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FROM THE ARCHIVES / PAGE 3
Campus dining has changed a lot since 1967. A dining hall and patio have long since replaced the refurbished army barrack of the 1970s and 80s.
OUR SPIN ON THE GLOBE / PAGE 4
Hammond's Country of Study Program provides a unique opportunity for faculty members to experience first-hand another culture and bring it back to the classroom ... and the library ... and the arts!
HAMMOND SCHOLARS PROGRAM
/ PAGE 6
We're looking for exceptionally bright, rising ninth graders with strong leadership potential to apply to be a Hammond Merit Scholar.
UNPRECEDENTED / PAGE 8
The Varsity Football Skyhawks make history, clenching a sixth straight state championship win.
BASKETBALL and IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE / PAGE 10
Hammond basketball greats of the 1970s return to connect with current players and reconnect with former teammates. The Drama Department presents It's a Wonderful Life just in time for the holidays.
A HOLIDAY TRADITION / PAGE 12
Now in its 20th year, the Annual Tree Lighting Program brings together the youngest and the oldest Skyhawks in a favorite tradition.
MOCK TRIALS & OPEN STUDIOS / PAGE 14
In its first year, the Mock Trial Team successfully rests its case, and the Art Department opens its doors for parent visits.
THE ANNUAL AUCTION & ALUMS / PAGE 16
Mark your calendars now for the Hammond Auction, read about a return trip to Belize and Homecoming 2011.
CLASS NOTES / 18
Keep up with your former classmates at home, across the country, and even abroad. Send us your pictures and your updates. E-mail updates and photos to horizons@hammondschool.org.
As we look toward Hammond's 50th Anniversary, we would love to see old photographs, home movies, and memorabilia. Contact Cissy Pope at cpope@hammondschool.org.
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Letter from the Head Dear Hammond Families, For even the most seasoned Hammond parent who has experienced the school at almost every grade, and often multiple times, it’s difficult to know how much excitement occurs at Hammond on any given day. Unique and creative learning is always taking place in our classrooms and labs, on our stages and playing fields. Everything we do is a teaching moment…a moment to model service or character, hard work and dedication, good sportsmanship, and the satisfaction of a job well-done. Extraordinary moments are a daily occurrence at Hammond, and can often be overlooked in the midst of our many successes. One of the most difficult tasks we face at Hammond is pausing to reflect upon that which makes us so unique and use these opportunities to share with the community, both internally and externally. While some secrets are best kept, the Hammond experience is one to share. A recent survey by Ian Symmonds & Associates was conducted to ascertain what factors influence parents’ decisions to choose an independent school for their children. These surveys are useful in helping us gauge how we measure against parental expectations on the national level, and serve as a benchmark for improvement. After reviewing the results of the survey, I’m pleased to report that Hammond is meeting all of the variables deemed very important (the highest rating) by respondents. The top three attributes parents seek when researching independents schools are: (1) personal attention given to students; (2) academic reputation; and (3) small class size. These are the same attributes we value at Hammond and strive to provide for our students. Our teachers, coaches, and staff work one-on-one with students daily, encouraging their successes and helping strengthen learning in areas that need improvement. The last two qualities are, without exception, the hallmark of the Hammond experience: our academic reputation and our small class sizes. In fact, our founders established this school with these same characteristics in mind. Thank you for the many ways you support our school with your gifts, your time, and your vote of confidence. Our Hammond families are our best cheerleaders and our most effective marketing tools. Please join me in celebrating all of the extraordinary moments we witness each and every day. All the best, Chris Angel Headmaster
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From the Archives
Graduation 1967
Campus Dining now and then...
Dining at Hammond has come a long way ... such a long way, in fact, that it's the rare alum who remembers purchasing Stewart's Sandwiches, frozen pizzas, or a carton of chocolate milk. And lucky was the student who had enough change left over to buy a package of Now and Later candy. In the early years, mealtime at Hammond was anything but glamorous, with lunches being served at one time on the gymnasium stage, in classrooms while you watched re-runs of Betwiched, and later in refurbished army barracks. Student workers helped man the lines and the closest you came to a hot meal was frozen pizza. And if you happened to have brought a bag lunch in need of heating, it's a safe bet you remembered to bring your ten cents heating fee. The Hammond of today boasts two impressive dining areas: the Lower School Kiva and the Upper/Middle School Dining Hall. You could say it's fine dining for our fine feathered friends, as Skyhawk meals are prepared by Chef David Scarsella and include menu items like grilled sirloin, roasted potatoes, and steamed asparagus. And forget the Now and Laters ... the fresh baked cookies are the only thing you'll want after such a great meal.
Now and then ... these two photos were taken from the same vantage point and face the gym parking lot. A dirt area adjacent to an army barrack gives way to a concrete patio and modern dining facilities.
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Third grade teachers Megan Harrison and Susan Todd take an elephant trek through Thailand.
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n k
Our Globe spin on the
by Cissy Pope
Hammond puts its own spin on the globe through the Country of Study Program
S
ince 1989, Hammond has been putting its own spin on the globe. The typical student who started school in pre-kindergarten will have visited at least 14 countries by graduation and been exposed to several languages … without ever leaving home. The Country of Study Program puts the world in Hammond and Hammond in the world … and it’s uniquely ours. Annually, the
classroom. In the Lower School, students are exposed to literature from Thailand in the library and in classrooms, explore the country’s regions, history, customs, and currency, while learning to make comparisons between our country and Thailand. And for a real taste of Bangkok and beyond, the Kiva periodically offers traditional Thai fare that transports even the
other disciplines have similarly made Thailand a topic of discussion. The libraries purchase age-appropriate literature typically involving the history and culture of the chosen country. Perhaps the biggest travel day of the year is the Parents Association’s “Country of Study Day” when Lower School classrooms are transformed and students are transported to a
Hammond Parents Association funds three faculty trips to the chosen country of study. While abroad, teachers immerse themselves in the culture, history, language, and cuisine of the nation--always mindful of incorporating its unique aspects into the curriculum. Upon their return, the travelers make creative and informative presentations at convocation, officially kicking-off the year’s journey … and for 2011-2012, it's Thailand. So how do we do it? How do we transport more than 900 students around the world and back every day? It starts, but doesn’t stop, in the
youngest traveler. Chicken satay, mango smoothies, and Thai egg rolls are just a few of the delicacies our Lower School students have sampled. Soon to appear on the menu are Thai marinated chicken and mango ice box pie. In the Middle School, Thailand is a cross-curricular topic even explored in math class. Studying the currency, the baht, and comparing its exchange rate to the dollar has proven an interesting way to introduce students to fluctuations in monetary value. The 5th and 6th grade choral group has incorporated several traditional Thai songs into its repertoire, and
different culture through a variety of activities and learning opportunities. In all three divisions, games, trivia, and authentic cuisine make the experience complete. But it doesn’t stop there. Hammond’s largest fundraiser, the auction, selects as its theme the country of study, and invests months in the planning and preparation of a night away from home. You might just say the Hammond family takes a nine-month trip to another country, enjoying the sights and sounds of a different culture and celebrating this unique component of our curriculum.
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Hammond Scholars Program
Hammond is pleased to announce the addition of the Merit Scholars Program designed to attract rising ninth grade students who have demonstrated high academic and leadership potential. Students from Hammond and other schools are invited to seek nomination.
The Hammond Scholars Program is seeking academically talented students who are intellectually poised to set the world on fire ... and we can help them get there. Our scholars program recognizes prospective 9th grade students outside and within the Hammond community who exhibit great academic promise and who would benefit from a Hammond education. Our scholarships include full or partial tuition and are based solely on merit. Students must be nominated by a third party and must possess a demonstrated record of academic achievement, exemplary character and leadership, and wellrounded participation within their school and community. • Nominations must be submitted using the Hammond Scholar Program Nomination Form and submitted by a third party. • Nominees must have an A average, be in the top 10% of his or her class, and be in the top 10% in national testing. • Nominees must demonstrate leadership and/or a positive contribution to a group or cause. • Nominees must write a defined essay, and complete Hammond’s regular admission application including an additional teacher recommendation. • Nominees will be interviewed by a selection committee which will include members of the faculty and student body.
Application Timeline Application Deadline: January 27, 2012 Finalist Candidates on Campus: February 24, 2012 Merit Scholarship Winners Announced: March 2, 2012
For more information on the Hammond Scholars Program, contact the Admission Office at (803) 776-0295, extension 1039.
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wiseplanning
Creates a Legacy for the Future When giving ... remember HAMMOND. Your gift makes a world of difference and a lasting impact on our school. Charitable IRA Returns Under new federal law, donors who are age 70 1/2 and older may arrange direct gifts from their traditional or Roth IRAs to qualified charitable organizations, up to a maximum amount of $100,000 through December 31, 2011. IRA gifts are most advantageous when they count toward the minimum distributions required of individuals over age 70 1/2.
Estate Tax Laws The new estate tax law passed by Congress, and signed by the president for 2011 and 2012, reinstates the estate tax, but limits it to estates over $5 million with a top tax rate of 35 percent. A total of $10 million can be sheltered by married couples.
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t
Summertime…Conditioning "Coach….do I have dark circles under my eyes…..cause if I have dark circles under my eyes, I should probably stop running" - Sophomore Doak Fisher Ron Brown: "Nice job guys, let's call it up!" Coach Scott: "Ron,…you got one more." Ron (after collapsing to the ground) "I can’t see!"
The Season Begins “When you own a state-record with five consecutive state championships, the last thing you think about is rebuilding. During its run, Hammond has reloaded more than rebuilt. But this year could be the biggest challenge Hamond has faced" - Chris Dearing, The State Newspaper “Barons snap Skyhawks' winning streak.” - The Item Sumter newspaper
Unprecedented
U
Unprecedented ... Unparalleled ... Unbelievable! The Varsity Football Skyhawks achieved an undisputed place in the history books when it clenched its sixth state championship win against Wilson Hall of Sumter. Following a season of injuries, setbacks, and stiff competition within SCISA, the Skyhawks entered the playoffs with only one loss from an earlier game against the undefeated Wilson Hall. Relying on fan support and perseverance, the Skyhawks went on to beat the Barons in a spirited match against a strong team. In summarizing the 2011 season, Head Coach Erik Kimrey offered the following sound bytes at the fall sports banquet.
and the kicker kicks the ball very low on the ground….Have you ever seen that? McIver: No, I can't say that I have. Coach K: Have you ever watched a football game on TV? McIver: Not really. “OK…5 points for any DB, 4 points for Logan , 3 for Love or Ron, 2 for Robbie, Roo, or Kneece…..only a half a point for Patty or Cox.” Coker Courie explaing his “who’s Coach Wilson going to yell at this play?” point system to some other teammates watching defensive team.
Back to the Season
"They made more plays than we did and we made more mistakes. We battled back and made some plays to get back into it but we dug ourselves a hole with turnovers and penalties. You cannot beat a team like Hammond with those mistakes." - Porter Gaud coach Rick Reetz “When did y'all get Adrian Peterson at running back?” - Former Hammond QB Punky DaSilva after watching BJ Bennett’s record-setting half against Heathwood Hall.
“It’s tough losing somebody like that, but you have faith in your other teammates and believe in your team as a whole.” Jake Nidiffer after losing Joey DeAngelis for the season to an injury.
“We ran into a buzz saw tonight.” - Augusta Christian Coach Keith Walton after semifinal loss to Hammond. “Oops!” - Blair Epting at halftime after accidentally cutting off the stadium lights.
After the Championship Game:
"I am so proud of all of my teammates. We battled through a lot of injuries and adversity this season." - Jake Nidiffer "We put our trust in the coaches and then we just executed what they asked us to do. Winning is what matters to me. I just go out and do my job and play as hard as I can." - BJ Bennett “It was mind-blowing,” said Quayshon Meyers.
Coach Kimrey's Favorite Quote:
“Once they got hurt, we knew that we could still do it.” “We just knew. It’s a relief to go out there and prove what we knew: that we could still win.” - Defensive Back/Receiver Braden Shockley. “Guys…this is going to be hard…..it's going to be awful….I’m sorry we don’t have experience…we don’t have depth…there are only 31 of you guys and you’re going to have be like navy seals.” - Coach Elliott after a lackluster practice following the Wilson Hall loss.
“Team Six!”- our team‘s mantra….after understanding what it was going to take to become champions again. “Plain and simple, they whipped us up front on both sides of the ball.” Ben Lippen Coach Reggie Shaw “We got hit in the mouth by Wilson Hall, and that was a wake-up call for us. "It’s been getting better since that game, and hands down, tonight was our best game up front on offense and defense.” Roo Daniels after the Ben Lippen game.
A Day at Practice Coach K: McIver, I want you to work on a squib kick. McIver: Coach, what’s a squib kick? Coach K: You know…like when you watch a game on TV
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Basketball Players Connect & Reconnect
Past and present Varsity Basketball players connect with the current team and reconnect with fellow teammates.
I
n early December, nearly 20 of Hammond's former basketball greats from the 1970s came together to connect and reconnect. These Skyhawks remember when basketball ruled the court at Hammond. These are also the
same Skyhawks who remember that at Hammond, academic rigor called the shots. In those days, school rules dictated no athletic events be held on week nights, which meant basketball games were held on both Friday and Saturday nights, often in cities on opposite ends of the state. During basketball season, the team, along with parents and the cheerleading squad, spent weekends traveling from one game
to the next. The close comaraderie they developed with the coaches and other players has stayed with them throughout the years. For some of these players, returning to Hammond was a first since graduation, but stepping back on campus brought the memories back. Joining the group were former coaches Al Hough and Bob Ellenburg, both of whom were integral to the team's success. From 1972 to 1977, the Skyhawks amassed quite a winning record. Several state championships, state runner-ups, and perfect seasons round out the team's history. A reception was held for the alums prior to the start of the Hammond vs. A.
1 0 | H AMMOND h o rizo n s • Fal l 2011
C. Flora game, and Varsity Coach Mark McClam and his team attended, giving former players a chance to connect with the current team. And while the outcome of the game wasn't quite what any Skyhawk had hoped it would be, lasting friendships were rekindled, and new ones made...all in the name of a good game of basketball.
What could be more wonderful than life? Thirty-four Middle and Upper School student actors and actresses bringing the quaint town of Bedford Falls to the Hammond stage! "It's a Wonderful Life" is a 1946 Hollywood Christmas drama film produced and directed by Frank Capra and based on the short story, "The Greatest Gift," written by Philip Van Doren Stern. The original film version stars James Stewart as George Bailey, a man whose imminent suicide on Christmas Eve brings about the intervention of his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence shows George all the lives he has touched and the contributions he has made to his community. The play follows the life of George Bailey, a goodhearted but frustrated businessman who runs his bank with high ideals and less lofty financial returns. Through a series of flashbacks, we watch as he is swept away in the uncertainty of the Great Depression and the life that would be if he never existed. The flashbacks catch up to the present, where we find Mr. Bailey perched on a bridge, about to commit suicide to escape the humiliation of the bank’s ruin. Having forgotten what truly matters in life, he is reminded by a memorable guardian angel, Clarence, played by Gilmore Oliphant, who, in the style of Dickens, guides him through what life in his town of Bedford Falls would be like had he never been born.
W
The beloved holiday story was artfully staged by a stellar cast led by Director of Theatre Linda Khoury. Juniors Peter McWilliams and Mary Ashley Reeves were perfectly cast and stepped into the characters of Mary and George Bailey with ease. The drama group deftly portrayed touching moments and garnered more than a few hearty laughs from the audience. The three-night performance enjoyed packed houses with students of all ages in attendance. Behind the scenes, stage managers and set producers helped it all come together wonderfully. The show effectively transported us to another time and place. As the story closes with the entire cast singing, “Hark the Herald,” it was refreshing to remember what is truly important in this wonderful life. The Hammond theatre department left us all with a meaningful holiday message ... one deserving of a standing ovation!
BY CISSY POPE
It's a Wonderful Life Fal l 2011 • HAM M O ND hor i zons | 11
a holiday
Tradition
Chances are, Columbia won't see a white Christmas, but that didn't stop snow from falling at this year's Tree Lighting Ceremony. One of Hammond's most beloved and time-honored traditions, the Tree Lighting brings the entire school together for festive music, holiday readings, and decorating of the school's tree. This year marked the 20th year Hammond has come together as a school to ring in the holidays. While the ceremony has seen many venues and variations over the years, the spirit of fellowship and school unity has remained the same. In 1991, long-time Director of Admission Julia Moore conceived the idea to bring the school together to celebrate the season, showcase the plentiful musical talent found within the student body, and to pair the youngest and oldest Skyhawks in a symbolic passing of the torch. This year was no exception.
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The Lower School Fitness Center came alive to the sounds of the Upper School choirs, the 7th grade ensemble, the 5th and 6th grade chorus, and Lower School students. A Christmas reading by Cameron Obioha and Hannukah reading by Hannah Wassermann helped bring real meaning to the season, but perhaps the most special part of the program was watching as seniors escorted prekindergarteners to the tree to hang an ornament. Many of these same seniors recall being escorted as pre-kindergarteners themselves. Dressed in holiday finery, the youngest and oldest students decorated the tree with snowflakes and watched in amazement as the tree was lit. And while Columbia probably won't be expecting any of the white stuff, the snow that fell on the tree will long be remembered, as will the 2011 Tree Lighting and the enthusiasm and school spirit so unique to Hammond.
Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow!
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Mock Trial Team
Rests Its Case
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When the gavel dropped at the South Carolina Bar Association's Middle School Mock Trial competition, only ten schools were ready to advance to the next level ... and Hammond was one of the ten. In its first year of organization, the team easily advanced to the finals...the first school to ever make it to state in its first year. Sponsored through a grant from the South Carolina Bar Foundation and the South Carolina Bar, the Mock Trial competition involves presenting the prosecution and defendant sides of a fictitious
case before a panel of local volunteer lawyers and judges. Students also fill the roles of attorneys, witnesses, baliffs, and timekeepers. Each team is judged on its presentation skills, rather than the legal merits of the case. Attorney Coaches working with the team are Jill Crosswell and Larry Kristinik. Delia Corrigan and Karen Shull serve as faculty sponsors. As this young team of 6th-8th graders rests its case, you can bet there will be few arguments about its success in the courtroom.
Cely Davis Faculty Enrichment Grant
Provides Opportunities for Professional Development The Cely Davis Faculty Enrichment Grant was established in memory of long-time third grade teacher, Cely Davis, who constantly strove for unique and creative ways of teaching students. Cely had a strong interest in professional enrichment for educators, and as such, desired other Hammond teachers be given opportunities for development. Each year, faculty members are encouraged to submit proposals for consideration. This year's grant was awarded to Steven Hillard, Director of Choirs, and Upper School Director of Student Life.
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Using the grant, Hillard enrolled in the Gardner Carney Leadership Institute. For 6 days, every June, on the campus of the Fountain Valley School of Colorado, teachers and administrators from across North America learn how to develop the leadership competencies of their students. They are exposed to the latest research about brain science, social and emotional intelligence, and group dynamics; and they participate in extensive exercises designed to develop their awareness, personal reflection, and effective action in order to learn a pedagogy of leadership.
ARTfully
Done
by Cathy Cobbs
NMiddle School Arts Program, as about 175
ovember 22 was an exciting day for the Hammond
middle school parents shadowed children who were participating in dance, band, drama tech, chorus, and drama classes. Attendees were greeted with an informal coffee in the Bank of America Theatre early in the day, and moved right into a potpourri of activities, including making fish dishes in the clay studio, practicing dance moves, studying the ancient art of Asian-style ink painting, listening to the band and chorus rehearse their holiday selections, and observing drama unfolding on the theatre stage with both actors and set builders. The morning continued with a 5th and 6th grade choral performance in the chapel conducted by Eben Trobaugh, which culminated in a rousing finale of “Children Go Where I Send Thee.” Friends of the Arts hosted a reception on the portico behind the chapel after the conclusion of the performance. Kathryn Ramsby, who coordinated the event aided by tireless assistance by the fine arts staff, said she felt the inaugural event was a great success. "This new event seemed to be a big success,” she said. “The students eagerly welcomed their parents and friends' parents, who said they loved being part of the school day and connecting with their children in a new way." "As an art teacher, the best part of the day was seeing the parents, the academic teachers and the students sharing creative ideas and experiences. We are looking forward to doing it again in the spring!"
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rab your passport and join us on an excursion to Thailand ... this year's country of study. While you won't have to ride an G elephant to get there, BIG things are in store, and you'll need a trunk to get them home! Feast on traditional Thai delicacies, bid on fabulous auction items, and enjoy an evening of Hammond fellowship ... all for a good cause! White elephants are rare and valued in Thailand, and those that are found are graciously presented to the beloved king. They are believed to symbolize a reign of justice and power and a kingdom blessed with peace and prosperity. Please mark your calendars to join us at the auction to find your own white elephant.
Back to
Belize T
his summer, Brooks Owens ('09) took another life-changing trip to Belize ... this time as a Wofford junior majoring in Spanish and biology with aspirations to attend medical school following college graduation. With fond memories of his trip as a Hammond senior and an interest in obtaining first-hand clinical experience in a third world country, Brooks assisted as a Spanish-English translator at Margaret Juan's The Good Shepherd Clinic. Having met Margaret Juan as a Hammond student, Brooks knew the clinic would offer him the experience he was seeking. He later spent five days at the Belmopan Hospital in the capital where he observed a surgeon from Alabama and a fourth-year resident at work. While Brooks will never forget his trip to Belize with fellow classmates, it's a safe bet this most recent trip was even more life-changing.
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All About ALUMS 2006 Team Members
Homecoming 2011 Hammond vs. Heathwood
H
omecoming 2011 found the Skyhawks painting the town red as they hosted crosstown rivals, the Heathwood Highlanders, at the annual match-up on the gridiron. The Skyhawks handily defeated the Highlanders in what is always an opportunity for one of the two teams to claim bragging rights for the year. The Alumni Association's annual barbeque was held prior to the game and boasted record attendance. In addition to alums and children of alums, attendees included members of the 2006 Varsity Football team whose State Championship win was celebrated as the first in a string of what has now become six straight wins at state. Emily Bakhaus and Gilmore Oliphant were named Mr. and Miss Homecoming at halftime following recognition of the 2006 football team and senior athletes. Homecoming was twice as nice for the Bakhaus family ... in 2005, Kat ('06) was also selected Miss Homecoming. The night brought out all the best at Hammond and many familiar faces from past graduating classes ... and lots of RED!
(l to r) Alums Jay Strohecker ('78), Jack Wells ('78), Alec Giles ('79), and Muffie Vardell Wells ('77)
Lucia McCallum Smith ('82) and Alumni Association President Rebecca Duffie Penland ('82)
Steven Harvin ('08), Carter Scott ('07), and Walker Inabinet ('08), all members of the 2006 State Championship team.
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By C is sy Pope
A
lex Friedman learned more around the dinner table than most people learn in a lifetime, and she’s taken those life lessons and put them to good use helping others. Alex, a 2006 Hammond graduate, attended Washington University in St. Louis and received B.S. degrees in both biology and psychology, but it wasn’t just studying that drove her. Growing up, she and her brother, Jonathan (’12), spent many evenings discussing societal change with their parents. The family often broke down the steps that could be taken to conquer injustice, so at a young age, Alex developed a thirst for the battle. And throughout college, and now as a medical school student, she is working to help others who are disadvantaged and fill in the gaps where she sees inequity. While still an undergraduate working at the St. Louis Science Center, Alex was teaching science education and integrating science experiments into her lessons. She went a step further and began instructing her students about professional development, including how to budget, interview, and develop critical reasoning. A simple teaching opportunity turned into providing the children with essential life skills, and Alex found herself running a program with 40 children – a far cry from the apprenticeship she had envisioned. Alex will tell you her path has been pretty direct, although it may not be as clear to the casual observer. “Everything has led to something else. I learned a lot about how children viewed medicine and mistrusted doctors,” she said. “They avoided hospitals, but reached a point that they could no longer ignore their symptoms. I saw a need to connect community service with the medical profession.” The summer before graduation, she worked at a youth specialty clinic and learned valuable information about development
programming. She was soon to find that this path, in particular, led her directly to the next one. Now in medical school at Northwestern University in Chicago, Alex has continued to pursue her passion for community service. She spent an alternative spring break in South Dakota, something she compares to working with Mr. Mancke during Early Technology Week. She and 10 of her peers spent the week on a reservation in Eagle Butte, an extremely poor area with rudimentary technology. While there, she and others taught health education, cooked for the children, and completed several beautification projects. One of Alex’s most passionate issues has been chronic disease management - high blood pressure and diabetes, in particular. She found that people were struggling with ways to manage these chronic diseases, and yet these were all treatable. After learning more about health coaches, she developed the concept of using medical students in these roles. “I’m interested in how we can help people who are struggling, while developing better physicians at the same time,” Alex said. Applying for, and receiving the Schweitzer fellowship, proved to be the key to the marriage of her two passions. Alex started working on the west side of Chicago in Austin, the worst neighborhood in the country. Impoverished and lacking access to healthy foods, the residents in the area proved to be exactly the right fit for health coaching. The recipient of a research grant to study this population, Alex decided to combine the grant with her concept of health coaching. Knowing that patients were often afraid to cross through these neighborhoods to obtain health care, she knew health coaches trained in motivational interviewing, while practicing alongside these residents, would help bridge the gap. Today, there are 15 health coaches working with Alex in the Austin neighborhood at an organization she’s named “Coaching for Control.” For Alex, this opportunity has mirrored her philosophy of “being where you are, ” and making positive changes in even the most dire of circumstances. “This is rejuvenating for me. I love it. It’s been a wonderful experience, and putting on the white coat has made it all possible.” While Chicago is a far cry from the dinner table in Columbia, the menu is the same, only the venue has changed. And Alex is still making a difference being where she is.
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CLASS NOTES Send Class Notes and photographs to horizons@hammondschool.org or by mail to Hammond School, 854 Galway Lane, Columbia, SC 29209
1981 Lieutenant John McMahan is Range Supervisor for the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy, and recently received a silver medal at The World Police and Fire Games in New York City. The international competition is held every two years in locales around the world. John received his silver medal in shotgun skeet competition. He was the only American to receive a medal in the competition, and the medal marks the 46th he has received.
1986 Tom Edmunds was recognized as one of America’s top urological surgeons. Tom owns and operates Capitol Urology and specializes in daVinci robotic prostatectomies, and so far has performed around 200. He also plays in Bandkamp along with Hammond alum Blake Edmunds (‘87). Tom and his wife, Meg, have three children attending Hammond.
1989 Russell Smith has been awarded an MPhil in Ancient Cultures from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. On April 1, Russell and his family celebrated 10 years of ministry at historic Covenant-First Presbyterian in Cincinnati, Ohio.
1992 Rem Reynolds and his wife, Kate, announce the birth of Robert Neal Reynolds, “Bobby” on May 4, 2011 in New York City. Rem is an Executive Vice-President at Digitas and Kate owns Studio Four NYC in Manhattan.
1993 Ellie Harvey Smith and her husband, Tom, announce the birth of a daughter, Perry Elton Smith, born September 24, 2010. Perry recently underwent successful surgery for a hamartoma growth of the pituitary gland. Ellie and Tom both teach at the Medical School.
1995 Meagan Watt Higginbotham and her husband, Brad, live in Colorado. They are the proud parents of Noah (3), Oliver (2), and recent arrival, Penelope. Kate McAbee Elder and her husband, Derek, welcomed a daughter, Leighton Kendall Elder, on October 21, 2011. The Elders live in San Clemente, California. Richard Folks and his wife, Tracy, are proud to announce a new addition to their family. Sydney Michaela Folks was born on August 26, 2011 and joins older brothers Caleb (8) and
Landon (4). Richard coaches Varsity Boys & Girls basketball at Covenant Classical Christian School. William Hancock lives in Washington, DC with his wife, Barbara. In addition to working for the Federal Government, he spent the last two years training for and competing in triathlons. On September 12 of last year, William completed IronMan Wisconsin, which includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, and 26.2-mile run. In August of this year, William competed in the US Triathlon National Championships in Burlington, Vermont and looks forward to competing in the 2012 Championships. Laine Ligon Jr and his wife, Taylor, announce the birth of Sarah Margaret Ligon (Mae) born October 17, 2011. Mae joins big sister Hazlewood. Gus Brabham was recently named President and CEO of Frank B. Norris & Co. in Columbia. He and his wife, Heather, have three sons attending Hammond.
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1996
1999
Kara Burgess Glenn and her husband, Ben and son Cole proudly announce the birth of Juliet Wilkes Glenn born on April 29, 2011.
Meredith Healy Hanna and her husband, Heath, proudly welcomed a baby boy, Chapman Healy Hanna on January 26, 2011. Heath and Meredith enjoy taking Chapman to the golf course and to cheer on their alma mater, the Wofford Terriers.
1997 Sara Grimsley Cornish and her husband, Michael, announce the birth of a daughter, Clairy Elizabeth, born on June 15, 2011. They are currently living in Greenville, SC.
Caroline Sozzi and Matthew Kinney were married April 30, 2011, at Estherville Plantation in Georgetown, South Ca rolina. Mr. and Mrs. Kinney had a wedding party of family and friends, which included Caroline's closest Hammond friends. The couple recently moved from Charleston, South Carolina to Athens, Georgia.
2000
Megan Turner Swink and her husband, McCall, announce the birth of a son, Henry “McCall” Swink III born August 26, 2011. David Stuck married Caroline Besen da Silveira on Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Columbia. Caroline is from Brazil and she and David live in Charlotte, North Carolina where she is a registered nurse and he is a chef.
2003
Ainsley Robinson Johnston and her husband, John, proudly announce the birth of Oliver Robinson Johnston, born October 10, 2011. He joins his big brother John Johnston Jr.
Rebekah Thomas married Danny Garbett, formerly of Parker, Colorado. Rebekah is a P.E. teacher at Summit Parkway Middle School and coaches volleyball. She is the daughter of Jim and Teresa Smith Thomas (’75).
2001
2008
Frank Cason and his wife, Kristin, are proud to announce the birth of another son, Claude, born November 16, 2010.
Alston James is a senior Biochemistry Major /Math Minor at Washington & Lee University. He plays 2nd base on the baseball team and was recently named to the ODAC Academic All-Conference Team. He’s a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and hopes to attend medical school.
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2009
2011
Margaret Deans Fawcett, a former Hammond cheerleader, is a junior at Wofford College where she is on the cheerleading squad.
Sarah Felmly, a freshman at Furman University, recently spent the summer in China on a grant. As part of the program, Sarah will spend the next year studying Chinese.
considers herself fortunate to have memories of many wonderful students and is thankful for many who have assisted her since becoming outstanding citizens. One of her greatest joys is to learn about her students since their graduation from Hammond.
Reunion Notes The Class of 1986 celebrated its 25th reunion on October 22, at Nonnah's. Many alums returned to relive their days at Hammond!
2010 Bryce James is a sophomore majoring in computer science at the University of SC. He is a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and is also playing keyboard for the band “Atlas Road Crew (A.R.C.)” Bryce spent this summer interning in the University of California San Francisco’s Biomechanics Lab at San Francisco General Hospital. Ramsey Ugarte, Jordan Kay, and Kelsey Chow (‘09) attended the 2011 Gold Cup final game between USA and Mexico at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Pearson Fowler, a freshman at Furman University, was recently selected to become a member of the school's acapella singing group. In addition, Pearson and fellow graduate, Caroline Harris, are both taking a French class taught by Hammond graduate, Hamilton Killey ('03). David Tucker is shooting on the Clemson University sporting clays team. They recently won a regional tournament in Jacksonville, Florida. As a Hammond student, David was a member of the sporting clays team.
The Class of 1991 celebrated its 20th reunion in Columbia on Homecoming Weekend. Many members of the class also attended the Homecoming BBQ at Hammond.
The Class of 2001 celebrated its tenth reunion this past summer at the home of Chase Irons. A great group of classmates returned to reconnect and reminisce.
Faculty Notes Myrna Killian and her husband recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. Mrs. Killian was a teacher, department head, and organizer of many of the first clubs and activities from Hammond's beginning September 1966-1987. She
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