The Galax (Summer 2018 Issue)

the

galax

Summer 2018

a publication of christ school

NEW CLOSE | KRIEGER ATHLETIC CENTER Honors Excellence in Greenies’ Athletics, Old and New

Summer | 2018 Editor: Donna Wheeler P’21 Design: Steve Parker Design Editorial Contributions: Connor Booher ’20, Matt Chisholm, Mary Dillon, Joe Dalton, Marcel Duhaime, Douglas Gibson, Brent Kaneft, Bobby Long, Jennifer MacDonald P’20, Olga Mahoney P’20, Andrew Pearson, Emily Pulsifer P’15, P’17, Paige Wheeler.

Photographic Contributions: Sarah Baldwin, Steve Brady, Marcel Duhaime P’18, Bobby Long, Olga Mahoney P’20, Jerry Mucklow, John Warner, Ross Weathersbee ’10, Donna Wheeler P’21.

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The magazine’s name, The Galax, honors a traditional school emblem, the galax plant, which is indigenous to our area of Western North Carolina.

The Galax is published two times a year by the Christ School Advancement and Communications Offices: Betsy Ellis, Director of Advancement, Paige Wheeler, Interim Director of Advancement; Donna Wheeler, Director of Publications, Kathryn J. Belk, Annual Loyalty Fund Director, Savannah Parrish, Advancement Office Manager, Dan Stevenson ’72 P’15, Director of Alumni Affairs and Major Gift Officer, Kendra Castle, Director of Digital Marketing, Andrew Pearson, Digital Content and Communications Specialist, and Ross Weathersbee ’10, Digital and Media Specialist.

Send submissions to: Galax Editor, Christ School, 500 Christ School Road, Arden, NC 28704 or call 828-684-6232, ext. 104.

You can also submit information through our web page at www. christschool.org or to Donna Wheeler at dwheeler@christschool. org.

Christ School admits boys in grades eight through twelve based on academic ability, personal qualifications, and recommendations, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, or national and ethnic origin.

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Feature Story: An In-Depth Look at the New Close | Krieger Athletic Center

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38 table of contents

from the head 4 discover asheville 6 feature story 8 in & around yard a

14 young men of distinction 44 under the lights 50

great outdoors 58 beyond the gate house 60

class notes 74

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ringing true & standing Still Crossing Alumni Plaza after lunch in Stolz Hall, these Greenies head to afternoon classes.

boys!

by Paul Krieger

have feelings 4

from the head

It’s funny what you hear about boys and I hear it from every sector: parents, relatives, friends, alumni, and faculty. I have learned much from these constituencies and have come to the conclusion that the subject of boys is a lot like politics: everyone seems to have an opinion. In today’s culture, everyone is quick to stereotype boys, especially the media which constantly focuses on attributes that are all too common – impulsive, risky, overly-social, and emotional.

Yes, emotional. When we hear the word “emotional” and “boys” in the same sentence, our minds quickly jump to connotations such as anger, risky behavior, and perhaps even danger.

I think those connotations and stereotypes are overly simplistic, limited, and unfair.

Outside of the Innovation Lab in Wetmore Hall, Marcel Duhaime (Our Engineering and Robotics Instructor) has placed a chalk board with a simple and open-ended statement that is purposefully incomplete. “How Will You Change the World? I Will….” Any student can walk by and choose to complete the statement.

I walk by this chalk board every day, eager to see what our students have posted. Some examples:

too

I WILL help people solve problems I WILL open my mind more I WILL change my attitude I WILL speak less I WILL become Batman I WILL learn everybody’s name I WILL press the button that will take me to Graduation I WILL build an artificial liver I WILL change my perspective These seemingly random thoughts are as interesting as they are whimsical, but they often represent a window into souls – if even for a brief and fleeting moment. Boys are full of feelings, judgements, opinions, and fears. While girls appear to better articulate their feelings, and do so more concisely in expressing their emotions, boys tend to act out their feelings, both kinetically and physically. That can be at once thrilling and rewarding to watch; but it can also be awkward, perhaps even unpleasant.

Parents and adults might be strategically placed in young men’s lives with the charge to educate, socialize, and civilize them. But after we have done our best, it’s time to sit back and behold what emerges.

Boys also defy emotional gravity when it comes to relationships, which can both excite and

energize at the same time. From my experience, boys actually thrive on relationships. Teachers who consistently show real and demonstrated interest in their students outside of the classroom can give a boy the confidence and emotional security that can change his perceptions and feelings. At Christ School, our boys feel safe; they trust each other; they trust the adults in this community – that’s why they share their emotions on public chalk boards, just part of the beauty and benefit of an all-boys school.

Graduation this year was particularly interesting. In the weeks preceding it, more than a dozen seniors came to see me, sometimes alone, sometimes in groups. Sauntering into my office ostensibly just to “chat,” without an appointment, just to say “Hey,” it soon became apparent there was more to it. They actually did have something to say to me, and it usually took a few minutes for them to zero in. “I’m going to miss this place.”

“You know, Mr. Krieger, I grew up here.” “This school has changed me,” “The reasons why I chose to come here are not the reasons why I stayed here.” And so on. All of this was their

way of reminiscing, reflecting, and thanking. So innocent and boyish in nature and delivery, but also so heartfelt, and I most assuredly got the point.

Ten days after graduation, I received a handwritten letter from one of our seniors, who had been here since 8th grade. Below is an excerpt from that letter.

“I did love every minute of my five years at Christ School. I never took a class I didn’t like, I never had a teacher I didn’t love, I never made a friend that I won’t keep for the rest of my life. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of something so magnificent. Have a great summer and I’ll come back and visit before I leave for college. What a blessing, what fun, and what a ride.…”

So, the next time you pass a young man and he gives you the standard “What’s up” or “Hey,” with his customary head nod, look deeper, because there’s a lot more going on in that head and heart than first meets the eye. It’s our job to find it, provide a safe environment to unlock it, and then to listen and enjoy it. n "Teachers who consistently show real and demonstrated interest in their students outside of the classroom can give a boy the confidence and emotional security that can change his perceptions and feelings. " –Paul Krieger, Headmaster

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Biblio ASHEVILLE

For a small city, Asheville is home to some amazing bookstores. From Thomas Wolfe

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discover asheville

to Ron Rash, Sarah Gruen, and Charles Frazier, Asheville has been home to dozens of famous writers. True to its literary roots, Asheville today also boasts a number of wonderful bookstores. And while this includes two Barnes and Nobles (both of which also help foster the local literary scene), most of Asheville’s bookstores are truly local, and consistently give back to the

HAPPENINGS IN AND AROUND ASHEVILLE

community of readers they rely on for support.

No bookstore exemplifies the link between Asheville’s bookstores and the community better than Malaprop’s on Haywood Street.

Founded more than 30 years ago by Hungarian immigrant Emöke B’Racz, the store became a local institution when Julian Price, a philanthropist who drove the revitalization of Asheville’s downtown, chose it to anchor what became a major shopping district.

“Malaprop’s, from the day it opened, has been a community bookstore,” says store manager Melanie McNair, adding that it continues to contribute to the “unique, local, quirky, individual character of downtown Asheville.” In addition to a full-service café, Malaprop’s boasts an extensive selection of books about western North Carolina. “We’re

also a connection,” McNair says, “to national and international literature through our events program.” In any given month, Malaprop’s will host visits by nationally prominent writers (recent guests include John Grisham and John Green) and feature less well-known authors speaking on a variety of subjects, making their website worth a look for anyone coming to Asheville.

Parents interested in books for kids might also want to check out Spellbound Children’s Bookshop. Founded in 2004 by booklover Leslie Hawkins, Spellbound is between locations right now, operating out of The Hop Ice Cream on Merrimon Avenue until it moves into a new home in West Asheville later in the year. Even so, locals praise Spellbound for

its carefully curated selection, and the store maintains its reputation as the place where book-loving kids (or kids who don’t yet love books) can discover exactly the right title.

“If your child is struggling with finding books of interest, or is so advanced that it’s hard to keep up with what’s challenging enough yet still age appropriate, visiting a bookstore like Spellbound that specializes in books for young people is definitely worth the drive,” Hawkins says.

Spellbound sponsors readings by visiting authors, but also hosts parties where kids can get advanced copies of books (and then give Hawkins feedback on whether to add them to her stock). The store also sponsors workshops on making comics, creative writing, and coding, among other topics. “Many young friendships have been forged at Spellbound,” Hawkins says, “That’s where the magic really happens.”

Books can provide their own magic, of course, and another Asheville bookstore has harnessed that magic to create a unique space.

“My husband had always dreamed of opening a book store,” says Donna Wright, co-owner of the Battery Park Book Exchange and Champagne Bar in Asheville’s Grove Arcade.

“I, on the other hand, am an avid believer in the powers of champagne. We combined the two things that make us happy.”

In addition to champagne and wine, the Book Exchange offers small plates and desserts as well as a full complement of non-alcoholic beverages. But beyond the food, the Book Exchange offers a quiet space for visitors to recharge. Tables, couches, and wing-back chairs nestle among shelves of rare hardbound books, providing the unique experience of eating and drinking in a well-stocked private library – where all the books, most of them rare hardbacks – are for sale. Even better, they are dog friendly!

“Patrons seem to calm down and settle in,” Wright says, “We hear over and over again that people have ‘never seen anything like this’ anywhere.”

Of course, these three stores are only part of Asheville’s stable of booksellers. Here is a complete list of Asheville bookstores that are worth a visit: n

Downtown: MALAPROP’S BOOKSTORE – 55 Haywood St BATTERY PARK BOOK EXCHANGE AND CHAMPAGNE BAR – Grove Arcade, 1 Page Ave. THE CAPTAIN’S BOOKSHELF (rare books) – 31 Page Ave. DOWNTOWN BOOKS AND NEWS (used books) – 67 N Lexington Ave North Asheville COMIC ENVY – 333 Merrimon Ave West Asheville SPELLBOUND CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP – 829 Haywood Road (coming in late 2018) HAYWOOD COMICS – 600 Haywood Rd East Asheville MR. K’S USED BOOKS – 800 Fairview Rd BARNES AND NOBLE – Asheville Mall South Asheville BARNES AND NOBLE – Biltmore Park, 33 Town Square Blvd

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introducing

by Donna Wheeler

the Close | Krieger Athletic Center

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state-of-the-art

Our new indoor athletic space sets us apart from our competitors and raises our athletic facilities to the collegiate level.

The Backing Two major donors stood up and led the project – Sallie and Derick Close ’77 and Betty and Walter Montgomery ’47, P’93, P’96, P’98. There were other donors who had a significant impact on making this project possible, including Jenna and Steve Young ’82, Christie and Will Byron P’18, Chiyo and Joseph Husslein P’14, and Olivia and Hugo Hartenstein ’53. Altogether, over 50 donors contributed over $5 million to make The Close|Krieger Athletic Center the largest capital project in the school’s history.

Headmaster Krieger commented, “I am as astounded as I am proud that loyal and faithful members of our community stepped up and made life a whole lot better for the boys of Christ School. Here, it’s always about the boys.”

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The construction of the new building, which buttresses the football field and adjoins the Mebane Fieldhouse and Patrick Beaver Student Center, was completed in April, but the idea of it was hatched back in 2011, when the school recognized the need for a larger indoor training facility.

The Vision Student enrollment had grown from 160 in 2003 to 290+ in recent years, and the need to build an indoor athletic space became greater with each passing year. The Board of Trustees was quick to recognize and react to the project’s potential.

Headmaster Paul Krieger said, “I remember the Board being energized by the prospect of the new facility, but I was more concerned about the lack of current funding at the time. The Board said, ‘start the project and go find the money.’ It was a little daunting, but I had my marching orders.”

Above: Athletes circuit through the stations in the weight room. Right: The indoor turf field provides ample practice space for teams to refine their skills, no matter what the weather forecast says.

The Reality Entering the lobby/hall of fame area of The Close|Krieger Athletic Center is more akin to entering the athletic epicenter of a Division I university, rather than the athletic hub of a small independent boarding school in Western North Carolina. Covering one wall is a mural that celebrates – with pictures and a timeline –118 years of Greenie sports. Designed by Heurista, a local firm that designed a similar facility for Clemson University, the breath-taking display features larger-than-life glass panels depicting athletes in all CS sports, glass trophy cases, a Rivalry Wall telling the story of our football rivalry with Asheville School, and a wall with photos of all recent graduates who have gone on to play Division I sports. There is also a press wall, adorned with our Greenie athletics logo for college signings or other media events.

Beyond the lobby, indoors, is a turf field with a coaches' viewing deck, complete with a retractable staircase. The multi-purpose field is lined for football, lacrosse, and soccer. Upstairs, capitalizing on a spectacular southern view of the track and Burney Mountain, is a weight room with 12 different stations, each of which can accommodate four boys, allowing 48 athletes to pump iron simultaneously. Downstairs are aerobic machines: treadmill and elliptical machines, as well as locker rooms and two offices to house our new Athletic Director, Eric Thorp, and Associate Athletic Director, Duncan Parham.

Outside, there is a covered patio, where one can imagine tailgate parties or other pre-game receptions and outdoor events. In keeping with other newer buildings on campus such as Stolz Dining Hall, the wooden arches above a tower – a perch on which a cameraman could film a game –

“It is a first-rate facility that is not just a space intended for one team or sport, but for all Christ School students and members of the CS community."

–Eric Thorp Director of Athletics

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echo the Chapel design. The lower exterior is covered with recycled sandstone bricks that adorn other campus buildings and unite the campus.

The Design Alan McGuinn, the architect who also designed Stolz Dining Hall and the Wellness Center renovations, said that it was important to him to create a building that was functional, aesthetically pleasing, and in keeping with the look of the rest of the campus. “We were trying to draw elements from the Chapel,” said McGuinn, “primarily the Chapel Tower and used the traditional wood and stone. Most of this stone is reclaimed. It’s sandstone that comes off this campus, that’s why

it’s special. It was actually quarried here originally; my understanding is that this stone was originally laid by students; it’s existing to the campus – indigenous stone.”

McGuinn, who grew up less than 10 miles from campus in Fairview, has enjoyed getting to know our campus and our community through working on these projects. While he has designed buildings for other school campuses, including Appalachian State University and Western Carolina University, McGuinn felt a special affinity for CS. “I like the people, but I also like the body, mind, and soul of the campus and what the school tries to instill in its students here,” said McGuinn. “We try to make architecture that complements that.”

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Above: In addition to facilities for today’s athletes, the center celebrates individuals and events from Christ School’s storied athletic past.

The Construction There were several factors that made completing the facility in time for its dedication ceremony during Alumni Weekend a challenge, as Danny Elmer, Director of Human Resources and Facilities, can attest. First, there was the weather; with this being one of the wettest years in our history, mud was the biggest enemy. Second, there was the nonstop, 24-7 nature of a boarding school.

“There were a lot more moving parts as far as coordinating steel lift deliveries with football games and other events,” said Elmer. As opposed to the construction of a faculty house which is generally out of sight, this project was right in the center of things. “It was challenging during football season, impacting parking for soccer and football in the fall and accessing basketball games during the winter, so coordinating was a little harder than usual.”

According to new Director of Athletics, Eric Thorp, “it is a first-rate facility that is not just a space intended for one team or sport, but for all Christ School students and members of the CS community. I am confident that it will serve Christ School well for years to come and will do nothing but enhance the Christ School experience.”

“This facility is very unique to an independent school of this size; you usually don’t see anything like it except at the college level,” said McGuinn. “I look at the Christ School campus, and really everything here is at the university level.” McGuinn believes we have Paul Krieger to thank as someone who has set the bar so high. “If you look at the changes that have happened in the school, not only in athletics, but in academics and residential life – all those things he envisioned have brought the school to this unique college-level place.” n

The End Result The completed building, however, is a home run.

“Before, when it was too cold or rainy, everybody crammed into the weight room, so I think that is a big plus,” said Elmer. Visiting college coaches have remarked that very few Division I schools have anything that can compare with the Close|Krieger Athletic Center.

“This facility is to an independent school of this size; you usually don’t see anything like it except at the college level,”

very unique

Left: Glass panels and trophy cases line the lobby. Right: The weight room looks out toward Burney Mountain.

— Alan McGuinn, Architect

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Visiting Writer: New York Times Best-Selling Author of Hillbilly Elegy, J.D. Vance

Shedding Light on a Culture that 14

in & around yard a NEWS FROM AROUND CAMPUS

by Connor Booher ’20

As we awaited J.D. Vances’s arrival, roughly ten students from five grades, two countries, and three states stood in Mr. Krieger’s living room, anxiously watching out the window for a sign of the evening’s speaker. With eager faces, a few cockeyed ties, and questions galore, we waited until a black car pulled in front of the home.

Out steps a man we were expecting, yet, for me at least, expectation did little to ease my nerves.

After pleasantries were exchanged, and, I fear, too many names for J.D. Vance to recall, we sat around the dining room table and commenced what would turn out to be an evening of excitement and Hillbilly understanding.

J.D. Vance wrote a memoir, Hillbilly Elegy, that was published in 2015. His account of growing up in the American rustbelt would remain on the New York Times’s bestseller list for over a year. He writes about a childhood wrought with substance abuse, poverty, and social limitations, and his tumultuous journey to a place of success: a Yale law degree, a regular appearance on CNN, and a job as a lead investor for Rise to Run, a venture capital firm aiming to stimulate growth in economically depressed regions across the country.

His story of success, an anecdote for the American Dream, is inspiring, but the reality of his rise is the most intriguing part of all: J.D. Vance achieved such success at a time when it was more daunting and statistically less likely than any time in recent memory. Economic disadvantage and cultural shortcoming create, in Vance’s words, a “culture in crisis.” All across the nation, we’re seeing a decline in upward mobility. According to a recent study out of Stanford University, this lull in class mobility is “lower than in any developed country for which data has been analyzed

Above: Vance walks to Mebane Field House after dinner and conversation with students and faculty, hosted by the Kriegers.

Vance’s story – and a call for bipartisan, communal shifts in public understanding of poverty – brought

Needs Help and Understanding

encouragement to a group that, like America as a whole, could be daunted

to date.” In J.D. Vance’s town, rising wealth inequality and little social capital discouraged his catapult to the top – making it that much more compelling. Although Vance’s story is one of success, it’s also a eulogy for his people, the ‘Hillbillies,’ and their odds of socioeconomic achievement; a story of accomplishment, yes, but more significantly a story of shortcoming. Shortcoming, it increasingly appears, for large swaths of American society. That cultural significance is what makes J.D. Vance’s visit so significant: he provides insight into an unprecedented rise, but speaks to a large part of America where that rise is, if anything, a distant hope.

During his speech to Christ School students and faculty, as well as the general public, he shared personal experiences that highlighted his aforementioned insights into poverty and class restraint. In one story, his grandparents, while shopping in a department store, were enraged by a critical comment made by a store clerk and knocked shelves of toys to the floor and threatened employees for dishonoring their family. Another instance, Vance said, that highlighted his inherent social disadvantage was a time in which he excused himself from a

formal work dinner to call his girlfriend, asking whether to use the big spoon or little spoon for his entrée. Vance’s speech and subsequent Q&A shed light into a culture that, to be helped, must first be understood – something his current work strives to do.

Students, faculty, and other attendees were enthralled by J.D. Vance and his remarks. The evening took on a feel of gravity and culturalawareness that no one could have predicted.

Vance’s story – and a call for bipartisan, communal shifts in public understanding of poverty – brought encouragement to a group that, like America as a whole, could be daunted by the complexity of combating poverty. His self-aware humor, natural wit, and admission that he didn’t entirely know how to improve American socioeconomic shortcomings both engaged attendees and inspired participation in the work he now spearheads. Simply, now charged with the storied success of Vance and the opportunity for change that he presents, may we, as a society, be implored to work for equality and prosperity for everyone – Hillbillies or not. n

Above, Right: Connor Booher ’20 chats with Vance before introducing him to an audience filled with CS students and faculty, as well as people from the greater Asheville area.

by the complexity of combating poverty.

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in & around yard a NEWS FROM AROUND CAMPUS

Spring Theater Production: Othello

by Joe Dalton

“O, beware, my lord, of jealousy! / It is the green-eyed monster” At the turn of the 20th century, in Cape Town, South Africa, the British Empire reinforces its Empire against the rebellious Dutch colonies, the Boer States. Britain’s most famous general, a native Zulu named Othello (Kobi Selby ’19) is called from his peace in London to once more aid the Empire. During his time among the British, he has wooed the daughter of a senator, the virtuous Desdemona (Tessa Rabideau ’18).

The disdain suffered in London is a prequel

to the corruption Othello will face, even from within his own soldiers’ ranks, when he arrives in Cape Town, when a slighted officer, Iago (Davis Grubb ’18), embarks on a vendetta against the general. By planting the idea that Desdemona is cheating on the general, Iago creates a web of lies and mistrust among the others which threatens to destroy more than just their relationship, even their lives!

The rest of the cast included Jackson Zemp ’18, Paul Gao ’18, Ferguson Dunn ’20, Eli Dowler ’21, Tom Tang ’21, and a second young lady from Pisgah High School, Dalton Hamlett ’18. Additionally, Messrs. Joe deLoach ’18, Finn Bridgeford ’18, James Lopez ’20, and Max Brodeur ’21 were part of theater tech.

The show marked Mr. Joe Dalton’s debut with Christ School Theater. He was assisted by Ms. Sarah Baldwin, Art Director and Mr. Antton Wilbanks, Technical Director. n

Above: Othello (Kobi Selby ’19) attempts to contain his rage against Desdemona.

Left: Cassio (Jackson Zemp ’18) defends his reputation to Iago (Davis Grubb ’18).

Weil Art Award Winner:

Zack Grella ’19 Exhibits his work in Pingree

Zack Grella ’19 can do it all when it comes to video: Cinematographer. Filmmaker. Editor.

Christ School celebrated each of these roles and more with an exhibit for the 2017 Weil Art Award winner through April and May. Zack gave a talk on April 19 in Pingree Gallery to kick off the exhibit, followed by a screening of his documentaries and short films. Still photos from the short films remained in Pingree for the rest of the academic year.

“I think it’s really cool how this school focuses on art,” Zack said. “Especially Ms. (Sarah) Baldwin. She’s been so helpful to me. Christ School definitely tries to introduce and push students toward their passion.”

For Zack, his passion is behind a camera or putting together footage in an editing bay.

The junior from Vero Beach, FL, showed three pieces of work on the opening night of his exhibit – a short film entitled “Fight Me,” that has been a joint production with seniors Townshend Budd ’18 and Trevor Youtz ’18, a documentary about a pastor in Cuba, and an interview with the creator of the video game Ms. Pac-Man.

Zack is an integral part of the Christ School Broadcast Network year-round, and was also one of the Greenies who went on the European Rail Adventure Spring Break trip from March 2-12. He returned with plenty of material from four different countries – France, Italy, Switzerland, and Vatican City – for a video that was shown in Assembly.

The Weil Art Award comes with a $2,000 stipend and Zack said the funds allowed him to greatly improve his equipment. For instance, he has a camera with increased capabilities, different lens for different needs, microphones to better catch sound, and software.

Zack has a personal website (https://www. zacharygrella.com) with more information about his work as well as a You Tube channel. n

Above: Former teachers Sarah Baldwin and Marshall Baltazar greet Zack after his presentation.

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Spring Formal

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This year students met at Alumni Plaza, as a band of parent-paparazzi shot away.

Next, the party-goers boarded charter buses bound for the Hendersonville Country Club, where they dined on beef Wellington and chicken parmesan and danced the night away. Greenies and their dates dazzled through an evening that created lasting memories.

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Spring Trips

Europe by Rail

by Joe Dalton

Christ School’s “European by Rail” trip explored four different countries via train, bus, boat, and feet March 2-12.

Students who went on the trip were Aldo Mell ’18, Sam Lemel ’18, Wyatt Gildea ’19, Zack Grella ’19, Lux Haney-Jardine ’20, Trevor Youtz ’18, Brian Li ’18, Nicholas Loftin ’18, David Shainberg ’18, Finn Bridgeford ’18, Adam Pollard ’18, Joe deLoach ’18, Simon Puorro ’21, Hance Zhang ’19, Doug Bland ’19, George Janvier ’19, Max Redic ’20, Andy Su ’19, Hale Caffery ’19, and Thomas Bolick ’20. Chaperones were Ross Weathersbee ’10, Thomas Becker, and Joe Dalton.

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Above: Greenies gather at the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Beginning in Paris, the Greenies saw the Eiffel Tower, The Louvre, The Army Museum, Arc de Triomphe, and Sacré-Cœur. The group stayed in the Latin Quarter, next to The Sorbonne and a few blocks away from Notre Dame. One of the highlights was the dinner at a Mediterranean kebab restaurant and the gelato on the banks of the Seine, both within sight of the great cathedral.

The TGV Lyria train took the Greenies to Lucerne, Switzerland, where the boys toured churches, medieval bridges and walls, and then a gondola to the top of Mt. Pilatus, an 8000foot mountain in the Swiss Alps. One of the stops on a walking tour was a famous sculpture, the Lion of Lucerne, which was carved into a rock face to honor the fallen Swiss mercenaries who died protecting Louis XVI. Finally, the Greenies saw both ancient and renaissance art and architecture in Rome and The Vatican, their final two countries. During a formal tour through The Holy City, the boys witnessed art from throughout history, St. Peter’s Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel. The ancient Rome tour was highlighted by the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Additionally, seeing Trevi Fountain both during the day and at night was a wonderful photo opportunity.

The boys held good spirits throughout the 10day trip, and many hoped to return when they could stay longer in each location. n

Japan

by Jennifer MacDonald P’20

Shao Ting Chung and Jennifer MacDonald took an awesome group of students on a whirlwind trip to Japan from March 4-13.

Greenies who participated were Coleman Davis ’18, Justice Ajogbor ’20, Beau Simmons ’18, Davis Grubb ’18, Jack Knott ’20, Marko Cvetkovic ’19, Drew Hamilton ’18, Thomas Doss ’20, and Max Field ’20.

The very first full day in the country we visited Shimokitzawa, an all-girls high school outside of Tokyo where we were treated to a traditional tea ceremony, games, and cooking classes by the girls. In Tokyo, the boys walked across Shibuya Crossing (the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world), explored Akihabara (the electronics/hi-tech area), The Imperial Gardens, and the Senso-ji Temple.

They wandered along the narrow alleys of the Tsukiji fish market, ate fresh sushi and green tea ice cream, and spent one afternoon at the famous virtual reality theme park by Sega called “Joypolis.”

We then headed to the historic city of Kyoto on the bullet train where we saw the epic Golden Pavilion and visited Nara Park which is overrun with thousands of tame (I say that loosely) deer. One of the deer chased and bit Ms. Chung, and the boys were swarmed as well, but still laughing. We walked through the endless orange Torii Gates and tried various kinds of street food.

In Osaka, we visited the castle and enjoyed the market streets and spontaneous musical performances by teen girl bands in crazy costumes. The boys got the chance, one rainy day, to experience a traditional “Onsen” or Japanese hot springs and spend the day soaking and eating traditional ramen bowls in their very own cotton robes and wooden slippers. Also, the boys were treated like visiting celebrities.

When groups of middle aged business men weren’t asking Justice for his photo because they had never seen anyone that tall, groups of girls were asking to take selfies with the boys!

Above: Greenies enjoyed the many sights and made new friends.

in & around yard a NEWS FROM AROUND CAMPUS

The people we met were gracious, warm, and polite and we were treated superbly all around.

We immersed ourselves in the culture, food, and history of this fabulous country with the help of our kind and experienced guide Masayo San. We are very grateful to her for showing us the nuances of such a rich heritage, language, and culture. It was a brilliant, once in a lifetime trip! n

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The Galapagos!

by Marcel Duhaime

Spring Trips

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Oh, what an incredible place to visit! If you are looking for adventure and want to see creatures that do not exist anywhere else on Earth, this is the place for you! Marine iguana? Seen it!

Blue-footed boobies? Check! Giant tortoises?

Yup! Twelve students joined chaperones Marcel and Beth Duhaime as they travelled south of the equator March 3-10 to complete a service learning trip and spread Greenie spirit to a part of the world very different from Asheville.

Throughout all our travels, Sheldon Clements ’22, Grayson Scott ’21, Henderson Reynolds ’21, Grant Haldeman ’21, Bevin Zhang ’21, Henry Duggins ’20, Joseph Visconti ’20, Adam Keever ’20, Larry Johnson ’20, Jackson Bewley ’20, Tyler Haldeman ’19, and Sawyer Duhaime ‘18 brought a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to everything we did.

On Saturday, March 3, we began our trip with a four-hour bus ride to Atlanta to catch our six-hour direct flight to Quito, Ecuador.

We landed just before midnight and were met by our tour guide, Rodrigo, who immediately took us to our hotel to settle in and sleep for the night. In the morning we were greeted with perhaps the most incredible meal of the trip.

Fresh everything!

We then returned to the airport to catch our final connection, a four-hour flight to the Galapagos. Once we finally touched down on Baltra Island, we had to once again go through customs to make sure we weren’t bringing anything invasive into the islands and to officially

register as guest in the national park. Every tourist is required to have a national park guide with them while in the Galapagos. Our guide’s name was Victor and he proved to be invaluable, expertly taking us to all the hotspots for which the Galapagos is known.

Our “home” base was the Hotel Déjà vu in Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. The pool and basketball court were an active, yet relaxing environment to come back to every evening.

Every day of our trip was filled with something unique, different, and exciting. We snorkeled with sea lions, white-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles, and sting rays. We toured tortoisebreeding centers, flamingo-breeding centers, and ancient lava tunnels and craters from Galapagos’ volcanic past. We hiked some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, sea-kayaked through breaking surf and mountain biked from Santa Cruz’s peak back to sea level in a day. We eradicated invasive species, planted indigenous trees, cleaned up miles of rocky coastline, and learned about all that makes the Galapagos unique and special.

Our service learning trip to the Galapagos was the continuation of a Christ School tradition started last year by Olga Mahoney.

Plans are already underway for a return adventure next spring under the leadership of Mallary Clay. If you are interested, I encourage you to contact her immediately because I’m sure that this “trip of a lifetime” will fill as quickly as it has in years past. n

Above: Bevin Zhang ’21 and Henry Duggins ’20 surf a tandem kayak at El Garrapatero Beach.

Modern Saints Chapel Murals:

An Interdisciplinary Exercise by the 8th Grade Fourteen years ago, when history teacher James Uhler was named the Eighth Grade Coordinator, he envisioned an inter-disciplinary approach of education for our youngest Greenies. This year it all came together. Working with Sarah Baldwin in the visual arts, Patrick McMurry in music, Mary Jane Morrison in English, and Ron Ramsey in science, the 8th grade completed yearlong projects which involved research, creative thought, and hands-on projects.

One project in particular, the modern saints panels that adorn the Chapel, coincided with MLK day and the 8th-grade second semester focus on religion and spirituality. “We focused on the importance of having some sort of philosophy to guide your life and looked at different world religions,” said Uhler. In honor of Martin Luther King Day, he thought it might be interesting for them to research modern saints that they might not know much about.

“I wanted them to be able to visually build something that they could display in Chapel.

When I noticed the three empty chapel windows it all came together.”

While other groups of students headed off to volunteer or march on MLK day, the 8th grade watched movies about the three chosen saints: Malala Yousafzai, Oscar Romero, and Cesar Chavez. Later that day, with the help of art teacher Sarah Baldwin, they sketched the saints.

“She talked about symbols and iconography and helped them tell the story of each individual with the objects and words that appear with them, so you can see the flag of the United Farm Workers in Chavez’s panel, and Romero has a bullet shot to his chest to show how he was assassinated and there is the symbolism of the Catholic Church, since he was killed while saying mass. Malala appears with a book.”

This project parallels a year-long project in which the boys created their own civilizations, complete with a system of government, language, music, and art. Uhler is proud of how the 8thgrade program came together in these kinds of projects. “They have this experience of taking everything that they have done, putting it

together, and then expressing it in front of their peers, parents, teachers and the entire community.

Watching that all happen made it all worthwhile,” said Uhler. Throughout the course of the year he saw their confidence and communication skills grow. “It’s the intersection of education and character development and they get to drive it themselves. We give them the foundation of academic skills and ethical expectations that fit with our institution, but the character of who they want to become and the men they want to become is their own journey.” n

Above: Drew Higgins ’22 and Jonathan Mennell ’22 share their tribute to Bishop Oscar Romero, displayed in Chapel.

Below: Eighth Grade Coordinator James Uhler. Inset: Jack Cross ’22 sketches the iconography onto a saints window panel.

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K "I feel my purpose is to enrich, encourage, and motivate others with my gifts.”

—Kobi Selby '19

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obi Selby has always been quiet. His family tells stories of wondering when he was going to speak. His mother remembers, “He always said that he would like to speak to audiences when he ‘grows up,’ which I always doubted until he presented his acceptance speech for the Young Peace Maker Award.” But the cliché “still waters run deep” could not be truer for this talented, big-hearted young man.

Kobi’s parents are from Ghana, West Africa.

When in her 20s his mother, Mrs. Gifty Selby, moved to Greensboro from Accra to live with her brother. Mr. Kofi Selby, his father, moved from Kumasi to Maryland and then to Greensboro where they met at a local church. They married and had Kobi and his sister Hadassah, who is 15. They are typical of Ghanan culture in that family is the center of their lives. Kobi said of his close-knit family, “We always know that we can count on each other and we love to joke around.”

Performing runs in not just the Selby family, but also in his father’s tribe, the Fanti, that are well known for being charismatic entertainers who love to laugh. Music has always been important, as well. Mr. Selby started a county choir with his brother in Kumasi that is still going strong. And

Kobi Selby ’19:

GIvInG VOiCe To SIlEnCe

by Mary Dillon

Mr. Selby’s cousin was one of the most famous comedians in Ghana.

Kobi’s creative life didn’t begin with words on the page. He said, “Writing didn’t really catch my attention at first. I was interested in music because of the way I’d seen my father sing in church. And my cousins on my mother’s side were all musicians who had a huge impact on me.

I was very captured by performance at first.” His fascination with the written word came later. “My parents didn’t condone hip-hop or R & B in the house,” Kobi said, but he went over to his cousin Kofi’s house and they’d go on the computer and search performances by Michael Jackson, J. Cole, Usher, and Kendrick. “I was captivated by the lyrics once I saw them performed. But when I got older and had the chance to listen to the music in my ears, I got interested in the words more than the performance,” he said. It was Mr. Avital, his fifth-grade teacher at Canterbury School in Greensboro, who introduced him to creative writing. “At first I didn’t know you could use different types of metaphors to describe what you were trying to say. It was so eye opening to me that I could be creative, and I could mimic what those rappers and musicians were doing,” he said.

From then, he wrote poetry because “it was so fulfilling.” Kobi said “I would write in my room, in classes, I would write songs, attempt to write raps. But it always seemed like poetry, I was just gifted in.”

When asked about breaking out of his “quiet” and into performing he said, “I feel like I’m still quiet, one of the quietest on campus.” His first solo performance was when he was only 9 years old and invited to sing at a cousin’s wedding reception. He wrote a song for them entitled “Don’t Worry” and performed it while accompanying himself on the piano. “There were over 200 people there and I just sang,” he said.

Kobi described how it felt to perform to a large crowd for the first time, “It honestly felt like a breath of fresh air, and I was actually breathing.

Just allowing myself to be free, liberating myself.

It felt like this coolness came around me. And

Above: Kobi Selby ’19 delivers a one-man performance of poetry, music, and film entitled Gem.

that’s why I think I gravitate toward the stage so much because it always has a healing factor and I know that I am doing something positive that will touch at least someone. I want to be above and profound.”

It was in 7th grade when Kobi really understood his gift for performance. He was nominated by his school counselor, Mrs. McCallum, to receive the Guilford County Young Peacemaker Award, given to six young people who found ways to create peace in their tight-knit communities. When presenting his acceptance speech at the banquet. he was nervous but “once I got up there, I gave it my all.” The audience was astounded by his performance. “I was quiet. I didn’t talk. So, when people heard me speak, or heard me sing, they realized I held a lot in me.”

Kobi is very active in all aspects of life at Christ School. He is the prefect in Harris House, has played varsity soccer, volunteers with Notes from the Soul, and is a member of the Greenie Council. He is a leader for the expressive arts on campus and is on the S.C.A.T.E. (Sharing Creative Arts Through Expression) Board that provides opportunities for students to present their artistic work every month. He was a featured speaker at an education event in Batesville, MI, and at two MLK events in Asheville. In April, he

participated in Poetry Out Loud and was State Runner-up. He starred in the title role of Spring Theater’s Othello, presented a one-man original show called Gem in May, and is writing a new work to be performed at the NCTC One Act Play Festival this coming November. This summer, Kobi will attend the Duke Creative Writing Summer Program which was awarded to him by the English Department.

Kobi has clear goals for his future. He wants to be a full-time artist but is hesitant to limit himself to one discipline. “I know I have music in me, theater and acting, creative writing, film-making.

I know that I have a sense of creative directing, concepts I want to work on.” The consistent focus through all he does is the drive to help others with a positive message. “When I was young I told my mom ‘I want to be able to go around and encourage.’ So, I feel my purpose is to enrich, encourage, and motivate others with my gifts.”

His mother agrees, “I think that is one thing that is special about him; he knew what he was passionate about from a young age.” Kobi Selby leads with a gentle voice that belies the power it has on those who know him or hear him speak.

When he breaks his ‘quiet,’ it’s guaranteed he has something positive and powerful to say. n

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Bennett David ’18 Humbled by Scholarships

by Andrew Pearson Bennett David ’18 has continually put himself and Christ School on the national map. Not only through academics, but with community service.

Now there is incentive to do even more as part of the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program at Duke University.

Bennett is one of only 31 students, globally, to be awarded the Roberston, a full scholarship which covers eight semesters of tuition, room and board, and other mandatory fees. That’s not all; he is a National Merit Scholar and has received the National Eagle Scout Association Council Scholarship.

“I am humbled by the people and organizations that have chosen to invest in me and my education,” Bennett said. “I am committed to make the most out of all learning opportunities and to use my education and abilities to make a positive impact.”

As a senior, Bennett was the Honor Council Chair and Student Leader for Habitat for Humanity. During his time here, Bennett has taken 14 Advanced Placement courses and been an AP Scholar with Distinction. He was rewarded three times for having the highest grade-point average in his class (9th, 10th, and 11th grade). Bennett received the Harvard Club Book Award and was recognized with awards for physics, servant leadership, and writing.

Bennett said he is thankful for the opportunities afforded by Headmaster Paul Krieger and grateful to all his teachers. He especially wants to thank the following faculty members for how they have helped him outside the classroom: Kirk Blackard, Nick Luhm, Bryan Martin, Mike Mohney, Emily Pulsifer, Isaac Rankin, and James Uhler.

“I am immensely grateful for the education I have received here at Christ School and for the finest and most supportive teachers a student could hope for,” Bennett said. “Christ School provides an individualized education, unique to the strengths, needs, and interests of each student. For me, Christ School provided the rigorous academics that I was looking for, as well as the support for my extracurricular interests and service work.”

When it comes to that service, Bennett has devoted much of it to improving his home community of Asheville. In high school alone, he has put in more than 1,200 hours. It was work that earned Bennett the Congressional Award Gold Medal (the highest award given to youth by the United States Congress) and the William T. Hornaday Silver Medal in Conversation (the highest conservation award and rarest in the Boy Scouts of America).

Bennett was captain of UNC Asheville's FIRST Robotics Team 5854 or "GLITCH," which competed at the FIRST World Championships last month in Houston. He founded the "Future Builders" STEM Education and Mentorship Program to make engineering opportunities more available to disadvantaged students.

Looking ahead, Bennett plans to major in Mechanicial Engineering at Duke, with a possible second major or minor in the Trinity School of Arts and Sciences.

Bennett considered other high-end engineering schools, but what made Duke the right choice in the end?

“I chose to attend Duke because of the unique engineering education and because of the Robertson Scholarship Leadership Program,” he said. “The Pratt School of Engineering has the explicit mission of combining a rigorous engineering education with the other skills and knowledge needed to apply engineering knowledge for the betterment of society. The multi-disciplinary approach to engineering challenges and global view are unique and were central to my choice. I believe that the collaboration with and access to the Trinity School of Arts and Sciences will provide me with both context and skills to guide my engineering career.” n

Drew Hamilton ’18 and the University of Maryland Were Meant to Be

by Andrew Pearson For starters, both of Drew’s parents are Maryland graduates. And even though Cindy and Eric never explicitly steered their son in that direction, Drew became a Terrapin nonetheless when the fifth-year Christ School student won the Banneker/Key Scholarship.

The Banneker/Key is the most prestigious academic award for Maryland undergraduates. The full scholarship will allow Drew to pursue a double major in Computer Science and Physics.

“It was really surprising when I found out I had gotten the scholarship. I wasn't expecting it at all and it's a big boon for me,” Drew said. “This will be a huge bonus for my resume. The scholarship really opens the door to a lot of opportunities. (Maryland) has one of the strongest physics programs in the country and there are only 190 kids who major in it. So even though Maryland is by no means a small place, this will be how I wanted my social life to feel. I wanted to find a steady group of friends.”

Drew, who is from Asheville, came to Christ School in the 8th grade despite the fact that an older brother, Jack, had attended Asheville School. As a senior, Drew sang in the choir and was a member of UNC Asheville’s FIRST robotics team, called GLITCH. Drew walked across the stage in Yard A to receive his diploma and bible in May, but has been on campus this summer helping out in the Technology Department.

“I really liked it here. If I had it to do all over again, I would pick Christ School again,” Drew said.”"The teachers, especially, made this such a good experience for me.” n

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The Mayor The light that woke the mayor made him think of town. It was a pale pink light ticked out By a palpitating bulb that droned above the empty road he lived on.

He sat upright in bed, noticed his posture,

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how his jutting head sought equilibrium and not much else.

God was far off. And, like an enemy, the town was all around.

The sound of the several mills was nothing but a funereal sob.

The hills Were creeping with cattle, and the cattle with liver fluke.

His heart was beating this way: stop, stop, stop...

God was far off. The town was all around.

Lux Haney-Jardine ’20 Wins Gold Key Award His ability to turn a phrase earned Lux HaneyJardine ’20 a Gold Key for poetry from the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The award represents the top honor given for poetry in the southeast region.

A Gold Key is the highest honor bestowed at the Southeast regional level. His work was then judged by a national panel of creative-industry experts. Students across the country in grades 7-12 vie for honors in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, which have been around since 1923. Work is judged in 29 different categories.

There were nearly 350,000 submissions this year.

Although Lux did not win the National Key, he did take the top prize for our in-house 250Word Story Competition, with a story entitled “Bisquey Business.”

The following are two of Lux's poems: “Heartland” and “The Mayor.”

Heartland This is the broken heartland of unbroken land A wild underbrush fowl from span to span An endless complaint of prairie plains.

My father's heart grew fond in this Siberia And funerals call him back odd years Until he's the last and there's no need to go there.

Now the last sister's packed up, dead My father will drive down bawling Kansas roads Broad Missouri avenues and endless boulevards Pointing out to his little boy soul, a seat Next to him, where one of his sons should sit Each abandoned corner of wheat or dirt Where an echo started long ago, echoes on And the boneblond earth grows fond again And no one worries about the herds, whether bison Or cow, whiteface or red, railroad or death.

First Published Journal on Crayfish for Science Teacher Mallary Clay was Several Years in the Making

Years

in the Making

As a little girl, Mallary Clay would wade into whatever creek she could. The hunt was always on for the shy freshwater crustaceans known as crayfish.

Some things never change.

Clay, who is a first-year Science teacher at Christ School, recently had her first research journal published. She worked together with a pair of Alabama college professors, Jim Stoeckel, and Brian Helms, on “The role of abiotic and biotic cues in burrow habitat selection by juvenile crayfish.”

“It’s probably my biggest individual achievement based off the amount of time that went into it,” Clay said.

“I worked on the actual project itself for an entire summer (in 2013). Then it was on the backburner for three years and I was writing it when I had free time. Crayfish have always fascinated me. There are 365 species and no

one really knows anything about them. They are a keystone species, meaning if you took them out of an ecosystem, everything else in a lake or stream would die off.”

Clay needed only three years to graduate from North Carolina's Catawba College in 2011, then went on to join a graduate program at Auburn University which researched the genetics of aquatic macroinvertebrates (crayfish, clams, snails, and worms are examples). She received her Master of Biological Sciences degree from Auburn in 2016.

Her journal is available online for fellow scholars to purchase.

To summarize the journal, Clay said that burrowing crayfish build chimney-type structures in the mud. Up until now, no one could explain the behavior. As juvenile crayfish move around trying to find a home, they can sense from smelling the chimneys whether they wish to mate with the other crayfish. n

by Andrew Pearson

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Service Learning at Its Best:

GREENIES RESEARCH FALLEN HEROES

by Olga Mahoney

During the past school year, Christ School students began a significant project to honor soldiers from North Carolina who died on D-Day, June 6, 1944. Guided by Olga Mahoney, Director of Service Learning and a teacher in the history department, students are compiling information about these young

men’s lives for the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA. This challenging service learning project took shape after an October 2016 visit from Ash Rothlein, a World War II veteran, and April Cheek-Messier, Director of the National D-Day Memorial. After students learned about the Memorial, they were eager to support its mission to honor the “valor, fidelity and sacrifice” of the Allied soldiers killed in Normandy during Operation Overlord. Ten months later, on a tour of the Memorial, students learned they would have this opportunity.

For more than ten years, the Memorial has been building a comprehensive database of biographical information for the 4,413 Allied soldiers killed on D-Day. This year, Christ School students have assumed responsibility for 24 of those soldiers, all of whom harkened from North Carolina. Students are given basic facts about their soldiers: names, ranks, branches, divisions and units. In most cases, the soldiers are buried in Normandy. Armed with this knowledge, students begin their search for more about each individual: the soldier’s birthplace, family, education, and career. If they are lucky, students will find a photograph. This research can be very challenging, but, as Mrs. Mahoney notes, “when students found pertinent information, they became aware of the lives of many of the fallen and came to know them as people, not just names on a casualty list.”

Finn Bridgeford ’18, who did extensive research for the project, found the work challenging – even frustrating at times – but also very rewarding. “What struck me is how companies that deal in record keeping and family tracking have total control over public data... Essentially, they have monopolized access to certain public records and charge people for it. This was incredibly annoying… and it also felt morally wrong. We got around those companies by using other types of records. Some records we did have access to, mainly newspaper sources in North Carolina, revealed much about the soldiers we were researching…This project is very different than every other community service opportunity at Christ School. It doesn’t involve physical labor,

Above: Olga Mahoney stands beside the Christ School Veterans' Memorial.

it requires intelligence and thoroughness to succeed. It was worth every minute to me.”

Mrs. Mahoney celebrates the ways this project challenges Greenies, both as citizens and as scholars. “I love when history comes alive for my students. Through this project, they are doing authentic work. Although their research is often frustrating, students learn the valuable lesson that research is important – it takes time and patience and a commitment to be thorough. These are advanced skills that many do not learn until college.”

As part of their research, students will take pictures of the North Carolina soldiers’ graves at the American Cemetery in Normandy next summer during a D-Day 75th Anniversary tour.

The project will continue until every soldier has been researched and his information submitted to the Memorial’s database. Please contact Mrs. Mahoney if you are interested in research or the D-Day 75th Anniversary Tour, Summer 2019. (omahoney@christschool.org) n

Eric Thorp ’01 Takes the Reins as Athletic Director Eric Thorp ’01 is Christ School’s new Athletic Director. While he was a Greenie, Thorp captained both the varsity basketball and varsity baseball teams. During his 11 years as an employee at Christ School, he has worked as the Director of Alumni Relations in Advancement and the Assistant Director of Admission. He has served as an 8th grade and Boy Scout Venture Crew advisor and an adjunct houseparent in Cuningham and Gardner dorms. He has also been the head varsity basketball and golf coach.

In this new role as the CS AD, Thorp brings with him a wealth of experience and an unparalleled familiarity with our campus, our community, and our athletic program.

“Athletics were a valuable part of my experience as a student and an employee at Christ School,” said Thorp. “I’m excited about my new role, a new challenge, and the opportunity to help enhance the Christ School education through the Athletic Department.” n

Above: Greenies visit D-Day Memorial in Virginia. Bottom: Students track down details on their soldiers' lives.

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Lifetime Service Award:

Leigh Harris Honored for 50 Years of Service in Wrestling

By Andrew Pearson

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Mathematics teacher Leigh Harris feels obligated to leave something behind, whether it’s the classroom or the wrestling mat.

“In my opinion, I don’t know how you can teach or coach if you don't want to pass on the lessons and morals that you yourself work with,” Harris said. “That's why I got started and why I continue to hang out.”

Clearly, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame believes that Harris has done a lot more than just “hang out” in his 50 years around the sport.

The longtime Christ School math teacher and coach received a Lifetime Service to Wrestling award from the NWHOF’s North Carolina Chapter at a May 20 banquet in Chapel Hill.

When the announcement was made it was a total surprise to Harris. He was called to a tournament – Harris is the regional supervisor of wrestling officials in western North Carolina – when the unexpected news was sprung on him by a public-address announcer.

“I don't even have the foggiest idea what was said. I was so shocked,” Harris said. “I'm appreciative to (wife Mary Jane Morrison) and

everyone who has supported me. The school has been very supportive, allowing me to go to tournaments and meetings when I need to.

I’m just very appreciative to everyone who has helped me. I'm truly honored to be the seventh guy from this area, that I know of, to be given this award. Those guys are my compatriots.”

Harris is teaching Statistics and Honors Geometry in his 28th year at Christ School.

He’s been involved in the sport a lot longer than that, dating back to his first competitive wrestling match in 1968.

Harris’ first coaching job was at SylvaWebster High for the 1974-75 season while finishing out his senior year at Western Carolina University. He went on to coach at Christ School, Cross Keys High in Atlanta, Pinecrest High in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Asheville High.

Besides his role as regional supervisor of officials, Harris is the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association sports chair for wrestling.

That means he will run the state tournament February 16 and 17 in High Point. n

Inset: Leigh Harris receives his Lifetime Service to Wrestling Award last May in Chapel Hill.

Dr. Vance Reese Celebrated after 24 Years as Christ School’s Organist Dr. Vance Reese was dutiful as always at his final Chapel service on Thursday morning, May 17, adjusting his seat cushion and music sheets before service got started in St. Joseph's Chapel.

The final Eucharist of the 2017-18 school year was a celebration of the musical arts at Christ School. And the unequivocal star of the show was Reese, who has been filling Chapel with expressive tones for 24 years.

Reese is stepping down after more than two decades as School Organist to pursue a faculty position at Brevard College. He was given a standing ovation by Greenie students and faculty.

Headmaster Paul Krieger presented Reese with a gift and thanked him for his service.

“It’s hard to sum up 20 years,” Reese said.

“There are lots of memories here. It’s been a pleasure to be part of this community for so long. I’m happy to be commencing this next chapter of my life and am grateful for the time that I had here.”

Reese was introduced by good friend, Father Kirk Brown, as “a gift to me personally and to our community.” Father Brown continued, “His friendship is one I treasure and truly value.

I hope you all find a friend as dear as Vance Reese.”

The organ in St. Joseph’s Chapel required Reese to use his hands and feet in coordination.

But his contributions to Christ School went beyond that. Reese was involved in three productions with the Theater Department and helped develop an arts program called “Via Creativa.”

Asheville’s Ghilman Brock, who has occasionally filled in for Reese, will replace him full-time as School Organist. The two have been neighbors, and as a young boy, Brock studied music under Reese. The two played a piano piece together at Reese's last service.

In addition, Aaron Chen ’20 gave a cello performance. n

Above: Vance Reese has brought beautiful music and music education to Chapel for 24 years.

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A

Farewell Letter:

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Amid Packing up his Classroom to Move to Indianapolis to Serve as Director of Curriculum at Park Tudor School, English Teacher Brent Kaneft Reflects on Christ School and the Students and Lessons that he Will Always Carry with Him

“WHEN WE START PACKING THE PROPS OF OUR LIVES INTO BOXES, NOSTALGIA

Dear Christ School, After classes ended for the year, I began to clean out my classroom. After a few slapdash calculations, I figured I’ve spent 7,000 hours in that classroom since I was placed there midway through my second year in 2011. When we start packing the props of our lives into boxes, nostalgia and the Pandora mix get the best of us. At the end, all we remember is greatness.

No, this isn’t egotism – it’s survival. You can’t bring everything with you; the load is too heavy.

Wordsworth knew what I meant: There are in our existence spots of time, That with distinct pre-eminence retain A renovating virtue…

—The Prelude What I carry with me will have a “renovating virtue.” Here are four things I know I will take: First, my William Wallace, Braveheart-replica broadsword.

My father gave it to me when I got married. He said when times get tough in your marriage, you’ve got to hold the line. The sword carries the story of Austin Cooke ’15, dressed like a Madison Avenue businessman, defending Hemingway’s work in front of a panel of nine faculty and administrators. It

Second, I’m taking my books because once James Turley ’17 told me that Ayn Rand had changed his life, and Daniel Beale ’17 claimed The Fountainhead had given him the strength to be an actor. Because Jaylen Allen ’13 emailed me the other day and asked, “What was the book we read my senior year, before graduation?” And I said, “It was Brave New World.” And he said, “I need to re-read that. I feel like Huxley was dead on.” Because Denis de St. Aubin ’13 would chastise anyone who argued that Hemingway’s works weren’t high art. Because only three months after leaving our American Literature class, Josh Level ’14 died, and my class of boys asked if one of them, Spencer Osbourne ’14, could read “Thanatopsis” because it was Josh’s favorite. I never know which one of these books will be the one for somebody – so they all must come.

Third, I will take all the pictures of my wife, my three daughters, and me. The day our first daughter was born was the same day my wife and I took Mark Glaeser ’14, Connell Maloney ’14, and Eddy Dalrymple ’14 to get fitted for a tux for an upcoming dance. When my wife started having contractions, we quickened our pace. We started heading back to campus when I heard Glaeser, the chosen ambassador, ask, “Mr. Kaneft, do you think you have time to grab us some lunch on the way home?”

This is what being a teacher at boarding school is like, the odd mixture of private and public, business and casual.

My daughters now call all of my students “my boys,” as if I’ve had a thousand sons over the years. When they learned we were leaving Christ School, Emerson, our second, asked if “The boys, too?” were coming and frowned when I told her “No, we have to leave them here.”

But the truth is too difficult to explain to a 3-year-old. Yes, they are all coming with me: Lloyd Burgess ’14 and Malik Johnson ’15 and “Sawmill” Fletcher ’15 and Jones Hussey ’14 and Alston Lanier ’11 and Liam Pulsifer ’15 and Christian Jewkes ’13 and Dalton Friel ’14 and Jack Bonds ’14 and “Patty” Cunningham ’17 and Koke Cobb ’17 and Stockton Burke ’16 and Reid Motter ’15 and Turner Strayhorn ’13 and now Evan Hoyle ’19 and Mac Gortney ’19 and Lux Haney-Jardine ’20 and Kobi Selby ’19 and

AND THE PANDORA MIX GET THE BEST OF US.” bears the weight of Douglas Piercy’s ’14 determined request, that he was ready for Honors, ready to challenge himself like he hadn’t before. No one knows better how to lose like a champion than the dynamic linebacker duo of Charles Claffey ’17 and Carson Jones ’18, who were outweighed by an average of a hundred Ravenscroft pounds, who were smashed in the losing trenches for four straight quarters, who probably still bear scars from our State Championship loss in 2015, but who never came out of the game, would have considered it an insult if I’d asked. And the steel blade reflects Nick Loftin’s ’18 story, how he tried to interview a stranger for a project we did this year and couldn’t, but he went back again and again to try – and finally, succeeded.

—Brent Kaneft

Wyatt Gildea ’19 and Bronson Gatts ’18 and Will DuBose ’19 and hundreds more.

They and our “spots of time” will be packed and unpacked again and again.

Finally, I will take my philosophy with me, though, I hope part of it will be left here, too. I’ve always agreed with Dickinson, that “Much Madness is divinest Sense – / To the discerning Eye – / Much Sense – the starkest Madness.” Her words have kept me questioning how and why everything is done. Dickinson’s words remind me that when we teachers stagnate, when we aren’t actively thinking about how to improve our craft, students lose. What I have done at Christ School – the lessons I’ve taught, the books I’ve assigned, the battles I’ve fought – were my attempt at good. Like Emerson said, “Your goodness must have an edge to it–else it is none.”

With all my gratitude, Brent C. Kaneft

Left inset: Brent Kaneft with his wife, Jess, and daughters, Emerson, Hadley, and Kate Austen.

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COMMEN

CEMENT CLASS 2018 the

of

Families, students, and faculty gathered on Yard A on Sunday, May 20, for Christ School’s 118th Commencement Ceremony. Speaking to the 63 graduates were classmate, Faris Serafim, and history teacher, Director of Service Learning, and Teacher of the Year, Olga Mahoney. Faris urged his classmates to try going out of their comfort zones and to “enjoy the next four years of life by being the best version of ourselves.”

He was followed by Mahoney who referred to the lessons taught in Paola Coelho’s The Alchemist including “the importance of quieting down the noise of the outside world, and listening to one’s own heart.” She then underscored the importance that each graduate “learn, travel, serve, and love.” Following the speeches diplomas and Bibles were given to each graduate by Headmaster Paul Krieger, Dean of Academics and Curriculum Brooke Depelteau, and Chaplain Kirk Brown. Congratulations Class of 2018!

the CLASS of 2018 COMMENCEMENT

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Above: Throughout Commencement Weekend the Class of 2018 had so much to celebrate and now have so many special moments to remember!

college bound!

Congratulations, Class of 2018!

John S. Beard, Jr. Wofford College

Davis Crook UNC-Chapel Hill

Davis Grubb North Carolina State University

Sean Lynch College of Charleston

Faris Serafim Lees-McRae College

McKinley Bell Appalachian State University

Flynn Cruse North Carolina State University

Drew Hamilton University of Maryland

Marshall McDill Wofford College

David Shainberg Emory University

Gabe Blevins University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Bennett David Duke University

Jonathan D. Harris II UNC-Chapel Hill

Jack McLawhorn Clemson University

Beau Simmons American University

Coleman Davis Duke University

Talon Hensley East Tennessee State University

Aldo Mell University of Arizona

Will Smoots Texas Christian University

Sutton de Krafft High Point University

Jeffrey Hester UNC-Charlotte

John A. Mitchell, Jr. North Carolina State University

Hunter Vines High Point University

Joseph K. DeLoach, Jr. Clemson University

Jackson Hipp Brown University

Dixon Molloy University of South Carolina

Matthew Weed North Carolina State University

James T. Budd, Jr. Elon University

Sawyer Duhaime Savannah College of Art & Design

Philip Hodges University of Denver

Caleb Moss Montreat College

David Wells Elon University

Jimmy Burke University of South Carolina

Lawrence Freeman Clemson University

Pierce Ingle Clemson University

Carson Ownbey UNC-Charlotte

Kevin L. Williams II The Citadel

Alex Byron Furman University

Paul Gao George Washington University

Carson Jones UNC-Chapel Hill

Adam Pollard Auburn University

Trevor Youtz Elon University

Ryan Caves University of Alabama

Bronson Gatts UNC-Chapel Hill

Miller Kaderabek University of Mississippi

Will Rasco Purdue University

Jackson Zemp Colorado State University

Landon Cooke Western Carolina University

Jonathan Gooch Georgia Institute of Technology

Sam Lemel UNC-Chapel Hill

Stephen A. Saye, Jr. UNC-Chapel Hill

Chester Zhao Miami University

Ben Craig Davidson College

Will Goosmann Auburn University

Brian Li Purdue University

Charlie Schilling Colorado State University

Nicholas Loftin North Carolina State University

TJ Searle UNC-Chapel Hill

Harry Zimmerman Sewanee: The University of the South

Luke Brazinski UNC-Chapel Hill Finn Bridgeford Furman University Max Brie St. Bonaventure University

Kellen Graham UNC-Charlotte

awards

Leadership Awards Valedictorian.............................................................................................................................. Bennett Liam David ’18 The Headmaster's Cup ................................................................................................................Lucas M. Brazinski ’18 The Big Brother Award ........................................................................Max A. J. Brie ’18, Harry W. Zimmerman ’18 The Philip Tilghman Memorial ......................................................................................................... Samuel J. Brie ’21 The PH Broyhill Award ..........................................................................................................David T. L. Shainberg ’18 The Class of 1941 Award.........................................................................................................Jonathan D. Harris II ’18 The Moltke-Hansen School Spirit Trophy ......................................................................................Adam J. Pollard ’18

Scholarship Awards Beard Family Scholarship.............................................................................................................. Joseph C. Adams ’20 James Gibbon Merrimon Scholastic Prize.......................................................................................... Hance Zhang ’19 David T. Dodge Scholarship ..................................................................................................Theodore C. Peterson ’19 David L.M. Taylor Award & Scholarship .............................................................................Jonathan M. Mennell ’22

Academic Awards Dartmouth Club Book Award ...................................................................................................O. Coles Manning ’19 Harvard Club Book Award.............................................................................................................M. Wyatt Gildea ’19 Randolph College Award.................................................................................................................Kobina A. Selby ’19 Sewanee Award for Excellence..................................................................................................William M. DuBose ’19 Yale Club Book Award .........................................................................................................................Yiming Wang ’19

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in & around yard a NEWS FROM AROUND CAMPUS

Departmental Awards Robert McWhorter Creative Writing .............................................................................................Kobina A. Selby ’19 Redwood Senior English Prize ....................................................................................................Coleman C. Davis ’18 Edward E. Ford Foundation Award..................................................................................................Patrick T. Shea ’20 Pen & Plate Award...........................................................................................................................M. Wyatt Gildea ’19 Robinson Journalism Award ............................................................ O. Coles Manning ’19, William H. Smoots ’18 Angelus Award (Yearbook).................................................................................................................Max A. J. Brie ’18 Grayson Cole Mathematics Award .......................................................Bennett L. David ’18, Coleman C. Davis ’18 Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute........................................................................................................... Hance Zhang ’19 Biology Award ....................................................................................................................................Thomas F. May ’19 Chemistry Award ............................................................................................................................ Bronson P. Gatts ’18 Physics Award ............................................................................................................................... Drew B. Hamilton ’18 Engineering Award .......................................................................................................................Nicholas L. Loftin ’18 Environmental Science Award .................................................................................................Richard A. Lytle III ’20 Sacred Studies Award .........................................................................................................................Caleb N. Moss ’18 Technology Programming Award ............................................................................................... Drew B. Hamilton ’18 Technology Service Award ............................................................................................................ Zachary A. Grella ’19 NC Council Social Studies Award ............................................................................................... Finn L. Bridgford ’18 History Department Award ............................................................................................................... Thomas J. Bell ’19 Global History Awareness Award........................................................................................A. McCauley Hardison ’21 International Studies Award .........................................................................................................Philip C. Hodges ’18 Arabic Award ...................................................................................................................................Philip C. Hodges ’18 Robert H. Reid Latin Cup ...................................................................................................................Evan J. Hoyle ’19 Mandarin Award .............................................................................................................................John S. Beard, Jr. ’18 Spanish Award...........................................................................................................................Charles H. Redhead ’19 Art Award ....................................................................................................................................Sawyer E. Duhaime ’18 Weil Award ..................................................................................................................................... Joseph C. Adams ’20

Above: History Department Chair Ben Dowling presents Michael Mahoney ’20 with the Fourth Form Book Prize.

Sumner Pingree Theatre Award ........................................................J. Townshend Budd, Jr. ’18, Trevor P. Youtz ’18 Theatre Technical Award .......................................................................................................Joseph K. deLoach, Jr. ’18 Lawton Ingle Music Award ...............................................................................................................Zicheng Huang ’20 Service Learning Award.............................................................................................................Douglas F. X. Bland ’19 Servant Leadership Award ..........................................................................................................O. Coles Manning ’19 Form Book Prizes Second Form Award .....................................................................................................................Jonathan C. Cross ’22 Third Form Award................................................................................................................A. McCauley Hardison ’21 Fourth Form Award.................................................................................................................Michael N. Mahoney ’20 Fifth Form Award ................................................................................................................................. Hance Zhang ’19 Sixth Form Award ...........................................................................................................................Bennett L. David ’18 The Successus Fidelitate Award The Second Form Prize ....................................................................................................................Colin M. Brazas ’22 The Third Form Prize ..................................................................................................................Cade N. Rodriguez ’21 The Fourth Form Prize.................................................................................................................Justice U. Ajogbor ’20 The Fifth Form Prize ..................................................................................................................... Marcus N. Berger ’19 Form Citizenship Awards The Second Form Award .....................................................................................................Benjamin P. Wiznitzer ’22 The Third Form Award..............................................................................................................J. Wilton Graves III ’21 The Fourth Form Award............................................................................................................ R. Connor Booher ’20 The Fifth Form Award ...........................................................................................................McCourry P. Gortney ’19 The Sixth Form Award ................................................................................................................... Bronson P. Gatts ’18 Athletic Awards Harris Outdoor Award ........................................................................Christian W. Blanks ’19, Bronson P. Gatts ’18 Bill Sewell Hustle Award ..........................................................................................................W. Alexander Byron ’18 Pat James Award ...............................................................................................................................Kevin D. Snyder ’19 Knighton Sportsmanship Award...................................................................................................John S. Beard, Jr. ’18 Senior Athletic Cup...........................................................................................................................Hunter J. Vines ’18

Left Nathanial Carson ’20 receives a Headmaster's Commendation. Right: Ross Weathersbee ’10 and Mary Dillon present the Robinson Journalism Award to Will Smoots ’18 and Coles Manning ’19.

Above: Beth Duhaime P’18 presents Max Brie ’18 with the Angelus Award.

43 Headmaster Commendations Nathaniel B. Carson ’20 John M. DuBose II ’20 Henry B. Duggins ’20 Saevion S. Gibbs ’20 Asher R. Hamrick ’21 Sean T. Lynch ’18 Thomas A. McIntosh ’20 Luke W. Stone ’21 Dillon L. Tarves ’21 John M. Wehner ’21

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JOHN BEARD ’18 44

Each and every Greenie is distinctive and noteworthy, and here follows a continuation of our series profiling a few of the fine young men we get to teach, coach, mentor, and learn from each day.

As a third generation Beard to attend Christ School – grandfather Tom ’51, father John ’84, and cousin Thomas ’12 – you could say John has Greenie blood flowing through his veins.

Eighteen years ago, his parents, who live in Greensboro, brought a colicky 2-months old John to a Christ School basketball game. John was immediately soothed by the commotion of the crowd; his colic was cured, and his destiny determined.

Although his family left the decision up to John and he considered several other schools before choosing CS, a visit to campus convinced him to be a Greenie. “I always knew about the brotherhood and all that,” said John, “but you can’t really understand it until you actually live it.”

Since he arrived freshman year, John has made his mark on the athletic fields, the classroom, and throughout the community in leadership positions. The captain of the varsity soccer team this year, John has been playing soccer since he was 3. This past fall when several seasoned players switched to football, John demonstrated

his characteristic poise and leadership, not only taking reins as sole captain but helping a young team improve.

It was no surprise when John was awarded the Knighton Sportsmanship Award in May. According to Coach Guy Campbell ’00, “John has been a key part of the success of the soccer program over the last four years, as a leader and a 4-year starter, John has lead by example and will always be one of my favorite players I’ve had the privilege to coach.”

John has also played golf and basketball, starting on the JV basketball team three years in a row. He claims that playing with great players during those years brought up his game, and while he never played varsity, he considered just being part of our basketball program “something special.”

Despite his many accomplishments, including being part of the Big Brother Program, Rotary Club treasurer and vice president of the Greenie Council, John is most proud of serving as a senior leader. “I’ve been involved in a lot, but nothing has been as rewarding as being the prefect in South Carolina House,” said John. “It’s hard to describe my role in the dorm because so much of what you do goes on behind the scenes, often just walking down the hallway and engaging with an underclassman.”

A winner of The Mandarin Award, John has excelled in the classroom and will attend Wofford College in the fall. In fact, he chose Wofford because the small close-knit atmosphere reminded him of CS. “Every teacher that I’ve had here I have had some kind of connection with them outside the class as well as inside.” CS has instilled in John a love of writing, reading, and literature.

According to his advisor, Mrs. Morrison, “John exemplifies what it is to be a Greenie. He demonstrates leadership, integrity, and kindness in all that he does. The best part about John is that these are not traits that he demonstrates only when at school – these traits are a sum of his character, who he is as an individual.”

John is motivated by a simple philosophy: “I’ve always had the mindset that if you’re not doing something 100 percent then why are you doing it,” said John. “I think it’s really important to get all you can out of life to truly have those awesome experiences; CS is a special place and I’m so glad I got to take advantage of all it has to offer.” n

When this Canadian native looked for a U.S. boarding school midway through 11th grade, Max decided to look somewhere no one from his town of Westmount had looked before: The South. His CS visit coincided with the Silent Night basketball game, an annual event in which our Greenie cheering section remains silent for the first nine points. “When we reached the 10th point and everyone went nuts, I thought wow, this is where I want to be,” said Max. “I remember the intensity and the brotherhood.”

Max learned about CS when head lacrosse coach, Jeff Miles, reached out to his club/travel team coach. “I knew that the Christ School lacrosse program was relatively new,” said Max. “I thought that I could do something really special with my time there.”

Joining the lacrosse team that first spring, after reclassing as a sophomore, meant that Max had 30 instant Greenie brothers. As a long stick midfielder, Max plays both defense and offense.

“It’s nice because I interact with both groups, which prevents me from being one-sided.”

His versatility on the field may be the reason why he so seamlessly fit in at Christ School. “I tried not to make anyone a stranger,” said Max. “I knew it was going to bit of a culture shock, so I think my philosophy was just to get out there as much as I could in terms of establishing myself in the community. I tried to be the best person I could on the dorm and on the field.”

When the soccer team needed more players midway through the season this past fall, Max stepped up and gave it a shot. “I wasn’t a really great player, but I was there for the leadership and the support.”

Being chosen as the recipient of the Big Brother Award is a testament to the outstanding job Max did as a proctor in Cuningham, the dorm housing the youngest Greenies, including Max’s own brother Sam ’21. “Being with the freshman and having the impact that I think we had on them is what I’m most proud of.” Max was also president of the Greenie Council and the Editor in Chief of the Angelus, the yearbook.

Max will never forget the disappointment he shared with his lacrosse team when they fell short of a state championship in 2016, an experience that he recognized as a defining moment for the lacrosse program “because we were so hungry after that.” Not surprisingly, winning two state

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MAX BRIE ’18 45 championships in the subsequent seasons was a highlight of his CS experience. He will continue to play at St. Bonaventure College and help their coach start a new Division I lacrosse program.

“Since the first day I met Max,” said Coach Long, “I knew he was a special student-athlete.

He is the consummate leader and why I chose him to represent CS as the president of the Greenie Council. His ability to lead his peers and at the same time be ferocious on the playing field is not only impressive but also what earned him the opportunity to play at St. Bonaventure next year.”

Many of Max’s classmates were unaware of a stutter that Max said he overcame with the help of friends and family. Or if they were aware, they never mentioned it. “No one ever said a thing about it when I stutter,” said Max. “Some people would think that at an all-boys school they would pick on one another, but everyone is supportive of each other here.” Max sees his friends as brothers. “I feel like I’m with my family here, and although it’s exciting to move onto the next chapter, I cannot imagine not waking up at Christ School.” n

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Anyone who has seen Jackson steal the ball from a dribbling opponent on the soccer field or steal second base on the baseball diamond knows he is a fierce competitor. This scholar-athlete, who also plays basketball and stepped in as the kicker for the football team this fall, has always loved athletics. “I loved sports from a young age. It was what I looked forward to throughout the school day.” It was Christ School’s reputation as an athletic powerhouse that attracted him here from home in Washington, D.C. for ninth grade.

Jackson has settled on baseball is his sport of choice and the one he will play at Brown University next year. “Baseball is my favorite because it is a true team sport; you really have to rely on each person.” Jackson plays left field and was the Carolinas Athletic Association Player of the Year as a senior.

When Assistant Athletic Director Bobby Long first visited Christ School, a young blondeheaded Jackson caught his attention on the Little Greenies basketball team. “Jackson was playing in a Little Greenies basketball game with the passion and ferocity that was truly unmatched. I remember thinking to myself, that

JACKSON HIPP ’18

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is the type of competitor I want on my team,” Mr. Long said.

Jackson applied the same intensity with every aspect of his life at CS. As a proctor in Harris House, houseparent Mr. Duhaime relied on Jackson to set the tone for the year and spread his contagious energy. “Jackson was the man which our dorm rallied around for all Dorm Wars events,” said Mr. Duhaime. “His energy and enthusiasm were contagious.”

When asked what drives his athletic intensity, Jackson put it like this: “I have this energy that comes out when I’m on the athletic field and it kind of propels me. I feel, not quite invincible, but if I’m out on this field and I’m going to play this game, I might as well give it 110 percent, pedal to the metal.” When Jackson started playing travel soccer at age 12, his coaches noticed that he never stopped running. “I kind of had that motor, and I’ve noticed that I have it in the classroom, too. I don’t sit down to do homework that much, but when I do I’m just able to crank everything out.”

It turns out Jackson is a talented artist as well; one of his drawings of a praying mantis graces the back cover of this year’s Struan (the Christ School literary magazine). He is considering architecture as a way to combine his love of engineering and art.

Jackson describes the CS community as a “big family house – I had all my friends down the hall and in other dorms. You kind of find out everything about each other and how to live with each other; I think it’s a pretty good life skill. You can’t just call them friendships, it’s closer than that. And even the relationships with the teachers that I’ve formed here are way closer than at any other school, because they care for you; they want you not to just get a good grade, but they want you to understand the material.”

Some of his favorite memories include the simplest things. “I remember trying to entertain ourselves during sophomore year,” said Jackson.

“If there was snow on the ground, we would race sleds down the big hill and when it was warm we would go to the lake and fish and set up hammocks. Sometimes it was just relaxing in the wilderness. I will miss all my friends and the people I’ve met here.” n

Evan, who lives a stone’s throw from campus and came to CS for eighth grade, knew when he first stepped on campus that it was the right place for him. “Every interaction I had with faculty and students was positive; you could tell that it was a special place, that the students wanted to be here, and the faculty wanted them to succeed.”

During his four years, Evan has valued the overall atmosphere of CS. “Christ School is a special place because you can put a name to every face. To be able to build relationships with students from all of the world on these 500 acres really becomes something special. What keeps me here until 7 or 8 o’clock each night are the relationships.” One such relationship began in eighth grade when Evan’s family hosted Andy Su, a classmate from China, over fall break. Andy has been their guest over breaks ever since.

Evan has been a regular participant in PEP (Progressive Education Program) where he volunteers every Wednesday morning with special needs students at a local high school. According to Director of Service Learning, Mrs. Mahoney, “Evan has formed bonds with those students and the teacher has told me that she appreciates his dedication and big heart. He is also an active member of Rotary Interact Club and has focused on veterans’ issues. I have rarely seen such a consistent dedication and service from such an early age; his commitment and enthusiasm are refreshing.”

Last spring, Evan swapped baseball for an internship with a local orthodontist, Dr. Ryan Haldeman, father of Grant ’21 and Tyler ’19.

Having had a personal experience with the dramatic results one can achieve with braces, Evan has decided to become an orthodontist and is getting all the practical experience he can. “I had a massive overbite and really crooked teeth, and I was so fascinated by how Dr. Haldeman fixed everything, I thought that’s something I could do for other people,” said Evan. He has done two internships and will be returning this summer to help with sterilization. He hopes to follow Dr. Haldeman’s path and attend the University of North Carolina.

Evan credits Mr. Kaneft’s AP Language class podcast project with helping him be more open about his struggles and hardships. Similar to the

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EVAN HOYLE ’19 47 “Humans of New York” series, they interviewed random strangers on the streets of Asheville.

“We asked them about their life story, greatest triumphs and biggest hardships. I found myself leaving this project realizing how much people need to talk. Before this project I don’t think I would have answered those questions to a stranger.”

One of Evan’s biggest challenges came in 2nd grade when his mother was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer. “My parents didn’t hide anything; they told me exactly what was going on and that has kind of formed who I am today.” Despite the challenges, he feels like his family has come out of the crisis for the better.

“It’s probably cliché, but life is very abrupt, and stuff comes at you very fast and it all comes down to how you react to it. If I’m negative around everyone that’s going to bring everything down – I don’t think negativity needs to be here. I choose to be positive. n

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COLES MANNING ’19 48 It’s not every adolescent boy who would actively seek out an all-boys environment as his ideal high school, but that was true for Coles when he chose to leave Episcopal High School in Virginia to attend CS his sophomore year. This junior from Fort Worth, TX, found out about CS from his cousin, Taylor Manning ’96, and decided to attend three days before the start of early sports.

“I’d seen how a coed boarding experience wasn’t the best for most people,” said Coles. “I felt like all-guys was a better fit: more sarcasm, more easy-going, you don’t have to think about stuff as much, just go to class, go to sports, and hang out.”

In his two years at CS, Coles has distinguished himself as a scholar, an athlete, and a service learning leader. Participating in service opportunities began as a way to entertain himself on the weekends. “I told myself I would go to a service project every weekend,” said Coles.

“Next thing I knew, I had a ridiculous number of hours” (it was 117 at the end the school year).

Director of Service Learning Mrs. Mahoney said “Coles’s genuine commitment to service is exemplary and the reason he was awarded the Servant Leadership Award in May.” Coles has taken a rigorous academic load, including Mr. Kaneft’s AP Language class. “He never grades you; you show him the work you’ve done all semester and then you tell him what grade you think you deserve,” said Coles. “I’ve learned that I’m very good at arguing. I could see myself being a lawyer one day” – a likely prospect; three out of four of Coles’s uncles chose the profession, though his father is an architect/ developer.

One of Coles’s proudest accomplishments at CS thus far is reviving the school newspaper, The Stump; this past year he served as the editor and handled the layout. According to Mrs. Dillon, “Many people have vision, but Coles is that rare person with the integrity to make his vision come alive.” Coles is involved in the Big Brother program, the Greenie Council, Habitat for Humanity team, and Rotary Club. Having played football since first grade, he chose to learn fly fishing this past fall.

Coles’s main sport is lacrosse and he arrived on campus just in time to enjoy two consecutive state championships. “Getting to learn the sport from guys like Riley Smith, Joey Cinque, and Jonah Roberts (all members of the class of 2017) was really cool,” said Coles. “They are all really talented Division I guys.”

Coles, who also looked up to Morgan MacDonald ’17, hopes to follow his lead and attend the Air Force Academy when he graduates. The winner of the Dartmouth Club Book Award and the Robinson Journalism Award, Coles is uncomfortable talking about his accomplishments. “I do stuff – whether Boy Scouts or History – not because it’s cool, but because it’s what I want to do,” conceding “I try to be as prepared as possible, I have studied hard, I have done well, and my grades reflect that.”

And he continues to make serving others a top priority. This summer, he will join his church youth group with hurricane recovery projects in a town near Houston. “I’m pretty straightforward; the stuff I do, I do it genuinely,” said Coles. “I really just want to help out.” n

Arriving at CS in ninth grade, Kevin has literally taken flight over the last three years. At first he struggled academically, “It was challenging but mostly my fault because I was kind of lazy,” said Kevin. With the help of his advisors – Mrs. Mahoney and then Coach Long – and Coach Moroz in Learning Resources, Kevin has buckled down and brought up his GPA. “I had to tell myself that it would be different than what I had experienced in public school, but I knew I would have to work but that is would help me in the long run.”

Kevin sought out teachers during extra help and started enjoying success after success, looking forward to opportunities to write in English class and to perform experiments in chemistry.

According to Coach Long, “Kevin has worked tirelessly to bring up his GPA and has realized how much more fun it is to get great grades, especially when he works hard.”

Kevin has also experienced soaring success in track. When track coaches Ashley and Cobb saw Kevin’s speed on the football field, they encouraged him to put his talents toward track and field events. He is now one of the top jumpers in in the country. Kevin helped the Greenies win this spring’s NCISAA 3-A championship, and individually, has a personalrecord of 49 feet, 9 inches in the triple jump. He has won a state championship in the long jump three years in a row.

Kevin considers his coaches as part of his family. “They’ve always been there for me, helping me become a great athlete, not just for myself, but also for the team,” said Kevin. “I once operated as an individual, and now I understand what it means to be a team player.” Coach Ashley said, “I have known Kevin since he was 10, and over time I have seen him grow from an uncertain boy to a confident young man. Kevin’s newfound maturity has made a remarkable difference in both his athletic and academic ability. He comes to practice ready to work. At meets he is ready to compete, confident not cocky, and assured and excited to jump far and run fast.”

Although his home is nearby in Asheville, Kevin chooses to be a five-day boarder to help him focus on studies and enjoy campus life. “I can get help from my teachers when I need it, go to sports and then find time to play basketball

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KEVIN SNYDER ’19 49 at Krieger Court or go fishing at the pond.” He attributes his teachers’ availability on campus – something he didn’t have in public school – with his impressive 3.85 GPA. In addition to jumping, Kevin is part of a lightning-fast 1,600-meter relay team that won its heat at the Penn Relays this spring and added points to win the state meet in May. This summer, Kevin was invited to the Caribbean Scholastic Invitational in the Bahamas, an international meet where he got to represent his country and go against jumpers from all over the world. While several universities have expressed interest in recruiting Kevin, he can’t receive an official offer until his senior year.

Despite all his success, Kevin remains humble and focused on improving. “A quote I think about every day is ‘The road to success is always under construction.’ Don’t cut yourself short; don’t be a follower, stand out and be a leader, and remember that it’s only the beginning for me and I have a whole life ahead, so I have to work hard to get to where I want to be.” n

Coaches: Jeff Depelteau Tiger Norman Most Valuable Player: Jalen Lecque ’18 Most Improved Players: Trey Austin ’19 Justice Ajogbor ’20 All-Conference: Brandon Stone ’19 Justice Ajogbor ’20 Jalen Lecque ’19 All-State: Jalen Lecque ’19

Young and Skilled

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VARSITY BASKETBALL

With no seniors and seven newcomers, Varsity Basketball’s players had their work cut out for them during the 2017-18 season. Not only that, the Greenies played one of the toughest schedules in the state.

Human highlight reel Jalen Lecque ’19 led the Greenie offense along with skilled bigs Brandon Stone ’19 and Justice Ajogbor ’20.

All three were named All-Carolinas Athletic Association performers on the season, while Jalen was named conference player of the year.

He averaged 21.9 points per game, 8.9 rebounds, and 9.1 assists. Jalen was recognized as an AllAmerican by the website, MaxPreps. The team finished with a 23-13 overall record and won its fourth straight CAA championship.

Christ School received the third seed for the NCISAA 3-A playoffs and a bye in the opening round. In the quarterfinals, the Greenies won an exciting game over High Point Christian in front of a capacity crowd. The Greenies fell to

eventual state champion Greensboro Day in the semifinals. With so much talent returning next year, there is a lot of look forward to for the Greenie basketball program. n

Top: Kojack Thompson ’19 elevates for an easy layup. Bottom: Brad Halvorsen ’19 goes for a contested layup in a regular season matchup.

under the lights

VARSITY SWIMMING

Earning New PR’s The Christ School Swim Nation performed very well this year with strong senior leadership and several up-and-coming swimmers. Head coach Kevin Lisska brought 20 years of competitive experience, developing a plan for success. Dr. Harris was on deck every practice, bringing support and encouragement for the team. Adam Pollard ’18 was more than a team manager, helping individuals with stoke, starts, and turns.

Adam was instrumental in training the new swimmers to become competitive swimmers at the conference and state meet.

The Greenies finished third overall in the Carolinas Athletic Association meet, setting numerous season-best times. T.J. Bell ’19, Simon Solibieda ’20, and Henry Duggins ’20 dropped nearly five seconds off their previous personal records. Paul Gao '18, who placed second and third in his individual races, anchored team relays and went on to make the finals in both the 50-yard freestyle and 100-yard freestyle.

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David placed fourth in the butterfly and fifth in the backstroke at the conference meet. Thomas Smoots ’19 raced to an impressive time of 57.60 seconds in the 100-yard freestyle. n

Top: Beau Simmons ’18 is a master of breast stroke and distance freestyle. Bottom: David Shainberg ’18 finishes strong in his final season with the Greenies.

Coaches: Kevin Lisska Brent Harris Captains: Flynn Cruse ’18 Coleman Davis ’18 Paul Gao ’18 Adam Pollard ’18 David Shainberg ’18 Beau Simmons ’18 All Conference: Paul Gao ’18 David Shainberg ’18 Thomas Smoots ’19 Flynn Cruse ’18 Most Valuable Swimmer: Paul Gao’18 Most Improved Swimmer: TJ Bell ’19

A Fantastic Season Coaches: Cody Geyer Mike Andress Kale Ledbetter Captains: McKinley Bell ’18 Gabe Blevins ’18 Mac Gortney ’19 All-Conference: Max LeCroy ’19 Jackson Hipp ’18 Chad Treadway ’19 McKinley Bell ’18 Mickey Meguiar ’21

Varsity Baseball finished a fantastic season with a 23-3 record. The Greenies reached the second round of the NCISAA 3-A playoffs where they lost in extra innings at Charlotte Country Day, 2-1, on May 12. Led by seniors McKinley Bell ’18 and Jackson Hipp ’18, Christ School won the Carolinas Athletic Association for the fourth consecutive year, going 10-0 against CAA opponents. Jackson was named the CAA Player of the Year. He will join Brown University’s team starting next school year. Max LeCroy was selected to the June 13-17 State Games of North Carolina tournament in Greensboro, NC. n

Conference Player of the Year: Jackson Hipp ’18

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Seniors: Gabe Blevins ’18 T.J. Searle ’18 McKinley Bell ’18 Jackson Hipp ’18 Jeffrey Hester ’18 Will Goosman ’18

under the lights BASEBALL

Top: Jackson Hipp ’18 waits for the right pitch. Bottom: McKinley Bell ’18, Mac Gortney ’19, and Parker Johnson ’21 gather for an in-game discussion.

GOLF

Coaches: Eric Thorp ’01 Thom Flinders

Success at Conference and State Varsity Golf enjoyed success at both the conference and state levels this spring. The team relied on the consistent play of its top four players – Carson Ownbey ’18, Andrew Graham ’21, Kellen Graham ’18, and Cameron Akers ’20 – to keep in contention all year. During Carolinas Athletic Association play, the Greenies were able to separate themselves from the rest of conference and ran away with the championship.

Based on play during the season, the team secured five of the seven available spots on the all-conference team. The Greenies were led in CAA play by Andrew, who earned conference player of the year honors, and he was joined on the All-CAA team by Carson, Kellen, Cameron, and Steve Pappas ’20.

Christ School’s play peaked as the Greenies entered the highly-competitive state tournament, featuring the top-12 teams in the NCISAA 3-A division. The 36-hole event was held at Pinehurst No. 8, a classic Tom Fazio-designed course, on May 14 and 15. Following the first 18 holes

Top: Cameron Akers ’20 checks his yardage book during a match.

of play, the team sat in second place behind heavily-favored Cannon School, five shots ahead of Charlotte Latin, and six shots ahead of defending champion Ravenscroft School of Raleigh. Carson, a Charlotte signee, was top performer for the Greenies in both the first and second round of the tournament. He finished the event at even par, after a 1-under 71 for the final 18 holes, good for a fourth-place showing out of 82 players. Carson’s individual round helped keep the team in second place, fending off a late push by Ravenscroft. Also stepping up for the Greenies to help secure a state runner-up finish were Andrew (seventh place), Steve (tied for 13th), and Kellen (tied for 18th). Cameron and Caleb Moss ’18 rounded out the team representatives at the state tournament. Christ School was also represented by Hank Pritchard ’19 and Drake Oliver ’19, who competed as individuals. Hank’s play landed him in a tie for 18th. Andrew and Carson earned all-state recognition by placing in the top nine. n

All-Conference: Cameron Akers ’18 Kellen Graham ’18 Carson Ownbey ’18 Steve Pappas ’20 Conference Player of the Year: Andrew Graham ’21 Citizen Times All-WNC Player of the Year: Carson Ownbey ’18 Most Valuable Players: Carson Ownbey ’18 Andrew Graham ’21 Most Improved Players: Steve Pappas ’20 Kellen Graham ’18

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Coaches: Jeff Miles Robert Roth Benjie Colberg Bob Iorio Mike Donecho Captains: Max Brie ’18 Alex Byron ’18 Hunter Vines ’18 All Conference: Max Brie ’18 Alex Byron ’18 Beau Hecimovich ’20 Davis Lindsey ’20 Will McNichols ’19 Hunter Vines ’18

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All State: Alex Byron ’18 Beau Hecimovich ’20 Davis Lindsey ’20 Hunter Vines ’18 All-American: Hunter Vines ’18 Most Valuable Player Hunter Vines ’18 Most Improved Player Spencer Dyer ’19

VARSITY LACROSSE

Another Year, Another Championship After graduating heavy in 2017, there was some uncertainty swirling around the Christ School lacrosse team this season. In the end, longtime coach Jeff Miles and the Greenies celebrated their second consecutive state championship during Commencement Weekend. Senior captains Hunter Vines ’18, Alex Byron ’18, and Max Brie ’18 led by example and set the expectation to win back-to-back NCISAA Division I championships.

Hunter led an explosive offense that averaged 15 goals per game against the toughest schedule in the NCISAA. Davis Lindsey ’20, Zack Grinde ’19, Jack Harrison ’19, Coles Manning ’19, and Sean Dow ’21 were major contributors. Jack McLawhorn ’18 was dominant at the face-off, completing the season with a 66 percent ratio. Defensively, Max, Alex, Will McNichols ’19, Luke Brazinski ’18, Marcus Berger ’19, Hagan Brooks ’19, and Spencer Dyer ’19 led a defense that only allowed six goals per game. All-state goalkeeper Beau Hecimovich ’20 was also stifling in net all season, including a 16-save performance in the state championship

game (a 18-9 home win over Charlotte Providence Day on May 20). Christ School finished the season with a 17-3 overall record and perfect 9-0 mark against NCISAA opponents. The coaching staff of Robert Roth, Benjie Colberg, Bob Iorio, Kyle Fraser, and Mike Donecho were instrumental to the success. The future continues to look bright for the Greenies with seven starters and 23 varsity players returning next year. n

Top: Zach Grinde ’19 scores a goal against Providence Day in the championship game. Below: All American Selection Hunter Vines ’18 looks for a teammate.

Under first-year coach Cameron Hillier, the Varsity Tennis team enjoyed a tremendous season with a record of 14-3, falling to only to eventual state champions Carmel Christian and Charlotte Country Day. The Greenies had three different win streaks of four matches. The team was undefeated in the Carolinas Athletic Association, collecting the third consecutive conference title for Christ School. Stephen Saye ’18 capped off his senior year by being awarded CAA Player of the Year for the first time. n

A Tremendous Season

under the lights

VARSITY TENNIS

55 Coaches: Cameron Hillier Travis Harris Captains: Stephen Saye ’18 Will Rasco ’18 All-Conference: Stephen Saye ’18 Will Rasco ’18 Conference Player of the Year: Stephen Saye ’18

Below: Stephen Saye ’18 lines up a backhand winner.

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under the lights

TRACK AND FIELD

State Champions!

For the first time since 1990, the Christ School track and field team won a state championship on May 19. The Greenies blew away the rest of the competition at the two-day NCISAA 3-A meet held at Ravenscroft School in Raleigh.

Christ School scored 134 points, while runnerup Charlotte Providence Day had 91 points.

Individual state champions for the Greenies were Kevin Snyder ’19 (long jump and triple jump), Jalen Lecque ’19 (high jump), Aydan White ’20 (110-meter hurdles), as well as the 800-meter and 1,600-meter relays. Led by head coach Randy Ashley and Demeseh Cobb, the Greenies broke away from the competition, scoring 68 points in field events and dominating the sprints. Throughout the season, the Greenies broke seven school records and competed in the United States

most prestigious meet – the Penn Relays. Christ School will have athletes in the New Balance Outdoor Nationals meet in mid-June. n

Top: Jack Lee ’21 takes his mark. Bottom: The new State Champions celebrate their victory in Raleigh.

Coaches: Randy Ashley Demeseh Cobb Emily Pulsifer Jenoy Merchant Kevin Clarke All-Conference: Andrew Hammel ’20 Juan Mantilla ’19 Drew Redmond ’21 Kevin Williams ’18 Miles Gardner ’20 Aydan White ’20 Kevin Snyder ’20 Trey Austin ’19 Jalen Lecque ’19 Keyvaun Cobb ’19 Eddy Sherman ’19 All-State: Trey Austin ’19 Jalen Lecque ’19 Keyvaun Cobb ’19 Aydan White ’20 Kevin Snyder ’20 Juan Mantilla ’19 Eddy Sherman ’19 Drew Redmond ’21

Above: Aydan White ’20 clears the high jump bar.

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Every sports season the mountain bikers try to embark on some sort of crazy yet manageable journey through the backyard woods of Pisgah National Forest.

This year was no different.

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THE

BLACK OUT

RIDE

by Matt Chisholm

In one of the hardest bike rides that Christ School mountain bikers have done in the last decade, four Christ School students and their coaches decided to tackle the black diamond Black Mountain Trail in the heart of Pisgah. It was a ride for the ages.

The ride started with a 5-mile, 1400 foot climb up Avery Creek Road, a beautiful, switchbacking, gravel grinder that traverses the area under Bennett Gap. Christian Blanks ’19 and Sawyer Duhaime ’18 took the lead early on making it to the top first. The rest of us struggled up just as a spring thunderstorm unloaded on us just under the ridge. Within the first hour of the ride, we were drenched with sweat, mud, and rain and would hold this precipitation for the duration.

From Bennett Gap, the team descended down to Club Gap to make the final climb to the Black Mountain Trail. Patrick Shea ’20 and Will Dubose ’19 lugged their bikes up a very technical, rocky stretch of trail that ascended 500 feet in .8 miles. Fortunately, the rain had backed off and the trail was somewhat dry, but there was much more hiking with bikes than riding to the top of Rich Mountain.

After riding for about an hour and a half with next to no downhill terrain, we finally got to descend on a flowing ridge trail for a couple of miles down to Buckhorn Gap. Sawyer had a wreck during this section, knocking his tooth a little loose and losing the functionality of his brakes for a minute, but due to Christian's extensive bike knowledge, we were able to fix the bike and get down to the gap.

At this point, we had some decisions to make.

We could either risk more rain and possible exposure on a ridge during a storm by riding up the middle section of Black Mountain or go under the ridge on a gravel road and reclimb back up to the last section of trail. We chose the latter (begrudgingly) and began our descent down to Maxwell Cove Road on a gravel section that was soaking wet and full of mud. The bikes got absolutely demolished (dirty and soaked) on this section but held up. After turning onto Maxwell Cove Road, we reclimbed 800 feet back up to the lower section of the Black Mountain trail to Hickory Knob.

The final descent was technical and muddy,

but everyone got through it. Coach Duhaime took a nasty spill at a technical rock garden and ended up about 30 yards off the side of the trail in a bunch of rhododendron, but this “interruption in riding” was more of a testament to his “ride it, think later” riding style.

Fortunately, he had no major injuries, and we continued down the very fun, very fast lower section of Black Mountain to the car. Overall, the ride clocked in at just under 20 miles with 3300 feet of climbing in just over 4 hours, including injury and repair time. Riding times was about 3 hours.

This ride, besides the Pisgah 10 Hour Adventure Race, was one of the most difficult adventures I’ve ever taken with kids, and they all did amazingly well. What enables these guys to accomplish these types of rides is just hard work and training and being willing to learn how to take risks and trust their coaches. Will Dubose and Coach Dr. Brent Harris had never really ridden mountain bikes at all before this season, and in a short 2.5 month’s time were able to complete a grueling death march on one of the hardest trails in the eastern United States. This ride captures the essence of our outdoor program that seeks to teach kids to sustain themselves in difficult environments and trust their teammates and training with only the supplies on their backs and a desire to move forward. What an amazing season! n

Bruised and muddied, but not defeated, the Greenies finish the ride.

the great outdoors THE OUTDOOR PROGRAM

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beyond the gate house FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

The sights and sounds of the boys are certainly absent from campus during the summer; however there is still a high level of energy as we wrap up the past school year and prepare for the next.

The generosity of our alumni, parents, and friends is remarkable and we are pleased to report the following highlights from the 2017-18 fiscal year : •Through the success of our campaign, a tremendous amount of transformation has been completed campus wide. DRAWING STRENGTH from WITHIN – the CAMPAIGN for CHRIST SCHOOL topped its original goal of $20 million and has reached $24.7 million.

•Even though we have achieved over 124% of our goal, there is still time to participate in the Campaign. Contributing to the Endowment through establishing scholarships is an excellent way to help us reach its $9 million goal. A few Naming Opportunities still exist as well.

•The campaign officially ends on October 27, 2018, with a celebration during our annual Angelus event.

•Several capital projects outside the original scope of the Campaign have been completed, including the Kennedy- Herterich Art Center, Gardner House dorm, and the new Wellness Center.

•This year the most ambitious capital project to-date reached its completion – the Close|Krieger Athletic Center, was completely funded and dedicated during Alumni Weekend on Saturday, May 5, 2018.

•Let the Greenie Times Roll, our biennial gala and auction, raised over $338,000 which fully funded a new outdoor chapel and seats for the visitor’s side of Fayssoux Field.

•Four newly endowed scholarship funds were established – the Beard Family Scholarship, the Class of ’68 Scholarship, the Class of ’73 Scholarship, and the Class of ’18 Scholarship.

•The Annual Loyalty Fund continued to be strong even in the midst of our campaign – a true sign of strength and commitment from our constituents. Because tuition covers only about 80% of Christ School’s operating budget, support of the ALF provides us with flexibility to meet our areas of greatest need, such as competitive faculty salaries, student scholarships, maintenance of facilities and grounds, and day-to-day operating costs.

The continued success of Christ School still lies in the profound commitment of its leadership through our Headmaster and Board as well as through the generosity of our donors. Thank you for your support of Christ School and we welcome you to come back to campus to see your gifts in action!

Sincerely,

Paige Wheeler Interim Director of Advancement

alumni weekend 2018

“BIG R” FUN RUN

HEADMASTER’S RECEPTION

AWARDS LUNCHEON

SPORTING EVENTS

Years

Gone By!

Alumni Weekends are filled with reconnections of Greenies from years gone by and this year’s Alumni Weekend was no exception.

Class years ending in 3 and 8 were the highlighted reunion years and activities included the “Big R” Fun Run on Friday afternoon and a cocktail party at the Headmaster’s Home later that evening.

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beyond the gate house FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

Saturday began with the Alumni Memorial Eucharist. Father Kirk Brown served as the Celebrant and Joe Massey ’65 stepped in as organist. Massey has helped preserve the musical history of Christ School that otherwise would have been lost. While a student of Urq Chinn, he made notes of some of the service music, and has been able to transcribe those notes for posterity.

At the conclusion of this year’s Memorial Service he led the congregation in an emotional singing of some of that service music. After the service Bob Twomey ’73 remarked “It doesn’t matter how much Christ School changes; every time I step on campus it feels like home.”

Before the Alumni Barbeque and Awards Luncheon, everyone gathered outside the new Close|Krieger Athletic Center for its official dedication.

The naming rights for the Athletic Center, the largest capital project in Christ School history, were made possible by Close and his wife, Sallie, along with Betty and Walter Montgomery ’47, P’93, P’96, P’98. The Montgomery family asked that their gift be used in the name of Headmaster Paul Krieger.

“No one has done more to take Christ School to a new level than Headmaster Paul Krieger,” Close said. “Paul has been here 18 years, 16 as Headmaster. This facility is most appropriate

and symbolic of how far the school has come.”

Nearly 50 donors were involved in making the Close|Krieger Athletic Center a reality. It greatly expands the indoor conditioning and practice options for all Greenie sports teams. Along with a much-expanded weight room that has a college feel, there is a synthetic turf field and hall of fame that celebrates 118 years of competition and honors all outstanding Christ School coaches and athletes through the years.

During the dedication, Headmaster Krieger stated, “Our new Athletic Center is the best indoor high school athletic facility in the country and it is here in Arden, North Carolina. Thank you for the opportunities your gift has given boys at Christ School for generations to come who will greatly benefit from this outstanding facility.”

In addition to emphasizing the importance of tending to fitness as a life-long pursuit, the Close|Krieger Athletic Center is tangible evidence of Christ School maintaining its rightful place among the best boys’ schools in the United States. This is the first indoor athletic space added to our campus since Mebane Fieldhouse was built in 1989.

Following the dedication, the Alumni Barbeque and Awards Luncheon was held under a tent on the football field.

Alumni Award Recipients were: Robert W. Blanchard ’03 Robert B. Moore III Young Alumnus Award Townsend Tanner ’03 Bill Sewell Service and Loyalty Award Sam. T. Harman ’88 Alumni Achievement Award Suzanne “Shug” Lockett P’07 Headmaster Award Charles “Chuck” Darsie ’58 Distinguished Alumnus Award The Young Alumni gathered at Blue Ghost Brewing on Saturday evening. Various class reunion dinners were held around the area. n

MARK YOUR CALENDARS Next Christ School Alumni Weekend May 3-4, 2019 Alumni Weekend 2019 will celebrate classes ending in 4 and 9.

Naming of the Center Sallie and Derick Close ’77 Betty and Walter Montgomery ’47, P’93, P’96, P’98 The R.E. Howard Strength and Conditioning Center Jena and Steve Young ’82 Hall of Fame Christi and Will Byron P’18 Fitness Training Mezzanine The Estate of James S. Patty ’42 Exercise Room Chiyo and Joseph Husslein P’14 Sport Medicine Room Olivia and Hugo Hartenstein ’53 Filming Tower Stanley C. Gibson ’58 GP’08 Kay and Steve Nesbitt ’58, GP’18

Offices Charles Cole GP’07, GP’08 Class of ’88 Kelly and John McCauley P’13 Marianna and Albert McCauley GP’13, GP’21 Hall of Fame – Inductee Level Carolyn Colburn P’17 David Colburn P’17 Andrea and Edwin H. Cooper III ’81, P’19 Diane King and Dean Cunningham P’17 Hunter and Jamie McLawhorn P’18 Maggie and Robert Muchison P’11 Sally and McKee Nunnally GP’19 Mitzi and J. Purvis P’15 Sally A. Serenius P’80, GP’06, GP’09 Bertram L. Scott P’08 Linda and Tommy Westfeldt Jane H. Young Hall of Fame – Nominees Level Broyhill Family Foundation Susan and Walter W. Hannah, Jr. ’72 Richard B. Moore ’90 Melanie and John Pace P’11, P’14 Dale and Patrick M. Reily ’59 Allyson and Michael Sanderson P’17 The David J. Walker, Jr. Foundation Quincy Foil White and Michael C. White P’12 Marilyn and Bill Brown P’19 Joseph C. Visconti P’20

DONORS TO THE ATHLETIC CENTER

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Photos (clockwise from top left): Dan Stevenson ’72, P’15 greets Rick Rodgers ’64; Robin Boylan ’66 arrives at the Headmaster's Reception; Daniel Shaw ’13 and his date, Leah Morris, enjoy the reception; Headmaster Krieger heads to the Athletic Center Dedication; Bob Massey ’65 commands the organ throughout the Memorial Service; Brev Moore ’58 reviews the course with Cross Country Coach Emily Pulsifer before the "Big R" Fun Run; Will Fountain ’93 checks out the latest Greenie gear in the bookstore; Father Brown hurries toward the dedication.

Photos (clockwise from top left): Jan Davis and Susan Woodell enjoy the Headmaster's Reception; Robin Boylan ’66 joins his classmates in the final hymn at the Memorial Service; Christine and Townsend Tanner ’03 arrive on campus; De de St. Aubin greets a classmate; Headmaster Krieger speaks to gathered alumni and friends at the Athletic Center Dedication; Bob Twomey ’73, Bob Massey ’65 and others applaud the momentous occasion.

AW

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ALUMNI AND CONTRIBUTOR AWARDS

Robert Blanchard ’03

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Townsend Tanner ’03

Sam Hardman ’88

The Robert B. Moore Young Alumnus Award was awarded to Robert W. Blanchard ’03. This award has been given since 2006 to a young alumnus who demonstrates the potential for future leadership at Christ School because he embodies honor, integrity, citizenship, potential for leadership and even humor that distinguished the alumnus for whom this award memorializes Robert Moore ’90.

Robert graduated from Christ School in 2003. He graduated from the University of Connecticut with a master’s degree in Business Analytics and Project Management and then earned a master’s degree in Applied and Resource Economics from East Carolina University. He now teaches machine learning for SAS in Raleigh, and specializes in neural networks. Before joining SAS, Robert worked under the Senior Vice Provost at North Carolina State University where he built models pertaining to student success, faculty development, and resource management. Prior to working in academia, Robert was a member of the research and development group on the Workforce Optimization Team at Travelers Insurance. His models at Travelers focused on forecasting and optimizing resources.

The Bill Sewell Service & Loyalty Award was awarded to Townsend Tanner ’03. This award is named after one of Christ School’s most beloved alumni who served the school faithfully as a teacher, coach, trustee, and supporter throughout his life. Recipients are alumni who exemplify Bill Sewell’s dedicated commitment through significant accumulative service and contributions to the school.

Townsend Tanner is a 2003 graduate of Christ School. Since graduating from North Carolina State University with a B.S. in business management, Townsend has been back in Asheville increasing his involvement with his beloved CS. He demonstrated his support of our teams by driving to Virginia to watch our Greenies take Oak Hill into an exciting overtime; and he has shown his commitment to the school by serving as the vice president and president of the alumni council. Townsend currently serves on the board of trustees and is a member of the capital campaign committee.

Townsend was born in Rutherfordton, NC, and came to Christ School in the fifth form.

At Christ School, he participated in varsity basketball, varsity golf, and choir. His senior year he received the MIP award in basketball and the MVP award, as well as All Conference and All WNC, in golf. He also received the esteemed Big Brother Award and was proctor of South Carolina House.

Away from Christ School, Townsend runs Tanner-Ashe Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors in Hendersonville, NC. Along with his financial securities and insurance licenses, he added the distinction of being a certified financial planner in 2012.

Recently married, Townsend and his wife, Christine, reside in Asheville, NC. Sam T. Hardman ’88 was the recipient of the Alumni Achievement Award, which is given in recognition of attainment of noteworthy accomplishments in professional and personal activities.

Sam graduated from Christ School in 1988, matriculated to the University of Georgia,

and graduated from there in 1993 with a BA in history. After graduation, he worked at the family-owned First Commerce Bank for 15 years. With the sale of the bank in 2006, Sam has spent the last 12 years using his banking and construction knowledge in land transactions and home renovation in the Greater Atlanta area. He serves as an executive of the L.G. Hardman, Jr. Foundation, is a long-time member of YPO (Young President’s Organization) Forum and is a member of the Piedmont Driving Club. Sam has been active in Christ School affairs, supportive of many initiatives, and we are grateful for his efforts on our behalf.

This year’s Headmaster’s Award was presented to Suzanne “Shug” Lockett P’07.

This award was given to an individual as a means of expressing appreciation and honor to someone who has greatly supported Christ School but did not attend the school.

Shug earned a BA at Duke University with a double major in Economics and Art Design and then an MBA at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She worked as a banking officer at NCNB (now Bank of America) in Charlotte for eight years in a variety of positions including corporate trust officer, lending officer, and vice president for private banking.

In 1985, she left Charlotte for 14 years, living in Hong Kong, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans. The Lockett family, including John ’07, returned to North Carolina in late 1999. In addition to Christ School, Shug has been active in numerous community and educational organizations including St. Catherine’s School, Arts Council of New Orleans, McColl Center for Art and Innovation, The Junior League of Baton Rouge, and Christ Church. This May Shug will leave the Christ School Board of Trustees after serving as the advancement committee chair and as a member of the campaign committee.

We are deeply appreciative of her leadership and commitment to Christ School.

The Distinguished Alumnus Award was presented to Charles “Chuck” Darsie ’58. This award is the highest honor bestowed upon a Christ School alumnus. It recognizes significant professional and personal accomplishments and contributions to society in general and Christ School in particular.

Chuck was born in Charlotte but first set foot on the Christ School campus in 1943 at age 3, when his father accepted a faculty position teaching math and coaching track and JV football. Growing up on campus, Chuck has memories of playing touch football every Sunday afternoon and trying not to be chosen last by the much older boys. He became a student at Christ school in the first form, living in the dorms, playing tennis, soccer, and football, and graduating in 1958. (He broke his collarbone at the start of his senior year thus ending any NFL hopes. The Angelus referred to his injury as “costly,” thus making it seem that his absence was chiefly responsible for their 0–8 record.) He attended Hiram College in Ohio where he played soccer and tennis all four years, graduating with a degree in English.

Chuck joined the Air Force after graduation and served as an officer until 1965 when he entered law school at the University of North Carolina and, upon graduation, moved to Durham (mainly so he would not be too far away from football and basketball at UNC) and practiced for 42 years. He met Sandra Cook, “the real talent in the family,” and they were married in 1979 in Duke Chapel. They raised four sons who now live in Wisconsin, Charlotte, and New York City, and have four grandchildren. They are members of Pilgrim United Church of Christ where Chuck was a trustee and is currently a deacon. Sandra sings in the choir and is involved in the life of the church, including serving as a deacon. Chuck is a past trustee of Christ School. Since his retirement, Chuck has also done work with the Innocence Project for wrongfully convicted prisoners and re-entry and reconciliation counseling with people who have been recently released from prison. n

beyond the gate house FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

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Shug Lockett P’07

Chuck Darsie ’58

ANGELUS SOCIETY GROWS TO NEW LEVEL

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beyond the gate house FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

This year, as our capital campaign comes to a close, we are asking donors to increase their giving to be at the Angelus Society level from $1,500 – where it has remained for the last 15 years – to $1,900. As always members are invited to attend the annual Angelus event held in their honor during Asheville School Weekend. This year’s Angelus will take place on Saturday, October 27, at Amherst on the Biltmore Estate.

The increase in the Angelus Society amount will assist the School in meeting the costs of maintaining the newly transformed campus.

Through the generosity of our donors, we have completed a new dining hall, athletic center, art center, dormitory and the facility housing our Wellness Center, Advancement and Alumni Offices, and Business Office. Each of these improvements helped transform our campus into something truly remarkable and these facilities now require additional funding from our annual operating budget.

Additionally, we arrived at the number 1900 to honor Christ School’s founding year. Imagine what Father Wetmore and his wife, Susan Allen Wetmore, would think of today’s campus and the 290 boys who are challenged, educated, and transformed here! The early leaders of Christ School never lost sight of their conviction to provide an excellent education at a modest cost.

Today’s tuition covers only about 80% of Christ School’s operating budget and we solicit gifts of unrestricted support through the Annual Loyalty Fund to help us with the difference.

We hope you will consider joining us at the $1,900 level this year. Your support is always appreciated. Thank you!

Angelus Venue for 2018 – Amherst on The Biltmore Estate

CHRIST SCHOOL ADDS FOUR NEWLY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS In addition to the Beard Family Scholarship, three more scholarships – for the Class of ’68, Class of ’73, and Class of ’18 – were created and endowed this year, growing our endowment and allowing the school to enroll very talented boys who otherwise could not afford tuition.

Reuniting this past Alumni Weekend, the classes of ’68 and ’73 initiated their scholarship funds as a way to unite their classes with a common funding goal.

The Class of ’18 Scholarship Fund was created as an incentive for parents to honor their sons as they graduate, and for their sons to contribute to the fund as they become alumni.

We are honored that so many of our alumni and parents participated in endowing these funds which will provide funding in perpetuity to support worthy students.

If you are interested in participating in contributing to any of these funds or to begin your own endowed fund, please contact the Advancement Office at 828.684.6232 and we will be happy to help you.

CAMPAIGN AT A

glance

In 2014, Christ School launched a $20 million capital campaign to transform the campus and expand our endowment to ensure a vibrant future. Throughout DRAWING STRENGTH from WITHIN – the CAMPAIGN for CHRIST SCHOOL, alumni, parents, foundations, and friends have generously supported Christ School and the funding priorities set by the Board following a feasibility study.

The Campaign will draw to a close with a celebration during this year’s Angelus set for Saturday, October 27. If you have been a donor to the campaign, be looking for your invitation. If you not yet participated with a campaign gift, there is still time! For more information on opportunities to establish an endowed fund or participate in a naming opportunity, please call the Advancement Office at 828.684.6232 ext. 103.

The priorities of the campaign and the funds raised for each category at the end of the 2018 fiscal year are as follows:

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Endowment: $4,002,083 Planned Gifts: $3,700,000 Capital Projects: $10,916,382 Campaign Unrestricted: $1,225,177 Annual Loyalty Fund: $4,925,759 Grand Total as of 6.28.18:

$24,769,401 This represents 124% of our original $20 million goal!

• Preference to a young man with a demonstrated financial need but financial need is not a requirement; • Citizenship within the Christ School community is important; infraction of the School’s Honor Code is grounds for not renewing the scholarship

a legacy of

STEWARDSHIP

by Donna Wheeler

The Beard families’ ties with Christ School go back over half a century. Tom Beard ’51, P’84, GP’12, GP’18 first stepped foot on campus in 1947 as a ninth grader. His son John and grandsons, Thomas and John, would follow suit.

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beyond the gate house FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

Over the years Tom ’51 and John ’84 have served as trustees and Sarah Beard P’18 has been head of the Parent Council. With grandson John’s graduation this past May, Tom and his wife, Nancy, were looking for a way to stay connected with the school, to give other boys the opportunity to benefit from attending CS, and to support and augment Christ School’s endowment. And so, they established The Beard Family Scholarship, which is given to a rising Fifth Form student meeting the following selection criteria:

This year’s recipient, Jack Adams ’20, was announced at the Awards Ceremony in May. Earlier that day, one day before young John would graduate, I had the opportunity to sit down with three generations of Beards and hear about cherished CS memories.

Introduction to Christ School Tom Beard ’51: I was from Greensboro, and my father came by campus one day and met Mr. Dave. He really liked Mr. Dave and the way he disciplined boys and made men out of them. Mr. Dave had a sawmill at one time, so that also made an impression on him, since my dad was in the lumber business. As the youngest of four boys, Christ School made a man out of me.

John Beard ’84: I grew up in Greensboro and had finished junior high in ninth grade, so it was a natural progression to come here for tenth. I was making some bad grades and was ready to go.

I remember showing my parents my French grade and to take the heat off I said ‘OK, I’ll go to CS,’ and the next day the application was in the mail.

I started off in football with early sports, met a lot of great friends, friends I’ve kept over 34 years.”

• A demonstrated commitment to the Christ School community and therefore candidates are those who have been at Christ School for at least one full year;

Nancy Beard P’84, GP’12, GP’18: It was a little hard for me to let John go, and on the drive up here, he just wanted to sleep, and I told him to wake up and write his purpose of life for Eagle Scouts.

• A young man with a sense of humility, a seriousness toward his Christian faith, a developed work-ethic, thoughtfulness toward others, and an appreciation for family;

JB: I had no idea what my purpose of life was; I was headed to boarding school as a tenth grader and thought life was over. Somehow, I scraped it together and got my Eagle Scout.

• An active participant in campus life – be it in athletics, the arts, and an over-all positive example for others;

Campus Changes JB: Without a doubt the facilities have changed tremendously. Starting when my father was on the board in the late 80’s and early 90’s they decided they needed to build dorms, and that morphed into what Paul Krieger has done over the past 15 years, which is incredible. We had

• Of sound academic achievement and continuing sound academic performance for maintaining the scholarship;

very good teachers then, but it seems like the teachers, the administration, and the staff are of the caliber you would find at the college level.

NB: When we left John at school the dorms were so cold they had special blankets for the winter. It was rather bleak.

TB: That’s when we began to raise money to renovate the dorm.

Why a Scholarship TB: I wanted to give other boys the opportunity to come here.

JB: It was kind of a progression over the years.

We were always good friends with Denis Stokes (former Director of Advancement) and he would usually visit with mom and dad and play golf with me. On one of his visits Mom and Dad expressed interest in doing something for the capital campaign, and at the same time Sarah and I were on the campaign committee and were aware that the endowment had not been funded very well.

I mentioned to them that wouldn’t it be nice to do something for the endowment while helping some other kids have the same experience we had, by endowing a scholarship.

Beard Scholarship Recipient Jack Adams ’20 Sarah Beard P’18: Do you want to know something neat? Our son didn’t have a clue about all of this and last weekend he called and said ‘Oh, I just had the best tennis game.’ When I asked who he played with he said ‘a boy named Jack Adams from Augusta’ I asked if he was a nice child and he said ‘he is an awesome guy’; it shows you what a small world it is.

home town and I have loved hearing them tell tales about CS adventures. I have also made so many close friends with CS parents and I know that we will stay in touch, but I hate not getting to see them as much as before. Furthermore, I also feel blessed that I was able to make friends with so many of the CS teachers. The relationships that we have made at CS will always hold a special place in our heart!

CS does a good job of finding those that are really gifted at working with boys and that’s wonderful because you want them to have the kind of people teaching and coaching them who know what the boys need.

JB: Hopefully that will continue with endowing scholarships and hopefully endowing some teachers’ chairs and whatever we need to do to build the endowment. It is unbelievable what we have done with this capital campaign, but we still need to build the endowment. When we set out for this we definitely didn’t think we would raise the money we have raised and get the buildings funded the way we did, but the one spot that we still need to work for is the endowment, and with the campaign coming to an end this fall, I think that’s where the school is going to continue to push.

If the school is going to continue to grow we have to have scholarships to attract quality students, the kind of young men who will continue to give back to the school for years and years to come. n

JB: We wanted somebody with not only need, but a good person, good grades, good citizen, which I think embodies the Christ School philosophy.

What Makes CS Unique SB: One thing that I love at CS, other than the incredible teachers who give so much of themselves to the kids, is meeting so many wonderful families and boys from all over the country. For me, that is one of the hardest parts about John graduating. I have truly loved getting to know so many of the boys through dinners out and overnights with us at the beach or in our Three generations of the Beard family greet Jack Adams ’20, the first recipient of the Beard Family Scholarship, at the Awards Ceremony during Commencement Weekend.

I mentioned to them that wouldn’t it be nice to do something for the endowment while helping some other kids have the same experience we had, by endowing a scholarship.

—John Beard ’84

71

Let the greeNie times Roll

72

auctioN

Let the Greenie Times Roll was a wonderfully successful event raising over $336,000 and fully funded the development of an Outdoor Chapel and the purchase of bleachers for the visitors’ side of Fayssoux Field.

This biennial event highlights campus projects in need of funding and brings together alumni and parents who donate sponsorships and items for the auction. This year’s auction was highlighted by some great trips to Jackson Hole, WY; The Dunmore in Harbor Island, Bahamas; golf in Pinehurst, NC; Hamilton at the Peace Center; a ride in the 2019 Rex Parade and a 17-foot motor boat!

Auction Co-Chairs Maria and Noel Johnson ’87, P’20 were the first husband and wife duo to lead and organize the event. Maria and Noel helped to secure many of the evening’s sponsors and auction items.

Our Wine Pull Chairs were Karyn and Bill Kearney ’78, P’20 – another dynamic duo! Attendees were invited to purchase a wine pull number for $30 and take home a winning bottle (or two) of wine!

The event was held at the Biltmore Forest Country club and, as usual, we had a sell-out crowd.

Thank you to all the sponsors, donors, and bidders!

Mark your calendars for April 25, 2020!

And gaLa

CHRIST SCHOOL WELCOMES BETSY ELLIS AS NEW DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Director of Advancement Betsy Ellis is no stranger to Christ School. She previously worked in our Advancement office from 2002-04 to assist with fundraising for the Chapel renovation. In 2004, Ellis became Director of Advancement at Evergreen Charter School in Asheville. After the birth of her son Ben, Ellis joined Pisgah Legal Services, where she worked for 11 years. Her job grew to Director of Philanthropy, managing a talented team, 1,600 donors, and increasing the Annual Campaign from $200,000 to over $1.4 million a year. Ellis was ready for a new challenge, and the opportunity to return to Christ School came at the right time. "I have always loved Christ School, and as a mother familiar with teen boys it resonates more than ever," Ellis says.

Ellis is excited about where Christ School is headed. "What an awesome time to return to CS; the successes are too many to count and the growth is profound," says Ellis. "It's been years since I've been on campus, so I'm amazed by the transformation, but also taken by the familiarity of the school and how true to mission it's remained. I look forward to joining the talented Advancement team and bolstering their success by developing and deepening relationships where there is opportunity. I'm excited about our team being the best it can be, and I look forward to working with the school's leadership to achieve that."

"We are thrilled to have Betsy, her background, and her interpersonal skills as part of our Advancement initiative," says Headmaster Paul Krieger. "She brings experience and authenticity to our school – values that we embrace and promote."

Ellis, her husband James, an attorney in Black Mountain, and their three sons moved into Van Every House over the summer. When she's not working, Ellis loves to travel, cook, and entertain. She also enjoys spending time at their family place on Lake Champlain in Vermont. n

73

beyond the gate house FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

1948

1958

John Hope ’58 writes: “Alumni weekend was the greatest. Saw old friends, missed the few who couldn't attend, and had a time recouping experience.”

1963

Bill ’48 and Nancy Kennedy in Li River, China

74

class notes NEWS FROM ALUMNI

Bill Kennedy ’48 and his wife, Nancy, will be at their Ski Lodge at Beech Mountain, NC, until mid-September when they leave for a month’s cruise in the Northwest United States. Their oldest son, Clarke, who also lives at Beech Mountain, married at age 55 and at age 56 has a 6-month-old son. Their youngest son, David, has 10 children and is living in nearby Boone, NC; their daughter Denis is married to Atlanta attorney George Koeing and they have five children, three of whom have graduated from University of Georgia and are working in Atlanta, and two boys who are still in school.

Class of 1953

John Sneed ’63 and Charlie Sneed ’66 stopped by campus in April. John, who lives south of Portland, OR, was visiting his brother in Goldsboro, NC. John is a retired college administrator and Charlie is semi-retired, still involved in property management and helping his wife run an NEH granted program for teachers in African art during the summer.

Class of 1958

1968

Albert Matheny III ’68 writes: “For our 50th Reunion, we got over two thirds of our class together for dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings, May 4 and 5. It was great to see all our classmates and their spouses. We had a very happy time together. Thanks to Benjamin Porter for the great group photo.”

1970

Class of 1968 50th Reunion at Biltmore Forest Country Club.

75

The Rev. Polk Van Zant ’70 and The Rev. Tom Seitz ’70, both recently retired, caught up over lunch in Winter Haven, FL.

Polk Van Zandt ’70 recently retired as Rector of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Murfreesboro, TN, after 23 years of ordained ministry, proceeded by 18 years as a cotton farmer. He writes: “We are currently living in Monteagle, TN, but plan to live full time in a class A RV and see our beautiful country for several years.

Class of 1970, don’t be surprised to receive a call as we are passing through!”

Albert Matheny ’68, Brent Ogilvie ’68, and Richard Woodell ’68, along with their wives, got together for a meal at Ormond Beach, FL, in December while The Woodells were staying at their son’s beach house. They had a fun evening and spent a lot of time recalling with complete accuracy their CS years, thanks to Richard’s amazing memory!

1973

After a senate confirmation hearing, Rick Toomey ’73 was appointed by SC Governor Henry McMaster to the eight-member South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) Board. Dr. Toomey represents District 1, which includes Beaufort and Charleston. The board is charged with promoting health and reducing, controlling, and preventing pollution.

Rick Toomey ’73 after lunch with Dan Stevenson ’72, P’15 in Beaufort, SC

Bill Wilder ’73 and his wife, Debbie, moved from Fort Myers, FL, to Lexington, KY, in June to be near their daughter and grandkids.

George Donald ’75 writes: “Since the last reunion of the Class of ’75, I, like many of my classmates, have become a grandpa! Over the decades I studied physical education, as well as vocal performance, and try to stay as involved as I can in these things. I continue in my career as a hospital interpreter (Trauma/ OR/ ER/ etc.). My language training started at CS a long time ago with Cpt. Reid and Doc Curtis. I was tapped as an interpreter to travel on a medical mission to Guatemala last winter, an incredibly memorable trip of a lifetime. On our free day, we walked up Pacaya Volcano! Life is full!”

1976

76

class notes NEWS FROM ALUMNI

Bill ’73 and wife Debbie with grandkids Emma(1) and Laiton(3).

1974

Peter Many ’74 writes that after working for years in the credit department of Godchaux’s Clothing and D.H. Holmes in New Orleans, he is now retired. He never married and has no children. Since 2016 he’s been living at the Ville Ste. Marie Senior Living Community in Jefferson, LA. He loves it!

1975

Dwight Willingham ’76 visited campus in May. Dwight is division president at Acadia Healthcare (Nashville), a four billion dollar publicly traded company. He loved what he saw and is looking forward to celebrating at the Angelus Dinner on October 27. (photo)

1977

Peter Many '74

Above: George Donald '75

Jeff Ross-Bain '77 with his new wife Teresa Herring

Jeff Ross-Bain ’77 and Teresa Herring tied the knot on April 29, 2018, in Charleston, SC. It was a great event held at the Historic Rice Mill on the Ashley River. Jeff will be relocating to Charleston from Atlanta over the next 2-3 months as well as opening a new office in Charleston. Jeff writes, “it is a time of meaningful transition with new and exciting prospects for the future. It has been worth the wait!”

1984

1978 Father and sons, Beards and Johnsons, connected during Alumni Weekend. Years ago, John Beard ’84 was the prefect for Noel Johnson ’87, and this past year John Beard ’18 was Larry Johnson’s ’19 prefect!

1999 Oscar Sanchez ’78, who lives in Guatemala City with his wife, Nathalie Lambotte, has been working for General Mills for the past 15 years as its representative for Central America and some countries in South America. His office is in Miami, FL.

Will Perry ’99 was awarded the Bronze Star while in Afghanistan (2017); he completed a D.C. tour and was selected for the Pathfinder Fellowship with the Air Force Global Strike Command (Barksdale AFB, LA) where he will focus on Strategic Nuclear Effects, Policy, & Proliferation.

Class of 1993

Will Perry ’99 with his daughter, Catherine, on a visit to CS.

77

2004

Ronnie Kilby ’04 and his wife, Jill, welcomed their first child on September 9th, 2017, a healthy 8 lbs. 9 oz. baby boy, Harrison Candler Kilby. In December 2017 Ronnie accepted a promotion from Corporal to Sergeant with Haywood County EMS.

2007

Morgan Herterich ’04 with his wife, Lauren, and daughter, Baylor, in a snowy Charleston, SC.

78

As of January 2018, Tyler Williams ’07 left his position with Disruptive Enterprises and is now working for Vernon Family Dairy in Eden, NC, where he and his wife, Allison, make their home. On June 11, they celebrated their second wedding anniversary. Since March, Tyler has been on the road select weekends continuing his race announcing with several regional racing series including the F.U.E.L. Racing Series based out of Concord, NC. 2018 will mark his ninth season serving as a race announcer. He is looking forward to seeing what this season will hold as he continues to chase his dream of announcing sporting events for a living.

2010

Former Christ School goalkeeper Bradley Dunn ’10 took part in the Federation of International Lacrosse World Championships in Netanya, Israel in July. Dunn is headed over as part of a Fellowship of Christian Athletes team in the Open division. The group of American collegiate and post-collegiate players went up against international competition during their July 8-22 trip. Dunn played college lacrosse for the University of North Carolina.

2011

2008

All Plumlees, Miles ’08 (Atlanta), Mason ’09 (Denver) and Marshall ’11 (Milwaukee) reunited in May for younger sister Maddie’s graduation from University of Notre Dame.

Marshall Plumlee ’11 met former President Bill Clinton prior to an NBA playoff game between the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics.

Marshall had just completed his second season of professional basketball for the Bucks as a twoway player, meaning he split time between their roster and the G-League Wisconsin Herd.

McKay H. Tye ’12

Harrison Tye ’13

2012

McKay H. Tye ’12 is working in Charlotte, NC, in commercial insurance with Hausmann Nationwide Insurance.

2013

Harrison Tye ’13 graduated from Ole Miss and is now living in Dallas, TX. He works for CBRE, a commercial real estate services and investment firm, and is a business analyst with the Institutional Retail Investment Properties Group.

Former Christ School goalkeeper Jason Weber ’13 has been chosen to represent his home country of Canada in the Federation of International Lacrosse World Championship which is July 12-21 in Netanya, Israel. The Canadians are the defending champions. Jason made over 300 career saves in high school before going on to set a school record (690) for the University of Detroit Mercy.

2014

James Antley ’14 will graduate from Western State Colorado University this December with a degree in wildlife biology. He minored in Spanish. This summer, James is working with a professor to count a rare butterfly in the Rocky Mountains in between playing his guitar and fly-fishing.

79 Mark Glaeser ’14 graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy on May 25. The big day in Annapolis, MD not only included pomp and circumstance, but a handshake from President Donald Trump. Mark’s next assignment is to be part of the crew of the USS John Paul Jones destroyer out of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

Jones Hussey ’14 graduated in May from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, with a degree in economic sociology. He also has minors in business, classics, and history.

He was inducted into Eta Sigma Phi, the National Honor Society for classical studies.

Post-grad he will be working at a dude ranch in Colorado as a server in the dining room through October. After that is still up in the air but Jones would love to return closer to Christ School and the Carolinas!

class notes NEWS FROM ALUMNI

Connell Maloney ’14 graduated from The Citadel on May 5 with a double major in history and political science. He currently lives in Washington, D.C., with his fiancée, Rachel Powell, who Maloney met during a Christ School-St. Mary’s School dance his freshman year.

For the second consecutive season, Anthony Vaglica ’15 made the All-East Coast Conference baseball team at Long Island (NY) University Post. Anthony was a second-team selection in 2017, but jumped up to the first team this spring as a junior catcher by batting .275 with 29 RBIs, 14 doubles, six home runs and 34 runs scored. He started 46 games behind the plate for the Pioneers (29-20).

2016

Connell Maloney '14

80

Benjamin Wise ’14 graduated from NC State University on December 15, 2017, with a degree in biology. He earned his degree and 3 1/2 years and graduated summa cum laude. He plans to attend medical school.

John Fulkerson ’16 and Jake Deuterman ’16 stopped by campus this spring to visit the new Advancement Office.

2015

Eric Leng ’16, who attends Emory University, stopped by campus this spring.

Golfers Jonathan Rector ’15 (Clemson) and Thomas Garbee ’16 (Navy) met on the green this spring when Clemson hosted a tournament at The Cliffs at Keowee Falls in Sunset, SC.

2017

Joey Cinque ’17 was named Newcomer of the Year for all sports at Rollins College (FL). The attacker led the Rollins lacrosse team in goals (30) as a freshman.

Will Iorio ’17 was named the Coast Guard Academy lacrosse team’s Rookie of the Year.

The freshman attacker scored 24 goals to go along with 21 assists for the Bears (14-4).

the last look

“Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems." —Rainer Maria Rilke

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