Bristol Fall Classic
See the 2023 Bristol Fall Classic Ad Booklet
Premier Fundraising Event
The Bristol Fall Classic is an annual fundraising event of the Academic Oversight Committee (AOC) supporting after-school and summer camp programs for youth in grades K through 12th attending Bristol Borough’s public and parochial schools.
Each year, the event includes a theme featuring the career, community and volunteer highlights of a Person of the Year honoree upon which this gala fundraiser is structured. The Person of the Year also participates in the Bristol High School Symposium, held the week leading up to the Bristol Fall Classic. The Symposium is a conversation with Bristol High School students focusing on the characteristics, principles, and mentors that defined their success and includes a Q&A session. A Student of the Year, nominated and selected by Bristol Borough School District professional staff based on a defined set of criteria, is announced at the conclusion of the Symposium.
The Bristol Fall Classic is not just about fundraising. The AOC seeks to recognize Bristol Borough educators who exemplify excellence in their profession. Since 2018, teachers at Snyder-Girotti Elementary, Bristol Middle, Bristol Jr/Sr High, and St. Mark Parochial Schools nominate colleagues deserving of this honor. A cross segment of community leaders review the nominations and select one awardee, Teacher of the Year, from each school. Announced during the AOC's other annual event, Jazz on the River, these educators are also honored at the Bristol Fall Classic.
Furthermore, all of the AOC's honorees - Person(s), Student, and Teachers of the Year - are invited to participate in Bristol Borough’s annual Christmas Parade, held the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
Typically held at a local venue that serves business during normal business hours, the venue for the Bristol Fall Classic is converted to support this one-night gala that includes cocktails, a formal dinner, and a lot of attention bestowed on the honoree(s) with catering and beverages provided by the King George II Inn. Past Bristol Fall Classic events have been held at Lenox Corporation, Canal Works, The Grundy Commons, Good Will Hose Company, and the Bristol Borough Public Works Building.
The Bristol Fall Classic is widely regarded as a great night-out and is the most notable source of fundraising for the AOC. We appreciate your support by purchasing a ticket to the event, placing an ad in the event ad book, and/or making a donation to the AOC.
Teachers of the Year
Educators Who Exemplify Excellence
Quality education is essential to the well-being of our society and good teachers are the foundation of any educational system. Since 2018, the Academic Oversight Committee (AOC) has sought to recognize teachers who exemplify excellence in their profession with the inclusion of the Teacher of the Year awards at the Bristol Fall Classic.
Each year, Bristol Borough School District and St. Mark Parochial School teachers nominate fellow colleagues deserving of the honor to be named Teacher of the Year. A cross segment of community leaders review the nominations and select one awardee from each school: Snyder-Girotti Elementary (PreK-6th grade), Bristol Middle School (7-8th grade), Bristol High School (9-12th grade) and St. Mark Parochial School (K-8th grade). The awardees are revealed during the AOC's annual June fundraiser, Jazz on the River, and honored more ceremoniously at the November Bristol Fall Classic.
The goal of these Teacher of the Year awards is to recognize the outstanding, creative quality instruction and substantive contributions to the improvement of education across Bristol Borough. It also demonstrates that our educators are appreciated by those with whom they work, and the AOC is indebted to them for the positive impact they have upon Borough students and our educational community.
Student of the Year
A Head of the Class
The Academic Oversight Committee (AOC) is committed to developing an engaged and vibrant school community that is a source of excellence, pride, and service that fully embraces the importance of community volunteerism. This focus is essential for Bristol Borough’s sustainability.
Since 2016, the AOC has included the selection of one Bristol High School senior as Student of the Year at the annual Bristol Fall Classic. Initial nominations by the faculty are based on a defined set of criteria. The final selection is made by the school district’s administration and determined by examining each nominee’s record of not only meeting but exceeding the criteria set forth below:
- Maintaining academic success
- Displaying exemplary conduct
- Involvement in extracurricular activities, clubs, and/or athletics
- Demonstrating pride and spirit through his/her involvement in school events
- Showing a commitment to his/her community through extraordinary time devoted to local events and/or organizations
Each year's awardee is announced at the Bristol High School Symposium, held the week prior to the Bristol Fall Classic. The student, along with his/her parents or guardians, is invited to attend the Bristol Fall Classic.