On Saturday, January 28, 2023, Bulloch Academy hosted its annual BA Lifetime Legacies Ball (also known as The Ball) at the Nessmith-Lane Building on the Georgia Southern campus. The 2023 Ball raised an impressive $148,000 for the school.
The evening featured food, music, a silent auction, a live auction, and a 50/50 raffle, all in an effort toward BA's campaign to "Fund the Need" for updated school facilities and the PTA’s traditional programs. This year, there was an emphasis on technology-related needs, and the funds raised will be used to upgrade equipment in the Upper School classrooms. The official total of $148,682.42 raised far exceeded the event's $30,000 goal.
The Ball, led this year by Event Chair Valerie Woodrum and BA Director of Development Anne Williamson, is the private school’s largest fundraiser, attracting parents, grandparents, and community business leaders.
“The BA Legacy Ball is an essential part of funding the needs for Bulloch Academy students,” Woodrum told Grice Connect prior to the event. “It is our largest annual philanthropic project, and the funds raised this year will go toward broadening our students’ opportunities in the classroom.”
In addition to being a fundraiser for the school, The Ball paid tribute to the distinguished Anderson Family, represented at the event by Mike Anderson and wife Vicki, and Sylvia Brannen Thomas.
Mike Anderson is the son of Raybon Anderson and was a longtime board member and past chair at Bulloch Academy. He also chaired the 2017 Cornerstone Campaign. The Anderson family has been an integral part of Bulloch Academy throughout the years.
"Mike and Vicki Anderson have been such an instrumental part of BA," Woodrum said. "Mike served on the Board through Covid and helped keep things for the school on track."
Sylvia Brannen Thomas is not only an alumna of BA but also a beloved teacher at the school. She has taught at BA since 2002 and is currently a first grade teacher in the Lower School. She was honored for her commitment both inside and outside the classroom.
"Sylvia Thomas is such a jewel that never expects or wants any attention or recognition for her efforts," Woodrum said. "She is often the first one there and the last one to leave."
Woodrum noted how touching it was to see parents, teachers, school staff, and the community come together to make the event a success.
"The BA Ball was a huge success this year with the help from all of our sponsors, PTA and BA committee members, parents, grandparents, and community members," she said. "With the funds raised, we will be able to appropriately equip our new classrooms so that the teachers can meet the needs of our students. It was such a fun night to see everyone dressed up and enjoying themselves, all while keeping the main goal in focus. It was evident that people showed up to support the school and its needs."
The 2023 Ball was presented by The Roderick Group and sponsored by Belle Glos, Crider Foods, Morris Bank, Wall Orthodontics, Mrs. Connie Averitt, The Brown Family, Advanced Metal Components, CAPstone Benefits Consulting LLC, Synovus, Maxwell-Reddick & Associates, Mill Creek Construction, The County Line, Whitfield Sign Co., The Hadden Family, and Southern Family Dental Group.
History of Bulloch Academy
Bulloch Academy was founded by a group of local parents in 1971, led by the efforts of Mrs. Connie Averitt and her husband, Hal.
Statesboro attorney Sam Brannen set his approval on the Articles of Incorporation and filed the documentation in the office of the Secretary of State on August 6, 1971. Bulloch Academy was then granted a charter from Ben W. Fortson, Secretary of State of the State of Georgia. The initial Board of Directors was named from the parents of the school. An Advisory Board was also established and made up of parents of the school and community leaders.
Mrs. Connie Averitt (center with shovel) at the groundbreaking for BA (Photo Courtesy Bulloch Academy)
The original staff of the school consisted of six teachers, Mrs. Gene Mack Brown, Mrs. Mary Beth Nessmith, Miss Priscilla Olliff, Mr. Fred M. Page Jr., Mrs. Nancy N. Sapp, and Mrs. Sylvia Anne Yawn. There were 122 students.
The founding parents of the school were Mr. and Mrs. William M. Anderson Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Ansley, Mr. and Mrs. David Averitt, Mr. and Mrs. William P. Bland Jr., Mr. and Mrs. James M. Blitch, Mr. and Mrs. James Aulbert Brannen, Mr. and Mrs. Fred D. Grist, Mr. and Mrs. Chester A. Hanberry, Mr. and Mrs. William A. Hatcher, Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Hodges, Mr. and Mrs. J. Lemuel Nevil, Mr. and Mrs. Freeman R. O’Neal Jr., and Mr. and Mrs. Sterling E. Skinner.
Today, the 700+ student school houses pre-kindergarten, which is funded by the Georgia Lottery, through 12th grade in three buildings: the Kindergarten Wing (pre-kindergarten and kindergarten), the Lower School (grades 1-5), and the Upper School (grades 6-12).
Lila Cate Quick arrives at the new school facility in August 2021, when BA celebrated its 50th year
Historical information courtesy of Bulloch Academy.
