JUPITER – Normally in Palm Beach County, high school graduations happen in May.
But due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, private and public schools have had to creatively find a way to celebrate our seniors.
Jupiter Christian is no different, as it plans to honor the Class of 2020 with a special graduation ceremony on June 26. It will be held at Calvary Church in Jupiter Farms, with a start time of 4 p.m.
Kicker/punter Justin Spear will be one of the 2020 graduates from Jupiter Christian. He looks at this moment from a realistic standpoint.
“I am bummed out that it’s happening like this,” Spear said. “But at the same time, I believe that God does things for a reason and all will be okay. I think it was nice to have a break and spend some extra time with family before heading off to college. As long as I get my diploma, I am ready to go.”
Spear (No. 3-ranked specialist in Palm Beach County; Class of 2020) will officially be in transition mode from high school to college this summer. The soon-to-be Jupiter Christian alum will be headed to Tusculum College (Tusculum, Tenn.) on July 30.
Spear touched on why he chose to play college football for Tusculum. He made his final decision on Feb. 6.
“My decision to go to Tusculum was based on the coaching staff,” Spear said. “They were very welcoming by showing they care about the players and that they want the best for you. Coach [Cody] Edwards would hit me up at least two times a week and check in on me. And when I took a visit up there, it was amazing. They really put their best foot forward and made me feel like I was at home.”
Spear (5-foot-8, 182 pounds) had more to say about Tusculum.
“I would say the atmosphere is great and the school has a rich tradition of football,” Spear said. “I love the brotherhood of the recruits when I visited there, and the players bonded with us so well. I knew it was a family away from home and we all have the same goal, which is to win the SAC (South Atlantic Conference) championship.”
Recent Atlantic (Delray Beach) High School graduate and wide receiver Javone Jackson will be teaming up with Spear at Tusculum. Fall football camp for the Division II program will begin on Aug. 3.
“I have not met him yet,” Spear said of Jackson. “But I have seen his film, and I am excited to get to work with him.”
Spear’s senior season at Jupiter Christian played a large role in him getting to Tusculum. Let us recap the kicker’s final high school football campaign with the Eagles.
In 10 games played, Spear was successful on all 5 of his field goal attempts, which means that he had a 100 percent conversion rate. His long was 42 yards, while also coming through on his punts with an average of 39 yards.
“Individually it was great,” Spear said. “It finally gave me film to use, and I had a great memorable season under Coach Baz [Alfred]. He is the reason for me playing college ball because if he never trusted or believed in me, then I don’t know what film I would have sent. I enjoyed the season, and now I’m super excited to help Tusculum win the SAC.”
PHOTO CREDITS: Traci Sproule and Tusculum Football
