News and Events

Dr. Benjie Christie ’94 has built an extraordinary career in medicine, leadership, and surgical education while remaining grounded in the lessons first learned at Stratford Academy. Today, Dr. Christie serves as a Trauma, Critical Care, and General Surgeon at Atrium Health Navicent and Mercer University School of Medicine, where he is also the Program Director for both the General Surgery Residency and Trauma/Acute Care Surgery Fellowship programs. In addition, he serves as an Associate Professor of Surgery, the Associate Director of Trauma for the hospital’s Level 1 Trauma Center, and the president of the American College of Surgeons Georgia Chapter.

The Stratford baseball family turned back the clock on Saturday, April 18, as alumni from multiple generations returned to campus for a special Alumni Baseball Game filled with laughter, memories, and meaningful reflection.

Throughout the late morning and early afternoon, former players reconnected by sharing stories, taking batting practice, fielding a few ground balls, and discovering that catching a baseball may not be quite as easy as they remembered. More importantly, the event became a celebration of the lifelong bonds created through Stratford baseball.

The Middle School years are some of the most formative in a student’s educational journey, and Stratford’s Middle School experience is intentionally designed for the academic, social, and emotional growth that defines this important stage of development. As Stratford looks ahead to the 2026-2027 school year, the school is excited to strengthen the leadership structure around students while preserving the daily experience, relationships, routines, and sense of belonging that define these years.

We had a special night on March 20 as alumni returned to campus for our Alumni Soccer Night. It was an incredible reminder of the pride and connection that continues long after graduation.

Alumni were recognized at halftime of both the girls' and boys' varsity matches, representing classes from 1988 all the way to 2022. Seeing former players back on the field, reconnecting with teammates, and supporting the current squads made for a night that truly captured what Stratford soccer is all about.

The Class of 1976 celebrated 50 years since their Stratford days on Friday, March 20 and Saturday, March 21. Over 60 classmates returned, filling the weekend with laughter, shared memories, and a connection that has only gotten stronger.

Saturday morning's highlight was a tour of the original Stratford campus on Coleman Hill. Classmates revisited the place where their memories first began, and walking those familiar grounds together brought stories back to life, deepening the experience.

Stratford is proud to celebrate Dr. Mary Kathryn Hightower ’15 for her upcoming graduation from the Medical University of South Carolina, Pharmacy School in May.

Stratford Academy Athletic Director Emeritus Grady Smith has been inducted into the Georgia Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame, becoming the first independent school athletic director to receive the honor. The recognition celebrates a remarkable legacy of leadership, championship success, program growth, and unwavering dedication to student-athletes, coaches, and the Stratford community. From building Stratford’s athletic program and facilities to shaping a culture rooted in Pride, Tradition, and Excellence, Grady’s impact continues to be felt across campus and beyond.