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The seventh-grade class of Kenston Forest School (KFS) held its graduation via Zoom Wednesday, May 20.

The following students were recognized by KFS Head of School Lori Bacon and KFS Director of Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Ruth Ann Horn, during the program.

VALEDICTORIAN, SALUTATORIAN

AND HISTORIAN

Addison Lillian McDaniel, daughter of John and Lori McDaniel of Kenbridge, was named valedictorian. Salutatorian was Reid William Thomas, son of Will and Jayne Thomas, of Crewe. Emma Kate Reynolds, daughter of Drs. Michael Reynolds and Lisa York of South Hill, was named historian.

FRANCES FARLEY FARRAR (FAIRER) CITIZENSHIP AWARD

Frances Farley Farrar (Fairer) was a local Blackstone citizen, who in her life, stressed character and contributed generously in both time and love to Kenston Forest School students.

Each year a seventh-grade student is chosen who has shown great citizenship and random acts of kindness in our Kenston Forest School community. This year the recipient of the Frances Farley Farrar Award is Reid William Thomas.

THE BITSY HARDY AWARD

S. Gray Hardy (Bitsy) was one of many whose efforts helped to fulfill the dream of Kenston Forest School. Her concern and support for young people in this area, as well as her desire to encourage cultural experiences for our youth in the community, has been an inspiration to those who worked with her. Hardy served on the board of directors for 15 years. She spent many hours seeking funds to provide the facilities enjoyed today. Among her chief projects was the Kenston Forest gymnasium. The purpose of the Bitsy Hardy Award is to recognize the seventh-grade student who most exemplifies the characteristics Kenston Forest School requires: upholding character, scholarship, service and leadership. This year the recipient of the Bitsy Hardy Award is Reid William Thomas.

DAVID WADE WRIGHT SPIRIT AWARD

Wright attended KFS until he passed away at a young age and in the seventh grade. He was not always the best student or athlete, but he always showed great spirit and tried his best in everything. David’s parents, Billy and Daphne Norfleet and Bobby and Judi Wright, and his brother Cory are strong supporters of Kenston Forest School. Each year, Daphne recognizes a graduating seventh grader who demonstrates the same spirit as David. Lily Grace Coleman, daughter of Jodi and Charity Coleman of Alberta is the recipient of this award.

VIRGINIA B. CRAWLEY HISTORY AWARD

The Virginia B. Crawley History Award is presented to the student with the highest academic average in social studies.

Virginia Crawley was a long-time resident of Blackstone. She taught seventh grade at the Blackstone Day School for many years and at Kenston Forest for one year prior to her retirement in 1982. As a teacher, her first love was Virginia history. She was dedicated to providing her students with a broad knowledge of the state’s history and instilling in them a deep appreciation for the rich Virginia heritage. This year the recipient of the Virginia B. Crawley Award is Reid William Thomas.

Science Award: (Highest academic average) Reid William Thomas.

Mathematics Award: (Highest academic average) Pre-algebra 7: Kenlee Mae Mosher. Math 7: Ashton Bryant Lafoon.

Excellence in Language Arts (Highest academic average) Addison McDaniel and Reid Thomas.

Seventh-grade teachers: Math – Sarah Simmons, Language Arts – Cam Williams, Science – Brittni Jones and History – Sarah Dunn.