Standout Spartan: Henry Bearden '23

Congratulations to Henry Bearden ’23, recipient of the 2023 Avery Spence Youth Community Service Award, which was presented during halftime at a Kickers soccer pro game in July. Mr. Bearden has played Kickers soccer since he was nine years old. The award honors students who exemplify volunteerism, leadership, and academic and athletic achievement. 

At Steward, Mr. Bearden earned his Entrepreneurship endorsement on his diploma, was a member of the Head of School’s list for excellence in academics, and served as captain of the varsity soccer team and vice president of the senior class. During his senior year, he was named Student-Athlete of the Year by the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Foundation. At graduation, he was awarded the Top of the Class Award, the Science Department Award, and the Dixon Award, Steward’s highest honor. During his high school career, he also volunteered more than 100 hours with Special Olympics; helped prepare meals for the unhoused; and served as a buddy with RVAccess. “The most fulfilling part of community service is actively engaging with the people and places I wish to make an impact on,” noted Mr. Bearden.

A dedicated scholar, Mr. Bearden is also the recipient of the highly selective Jefferson Scholarship at the University of Virginia. This distinction was featured in the August issue of Richmond Magazine. He credits Steward with helping him learn important leadership skills both inside and outside the classroom. 

“Whether on the soccer field or in class, I was regularly given the opportunity to work in teams in which anyone could step up as a leader,” he said. “These experiences gave me the confidence to take on leadership roles.”