Brookwood graduates 41 seniors
Saturday morning was marked by tradition, celebration, and reflection as Brookwood School honored the Class of 2026 during its baccalaureate and commencement exercises on Saturday, May 16. Family, friends, faculty, staff, and alumni gathered in the Joe and Mary Beverly Athletic Center to celebrate the
accomplishments of Brookwood’s newest graduates.
The commencement ceremony recognized the members of Brookwood’s graduating class as they closed one chapter and prepared to begin another. Continuing a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, Brookwood’s Class of 2026 achieved a 100 percent college acceptance rate, earning admission to colleges and universities across the country and abroad.
Throughout the ceremony, graduates were recognized not only for their academic achievements, but also for the ways they have distinguished themselves in athletics, the arts, leadership, service, and extracurricular involvement during their time at Brookwood.
The speaker for the ceremony was Scott Rich, Jr. Rich’s journey began at Brookwood, where he distinguished himself both in the classroom and across all three athletic seasons. A member of the Class of 1992, he graduated as Salutatorian while earning numerous athletic honors, including Team Captain and All-Region recognition in football, the Warrior Award, Best Defense Award in basketball, and All-Area Honorable Mention in baseball.
Following graduation, Rich attended Washington and Lee University and majored in Computer Science, where he continued his athletic career playing both football and rugby. His passion for sports ultimately evolved into a career shaping how millions experience the games they love.
At EA Sports, Rich specializes in gameplay, animation, and mechanics, contributing to some of the company’s most iconic titles, including Madden, College Football, and NBA Live. In 2019, he collaborated with Next Gen Stats at the NFL Network, where his work in artificial intelligence led to a patented innovation focused on receiver route modeling in Madden. Today, he remains involved in strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the integration of college teams into gameplay experiences.
During the ceremony, students reflected not only on their academic achievements, but on the many ways they made their mark beyond the classroom. The Brookwood Class of 2026 includes four student-athletes who will continue their athletic careers in college, one student who is currently world-ranked in motocross and plans to compete professionally, eight literary competitors, and students who contributed to Brookwood’s performing arts through one-act and the all-school musical. Notably, 39 of the class’s 41 graduates participated in varsity athletics during their time in Brookwood’s Upper School.
A number of student speakers also addressed the audience of their peers, family, faculty, and staff.
Henry Knox, salutatorian for the Class of 2026, reflected on the class’s journey by comparing each of his classmates to a meaningful place near their future college campuses, offering a thoughtful and personal way for them to feel connected to the communities they will soon call home. Through the creative tribute, he celebrated the individuality, memories, and paths of his peers before closing with a reminder that, while their destinations may differ, the bonds of the Class of 2026 will travel with them.
Mason Brunson, this year’s valedictorian, centered his address on the value of time and the importance of using it well. Reflecting on how quickly their years at Brookwood had passed, he encouraged his classmates to embrace every opportunity ahead of them and to remain involved in their communities. Drawing from lessons learned in the classroom and from inspirational figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Helen Keller, he reminded graduates that time is precious and that meaningful impact comes through serving and connecting with others.
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 Brylee Bates and Avery Bentley.
“[Bates and Bentley] have always shown a deep love for Brookwood and an active dedication to the school,” 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.
Mason Brunson was given the Headmaster’s Award. “[Brunson] represents all that we hope a Brookwood student will be,” Watts said. “[He] 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. T. Eric Ward, chairman of Brookwood’s Board of Directors.
Miss Susan Vann, Upper School Director, announced each student’s name.
The ceremony closed with a farewell from Halle Ramsey and Mrs. Leigh Anne Ramsey, followed by a benediction, given by Mr. David Grooms, in which each student was individually uplifted in prayer.
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accomplishments of Brookwood’s newest graduates.
The commencement ceremony recognized the members of Brookwood’s graduating class as they closed one chapter and prepared to begin another. Continuing a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, Brookwood’s Class of 2026 achieved a 100 percent college acceptance rate, earning admission to colleges and universities across the country and abroad.
Throughout the ceremony, graduates were recognized not only for their academic achievements, but also for the ways they have distinguished themselves in athletics, the arts, leadership, service, and extracurricular involvement during their time at Brookwood.
The speaker for the ceremony was Scott Rich, Jr. Rich’s journey began at Brookwood, where he distinguished himself both in the classroom and across all three athletic seasons. A member of the Class of 1992, he graduated as Salutatorian while earning numerous athletic honors, including Team Captain and All-Region recognition in football, the Warrior Award, Best Defense Award in basketball, and All-Area Honorable Mention in baseball.
Following graduation, Rich attended Washington and Lee University and majored in Computer Science, where he continued his athletic career playing both football and rugby. His passion for sports ultimately evolved into a career shaping how millions experience the games they love.
At EA Sports, Rich specializes in gameplay, animation, and mechanics, contributing to some of the company’s most iconic titles, including Madden, College Football, and NBA Live. In 2019, he collaborated with Next Gen Stats at the NFL Network, where his work in artificial intelligence led to a patented innovation focused on receiver route modeling in Madden. Today, he remains involved in strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the integration of college teams into gameplay experiences.
During the ceremony, students reflected not only on their academic achievements, but on the many ways they made their mark beyond the classroom. The Brookwood Class of 2026 includes four student-athletes who will continue their athletic careers in college, one student who is currently world-ranked in motocross and plans to compete professionally, eight literary competitors, and students who contributed to Brookwood’s performing arts through one-act and the all-school musical. Notably, 39 of the class’s 41 graduates participated in varsity athletics during their time in Brookwood’s Upper School.
A number of student speakers also addressed the audience of their peers, family, faculty, and staff.
Henry Knox, salutatorian for the Class of 2026, reflected on the class’s journey by comparing each of his classmates to a meaningful place near their future college campuses, offering a thoughtful and personal way for them to feel connected to the communities they will soon call home. Through the creative tribute, he celebrated the individuality, memories, and paths of his peers before closing with a reminder that, while their destinations may differ, the bonds of the Class of 2026 will travel with them.
Mason Brunson, this year’s valedictorian, centered his address on the value of time and the importance of using it well. Reflecting on how quickly their years at Brookwood had passed, he encouraged his classmates to embrace every opportunity ahead of them and to remain involved in their communities. Drawing from lessons learned in the classroom and from inspirational figures such as Benjamin Franklin and Helen Keller, he reminded graduates that time is precious and that meaningful impact comes through serving and connecting with others.
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 Brylee Bates and Avery Bentley.
“[Bates and Bentley] have always shown a deep love for Brookwood and an active dedication to the school,” 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.
Mason Brunson was given the Headmaster’s Award. “[Brunson] represents all that we hope a Brookwood student will be,” Watts said. “[He] 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. T. Eric Ward, chairman of Brookwood’s Board of Directors.
Miss Susan Vann, Upper School Director, announced each student’s name.
The ceremony closed with a farewell from Halle Ramsey and Mrs. Leigh Anne Ramsey, 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.