The Bolles School proudly welcomed alumnus John Bacon ’04 as the guest speaker for the 2026-27 school year Pre-planning Kickoff, held August 5 in McGehee Auditorium.

In his remarks, Bacon shared that one of the greatest gifts of his experience at Bolles was feeling seen, supported and valued by the community around him. He reflected on the teachers, coaches and staff members who took the time to build relationships, offer encouragement and help him navigate challenges both big and small. While those moments may have seemed ordinary at the time, Bacon explained that they helped shape his confidence, sense of purpose and belief that he belonged. He encouraged faculty and staff to remember that the everyday interactions they have with students often become the moments those students carry with them for a lifetime.

Bacon traveled from Charlotte, North Carolina, accompanied by his sister, Ericka Bacon '06, to reflect on his time at the School, which began when he entered Grade 8 on the Middle School Bartram Campus in 1999. Bacon excelled as a student-athlete, competing for the Bulldogs in basketball and helping the 2002 football team bring home the state championship under the leadership of Coach Corky Rogers.

After graduation, Bacon earned his BA and MBA in business administration and management from St. Leo University. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President for Strategic Growth & Partnerships at ASAE, where he plays a key role in connecting associations with the solutions that support their success. Prior to ASAE, Bacon spent 16 years at Naylor Association Solutions, where he held multiple senior leadership roles and drove record-setting new business development.

In addition to being a proud member of the Bolles Alumni Association, Bacon serves on the Bolles Board of Visitors. He and his wife, Maderica, reside in Charlotte, where he plans to join the Bolles Office of Advancement for this year's annual alumni event.

Thank you, John, for sharing your story and inspiring Bolles faculty and staff as they prepare to welcome students for the 2026-27 school year! #BulldogProud