Heritage Hall News

HHAA Honors Anthony Shadid '86

At the upper school commencement ceremony, the Heritage Hall Alumni Association (HHAA) board presented its Distinguished Alumni Award, posthumously, to Anthony Shadid from the class of 1986. An award-winning journalist and author, Shadid’s work in the Middle East earned him two Pulitzer Prizes and countless fans from around the world.

While working with some of the nation’s most prestigious newspapers, Anthony saw a side of the world that few ever see. Often risking his life to get the story, his articles conveyed his compassion for people and his passion for his craft. He died of an asthma attack while attempting to leave Syria after covering the unrest there. At a memorial service in Oklahoma City, friends, family, and colleagues spoke of the impact Anthony made on those who knew him personally and those who knew him through his writings.
Because of the differences he made, the HHAA board selected Anthony as the first recipient of its annual award, which will honor an alumnus/alumna who has exemplified the Heritage Hall motto -- to learn, to lead, to serve -- by their personal accomplishments, professional achievements, and/or humanitarian service.

Dr. John Powell said Anthony is remembered by the faculty as “a young man with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. His teammates and classmates recall Anthony as a man of infinite kindness and compassion. One of Anthony's colleagues at The New York Times referred to Anthony as ‘the best man I have ever known.’ Heritage Hall remembers Anthony as one of its finest graduates.”

Alumnus Brent Johnson ’88 was on hand to present the award. Jennifer Shadid ’81, Anthony’s cousin, accepted the award on the family’s behalf.
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