Honoring Veterans Day with Lt. TJ Bordeaux ’17

Hopkins honored Veterans Day on Friday, Nov. 10 with a special guest speaker at assembly, alumnus TJ Bordeaux '17. 

Lt. Bordeaux kicked things off by challenging a student from each grade to a lively round of push-ups! With the energy in the room raised after this excitement, he spoke to the community about his journey from Hopkins, to 47 months training at West Point, to now serving as a First Lieutenant officer in the Cyber War Division of the United States Army. His speech touched on his experiences at Hopkins and West Point, highlighting his belief and commitment to service to our country. He also encouraged all members of the community to be a leader of public service, and to not be afraid of taking on challenges. 

Following a standing ovation from the crowd, Bordeaux joined the Hopkins Choir for an electrifying performance of "A City Called Heaven,” a gospel arrangement by Josephine Poelinitz. The song featured soloists Samia K. ’25 and Nia M. ’26, who brought the house down with their singing. 

After the assembly ended, seniors in the Class of 2024 were invited to sign the gym floor before installation of new wood flooring began. Bordeaux joined in on the fun and signed his name on the spot where he once landed a three-pointer on his very first day of school as a seventh grader in 2011, a moment he referenced in his assembly address. 

Bordeaux then spent the morning visiting Computer Science classes where students had the opportunity to ask questions about his cyber security experience. To complete his visit, he joined the Junior School for lunch. 

Watch the full assembly in the video at the top, and click here to browse photos and download images.