On Friday, April 28, Governor Brian Kemp delivered the twelfth annual Cabaniss Lecture at Athens Academy. Kemp is a former Spartan as well as the parent of three alumni.

In addition, eighteen members of Athens Academy’s Class of 2023 were inducted into the prestigious Cum Laude Society in recognition of their commitment to superior scholastic achievement throughout Upper School.

Kemp is the 83rd governor of Georgia and has been in office since January 2019. He served as the Secretary of State from 2010-2018 and was a member of the Georgia State Senate from 2003-2007. Kemp attended Athens Academy through the seventh grade and went on to graduate from Clarke Central High School. He and wife Marty, also a former Spartan, are parents of three Athens Academy alumni: Jarrett, Class of 2017; Lucy, Class of 2019; and Amy Porter, Class of 2021.

As the secondary school equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa, The Cum Laude Society recognizes superior academic achievement and sound character. Congratulations to inductees Eliza Connolly, Mills Crosland, John Dorris, Sarah Harrison, Lucy Hayes, Will Hines, Seager Hunt, Taylor Leach, Robie Lucas, Thomas Meyer, Simms Murray, Lucy Rentz, Jackson Scruggs, Kishan Shah, Karan Tongia, Safi Uddin, Ricardo Ureña, and Madeline Wicker.

These students represent some of Athens Academy’s best and brightest. They are leaders, athletes, artists, actors, volunteers, and more. This fall they will attend the University of Georgia, Harvard University, Vanderbilt University, Duke University, Georgia Tech, the University of Virginia, Washington & Lee, George Washington University, and more.

“We are delighted for these wonderful students and their families,” says Head of School John Thorsen. “Their hard work has paid off, and they are deserving of this recognition. As soon-to-be- alumni, they have set a high standard for our younger students to emulate and they have led us well, whether in the classroom, on the field, court or stage.”

Thorsen continued, “We are also grateful to Governor Kemp for taking time out of his busy schedule to speak to our students, faculty, families, and friends. He gave the seniors some insightful and important advice.”

In 1988, Athens Academy became only the seventh school in Georgia to be chartered as a chapter of The Cum Laude Society. There are currently only eleven chapters in the state. An annual highlight at Athens Academy, the induction ceremony is preceded by a lecture on the lifetime pursuit of scholarship and integrity.

In April 2011, the Athens Academy Board of Trustees formally named the Cum Laude lecture The Cabaniss Lecture to honor Dr. Harvey Cabaniss, a longtime supporter and founding trustee. The first Cabaniss Lecture was held on April 27, 2011, where Dr. Cabaniss was recognized for his service to the school.