News from Alumni

CLASS NOTES

1954

Connie Booker Moe writes, “None of my family was sick during the quarantine. However, the time out of circulation did a number on my psyche. But now, with the promise of resuming teaching an exercise class at my church (Second Baptist), I’ve begun exercising again and planning new movements to get us all back in condition. Being able to go out and see a whole face again is wonderful!”

Mary Harrison Johnson died March 12, 2021.

Roberta Pearson Grymes Gibson died May 21, 2021.

1955

The Boards of Trustees of Westminster Canterbury Management Corporation and Westminster Canterbury Richmond Foundation presented their highest honor, the Lettie Pate Whitehead Evans Award, to Lucy Boswell Negus on Feb. 18. Lucy was cited by the board chairs and CEO for initiating, developing and growing the Westminster Canterbury Foundation, and for continuous outstanding dedication and leadership service to the mission and advancement of serving older adults. She is also the author of The View From Malvern Hall, a seminal biography of Lettie Pate Whitehead Evans and a valuable resource for learning about the life and influence of Mrs. Evans as a wife, mother, businesswoman and philanthropist.

1959

Elizabeth “Betsy” Minor McCommon

writes, “One benefit of being isolated was the unexpected offer of a musician friend to add photos to songs for an album I had put together back in the '80s. We could do it ‘at a distance.’ What fun! His rendering of a song I wrote about Warren Beatty and being in 2nd Grade together makes me smile! All in my family are managing through this hard time.”

Jane Terrell Neer is well and happy, and has been living independently at Westminster Canterbury for 14 years. She joins in all the activities that are offered. Jane turned 80 in December and is still driving to grocery stores, doctor’s appointments and shopping expeditions.

1964

Nancy Hungerford died May 24, 2021.

1970

Head of School Penny Evins and family serendipitously ran into Wanda Berry Hailey when on a summer day trip.

1973

Buzzy Northern shared a chance meeting he had with an old friend Rives Potts ’67. “I was having dinner outside at a local restaurant here in Wilmington, N.C. last night and had a great surprise. Sitting right next to me was Rives Potts, an old friend from Collegiate School days who went to Virginia Military Institute at the same time as I did. Rives shared that he was living in Dallas and is in the marina business. Many of you may remember that he was project manager and crewman on Dennis Connor’s sailboat that won the America’s Cup in 1980. Rives is a member of the National Sailing Hall of Fame and commodore of the New York Yacht Club. We had a great time catching up, and I had the chance to tell him all about Figure Eight Island, where Ellen and I have lived for almost nine years.

1974

David Dumville and his wife Liz welcomed two new grandchildren, Elliott and Noah. David and Liz are now the proud grandparents of four.

1977

Tommy Kastenbaum (working as Thomas Belgrey) played as Yuri Lenski in a special episode of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit that aired April 1.

Steve Kelley won the National Headliner Awards. Founded in 1934 by the Press Club of Atlantic City, the National Headliner Awards program is one of the oldest and largest annual contests recognizing journalistic merit in the communications industry. “Steve Kelley doesn't play in cliches,” the judges said. “His cartoons stood out for their originality, smarts and focus on the hilarious moments that were so very hard to find in 2020 — some on the national stage, and some in our own homes. His artistic hand is crisp and clear, and his messages go right to the gut — causing a laugh, a head shake or a glance at the calendar: Is it 2021 yet?”

Quigg Lawrence, Anglican bishop and senior pastor at Church of the Holy Spirit in Roanoke, Va., recorded a gospel bluegrass album, Come Home, with his daughter Annie Lawrence, as well as local and Grammy-nominated musicians. Lawrence sang on four cuts and was executive producer. The collaboration included Sierra Hull, Chris Eldridge (Punch Brothers), Russ Carson (Ricky Skaggs), Scott Mulvahill, Justin Moses, Ryan Ogrodny (Alan Jackson), Junior Sisk, and The Brothers Young. The album is available on Spotify, YouTube and most other streaming platforms.

1979

Mary Carter Pettit Dabney became the proud grandmother to Dabney Keane Robins and Helena Dabney "Nellie" Dolan.

1984

Randy Reynolds Jr. was recently nominated to the board of directors of Blue Ridge Bank, a

publicly traded community bank that is the third largest community bank in Virginia. Randy serves on the FinTech and governance committees of the bank’s board.

1985

On April 21, Brian Justice was ordained to the clergy of the Episcopal Church as a deacon. He plans to continue to teach at Collegiate School while pursuing ordained ministry.

1986

In the fall of 2020, Billy Tunner was elected president and managing partner of the Thompson McMullan law firm. He began his term in January 2001.

Peyton Rowe was appointed as interim director of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Richard T. Robertson School of Media and Culture. She’s served as interim associate director of the Robertson School since January 2021 and director of undergraduate studies since August 2018. Previously, Peyton was a tenured associate professor at the University of South Carolina, teaching graphic design. She joined VCU in 2006 as an associate professor. She’s now worked at the college level for over 25 years and has taught design, art direction and campaigns as well as capstone leadership courses. Peyton writes, “On May 18, I was promoted from associate professor to the highest faculty rank of professor by the VCU Board of Visitors upon recommendation from President Michael Rao. This promotion was preceded by an almost yearlong review process with multiple levels of internal and external review. May was my month!”

1988

Rev. Gregory Gresko is happy to share that he is working with long-term global missions based in Korea that continue to bring him to other Asian countries as well as to Europe, the Middle East, Canada and the United States. His work includes collaborating with Koreans and fellow Western expats to deepen cultural ties that promote reconciliation and eventual unification of the Korean peninsula. Greg teaches extensively and provides ongoing consultation in educational programs and school development. He also loves working in diligent preparation for anticipated humanitarian missions to North Korea. 3

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1. Wanda Berry Hailey ’70 serendipitously ran into Head of School Penny Evins while on a summer trip.

2. Buzzy Northern ’73 shared a chance meeting with an old friend Rives Potts ’67.

3. Tommy Kastenbaum ’77 played as Yuri Lens in

Law and Order: Special Victims Unit.

4. Quigg Lawrence ’77 recorded a bluegrass album with his daughter and Grammynominated musicians. 5. Brian Justice ’85 was ordained to the clergy of the Episcopal Church as a deacon.

6. Peyton Rowe ’86 was appointed as interim director of Virginia Commonwealth

University’s Richard T. Robertson School of

Media and Culture.

7. Gregory Gresko ’88, pictured here in

Seoraksan National Park, is working with long-term global missions based in Korea that continue to bring him to other Asian countries as well as to Europe, the Middle East, Canada and the United States.

Lauren Diehl Ford’s daughter Natalie Ford, a current Collegiate School student, produced her first single, “Reflection,” in March. She wrote the song and developed the music as she worked closely with her coach at Richmond’s Passion Music Group. “Reflection” can be heard on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon Prime Music and YouTube.

1994

Roger Hailes Jr., senior copywriter for the Martin Agency, was included in AdWeek’s Creative 100 list for 2021.

1995

Susannah Leigh Diehl was born to Meredith Diehl on May 28, 2020. She joins her proud and helpful big brother Henry.

1998

Bret Myers recently started a sports business certificate program at Villanova University and has taught sports analytics for undergraduate and graduate students. He was also an analytics consultant for Philadelphia Union, Toronto FC, and, more recently, for Columbus Crew. The latter two teams have won Major League Soccer cups.

2000

This May, Laura Selene Rockefeller received her Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Emerson College. Earlier this year, she had short stories published in the literary journals New Square and Stork, and she has been invited to present her one-woman play, Charlotte Brontë: To Do More & Better Things, as a part of the 2021 North American Friends of Chawton House Speaker Subscription Series. Laura has also started a new job as a museum Interpreter at the Paul Revere House in Boston.

2001

Rachel Carpenter Horne wrote to share that, in 2017, her son Wells was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder. He was only the second in the country to be diagnosed, and over the past four years “we have accomplished naming the disorder (Jansen de Vries Syndrome) and established a nonprofit foundation.” More information can be found at jansen-devries.org.

Elizabeth Dolan Wright became niece to Helena Dabney "Nellie" Dolan, daughter of Jay Dolan '04 and Emory Dabney Dolan.

Chris and Lucy Moore Hogsed welcomed Caroline Reese Hogsed on Dec. 29, 2020. She joins big brother Gray.

Greg McGeorge and his wife Jeannie McGeorge ’06 welcomed Dean Slade McGeorge on March 23, 2021.

2002

Matt Eisenman just completed his doctorate in education in organizational change and leadership at the University of Southern California. Matt’s dissertation is titled Organizational Barriers to Delaying High School Start Time in Independent Schools. Matt is currently a grade-level dean and English teacher at the Walker School in Marietta, Ga.

Maj. Scott Bartholomew took a break from setting up a command post in the Russell Senate office building to pose for a picture during Operation Capitol Response. Scott served as chief of sustainment for Task Force Freedom when his Virginia National Guard unit was called up following the Jan. 6 insurrection. This summer he’ll head to Kuwait and assume duties as the division transportation officer for Task Force Spartan. “That translates into the guy responsible for making the majority of U.S. stuff and people get from A to B in southwest and central Asia.”

2003

Noah Greenbaum and Muffy Greenbaum ’04 introduced Nathan Lewis "Gray" Greenbaum, born April 17, 2020, to big brother Perry Greenbaum ’30 and Ollie Greenbaum ’32.

Silas Charles Roth was born April 5 in Nashville, Tenn. to Meg Ruehling Roth ’03 and husband Chris Roth. Silas joins siblings Hadley, Brant and Gretchen. 1. Natalie Ford ’22, daughter of Lauren

Diehl Ford ’92 produced her first single,“Reflection,” in March.

2. Roger Hailes Jr. ’94 was included in AdWeek’s Creative 100 list for 2021.

3. Susannah Leigh Diehl was born to

Meredith Diehl ’95 on May 28, 2020.

4. Laura Selene Rockefeller ’00 received her Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Emerson College and published short stories in the literary journals New Square and Stork.

5. Rachel Carpenter Horne ’01 established a nonprofit foundation after her son Wells was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder.

6. Chris and Lucy Moore Hogsed ’01 welcomed Caroline Reese Hogsed on

Dec. 29, 2020.

7. Matt Eisenman ’02 completed his doctorate in education in organizational change and leadership at the University of Southern California.

8. Maj. Scott Bartholomew ’02 is going to

Kuwait this summer to assume duties as the division transportation officer for Task Force Spartan.

9. Noah Greenbaum ’03 and Muffy

Greenbaum ’04 introduced Nathan

Lewis "Gray" Greenbaum, born April 17, 2020, to big brother Perry Greenbaum ’30 and Ollie Greenbaum ’32.

10. Silas Charles Roth was born April 5 in

Nashville, Tenn. to Meg Ruehling Roth ’03 and husband Chris Roth.

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Ned Rider and his wife Caroline had a little girl (actually a not-so-little 8lbs 14oz) Elizabeth Louisa Rider (calling her Louisa) Feb. 17, 2021.

Mabel Eaton Mallory, born Jan. 23, 2021 to Bryan and Palen Mallory, joins older siblings Adeline and James.

Peyton Cheely Edwards purchased KDW Home, a design firm specializing in kitchens and baths, in early 2021. After working in the Virginia Beach showroom for over 12 years, Peyton and her family are thrilled to move back to the Richmond area this July. Their son, Scott, will start JK next year.

Helena Dabney “Nellie” Dolan joined big brother Todd on Jan. 24, 2020. Nellie is the daughter of Emory Dabney Dolan and Jay Dolan, niece of Elizabeth Dolan Wright ’01 and Lucy Dabney Robins ’09, and granddaughter of Mary Carter Pettit Dabney ’79.

Muffy Greenbaum and Noah Greenbaum '03 welcomed Nathan Lewis "Gray" Greenbaum, born April 17, 2020.

2005

Mary Alex Murray and Derek Murray welcomed Margaret Gordon Murray on May 5. Burch Hazelgrove Pope and husband Justin Pope welcomed son William Hughes Pope, who joined big sister Everett, Oct. 24, 2020.

Mary Beth Farhi’s son Philip Charles Farhi was born March 1 and joins his brother Louis.

Katie McCarthy Watts writes that after two and a half wonderful years at Dovetail Cultural Resource Group in Fredericksburg, Va., she’s returning to Richmond to work as an architectural historian for Gray & Pape Inc. Katie is looking forward to reconnecting with old friends and seeing how Richmond has grown.

Elizabeth Koteles welcomed son Charles Gray "Charlie" Koteles on May 7. He joins big sister Palmer.

Lizzy Kitces was married in Central Park to Geremy Rosenberg on June 24, 2020.

2006

Jeannie McGeorge writes that she and husband Greg McGeorge ’01 welcomed Dean Slade McGeorge on March 23. “Siblings Rory and Kit are obsessed with him!”

James Michael Jarvis married Katie Lynne Butz on Kiawah Island, S.C. on Oct. 31, 2020, and they now live in Richmond, Va. Due to COVID-19 restrictions only family and a few Cougars were able to attend. Jake McDonald started a non-profit called the Peavey Project, which seeks to teach mindfulness to corporations, teams and the Richmond community. He writes, “[Namesake] Alex Peavey has been such an impactful mentor, and it is through this work that I honor him and carry on his message of 'helping the helpers' and approaching life with a 'fight and smile' mentality.” For more information, visit thepeaveyproject.org.

Laura Anderson Kirby wrote that this was a busy year. Her family moved to Durham, N.C., where her daughter was born. She started working as a clinical psychologist at the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development and wrote a children’s book, Henrietta’s Thistleberry Boots, which is a story about change, bravery and resilience.

2009

Dabney Keane Robins was born April 1 to Lucy Dabney Robins and husband Rand Robins. The proud grandmother is Mary Carter Pettit Dabney ’79.

Sarah Thalhimer Smith and her husband Trent welcomed Walker James Smith, born Feb. 19. The Smith family currently resides in Northern Virginia.

1. Elizabeth Louisa Rider was born Feb. 17, 2021 to Ned Rider ’04 and his wife Caroline.

2. Mabel Eaton Mallory was born Jan. 23, 2021 to Palen Mallory ’04 and her husband Bryan.

Helena Dabney “Nellie” Dolan was born Jan. 24, 2021 to Jay Dolan ’04 and Emory Dabney Dolan.

Margaret Gordon Murray was born May 5 to Mary Alex Murray ’05 and Derek Murray.

William Hughes Pope was born on Oct. 24, 2020 to Burch Hazelgrove Pope ’05 and husband Justin Pope.

Philip Charles Farhi was born March 1 to Mary Beth Farhi ’05.

Charles Gray "Charlie" Koteles was born May 7 to Elizabeth Koteles ’05. Lizzy Kitces ’05 was married in Central Park to Geremy Rosenberg on June 24, 2020.

Dean Slade McGeorge was born March 23, 2021 to Jeannie McGeorge ’06 and her husband Greg McGeorge ’01.

James Michael Jarvis ’06 married Katie Lynne Butz on Kiawah Island, S.C. on Oct. 31, 2020.

Laura Anderson Kirby ’07 started working as a clinical psychologist at the Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development and wrote a children’s book, Henrietta’s Thistleberry Boots.

Dabney Keane Robins was born April 1 to Lucy Dabney Robins ’09 and husband Rand Robins. The proud grandmother is Mary Carter Pettit Dabney ’79.

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2012

Michael Grappone completed his doctorate of philosophy in electromechanical engineering and geophysics. He has now transitioned into a research and development role at a medical technology firm in London. Michael’s thesis won the 2020 Patricia Tomkins prize for the best doctoral thesis in instrumentation science for astronomy and geophysics from the Royal Astronomical Society.

2013

Stewart Roddey writes from Nashville, Tenn., where she recently began her teaching career this past August at Oak Hill, a preKindergarten through 6th Grade private school, where Hart Roper '96 is the headmaster. This year, Stewart worked as a Teaching Assistant and a Physical Education Coach as well as a coach of lacrosse and football. Next year, she’ll implement and teach an outdoor education elective as well as an experiential education elective. Stewart says, “It's an amazing experience that Collegiate School prepared me well for! I am maintaining my love of learning that Collegiate instilled in me from a young start in Kindergarten!”

2015

Mary Moncure Spivey will be the office administrator at the Junior League of Richmond.

2016

Eleanor Dillon recently graduated from the University of Alabama in 2020 and received a job as a valuation associate with CBRE in Richmond, Va.

2017

Mia Jackson accepted a Fulbright scholarship, and next year she'll be studying at University College London. Mia says that she hasn't nailed down which specific program she'll be pursuing, but she wants to do research on the intersection between health equity and technology.

NC State completed their season at the College World series, and Evan Justice, a pitcher for the Wolfpack, received All-ACC, All-Regional and All-American honors. Justice was later selected in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Colorado Rockies.

2018

Last summer Wescott Lowe illustrated a children’s book, Ozzie and Olivia Build a New Nest, and the author, Tricia Petras, has already asked her to collaborate on two more books. 2

1. Mia Jackson ’17 accepted a Fulbright scholarship, and next year she'll be studying at University College London.

2. Evan Justice ’17 was selected in the fifth round of the MLB Draft by the Colorado Rockies.

Stuart Harris Jr. and Marie Woody Harris, grandparents of Beckett Foster ’21 and Preston Foster ’23, died Feb. 12, 2021 and March 9, 2021, respectively.

Susan Hagan, grandparent of Elizabeth “Lizzie” Hagan '22, Campbell Hagan ’19 and mother-in-law of Mary Hagan ’84, died Feb. 20, 2021.

B. Roberts Howarth, brother of Meade Howarth Williams ’63, died Feb. 21, 2021.

William Steele, father-in-law of Ann Bowers Steele ’88 and brother-in-law of Lucy Fitzgerald Steele ’62, died Feb. 21, 2021.

Ernest A. Dettbarn Jr., father of Ernest A. Dettbarn III ’94, Lindsay Dettbarn ’96 and stepfather of James Gregory ’97, died Feb. 23, 2021.

Lorna Pauley Jordan ’72, sister of Kathy Pauley Hickok ’68 and sister-in-law of Gene Hickok ’68, died Feb. 24, 2021.

Norman Morgan, father of Spencer Morgan ’89 and Justin Morgan, died March 1, 2021.

E. Morgan Massey, father of Elizabeth Massey ’68, Susan Massey ’73, E. Morgan Massey ’70, John Massey ’71, C. Taylor Massey ’82, grandfather of Lee Dickinson ’00 and Drew Dickinson ’03, and great-grandfather of Rebekah Dickinson ’33, died March 10, 2021.

Malcolm Pitt “Mac” Friddell, husband of Anne Day Friddell ’71, and father of Mac Friddell ’02, Ginnie Friddell Kurtz ’04, Francie Friddell Hewitt ’06 and Robert Friddell ’09, died March 12, 2021.

Richard Dawes, Trustee from 1972-1976, and father of Alan Dawes ’73, Carol Dawes Williamson ’75 and Beverly Dawes Schmidt ’79, died March 18, 2021.

Robert J. Hannan, former member of the summer school faculty and father of Melissa Hannan ’91, died March 24, 2021.

John Koonce Jr., uncle of Cara Koonce McDaniel ’90 and Amy Koonce Chestnutt ’93, great-uncle of Ella McDaniel ’22, Henry Chestnutt ’32 and William Chestnutt ’32, died March 25, 2021. Elizabeth Albright, wife of George Albright Jr. ’70, died March 29, 2021.

Howard Lane Lovett Jr., son-in-law of former Head of Collegiate Steve Hickman, died March 29, 2021.

William "Zell" Wiley, brother of Andy Wiley ’77, brotherin-law of former staff member Susan Wiley, and uncle of Colscon ’11 and Nash ’15, died March 30, 2021.

Dan Foglesong, father-in-law of Rachel Floyd Foglesong ’85, died April 1, 2021.

Thomas Farrell, father of Peter Farrell ’02 and Stuart Farrell ’03, and grandfather of Thomas Farrell ’31, Sillers Farrell ’33 and Garland Farrell ’34, died April 2, 2021.

Roy "Sandy" Evans, husband of Virginia Brent Evans ’61, stepfather of Brent Hailes ’89, Sarah Hailes Easley ’89, and Roger Hailes Jr. ’94, and step-grandfather to Brent Hailes ’22 and Harper Hailes ’24, died April 8, 2021.

Charlene Saunders Watkins Alley, mother of Christopher Penn Watkins ’79, died April 9, 2121.

Lou Kendrick, mother of Charles Dixon Kendrick ’79, died April 12, 2021.

Coleman Grandstaff, uncle of Armistead Grandstaff ’94 and Emily Grandstaff Owen ’96, died April 15, 2021.

Calvin Lewis Casey, father of Catherine Casey Nottingham ’85, died April 22, 2021.

John Coates, former Middle School English Teacher and father of Marie Coates ’04, John “Jack” Coates Jr. ’07 and Chloe Coates ’10, died April 22, 2021.

June J.D. Speight Myers, stepmother of Jonathan Myers ’03, died April 28, 2021.

Henry “Hank” Bochner, grandfather of Matthew Disler ’12 and Emily Disler ’14, died May 2, 2021.

Thomas Howard, father of Cathy Gregory, Lower School Director of Student Services, died May 4, 2021.

Ronald Wilkins, father of David Wilkins ’94, father-inlaw of Jennifer Wilkins ’92, former Development Office staff member, and grandfather of Mary Wilkins ’25, Catharine Wilkins ’27 and Annie Wilkins ’27, died May 5, 2021.

Frances Fitzgerald, mother of Lucy Fitzgerald Steele ’62, died May 10, 2021.

John Joseph “Jay” Fox Jr., husband of Anne Fox, former longtime librarian, father of John Fox III ’77, Sarah Fox Liverance ’80, Ted Fox ’86 and Andrew Fox ’88, fatherin-law of Development Office staff member Paige Ingram Fox ’86, grandfather of Anne Pearson Fox ’16, Millie Fox ’19 and Thomas Fox ’24, and uncle of Brandon Fox ’82, died May 10, 2021.

Dorothy Pauley, mother of Katharine Pauley Hickok ’68 and Lorna Jordan ’72, and mother-in-law of Gene Hickok ’68, died May 15, 202.

Roberta Pearson Grymes Gibson ’54 died May 21, 2021.

Bruce Johnson, father of Lisa Johnson Wallmeyer ’92 and Christopher Johnson ’96, and grandfather of Emerson Johnson ’30 and Henry Johnson ’33, died May 21, 2021.

Roger Hailes, longtime Collegiate School English Teacher, husband of Debbie Hailes, Middle School Spanish Teacher, father of Sarah Easley ’89, Roger Hailes, Jr. ’94 and Brent Hailes '89, and stepfather of Bo Hurst ’01 and grandfather of Brent Hailes ’22 and Harper Hailes ’24, died May 22, 2021.

Emerson Shelton, grandfather of Kyla Williams ’26 and Donovan Williams ’22, died May 24, 2021.

Russell Burns, grandfather of Emily Burns ’07, Maddie Burns ’09 and Catherine Burns ’13, died May 31, 2021.

ALUMNI

Mary Harrison Johnson ’54 Roberta Pearson Grymes Gibson ’54 Nancy Hungerford ’64

DR. ROGER PAULSON HAILES

Dr. Roger Paulson Hailes, known fondly to friends and family as “Doc,” passed away peacefully May 22 after suffering complications from a fall. He was 81 years old.

Dr. Hailes, who served as an English Teacher and coach at Collegiate School from 1966 to 1968 and then returned to Collegiate in 1976 after receiving advanced degrees where he remained until his retirement in 2014, will be remembered for the love he held for the Collegiate community.

He was an avid supporter of Collegiate sports, especially football and tennis. You could always find Dr. Hailes on the sidelines ready to give anyone a high-five or fist bump. He had a unique ability to recall play-by-play details, even years after the contest. Through his love of Shakespeare and the classics, Collegiate athletics and his sense of humor and enthusiasm for life, Dr. Hailes changed the lives of generations of Collegiate Students.

“He loved Collegiate,” Dr. Hailes’s wife, Deborah, says. “Even the coaster he put his coffee cup on said, ‘Collegiate 1915.’ Anything involving Collegiate, the man was on it.”

To honor the Collegiate spirit Dr. Hailes embodied, Mrs. Hailes, family and many friends established the Roger “Doc” Hailes Student Athlete Award, which honors a student who has given their best effort and often excelled in both academics and athletics. The award — available to any rising Sophomore, Junior or Senior — provides a summer stipend for an Upper School student to participate in an enrichment opportunity in order to learn new skills, pursue a passion, and grow in character.

Dr. Hailes is survived by his loving wife, Deborah Hailes, who taught at Collegiate as a Middle School Spanish Teacher from 1992 until her retirement in 2020; his brother, Douglas Hailes; his three children, Brent Hailes (Catherine) ’89, Sarah Hailes Easley (Greg) ’89 and Roger Hailes Jr. (Natalia) ’94; two bonus children, Christopher "Bo" Hurst ’01 (Jessica) and Katie Langemeier ’05 (Kyle); and eight grandchildren, Brent ’22, Jackson, Harper ’24, Virginia, Annie, Gibson, Maya and Pete.

JOHN COATES

A life is lived fully when it extends long after the life is lived. John Coates, who died peacefully at his home on April 22, 2021, will be remembered for bringing out the best in each of the students he taught during his 31 years at Collegiate School.

Mr. Coates, who from 1984 until his retirement in 2015 taught 8th Grade English and history, was passionate about teaching and learning, and his ultimate goal with all his students was to imbue them with critical thinking and writing skills that would benefit them throughout their lives.

“Mr. Coates was one of the most challenging yet rewarding teachers I had at Collegiate,” Anna Jones ’12, says of her former teacher. “He constantly pushed my classmates and me to do our absolute best work — work I didn’t realize I was capable of doing. His class was never easy yet always engaging. Collegiate and its students are better for having known Mr. Coates, and he will certainly be sorely missed.”

Mr. Coates, though diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease as a teenager, approached life — and others — with courageous optimism. “John Coates at his best, you see, embodied grace under pressure,” Weldon Bradshaw writes of him. “Truly a Collegiate icon, he was always at his best.”

Mr. Coates’s greatest legacy as a Cougar are the multiple generations of students whose lives were touched through his knowledge and wisdom. “He leaves an indelible legacy,” Mr. Bradshaw says, “by the countless acts of kindness, empathy, humor, positivity and excellence which were part of his being.”

The School has received a number of generous gifts and heartfelt reflections from the Collegiate community following the news of Mr. Coates’s passing.

Mr. Coates is survived by his wife, Lucy; his daughter Marie Lucille Coates Dowd and her husband, Ian; his son, John Page Coates Jr. "Jack," and his wife, Lee Anne; his daughter Chloe Calot Coates; three grandchildren, John Page Coates III "Trey," Thomas Harrison Coates and Asher Max Adsitt Dowd; and his brother, Thomas F. Coates III.

To learn more about or contribute to the newly established memorial funds, contact Jason Chestnutt in the development office at 804-741-3945.

THANK YOU FACULTY AND STAFF

In June, a sense of triumph was felt in the air around the Collegiate School campus. Students had completed their final projects and exams, the Class of 2021 had celebrated their Commencement and Summer Quest camps were about to begin. After wrapping up a challenging school year, one in which everyone had to take on new roles to ensure that the educational growth of our students continued, Collegiate faculty and staff enjoyed gathering for breakfast outdoors and then came together in Oates Theater for the first time in 479 days. Recognition of the significance of our collective accomplishment rose like a crescendo of loud applause. Laughs were shared, there were tears of joy and there were moments of deep reflection — reflections on the year we have emerged from and the lessons we will take with us going forward.