SAVANNAH, Ga. - GeorgiaChron -- Bethesda Academy held its annual Scholarship Gala at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 20, on the grounds of the historic school. "Under the Oaks" was the theme of the event, and all proceeds benefitted scholarship programs for students who would otherwise not be able to afford tuition. The festivities continued with the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2022 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 21.

"This class is very special to the school. They had to overcome so much over the last two years with the pandemic and countless disruptions," said Bethesda Academy President Dr. Michael Hughes. "They showed their tenacity and I am so proud of what they achieved. We are confident they're going to do great things in the future."

Quentin Marlin, Chair of the Board of Governors of Bethesda Academy, was the keynote speaker at the Scholarship Gala. Marlin is an attorney and partner with Ellis Painter Attorneys at Law. A native of Savannah, he graduated from Mercer University School of Law and served in the Georgia Air National Guard, deploying overseas for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002 and within the U.S. for Hurricane Katrina relief in 2005.

More on Georgia Chron

• DPF – Diesel Particulate Filter Maintenance DIY– Save Fuel Reduce Pollution – ECOFuelMax
• Atlanta Real Estate Veteran Marvetta Bozeman to Host Business Support Workshop
• 65% of Today's Workforce Is Actively Looking for Another Job; Culture Over Everything Is the Solution
• Macon: Staff Spotlight: Julie Moore
• "WHEN THE DOGS LEFT" - University of Georgia Documentary on Civil Rights, Journalism & Performing Arts

On graduation day, the twelve students of the Class of 2022 took the ceremonial Reflection Walk with the faculty and staff. The group strolled across the campus, stopping at various buildings and outdoor locations to reflect on their time at Bethesda Academy. The students shared stories of lessons learned, friends they met, and memorable moments during their experience at the school. At the conclusion of the Reflection Walk, the graduation ceremony was held.

The Class of 2022 Valedictorian is Adrian  O'Kee, who has received a scholarship to attend Savannah College of Art & Design to pursue graphic design. The Salutatorian is Charles "Chad" Grefski Jr. and he will attend Georgia Southern University.

ABOUT BETHESDA ACADEMY
Founded in 1740, Bethesda Academy is the oldest child-care institution in the United States. Now it is a private day school for young men in grades six through twelve and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The 650-acre campus features a variety of athletic teams, a wildlife management and cattle program and a college preparatory curriculum. Through its "Lead The Way" initiative, students have access to exclusive integrated learning and leadership opportunities. For more information, visit https://bethesdaacademy.org or call 912.644.4376.