The unique nature of this year’s Alumni Weekend provided the opportunity for Blue Ridge School to recognize a significant number of alumni for their outstanding contributions to the School. The Classes of 1970 and 1971 celebrated their 50th reunions, so multiple graduates received the Distinguished Alumnus Award. Also, the challenges of the pandemic became opportunities for many alumni to creatively support Blue Ridge.
2021 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD
The highest honor given to a Blue Ridge School alumnus is the semi-annual Distinguished Alumnus Award. It is presented to those alumni who have specifically distinguished themselves in their community and career and is not necessarily presented each year. This year, because we were celebrating two 50th Reunion classes, Blue Ridge School presented the award to three alumni:
Bill Massey ’70 of Richmond, Virginia, is a leader in the coal and energy industries of Virginia, Kentucky, West Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as a philanthropist supporting colleges and schools across the Mid-Atlantic region, the arts in all their forms, and health and human services agencies, including VCU’s Massey Cancer Center. Bill was a Blue Ridge School Trustee from 1976-1984. His financial leadership provided for the construction of Massey Gymnasium, an incredibly important building which has enabled the School to remain competitive among our peers. Bill and The Massey Foundation have the added distinction of regularly being the first annual donor of the year, usually on the first day of the new fiscal year.
John Joseph ’70 of Powhatan, Virginia, served twice on the Blue Ridge School Board of Trustees, from 1982-1994 and again from 2002-2013. He has served on a number of important committees, though his greatest influence arguably was on the finance committee where he served as Committee Chair and Treasurer. Many of the protocols and measures he put in place are still being used today. Thanks in part to his parsimonious approach to spending, the School’s endowment has grown beyond $24 million, a strong level for a school our size. John had a successful 31-year career as vice president of finance for Old Dominion Truck Leasing in Richmond. In retirement, he and his wife Susan enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Ben Hiatt ’71, a leader in the food and beverage industry, has served Blue Ridge School for many years. He has been a helpful guide through the construction of the new dining hall. For 25 years, Ben, along with James Crocker ’72, led the highly successful Alumni Golf Tournament, which engaged hundreds of alumni and raised more than $250,000 for the School. Ben is a member of the Board of Trustees and has served as chair of the Buildings and Grounds Committee and as Treasurer. Ben and his wife Beth live in Fairfax Station, Virginia, where he is managing member of The Optimum Group, a consulting firm serving restaurants, corporate food service, cultural institutions, and schools.
2021 HENRY MORSCHHEIMER, JR. ’67 FOUNDER’S AWARD
To those who have demonstrated their commitment to and support of the philosophy and goals of Blue Ridge School.
David Townsend ’75
Hope Tate, Trustee
2021 ANTHONY T. NOEL ’78 ALUMNUS OF THE YEAR AWARD
To those who have demonstrated their devotion to Blue Ridge School by volunteering their time, energy, and support to their alma mater and fellow alumni.
Bob Watt ’70
Burke Earley ’86
Cary Justice ’90
Lee Shore ’90
2021 YOUNG ALUMNUS AWARD
To those alumni of 15 years or less who have achieved meritorious success.
Tony Lewis ’06
Mamadi Diakite ’15
Aamir Simms ’17
2021 BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL MVP AWARD
To those who have come forward to support the School in unexpected and significant ways.
Joe Turner ’89
2021 BARON FUND SPIRIT AWARD
To the graduating class with the highest percentage of participation in annual giving.
Class of 1990, led by Cary Justice ’90 & Lee Shore ’90
For his leadership and long tenure as an Alumni Class Agent.
Bill Burruss ’71
