Honorary Alumni Association: Honoring Distinguished Service

EVERY YEAR, Country Day hosts the Honorary Alumni Association Dinner, an evening celebrating distinguished service to Country Day. This tradition includes inducting new members of the Honorary Alumni Association as well as awarding the Alumni of the Year and the David L. Hood Jr. Award for Volunteer Service.

Because the event was rescheduled this fall due to COVID-19, Country Day recognized the Alumna of the Year, Dr. Neely Kaydos-Daniels ’91, at a special alumni event on September 23, 2021. The David L. Hood Jr. Award recipients and newest Honorary Alumni were recognized and celebrated at the rescheduled event on March 10, 2022, at Quail Hollow Club. Congratulations to all our award recipients. You can see videos from the event at charlottecountryday.org/Honorary- Alumni.

Honorary Alumnus: Mark Reed

Country Day inducted former Head of School Mark Reed to the Honorary Alumni Association for his distinguished service and extraordinary impact on the school. During Mark’s 12-year tenure, his inspired leadership and unwavering commitment to the community made a transformational impact on our school.

From his intentional approach to the 1:1 technology initiative rollout to the $92.5 million comprehensive campaign to transform Cannon Campus, Mark always kept his student-centered approach. He added significant DEIB programming and renewed focus on student wellness while also adding 72,000 square feet of educational space.

However, Mark’s impact at Country Day goes well beyond facts, figures, and programs. He helped propel Country Day into a position of incredible strength for the future, and the school will be forever grateful and better for his leadership. Mark continues his relationship with Country Day as a current parent of Olivia ’26.

As the head of a school this large, it is unique to say that Mark is known to his students, and he is admired by his students. He always puts in the effort, shows up to everything, and he truly cares. I really admire the work Mark has done and I’m thankful for getting to know Mark. Mark is a great person and a great friend, and we miss him.

— Wellford Tabor

Honorary Alumnus: Bob Plyler

Country Day inducted Bob “Buzzy” Plyler, beloved teacher, compassionate student advisor, and dedicated coach, into the Honorary Alumni Association. As the longest tenured employee at Country Day, Bob has been part of the school’s faculty for a remarkable 45 years.

When selecting how to describe Bob Plyler, words come easily. He is a true gentleman and friend who is positive, kind, thoughtful, and caring. These are but a few that stand out. Perhaps the single choice, if I had to make one, is loyal. Bob is steadfastly loyal to Country Day and the students and athletes he has taught, advised, and coached, as well as those with whom he shared his teaching and coaching duties. Bob has made a positive impact on Country Day, and I thank him for that.

–Ed Walton

Since Bob joined the Upper School history department in 1976, he has been instrumental in the growth and evolution of the history curriculum at Country Day. He partnered with other departments to create and implement the American Studies program. He alsoplayed a key role in the development of political science and Advanced Placement history courses, including U.S. History and Government and Politics.

Known to many who love him as Coach Plyler, Bob has coached Varsity Golf, JV Football, and both JV and Varsity Boys’ Basketball. Under his leadership, Varsity Boys’ Golf has won nine state championships and dozens of his student-athletes have continued to play at the collegiate level. In 1987 and 2003, Bob received the Carl Bolick Coach’s Award, which recognizes coaches who best exemplify the qualities of a character builder who develops student-athletes into better people.

I remember Mr. Plyler as one of my few adult friends when I was a teenager. I don’t think I realized it at the time, but he was somehow able to give me advice without me realizing it. Bob’s been a steadying and calming presence; I’d liken that presence to maybe a beacon or buoy that marks the harbor for a returning sailor. It’s reliable, signals calm waters ahead, and it welcomes you home.

—Todd Gorelick ’82

Bob has served as a mentor and advisor for generations of Country Day students, often the children of his former students. In 2016, Bob was recognized with the Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award. A lifelong Charlottean, Bob earned a BA from UNC-Charlotte. He and his wife, Jeannette, have two daughters who both attended Country Day, Adrienne ’98 and Megan ’04.

“ met Bob Plyler my freshman year on the Varsity Golf team in 1988, and we won the State Championship. Like many alumni, I have learned so much from him over the years, and he has made a huge impact on my life as a great role model and mentor. He has always been there for me in my life, following my career at WFU and as a professional; he was there when my father passed away, he was at my wedding, and he was excited for me when my children were born. From the bottom of my heart I love Coach Buzzy.

—Stephanie Neill Harner ’91

Bob Plyler always puts the kids first. When I was playing basketball, he and I would sit in his office on occasion after games just talking for 20–30 minutes. That was a long time ago, but he could communicate and connect. Now fast forward, and he taught my daughter history one year, then he taught and coached my son two or three years later. It doesn’t matter who you are or what age you are, he can relate.

–Patrick Hobson ’89

David L. Hood Jr. Award for Volunteer Service: Dave ’85 and Lauren Benson

Country Day recognized Dave and Lauren Benson with the David L. Hood Jr. Service award for their exemplary service to Country Day, demonstrating their active belief in the school and its mission, tireless energy, positive determination, and heartfelt commitment to the betterment of our students’ experiences and opportunities.

Between the two of them, Lauren and Dave have served in countless ways to support the school since becomingCountry Day parents in 2004. Lauren has served in various roles for the Parents’ Association, including as president in 2015–16. Dave has served as a Trustee 2011–21, most recently leading the DEIB Committee as co-chair in 2020–21. Lauren and Dave have both served as volunteers for the Boosters Club and the Country Day Fund for years. Their three children are Country Day lifers and graduates: daughter Ryan ’17, son Gus ’19, and son Cal ’21.

One of the hallmarks of Country Day is our community, and Lauren and Dave are both such strong community builders. Both are inclusive people. They draw other people in, they’re always positive, outgoing, personable, and they know how to make connections with people. They’re the kind of parents that make us such a strong community.

—Leigh Moran