Hayden Pendergrass defeats his opponent at a debate tournament. photo by Karina Soares

by Nicholas Zebrowski

Nearly every Monday morning, the entire student body listens as senior Hayden Pendergrass’ name reverberates throughout the hallways and classrooms.

“1st place Extemporaneous Speaking, Lincoln-Douglas Debate, and Student Congress –Hayden Pendergrass.”

“2nd place in Mathematics at the State AcaDec tournament – Hayden Pendergrass.”

“UIL Academic District Champion – Hayden Pendergrass.”

It is another successful weekend.

“Throughout my high school career, I have been lucky enough to employ my intellectual abilities in academic competitions,” Pendergrass said. “I love the thrill of competition and the challenges presented by Debate, Aca Dec and High Q.”

Around campus, Pendergrass is known for his knowledge on a wide range of topics and his unique approach to learning and school.

“To me, education only means learning and mastering information, not passing classes or getting good grades,” Pendergrass said. “I may not be in the top 10%, but that’s just a testament to my educational advancement.”

It is that attitude that makes St. John’s College in Annapolis, MD the perfect place for him.

“St. John’s is exactly the school I want to attend,” Pendergrass said. “They don’t emphasize the grades, they emphasize understanding, and they don’t cover normal curriculum, they cover the master works that are the building blocks of society.”

The Great Books Program used at St. John’s is a curriculum that makes use of a long list of some of the most significant texts in human civilization. As much as possible, students rely on primary sources. The emphasis is on open discussion with limited guidance by a professor, facilitator or tutor. On Wednesday, May 26, teachers and faculty members alike recognized his passion for involvement, love of learning, and model citizenship with one of the coveted Cougar awards.

“Hayden Pendergrass is a true renaissance man; he has more than a little bit of knowledge in a vast quantity of areas. He represents Franklin on a number of levels—as a speaker, an editor for The Chronicle, and an all-around academician,” journalism advisor Jai Tanner said. “If you have ever met Hayden, you don’t forget him. He makes an impression on those who know him and he is an outstanding representative of what Franklin High School can produce, all with a sense of humor.”