News - Norfolk Academy

New Tunstall Student Council Installed With A Call For Community Service

Aug 27 2021

Oliver Jones '22 believes students this school year have a golden opportunity, one that they should take full advantage of by giving back to communities in need.

Oliver is 2021-22 President of the Tunstall Student Council, which was installed Friday during Upper School Chapel. Council members serve as leaders of the student body.

Norfolk Academy is committed to making this year as much like pre-pandemic times as possible. Safety protocols like masks and distancing remain in place, along with a bevy of additional steps the school has taken to protect the community. With those measures in place, popular activities like athletics and Tunstall Olympiad are returning to their regular places on the calendar.

That is a benefit that should not be overlooked, Oliver said as he spoke from the podium in Johnson Theater.

“When I consider this year, I imagine a gift in front of me," he said. “The gift of a Norfolk Academy education means even more when we consider the loved ones who have given it to us: our parents, our teachers, and our friends. Once again, we have the opportunity to return to the many things that made life so joyous."

Students should take full advantage, and come together to serve the greater good, Oliver said. They should provide public service, whether that be raising money for children through the Joy Fund or organizing other volunteer projects.

“Through these sacred avenues, we will be drawn together," he said, bringing a reminder that this is the Year of Togetherness at Academy.

Oliver is a three-sport athlete, playing football, wrestling, and rowing. He also is a member of the Batten Leadership Program Chesapeake Bay Fellows, the Chess Club, Military Appreciation Club, and Girl Up Club.

As President, Oliver promised to facilitate connections within the campus community. And he called on students to cherish the connections they share with one another and the school.

“Let us approach the new year with a commitment to service, spirit, and community," he said.

The 2021-22 Tunstall Student Council:

Executive Officers: President Oliver Jones '22; Vice President Ross Hope '22; Secretary Rebecca Schill '23; Treasurer Areen Syed '24.

Senior Class President Trey Custodio '22; Vice President Gavin Goss '22; Secretary Rachel Thetford '22; Treasurer Foster Kimple '22; Class Representative Benjamin Farpour '22.

Junior Class President Rylan Goss '23; Vice President Bennett Yue '23; Secretary Bella Burr '23; Treasurer Will Ward '23; Class Representative David Glassman '23.

Sophomore Class President Joe Bakkar '24; Vice President Richard Hope '24; Secretary Sam Shumadine '24; Treasurer Marin Soderberg '24; Class Representative Srivarun Hathwar '24.

English Teacher Charlotte Zito serves as faculty advisor.