Brookwood graduates 43
THOMASVILLE --
Brookwood School’s class of 2019 celebrated their graduation with pomp and circumstance at the Thomasville
Municipal Auditorium on Saturday evening.
The commencement ceremony honored the 43 students in Brookwood’s graduating class, and the students had
much to celebrate. As has been the case each year, Brookwood boasts a 100% college acceptance rate. Students from
the class of 2019 will be attending universities and colleges including, among others, Clemson University, Florida
State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Johns Hopkins University, University of Georgia, Middlebury
College, University of Mississippi, University of St. Andrews, and Wake Forest University.
The Brookwood class of 2019 earned many accolades this year: as a group, they submitted over 220 college
applications, and were admitted to sixty institutions, including three of the top 30 research universities in the
United States, and five of the top 30 liberal arts colleges. All told, the Brookwood graduates were awarded a total of
$3.5 million in merit scholarships, not including Georgia HOPE scholarships. Over 40% of the seniors received
more than $100,000 in scholarship awards.
The speaker for the ceremony was Terry Howell, a Naval Academy graduate, former Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy,
and former President and CEO of HD Supply Waterworks. After his retirement from the business world, Howell
went into education, first as a teacher at Thomasville Christian School, then at Brookwood School and now at
Harper Elementary.
Howell taught the Brookwood class of 2019 when they were in fifth grade, and began his address by telling that his
former students that, “y’all have gotten so big!”
Howell’s message to the graduates was about living life with courage and integrity. He drew on the biblical story of
Joshua, who followed Moses as leader of the Israelites. He enjoined the college-bound students to show courage by
honoring their parents, embracing their own values, and living their lives for more than themselves.
“It’s easy to get lost in ourselves,” Howell said. “The more courage we have to fight that tendency, the better your
life will be... You will have a much richer experience if you can look back and see all the other lives you’ve
touched.”
Brookwood School’s class of 2019 celebrated their graduation with pomp and circumstance at the Thomasville
Municipal Auditorium on Saturday evening.
The commencement ceremony honored the 43 students in Brookwood’s graduating class, and the students had
much to celebrate. As has been the case each year, Brookwood boasts a 100% college acceptance rate. Students from
the class of 2019 will be attending universities and colleges including, among others, Clemson University, Florida
State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Johns Hopkins University, University of Georgia, Middlebury
College, University of Mississippi, University of St. Andrews, and Wake Forest University.
The Brookwood class of 2019 earned many accolades this year: as a group, they submitted over 220 college
applications, and were admitted to sixty institutions, including three of the top 30 research universities in the
United States, and five of the top 30 liberal arts colleges. All told, the Brookwood graduates were awarded a total of
$3.5 million in merit scholarships, not including Georgia HOPE scholarships. Over 40% of the seniors received
more than $100,000 in scholarship awards.
The speaker for the ceremony was Terry Howell, a Naval Academy graduate, former Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy,
and former President and CEO of HD Supply Waterworks. After his retirement from the business world, Howell
went into education, first as a teacher at Thomasville Christian School, then at Brookwood School and now at
Harper Elementary.
Howell taught the Brookwood class of 2019 when they were in fifth grade, and began his address by telling that his
former students that, “y’all have gotten so big!”
Howell’s message to the graduates was about living life with courage and integrity. He drew on the biblical story of
Joshua, who followed Moses as leader of the Israelites. He enjoined the college-bound students to show courage by
honoring their parents, embracing their own values, and living their lives for more than themselves.
“It’s easy to get lost in ourselves,” Howell said. “The more courage we have to fight that tendency, the better your
life will be... You will have a much richer experience if you can look back and see all the other lives you’ve
touched.”
301 Cardinal Ridge Road, Thomasville, Georgia 31792
229.226.8070 – Office 229.227.0326 - Fax
229.226.8070 – Office 229.227.0326 - Fax
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 2019 features one National Merit Commended Scholar
and one National Merit Finalist, two recruited athletes, three Eagle Scouts, and the reigning Thomasville Rose
Queen.
Brookwood Headmaster Randy Watts spoke about the students leaving Brookwood with “roots and wings.”
“You 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.”
As is tradition at Brookwood, a number of student speakers also addressed the audience of their peers, teachers,
family, and friends.
Caroline Wolff, the valedictorian of this year’s graduating class, spoke about the lessons she has learned from her
peers during her time at Brookwood. She shared that her peers have taught her how to overcome adversity, laugh
together, work as a team, and improve herself through education.
“Brookwood has encouraged and developed in us a passion for learning,” Wolff said. “We will use this knowledge
to help us change the world.”
Salutatorian Bridger Middleton spoke about his classmates, assigning each of them a superhero alter-ego based on
their strengths and abilities. From Batman to Wonder Woman and Doctor Strange, every student was praised for
his or her superpowers.
“Remember that we all have superpowers,” Middleton urged, “and that nothing can stop us, not even kryptonite.”
Raleigh Rollins, who graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors, gave an appreciation of the friends, family, and
faculty who helped the class of 2019 in all of their achievements.
“Simply put,” Rollins said, “we would not be here tonight without the contribution of other people in our lives.”
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 Nicholas Lauderdale,
a Cum Laude graduate.
“[Lauderdale has] shown service to the school through athletics, clubs, class projects, or helping teachers,” Watts
said. “I am extremely happy to present this award to such an outstanding student.”
outside of the classroom, as well. The Brookwood class of 2019 features one National Merit Commended Scholar
and one National Merit Finalist, two recruited athletes, three Eagle Scouts, and the reigning Thomasville Rose
Queen.
Brookwood Headmaster Randy Watts spoke about the students leaving Brookwood with “roots and wings.”
“You 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.”
As is tradition at Brookwood, a number of student speakers also addressed the audience of their peers, teachers,
family, and friends.
Caroline Wolff, the valedictorian of this year’s graduating class, spoke about the lessons she has learned from her
peers during her time at Brookwood. She shared that her peers have taught her how to overcome adversity, laugh
together, work as a team, and improve herself through education.
“Brookwood has encouraged and developed in us a passion for learning,” Wolff said. “We will use this knowledge
to help us change the world.”
Salutatorian Bridger Middleton spoke about his classmates, assigning each of them a superhero alter-ego based on
their strengths and abilities. From Batman to Wonder Woman and Doctor Strange, every student was praised for
his or her superpowers.
“Remember that we all have superpowers,” Middleton urged, “and that nothing can stop us, not even kryptonite.”
Raleigh Rollins, who graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors, gave an appreciation of the friends, family, and
faculty who helped the class of 2019 in all of their achievements.
“Simply put,” Rollins said, “we would not be here tonight without the contribution of other people in our lives.”
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 Nicholas Lauderdale,
a Cum Laude graduate.
“[Lauderdale has] shown service to the school through athletics, clubs, class projects, or helping teachers,” Watts
said. “I am extremely happy to present this award to such an outstanding student.”
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.
Bridger Middleton, the salutatorian of the class, was given the Headmaster’s Award.
“[Middleton] embodies everything we hope a Brookwood student will be,” Watts said.
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 Vann Middleton, Chairman of Brookwood’s Board of Directors.
David Grooms, Assistant Headmaster and Upper School Director, announced each student’s name.
The ceremony closed with a benediction, given by Grooms, in which each student was individually uplifted in
prayer.
involvement. It is the highest honor that the Brookwood faculty can bestow upon a student.
Bridger Middleton, the salutatorian of the class, was given the Headmaster’s Award.
“[Middleton] embodies everything we hope a Brookwood student will be,” Watts said.
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 Vann Middleton, Chairman of Brookwood’s Board of Directors.
David Grooms, Assistant Headmaster and Upper School Director, announced each student’s name.
The ceremony closed with a benediction, given by 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.