Announcements

The TBS Heart Award is presented annually to a TBS student in the top grade level of each division in the lower, middle, and upper schools. Historically, Burlington Day School awarded The Daniel Causey Award to an 8th grader who went the extra mile in service and dedication to the school, and The Elon School bestowed The Faculty Award to a senior who embodied the school’s mission.  We now have the combined spirit of these two awards in the TBS Heart Award. Each recipient was nominated by the faculty based on their commitment to the school and their embodiment of the school, its pledge, and its mission.

 

This year's senior recipient of the Heart Award is Sam Jefferies. Of Sam, his advisor Megan Butler said, "This year’s recipient exceeds the expectations placed upon him through our TBS ideals. His leadership in student government serves as a model of collaboration, commitment and consistency. Not only that, but he’s comfortable in his own skin and exudes that confidence in a way that inspires his peers to do the same. Whether it’s taking on the role of our very own Sparty the Spartan mascot or researching the effects of social media on the wellbeing of its student users, our recipient engages in multiple avenues of extracurricular opportunity. This student not only strives in student life and academics, he also reflects a passion for the arts both in studio art as well as STEM, where he thrives in filmmaking capabilities with an eye for storytelling. He even takes that passion beyond the classroom, attending collegiate camps when possible to stretch his understanding of the discipline. This student is empathetic, responsible, relational, and open-minded."

This year's Lower School Heart Award was presented to fourth grader Mackenzie Carter. Of Mackenzie, her teacher Nicole McDonald said, "This year’s Heart Award recipient is someone who can always be trusted to do the right thing, even when no one is looking. This student chooses kindness, every time, toward all classmates. Fairness, respect and honesty are very important to this student. She shows empathy, compassion and support when she sees a peer in need. This student is a natural leader who encourages others to do the right thing and actively helps her friends reach compromises. Her motives are always genuine, and she never fails to celebrate the accomplishments of her peers."

This year's Middle School Heart Award recipient was eighth grader Kali Powers. Her teachers Bethany Baker and Caleb Vanderburg said of Kali, "This year's eighth grade recipient of the TBS Heart Award embodies the seven traits of the Spartan Pledge. First of all, she shows passion, not only as a skilled softball player who thrives in travel softball, but also academically she is an honors student who consistently performs well in the classroom. The traits of friendship and empathy shine through as she is accepting of everyone and makes those around her feel comfortable. She is always the one to step up and help out wherever there is a need. If someone is struggling, she is the first to walk over and offer a helping hand. She has been known to approach kids, asking, “Are you okay?” if she senses something is wrong. In a class full of strong personalities, she has remained grounded and true to herself, making her a strong role model who personifies another Spartan trait, leadership. This young lady has had to face a lot of adversity in her life, but instead of letting it define her, she has persevered. She has risen to the challenges presented to her throughout her time in Middle School and is a model for those that follow in her footsteps to see what it means to be a student at TBS. Finally, and most importantly, she shows the spirit of a Spartan, showing the utmost integrity, always doing the right thing regardless of who is watching. She doesn't seek to do things for approval; she does them because they're right. This young lady is always a joy to teach or coach and is a light wherever she goes."