The 2010 commencement exercises began at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 4 with Jon Waitzer, recently inducted President of the Tunstall Student Council, and Ankit Gupta, President of next year’s senior class, leading the procession. 

Katharina S., who will attend Harvard University in the fall, delivered the first valedictory address, and Evan S., who will attend Princeton University in the fall, delivered the second valedictory address.

Mr. Manning presented a gift to Mr. Guy R. Friddell III '69, father of Eric '10 and Bo '08, who delivered an inspiring Vespers address the previous evening.  Mr. Manning then presented the faculty awards to recognize dedication and professionalism among the faculty. 

The Waitzer Master Teacher Award is presented annually to a member of each of the Lower, Middle, and Upper School faculties who has taught at Norfolk Academy at least six years and who has demonstrated a consistent love of teaching and influence on students. The award, endowed by Leah and Richard Waitzer and selected by a faculty vote within each school division, signifies the highest degree of dedication and service to the profession. This year's award recipients are Mr. Bob Needham (Lower School), Mrs. Mary Wick (Middle School), and Mr. Eric Acra (Upper School). 

The James B. Massey Award is presented annually by the Board of Trustees to members of the faculty who have taught at the Academy for no more than six years and have evidenced outstanding professional development and personal growth as a teacher. The award honors the qualities so effectively encouraged by James B. Massey, Jr., in his role as Headmaster of Norfolk Academy from 1950-1978. This year's recipients are Mrs. Buffy Driskill (Lower School), Ms. Maria Kitchin (Middle School), and Ms. Mary Todd Glascock (Upper School). 

The Award for Excellence in Coaching was presented to Mr. Neil Duffy. This award recognizes an individual who, through love of athletic competition and commitment to the overall development of Norfolk Academy student-athletes, serves as a role model for both athletes and coaches alike and advances the mission of the school through strength of character and integrity.

Mr. Manning recognized and extended heartfelt thanks on behalf of the School and the Board of Trustees to two faculty members who are retiring after long and distinguished service to Norfolk Academy: Lower School teacher Mrs. Susan Daniel (32 years) and Middle School mathematics teacher Mrs. Abby Baird '61 (41 years).

Mrs. Linda Gorsline, Director of the Upper School, then joined Mr. Manning for the presentation of the graduation awards.  The Belfry* contains a complete list of the graduation awards and their recipients.  The Destinations of the Class of 2010 is an impressive list of colleges and universities around the country.

Congratulations to the Class of 2010!

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