Honors Night on the Hill

I never want to take for granted either of my boys' accomplishments.  So, I wanted to make sure I wrote a little something about Honors Night at MBA, while it was still relatively fresh in my mind.  The beginning of the summer has been relatively chaotic - okay, very chaotic - but it seems we're settling into a bit of a routine with Joe at Woodberry Forest Sports Camp for three weeks and JP on the cusp of traveling to Boulder, CO, to run and train with collegiate runners for a week.  Yikes!

A day or two before the 2025 class graduated, MBA hosted Honors Night.  Last year and this year, the weather has been nice so the event has been staged outside, underneath the trees, with folding chairs facing the stage down a slight decline that allows for a good site line for everyone.  I was among the first to arrive, so I selected good seats in the front of the middle section, for Jude and me.

As was the case last year, the mood was relaxed and a bit festive.  The relief the boys felt to have completed another year of rigorous study and competition was palpable.  Getting through exams was tough for JP, I know, particularly chemistry and algebra, all while preparing for the track and field state championships.  It's a lot for all of the boys.

There are so many awards.  It reminded me, as I watched, how fortunate we are for JP (and next year, Joe, too) to be attending MBA.  So many smart, accomplished boys all together in one place.  It's quite impressive.  Dr. Daughtrey did an excellent job of moving things along, as each academic department recognized outstanding students.  Awards were given, as well, to boys in a variety of non-academic pursuits - theatre, writing, athletics, leadership, etc.  

For his sophomore class, JP received the 3-sport athlete award for best athlete in his class.  He also was one of two boys in his class to receive a $1,000 scholarship.  This year, the best boy of the class award - for which he was one of three nominees - went to his friend, Caleb.  It was well earned, as Caleb played junior varsity basketball while singing in the outstanding MBA choir.  He's an incredibly talented singer and guitar player.  A great student, too.  

JP has worked so hard at MBA.  Academically, athletically, and on Honor Council.  He might be proudest, in fact, of his role on the Honor Council.  When he gets his school ring next year, he's going to have earned it, for sure.  

JP and cross country teammate, Jack McDaniel (2026), who is one of the best boys I know.  He and JP have been friends since their days together as toddlers at Children's House.  Jack received multiple academic awards.  The sky is the limit for him.

JP and cross country teammate, Brady (2025), who has accepted an appointment to West Point.  Such an impressive young man.  I expect big things from him. 

JP and cross country and track/field teammate, Jack Wallace (2025), who is running at Furman University.  Jack was the second runner in a row (Samuel Trumble in 2024) to win athlete of the year after rewriting the track/field record book and leading the Big Red to its first track/field state title since 2001.