Columbus Academy alumna Sarah Milks Bethel ’98 will serve as her alma mater’s 2023 Commencement speaker and art teacher David Block will deliver this year’s Cum Laude Address, announced Head of School Melissa Soderberg to senior families recently.
Columbus Academy’s 110th Commencement will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 5, on the school’s campus in Gahanna. This year’s graduating class includes 102 seniors who will matriculate to 61 different colleges and universities in 27 states and Canada (view matriculation map).
“Having the opportunity to address the graduating class of 2023 – and to impart some words of wisdom and encouragement – is a privilege that I do not take lightly,” stated Sarah, who earned her bachelor’s degree from Vanderbilt University and now has a child attending Academy. “As both an alumna and a parent, I feel a deep connection to the school and its community. To be able to give back to a place that has given me and my family so much over the years is truly an honor. I look forward to sharing my insights with the graduates and helping them embark on the next chapter of their lives with confidence and enthusiasm.”
During her time at Academy, Sarah was active in student government, served as editor of the yearbook and played goalkeeper for the school’s 1997 state championship field hockey team. Currently, she is a senior executive with Unilever embedded as a global head of supply chain in their Prestige Beauty division. Sarah has remained involved with her alma mater by serving on its Alumni Board, Board of Trustees and the Parents’ Association of Columbus Academy. She and her husband Brock are raising their son Jack, who is currently a second-grader at CA (Class of 2033).
The Cum Laude Address by David Block will highlight the Upper School Honors Assembly on Friday, May 26. David earned his bachelor’s degree in art education from Capital University and has been teaching art at Academy since 1974. Next school year will mark his 50th year at the school, making him just the second faculty member to reach that milestone.
Columbus Academy is a coeducational, college prep day school located on a picturesque 231-acre campus in Gahanna. From nature-based education in its Explorers program for 3-year-olds to project-based learning and advanced AP-level classes through grade 12, Academy provides opportunities for children to explore and flourish in countless ways under the guidance and encouragement of outstanding teachers.