View and download photos from the event 

Senior student-athletes, families, coaches, and staff gathered under a festive tent on the campus common on May 31 for the annual David E. Stokes Jr. Class of 1969 Senior Athlete Dinner. The tradition is to celebrate the collective success and collaboration of the current senior class; this year’s seniors are truly a record-breaking group. Guest speaker Cecilia Davis-Hayes ’07, a former GFS soccer and track captain and now professional triathlete and doctor, shared insights on her intertwined athletic and professional journey. Athletes then received plaques highlighting their athletic career achievements. 

The event is in honor of David E. Stokes ’69, a student-athlete who personified the values of persistence, courage, and school spirit. These traits, in combination with his athletic ability, made him an outstanding leader and teammate; he was a captain-elect of the Varsity Baseball team. David was stricken with a blood clot to the brain during a pick-up game of basketball in his junior year. He died on December 23, 1967. David’s spirit lives on through this annual tradition, encouraging athletic excellence and instilling unity in the graduating class.

Director of Athletics Katie Bergstrom Mark addressed the audience and shared highlights of the remarkable Class of 2022, noting that the grade has the highest turnout for sports participation in GFS history. Eighty-two seniors participated in at least one season of athletics this year; 32 played two seasons; and 25 are three-sport/season athletes. This group of student-athletes represents 76 percent of the entire senior class and more than half of the class competed in two or more seasons. 

“Considering all of the other activities, clubs, and interests each of you have, that is remarkable participation!” said Bergstrom Mark. 

The senior student-athletes were also praised for their flexibility, perseverance, and leadership during the two years of Covid.

“You trusted your coaches and trusted each other … You made the bumps in the road a jumping-off point for success.”

Bergstrom Mark also remarked on the foundation of the GFS Athletics program: the balance, the community through sports, the process – not just the results. 

“We are particularly proud that you are not just jocks. You are stewards of our community, talented actors, artists, and singers. You are academics: National Merit Scholars, students of the Classics, and gifted writers. You are thinkers and doers.”

Athletically, the seniors shone throughout their careers. Nearly half have been honored as All-League or All-State, All-American, and/or Academic All-American. School records were crushed and first-ever histories were made by the Class of 2022 throughout their athletic careers. 

“On your teams, you are welcoming and inclusive, competitive, and intense. You made others feel a sense of belonging on the court, mat, track, river, and fields. You leave a legacy of inclusiveness for those who will follow!” added Bergstrom Mark. 

Guest speaker Cecilia Davis-Hayes shared a slideshow highlighting her journey and lessons learned along the way, including Learn to Balance 100, 200, and 300 Level; Lessons in Humility; When One Door Closes Another Opens; The Value of Community Through Sports; Follow Your Passion and Roll with the Punches; If You Want Something, Ask for It; and Keep an Open Mind and Let Life Lead You. Cecilia’s words of wisdom resonated with all in attendance. 

Associate Director of Athletics Mike Lintulahti recognized each senior student-athlete who came on stage to receive their plaque. 

“Best wishes to all of our seniors here tonight!” said Bergstrom Mark. “We’ll be following you from Coulter Street!”