BLUE RIDGE SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS
On Thursday, February 23, the Blue Ridge School Alumni Association awarded Young Alumnus of the Year Awards to Andrew Genova ’03 (pictured left) and Matthew Harris ’04 (pictured right). The event was held at East Coast Provisions in Richmond, which is owned by Blue Ridge School alumnus Brian Enroughty ’90. In attendance were Blue Ridge School English teacher Dan Dunsmore, Associate Headmaster Franklin Daniels and Associate Headmaster Kevin Miller, along with Scott Sprouse ’90, Jack and Lilliboo Cronly ’70, Andrew’s friend Laura Fortunato Petrik and the entire Genova family.
This award is given to one or more alumni who have graduated from Blue Ridge within the past fifteen years and who have demonstrated their devotion to Blue Ridge School by volunteering their time, energy and support.
Andrew Genova ’03 came to Blue Ridge School at the beginning of his freshman year primarily because he wanted to experience a more diverse community and challenged himself to become a better student in the classroom and a stronger leader in the community. He attributes his strong character to the great Blue Ridge School faculty members who always worked to influence his life and challenged him to be a studious student. Currently, Andrew is a commercial real estate consultant and specializes in tenant representation. He has experienced all facets of lease transactions. So far he has completed over 300,000 square feet of real estate transactions and has gained valuable experience in dealing with all types of leasing requirements as well as managing a national real estate portfolio for a large corporation. Andrew received his Master’s degree from Georgetown University in Commercial Real Estate Finance and Development. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Birmingham Southern College.
Andrew is also a Fire Fighter II with Wheaton Volunteer Rescue Squad in Montgomery County, Maryland. He is also a nationally certified fire fighter and emergency medical technician (EMT). Additionally, Andrew serves on multiple boards, including the board of directors for the Bethesda Fire Department and was the past treasurer, board of advisors for OurTime.Org, as well as a member of the board of trustees for Oneness Family School where he serves as the treasurer. He currently holds real estate licenses in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
And, on a lighter note, you can also catch Andrew on the baseball diamond calling the game as an umpire from behind the plate.
Mr. Matthew Harris ’04 developed a strong worth ethic while at Blue Ridge School and has supported the Blue Ridge School Alumni Association since graduation by hosting regional events with his longtime significant other Bea Gonzalez and their son Sebastian. After graduation, Matt studied Business Economics at Randolph Macon. He worked for his father’s construction company until seven years ago at which time he began working for a Richmond startup company called Health Warrior. According to its website, “Health Warrior is dedicated to vetting the world’s growers for the highest quality Chia, and helping people conquer the many challenges of their everyday lives.” Matt has become an integral part of this company’s early success as it has grown 1100% in revenue during the past two years. Health Warrior began as an online company and is now in 3,000 stores across the country.
Matt is very active in the Richmond community and he also works tirelessly for the Richmond SPCA and the National Alzheimer’s Foundation.
This award is given to one or more alumni who are not less than fifteen years removed from their Blue Ridge graduation and who have demonstrated their devotion to Blue Ridge School by volunteering their time, energy and support.
