The Belfry
A Norfolk Academy Upper School Publication • 1585 Wesleyan Drive Norfolk, Virginia 23502 • Graduation Issue 2026
Dear Class of 2026, Congratulations! Dedication to one another and to the community as a whole has allowed this class to create memories that will extend beyond the walls of Norfolk Academy. In this liminal moment, we are offered a chance to reflect on what has made this class so special. The Class of 2026 truly represents the wide range of opportunities a student can pursue here, as a student, athlete, artist, and everything in between. In the time spent beyond 3:15 PM, playing games against our conference rivals, preparing for curtain calls in Johnson Theater, and working on U.S. History finals, our class has learned the value of hard work, dedication, and community. During our time serving as the editors of The Belfry, it has been such a joy to capture your experiences in each edition. It is a privilege to highlight the stories, big and small, that make Norfolk Academy a unique and amazing place to be. In journalism, we learn the most essential component of a great story is dialogue, and in the story of our class, it is the conversations we’ve had, from Senior Donuts with faculty on Thursdays to forming new friendships in the Senior Lounge, that have made us more connected and allowed us to achieve greatness. The memories we share together are undoubtedly the ones that will outlast our time as students of Norfolk Academy. As the members of the Class of ’26 take our next steps into the future, we are strengthened by the connections and memories we have built together. On behalf of The Belfry staff, thank you, and remember, it’s a great day to be a Bulldog! — Aubrey Rowland ’26 & Jay Duarte-Fernando ’26 Co-Editors-in-Chief