News & Events

What does it mean to be a Bulldog? Knowing how to be a really good friend.

In their Graduation addresses on May 18, the co-valedictorians, both of whom started at Norfolk Academy in first grade, offered portraits of how much friendships mattered in shaping their lives.

Milla Avery, who will attend Stanford University this fall, thanked her peers for specific moments, large and small, that shaped her. She touched on lighthearted moments, like creating plays in Aftercare, competing in sixth grade homerooms to win Gimkit, completing a dissection “without gagging," and conversations in advisory about "Dr. Rezelman's theory of cheese."

Avery also highlighted the times of deeper learning, like failing an organic chemistry labs that took days to complete, building vocabulary in Latin and French classes, and celebrating hard-fought TCIS victories. Through those experiences, and many more, she and her peers learned to love learning and appreciate one another.

“At NA, the old adage is true, the people really do make the place," she said.

David Martin, who will attend the Naval Academy this fall, picked up the theme, thanking his peers and calling their influence one of the “greatest blessings of my life." He also thanked those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to “iron out the wrinkles," including, bus drivers, refectory workers, and grounds staff.

Martin said that the school has taught lessons that go far beyond the classroom about resilience, service to others, and working for the betterment of society.

“We have all of the skills we need to do something truly fantastic," he said. “It is up to each and every one of us to use what we’ve learned and to do what it takes to make a profound difference."

The Class of 2026 is ready to step into the future!

Graduation Photo Gallery