Our middle school recognizes one middle school student per month who exemplifies TRA’s 4 pillars of Faith, Academics, Character, and Service. Nominations are made by our faculty, and students who are selected receive a certificate and a special Chick-Fil-A lunch. Our student of the month for May is 8th grader, Kinley Shumaker.
8th Grade Bridge Ceremony
Thank you to the family members and friends who came to support our 8th grade students as they begin their transition to high school. During the ceremony, our 8th-grade students crossed the bridge physically and symbolically from middle school to high school, recognizing where they have been, and celebrating the places to which they are going. Our teachers shared two words that describe traits in each of our students that reflect the image of God in which they are made. In addition to these words of affirmation, our students received a frame with our Bible verse for the year chosen by our senior class from Romans 12:2. We will miss them and celebrate the next chapter in their lives!
District Champions
Our middle school baseball team earned the title of 2-A West Upper District Champions on Tuesday night with a 7-2 win over Riverdale Blue. They finished their season undefeated and represented our school well. Team members include 8th graders: Patrick Anthony, Elliot Barratt, Ethan Black, Liam Gains, Cole Langley, Peyton Wehrer and Westin Wylie. 7th graders: Connor Doyle, Bentley Ennis, Kaden Mays, Cael Phillips, Barratt Rowland, and Caleb Williams. 6th graders: Bentley Brown, Hayden Palfrey, Landon Waits, Dawson Williams. Special thanks to our coaches, Blain Curtis and Chase Phillips.
Exams
Exams count 14% of your child's semester average. Studying a little bit every day will help them prepare best for exams. Study guides have been given and teachers have been helping students to prepare well.
As we close another week at TRA, there is much to celebrate across our school community. From honoring student achievement and leadership to celebrating the Class of 2026 at graduation, this season continues to remind us of the tremendous blessings found within the walls of our school.
Please join me in congratulating our May Students of the Month!
Our senior recipient is Sequoia Slayman, daughter of Chris and Stephanie Slayman. Sequoia is a 4.0 honor student and a member of TRA’s 14-Year Club, having attended Tipton-Rosemark Academy for the past 14 years. She was also recognized as one of the Top 10 Scholars for the Class of 2026.
Sequoia serves as president of both Book Club and Art Club and is actively involved in numerous organizations including the ACT 30+ Club, National Beta Club, National English Honor Society, National Honor Society, Student Council, and our Student Ambassador program. She also participated in the TOTAL Youth Leadership Program and is a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Athletically, Sequoia plays varsity volleyball for TRA.
As part of her senior project, Sequoia and her group volunteered at the Munford Memorial Library by assembling goodie bags and wrapping books for the library’s annual Christmas event. The group also built and placed two free mini libraries within the surrounding community.
Following graduation, Sequoia plans to attend Mississippi State University where she will major in Animal and Dairy Sciences on the pre-veterinary track.
Our underclassman Student of the Month is freshman Duncan Hughes, son of Ryan and Katie Hughes. Duncan is an honor roll student and a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He also competes in varsity football and baseball for TRA.
Duncan does an outstanding job representing our school both on campus and within the greater community. He serves as a strong ambassador for TRA to prospective families and visitors alike. When asked what makes TRA special, Duncan shared that he appreciates the environment the school provides for students and families, and that his favorite part of TRA is that “every teacher knows you personally.”
Congratulations, Sequoia and Duncan! We are proud of you both for the way you represent our school community.
Student of the Year Recognition
Last Thursday, the South Tipton Chamber of Commerce and Patriot Bank hosted the Student of the Year Breakfast Banquet at The Balcony.
It was truly an honor to fellowship alongside such an accomplished group of students and families, each representing outstanding schools and communities across South Tipton County.
The Student of the Month and Student of the Year recognition program is, without question, one of the most meaningful student recognition initiatives I have ever had the privilege to be a part of. Programs like this matter because they remind students that their hard work, leadership, character, and perseverance are noticed and valued. More importantly, they help cultivate a sense of pride and responsibility that we hope will one day inspire these young leaders to return to their communities and invest in the generations that will follow them.
TRA’s 2026 Student of the Year, Nix Fullen, possesses an impressive list of accomplishments, including being named one of the Top 10 Scholars for the Class of 2026. Throughout high school, he has consistently demonstrated leadership and service to his school community. He served as class president during both his freshman and sophomore years and currently serves as Senior Class Vice President.
Nix is also an active member of Student Council, National Beta Club, National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Student Ambassador program. Beyond the classroom, he has been a vital member of the varsity football, basketball and track teams and is a proud member of TRA’s 14-Year Club, having attended Tipton-Rosemark Academy since PreK-4.
Among his many honors, Nix has twice been named a finalist for Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association Mr. Football — an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects not only athletic excellence, but leadership, discipline, and character.
Following graduation, Nix plans to attend Mississippi State University where he intends to pursue a degree in either Agri-Business or Business Finance.
On behalf of the entire TRA community, congratulations to Mr. Nix Fullen! Your school, your family, and your community are incredibly proud of you and all you have accomplished.
This week in 9th grade English, Mrs. Julia Stevens led students through an excerpt from Who Are You Following? focused on teenage screen time and social media consumption.
Students were asked to check their own daily screen time averages on their phones and anonymously share them with the class. The activity sparked thoughtful conversations about the amount of time students spend consuming content online and the influence technology and social media can have on our hearts, minds, and perspectives.
The statistics discussed in class served as a sobering reminder of just how significant that influence can be in the lives of young people today. It is my prayer that these conversations will continue at home and provide families opportunities to reflect together on the importance of guarding our hearts, minds, and time.
Celebrating the Class of 2026
On Saturday, we celebrated the Baccalaureate and Graduation Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2026. What a celebration it was!
This graduating class accumulated more than $5 million in scholarship offers and will soon begin the next chapter of their journeys at trade programs, colleges, universities, and even military service opportunities across the country. We are especially proud to have one graduate preparing to serve our nation through the United States Army.
As we reflected throughout the weekend, this class has left a lasting mark on our school community through their leadership, friendships, perseverance, and faith.
As they step into this next season of life, we humbly pray Numbers 6:24–26 over each of them:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.”
Congratulations again to the Class of 2026. We are incredibly proud of you.
🎶 Come be a part of TRA’s award-winning High School Choir! 🎵
Eligibility: Upcoming 9th–12th grade students
Requirements: • Pick up a High School Choir interest form in the Middle School or High School office • Complete and return the form to Mrs. Lalania Vaughn by Monday, May 18 • Record one verse and one chorus of a song of your choice (any genre) • Email recordings to lvaughn@rebelmail.net or text them to 901-489-1254
Recording Deadline: Friday, May 22
If you have any questions about High School Choir, please contact Mrs. Lalania Vaughn, Director of Fine Arts.
🎠🎶
2026–2027 Course Registration Information
Registration for the 2026–2027 school year has been opened for all current 8th grade through junior students.
Students may access the online registration portal through the FACTS Family Portal by selecting “Course Request” under the student dropdown menu. After making selections, please be sure to click Submit.
The portal will remain open through May 21, and changes may be made at any time before that date. Additionally, students will have an opportunity to request schedule changes during the first two weeks of the fall semester.
Honors Course Criteria (Must meet 2 of 3):
Minimum 85 year-end average in the subject area
Teacher recommendation
At or above the 50th national percentile on PreACT, ACT, or standardized tests
Dual Enrollment Course Criteria:
US History & Speech
ACT English: 18 | ACT Reading: 19
85+ in English II & World History
College Algebra & Statistics
ACT Math: 19+
85+ in PreCalculus Honors
Calculus
ACT Math: 26+
85+ in PreCalculus Honors
English Composition
ACT English: 18 | ACT Reading: 19
85+ in English III Honors
85+ on English III Honors Research Paper
Transfer students must provide a comparable writing sample
If students do not yet have the required ACT scores but plan to test this summer, they should register for the appropriate current course level. Schedules may be adjusted at the start of the school year if qualifying scores are achieved.
Upper School Exam Schedule
Upper School final exams are quickly approaching. Please review the exam schedule carefully and help students prepare to finish the year with excellence.
Monday, May 18th
Tuesday, May 19th
Wednesday, May 20th
3rd Period Exam
&
5th Period Exam
**11:30 Dismissal
2nd Period Exam
&
6th Period Exam
**11:30 Dismissal
1st Period Exam
&
4th Period Exam
**11:30 Dismissal
As we approach the final days of the school year, it can be tempting to mentally “check out” and coast toward the finish line. But Scripture reminds us in Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Finishing well matters. Character is often revealed not simply in how we begin something, but in how faithfully and diligently we see it through to the end.
These final exams, projects, and assignments are opportunities for students to honor the gifts, abilities, and opportunities God has given them through preparation, discipline, and perseverance. Success is not always measured only by a grade, but by the effort, integrity, and determination we bring to the task before us.
As a school community, my prayer is that our students would finish this year with purpose, confidence, and excellence — not growing weary in the final stretch, but continuing to press forward with grateful hearts and a commitment to do their very best. We are praying for a strong finish and a well-deserved summer ahead for all of our students and families.
Looking Ahead - Fourth Quarter
May 18, 19, & 20 - Upper School Exams (11:30 dismissal all 3 days)
We celebrated the retirement of two wonderful lower school teachers this week. On Monday afternoon, we gathered in the library to wish Mrs. Emily Smith and Ms. Janice Smith the very best as they begin this next step in their lives and enter retirement. These ladies have been wonderful teachers for our TRA students instilling knowledge, love, and faith in them each and every day. Thank you Mrs. Emily and Ms. Janice for your years of service and dedication to our school. You will both be greatly missed!
Our lower school students loved having their very own class “talent shows” last week. Mrs. Dawn encouraged each class to perform solo or with a friend and there were so many good performances. We love seeing our boys and girls have the confidence to get in front of their peers to do various things. Building that self confidence and stage presence is one of the many benefits of music class. We hope Mrs. Dawn continues this end of the year fun and makes it a yearly tradition!
Our Kindergarten classes visited first grade this week and they LOVED it! They met each of the first grade teachers, saw the rooms and talked with the students about first grade. They cannot wait to be officially “fabulous first graders”!
We enjoyed having several middle school students visit us this week and share books they wrote and illustrated. Jess Baker and Missy Owen had a co-curricular project of making children's books. They offered to have their students come and share their books with our lower school classes. We loved this project and seeing the creative work our middle school students completed.
Our fifth graders completed a unit on volume of composite figures by designing and building 3D replicas of animals using cardboard boxes. They then applied their math skills to calculate the total volume of each figure. It is a fun way to showcase creativity and teamwork while connecting problem solving and mathematical thinking.
As we close out this year, I want to share a post I saw recently that was posted by Focus on the Family. It is a great reminder of key scriptures for us to pray over our children. I hope you have a wonderful summer full of fun memories and lots of special time with your children. Thank you for sharing them with us each day! They have been such blessings to us all.
May they never walk away from you: draw their hearts closer so you will always be near them. James 4:8
Help them listen to your Word, and to do as it says. Luke 11:28
Make them a blessing to everyone they meet. 1 Peter 3:9
Fill them with joy and peace. Romans 15:13
Help them speak the truth to others and to themselves. Ephesians 4:25
Cultivate a grateful heart within them. Psalm 118:28
Remind them that your love for them is everlasting. Psalm 103:17
As a middle school, we recognize one middle school student per month who exemplifies TRA’s 4 pillars of Faith, Academics, Character, and Service. Nominations are made by our faculty, and students who are selected receive a certificate and a special Chick-Fil-A lunch. Our student of the month for May is 6th grader, Bentley Brown.
7th Grade Science
Our students are finishing the year with a unit on body systems. As part of an opportunity for our students to use their knowledge and as well as their creativity, students created their own body system projects. Students were able to choose their specific body system and created a replica of the system using creative materials. Students presented their projects.
Teacher Appreciation Week
We have the BEST middle school faculty. Special thanks to our PTO and to all of our parents for the special treats that were provided for our teachers and staff this week to show your love and appreciation.
Awards Day Program
Thank you to everyone who came to support our students for the Middle School Awards Assembly on Wednesday. Awards presented included Art Show Awards, Choir/Theater Awards, Junior Beta & Student Council Awards, Math Competition Awards, STEM Club Awards, Robotics Award, Community Service Awards, Honor Roll Awards, Headmaster’s List Awards, Kindness Award, Outstanding Character Awards, and Servant Leadership Awards. We are proud of all of our students and celebrate their hard work.
8th Grade Bridge Ceremony
Our 8th Grade Bridge Ceremony will be Tuesday, May 12 at 8:00 AM in the PAC. This is a special ceremony for our students as they transition from middle to high school. We hope you can join us!
Exam Snacks Help
We are collecting snack items for exam week. These allow our students to have a special treat between exams. Please send individual snack items to the middle school office by Friday.
Service Hours/Opportunities
There are two special opportunities for our middle school students to help serve in special ways this summer. Both are camp opportunities to serve with people with special needs. Camp Conquest is an overnight camp experience that is especially in need of male counselors. HERE is more information. Camp Connect at the Madonna School in Memphis is a day camp (8:55-3:20) experience. HERE is more information.
Middle School Baseball
Join the fan club! Our baseball team will play in the District 2-A Region Championship Game next Tuesday at 7:30 at USA Stadium. Come cheer on our Rebels!
Looking Ahead
May 8 - Study Guides for Exams will be Passed Out to Students
As we continue wrapping up another wonderful school year, it has been encouraging to see students making memories together, celebrating leadership opportunities, and enjoying some well-earned moments of fellowship and reflection.
Earlier this week, despite the rainy weather that eventually moved in, our 9th grade English students took advantage of the sunshine while they could by enjoying outdoor reading time as they near the completion of The Hunger Games.
Mrs. Stevens and her classes made their way to the softball field and stadium seating, which provided the perfect setting for students to relax, read, and enjoy a different learning environment together. It was a wonderful reminder that meaningful learning can happen both inside and outside the classroom.
Class of 2027 Officer Elections
This week, the rising senior Class of 2027 held class officer elections for the upcoming school year. We are excited to see these students step into leadership roles as they prepare for their final year at TRA.
Please join me in congratulating the following class representatives:
President: Buck Ford
Vice President: Zadie Reburn
Secretary: Aniston Glass
Treasurer: Ebby Hill
Chaplain: Kate Donahoo
In addition, the Class of 2027 selected their theme verse for the upcoming school year from Proverbs 3:5–6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
What a meaningful reminder for a class preparing to lead our Upper School community during an exciting and important season of life.
Across the last six graduating classes, a beautiful and consistent spiritual thread emerges: the call for students to become faithful, Christ-centered leaders by trusting God fully, pursuing Him above all else, and allowing Him to shape both their character and direction in life.
Here is the progression that seems to unfold through each class verse:
Class of 2022 – The First Epistle to Timothy 4:12 Focused on being an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity — a call to young people to lead with godly character despite their age.
Class of 2023 – Book of Isaiah 40:31 Emphasized strength and endurance that come from waiting on and trusting in the Lord.
Class of 2024 – Gospel of Matthew 6:33 Centered on seeking God first and trusting Him to provide and guide every other aspect of life.
Class of 2025 – Epistle to the Philippians 4:8 Challenged students to cultivate disciplined, Christ-honoring minds by dwelling on what is true, noble, pure, and excellent.
Class of 2026 – Epistle to the Romans 12:2 Called students to resist conformity to the world and instead be transformed through renewed minds and spiritual discernment.
Class of 2027 – Book of Proverbs 3:5–6 Reinforces wholehearted trust in God’s wisdom and direction rather than reliance on self.
Taken together, these verses tell a larger story of spiritual formation:
“Rooted in faith, transformed in mind, and guided by God’s purpose.”
Collectively, the verses almost function like a discipleship roadmap for students moving from adolescence into adulthood. Taking a reflective view of this important milestone and responsibility for each rising senior class, helps to affirm that we are fulfilling our mission to the Faith and Character pillars of our school.
Baccalaureate & Graduation
We look forward to celebrating our seniors at Baccalaureate and Graduation Commencement next week at First Baptist Church Millington at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 9.
This milestone is both joyful and bittersweet. While we will miss these remarkable students dearly, it is a privilege to celebrate this moment alongside them and their families as they step into the next chapter of their lives.
2026–2027 Course Registration Information
Registration for the 2026–2027 school year was opened earlier this week for all current 8th grade through junior students.
Students may access the online registration portal through the FACTS Family Portal by selecting “Course Request” under the student dropdown menu. After making selections, please be sure to click Submit.
The portal will remain open through May 21, and changes may be made at any time before that date. Additionally, students will have an opportunity to request schedule changes during the first two weeks of the fall semester.
Honors Course Criteria (Must meet 2 of 3):
Minimum 85 year-end average in the subject area
Teacher recommendation
At or above the 50th national percentile on PreACT, ACT, or standardized tests
Dual Enrollment Course Criteria:
US History & Speech
ACT English: 18 | ACT Reading: 19
85+ in English II & World History
College Algebra & Statistics
ACT Math: 19+
85+ in PreCalculus Honors
Calculus
ACT Math: 26+
85+ in PreCalculus Honors
English Composition
ACT English: 18 | ACT Reading: 19
85+ in English III Honors
85+ on English III Honors Research Paper
Transfer students must provide a comparable writing sample
If students do not yet have the required ACT scores but plan to test this summer, they should register for the appropriate current course level. Schedules may be adjusted at the start of the school year if qualifying scores are achieved.
Upper School Exam Schedule
Upper School final exams are quickly approaching. Please review the exam schedule carefully and help students prepare to finish the year with excellence.
Monday, May 18th
Tuesday, May 19th
Wednesday, May 20th
3rd Period Exam
&
5th Period Exam
**11:30 Dismissal
2nd Period Exam
&
6th Period Exam
**11:30 Dismissal
1st Period Exam
&
4th Period Exam
**11:30 Dismissal
Looking Ahead - Fourth Quarter
May 8 - Graduation Practice & Lunch at Texas de Brazil
May 9 - Baccalaureate & Graduation @ First Baptist Millington
May 18, 19, & 20 - Upper School Exams (11:30 dismissal all 3 days)
