Alvin Bess '77

We awarded our 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award to Alvin Bess. When Mr. Bess accepted the award, he spoke about what Country School did to help him find his voice. He especially credits his teacher Mr. Morrison in doing this, and Mr. Morrison taught in what is now Mr. McDonough’s room. 

As a school, we have so much gratitude for what Mr. Bess and his mother have done for us in advancing the inclusivity and diversity of the school and ensuring that people of all backgrounds have an opportunity to be here, that we aren’t an exclusive community. While it gives those students a Country School education, it also makes our school a better place and a place of belonging.

The Rosemary and Alvin ’77 Bess Classroom is dedicated with gratitude to Trustee and supporter Rosemary Bess and Alvin Bess ’77, 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient, for their pioneering efforts in making The Country School better through diversity and inclusivity. Proud to have been the first Black family to enroll, they shared their educational focus, devotion and love for The Country School in a multitude of ways.

Rosemary Bess encouraged Alvin and his siblings Michael and Sheila to attend The Country School in the 1970s. The Rosemary and Alvin ’77 Bess Classroom  plaque will be placed outside Mr. McDonough’s room, where Mr. Morrison used to teach, and where Mr. Bess had a transformative experience. It will now officially be called the Rosemary and Alvin Bess Classroom in their honor.