News & Events

“Norfolk Academy's most valuable tradition — Honor."

So began Tunstall Honor Council Chair Xander Dukas '25 in his S. Barron Segar Day speech. It is intentional that Segar Day and its celebration of honor takes place on the second day of classes and brings the entire school together. It serves as a reminder of our emphasis on building students of the highest character and the culture that stems from that emphasis.

S. Barron Segar was an accomplished civic leader and a Norfolk Academy trustee for almost three decades, starting in the 1950s. He was known for his impeccable character, and during his time on the board the modern version of NA's Honor System emerged.

Head of School Travis Larrabee noted the culture that stems from the Honor System: Open cubicles and lockers, personal honesty, trust building and truth telling, and academic integrity are ingrained as the central role of the Norfolk Academy education.

“It is simultaneously a North Star, for our individual journeys of integrity, and it is the core of our community of trust," Larrabee said.

Aarthy Thamodaran '05 gave the S. Barron Segar Day Address on Wednesday, August 28. A senior associate at Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, one of the world's leading international law firms, and a member of the Academy's Board of Trustees, Thamodaran told students that they will face difficult decisions as they go through school, tests that will be tougher once they begin professional careers. Form a strong moral compass as a Bulldog, she said, learning from the lessons taught and the experiences offered.

“The sense of honor that you gain here from your years at Norfolk Academy will help you navigate and excel in these tests."

A graduate of Yale University, Georgetown University Law Center, and the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, Thamodaran has built an impressive resume in both the financial and legal worlds. One lesson she has learned is that people are judged on their character more than their academic success. In this Year of Understanding on campus, she said there is a strong connection between honor, character, and understanding.

“Take the time to dig deeper and truly engage with any content or any opposing viewpoint that you encounter," she said. “Do your diligence. Consider all perspectives. Find the facts. Apply empathy and compassion. And finally, consult your moral compass."

Doing so will help you make connections and contributions to our society.

“With this foundation of honor and understanding, differences can create positivity and generate progress," Thamodaran said. “With this foundation of honor and understanding you can become the best version of yourself. And you can serve your community, whether that be your school, your country, or your planet, with an open heart and generosity of spirit. And even better, you can make some friends along the way."

2024-25 Tunstall Honor Council

• Xander Dukas '25, Chair
• Parker Codington '25
• Peter Galiotos '25
• Vivi Deans '26
• Nethan Liyanage '26
• Parks Andrews '27
• Wes Miller '27

2024-25 Royster Honor Council

• Charlie Adler '28
• Veer Desai '28
• Ellie Trant '28
• Teagan Oswald '29
• Max Warburton '29
• Justus Coleman '30
• Lilly Beth Hedley '30