Bethesda Academy will hold its annual Scholarship Gala at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 20, on the grounds of the historic school. “Under the Oaks” is the theme of the event, and all proceeds benefit scholarship programs for students who would otherwise not be able to afford tuition. The festivities continue 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, is 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. 

On graduation day, the twelve students of the Class of 2022 will take the ceremonial Reflection Walk with the faculty and staff. The group will stroll across the campus, stopping at various buildings and outdoor locations to reflect on their time at Bethesda Academy. The students will share 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 will be 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.