MAGAZINE
LATIN
Charlotte Latin School • Spring 2017 • A Team of Experts
BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jean E. Davis, Chair Joycelyn C. Lavelle, Secretary John G. Norman, Treasurer William C. Adams Gary J. Anderson ’75 Joanne O’Brien Beam William A. Bowen, Jr. ’82 Robert G. Calton III Lynn G. Crutchfield Heather S. Finke Mike D. Freno Kodwo Ghartey-Tagoe Courtney P. Hyder Edward P. Imbrogno Kelly L. Katterhagen Joy M. Kenefick Eric J. Lloyd A. Coy Monk IV Denny Smith O’Leary ’90 Robert A. Schleusner III Thad M. Sharrett ’89 Walker C. Simmons R. Mitchell Wickham III ’87 EX-OFFICIO Arch N. McIntosh, Jr., Headmaster Fletcher H. Gregory III, Associate Headmaster and Director of Finance Tiffany R. Orndorff, Parents’ Council President Charles R. Thies ’90, Alumni Governing Board President ALUMNI GOVERNING BOARD OFFICERS Charles R. Thies ’90, President Patrick N. Rivenbark ’02, Past-President PARENTS’ COUNCIL OFFICERS Tiffany Orndorff, President Catherine Armstrong, First Vice President Kimbrel Morris, Second Vice President Leslie Wickham, Treasurer Alexa Cutter, Assistant Treasurer Beth Pence, Secretary BOOSTER CLUB BOARD OFFICERS Kristin Smith, President Mary Martha Beecy, Vice President Amy Nielsen, Treasurer Noelle Vandiver, Secretary
ADMINISTRATION Arch N. McIntosh, Jr. Headmaster Guy Ben-Eliyahu Interim Director of Technology
LATIN
MAGAZINE
2016–2017 SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
Charlotte Latin School • Spring 2017
Michael Bocian Director of Plant Operations Ann Thompson Brock ’81 Director of Leadership Development Susan Carpenter Director of Marketing and Communications D. Rodney Chamberlain Associate Headmaster for Academic Affairs Linda Cropper Assistant Head of Lower School David Gatoux Director of Athletics Fletcher H. Gregory III Associate Headmaster and Director of Finance Jeffrey D. Knull Assistant Head of Upper School Deborah C. Lamm Head of Middle School Beth Cox Lucas Director of Human Resources Mary Jane Masonis Director of Development Matt Morrow Assistant Head of Middle School Hunter B. Murphy Dean of Students Mary Yorke Robison Oates ’83 Director of Admissions Marcus H. Tayloe Head of Lower School
EDITOR Courtney Oates Director of Integrated Media ASSOCIATE EDITOR Susan Carpenter Director of Marketing and Communications CONTRIBUTORS Ann Thompson Brock ’81 Director of Leadership Development Mary Yorke Oates ’83 Director of Admissions Sally Gray Smith ’82 Associate Director of Development and Alumni Relations Angel Trimble Sports Information Coordinator DESIGNER April Baker Director of Design Services
Sonja L. Taylor Director of Diversity and Inclusion Lawrence E. Wall Head of Upper School
LATIN ARTS ASSOCIATION BOARD Kelly Gardner, President Patty Lambert, Vice President Lisa Hill, Secretary Shannon Acks, Treasurer Dawn Whitmore, Publicity Nancy Stenersen, Membership Kelly Mattei, Friends of Music Dorie de Armas, Friends of Theater Arts Melissa Witzel, Friends of Theater Arts Jaime Nashbar Callicutt, Friends of Visual Arts Vivi Bechtler-Smith, Friends of Creative Writing
Published Spring 2017 by Charlotte Latin School for students, alumni, parents, grandparents, employees and friends of the School. Please send address corrections to: Development Office Charlotte Latin School 9502 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28277 Or by email to vrucker@charlottelatin.org
CLS MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to encourage individual development and civility in our students by inspiring them to learn, by encouraging them to serve others, and by offering them many growth-promoting opportunities.
Send Class Notes information to: Sally Gray Smith ’82 at 704.846.7253 ssmith@charlottelatin.org
Charlotte Latin School is an independent, non-sectarian, coeducational, college-preparatory day school for students in transitional kindergarten through twelfth grade. Charlotte Latin School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, disability, age, sexual orientation, or national origin in the administration of its educational programs, admissions policies, financial aid policies, employment practices, or other school-administered programs.
Printed by ProPrint Feature Story Photography by Rusty Williams
From the
HEADMASTER
Welcome to the spring semester issue of LATIN magazine. I am especially proud to share the many stories of the people who work together to make Latin such a special place. The theme is “A Team of Experts,” which focuses on the fact that we are a TEAM. Yes, we have teams, groups, clubs and classes, but it is the people who make up our School and their collective, cooperative work that makes it so successful. Like all teams, we have leaders, players and we have a great field. We face opposition and challenges, we celebrate victories and we grow stronger and learn from our defeats. We collaborate and co-exist on this field we call our campus each and every day. It is what fills me with pride and makes me love what I do. We are also EXPERTS who are highly trained and accomplished in each of our areas of expertise. Our experts come in all shapes and sizes. In this issue we shine the spotlight on the many teachers who form the Lower School’s Specials Team who provide an unparalleled educational experience to our youngest students. We highlight Head of Middle School, Debbie Lamm, with a student-conducted interview and recognize her as an outstanding expert in middle school development and education. We recognize our Upper School English faculty member Richard Harris, whose love and knowledge of poetry and prose extends to creative writing students on an expert level every year and garners the School an impressive list of Scholastic Writing Awards. We are blessed with an abundance of experts at Latin who serve our students every day through the mastery of their teaching. As head coach of this impressive team, I have the great fortune of working closely with many experts beyond our campus. This includes authors, speakers and colleagues whose advice, counsel and experience I seek regularly. I am always delighted when we can bring these experts, like Catherine Steiner-Adair, Michael Thompson, Rob Evans and math guru Greg Tang, to campus to work with our students, teachers, parents and alumni. Often, I am asked about certain topics in education and parenting. I am proud to share with you this compilation of the work of a few of the experts who have influenced me – a recommended reading list, if you will. I invite you to read on. Experts at Charlotte Latin abound!
Arch N. McIntosh, Jr.
HEADMASTER’S RECOMMENDED READING LIST Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be, Frank Bruni The Big Disconnect, Catherine Steiner-Adair, Ed.D. If You Can Keep It, Eric Metaxas The Gift of Failure, Jessica Lahey Leaders Eat Last, Simon Sinek Excellent Sheep, William Deresiewicz Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, Angela Duckworth
@CharlotteLatinSchool: 100 balloons for the 100th day of school!
@CLSalumni: Laura Mann ’05 teaching her "Paper Stop Motion" workshop during the alumni art show weekend.
@CharlotteLatinSchool: Have you seen the latest HawkEyeTV? www.charlottelatin.org/Hawk-Eye-TV
@nicanadadores: The group from @CharlotteLatin finished building the water tower today! #springbreak
LET′S GET social
CharlotteLatinSchool CharlotteLatinAlumni CharlotteLatinSummer
@CharlotteLatin
@CharlotteLatinSchool @CL_Hawks @CLSalumni @LatinSummerCamp
What′s Inside LATIN Magazine
@CharlotteLatin: Congratulations to our new Cum Laude inductees!
@CharlotteLatinSchool: Fourth Grade state fair project mail call!
@CL_Hawks: This duo had a no-hitter in MS softball today! #Teamwork #GoHawks On the Cover: There are countless experts at Latin and many are highlighted in this issue. One group you will find in more detail on page 4 is Latin’s Lower School Specials faculty. Featured on the cover is a sampling of the many tools and manipulatives these teachers use to share and to teach their crafts – from iPads to jump ropes and paint brushes and library books.
4
A Special Team of Experts
A tour of Lower School Specials
16
Pigtails. Deodorant. And a Blue Hula Hoop.
19
An Interview with John's Mom
22
Freedom of Expression
27
Campus Spotlight
28
Meet Rod Chamberlain
30
A Walk on Our Campus
31
Diversity Update
32
Bridging Our Gaps
34
Arts
40
Athletics
43
An Expert in Service
44
Recognition
45
Alumni News
56
Class Notes
A tribute to Head of Middle School Debbie Lamm, written by Anne Brock ’81
A Student Q&A with Head of Middle School Debbie Lamm A look at the Upper School Creative Writing program with English teacher Richard Harris Campus changes in 2017 Associate Headmaster for Academic Affairs Perspective from Mary Yorke Oates, Director of Admissions Sonja Taylor Named Director of Diversity and Inclusion Student Spotlight on Morgan Montgomery ’17 Recent events and recognitions See the athletic development program in action Student Profile on Molly Green ’17 Thank you to our 2017 retirees A look at reunion weekend and other recent alumni events Updates from Hawks who have left the nest
A SPECIAL TEAM OF
IF YOU HAVE A LOWER SCHOOL STUDENT AT LATIN, YOU KNOW WHAT LETTER DAY IT IS ON ANY GIVEN DAY. IT IS SACRED INTEL. At home, the letter determines many things. J day in Mrs. Dannemann’s kindergarten class, for example, says it’s library day (pack up library books that are in need of return). E day in Mrs. McAdams’ first grade class means P.E. (wear shorts instead of a dress, girls!); C day for Mrs. Russell’s third grade class tells students it’s Spanish day (expect a visit from Señora Willis). At School, however (and transparent to us at home), that letter system represents an intricate, intentional and carefully crafted 10-day schedule of classes, meetings, lunch and recess. It is also the vehicle used to bring our Team of Experts, also known as our Special area teachers, into your child’s classroom. Specials in the Lower School are just that – special. These six areas – music, science, art, P.E., library and Spanish – are taught by an exceptional team of instructors. They bolster all that Lower School teachers teach and complement all that Lower School children learn. They are known as Specials because they follow a non-daily schedule and usually take place outside of the children’s regular classroom in rooms that allow for their
specialized instruction. With the exception of P.E. and Spanish (every other day), these are defined, “places we go once a week,” by one first grade friend, such as the science lab, library and the art studio. The grade-level teachers have tremendous appreciation for the collaborative nature of the Specials faculty. Fourth grade teacher Kate Hughey describes, “The special area teachers work hard to coordinate with our classroom projects. Our State Fair unit, for example, would not be possible without Lower School music teacher Alicia Long creating and rehearsing the incredible musical performance for Fair day and Meghan Rinehart and B. Lee McGarry spearheading the research portion in the library. This year, the State Fair is going to be even more spectacular thanks to Kaila Gottschling’s work with the students to create classroom quilts made up of squares representing their states. Working with all the teachers in this way does so much to enhance the entire experience for our students and help them see connections between all their areas of study.” The Specials instructors spend their days teaching their craft while reinforcing and extending the curriculum and lessons that grade-level teachers put before their students every day. In Lower School we like to say that every day is a Special day! continued Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
5
SPANISH • KELLY WILLIS GRADES TK-3 SPANISH TEACHER
Teaching philosophy: We all know someone who says, “I took 5 years of ‘x’ language in school and now I can’t say a thing!” I want to change that. I want students from day one to be able to start communicating. I expose them to authentic videos, songs and text and teach them how to start to “decode” them and train their ears to pick out the rhythm and words they recognize. I want my students engaged and having fun for the short time that I get to spend with them on their educational journey. I want them to realize that learning to speak a new language is messy and exciting and imperfect and humbling and embarrassing and totally worth it.
STUDENTS ARE HAVING SO MUCH FUN THEY DON’T KNOW THEY ARE LEARNING. A typical day in Spanish: My day usually starts with lots of “holas” and hugs as the TK-Grade 1 students make their way past our office to their classrooms. It is definitely one of the highlights of our office location in the Lower School. Soon after the last hugger passes by, and quicker than you can say “Mrs. Señora,” I am off and rolling down the hall to begin my day with TK/K. From then on, it is non-stop Spanish talking, singing, dancing, acting, drawing and playing with props. I teach seven different classes in grades TK-3 in seven different classrooms. This constant movement has allowed me to develop strong relationships with the classroom teachers.
6
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
Inspiration: I am inspired by the excitement I see in my students’ eyes when they realize they are understanding and creating with the language. I am inspired when moms tell me their kids are coming home singing their songs, and dads tell me the songs are driving them crazy. I love when native speakers come to visit the class and my novice-level students (whose language performance rivals that of Tarzan) are confident enough to speak to them. I am inspired by my World Languages colleagues who are always willing to support, collaborate and challenge. I am grateful to have administrators who give me the freedom as a teaching professional to develop and carry out a curriculum that best serves our students. I don’t know many adults that can say that they get applause and hugs at their job when they walk into the room, and that alone can be enough inspiration for the day! How your area supports the TK-5 classroom: Because I push into the classroom setting, I have a close working relationship with the classroom teachers. If I see a success or a struggle while I am teaching, I can bring it to the teacher’s attention sooner than later. At that point we can celebrate a success together with the student or the entire class. Also, some classes like to weave Spanish into the daily classroom routine as we do in Mrs. McAdams’ class. It is exciting to see Spanish used and reinforced in other parts of the students’ school day. I utilize recording and creation apps on the iPads as assessment tools throughout the year, so I often work in conjunction with classroom teachers and the Technology Department to discuss purposeful options. This helps build students’ digital literacy skills while providing feedback on their language progress.
LOWER SCHOOL
A typical day in P.E.: The gym is a continuous revolving door from 8:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. every day. We plan, prepare the gym set-up and teach a class, then do it all over again. Inspiration: We are inspired by the value of play – structured and unstructured – and convincing others that it is important. We know we have done our job when we see tired, smiling children and when we see their successes.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION • MARY CERBIE & BUCK BRYANT LOWER SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Teaching philosophy: Our Physical Education program focuses on play. Through play, we work on the coordination of body movements. Movement is the essence of being. Our philosophy: play hard, have fun and treat others as you wish to be treated. Participating in games is a universal language; when given a ball and a stick, most children, in any part of the world, will create an activity. We believe so heartily in kids being active that every day students do not have P.E., they have a 30-minute recess in the afternoon in addition to the morning recess time.
There are many things a student learns in an effective Physical Education setting: • Developing strong social skills • Learning teamwork in small and large groups • Developing strong muscles and cardiorespiratory fitness • Establishing sports skills, movement concepts and strategies • Winning and losing with respect How your area supports the TK-5 classroom: It is our job to get their wiggles out. The P.E. environment allows children to move and recharge for their other classes. Studies show active children are more able to focus and learn, so we play as much as we can during class. The social interaction between students in P.E. is a great learning experience that directly impacts other class settings.
Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
7
MUSIC • ALICIA LONG LOWER SCHOOL MUSIC & DRAMA
Teaching philosophy: Music with young people is joy in action. It is experiential, interactive and designed for the children to learn concepts through doing: • We MOVE to experience rhythmic phrases, steady beat and music expression. • We PLAY to form a team of musicians playing as an ensemble. • We SING to find our voice and to understand that words have meaning. • We PLAY games to reinforce music notation. • We PERFORM to share our joy. The music room is always in motion and rarely quiet. We study melody, rhythm, form expression and timbre. Students are usually having so much fun they don’t know they are learning and developing fine and gross motor skills. 8
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
A day in music class: A typical day usually starts with an early morning rehearsal with small groups of students, such as those chosen for North Carolina Honors choirs, a fourth grade student who might need extra help on the recorder, or a small group of actors who are working on Grandparents’ Day scenes. I teach TK-Grade 4 every week (fifth grade students have strings, band and chorus), and each day I see a wide range of ages walk through the door. Every lesson is carefully crafted to ensure that children are experiencing song, dance and ensemble playing and most of the time we change activities every 10 minutes. I meet with teachers in the different grade levels to support our mutual curriculum or work with the music and theater faculty on planning performances and productions. Each fall, I direct the Lower School musical with 100 students in Grades 4 and 5 – a highlight of my year. I love seeing the children reach a goal and feel so satisfied with their hard work and commitment. Inspiration: I am inspired every day by the children’s creative minds. I am always amazed at the ideas, curiosity and problem-solving that emerges in the freedom of the music room. I am inspired by seeing the end result of hard work that comes in the form of a production. I also enjoy seeing former students on the stage in Middle and Upper School. It is amazing to watch how each child grows and flourishes. How your area supports the TK-5 classroom: I have several projects that naturally support curriculum— Grade 3 haiku poetry becomes the B section of the “Dancing Snowflakes” song; first grade students study weather songs; fourth graders perform songs from each region of the United States in conjunction with their State Fair Social Studies project. I also teach a unit on world music that directly relates to our annual Global Partners country (Egypt, this year) and often I secure a visiting artist for our Cultural Enrichment program.
LOWER SCHOOL
ART • JOANN MCDANIEL GRADES TK- 3 ART TEACHER
Teaching philosophy: My job as an art teacher is, first and foremost, to instill in my students a lifelong love of the visual arts. I want my students to enjoy art as “patrons” with a deep appreciation of art history and the hard work it takes to be an artist. I also want them to become “makers” of art, creating art as a fulfilling, important aspect of their personal lives. Students should be able to talk intelligently about art and art history, as well as be able to make it. In addition, I am a proponent of active learning and use a variety of methods to encourage discussion and interaction during the art-making process. My art room is a safe, funfilled environment that encourages experimentation and openmindedness with many different materials and techniques so that each student feels success and can achieve his or her personal best. I support the philosophy of “teaching while a student is not looking.” Students in my classes are having so much fun they don’t know they are learning.
A typical day in art: Every day is full of surprises. The variety in art subject matter and art materials allows us to have different experiences every class period. We are all learning and experimenting, and yes, even troubleshooting failures. The art process allows us to create beautiful masterpieces which reveal our personal voices. When students are not in my art room, I am busy preparing for new art lessons, or displaying artwork through the hallways. In fact, every single piece of artwork made by every Lower School student goes on display before it goes home. My favorite thing is to see the pride on a student’s face when seeing his or her artwork displayed in a special place. What inspires you: Newly invented or newly discovered art materials and techniques are exciting. When I attend Art Ed conferences or even spend an evening at a gallery crawl, my mind races with ideas and ways I can adapt them in the classroom with my little Latin artists. Creating new lessons from these inspirations keeps the TK-3 art curriculum fresh, fun and in line with current trends in the art world. How your area supports the TK-5 classroom: Whenever possible, the classroom teachers and I collaborate on projects to give students a deeper understanding of a particular theme or lesson. In addition, I create art lessons to suit the style, method or artists from the country being introduced through Global Partners every year. Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
9
LOWER SCHOOL
LIBRARY • B. LEE McGARRY & MEGHAN RINEHART LOWER SCHOOL LIBRARIANS
Teaching philosophy: As librarians, we believe the School community should have frequent and free access to a well-cultivated collection of materials in an open and welcoming environment. In addition to engaging students with meaningful, high-quality literature, we believe in the importance of providing access to accurate and appropriate information for early research. We value the students’ freedom to choose materials and explore the collection based on their personal interests and their academic needs.
10
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
A typical day in the library: There is no such thing as a typical day in the library, and that is the joy of the profession. We begin our day promptly at 7:30 a.m. with open check-out and usually have our first “customer” by 7:31 a.m. The Lower School library averages 25 people for open check-out each morning. We then check in and process all books returned that morning, run reports, deliver books that students have requested and prepare for the day’s scheduled classes. Lower School students are eager and excited about library time. We greet our happy readers then get started with the lesson or story time. Lessons may include introducing the students to new materials, an author study, connecting literature to a current unit of study or learning how to use the library. When authors visit campus, we prepare students beforehand by sharing their literature and include a composition component to encourage student participation and conversation.
LOWER SCHOOL
Inspiration: Students who light up when they discover a new book. Reluctant readers who become less reluctant. Curiosity in our community. Writers who cause us to think and create empathy in ourselves and in our students. How your area supports the TK-5 classroom: Lower School librarians collaborate with and support each classroom, and other Special areas as well, to support themes and provide research opportunities. The library’s strength, in addition to instilling a love of reading and good literature, is that we teach children research skills they will use for a lifetime. Our scope and sequence are intentional.
After the lesson, children look forward to choosing books and checkout. One student from the class is then selected as “Hawk of the Day” – a big hit with the children as this student is allowed to check out an extra book that day. All students are allowed to freely choose their book to check out at this time. We help them find books that reflect their interests and encourage exploration. When one student helps another find just the right book, it is wonderful. Our goal is to connect with each student and empower him or her to be comfortable and confident when choosing their own reading, which is the first step to becoming an independent library user. Between classes, we review, order and process new materials. We process reference materials requests from the entire School community (such requests might include pulling books to support curriculum, recommending books, creating reading lists for specific children, helping parents choose books to read as guest readers in the classrooms, etc.), plan our units of study, facilitate countless campus book clubs and meet with grade levels to enhance curriculum coordination.
OUR GOAL IS TO CONNECT WITH EACH STUDENT AND EMPOWER HIM OR HER TO BE COMFORTABLE AND CONFIDENT. We provide literature and other resources to reflect a unit of study or illustrate and support an idea. For example, the library augments the fourth grade Metropolitan Museum of Art presentation, based on the novel study of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler (in which two children run away from home and hide in the Met). Fourth grade students come to the library to research a piece of art found in the Met. We create a LibGuide with links to information about the museum, the artists, the author and the book. Students then write a script that incorporates all they learned. We teach the students about plagiarism and how to create a works cited list. Finally, they create a presentation introducing the artwork using a green screen app on their iPads. Everything that happens in the classroom can be expounded upon in numerous ways in the library. Teachers and the Lower School counselor rely on us for resources that support social development including friendship, sharing, kindness and empathy. We are also avenues for in-depth exploration of an academic curiosity including small group work and one-on-one reader advisory.
Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
11
SCIENCE • ANDREW HAMMITT LOWER SCHOOL SCIENCE COORDINATOR & LAB TEACHER
Teaching philosophy: Students learn best when they have hands-on learning experiences. This happens best when students are exposed to the natural world, and are encouraged to be creative and question everything. We conduct labs and experiments and investigations where students collaborate. I want to challenge students to solve real-world problems using science, technology, engineering and math. We are fortunate to have a dedicated Lower School science lab, which enhances the science taught in the classroom, but also all around campus – the outdoor classroom, the butterfly garden, woods, streams, fields, Fab Lab and Lake Latin. A typical day in science: There is no typical day in the lab. On any given day, one grade could be building and programming robots, using many of the engineering principles students are being taught in Middle and Upper School, while another grade is outside working in our outdoor wildflower garden. Another grade may be learning about insects by allowing stag beetles to crawl up and down their arms. Yet another grade level is across campus visiting the Fab Lab to learn how to solder electric circuits. The only constant is that we are always involved in a hands-on activity.
12
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
Inspiration: I am fortunate to be able to follow a student from Grade 1 all the way through Grade 5. My greatest inspiration comes from seeing them grow into creative, collaborative problem-solvers. How your area supports the TK-5 classroom: Science activities often tie in with what students are learning in the classroom and also with life experiences. When Brazil was the Global Partners country, for instance, fifth grade students studied the Amazon Rainforest and its animal life. In science, they created dioramas that would showcase at least one animal from each layer of the Rainforest. They used electric circuits to power lights and to turn power motors that then added motion to their animals. Students were challenged to make their projects display-ready, which means hiding all of the electric circuits they used and placing an on/off switch in the front of the project. When we learned about France, we examined the Eiffel Tower and its construction. Students identified geometric shapes used to build the tower. They used that knowledge to build the tallest tower possible that also held weights on top. Halloween Science touches on science topics such as states of matter, bioluminescent animals, polymers, and yes, even edible insects.
LOWER SCHOOL
SPANISH • XINIA OTAROLA GRADES 3-5 & MIDDLE SCHOOL SPANISH TEACHER
Teaching philosophy: As a Spanish teacher, I want my students to achieve the basic skills to understand and communicate in the Spanish language and develop an interest in and an appreciation for the Hispanic culture. My goal is to create a positive, challenging, fun and energetic classroom environment that will motivate and help students succeed. I want to establish a learning environment where there is mutual respect and where students are comfortable using the language. I also believe in providing a classroom environment that promotes critical thinking and problemsolving skills, where my students know that I care about them. Music and games are very important in my classes. Music in teaching has been proven to be one of the most powerful tools and techniques for accelerating and reinforcing the learning of a foreign language. It provides a clearer path to long-term memory. It integrates right- and left-brain learning to help internalize grammar patterns, recall vocabulary and develop pronunciation. Educational games are also an effective learning tool as they increase class participation and enthusiasm.
Inspiration: Teaching Spanish is my passion. I love my language and culture. I am inspired when I see my students fully engaged with activities and trying their best. When I listen and watch videos of them in action, I am inspired and motivated to continue working hard and giving them the best of me. A typical day in Spanish: In the Lower School I teach grades 3-5. These students are eager to learn. I am amazed at their capacity and willingness to learn the Spanish language. Every day I enter the classrooms knowing that there are students waiting for me with a great attitude and big smile ready to learn whatever material I have for them.
EVERY DAY I ENTER THE CLASSROOMS KNOWING THAT THERE ARE STUDENTS WAITING FOR ME WITH A GREAT ATTITUDE AND BIG SMILE READY TO LEARN. How your area supports the TK-5 classroom: Going from room to room allows me to interact with teachers and enjoy different teaching styles. Every class has a unique personality. This helps me develop different skills in order to help students reach their potential as they learn the Spanish language. Teachers are incredibly supportive and very cooperative. Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
13
LOWER SCHOOL
ART • KAILA GOTTSCHLING GRADES 4-5 & MIDDLE SCHOOL ART TEACHER
Teaching philosophy: Art educators are meant to inspire students to a place of creativity where imaginations are limitless. Developing a trusting rapport with each child is essential to a positive environment, where “happy accidents” are welcome and are met with multiple inventive solutions. We talk about artists, periods and movements from the past and present in an engaging and informative way. Students become motivated to share their voices and stretch their individual design skills. Encouragement and experience are essential to originality. Inspiration: I have a love and appreciation for the visual world. The view from my window is ever changing, and for me it reveals something new each time the drapery is drawn. I am always taking photos and gaining inspiration as an artist and a teacher from my surroundings. In my classroom, myriad artistic influences adorn the walls – from the old masters, to contemporary street artists, to the representation of a small child drawing his or her first flower. There is a beauty in the difference of how individuals see. That legacy from my parents, who were artists, has been intrinsic to my passion for teaching.
ART EDUCATORS ARE MEANT TO INSPIRE STUDENTS TO A PLACE OF CREATIVITY WHERE IMAGINATIONS ARE LIMITLESS. A typical day in art: In support of the Global Partners program this semester, my students were able to “visit” Egypt and take a historic trip down the Nile, learning how and why sarcophagi were created. We observed the jeweled adornment and design pattern of the exterior of King Tutankhamen’s sarcophagus. The class then participated in a discussion on the ornamentation and its cultural significance. We studied ancient hieroglyphics, writing words and phrases to identify with past cultures. Children portrayed themselves in this type of ancient art form on canvas with distinct gilded characteristics.
14
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
How your area supports the Grades 4-5 classrooms: Immersing students in cross-curricular areas of study gives a greater cultural context. This is seen in our unit of Egypt (sarcophagi), and the fourth grade State Fair project where students collaborated to create a class quilt. Partnering with the classroom teachers makes a reciprocal learning environment where students benefit vastly. There are areas even within mathematics such as tessellations that can be covered in Art and historically referenced to the artist Escher.
LOWER SCHOOL
GLOBAL PARTNERS: EXPERT TOUR GUIDE DR. FARAH
Lower School students journeyed to Egypt this spring with the best tour guides around! With the direction of countless volunteers – truly a team of experts – such as Global Partners co-chairs Emily Beaver and Nidhie Dhiman and Latin parent Dr. Naguib Farah, students in grades K-5 were immersed in studies of Egyptian culture, history, food and traditions. Beyond what books and videos alone can relay, Dr. Farah offered the true essence of his motherland of Alexandria, Egypt. From personal photos and daily newspapers, to local foods, traditions, language, history, geography and weather, Dr. Farah gave students a special glimpse into his life and his Egyptian heritage. He also brought spices, clothing, maps, literature, coins and other items for the students to experience first-hand. The time he spent with the Lower School is a testament to Dr. Farah’s love for Latin and for his home. It was an invaluable experience through which students could learn all about this historical land. Dr. Farah and his wife, Monica, have three boys at Latin: John Luke in Grade 9, Peter in Grade 6 and Marc in Grade 2.
For more than a decade, the Global Partners program, sponsored by Parents’ Council, has introduced Lower School students to exciting destinations such as Australia, Brazil and France. In kindergarten, students receive Global Partners passports which will follow them through each grade to Middle School where they continue global exposure in Grade 6 Humanities. (Imagine in sixth grade, a now well-traveled passport that still features a child’s kindergarten photo and handwriting!) Each year, with the direction of expert tour guides like Dr. Farah, they will travel to another country, get new passport stamps, and continue to discover the world around them. Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
15
PIGTAILS. DEODORANT. And a blue hula hoop. By Ann Thompson Brock ’81
Debbie Lamm stood at the podium and described the comic strip she held in her hand to a group of parents whose children were about to enter Middle School at Charlotte Latin: A young girl starts the first day of sixth grade with a new hair style—braided pigtails with bows. Throughout the day, the girl’s friends and teachers compliment her beautiful hair. She is tickled pink by the praise. On the way home from school on the bus, though, a little boy inquires, ”What did you do to your hair?” She yanks out the bows and stomps in her house teary eyed and frazzled. Her mother asks what’s wrong and the child chokes and exclaims “EVERYONE hated my hair today!” The audience chuckled, yet inwardly cringed as they recalled the awkward roller coaster years of their own adolescence – especially those of Middle School. I remember the day distinctly as I was a member of that audience. Debbie’s husband, Billy, was also in the audience – as a parent – because their son, John, was about to enter sixth grade. Since our children began kindergarten, Debbie had simply been “John’s mom” – a fellow parent. But as she read the comic strip and invited us all to this new dimension of changing classes and managing lockers that day, it became increasingly 16
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
evident that “John’s mom” – our friend – was also a rock star Head of Middle School. And that day, she was the only soul in the room (possibly including her own husband) who was not daunted by what lay ahead for our children. And us. She said our children were ready. That they were prepared. That they could handle it, and therefore we as parents probably could, too. That they would flourish. And fumble. And learn. And fail. And grow. And smell. A lot. That deodorant and Shakespeare, while both were dreaded, were each a guarantee before Upper School. That they would dance, perhaps together (gasp). That they could go away on class trips without us. Overnight. That they could be uncomfortable and would not need to be rescued. That they would experience freedom (compared to Lower School), or rather that students would perceive that they had freedom (because a watchful eye would always be upon them). She also told us that sixth grade math scores did not determine college acceptance. Debbie assuaged our parental anxieties when she said that our children would be loved for who they were individually and collectively. And that we would all survive the process, relatively unscathed. continued
This June, after 25 years of devotion to Charlotte Latin School, Debbie Lamm will retire. She leaves behind a legacy of unparalleled professionalism, care and love of Middle School. Her accolades during her time here include overseeing the building of the Edward J. Fox, Jr. Middle School, the Middle School’s designation as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in the fall of 2000, and researching and implementing the Prime for Life program. A champion of emotional intelligence and experiential education, Lamm dedicated years and years to research that resulted in the Hawks Quest program and challenge course and the hiring of its director, Ann Brock.We wish Mrs. Lamm all the best in her well-deserved retirement.
Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
17
MIDDLE SCHOOL
All of these pearls of wisdom. We believed her. After all, she was John’s mom. We trusted her. And of course, she was right. I have had the good fortune to witness first-hand as a faculty member at Latin that behind Debbie’s delightful and unassuming exterior resides a warrior educator: a mixture of traditional and innovative and a combination of conventional and cutting-edge. Debbie believes not only in educating but also in understanding the whole child. She cares for her faculty members as if they are family. John’s mom treats every conversation as if it is the only one of the day. She is a master of human behavior and therefore response and reaction. High expectations are the norm and are met with pleasure as Debbie recognizes and appreciates hard work by both adult and child. With a nature toward forgiveness, she can deliver a bitter pill mixed with the honey that creates an environment where personal growth is both expected and desirable by her students.
The Lamm family (2016)
With a memory for detail and the ability to find joy in the everyday, Debbie is a compelling storyteller of Latin’s history and its people. And I would be remiss if I did not mention that John’s mom is also fun. An adventurer at heart, she can regularly be found in her trail shoes and signature visor hiking from element to element to observe her students fully engaged on Latin’s challenge course. The same course that was part of her double decade vision – an experiential education curriculum that she both patiently and strategically brought to fruition. And about that hula hoop…John’s mom loves a good laugh. With a grin on her face and a twinkle in her eye, Debbie made an interesting request at the beginning of this school year: for me to provide her with a hula hoop. Following a Middle School team building initiative that required passing our faculty individually through the hoop as a portal, Debbie chuckled and declared to the team that by the end of the school year she would use the hula hoop in its intended form: hula hooping. To the surprise and glee of 47 faculty members, she took center stage in our circle and demonstrated that no, she couldn’t do it...
Mrs. Lamm with a TK reading buddy (2006)
Yet. I have absolutely no doubt that as John’s mom exits Charlotte Latin’s campus in June and focuses towards her next adventure, a smile will light her face, tears will glisten her eyes with the memories of a career that impacted thousands of children and their families and light blue hula hoop will be whirling around her waist!
The blue hula hoop (2016) 18
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
MIDDLE SCHOOL
An Interview With
John's Mom Eighth grade students Johnston Lloyd and Zoe Spicer interviewed Debbie Lamm in February to learn more about her, her time at Latin and her plans for the future.
Johnston Lloyd
Zoe Spicer
JOHNSTON LLOYD: Where did you teach before you came to Latin? Debbie Lamm: I’ve taught at five schools. I student taught in Greensboro in high school English, followed by a position in High Point, N.C. We moved to Atlanta, where I worked at Holy Innocents’ School where I was hired as a reading specialist but ended up teaching literature and literacy classes to sixth, seventh and eighth grade students. That was a lot of fun. Next I was in Columbia, S.C., at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, initially as the first Director of the Learning Center for middle and high school students. I was the Head of Lower School, Head of Middle School and finally, Associate Head of School. I really loved working at Heathwood Hall, so much so that when my husband got a job in Charlotte, he commuted from Columbia for 2 ½ years while I stayed working at the school. I didn’t want to leave my job in Columbia, but I had met Dr. Fox, Latin's Headmaster at that time. We kept in touch and kept talking over time, and it turned out there was an opening here, which I applied for – and I got it! So that is how I moved, and I’ve been here now 25 years! JL: 25 years, wow! DL: It is a wow! continued Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
19
ZOE SPICER: Why did you become a teacher? DL: I’ve always loved learning and reading. In college, I started as a math major initially but then took a Shakespeare course and loved it so much I switched my major to English. Romeo and Juliet! I became an English teacher and a reading specialist. I feel strongly that everyone should be able to read and worked with students who couldn’t read. In high school and college I was a lifeguard and camp counselor. I taught people how to swim and taught archery. I really enjoyed that and also worked with a youth group in Greensboro. Through that I discovered that I really liked working with kids – interacting with kids. I like the connection. Teaching brought all of my interests and experience together for me – my love of learning, reading, teaching and kids. JL: What do you think is the very best thing about Latin? DL: Oh, my golly, that’s easy – the people. And that is still true today. When I came here I thought ‘these are the best students I’ve ever worked with.’ I loved the teachers, and the parents were so supportive. It was all phenomenal. I think we have a rare group of people here. It’s been 25 years, so not many of the same people are still here, just a few, but as people leave, great new people come to Latin. JL: What is your favorite Middle School event? DL: I’ve got a lot of favorites. There are so many things to choose from but if I have to pick one I would say it is our service projects. I love to see what Middle School can do. When a project inspires you and captures your hearts – whether it’s Lucy the service dog or the year we raised money for services for children in China, these are my favorite kinds of events. For the China project we raised over $12,000 and sent two teachers and two students to China to visit the orphanage we were helping and deliver supplies. I also love the eighth grade shopping trip. ZS and JL: We LOVED that. It was awesome! DL: Wasn’t that awesome?! It’s when we go beyond ourselves and help others, when we rise to the occasion and make a difference and learn it is not just about us. Those are the events that are some of my favorites. JL: May Day Play Day is a lot of fun. DL: It is a lot of fun. I also think that eighth grade moving up is very special. I also think the dances are fun. Some people might think I am crazy for saying that but I do like them. I like to see the kids having fun, dancing and having a good time. I love it when we all bond together.
20
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
MIDDLE SCHOOL
ZS: What do you like to do when you are not at Latin? DL: I like to go to the beach. No, let me rephrase that, I love to go to the beach. I love to read good books and to spend time with family and friends. I teach Middle School Sunday School at my church and I really enjoy doing that. I get to sit down with kids and tell them stories for an hour – frequently those stories are about you all. They know a lot about you from the stories and ask for updates on things like how you all like my birthday cupcakes. ZS: What is the biggest surprise you’ve had during your time at Latin? DL: Soon after I started I wasn’t feeling well and went to the doctor – and found out I was going to have a baby. That was a wonderful surprise. A less personal surprise was the amount of money Middle School raised for Lucy the service dog. I believe it was $66,000 in a short period of time. JL: That was a great project, raising money for Lucy. DL: Another surprise was in 1999, after I’d been at Latin a few years, I sustained an illness that required a long-term recuperation. Latin parents wanted to support me while I was recuperating at home during the summer and when I was gradually returning to work in the fall. Parents provided meals for my family three times a week for six months. No names were ever attached to the dinners that were delivered because the parents didn’t want me to write thank you notes. Remembering that level of kindness and generosity still brings a tear to my eyes. ZS: That’s so thoughtful! DL: It was! That experience taught me not to be surprised by what the Latin community could and would do for others. And a surprise that I experience almost daily, is the humor at school. I am delighted that we can have a sense of humor about things. Middle School students, teachers and parents all need to remember to not be so serious and to laugh frequently. It helps the whole Middle School experience!
JL: What are you looking forward to doing next year? DL: I am looking forward to having free time to read and of course, go to beach. I am looking forward to reconnecting with friends. There is a student I had in Columbia that lives here, in Charlotte. I taught her in the fifth grade. Someone mentioned to me that they saw her the other day, and she said to say hello to me. I’d like to look her up and take her to lunch and reconnect. I haven’t seen her in a long time. I like reconnecting with friends and family and enjoy hearing about other people’s lives. I also need to clean out my house. JL: Don’t we all! DL: I need to re-landscape my yard, clean out closets. ZS: Would you describe Latin’s Middle School in five words? ZS: Can you give us a haiku? JL: Maybe a sonnet? DL: A haiku or sonnet, I’ll have to get back to you on those. Five words... work hard, do your best, honor, hawks quest, oh my, what would you say? I want to turn the tables. ZS: I really liked International Day, it was so much fun and the barrier islands trip last year. Those would be some of my words. JL: And the boat regatta! DL: Hmmm. I agree with you. I will add the barrier islands, boat regatta and everyday heroes to my word list. JL: And book buddies! DL: Okay, I think I’ve got my five words, or really five things to describe Latin: fun, challenging, supportive, kind and... growing. That’s what we do every day in Middle School. JL: I know! Just look at the sixth graders and where we are now. ZS: What advice do you have for a Middle School student? DL: Be yourself...and I know sometimes it is hard. Try different things, notice different kinds of people, do things you love. When you are older I hope you will love your job. Try to do something you love everyday. Ask for help if you need it and help others whenever you can. Know that time goes very quickly, so enjoy the journey and take time to laugh.
Charlotte Latin’s Middle School A Haiku by Debbie Lamm Young minds taking flight, As butterflies from cocoons Upon clouds of joy. Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
21
22
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
“
The creative writing program at Latin has provided me with incredible opportunities and an amazing group with which to share my artistic energy. Between submitting to Scholastics, visiting High Point University for the writing festival and attending Creative Writing Club meetings, the program has allowed my creative energy to blossom and further my interest in creative writing. This art not only provided me with an outlet to relieve stress and explore poetry, but it also has positively affected my interdisciplinary communication skills and confidence. It has deepened relationships and provided extraordinary opportunities. It has evoked a deep love for writing poetry that I know will continue for the rest of my life, and also an appreciation for the teachers like Mr. Harris and experiences at Latin which have inspired me throughout my high school career. – Bridget Fish ’17
”
Bridget has been involved in Creative Writing Club, has attended High Point University’s writing workshops, has won numerous creative writing awards, and has participated in many of our student readings.
Students learn to analyze the written word. They are encouraged by an outstanding English faculty to consider a wide range of ideas and human experiences. It is through the lens of our strong curriculum which presents great literary works and authors, that many students find their own creative voice. It is with the support of faculty members and creative outlets like a Writing Club that they may cultivate it. Latin English teacher Richard Harris has spent some two decades in the classroom fostering in his students a love for this outlet. Department
chair Amanda Labrie says of her colleague, “Richard has consistently worked to expand the creative writing opportunities available to our students. Not only has he organized our submissions to the Scholastic Writing Competition, but he has also brought in poets representing a variety of styles, helped students produce short films and taken our young writers to the High Point Writing Festival each fall. The work he has done and continues to do provides our students excellent opportunities to showcase their hard work and talent.” continued
Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
23
UPPER SCHOOL
“
The student poems and watercolors that are hanging in my classroom speak of the value of creative writing for students to find their voice and vision, a new sense of poetic and artistic identity, and discover what it feels like to be praised for having created something of beauty and truth. – Harris
Harris began writing poetry and studying contemporary writing in college after meeting the poet Jim Peterson, author of The Man Who Grew Silent, Carvings On A Prayer Tree, and Afternoons With K, and a number of other poets through readings and workshops. “I loved the creative energy of that scene and the type of culture that a writing community creates.” Harris explains that he is guided by this energy along with the love of teaching the study of literature and helping students find their own voices. The fruits of this labor are evident as you turn the pages of a Blue Review, Latin’s student-produced literary magazine, The Hawkeye, The Eyry, or review the impressive list of Scholastic Writing Award winners. The writing life is an essential process of reflection, drafting and revision. In English class, Harris encourages personal, anecdotal writing for students to discover how they personally connect to the literature that they are studying and how they see the literature as relevant to current affairs in the world. Upper School English students read and write with a curiosity fostered by teachers like Harris, who require them to pay close attention to detail and analyze the artistry of the various works they read. It is with this analytical foundation that students learn to craft their writing. “When the mind opens to consider new possibilities through diverse readings of literature and life, and the eye learns to see artistry through a disciplined focus of analysis and imitation, the result is a testament to the personal guidance of our teachers and the artistic literacy of our students,” says Harris.
24
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
”
AUGUST On Wednesdays we go to the graveyard Traverse iron skeletons, Wrap our arms around twisted metallic spines. We say the names until they sound like music Roadmaster Riviera, Buick Skylark, Mustang Cobra The headlights, like eyes milky with cataracts, Stare blankly into the distance. We make shadow puppets in the glancing beams of our flashlights, Sink our heads into the cracked brown leather, Put our hands on the hood, where electricity used to pulse Once hot, stilted heartbeats now rusted. We write notes to each other, stick Post-its on the dash. We talk mindlessly, About fishing hooks and butterflies and monsoons and heartbreak. Sometimes she burns sage, says it will bring us clarity. It isn’t true. But I don’t mind. We bike the half-mile back to her house. Sit on the porch, the screen door snapping shut. Dangle our bare feet, dipping electric-blue toes Into the copper-red clay. The whine of mosquitoes is our lullaby. Nell Downey ’17, Poem, Regional Gold Key and Best in Show Scholastic Art and Writing Competition
UPPER SCHOOL
ORANGE ISN’T THE NEW BLACK FOR TRANSGENDER INMATES IN THE AMERICAN PRISON SYSTEM (An Excerpt) The government has noted transgendered persons as an “especially vulnerable group” in prisons, stating their placement in prisons needs to be considered and decided with great thought (Sontag A12). Transgendered inmates, however, still face countless struggles while imprisoned. Fighting for hormone therapy, repeatedly requesting placement into an opposite gender’s prison, and surviving the harassment and assault, many times rape, of fellow prisoners are just a few of their daily hardships. By not providing transgender inmates with protection and adequate health care to treat their gender dysphoria while imprisoned, United States prisons are violating the 8th amendment by inflicting cruel and unusual punishment on inmates. Claire Friou ’17, Critical Essay, Regional Gold Key, American Voices To read Claire’s essay in its entirety, visit www.charlottelatin.org/magazine.
Student writers experience a variety of influences and begin the creative writing process in the classroom, but many discover that it is outside of class where they must carve the time to write and share, in order to develop their original voice and vision as creative writers. The Creative Writing Club, which is led by Harris and meets during Upper School activity period sometimes twice a month, becomes the writer’s studio for this community of creative individuals. It is a setting where the freedom of personal expression is truly embraced as a guiding force and catalyst for artistic transcendence. Club president Jasmine Leahy ’17 says of her teacher and advisor, “Mr. Harris has pushed me to think not only in a literary context about reading and creative writing, but also in a philosophical context. He uniquely blends high literature with corresponding philosophy lessons. As a result, his students leave his classroom with a wonderfully eclectic and well-versed knowledge of literary time periods and their most influential contributions. Through all this teaching, Mr. Harris never forgets what is ultimately the most important aspect of an English class or a creative writing club: the freedom to express oneself.”
THE BLUE REVIEW • First published in 1983 • The first Blue Review Coffee House, made possible by the Latin Arts Association, was held in 2013. • Will Thomason and Richard Fletcher compile the art for the coffee house and provide art support for the magazine.
Charlotte Latin students garner high recognition – on both the regional and national levels – each year in The Scholastic Writing Awards. Harris recalls a time many years ago when the school did not participate in this competition. “Once I found out about Scholastics and saw the opportunities the competition offered writing students to earn recognition, I knew they would appreciate being involved,” he said. Harris began promoting student participation in the contest during Creative Writing Club, and through daily announcements and encouragement by his colleagues. In the words of Billy Collins, United States Poet Laureate and a national Scholastic judge, “Who knows which ones of these teenage writers we will hear from in the future, but let us greet them and recognize the possibility of greatness, which is impossible without such remarkable beginnings.”
MR. HARRIS NEVER FORGETS WHAT IS ULTIMATELY THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT OF AN ENGLISH CLASS OR A CREATIVE WRITING CLUB: THE FREEDOM TO EXPRESS ONESELF. Student readings, such as annual spring events like Mosaic Night, an event sponsored by the Mosaic Club; the Blue Review Coffee House release party, the unveiling of the annual publication of the Blue Review literary magazine; and the Senior One Acts, student-written, -directed and -performed oneact plays and the grand finale of the theater season, allow for creative stage expression of student works. Such performances are encouraged by guest artists like local slam poet Terry Creech who works with juniors in American Literature classes and the Mosaic Club to help leaders with performance poetry and with public readings. continued Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
25
UPPER SCHOOL
IT’S NOT A-MEWSING (An Excerpt)
An unjustified disparity exists between the terms “Bachelor” and “Old Maid.” Social conventions deem it acceptable for a man to remain single by choice. The word “Bachelor” elicits an image of a well-dressed, virile man, reminiscent of Henry Higgins or James Bond. Tall, dark, and handsome, he may have any woman he pleases. Unlike the dowdy Cat Lady’s, the Bachelor’s single status creates the aura of choice, rather than a default fate. The terms Spinster, Old Maid, and Cat Lady demean women and their choices. Is a woman less valuable outside the confines of marriage? Gracie Matthews ’18, Critical Essay, National Silver Award, Regional Gold Key To read Gracie’s essay in its entirety, visit www.charlottelatin.org/magazine.
I WANT STUDENTS TO HAVE CREATIVE WRITING AND CREATIVE THINKING IN THEIR LIFE NO MATTER WHAT THEY END UP DOING, BECAUSE CREATIVITY IS THE KEY TO FINDING SOLUTIONS FOR LIFE’S OBSTACLES. When asked what he hopes his students will do with their creative writing experience when they leave Latin, Harris says, “William Carlos Williams (Puerto Rican-American poet closely associated with modernism and imagism) worked as a doctor, Wallace Stevens (American Modernist poet) worked at an insurance company, T.S. Eliot (one of the twentieth century’s major poets) worked at a bank, and Robert Frost (American poet highly regarded for his realistic depictions of rural life) tried his hand at farming and teaching. Their vocation, however, was creative writing. They are some of the most important poets we study today for what they have to teach us about balance and never sacrificing the creative life due to the demands of the world. I want students to have creative writing and creative thinking in their life no matter what they end up doing, because creativity is the key to finding solutions for life’s obstacles.” Richard Harris is a native of Charlotte, N.C., and has almost 20 years of teaching experience. He teaches Upper School English, serves as an advisor for the Creative Writing Club and advises students entering the Scholastic Writing Competition. He also offers a writing camp for CLS Summer Programs. With his Master of Arts degree in English and creative writing, Harris has worked with many professional poets and writers and has both won awards and published poems in a variety of literary journals.
26
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
THE BLAZON Our words must be the hard, black stones that let us discern the real. As flint sparks a flame in darkness, words tough as basalt strike what we think could be fool’s gold. Each time we see a shining metal streak, the sign that will not dissolve is enough to tell the difference. In us this dragon, the heart, demands its kind of justice, touchstones making treasure visible. Richard Harris, Spring 2004 Iodine Poetry, www.iodinepoetryjournal.com
LAA TO FUND FILM WRITING WORKSHOPS In 2017-18, Eric Davis, Executive Producer of Charlottebased Susie Films, will work with Harris to offer four Film Workshops to interested Upper School students. Latin Arts Association has provided funding for this creative endeavor. Davis will introduce students to other professionals in the film business and will help students with every aspect of filmmaking, including writing scripts, and developing, shooting and presenting films. The hope is that at the end of the year these films may be submitted to the 100 Word Film Festival and also to The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in the categories of Script Writing and Film.
CAMPUS SPOTLIGHT
On the
MOVE in 2017
At the start of the 2016-17 school year, Upper School classroom cottages were added to campus adjacent to the Science, Art and Technology building. The addition of these much-needed classrooms launched a series of campus adjustments over the course of the semester. Weeks before the start of school – August 2016 • Cottages were added to campus adding 5-6 new Upper School classrooms and workspace. • Señora Perkins relocated her Spanish classroom to the cottages. • Señor Patten moved from his small classroom to Perkins’ room with more space. • Patten’s classroom could now be repurposed as a centralized Foreign Language office. Over winter break – December 2016 • Latin’s facilities crew, IT department and contractor upfitted Patten’s classroom to an office. • Eight partitioned work stations were constructed along the walls with shelving above and a common work area in the center of the room. • The former crowded Foreign Language offices across the hallway provided the perfect new location for Upper School Learning Resources, so this space, too was renovated and repurposed. Beginning of Spring Semester – January 2017 • Upper School Foreign Language faculty and Learning Resources counselors returned from winter break in January and moved into their fresh, new, spacious offices – ready for business!
“These spaces are truly an answer to long-standing space needs and position our faculty in their first calling, the support of our students’ growth,” said Wall. The Foreign Language department’s newly renovated and increased work space now allows for one-on-one time with students, dedicated desks and shared team resources. According to Foreign Language department chair Kathy Aitken, “The office enables more opportunity for collaboration, collegiality and helping our students in a spacious and elegant work space.” The new Learning Resources office setting provides a distraction-free facility where students can consult with counselors and work effectively on homework assignments and projects. In addition, tests may be administered to students under conditions which allow them to make optimal use of testing accommodations. “The installation of white boards and the availability of generous working areas make it possible for our Learning Resources students to work in an environment that meets the needs of many different learning styles,” said counselor Jim Bean. The funds necessary to make the above changes were made possible by Parents’ Council. According to Kimbrel Morris, PC President in 2015-16, “We appreciate that Mr. Gregory works to distribute PC funds throughout each division, so that our work will have the greatest impact for students and faculty. We were happy to help fund the renovation. It was truly a team effort.”
Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
27
28
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
FACULTY PROFILE
WHAT DOES ROD CHAMBERLAIN, ASSOCIATE HEADMASTER FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS, DO? The quick answer is a lot. He is one of a handful of people whose work spans all Charlotte Latin divisions, so he works with teachers, the Technology Department, our education technology (Ed Tech) coordinators in each division, curriculum teams, Division Heads, the administrative team and Mr. McIntosh. “I like to listen to people, to get to know them and then get them engaged in things that make a difference for them and CLS,” is how Dr. Chamberlain explains his approach to his work. “Listening is critical, but I am guided by our Strategic Plan in which curriculum is mentioned nine times – leading me to question how best to address curriculum, not just in terms of what we write down, but how do we engage in a process of reflection and revision to make refreshing our curriculum a cultural norm?” Conversations began in August with faculty leaders where the group asked itself, “What are the principles that guide our practice?” This progressed to, “How do we align with those principles?” which led to meaty, meaningful discussions addressing issues that were impediments to alignment and discussion on how to best to address those impediments directly to move forward. Chamberlain says his work is CIA: curriculum, instruction and assessment. “Once we look at curriculum, we need to move onto the instruction component and ask ourselves, how do we teach?” This includes looking at how we help our teachers grow their instructional practices and how we best support them in this growth. Goal setting and review, classroom observation, 360° evaluations and shadowing students are some of the ways we can assess and help teachers develop mastery. “Many other organizations already use these performance review processes and education needs to catch up,” says Chamberlain. In addition to his deep dive into curriculum work, Chamberlain took time this winter to coach Middle School boys’ wrestling. “One of the norms at CLS is that everyone needs to be engaged with students and their learning. I’ve appreciated being able to be a part of the successful wrestling program and supporting this component of student development.” “I’m really enjoying my time at Latin,” said Chamberlain. “These are good people – students, teachers and staff – working with a common mission in mind. And it is fun to be in a place like this. People want to do a good job and work together. It’s great to be a part of that!”
Here’s a brief overview of what Dr. Chamberlain has been working on since joining Latin in July. Academic Leadership: Dr. Chamberlain has been working closely with the Division Heads to address issues that affect Lower, Middle and Upper Schools, e.g., extended library hours after school and education technology expectations. He leads the Academic Leadership Team, which meets twice a month, to discuss issues and ensure continuity throughout all grades. This regularly-scheduled session provides a defined outlet for division-wide planning, discussion and decision-making. Calendar: As leader of the calendar task force of the 2015–2020 Strategic Plan, Go Bold, Go Blue, Chamberlain has been working with faculty and parents to explore ways the School might more efficiently schedule the year to provide contiguous, protected days for instruction and student wellbeing and build in time for faculty planning and reflection. A separate task force has also worked on a protocol to cull events from the calendar and prevent overload it once it has been set. Curriculum: Chamberlain has created a six-phase process, shared with school leadership and faculty in August, 2016, that (a) creates and confirms our curriculum guiding principles and then (b) appoints divisional faculty leaders in eleven academic disciplines. It initiates team building with the goal of (c) identifying long-term goals of what we want our students to know (transfer goals) with defined indicators and evidence to assess when the goals are reached. Educational Technology: Under Chamberlain’s direction, an Ed Tech committee was formed to (a) clarify the role of Ed Tech and (b) define and update procedures, e.g., updating the Acceptable Use Policy. The launch of the Blue Sky Task Force – with faculty, staff and students – will lead to a practical vision in Spring 2017 of what we expect of students by 2020. This vision will guide teacher training and infrastructure investments in the future. Faculty Performance Review: Chamberlain has worked with a committee of seven teachers from the three divisions and Human Resources to pilot a new faculty performance review procedure with a trained group of 19 faculty and 12 observers. Emergent issues, such as refining the student survey component and reorganizing reporting relationships to Division Heads are being addressed. The review system is planned to expand in the 2017-2018 school year with full implementation school-wide to follow. New Faculty and Staff Orientation: Dr. Chamberlain has partnered with Human Resources to provide support to all new employees while maintaining the School’s past practices of mentors, new teacher seminars and conversations with longtime members of the Latin community to instill and preserve the School’s history. Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
29
ADMISSIONS
A WALK ON OUR CAMPUS
MARY YORKE OATES, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS Giving tours is one of the highlights of working at Latin. The campus always offers a great walk, and I never take for granted the beautiful grounds, and even more touching, being witness to so many wonderful people along the way. Students, faculty and staff are always engaged in great conversations with each other, both deeply intellectual and predictably goofy. There is a familiar tenor and tone that resonates with visitors. Our prospective students and families highlight student-faculty relationships and often say it is the combination of academic reputation and the opportunity to know and be known in the classroom that sets Latin apart. Middle and high school students come to us with different questions and concerns than do parents of Kindergarten visitors. Our older students are looking for challenge and enrichment in equal doses. They want to work hard and they want to participate in co-curricular life. Our parents of Kindergarten students want the same thing and say that our commitment to balance and the honor code are the biggest draws. Yet, the one question that almost always surfaces with Kindergarten parents that we never hear with the older children is “Will my child be bored?” along with “What will you do to challenge my child?” Taking these visitors through the classrooms and seeing the clear execution of age-appropriate teaching usually illustrates there is no boredom in the Lower School but it does, yet again, make me realize how incredibly lucky we are to be able to continually engage children from the minute they arrive on campus. There are no solo desks filled with workbooks to “keep smart kids busy” or lengthy stretches of downtime because there isn’t enough support in the classroom. To take it even further, our Specials classes are integrated so thoughtfully that each student benefits from a fascinating combination of exposure and immersion feeding mind, body and soul. It isn’t hard to see up close and it isn’t easy to miss, but there is a subtle happiness and wellness that is hard to describe. Bored? No. Engaged? Always. I encourage you to walk the campus and the halls and see it through a visitor’s lens. I think it will make you feel proud, happy and alive.
30
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
DIVERSITY UPDATE
SONJA TAYLOR NAMED DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION Charlotte Latin is pleased to announce that Sonja Taylor joined the faculty and staff in March as the School’s Director of Diversity and Inclusion. Taylor was previously at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM), where she was the Diversity Recruitment Manager. Her role included directing all initiatives to attract and retain underrepresented students, building and managing outreach and school district partnerships and collaborating with civil rights, social and community organizations to increase science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) interest and participation among racial minorities. Prior to her work at GSSM, she was a science curriculum writer for CPO Science, in Nashua, New Hampshire, where she wrote physics, chemistry, biology and other scientific content for inquirybased secondary science education textbooks, created model lesson plans for teachers, and managed curriculum and assessment projects in several states. Taylor was also a public high school science teacher in Attleboro, Massachusetts, and Orlando, Florida, and a chemist at the start of her career at the Flowers Chemical Laboratories. Taylor has a long history of service focused on sharing her knowledge and expertise in STEM. Her service work includes the Columbia Urban League, which awarded her their President’s Award in 2013, the Girl Scouts of South Carolina Mountains to Midlands and 100 Black Men of Myrtle Beach. She was also awarded the 2016 Director’s Community Leadership Award from the Federal Bureau of Investigation for her efforts to promote social justice and advance STEM access and learning in communities across South Carolina. “We are delighted to welcome Sonja to our School community,” said Headmaster McIntosh. “She is uniquely qualified to fill this position, and she brings a wealth of experience and skills to support our diversity and inclusivity initiatives. I am grateful for the work of the search committee and all those involved in the hiring process.” Taylor arrived on campus in an official capacity in mid-March and is in the process of learning about and observing the school community, as well as the Charlotte area. She will develop a strategic plan that the School will implement in the 2017–2018 school year. About her appointment, Taylor said, “Charlotte Latin School has an excellent academic reputation entrenched in its commitment to educating the whole child. This setting is conducive for incorporating institutional principles of diversity and inclusion. I am elated to finally be here in the Latin community. Everyone I have encountered thus far has extended a warm welcome and words of support, advice and encouragement. I am grateful to be so well-received.” Taylor earned a B.S., in Chemistry from Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, an M.Ed., in Divergent Learning from Columbia College, Columbia, South Carolina, and is pursuing an Ed.D. at the University of South Carolina in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on diversity, inclusion and culturally responsive pedagogy.
Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
31
Bridging
OUR GAPS
MORGAN MONTGOMERY ’17 ATTENDS STUDENT DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
The People of Color Conference is the flagship of the National Association of Independent School (NAIS)s’ commitment to equity and justice in teaching and learning. The mission of the conference is to provide a safe space for leadership and professional development and networking for people of color and allies of all backgrounds in independent schools. The student component of PoCC is the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SLDC). SDLC is a multiracial, multicultural gathering of upper school student leaders (grades 9–12) from across the United States. SDLC focuses on self-reflecting, forming allies, and building community. In December 2016, six Upper School students and eight members of Latin’s faculty and staff attended these conferences in Atlanta, GA. Morgan Montgomery ’17 shares her SDLC experiences: When I first arrived at the Convention Center in downtown Atlanta, I was already hit with somewhat of a culture shock. It was my first time in the city, and our hotel was right next to the College Football Hall of Fame and the famous Georgia Aquarium and Coca-Cola Factory. The time I spent in that convention center, however, taught me more than I ever could have learned just walking through an aquarium, museum, or even through the hallways of Charlotte Latin.
32
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
One of the things that set the tone for my experience at SDLC was a young boy my brother’s age who performed a spoken word poem during the opening ceremony at the conference. Even as a white male of an impressionable young age, he spoke flawlessly to the struggles of nearly all people of color and others who identified as “different” from the societal norm, and he pled that we would all understand that progress requires more than just tolerance: it also extends to appreciation and empathy, which were major themes of the event as a whole.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
After this powerful introduction, we broke off into smaller “family groups” where we reviewed community norms – basically the rules for the discussions we were going to have – and learned about core cultural identifiers such as race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc. Looking back at that experience now, I realize that this was really the only time we were talked “at” – the rest of our time was spent conversing among one another, sharing ideas and disputing different opinions. Being in this room filled with strangers from all over the country was daunting for me – I am usually very reserved when thrown into new situations. With my semi-anonymity, however, I felt comfortable voicing my opinions, even if they were conventionally “unpopular,” and I didn’t hesitate to show complete honesty to others in my group (since we would only be together for about three full days).
PROGRESS REQUIRES MORE THAN JUST TOLERANCE: IT ALSO EXTENDS TO APPRECIATION AND EMPATHY But by far one of the most impactful experiences that I had in Atlanta was being surrounded by hundreds of African American students who, like myself, attend a private school in some part of the country. With black students being a minority in my environment, I can honestly say that I have never seen so many people who looked like me and were around my age concentrated in one place in my entire life. And while I may usually shy away from these types of situations, this particular experience was unbelievably stimulating. During one of these two affinity group meetings, as had happened during many of the discussions I had during the conference, I turned to a stranger to talk about my experience as a black woman in a PWI (a predominantly white institution), and found that almost every discomfort, reservation, or doubt that I had felt about my place in this environment, she had felt as well. My heart fluttered as my fellow students started up a chant that all 300 joined in on as we merged with the rest of the students in the conference. Marching through the CNN Center and hearing my friends and even some relatable strangers yell,
“I’m Black, I’m Proud, my Leg-a-cy is Loud!” created an electric energy that I knew was rare and illustrated a genuine pride in blackness that I hadn’t experienced to that degree before. I will carry that with me as I finish my high school career and continue on to college. As I reflected on the conference as a whole, perhaps one of the most touching moments was during the closing ceremony when we were encouraged to “pass the peace.” For about twenty minutes in an auditorium filled with classmates, new friends and plenty of strangers, everyone stood up and walked around the crowded auditorium to hug anyone around them and say, “Peace be with you.” Initially, I was hesitant to participate. But, after three days of similar situations, I leaned into my discomfort and passed the peace to as many people as I could. This physical contact with people of all different cultural identifiers and belief systems brought the concept of the conference together in a way that could not have been achieved with just a speech or even conversation. This method of physically bridging our gaps through genuine demonstration of mutual care culminated the experience with a bang. I left with a sense of renewal, and most importantly of community.
Conference Attendees from CLS Nell Downey ’17 Gracie Matthews ’17 Morgan Montgomery ’17 Margaret Redic ’17 Sydney Scott ’18 Takiya Smith ’18 Matt Cosper, Director of Theater Arts Betsy Fox, Middle School English Karen Glenn, Upper School History Al Irwin, Middle School Spanish Beth Lucas, Director of Human Resources Vernette Rucker, Director of Gift Accounting and Records Jennie Stuart, Upper School Librarian Taelyn Tyler, Transitional Kindergarten
Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
33
ARTS
CLAIRE ZIMMERMAN ’22 EARNED A NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC SILVER AWARD FOR HER PRINTMAKING PIECE, WALKING 2,842 MILES. CLAIRE IS ONE OF ONLY TWO SEVENTH GRADE STUDENTS FROM NORTH CAROLINA TO WIN AN ART AWARD.
34
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
W MUST GO O O H S E N! H T The following is a just a glimpse at the impressive schedule of arts events on campus this year. In addition, our holiday and spring concert series, Grandparents’ Day, workshops and guest speakers all keep the arts very alive at Latin – on stage, on the walls and in the classrooms.
THE BLUE REVIEW The Blue Review is the Upper School literary magazine. First published in 1983, the now fully student-produced booklet is an annual keepsake of creative writing and artwork. Upper School English teachers Tiffany Fletcher and Lori Davis work with a staff of student editors to collect entries, design and publish the magazine. The Latin Arts Association and the English Department host the Blue Review Coffee House, where writers share their work in an informal setting. The creativity of almost 100 students fills the pages of the 2017 issue.
LOWER SCHOOL DRAMA WORKSHOPS In October, Lower School music teacher Alicia Long hosted Drama Workshops, a program funded by Parents’ Council, which brought teaching artists into each classroom in Grades 1-5 to explore the fundamentals of drama including pantomime, storytelling, projection and stage direction. In Grades 1-2, the workshop culminated in bringing a storybook to life in an informal performance. In Grades 3-5, the workshop concluded with a short class play in which every student had a speaking role.
FINE ART FRIDAYS Weekly Fine Art Friday open art discussions were held in the fall during lunch periods in the visual art classrooms. The discussions, led by visual arts faculty and students, were designed to explore a wide variety of current artists whose artwork might otherwise go undiscovered. Each week, students and faculty would take a deeper dive into the work of a different artist.
WRIGHT! Under the direction of Alicia Long, a cast of more than 100 fourth and fifth grade students told the story of brothers Orville and Wilbur Wright this fall in the Lower School musical, Wright!
ALUMNI ART SHOW This inaugural art show was a tremendous success thanks to event Chair Mary Holland Rankin Griffin ’03 in conjunction with the Office of Alumni Relations and the Upper School Art department. See page XX-XX for more.
THE NEW IDEA The New Idea: A Celebration of Visual Art at Charlotte Latin School is available for purchase by visiting charlottelatin.org/TheNewIdea or contacting Loretta Tuttle at 704.846.7251.
JACKIE ROBINSON In February, actors from Bright Star Touring Theatre in Asheville presented the story of Jackie Robinson to third and fourth grade students in conjunction with their class study of the novel, The Year of the Boar. This performance and tremendous learning experience was made possible by Parents’ Council. The Bright Star cast shared an important part of the history of the Civil Rights Movement with students, as well as lessons in facing adversity, respecting each other and chasing dreams. 36
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
ARTS
MIDDLE SCHOOL MUSICAL THEATER CLASS In addition to her current seventh grade drama class, Mrs. McCarter has designed a Musical Theater class for eighth grade students that makes its debut among 2017-2018 course offerings. This class is designed for students who want to to refine existing skills and build new ones during the school day. It allows students who are passionate about performance or who have a love for musical theater the opportunity to pursue it as an elective. The hands-on, project-driven curriculum will cover classic and present popular productions with scenes, songs and choreography from a variety of musicals. The class will review audition skills and explore musical theater history, musical theater styles and choreography.
JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, JR. The Middle School musical, directed by Meredith McCarter, featured almost 50 talented Middle School actors and stage crew members. The show was also supported by Latin Arts and Friends of Theater Arts. A robust Middle School tech crew and tech club made everything in this Roald Dahl classic click, both on stage and behind the scenes.
MUSIC PERFORMANCE ADJUDICATION The Middle and Upper School music ensembles performed adjudicated concerts in March. Both the faculty and the students work tirelessly to prepare for these performances. The logistics of the trips are supported by the parents through Friends of Music liaisons. The 2017 MPA results for this year’s groups follows: • Grade 6 Orchestra – Superior Rating in Winston-Salem, NC • Grade 6 Wind Ensemble – Excellent Rating at Wingate University • Grades 7-8 Orchestra – Superior Rating in Winston-Salem, NC • Grades 7-8 Wind Ensemble – Excellent Rating at Wingate University • Middle School Concert Choir – Superior Rating at Wingate University • Upper School Concert Choir – Superior Rating at Wake Forest University • Upper School Orchestra – Superior Rating in Winston-Salem, NC • Upper School Wind Ensemble – Superior Rating in Lenior, NC
MOSAIC NIGHT
CRAZY FOR YOU More than 75 Upper School actors and crew members, including 25 seniors, delighted audiences for three performances of the Gershwins’ Crazy for You, directed by Matt Cosper. Members of the Middle School Tech Club helped significantly with painting the sets, and choreographer Tod Kubo worked wonders with the dancers in only 3-4 months of rehearsals.
Upper School students, parents, faculty and staff enjoyed Mosaic Night, an evening which showcases Upper School student creativity, self-expression and individuality and includes readings, slam poetry and musical performances. The event is sponsored by the Mosaic Club and advisors Maria Klein and Jennie Stuart. The mission of the Mosaic Club is to promote diversity in and outside of our school community through events that celebrate our cultural, religious, ethnic, social and racial diversity. The club strives to promote inclusivity and respect for all kinds of human diversity through an atmosphere of appreciation and acceptance.
SENIOR ONE ACTS The Senior One Act Plays – student-written, -directed and -performed all-original acts – featured entertaining and extraordinary creativity in vaudeville-esque drama and comedy and served as the grand finale of the Upper School theater season.
Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
37
ARTS
2017 SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS NATIONAL SILVER KEY
Hayes Woollen ’17 Claire Zimmerman ’22
Digital Art Printmaking
Skull face Walking 2,842 Miles
REGIONAL MID-CAROLINA BINDERS AWARD FOR BEST IN CATEGORY Greer Campbell ’20 Hannah Hollingsworth ’21
Sculpture Mixed Media
A Horse Named Danger Triptych Color Fields
ART POP AWARD
Ella Lavelle ’19 Digital Art Psychedelic Iguana (Artist’s work to be displayed on a billboard in Charlotte)
HAYES WOOLLEN ’17 EARNED A NATIONAL SCHOLASTIC SILVER KEY AWARD FOR HIS PHOTOGRAPH, SKULL FACE.
Please visit www.charlottelatin.org/magazine for a complete list of Scholastic award winners.
2017 SCHOLASTIC WRITING AWARDS
NATIONAL SILVER KEY Gracie Matthews ’18
Critical Essay
“It’s Not A-mewsing”
REGIONAL MID-CAROLINA GOLD KEY
Hannah Barnes ’19 Gracie Matthews ’18
Humor Critical Essay Poetry
TWO GOLD KEYS, BEST IN SHOW
Nell Downey ’17 Poetry
GOLD KEY, AMERICAN VOICES Claire Friou ’17 38
LATIN Magazine
Critical Essay
•
Spring 2017
“Chewing: A Conundrum” “It’s Not A-mewsing” “Rehearsal of a Quartet in Sant’Eufemia” “August” “A Sunflower in the Wake” “Orange Isn’t the New Black for Transgender Inmates in the American Prison System”
ARTS
LAURA SCOTT CARY ’18
SELECTED AS A BLUMEY STUDENT CRITIC The Blumey Critic Program aims to foster critical thinking and writing skills among area high school students and is open to students who attend schools participating in The Blumey Awards. Laura Scott Cary ’18 was nominated by theater director Matt Cosper to represent Latin in this honor. “It’s an extraordinary program because it provides another point of engagement for students to explore the work their peers are doing around the region. Laura Scott is quite the critical and analytical thinker, so it’s no surprise that she was chosen to participate,” said Cosper. Cary and an exclusive group of high school students were selected for the Critic Program. They participated in a one-session, writing-a-good-review responsible criticism seminar at the Charlotte Observer, led by well-known theater critic Lawrence Toppman. Each Blumey Critic was required to attend and review three performances between January 20 and April 22, 2017, and meet the prescribed short deadlines for submission of reviews. Reviews are published in the arts section of the Observer’s website. Observer journalists will award one writer The Charlotte Observer Critic Award at the Blumeys, which are Charlotte’s version of the Tony Awards for high school students.
LILY MCMAHAN ’22
HONORS UNSUNG HERO Seventh grade student Lily McMahan is a finalist in the Unsung Heroes Art Competition, part of the ArtEffect Project, sponsored by the Lowell Milken Center (LMC) for Unsung Heroes in Fort Scott, Kansas. Lily’s submission is the result of an assignment given by her art teacher Anne Cammer. The assignment challenged students to generate unique, creative interpretations both literal and abstract that honor the legacies of Unsung Heroes in an array of artistic mediums. LMC’s arts initiative aims to teach students the power they have to create positive change in the world through visual storytelling. The Center received 450 submissions from middle and high school students from around the world; Lily is among 45 finalists. A $7,500 grand prize will go to a student in grades 6-12. Lily’s artwork, entitled “Life in a Jar” was inspired by the book Irena’s Children, by Tilar J. Mazzeo, and honors Irena Sendler who saved Jewish children during the Nazi occupation of Poland. The multi-media piece is currently on display in the Media Center. “I am so proud of her creativity and perseverance in working on this project. She is in the top ten percent of finalists from around the world, which is in itself a great accomplishment,” said Cammer. To read more about the project and to see the 2017 finalists, visit www.charlottelatin.org/magazine.
Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
39
ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT
WORKING BODY, MIND AND SOUL Jacob Sossamon is a football lineman. Emma Mathews is a lacrosse midfielder and a tennis player. In stature and skills, Jacob and Emma are very different athletes, but both have found a home in the Athletic Development program. Since head wrestling coach David Paige took the helm, the program has seen exponential growth in the number of student-athlete participants. Paige brought in Patrick Duffy and Whitney Headrick to accommodate the demand. Both are certified strength and conditioning coaches, and have doctorate degrees in physical therapy. With additional support from Charisse Mapp, head of the girls’ basketball program and a Middle School P.E. teacher, the weight room – the epicenter of the Athletic Development program –is staffed every afternoon with experienced trainers. They have established an individualized approach that allows students of all experience levels to participate, with workout plans that meet specific needs, schedules and goals. And its success is evident. “The coaches encourage all students to be part of the program. They provide a supportive, fun environment, and they push me to grow both physically and mentally,” said Mathews, a senior. Mathews has made her own impact. Headrick and Duffy say she is one of the most consistent, hardest-working students in the program, and that she’s gained power and confidence as a result. David Cowan, a junior who plays goalie for the varsity lacrosse team and also wrestles is another dedicated student-athlete, noted for the positive energy he brings to the weight room. “David is in here all the time,” said Headrick. “Through the summer, on the weekends, pretty much every day in the fall. He gained 20-25 pounds of muscle, and we were excited to see him wrestle with that newly-built strength.” Then he got a concussion. The concussion was a setback for Cowan, but like many of the athletes who are committed to the Athletic Development program, he feels the work he put in and the guidance he received from Headrick and Duffy aided in his recovery. “They showed me different exercises and stretches to help with neck pain and headaches, and they’ve also helped with my knee problems,” said Cowan. Sossamon can relate. He’s had a string of injuries, including an ACL tear his freshman year, and another during football season this year as a senior. He feels the support from Headrick, Duffy and Paige has allowed him to work through the injuries. “They motivated me to keep going,” said Sossamon. “They take it seriously, but they make it fun. Some days all I could think about was getting back in the weight room to improve myself. It feels like home.”
40
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
ATHLETICS
Senior Patrick Paschal thinks the welcoming environment makes Latin’s Athletic Development program unique. Paschal, an ultimate frisbee player, was a novice in the weight room when he began working out in August. “The coaches are incredibly encouraging and never let me give up,” said Paschal. “Their dedication to each athlete and their kindness inspire me to keep going. Thanks to them I have lost 20 pounds since I started. My speed has increased, and overall I’ve felt more confident.” Headrick described Paschal’s experience as transformative. “Patrick needed one-on-one instruction when he started, but he was enthusiastic and very coachable. Now he has better movement patterns, he can work out independently and his body composition has completely changed.” Scotty Bowman is a senior swimmer and lacrosse player, so he had fall afternoons free and spent them in the weight room. “Scotty is another example of major physical change,” said Headrick. Bowman agrees. “This year I definitely felt stronger. I pushed myself more and it paid off. All of the weight room coaches are very kind and care about our progress,” said Bowman. “They are awesome at their jobs.” Most of Charlotte Latin’s athletic teams are now taking advantage of the program, and Varsity Soccer Coach Lee Horton said it was a difference-maker in last year’s state championship game for the girls’ team. “It was a physical game and the field was a mess. I know the gains the girls made in strength last season helped them succeed under those conditions,” said Horton. Senior captain Emily Wise agrees. “I think it definitely gave us an edge over other teams and ultimately helped us win a state championship,” said Wise, who describes Headrick as
helpful, energetic and positive. “Whitney always seems excited and ready to answer questions. She makes every person in the weight room feel like he or she is the only person there, even when it’s packed.” This winter, the weight room was bustling with student-athletes getting in a workout after school. To accommodate the demand, the coaches divided the popular 3:10-4:15 p.m. time period by gender, so boys could lift Mondays and Wednesdays, while girls had speed and agility work on the indoor track; then girls had the weight room Tuesdays and Thursdays while boys did agility work. At 4:15, the weight room reopened without restrictions.
THE COACHES’ DEDICATION TO EACH ATHLETE AND THEIR KINDNESS INSPIRE ME TO KEEP GOING. Coach Paige and Athletic Director David Gatoux are pleased with the success of the program and foresee deepening its roots in the Physical Education curriculum so that Latin students are healthier, stronger, more prepared to participate in sports teams and less prone to injury. “The program has expanded so much because of how supportive and helpful the coaches are,” said Sossamon. “Lifting has become my passion, and Coach Paige continues to push me to be better not only as an athlete, but as a man.” Mathews agrees, “The coaches truly care about me as an athlete and a person, and they want to see me achieve my goals. Their influence on me has been immeasurable.”
Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
41
ATHLETICS
NEXT PLAY FOR STUDENT-ATHLETES Charlotte Latin held a collegiate athletic signing ceremony Wednesday, February 1, 2017, to honor ten student-athletes for their commitment to continue their sport at the next level. The seniors were joined by family, coaches, friends and supporters for a recognition event held in Anne’s Black Box Theater. Athletic Director David Gatoux recognized each student at the ceremony. Congratulations to all of our student-athletes: Moon Cheong • Golf, Dartmouth College Eddie Crutchfield • Football, U.S. Military Academy at West Point Christopher Elliott • Football, Washington and Lee University Ikenna Eruchalu • Swimming, University of Pennsylvania Bates Jones • Basketball, Davidson College
Camille Kane • Field Hockey, University of Virginia Melvin Rouse • Football, Yale University Conrad Song • Lacrosse, Colorado College Isabelle Sumichrast • Field Hockey, Syracuse University Emily Wise • Soccer, Auburn University
In addition, two Charlotte Latin student-athletes signed National Letters of Intent on November 9, 2016, the first day of the early signing period for sports other than football and soccer. These student-athletes were joined by coaches, family, friends, faculty and staff in the Forum for a brief event to celebrate their accomplishments and for Athletic Director David Gatoux to share remarks. Elizabeth Lancaster • Swimming, Auburn University Michael McClelland • Wrestling, Davidson College
The final group of graduating student-athletes with collegiate commitments was recognized on Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Anne’s Black Box Theater. Supporters gathered to congratulate these student athletes and wish them well in the next stage of their athletic and academic journey. Grant Balogh • Track & Field, Denison University Adam Bear • Track & Field, Princeton University 42
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
Lilly Hallock • Cross Country, Baylor University Harrison Karp • Football, Wesleyan University
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
MOLLY GREEN ’17
AN EXPERT IN SERVICE Intern in Communications and Athletics For two years, Molly Green ’17 has spent her free periods working with Latin’s Athletics and Communications offices – an alliance that is somewhat unprecedented. Expressing an interest in marketing, design and communications, Molly began working her junior year alongside former volleyball coach Ellen Kazura in the Athletics Office. During her senior year, Green has interned in the Marketing and Communications Office, working with Director of Design Services April Baker. In this venture, Green has designed several pieces seen by the Charlotte Latin audience, such as the 2016 holiday e-message, the Crazy for You artwork for the Upper School spring musical and the 2017 CLS Service Society senior book. Honored for Volunteer Service Green also spends a great deal of her time involved in volunteer projects off campus. Early in 2017, she was honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a Certificate of Excellence from The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a national program that honors youth volunteers nationwide for outstanding volunteer service. The College Counseling office nominated Green. The program, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), grants Certificates of Excellence to the top 10 percent of all applicants in each state and the District of Columbia. Green was also recognized in 2016 by the Humane Society of Charlotte at the Women for Animal Welfare Luncheon. She founded and has organized an annual auction fundraiser, Paws for the Cause, since 2013. The event has now turned into a club at Charlotte Latin. “We nominated Molly for the Spirit of Community Award for her long-standing dedication to the Humane Society. It has been an experience where she has not only helped her furry friends (even though she is allergic), but one that has allowed her to grow in her self-confidence,” said college counselor Lucy Smith. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, sponsored by Prudential Financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), recognizes middle level and high school students across America for outstanding volunteer service. “Prudential is honored to celebrate the contributions of these remarkable young volunteers,” said Prudential Chairman and CEO John Strangfeld. “By shining a spotlight on the difference they’ve made in their communities, we hope others are inspired to volunteer, too.” Because of the number of service hours she has documented, Prudential notified Green that she also qualified for the prestigious President’s Volunteer Service Award, recognizing Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of time to serve their communities and country. On April 25, Green was inducted into the Charlotte Latin School Presidential Service Society for contributing more than 150 service hours throughout her Upper School career. “Molly has served on the Service Council for the past two years,” said Upper School service club advisor C.W. Stacks. “Through her leadership and commitment to serving others, she has created opportunities for service for many of her fellow students and as a result has empowered others to make a difference by helping make the world a better place.” Green is also a student-athlete and won a Regional Scholastic Silver award for her painting, “Jenny Bell.” She will attend UNC–Chapel Hill in the fall.
Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
43
RECOGNITION
Thank you TO OUR RETIREES!
44
Kathy Aitken Upper School, 18 years
Kathy Kraus College Counseling, 13 years
Debbie Lamm Head of Middle School, 23 years
Page McEachern Middle School, 25 years
Martha Owen Lower School, 45 years
John Pardee Upper School, 18 years
Ron Payne Director of Music, 10 years
Wendy Perkins Upper School, 31 years
C.W. Stacks Upper School, 28 years
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
ALUMNI NEWS REUNION WEEKEND • OCTOBER 14–15, 2016 LATIN WORKS ROUNDTABLE • ROAD TRIP – FINDING YOUR PATH Charlotte Latin School alumni kicked off Reunion Weekend 2016 by welcoming Charles Hodges ’03 to campus on Friday, October 14. Upper School students enjoyed hearing from him as he shared his path to an exciting career as a creative director and copywriter on accounts such as ESPN SportsCenter and Apple’s iPhone. On Saturday morning, Charles had another opportunity to speak to alumni, parents and parents of alumni as he gave the keynote to the annual Alumni Reunion Roundtable discussion. Facilitated by Head of Upper School Lawrence Wall, the panelists shared anecdotes and lessons from their own paths to success. These alumni participants were Ann Thompson Brock ’81, Director of Leadership at CLS, Charlotte, N.C.; Brandon Decurtins ’01, King of Pops, Charlotte, N.C.; Carmen Schmitt Leyton ’03, Vice President, Red Ventures, Charlotte, N.C.; Jeff McIntosh ’11, Worship Leader, Forest Hill Church, Charlotte, N.C.; Anne-Worley Bauknight Moelter ’96, Owner, Movement Climbing & Fitness, Boulder, CO; and Gib Smith ’86, Managing Director, Citi, New York, N.Y.
Alumni Panel
Charles Hodges ’03
Jennifer Hughes and Lawrence Wall
Sterling Thomas ’02, Charles Hodges ’03 and Fletcher Gregory Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
45
ALUMNI NEWS
CLASS REUNIONS Saturday night, October 15, 2016, was filled with individual class reunion parties. In addition to alumni and their guests, the parties were also attended by Headmaster Arch McIntosh, Associate Headmaster Fletcher Gregory, Director of Alumni Relations Sally Gray Smith ’82 and current and retired faculty and staff members Ken Collins, Jean Webb and C.W. Stacks.
OCTOBER 2016 REUNIONS
Class of 1976, 40 Year Reunion Home of Lil Harris Swindell ’76
Class of 1981, 35 Year Reunion Home of Eric Sheridan ’81
Class of 1986, 30-Year Reunion Home of Laurie Barreau Williams’ parents
Class of 1996, 20-Year Reunion Olde Mecklenburg Brewery
Class of 2001, 15-Year Reunion Napa on Providence
Class of 1976
Kemp Woollen ’76, Polly and Bill Medearis ’76
46
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
Jane Elliott Murphy ’81, Señor Lynch, Susannah Snead Dance ’81 and Ann Finklea Hammond ’81
Class of 1981
Woodie Robinson, Anne and Tom Westbrook ’81
Eric Sheridan ’81 and Boyce Thies ’81
Class of 1986
Johnny Georgius ’86, Susan Powell Courtney ’86 and Thomas Layton ’86
Rebecca Nesbit Riopel ’86, Nicole Ewing Meanor ’86 and Jane McColl Lockwood ’86 Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
47
Peyton Gallagher ’01, Anna Stiegel Glass ’01, Brick Bryant ’01 and Stephanie Hannon ’01
CLASS REUNIONS
Jennifer and Eric Madara ’01 and James Cowart ’01
Class of 2001
Class of 1996
Dave Chanon ’96, Clarke Browne ’96 and Melinda Browne
Elizabeth Moore Filpi ’96, Elizabeth Moody ’96 and Anne-Worley Bauknight Moelter ‘96
Peggy Kane Thies ’96, Charles Thies ’90, Julie and Josh Smith ‘96
Maria Klein and Chrissy Hunter Lucas ’04
Janet Taylor, Mimi Carbone and Louise Limentani
BOOK DISCUSSION On November 8, 2016, alumni parents and alumni gathered at Myers Park Country Club for a book discussion led by Upper School English teacher and alumni parent Maria Klein. The chosen book was the much-talked-about Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance. Linda Edwards Campbell, Donna Roberson Willis ’82, Claudette Hall and Karen Marsh
Boyd Holland ’91, Charles Thies ’90 and Dr. Chamberlain Ann Thompson Brock ’81, Sally Gray Smith ’82 and Frances Fennebresque Hankins ’97
AGB PAST PRESIDENTS LUNCH AGB President Charles Thies ’90 hosted the annual Alumni Governing Board’s Past Presidents’ Luncheon on December 2, at Myers Park Country Club. Special guests included Rod Chamberlain, Associate Headmaster for Academic Affairs and Ann Thompson Brock ’81, Director of Leadership Development. Katie Miller Iams ’01 and Compie Newman ’78 Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
49
FOOTBALL REUNION On Friday, November 11, 2016, football alumni from all classes came to Patten Stadium to cheer on the Hawks in their win over Charlotte Christian for the NCISAA championship. Special guests were members of the 1996 state championship team.
Sean Farrell ’99 and Chris Starks ’97
Jeff Wolfe, Reid Ledonne ’11 and Nick DeCarlo ’11
Andy Henson ’98 and Mason Rankin ’98
ALUMNI FLAG FOOTBALL On Saturday, December 17, Cullen McNulty ’93, Carson McNulty ’95 and John Oates ’15 hosted alumni for the sixth annual alumni flag football game. No injuries were reported, and everyone had a “ball!”
Zach Hall ’15, John Oates ’15, Khalil Harris ’15, Daniel Jones ’15, Alec Hanff ’15 and Toby Okwara ’15
Chris Cullipher ’90, Cullen McNulty ’93, Drew Rutherford ’94 and Carson McNulty ’97
Class of 2006
Lindsey Metzger ’06, Salem Gregory ’06 and Ashlee Hoilett ’06
William Hastings ’06, Jessica and Byron Revels ’06 and Dr. Collins
Derrick Truesdale ’06 and Nick Nicholson ‘06
5 & 10 YEAR REUNIONS The Class of 2006 and the Class of 2011 enjoyed celebrating their milestone reunions on December 23. While the Class of 2006 gathered at Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, the Class of 2011 enjoyed being at Providence Road Sundries for their festivities.
Zach Kern ’11, Noland Griffith ’11, Preston Turk ’11, Robert Miller ’11 and Tucker Fogg ’11
Jeff McIntosh ’11, Whitney McIntosh and Marty Berkowitz ’11
Marshall Jackson ’11, Alex Kern ’11, Mary Padgett Hawkins ’11, Max Robb ’11, Katherine Peters ’11 and Kameron Spence ’11 Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
51
Charlie Shea ’12, Colton Walls ’11, Sophie Hilliard-Arce ’11 and Andrew Cooney ’11
11th Annual
Mia Kane ’12, Liza Robinson ’12 and Ann Lyndon Griffin ’12
YOUNG ALUMNI HOLIDAY PARTY
On Monday, December 26, the Alumni Association hosted the 11th annual Young Alumni Holiday Party for the Classes of 2002 through 2013. This gathering at Angry Ale’s has become a much-anticipated alumni tradition.
Sarah Tomlin ’13, Mary Lewis ’13, Linley Robinson ’13 and Becca Jones ’13
Annie Booke ’09, Catie Faison ’09, Anita Griffin ’09 and Katy Dumas ’09
Luke Hedrick ’12, Will Almquist ’12, Hadley Wilson ’12, Brian Mittl ’12, Chris Jones ’12 and Alex Almquist ’12
Hilary Barr ’08, Stephen Buchanan ’08, Jaime Todd ’08, Logan Blough ’08, Ehimere Etomi ’07 and Zane Chiad ’07 52
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
Greg Mittl ’08 and Bradford Bersin ’07
Sarah Turner Wells ’10 and Chris Downing
Marshall Rich ’16 and Kathy Kraus
EC Myers ’16 and Tyler Henry ’16
Gray Smith ’15, Matthew Swimmer ’15 and Joth Gass ’15
POST HOLIDAY LUNCH College-age alumni were invited back to campus on January 3, 2017, for a Qdoba lunch with favorite teachers. James Mingoes ’13, Aseda Ghartey-Tagoe ’12, Effe Ghartey-Tagoe ’10 and Alex Demas ’15
Fletcher Gregory, Carter Sheridan ’14, CW Stacks and Hunter Sheridan ’16
Michaela Brown ’14, Margot Sprow ’14, Dr. Collins, Lizzie Chaconas ’14 and Lea Kokenes ’14
Joe Baynard ’14 and Mark Taylor ’14
Gabrielle Smith ’16, Molly Brice ’16, Neil Patel ’16 and Raymon Wang ’16
Charles Thies ’90, Mary Holland Rankin Griffin ’03 and Trip Griffin
Sally Wrenn, Gina and Herb Clegg, and Barbara Rivenbark 54
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
Richard Fletcher ’85 and Laura and Blair Shwedo
Barbara Anne Thomas ’13 and Clark Hawgood
Kyle Worthy ’00 and Jamey Price ’06
Alumni Art Show The inaugural Alumni Art Show opened on Friday, January 20, 2017, with an opening reception in the Horne Performing Arts Center. Chaired by Mary Holland Rankin Griffin ’03 in conjunction with the Office of Alumni Relations and the Upper School Visual Art department, the art show featured 36 artists and ran through February 27, 2017.
Will Thomason and Kinsey Sullivan ‘09
Missy Erwin Highsmith ’96, Holly Ivanoff Graham ’96, Laura McLeod ’96, Peggy Kane Thies ’96, Megan Lew Myers ’96 and Sara Kryder ‘96
FEATURED ARTISTS Rick Booth ’83 Alex Brackett ’95 Lauren Brackett ’15 Kent Caldwell ’05 Nicholas Coma ’09 Adrienne Dellinger ’90 Erin Weston Donner ’03 Allison Edge ’93 Richard Fletcher ’85 Maggie Gardner ’11 Claire Gibson ’11 Holly Ivanoff Graham ‘96 Mary Holland Rankin Griffin ’03 Emma Haseley ’16 Erin Haseley ’13 Kristina Hedbacker ’93 Lynda Hunley ’83 Laura Manns ’05
Chip Martin Heather McPherson ’02 Scott Nurkin ’95 Murray Smith Parker ’79 Blair Tyler Peters ’85 Jamey Price ’06 Justin Rivenbark ’99 Patrick Rivenbark ’02 Anne Shwedo Rufty ’05 Ann Burns Schwartz ’97 Annie Simpson ’15 Ashley Evans Stewart ’80 Kinsey Sullivan ’09 Barbara Anne Thomas ’13 Harvey Thomason ’14 Hale Trotter ’84 Kyle Worthy ’00 Sarah Wrenn ’00
Cathy Hess and Linde Mullis Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
55
CLASS NOTES 1974
Adeline Couch Talbot atalbot@studiotraveler.com DOWE ALBRIGHT is a physician with First Charlotte Physicians. He and his wife Alice have two grown daughters, Mary Helen who has just begun a career in nursing and Rebecca who lives in Raleigh, where she works in business. SUSAN PRICE BUSCH writes, “My husband Rick and I live in Winston-Salem, N.C., where we raised our daughter Kelly, 35 and twin sons, Josh and Gray, 30. Now two are married and the third is getting married in May. We also have two adorable grandchildren – Brooks is 3 years old and Blair is 9 months. Rick owns an insurance agency and one son is a partner. The other son lives in Raleigh working in insurance. Our daughter lives in Apex but works for a civil engineering firm in Raleigh. Until a few years ago, I worked part time throughout the years. Now I’m enjoying my free time unless I get that wonderful ‘GiGi’ call and then I dash off to Apex.” BETTY SHULL BUTLER is a Corporate Employment Manager at BB&T where she has worked since 1998. She and her husband Norman live in Winston-Salem, as do their two grown daughters. MARTY FRAZER CATON recently retired after a career spent first in insurance, then in telecommunications and finally textile manufacturing. She and her husband Tom live in Charlotte surrounded by family including both of her parents, her brother and sister and nine nieces and nephews. Their household includes their much loved 5-year-old Yorkie mix and 2-year-old collie/hound mix.
riverside farm. They have three children: a daughter who will graduate this spring from UVA, a son who has taken deferred admission at UVA to spend this year working on the Trump campaign and transition team, and their younger son who attends the Governor’s School (Virginia). Prior to their move to Montross, both ‘Ducky’ and David spent many years working in Washington in senior policy positions. After earning a master’s from Georgetown in National Security Studies, Ducky’s distinguished career achievements include working on Capitol Hill in support of the Reagan Doctrine, serving as Deputy White House Liaison at the Department of
Defense and at NASA as Deputy Assistant Administrator at the Office of Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs. JOHN KNIGHT and his wife are living in New York, where John is the general counsel of a privately owned investment firm. Their older daughter, Julia, will be graduating from Yale Law School this spring, and will be practicing law at the New York firm of Cleary Gottlieb. Their younger daughter, Helen, is a third year medical student at Johns Hopkins. John would love to see fellow members of the class of ’74 when they visit New York (or he visits Charlotte).
Back Row: Lang MacBain ’77, Elen Try Bennett ’77, Allison Copeland Williams ’77, Lee Ives ’77, Ann McAlister Hallett ’77 and Ruth Knight Gammon ’77. Front Row: David Ferebee ’77, Carol Lomax Fortenberry ’77, Jeff Goodman ’77, Katherine Price Goodman ’77 and Alex Fellers ’77.
CALLIE CLARKE CLAYTON, after many years working in pharmaceuticals, now works for herself as part of FIT Consulting. She has two married daughters and six grandchildren. While the Raleigh/Durham area was home for many years, she has recently moved to Huntersville to be near her sister and her parents. MARGARET CALHOUN HEMENWAY and her husband David live in Montross, Virginia, where they are restoring a 19th century
56
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
Beth Francis ’77 and Chuck Hood celebrate their wedding with their grandchildren.
John Welfare ’78 is the proud grandfather of Mila Kate Sanchez.
ALUMNI • CLASS NOTES KEMILOU KENNEDY POMPLUN is a senior vice president investment advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors. She and her husband David live in Pawleys Island, S.C. They are avid golfers and are becoming just as avid travelers with a recent trip to the Baltics and an upcoming trip to Italy, Croatia and Montenegro. They have a special relationship with their niece who is currently a senior in high school at The North Carolina School of the Arts. She will be attending The Berklee College of Music in Boston in the fall. ADELINE COUCH TALBOT owns Studio Traveler, a cultural travel business, which specializes in developing and leading trips with art museums and other cultural institutions. She and her husband David have lived Greensboro since 1993. Adeline and David have one daughter Mary who after recently graduating from college, works for Vanguard Investments in Philadelphia.
1975
Jean Trice Deason jtdeason@bellsouth.net
1976
In March, RUTH KNIGHT GAMMON and her husband, Chris, threw a Carolina vs. Duke party for the Class of 1977. A good time was had by all – especially the Carolina fans!
1978
If you are interested in being the Class of 1976 Class Agent, please contact Sally in the Alumni Office at ssmith@charlottelatin.org.
Robin Waters Griffith robingriffith@carolina.rr.com
1977
Mila Kate Sanchez was born on January 15, 2017, to JOHN WELFARE’s proud daughter, Emily and her husband Brian. The Welfares are thrilled about being grandparents!
Carol Lomax Fortenberry carol@fortenberrylambert.com Elen Try Bennett elenbennett@gmail.com Congratulations to BETH FRANCIS who married Chuck Hood on August 6, 2016, in a small, intimate wedding with immediate family present at the Duke Mansion in Charlotte.
1979
Craig Summerville csummerville@windstream.net
1980
Angus McBryde angus.mcbryde@gmail.com Congratulations to Lib and MARK McALISTER whose son, Mark ’13, has been awarded a prestigious year-long Watson Fellowship for 2017-18. Mark is a senior at Sewanee: The University of the South, where he is majoring in biology.
1981
Annie Gray Roberts agrayinnc@aol.com
Susan Culp Sanders ’81 and her family, husband James, daughter Tyler, son-in-law Brendon and son, Michael.
The daughter of SUSAN CULP SANDERS, Tyler Elisabeth Carson, married Brendon Leach on January 15, 2017, at Langtree Plantation in Mooresville, N.C. Tyler and Brendon met on a summer mission trip to Santa Cruz, California, in 2014 with the campus ministry “Cru”. Tyler graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in May 2016 with a BA in linguistics. She moved to Austin, Texas, and works in sales for Dell. Brendon was a collegiate swimmer and coaches swimming in Round Rock, TX. In Memoriam RALPH KEITH REGISTER ’81 January 31, 2017
1982
If you are interested in being the Class of 1982 Class Agent, please contact Sally in the Alumni Office at ssmith@charlottelatin.org.
Clark and Suzy Minor Johnson ’82 enjoyed a Colorado trip to visit Charles and Susan Michaux Dalton ’82.
SUZY MINOR JOHNSON and her husband, Clark, enjoyed a late winter’s trip to Telluride, Colorado, where they visited with SUSAN MICHAUX DALTON and husband, Charles. Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
57
ALUMNI • CLASS NOTES
1983
Deanie Albright Hanley dalbrighthanley@verizon.net MARK NESBIT lives with his family in Harrisonburg, Virginia. After serving with the Navy as a Medical Officer stationed with the Marine Corps, he trained in Emergency Medicine and has practiced in Harrisonburg for the last 15 years. His daughter Cameron is a junior in high school at Carrabassett Valley Academy and loves alpine ski racing. Josh is 13 and went to the “dark side” of snow sports, also known as snowboarding. His wife Amy is owner and chef for Taste, A Food Company. When Mark is not working, he can usually be found outside. He loves to ski, fish, kayak and bike.
Sky Broome ’84 and Chris Craven ’84 played officers in the FOX Network’s series, Shots Fired.
Mark Nesbit ’83 lives in Harrisonburg, Virginia, with daughter Cameron and son Josh.
1984
Janet Miller Rogers janet37@me.com Sky Broome skybroome1@gmail.com DE THOMAS BLUMBERG has been the lead singer of a band in Washington, D.C. for years called The 16th and T Band. De says, “We sell out local music venues and have a wonderful local fan base. We play mostly R&B, rock and blues, with lots of focus on Southern rock.” SKY BROOME reached out to a few friends and former classmates to see if anyone would be interested in playing officers for three days as a part of a huge riot scene for FOX Network’s event series Shots Fired, and CHRIS CRAVEN said he would be a part of it. “Temperatures approached 100 degrees for the three days of shooting in Mooresville, and we worked each day for 12–15 hours in heavy police riot gear to get the needed shots.”
1985
Libby Tate Gordon libbygordon4@gmail.com Jorn Bleimann rinnovations@msn.com
1986
Tom Beaty tbeaty@insightsourcing.com Laurie Barreau Williams lauriebwilliams@hotmail.com
1987
Andy Clark amclark@carolina.rr.com 58
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
De Thomas Blumberg ’84 is lead singer of The 16th and T Band in Washington, D.C. Rich Vinroot ’88 and JP McBryde ’82 work together at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
1988
Debbie McMahan Frail dsfrail@gmail.com JOY BLYTHE (formerly Allyson Marshall) writes, “I am teaching Spanish and case managing special education students, which usually means goofing around with my great students at a teeny-tiny-and-very-special alternative school in Austin, Texas. I am a single mother of two small green plants, and when not pulling my hair out over lesson plans, I practice yoga and frequently daydream about what I want to be and what country I want to adventure to whenever I finally grow up.”
Joy Blythe ’88 (center) enjoys living in Austin, TX.
RICH VINROOT finished another forward military deployment in May 2016 after serving on a US Navy Base in Horn of Africa. He then went to Saudi Arabia where he worked as an emergency physician in the oil fields with Johns Hopkins Aramco for seven months. In December 2016, Rich moved to Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates where he is an emergency physician at the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, where he shares an office with fellow Latin graduate JP McBryde ’82 Missy Plott Kersting ’89 specializes in residential real estate in Charleston, S.C.
ALUMNI • CLASS NOTES
1989
Tino Bleimann tinobleimann@bellsouth.net Beth Anderson Pence bpence@me.com After graduating from Meredith College, MISSY PLOTT KERSTING spent 13 years working for the Kellogg Company in sales across the Southeast Region. Per Missy, she loved her job with Kellogg’s and held various positions in grocery retail, account sales and management and category consulting. The extensive travel became too much with a young family and Missy had to resign but she always knew that one day she would get back into the sales and marketing world. Missy is happy to announce that she is now working as a Realtor with Elaine Brabham & Associates, LLC specializing in residential real estate in the Charleston, South Carolina, area. Missy would love to hear from any of you hawks at missykersting@yahoo.com if you are looking to relocate or for investment property in the Charleston area!
Classmates Chuck Edwards ’94, Matt McGirt ’94, Byron Burns ’94 and Santosh Rao ’94 enjoyed escorting their daughters to Charlotte Latin’s annual Father/Daughter dance.
1990
Anna Litaker Reimers anna.reimers@gmail.com Denny Smith O’Leary dennyoleary@me.com Denise Nasekos Pettus dnpettus72@gmail.com In February 2017, ASHLEY WARLICK visited Park Road Books promoting her new book, The Arrangement.
1991
1994
Katherine Dickson Crockett Katherinecrockett12@gmail.com CHUCK EDWARDS, BYRON BURNS, SANTOSH RAO and MATT McGIRT escorted their daughters to Latin’s annual Father/Daughter dance in February 2017.
1995
If you are interested in being the Class of 1995 Class Agent, please contact Sally in the Alumni Office at ssmith@charlottelatin.org.
Kathryn Barnhardt Van Nort kvannort@yahoo.com Sally Gallagher Lindsay sglindsay73@gmail.com
1992
Kess Connelly Clark kess.connelly@yahoo.com
1993
Ed McMahan emcmahan@falfurriascapital.com On December 17, 2016, Betsy and CHRIS CONWAY welcomed their first child, James Hampton Conway, into the world. James arrived at a healthy and happy 7 lbs. 14 oz. and 21 inches long. In between naps, he enjoys watching basketball and giving out smiles.
James Conway is the son of Chris Conway ’93. Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
59
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
A PASSION FOR THE SUBJECT MATTER PRESIDENT OBAMA HONORS FEDERALLY-FUNDED EARLY-CAREER SCIENTISTS President Obama named 102 scientists and researchers as recipients of the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. The Presidential Early Career Awards highlight the key role that the Administration places in encouraging and accelerating American innovation to grow our economy and tackle our greatest challenges. The awards, established by President Clinton in 1996, are coordinated by the Office of Science and Technology Policy within the Executive Office of the President. Awardees are selected for their pursuit of innovative research at the frontiers of science and technology and their commitment to community service as demonstrated through scientific leadership, public education or community outreach.
1 From: Maria Lehtinen Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2017 • 1:42 PM To: Sally Smith Subject: Some news to share Dear Sally, I graduated from Latin in 1995 and have been a bit out of touch when it comes to Latin alumni events. I just had a thought though. I remember the first time Dr. Kneidel gave us a lecture on neurons and the brain in Biology class. I was fascinated by it, and it really sparked my interest in neuroscience. I now have a research lab at Boston Children’s Hospital and am an Assistant Professor at Harvard. My research focuses on brain development and neural stem cells in health and disease. I just found out earlier this week that I am the recipient of a Presidential Award for the Department of Health and Human Services from President Obama for the research carried out in my lab. In reflecting on my career, I really wanted to pass on this news to Dr. Ken Kneidel, and thank him for his inspiring biology class. I also recognize that high school is an important time when many students begin to explore their passions in life and career paths begin to take shape. I would be more than happy to speak with any students or show them around my research lab here in Boston. Sincerely, Maria Lehtinen, PhD Assistant Professor Robertson Investigator, New York Stem Cell Foundation Boston Children’s Hospital Harvard Medical School
From: Sally Gray Smith ’82 Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2017 • 3:27 PM To: Ken Kneidel Subject: FW: Some news to share
2
Ken Hope you are well. You’ll enjoy the ema
il below!
Best, Sally
3 From: Ken Kneidel Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2017 • 5:17 PM To: Sally Smith Subject: Re: FW: Some news to share
Sally Gray Smith ’82 Associate Director of Development & Alum ni Relations Charlotte Latin School
Thanks, Sally! I’ll definitely write Maria! I also encourage you to take her up on her offer. If you do so, please let me know so I can attend. Between you and me (and Maria), let it be known that she took Honors Biology and not AP Biology and got a 79 on her Nervous System test. That alone should be a message that CLS students need to hear. It’s NOT all about AP courses, and a C+ IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD!!! As Maria’s success clearly shows in glorious flying colors. It’s all about passion for the subject matter, not test scores :) Ken
ALUMNI • CLASS NOTES
Meredith and Dave Powell ’97 live in Brooklyn with their three children.
Lori Voci ’98 married Ross Sohm in the Dominican Republic. Congratulations to TALIA CALIGIURI FANN and her husband, Alan, who welcomed son, Lucas Ray, on August 12, 2016. Congratulations to LORI VOCI and Ross Sohm who were married April 8, 2016 in the Dominican Republic. KATIE SCRUGGS LOGAN served as a bridesmaid, and Amy Voci Smith ’99 served as a Maid of Honor. Vinny Voci ’94 officiated the ceremony
Elizabeth Ann Arton is the daughter of Hunter Willard Arton ’98.
1996
Peggy Kane Thies peggythies33@gmail.com Holly Ivanoff Graham hollyigraham@gmail.com Martin Wilkins ’98 played Bela Zangler in Latin’s 1998 production of Crazy for You.
1997
Ben Vandiver bhvandiver@gmail.com DAVE POWELL and his wife, Meredith Richter Powell (a CCDS ’04 alumna) live in Dumbo, Brooklyn, with their three children, Rivers and Porter, 2-year-old twins, and Ella, who is one. Dave is a partner with King & Spalding in the Capital Transactions and Real Estate Group. He is also a Lecturer of Law at Columbia University Law School.
MARTIN WILKINS writes, “I had a tremendous time returning to Latin to see this year’s Upper School Musical, Crazy For You. It brought back wonderful memories of portraying Bela Zangler in our production of the musical my senior year. I continue to create, directing work in Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and Sacramento this past year. I even had the wonderful opportunity of mounting the local premiere of Robert O’Hara’s Bootycandy for Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte. This spring, I will be directing the regional premiere of SuzanLori Parks’ Father Comes Home from the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) at Actor’s Express in Atlanta.” Congratulations to HUNTER WILLARD ARTON and her husband, Michael, who welcomed Elizabeth Ann on December 16, 2016. The Artons live in Wilton, Connecticut. In Memoriam LAUREN NICOLE JAMES ’98 January 11, 2017
1998
Talia Caligiuri Fann talia.caligiuri@gmail.com Lucas Ray Fann, son of Talia Caligiuri Fann, was born on August 12, 2016.
Lauren Bowman Llamas lauren.llamas@duke-energy.com
1999
Karen Ubell karen.ubell@gmail.com Regan White reganmwhite@gmail.com Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
61
ALUMNI • CLASS NOTES
2000
Reagan Kenwell reagankenwell@gmail.com GLADDEN PAPPIN is completing his fourth year as a research assistant professor of political science at the University of Notre Dame. In Fall 2017, he will begin as an assistant professor of politics at the University of Dallas. This February, Gladden launched “American Affairs,” a new journal of public policy and political thought, as deputy editor. He and his wife, Jeannette Martina (née Funk), married in July 2008, and have two children: MarieTherese Charlotte, born on January 31, 2012, and Clement Bernard Melicourt, born on July 17, 2013. Gladden received his Ph.D. in government from Harvard in 2012 and writes frequently on topics in the history of political thought, as well as current politics.
Jeannette and Gladden Pappin ’00 are parents of two children.
Anna and Jack are the children of John and Ruth Van Dyke Wyatt ’02.
Congratulations to DEVON CHANDLER and Sean Newton who were married on May 21, 2016, in Asheville, N.C. Her wedding party included MARY DICKSON GORMAN and Jill Bainbridge Taylor ’01. Devon and Sean honeymooned in Antigua and St. Lucia and live in Charlotte where Devon is the Video Producer for Wray Ward and Sean is a Principal Consultant at NTT Data.
2001
Stephanie Hannon stephanie.hannon29@gmail.com
2003
2002
Tripp Cockerham tripp.cockerham@gmail.com Patrick Rivenbark Patrick.rivenbark@gmail.com Congratulations to ASHLEY MOTT ILHARRAMENDY and her husband, Sean, who welcomed their first daughter, Emma Elizabeth, on June 12, 2016. After living in Los Angeles, CA, for more than two years, the family moved back to Charlotte, where Sean is a Senior Manager at AT&T and Ashley is a Senior Consultant for Beautycounter. Congratulations to RUTH VAN DYKE WYATT and her husband, John, who welcomed Anna Laura on October 23, 2016. She joins big brother Jack.
62
LATIN Magazine
•
Devon Chandler ’00 married Sean Newton in May, 2016.
Spring 2017
Mary Holland Rankin Griffin mhrankin12@gmail.com Hunter Miller Miller.hunterl@gmail.com Katie Moody klmoody16@gmail.com The Class of 2003 enjoyed celebrating at CAITLIN TAYLOR’s wedding to Killian Lapeyre on May 21, 2016, in Austin, Texas. ELLEN KANE MARK was Matron of Honor, and CARMEN SCHMITT LEYTON, AMY BUCHANAN JOURDAN and ELIZABETH MIFFLETON WALLER were bridesmaids. Other members of the wedding party included KIMBERLY LIMENTANI STRICKLAND, KATIE MOODY and CABELL BELK. In addition, MARY HOLLAND RANKIN GRIFFIN, KATHERINE ZUGER LADD, RACHEL DECURTINS and ANNA KATHERINE WHELCHEL PRATT attended the festivities. The weekend kicked off with a Mexican fiesta and two-steppin’. Per Caitlin, it was such a treat to have so many 2003 classmates be part of her special day
Sean and Ashley Mott Ilharramendy ’02 welcomed daughter Emma on June 12, 2016. along with the Kane, Schmitt, DeCurtins, Whelchel, Limentani and Miffleton families, who gave the bridesmaid luncheon. Caitlin and Killian live in Atlanta where she is a first year resident in internal medicine at Emory and enjoys being neighbors with both ELLEN and ELIZABETH. Congratulations to KERIANN WHITE and Greg Kuperman who were married at Ballantyne Country Club on April 2, 2016. The bride’s sister, Regan White Craig ’99, was matron of honor. The couple has lived in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and will be moving to the Washington, D.C. metro area this spring for Greg’s work with MIT Lincoln Labs. In January, KeriAnn graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine and is a certified Physician Assistant.
ALUMNI • CLASS NOTES
Amelia Louise Gregg, daughter of Lizz Clegg Gregg ’04, was born on October 13, 2016 ERIN WESTON DONNER writes, “I released my third solo album this month. It’s called Anchored and is on Spotify and iTunes. Nick and I also spent a month in Jaco Beach in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, last month and traveled to the mountains and along the West coast. It brought back good memories from our CLS high school trip led by Dr. Kneidel.”
Class of 2003 friends celebrated with Caitlin Taylor ’03 during her wedding weekend. Ellen Kane Mark ’03 Matron of Honor.
2004
Lizz Clegg liclegg@gmail.com Shelton Metcalf shelton.metcalf@gmail.com Congratulations to LILA TURNER DUKE and her husband, Joseph, whose newest addition, Benjamin, was born on August 30, 2016. He joined big brother Turner who is 2 years old. The Dukes live in Savannah, Georgia.
Erin Weston Donner ’03 and husband, Nick, spent time in Puntarenas. Erin recently released an album, Anchored.
Congratulations to LIZ CLEGG GREGG and her husband, Duane, who welcomed Amelia Louise on October 13, 2016, in Charlotte.
KeriAnn White ’03 married Greg Kuperman on April 2, 2016.
2005
William Hodges whhodges@gmail.com Patrick Fitzpatrick p.fitzpatrick27@gmail.com ERIC RAMIREZ writes, “Lindsey and I got married at the Foundation for the Carolinas on July 23, 2016. We honeymooned in Europe for two weeks and visited Prague, Munich (for Oktoberfest), Amsterdam, Paris, and Barcelona. We look forward to traveling to Thailand this year for our oneyear anniversary.” The Ramirezes built a house in Bonterra Village in Indian Trail. Eric has worked with Spectrum (formerly Time Warner Cable) as a Project Manager for business services for four years, and obtained his PMP (Project Management Professional) certification in February 2017. Lindsey also works for Spectrum and recently transitioned
to a new role as a Business Operations Trainer. In his spare time, Eric enjoys playing drums with my band Off The Grid, which is hoping to book a few gigs around Montford and South End this spring/summer. KATE ANDERSON wrote the score for a Jodi Picoult musical, Between the Lines, opening in Summer 2017.
Turner and Benjamin Duke are the children of Lila Turner Duke ’04. Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
63
ALUMNI • CLASS NOTES
Celebrating Logan Blough’s ’08 wedding, (left to right) Callan Blough ’05 Hilary Barr ’08, Kathleen McDeavitt ’08, Stephen Buchanan ’08, Jaime Todd ’08, Cameron Ball ’08, Peter McDowell ’08, Liz Lewis ’08, John Finn ’08, Liza Price ’09, Chris Toussaint ’08, Max Hagler ’08 and Rob McAlister ’08.
Kate Anderson wrote the score for the musical Between the Lines.
Andrea ’08 and Juan ’09 Perdomo live in Denver where they work with Revolar.
2007
Lindsey and Eric Ramirez ’05 were married on July 23, 2016.
Brent Price Gallagher mbp1024@gmail.com Ashley Sigmon married Angus Brown on November 5, 2016.
Maddie Durrett madisondurrett@gmail.com Stuart Kessler stuart.a.kessler@gmail.com
Palmer Grace is the daughter of Nikki Papadopulos Jacobson ’06.
2006
Mary Salem Gregory marysalem.gregory@gmail.com Ashley Sigmon asigmon@gmail.com Mark Ashcraft mark.ashcraft@ally.com 64
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
NIKKI PAPADOPULOS JACOBSON and her husband, Page, welcomed a baby girl, Palmer Grace, on September 19, 2016. The Jacobsons live in Charlotte. Congratulations to ASHLEY SIGMON and Angus Brown who were married at the Van Landingham Estate in Charlotte on November 5, 2016. The couple lives in San Francisco, California, where Ashley works for Tipping Point Community.
ANNELISE SHELTON lives in Charlottesville, Virginia, and is an AP and Honors English teacher at Blessed Sacrament Huguenot, a K-12 private school similar to Latin in Powhatan, VA. Annelise says, “My school is an outdoor campus and it reminds me of my wonderful time at Latin. I teach 10th-12th grade students and rely heavily on my literary knowledge from Latin’s English department. I still use and teach from my annotated “Macbeth” from Mrs. Fletcher’s 9th grade English class and “Hamlet” from Mr. Pardee’s Shakespeare & Film class in 11th grade. I also try my best to embody Mrs. Klein’s passion for “Beowulf ” and the epic hero cycle!”
ALUMNI • CLASS NOTES
Korde Tuttle ’08 (left) is a playwright in New York City.
2008
Obi Okwara obinnayaokwara@gmail.com
Robert Jones ’10 married Cici Reid on December 17, 2016, and celebrated with many Hawks at his wedding reception.
Rachel Barkley rachelbarkley@kw.com TREVOR WYNN is attending law school at Loyola Marymount University. This summer, he will extern for a federal judge in the Central District of California. Congratulations to LOGAN BLOUGH and Lucy Goins who were married on April 16, 2016, in Atlanta, Georgia. Lucy and Logan live in the Madison Park neighborhood of Charlotte with their dog Henry. ANDREA PERDOMO lives in Denver, Colorado, where she co-founded Revolar, the maker of personal safety wearables. Andrea’s brother, Juan ’09, moved to Denver to help with Logistics and Supply Chain at Revolar which has launched an Indiegogo campaign for the second generation of product. KORDE TUTTLE is finishing up his last year at The New School in New York City, where he will receive his MFA in playwriting. Korde writes, “My thesis advisor is Branden JacobsJenkins, which is really exciting. My plan is to stay and work in NYC, though I am open to travel and working across media. As a writer at The New School, I’ve also received an education in screenwriting and TV writing.” This spring, Korde is excited to present two of his full-length plays, fully produced at The New School.
2009
Catie Faison catie.faison@gmail.com Meggie Trusty meggie.trusty@gmail.com
2010
Effe Ghartey-Tagoe effegharteytagoe@gmail.com Rachel Kokenes Kokenes@email.unc.edu Will Tome Tome.w@husky.neu.edu Congratulations to ROBERT JONES who married CiCi Reid on December 17, 2016, at University Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill, N.C., where the couple met as students at UNC-Chapel Hill. Former Hawks WILL McGINNIS, IAN SHORKEY and ALEX RYSKIEWICH joined Robert’s best man and brother Chris Jones ’12 in the groom’s wedding party, and Robert’s sister Anna Jones ’15 was a bridesmaid to CiCi, who is from Atlanta, GA. After honeymooning in Punta del Este, Uruguay and Chilean Patagonia, the couple is now together in New York City after being long-distance for two years. Robert is an associate at Bridge Growth Partners, a technology-focused private equity fund, and CiCi is a certified nurse midwife.
McCallie Jones ’10 is the women’s soccer coach at Emory & Henry College. MCCALLIE JONES lives in Emory, Virginia, where she was recently named Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Emory & Henry College.
Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
65
ALUMNI • CLASS NOTES Cari Breeney ’10 married Dallas Croom in March 2016.
Effe Ghartey-Tagoe ’10, Megan Harley ’10 and Caroline Gill ’10 gathered at the ACC tournament in March. Congratulations to CARI BREENEY and Dallas Croom who were married on March 5, 2016, in Charlotte. Both graduates of NC State University, the couple lives in Charlotte where Cari works as a financial benefits analyst for Aon Hewitt. Kelly Breeney ’13 served as the maid of honor and EFFE GHARTEY-TAGOE, MEGAN HARLEY, SARA MORRISON and KATIE SHEILD were bridesmaids. Collin Breeney ’09 was a groomsman. EFFE GHARTEY-TAGOE, MEGAN HARLEY and CAROLINE GILL attended the Carolina vs. Duke game at the ACC tournament in New York.
2011
Sarah Whitmore ’13 in NRG Stadium during Super Bowl week. A senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, SARAH WHITMORE writes, “FOX Sports University, developed by FOX Sports, engages students to compete to create real-world solutions, products and campaigns for Fox businesses. This year, UNC partnered with FOX Sports subsidiary, PROcast, to develop a comprehensive marketing campaign to launch the PROcast brand at this year’s Super Bowl. The challenge included developing a slogan, 30-second commercial spot, and activation strategy to take place at “Media Week” preceding the game. After pitching our “This Just Got Real,” campaign to PROcast executives, my team of five was selected as the overall winner, indicating that PROcast intended to implement our ideas as part of its national launch campaign! The PROcast team invited us to join them in Houston to 66
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
Michael Grace michael.r.grace@yale.edu
enact the activation strategy we helped build at Super Bowl LI.
Noland Griffith nolandgriffith@gmail.com
From the introduction of our Super Bowl themed project to its culmination at Media Week in Houston, the entire experience felt like the “real deal.” I was blown away by the opportunities and access I was given to contribute to and learn from the Fox Sports team. Working with Fox Sports U and PROcast gave my team a national platform for our ideas, something I never thought possible as a college student. Our 30-second “sizzle real” commercial spot was played on loop throughout media week on Radio Row – an area where every major radio station sets up shop and every Super Bowl athlete makes his rounds to do interviews during media week.”
Mary Padgett Hawkins marypadgetthawkins@gmail.com Jalen Ross jalen@email.virginia.edu Ann Louise Seaton alseaton13@gmail.com
ALUMNI • CLASS NOTES
Carter Tate ’14 (third from right) interned with the “Lou Dobbs Show” in New York City.
Ann Louise Seaton ’11 hiked the entire Appalachian Trail in 2016. Starting on July 4, 2016 and finishing on December 2, 2016, ANN LOUISE SEATON hiked the entire Appalachian Trail. Of her experience, Ann Louise says, “Thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail from Maine to Georgia will forever be one of my proudest accomplishments and favorite memories. I loved every minute of it from the tough climbs, to the gorgeous mountain vistas, to the people I met and hiked with – including Latin Alum, Martin Waters – and every part between Mt. Katahdin and Springer Mountain.”
2012
Ryan Carter carterra@email.wofford.edu Aseda Ghartey-Tagoe essie.a.ghartey-tagoe@vanderbilt.edu Chris Jones cjones41693@yahoo.com Kathryn Watts kathrynwatts2016@u.northwestern.edu
2013
Ashley Finke asfinke@me.com Jacob Nabatoff jacobsnabatoff@gmail.com Chris Paschal chris.paschal@me.com Ellie Sheild ellie.sheild@gmail.com
Congratulations to MARK MCALISTER, who has been awarded a prestigious yearlong Watson Fellowship for 2017-18. Mark is a senior biology major at Sewanee: The University of the South. Having served as a volunteer emergency medicine technician at Sewanee, he will conduct research on how a successful or unsuccessful emergency medical service affects the larger community in both urban and rural environments. Mark is one of forty Watson fellows selected for next year.
2014
Mason Ledonne mason.ledonne@tcu.edu
Mark McAlister ’13 has been awarded a Watson Fellowship.
Griffin Smith tgsmith9@live.unc.edu Mary Page Welch welchm18@wlu.edu CARTER TATE is finishing her junior year at New York University and is a student at the Tisch School of the Arts, majoring in Film and Television Media. Carter’s dream is to write and direct a feature film one day and she has loved making films since she was in Lower School at Latin. Eager for more practical experience, Carter began looking for television production internships and this past fall semester was selected for Fox News’ College Associates Program. She was assigned to work on the Lou Dobbs Show where she was allowed to edit footage and pitch ideas for his show. This semester, she acquired an internship with The Daily Show starring Trevor Noah. Her internship involves production assistant duties including logging footage, assisting on shoots and running errands for the staff. Outside of work and school, Carter has loved exploring all the city has to offer including visiting its many restaurants. She started @sugarcoatedcarter, a food Instagram site and was spotted and contacted by a writer for the New York Times. In addition, Carter takes guitar lessons in the city, loves running along the battery and is a member of Pi Phi sorority.
Caron Song ’15 plays lacrosse for Brown University.
2015
Anna Jones annajon@live.unc.edu Gray Smith gms@live.unc.edu Matthew Swimmer swimms15@wfu.edu Congratulations to CARSON SONG, a sophomore at Brown University, who received honorable mention for Inside Lacrosse’s preseason All-American team. Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
67
ALUMNI • CLASS NOTES Congratulations to KANYON TUTTLE whose Clemson Tigers beat the University of Alabama to win the 2017 National Football Championship. Congrats to redshirt freshman quarterback DANIEL JONES who was named Most Valuable Player of the Duke University football team in his first season as a college football player, an unprecedented honor for the Blue Devils. SEBASTIAN NABATOFF writes, “This spring semester I am studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain, as part of the UNC in Sevilla study abroad program. After many years of learning from the best at Latin, I am now putting my skills to the test. It has been challenging at times, but overall very fun and I’ve made a lot of progress. Other than practicing the language, I have loved living with a host family, traveling, the good weather, and, of course, the tapas!”
Kanyon Tuttle ’15 plays for the Clemson Tigers football team.
2016
Austin Acks austinacks@aol.com Duncan Keeley keeleyd20@hsc.edu E.C. Myers ecmm97@gmail.com Gabby Smith gnsmith4@gmail.com
Sebastian Nabatoff ’15 is spending a semester in Seville, Spain.
LOOKING ahead
May 21:
Baccalaureate
May 23:
Hawkspys Dinner and Awards Presentation
May 26: We’ve collected a few important dates for you to May 29: remember in the coming months. For a complete June 1: schedule of School events, please refer to MyLatin. You may also be interested in the following June 2: online calendars: June 2: Arts Events: www.charlottelatin.org/ArtsCalendar Athletics Events: www.charlottelatin.org/Athletics August 14:
68
LATIN Magazine
•
Spring 2017
August 21-22:
August 23:
Commencement Memorial Day – No School Grade 5 Moving Up Ceremony and Reception Grade 8 Moving Up Ceremony Dismissal of Grades 1-7 at 12:30 p.m. (TK & K at 11:45 a.m.) All Teachers Return Student Orientation First Full Day of Classes
CLS CORE VALUES
ANN CHANDLER TUNE ’16
EXPERT LINGUIST Ann Chandler Tune graduated from Charlotte Latin in 2016. At the end of her junior year at Latin, she had taken Advanced Placement Spanish Language and Culture, and fulfilled her Upper School foreign language requirements. With a clear affinity for the language, Tune approached her spanish teacher Gretchan Frederick and Latin’s Director of Global Studies Derek Smith for their assistance in determining what would become her next steps. Tune created and piloted an independent study that would engage her in a unique project per semester of her senior year. That fall, Tune began her “Independent Studies in Spanish and Global Studies” at LaCa (Latin American Contemporary Art) Projects in uptown Charlotte. She assisted with various initiatives at LaCa, a gallery dedicated to the presentation, development and promotion of Latin American art and culture within the United States. She worked with the artists, all from Latin American countries, interpreting for them, helping with their installations and gallery events. She also worked with the executive director on marketing, translating, art shows and special events. For class credit, Tune conducted an interview in Spanish with Cuban resident artist Vicente Hernández, whose show “Of the Real and Magnificent” was on display at LaCa. She used the footage to create an educational video (in Spanish, subtitled in English) which she presented to administrators, faculty, family and friends. In the spring, Tune worked with the Charlotte Bilingual Preschool, a preschool which prepares Spanish-speaking children for success in school and life by providing dual-language early childhood education. During this internship, Tune planned and taught (in Spanish) a full lesson involving reading, math, art, music and creative play to four year olds. She administered the school’s front desk, receiving and directing clients and calls primarily in Spanish. She translated brochures, flyers, and articles between English and Spanish and assisted in the planning of fundraising events. “Not only was this program a great way for me to advocate for my academic goals, but it also allowed me the chance to get involved in my community and make worldwide connections,” said Tune. Tune attends the University of Chicago and studied abroad in Paris this spring. “Charlotte Latin’s support for Ann Chandler’s Independent Studies allowed her to immerse herself in the Latino culture here in Charlotte and abroad,” said Ann Chandler’s mother Jane Tune. “The skills she acquired and the contacts she made will last her a lifetime.”
“Honor Above All” Charlotte Latin embraces the development of personal honor as a lifelong pursuit in the building of character. What is right and honorable is valued above all else. Adherence to the Honor Code is required from all members of the School community. We honor one another and our personal gifts and accomplishments. Commitment to Excellence The quest for excellence that has characterized Charlotte Latin since its founding extends to all aspects of School life and is viewed as the effort to do one’s best and to seek to improve continually. This quest embodies the boundless spirit that characterizes our School community, and it is grounded in our commitment to create an exceptional environment for teaching and learning. Leadership Charlotte Latin encourages the development of leadership as a lifelong characteristic of our students and adheres to the concept of service to others (servant leadership) as the ideal model that best meets the needs of our School community, our nation and the world. Respect for Oneself and Others Charlotte Latin holds that mutual respect is the foundation of our School community and that our respect for others leads us to serve them and to embrace diverse peoples and cultures. Personal Responsibility Charlotte Latin requires each person to be accountable for his or her actions. We all share responsibility for the welfare of the greater School community. Moral Courage Charlotte Latin leads by example and our members are willing to do what is right and true through the courage of their convictions in spite of possible consequences or the opinions of others. Morally courageous people are willing to admit their mistakes, to address injustice and to uphold the principle of “Honor Above All.”
CLS BELIEFS Everyone can learn and is encouraged to learn through as many opportunities as the School can provide. Honor is one of the most fundamental values, and upholding the Honor Code is a valued tradition. All students have unique talents and capabilities and have something to give to the community. Faculty and staff are always encouraged to continue their studies and their professional growth with the aid of staff development funds. Parents are an active and important part of the life of the School. All students will act in a manner consistent with the customs and courtesies of the School and the School Community. The School continues to review and update its programs in all areas. Teachers interact with students in a way that develops healthy relationships in a professional manner. The general campus – through its gardens, its statuary, and its buildings – promotes an atmosphere of peace and harmony. The leadership of the School shall be carried out in an atmosphere that encourages and supports these beliefs.
Spring 2017
•
LATIN Magazine
69
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE
PAID PERMIT #3031 CHARLOTTE, NC
9502 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28277-8695 704.846.1100 www.charlottelatin.org
CHARLOTTE LATIN SCHOOL
SUMMER PROGRAMS JUNE I2 – JULY 28, 20I7 CHARLOTTELATINSUMMER.COM