Charlotte Latin School
Charlotte Latin School
Service Recognition Program and
Brunch June 3, 2021
Service Recognition Program HONOREE GIFTS 50 Years
Silver Picture Frame
35 Years
Custom Artwork
30 Years
Crystal Bowl
25 Years
Pewter Tray
20 Years
Captain’s Chair
15 Years
Rosewood Clock
10 Years
Rosewood Box
5 Years Coaster
2021 HONOREES 50 YEAR HONOREE Ken Collins
35 YEAR HONOREES Mary Cerbie Gary Proctor
30 YEAR HONOREES Richard M. Fletcher Fletcher Gregory Bob Patten
25 YEAR HONOREES Louise Lucas Will Thomason
20 YEAR HONOREES Lou Ann Lambert Chris McRae Lisa Moreland Cheri Pratt Brian Rigo
15 YEAR HONOREES James Bean Chuck Edwards Chrissy McConaughy Sally Gray Smith ’82 Mark Tayloe Elizabeth Zuehlke
10 YEAR HONOREES Jillian Caskey Jill Flynn Starr French Jen Keith Thea Moore Matt Morrow Matilde Rodriguez Vernette Rucker Mike Schriffen Craig L. Summerville Avery Teichman Laura Walker
5 YEAR HONOREES Brittany Banda Amber Brown Susan Carpenter Lori Davis Anne Fisher Jaime Flett Kelly Fuller Kaila Gottschling Laurie Hidell Leslie Hylton Emily Pinkerton Margaret Sigmon Caroline Stamatovich Angel Trimble
KEN COLLINS Upper School Mathematics Teacher and Varsity Swimming Assistant Coach Family: Spouse: Mary Beth Children: Erin Fleischauer (’95) and Jason Fleischauer (son-in-law), Eli Collins (’97) and Alison Wong (daughter-in-law) Grandchildren: Leo, Elliot, and Arthur Hobbies: Swimming, walking, playing chess (especially with my grandsons), reading, traveling, and supporting organizations involved with social justice or environmental issues Favorite vacation: When we all spend a week together on one of the Carolina beaches Favorite midnight snack/food: Thai, Indian, and Italian What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Helping the class of ’91 organize, fund, and build the first Habitat For Humanity house built by CLS students. I was an advisor and wondered how we’d accomplish this ambitious goal. We had great Senior leadership and student, parent, and faculty support. The project showed the community that Latin students cared about people outside of the school. I keep a photo of the class, with the family, in front of the completed home on my desk. What is something we might not know about you? I failed my first algebra test! I had my wisdom teeth removed the day before and was not able to think straight during the test. Favorite movie/TV Show? The Treasure of Sierra Madre – a Humphrey Bogart movie. What do you love most about Latin? The faculty and staff are a pleasure to work with. There are wonderful staff whose work allows us to be a successful school. I enjoy teaching the students and helping them learn. I love coaching the swim team and working with the other coaches. I enjoy working with parents (especially alumni that I taught) so that their children can grow and become more successful students.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
50 Year Honoree
MARY CERBIE Lower School PE and Grade 7 Volleyball Family: Spouse: Jim Children: James and Melissa Pets: Easton and Porter (dogs), Marty (cat)
Hobbies: Anything related to the University of Texas, Kiawah Island, and baking Favorite place to vacation: Kiawah Island Favorite midnight snack/food: Burgers What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Being flown to the Notre Dame/Carolina football game on a private jet with a Latin parent. He dropped us off, flew to Kentucky, and then came back and picked us up all in the same day! What is something we might not know about you? I was a sailing instructor in college. Favorite movie/TV Show? Gilmore Girls What do you love most about Latin? As cliché as it sounds, it really is all about the kids and the relationships you form with them and their families.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
35 Year Honoree
GARY PROCTOR Facilities Family: Spouse: Bonnie Hobbies: Hunting and fishing Favorite place to vacation: West Virginia Favorite midnight snack/food: Lasagna What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Going on field trips and sports trips What is something we might not know about you? I rode my bicycle 30 miles from the country to the city, when I was 12 years old, to see my first girlfriend! Favorite movie/TV Show? Smokey and the Bandit What do you love most about Latin? Being around the kids
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
35 Year Honoree
RICHARD M. FLETCHER Visual Art Teacher Family: Spouse: Tiffany Children: Mac (13 years old) and Theo (12 years old)
Hobbies: Making art, fishing, knife making, beekeeping, and being a sourdough enthusiast Favorite place to vacation: I’ve been going to Kiawah Island every summer for the past 45 years. Favorite midnight snack/food: I love all kinds of food, but recently sushi. What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? I literally have a lifetime of them, as a student, coach, teacher, and parent, but meeting Tiffany on campus would have to be the best. What is something we might not know about you? I still play video games with former students who are all post 40 and have families of their own now. Favorite movie/TV Show? Saving Private Ryan What do you love most about Latin? When my father came out to see my art classroom, he said, “This is a place you could spend a lifetime.” He was right!
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
30 Year Honoree
FLETCHER GREGORY Associate Head and Chief Financial Officer Family: Spouse: Mary Son: Fletcher Dog: Annie Hobbies: Reading, running, walking, golf, yard work, involvement with Christ Episcopal Church Favorite place to vacation: Beach — Emerald Isle Favorite midnight snack/food: Seafood What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? The graduations of our children, walking into Mrs. Gregory’s Grade 1 class, our children’s state championships, seeing a student’s light come on to a new concept, so many friends What is something we might not know about you? I was on the original coaching staff of the Charlotte Hornets in 1988. Favorite movie/TV Show? M*A*S*H and Homeland What do you love most about Latin? It was a great partner in raising/educating our children. I also love the strong sense of community and Latin’s mission and core values.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
30 Year Honoree
BOB PATTEN Upper School Spanish Teacher, US Mentor, US Prom Director Family: Spouse: Ellen Children: Mary Grace (19 years old) and Ellie ’21 Dogs: Bella and Skylar Hobbies: Running with my dogs, tennis, reading (historical non-fiction), and travel Favorite place to vacation: The Beach —my favorite is New Smyrna Beach, Florida Favorite midnight snack/food: Ice cream, Tex-Mex, and Spanish cuisine What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Meeting my wife and having my children attend Latin. My memories go as far back as my father’s and mother’s days at the school. What is something we might not know about you? I bleed Carolina blue. I read a lot of historical non-fiction. I run 20–25 miles a week. Favorite movie/TV Show? Seinfeld, Cheers, Homeland, Outlander What do you love most about Latin? Right now, the way the school has come together to deal with the challenges of Covid 19. So many people have worked so hard to make the best of a tough situation and they have done so with love and compassion — that is a CLS trait and tradition. We saw this also when our family had some health challenges about four-and-a-half years ago, and the school and so many people were of great help and support to us.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
30 Year Honoree
LOUISE LUCAS Admissions Counselor Family: Spouse: Ed Children: Brian ’95 (married, lives in Richmond, VA) and Brooks ’98 (married, lives in Charlotte) Grandchildren: Five Hobbies: Spending time with family — especially our five grandchildren, any outdoor activities (hiking, golf, tennis, swimming), and reading on the porch in the mountains. Favorite vacation: Spending time in the NC mountains Favorite midnight snack/food: Delicious bread with any kind of cheese! What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? There are so many because I have been around the school for so many years in so many different roles. But I would have to say it is hard to beat that very first Grandparents’ Day as a grandparent. What is something we might not know about you? Chuck Baldecchi and I share a very special place, where he and I both grew up spending our summers, though not at the same time! Although the Baldecchis are fortunate to still call Sherwood Forest their summer home, it is just a wonderful memory for me. Favorite movie/TV Show? My favorite movie of all time is The Man From Snowy River, which causes my family a great deal of embarrassment. What do you love most about Latin? The people
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
25 Year Honoree
WILL THOMASON Upper School Art Teacher Family: Lanier, Harvey, Sidney, and Wills, Pru, Harry, and a flurry of cats
Hobbies: Taking care of the farm, a lot of gardening, and cutting down live things. Favorite vacation: Christmas in Italy Favorite midnight snack/food: Pie (any kind) What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Three weeks into my job here at Latin, my Department Chair, Sandy Pettijohn, told me I was doing a great job but that if I didn’t get a Day Timer (calendar) that I would be fired. What is something we might not know about you? It took me 10 years to graduate from college. I have worked for an advertising agency, I did photography printing for a year, and I’ve worked in construction. I can work in cast metals and bronze sculpting. Favorite movie/TV Show? The original Willly Wonka What do you love most about Latin? My students
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
25 Year Honoree
LOU ANN LAMBERT HR Generalist Family: Spouse: Brian Children: Cory (oldest son) and Laura (daughter-in-law), Matthew and Brittnay (daughter-in-law), Larissa and Donnie (son-in-law) Grandchildren: Annalise (9 years old) and Ava Leigh (4 years old) Dog: Megan (Corgi) Hobbies: Flower gardening, RVing, and dirt track racing with my family Favorite place to vacation: South Dakota and any visit to the beach Favorite midnight snack/food: A thick-crusted pizza and Memphis BBQ ribs What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? My favorite memory was the trip to France and Switzerland with our guides, Heidi and Richard Carpenter and my very special co-workers, Ashley Merritt, Virginia Ellison, Jean Asinger, Greg Lucas, and Brian Rigo. It was a tremendous time! What is something we might not know about you? I’m pursuing my Master Gardener certification. Favorite movie/TV Show? NCIS and Monday Night Discovery - Street Outlaws What do you love most about Latin? Latin is far more than a workplace to me. It has been a second home to me. When I have had worries or concerns outside of work, coming to work has given me comfort and balance. All of my coworkers are respectful, caring, and appreciative of each other.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
20 Year Honoree
CHRIS MCRAE Grade 8 Science Teacher, Summer Day Camps Co-Director Family: Spouse: Susan McRae Children: Conner and Lauren McRae Pets: three dogs, one cat, and nine fish Hobbies: Working in the yard, tennis, basketball, watching Survivor with the family, sweeping up the dog fur in the house. Favorite place to vacation: There is only one place — Disney. Favorite midnight snack/food: Pizza and Coke What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Spending time with my children as they attended school, eating lunch with them, and watching them play sports Favorite movie/TV Show? I’m a Sci-Fi guy, so The Expanse right now. What do you love most about Latin? Friendships, hands down
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
20 Year Honoree
LISA MORELAND US Math Teacher, Grade 9 chair Family: Spouse: Ted Children: Quincey ’22 and Nathan ’24 Pets: Ollie (dog) and Timmy (cat) Hobbies: Baking Favorite place to vacation: The beach in the summer with family Favorite midnight snack/food: I can’t pick a favorite — all food is good food! What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? I will always remember slogging my way up and down the Pisgah National Forest with a 10,000 lb. backpack with Jenn Moore and Neil McConaughy — ah, good times. What is something we might not know about you? I traveled across the continent of Africa a L-O-N-G time ago. Favorite movie/TV Show? I run the gambit from Silence of the Lambs to Miss Congeniality. What do you love most about Latin? My colleagues and the amazing students! What a great place to be for the last 20 years and hopefully, the next 20!
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
20 Year Honoree
CHERI PRATT Athletic Trainer Family: Dog: Annie (pit bull) Hobbies: Crafting, hanging out with Kay and Fay, long walks and cuddle time with Annie, my fur baby Favorite place to vacation: Anytime I get to travel to West Virginia for an extended period of time and visit with my family Favorite midnight snack/food: Almost everything my Mom prepares What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? A bus trip with the Varsity Girls’ Basketball team to a tournament in Orlando. I don’t think I have ever laughed so much during a work-related event. What is something we might not know about you? Nothing — no special discoveries to be found here! Favorite movie/TV Show? I like a variety of movies and TV shows; it all depends on the mood at that time. What do you love most about Latin? Great people and welcoming friendships, fabulous facilities, and a gorgeous campus
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
20 Year Honoree
BRIAN RIGO Fields and Grounds Supervisor Family: Spouse: Kay Children: Daniel, Crystal, and Misty Hobbies: Fishing and camping Favorite vacation: A trip to St. Augustine Favorite midnight snack/food: Steak and baked potato What do you love most about Latin? All of the great people I get to work with
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
20 Year Honoree
JAMES BEAN Learning Resources Teacher Family: My niece, Leah, lives in Austin, Texas. Here, in the Charlotte area, I have lots of cousins and friends, especially those connected with CLS. In Germany, where I used to live, I still correspond with and visit many friends. Most of them are retired, so there are plenty of chances to catch up when I go there on school vacations. Hobbies: Reading, especially good detective fiction and biographies, and music theater Favorite place to vacation: Germany and Austria Favorite midnight snack/food: Good southern cooking with lots of calories What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? I have lots of good memories of helping chaperone CLS trips to the JCL convention in Chapel Hill, led in expert fashion by Karen McQuaid and transported with skill and good humor by Gary Proctor. Fun times and smart students who always managed to excel in their competitions! What is something we might not know about you? I am addicted to all the word puzzles in the daily newspaper, not a fan of Sudoku, however! Favorite movie/TV Show? Most anything on PBS. I was an enthusiastic fan of Downton Abbey. What do you love most about Latin? No surprises here: the great colleagues and bright and enthusiastic students.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
15 Year Honoree
CHUCK EDWARDS US History Teacher, History Department Chair, Middle School Golf Coach, Summer Writing Institute Coordinator Family: Spouse: Caroline Children: Chuck (Grade 8), Sophie (Grade 6), and Isabelle (Grade 4) Dog: Tucker (Yellow Lab) Hobbies: I love to read, play golf, and travel — but these days I spend most of my time watching my kids play sports. Favorite vacation: Two years ago we took the kids to France. We had a blast. I tried not to give too many European history lectures while we wandered around Paris. Favorite midnight snack/food: Inizio’s pizza What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? I’ve spent most of my life here so I’ve got a few, but any day that I get to spend in the History office talking to my colleagues and friends is a good day. What is something we might not know about you? I won the bronze medal in curling at the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano. It’s true; I swear. Favorite movie/TV Show? I’ve got to go with Friends. What do you love most about Latin? The exciting, funny, intellectual, bizarre, and fascinating conversations I get to have with students on a daily basis.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
15 Year Honoree
CHRISSY MCCONAUGHY Middle School Math Curriculum Lead, Pre-Algebra and Advanced Algebra Teacher Family: Spouse: Neil McConaughy Children: Olivia Aldridge ’20 (University of the Arts ’24) and Liam McConaughy ’26 Dog: Lucy (5-year-old spoiled Havanese) Hobbies: Outside of school, I enjoy watching Olivia perform and Liam play sports. I like to binge watch Netflix with Neil and take naps when I can. Favorite vacation: A week at the beach where we can relax, play games, and just enjoy being together. With Olivia now in Philadelphia, I imagine our new favorite vacations will be going there any chance we can get! Favorite midnight snack/food: Pizza and wings — our Friday tradition! What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Seeing my daughter take the stage as Belle in her senior musical, Beauty and the Beast, is one of my favorite memories ever. I have also loved watching Liam join different sports teams this year. I have wonderful memories from traveling with colleagues over the years — seeing the panda at the San Diego Zoo with Donay Fullwood and Jenn Moore, eating at the top of the Space Needle in Seattle with Lori Granath, and going to Las Vegas with Neil and Jeff Wolfe. What is something we might not know about you? I LOVE playing craps! It is because of the math and probability, of course! Favorite movie/TV Show? I like shows that Neil and I enjoy together — Blue Bloods, Lucifer, Ozark, or anything that doesn’t put me to sleep! What do you love most about Latin? I love the family atmosphere. I love that my whole family has spent so many years here. I love teaching entire families of siblings and really getting to know the families. I love the laughter and camaraderie with my colleagues. I just love Latin and can’t imagine spending the last 15 years anywhere else!
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
15 Year Honoree
SALLY GRAY SMITH ’82 Director of Alumni Relations Family: Spouse: Eric Children: Griffin ’14 and Gray ’15 Dog: Dottie Hobbies: Walking (it’s therapy), reading, needlepoint, and puzzles (more Covid therapy) Favorite place to vacation: Lake Junaluska in Western North Carolina Favorite midnight snack/food: Today, it’s roasted sweet potato cubes and sunflower seeds on a bed of arugula with olive oil What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? The 50th anniversary Les Mis performance, the Oyster Roast, and the amazing group of volunteers that made it all possible What is something we might not know about you? I’m a former accountant who can’t stand grammar mistakes. Favorite movie/TV Show? Schitt’s Creek What do you love most about Latin? The 4000+ alumni — such a diverse, interesting, smart, and super cute group of folks
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
15 Year Honoree
MARK TAYLOE Head of Lower School Family: Spouse: Kim Children: Marcus (25 years old), Julia (21 years old), and Lane (19 years old) Pets: Belle and Hammie (dogs); Sally Cat, Harley, and Dexter (cats); Scout (Ferrett) Hobbies: Walking my dogs, reading, working in my yard, and following the Tar Heels. I need to start playing tennis again. Favorite place to vacation: My family’s river cottage on the Pamlico River near Bath Favorite midnight snack/food: New York Strip and sautéed vegetables What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? On the first day of this school year, when the buses started rolling in and I realized that we were indeed going to have school this year, a tear rolled down my cheek. Seeing those looks of excitement on the children’s faces, exhibiting excitement about coming back to school, was a picture worth a thousand words. What is something we might not know about you? When I was in Grade 6, we were celebrating my grandparents’ 50th anniversary in Chapel Hill. I was crossing the street in front of the Carolina Inn and ran straight into the path of an oncoming car. I was knocked backwards and had to go to the hospital to get stitches in my knee. I broke up the party but certainly lived to tell about it. Favorite movie/TV Show? The Andy Griffith Show What do you love most about Latin? The culture of wonderful people, commitment to excellence, and emphasis on civility.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
15 Year Honoree
ELIZABETH ZUEHLKE US Administrative Assistant Family: Spouse: Bill Children: Andrew, Emily, and James Favorite vacation: After years of tent camping, I’m eager to experience running water in hut-to-hut or inn-to-inn travel. Favorite midnight snack/food: Anything that is gluten-free and sweet What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Our first visit to CLS was on a beautiful May Day Play Day. We had just left mud season in Maine, and the Latin campus was simply alive and welcoming in every possible way. What is something we might not know about you? I once stole a cookie from my elderly neighbor’s kitchen while sleep-walking. People might not lock their doors in Maine, but they do keep baseball bats by their beds! Favorite movie/TV Show? The Jamaican bobsled team in Cool Runnings still gets my blood pumping. What do you love most about Latin? For 17 years, Latin has offered the Zuehlkes rewarding careers; served as a hub for great friendships and entertainment; provided our kids an incredible education; allowed us time to travel and be with family; and on the 20th of each month it has provided the means to afford far more than the essentials of food, shelter, and healthcare. There’s an awful lot to love about Latin!
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
15 Year Honoree
JILLIAN CASKEY Middle School Administrative Assistant Family: Spouse: Brandon Children: Everleigh and Emmett Dog: Boomer
Hobbies: I love to ride horses, spend time with family, and go to the beach. Favorite vacation: A week at Oak Island with my family. Seeing the littles run around together and grow up together is the best vacation a mom could ask for, doesn’t matter the location. Favorite midnight snack/food: Anything Italian What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Helping with all of the Middle School musicals and participating in Mary Poppins What is something we might not know about you? I worked as a surgical assistant for seven years before coming to Latin. I saw some pretty cool stuff and was able to hold a beating heart! Favorite movie/TV Show? I don’t get to watch anything, unless it’s kids’ movies or shows, so how about Moana, Frozen, or Finding Nemo. The list goes on and on. What do you love most about Latin? The fact my children are now part of the Hawk family because of The Nest.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
10 Year Honoree
JILL FLYNN Grade 5 Teacher Family: Spouse: Alan Children: Jessica ’19, Lindsay ’21, and Matthew ’26 Hobbies: Watching, cheering, and driving carpools for the kids’ sports and activities. Also, a lot of time on the boat at the lake or the beach when possible. Favorite place to vacation: Martha’s Vineyard every summer Favorite midnight snack/food: A good burger What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Watching my oldest daughter graduate after attending Latin since Kindergarten What is something we might not know about you? I secretly love some good heavy metal music. Favorite movie/TV Show? Schitt’s Creek What do you love most about Latin? I know it is said often, but the people! Such a welcoming and caring community all around.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
10 Year Honoree
STARR FRENCH Teacher Assistant in The Nest Family: Spouse: Louis French Hobbies: Yoga (staying active and exercising), traveling
Favorite place to vacation: Any beach but our favorite is Tybee Island Favorite midnight snack/food: Raw, vegan chocolate cake What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Getting to see the smiles on the kids faces every day What do you love most about Latin? Being able to help children develop
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
10 Year Honoree
JEN KEITH Grade 5 Teacher, Swim Coach Family: Dog: June (rescue dog) Hobbies: Triathlons, fitness, coaching Favorite place to vacation: Kona, Hawaii for the Ironman World Championships Favorite midnight snack/food: Dark chocolate What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Checking out Colonial Williamsburg for the first time with Beth Eastridge What is something we might not know about you? I’m fairly competitive. Favorite movie/TV Show? Friday Night Lights What do you love most about Latin? The Grade 5 Dream Team and SOAR Day Twinning
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
10 Year Honoree
THEA MOORE Upper School Science Teacher Family: Spouse: Mark Cat: Cinder
Hobbies: Purchasing expensive art supplies but not using them ;-), listening to Audible, running, listening to Trap music, Geneology Favorite place to vacation: Piemonte Italy Favorite midnight snack/food: Anything spicy! What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Having fun with the Science Department in an Escape Room! What is something we might not know about you? I have three kidneys. Favorite movie/TV Show? Lord of the Rings Trilogy What do you love most about Latin? How close we are as a family!
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
10 Year Honoree
MATT MORROW Assistant Head of Middle School Family: Spouse: Barbara Morrow Children: Mattie, Danny, and Hope ’21 Grandchildren: James and Caleb Pets: Murphy (dog) and Bitsy (cat) Hobbies: I enjoy spending time with my family. We like playing pickleball, shopping (mostly at Costco), and trying new places to eat when we travel to soccer games or go on vacations. Favorite place to vacation: Visiting warm places like Florida or the beaches in North Carolina and South Carolina with my family and spending time in the North Carolina mountains with my parents. My wife and I really enjoy traveling to Cancun to unwind, soak up the sun, and enjoy the beautiful beaches. Favorite midnight snack/food: I really enjoy trying out the highly-rated restaurants when we travel, but nothing compares to my wife’s cooking. What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? It is hard to pick only one favorite Latin memory because I’ve enjoyed many things in my 10 years at Latin. Watching my daughter, Hope, compete in school sports is pretty special to me (seeing her make a big save in soccer or hitting the game-winning shot for Latin). Also, attending different events on campus as a family is very special to me. What is something we might not know about you? I don’t like going to amusement parks; I like to fix things that break (dishwasher, washing machine, cars, etc.); and I’m not afraid of trying new projects at home. Favorite movie/TV Show? Survivor is probably my favorite show of all time. I don’t think I’ve missed an episode in 40 seasons. What do you love most about Latin? Latin is a special place to work. People genuinely care and look out for each other. Also, the fact that my wife and daughter are here with me.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
10 Year Honoree
MATILDE RODRIGUEZ Infant Room Lead Teacher in The Nest Family: Children: Madeline (20 years old) and Daniel (16 years old)
Hobbies: Going to the movies, listening to music from the 80s, and shopping Favorite place to vacation: Hard to pick — my first three are: Disney World, Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas. Favorite midnight snack/food: Chicken wings What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Playing pranks on my coworkers at The Nest What is something we might not know about you? I am afraid of bugs. Favorite movie/TV Show? Movie: Blended, TV: The Golden Girls What do you love most about Latin? The people
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
10 Year Honoree
VERNETTE RUCKER Director of Gift Accounting and Records, Black Student Alliance Advisor Family: Spouse: Reggie Rucker (25 years) Children: Jabari, Zakiya, and Nyela ’23 Dog: Macadoo Hobbies: Gardening, listening to music, volunteering in the community, traveling, taking naps, and spending time with family and friends Favorite place to vacation: New Orleans Favorite midnight snack/food: Thanksgiving food What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Going on the Outward Bound trip with coworkers in 2012 What is something we might not know about you? I was run over by a city bus in 2002 in uptown Charlotte, actually run over. Favorite movie/TV Show? Breaking Bad, Queen Sugar, David Makes Man What do you love most about Latin? What I love most about Latin is being surrounded by people who work hard and have fun while doing it.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
10 Year Honoree
MIKE SCHRIFFEN Grade 5 Teacher Family: Spouse: Meg Children: Anna (7 years old) and Jack (5 years old) Dog: Tucker (1-year-old Golden Retriever) Hobbies: Spending time at our lake house, dominating my neighbors by having an awesome lawn, and enjoying family time Favorite place to vacation: Pawley’s Island Favorite midnight snack/food: Smoked wings, pizza What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Getting food poisoning at Camp ThunderBird during our Grade 5 overnight trip (wonderful memory) What is something we might not know about you? I have a twin brother. Favorite movie/TV Show? The Office, Ozark What do you love most about Latin? Everything!
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
10 Year Honoree
CRAIG L. SUMMERVILLE Tech Support Family: Spouse: Kathy Daughter: Lauren ’06 Hobbies: Being the PA announcer for Queens University of Charlotte Athletics, golf, gardening, woodworking/woodturning, and designing/ building loudspeakers Favorite place to vacation: A quiet cabin in the mountains Favorite midnight snack/food: Steak What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Keeping the scorebook for the volleyball team and announcing their games, especially when my daughter was on the team. She played a part in the first two of nine straight state titles, all of which I scored and some of which I announced. What is something we might not know about you? I was the first student from Charlotte Latin to audition for and be accepted into the North Carolina Honors Chorus. Favorite movie/TV Show? Movie: The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across The 8th Dimension TV: The Expanse What do you love most about Latin? After nearly 50 years of being associated with the school, whether as an alumnus, the parent of an alumna, or an employee, the most consistent part remains the sense of family and community.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
10 Year Honoree
AVERY TEICHMAN Kindergarten Assistant Teacher Family: Spouse: Will Teichman Children: Flinn and Mary Talbott Dogs: Harris (16 years old!) and Cash (1.5 years old and naughty) Hobbies: Running, yoga, reading, eating (which includes cleaning after Will cooks), laundry, grocery ordering, and maintaining four people’s schedules Favorite vacation: Washington, D.C. during the 4th of July when the kids were 8 and 5 Favorite midnight snack/food: Baby Back ribs or mayonnaise What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Every day, when my children tumble into my classroom with hugs, stories, and immediate snack requests. It used to be chance recess encounters when my kids’ recess time overlapped with my class recess. When they were little, they would tackle me with a playground hug, but now they are too embarrassed, so they wait until they’re in my room. Third best memory is when Mark Tayloe supervised the locker room for Grade 1 swim and my son came home with his pants (and belt) on backwards. I couldn’t tell which was the front or the back. What is something we might not know about you? In my first 30 years, I lived in eight different states. Charlotte is the only place I’ve lived more than seven years. Favorite movie/TV Show? Ted Lasso is the last thing I watched from beginning to end in three days! What do you love most about Latin? My kids are thriving and feel secure — not without significant private challenges. People, books, and the Arts have made that possible. I hope I’m one of those people for somebody else’s child. That’s why I’m still here 10 years later.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
10 Year Honoree
LAURA WALKER Co-Director, Summer Day Camps Family: Spouse: Nathan Son: Ben Dog: Petunia (English Bulldog) Hobbies: Jewelry making, the outdoors, photography, painting, and creating special moments for Ben Favorite place to vacation: Little Switzerland, NC Favorite midnight snack/food: Baked Ziti What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Being able to see my son on campus taking walks with his class. I especially love The Nest Halloween parade. What is something we might not know about you? I would love to learn to play the harp. Favorite movie/TV Show? Downton Abbey What do you love most about Latin? My camp staff! They are the life of our program. I look forward to each summer season!
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
10 Year Honoree
BRITTANY BANDA Grade 6 Science Teacher, MS Science Curriculum Lead, Head Varsity Softball Coach Family: Spouse: Mike Banda Pets: Olive and Laila (dogs), Eli (horse)
Hobbies: Horseback riding, spending time at the beach, and spending time with family and friends Favorite place to vacation: Anywhere at the beach Favorite midnight snack/food: I love ALL food! What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? I have enjoyed getting to know all of my colleagues and working on the Grade 6 team! What is something we might not know about you? I am originally from New Hampshire but I definitely don’t miss the snow. Favorite movie/TV Show? Any type of crime/mystery TV shows or movies What do you love most about Latin? I feel very fortunate to work in the Middle School with a wonderful, supportive group of colleagues.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
5 Year Honoree
AMBER BROWN Grade 1 Lead Teacher Family: Spouse: Andrew Brown Children: Lennon (5 years old) and Hendrix (2 years old) Dog: Duncan (13 years old) Hobbies: Soccer (Manchester United), reading,and family walks/adventures Favorite place to vacation: Going to the beach Favorite midnight snack/food: Pizza What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? On my first-ever Grandparents’ Day, I wore mismatched shoes to school and didn’t realize it until I was already here and the day had started. I just had to go with it, ha! The kids got a good kick out of it, too. What is something we might not know about you? I lived in Cape Town, South Africa, for a couple of years growing up. What do you love most about Latin? The colleagues that have become family and the amazing students/ families that we have each year!
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
5 Year Honoree
SUSAN CARPENTER Director of Marketing & Communications Family: Spouse: James “Andy” Carpenter Children: Eva Louise Carpenter (Brown ’22) and Lucy Carpenter (Brown ’24) Dogs: Pip, Weezy, and Olive (Terriers) Hobbies: Pottery, painting, piano, knitting, Vermont, bread making, travel, gardening, Taoism, lots of reading, and listening to music (Philip Glass, Bach’s Partitas, Jay-Z) Favorite place to vacation: Somewhere far away, challenging, and exotic — Morocco, India, Thailand, Turkey Favorite midnight snack/food: Japanese What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Walking on campus the first time during my interview process — it felt like home. What is something we might not know about you? I work really hard at relaxing and I am a huge Jane Austin fan. Favorite movie/TV Show? The Larry Sanders Show, Freaks and Geeks, The Sopranos What do you love most about Latin? The amazing people!
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
5 Year Honoree
LORI DAVIS Director of Student Publications: Blue Review Adviser, The Hawk Eye Adviser, Eyry (Yearbook) Adviser Family: Spouse: Bryan Son: Adam Cat: Maggie Hobbies: Boating, swimming, reading, and writing Favorite place to vacation: Wherever there is water Favorite midnight snack/food: Anything vegetarian What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? When the first editorial board of Blue Review opened the first boxes of the magazine — I loved seeing how excited they were to see their hard work come to life in print. That moment never gets old. What is something we might not know about you? I’m pretty obsessed with cars — my entire family shares this passion. My father was a car dealer. If I could afford one, I’d own a Porsche 911 Targa or Cabriolet. It was my father’s favorite car. Favorite movie/TV Show? Mad Men What do you love most about Latin? My students, of course :)
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
5 Year Honoree
ANNE FISHER Director of The Nest Family: Spouse: Tom Daughter: Avery Pets: Lucy and Burrito (cats) and Asher (dog)
Hobbies: Kayaking, hiking, baking, and travel Favorite place to vacation: Our extended family gathers together every Fourth of July at Seabrook Island, South Carolina. Favorite midnight snack/food: Ice cream What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? For our Halloween parade in 2020, we were not able to include parents or walk inside the buildings to see students and teachers like we usually do. I thought we would have our “parade” around campus with no spectators. Each corner that we turned on our route, a small group of Latin faculty, staff, and students was waiting outside to watch us and wave hello. I was so thankful for their presence and encouragement that day, and it made it much more fun! What is something we might not know about you? I worked at an international school in LaPaz, Bolivia, for two years. Favorite movie/TV Show? This Is Us What do you love most about Latin? The wonderful people!
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
5 Year Honoree
JAIME FLETT Grade 1 Assistant Teacher Family: Spouse: Adam Daughters: Kayla ’25, Allie ’26, and Julia (rising Kindergarten) Hobbies: Cooking, gardening, fishing, and drawing with sidewalk chalk Favorite vacation: My favorite family vacation was driving up to Niagara Falls in 2019. Favorite midnight snack/food: I love a good charcuterie board and wings! What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Listening to my children and students sing the Grandparents’ Day song! It gets me every time! What is something we might not know about you? I often roll up scotch tape when I am nervous. It has to be the green box too. Favorite movie/TV Show? General Hospital and Shark Tank What do you love most about Latin? I feel so lucky to work with pretty amazing people. I learn from them, laugh with them, and truly enjoy spending my days with them. I feel very fortunate and blessed to be surrounded by wonderful colleagues.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
5 Year Honoree
KELLY FULLER Preschool Lead Teacher in The Nest Family: Spouse: Jocquin (Band Teacher at Latin) Daughter: Olivia ’23 Dogs: Pepper and Max
Hobbies: Crafts, crochet, knitting, sewing, riding bikes, and walking Favorite place to vacation: Honolulu, Hawaii Favorite midnight snack/food: Mexican What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Watching my daughter dance on the Dance Team at football games while hanging out with my husband in the Pep Band What is something we might not know about you? I love video games and dancing. Favorite movie/TV Show? Parks and Rec, Game of Thrones What do you love most about Latin? I love how the faculty looks out for each other’s children. The Latin employees are like a community within a community.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
5 Year Honoree
KAILA GOTTSCHLING Visual Arts Department Chair TK–12, Lower School/Middle School Art Teacher Family: Spouse: Mark Gottschling Children: Mason (19 years old) and Hope ’24 Pets: Shaggy (Yorkie-Poo), Dublin (GoldenDoodle), and Buttercup (Lop Eared Bunny) Hobbies: Kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking, painting, and baking Favorite place to vacation: Canada to see family Favorite midnight snack/food: French What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? My initial interview, when I felt the incredible warmth and sense of family from the students and faculty! Favorite movie/TV Show? My Fair Lady What do you love most about Latin? The intentional process of educating faculty and students, from an emotional and academic standpoint!
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
5 Year Honoree
LAURIE HIDELL Teacher in The Nest Family: Spouse: David Children: Margaret Ann ’21 (Latin Lifer) and Emily ’23 Dog: Grady (Yellow Lab, 13 years old) Hobbies: Avid exerciser; enjoy spending time outside doing yard work, gardening, or little house projects; involved in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS); and have been a part of the Leadership Committee for the LLS Students of the Year Campaign Favorite place to vacation: Pagosa Springs, Colorado — skiing and hanging out in the hot mineral springs. It is a very adventurous vacation full of bonding. Favorite midnight snack/food: Italian What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Seeing all the children from my classes at May Day Play Day. They all come up to me and give the best hugs ever. What is something we might not know about you? I love to dance. Favorite movie/TV Show? Pretty Woman What do you love most about Latin? Our mission. Teachers care so much about the children and families we serve every day.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
5 Year Honoree
LESLIE HYLTON Upper School Math Teacher, Varsity Softball Coach Family: Fiancé: Billy Zhao Parents: Deborah and Scott Hylton Pet: Olie Hobbies: Playing slow-pitch softball in a local community league, learning Korean, and reading Favorite place to vacation: I love our trips to Disney World :) Favorite midnight snack/food: Pizza What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? My favorite memory is when the Math Department all coordinated for Spirit Week and each had a digit of pi. We then lined up in order and took a picture. What is something we might not know about you? I can read and speak Korean but only at a beginner’s level that can help me survive in the country (reading road signs and communicating in stores). Favorite movie/TV Show? This one is tough! My favorite movie is probably Titanic. What do you love most about Latin? I love all my wonderful colleagues :)
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
5 Year Honoree
EMILY PINKERTON Major Gifts Officer Family: Spouse: Brad Children: Nora (5 years old) and Shields (2 years old)
Hobbies: Entertaining at home, exploring Charlotte, listening to inspirational podcasts, and playing and laughing with my littles. Favorite place to vacation: Enjoying lazy, sunshine-filled days at my family’s cottage at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia Favorite midnight snack/food: Mediterranean What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Specific memory: the joy and confidence I saw in my little gal on her first day of Kindergarten as a Hawk. Over the past five years, seeing each facility project of Vision2020 come to life has been exciting. What is something we might not know about you? A trip to Greece tops my travel wish list! Favorite movie/TV Show? Favorite TV show of all time is Parenthood, movie - Father of the Bride (both 1 and 2!) What do you love most about Latin? The work-life balance it has afforded me in this season of my life
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
5 Year Honoree
MARGARET SIGMON Director of Learning Resources Family: Spouse: John Ellis Children: Alison ’96, Lee ’01, and Ashley ’06; stepdaughters Lisa and Laurie Grandchildren: eight (all living in Charlotte), four step-grandchildren (three girls and one boy) Cats: Benny and Jasper Hobbies: Walking, exercise, reading, gardening, travel, and any activity with my grandchildren Favorite place to vacation: Any beach Favorite midnight snack/food: Breakfast - any time of the day What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Afternoons outside watching my children play softball, baseball, or field hockey for CLS What is something we might not know about you? I worked part-time in Admissions doing Kindergarten assessments from 1986–1995. Favorite movie/TV Show? Madame Secretary What do you love most about Latin? The genuine sense of community and feeling of belonging to a “family”
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
5 Year Honoree
CAROLINE STAMATOVICH Lead Preschool Teacher in The Nest Family: Spouse: Petar Children: Charlotte (Charlie) and Ana
Hobbies: Traveling to the beach and mountains with family, shopping, and taking walks Favorite place to vacation: Going to the beach every summer with family Favorite midnight snack/food: Pizza What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? Being able to teach my daughter in Preschool and watch her grow and succeed as a person and student What is something we might not know about you? I have a family of girls. I have two sisters, eight nieces, and two daughters myself. Favorite movie/TV Show? The Proposal What do you love most about Latin? Latin gives families the opportunity to be life-long members of a great community from infancy until high school graduation.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
5 Year Honoree
ANGEL TRIMBLE Assistant Athletic Director, Sports Information Director, Varsity Swimming Assistant Coach Family: Spouse: Collins Children: Austin (20 years old) and Carter (17 years old) Dog: Sandy (8-year-old Yellow Lab) Hobbies: Fitness, sports (especially Virginia Tech athletics and now UGA), photography, hiking, or really anything outdoors. I love to read but find little time to do it. Favorite place to vacation: I love a week at the beach, but our family trip to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons, and another trip to Mt. Rainier/Seattle/Olympic Peninsula, have been the most memorable. Favorite midnight snack/food: I love breakfast foods, Italian, homemade cookies, and a really gooey grilled cheese. What is your favorite Charlotte Latin memory? My favorite memories are all coaching-related. It’s an incredible feeling to help kids through challenges, see them develop, and ultimately achieve a goal or surpass their own expectations for themselves. I’ve been lucky enough to experience that several times. The energy of last year’s state basketball championship was also pretty incredible. What is something we might not know about you? I initially went to college to become an architect. Favorite movie/TV Show? I watch a lot of sports but not many TV shows. My family did enjoy Ozark over the summer. Our favorite family movie is Miracle. We quote it all the time and watch it on every family vacation. What do you love most about Latin? Primarily relationships — the ones that form over time with the kids. The support and humor of my fellow athletic admin team colleagues. But I also really appreciate the overall thoughtfulness and intention to do what is right that is inherent in the Latin culture.
Charlotte Latin School Service Recognition 2021
5 Year Honoree
Goodbye to Our Retirees KEN COLLINS Upper School Math “You don’t sustain something for 50 years on your own. It is the people I work with. They are great educators but, even more, they are great people.”
LOU ANN LAMBERT Human Resources “I want to invest more time in my community of Union County and volunteer at local schools, get to know my neighbors, and spend time with my husband, family, and grandchildren.”
LOUISE LUCAS Admissions Louise is thankful that Latin has been a primary focus of her life. “I feel fortunate that the school provided all that it has for me, first as a parent, then on the Board, and then — the icing on the cake — as an employee.”
BILL ZUEHLKE Upper School Science After retirement, Bill and Elizabeth are “going to do what we want to do, when we want to do it!” They plan to spend time together as a family especially this fall, when they will have their first grandchild.
ELIZABETH ZUEHLKE Upper School Office “We hope to find outlets to once again give back to the larger community, to spend more time with our families and enjoy being grandparents for the first time this fall, to travel, to take better care of ourselves.”
The global pandemic has affected both our mental and physical health. The teachers and staff at Charlotte Latin did such an amazing job this year! We are so thankful for your effort, endurance, and overall greatness. That strength is an exercise of the mind, not just the body. By staying positive and refusing to give up, despite the challenges that came our way, our inner strength will endure.
“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent Van Gogh
CRITERIA FOR SERVICE RECOGNITION All members of the Charlotte Latin School staff working a minimum of 20 hours per week are recognized in five-year increments beginning with five years. For the purpose of this program, the year commences in September and includes anyone who is in the employ of the school no later than January 31 of the following year. Staff members commencing employment after January 31 will become eligible for recognition the following school year. In the event that an interruption in service occurs, total years of service are cumulated. Years spent on leave or outside the employ of the school shall not be included in the total. Excepted from this and qualifying for inclusion in years of service are: sabbatical, exchange program, and/or other school-sanctioned programs.