Nansemond-Suffolk Academy kicked off the new school year with a spirited convocation ceremony at which two new administrators were formally installed and long-serving faculty honored.

Students and family members packed the Saints’ gymnasium for the event Tuesday, witnessing Deborah B. Russell’s installation as head of school and Mike King’s as head of the upper school.

“NSA is a place I have come to love and am very passionate about,” said Russell, noting she was “honored and humbled” to have the opportunity to help foster NSA’s growth.

“During this year, and in the years ahead, we look forward to preserving the history and tradition, while at the same time moving this school forward,” she said.

“I have challenged the faculty and staff to strive for excellence in the classroom, on the athletics field, in the arts, and in other facets of the school.”

After herself being installed by R. Scott Carr, chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees, Russell officiated in the installation of Mike King as the new upper school head.

“My goal is to strive for excellence by encouraging an academic atmosphere that is engaging … and challenging,” King said.

The faithful service of numerous individuals was honored during a banner-retiring ceremony for employees with 25 to 29 years’ experience, before three former faculty members, each with at least 30 years’ experience, were honored.

Katherine Duke, Charlotte Mansfield and Brenda Kincaid received standing ovations for their uncommonly long periods of service. It was announced that an endowment fund for math, currently standing at $27,857.43, has been named in Kincaid’s honor.

NSA senior Joelle Pond, president of the Upper School student council, implored attendees to “make sure you use your voice.”

“Take one important lesson home: utilize your voice,” she said. “Our voices are needed in our school, in our community and in our country.

“We will change the world, as long as we use our voices.”