Brookwood School grads turn tassels
Brookwood School’s newest crop of alumni celebrated with pomp and circumstance during their commencement exercises at Thomasville’s Municipal Auditorium Saturday evening.
Members of the class of 2018 have a lot to be proud of; in just a few short months, they’ll attend — among other impressive schools — Vanderbilt University, Tufts University, Washington & Lee University, the University of Georgia, Southern Methodist University, Auburn University, Furman University and Sewanee: The University of the South. Brookwood School boasts 100 percent college acceptance every year.
Just as notable is the figure that this class of 28 has been offered in merit scholarships; not including funds from Georgia HOPE, grants offered total more than $2.5 million. Nearly half of the class have each received $100,000 or more in total scholarship awards.
The evening’s featured speaker was alumnus Hunter Champion, class of 1989, an accomplished cardiologist who is known for his discovery of the Broken Heart Syndrome. This is a condition known technically as stress cardiomyopathy, when sudden emotional stress results in severe but reversible heart muscle weakness that mimics a classic heart attack. Champion’s work has been featured on 20/20, CNN and Good Morning America.
He engaged and, at times, amused his audience with personal stories of challenges and successes, as well as sage words of wisdom. His central message to the grads was that there are many discoveries yet to be made in the world — and that with tenacity, innovation and persistence, they too, can be leaders in their fields. “The only place in the world where success comes before work is in the dictionary,” he said. “Find your passion. If you are good, there will always be a place for you.”Now a physician at Southeastern Cardiology Associates in Columbus, Ga., Champion is the only heart failure trained specialist and the only pulmonary hypertension trained specialist in the Chattahoochee Valley and surrounding areas.
The class of 28 students submitted 178 applications to 78 colleges, said Vic Spigener, Brookwood’s director of college counseling.
“They were accepted to schools in 18 different states and will be going to 10 public and 14 private institutions in nine states,” he said.
Among the graduates this year are eight Eagle Scouts: Carson Allen, Max Beverly, Curry Brinson, Marshall Jones, Trenton Newman, Hill Turner, Wyatt Whitfield and Preston Young.
In addition, seven athletes have signed letters of intent to play for college teams: Carson Allen and Max Beverly will attend Sewanee: The University of the South, where they will play football, as will Thomas Harrison, who has signed on to the school’s tennis team. Adam Davis will play football at Point University, Natalie Tyler will play soccer at La-Grange College, and Dara Moore and Landry Joyner will play softball at Young Harris College and East Georgia State, respectively The Brookwood tradition is that the valedictorian, Jordon Brinkley, and salutatorian, Will Saunders, address their classmates with fond memories and words of farewell. Both were recognized this year by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators as 2018 STAR Students. Saunders, while present, had been ill for the previous week. His speech was delivered by classmate Curry Brinson. The salutatorian address described the entire class as an orchestra with different voices working together. Each student was individually discussed and his or her personality was described as an analogy to a particular song.
The topic of Brinkley’s speech — that of the value of failure — may have initially taken some bysurprise, but his message was poignant: “Failure is a human thing. It is one of the few things in this world that unites each of us,” he said. “It can be our best teacher. It can teach us to improve, and it can teach us to change our course.
“Embrace your failures, do things on your own time, and do what you love,” Brinkley said.
Two special awards — the Patricia James Bulloch Memorial Service Award and the Headmaster’s Award — were announced during the evening’s commencement exercises.
“These awards go to the two seniors who have contributed the most to all areas of school life and who have exhibited the personal character traits that exemplify the Spirit of Brookwood,” said Headmaster Randy Watts.
The Patricia James Bulloch Memorial Service Award was given to Jenna Merschman, who rendered outstanding service to the school during her years at Brookwood, Watts said.
“This annual award goes to a student who has always shown a deep love for Brookwood and an active dedication to the school,” he said. “Jenna has not only been a loyal supporter of Brookwood, but also has shown her devotion by a spirit of generosity and a willingness to do whatever task is at hand.”
The Headmaster’s Award, the most prestigious award given to a senior graduating from Brookwood School, embodies the highest Brookwood ideals of character, service and involvement in all aspects of school life, Watts said. The senior who is selected for this award has demonstrated loyalty and love for the school.
The recipient of this annual award 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.
This year’s Headmaster’s Award this year went to Brinson.
“Curry has done what our alma mater encourages — lifted high the values of Brookwood School,” Watts said. “He represents all that we hope a Brookwood student will be.”
With diplomas and hand and tassels turned, each student became a Brookwood alumnus on Saturday night.
“We could not be more proud of these fine young women and men,” Watts said. “They are prepared. I know that they will soar and will have great stories to share.”
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.