Weekly Administrative Update

Congratulations to our amazing student-athletes on an incredible tournament! Your hard work and dedication were on full display throughout this inspiring event, as athletes from Bellows Free Academy and across Northern Vermont came together for the Northern Vermont Unified Sports Bocce Tournament, hosted by Maple Run in partnership with Special Olympics Vermont.

It was a day filled with joy, connection, and community spirit. From the early morning setup by the BFA Comet Softball Team, to the final round of bocce, the energy was full of smiles and celebration. Members of our BFA Athletic Council volunteered their time as referees and support staff, showing leadership and heart in every moment.

The tournament showcased the power of inclusion and the mission of Special Olympics: to create a world where every person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability.

We are beyond proud of our student-athletes and so thankful to the families, volunteers, and staff who helped make today a success. It was a beautiful reminder of what happens when we come together to celebrate each individual's strengths.

Also featured that evening was Bass Trombone soloist Amani Yates performing “Wave” with the BFA Jazz Band. This concert is a highlight of the year with the light programming that included music by Queen, from the movie “Wicked”, Elton John, Kansas, Duo Lipa, the soundtrack from Ratatouille, and many more selections.

Photos are here: https://photos.google.com/u/1/share/AF1QipPbi_igOVtfK7lu3djQKRUBVqsSCdiRha78Ivw6fhDpiuKtWpKG0LNOAldnXLWYWQ?key=cEJHVzRoSnlTb3I2VGVGM09mYkt6TU9VUlBJdmh3

Here are some pictures from today's (6/4/25) drunk driving simulation. We had between 40 and 50 students who participated. It was a lot of fun and was very successful!

On June 4th at BFA, the school counselors hosted representatives from UVM, Clarkson University, St. Michael’s College, Norwich University, Champlain College, and Vermont State University. During the event, students learned how to access free college applications, effectively research institutions, select high school courses that align with their goals, and maximize opportunities to position themselves for the best academic, financial, and social fit. BFA is proud to be one of the most well-represented Vermont high schools at UVM, Clarkson, the University of New Hampshire (UNH), VSU, and St. Michael's.

BFA Interact Club and St. Albans Rotary Celebrate Service and Milestones at Annual Luncheon.

On June 3rd, students from Bellows Free Academy's Interact Club gathered with members of the Rotary Club of St. Albans for their second annual joint luncheon, a celebration of service, collaboration, and shared vision for the future.

This year marks a dual milestone: the Rotary Club of St. Albans is celebrating its 100th anniversary, while BFA’s Interact Club proudly commemorates 10 years of service to the school and greater Franklin County community. Since its founding, Interact has grown to become BFA’s largest student-led organization, engaging youth in meaningful, hands-on projects that make a difference beyond the high school.

During the luncheon, students and Rotarians engaged in thoughtful dialogue around this year’s accomplishments and set priorities for the year ahead under the shared theme, “Unite for the Good.”

Highlights from this year’s Interact activities include:

The Annual Coat Drive

The Annual Cereal Drive benefiting Northwest Family Foods

High school team sent to support the “I Love to Read” event with St. Albans City School

Interact Team sent to support Operation Happiness

Youth Voting Booth @ City Hall teaching youngsters to vote

Red Cross Blood Drive - including many first-time donors

Student recruitment and transition activities at BFA from August through Move Up Day

Numerous community services across the region, including volunteering at Maplefest, Rotary Home Show, Lucky Duck Fund Raiser, Quilt Show, Jingle Run and much more.

The event not only celebrated the accomplishments of both organizations but also strengthened the intergenerational bond of service between BFA students and community leaders.

As both groups look ahead to another year of partnership, they remain united in their mission to create positive, lasting change in Franklin County and to "train up" tomorrow's volunteer workforce.

Seniors received their caps and gowns on June 4th. During the event, we held a Voter Registration Drive by the League of Women Voters. They registered 20 seniors to vote.

Jacob was honored and remembered during the Class of 2025 cap and gown event.

June 8th - Senior Athletic Awards Banquet 11:30 a.m.

June 9th-13th - Exam Week

June 10th - Senior Sunset at the Complex @ 7:45 p.m.

June 12th - Senior Awards Night 7 p.m.

June 13th - Graduation Rehearsal (Mandatory) 1-3 p.m.

June 13th - Project Graduation 6-10 p.m.

June 14th - Graduation @ 11 a.m.

June 17th - Last day for students / Step Up Day (Half-Day)

June 18th - Last day for staff 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Mandatory Graduation Rehearsal:

(If you do not attend rehearsal, you do not walk at graduation.)

Date: Friday, June 13, 2025

Time: MANDATORY FOR SENIORS 1 - 3 pm

Location: Collins Perley Sports Complex

Details:

Graduation rehearsal is mandatory! Please report to the rink at 1 pm.

Seniors do NOT need to wear caps and gowns for rehearsal.

Seniors will practice lining up, walking in, marching down the aisle, sitting and standing on cue, partial speeches and music for sound checks, etc.

Seniors receive graduation tickets at the rehearsal.

When seniors practice walking across the stage, they will be handed an envelope with their tickets.

Graduation:

Date: June 14, 2025

Time: 11 am - Seniors to arrive at 10 am

Location: Collins Perley Sports Complex

Details:

Here is a bulleted list of what to expect at this year’s 95th Commencement for the Class of 2025 on Saturday, June 14th, at 11 am at the Collins Perley Sports Complex:

• On June 14th, seniors are to arrive at the Complex no later than 10 am and promptly report to the rink to line up.

• Please dress comfortably for graduation as it can be very warm regardless of if graduation is outdoors or indoors. If graduation is outdoors, seniors will be walking on turf and sitting on the bleachers so ensure shoes are appropriate (i.e. high heels can get caught in the grass and on bleachers). Seniors should arrive with their caps and gowns on.

• Please ride with your families to limit the number of vehicles for parking. Traffic in and around CPSC is congested. Carpooling is encouraged.

• Once families and guests have parked, they will be directed to the graduation entrance. Please have your (4) tickets ready to present, and you will keep your tickets with you. Seniors will each be given 4 tickets for reserved seating. Other family members/guests may sit in the open seating area. Families and/or guests will be ushered to the seating area(s).

• If you, a family member, or guests have accessibility requirements (wheelchair, hearing impaired, etc.), please contact me. I’ll assist you with your needs and ensure that an usher assists you upon arrival at graduation.

• At 11 am, the seniors will walk in and march down the middle aisle, and the commencement begins.

• Whipple Photography will be at graduation. Photographs will include the presentation of the diploma, followed by a portrait holding the diploma. Images from graduation will be posted for graduates and families to view on the Monday after graduation. Here is the link: Whipple Photography - Class of 2025 Graduation Photos

• Northwest Access TV will be live-streaming graduation. BFA Graduation YouTube Link: https://youtube.com/live/tqWrL5PNNBM

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 802-527-6400 or email me at tcallan@maplerun.org.

Sincerely, Theresa Callan, Graduation Coordinator

The 2025 Fall Sports registration is open, please visit the link to BFAathletics.com below for instructions and the link to Arbiter to register.

Link for directions on how to register:

https://sites.google.com/a/maplerun.org/athletics/online-registration?authuser=0

Link to register:

https://students.arbitersports.com/programs/2025-fall-athletic-registration-9