From the Nominator

To mark Concord Academy’s (CA’s) 100th anniversary, more than 600 community members gathered for our Centennial Celebration, which was both one heck of a party and a tribute to the power of a CA education. While honoring the school's history and mission, the event was an unprecedented opportunity for constituents across generations and affiliations to meet, reconnect, and engage in deep discussions. “CA’s Mission in Motion: Centennial Speaker Series” was the centerpiece of the celebration. In these panel discussions, over 30 alums offered their perspectives on wide-ranging topics—all speaking to the community’s investment in positive change. Throughout the weekend, guests took advantage of numerous opportunities to reflect on CA’s first century. These opportunities included perusing the Centennial Archival Display and a digital alum art exhibition; contributing to the Centennial Oral History Project; and participating in student-led tours, a special memorial service, reunion class gatherings, and more. The celebratory evening dinner featured toasts by CA luminaries and performances by alums (including an alum chorus), students, and parents. The feeling during the weekend was one of collective renewed energy and belief in Concord Academy and its mission. One alum, in a note of gratitude, called it a “fountain of youth.” In all, the Centennial Celebration was a time for the CA community to think, connect, and reenergize.

From the Judges

Concord Academy demonstrated exceptional skill in coordinating numerous alumni volunteers simultaneously for a series of events, a challenging feat in itself. Their meticulous planning, including the strategic use of staff resources and the engagement of external consultants, ensured the successful execution of the events. This proactive approach displayed their commitment to delivering a memorable experience that resonated with their alumni community and contributed to the high attendance rates.