Starkville Academy has added a new tradition to its homecoming festivities.
In addition to the pep rally, themed dress-up days and games, the school will now present distinguished alumni awards during the game. For the award’s inaugural year, four SA alums will receive the awards Dr. Kristen T. Fyke, Dale Peay, Clay Richardson and Amy Tuck.
Prior to receiving the award, Tuck, a 1981 SA alumna spoke to high school students about her career and her time as a student at the school. Tuck currently serves as vice president for campus services at Mississippi State University, and served two terms as lieutenant governor under Governor Ronnie Musgrove and Governor Hailey Barbour.
“I’m very honored,” Tuck said. “I was very excited when (Head of School ) Mr. (Jeremy) Nicholas called, and I’m very excited to receive the award tonight. I’m very pleased to be in the class with the other three recipients.”
In her address, Tuck encouraged SA Students to further their education and become leaders.
“Many of the friends I made in high school are still some of the closest friends I have today,” Tuck said. “We don’t look the same, but we’re still great friends. I always look forward to our class reunions. It won’t be long until you’ll be having those once you graduate from here.”
Tuck told the students to set high goals for themselves.
“I strongly believe the best starting place for progress is to know where you are and where you want to go in life,” Tuck said. “Goals will help you to find that destination, and they will help give you a sense of the skills, the expenses and the resources that you need to arrive there.”
Tuck also shared some of her own memories of SA, including English teacher Vicki Warren and former second grade teacher Connie Fondren. She also reminisced about the haphazard parking in the senior and the school gym not having air conditioning.
“I think education is very important, and I appreciate the support I received from the teachers and administrators here,” Tuck said.
Nicholas explained the new distinguished alumni awards, saying the school wanted to celebrate its alumni and keep them closer to the SA community.
“(They were) great words of wisdom,” Nicholas said of Tuck’s speech. “She’s a lady who’s very accomplished, who’s reached the apex of many careers.