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.