Every graduating class of Blair Academy—for 176 years—has been unique in its own right. Each class faces challenging experiences designed to enrich students and unexpected happenings that test their grit and determination, creating a transformative experience. For the Class of 2024, truer words have never been spoken.

With a will to succeed, these students entered the Academy amid a global pandemic that upended educational traditions. From social distancing to the return of intercultural learning experiences around the world, these students persevered through it all, growing into the best version of themselves in the process. At the 176th Commencement ceremony on Thursday, May 23, Blair honored their triumphs and celebrated their victories as they continue on in their academic careers as prepared undergraduates and global citizens contributing to the greater good.

Even Mother Nature couldn’t dampen Commencement spirits, and after a brief rain delay, the Class of 2024 marched to the Sharpe House lawn, supported by faculty, staff, family and friends who have cheered them on since their arrival on the hilltop. It was an occasion flooded with love and support, as distinguished faculty and members of the graduating class addressed their peers and special guests in attendance and were honored for outstanding achievements before diplomas were presented.

“We, the Class of 2024, are a class of contradictions,” said Charlene Jiao ’24, class speaker and recipient of the George P. Jenkins ’32 Prize as valedictorian of the class. “Our Blair journey began with an era of quarantine, social distancing and isolation, yet we leave with lifelong friends and mentors whom we can always lean on for support. While it may seem contradictory that this is our final hour as a class, focus on the joy of the present. Savor this bittersweet day as we prepare to step into the world alone, together.” 

The entire Blair community extends heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2024!

FACULTY AWARDS

Apgar Award for Teaching Excellence: Mathematics teacher Will Murray

John C. & Eve S. Bogle Teaching Prize: English teacher Douglass Compton

Riether Residential Life Award: History teacher Anders Fogel & health-and-wellness teacher Cency Middleton

Lillian & Samuel Tedlow Teaching Prize: English department chair James Moore, Hon. ’93

Headmaster’s Faculty Prize: Director of Integrated Science Research and science teacher Dr. Nadia Abascal

STUDENT AWARDS

Headmaster’s Prize: Kady Seck & Carter Neves

Blair Academy Trophy: Brynne Grant & Machua Muchugia

George P. Jenkins ’32 Prize: Charlene Jiao

Appointments to the United States Naval Academy: Joshua Anthony, Nicholas Barra, Elizabeth John & Andrew Keesey