Perspectives CHARLOTTE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL MAGAZINE | SPRING 2019
BEST IN SHOW PASSPORT TO THE WORLD SHAPING TOMORROW TOGETHER
COUNTRY DAY DOERS
Ready to Discover Country Day READY
Contents
16 22
16 Best in Show 18 5 Questions for Jenny Goodfellow 20 Behind the Curtain A Passport to the World Begins Right 22 Here in Charlotte Country Day Doers: Students, Alumni, 26 Faculty, Parents
DEPARTMENTS 3 Head of School’s Message
25 From the Archives
4 News & Notes
42 Class Notes
14 Overheard
26
Perspectives EDITOR Lee-Anne Black CONTRIBUTORS Shannon Drosky Courtney Eliasek Danielle Ferguson Jenny Goodfellow Joe Hernick Beth Lawing David Lynn Merrill Mills Natalie Pruett Jody Specker Denise Spruill Abe Wehmiller Tameka Woodard PHOTOGRAPHY Lee-Anne Black Jessica Demeter Jenny Goodfellow Howard Korn Beth Lawing David Lynn Mike Nuckles The Professional Photography Group Cameron Triggs
Our Mission
Through excellence in education, Charlotte Country Day School develops the potential of each student by fostering intellectual curiosity, principled character, ethical leadership, and a responsibility to serve.
Affirmation of Community
Charlotte Country Day School is committed to living as an authentic, inclusive community. Our pursuit of this commitment to community recognizes and affirms the richness brought by difference and discovered through commonality. For more information about our Mission, Key Values, and Affirmation of Community, please visit charlottecountryday.org/mission.
CONNECT WITH US WEB: charlottecountryday.org
DESIGN Windtree Studios/Robert Locklear
Perspectives is published twice a year by the Marketing and Communications Office for alumni, parents, staff, and friends of Charlotte Country Day School. Please send questions, comments, or story ideas to lee-anne.black@charlottecountryday.org.
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On the Cover
The green house on Bissell Campus is a place for handson experimentation and discovery. Eighth-grader Grace Puchalski is pictured.
Inside Cover
The new Hance Learning Center features an open and airy Design and Innovation Lab for Lower School students to collaborate and explore.
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School Leadership 2018–19 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OFFICERS: Todd A. Gorelick ’82, Chair David M. Benson ’85, Vice Chair Kathleen Knox Krupa, Vice Chair James H. McLawhorn, Vice Chair Amy Fonville Owen ’81, Vice Chair Walker L. Poole, Vice Chair A. Wellford Tabor Sr., Vice Chair Scott R. Stevens, Secretary-Treasurer
MEMBERS: Dr. Adelle Anthony-Williams Howard C. Bissell* Dr. Lauren I. Browne Christina N. Byron Edison P. Cassels ’87 George S. Dewey IV ’90 Alex D. Funderburg Kenneth V. Garcia Amanda S. Houser Dr. Ameesha P. Kansupada J. Scott Mattei Leigh F. Moran Mary Claudia Belk Pilon ’92 Steven L. Purdy ’87 Sally Cannon Saussy ’67* Stoney D. Sellars R. Glenn Sherrill Jr. ’89 Stephenson P. Shuford Catherine S. Stempien Andrew W. Tate Dr. Lisa M. Toppin William H. Zimmern ’95 Mark E. Reed (Ex-officio) *Life trustee
2018–19 ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL Mark Reed, Head of School Scott Waybright, Assistant Head of School Matthew Less, Head of Upper School Warren Sepkowitz, Head of Middle School Bill Mulcahy, Head of Lower School Joe Hernick, Director of Educational Technology David Lynn, Director of International Studies Brian Wise, Director of Diversity Planning Abe Wehmiller, Director of Athletics Nancy Ehringhaus, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Lauren Batten, Director of Advancement David Mancos, Chief Financial Officer
Message from the Head of School
C
HARLOTTE COUNTRY DAY School’s founder, Thomas Burton, was a visionary who rallied families around a new concept in education—the independent day school. Together, they set about making their plan a reality. Now, more than 75 years later, as we live out our current community-driven strategic plan, one need not look far for evidence of our collective actions to prepare the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and doers. The most visible aspects are the new buildings going up on Cannon Campus, which are designed to support the educational, community, and wellness needs of our students for many decades to come. Yet, there is so much more to our shared vision. Inside and outside the classroom, students are developing confidence, compassion, and criticalthinking skills in ways that will serve them well in a fast-changing global society that needs people who are ready to take on pressing challenges. The Country Day community is filled with these “doers”—people out in the world making a difference, moving from empathy to action to change agent. This issue of Perspectives includes a small, but powerful, sampling of students, teachers, alumni, and parents making an impact in our community. They all represent our school community well and help define how we serve our mission and students each and every day. While each one has a different passion, what they have in common is their desire to make our community and world a better place. I hope you enjoy reading about each one of them, and thank you When his schedule allows, Mr. Reed enjoys greeting students in morning carpool. for the actions you take to make Country Day a great place for our students! We also look at several other areas in which we go beyond academics to help design and shape an educational experience that feeds students’ passions and prepares them to lead and live fulfilling lives. Our teachers, administrators, and parent partners help our students become architects of their own future, making Country Day the best place for students to learn and grow. Several have authored articles in this issue that explore the values of fostering global mindedness and digital citizenship, developing talent through the arts and athletics, and building lifetime relationships. In the spirit of our founding families, we will always be looking forward and imagining what exceptional education can and should look like now and in the future. It’s part of who we are in our charge to make every student Country Day Ready to lead, think, and do. Sincerely,
Mark Reed Head of School
SPRING 2019
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NEWS & NOTES
How Country Day Defines and Teaches
Digital Citizenship
By Digital Citizenship Committee members Jody Specker, Lower School librarian and chair of the committee; Joe Hernick, director of Educational Technology; and Tameka Woodard, Middle School director of studies
T
HE DIGITAL Citizenship Committee (DigCit) began in 2013, and in 2015 Country Day became the first area school to become a Common Sense Digital Citizenship Certified School. DigCit, which is comprised of parents, students, faculty, and staff, seeks to understand the changing digital landscape to guide our school and shape policy and curriculum. Here are answers to questions you may have about digital citizenship.
How does Country Day blend curriculum with technology? While we provide 1:1 devices for all students in grades 3–12, we are not a “1:1 tech school.” We have always included using appropriate technologies where they improve teaching and deepen learning. We’ve had computers in classrooms since the 1980s and have examples of other classroom technology going back decades before that! We continue our practice of using the best tools to help our faculty and students, while avoiding the use
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of “technology for technology’s sake.” (Joe Hernick) Teachers use technology to deliver content or to aid in instruction as a way to enhance student learning. Students use an array of technologies to read about, research, and examine topics and concepts in every subject area. They are often given the choice of how and when to use technology to record, share, or apply what they have learned. When technology is the curriculum, such as in computer or library classes, lessons seamlessly integrate classroom curricular concepts into the acquisition and practice of target digital skills. (Jody Specker)
How do you define “digital citizenship” and what expectation do you have for our students? Quite simply, I view digital citizenship as an extension of everyday citizenship expectations. Any “digital” policy or guidance is based on expectations for how we expect our students to behave in face-to-face encounters. (Joe Hernick)
Digital citizenship is knowing how to behave safely, ethically, legally, morally, and intelligently online and then doing it. The research-based curriculum offered by Common Sense Media provides the framework for lessons that tackle the digital issues facing today’s youth—internet safety, copyright, online relationships, privacy, security, cyberbullying, personal reputation, information literacy, and social justice—and gives students the skills and habits of mind to become ethical and safe digital citizens, no matter what the technology of tomorrow might hold. (Jody Specker) All of our students sign a Responsible Use Policy at the beginning of the school year which focuses on being a good citizen. Students are taught that moral standards take place off and online. Some of the guidelines include only taking pictures or videos with the permission of others involved, accessing only sites allowed by the school, and playing only educational games. (Tameka Woodard)
What benefits do you see in having a DigCit Committee? It keeps our community current and engaged in the positive aspects of technology, allows us to stay aware of potential trends or technology that might negatively impact our students, and provides a platform for us to keep our citizenship curriculum current. In the end, we recognize that DigCit is just an extension of citizenship. Country Day prides itself on our commitment to community and our values. Having a proactive digital citizenship strategy is only one small part of our work. (Joe Hernick)
NEWS & NOTES
Building Relationships that Last a Lifetime Q & A with Dr. Denise Spruill, as seen in Pride magazine Dr. Denise Spruill is a twentieth-century social historian, who focuses on U.S., African-American, and women’s histories. Her role at Country Day extends beyond that of an Upper School history teacher. She also is a trusted adult who treasures and values the relationships she has with students and truly believes in the power of combining strong academics with diversity, equity, and inclusion.
1.
You recently earned your Ph.D. What did you study and why? My dissertation, “From The Tub To The Club: Black Women And Activism In The Midwest 1890-1920,” argues that the independent activism and organizing of black Iowa club women gave them the ability to influence other national organizations where women’s leadership was suppressed. Both personally and professionally, my journey to earning a Ph.D. at the University of Iowa means so much to me as a nontraditional student who started while single in her 30s and finished after marriage, motherhood, and through personal challenges. I am grateful and proud of my family, my students, Country Day, and my community for the support they gave me throughout the process. Being able to model perseverance, hard work, and dedication for my son, Jabari Jr., and my students has been an honor. The best part of graduation was hearing my son yell “Yeah Mommy!” as I crossed the stage at graduation.
2.
Integrated into Country Day’s strategic plan is preparing students to lead and thrive in a changing world. Why is this important? Student leadership opportunities both in and out of the classroom including clubs, the Diversity Awareness Forum, student government, and Honor Council provide students with the opportunities to lead in various capacities. Within my teaching, I truly believe in the value of cooperative learning where all students have an opportunity to teach and collaborate thus teaching them leadership, public speaking, and teamwork.
3.
You have led Country Day global experiences, including the first school-led group to visit Cuba. What is the role of global opportunities for students and faculty? We should all strive to be more globally mindful. The global exposure our students experience through Country Day’s extensive travel opportunities, as well as our exchange and international students
on campus, allow our students to better understand the importance of diversity, cultures, and ethnicity. I see this firsthand leading to young adults who have greater respect for difference.
4.
How does Country Day differentiate itself from other educational institutions? I have taught at a variety of places, kindergarten through college, public, and private, and one thing remains the same—students are students. The thing that makes Country Day special is the access to teachers and resources. Country Day intentionally allows teachers to build real relationships with students that last a lifetime and have incredible influence on the success of our students. When a student can meet with a teacher at any time—and have trust—anything is possible!
SPRING 2019
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BUILDING A
STRONG Athletics Program JK-12 By Abe Wehmiller, director of Athletics
A
DEFINING FEATURE of our athletics program is the ability to develop a good number of our student-athletes from the time they are in junior kindergarten through their Middle and Upper School years. To fully leverage that opportunity, it is important for us to make sure all the individual sports that make up that program are vertically integrated. By that, I mean we 6
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are teaching physical fitness, general athletic ability, sport-specific techniques and tactics, and the various “soft skills� in an intentional sequence. Our belief is that students learn best in sports the same way they learn best in, say, reading: They need the alphabet to build words, words to build sentences, sentences to build paragraphs, and paragraphs to build essays, papers, and books.
NEWS & NOTES This past fall, in part because of feedback from the athletics program survey and evaluation we conducted last spring, we redoubled our efforts to introduce or strengthen connections between the activities that take place at multiple levels of our program. Nearly every one of our fall sports had some sort of “integrated” venture during the course of the season, whether that was a joint practice between Middle School, junior varsity, and varsity teams; a Lower School student joining a varsity team as a “Player for a Day,” or an After School Enrichment class conducted by a varsity coach.
Impactful Programs Two initiatives had a particularly significant impact. In September, our Volleyball program held its “Program Night” for the second straight year. A big crowd of students and parents from all grades showed up to first watch the 7th grade, 8th grade, and junior varsity teams play simultaneous matches against Providence Day in Bruton Smith Athletic Center. After a quick reconfiguring of the gym, the varsity players took over on the main court with an impressive win over PD. This structure allows for interaction between players and coaches at all levels that is difficult during a busy season and across two campuses. Our promotional slogan, “One program, one night, all Bucs,” captures the motivation behind the planning. In August, with the help of an energetic group of parents, we launched our Country Day Flag Football program for students in grades two to six. We expected to attract 35–40 students and field three to four teams in the Harris YMCA’s fall league. We ended up with 100 students on 11 teams! Under the guidance of parent volunteer coaches, the teams practiced on Wednesday evenings on Cannon Campus, immediately following varsity practices. This
setup allowed our coaches to provide additional guidance and oversight, and for current varsity players to assist with drills and mentor the younger flag players. Flag players received a Country Day jersey to proudly wear on their Saturday games and around town. The season culminated with a program-wide practice in Belk Stadium, connecting all players at all grade levels. You’ll continue to see us expand these sorts of efforts going forward, as we believe it as an essential part of the work we do to provide our student-athletes with a meaningful and memorable experience in our program and achieve excellence in athletics at Country Day.
“Our promotional slogan, ‘One program, one night, all Bucs,’ captures the motivation behind the planning.” — Abe Wehmiller, director of Athletics
SPRING 2019
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NEWS & NOTES
Supporting Excellence Together
Class of 1961
$10,500 greatest need
Country Day Loyal*
By Merrill Mills, director of the Country Day Fund
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HE COUNTRY Day Fund is truly a community-wide effort where everyone who loves Country Day can make a meaningful difference. Collective participation from parents, alumni, grandparents, parents of alumni, faculty and staff, and other friends of Country Day creates a stable and dependable source of unrestricted operating support for our school. Scott Stevens, secretary-treasurer and chair of the Finance and Audit Committees of the Board of Trustees, shared at our fall volunteer meeting, "I have a pretty unique insight into the cost of all that Country Day provides and how efficiently the school does it. Tuition only covers about 80 percent of the cost, and the Country Day Fund is truly crucial to supporting the level of excellence in education that Country Day delivers.” The bottom line is that the level of excellence we see every day in every classroom for every student would not be possible without your unrestricted gifts to the Country Day Fund. Your Impact No matter the size of your gift, participating in the Country Day Fund shows your appreciation for our school and your belief in our mission. Independent schools are often measured and compared by participation rates, and our culture of philanthropy is something that sets Country Day apart. Our faculty and staff have achieved 100 percent participation for the past eight years, showing their unwavering commitment. Our alumni participation is average among peer schools of our size, but we all know Country Day is not average, so our volunteer leaders’ goal is to grow participation with your help this spring. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to supporting the Country Day Fund and making a difference for our school. EVERY gift directly supports strategic initiatives and keeps Country Day at the forefront. So what are you waiting for?! Help ensure small class sizes, individualized attention for students, financial aid that fosters community, and professional development for our talented and dedicated faculty and staff. To learn more visit charlottecountryday.org/countrydayfund.
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Class of 2014
$100 athletics
Former Employee, Parent of Alumni
$50 fine arts
Country Day Loyal*
Current Parent
$200
greatest need, academic programming and innovative learning tools, exceptional faculty and staff
Grandparent, Parent of Alumni, Former Employee
$500
Current Parent
$5,000
New Parent
$1,500
athletics and diversity, equity, and inclusion programming
diversity, equity, and inclusion programming
Country Day Loyal*
international studies
Class of 1994, Current Parent
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
JOIN THESE COUNTRY DAY FUND DONORS TODAY!
$2,500 exceptional faculty and staff Country Day Loyal*
Class of 1976, Employee, Parent of Alumni
$75
academic programming and innovative learning tools Country Day Loyal*
Former Trustee, Parent of Alumni
$2,000
Class of 1987
$50
greatest need and fine arts
Trustee, Current Parent
$1,500
greatest need, financial aid, and diversity, equity, and inclusion programming
financial aid
Country Day Loyal*
*Country Day Loyal recognizes donors who have given any amount for at least five consecutive years. Ninety-seven percent of Country Day Loyal members make their annual gift through the Country Day Fund.
SPRING 2019
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NEWS & NOTES
Chas Fagan Connects
Art with History By Natalie Pruett, marketing and communications
F
OR 11 YEARS running, Country Day has hosted a public art exhibition in the Hance Family Gallery featuring well-known artists and art collections generously shared by members of our own community. This year’s contributor and artist is one in the same in Chas Fagan, a Country Day parent and world-renowned visual artist. Best-known for combining his artistic gifts with his knowledge of history, some of Mr. Fagan’s high-profile commissions include oil portraits of all 45 U.S. Presidents; along with statues of
President Reagan in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, Neil Armstrong for Purdue University, Rosa Parks in the Washington National Cathedral; and the official portrait of Mother Teresa for her canonization at St. Peter’s in Rome. “The range of art exhibits we feature ties art education directly to our community, reaching all levels of interest and age groups,” says Upper School Art Department Chair and Hance Family Gallery Director Tom Delaney. “Our exhibits serve to affirm community and deepen the connection between artist and viewer by sharing finished works of art and revealing the intent, creation, and process that inspires the work on display,
which relates directly to our fine arts curriculum at all levels.” An installation of 26 of Mr. Fagan’s pieces featured both in-progress and completed works, which hung in the Hance Family Gallery from February 4–March 1. Mr. Fagan’s Captain Jack bronze statue, currently displayed on the Greenway in Uptown Charlotte, was represented by portions of the original cast and suspended from the gallery ceiling. Additionally, maquettes (smallscale preliminary models), sketches, and photographs accompanied the displayed works to reveal the creative process from start to finish. Students from all divisions, grades, and subject areas visited the exhibit and some Upper School art students will work directly with Mr. Fagan during the spring semester.
My students loved that Mr. Fagan was a real person, not some far away art history subject, which made art real for them. –Mike Hennessey, eighth-grade art teacher
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Sharing Artistic Talents with Middle School Students This wasn’t the first time the Country Day community benefited from Mr. Fagan’s artistic talents. Last year, he was a visiting artist at the Middle School, where he worked with eighth-grade art students on the design of a bronze sculpture now featured at Bissell Campus. The sculpture depicts an oak tree stump draped with a buccaneer flag and tricorn hat, with various symbols representing learning, knowledge, and Country Day history. The students came up with the theme because they wanted to visually tell a story that combined the school’s mission, history, and culture. “My goal was to give students the freedom to express their own artistic ideas and collaborate with the results,” says Mr. Fagan. “I got to witness the paths of their imaginations and the culmination of all their creativity. From the start, the fun, thoughtful contents in the students’ brainstorming and doodling were overwhelming! They proudly point out the iconography and details they created to capture the Middle School’s spirit and history.” “It was a very memorable, inspiring, and eye-opening opportunity to work with Mr. Fagan,” says Linde Fonville, Upper School student who was part of last year’s sculpture project. “I was grateful to learn about professional art, but I also enjoyed
making a piece of art that will last for generations on the Country Day campus.” “The opportunity to work side by side with Chas Fagan gave my students a glimpse into the process that artists use to create in real time, as well as a chance to cast in bronze, which is a rare treat for any young artist,” says Mike Hennessey, eighth-grade art teacher who led the project. “My students loved that Mr. Fagan was a real person, not some far away art history subject, which made art real for them. This was an incredible experience for these young art students.”
PAST ANNUAL GALLERY EXHIBITS (2009) The African-American Experience: Images of Family, Faith & Struggle—Selections from the Judy and Patrick Diamond Collection (2010) The Sight of Music: Artworks from the Judy and Patrick Diamond Collection (2011) Romare Bearden: Works from the Judy and Patrick Diamond Collection (2012) Cundo Bermudez: Works from the Sonia and Isaac Luski Collection (2013) W. Louis Jones: Works from the Sonia and Isaac Luski Collection (2014) Forms and Shapes, Large and Small: Contemporary Works from the Diamond Family Collection (2015) Crossroads of Culture: Spanish Colonial Art from the Robicsek Family Collection (2016) The Family Circle: Photographs by Linda Foard Roberts (2017) 75th Anniversary: Alumni Art Show featuring 38 alumni artists (2018) From the Ground Up: Masterworks from the Carolinas (and Beyond) from the Bill and Patty Gorelick Collection
SPRING 2019
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NEWS & NOTES
PHASE
Shaping Tomorrow
CANNON SCIENCE RENOVATION
Together PHASE
II
Opening: August 2019 This newly renovated building will host a number of important programs and academic resources. We envision an agile and flexible space where innovative ideas and inspired thinking are shared through spaces that invite collaboration. • College Counseling Bruton Suite Smith Athletic Center Suite • Educational Resource Program • IT Help Desk Resource Room • Upper School Maker Space • Upper School Collaboration Space
I
PURDY CENTER FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS Opened: August 2018
Cannon Science Building Pell Hall
Creating New Opportunities in a Distinctive Learning Environment CARMEL
ROAD
Every day, in everything we do, our focus is on preparing each of our students to contribute meaningfully in a rapidly changing world. We are continually improving and breaking new ground so we can provide future generations of students with the tools, skills, and experiences to follow their passions, fulfill their promise, and lead lives of achievement and purpose. Led by the Board of Trustees and inspired by the most inclusive strategic planning process in Country Day’s history, we are creating a distinctive learning environment tailored to the unique character and community of our school. As we near the end of the second phase of a three-phased construction project, students and faculty are stretching into innovative spaces and tools that fully support their creative academic programming. Shaping Tomorrow Together Tremendous energy surrounds these immediate strategic priorities, and we are grateful for the generous, early leadership gifts that have kicked off these important projects. During the 2019–20
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school year, everyone will be asked to rise to the challenge to help shape our school’s future by supporting Country Day during this extraordinary community year. Support from the entire community is essential to the success of this comprehensive campaign where capital, endowment, and annual giving goals will keep Country Day at the forefront. Each initiative in this campaign will have a direct impact on the student experience and the Country Day tradition of excellence.
•Annual Giving through The Country Day Fund •Purdy Center for Science and Mathematics (new) •Dowd Student Center (complete renovation of current Cannon and Elizabeth Reddig Libraries) •Hance Lower School Learning Center (new) •John and Claudia Belk Upper School Learning Center (new) •The Brock Center for Extended Day program space (new) •Endowment
PHASE PHASE
I
HANCE LOWER SCHOOL LEARNING CENTER
II
Opened: August 2018
DOWD STUDENT CENTER
Rendering of Dowd Student Center - Lower School
Opening: August 2019 Gorelick Family Theater
Dickson Kindergarten Building Belk Hall
Barnhardt Hall
Bray Hall
Levine Center
Claudia Watkins Belk
PHASE
III
JOHN AND CLAUDIA BELK UPPER SCHOOL LEARNING CENTER
Hall
Rendering of Dowd Student Center - Upper School
Groundbreaking: June 2019
Rendering of John and Claudia Belk Upper School Learning Center
SPRING 2019
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Overheard It’s safe to say that no one else in my freshman math and science courses was more prepared for the college curriculum than I was. Grant Steelman ’14, Vanderbilt graduate, in a Web story about the annual Science Symposium. October 25, 2018
“HAD A LOT OF FUN THIS PAST WEEK AT MY SON MAX’S GRADE 1 CAREER DAY AT CHARLOTTE COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL! VITREORETINAL SURGERY IS ENDLESS FUN KIDS!!” @davidalmeidaMD, David Almeida. December 14, 2018
“Last week, 130 (!!!) sophomores from Charlotte Country Day School came as tornadoes through our center and left it cleaned, organized, and with painted walls and soccer fields. Thank you!!” Comment from ourBRIDGE for Kids. October 4, 2018
I wasn’t born to be some special basketball player, but my hard work brought me to where I am today. Alex Tabor ’19, in a Charlotte Observer story about his record-breaking shooting skills. January 31, 2019
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“I CAN'T EVEN GET ENOUGH OF THIS!!!!!! YES!!!!! WAY TO GO COUNTRY DAY!!!!”
Ms. Amelia—your warm smile meant more than you will ever know when I was putting my kindergarten baby on the school bus for the first time.
Krista Wilson, in response to a blog post about Head of Lower School Bill Mulcahy’s day as a third grader. October 19, 2018
Virginia Sparrow Hart, one of many heartwarming comments about Amelia Berry, who retired in December after 20 years of service. December 12, 2018
With two daughters enrolled in the Middle School, we see the positive influence Country Day has on our children and our family every day. Our gratitude, pride, and belief in Country Day are why we are leading this community-wide effort to make a meaningful difference for the school we love. Sonia and Don Cleven, Country Day Fund chairs, in an e-mail communication launching the 2018–19 campaign. October 11, 2018
Keep perspective. High standardized testing scores certainly carry abundant advantages in the world of academia, but there is no correlation between high standardized scores and a successful, happy, and meaningful life. Head of Middle School Warren Sepkowitz, in his weekly e-mail to parents ahead of ERB testing. January 14, 2019
One of the most vivid memories that I have from Halloween Parades is the sound of bagpipes. Every year for as long as I can remember, CCDS parent and piper Mr. Richard Chapin led the parade with other pipers from his group.” Alice Dixon ’78, in response to an Alumni Newsletter request for Halloween Parade memories. October 2018
Don’t yuck someone else’s yum. Jacob Baumstein ’19, giving advice to peers on navigating the college application process in The Hook, the online student newspaper. December issue.
SPRING 2019
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BEST SHOW! IN
At Country Day, every student has the chance to shine, as young as junior kindergarten, as they perform in front of peers, parents, and faculty. While it’s fun for parents to see their little ones on stage, these performances, which are often curriculum-based, also help build confidence and allow students to develop communication and public speaking skills. “These are vital 21st century competencies that will prepare our children for future success,” explains Bill Mulcahy, head of Lower School. “By fourth grade it’s natural for our students to go on stage and perform, at a time in many kids’ lives when it doesn’t feel natural or comfortable at all.” The progression of performance skills continues through Middle School and culminates in Upper School with 10 theater arts courses and participation in award-winning productions. Turn the page to read two perspectives on the value of arts education and the power of theater to bring out the very best in students.
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THEATER ARTS AT A GLANCE • Seven 2018 Blumey Award nominations for The Drowsy Chaperone, including Best Musical • Back-to-back state championships for one-act plays in 2017 and 2018 • Southeastern Theatre Conference runner-up and Best Director award • Multiple awards for direction, production design, choreography, and acting from the NC Theatre Association • Three dedicated drama instructors, one at each division • Across all divisions, the theatre arts program involves • 878 cast members and 40 crew members • 53 performances per year • 275 parent and faculty volunteers • 530+ hours of rehearsal
SPRING 2019
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FEATURES
5
QUESTIONS for Jenny Goodfellow
director of Theatre Arts
Jenny Goodfellow joined Country Day in 2012 as the Middle School drama teacher. Her previous experience as enrichment coordinator for the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte led to an enhanced production level for Middle School performances, and a program that connected theatre with community engagement and service. In 2015, Mrs. Goodfellow was tapped to direct the Upper School Theatre Arts program. She has training with Dell’ Arte International School and is one of 25 educators to hold a directing fellowship from The Juilliard School in New York. She has been recognized multiple times as Outstanding Director by the North Carolina Theatre Conference, and most recently as Best Director by the Southeastern Theatre Conference. Mrs. Goodfellow is a published playwright and has been featured as a guest writer for TheatreFolk and the American Alliance in Theatre and Education in addition to holding a master’s degree from New York University.
How long have you been involved in theatre?
the first show I auditioned for—The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. This meant I first experienced the magic of theatre I was destined for Broadway, right?! at age 10 when I watched my hometown Unfortunately, my subsequent auditions community theatre’s production of Annie. weren’t as successful. I decided if I couldn’t It opened a world of song and scenery that be in the shows, I would volunteer behind had me bouncing down the street afterward. the scenes. I was on running crews, worked I have been involved in theatre in some lights and sound, took tickets, painted capacity ever since. I was cast as a lead in scenery, organized costumes, you name it! As a teen, I learned how to work a drill, fix a hem, paint scenery, and many other priceless skills. I went on to be cast again (many more times) in various parts for various shows; but if I wasn’t on the stage, I was behind the scenes or reading plays, all of which ultimately led to pursuing theatre in college and beyond. As an undergraduate, I discovered theatre could be used as a vehicle for change by working with the Urban League to ease race relations among teens. Mrs. Goodfellow during dress rehearsal for It connected me to the Catch Me If You Can. world of education, 18
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social justice, and how theatre could have an impact in community and school settings. During graduate school at NYU, one special project led us overseas to London and a collaboration with the Unicorn Children’s Theatre which ultimately connected me to the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte and then Country Day.
What do you like about teaching theatre at Country Day? The people here genuinely care for each other. You feel it when you go to events like Lower School Spirit Night or the Holiday Breakfast, see it when alumni come back to visit on their fall break, and absorb it when you walk alongside a faculty member with a major life event. Country Day is not just a place to teach, it’s a community I connect with personally. As a parent, one of the most precious relationships I’ve witnessed is the interaction between the theatre students and my own children. My second grader and kindergartener, Gracie and Joseph, love visiting rehearsals and seeing the big kids in action. Walking across campus to their classes in the morning, I see them hugged, fist-pounded, and encouraged to have a great day by the Upper School students. Gracie and Joseph are watching firsthand how a student can take AP Calculus, play on a sports field, and perform on the stage. The cross-section that Country Day provides is inspiring. As a theatre director, my job is a lot like a parent. In the same way we, as parents, are preparing our children to become independent in the world, a director prepares a cast/crew to perform a show. When the cast/crew describe themselves, they often talk about being a family. These students overcome challenges, solve problems, even have disagreements, and work as a team to make the show a success. In the process, they form lifelong friendships. As a teacher, I love seeing a student think in new and creative ways, step out of his or her comfort zone (especially in an Improv class), or be an avid supporter of the arts by attending shows. Ultimately, it’s about helping students reach their fullest creative potential and letting them use the foundational skills of their fine arts class to follow their own path—whether that be on the
stage, in an operating room, or at a board meeting. These aren’t just theater skills, they are life skills. The program continues to grow with bigger shows and more awards. What’s the secret to your success? Theatre is a collaborative process. I feel fortunate to have the support of amazing individuals: Karl Hoffman (technical director), Linda Booth (choreographer), Megan DeLaura (music director), Jaclyn Orchard (costumes), Mr. Reed who always attends productions from Lower School through Upper School, students who are ready to rise to the next challenge, parents who are willing to give their time and talents, an administration who considers innovative ideas, and a husband and family who support a crazy schedule and a passion for all things theatre. During my days at the Middle School, I remember sitting across from Warren Sepkowitz explaining to him that I wanted my students to perform Peter Pan and I wanted us to fly—I mean, really fly. This
Ultimately, it’s about helping students...use the foundational skills of their fine arts class to follow their own path—whether that be on the stage, in an operating room, or at a board meeting. ”
involved contracting Flying by Foy (one of only two companies in the world to specialize in flying effects), hiring a structural engineer to evaluate the support beams In October, thanks to Lower School Drama teacher Joe Trifiletti and Jenny in the theatre, Goodfellow, Country Day hosted a theatre workshop with Tyler McKenzie and and many Kristen Hoagland from Hamilton. more lengthy logistics. Even internationally, but form connections though Warren was shaking his head “no,” he across our own community and the city was smiling all the while. I knew then, this is of Edinburgh. a school that supports innovative ideas. Before we leave for the Fringe, we will Whether you are sewing on a button for perform Dr. Seusss’ The Cat in the Hat at a costume, buying a ticket to a production, ImaginOn’s Terrific Tuesday event on cheering on your child’s stage debut, or an July 23, in collaboration with Charlotte alumni returning for performances, it all Mecklenburg Library’s summer reading creates a community of engagement and, program to promote literacy. As we take the ultimately, a successful program. show to the Fringe Festival, we will perform at the Eric Liddell Centre in Scotland, You are traveling to Scotland this a community organization that offers summer to take part in the Fringe support services for both young people Festival. How did that come about and and the elderly. The collaboration with what is the itinerary? the Office of International Studies allows We were invited by the American High students to travel to London, England, to School Theatre Festival to apply, and were take workshops at the Globe Theatre, tour accepted, to perform at the Edinburgh Stratford-upon-Avon, and attend various Fringe Festival, the largest performing arts productions and workshops both in London festival in the world. Last summer, after and while at the Fringe in Edinburgh. attending the Festival and realizing that That’s the beauty of Country Day—the we would lose our Country Day identity to interdepartmental collaborations allow for a become part of the once-in-a-lifetime experience for students. American High School program, I explored the What is your favorite musical idea of independently or play and why? going to the Fringe This is the hardest question! How does one Festival with David choose? I have a list of shows I love and of Lynn, director of course, Hamilton is on repeat in my playlist. International However, my favorite show is always the show Studies and Matt I’m directing. Being able to dive deep into Less, head of Upper the world of a script and unlock its potential School. They were both brings me back to my first experience of extremely supportive Annie. Watching the performers, hearing of this new direction, the music, seeing the choreography, and and a collaboration having it all come together is what continues began to broaden the to inspire me today. trip experience, to not only perform SPRING 2019
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FEATURES
With Appreciation from
BEHIND CURTAIN THE
By Courtney Eliasek, Friends of the Arts board member and parent to three Country Day actors
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s a parent of three children at Country Day, I have witnessed firsthand the value of our fine arts program, specifically our theater departments. Over the years, I have volunteered for productions in all three divisions allowing me a behind-the-scenes glimpse of all the work that goes into the impressive student performances. Country Day is fortunate to have talented faculty who are passionate about theater arts and willing to share their knowledge and excitement with our students. In Lower School, drama teacher Joe Trifiletti and assistant teacher Katy Johns enthusiastically encourage our youngest student performers and allow every child the opportunity to shine on stage each year. Students grow in confidence as they experience public speaking, singing, and dancing. In Middle School, fifth- and sixth-grade students take drama class with Aaron Mize, and any students interested in theater can participate in plays and musicals. Mr. Mize directs these productions along with several other faculty members who dedicate their time and talents to the cast and crew. Creating and painting sets, helping with rehearsals, and teaching songs are just a few of the many tasks taken on by teachers to support the shows. For Middle School students, the opportunity to be part of a team and interact with kids from other grades is invaluable as they come into their own. When students enter Upper School, Jenny Goodfellow is ready to help them 20
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Friends of the Arts (FOTA) is a volunteer parent organization that raises awareness of Country Day’s fine arts program in all divisions. Courtney Eliasek serves as the Upper School drama representative on the FOTA Board and has been an integral parent volunteer for years.
realize their full creative potential. As Director of Theatre Arts, Mrs. Goodfellow raises the bar another level with the one-act plays and musicals she directs. Students embrace the challenge to participate in these complex performances and produce successful results. Last year, The Drowsy Chaperone was nominated for seven Blumey Awards, including Best Musical, and the cast performed at the Belk Theater. The 2018 fall one-act, The Crane Wife, won the state competition and finished in second place at the national level.
Committed to Excellence Students who participate in theatre make a serious commitment to the production. The cast and crew become more than a team; they are like family to each other as they rehearse daily after school and on weekends. Students recognize they each play an important role in the production, whether they are a lead actor, part of the ensemble, or crew. Learning how to take constructive criticism and improve, as well as providing encouraging words to each other, is part of the process. Mrs. Goodfellow is there every step of the way to guide them. Each year, Mrs. Goodfellow assembles an amazing team to produce the Broadwayworthy musicals put on by our Upper School. One of the most important members of the talented production crew
is Karl Hoffman. Mr. Hoffman’s title at Country Day is technical director and theater manager, but really he is the versatile and invaluable wizard behind the curtain who supports every event in the Gorelick Family Theater. He builds sets, controls sound and lighting, mentors student crew members, and supports the actors and actresses. When Middle School takes its fall play on the road to perform at local elementary schools, or Upper School competes in regionals, states, or nationals, Mr. Hoffman is the one making sure the sets, costumes, and props make it to each location.
Country Day is fortunate to have talented faculty who are passionate about theater arts and willing to share their knowledge and excitement with our students.
For the musical Catch Me If You Can, Mr. Hoffman first constructed the enormous set in the Black Box Theater for rehearsals so students could tackle the challenge of very complex staging and choreography. It was completely dismantled and reassembled in the theater when stage practice began in mid-January. He takes the ideas and dreams from the directors and makes them a reality on stage. Whether it is flying in Peter Pan or a lighted, multilevel set for Catch Me If You Can, Mr. Hoffman will help make it happen. I am grateful my children have had extraordinary opportunities at every grade level, and it’s been my pleasure to serve FOTA. To learn more about FOTA, visit charlottecountryday.org/BucsNet.
Karl Hoffman at the dress rehearsal for Catch Me If You Can.
Peyton Otis ’19 was the stage manager for Catch Me If You Can, and earned Excellence in Production Design for Stage Management for The Crane Wife at the NC Theatre Conference.
Every Lower School student takes part in grade-level and class performances, building confidence and public speaking skills.
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By David Lynn, director of International Studies
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typical day for a Country Day Middle School student might include learning Spanish from a native speaker, studying science with a teacher who spent time in Iceland on a research grant to explore geology, while sitting next to a peer who recently emigrated from China. That same student meets on a regular basis with the Middle School Model United Nations team to discuss and debate current global political issues while also volunteering at OurBridge, a Charlotte-based nonprofit serving young people from refugee families who are new to the community. In social studies, this student is part of a team that is researching South Africa and interviewing a native of the country for their seventh-grade Global Village Project. Without ever having to use a passport, this student is exposed to our world in rich, purposeful, and transformational ways.
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FEATURES
A common priority for 21st century schools is the molding of global citizens, young leaders who are ready to engage in a worldwide environment with a sense of appreciation and curiosity, while also able to work collaboratively with those who represent different cultures, nationalities, and beliefs. Country Day was at the forefront of global education when Millie Dalton Cox ’66 helped start the Office of International Studies in 1991 (one of the first schools in the country to have a global program). For nearly three decades, the Office of International Studies has cultivated sister school partnerships in eight countries and promoted experiences abroad for students in grades 6 though 12. In 2018, 132 students participated in one of a dozen global experiences, visiting a total of 19 countries on five continents, led by a team of 25 dedicated and well-trained faculty trip leaders. While the longlasting educational impact of global experiences abroad can be profound, we remain proud of the global learning opportunities all students are exposed to without ever having to leave our community. Going “Glocal” As a school, we embrace the term “glocal,” which emphasizes understanding the global diversity and resources in the community where one lives prior to exploring the world beyond our borders. The city of Charlotte provides a rich setting for global exposure, with more than one in every six Charlotteans born abroad. In all three divisions, guests regularly visit classes to discuss the world beyond our borders. This might include a parent from Brazil coming in to meet with junior kindergarten students or the seventh-grade Global Village project in which over 30 community members, all representing different national backgrounds, are interviewed by students. Every year, Country Day hosts an exchange teacher from Nanjing, China, for three
months. We also recently hosted, Saleh Alghamdi, a visiting teacher from Saudi Arabia, who spent significant time with Lower and Middle School students. On campus, students can join a wide range of global-themed extracurricular clubs including the Global Explorers (Lower School), Model United Nations and Global Action Team (Middle School), and Model United Nations, Interact Club, International Studies Board, WorldQuest, Euro Challenge, and other globally themed service clubs in the Upper School. Off campus, students are regularly involved in community international festivals and events sponsored by the World Affairs Council of Charlotte and International House. Country Day also has strong relationships with members of the North Carolina Diplomatic Corp., consisting of honorary consuls representing over 20 countries, and regularly hosts on-campus forums, international film screens, and cultural presentations. Over the past year, students have participated in lunches with visiting diplomats, including the ambassadors of Myanmar, Finland, Jamaica, Czech Republic, Germany, and Cape Verde. These interactions provide students with intimate insight into the world of diplomacy and a chance to interact with leaders on the world stage. In our own community, our International Parents Group provides incredible support as we build our global learning environment. Representing over 45 nationalities, this group regularly volunteers with classroom activities, campus events, and organizes the International Café at Big Saturday, which raises over $4,300 for the school.
The Middle School Model United Nations team gives students a chance to practice collaboration, analytical thinking, and problem solving.
This group also plays a vital role in supporting global families who are new to the Country Day community, and in many cases, new to the country. Global-minded Faculty Shaping a globally engaged community goes hand in hand with nurturing a globally minded faculty that is well-equipped to inspire our students both in and out of the classroom. While currently only 42 percent of U.S. citizens own a passport, nearly 93 percent of Country Day’s faculty and staff have traveled abroad at one point in their lives. When faculty were surveyed for countries where they had lived for three months or longer, allowing for a rich cultural immersion experience, 50 countries were identified. Collectively, Country Day faculty speak over 20 languages, with greater than 100 faculty speaking a second language at the conversational level or higher. SPRING 2019
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Our Lower School Global Explorers team learned about China from Upper School students Mint and Monica.
Furthermore, Country Day offers a wide range of annual faculty grants for professional development abroad, sponsored by generous and visionary parents and alumni. Lower School kindergarten teacher Sherry Harris recently received a travel grant to study in Switzerland. “I visited three International Baccalaureate schools rooted in the philosophy that children should be active participants in their learning,” she explains. “This is best achieved through a hands-on, discovery-based approach, building on a child’s innate curiosity to inquire, research, and reflect on the world around them. I came away from my visit inspired to continue to provide this kind of experience for my students.” These opportunities allow our students to approach global topics in the classroom with firsthand exposure and authenticity.
abroad, while other young alums regularly report back from college-level study abroad opportunities in six continents. We are proud of alumna like Savvy Brar ’11, who currently works for the United Nations and focuses on HIV/ AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa. Last fall, she returned to Country Day to share her work with students in AP World Geography. Zi Yang ’12 works for Global Endowment Management as an analyst. Zi says, “Having an international perspective is very important. Once you have the experience of working with people cross-culturally, it makes you more curious. Cultural
Alums Who are Ready to Explore We are most proud of how our global program has provided the springboard for alumni who demonstrate confidence in pursuing global opportunities and careers. Each year, several graduates choose to engage in their full university studies Upper School students regularly meet with dignitaries, like the ambassador to the Czech Republic. These dignitaries often comment on our students’ curiosity about world affairs and ability to ask deep, well-informed questions. 24
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sensitivity has served me well in the investment field.” We continue to be inspired by graduates, like Jason Levergood ’88 (see page 40), who connect their understanding of the world with their careers in business, medicine, education, service, and beyond. To be Country Day Ready is to be ready to embrace the richness of our global community. Margaret Beltz ’19, who spent her junior year abroad in Spain, shares, “As a lifer at Country Day, I have had a literal lifetime to prepare for the leadership and independence that School Year Abroad requires. In many ways, I owe those characteristics to the global opportunities that encouraged me to find excitement in meeting new people, exploring different cultures, and flourishing in the unknown.” We are proud of our students, faculty, staff, families, and alumni who strive to transcend cultural differences by seeking to understand, relate, and engage collaboratively in ways that better our world. This is a part of every Country Day student’s education and it is something we believe will provide them with the skills, experience, and motivation to play an active role in a world that is becoming ever more interconnected.
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Four Years, Four World Leaders From 1995 to 1998, Country Day students and faculty had the privilege of hosting Mikhail Gorbachev, Shimon Peres, John Major, and Lech Walesa
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VER A REMARKABLE four-year period in the late 1990s, Country Day students had the opportunity to engage with world leaders and renowned peacemakers without ever having to leave Charlotte. In October 1995, Mikhail Gorbachev, the former Soviet president and Nobel Peace Prize winner, was the first to visit. According to Et cetera, a parent newsletter at the time, “Mr. Gorbachev was greeted by Head of School Margaret Gragg and a group of students who presented him with bread and salt, an old Russian custom.” The following fall, in October 1996, Country Day made history by becoming the only school in the U.S. to receive a visit from Shimon Peres, the former prime minister of Israel and also a Nobel Peace Prize winner. From Et cetera: “Peres engaged in a 45-minute question-and-answer session with six students who represented the Upper School at assembly. More than 80 students and teachers from area high schools were also invited to hear the words of a man who has influenced the course of history.” John Major, the former prime minister of Great Britain, visited Country Day in October 1997. On the way to the Upper School assembly, Mr. Major stopped to talk and shake hands with Lower School students along the way. From Et cetera: “One fourth grader commented, ‘My mom’s not even going to make me wash my hands…that was one of the best
moments of my life!’” Finally, in February 1998, Lech Walesa, the former president of Poland and Nobel Peace Prize winner, visited Country Day (coincidentally on the same day we also hosted Mark Mathabane, author of Kaffir Boy, a riveting account of apartheid in South Africa). Mr. Walesa told the students, “The man on the street can be a greater hero than someone who is famous. I’ve known a lot of presidents and kings, but the common people who struggle are often more interesting and more valuable.” These visits by world leaders coincided with their speaking engagements to the Charlotte Foreign Policy Forum. Robert Pittenger, alumni parent, was president of that group at the time and was instrumental in arranging the visits.
1 Mikhail Gorbachev was introduced at Upper
School assembly by Student Body President Ivon Rohrer ’96.
2 Lower School students helped welcome Lech Walesa to Cannon Campus before he spoke with Upper School students at an assembly.
3 Head of School Emeritus Margaret Gragg
Bissell had the privilege of hosting four world leaders during her tenure, including John Major, who was also greeted by Jay Kenney ’98.
4 Shimon Peres talked with Marni Strumwasser ’98 and other student leaders before his presentation at assembly.
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FEATURES
Country Day
DOERS By Lee-Anne Black and Beth Lawing
At times, it seems as though today’s culture encourages us to be mere spectators—if we aren’t careful, we spend our days watching screens instead of spending time with others and getting our hands dirty. There is certainly no shortage of people with opinions about what should be done.
At Country Day, we go beyond academics to instill in our students and graduates the confidence and passion to act, rather than merely think or talk about ideas. Through community service, athletic and artistic pursuits, and extracurricular endeavors, our goal is to shape well-rounded adults who are comfortable and successful in diverse settings—individuals of honor, integrity, and purpose who are ready to make significant contributions to society. Our students are surrounded and supported by adults inside and outside the classroom who also possess the ideals of principled character, engaged citizenship, and global-mindedness. In the pages ahead, we profile students, alumni, faculty, and parents who personify Country Day “Doers.”
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Aishwarya Sharma ’19:
EDUCATING OTHERS As early as age six, Aishwarya “Aish” Sharma couldn’t find a high school club in the fondly remembers taking part in Bollywood Carolinas that was already doing this, dance and helping to sell tickets for her Aish decided to create her own: the “Say shows in an effort to raise money for eNOugh” Club. victims directly affected by sex trafficking Upper School Dean of Students Natalie in India. These days, Aish still enjoys Hutchinson explained what steps to take Bollywood dance, and she still feels a to start a club and how to write a consticalling to draw attention to the pervasive tution, while Assistant Dean of Students human rights violations that she sees Steve Wall explained how he could help happening against women and men. line up guest speakers for assemblies. “As I got older, I realized that I wanted The Say eNOugh Club now boasts about 100 to bring even more attention to this issue active members (60% female and 40% domestically, and I feel that the best male) and provides support to victims of way to combat it is through education,” domestic violence as well as education Aish explains. As a to the Country Day sophomore, Aish community about explored starting a the warning signs AISHWARYA’S TOP club at Country Day to associated with bring awareness about u Varsity Lacrosse domestic violence. u Varsity Golf, captain domestic violence to “We’ve partnered u Bollywood Dance (12 years) her teenage peers, our efforts with the u Say eNOugh Club both male and female. NC Coalition Against u Country Day Ambassador However, when she Domestic Violence and the Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage. Together we have helped raise more than $500,000 for those in
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need,” says Aish proudly. Fundraising for Say eNOugh has come from a wide variety of sources: Sweet 16 parties, Ugly Sweater parties, fashion shows, as well as several luncheon events. Aish says, “When it comes to educating others, I’ve found that so many teenagers think, ‘It can’t happen to me,’ so the Say eNOugh Club has made education a big focus at Country Day to dispel this misconception.” Say eNOugh Club members have passed out warning cards to Upper School students to explain what to look for in an unhealthy relationship. “We hope to cultivate a new generation that is well-seasoned enough to protect their peers and save themselves as well when it comes to fighting domestic violence. Intimate partner violence is an incredibly large gray area, and by raising awareness about the cause, we are essentially preventing domestic violence before it begins.” Club members also encourage friends to act as “active bystanders” if they suspect that their friends are in an unhealthy relationship so that they can get help. Aish likes how founding the Say eNOugh Club has helped her come out of her shell at school even more. “I like how people at Country Day see me as an approachable person who is empathetic and cares about them. I want the Say eNOugh Club to be inspirational so that everyone knows that they can have faith in themselves, and that we are all looking out for each other.”
We hope to cultivate a new generation that is well-seasoned enough to protect their peers and save themselves as well when it comes to fighting domestic violence.”
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Katharine Smock Conover ’69:
IMPROVING LIVES THROUGH LEADERSHIP As president of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole, a nonprofit that awards more than $700,000 annually in discretionary grants to positively impact the community, Katharine Smock Conover ’69 oversees more than $70 million in assets and a staff of 11. Passionate about social justice, she came to this work after her children were grown and she decided to get a master’s in social work from the University of Denver. She has served in leadership roles in several Wyoming organizations related to domestic violence support and prevention. In 2015, Katharine received the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year award. In October, Katharine attended her 50th Reunion, along with 14 other members of the Class of 1969. Though she was only at Country Day her senior year— her father was relocated to Charlotte—she says, “It didn’t take long to feel a part of the school.” Katharine is clearly a “doer,” so we decided to ask her some questions. How did you get started in the nonprofit sector? Once I became a mom, I began to see the world around me in a new way; and then when we moved to Wyoming from Manhattan, I really understood how
insular I had been. While it felt like a privilege to be a social worker, early on, I realized that I could be more effective as an advocate for social change. For instance, as a social worker, I used storytelling so others could understand better what life was like for our clients. Today, my job is to translate the broader needs of the community to others: legislators, donors, prosecuting attorneys, anyone who can be helpful to nonprofits. Storytelling is my most effective tool. How do you make giving more effective? Effective organizations run effective programs, so I encourage donors to look at what the organization has been able to accomplish. There is nothing more important for an organization than an effective leader, and we need to be recruiting and compensating the best leaders. I try to reorient people’s thinking and say, “Your CEO is paid a lot because they are worth a lot. Why should we ask a highly qualified leader to take a vow of poverty to work every bit as hard to lead a nonprofit?” I’m trying to reposition people’s thinking about nonprofits: Change it from donating to “a charity” to realizing that nonprofits are an investment in all of our futures. Nonprofits protect our values, they keep us safe and alive, and they enhance our lives. They take care
of all the aspects of our lives that we truly care about. Your foundation has a Youth Philanthropy program. Why is this important? We created this program so that high school students in Jackson Hole can learn how to evaluate grant requests and make tough strategic decisions by awarding grants to local organizations. The Youth Philanthropy grants open up the decisionmaking process to kids so that they are really learning about community concerns and how they can be addressed the most effectively. My advice for students at any high school, including Country Day, is to involve others as much as possible so that what you start will be sustainable. If what you are doing is important, then make sure you engage others so that the work can continue after you go to college. Final thought? I believe that we all have an inherent need to be useful—it’s as important as our need to love and be loved. It doesn’t have to be sensational. Being a “doer” means asking oneself, “What can I bring that no one else can?” When you serve others, the favor is returned tenfold.
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“
School Board chair, and as our current Parents’ Association president. Patrick and Kristin have also served on the Boosters Club Board. “He takes great pride in the school and wants it to be the very best it can be,” says Jonsie Evans Moore ’95, who served as director of Alumni Relations for several years. “But I think his biggest motivator is a genuine desire to honor and serve the teachers and coaches and classmates who invested so much in him and his family.” Elizabeth Portland, past president of the Parents’ Association, says, “Patrick may be the alum, but nobody loves Country Day more than Kristin Hobson. From the day she walked on campus 14 years ago, she has been involved in the Parents’ Association; she has served on maybe every single role on the Lower School Board.” In accepting the award, Patrick said, “I am often asked, why do I give back to Country Day, and my answer is simple. I have a responsibility to give back to the school because I feel like I owe it to the people who came before me. I also feel like I need to give back because I owe it to so many of my teachers and coaches to do everything I can to try to make Country Day a better place.”
Patrick may be the alum, but nobody loves Country Day more than Kristin Hobson.”
Patrick ’89 and Kristin Hobson:
MODELING VOLUNTEERISM Patrick and Kristin Hobson epitomize dedicated volunteerism, leadership, and passion. And for that reason, they were awarded the David L. Hood Jr. Award for Volunteer Service on February 20. This award recognizes volunteers who have given exemplary service to Country Day, demonstrating an active belief in the school and its mission, tireless energy, positive determination, and a heartfelt commitment to the betterment of our students’ experiences and opportunities. Those qualifications describe the Hobsons to a tee. For the better part of the past 20 years, Patrick has tirelessly volunteered for the Country Day Fund and the Alumni Association. From 1999 through 2005, Patrick served on the Alumni Council, including two terms as president. He received the Alumni Service Award in 2014. He’s also flipped quite a few burgers at Big Saturday, Special Olympics, and athletic events. Equally dedicated, Kristin has also volunteered with the Country Day Fund and served with the Parents’ Association in a variety of ways for two decades, including as Big Saturday co-chair, Lower 30
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The Hobsons have two children: Elizabeth ’18 and William ’21.
Foster and William Harris ’20:
ANSWERING A CALL “You can’t fight City Hall” is a phrase Country Day juniors Foster and William Harris don’t embrace. The brothers are interested in government and demonstrate a genuine desire to help in areas where they see deficits. Last year as sophomores, Foster and William realized how complicated the naturalization process here in Charlotte can be. The boys’ Spanish teacher, Paty Prieto, was going through the naturalization process and shared the intricacies of becoming a U.S. citizen with them. In addition, Foster’s soccer club, Scoring For Students, gave him and other Country Day students the opportunity to engage with new residents through street soccer.
WILLIAM’S TOP
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Model United Nations, president Honor Council, vice-chair u Student Senate, at-large senator u Cross Country, captain u Track/Indoor Track u u
Wanting to learn more, Foster visited Charlotte government offices, where he was introduced to Naturalize Charlotte. The organization collaborates with nine different groups to increase naturalizations among eligible residents through dissemination of information, classes, community support, and volunteerism. Foster, a self-taught Web developer, thought that he and his twin brother, William, could work together to build a Web site for Naturalize Charlotte that would serve as a central hub of information and resources to aid eligible residents seeking to be naturalized. “In Model United Nations, we look to address complex challenges with unifying solutions, and that is what is at the core of this project’s goal as well,” remarks William. To accomplish their goal, they not only needed to build a Web site but also translate their site’s information into several languages. Foster focused on building most of the site while William helped
FOSTER’S TOP
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Model United Nations, vice president Scoring for Students, co-founder u The Hook, editor in chief u JV Soccer, captain u Track/Indoor Track u u
with the design, coordinated volunteer language translation, and oversaw their beta-testing program. After a year of hard work, the brothers published naturalizecharlotte.org and, in January, presented their work to the City International Cabinet. As they continue to finalize their Web site, the beta-testing of naturalizecharlotte.org will continue though the spring, allowing the Harris brothers to receive feedback from student groups as well as their partners at the nonprofits. Once the beta-testing is complete, a formal web site launch will take place in front of an array of guests from Charlotte’s international community. The teens’ volunteer base, made up of Country Day parents, students, and several members of the broader Charlotte community, has helped them translate their Web site’s information into a plethora of languages including Chinese, French, German, Hindi, and Spanish. Foster and William credit Director of International Studies David Lynn, with being an excellent mentor through every step of the process. Mr. Lynn helped the boys make new contacts within Charlotte’s government offices, allowing them to learn more about how to best streamline the information related to the naturalization process. “I admire the fact that Foster and William are addressing a true need in our community and using their interest in global issues and skills with technology to fuel their project,” raves Mr. Lynn. “Having started this project as sophomores, this is allowing them several years to bring their vision to fruition. We consistently stress that global is not just what takes place overseas, but is also linked to dynamics within our local community. Foster and William’s project embodies this.” These young social innovators are by no means slowing down now that their Web site will be aiding Charlotte’s newest community members. Both brothers mention a deep desire to continue their interests in international issues, economics, and politics in the future. No matter what new contributions these leaders will make in our future world, they have already made a lasting impact on our local community in Charlotte. SPRING 2019
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FEATURES
Bev Hance:
SHAPING COMMUNITY For more than 30 years, Bev Hance has strengthened Country Day through her leadership, passion, and steadfast philanthropic support. For those reasons and more, she was inducted in the Honorary Alumni Association on February 20, joining her husband, Jim, who was inducted in the early 2000s. “One of the most important things about Country Day is our sense of community, and Bev has exuded that in all her years here, first as a parent and now as a grandparent,” says Nancy Ehringhaus, director of Admissions. “Bev has really helped shape who we are as a school.” The Hances have four daughters: Samantha Hance Bosco ’90, Lindsay Hance McCullough ’93, Meredith Hance McBride ’97, and Blair Hance Kenary ’01. Bev and Jim have nine grandchildren and one on the way, seven of whom attend Country Day. Blair says of her mom: “As I think about the core values that my mom lives by, I think they are also an embodiment of the core values of Country Day–commitment to family, community, and education.” Currently Bev serves on the Property and Grounds Committee at Country Day and recently served two terms as chair of the Board of Visitors and as a member of the Country Day Fund Grandparent Committee. While her children attended Country Day, she was involved in the Parents’ Association and provided staff support in the College Counseling and Admissions Offices in years past. The Hance Fine Arts Center and the Hance Lower School Learning Center are both named in their honor. As members of The Oak Society, Country Day’s planned giving program, Bev and Jim have ensured access to an excellent education for future generations. At the induction ceremony, Bev shared from the heart about her family’s 40-year 32
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odyssey with Country Day. “Country Day became a trusted environment of growth and learning for our family. A community that wraps its arms around us and eventually became an extension of our family. We are grateful and proud to be here.” A very active community leader, Bev is serving her second term as a trustee both at Davidson College and the Mint Museum, where she formerly served as the chair. She was a member of the founding board of Women of Vision, a former two-term trustee member of the Symphony
Orchestra, and has been active as an elder and a deacon at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. For their leadership and generosity, Bev and Jim were awarded the AFP Philanthropists of the Year Award in 2013. Bev received a BA in French from the University of Maine and a MA in Counseling from Washington University.
Elizabeth Redvanly ’19:
DESIGNING A DREAM Elizabeth Redvanly thoroughly enjoys Textile chemists study polymer science, nabbing any scientific sample she can find the chemistry of dyeing and forming on the Country Day campus. The senior’s fibers, and color science. This field has wide array of test samples reads like an applications in retail and textile industries, exotic scavenger hunt: grass, clay, black as well as in the environmental, medical, beans, turmeric, beets, cabbage, coffee, tea. and forensic sciences. It seems as though everyone has something Elizabeth might spend a morning to contribute to help Elizabeth conduct learning how cabbage reacts with vinegar her innovative chemistry experiments versus baking soda in a variety of for a course she designed, called Textile textiles with different thread Exploration. Specifically, Elizabeth is counts. “I’ve learned that the fascinated in learning how different more acidic the dye bath, the more organic materials interact chemically with vibrant the colors will be,” Elizabeth textiles, such as cotton, gauze, and linen; explains. “Country Day has been so and how the pH in each of the samples supportive in helping me follow changes the color of different textiles. my passion for textiles. My “Two years ago, I realized that I was teachers have given me passionate about textiles after my best so much of their time as friend’s mom taught me how to sew,” well as my own space Elizabeth recalls. “As I was thinking to work in. And ahead, I knew that I really wanted to study the cafeteria crew textiles in college. Therefore, I devised my has saved beets and own proposal for a Senior Independent carrots for me. Study with fine arts teachers Meredith Green ELIZABETH’S TOP and Jaclyn Orchard. It’s been fascinating learning u Aquilifer Service Club, vice president how chemistry can be u Varsity Swim Team, captain incorporated into other u Cross Country Team fields of study,” she says.
The grounds crew even brought me clay from the construction site to test!” Elizabeth hopes to incorporate her love of exercise and her passion for textiles into a career in the athletic-apparel industry. “Once I know more about materials, I’d love to work for Nike or Lululemon and help invent new textiles,” she explains. Meanwhile, she loves Textile Exploration and encourages underclassmen to consider devising their own independent study courses. “I’m glad I followed through on this dream because I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it!”
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u u
Big Brothers Big Sisters Yoga
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manage logistics, such as coordinating dates, recruiting fellow teammates, matching up competitors, lining up medical needs, and BENNETT’S TOP even making sure buildings were open for bathroom and u Varsity Tennis changing needs. “I learned u Debate Club that it pays to plan ahead,” says u National Honor Society Bennett. “I’ve really learned u Bucs Business Club a lot about time management.” u Calvin Davis Foundation Bennett credits his beloved coach, Calvin Davis, with inspiring his passion to help others through tennis. “Coach Davis pays so much attention to each and every one of his players, regardless of skill level. He’s always there to play tennis with you: Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, you name it. He wants to spend time with you and see you get better.” Thanks to Project UNIFY, Bennett believes that his confidence has grown, he’s learned to be more productive, and he’s now even more open to new experiences. “I definitely hope to play tennis in college. It’s so much fun to be around other energetic, active people and create by tennis alums Cabir ’16 and Jeevun ’18 fun in a competitive environment!” Kansupada when they were students. Jeevun approached Bennett about sharing his passion for tennis and his expertise. Bennett said yes and his involvement grew from there. He says, “When my teammate asked me to lend a hand, I realized that I can help people while also enjoying myself. Personally, I feel as though there is not always a lot of help for Special Olympics, and I now realize that it’s a big deal for these individuals to come to our nice facilities and have people cheering for them—that kind of positive experience can stick with them for years.” Bennett, who has been playing tennis since he was eight, had plenty to offer the Special Olympics athletes when they would practice together on Saturday mornings. “A lot of people don’t know that some of the best Special Olympics tennis players in the world are right here in Charlotte,” notes Bennett. “They are highly skilled, so we can do a lot of handson drills with them.” Being in charge of this year’s Project UNIFY tennis tournament also gave Bennett the opportunity to learn how to
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Bennett Turner ’20:
READY TO SERVE As a member of Country Day’s state championship tennis team, Bennett Turner is a skilled athlete. He is also a leader who gives back to his community through Project UNIFY, an arm of the Special Olympics that brings together youth with and without intellectual disabilities through school-based activities. Through the game of tennis, Country Day and Special Olympics athletes create lasting experiences that culminate in a round-robin tennis tournament held Homecoming Weekend. After several weeks of practice together, Country Day tennis players are matched with a buddy and play doubles against other pairs in a tournament-like setting. Now in its fourth year on campus, the Buccaneers’ Project UNIFY was started 34
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“
When my teammate asked me to lend a hand, I realized that I can help people while also enjoying myself.”
Brad Touma:
BUILDING LASTING RELATIONSHIPS It’s safe to say that when Brad Touma came to Country Day in 1987 to teach history and coach lacrosse, not many people in Charlotte knew much about the sport. Over the past three decades, Mr. Touma not only built an exceptional program at Country Day, but has been instrumental in building the sport’s statewide popularity. During his tenure his teams have won the most games in state history while capturing 9 state championships and 18 conference titles. His players have earned over 150 all-state accolades, dozens of all-American honors, and over two dozen players have gone on to participate at the collegiate level. Mr. Touma was also elected into the North Carolina Chapter of the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame. Beyond these impressive achievements, Mr. Touma is perhaps most appreciated for the strong relationships he builds with the students he teaches and coaches. “Faith, family, academics, lacrosse. That’s what Mr. Touma always talks about,” says his longtime friend and colleague Bob Plyler, Upper School history teacher. “That’s not just a slogan. He really holds the kids accountable on and off the field for the way they conduct themselves.” For his teaching and coaching, Mr. Touma was inducted into the Honorary Alumni Association on February 20, surrounded by family, friends, and former players. “People who have been with our program for two years to 20 years will come back and speak to our team and our players,” says Jeff Pilon ’92, Varsity Lacrosse assistant coach. “You know that says a lot about Coach Touma and the relationships he builds with his players.” At the ceremony, Mr. Touma said, “When I speak to educators at other schools, they are always amazed by the depth of support teachers get at Country Day. The opportunity for continuing education,
seminars, travel, and technology is literally unparalleled. Another integral part of the experience at Country Day is the wonderful mentors and colleagues that have supported me. I am honored to be recognized here tonight.” Mr. Touma earned the Carl Bolick Coaches Award in 1991 and 1996. He received the Faculty/Staff Exceptional Performance Award in 1996 and the Alumni Distinguished Faculty Award in 2010. In 2012, in honor of Coach Touma’s 25th anniversary of teaching and coaching, the Bradley C. Touma Endowed Scholarship Fund was established to provide financial assistance for students who otherwise would be unable to attend Country Day. Mr. Touma has served as the state representative to U.S. Lacrosse for the past 33 years and has served on various national committees in the past. He is currently a member of the board of directors of the U.S. Lacrosse Western North Carolina Chapter and started the Charlotte Country Day lacrosse camp over 30 years ago. Academically, upon arrival at Country Day, Mr. Touma developed the economics class that he still teaches today. He has also been involved in many curricular initiatives over the years,
including the development of the current World History courses. Mr. Touma has acted as academic advisor for various student clubs including currently the Military Support Club and DECA which empowers young entrepreneurs. Mr. Touma holds a BA in political science from Denison University, where he played lacrosse. He and his wife, Ginny Dabbs Touma ’82, have three children: Carter ’13, Rene ’15 and Virginia Hart ’18.
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FEATURES
Dwayne Wilson:
MODELING ENGAGED CITIZENSHIP Dwayne Wilson, who has taught art at the Middle School for eight years, has a passion for using the power of art as a tool to help lower-income, minority youth manage and rise above their daily challenges, anxieties, and socioeconomic pressures. Before moving to Charlotte from California, he had extensive experience working with inner-city youth in Los Angeles County schools to create arts programs and projects that fostered creativity, independence, and confidence. After joining Country Day, Mr. Wilson learned from parent Dianne Bailey about a newly founded organization called The Arts Empowerment Project (TAEP), which collaborates with juvenile justice agencies to make a difference in the lives of Charlotte-area children affected by violence and domestic abuse. “As I came to understand the goals of TAEP and the people it affected, it was a no-brainer for me to become involved,” says Mr. Wilson. “I was offered a position on the board that encompassed my dreams, and more.” “The reason this work is so important to me is because I know it is making a difference,” Mr. Wilson continues. “We are utilizing the arts as a creative vessel for healing, personal connection with the surrounding community, and individual expression. These wonderful students inspire me every day.” Mr. Wilson serves as TAEP’s coordinator for the Youth Advisory Council (YAC), a role that bridges his professional and volunteer worlds. The program gets students from all types of backgrounds in seventh through twelfth grades involved, including from Country Day. Currently more than 40 Upper and Middle School students are YAC members. Volunteer opportunities range from leading art activities at the 36
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YWCA’s “Free Arts Fridays” and mentoring kids ages four to eight; creating public art projects, such as a tile mosaic at the Courthouse Building in Uptown Charlotte; attending one monthly YAC meeting; and donating, creating, and distributing “heART Packs” gift boxes of art supplies to Charlottearea youth programs and schools. “The YAC members collaborate with children of varying ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and cultures, which provide a cohesive and inclusive environment for everyone to feel safe and confident,” explains Mr. Wilson. “They bring that experience into the Country Day classroom, as well as an understanding of how creative expression allows each and every participant to develop and portray their individuality, without judgment.
I model for the YAC students how to create a welcoming environment and how to construct art activities that allow us to learn about each student’s culture.”
This lays the foundation for successful, developmental growth in the areas of critical thinking, problem solving, and risk-taking.” Alternatively, Mr. Wilson brings his Country Day experience to TAEP. “The first element is cultural proficiency and inclusivity,” he explains. “Many of the children TAEP serves are of different cultural, social, and economic backgrounds. I model for the YAC students how to create a welcoming environment and how to construct art activities that allow us to learn about each student’s culture. Another key element I bring is perspective. I always attempt to see my activities through the eyes of the children creating them, in the hopes they are challenging and fun.” Mr. Wilson is also involved with Freedom Schools, Communities in Schools, and Brookstone Schools; and is assistant coach for both Country Day’s varsity and Middle School track and field teams, and Middle School cross country team.
For the past four years, Dwayne Wilson has created murals in the hallways of the Sklut Center, representing courageous figures in American history who have nonviolently stood up against injustices and fought for the rights of the American people.
NIGEL’S TOP
Jack & Jill Charlotte, Executive Board Sunday School teacher, 8th and 9th graders u Science Club u Political Club u App & Tech Club leader u u
JAMES’S TOP
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Varsity Soccer Varsity Lacrosse u App & Tech Club u Political Club u Kindergartener tutor at McKee Road Elementary School u u
Nigel Denny ’19 and James Welsh ’19:
PROGRAMMED FOR SUCCESS
Nigel Denny and James Welsh have been friends since the sixth grade. They share many of the same interests, including a love for computer science. Last year, both friends decided it would be a transformative experience to take the skills they had learned in their computer science classes and build their very own app together. The friends began to brainstorm how an app designed for Country Day’s 9th-12th graders could improve the overall Upper School experience for future Buccaneers. As students themselves, Nigel and James identified a problem they experienced daily: The need for a dedicated Country Day app that allows them and their classmates to navigate the sea of schedules, deadlines, homework assignments, bulletins, grades, clubs, and athletic events all in one central location. Both boys believed that if they built the right Country Day app, freshmen especially would feel less overwhelmed as they transitioned from Middle School. In turn, students would feel more included in their new environment and ultimately thrive even more as successful, active high schoolers at Country Day. Computer Science teacher Rick Hackett serves as the duo’s faculty advisor, but he readily admits he has little advising to do, as the
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motivated teens have remained focused and committed for over a year. To accomplish their goal, Nigel and James taught themselves the “Swift” computer language during weekends and vacations so that they could program their app. They also learned about computer security so that only those in the Country Day community could log onto their app. They determined what text and graphics they wanted to appear on their various screens, as well as how to troubleshoot when tech glitches inevitably arise. And they enlisted the help of their friends in different grades to act as beta-testers. The Country Day app launched in early March, and Nigel and James are especially grateful to all those in the Country Day community who have offered their support on this endeavor—Mr. Hackett, Upper School administrators, and their peers in Entrepreneurial Studies, a new elective taught by Steve Wall, assistant dean of students. Nigel and James both want to pursue the tech field and perhaps create a new business. James affirms as his friend happily nods, “The great thing about working with Nigel on this app was us realizing, ‘Yes, we WANT to pursue this in college!’”
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The great thing about working with Nigel on this app was us realizing, ‘Yes, we WANT to pursue this in college!’” SPRING 2019
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FEATURES
Laura Saavedra ’21:
CAMP LEADER Like many of her Buccaneer peers, sophomore Laura Saavedra remembers a childhood that included a jam-packed summer schedule filled with countless camps and trips. As she grew older, it began to bother Laura when she thought about yet another summer of fun when so many in our Charlotte community have so little. With more time on her hands from a sidelining soccer injury to her hip, Laura found a silver lining in this experience. Laura explains, “I realized I wanted a change from ‘What am I going to do for myself this summer?’ to ‘What can I give to others this summer?’” As a former student at Collinswood Language Academy, whose extended family lives in Colombia, Laura decided to put her stellar bilingual skills into action and create a one-week camp experience for underserved rising first graders. “I approached Mr. (Michael) Rinehart and Ms. (Beverley Ann) Johnson with my proposal to offer a camp at Country Day called Aprende Jugando (Learn Through Play) where Hispanic children would be exposed to English and math in a fun and active environment. Summer learning loss is real, especially bilingual learning loss, so it’s really crucial to help kids get the structure that they need in the summertime because reinforcement does not always happen at home.” Laura was delighted when the camp directors approved her proposal. Laura worked with Collinswood’s magnet program coordinator to create a camp application and to brainstorm potential campers. “Country Day was wonderful because they offered us a bus so that the Aprende Jugando campers could be transported from Collinswood to the Bissell campus. The Lower School also donated lots of books so that each of our nine campers could take home 10 books each.” Laura formulated lesson plans that would help improve her campers’ English skills, and bought the snacks and the supplies that they would need. She also 38
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“I feel like being bilingual is a gift that allows me to interact on a different level with so many different kinds of people, and I want others in our community to have that experience too.”
scoured YouTube to research activities to do with kids at camp. By the end of the week, parents and campers alike were presenting Laura with flowers, cards, and text messages conveying their deep appreciation for a job well done. “Aprende Jugando is the best camp I ever had,” one boy wrote to Laura in a lovely card. “Laura provided an amazing opportunity,” notes Mr. Rinehart. “What impressed me the most was the independence and leadership she showed in creating and running the camp. It takes a special person to dedicate countless hours to developing and running a summer camp in the manner in which she did.” For Laura, the desire to lend a hand comes naturally. “Being Latina, I want to help this community because I have a voice,” Laura explains. “I feel like being bilingual is a gift that allows LAURA’S TOP me to interact on a u Club/Varsity Soccer different level with u One–Act and Musical so many different u El Foro Hispano Club, president kinds of people, and u Student Diversity Leadership Corps I want others in our u International Thespian Society community to have that experience too.”
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Art Roselle:
IMPACTING PROGRESS An appreciation for the current physical transformation occurring on Cannon Campus goes hand in hand with an appreciation for Art Roselle, chair of the Board of Trustees from 2015–2017. Under his leadership, both the capital campaign plan and construction financing were approved. And prior to becoming chair, Art was greatly involved in lending his vision and financial expertise to the long-term sustainability of our school, serving as Strategic Planning Committee chair and as secretary-treasurer during the development of the Master Facilities Plan. Art joined the Board in 2006, has served on numerous other committees, and chaired both the Finance and Audit Committees. He served through the 2017–18 school year. In recognition of his forward-thinking leadership, which promises a multigenerational impact on our school, Art was inducted into the Honorary Alumni Association on February 20. “Art has been a phenomenal leader, who has caused me to think carefully about decisions we’re making today that will deliver short- and
long-term impact,” said Head of School Mark Reed. “He is absolutely devoted to this institution. He thought long and hard about what would best serve the long-term health of this school and its students…and then he acted on those thoughts.” Watts Hamrick ’77, who served with Art on the Board of Trustees and is a partner with him at Pamlico Capital, said, “Art is wicked smart and he thinks in a different dimension than the rest of us. I think 20, 25 years from now, people will look back at this time in our history and say, ‘You know somebody really knew what they were doing.’ That’s Art’s decision making.” At the ceremony, Art said: “I am always impressed
by how hard the school and the leadership continuously try to get better on every facet. It really is remarkable how much better the campus will be now with [the Hance Lower School Learning Center and Purdy Center for Science and Mathematics] online. The addition of the Dowd Student Center and Belk Upper School Learning Center will be game changers too. I really think they will have as big or bigger impact on the experience of our kids than any classroom building. Thank you to Mark Reed, the administration, and [early leadership] for making this happen.” Art currently serves on the boards for Becker’s Healthcare, Office Practicum, Personify, and Vast Broadband. Prior to joining Pamlico Capital, Art was executive vice president of R-H Capital Partners and was vice president of The RobinsonHumphrey Company. He received a BA and an MA in mathematics from the University of Virginia. Art and his wife, Paige, have three children: Charles, David, and Faye. Charles was a 2017 graduate of Country Day, and David and Faye both attended Country Day in Lower and Middle School. SPRING 2019
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Jason Levergood ’88:
diversity and inclusion work to drive a culture of innovation. I enjoy collaborating with my teammates, many of whom are from other countries. I believe diversity helps each of us to think big, take risks, and bring curiosity and creativity to every part of our lives, inside and outside the firm. In my role with Grant Thornton, I have the opportunity to help build consulting and advisory capacity among member firms in over 130 countries. I cannot separate the mindset from strategy, operations, and personal performance. It is also my joy. I have traveled to a large number of those countries and each day I am interacting with colleagues from a0round the world.
INFLUENCING THE WORLD
Jason served as the IMPACT 2030 chief architect for curriculum development and lead facilitator. He is pictured at the United Nations with Sue Stephenson, Interim CEO of IMPACT 2030.
Jason Levergood ’88 is an experienced GCS (Global Client Services), U.S. National Advisory Services Director with Grant Thornton LLP. He has over 25 years of international professional experience in the private and public sectors, and has visited and worked in over 100 countries. He shared his belief in the importance of global-mindedness with Upper School students and the Board of Visitors last spring. We asked him to recap that presentation in the following three questions. Why is a global mindset important in your job? I am fortunate to work for a company that values a global perspective, where
Why is it important for today’s students to have a global perspective? A global perspective means that you will stubbornly remain teachable and curious and forever a student of the world. Country Day students are the future leaders of tomorrow—and successful organizations need and seek leaders (and employees) who embrace a global perspective and demonstrate the attributes and values of that mindset. These positive attributes may include tolerance, passion for diversity, adaptability, cultural curiosity, relationship building skills, self-awareness, and humility. Add language skills to these enriching attributes and today’s student can acquire keys to unlock many of the world’s treasures while making the world a better place. Diplomacy and intercultural empathy are Jason in Gaborone, Botswana, with colleagues from Grant Thornton Botswana.
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increasingly important in professional and political leadership positions today. Our country needs culturally experienced and culturally sensitive ambassadors. We are all ambassadors when we build relationships here in the U.S. or abroad that are sensitive to the intriguing differences that we observe in others. What role did Country Day play in giving you a global mindset? Diversity and global mindedness are not the first terms that come to mind when remembering Country Day during the 1980s; however, Country Day had a nurturing and respectful culture that encouraged creative thought and respect for teachers and fellow classmates that instilled a kind of relational-confidence. I believe it was relational-confidence and cultural curiosity that enabled me to take a blindfolded step like moving to Xi’an, China, in the early 1990s. In addition, there were social disciplines acquired and moral fiber interwoven into life at Country Day that I continue to value to this day. A global perspective is not just open-mindedness, but openheartedness as well. One earns a global perspective by giving greatly of oneself to another culture, particularly if it is a culture quite diverse from our own. The demanding level of social disciplines and courtesies needed to thrive in Japan felt like an extension of my upbringing, and Charlotte Country Day was a very important part of that.
MORE ABOUT JASON Jason began his international career working for Chang’an University in Xi’an, China, and then for various international nonprofit organizations in the education sector prior to working for international consultancies. He spent six years living in both China and Japan and is proficient in Mandarin and Japanese, with basic knowledge of Russian and Spanish. He holds a BA in communications, with an emphasis in broadcasting and dramatic arts, from Appalachian State University.
Mignonne “Maggie” Gavigan Smith ’99:
ALUMNA OF THE YEAR In 2009, Maggie Gavigan Smith ’99 created a scarf necklace that featured intricate details, quality craftsmanship, and intriguing designs inspired by her travels around the globe. This was the first step in her transition from being a well-respected designer for other people’s brands to the creator of her own label—Mignonne Gavigan— in 2014. Since then her signature jewelry has been featured in dozens of magazines and worn by multiple celebrities. Her accessory designs are widely regarded for their playful, color-forward aesthetic and fresh, elevated point of view. In 2017, Maggie was named as one of the “Most Stylish Southerners” by Southern Living magazine. And on February 20, Country Day named her as our Alumna of the Year, an award presented annually to an individual who has distinguished him or herself in their profession or community and who exemplify what Country Day Ready truly means. Maggie, a graceful Southern girl with the tenacity of a seasoned New Yorker, ended up in New York by way of Paris, studying fashion design in both locations after graduating from UNC-Chapel Hill. Before launching her own brand, she learned the ropes of both the business and design side of fashion at such highend fashion houses as Form, Khirma Eliazov, Rachel Roy, and Loeffler Randall. “She had her own distinctive style, even in high school,” says Meredith Green, Upper School art teacher. “You looked at something and you knew it was hers. She was a star when she was here so I’m glad she’s doing so well in New York.” Recently Maggie visited Ms. Green’s AP Art class. “Her flair for fashion and design is obvious, but what struck me most was Maggie’s entrepreneurial spirit and how intentional she is about running her business and maintaining the integrity of her vision,” says Katharine Atkins,
director of major gifts. “She could not have been more down to earth and thoughtful with our students. She took such interest in their design work and approach and it is clear she wants other artists—particularly young artists to succeed!” Maggie has a loyal following on social media and her latest creations are available at mignonnegavigan.com, as well as luxury stores like Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Anthropologie, and small boutiques around the nation, including in Charlotte. Mimi Kennedy Harris ’04, who operates Charlotte’s, a popular Myers Park boutique, says: The Mignonne Gavigan line is one of our favorites. Every piece is just so unique and really popular among our clients. It’s like a piece of art you can have in your closet to wear.” In accepting her Alumna of the Year award, Maggie said, “I was blessed with the opportunity to go to Country Day. I feel that the sound and very thorough foundation that I received was unbiased and well thought-out from all of my teachers from kindergarten to senior year. That prepared me for the success that we have been able to achieve today.” Maggie is headquartered in New York with her close-knit team and resides in Tribeca with her husband, Gray, their son, Fields, and cat, Franklin.
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CLASS NOTES
50th Reunion The Class of 1969 celebrated their 50th Reunion in style. On October 26, 2018, members of the class returned to campus for programming that included remarks from Mark Reed, campus tours, classroom visits, and lunch with student leaders. Alumni were impressed by student and teacher interactions, and the way that technology is utilized in classes. During lunch, they shared stories about their time at Country Day so
students could make comparisons to their current experiences. That evening, classmates and guests came together for a private party. After viewing pictures from the event, one alumnus shared, “Truly appreciated and enjoyed my time at the school. Just incredible. Seeing my classmates/friends again was a true reminder of wonderful memories that were made. This event is now a part of it.”
CLASS NOTES Stay in Touch
We recognize that social media has changed the pace of communication, and therefore, the role of Class Notes. But we will always want to know and help you celebrate your big and small milestones. Share your professional, volunteer, and community news in a variety of ways: Tag your social posts #BucsforLife Join BucsConnect and post updates: bucsconnect.org E-Mail us at alumnirelations@charlottecountryday.org Update your information and send photos via the form at charlottecountryday.org/alumni
Shelly Nuttall Gardner is in Daniel Island, South Carolina, and stays busy with her event management company. Her son, Jack, is carrying on a family tradition (fifth generation) as a sophomore at The Citadel. Her daughter, Anna Kate, began attending Furman in the fall of 2018.
1 Kavita Patel and her husband, Pranay, live
in Spartanburg, South Carolina. They have two teenage daughters. Kavita and Pranay met right after college and then went off to grad school at the University of Illinois in Urbana where Kavita got her master of science in nutrition and Pranay did his residency in internal medicine. Kavita now runs her husband’s independently owned practice in Spartanburg.
2 Paige Gunter Robertson experienced Miami
1987 Bo Webb and Brian Huskey wrapped the final season of HBO’s Veep in December after working on the show together for four seasons. Bo was the “A” camera operator and Brian played the role of Leon West, a journalist-turned-communications-director. Brian and Bo used to make videos together in middle and high school and are incredibly happy to be able to continue that tradition professionally as adults!
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1988 Elizabeth Carriker graduated with an MBA from the McColl School of Business at Queens University of Charlotte on May 5, 2018. Margaret Ayscue Certain is currently in a graduate program to become a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). Her husband, Andrew, is a senior software engineer at Amazon. They have two sons, Malcolm (13) and Graham (17). Their Seattle boy would prefer a different scene, so college visits have taken them around the country, including back to North Carolina.
Art Week with two of her “Island Series” oil paintings in a juried show at Aqua Art Miami. See more of Paige’s work and a list of other shows at pgroilpaintings.com. Bernard Thoma and his wife, Macon, are health care professionals in the Asheville area. They have a 3-year-old daughter, Eloise. Bernard is pursuing his real estate license as well. They will soon be moving to a new home in Black Mountain, North Carolina.
1993 3 Katherine Weeks Mulford made an appear-
ance on Good Morning America on May 1, 2018. Her company, Addison Weeks, was one small business from Charlotte featured on GMA Deals and Steals on Wheels. James M. Scott’s latest book Rampage is about the Battle of Manila, which pitted Gen. Douglas MacArthur against an overmatched Japanese military force. It’s similar to the battles the U.S. military is fighting in the Middle East today. There are also lessons to be learned about who suffers when leaders make mistakes. David Smith, CEO of Charlotte-based Fortune 500 company Sonic Automotive, shared plans to create 500 jobs in Gaston County with the opening of an $11.2 million national call center.
1994 John Linn and Jenny Hall Robeson ’92 work together at HIFU Prostate Services (HPS) to provide a novel prostate cancer treatment that was recently cleared by the FDA. HIFU, or high intensity focused ultrasound, effectively treats the cancer without the debilitating side effects of impotence and incontinence that are seen with conventional treatments such as surgery and radiation. HPS has grown to be the largest HIFU provider in the U.S., servicing 40 hospitals and surgery centers and a network of 500 urologists. John founded the company in 2015 and recruited Jenny to join in 2016 (they worked together for six years at a prior company).
4 Alicia Morris-Rudd is very involved with the
Charlotte community serving as president of the Junior League of Charlotte, a member of the Board of Directors executive team at Care Ring, and a planning committee member of the Charlotte Chamber’s Health Summit. This past spring Alicia was named as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in Charlotte. The honorees represent the most influential women in business, government, law, education, and not-for-profit fields; and are selected by a panel of independent business leaders based on professional accomplishment and community involvement within the Charlotte area. This fall, Alicia was awarded the Governor’s Award for Excellence for outstanding service to North Carolina.
1995 5 Jonsie Elizabeth Evans married Jonathan
Thomas Moore on November 4, 2017, in Asheville, North Carolina. The wedding party included her sisters, Lauren Evans Wilkinson ’97, Sandi Evans ’00, and Heath Evans Neligan ’03; her brother, Craig Evans ’94, and classmate Jennifer Dixon. Jonsie and John live in Black Mountain, North Carolina.
1997 6 Zach Goodyear is a chef and co-owner at the
Crunkelton, a much anticipated new restaurant in the Elizabeth neighborhood in Charlotte. Harris Parnell, her wife Meredith, their daughter Frankie (4), and son Theo (2 months), moved to Washington, D.C., in the summer of 2018 after Meredith graduated cum laude from Harvard Law. Harris continues her work as a political advisor to a philanthropist, and Meredith is an associate with Crowell & Moring. The Parnells enjoy biking around Washington and exploring their neighborhood, Capitol Hill.
7 Elizabeth Raley married Douglas Morse
on October 10, 2018, in Savannah, Georgia. Elizabeth and Doug work together for Elizabeth’s business, Elope to Savannah, marrying hundreds of couples every year! They are excited to start their new lives together and enjoy doing all types of outdoor activities. SPRING 2019
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CLASS NOTES
q Having met and courted while living in Chi-
1999 Joseph Michael Crane Jr. and Margaret Donaldson Crane welcomed a son on December 11, 2017. Joseph Boyden “JB” Crane joins big sister Barbara. They were thrilled to welcome the newest member of the family! Katie and Ralls Finch, and their son David, are expecting a baby girl in March 2019.
2000 8 In October 2018 Houston Barnes and his
wife, Brice, held a fundraising breakfast at their home in Florida with Joe Biden to support the reelection efforts of U.S. Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL). Also Houston owns a law firm based in Raleigh, but primarily works with franchises throughout the Southeast. His two sons, Andrew and George, are currently 9 and 7.
2001 Nancy Donaldson Gauss and RD Gauss welcomed Bruce Ward Gauss on October 1, 2017. He joins big brother Mack. Everyone is doing well! Maggie Hope and Mike Meyer welcomed their first child, daughter Maley Byrd Meyer, on November 29, 2018. Beth Dulin Rankin and Matthew Rankin are excited to announce the birth of Elizabeth McCollum Rankin. Elle was born on January 17, 2018, and joins big sister Anna and brother Nash.
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Amanda Lemonds Tomlinson and Chris Tomlinson welcomed Harrison Christopher Tomlinson on February 28, 2017. Big sister Claire (4) is very excited about Harry joining the family.
2002 9 Pooja Bavishi, founder and CEO of Malai, a
Brooklyn-based ice cream company, was selected as one of ten fellows in the Tory Burch Foundation Fellows program for women entrepreneurs! Pooja will receive a one-year fellowship, three-day workshop at Tory Burch, a $10,000 business education grant, and a chance to compete for a $100,000 business grant for Malai, which will help the business grow and reach more people. Sarah Donaldson Eargle and her husband, Austin, welcomed Harris Louise Eargle on January 30, 2018. Harris was 8 pounds, 11 ounces and was 21 inches long. She joins big brother Whitner (2). Hunter Edwards was promoted to partner with Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP effective January 1, 2019. Hunter’s law practice focuses on commercial real estate transactions, with a specific focus on commercial leasing work for large national big-box tenants as well as multifamily and industrial development work.
2003 Blakely Offutt Infante and her husband, Nick, welcomed their second child, Evelyn, on October 14, 2018. Evelyn joins older brother Will.
cago, Alden Alexander and her husband, Kevin Costello, were married in Charlotte in 2015. They have lived in NYC since 2013 and recently bought a petit abode in Stonington, Connecticut, a seaside village known for its longstanding commercial fishing fleet, maritime prowess (past and present), pivotal role in the War of 1812, and proud home of Nathaniel B. Palmer, famed discoverer of Antarctica. Having spent the majority of her working life in commercial real estate, Alden is thrilled to have recently joined the team of her family’s real estate company to work with her father. In their spare time, Kevin and Alden enjoy motorcycles, other people’s dogs, parties, boating, travel, and good friends.
2004 w William Daniel is an assistant professor of Political Science and co-coordinator of International Programs at Francis Marion University. William’s students took part in the National Model United Nations simulation at UN headquarters in New York City, where they represented the Republic of Kiribati, an island nation in the South Pacific that is currently on the verge of disappearing, due to rising sea levels. Students met with former U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley. The students received a delegation award of honorable mention, equivalent to third place in the overall delegation awards.
Rachel Ng Hansen became digital marketing and communications manager at Polydeck, the leader of modular screen production for the aggregate, coal, and mining industries.
e Erin Liang, chief of staff for state represen-
tative Jeffrey Sanchez, hosted Aaron Cooper and Country Day students when they visited the Massachusetts State House during a June trip to Boston. Annie Smith Warlick and her husband, Davis, welcomed daughter, Smith Emerson, on October 30, 2017. Big brother, Anderson, is completely in love with his new little sister. They currently reside in Charlotte.
2005 George Hodgin is the founder and CEO of Biopharmaceutical Research Company, an applicant with the U.S. DEA to produce clean, consistent, compliant cannabis products for federally-approved researchers. George graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UNC-Chapel Hill, where he was a Morehead-Cain Scholar. He served in combat as a U.S. Navy SEAL officer until 2015. Following separation from the Navy, George received an MBA from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business.
2006 Alex Marchyshyn is a dual master’s candidate in Environmental Management and Business at Duke University, and winner of Net Impact’s inaugural 2018 “Wear it Wise” campaign. Her campaign shed light on the global fashion industry’s negative social, economic, and environmental consequences by approaching the issue from both the industry and consumer side; including spotlighting sustainable brands in North Carolina, providing consumers with easy-to-digest resources about sustainable consumer practices, and educating a broader audience through social media campaigns.
2007 Caroline Burton Griffith and husband Tucker Griffith ’06 joyfully announce the birth of their twin daughters, Caroline Colville Griffith "CeCe" and Virginia McIntyre Griffith "Ginny" on September 26, 2018.
2008 After graduating from Dartmouth in 2012, Julian Flamer moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. He has appeared in Switched at Birth, Chasing Life, Army Wives, Thank You for Your Patients, as well as a lead in the soon-to-bereleased feature film, UZLA; along with various short films and regional commercials. In between theatrical pursuits, Julian spends his days overseeing the user experience team for Pavemint, a peer-to-peer marketplace based in Southern California, focused on supporting smarter cities through mobility.
2009 r Douglas Gledhill is an MA candidate at
the Jackson Institute for Global Affairs at Yale University. After nearly two years of continuous backpacking around the world (anemoscopio. wordpress.com), he recently got engaged to his college girlfriend, Andrea Cruz Quiroz. They live and study in New Haven, Connecticut, and plan to get married in Mexico during the summer of 2019. At Yale, Douglas focuses on the intersection of political science, macroeconomics, and business; and hopes to help multinational companies understand new markets and tailor their strategies to them as they expand.
2010 t Wilson Hallett, Ben Rhyne, Jonathan Howe,
Stuart McGoogan, Will Whitley, Reid Palmer, and Ned Hardison ’09 reconnected for their first ever Country Day Reunion Golf Trip at Grandfather Mountain Golf & Country Club in Linville, North Carolina, in October. They gathered in the mountains for two great days of golf!
2011 y Savvy Brar, strategic information consultant
with UNAIDS, returned to campus to meet with Mrs. Arutyunyan’s class. The presentation on women and healthcare focused on HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa, and was largely based on her experiences working for the United Nations. Savvy is currently based out of Johannesburg. Brooke Curtin joined Girls on the Run the summer before third grade and remains connected to the organization to this day. In her blog, Brooke shares the life-changing experience of being a participant, coach, and now Young Professionals Board member with the organization. Read Brooke’s story at https://www.girlsontherunofmoco.org/News/post/brooke-curtin William Frazier, an assistant brand executive with Wieden+Kennedy, was part of the creative team that put together a Nike ad for Dick’s Sporting Goods. His primary role was taking the concept through to reality, coordinating the talent and production. View the ad at https://m.youtube. com/watch?v=teuuwVvVsZQ
Sydney Jones was promoted to an Investment Banking associate at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey (STRH) working in Energy Investment Banking. She has been at STRH in Atlanta, since May 2015 when she graduated with highest honors from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in finance from the Kenan-Flagler Undergraduate Business School and a minor in Spanish.
2012 After graduating from Yale in 2016, William Roberts pursued a MS in global health at Trinity College Dublin in Ireland, where he continued to play rugby. At Trinity, he completed his dissertation on the efficacy and potential global impact of crisis intervention teams, which aim to reduce police violence against mental health emergency calls. William is currently a second-year medical student at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, in the same class as Marcel Souffrant. At Hofstra, he has maintained his interest in public health through involvement in pediatric public health research and community health projects engaging local Hempstead elementary and middle schools.
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CLASS NOTES
u Marcel Souffrant attended NC State University
as a Park Scholar, where he majored in biology with minors in psychology and French. During his time at NC State, he engaged communities through research and service initiatives in Raleigh, Belize, and Haiti; all with an underlying theme of health and its access. Marcel was accepted to the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, where he is currently a second-year medical student, with William Roberts. There he has attended national and regional conferences on physical medicine, and diversity and representation in medicine, learning from national leaders in their respective fields. Marcel continues to be involved in service, initiating local community projects, including a pipeline program for 7th and 8th graders from a local middle school.
2013 i Artist Catherine Armistead was featured as
a trailblazer in the Boston Voyager. Catherine attended Tufts University for its dual degree program with the School of the Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA), graduating with a BS in engineering psychology and a BFA in studio art. Through her classes at the SMFA, she found her artistic voice across a variety of media while working to weave in conceptual content. Based in Cambridge, Catherine makes jewelry, drawings, and sculptures concerning the relationship between nature and culture.
o Judith Cohen, who is completing a year of
service work and teaching in Hungary, visited with Country Day students and faculty during their trip to Budapest. Morgan Harden graduated from Kenyon College summa cum laude in 2017. Following graduation, she completed a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. She has recently accepted another Fulbright ETA grant for 2019 in Argentina. Jessica Gregory teaches English in NYC while attending Teachers College at Columbia, and it’s going wonderfully. She would like to thank all of the English (and other) teachers at Country Day for inspiring her to, essentially, become just like them. It’s been amazing learning about classrooms from the teachers’ perspective!
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PERSPECTIVES
2015 Currie Engel published an article for the Daily Princetonian, in which she called for lifting the gender divide at the gym. You can read the article at http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/article/2018/11/lifting-the-gender-divide-gendereddivisions-at-the-gym
p Julien Souffrant is majoring in international
politics and economics with a concentration in French. During his time at Middlebury College, Julien has continued to play the piano and is part of a piano studio of selected students that performs two recitals a year for the school and the town of Middlebury. Last summer, Julien conducted research with a professor concerning print media’s portrayal of Muslims. Along with his professor and another research assistant, Julien co-authored and published a paper on print media’s coverage of Muslim devotion in the academic journal Religions. Julien has continued this work into the school year, researching the newspaper’s portrayal of minorities and other stigmatized groups. As Julien finishes his last year at Middlebury College he will be looking at domestic and international job opportunities and graduate programs. He hopes to pursue a master’s degree in international relations in the very near future.
a Crystal Winston will graduate from MIT in
June with a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering and a minor in entrepreneurship. Her strong academic performance, successful internships at NASA and Google, and impressive ideas for future innovations in robotics resulted in Crystal being a Rhodes Scholar finalist and a winner of the Marshall scholarship. Marshall Scholars are chosen through a rigorous national competition
Alumni College Forum
that assesses academic merit, leadership, and ambassadorial potential. Crystal already has her first patent pending and plans to pursue graduate studies in Aeronautical Engineering and Robotics in the United Kingdom.
2016 William Byron clinched the 2018 Sunoco Rookie of the Year award after a November 2018 race at ISM Raceway in Phoenix, Arizona. This is William’s third straight Sunoco Rookie of the Year award across all three national series. Cabir Kansupada will intern for the Energy Engineering Finance team at Tesla this summer. He is very excited to work with their energy products (solar panels, battery storage, and supercharger network), as it fits well with his materials engineering and finance academic programs. Cabir has offered to speak with those interested in pursuing college programs or internships in the fields of energy/engineering/finance. This past summer, Christien Williams interned at Facebook, where he worked on a team that built an Android application. Christien is a member of MIT’s Sloan Business Club, and during his sophomore year, he rose as a leader within the club’s Entrepreneurship Initiative. He partnered with MIT start-up, Mojo, and led a four-person team on strategy and growth projects to help Mojo accelerate into their next stages. Projects included building their pitch deck, augmenting brand and Web site definition, and conducting market research. Additionally, Christien is a cofounder of his own start-up, Mixxr, and has led market research and product development for the team. Christien is also captain of the Men’s Varsity Basketball team at MIT.
An Alumni College Forum was held on January 9, 2019. Organized by Alumni Director Danielle S. Ferguson, in collaboration with the College Counseling Office, it was an opportunity for alumni to share insight on their college search and matriculation. Juniors and faculty members joined in the important discussion. Panelists Kendall Addison ’18, Robert Haggart ’15, Michael White ’15, and Maggie Whitney ’13 represented different perspectives: athletes, students who didn’t get into their dream school, transfer students, and college graduates who immediately started master’s degree programs.
BUCSNOTES A ROUND-UP OF FUN FACTS EVERY BUC MIGHT LIKE TO KNOW.
92.4
1,100 Loads of laundry washed by our full-time equipment and facilities manager. It takes a lot of uniforms to field 23 varsity teams!
Percent of faculty who have traveled abroad in their lifetimes. Among faculty who have lived abroad for three months or more, they represent 50 different countries, bringing these rich cultural experiences back to their students in the classroom.
53
Number of theater performances held each year among students JK–12.
16
Number of different organizations Middle School students are supporting this year through classroom, extracurricular, advisory, and grade-level service initiatives.
2,250+
#CDBUCS
Number of @charlottecountrydayschool Instagram followers. Share your photos of school life using #CDBucs.
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Nonprofit Org. US Postage
PAI D
Charlotte, NC Permit No. 984
1440 Carmel Road Charlotte, NC 28226-5096 charlottecountryday.org
490+
November 16 was a big night for the Country Day varsity football team, which won the 2018 NCISAA Division II state championship. Our athletics social media channels saw record high engagement in celebration. You can follow athletics @ccdsbucs (Instagram and Twitter).
