of the HOSA club, FBLA club, Beta club, Student Council, and Ethics Bowl. She has held offices in many of these clubs. Caroline has served as the HOSA President and Vice President, the FBLA senior class representative, and the Student Council Reporter. As a sophomore, she was selected to be a member of the First Community Bank Youth Leadership Weakley County where she participated in community service and gained leadership experience. Caroline has taken part in other community service projects in her four years including packing food bags with the Weakley County Backpack Program and volunteering for the Dresden Quarterback Club. Caroline has also been a member of the Top 10 all four years in her class. She is a member of the Dresden First United Methodist church, where she keeps the church nursery and helps with Vacation Bible School. Caroline enjoys babysitting and works part time for CBR Restaurant in Dresden. She is excited to be attending the University of Tennessee at Martin in the fall and plans to major in nursing.

MeltonMaddox Melton is the daughter of Mark and Alisha Melton of Dresden, Tennessee. Maddox will graduate with honors, distinction, and as a Tennessee Scholar. During her four years at Dresden High School, Maddox has taken part in many school and community activities. Maddox has served as Co-Captain of the Ethics Bowl Team for 4 years. Maddox has also been involved in the Beta Club for her entire high school career and has enjoyed being a part of many competitions and service projects. Maddox has served as class reporter for the class of 2021, and was selected as Miss 12th Grade by the Dresden High School student body. After graduation, Maddox plans to attend The University of Tennessee at Martin as a University Scholar and major in Communications.

FulcherElizabeth Fulcher is the daughter of Melisa and Sean Fulcher of Martin, Tennessee. Elizabeth will graduate with honors and distinction. During the four years spent at Dresden High School, Elizabeth has participated in Ethics Bowl, Beta Club, Book Club, Spanish Club, Choir, FCCLA, Student Council, and has previously been a student officer. After graduation, Elizabeth plans to attend California State University, East Bay and major in anthropology.



ChildsRylie Childs is the daughter of Michael and Jennifer Moody of Dresden, Tennessee. Rylie will graduate with honors, distinction, and as a Tennessee Scholar. During her four years at Dresden High School, Rylie has participated in numerous activities around the school and community. Rylie has been an Ethics Bowl and Beta Club member for four years, serving as Beta Club president her junior year. Rylie also ran for TN Beta Club vice president during her time as DHS club president. Rylie has been an active member of several other clubs such as FBLA, Book Club, and Spanish Club. Rylie has also served as Senior Class Treasurer this year. Most of Rylie’s days at DHS were spent in the library working on the annual. Rylie was a member of the Annual Staff for three of her four years at DHS. She has also been a very active member of the community throughout High School. Rylie has been working at Smart Dollars in Dresden, Tennessee for the past year. She has volunteered at the Carroll County Humane Society, Food Pantry, and Weakley County Nursing Home. Rylie is an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Martin Tennessee where she has attended for six years. After graduation, Rylie plans to attend The University of Mississippi at Oxford and double major in Public Policy Leadership and Integrated Marketing Communications. There she will be involved in many other programs such as the Provost Scholars Program.

Valedictorian Speech
Molly Maddox

To Director of Schools Frazier, to Assistant Director Kelley, to our board members Mr. Meeks and Mr. Moore, to Principal West, to Assistant Principal Killebrew, to the teachers and faculty of Dresden High School, to our friends and families, and to the Class of 2021. I am honored to stand before you tonight with the opportunity to speak to you as we celebrate our accomplishments of the last 4 years.

I have three words for you guys: We did it. For 4 years, well really 13 years, we’ve shown up (most of the time), we’ve studied (some of the time), we’ve laughed, cried, celebrated, and complained (a lot of the time) for the right to say those three words: We did it. You’ve probably heard those three words many times over the last week, and you’re going to hear those three words many times throughout the rest of the night. Classmates excitedly proclaiming, “We did it!” Teachers sad.. or happy.. to see us graduate, “You did it!” Friends and family proud of our accomplishment, “You really did it.” I think the 27th time I heard those words this week, I finally asked myself: What exactly did we do?

Many of you know how big of a math nerd I am, so in true Molly Maddox fashion I wanted to share some math with you tonight. I’m not going to give anyone a formula quiz or an IXL assignment, just straight answers. I know most of us can agree that’s the best kind of math… If you add up all the potential days we could have spent together over the last 13 years, minus 19 half days, 52 snow days, 48 COVID days, and that 1 day last week when the ceiling caved in, you get 2,220 days which equals 932,400 minutes. So what did we do? We spent 932,400 minutes inside four walls, sitting down when we’re told, raising our hands to speak, asking permission to use the restroom, and cramming the night before for a test only to forget that information the minute we turn it in. With a glass-half-empty perspective, that’s your answer. You spent 932,400 minutes of your life performing those mindless tasks only to be released into the real world seemingly lost and unprepared. But if you take just one minute to reflect, you will remember the value of this experience and the good times we shared. So, what exactly did we do?

In elementary school, we learned how to read, how to do basic math, and how to make friends. We lived for Park Day, Pictochat, Kidpiks in computer class, and rag tag in P.E. Our biggest worry was being the first in line for the tire swing at playtime. Life was simple, but those days were so very important. We established a foundation and began to develop our unique personalities.

In middle school, we entered possibly the most awkward period of our lives. We were introduced to clubs, dress code, class changes, lockers, girl drama, school dances, boy drama, Thursday night football games, and the ever so dreaded discussions in health class. Although we considered these days to be complicated, life was still pretty simple. In those years, we a learned a little bit more about ourselves and where we wanted to go.

As I was writing this speech roughly 48 hours ago, I was thinking about what exactly we did in high school, and I began to consider the one question I heard the most throughout these four years. Some high contenders were, “This is due tonight?”, or “Wait, who got in a fight today?” or “Clayton, is that a hoodie?” Eventually I decided the question I heard the most was, “Why are we even here and what’s the purpose of all this?” What is the purpose of high school?

As a freshman, it was easy for me to think I had the answer to that question.

I thought high school would help each of us discover our one true passion. The truth is high school expanded our horizons and made us try new things outside of our comfort zones. We learned life isn’t about sticking to the status quo; it’s okay to sing and play basketball.

I thought our days here would be routine and predictable. The truth is we learned to expect the unexpected. No one expected a pandemic to shorten our junior year and alter our senior year. COVID-19 taught us we were all in this together as we navigated 14-day quarantines, social distancing, masks, and constant adjustments to CDC guidelines.

I thought high school would give me friendships that would never change and last forever. The truth is friendships evolve. Friends come and go; they teach us lessons and make us better friends, but they don’t always stay forever.
I thought high school would teach us everything we needed to know to become fully functioning adults. The truth is we still don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. It’s important to embrace the unknowns and ask for help. “I don’t know” is an acceptable answer as long we’re constantly working to solve the unknowns.

High school had a purpose whether you believe it or not. We’ve learned to expand our horizons, expect the unexpected, and embrace the unknowns. With the help of our evolving friendships, we made it through all 932,400 minutes together. We did it.

So, what do we do now?

Now we go chase those passions, and we don’t stop until we find something we really care about. Now we leave home. We go somewhere else, meet new people, and experience new things so we can come back to share what we’ve learned and help the next one in line. Now we trust God’s plan, and we understand that to everything there is a season and a time to every purpose under the Heaven. Now we remember to give thanks to those who helped us along the way. To the teachers who pushed us, to the parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles who supported us, to the siblings who put up with us, and to the friends who stood beside us, thank you. Because of you, we did it.
I’m so thankful I got to spend 932,400 of my minutes growing up in Dresden with you all. Out of all the minutes we spent together, I think this one is my favorite. It’s the moment I get to say congratulations. It’s the moment I get to say good luck in the future. It’s the moment I get to say thank you for all that you’ve taught me. It’s the moment we get to say goodbye.

It’s finally the moment we get to say: We did it.

Salutatorian Speech
Julie Mathis

Good evening family, friends, teachers, leaders, mentors, and the Class of 2021. I am honored to be representing my class as Salutatorian.

This moment could not have come quicker. I am proud to say to the Class of 2021 you woke up and endured 13 years of school. Even in the mornings we felt like we could not make it through the first hour, we did it. This year, we have faced differences and difficulty in numerous ways. I stand here today to congratulate us on persevering. I know this year has been tough, but I do not want to discount what we have faced in the past and what we plan to face in the future.

First I’d like to address the class of 2021 but 10 years ago. As 7, 8, or 9, year olds we had no cares about the unit circle or having to balance chemical equations. All we were worried about was citizen of the month, the zoo trips, roller skating in P.E., and what flavor snow cone we were getting at field day. Even as little kids we had big aspirations. We thought being 16 and driving to school every day was the epitome of cool, and graduating meant we were finally done with the early mornings because we would be adults and would know everything about the world. And while driving is definitely fun and not having to wake up this past week has been incredible, these youthful dreams have continued to push us through trials in high school. Our younger selves dreamt of having a real job, hanging out with friends, making an A in a class, scoring the game winning shot, touchdown or homerun. These dreams made the long work hours, practices, and study sessions worthwhile. Through high school I have learned that your younger self is your biggest supporter and is rooting for you. At one time there was nothing in this world that could come between you and your dreams. I encourage you to make that 7,8, or 9 year old inside of you proud. I hope that when things get tough you can look in the mirror and know you are doing it for yourself because at one time you know you could.

Next I’d like to address the future Class of 2021. The class that walks out these doors after this ceremony. Up until this point we have been equipped with the necessary tools to go out into the world and take that next step. But I bet we are all thinking that the only thing we are equipped with is how to find homework on a quizlet. It might be hard to admit it, but through all the classwork and endless testing our teachers really did teach us hard work and pushed us to our extremes so that we could become who we were meant to. I look around today to my classmates who I have known for 13 years and I see our genuine selves emerging. In these last weeks of school we might think it was still our teachers who told us what we had to do or Mrs. P.K. trying to help us figure out what we needed to graduate, but this was the final stretch. Whatever we did these last few weeks was on us. Whether we made the most of it but messing around and having fun or buckled down and worked extra hard, we will carry that into the next chapter of our lives. Our futures are bright just by walking out those doors, every single one of us will have dreams and goals that they will accomplish. I want this class to continue to work hard and make new opportunities for themselves.

Finally, I’d like to address the present Class of 2021, the class sitting right in front of me. I would like you to look around at the people you have known for so long. I want you to seize this moment of being together, in person. I am grateful that even though this year has been different this part of our journey ends together. Every person in this class has had some impact on your life in some way. Whether it is a smile in the hallway, a pencil given in class, or a best friend we all are a part of each other’s stories. I know that in some way you found your family at DHS in the classroom, sports, or in other extracurriculars. I hope that in some way this family helped make your adventure through high school more memorable. I know we have been told to enjoy the moment by everyone around us and many times have brushed it aside as we are excited for the next step into the world. But as we proceed through the rest of this ceremony, I ask that you slow down. I ask that you look around you and celebrate with the family that you made and appreciate that we are together and have made it this far.

Although our paths may cross or diverge in life, the Class of 2021 is on to better things. I hope that you continue preservering for your younger self, make new opportunities for your future self, and slow down and appreciate these next few minutes for your present self. Thank you to the Class of 2021 for being a part of my journey and my family and I am excited for what is to come.

Thank you.



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