Brookwood graduates 45 seniors
Saturday morning brought about pomp and circumstance as Brookwood School’s class of 2024
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 45 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 2024 will be attending universities and colleges including, among others, Auburn University, Georgia Institute of Technology, The University of Georgia, The University of Southern California, The University of St. Andrews, and The University of Florida.
The Brookwood class of 2024 earned many accolades this year: as a group, they earned 290 acceptances to 83 institutions, including 25 of the top 100 national universities. Overall, this senior class was offered $4.46 million in scholarship money, excluding HOPE. Over half of the class have been offered $50,000 or more in scholarship dollars.
The speaker for the ceremony was Thomas C. Chubb III. Chubb is a 1982 graduate of Brookwood and is currently Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Oxford Industries, Inc., an Atlanta-based company and the parent company of lifestyle brands such as Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, Johnny Was, Southern Tide, The Beaufort Bonnet Company, and Duck Head.
During his time at Brookwood, he received the 1981 Creativity in Math Award and the 1982 Woodman Life
History Award. Chubb was the 1982 Professional Association of Georgia Educators STAR Student.
After graduating from Brookwood, Chubb attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he
earned his degree in Economics. He also holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Law.
Chubb addressed the graduating class, emphasizing the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and personal growth. He shared personal anecdotes to illustrate the significance of overcoming challenges and adapting to change. Chubb encouraged the graduates to remain curious, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and stay committed to their goals.
He concluded by wishing the class of 2024 success and expressing confidence in their potential to make meaningful contributions to society. “You are at a very exciting point in your life with boundless opportunity in front of you,” he said. “As you move forward, I hope you will take to heart the idea that people are the most important thing and that life is a team sport.”
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 45 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 2024 will be attending universities and colleges including, among others, Auburn University, Georgia Institute of Technology, The University of Georgia, The University of Southern California, The University of St. Andrews, and The University of Florida.
The Brookwood class of 2024 earned many accolades this year: as a group, they earned 290 acceptances to 83 institutions, including 25 of the top 100 national universities. Overall, this senior class was offered $4.46 million in scholarship money, excluding HOPE. Over half of the class have been offered $50,000 or more in scholarship dollars.
The speaker for the ceremony was Thomas C. Chubb III. Chubb is a 1982 graduate of Brookwood and is currently Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Oxford Industries, Inc., an Atlanta-based company and the parent company of lifestyle brands such as Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer, Johnny Was, Southern Tide, The Beaufort Bonnet Company, and Duck Head.
During his time at Brookwood, he received the 1981 Creativity in Math Award and the 1982 Woodman Life
History Award. Chubb was the 1982 Professional Association of Georgia Educators STAR Student.
After graduating from Brookwood, Chubb attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he
earned his degree in Economics. He also holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Law.
Chubb addressed the graduating class, emphasizing the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and personal growth. He shared personal anecdotes to illustrate the significance of overcoming challenges and adapting to change. Chubb encouraged the graduates to remain curious, embrace failure as a learning opportunity, and stay committed to their goals.
He concluded by wishing the class of 2024 success and expressing confidence in their potential to make meaningful contributions to society. “You are at a very exciting point in your life with boundless opportunity in front of you,” he said. “As you move forward, I hope you will take to heart the idea that people are the most important thing and that life is a team sport.”
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 2024 boasts three student-athletes who will play in college, one Eagle Scout, one full ROTC scholarship recipient, four licensed student airplane pilots, and five literary participants. 31% of the class of 2024 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.
Bosie Miles, the salutatorian for the class of 2024, recounted the class' "sweet journey together" by comparing each classmate to a candy. She shared their "class candy collection," highlighting the unique qualities and contributions of her peers through this playful analogy.
Miles capped her speech by sharing, “never forget that much like all of our favorite candies, we are stronger and sweeter together,” with her classmates.
Hutton Daniel, this year’s valedictorian, emphasized the themes of perspective, influence, impact, and service to others. She gifted each classmate a pen with a light, symbolizing the potential to brighten someone's day, and a journal containing a personal note about their influence on her life.
Concluding her address, she painted a vivid picture of their future views spanning the hills of Scotland, California's shorelines, big city skylines, and a giant stadium "between the hedges," rallying with “Go Dawgs,” a nod to her future alma mater. She expressed a deep hope that her classmates would always remember their roots on Georgia's dirt roads and go on to influence the world for good.
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 Emma Broome.
“[Broome] 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.
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.
Bosie Miles, the salutatorian for the class of 2024, recounted the class' "sweet journey together" by comparing each classmate to a candy. She shared their "class candy collection," highlighting the unique qualities and contributions of her peers through this playful analogy.
Miles capped her speech by sharing, “never forget that much like all of our favorite candies, we are stronger and sweeter together,” with her classmates.
Hutton Daniel, this year’s valedictorian, emphasized the themes of perspective, influence, impact, and service to others. She gifted each classmate a pen with a light, symbolizing the potential to brighten someone's day, and a journal containing a personal note about their influence on her life.
Concluding her address, she painted a vivid picture of their future views spanning the hills of Scotland, California's shorelines, big city skylines, and a giant stadium "between the hedges," rallying with “Go Dawgs,” a nod to her future alma mater. She expressed a deep hope that her classmates would always remember their roots on Georgia's dirt roads and go on to influence the world for good.
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 Emma Broome.
“[Broome] 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.
Bosie Miles was given the Headmaster’s Award. “[Miles] 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. T. Eric Ward, 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 Emma Broome and Ms. Trellis Payne, followed by a benediction, given by Mr. David Grooms, in which each student was individually uplifted in prayer.
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.
Mr. Bill Cook, Upper School director, announced each student’s name.
The ceremony closed with a farewell from Emma Broome and Ms. Trellis Payne, 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.