The 44th academic year at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy formally began this week with the school’s Opening Convocation in the Thomas W. Johnson Gymnasium in the school’s Beazley Center.

The band played, the cheerleaders cheered and the chorus sang as Head of School Colley W. Bell III addressed the enthusiastic crowd of students, faculty, trustees and special guests.

He offered special remarks to the senior class, seated directly front and center, along with the kindergarteners, class of 2022. “To you, the class of 2010, I will look to you to set the tone for how you will be remembered at NSA.” To the underclassmen he pledged, “I will support each of your own marches to graduation.”

A ribbon cutting ceremony also took place for the addition of Smart Boards. Interactive boards that use touch technology, Smart Boards will help make NSA’s classrooms more engaging and effective.

Bell expressed his delight and appreciation to the Joseph family for their generous support and noted how Smart Boards would benefit the entire student body at NSA.

Concluding the ceremony using the symbolic bronze bell that was presented to him last year, Bell led the ceremonial ringing to signal the opening of the new school year, while the first-grade students happily led the crowd in “You’re a Grand Old School.”