Brookwood graduates 38 seniors
Saturday morning brought about pomp and circumstance as Brookwood School’s class of 2023
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 38 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 2023 will be attending universities and colleges including, among others, Auburn University (AL), Georgia Institute of Technology, The University of Georgia, Clemson University (SC), California Polytechnic State University, North Carolina State University, and Colorado State University.
The Brookwood class of 2023 earned many accolades this year: as a group, they earned 173 acceptances to 84 institutions, including 11 of the top 100 national universities. Overall, this senior class was offered $3.7 million in scholarship money, excluding HOPE. 21% of the class have been offered $200,000 or more in scholarship dollars.
The speaker for the ceremony was Dr. Grant Stauffer, a 2007 graduate of Brookwood and archeologist whose field experiences have taken him both domestically and internationally. Stauffer has been a member of the Brookwood community since 1999, when he began as a student.
Stauffer was inducted into the Brookwood Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021. During his time at Brookwood, he won a remarkable 10 different individual State Championships across the two sports of cross country and track and field.
Stauffer began his address by acknowledging the eclectic group of seniors, including budding intellectuals, artists, and athletes. “All of them share a common characteristic: they are leaders.” He spoke of the three words he hopes the class will remember from the commencement: “Adventures Forge Legacies.”
Stauffer went on to speak about the constant stream of experiences we, as people, share with the people and things in the world that inspire change. He believes this to be the essence of adventure. “Adventure will involve those someones and somethings worth cherishing, remembering, looking out for, and—most importantly—learning from.”
The end of his speech included an impactful moment where the graduating class reflected on their most
meaningful memories as a recording Stauffer took of wind passing through the pine trees played overhead. Upon soaking up this immersive moment during commencement, seniors created a memory that they can reflect on during all stages of their future endeavors.
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 38 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 2023 will be attending universities and colleges including, among others, Auburn University (AL), Georgia Institute of Technology, The University of Georgia, Clemson University (SC), California Polytechnic State University, North Carolina State University, and Colorado State University.
The Brookwood class of 2023 earned many accolades this year: as a group, they earned 173 acceptances to 84 institutions, including 11 of the top 100 national universities. Overall, this senior class was offered $3.7 million in scholarship money, excluding HOPE. 21% of the class have been offered $200,000 or more in scholarship dollars.
The speaker for the ceremony was Dr. Grant Stauffer, a 2007 graduate of Brookwood and archeologist whose field experiences have taken him both domestically and internationally. Stauffer has been a member of the Brookwood community since 1999, when he began as a student.
Stauffer was inducted into the Brookwood Athletic Hall of Fame in 2021. During his time at Brookwood, he won a remarkable 10 different individual State Championships across the two sports of cross country and track and field.
Stauffer began his address by acknowledging the eclectic group of seniors, including budding intellectuals, artists, and athletes. “All of them share a common characteristic: they are leaders.” He spoke of the three words he hopes the class will remember from the commencement: “Adventures Forge Legacies.”
Stauffer went on to speak about the constant stream of experiences we, as people, share with the people and things in the world that inspire change. He believes this to be the essence of adventure. “Adventure will involve those someones and somethings worth cherishing, remembering, looking out for, and—most importantly—learning from.”
The end of his speech included an impactful moment where the graduating class reflected on their most
meaningful memories as a recording Stauffer took of wind passing through the pine trees played overhead. Upon soaking up this immersive moment during commencement, seniors created a memory that they can reflect on during all stages of their future endeavors.
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 2023 boasts eight AP scholars with distinction, five student-athletes who will play in college, three Eagle Scouts, a rodeo champion, and a pilot. 44% of the class of 2023 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.
Peggy Boltja, the salutatorian for the class of 2023, spoke about her classmates as “a mix of characters from Greek mythology coming together to form a unique tale” and compared each student to Grecian gods and goddesses. From Chaos to Aglaea, she described the unique personalities of her peers and what they contribute to the overall identity of the class.
Boltja capped her speech by sharing, “All of these mythological figures have left their legacies on the world, and we too have left our legacies on Brookwood.”
Anna Ryan, this year’s valedictorian, focused her speech on living in the present.
“Bring with you the dedication and commitment that you have learned the last few years.” She concluded her message to her classmates with a recollection of memories made as a class.
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 Hannah Richardson.
“[Richardson] has not only been a loyal supporter of Brookwood, but has 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.
Peggy Boltja was given the Headmaster’s Award. “[Boltja] 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. Bill Cook, Upper School director, announced each student’s name.
The ceremony closed with a farewell from Ava Cauley and Mrs. Raina Cauley, followed by a benediction, given by Mr. David Grooms, in which each student was individually uplifted in prayer.
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.
Peggy Boltja, the salutatorian for the class of 2023, spoke about her classmates as “a mix of characters from Greek mythology coming together to form a unique tale” and compared each student to Grecian gods and goddesses. From Chaos to Aglaea, she described the unique personalities of her peers and what they contribute to the overall identity of the class.
Boltja capped her speech by sharing, “All of these mythological figures have left their legacies on the world, and we too have left our legacies on Brookwood.”
Anna Ryan, this year’s valedictorian, focused her speech on living in the present.
“Bring with you the dedication and commitment that you have learned the last few years.” She concluded her message to her classmates with a recollection of memories made as a class.
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 Hannah Richardson.
“[Richardson] has not only been a loyal supporter of Brookwood, but has 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.
Peggy Boltja was given the Headmaster’s Award. “[Boltja] 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. Bill Cook, Upper School director, announced each student’s name.
The ceremony closed with a farewell from Ava Cauley and Mrs. Raina Cauley, followed by a benediction, given by Mr. David Grooms, in which each student was individually uplifted in prayer.
Brookwood School
Located in Thomasville, GA, Brookwood School is a private school for grades JK-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.