Brookwood graduates 33 seniors

THOMASVILLE --  Saturday morning brought about pomp and circumstance as Brookwood School’s class of 2022 celebrated their baccalaureate and graduation ceremonies. The events took place on campus in the Joe and Mary Beverly Athletic Center. 

The commencement ceremony honored the 33 students in Brookwood’s graduating class, and the students had much to celebrate. As has been the case each year, Brookwood boasts a 100 percent college acceptance rate. Students from the class of 2022 will be attending universities and colleges including, among others, Auburn University (AL), Berry College (GA), Covenant College (GA), Florida State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Southern University, Texas Christian University, the University of Georgia, Vanderbilt University (TN), and Washington and Lee University (VA). 

The Brookwood class of 2022 earned many accolades this year: as a group, they earned 101 acceptances to 64 institutions, including six of the top 50 national universities. Overall, this senior class was offered $1.6 million in scholarship money, excluding HOPE. 15% of the class have been offered $200,000 or more in scholarship dollars. 

The speaker for the ceremony was Mr. Jay Flowers, a 1976 graduate of Brookwood and the current Mayor of Thomasville. Flowers’ journey with Brookwood began on the opening day of the school in 1970 as a student. His parents, Margaret “Bobbie” and Langdon S. Flowers, Sr., were founding members of the school.

Flowers is well-known to Brookwood, in general, and to this class, specifically. Through his public service, dedication to the First Presbyterian Church of Thomasville, and Boy Scouts, Flowers has interacted with most members of this class and knows many very well. He has even chaperoned a mission trip to Mexico with a few of the seniors.

He began his address by sharing stories from the early days of the school. He spoke of the motto that was decided upon by the board, which was “Our best today for a better tomorrow.” “Every bit of effort that went into those first days in the Chubb Building…they have put their best into that day to get to this day. And that’s why you’re here.” 

Flowers went on to speak about the transition to the school’s new motto: “A Community Building Leaders.” He talked of the blueprints each student’s been given for their lives and how they are building upon those plans as they venture off to college. “Build trust with honor through your actions. Be active. Have a plan. If you do what you say you’re going to do, you build trust, and you build opportunity as you go forward.”

The end of his speech included an impactful moment where the class of 2022’s family, coaches, and supporters stood up and he stated, “This whole process all comes down to you. There’s a lot of people that have expectations, but they will be there. They will support you through every bit of it.” 

During the ceremony, students reflected on not just their academic achievements, but the great things they’ve done outside of the classroom, as well. The Brookwood class of 2022 boasts a National Merit Scholar, seven AP scholars with distinction, four student-athletes who will play in college, four Eagle Scouts, and award-winning artists. 55% of the class of 2022 have attended Brookwood since kindergarten or junior kindergarten. 

As is tradition, Watts talked about the seniors leaving Brookwood with “roots and wings.”

“Your roots are your foundation. Academically, physically, socially, and spiritually, you have the foundation that you need for success,” said Watts. “You also have wings. You have the skills and confidence to leap out of the nest -- the protective comfort of home and school -- and soar as high as you wish.”

A number of student speakers also addressed the audience of their peers, family, faculty, and staff, while those who were unable to attend watched on Livestream. 

Kate Ashton Redrupp, the salutatorian for the class of 2022, spoke about her classmates as “a conglomeration of different artists” and compared each student to a musical artist or group. From ABBA to Harry Styles to Nirvana, she described the unique personalities of her peers and what they contribute to the overall identity of the class. 

Redrupp capped her speech by sharing, “While we all walk to the beat of our drums and will go our own separate ways in August, we will forever be bound by the words of the alma mater that we have sung for so many years together.” 

Elise McPherson, this year’s valedictorian, drew inspiration from the “Hamilton” song “One Last Time” for her speech. 

McPherson focused on three key points from George Washington’s song - to compete with yourselves, to avoid conflict by being kind to one another, and to embrace your successes and how far you’ve come. 

“I hope you know that I think you are extraordinary people and have great potential to do good in this world.” 

She concluded her message to her classmates with the poem "Desiderata" by Max Ehrmann. “Keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.” 

In addition to the speeches, two special awards were given out at the ceremony. 

The Patricia James Bulloch Memorial Service Award is given annually to a student who has rendered outstanding service to Brookwood throughout his or her time at the school.

This year, the award went to both Kat Cook, a magna cum laude graduate, and Taylor Middleton, a summa cum laude graduate. 

“(These students have) not only been loyal supporters of Brookwood, but have shown this devotion by a spirit of generosity and a willingness to do whatever task is at hand,” Watts said. 

The Headmaster’s Award goes to the student who embodies the highest ideals of character, service, and involvement. It is the highest honor that the Brookwood faculty can bestow upon a student. 

Valedictorian Elise McPherson was given the Headmaster’s Award. “(McPherson) represents all that we hope a Brookwood student will be,” Watts said. “(She) has demonstrated loyalty and love for the school, is involved as a leader, is a participant in academic and extracurricular activities, is caring and considerate of classmates and faculty, and is a worthy role model for younger students.”

While some students were singled out for special awards or had the chance to give speeches, every student received his or her time in the spotlight as they crossed the stage. Every individual student received a diploma from Watts before crossing the stage to receive a bible from Mr. E. Vann Middleton, chairman of Brookwood’s Board of Directors. Mr. David Grooms, assistant headmaster and Upper School director, announced each student’s name. 

The ceremony closed with a farewell from the class president, Kat Cook, Mrs. Allison Harrell, and Mrs. Amy Stalvey, followed by a benediction, given by Grooms, in which each student was individually uplifted in prayer.