By Shannon Roberts
In the smartphone era of texting and snap chatting, personal connections can get lost amongst the electronic screens. Although technology has a place in social connection, holding on to the traditions of formal social gatherings have become more important than ever.
Beaufort Academy has stayed true to a long-standing formal tradition that dates back to the school’s first graduating class in 1969. At that time, the Board of Directors’ wives began the tradition of hosting a tea for the young women of Beaufort Academy. Held prior to graduation in May, this special tea was their way of honoring the graduating young women, as well as sharing the southern tradition of gracious entertaining.
Per tradition, the senior class women form a receiving line to greet guests, which include the mothers of the senior girls, mothers of the senior boys, special guests of the seniors, which include grandmothers, aunts, sisters, etc. Also in attendance are the female board members, wives of board members, and female faculty and staff. Many former teachers, including the seniors’ lower school teachers also attend the event.
As of 1973, the junior class mothers and students, in conjunction with the Beaufort Academy Parents’ Association continue the tradition of hosting the tea for the seniors, their mothers, and special invited guests. This year’s senior tea was graciously hosted by Anne Lindsay at her beautiful home. Anne’s son William is a rising senior at BA, and Anne is a Beaufort Academy alum. She remembers her Senior Tea as a special moment of accomplishment and tradition.
“I even remember what I wore to my senior tea, who was there, and where it was!” she says with a smile.
Katherine Hefner, Beaufort Academy Parent’s Association President and also a Beaufort Academy alum spoke at the tea. The honored seniors were presented with a silver charm engraved with their graduation year. She commended the senior girls on the hard work, perseverance and diligence it takes to graduate from Beaufort Academy. Congratulations to the senior girls and best of luck in all of their future endeavors!
Top photo: 2016 Senior Tea from top to bottom: Michaela Russell, Mary Alice Strohmeyer, Maya Dixon, Emily Gaskin, Allison Alvarez, Cali Blocker, Carlyle O’Herron, Sissy Mungin, and Madelyn Sumpter.
