Convocation Celebrates the Value of Connections

Students, faculty, staff, retired Saints and current and past trustees filled the Thomas W. Johnson Gymnasium in the Beazley Center on Thursday, August 28, for Convocation, where school leaders highlighted the power of connections and the role relationships play in shaping the NSA experience.

The annual event opened with spirited music from the NSA Band and a procession of kindergarten students accompanied by their senior buddies. This tradition symbolizes the beginning and end of a Saint's educational journey and reminds the community of the special bond between our youngest and oldest students.

Following the procession, Head of School Mike Barclay warmly welcomed students, faculty, staff and special guests before he introduced Middle School Student Council representative Drew Thompson '30, who led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Afterward, the Upper School Chorus performed the Alma Mater.

Upper School Student Council President Eliana Carson '26 followed, delivering a heartfelt speech to NSA students. She shared how her NSA experience was more than just deadlines, tests, academic awards and athletic accomplishments. Her favorite memories happened in the small moments she enjoyed with the classmates and faculty she's known for years, and she said it's those moments that have made NSA feel like home. As we all begin the new academic year with a fresh start, Eliana encouraged her peers to embrace new experiences, foster friendships and leave NSA better than they found it.

"This year is going to fly by faster than we think," said Eliana. "One day, it will be the last football game, the last school dance, the last late-night study session and the last time we walk these halls as students. And when that day comes, what will matter most are the moments we created together, the people we grew alongside and the lessons we learned— not just in the classroom, but in life. This year is a new chance to create moments that you can look back and smile on. So let's make them count— not only for ourselves, but also for each other."

Mr. Barclay built on Eliana's message by introducing this year’s theme, Leading with Connections. Holding a puzzle piece as a visual, Mr. Barclay explained that each member of the NSA family is unique, and every person is essential in creating the larger community. To drive this point home, he presented student leaders from each division with a puzzle of their own and challenged them to work together with classmates to complete them.

"In the end, my hope is that as your classes come together to connect these puzzles, you will make connections with each other," said Mr. Barclay. "Some of these connections will be expected. But some, more importantly, will be unexpected."

Convocation also provided a special opportunity to honor two longtime Saints for their extraordinary service to NSA. Together, attendees celebrated the memory of Mrs. Pam Hurdle, who dedicated 26 years to NSA's Business Office, and recognized Mrs. Carol Johnson, who retired in May after 30 years of service as a teacher and counselor. As a tribute to their decades of service, banners will hang in the Thomas W. Johnson Gymnasium in the Beazley Center at the Main Campus, alongside banners of fellow faculty and staff who retired with 25 or more years of service to NSA.

Mrs. Hurdle joined the Saints family in the fall of 1998. She worked in NSA's Business Office until her passing in May. Over the years, she built strong connections across our campuses and contributed quietly but meaningfully to the life of NSA. Known for her fun-loving spirit and impeccable fashion sense, Mrs. Hurdle's vibrant personality lit up every room, and her laughter was contagious. She was cherished by her colleagues and made a lasting impact on the school community. "Pam loved NSA and its employees," said Sharon Byrd, who was not just Mrs. Hurdle's co-worker, but also a close friend. "Personally, we shared many memories together, from getting married within a month of each other to her attending the first birthday party for my grandson, Nick Ricks '30." Nick retired Mrs. Hurdle's banner.

Mrs. Johnson started working at NSA in 1995, and she held many roles during her time as a Saint. She was a teacher, a guidance counselor at the Main Campus and later at the Harbour View Campus, a club leader, a parent and friend. She was a wonderful colleague to her peers, including her sister, Mrs. Ann Woleben, who also taught at NSA and served as our librarian. For Mrs. Johnson, her work was more than a job. It was a calling. "From the very beginning, she created spaces that were safe, joyful and full of love for our students," said Head of Lower School, Harbour View Campus Deborah Oakes. "She guided our youngest Saints through their formative years with warmth, wisdom and compassion, helping them navigate life’s more difficult challenges. Her belief that every child simply wants to be loved and feel like they belong shaped every interaction, every relationship, every day." Annamiles Cox '26 retired Mrs. Johnson's banner.

Convocation continued with Honor Council representative Celine Waddy '26 retiring the Class of 2025 banner. As the NSA Band played "When the Saints Go Marching In," the Varsity Cheerleading Team performed and our mascot, Bernie, made his grand entrance, officially kicking off the school year.

The celebration concluded with cheers and a "Go Saints!" chant, led by seniors and their kindergarten buddies. 

"NSA is what it is because of our one-of-a-kind community that connects the past, present and future," said Mr. Barclay. "This year, let’s lead with connections and make it our best year yet."