Grow
Now, at the age of fifty, we are just hitting our stride. Much like a person who had reached midlife by living fully and making good decisions, we are full of energy and vision, yet also have experience and wisdom.
Brookwood is now fifty years old. It is most appropriate that the theme for this year is “Grow.” This year, we will reflect on how we have grown and the root system that has developed to keep us grounded. We will also imagine where we are going; how we will continue to grow wings and fly.
We are just hitting our stride!
As a school, we are now middle-aged. Brookwood was born in 1970, and grew thanks to the care of a community that wanted the best for the school and its students.
In its early years, the school continued to grow by developing trust with its community, expanding its offerings, attracting more students, building a strong faculty, and deepening its foundation.
It survived the awkward teenage years; in doing so, Brookwood became more certain of its own identity and place in the world. In young adulthood, Brookwood had additional grown-up responsibilities, such as becoming more financially sound. As the years rolled on, Brookwood became increasingly wise and capable of meeting its own needs and the needs and interests of more and more students and families.
Now, at the age of fifty, we are just hitting our stride. Much like a person who had reached midlife by living fully and making good decisions, we are full of energy and vision, yet also have experience and wisdom. I believe (with perhaps a little bias, as a person a few years away from my own fiftieth birthday), that Brookwood is in the prime of its life! If you want to see how gracefully we have aged, just look around campus. Yes, we had to have a little work done this summer, but we are fit, lean, and lookin’ good!
Over the course of this year, we will have a year-long birthday party. We will celebrate with cake, flowers, and balloons. We will hear our parents tell stories about when we were younger. We will see some old photos (check out our hairstyles from the 70s & 80s!). In fact, we have even written a book about ourselves!
Further, it is better to give than to receive. As such, look this year for ways that you can help give back to our community. We will share “50 ways to give” and other plans for giving back to Brookwood, Thomasville, and the surrounding communities in the coming weeks.
Finally, we will reflect on where we have come and where we are going. Looking back to the past fifty years is as important as contemplating and planning for the next fifty.
Here’s to you, Brookwood! May you continue to thrive, grow, and be equally vibrant at your 100th!
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.