NSA Celebrates Improvements to Lower School Spaces, Honors Those Who Made Them Possible

NSA's youngest students now have even more opportunities to learn, read, explore and play thanks to enhancements to two familiar Lower School spaces.

On Friday, August 21, the Office of Advancement and Head of School Mike Barclay welcomed the Board of Trustees, members of the administrative team, The Saints Go Marching On capital campaign committee, leadership donors and friends of NSA to the Main Campus to celebrate the unveiling of a reimagined Becky Godwin Memorial Lower School Library and a transformed outdoor amphitheater, now named the Henderson Hannah Courtyard. The projects are among the latest enhancements made possible through the school’s $10 million capital campaign, The Saints Go Marching On, which is focused on making strategic improvements to both campuses.

During the celebration, Director of Philanthropy Kenda Council '91 reflected on the history of the two spaces and how their transformation will allow NSA to better meet the needs of current and future Saints.

"The Becky Godwin Memorial Lower School Library has been a hub for learning for generations of Saints and has served NSA well since its establishment in 1991," said Kenda. "It was time to modernize the space and our collection of books. The amphitheater has been the venue for many class performances, gatherings and special events through the years, but over time, the space became unusable. We knew the space had the potential to once again become an important part of campus life."

Construction on both spaces began in May, and crews worked diligently throughout the summer to make sure they were ready to welcome students for the 2026-2027 academic year.

The transformation of the Becky Godwin Memorial Lower School Library began with Lower School Librarian and Media Specialist Beth Miller and current parent and volunteer Emmi Holt, who worked together to pack the library’s collection before renovations could begin. The improvements include modern furniture designed to encourage reading and foster literacy development, huddle rooms to promote collaboration and small group work, a new faculty and staff break room, new carpeting, updated lighting and more. The project was made possible through the generosity of donors and the work of an all-alumni vendor team, including Mark Brinkley '87 with CW Brinkley, David Russell '88 with Tile & Terrazzo, Lauren Perry '08 with HBA Architecture, Mallory and Matt Tuttle '05 with Tuttle Office Interiors and John Tuttle '03 with The Supply Room.

The redesign of the amphitheater, now the Henderson Hannah Courtyard, began in 2025, when NSA partnered with Altruistic Design in Virginia Beach to explore ways to make better use of the space and improve accessibility for students and faculty. Casey Downey with Clean Cut Image Landscaping helped level the former amphitheater and transform it into a courtyard, while past trustee, current parent and Bennett's Creek Nursery owner Matt Sawyer '99 designed and donated the landscaping. Tuttle Office Interiors served as the furniture vendor, and The Supply Room created recognition plaques. The result is a beautiful and welcoming outdoor space where students, parents, faculty and staff can gather, eat, play and even grow vegetables and flowers.

For the Henderson family, supporting the project also provided an opportunity to celebrate a family connection to NSA that spans generations. Lead donors and current parents Dr. Adam Henderson '03 and Dr. Kate Henderson attended the celebration with their children, Brooks '38 and Emma '40, as well as Adam’s parents, Donna and Charlie Henderson. Also in attendance were Adam’s aunt, past parent Barbara Hannah, and his uncle, past parent and past trustee Billy Hannah, who had no idea that another surprise was waiting for him.

During the celebration, the family learned for the first time that the space would officially be known as the Henderson Hannah Courtyard. 

Adam and Kate chose the name as a way to honor both the Henderson and Hannah families and recognize their longstanding connection to NSA. The tribute also reflects the family’s many years of involvement with and support of the school, a connection that is now shared by another generation.

After officially announcing the courtyard's new name, Adam, Kate and their family were invited to cut the ceremonial ribbon, surrounded by friends and members of the NSA community. 

Following the ribbon cutting, attendees had the opportunity to see students officially tour both spaces for the first time since undergoing renovations. Students filled the courtyard with blue and gold bubbles and took home coloring sheets featuring the new Becky Godwin Memorial Lower School Library and the Henderson Hannah Courtyard.

For generations of Saints, the Becky Godwin Memorial Lower School Library and the amphitheater have been part of the everyday moments that make an NSA education special. Now, thanks to the vision and support of our community, these transformed spaces are ready to foster connection and a love of learning while creating new memories for generations to come. We'd like to extend our sincere appreciation to the donors, alumni, parents and friends who made these improvements possible. If you are interested in learning more about The Saints Go Marching On capital campaign, please contact Director of Philanthropy Kenda Council '91 at kcouncil@nsacademy.org.