- Upper School
Congratulations to the class of 2024 on many of its notable achievements. This class applied to a total of 84 colleges in 16 states and as of April 29, 2024, the Class of 2024 has earned a total of $8,221,792.00 in scholarship money.
The members of this class have logged over 15,000 service hours and volunteered at over 130 different organizations
Barrett Evans Grant has received an appointment and has chosen to attend the United States Air Force Academy.
We always feel an extra measure of gratitude when our graduates make the decision to serve our country. With this in mind, we want to recognize and congratulate a member of the Class of 2024 who, after a long, arduous, and competitive process, has been chosen to attend a service academy. Barrett Evans Grant has received an appointment and has chosen to attend the United States Air Force Academy. Colonel Mark Brown joined us to present Barrett with his appointment.
Salutatorian and Valedictorian of the Class of 2024.
SALUTATORIAN - Lauren Luker
VALEDICTORIAN - Emerson Maughan
12 YEAR CLUB
The 12-Year Club celebrates the remarkable dedication and loyalty of students and families who have been with us for over a decade, marking a significant milestone in their educational journey. These students have grown with us, witnessing the evolution of our institution and contributing to its vibrant community over the years. Their unwavering commitment exemplifies their perseverance and the strong bond they have formed with our school. As members of the 12-Year Club, they stand as a testament to the enduring relationships and quality education that define our institution. We take pride in their achievements and look forward to many more years of success together.
Kate Atkinson, Allison Anderson, Claire Andrews, Charlie Ball, Adyn Barbour, Lynnlee Briggs, Peyton Bryars, Amelia Bush, Lindsey Butler, Jonathan Cain, Elle Campbell , Ethan Carr, Cole Carter, Jackson Cooke, MaryBeth Dicen , Luke Dickinson, Spencer Dickinson, Kelsey Donohoo , Bela Doss, Benjamin Drescher , Justin Faurot, Anna Reid Frost, Greyce Godbehere, Drew Goolsby, Barrett Grant, Walker Gray, Mac Greer, Will Greer, Linley Griffin, Anna Grace Hatfield, Katie Headrick, Stella Helms, Blake Herritt, Matthew Hester, Louis Hoff, Anna Holdefer, Reid Hollis, Abbie Hunt, Finlee Johnson, Caroline Jones, Andrew Kassouf , Caleb Keller, Meredith Kellum, Makenzie Key, Colleen Lehane, Tyler Lin, Luke Livingston, Chloe Lowery, Gabe Margene, Cash Martin, Drew Mathe, Emerson Maughan, Jeb McCary, Gavin McGullion, Ansley Murphy, Lynley Newdome, Jorgia O’Brien, Sam Philley, Peyton Pulliam, A.J.Ray, Grey Reebals, Madison Reynolds, Kelly Rollins, Gigi Rubino, Trey Saunders, Luke Schultz, Alex Shaffer, John David Slowikowski, Lude Solomon, Whit Stubbs, Fowler Stutts, Josh Thompson, Brooks Travis, Megan Tripp, Alan Vickers, Hana Vickery, Avery Walding, Abbey Waters, John Mark Williams, Lucy Williams, Nena Williams, Kristin Wolfe, Brooke Young.
SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION BRONZE GOOD CITIZENSHIP MEDAL
The Sons of the American Revolution Bronze Good Citizenship Medal is given to a senior student selected by the senior faculty. This student embodies good citizenship in and out of the classroom; shows a commitment to scholarship and is willing to challenge herself or himself in the classroom; is a demonstrated leader outside of the classroom in extracurriculars sponsored by BCS; is involved in his and her community; and is well-respected by classmates. This year’s winner is Lindsey Butler.
DAR GOOD CITIZENS AWARD WINNER
The Sumter Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recognizes one student from each high school in its area for outstanding qualities of good citizenship. These school nominees are voted on by the faculty and confirmed by the DAR Chapter. Additionally, one winner from all area schools within the Sumter Chapter Area is selected based on his or her application and essay. This year’s winner from Briarwood and for the entire Sumter Chapter Area is Caleb Keller.
HEISMAN HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP SCHOOL WINNER
The Heisman High School Scholarship Program was created in 1994 through a partnership between Wendy’s and the Heisman Trust. Acceptance Insurance presents and extends the Heisman prestige to our nation’s most esteemed high school seniors by recognizing and rewarding outstanding scholar-athletes who understand that the most important victories happen not only on the field but in their schools and communities. All senior student-athletes are encouraged to apply and a panel from The Heisman High School Scholarship Committee chooses winners from each high school. This year’s winner from Briarwood is Lynley Newdome.
BRYANT-JORDAN SCHOLAR-ATHLETE SCHOOL NOMINEE
Named after two Alabama sports legends – Paul “Bear” Bryant and Ralph “Shug” Jordan – the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Program brings together the best and brightest high school senior student-athletes in Alabama to recognize excellence and award college scholarships to celebrate their achievements. The Scholar-Athlete Award honors high school seniors selected by their school’s athletic staff who are both superior athletes and outstanding students. Selection considerations include the following: scholastic standing, sports involvement in Alabama High School Athletic Association-sanctioned sports, athletic honors, student leadership, and civic/church leadership. Briarwood’s Scholar Athlete Nominee is Bella Doss.
BRYANT-JORDAN ACHIEVEMENT SCHOOL NOMINEE
In addition, each Alabama High School Athletic Association member school nominates one student-athlete for the Bryant-Jordan Achievement Award. The 2023 Bryant-Jordan Achievement Award Nominee for Briarwood was nominated for her athletic ability and leadership; ability to overcome obstacles; dedication to her sports and dedication in the classroom. Please help me congratulate our Bryant-Jordan Achievement Nominee: Sarah Grace Leonard.
ALABAMA WRITERS' FORUM AWARDS
We’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge those seniors who were recognized by the Alabama Writers’ Forum for excellence in Nonfiction, Fiction, & Poetry.
Jackson Cooke, First Place Creative Non-Fiction Long Essay Winner
Allison Anderson, Poetry Judge’s Special Recognition & Poetry Certificate of Merit
Luke Long, Poetry Judge’s Special Recognition
Katie Headrick, Poetry Certificate of Merit
SCHOLASTIC ART & WRITING AWARDS
We’d also like to acknowledge our seniors who were recognized in the Scholastic Art and Writing Competition. Gold Key Winners are now competing at the National Level in New York City.
Katie Headrick, Poetry Gold Key
Allison Anderson, Silver Key in Personal Essay, Poetry and Short Story
Abbie Hunt, Silvery Key in Poetry
Jackson Cooke, Silver Key in Critical Essay
Luke Long, Silver Key in Senior Portfolio
PRESIDENTIAL SERVICE AWARDS
The President's Volunteer Service Award is the premier volunteer awards program in the United States, encouraging citizens to live a life of service through national recognition. Today we will award those individuals who have achieved a certain standard measured by the number of hours served over 12 months during the 2023--2024 academic year.
Bronze Award (serving 100-174 hours) John Mark Williams, Luke Livingston, Nena Williams, Tyler Lee
Gold Award (serving more than 250 hours) Anne Hampton Walker, Avery Leonard, Emmi Claire Willoughby, Luke Long
SHELBY COUNTY YOUTH OF THE YEAR NOMINEES
The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce recognizes that students are our potential business and community leaders and will comprise a significant portion of our workforce in the future. As such, the Chamber has launched this recognition program to celebrate student excellence in the classroom throughout Shelby County. It asks all schools in Shelby County to have its faculty nominate one student in each of two categories for recognition.
Academic Leader of the Year, the Briarwood Senior Faculty and Staff chose Caleb Chapman.
Career Pathway Student of the Year, the Briarwood Senior Faculty and Staff selected Luke Long.
Future Leader of Shelby County Award Winner, chosen out of all students in both categories in all Shelby County schools (both public and private) was Luke Long.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Youth Leadership Development Program is a leadership program for juniors and seniors based on character rather than academic standing. The students selected for this program are identified and recommended by their high school principals, counselors, and teachers. They are students who have by their behavior and character, earned the respect of their educators and are supported by them. These students participate in a 9-month training program to develop leadership skills and contribute to community service. Seniors were recognized at a graduation ceremony on May 7th. This year, Briarwood was represented by Trey Saunders.
FINE ARTS ENDORSEMENT
The Fine Arts endorsement acknowledges a student’s dedication to the Fine Arts throughout their high school career. Students who receive this honor must complete a minimum of 4 full credits in the Arts, demonstrate mastery in one art form, and maintain a high academic record.
Allison Anderson, Kate Atkinson, Lynnlee Briggs, Emory Brown, Peyton Bryars, Lindsey Butler, Jonathan Cain, Rose Denard, Mary Beth Dicen, Piper Dickinson, Bela Doss, Benjamin Drescher, Sarah Ellison, Justin Faurot, Maggie Gerelds, Erin Gilbert, Mac Greer, Will Greer, Matthew Hester, Anna Holdefer, Abigail Hunt, Tyler Lee, Avery Leonard, Luke Livingston, Elisabeth Loudon, Chloe Lowery, Lauren Luker, Ansley Murphy, Gracie Murphy, Jorgia O’Brien, Sam Philley, Peyton Pulliam, Grey Reebals, Madison Reynolds, Kelly Rollins, Gigi Rubino, Brenner Statt, Wilder Sylvester, Charlie Thompson, Hana Vickery, Avery Walding, Anne Hampton Walker, Abigail Waters, Cole Weaver, Luci Williams, Nena Williams, Ike Witt, Brooke Young.
FINE ARTS SUPERLATIVES
Fine Arts Senior Superlatives are given to the outstanding senior student in each of the performance disciplines.
John Philip Sousa Award For Excellence in Band - Allison Anderson
Louis Armstrong Award for Excellence Jazz - Tyler Lee
Radica Show Choir, Leadership Award – Lindsey Butler
Drama Senior Superlative Award-Most Outstanding Actor - Mac Greer
LIONS HEART AWARD
We want to recognize student-athletes who are dedicated to their sports as well as their academics. Seniors had the opportunity to apply for this award that recognizes students who have participated in at least two of the same Alabama High School Athletic Association-sanctioned sports each year of high school and have maintained at least a 3.85 GPA. All student-athletes who applied with the appropriate credentials are awarded.
Bela Doss, Greyce Godbehere, Caleb Keller, Gabe Margene, Ansley Murphy, Josh Thompson, Luci Williams.
SENIOR SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
The Senior Sportsmanship Award is given to one male and one female senior athlete and is voted upon by the coaches and administrators in the Athletic Department. This year’s recipients are:
Girls – Meredith Kellum
Boys – Luke Schultz
Our Presidential Educational Awards are for students who have a 4.0 GPA or have a 4.0 GPA and have achieved a 30 or higher on the ACT by November of their senior year.
PRESIDENTIAL EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The President’s Educational Achievement Award recognizes students who earn a 4.0 GPA or better in high school.
Claire Andrews, Kate Atkinson, Elaina Burt, Claire Butcher, Ethan Carr, Emmi Claire Willoughby, Jack Cornish, Mary Beth Dicen, Luke Dickinson, Piper Dickinson, Spencer Dickinson, Kelsey Donohoo, Evelyn Epps, Justin Farout, Erin Gilbert, Greyce Godbehere, Anna Grace Hatfield, Katie Headrick, Cooper Higgins, Anna Holdefer, Reid Hollis, Finlee Johnson, Meredith Kellum, Makenzie Key, Rylie Ledbetter, Colleen Lehane, Sarah Grace Leonard, Luke Livingston, Thomas Loudon, Chloe Lowery, Cash Martin, Jeb McCary, Jorgia O’Brien, Peyton Pulliam, AJ Ray, Anna Reid Frost, Madison Reynolds, Jackson Roberts, Kelly Rollins, Gigi Rubino, Trey Saunders, Luke Schultz, Jake Souders, Brenner Statt, Wilder Sylvester, Josh Thompson, Hana Vickery, Abbey Waters, Caroline Wedgeworth, Nena Williams, Kristin Wolfe.
PRESIDENT'S GOLD AWARD FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE.
These students have a minimum of a 4.0 GPA and also earned a 30 or higher on the ACT reported to Briarwood prior to November 1, 2023.
Allison Anderson, Lindsey Butler, Caleb Chapman, Bela Doss, Hartwell Forstman, Barrett Grant, Caleb Keller, Tyler Lee, Avery Leonard, Tyler Lin, Luke Long, Elisabeth Louden, Lauren Luker, Emerson Maughan, Ansley Murphy, Lynley Newdome, Alex Shaffer, Anna Caroline Skinner, John David Slowikowski, Whit Stubbs, Luke Taylor, Brooks Travis, Avery Walding, John Mark Williams, Luci Williams, Lily Wilson.
ACSI DISTINGUISHED HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT AWARDS
The Association of Christian Schools International identifies and honors outstanding seniors of ACSI member high schools worldwide with their Distinguished Christian High School Student Awards. Students may be recognized in one or more of the following areas: Academics, Athletics, Christian Service, Fine Arts, and Leadership. It is a pleasure to honor the following Distinguished High School Students from the Class of 2024 for their outstanding achievements in Leadership, Service, Fine Arts, Academics, or Athletics.
Allison Anderson, Kate Atkinson, Lindsey Butler, Kelsey Donohoo, Bela Doss, Erin Gilbert, Greyce Godbehere, Mac Greer, Anna Holdefer, Caroline Jones, Caleb Keller, Meredith Kellum, Avery Leonard, Tyler Lin, Luke Livingston, Luke Long, Elisabeth Loudon, Lauren Luker, Emerson Maughan, Ansley Murphy, Madison Reynolds, Kelly Rollins, Gigi Rubino, Alex Shaffer, John David Slowikowski, Whit Stubbs, Anne Hampton Walker, Luci Williams, John Mark Williams, Emmi Claire Willoughby, Kristin Wolfe.
AP SCHOLARS
Each fall, The College Board’s AP Program recognizes high school students who have demonstrated outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on multiple AP Exams. AP Scholars are students who have scored a 3 or higher on 3 or more AP Exams during the previous spring AP tests. This year’s senior class has 7 AP Scholars. Please come forward to receive your certificate of achievement and stay until the entire group is called.
Allison Anderson, Lindsey Butler, Avery Leonard, Luke Long, Emerson Maughan, Alex Shaffer, John Mark Williams.
In addition, the College Board grants the AP Scholar with Honor designation to students who average a 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and have made a 3.25 or higher on 4 or more AP exams. This year, we have two students who have been awarded the AP Scholar with Honor.
Hartwell Forstman, Lauren Luker
Finally, the College Board grants the AP Scholar with Distinction designation to students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams. This year, we have one student who has received this honor.
Lily Wilson
GLOBAL SEAL OF BILITERACY
This year for the first time, our upper-level language students took part in fluency testing for the Global Seal of Biliteracy. The Global Seal of Biliteracy™ is a certification that enables recipients to showcase their language skills to any school or employer across state lines and national borders, with a unique serial-numbered document. In a global society where intercultural communication has become increasingly important, the Global Seal provides a unique and recognizable certification of language skills. The Global Seal of Biliteracy provides a universally consistent and inclusive micro-credential to increase opportunities for bilinguals from middle school through adulthood.
Lindsey Butler, Gigi Rubino, Anna Caroline Skinner, Whit Stubbs, Lily Wilson.
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP CORPORATION AWARDS
The mission of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) is to recognize and honor the most academically talented students of the United States. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation accomplishes its mission by conducting nationwide academic scholarship programs. The enduring goals of NMSC's scholarship programs are to promote a wider and deeper respect for learning in general and for exceptionally talented individuals in particular and shine a spotlight on brilliant students and encourage the pursuit of academic excellence at all levels of education.
Out of the total pool for the National Merit Scholarship Program, approximately 16,000 high-performing students were named as semi-finalists in the Fall of 2023. These academically talented high school seniors have an opportunity to continue in the competition for some 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth about $30 million that were offered this spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, semifinalists must fulfill several requirements to advance to the Finalist level of the competition. The awardees of National Merit Finalists are candidates judged to have the strongest combination of academic achievements, personal qualities, leadership abilities, and other characteristics that distinguish scholars. I am proud to announce that one Briarwood student was named as a National Merit Finalist. Please help me congratulate
John Mark Williams
HONORS DIPLOMA
To earn an Honors Diploma, a student must take at the minimum, all Honors classes in grades 10-12 in all core subjects. He or she must take at least 4 full-year credit AP Courses and must take 2 full years of the same World Language.
Allison Anderson, Lindsey Butler, Caleb Chapman, Hartwell Forstman, Barrett Grant, Caleb Keller, Avery Leonard, Tyler Lin, Lauren Luker, Emerson Maughan, Ansley Murphy, Lynley Newdome, Alex Shaffer, John David Slowiskowski, Whit Stubbs, Abbey Waters, John Mark Williams, Luci Williams, Lily Wilson.
Please join us in congratulating these students and their dedication to challenging themselves in the classroom and who have been chosen by academic departments as the most outstanding students in the course.
BIBLE AWARDS
Bible 12 –Chloe Lowery
ENGLISH AWARDS
English 12 – Jackson Barnes
Honors English 12 - Alex Shaffer
Honors English 12 DE - Colleen Lehane
AP English Lit 12 – Anna Reid Frost
SOCIAL SCIENCE AWARDS
Government - Anna Holdefer
Economics – Jackson Barnes
AP Government - Kate Atkinson
MATHEMATICS AWARDS
Advanced Algebra w/Financial Applications - Peyton Pulliam
Honors Pre-Calculus DE - Cash Martin
Honors Calculus - Kelsey Donohoo
AP Calculus AB - Caleb Keller
Varsity Math Team - John David Slowikowski
SCIENCE AWARDS
Engineering/CADD - Benjamin Drescher
Honors Biology - Alex Shaffer
AP Physics C - Lauren Luker
Anatomy & Physiology - Kristin Wolfe
Honors Anatomy & Physiology - Kelsey Donohoo
WORLD LANGUAGE AWARDS
Honors French 4 - Hana Vickery
Honors Spanish 4 - Gigi Rubino
FINE ARTS AWARDS
Art 4 - Chloe Lowery and Nena Williams
Yearbook Editor’s Award - Anna Reid Frost
Video Production Award - Alex Shaffer
Sports Media Award - Piper Dickinson
Drama (Mrs. Eady has the awards) - Kelly Rollins
Drama Service Award - Abbie Hunt
SGA AWARDS
President - Whit Stubbs
Vice-President - Gigi Rubino
Secretary - Greyce Godbehere
Delegate at Largen - Kelly Rollins
Chaplain - Luke Long
CLASS HONORS
The Allyson Armistead Allred Scholarship has been awarded in memory of Allyson Armistead Allred, a 1988 graduate of Briarwood Christian School. Her husband John sent this statement about the award: “On April 24th, 4 years ago one of the best people I have ever known won her fight with Cancer after a long battle and went to be with her Savior. Allyson Allred was not only this person but she was my wife and friend. Today we celebrate a Senior who has demonstrated some of the same qualities as my wife. Some of these qualities include selflessness, care for others, and a warrior’s heart through tough circumstances. Congratulations, and may you continually reflect on the meaning of this award." This year, the family has selected Sara Grace Leonard.
MR. AND MISS BRIARWOOD are nominated by the students of the senior class and voted on by faculty and staff.
Miss Briarwood - Lindsey Butler
Mr. Briarwood - Caleb Keller
CATHERINE FUSARI UNSUNG HERO AWARD
The CATHERINE FUSARI UNSUNG HERO AWARD goes to a senior who exemplifies the characteristics of a team player and who quietly does his or her best as a student-athlete participant. This student was voted on by faculty and staff. This year’s Unsung Hero award goes to Lindsey Butler.
JOSEPH HONEA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
The JOSEPH HONEA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP is a $1000 scholarship that has been established in memory of Joseph Honea, who passed away in 2013. It is awarded each year to a senior band member who best embodies the Christian ideals and spirit of Joseph’s life. This year’s recipient is Abbey Waters.
MARTIN SNOOK SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP AWARD
The MARTIN SNOOK SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP & SERVICE AWARD goes to a senior who seeks to live a life that models Psalm 119:2: “Blessed are they that keep His testimonies and that seek Him with the whole heart.” The winner is selected by a vote of the faculty and staff. This year’s recipient of the Martin Snook Award is Luke Long.
COURAGEOUS FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT
The COURAGEOUS FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT award goes to a senior girl who has exhibited leadership, courage, compassion, and transparency in her Christian walk as she has assisted others in their faith journeys. It is awarded based on the vote of BCS faculty and staff. This year’s recipient of the Courageous Fruits of the Spirit Award is Emmi Claire Willoughby.
PEGGY PEVEAR “GOLDEN RULE” AWARD
The PEGGY PEVEAR GOLDEN RULE AWARD goes to a senior student who exemplifies the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This student encourages, supports, and challenges others with the values and principles of the Christian walk. This year’s recipient who was selected by her peers is Allison Anderson.