Montgomery County Schools Superintendent Matt Thompson says a group of former local high school students will make history this week when they participate in a commencement ceremony at the University of Kentucky.
The five are the most from any one county, Thompson said, to graduate from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law this spring.
The commencement ceremony for Class of 2026 College of Law students will be held at 3:30 p.m. today at the Singletary Center for the Arts in Lexington.
The students include Will Cockrell, Dylan Diedrich, Makayla Harris, William Haydon and Sarah Larison Shepherd.
“The Montgomery County School District graduates excellent students who are able to go on and do anything to which they focus their efforts and work hard. Our entire community can be proud of our school system and how our graduates are prepared. Congratulations to this year’s group of Montgomery County graduates graduating from the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law,” Thompson said.
Holly Lawson, now principal at MCHS, was an assistant principal at the time these students attended MCHS.
“I remember all of them and their amazing accomplishments. Each of these students experienced different paths while in high school, but one thing remained the same in their experience, caring and supportive teachers and staff. They will continue to go and do amazing things; MCHS was only the starting point. Our school and community should be proud, and we will continue to provide the caring and supportive environment to push students to their full potential beyond our four walls. Congratulations to these graduates and good luck in your next chapter,” Lawson said.
The Advocate spoke with each graduate about how MCHS helped prepare them and future plans. Details below!
By Jamie Vinson
Advocate Managing Editor
The students featured below, all Montgomery County High School graduates, are set to graduate from UK law school this week.
They shared with Editor Jamie Vinson how Montgomery County High School helped prepare them for college and life after.
Will Cockrell graduated from Montgomery County High School in 2019.
“Montgomery County High School gave me the foundation to attack whatever academic challenge came my way. I can confidently say without them I would not be where I am.”
Cockrell said he’s both excited and a bit sad to graduate from law school at the University of Kentucky.
“I greatly enjoyed my time in law school and all the friends that I made.”
Cockrell has accepted a position at the Kentucky Attorney General’s Office.
Dylan H. Diedrich is another 2019 graduate of MCHS.
“MCHS prepared me for the real world and college through the teachers who guided me throughout high school. I had fantastic teachers I could rely on who were great role models for me and were always willing to give advice.”
Diedrich said graduating law school is one of the biggest achievements of his life.
“It has taken a lot of effort to get where I am. I am proud to have a family who supported me every step of the way.”
He plans to move to Chicago to work in a public interest position.
Makayla Harris says MCHS helped shape her into the strong student she is today. She is a 2019 MCHS graduate.
“Through caring teachers and coaches MCHS students are taught to be well-rounded, driven and independent individuals. I can truly say MCHS’s rigorous academic standards combined with passionate teachers shaped me into a student that thirsts for knowledge and higher education. Further, being a part of the Montgomery County Indians basketball team taught me real life skills such as perseverance, grit and determination.
“Overall, Montgomery County Public Schools produces well-rounded leaders who are prepared to be engaged citizens,” she added.
Harris said she’s incredibly proud to be graduating from law school and joining such a prestigious profession.
“All the hard work and determination that it has taken to get to this point finally feels like it’s paying off. My plans after law school are to work at the Lexington Public Defender’s Office.”
William Haydon says faculty at MCHS took a personal interest in his success both in and out of the classroom.
Haydon graduated from MCHS in 2014.
“They (MCHS faculty) cheered me on—and continue to cheer me on—in every pursuit. MCHS also provided wonderful extra-curricular opportunities in the arts. My participation in musical theater, band and choir continues to shape how I approach preparation, collaboration and execution of complex tasks.
Graduating law school, Haydon told the Advocate, is a “culmination of a lot of hard work, late nights and a few lucky breaks along the way.”
“It’s also something that never could have happened without the love and support of my family, friends, teachers and mentors. I am incredibly grateful for this experience and excited to get to work advocating for my clients and contributing to our community.”
Haydon will be starting his legal career as an associate attorney in the litigation group at McBrayer PLLC, in Lexington upon graduation from UK.
Sarah Larison Shepherd, a 2020 MCHS graduate, said MCHS prepared her quite well for both the real world and college.
“My high school teachers didn’t stop supporting me after high school. Many are still in my corner and constantly encourage me in whatever I do! I am especially grateful for our civics and social studies classes and programs. I am so happy I was a Y (mock governments like KYA and KUNA) kid.”
Sarah participated in Mock Trial and even played the role of a witness.
“I always knew I wanted to go to law school, but my Mock Trial coach, Ryan Allison, really solidified that desire and prepared me! I don’t think I would have ever come out of my shell without the MCHS Mock Trial program,” she said.
Sarah says looks forward to graduation and practicing as an attorney.
“I’m not so excited for the bar, though! I will be working as a public defender after I graduate. I went to law school to become a public defender, and I am ecstatic to help my community in such a meaningful way.”
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