The Friday before spring break, Middle and Upper School students, faculty and staff participated in the 51st Grit Day. Winners were treated to a cold spoonful of grits from the traditional bedpan at divisional assemblies.
Traditions Continue
Seventh graders served together at Franklin First United Methodist's Giving Garden, painting fences, hauling mulch, cutting flowers, and more.
The Sondra Morris and Robert N. Moore, Jr. '52 Center for Arts and Entrepreneurship hosted its first musical, the Upper School production of Disney's High School Musical.
For the first time since 2019, all Upper School Greers and Platos battled across the Harpeth River, with their friends and family members cheering from the bridge overhead. The Greers were victorious in our 83rd Annual Tug of War, but the Platos have still won more Tugs – 41 – to the Greers' 40.
Also for the first time since 2019, fifth through eighth grade students participated in an All-Middle School Tug across the on-campus creek, with the Platos dragging the Greers into the water.
In April, the Middle School's production of The Witch's Princess played to audiences in the new Center for Arts and Entrepreneurship theater.
In May, Lower School students participated in a week of service. Kindergarteners collected, delivered, and shelved nonperishable items at St. Paul's food pantry; first graders delivered flowers and notes to local businesses along Main Street in Downtown Franklin; and second through fourth graders packaged more than 10,000 meals through a partnership with Rise Against Hunger.
The Upper School Choir held its spring choral concert in the CAE theater.
Middle and Upper School art students' work was celebrated in an on-campus exhibition in the galleries of the Mary Campbell Visual Arts Center.
The Middle and Upper School bands hosted an evening of music for the BGA community in the Center for Arts and Entrepreneurship theater.
Second graders completed their unit on metamorphosis with their annual butterfly release at the Harpeth Campus.
The College Center hosted its annual window painting competition on college t-shirt day as seniors announced their college plans.
The Class of 2022 celebrated their "almost alumni" status with a luncheon hosted by the BGA Alumni Association the Friday before graduation.
The Lower School held its annual Fun in the Sun Day complete with games outside, crafts, and a concert with children's songwriter Roger Day.
BGA held its 133rd commencement ceremony in the Cherry Sports Center on Sunday, May 15. Senior Dalia Diab was named valedictorian. Dalia plans to attend Northwestern University in the fall.
The Class of 2022 gathered at the flagpole following commencement ceremonies to sing the alma mater and toss their caps in celebration.
As part of its annual end-of-year traditions, the Lower School held its spirit parade on the students' last day at the Harpeth Campus.
Fourth-graders celebrated their Lower School achievement and transition to the Middle School during their moving-up ceremony in the Sondra Morris and Robert N. Moore, Jr. '52 Center for Arts and Entrepreneurship.
The BGA Fund's Impact on Student Life
Just as the BGA Fund provides for the school’s incredible educational opportunities and supportive teachers and coaches, it also contributes to the traditions and experiences that make the end of the school year so special for our students and families.
Lower School students went out into the Williamson County community to make a difference and serve others. Middle and Upper School students participated in their Spring plays and concerts. Our Glen Echo Campus hosted Grandparents and Special Friends Day performances. Greers and Platos stood across from one another in the Tug, including our Upper School students going out to the Harpeth. Alumni returned to campus for Reunion & Alumni Weekend. Fourth and Eighth Grade students “moved up” to their next Division. And our Class of 2022 commencement ceremony returned to the Cherry Sports Center as we officially sent off our newest alumni from the halls of the Academy to 53 colleges and universities in 28 states, including Dartmouth College, New York University, Northwestern University, Wake Forest University, and Yale University.
BGA students make meaningful relationships with their classmates and teachers inside the classroom and out. Gifts to the BGA Fund ensure that those relationships can be built and strengthened through our special traditions.
BGA Fund Giving Circles
LEADERSHIP GIFT CIRCLES
Head of School's Circle
$25,000+
Wall-Mooney Circle
$12,500+
Fleming Circle
$6,000+
Greer-Plato Circle
$3,000+
1889 Circle
$1,889+
GIFT CIRCLES
Quadrangle Circle
$700+
Tug Circle
$450+
Glen Echo Circle
$250+