Blake Edwards '11

What year did you graduate from St. George’s?

I graduated from St. George’s in 2011.

Where did you attend college?

I attended the University of Arkansas and graduated in 2015.

What did you study in college?

At Arkansas, I majored in finance and minored in accounting.

Where do you live and what is your profession?
Currently, I am the financial controller for Wiseacre Brewing Company in Memphis, TN, responsible for all finance and accounting related activities of the business, as well as strategic planning and analysis. Previously, I worked at International Paper for 6 years. 

How did St. George’s prepare you for college, career, and life?
I can’t stress enough how impactful my time at St. George’s was for preparing me for life after high school. An exciting aspect and selling point to the students, St. George’s offers rotating schedules, multiple free periods throughout the day, and even laptops to enhance educational capabilities. This additional freedom and variation at a young age requires students to learn time management skills, personal responsibility/discipline, and adaptability, and to me is the best environment for learning how to handle minor failures and misjudgments before college and advancing in your career. These competencies have been vitally important to me for “life in the real world”. The workload can seem strenuous at times while trying to juggle extracurricular activities, but I have never met a St. George’s graduate who did not think they were overly prepared for their next steps in life.

What is your favorite St. George’s memory?

There are too many memories to count, but two of my favorites were going to the football state championship my senior year, although we lost, as well as when Mr. Mercer convinced our class that he was an FBI agent (which I’m still convinced is true). 

What activities were you involved in while at St. George's?

Sports were a highly important aspect to my time at St. George’s. I played on both the football and lacrosse teams and was also involved with the Make-A-Wish club. Most will not remember that I was in chorus every year in high school. Still can’t believe I never had a solo opportunity during the Christmas concert… 

Which teacher had the greatest impact on you and why?

There are too many teachers and coaches to name all that impacted my life, but to start with teachers, I would say Chris Miller and Luther Mercer come to mind first. Mr. Miller and Mr. Mercer both loved the graduating class of 2011 and treated us like family. Not only were they great teachers, but both went above and beyond to make sure we as individuals developed into the best versions of ourselves. As for coaches, Brent Hill and Ken Netherland were vitally important in my development on the football field and becoming a confident leader. 

What advice would you give to St. George’s students or young alumni today?
Don’t think you have everything figured out. You more than likely will not actually know what you are truly called to do until you’re in your early 30s. Work hard and good things will eventually come. Have a plan and path in mind but be open for that path to change and know change is ok.