2008 Distinguished Alumnus Award

Pete Seeger '36

Pete Seeger ‘36 was unanimously selected as the first recipient of the Distinguished Alumnus Award. It gives the school great pride to recognize Pete Seeger with this special honor. He is internationally known for his music, activism, and courage. He is arguably the most influential folk artist in the United States and his legendary songs have served as anthems for an entire generation of Americans. Among them are classics:

If I Had a Hammer -  video clip...
We Shall Overcome
Turn, Turn, Turn
Where Have All the Flowers Gone

Among numerous honors received over his legendary career, Pete Seeger is a Grammy winning musician, a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 1994 was honored by President Clinton at the Kennedy Center. Pete Seeger serves as an American icon in the areas of music, political activism, and righteous causes. Seeger is the living embodiment of America's traditions in folk music and as such has made a distinguished contribution to 20th century American history.

In honor of Pete Seeger's acceptance of the Distinguished Alumnus Award, the school invited him back to speak on Saturday, May 10th to an assemblage of students, faculty, alumni, and friends.  ( Click here for the presentation of the award by Arthur Custer... ) The audience was thrilled to hear his remarks and felt privileged to listen to him perform. Following the ceremony, the crowd was invited outside the to the Village Green where the school named a tree in his honor. The engraved stone that rests beneath the tree reads: "Avon Old Farms School presents the 2008 Distinguished Alumnus Award to Pete Seeger '36 - A great American and citizen of the world whose music has inspired generations to take care of the earth and each other."