Fall Convocation 2025

Our Fall Convocation formally marked the start of the 2025–2026 school year. To officially kick off the program, Kindergartners entered the John D. Solomon Gymnasium hand-in-hand with seniors. This fittingly nodded to the theme of community that was sprinkled throughout the assembly.

In her welcoming remarks, Head of School Bodie Brizendine reinforced what community means and the active role each person must play in it, stating, “I like to think that community is never accidental…we are all part of the community and we all have a responsibility to be part of the community.” This message—that community requires an intentional choice—effortlessly underpinned the rest of the program.

The program then transitioned to a melodic guitar performance by Ivan V. ’27, of Heitor-Villa Lobos’ “Prelude No. 3.”

A highlight of the morning was the presentation of the 2025 Wilson Parkhill Award to Vera Shi, who is indeed a strong pillar in our community. Students Grayson K. ’30 and Langston T. ’30 introduced Vera Shi, sharing many high praises for her impact on their lives as their Chinese teacher. Grayson K. ’30 described Ms. Shi as “...the kind of teacher that you want to have around for a long time, someone that makes learning both meaningful and fun.” Langston T. ’30 added that Ms. Shi “embodies what a great Collegiate teacher is. She brings excellence into the classroom, not just through what she teaches but in how she teaches it; with empathy, humor, and a lot of genuine care.”

Ms. Shi’s acceptance speech was deeply encouraging and inspirational. She shared valuable sentiments that encouraged the community to persevere despite setbacks:

“As long as you keep going, failure is just part of your journey, not your destination. In the future, when you stand on the higher stage, you will look back at the version of yourself who once fell down and say, ‘Yes, that happened. But it didn’t end me, it shaped me.’”

The event concluded with the singing of the “Alma Mater,” in community—perhaps the most intentional choice of all.