Senior Recognition and Blazer Ceremony 2022

Bethesda Academy Holds Annual Senior Recognition and Blazer Ceremony for Five Students Entering Their Senior Year.

The historic private day school in Savannah, Georgia, continues a tradition for senior students courtesy of the Women’s Board of Bethesda.

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Bethesda Academy, an independent private day school for boys and young men and the oldest child-care institution in the U.S., held its annual Senior Recognition and Blazer Ceremony and luncheon.

Mike Hughes, 5 seniors, Karleen Brown, Stephanie VanVleck

In honor of the start of the school year, senior students were given their navy blue blazer, khaki pants, white collared shirt, tie, belt, socks and shoes. The outfits were a gift from the Women’s Board of Bethesda.

Representatives of the Women’s Board of Bethesda, select members of the Board of Governors, senior leaders of the Academy, and faculty attended.

ABOUT BETHESDA ACADEMY
Founded in 1740, Bethesda Academy is the oldest child-care institution in the United States. Now it is an independent private day school for young men in grades six through twelve and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The 650-acre campus features a variety of athletic teams, a wildlife management and cattle program and a college preparatory curriculum. Through its “Lead The Way” initiative, students have access to exclusive integrated learning and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit www.bethesdaacademy.org or call 912.644.4376.

MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Cradduck
Cecilia Russo Marketing, LLC
912-856-9075
cynthia@crussomarketing.com

Bethesda Academy’s Class of 2022 Celebrates Graduation with Scholarship Gala and Outdoor Commencement Ceremony

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Bethesda Academy held its annual Scholarship Gala at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 20, on the grounds of the historic school. “Under the Oaks” was the theme of the event, and all proceeds benefitted scholarship programs for students who would otherwise not be able to afford tuition. The festivities continued with the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2022 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 21.

“This class is very special to the school. They had to overcome so much over the last two years with the pandemic and countless disruptions,” said Bethesda Academy President Dr. Michael Hughes. “They showed their tenacity and I am so proud of what they achieved. We are confident they’re going to do great things in the future.”

Quentin Marlin, Chair of the Board of Governors of Bethesda Academy, was the keynote speaker at the Scholarship Gala. Marlin is an attorney and partner with Ellis Painter Attorneys at Law. A native of Savannah, he graduated from Mercer University School of Law and served in the Georgia Air National Guard, deploying overseas for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002 and within the U.S. for Hurricane Katrina relief in 2005.

On graduation day, the twelve students of the Class of 2022 took the ceremonial Reflection Walk with the faculty and staff. The group strolled across the campus, stopping at various buildings and outdoor locations to reflect on their time at Bethesda Academy. The students shared stories of lessons learned, friends they met, and memorable moments during their experience at the school. At the conclusion of the Reflection Walk, the graduation ceremony was held.

The Class of 2022 Valedictorian is Adrian  O’Kee, who has received a scholarship to attend Savannah College of Art & Design to pursue graphic design. The Salutatorian is Charles “Chad” Grefski Jr. and he will attend Georgia Southern University.

ABOUT BETHESDA ACADEMY
Founded in 1740, Bethesda Academy is the oldest child-care institution in the United States. Now it is a private day school for young men in grades six through twelve and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The 650-acre campus features a variety of athletic teams, a wildlife management and cattle program and a college preparatory curriculum. Through its “Lead The Way” initiative, students have access to exclusive integrated learning and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit bethesdaacademy.org or call 912.644.4376.

MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Cradduck
Cecilia Russo Marketing, LLC
912-856-9075
cynthia@crussomarketing.com

Bethesda Academy’s Antjuan McKay Commits to Shorter University on Signing Day

(SAVANNAH, Ga.) Antjuan McKay, senior quarterback and defensive back for the Bethesda Academy Blazers, signed a letter of intent to attend Shorter University in Rome, Georgia. 

Pictured Left to Right: Deandrea Savage, mother; Antjuan McKay, Bethesda Academy senior; Antjuan McKay Sr., father; and Kweisi Jones, brother, celebrate Antjuan’s collegiate football signing day.

In recognizing McKay’s potential for succeeding at the collegiate level, Shorter University has awarded him with a football scholarship to join their program next year.

“Antjuan’s accomplishments in the classroom and on the field represent the best of what the staff and faculty at Bethesda Academy aim for, and it’s wonderful to see all his hard work and determination pay off,” said Dr. Michael Hughes, President of Bethesda Academy. “We are all very proud of him.”

McKay led the 2019 football team to a 2A Regional championship and a runner-up position for the SCISA A State Championship. Earning a reputation as the first to arrive at practice and the last to leave, he also excels on the basketball court and with the school’s competitive track and field team. In the classroom, he has maintained a 3.0-grade point average.

In addition, McKay assists with Bethesda Academy summer youth camps and helps coach the Bethesda middle school football team. Off the field, he participates in the school’s Small Business Internship Program, Environmental Science Club, Chess Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Bethesda Academy is a private day school for boys and young men in grades six through twelve. The diverse student body is served by a staff of 35 dedicated employees, with 70% of teachers holding a Master’s degree. Bethesda offers small class sizes, a structured environment and a strong sense of community.

Over his career at Bethesda Academy, Antjuan passed for 5,022 yards, rushed for more than 1,500 yards, threw 46 touchdowns, ran for 21 touchdowns, made 9 interceptions playing defense, and was named both a SCISA all-region and all-state athlete. He was also selected to play in the SCISA Blitz Border Bowl.

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ABOUT BETHESDA ACADEMY OF SAVANNAH
Founded in 1740, Bethesda Academy is the oldest child-care institution in the United States. Now it is a private day and boarding school for young men in grades six through twelve and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The 650-acre campus features a variety of athletic teams, a wildlife management and organic farming program and college preparatory curriculum. Through its “Lead The Way” initiative, students have access to exclusive integrated learning and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit www.bethesdaacademy.org or call 912.644.4376.

MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Cradduck
Cecilia Russo Marketing, LLC
912-856-9075
cynthia@crussomarketing.com

Bethesda Academy Honors Class of 2020 with Outdoor Graduation Ceremony

Bethesda Academy Honors Class of 2020 with Outdoor Graduation Ceremony 

(SAVANNAH, GA) Bethesda Academy hosted an outdoor graduation ceremony to celebrate the school’s 16 graduating seniors. In adherence with social distancing guidelines, Bethesda provided tents for each graduate and his family, strategically placed six feet apart in a “U” formation surrounding a stage and podium in the middle of their historic campus.  

The President of Bethesda Academy, Dr. Michael Hughes, led the ceremony. Dr. Hughes is a graduate of The United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, where he held various academic and leadership positions. He later earned graduate degrees from the University of Virginia, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the United States Army War College. He has also served as headmaster in several positions across the U.S. 

“We’re excited to be able to give these astounding young men a proper send-off,” said Dr. Hughes. “This graduation will undeniably look different than it has in years past, but we are determined to make the day special and honor our graduates.” 

The Class of 2020 takes their Reflection Walk around the historic campus before their graduation ceremony.

Valedictorian Jaden Wright eagerly awaits his name to be called at Bethesda Academy’s graduation.

Seniors are spaced apart during Bethesda Academy’s socially distanced graduation ceremony.

Bethesda Academy Salutatorian Malachi Slusher receives his diploma from the school’s President, Dr. Michael Hughes.

Jaden Wright was named the 2020 Valedictorian, and Malachi Slusher the 2020 Salutatorian. Wright has accepted a football scholarship to Presbyterian College in Clinton, S.C., and Slusher will be enrolled at the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Ga. 

Members of the 2020 graduating class were accepted to and are considering a number of higher education institutions including The Citadel, Mercer University, Oregon State, the University of Alabama, Georgia State University, Georgia Southern University and Savannah State University. One young man has enlisted in the U.S. Army. 

Before the ceremony, the graduates also participated in the Bethesda Academy tradition of a Reflection Walk, by touring campus together and revisiting the experiences they shared throughout their education at the leadership academy. 

ABOUT BETHESDA ACADEMY

Founded in 1740, Bethesda Academy is the oldest child-care institution in the United States. Now it is a private day and boarding school for young men in grades six through twelve and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The 650-acre campus features a variety of athletic teams, a wildlife management and college preparatory curriculum. Through its “Lead The Way” initiative, students have access to exclusive integrated learning and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit www.bethesdaacademy.org or call 912-644-4376.

MEDIA CONTACT

Cynthia Cradduck

Cecilia Russo Marketing, LLC

912-856-9075

cynthia@crussomarketing.com

Bethesda Academy Senior Accepts Football Scholarship During Social Distancing Signing-Day Ceremony

Bethesda Academy Senior Accepts Football Scholarship During Social Distancing Signing-Day Ceremony
Team Celebrates with Neighborhood Parade

(SAVANNAH, GA) Bethesda Academy held a signing day ceremony for senior Jaden Wright who accepted a football scholarship from Presbyterian College, which located at Clinton, South Carolina.

Wright has made stellar strides during his football career at Bethesda Academy, and his talents have been widely recognized. He has been named the South Carolina Independent Schools Association (SCISA) Region Player of the Year and the SCISA All-State Offensive Player of the Year. He was also honored at the Savannah Morning News‘ Best of Preps banquet as First Team All Savannah Offense.

To adhere to social distancing practices, Bethesda Head Coach Antwain Turner organized a signing day ceremony to take place safely at the Wright’s home. After the signing, teachers and Wright’s teammates celebrated by honking horns and waving streamers during a neighborhood parade.

Jaden Wright signs with Presbyterian College.

“Our 2020 seniors deserve the same, momentous send-off as their classmates before them,” said Turner. “We’re all so proud of Jaden, and we just had to think of a way for the Bethesda community to show him how excited we are for his scholarship because he has most certainly earned it.”

During high school, Wright made 420 Carries for 3,795 yards, 9 yards per carry, 97 yards per game and a grand total of 52 touchdowns for the Bethesda Academy football team. He was named the school’s Player of the Year for 2019-2020, in addition to earning a Player of the Week title from the Savannah Quarterback Club.

ABOUT BETHESDA ACADEMY
Founded in 1740, Bethesda Academy is the oldest child-care institution in the United States. Now it is a private day and boarding school for young men in grades six through twelve and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The 650-acre campus features a variety of athletic teams, a wildlife management and organic farming program and college preparatory curriculum. Through its “Lead The Way” initiative, students have access to exclusive integrated learning and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit www.bethesdaacademy.org or call 912.644.4376.

MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Cradduck
Cecilia Russo Marketing, LLC
912-856-9075
cynthia@crussomarketing.com

Bethesda Academy Senior Nishan Roberson Signing Day with Savannah State University

Bethesda Academy Senior Nishan Roberson Signing Day with Savannah State University

Bethesda Academy hosted a Signing Day ceremony in honor of senior Nishan Roberson’s decision to accept a football scholarship with Savannah State University in the Diamond Dining Hall at Bethesda Academy.

Roberson has played on the Bethesda Academy football team as a lineman for three of his four years in high school, having missed his junior year due to a preseason knee injury. Highlights from his senior year include 64 tackles on defense and offensive blocks that accounted for 3,002 rushing yards and 2,017 passing yards. He will receive a full-ride scholarship to play at Savannah State.

ABOUT BETHESDA ACADEMY
Founded in 1740, Bethesda Academy is the oldest child-care institution in the United States. Now it is a private day and boarding school for young men in grades six through twelve and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The 650-acre campus features a variety of athletic teams, a wildlife management and organic farming program and college preparatory curriculum. Through its “Lead The Way” initiative, students have access to exclusive integrated learning and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit www.bethesdaacademy.org or call 912.644.4376.

MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Cradduck
Carriage Trade Public Relations®, Inc.
Cecilia Russo Marketing
cynthia@carriagetradepr.com
912.856.9075

Bethesda Hires Veteran Educator with State, National Credentials to Direct Admissions

Bethesda Hires Veteran Educator with State, National Credentials to Direct Admissions

(SAVANNAH, GA) Bethesda Academy has hired a director of admissions who is a veteran teacher with state and national credentials and nearly two decades in the classroom.

Tia Adkins joins the staff at the private college-preparatory day and boarding school for young men in grades six through 12.

Tia Adkins

“Ms. Adkins brings a wealth of experience to this position, and we are delighted that experience ranges from classroom teaching to statewide remediation to work with national curriculum publishers,” said Michael Hughes, president of Bethesda. “Her leadership will be invaluable to the students we serve.”

Her education career began in Gadsden and Pooler elementary schools, where she became a finalist for Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools’ teacher of the year and was named the 2006 Grammy Foundation Character Through the Arts national teacher of the year. She also served as the local school district’s literary specialist for two years.

At the state level, Adkins worked on a literacy project funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. In the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement, she led teams of teachers at struggling schools who were working to find innovative ways to teach in challenging situations. As a mentor to other teachers, she taught how to implement Common Core curriculum elements and other strategies and worked often with low-achieving schools in remediation efforts.

She also spent six years with Scholastic Achievement Partners, now Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, as a manager of professional learning. Plus, she has worked as an independent contractor writing content for a new pre-kindergarten curriculum and is the author of the forthcoming book “Setting the Standards for Centers.”

Adkins earned her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education at Armstrong State College and has a master’s degree in education from Cambridge College in Boston.

“It’s exciting to open a new chapter in my education career, working with older, college-bound students,” Adkins said. “Bethesda Academy fills a unique niche in Savannah education, and I’m proud to be a part of an education program with centuries of experience in serving youth.”

ABOUT BETHESDA ACADEMY
Founded in 1740, Bethesda Academy is the oldest child-care institution in the United States. Now it is a private day and boarding school for young men in grades six through twelve and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The 650-acre campus features a variety of athletic teams, a wildlife management and organic farming program and college preparatory curriculum. Through its “Lead The Way” initiative, students have access to exclusive integrated learning and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit www.bethesdaacademy.org or call 912.644.4376.

MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Cradduck
Carriage Trade Public Relations®, Inc.
Cecilia Russo Marketing
cynthia@carriagetradepr.com
912.856.9075

State Championship Rings Presented to Bethesda Track, Field Team

State Championship Rings Presented to Bethesda Track, Field Team

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Bethesda Blazers’ track and field team celebrated their state championship victory during a ring ceremony held at Bethesda Academy.

Thirteen state championship rings were presented to the athletes on the 2018-2019 team which won the state honor in the South Carolina Independent School Association Class A/AA competition at the end of last school year. Several private schools along the South Carolina/Georgia border, including Bethesda Academy, are members of SCISA.

Two graduated seniors from the team returned to their alma mater to accept their rings. Five coaches led by the athletic director Antwain Turner watched as the seniors along with the rest of the track and field team were honored.

“I can’t express how proud of these young men I am,” said head track coach Clevan Thompson. “It’s an honor to hold this title and to coach these outstanding athletes. I’ve watched this team make tremendous strides physically and personally to get to this point, and I can’t think of a more deserving team.”

For more information on Bethesda Academy, please visit www.bethesdaacademy.org

ABOUT BETHESDA ACADEMY
Founded in 1740, Bethesda Academy is the oldest child-care institution in the United States. Now it is a private boarding and day school for young men in grades six through twelve and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The 650-acre campus features a variety of athletic teams, a wildlife management and organic farming program and STEM curriculum. Through its “Lead The Way” initiative, students have access to exclusive integrated learning and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit www.bethesdaacademy.org or call 912.644.4376.

MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Cradduck
Cecilia Russo Marketing
cynthia@crussomarketing.com
912.856.9075

Bethesda Board of Governors announces 2019-20 officers, new board members

Bethesda Board of Governors announces 2019-20 officers, new board members

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Bethesda Union Society Board of Governors has chosen its 2019-20 slate of officers, with retired higher education executive William “Ted” Moore serving as chairman.

Dr. William T. Moore, Bethesda Academy

Joining him as officers will be attorney Quentin Marlin, partner with Ellis, Painter, Ratterree and Adams, as vice chairman; Paul Pressley, director emeritus of the Ossabaw Island Educational Alliance and longtime headmaster of Savannah Country Day School, as secretary; and retired corporate executive Jim Trolinger as treasurer.

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  Quentin Marlin, Bethesda Academy

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  Dr. Paul Pressly, Bethesda Academy

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  James Trolinger, Bethesda Academy

Six new members were also appointed to the board, most serving terms that run until 2022. The new members are Jake Coakley, Denny Ogden, Dr. John George, Kim Iocovozzi, Dr. Robert “Bob” Zerbe and Henry H. Minis.

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  Jake Coakley, Bethesda Academy

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  Denny Ogden, Bethesda Academy

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  Dr. John P. George, Bethesda Academy

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  Kim Iocovozzi, Bethesda Academy

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  Dr. Robert Zerbe, Bethesda Academy

The new members join a board that also includes Linda Bleicken, Ellen Bolch, Ryan Chandler, Brian Harlander, Diane Ingram, Stratton Leopold, Leslie Littlejohn and Joe Marinelli. Ex officio members are Michael Hughes, president of Bethesda Academy, and Yancey Bradley, president of the Women’s Board of Bethesda. The board is responsible for Bethesda Academy, a private boarding and day school for males in grades six through 12 that has its roots in the oldest child-care institution in the country.

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  Linda Bleicken

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  Ellen Bolch

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  Ryan Chandler

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  Diane Ingram

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  Stratton Leopold

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  Leslie Littlejohn

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  Joseph Marinelli

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  Dr. Michael Hughes

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  Yancey Bradley

ABOUT BETHESDA ACADEMY
Founded in 1740, Bethesda Academy is the oldest child-care institution in the United States. Now it is a private boarding and day school for young men in grades six through twelve and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The 650-acre campus features a variety of athletic teams, a wildlife management and organic farming program and college preparatory curriculum. Through its “Lead The Way” initiative, students have access to exclusive integrated learning and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit www.bethesdaacademy.org or call 912.644.4376.

MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Cradduck
Carriage Trade Public Relations®, Inc.
Cecilia Russo Marketing
cynthia@carriagetradepr.com
912.856.9075

Society of Colonial Wars Present $3,000 Donation to Bethesda Academy

Society of Colonial Wars Present $3,000 Donation to Bethesda Academy

(SAVANNAH, GA) The Society of Colonial Warsin the State of Georgia presented a $3,000 donation to Bethesda Academy. Representatives of the organization, Allen Williams, Governor General, and Robert Groves, Deputy Governor General, presented the check to representatives of Bethesda Academy, Dr. Michael Hughes, President, and John Reddan, Director of Institutional Advancement.

The Society of Colonial Warsin the State of Georgia has a long history of supporting Bethesda Academy. Back in the early 1900s, the organization donated all of the pews that are located in the George Whitefield Memorial Chapel, a gift that was made in honor of all of the founders of Georgia.

CAPTION: (LEFT TO RIGHT) John Reddan, Director of Institutional Advancement of Bethesda Academy, Allen Williams, Governor General of the Society of Colonial Wars of America, Dr. Michael Hughes, President of Bethesda Academy, and Robert Groves, Deputy Governor General of the Society of Colonial Wars.

“Bethesda Academyis so grateful to the Society of Colonial Warsfor literally over a century’s worth of support,” said Hughes. “This support directly benefits the scholarship program. We are an independent school now, and all of our boys and families pay tuition. This donation will give a student a chance to have a Bethesdaeducation.”

The Society of Colonial Warswas founded in New York in 1892 for the purpose of furthering the interest in, and study of, America’s Colonial history for the period between the settlement of Jamestown, Virginia on May 13, 1607 and the battle of Lexington on April 19, 1775.

ABOUT BETHESDA ACADEMY
Founded in 1740, Bethesda Academyis the oldest child-care institution in the United States. Now it is a private boarding and day school for young men in grades six through twelve and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The 650-acre campus features a variety of athletic teams, a wildlife management and organic farming program and college preparatory curriculum. Through its “Lead The Way” initiative, students have access to exclusive integrated learning and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit www.bethesdaacademy.orgor call 912.644.4376.

MEDIA CONTACT
Cynthia Cradduck
Junior Partner
Cecilia Russo Marketing
cynthia@crussomarketing.com
912-856-9075
www.crussomarketing.com