Lower & Middle School Awards Day 2026

Tallulah Falls School concluded the 2026–27 academic year for lower- and middle-school students with the annual Awards Day ceremony on Wednesday, May 20. Students, faculty, and staff, families, and friends came together one final time to recognize a year of hard work, growth, and achievement.

The ceremony opened with a welcome from President and Head of School Dr. Larry A. Peevy, followed by performances from the fourth-grade recorder ensemble and the TFS middle school choir.

Dr. Peevy, Assistant Head of School David Chester, and Lower/Middle School Academic Dean Carol Madden recognized this year’s Presidential Scholars before presenting individual student awards. Students earn placement on the Presidential Scholar List by maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average, demonstrating strong conduct, and meeting high standards in citizenship and responsibility throughout the academic year.

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Honors and awards were presented as follows:

Elizabeth Kyle presented the T12 Citizenship Award to fourth-grader Paisley Densmore and fifth-grader Cora Ridlehoover. 

Kyle also presented the Daughters of the American Revolution Award to sixth-grader Fern Johnson, seventh-grader Dessa Guinn, and eighth-grader Caleb Bach.

Sidney Trawick of Stephens County 4-H presented a 4-H Award to Chaylei Carter. 

Jimmy Franklin presented Chaylei Carter & Emily Bryant with Be the Light Service Awards. 

Jo Kimbrel presented Branson Duncan and Savannah Pastor with the TFS Great Athletic Character Award; Lincoln Penland and Naomi Russo with the Indian of the Year Award; and West Ridlehoover with the Scholar Athlete Award.

Jenny Long presented both Evie Purcell and Logan Thompson with the PE Student of the Year Award. Sarah Lawrence recognized students for their participation in the Elementary Statewide Honor Chorus, and Caylin Cook recognized students for their participation in the GMEA District 14 Honor Chorus. Lawrence also presented Jack Van Diest with the Band Student of the Year Award. 

Paige Barlow presented Sophia Franklin with the Art Student of the Year Award; Carrie Layer presented Madyx Price with the Drama Student of the Year Award; Stephanie Dorantes presented Olivia Powell with the Media Production Award and Scarlett Stapleton with the Graphic Design Award; and Ashley Dumas presented Jackson Ledford with the STEM Award. 

Outstanding Students of the Year were recognized: Henry Earp, fourth-grade; Randall Smith, fifth-grade; Emma Kate Bryant, sixth-grade; Alaina Bray, seventh-grade; and Ruby Sue Anderson, eighth-grade.

Jonathan Roberts announced the Owls as the House of the Year.