A host of Brunswick seniors were honored with distinguished awards at a ceremony in Dann Gymnasium on Monday, May 19. 

Upper School mathematics teacher Dwight Jackson served as the keynote speaker, as chosen by the Class of 2025. Jackson, who began his tenure at Brunswick in 2008 and is the father of two ’Wick alumni, has taught many of this year’s graduates in his math classes, also coaching and advising them during their formative days on Maher Avenue.

He told the audience of Upper School students, faculty, and parents a thoughtful story about his high-school experience on the banks of the Mississippi River in Memphis, Tennessee, where he devoted himself to student government before matriculating at Harvard University (and later at Stanford University for post-graduate degrees).

As he prepared for his senior year — when he would serve as vice president and pursue his dream of expanding the sports program for non-varsity athletes — his plans were sidetracked when the president-elect, Joe Miller, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of bone cancer. 

Jackson had a long talk with himself, put his head down, and decided to take on both roles despite how much time and effort that would require — doing so to positively affect the lives of his classmates and in honor of his friend, who would ultimately pass away in March of that school year. 

“It was devastating not only to me but also to our entire school community,” Jackson said.

“As I sat a few months later on the stage at graduation, I reflected on the year of transformation — how I accomplished what I set out to do and dealt with so much more that came my way. I was pleased to have gotten through it all and continued to ponder my takeaways for the future.” 

He offered the soon-to-be graduates — who will receive their diplomas on Wednesday and embark on the next chapters of their lives — a few final pieces of advice before sending them off with thanks and encouragement. 

“As you transition from high school to college, you will experience your own transformation. Of course, for each of you, the experience will be unique,” Jackson said.

“The main thing to remember is that you have a solid foundation on which to grow. You have learned so much about yourselves while students here, whether from your work in the classroom, on the field, or in other activities. 

“Go off to college and pursue your goals. Turn your dreams into realities!”  

*Cum Laude members joined earlier inductees and classmates Ryan H. Ahn, Subir Garg, Jeremy A. Lee, Theodore G. Perkins Jr., Donnelly J. Rodgers, Jack A. Sieg, and Gabriel Sayah Trahanas.