60 Years of Excellence, Empowering Opportunities, Building Legacies

Established in 1964, Brunswick Academy operated from four buildings in areas surrounding Lawrenceville — Enrollment of 266 students — Charles Mahlon Saunders, Jr. — Headmaster

Corner Stone Ceremony held on October 2, 1965 dedicating Brunswick Academy to the parents and friends whose devotions to a cause, and sacrifices made it possible for this dream to become a reality.

Football equipment was purchased and students were allowed to participate in football for the first time in the history of the school during the 1967-1968 school year. The athletic field was graded and seeded, and a field house was constructed on the premises. It also marked the first conference championship for BA as an accomplishment of the JV football team. 

Brunswick Academy observed its first Homecoming on the weekend of October 28, 1967. The activities began with a bonfire and pep rally on Friday night. On Saturday afternoon, a large crowd gathered for the game with Albemarle. Ronnie Cheely led the pre-game ceremonies with a welcome to alumni and friends. Rev. Henry Matthews delivered the invocation, and Sandra House sang the National Anthem. During half-time, the Hon. Joseph C. Hutcheson crowned Dianne Daniel as Homecoming Queen. The homecoming festivities climaxed with a dance on Saturday evening given by the SCO. Our first homecoming proved a great success and will be fondly remembered by alumni and students.

The school year, 1967-1968, also marked the first time that the Vikings’ Voice newspaper was printed. The newspaper consisted of eight pages crammed with pictures and stories of students, club activities, and sporting events.

The Lower School building is added on campus

Building to house the library was erected.

Final score proclaims Brunswick Academy Varsity Girls Basketball team VAAC Tournament Champs – first in BA’s history 

BA captured the first VAAC Conference Championship in Varsity Baseball. 

In 1970, Brunswick Academy witnessed the addition of a gymnasium — auditorium — classroom — cafeteria complex added to campus.

The 1971 Junior-Senior Prom was even more special at Brunswick Academy, since it was the first to be held in the school’s new gymnasium. Untold hours of work by the junior class resulted in an atmosphere of “Moonlight and Roses.”

Newly organized chess club challenges young minds — Mr. Fred Creasy and Mr. Eddie Blick organize a chess club with ten students joining the group.

The Fall of 1973 ushered in the creation of a new concept at Brunswick Academy – the formation of a Middle School, which was to be housed in the infamous “green building.”  Previously, the Academy’s student body had been grouped into Lower School (grades K-7) and Upper School (grades 8-12). The Middle School came into being by grouping grades 5-8 under a separate heading. The Middle School is added to the campus.

Headmaster Hugh P. Nolen oversees completion of first ten years of operation. Nolen writes, “The success in the future as has been true of the past, depends on the concerted efforts by many fine citizens of The Academy who can say, ‘We have given our share, we have done our best, and the result is evident,” we are justly proud of BA.”

Mr. Dave Newsome arrives as a new faculty member at Brunswick Academy. He’ll dedicate forty-two years to the school, and he will fill the positions of history teacher, football and baseball coaches, Assistant Headmaster of the High School, and Headmaster.

For the first time in BA’s history, the Varsity Softball team coached by Gwen Walton brought home the pennant as they are awarded the first softball championship as VAAC Champs

Brunswick Academy’s first headmistress, Mrs. Jessie Wood, opened the year on September 8^th with a traditional assembly where each senior took the hand of a 1^st grade student and led them into the assembly, an activity that continues to be a tradition each year known as the Senior-First Grade March.

Emphasized the Bicentennial this year – On November 3^rd, the SCO held a flag raising day on the lawn. SCO President Mike Wright raises the ’76 flag during the Flag Raising Ceremony of the Bicentennial Week.

One of the many projects of the Athletic Club this year was work on a softball field for the Lady Vikings.

Mrs. Jean Grizzard arrives this year to teach Middle School Science. She will dedicate thirty-four years to the school — twenty-two years as Headmistress. 

Honor Code and Council was instituted after being reviewed by the faculty and headmistress with a final review by the Board of Directors, who approved it after several changes and revisions. The council itself was made up of students chosen and voted on by the students. 

The Honor Council was led by Debbie Allen, who served as chairman and Marshall Harris, who was vice-chairman. Cases brought before the council were voted on by the members and their decision was a recommendation to Headmistress Mrs. Wood as she held the final word in all the cases. The purpose behind the honor code as Mrs. Wood states was “to instill in youth such principles as honesty, self-respect, and consideration for others.”

Varsity Cheerleaders under the leadership of two new sponsors, Mrs. Glenda Link and Miss Martha Keedwell, earn their first trophy as the conference’s best squad.

The first BA students travel with their teachers to Europe.

First BA musical was presented — it was entitled “The Yankee Doodle.”

The start of a new tradition begins in the Spring of 1977. The juniors made a daisy chain through which the seniors marched at the beginning and end of the class day ceremony. As the seniors had marched through the daisy chains, the juniors carried the chains outside and placed them on the brick marker in front of the school to conclude the class day activities. (New Tradition — Daisy Chain for Class Day) 

BA wins the first Varsity Boys Basketball V.A.A.C. Championship

After knocking out a wall between two classrooms in the Middle School,
BA now offers students a large work area for our new Home-Ec class, taught by Mrs. Ola Jones.

Our Christmas Chapel in the gym began with prayers and readings following a message from Dr. M.R. Atkinson. The student body surrounded the gym floor to hold lit candles and to sing Christmas carols.

Expanding the corps this year to twelve (12) BA girls meant twice as much work to get together, but the majorettes proved their skill and ability when they arrived home in August with the title of “Grand Champions of Virginia for 1979-1980” under a new sponsor, Mrs. Jeanne Weaver 

BA boys won their First “Triple Crown” Championship winning VAAC championships in football, basketball, and baseball.

The enrollment of BA reaches 625 students.

Money donated by the Class of 1982 helps to finance a new service ramp for the buses. Built over the summer, the ramp provides for the maintenance and refueling of buses.

Students involved in sports became excited as they heard the news that the  Athletic Club had raised the necessary funds to purchase a “team bus” for BA as a main means of travel to games for student athletes.

BA’s first soccer team was organized by the PE teacher, Mrs. JoAnne Edmonds.

The faculty and staff received the first Christmas bonuses from the profits of magazine drive — which grossed about $30,000.

The new BA Band presented their first concert at Christmas with conductors Mr. Jeff Barnes and Headmaster, Mr. Michael Redman.

The SCO (Student Council Organization) prepares a luncheon for the teachers.

Band at BA, under the direction of Headmaster Mr. Michael Redman, is having a major impact on improving school spirit because of their dedication to play at pep rallies and games.

Marked the formation of the first Golf team at BA.

The PreSchool program was added for the first time – designed as an enrichment experience with emphasis on socialization, a hands-on approach to learning, and FUN three days a week. 

For the first time in the history of Brunswick Academy, the Varsity Tennis team is named Conference Champions. 

BA offers Physics, which is taught by the new Headmaster Mr. Bill Long.

Mrs. Jean Grizzard begins her long tenure as Headmistress. She will dedicate thirty-four years to the school — twenty-two years as Headmistress. 

The Hi-Y Co-Ed. Club was organized with thirty-five students, who met under the guidance of sponsors, Mrs. Ames Tillar, Mrs. Gloria Pernell, and Mr. Garwood. 

A school assembly was held on Constitution Day when the students heard an address presented by Senator Richard J. Holland

Brunswick Academy’s first fashion show

Dual enrollment classes are now being offered to BA students both on campus as well as SVCC’s campus in a partnership with Southside Virginia Community College. 

The 1995 Viking Varsity Football team and their season was a record breaker for Brunswick Academy in football. The no loss season was coached by Dennis Moore (Head Coach) and Robert Coltrane (Assistant Coach). The team went “all the way” to win the State Championship.

Computer labs were updated this year with the addition of new computers and 2 new labs. Students in all three buildings are experiencing computer literacy.

Some BA juniors and seniors dressed in prom attire and entertained residents at Brian Center by giving them a prom.

The Brunswick Academy Golf team, coached by Jeff Rich, brings home the title of Conference Tournament Champions, the first time ever in the school’s history for golf. 

The Brunswick Academy Theatre was formed in 1997 by a group consisting of parents, grandparents, and friends of the students. They felt that the students should be exposed to and given the opportunity to experience live theatre. The first production to be offered was The Secret Garden on March 26-28, 1987 in the gymnasium. The Broadway production included both faculty and students from BA. Starting in October, the cast and crew spent long hours preparing for the production. Director Glenda Wootton and music director Matt Smith provided instructions and advice. After 1997, many more productions followed year after year.

Brunswick Academy Theatre is a parent-run organization providing a theatrical outlet for students of Brunswick Academy. B.A. Theatre has produced a number of Broadway musicals and theatrical comedies involving student volunteers acting; creating sets, props, costumes; and operating the technical equipment necessary for a full-scale show, including those related to visual arts.

Theatre offers an introduction to performing arts for a number of students and gives them a showcase for their talents and interests. Through the loyal support of the administration, faculty, parents, patrons, and corporate sponsors, Brunswick Academy Theatre has been able to create some wonderful memories for the participants and audience members alike.

Twenty BA students attend the Model General Assembly weekend, held at the Marriott in Richmond.

Mrs. Allen leaves school early to give a tour at her Pumpkin Farm to BA students

The nineteenth annual Virginia Beef & Dairy Festival meets again on May 20, 1998, at the Lawrenceville airport. The afternoon was a chance for alumni, patrons and BA friends to enjoy good food and fellowship.

PTO contribution of the “Illumination Project,” which provided the school with the outside lights installed in the fall.

BA’s first annual science fair, which includes all grade levels, meet for the first time.

The SCO is a service organization — this year they are sponsoring the Thanksgiving Food Drive and the Angel Tree Drive

Mrs. Owen and Mrs. Moore’s classes go to Norfolk, where they visit the U.S. Naval base and Norfolk Zoo.

Berkeley Horne is elected to serve Lt. Governor of the MGA. This election marks only the 2nd time a BA student has won a major office at MGA. 

Members of the community, Board of Directors, administration, faculty/staff, and students all gathered to celebrate the unveiling of the new administrative office at a ribbon cutting ceremony held on May 10, 2006. Mr. Richard Short, President of the Board of Directors at that time, officially opens the doors to the new Administrative Office where the Human Resources, Development, Admissions, and Head of School offices are located.

Mrs. Butler, the widow of Mr. James T. Butler, Jr., cuts the ribbon to officially announce the opening of the new James T. Butler, Jr., Memorial Library.

First year within the newly constructed buildings: Administration/Elementary School, Middle School, and Library.

A welcomed addition to the football field has been stadium style, handicap accessible bleachers, due in large part to the commitment of our Athletic Club. Other improvements included a new press box, upgrades to the current concession stand, and a new sound system.

In December of 2012, Brunswick Academy held a special dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony for its new wooden floor for the gymnasium.

In the summer prior to the 2013-2014 school year, QuickSchools has been implemented as our student management system, which has been a major institutional stride into the automation of student data and records, including student schedules, attendance records, gradebook data/progress reports/report cards, transcripts, and other pertinent student information, beginning with the student’s initial date of enrollment.

Dedication was held in the fall of 2013 in honor of veteran coach, Dennis A. Moore. 

Advancements within the technology department –  2 new SmartBoards and iPads for each teacher 

Implemented in the Fall of 2014, the resource program, serves students in grades K-12 with remediation and enrichment opportunities and accommodation needs.

Brunswick Academy held a 50^th Celebration Bash on January 25, 2014 at the Golden Leaf Warehouse in South Hill. The crowd of over 450, enjoyed dancing the night away to the music of J.B. and the Get Down Browns. Guests also had fun taking pictures at the photo prop booth and watching a slideshow of pictures taken from the beginning of the school’s start in 1964 to the present. Alumni, current and old patrons, and community members came out to celebrate the school’s big milestone! It was a great night celebrating B.A.’s 50^th year. 

Celebrating BA’s 50^th Anniversary

Enhancements to the facilities have been made in the athletic department. The Fleshood Softball Field now has a field house complex with locker room, restroom, and a storage/press room for scorekeepers. The C. Holton Harrison Baseball Field has been newly refurbished with a brick backstop having been built, that runs from dugout to dugout. The scoreboard was repositioned in center field to enable all spectators a clearer view. Following these modifications, the C. Holton Harrison Baseball Field was rededicated in May 2016. 

A new sound system has been installed in the gymnasium.

The Big Vikes and Little Vikes program began this year as a new tradition! Board Member Amanda Sadler is the face behind this wonderful program. Each senior is assigned a first grade “Little Vike” at the beginning of the school year. Throughout the year, the Big Vikes and Little Vikes had holiday parties, read books, had recess, and spent lunch times together. The Little Vikes visited the Big Vikes during their special luncheon and had an end of year celebration. Many new friendships were made and lives touched!

Beginning 2017-2018: Partnership with Liberty University Online Academy for Dual Enrollment classes offered.

The Brunswick Academy Fishing Club was formed in 2018 through BASS Nation.

A brand new Brunswick Academy tradition was born as we held our first Honors Convocation for grades 6th-12th. Pastor Dan Jarrell of the New Hope Baptist Church in South Hill spoke about honor and integrity. Pastor Dan challenged the student body to always seek wisdom… for knowledge is knowing what is right, but wisdom is doing what is right. PTO Co-President, Michelle Edmunds, spoke about the new PTO sponsored CAUGHT program and lead students in a Kindness Pledge. Afterwards, Senior Morgan Moore lead the student body in reciting the Brunswick Academy Honor Code. Students were then called down by grade to officially sign the Brunswick Academy Honor Code. These Honor Code posters have been framed and are now on display in the Middle School and the High School. 

For the first time in BA history, the 2018-2019 Varsity Volleyball  team finished first in conference. The team was coached by Kenny Warf, who received VCC Coach of the Year.

New grading scale implemented.

A new tradition was begun at the Senior-First Grade March held on August 20, 2019 – the pinning of legacy members of the senior class whose parents are also graduates of Brunswick Academy. We were proud to be able to recognize 20 legacy families from the Senior Class of 2020!

On October 10, 2019 at the Varsity football game, Brunswick Academy recognized a “legend” to the Viking family, Mr. Dennis A. Moore. He coached at Brunswick Academy for 38 years and also served as Athletic Director for 26 years. He was named Football “Coach of the Year” in 1995, 2001, and 2002. Dennis Moore coached the Vikings to victory in the State Championship in the years – 1995, 2001, 2002 & his teams also became Conference Champions in 1981, 1986, 1989, 1990, 1992, and 1995. In honor of his dedication, Brunswick Academy proudly presented the Dennis A. Moore Field Monument Sign to him and our school community.

The Vikettes, a dance club, formed in Winter 2019.

The Upper School curriculum is divided into three programs of study: the General Program, the Academic Program and the Honors Program. In partnership with Southside Virginia Community College, students, along with a Brunswick Academy diploma, as of the 2020-2021 school year, now have the option of earning, or at the very least accomplishing a Career & Technical Education Diploma.

Creation of Viking P.R.I.D.E. (Personal Responsibility in Delivering Excellence) as a new K-5 special this year, which focuses on character education. In Viking P.R.I.D.E., students learn Viking virtue traits that will armor them for living their best life.

Grandparents & Special Friends Day 2020, the last social event held before the COVID-19 Quarantine.

School year began on August 18, 2020 with new rules and guidelines due to COVID-19. On August 19, 2020, the Class of 2021 joined their first grade friends to carry out one of the most treasured Brunswick Academy traditions: the Senior-First Grade March. In true 2020 fashion, the event looked a little different, as we had to adjust our plans and move the event outside. Our Big Vikes and Little Vikes did not hold hands as they traditionally do; instead, they held a ribbon as a representation of the ties that bind us.

The Brunswick Academy Class of 2020 was stripped of many of their last traditions and events due to Covid-19. Graduation was scheduled to be held on May 29, 2020 but due to restrictions it had to be postponed. Thankfully, Brunswick Academy was able to hold a Baccalaureate/Commencement ceremony on the morning of June 20, 2020. The ceremony was first of its kind as it was held outside on the Dennis A. Moore Football Field.

The forty graduates wore masks and followed social distancing guidelines marching in and sitting six feet apart. Reverend Greg Hand of Pleasant Hill Christian Church delivered an inspiring message, followed by the speeches from Class Salutatorian, Davis Roberts and Class Valedictorian, Sadler Lundy. B..A. Head of School, Mrs. Brittney Weidman, presented the graduates with their diplomas. It was wonderful to be able to give these students the graduation they so truly deserved.

On June 27, 2020, the Brunswick Academy’s Fishing Team’s top three teams participated in the Joseph Thomson Memorial 6-Man Virginia State Championship. With a total bag of 27.87 pounds caught, the Vikings proudly brought home the State trophy. This particular State win was the first trophy awarded to a school in the North division.

The 2021 Cross Country team, coached by Mrs. Sidney Burke, competed in seven regular season meets and also ran in the VCC Championship meet. They placed 1^st in three of their seven meets and 2^nd in the other four meets. The team finished their regular season strong by placing 1^st in the VCC Conference. 

School-issued Chromebooks have been issued to students in grades 4^th – 12^th grade for use in the classroom to complement the curriculum. With the implementation of the Google Workspace for Education Fundamentals suite in recent years as well as the Chromebook initiative, they have provided a plethora of free online communication and collaboration tools not just for the classroom but schoolwide. The school-issued Chromebooks have also extended opportunities for instruction and learning outside of the classroom during inclement weather.

The Class of 2021 gifted the school eight flags that have been hung in the Administration and High School parking lots — a great addition to the campus.

After an intensive Ten Year Comprehensive Evaluation process, Brunswick Academy has officially earned full accreditation from the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS). Founded in 1973, VAIS is the leader in advancing and advocating for independent school education in Virginia. The VAIS accreditation program is one of a select few recognized as the international level through the International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICAISA). VAIS also is recognized and approved by the Virginia Board of Education through the Virginia Council for Private Education (VCPE). For fifty-nine years, Brunswick Academy has served south central Virginia as a leader in independent education.

Along with providing students experiences in critical thinking, creativity, leadership, decision making, and communication skills, Brunswick Academy also offers its students various opportunities in Career and Technical Education as well as Dual Enrollment Courses. During the three-day accreditation visit, Brunswick Academy was specifically commended on the “Viking Pride” initiative, strong leadership and faculty members, as well as robust campus safety.

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes started this school year under the guidance of sponsors, Jannon Coley and Wesley Christenbury.

The 2023 Varsity Football team achieved remarkable success and made a significant impact on the school’s athletic history. The team’s undefeated record of 11-0 in the VCC showcased their dominance and consistency throughout the regular season. Their impressive performances against conference opponents highlight their talent, preparation, and teamwork. After defeating rival Kenston Forest 84-14 in the state semifinal playoff game, the Vikings advanced to the VIS8FL Div. II State Championship game for the second consecutive year.

The coaching staff, comprised of Bubba Weidman, Dwayne Farmer, Joe Jackson, John Randolph, Doug Hite, and Tim Powell, played a pivotal role in the team’s success. Their leadership, strategic planning, and mentorship provided the players with the guidance and support needed to excel on and off the field.

Spring 2023 marked the formation of the first-ever Track team for Brunswick Academy. 

For the first time in many years, Viking Athletics formed a Tennis team for the 2023 spring season. The team consisted of ten ladies determined to learn and master the game of tennis. The girls ended the season 3-3. The team was coached by Heather Fergeson and her assistants, James and Mary Allgood. 

“Grandparents and Special Friends Day” is undoubtedly a cherished tradition here at Brunswick Academy. Under the musical guidance of Mr. Christenbury, preschool through fifth-grade student transformed the 2024 event into a dazzling “Diamonds and Gems Showcase” that captivated the hearts of all attendees. Each grade level took on the persona of  a different gemstone, infusing the showcase with a sense of variety and creativity.

From the sparkling brilliance of diamonds to the rich hues of sapphires and emeralds, every gemstone was represented, adding a touch of magic to the event. As grandparents and special friends filled the audience, anticipation hung in the air as the young performers took the stage. With confidence and enthusiasm, they shared their talents through special songs and performances tailored to their assigned gemstones, delighting the audience with their infectious energy and heartfelt performances.

60^th Anniversary Celebration Reverse Raffle & Silent Auction held on Saturday, April 13, 2024 in the Brunswick Academy Gym.