The Blue Ridge School Board of Trustees presented the 2020 Distinguished Service Award to College Counselor and Director of Social Activities Amber Wilkins. The award recognizes continuous outstanding contributions to Blue Ridge School and the lives and education of the young men who attend the School.
Since the campus has been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, Headmaster Trip Darrin presented Mrs. Wilkins with the award during the School’s first on-line morning assembly. Mrs. Wilkins says, “There have been very few times in my life where I was as shocked as I was the day I received the award. Everyone led me to think that the only reason I was asked to read off senior names was to kick off our very first online assembly! I was so overwhelmed but so very appreciative of the honor. I felt blessed and happy and proud to be part of this community. I am so thankful to the Board for this honor and am so thankful for Blue Ridge’s support and guidance, and for the opportunity to lead and work with these amazing guys. I am so thankful to be part of this community and love everyone so much, especially our team and our students.”
Board Chair Jill Kaliniski says, “We celebrate Amber for her professionalism and the tireless guidance she provides our Blue Ridge School students. Her knowledge of the complex college application process and understanding of each student’s strengths and goals creates an incredible opportunity for our boys. Her expertise in this area has led to approximately $5 million in college scholarships for our senior class. Amber brings so much joy to student activities and she is a treasured faculty member. In addition, Amber served on two important task forces commissioned by the Board of Trustees. We are incredibly grateful that Amber chose Blue RIdge School.“
Blue Ridge parents likely know Mrs. Wilkins better for her outstanding work as college counselor. However, students greatly appreciate her efforts as social activities director. “My passion – and one of the aspects of my job that I love the most – is the creative planning that I get to do with social activities. I love working with the student council, seeing the guys in a more casual relaxed way (as opposed to the sometimes high stress of college applications) and get a chance to figure out and plan events that our guys can enjoy and have fun doing.”
Mrs. Wilkins began working at Blue Ridge School in 2017. Prior to joining BRS, she worked at Mary Baldwin University as interim director of admissions and early college coordinator. Her independent school experience also includes positions at Nansemond-Suffolk Academy and Stuart Hall. Mrs. Wilkins has a master’s degree in Higher Education Administration from Mary Baldwin University.
