Bishop England High School is proud to announce that Tessa Spencer ’86 is the 2021 honorary Graduation Speaker. On Saturday, May 29, 2021 at McAllister Field House the Bishop England Class of 2021 will hear from our prestigious alumna.
“We are honored to have Tessa Spencer as the 2021 Commencement speaker. Tessa has demonstrated the core values of Bishop England High School in her life; faith, service, and family. The Class of 2021 has overcome many obstacles this year and has exceeded all expectations of a Bishop England graduate. The Class of 2021 has a bright future that will be lead by the core values taught at Bishop England.”
Principal Patrick Finneran
A Charleston native, Tessa graduated from Bishop England High School in 1986 and received her B.A. degree in Mass Communications from Baptist College at Charleston (now Charleston Southern University). Following college, Tessa served in the U.S. Army Reserves and is a veteran of the first Gulf War. Her broadcasting career spans 30 years with stops in Greenville, SC; Providence, RI; and Nashville, TN, where she also earned a spot as a cheerleader for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans in 1999.
Tessa returned home to Charleston in 1999 and worked as one-half of Z93’s “Breakfuss Club” until 2011. Tessa and her co-host earned numerous awards and recognitions including a proclamation from Charleston Mayor Joe Riley naming June 21st “Tessa and Baby J Day.” Her honors also include an EMMY nomination for her work on ABC News 4’s “Good Morning Charleston.” As a voice-over artist, Tessa can be heard locally and nationally as the television announcer for the “Gospel Stellar Awards” and “Mentoring Kings.” A mother of two sons, Tessa enjoys photography, making jewelry, reading, and fitness. You can watch Tessa weekday evenings as a co-anchor on ABC News 4 and she can also be heard weekly 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Cumulus Broadcasting radio station Magic 107.3.
Memories at BE
“The sound of the taps on former principal Mr. Theos’ shoes when he walked down the hallway.“
“Eating lunch in the gym because we didn’t have a cafeteria.“
”Tag Day when you paid $0.25 to be able to wear your regular clothes to school.“– Tessa Spencer
“Having to walk from the freshman building to the main campus for lunch.“
What impact did Catholic education have on your life and career?
It had a profound and lasting impact. Overall, it helped to make me a more well-rounded individual and strengthened my communication skills. It also made me task and goal oriented in the work place
Who influenced you the most during your time at Bishop England?
I would have to say Sister Amelia who taught Honors Spanish. If you weren’t paying attention or weren’t prepared, she would give you this stare that would make you want to hide under your desk. Everyday when I walked through the door, I wanted to do my best. She resembled my late great grandmother who was also unwavering in her Catholic faith. That helped me better navigate Sister Amelia’s sternness that would often rattle others.
What path did you take after BE that lead you to your current success?
I continued a faith-based education at Charleston Southern University, formally Baptist college at the time I attended. The instructors there were similar to my teachers at BE so the transition was easy. My faith has played a big deal in how I navigate in my career.
What is a professional achievement you’re proud of?
Besides having a day named after me in the City of Charleston, recently being named 1 of 2 statewide recipients of the 2021 Toastmasters International Communication & Leadership Award. It’s awarded to an outstanding communicator or leader through their service in the community.