The Seventh Grade Class of Kenston Forest School held its graduation May 29 in the KFS Gymnasium.

Valedictorian for the 2019 seventh grade class is Sadie Elizabeth Marie Henshaw, daughter of Heath and Kristin Henshaw of Sutherland. Salutatorian is Dennis Gerard Dufresne, Jr., son of Dennis and Heather Dufresne of Blackstone. Historian is Robert Thomas Hawthorne, son of Robert and Nicole Hawthorne of Lunenburg.

Graduates of High Distinction are Mackenzie Hope Harmon, Robert Thomas Hawthorne, Dufresne, Jr. and Sadie Elizabeth Marie Henshaw.

Frances Farley Farrar (Fairer) Citizenship Award: Frances Farley Farrar (Fairer) was a local Blackstone citizen, who in her life, stressed character and contributed generously in both time and love to Kenston Forest School students. Each year a seventh-grade student is chosen who has shown great citizenship and random acts of kindness in the Kenston Forest School community. This year the recipient of the Frances Farley Farrar Award is Logan William Moon, son of Garnet and Beverly Moon of Amelia.

The Bitsy Hardy Award: Mrs. S. Gray Hardy (Bitsy) was one of many whose efforts helped to fulfill the dream of Kenston Forest School. Her concern and support for young people in this area, as well as her desire to encourage cultural experiences for youth in the community, has been an inspiration to those who worked with her. Hardy served on the board of directors for 15 years. She spent many hours seeking funds to provide the facilities enjoyed today; among her chief projects was our Kenston Forest gymnasium. The purpose of the Bitsy Hardy Award is to recognize the seventh-grade student who most exemplifies the characteristics Kenston Forest School requires: upholding character, scholarship, service and leadership. This years recipient of the Bitsy Hardy Award is Kirsten McKinnley Jackson, daughter of Frankie and Stephanie Jackson of Crewe.

David Wade Wright Spirit Award: Zach Cline-Oakes, son of Maggie Cline of Blackstone.

Virginia B. Crawley History Award: The Virginia B. Crawley History Award is presented to the student with the highest academic average in social studies. Virginia Crawley was a longtime resident of Blackstone. She taught seventh grade at the Blackstone Day School for many years and at Kenston Forest School for one year prior to her retirement in 1982. As a teacher, Crawley’s first love was Virginia history. She was dedicated to providing her students with a broad knowledge of their state’s history and instilling in them a deep appreciation for their rich Virginia heritage. This year the recipient of the Virginia B. Crawley Award is Mackenzie Hope Harmon, daughter of Johnny and Robin Harmon of Blackstone.

Science Award: (Highest academic average) Dennis Gerard Dufresne, Jr.

Mathematics Award: (Highest academic average) Sadie Elizabeth Marie Henshaw, Robert Thomas Hawthorne and Samantha Marie Conti.

Excellence in Language Arts (Highest academic average) Sadie Elizabeth Marie Henshaw and Dufresne, Jr.

The seventh-grade teachers are Sadie Simmons, math; Cam Williams, language arts; Melinda Walker, science; and Sarah Dunn, history.