As the academic year comes to a close, underclass students and faculty came together for a night of recognition in the DuBois Theatre. On Monday, May 29, the Underclass Prize Assembly honored members of the ninth, 10th and 11th grades for their outstanding academic and co-curricular work throughout Blair’s 175th year.

“Our prize winners tonight embody the intentionality to make the most of each step along the way to pursue both the totality of the learning and the iterative journey at the same time,” Dean of Academics Nathan Molteni said as he welcomed everyone to the assembly. “In honor of that pursuit, we come together to acknowledge individual achievements in learning and community engagement from the past year.”

Click “play” below to watch the assembly. 

Congratulations to all of the students who were awarded for their accomplishments on Monday!

The Phillips-James Rosen Trophy: Brynne Grant ’24 & Machua Muchugia ’24

The John Kinch Leach Merit Award: Dirk Peereboom ’25 & Minh Anh Vo ’25

The David Avery-Jones Freshman Prize: Faye Allen ’26 & Gerald Negvesky ’26

The Joan and Fernando Marcial Prize: C.C. Boellhoff ’25

The Stephen Curry Prize: Carter Neves ’24
 
Cum Laude Society: Nathan Bo ’24, Charlene Jiao ’24, Garrett Lee ’24, Nicole Liao ’24, Charlotte Russell ’24, Owen Shin ’24, Oscar Wan ’24, Cooper Winegar ’24, Clara Yan ’24, Hayden Yau ’24, Daniel Zhang ’24 & Jason Zhao ’24

The Edyth Jeffrey Shakespeare Essay Prize: C.C. Boellhoff ’25, Natalie Chamberlain ’24, Sophie Cheung ’26, Kaya Collier ’26, Mary Da ’26, Jaz Dellaert ’26, Yunha Hwang ’26, Charlene Jiao ’24, Zach Kolaja ’25, Arthur Lee ’24, Kazel Li ’25, Levin Li ’25, Eli Maloney ’25, Rita Meng ’26, Khang Nguyen ’26, Dirk Peereboom ’25, Nick Rocca ’25, Charlotte Russell ’24, Sophia Shah ’25, Owen Shin ’24, Josie Tetteh ’26, Oscar Wan ’24, Cooper Winegar ’24 & Louise Wyche ’26

The Henry Cowan Prize: Meredith Abbott ’24 & Jason Zhao ’24

Sophomore English Prize: Madison Guiry ’25 & Levin Li ’25

Freshman English Prize: Liam Green ’26 & Cathleen Zhang ’26

Art Prize - Two Dimensional Art: Peyton Franz ’24

Art Prize - Three Dimensional Art: Libby Russell ’25

Art Prize - Photography: Oscar Wan ’24

Art Prize - The Kampmann Video Prize: Julian Perello ’24 & Leona Su ’25

Art Prize - Graphic Design: William Antunes ’25

Freshman History Prize: Khang Nguyen ’26 & Derek Chen ’26

Sophomore History Prize: William Antunes ’25, Jack Nothstine ’25 & Libby Russell ’25

Junior History Prize: Ksenia Burdiuzha ’24, Richard Li ’24 & Owen Shin ’24

Chinese Language Prize: Gio Choi ’25

Spanish Language Prize: Ethan Anthony ’24

Newton Prize for Calculus: Noah Hu ’25 & Apple Wu ’24

Hypatia Prize for Pre-Calculus: Gio Choi ’25 & Cooper Winegar ’24

Pythagoras Prize for Geometry: Liam Green ’26

Al-Khwarizmi Prize for Algebra: Khang Nguyen ’26

Vocal Music Prize: Ksenia Burdiuzha ’24

Instrumental Music Prize: Ethan Anthony ’24

Underclass Theatre Prize: Julia Twomey ’25

Religion & Philosophy Prize: Lily Yao ’25

Ninth Grade Biology Prize: Derek Chen ’26 & Liam Green ’26

Tenth Grade Chemistry Prize: William Antunes ’25 & Kazel Li ’25

Eleventh Grade Physics Prize: Charlene Jiao ’24

Last week, Dean of College Counseling Niki Applebaum ’01 honored several rising seniors for excellence in areas ranging from technology to leadership with the 2024 Book Awards. Distinct from Blair’s departmental awards and underclass prizes, these book awards carry scholarship opportunities connected to particular higher educational institutions should a student apply, be accepted and choose to enroll at that school. 
    
THE RENSSELAER MEDAL, recognizes superlative achievement of rising seniors and motivates students towards careers in science, engineering and technology with a four-year scholarship to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: Jason Zhao ’24

THE SAINT MICHAEL’S COLLEGE BOOK AWARD FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AND SOCIAL CONSCIENCE, recognizes an outstanding student who leads with the true spirit of volunteerism with a four-year, full tuition merit scholarship: Ksenia Burdiuzha ’24

In partnership with the West Point Society of New Jersey, Blair Academy recognizes through the DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER LEADERSHIP AWARD exceptional performance in academics, athletics and community service while exhibiting a strong moral character in line with the values exemplified by President Eisenhower: Ethan Anthony ’24 & Clara Yan ’24

The University of Rochester sponsors four awards with accompanying merit scholarships to recognize high school juniors:

THE BAUSCH & LOMB HONORARY SCIENCE AWARD, recognizes high achievement and rigor in science and math classes for a student who also offers positive contributions to her school and within the larger community: Charlene Jiao ’24

THE FREDERICK DOUGLASS AND SUSAN B. ANTHONY AWARD, awarded to a junior who demonstrates commitment both to seeking understanding of and to addressing concerns about difficult social issues with a dedication to community action while earning strong grades in rigorous courses, especially those in the humanities and social sciences: Simisola Onakomaiya ’24

XEROX AWARD FOR INFORMATION AND TECHNOLOGY, awarded to a student who exhibits a strong interest and achievement in innovation or information technology: Jack Gerdsen ’24

GEORGE EASTMAN YOUNG LEADERS AWARD, awarded to a junior who portrays strong leadership in her school or larger community, while earning high grades in challenging courses and displaying extensive involvement in extracurricular activities: Emma Clavel ’24

For 175 years, aspiring learners have ascended the hilltop of Blair Academy to pursue a superior educational experience. Through generations, aspects of life at the School have evolved to meet the differing needs of each era, but many traditions have stood the test of time and become the common threads that tie a vast community of Buccaneers together, no matter where their journey takes them. As the Class of 2023 looks to their bright and promising futures, they leave Blair with strength, knowledge and skills, confident that their time here has prepared them for all that is to come.

On May 25, as the School's demisemiceptcentennial approached its close, the Blair community spilled onto Sharpe House lawn, filled with exuberance and pride as the commencement celebration began. As they took their seats, ready to join the School’s alumni ranks, the graduating seniors felt the support of the parents, grandparents, family and friends gathered behind them celebrating their success.

As she addressed the crowd at Blair’s 175th Commencement, class speaker Fiona Han ’23 encouraged her classmates to bring the best of their hilltop experience into the world to generate a positive change of their own. “Approach one another with empathy and compassion to see beyond our disconnected apathy and the superficial differences that may divide us,” Fiona said. “This era desperately needs the impactful work that the talented people in the Class of 2023 will do.” 

The entire Blair community extends heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2023!

FACULTY AWARDS

Apgar Award for Teaching Excellence: Pamela Schulman

John C. & Eve S. Bogle Teaching Prize: Michael Ryerson

Riether Residential Life Award: Allan & Maria Issenchmidt

Lillian & Samuel Tedlow Teaching Prize: Kate Sykes

Headmaster’s Faculty Prize: John Redos ’09

STUDENT AWARDS

Headmaster’s Prize: Mallory Allen & Michael Diaco

Blair Academy Trophy: Carnegie Johnson

George P. Jenkins ’32 Prize: Fiona Han

Appointments to the United States Naval Academy: Sydney Beitler, Carnegie Johnson & Liam Kilrain

Photos from Blair’s commencement can be found here. 

To watch the commencement ceremony in full, click "play" below.

After dancing the night away at prom and on the eve of Blair’s commencement ceremony, the Class of 2023 gathered for one of the final shared moments in the DuBois Theatre to celebrate the outstanding achievements of their class. Alongside classmates, faculty and family members, exemplary students were awarded for the dedication, effort and value they brought to the Blair community.

“Each of you have made your mark on Blair, uplifted and shared the importance of our values, and, as a result, you leave a legacy for the students who will follow in your footsteps,” said Head of School Peter G. Curran. “I know I speak for all faculty when I say we cannot wait to applaud all of your future successes and hope you remain closely connected to us, and to Blair, as you enter the next chapter of your educational journeys.”

The first awards of the evening were presented for academic excellence, and department chairs from across Blair took pride in recognizing their top students. English teacher Kaye Evans announced those seniors who had earned membership in Blair’s Cum Laude Society, followed by Director of Athletics Paul Clavel ’88, who celebrated Buccaneers for their noteworthy accomplishments as members of Blair’s athletic teams. Before the Class of 2023 presented Mr. Curran with their gift, the awards concluded with the presentation of prizes for overall development in all areas of student life. 

In addition to the senior awards, The James M. Howard Jr. Fellowship Prize, which honors a faculty member early in his or her career who has especially impacted the Blair community over the course of the school year, was presented to history teacher Anna Raley by Dean of Faculty Life Leucretia Shaw. Fifteen-year veteran language teachers and power couple David Facciani and Lian Wang were honored with the class yearbook dedication earlier in the week.

Congratulations to all those recognized at the 2023 Senior Prize Assembly:
 
THE DURLAND PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE, awarded to the student who has demonstrated extraordinary ability and interest in computer programming or computer applications while at Blair: Seleena Desai

THE DUMONT ENGLISH PRIZE, awarded to the member/s of the senior class who ranked highest in English and presented in memory of the late Senator Wayne Dumont and his father, Wayne Dumont Sr., by Mrs. Helen Dumont: Alexander Tsekov & Emily Wang

THE ROBERT F. HARRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY, awarded to members of the senior class for special interest and outstanding achievement in the study of English literature: Fiona Han & Chloe Lau

THE EDYTH JEFFREY SHAKESPEARE ESSAY PRIZE, awarded to a Blair Academy student to recognize excellence in the study of William Shakespeare: Zach Bertoldo

ART DEPARTMENT PRIZES, recognizing outstanding work in these areas:

GRAPHIC DESIGN: Christine Jeong 

TWO-DIMENSIONAL ART: Ellie Hyder

THREE-DIMENSIONAL ART: Maya Ciminello

PHOTOGRAPHY: Mia Leddy

THE PAUL R. WHITE HISTORY PRIZE, awarded to the students considered to be the most proficient in history in the senior class: Adriana Gogioiu & Ellie Walker

THE MARGUERITE DEYSSON HABERMANN MEMORIAL FRENCH PRIZE, awarded to a senior who has done exceptionally well in French: Sloane Hamlin

THE CHARLES H. BREED LATEIN PRIZE, awarded to a senior who excelled in Latin: Julian Huang

SPANISH LANGUAGE PRIZE: Carnegie Johnson

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN FOREIGN LANGUAGES: Sloane Hamlin

THE WINSON D. EWING PRIZE, awarded to the senior considered to be the most outstanding mathematics student in their class: Qiya Zhang

KATHERINE JOHNSON PRIZE, awarded to the senior considered to be the most curious and creative mathematician in the class: Carnegie Johnson

THE HARDING MEMORIAL PRIZE, awarded to the students who contributed most to musical organizations: Bertrand Li & Patrick Payne

THE JOSEPH F. EBERLE MEMORIAL PRIZE, awarded to the students who exhibit outstanding achievement in music: Michael Diaco & Julian Huang

THE ROBERT F. HARRIS DRAMATICS AWARD, presented to the members of the student body who have shown the highest standard of excellence in dramatics: Marc Lui & Hanna Wilke

THE PETER L. AMERMAN RELIGION PRIZE, awarded to that student of religion who has been most challenged by the material encountered and who has demonstrated an effort to re-evaluate the philosophy of life accordingly: Ellie Walker

THE SCIENCE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD, presented to that student who exhibits an overwhelming passion and commitment toward science and who has written a superior academic record in multiple AP science courses: Betsy Kim

THE DONALD E. LAWSHE PRIZE, presented in memory of former Blair physics teacher Donald E. Lawshe to students who have consistently demonstrated a passion for science and a dedication to interests beyond the classroom: Mia Leddy & Chelsea Thatcher

CUM LAUDE INDUCTEES: 
Mallory Allen
Maya Ciminello
Bella Conway
Seleena Desai
Mia Leddy
Marc Lui
Michael Mangino
Haruki Ono
Chelsea Thatcher
Alexander Tsekov
Hanna Wilke

SENIOR ATHLETIC AWARD:
Mallory Allen
Justin Baggett 
Ellie Hyder
Betsy Kim
Pierce Kopcak
Ali McEachern
Patrick Payne
Ella Sloan
Rosy Sun
Nathaniel Zawoiski

WILLIAM ZESTER MEMORIAL AWARD: Ella Sloan

ROBERT DALLING PRIZE: Carnegie Johnson

HERBERT J. SIEGEL ’46 PRIZE: Mallory Allen & Patrick Payne

LEE ROSE MEMORIAL TROPHY: Ellie Walker

FRANKLIN PRIZE: Katie Usher & Gowen Coates

ELAINE & JAMES KELLEY PRIZE: Sydney Beitler

SELENA & JAMES HOWARD PRIZE: Chandler Glickman & Ellie Hyder

HAROLD F. WALKER MEMORIAL PRIZE: Zac Baker & Renée Tracey

To watch the prize assembly in full, click "play" below.

As the 2022-2023 school year enters its final weeks, Blair’s School Store shares information regarding textbooks that students rented or purchased for use in their coursework this year.

Click here for instructions on setting up an online book buyback account, including how to process a quote for your books and print out the free shipping label. Access Blair’s online bookstore at https://bnck-12.com/blair to get started on a quote now. 

Rentals are due exactly seven days past the course end date. Students should start receiving automated emails about rental returns about two weeks prior to the course end date.

For more information or if you need extra assistance, contact School Store Manager Reanne Mauriello at maurir@blair.edu or 908-362-6121 ext. 5635.
 

Across the United States, the percentage of the population that takes time out of their busy schedules to volunteer is dwindling, according to a recent report released by AmeriCorps and the U.S. Census Bureau, and the total number of hours donated by volunteers has plummeted to less than half of what it was just two decades ago. In this environment of charitable decline, ensuring students understand the importance of becoming global-minded citizens is among the top priorities at Blair. Beyond professional and personal success and fulfillment, we want Blair alums to make a positive impact on their communities, and that mission is never more prominent than during the annual Day of Service.

For the eighth year, the entire Blair community put aside their day-to-day routine to take part in a tradition of giving to support the greater area in a variety of ways. On May 19, more than 500 students and faculty gave their time and effort to more than 20 organizations in need. Before setting off to divide and conquer their busy schedule, McKenziee Belton ’16 addressed the crowd of eager volunteers about the meaning of the day and the value of service. Working in the child life department at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, McKenziee shared that community service is ingrained in her, both professionally and personally. Her dedication to service was no different during her time at Blair, when she was a prefect and served on the committee for Relay for Life, the Community Service Club and the Healthy Relationships Committee. McKenziee also spearheaded the first student-initiated service trip to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and has participated in every subsequent Blair trip to St. Jude.

“Community service provides so many opportunities for personal growth, mentorship and self- reflection,” McKenziee told the crowd in the DuBois Theatre. “It allows you to learn more about yourself, your goals and who you hope to be, all while helping others.” McKenziee encouraged students to consider these points while they were out making someone’s day a little brighter by giving back.

On campus, volunteers hosted guests from SCARC and Rebecca’s Homestead, two nonprofit organizations in Sussex County, New Jersey, committed to working with individuals with developmental disabilities. Nearly 125 volunteers joined forces at Project Self-Sufficiency (PSS) this year, an organization that helps individuals and families in the New Jersey counties of Sussex, Warren and Hunterdon become economically self-sufficient. Led by language department chair Joyce Lang, students proficient in Spanish also volunteered to help translate brochures for PSS. Another group helped collect, organize and store items for Blair’s Tag Sale in the fall, with proceeds going to both Blair in Kenya and local charities. New this year, the Lakota Wolf Preserve in Columbia, New Jersey, hosted students from film teacher Robert Hanson’s class, where they filmed a PSA for the non-profit that offers educational guided tours, photography sessions and options to see wolves, bobcats and foxes.

“I love seeing how much fun the students have,” said Joanne Brandwood, history teacher and director of Blair’s Day of Service. “I think they often end up enjoying volunteering more than they expected.” 

Aside from serving those in need and strengthening connections between Blair and the local community, the Day of Service also promotes leadership among students. Within each group, a site leader is assigned for the project. These students are responsible for assisting faculty leaders, generating enthusiasm and helping facilitate a successful day.

“I am so proud of the students. They are out there doing fantastic work. It makes Blair proud and serves the community in such a positive way.” Mrs. Brandwood noted. “Hopefully this day sparks a lifelong habit of service.” After the dust settled on another inspirational Day of Service, volunteers returned to campus to swap stories and relax. As Blair traditions go, the Day of Service is one of the most uplifting and heartwarming, and instills a life lesson of service and gratitude in those that participate.
 

One of the most anticipated events of the spring and the culmination of the public-speaking curriculum that begins with the ninth grade Leadership Story, the Senior Speech Contest provides all seniors with an opportunity to leave a lasting impression on the School during their final weeks at Blair. On Monday, May 15, Blair’s soon-to-be newest class of graduates took a moment to reflect on their time on the hilltop and the moments in their lives that brought them to this point. It was an opportunity to address the community that has supported them through their journey of self-discovery for one of the last times. ​​With a broad mandate in terms of speech content, students discussed who they are, revealed an interest or goal, speculated on life or revisited something meaningful.

“Our hope is that seniors have developed a sharpened sense of identity during their time at Blair and are able to articulately express that identity in a public setting,” Doug Compton, English teacher and Master of Ceremonies for the evening, explained. “The purpose of this assignment is to render that self-awareness, whether previously expressed in writing or produced for the purpose of this assignment alone, in a formal, spoken format. Indeed, while the written content is an important component of this effort, the Senior Speech Contest is primarily a speaking competition.”

In the lead up to Monday evening, students delivered their individual speeches in English classes and their teacher decided, with the aid of student recommendations, the best one to represent each section in the Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts’ DuBois Theatre. Michael Beydoun ’23 admitted the hardest part of the process was not the delivery, but actually writing his speech about the struggles he faced in his community at home, drafting it as though he was having a conversation with someone and eventually trimming it down to fit within the time parameters of the contest without losing any meaning. 

“When I took the stage, I was nervous for my first paragraph but as I got going, I never wanted to stop because I was having so much fun,” Michael said. “In the end, it was easy because I found something I was passionate about.”

One by one, the students took the stage to revel in their own moment and share their story with a common goal: make the audience feel something. Throughout the evening, students and faculty cheered as the orators rose to the occasion. They smiled at their witty remarks and laughed at their clever jokes, always offering a round of applause at each speech’s conclusion. 

“The Senior Speech Contest is one of my favorite Blair traditions because it gives our students the opportunity to share with the community their life experiences and how much they have grown and changed during their time here,” said Head of School Peter G. Curran. “A number of this year’s speeches focused on belonging and connection to classmates and teachers, which was especially moving and poignant as our seniors get ready to join our alumni ranks. We couldn’t be prouder of all they have accomplished and can’t wait to applaud all of their successes moving forward.”

After her moving speech about the self-identity associated with one’s name, Sydney Beitler ’23 took a moment to echo Mr. Curran’s sentiments and thank one of those teachers who helped her on her journey to the stage one final time. “I think that the Senior Speech Contest is such a great Blair tradition,” Sydney said. “I have to thank my English teacher, Mr. Moore, who has been monumental in my growth as a writer this year. It was because of him I was able to take the lessons I have learned and the experiences I have been through and express those into words. Thank you, Mr. Moore, and thank you, Blair Academy, for all of the amazing opportunities this year.”

After a week of anticipation, Mr. Compton announced the winners at School Meeting as graduation week commenced. Chosen by a “celebrity” list of faculty judges, Tobenna Esomeju ’23 won first place with his captivating narrative about finding those “dandelion moments” in life and cherishing them, while Michael Beydoun came in second and Ava Satasi ’23 received third. “It was one of the best portfolios of speeches I have witnessed in my nine years,” Mr. Compton said. 
 

The Blair Academy Players’ final production of The Year of the Bard ends with Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost in the Robert J. Evans Open Air Theatre on May 18, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. Having performed Shakespeare in Love (High School Edition) and Something Rotten!, the players will finish off their season with a production penned by the famed dramatist himself. In this year celebrating the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare’s First Folio, it is all the more appropriate that the season focused on the greatest playwright in history. 

Love’s Labour’s Lost is a comedy in which the King of Navarre (played by Marc Lui ’23) enlists three friends (played by Grant Breckenridge ’24, Matt Falsetti ’25 and Amogh Katare ’24) to devote themselves to a scholarly retreat void of distractions, including women. Their plans go awry when the French Princess (played by Ari Albino ’23) and her three ladies-in-waiting (played by Hanna Wilke ’23, Ev Rutt ’26 and Cathleen Zhang ’26), attended by elderly Lord Boyet (played by Stella Baceda ’25), arrive to settle a dispute, among other activities, including hunting lessons from a forester (played by Topher Antonelli ’24) for their amusement.

“I am looking forward to closing my time at Blair with a successful production that is amusing and captivating for the audience,” Ari said. “My favorite part has been watching the scenes slowly come together. It’s a really fun process that takes time but is well worth it in the end.”

As the play progresses, each man falls in love with one of the ladies. Furthering the rocky course of true love is Spaniard Don Adriano de Armado (played by Anton Arriola ’23) falling in love with the serving girl, Jaquenetta (played by Leilah Elkholy ’25), who has also been spending time in the garden with the court jester, Costard (played by Tony Zhang ’24). Served by page Moth (played by Eli Maloney ’25), Don Armado enlists a local curate (played by Julian Perello ’24), and a schoolmaster (played by Richard Gimbel ’24), to perform a play for the enjoyment of the royals. During the play, news comes from Marcade (played by Luisa Scripsick ’26), sending the proceedings in a surprising direction. The play is student directed by Julian Perello. 

“The production is full of clever word play, switches in direction, and love’s labour’s lost,” said English teacher and theatre director Craig Evans.

The Open Air Theatre is the perfect whimsical, lakefront setting for a comedy that the British Evening Standard reviewed as full of “ripe laughter at the expense of youthful passion and its boastfulness.” The spring play is general admission with no reservations necessary, but in case of inclement weather, the play will move into the Wean Studio Theatre in the Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts. Reservations will be taken in the event of moving indoors, so please email Craig Evans at evansc@blair.edu with how many tickets are needed on what nights. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children.
 

Since its inception in 2021, the International Board of Governors has met virtually, with the purpose of building an even stronger Blair Academy brand across the globe, speaking firsthand with families about their international experiences with the School, attracting the best prospective students from around the world and increasing philanthropic support. For the first time, members met in person on April 15 in Singapore during Blair’s recent trip to Asia.

“The Blair community is built on connections, so it was refreshing to finally share a room with the International Board of Governors and engage face-to-face with current parents and alumni,” said Susan Long, Associate Director of Advancement.

Mrs. Long was joined by Head of School Peter G. Curran and Chief Advancement Officer Craig Hall to attend the meeting with the board of international parents and alumni. International Board of Governors co-chair William Bao Bean ’91 P’23 ’25 opened the meeting by thanking those in attendance for joining them and aiding the board’s mission. As a current Trustee and alum, Mr. Bean furthered the Board’s message, stressing the importance and strength of the Blair network and how each member plays a vital role.

Throughout the meeting, Mr. Curran addressed the Board on the state of the School, sharing news of the most recent admission cycle that concluded in April and the upcoming events that will take place through the end of the school year. Mrs. Long took time to connect with current international families, sharing resources available to them and discussing the needs many encounter as a growing population within the Blair community. Currently, Blair students represent 29 countries and 17 percent of enrollment is international students.

“Over the past few years, this Board has been instrumental in opening avenues of access for Blair Academy to educational and cultural opportunities,” Mr. Hall noted. “I am grateful for all the members who have supported the School and assisted the advancement office by advocating for the needs of Blair today and in the future.”

Also on the agenda for the Board meeting was an update on the All In campaign. Mr. Hall shared the details of this dynamic and evolving blueprint for Blair’s future as we look to celebrate Blair’s 175th anniversary in June and beyond. Honoring and amplifying the core values of relationship-based learning and superior academic preparation, more than 60 Trustees, parents, alumni and faculty members collaborated to create this plan, which focuses on four key priorities: faculty talent and excellence, forward-thinking programs, our historic and state-of-the-art campus, and Blair’s long-term financial strength. The International Board of Governors looks forward to supporting Blair in their efforts to achieve the vital objectives of our 2018-2025 Strategic Plan and ensuring that the Blair experience continues to be enriching and impactful for generations of students and that the School is stronger than ever.

As the lights shone on the stage of the Armstrong-Hipkins Center for the Arts’ DuBois Theatre, ten anxious sophomores waited with bated breath for their opportunity to stand at the podium and address their class. Each student—selected by their teacher and classmates—came equipped with weeks of preparation for this very moment.

The Sophomore Speech Contest is an annual rite of passage for Blair sophomores. After recording their Leadership Stories Projects as ninth graders, taking the stage is the next step up in the School’s mission of preparing our graduates to communicate effectively as they become the leaders of tomorrow. Effective storytelling and the ability to convey values are key leadership skills students learn throughout their time at Blair as they build relationships on campus and beyond.

On April 24, the ten chosen orators rose to the challenge, answering the prompt “Where I Am,” a question asking them to consider a space or place that impacts their identity and that of others. With wit, charm and humor, the speakers captivated the audience, using the tools they’ve learned throughout their time at Blair.

“This is a fantastic assignment,” English department chair Jim Moore says, explaining that the contest requires students to learn and engage in a variety of skills. “They have to focus on narrative essay writing, knowing their audience, enunciation and pace. The question challenges them to think about the places they keep going back to and why, what’s the meaning in that.”

To prepare for the speeches, English teachers take several different approaches. Amira Shokr asked her classes to analyze the rhetorical techniques of ethos, pathos and logos used in commercial advertisements. “This served to help students understand how to connect a message to audiences through credibility, emotion and logic and how to be effectively persuasive in doing so,” Ms. Shokr explained.

Fellow English teacher Caroline Queally encouraged her classes to analyze winning speeches from previous years to understand effective techniques to incorporate when conveying their own message. “All of the classes, regardless of their teacher, have practiced speaking confidently through R.E.A.L. Discussions over the past year,” Ms. Queally noted. “It is a fast-paced process that builds on skills taught and practiced throughout the year, and each year seems to top itself in terms of how talented and well-done the winning speeches are.”

After an intense deliberation, the faculty judges awarded first place to Atlas Akinyemiju ’25, second place to Minh Anh Vo ’25 and third place to Joss Miller ’25, who reflected upon the impacts of their bed, the nail salon, and the middle seat on an airplane, respectively. The next speaking event will be the Senior Speech Contest on Monday, May 15.
 

Barron’s Magazine featured Blair Trustee and alum Victoria Bailey ’97 in a recent article this March titled, “Morgan Stanley’s Victoria Bailey: Why I Stopped Trying to Be Perfect,” highlighting her successful career as a wealth manager in Silicon Valley.

“I honestly think the moment I stopped pretending to be something I’m not was the moment I actually started being successful,” Victoria told the magazine, ringing true to one of The Five Fundamentals of Blair Academy—know yourself and practice honesty.

In fact, the article details how Victoria has built her career on one of the principles of Blair: the people and the connections you make are what matter the most. After a chance encounter with a friend led to an analyst job at Barclays Capital more than a decade ago, Victoria climbed the financial industry ladder and now serves as managing director of Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management’s 415 Group in San Francisco, helping to manage $6.5 billion. Speaking with Barron’s, Victoria explained how she built her network of venture capitalists by constantly making new connections and nurturing those relationships.

“I kept in touch with every single one of them and built this database where I was also providing them with information,” Victoria said in her interview. “It was trying to provide value in as many creative ways as possible so that when they needed something, they called.”

In 2022, Victoria and her firm were also featured as one of Barron’s “Top 100 Private Wealth Management Teams: Serving the Complex Needs of Silicon Valley’s Elite.” That feature highlighted more of her successful, humanistic approach to a mostly data-driven industry.

Victoria’s optimism, energy and commitment to Blair are noted by many fortunate to work with her at the School, both as a student and dedicated alum. After graduating, Victoria matriculated at Princeton University where she studied economics and received a bachelor’s degree in 2001. After a brief stint in New York City as an opera singer, she turned to the financial world and never looked back. In her current role based in Morgan Stanley’s Silicon Valley office, Victoria is a managing director and private wealth advisor to the company’s Private Wealth Management division. She currently lives in Woodside, California, with her husband, Peter, and her three sons, Will, Andrew and Christopher. Mrs. Bailey was appointed to the Blair Board of Trustees in April 2018.