2020
UPPER SCHOOL ACADEMIC AWARDS
MISSION Cape Fear Academy is a learning community committed to discovering and developing individual potential, preparing each student for success in college and life.
CORE PRINCIPLES CHARACTER Integrity, Respect, Resilience, Accountability Cape Fear Academy believes that strength of character is an essential element of success. We foster individuals who make good decisions, respect and empathize with others, deal with challenges successfully, deliver on their commitments, and are accountable for their actions.
COMMUNITY Cape Fear Academy believes that students thrive in a close-knit community that both nurtures and challenges the individual. We value personal connections and service to other; build supportive relationships; and celebrate diverse talents, perspectives, and backgrounds.
OPPORTUNITY Cape Fear Academy believes that participating in a broad range of opportunities stimulates personal growth. We develop the whole child by encouraging participation in athletics, arts, and other extracurricular activities. We challenge students to discover and develop their passions and strengths by providing a wealth of opportunities both in and outside the classroom.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Cape Fear Academy believes that our graduates will face an increasingly competitive, rapidly
evolving world. We prepare our students by teaching them to think critically and creatively, communicate and collaborate effectively, achieve technological fluency, and become engaged members of our global society. We set high academic expectations and provide a path to success through diverse teaching methods and dynamic learning experiences.
2020 UPPER SCHOOL ACADEMIC AWARDS CEREMONY Welcome Dear Upper School Community, Each year the upper school celebrates student achievement with our annual Academic Award Ceremony. While this year’s ceremony will look different, the quality of work demonstrated by the upper school student body has been as impressive as ever. Student recognition today is a way to encourage good behavior and instill a competitive spirit that will benefit everyone in the upper school. This is the reason why CFA organizes an annual award ceremony – to encourage our students. Today, with this presentation, we celebrate the academic accomplishments of all of our students and this ceremony symbolizes what is at the heart of all we do through hard work, persistence, resilience, and determination. Honorees, congratulations to you for your academic achievements during the 2019-2020 school year. Your parents have good reason to be proud of you. Should your name not appear on this program today, do not lose hope as there will be more opportunities coming your way in the future. Today’s recognition is just a beginning. One can never forget the inspiring words of George W. Bush, the former president of the United States: “To those of you who received honours, awards and distinctions, I say well done. And to the C students, I say, you too, can be president of the United States.” Finally, I want to acknowledge our teachers who have worked so tirelessly to help each student achieve personal bests. Each of you has played a positive role in shaping our student’s lives and that is so powerful. Without your dedication, commitment, and patience many of our student’s goals and aspirations might not have been fulfilled. I can’t think of a better place to recognize the time, effort, dedication, and compassion that you all have dedicated to enriching the lives of our student body this year. To the upper school faculty – thank you! Cape Fear Academy has a fine tradition of producing students that are well equipped to be successful in college and in the real world afterward. Those of you who think you have found your path, continue to move forward but do so with an open mind because life will present you with many scenic routes if you are willing to take the chance. And for those of you who are still wondering, it’s okay. Continue working on developing those traits that are necessary elements in the life-long pursuit of learning. Congratulations to all of our students and best wishes with your future endeavors! Best,
Eric Miles Upper School Director
Head of School’s Purchase Awards Recipients Maeve Kelly Grace Haslam
The Head of School’s Purchase Award is a tradition that highlights exceptional work produced by students in the Visual Arts program. This year, two student pieces have been selected as the latest additions to CFA’s permanent collection of art. This Purchase Award work is by senior Maeve Kelly. By skillfully building delicate layers of watercolor pencil on finely textured paper, Maeve has developed a shimmering scene from her personal memory that is simultaneously realistic and dreamlike. In this nostalgic piece, the artist is seen as a child with multi-hued drawing with pieces of sidewalk chalk in the foreground. Back in the Crowd is a dynamic acrylic painting by senior Grace Haslam. The lively, gestural quality of this piece is evidence of Grace’s fluency with the paintbrush. The powerful main figure, draped cloth, secondary figures, and the architectural background elements are recognizable, yet the scene is abstract enough that the viewer must reach her own conclusion about the narrative.
Congratulations to these dedicated art students!
Maeve Kelly
Grace Haslam
Simmons-Wenning Scholarship for Fine Arts Recipient Pierceson Squires
Congratulations to Pierceson Squires, the 2020-21 recipient of the Simmons/Wenning Scholarship for the Fine Arts, a one-year $1,500 award of financial aid for a student entering grades 9-12 who, among other qualifications, shows special talent in the performing arts. The recipient is selected by Cape Fear Academy’s financial aid committee and the scholarship committee in coordination with the Fine Arts Department. The recipient must demonstrate a love of learning, leadership skills, maturity, and a well-rounded approach to school work and activities, as well as special talents in the arts that are mission appropriate for the school, including theater, film, band, chorus, or other fine arts offered at Cape Fear Academy. The recipient must also have at least an overall B+ average. According to Chorus Director Lynne O’Connell, Pierceson, a freshman, exemplifies those traits, in the classroom and beyond: “In addition to being the alto section leader in US Vocal Honors Ensemble, she is a stellar human being.”
The Simmons/Wenning Scholarship for Fine Arts was established in 2009 in honor of Cape Fear Academy graduates, Jared Keith Simmons ’08 and Tyler Forrest Simmons ’09, by their grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Clayton E. Jenkins, and their parents, Mr. and Mrs. James O. Wenning, Jr. It was expanded in 2017 in honor of Cape Fear Academy graduate Alec James Wenning ’17.
CFA Student-Athlete Academic Awards Recipients 61 student athletes
Awarded to all Upper School Students who have played two or more Varsity Sports and have a 4.0 GPA or higher.
Seniors (19)
Juniors (14)
Sophomores (21)
Freshman (7)
Caelin Bahner Stella Bloom Abby Cavanaugh Ford Chappell Caroline Crumrine Miller Dalton Chloe Kernan Lilly Lancaster Pearce Lewis Laura Kate Lindstrom Miles Lindstrom Michael Paul Moulton David Novak Oscar Rautiainen Ethan Sikka Harrison Spicuzza Tess Tarses Jay Washington Vance Young
Luca Basilio Devon Cavanaugh Alden Forkin Anna Gherardi Alena Gianoplus Jack Glynn Erik Head Anna Itzkowitz William Lewis Natasha Matt Brooks Meine Cooper Pate Shamyia Robinson Whit Stephenson
McLain Adams Chloe Adler Gavin Bahner Rilee Bahner Kieran Barclay Avery Bishop Alek Bronsky Hayden Godusi Collin Hinson Jason Huang Wade Johnson Julia Johnston KJ Kernan Tanner Macpherson Makenzie Mills Dalton Mitchell Colin Moore Lillian Scoutelas Ben Smith Cameron Tait Raney Webb
Isabel Bellamy Audrey Dahl Ella Forkin Arrison Moya Leah Murtagh Kyle Smith Henry Steven
Academic Achievement Awards Highest Academic Achievement Award Salutatorian & Valedictorian Recipients Katie Meehl (Valedictorian) Maya Arora (Salutatorian) A student must be in residence at Cape Fear Academy for all four years of upper school to be eligible for Salutatorian or Valedictorian. Weighted grades are used to determine eligibility. The Valedictorian recognition is bestowed upon the graduating senior who has the highest grade point average in the Class of 2020. The Salutatorian recognition is bestowed upon the graduating senior who has the second-highest grade point average in the Class of 2020.
National Merit Scholarship Program Finalist Recipient Maya Arora
Maya Arora advanced to a Finalist standing in the National Merit Scholarship Program with her distinguished performance on the PSAT as well as her abilities, skills, and accomplishments during her upper school career at Cape Fear Academy.
Faculty Recognition Awards - Grade 9 Recipient Makena Scanlon
Makena Scanlon’s positive attitude and unflagging enthusiasm make her a valued member of the class of 2023. She walks into class every day eager to engage and willing to take academic risks, and always greets everyone in the room with joy and energy. Known for her “mat talk,” Makena encourages her peers in and out of class – she’s constantly telling them they’re doing a great job and encouraging them to go further. Makena exemplifies the CFA core values and serves as a role model for students and teachers alike. Her positivity is contagious!
Faculty Recognition Awards - Grade 10 Recipients Logan Aimone and Lillian Scoutelas
Logan Aimone embodies the CFA core values of accountability and respect. He always advocates for his own learning with personable warmth and charm. He comes to each class ready to learn and leads his peers through his own persistence and positive attitude. Logan is resilient in his efforts and always ready to go further when needed. Congratulations Logan! Lillian Scoutelas embodies integrity to self. She speaks her mind with honesty and candor, yet never forgets to respect others when doing so. Lillian consistently epitomizes accountability as she works to grow her skills and is always accountable to herself in doing so. She is a leader by example, inspiring others towards integrity. Congratulations Lillian!
Faculty Recognition Awards - Grade 11 Recipients William Dahl and Delilah Mills
The recipients of the 11th grade Faculty Recognition Awards are remarkable for their unwavering positivity and boundless curiosity. They embody the spirit of the class of 2021. Delilah Mills walks into every classroom, eager to engage with the content and the people in the room. She wants to know why and how and who because she’s genuinely inquisitive. Whatever the situation, Delilah’s positivity and acceptance of others builds community and a culture of caring.
Will Dahl is six and a half feet of walking joy. Whatever the topic or day or context, he’s into it, asking, discussing, nodding his head emphatically in Will excitement. There’s no activity or class Will’s not engaged with; his energy is infectious and transfers to everyone around him.
Faculty Recognition Awards - Grade 12 Recipient Sterling Thomas
Sterling Thomas is the student all teachers would love to teach, he is the friend that will always remain by your side, and the young man who genuinely cares about each person he meets. Sterling is an invaluable member of the Class of 2020 and continues to demonstrate all of Cape Fear Academy’s Core Values. Congratulations, Sterling! You have made your mark on our school forever, but we will still miss your smile and caring disposition that greets us every morning.
ENGLISH English 9
Pierceson Squires
Honors English 9 Katie Meine
English 10 Jerry Zhou
Honors English 10
Honors Seminar
English 11
English 12
Julia Johnston & Raney Webb
Delilah Mills
Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith
AP Language & Composition AP Literature & Composition Noah Durham
Kiera Draffen
High Tide Award Recipients
Andrew Gramley and Joey McGarry We would like to recognize, on behalf of CFA’s High Tide Literary and Arts magazine, two students, whose energy and leadership fueled this year’s magazine. Andrew Gramley and Joey McGarry worked together to publicize writing contests, lead adjudication meetings, and design the publication. Their creativity and desire to improve student participation in constructing the magazine catalyzed the largest group of students to join the staff. Between study halls, flex sessions, and Zoom meetings, these two volunteered their hours and their ideas to make High Tide reflect CFA’s “growth” within our community. Please congratulate Andrew and Joey for all their hard work and dedication and for receiving the 2020 High Tide Award.
Department Award Recipients
Kiera Draffen and Casey Medlin The English Department award is given annually to a senior who has demonstrated excellence in the English classroom, a love of reading and writing, and leadership related to subject in and/or out of the classroom. The Class of 2020 has many students who demonstrate a strong love and ability in English, but two students rose
to the top. Kiera Draffen demonstrates outstanding intellectual capacity, a commitment to go further, and a quiet yet indomitable leadership in moving others to their higher potential. Throughout her four years in Upper School, Kiera’s work in English classes exhibits her innate curiosity and desire for excellence. Co-award winner Casey Medlin possesses a true love of the written word. Ever an enthusiastic and critical reader, Casey infuses that energy into her classroom community, into her role as Publications Editor, and as a High Tide staff member and contributor. Both of these young women inspire their peers to engage more deeply in living a literary life. Congratulations Kiera and Casey!
Barbara Proctor Award Recipient Brooke Sanderford
A Cape Fear Academy teacher, mentor, and friend for over 30 years, Mrs. Barbara Proctor dedicated her life to her students, modeling a true love of literature and devotion to the empowerment of writers that continues to inspire her former students, colleagues, and friends today. To honor her legacy, the Barbara Proctor Award is granted annually to a student in grades 9-12 who demonstrates a passion for and commitment to writing and reading. Students are nominated by the English Department and the recipient receives a monetary award of $500. We are honored to congratulate this year’s Barbara Proctor Award recipient: Brooke Sanderford. Brooke possesses a true love of and gift with language. She has received community-wide recognition in CFA’s High Tide Literary and Arts magazine; likewise, Brooke’s poetry has earned her a Silver Key in Scholastic’s National Art and Writing competition. As a student, Brooke hones her abilities both inside and outside of the classroom, passionately dedicating herself to taking risks in studying literature as well as in developing her creative voice. Please join us in congratulating Brooke in her receipt of this honor!
SOCIAL STUDIES Honors Civics & Economics
World History
Katie Meine
Logan Aimone & November Woditschka
Civics & Economics
AP World History
Erik Franklin
Dylan O’Neill & Gavin Bahner
US History
AP US Government
Honors US History
AP Economics
AP US History
AP Psychology
Cole Thibault
Davon Peebles
Noah Durham
Tyler Smith
Maya Arora
Si Qui (Anna)
Department Award Recipients Pearce Lewis and Tyler Smith Pearce Lewis has been a dedicated social studies student here at CFA, but what truly sets her apart is that she has demonstrated outstanding leadership beyond the classroom in the field of Social Studies through her work with the Youth and Government Program. As a leader in our school delegation she supported other CFA students in their endeavors with the mock government program. As the 2020 Youth Governor, she provided outstanding leadership to over 1000 students across the state of NC who were participants in the program. We look forward to seeing how Pearce uses her passion for leadership to achieve her goals in college and beyond.
Tyler Smith demonstrated passion and excellence in the social studies classroom throughout his time here at CFA. Whether it’s history, government, or economics, he could always be counted on to engage in classroom discussion, move conversations forward in a thoughtful manner, and demonstrate the level of scholarship in the classroom that this award recognizes. Tyler’s passion for social studies has elevated each class that he has been a part of and we look forward to seeing how Tyler uses that passion to shape his future.
WORLD LANGUAGE Honors Mandarin 3 Elle Burnette
Honors Mandarin 5
Spanish 1
Addie Bloom & Kiera Draffen
Spanish 2
Honors Spanish 5
Gavin Bahner
Sophia Strahan
AP Chinese Language & Culture
Charlotte Karanik
Isabel Barrett
Honors Spanish 4
Elena Crvendakic
Spanish 3
Honors Spanish 3
Erik Head
AP Spanish Language & Culture Noah Durham
Katie Meine
Department Award Recipients Katie Meehl & Connor Smith The World Language Department of the Upper School of Cape Fear Academy would like to celebrate both Katie Meehl and Connor Smith for their continued dedication to the study of the Spanish language and Hispanic culture. Both of these students have shown tremendous commitment and growth in the Spanish language, having successfully completed each course in the sequence and beyond to include an independent study of Hispanic literature. It has been our honor to teach these two remarkable individuals and the department would like to wish them luck in their future studies.
MATHEMATICS Algebra 1
Honors Algebra 2
AP Statistics
Geometry
Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry
AP Calculus AB (Yearlong)
Sebastian Landenberg
Isabella Strahan
Honors Geometry Sophia Strahan
Algebra 2
Michael Rosen
Cooper Herrett
Anne Haslam
Discrete
Lindsay West
Precalculus Katie Meine
Si Qiu (Anna)
Joey McGarry
AP Calculus AB (Semester) Noah Durham
AP Calculus BC (Semester) Lilly Chiavetta
Department Award Recipients David Novak, Si Qiu (Anna), and Wenxuan Yu (Jack) The Math Department would like to recognize the three students who took every math-related AP course and competed with the Varsity Math Team showing an amazing passion, determination, and ability in mathematics. These courses include AP Calculus AB/BC, AP Statistics, and AP Physics C (Calculus based Physics). David Novak, Si Qiu (Anna), and Wenxuan Yu (Jack) are this year’s recipients of the Math Department Award.
SCIENCE Biology
Earth & Space Science
Honors Biology
Honors Physics Pearce Lewis
Gary (Whit) Stephenson
Chemistry
Owen Johnson
AP Biology
Noah Durham
AP Physics C Mechanics
Honors Chemistry
AP Environmental Science
AP Physics C E & M
Erik Franklin
Sophia Strahan
Kathie Meine
Bee Karanik
Kiera Draffen
AP Chemistry
Erik Head & Brooks Meine
AP Physics 1
Mack Webb
Mack Webb
Department Award Recipient Kiera Draffen The CFA science department offers 11 year-long courses including six AP’s, plus an additional five semester electives. The student that the department has the privilege of honoring for the culmination of the science department awards has earned seven credits of science in four years, which includes fice AP Sciences – four of which were tackled in her senior year alone. This outstanding student has a love, a passion and a dedication for science and human beings that will ensure a bright and powerful future in medicine. It is our pleasure to present this year’s science department award to Kiera Draffen.
Dott Taylor Hooten Recipient Katie Meehl The Dott Taylor Hooten Award is named for a beloved chemistry, math, and physics teacher who served Cape Fear Academy from 1978-1985. She first came to Cape Fear Academy as a parent in 1973. Her two sons, Jimmy and Mark, both graduated from CFA and became physicians. Upon her death in 1986, friends and family started the endowment and its award in memory of Dott and her dedication to math and science. Each year the Dott Taylor Hooten award is given to a deserving senior who is a dedicated student of science and math. This year’s recipient is Katie Meehl.
COMPUTER SCIENCE AP Computer Science Principles Katie Meine
AP Computer Science A
Robotics
Sterling Thomas
Virtual Reality Si Qiu (Anna)
McLain Adams
Department Award Recipient McLain Adams The CFA Computer Science Department recognizes a student who has mastered a variety of class offerings and demonstrated strengths in computer science skills such as logical thinking, collaboration, and creativity among many others. This student embodies all of these skills and much more. This year he was among the top of his programming class, a programming leader on the robotics team, and also high ranking in a global cybersecurity contest. In addition, he is always quick to help out fellow classmates with programming problems or provide another explanation of how to understand a concept. It is our pleasure to present the 2020 computer science department award to McLain Adams.
AP CAPSTONE AP SEMINAR Recipient Erik Head CFA started the AP Capstone program this year with the first required course, AP Seminar. This course requires diligence and curiosity, while maintaining a balance of individual and group work. Students hone their research, writing, and presentation skills over a myriad of content. The individual receiving this year’s AP Capstone award consistently excelled in every aspect. This student received the highest average and came to class each day prepared and engaged. It’s our honor to present this year’s AP Capstone award to Erik Head.
BAND Director’s Award Recipients
Lauren McWhinnie and Ramsay Trask Awarded to two students, the Director’s Award for Band honors two outstanding senior members of the CFA Band program. It is awarded to students who display high qualities of dedication and conduct, and are presented in recognition of the students’ outstanding contribution to the music ensemble. This year’s winners are Lauren McWhinnie and Ramsay Trask. Lauren is a rock during daily rehearsals. She runs sectionals like clockwork and is talented and dependable beyond measure. Ramsay is an amazing proponent for instrumental music and her dedication to the continued success of the CFA Band through these transitional years has been unmatched. Watch out world, these seniors have the grit and the dedication to move mountains!
Honors Band Award Recipients
Laura Kate Lindstrom and Addie Bloom Awarded to two musicians who must not only maintain a high degree of instrument proficiency through practice and rehearsal, but they must also maintain superior grades and devote time to a wide range of extracurricular pursuits. In doing so, these high school musicians display traits that are vital to success in instrumental music: Endurance, Knowledge, Unselfishness, Dependability and Loyalty. This year’s winners are Laura Kate Lindstrom and Adaline Bloom. From her daily contributions in class to her long career in the CFA Band, Laura Kate has been a steady and reliable musician and amiable leader. Addie is an amazing musician on both saxophone and violin. Her talent is remarkable and is propelled by an enviable work ethic. To describe the contributions of these young ladies, the only expression that comes close is Tour de Force.
Department Award Recipients
Spencer Lampkin and Mack Webb Awarded to two outstanding upperclassmen that play a critical role in the leadership of the band by setting a positive example for underclassmen to follow. These upperclassmen are the shapers of a legacy that will be passed on to future band members. A legacy of not only high musicianship, but more importantly attitude and positive disposition. This year’s winners are Spencer Lampkin and Mack Webb. Spencer is the Tito Puente of the CFA Band. His improvisations are better than any written music you put in front of him. We can only hope that the underclassmen understand the power of his musicianship and contributions. The creative process that flows in Spencer’s mind is beyond the printed music. Mack brings so much to the CFA Band. His musicianship is incredibly high and his laid back personality is wonderful to have in the band. A leader by example, Mack brings a calmness to the rehearsals that is a benefit to all underclassmen.
CHORUS Independent Study Vocal Ensemble Recipient Davis Kranchalk
Independent Study members of vocal ensemble are responsible for learning their parts on their own and then meeting with Chorus Director Lynn O’Connell to rehearse twice per week. This year a young man stands out as a leader because he consistently was the first to show up at rehearsals, ready to sing and ready to be the best that he could be. He takes his singing seriously and his hard work has paid off. His voice has become strong, clear, confident and his strong musical skills make him a leader and one that his peers admire. Even while in New York City, in rehearsal with Conductor Greg Gilpin, it was clear to see that he was leading the bass section. We are sorry that the whole CFA community didn’t get to hear him sing his Adolfo song in “The Drowsy Chaperone,” for you would have heard first hand the confidence, skill, strength and beauty in his voice. Thank you Davis Kranchalk for your outstanding achievement and adding so much towards the success of this year’s Upper School Vocal Ensemble.
Honors Vocal Ensemble Recipient Abigail Smith
Several years ago a painfully shy freshman showed up to audition for our US musical. It was all Ms. O’Connell could do to get her to sing 8 bars of a song. Even as softly as she sang, Ms. O’Connell immediately recognized there was a voice hiding inside. Fast forward to this year, now a senior and a leading Soprano of Honors Chorus this young lady is no longer hiding her talent. She is now an outstanding leader by always being prepared, knowing her music, being confident on stage at CFA and and at Carnegie Hall and doing so with a beautiful smile. And then there’s her voice. It is truly beautiful, a stunning instrument and this is due partly because of the hard work she puts into it. Voice lessons, practicing and not being afraid to be challenged are what make this singer a super stand out in an ensemble full of gorgeous voices. This year’s Outstanding Honors Vocal Ensemble member is Abigail Smith.
ART Excellence in Visual Art Award Recipient Lindsay West
The Excellence in Visual Art Award is given to the student who is absolutely passionate about visual art, open mindedly works hard to improve his or her work, and consistently acts as a positive leader in the art room. That person this year has been Lindsay West. Lindsay is talented with painting and drawing portraits, the human figure, animal forms, interior spaces, landscapes, and sequential art. But more importantly, she works on her art constantly and consistently. Her sketchbook has become an extension of herself. She inspires those around her. I am so impressed by what Lindsay has accomplished already, and thrilled about her creative future at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.
2020 Eastern/Central NC Scholastic Art Awards Recipients Lindsay West and Grace Haslam
The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards is the nation’s most prestigious recognition program for young artists and writers. Three entries from our upper school earned regional awards this year. The Gold and Silver Key award winners were honored Feb. 9 at an award ceremony at Barton College, and their artwork was exhibited at Barton College Galleries throughout the month of February. This year’s recipients were Lindsay West, who earned two Silver Keys for her paintings, “Harlequin” and “Pool Noodles,” and Grace Haslam, with an Honorable Mention for her photograph entitled “Jump.”
PUBLICATIONS / PHOTOGRAPHY Department Awards Publication Recipients
Gwenyth Austin, Caroline Crumrine, Margaret Dill, Fin Doster, Parker King, Miles Lindstrom, Joey McGarry, Casey Medlin, Eve Morton, Ethan Sikka, Harrison Spicuzza The importance of senior leadership in the publications class cannot be denied, especially in the Publications class. From taking photos of key events to designing layouts and planning content, senior editors set the tone and the example for others to follow. We are honored to recognize the 11 seniors who served as section editors, co-editors, designers, and photographers during their years on staff. Caroline Crumrine, Parker King, and Miles Lindstrom served as co-editors of The Hurricane, which earned its first, but not its last, Tar Heel Award from the North Carolina Scholastic Media Association last year. Casey Medlin and Joey McGarry, as coeditors of the Shoreline yearbook, continued that award-winning tradition. Gwenyth Austin, Ethan Sikka, Fin Doster, Margaret Dill, Eve Morton, and Harrison Spicuzza served as section editors for the newspaper and yearbook, determining content, taking photos, writing, designing, and guiding the younger members of the staff. Thanks to their efforts, we managed to complete the yearbook and publish three issues of the newspaper before school closed on March 13. We cannot thank them enough for their efforts, or tell them too often how much they will be missed.
Photography Recipients
Liza Collie, Jason Huang, Andrew Gramley, Allison Raible Mastering the art as well as the technology of digital photography is the goal of the photography classes, and we would like to recognize four students who excelled as photographers and artists. Beginning Photography student Allison Raible demonstrated a remarkable gift for composition, and Honors students Liza Collie, Jason Huang, and Andrew Gramley mastered their equipment as well as Photoshop and InDesign in their quest to take the perfect shot. CFA is proud of all of these students, and hope that their creativity will always be a source of joy and inspiration.
DRAMA Director’s Award Recipient Maeve Kelly
Beyond her remarkable skill as a visual artist, musician, and writer, Maeve Kelly is a truly exceptional actress. My first impression of her talent and personality lead her to be cast as Lucky in “Waiting for Godot.” As a freshman in high school, she did an extraordinary job with that notoriously difficult role (in and very difficult play), and throughout the years, has pushed and challenged herself as an artist and performer. She approaches roles boldly, honestly, processes notes and respects her directors’ guidance, trusts her own instincts (which are unique and brilliant), and works generously with her stage partners. She is incredibly creative, intelligent, and makes brave choices. When they don’t work she learns and grows from them. But even when they do work, she doesn’t settle and keeps making the same choices throughout the project. She is always igniting the moment. Ms. Avery has loved seeing her grow into a confident, beautiful, open hearted, sincere, utterly brave, equal parts elegant/goofy, stunning, sweet, and profoundly talented young lady. We are so proud of her and utterly excited to see her career unfold and the incredible characters she will bring to life.
Outstanding Dedication and Performance in Theatre Arts Recipient Charlie Murtha
Go to any theatrical production at Cape Fear Academy and you will see some version of the skill, talent, dedication, and creativity of one Charlie Murtha. Charlie is in the Technical Theatre and Design class, and has his hand in designing and building every production all year long. He is in the chorus and takes voice lessons as well. And his presence as an actor has been undeniably phenomenal. Charlie is not only naturally talented, he continues to stretch himself and cultivate elements of talent he didn’t even know he had. Whether he is learning to partner in a ballet pas de deux or learning to tap and roller skate while singing at the same time, or doing an entire show from an antique wheelchair reciting marathon monologues while having to keep a straight face as everyone around him gets to be ridiculous, he is up for the challenge. Charlie has proven time and again he can not only be a charming leading man with a voice that can make an entire audience swoon, he can also absolutely slay extremely mature dramatic material in a way that some actors can’t do until they are at a college or professional level. Charlie is kind and generous as a performer, someone any director would love to work with and have in their company. His dedication in all aspects of the performing arts, his attitude, sweet nature and quirky humor are at the heart of our Theatre Department.
FILMMAKING / TECHNICAL THEATRE AND DESIGN US Filmmaker Award Recipient Andrew Gramley
CFA’s Outstanding Filmmaker Award is given to the student who has embraced the artform of digital filmmaking and storytelling as a way to express themselves artistically on an exceptional level. This award recognizes a student filmmaker who lives and breathes the vast world of video filmmaking. Whether it’s an experimental short film capturing the nuances of a poet’s fluid words or a narrative video revealing this young artist’s ability to utilize video to highlight the absolutely unique way they view our world, we are hard pressed to think of another student during my time at CFA who has so wholeheartedly embraced capturing imagery through such a beautifully and majestic distorted lens. Mr. Fancy has watched this student grow into an incredible visual artist! This year’s Outstanding Filmmaker Award goes to the dangerously talented Andrew Gramley!
Technical Theatre and Design Recipient Tess Tarses
CFA’s Technical Theatre and Design Award is given to the student whose dedication to every aspect of technical theatre, from concept to construction of our scenic designs, to working backstage as a crew member and stage manager with unrivalled leadership. This year, our award recognizes a two-time NCTC Barbizon Lighting and Production Design Award winner, whose tireless determination to perform at the highest standard backstage and in the scene shop has been second to none. This incredible artist has taken the most courageous of risks throughout their entire four years with the CFA Theatre Department and has evolved into one of the most diversified and talented design students we have ever had the pleasure of watching create. An exceptional technician, artist and set designer and all-round performing arts marvel, this year’s Technical Theatre and Design Award goes to the kind, compassionate, ever-so-hard-working and soon to be very much missed member of our theatre family, Tess Tarses!