To the delight of graduates, families, and faculty, the Blue Ridge School Class of 2020 was able at last to maintain the tradition of a lake-front graduation ceremony. Though it occurred about two months later than originally scheduled and was peppered with pandemic-era precautions, including a limited capacity and chairs spaced six feet apart, the graduation retained the tearful emotions of pride and accomplishment found every year.
Dean of Faculty and Academics Pete Bonds said in his welcoming remarks, “This is indeed the most unusual graduation in the history of Blue Ridge School, but I am happy to tell you that this will also be the most memorable graduation in the history of Blue Ridge School.”
On a normal year, students would be welcoming their families to the campus they had been calling home for many months. This year, students and families arrived together, some from great distances, to return to Blue Ridge for the farewell they had been denied.
Senior Tramell Thompson of Astoria, New York, represented the graduates and spoke to the crowd. He thanked his family for giving him the opportunity to attend Blue Ridge School and – in his typical fashion – humorously recognized individual teachers, coaches, and classmates who made his experience special. He added, “Thank you to the Blue Ridge Community for allowing me to be the great student leader that I wanted to be. Thank you for taking a young kid from New York and allowing him to grow from a kid to a man. Thank you for providing a safe place for me. Thank you for opening your doors for me and my family members as they crowded to football games. To my teammates, thank you for allowing me to lead you into battle. Although we came up short, I hope you remember all of the hard work we put in to make it to the championship. To my teachers, thank you for allowing me to learn and to be myself here. Most of all, thank you to my brothers for being good influencers and making plenty of memories by my side. I’ll remember this for a lifetime and nothing can take my Blue Ridge memories away from me.”
Fifty-three graduates were officially recognized during an online ceremony in May. Twenty-seven were able to return to campus for this in-person event. The following individual awards were presented during the on-campus graduation:
The Scholarship Award for the Senior who has the highest grade point average for the Senior Year – Xuanzhe Mike Han of Beijing, China.
Sons of the American Revolution Outstanding Citizenship Award for the Senior who exhibits the qualities of dependability, cooperation, leadership, and patriotism – St. George Donovan of Henrico, Virginia.
Daughters of the American Revolution Good Citizenship Award for the Senior who represents the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism – Levi Moss of Richmond, Virginia.
The John L Trimmer Citizenship Award for the Senior whose citizenship is exceptional and deserves recognition – Andrew Landman of Blawnox, Pennsylvania.
The Edward M. McFarlane Award for the Senior who has quietly but steadily embraced the Blue Ridge School’s offerings and program – Andy Nwaoko of Obowo, Nigeria.
Headmaster’s Award to a Senior for outstanding contributions to the Blue Ridge School – Tramell Thompson of Astoria, New York.
The Roy Petty Award for the Senior who has distinguished himself by unselfish service to the Blue Ridge School – Yuto Hiraki of Saitama, Japan.
The Thomas H. Wilcox, Jr. Award for the Prefect who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and service in the performance of his duties – Cameron Kewley of Medway, Massachusetts.
The Clarke Worthington Award for the Senior who has had the most wholesome influence on the school community during his years as a student and a leader – Xuanzhe Mike Han of Beijing, China.
The St. George Award for the Senior who has responded best to the Blue Ridge School philosophy and has demonstrated outstanding leadership – Keegan Kozack of Delta, British Columbia, Canada.
