The Magazine of Highland School | Winter 2018/2019
The Future of Highland EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING COMES INSIDE THE CLASSROOM HIGHLAND’S NEW MISSION AND INCLUSIVITY STATEMENTS DEBUT ON PAGE 18 TAKE A TOUR OF THE NEW PHYSICS LAB WITH SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CHAIR ELIZABETH KENNEDY STUDENTS IMAGINE HOW HIGHLAND MIGHT BE DIFFERENT IN THE FUTURE
YEARS
1928-2018
www.highlandschool.org
Editorial Team HEAD OF SCHOOL Henry D. Berg EDITOR David S. Henrickson WRITERS AND CONTRIBUTORS Marc J. Belanger Samantha Bulmer ‘19 Victoria Hilton ‘19 Elizabeth Kennedy Savannah Kovac ‘13 Briar Leake Madison Turner ‘19 Henry Wallace ‘19 Dr. Nate Zuckerman ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Cathy Campbell Olivia Devening ‘23 Kai Johnson ‘23 Elizabeth Kennedy Sophia Le ‘23 DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Marc J. Belanger CLASS NOTES COORDINATOR Briar Leake
Interested in learning more about Highland Magazine? Please send inquiries to David Henrickson, Director of Communications at dhenrickson@highlandschool.org,
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Board of Trustees
OUR FOUNDERS
Mr. Mark Van de Water P’13,’15,’18 CHAIR
Mrs. Dorothy Montgomery Rust P’67
Mrs. Jody Warfield P’20
Ms. Lavinia Hamilton
VICE CHAIR
FOUNDERS AWARD HONOREES
Mrs. Lesley Soltys P’19,’21,’25
Mr. William A. Hazel Sr. P’70,’72,’74,’78,’82 GP ‘15,’17,’20 Mr. Jay Keyser P’06,’08 Mr. Lewis Pollard P’12,’13 Mr. Paul Rice P’04,’08 TRUSTEES EMERITUS Mr. Marshall D. Doeller ‘67 P’97,’04 Mr. William A. Hazel Sr. P’70,’72,’74,’78,’82
GP ‘15,’17,’20
Mr. Paul Rice P’04,’08
TREASURER Dr. George E. Wallace P’16,’19 SECRETARY Mr. Fred Blackburn P’17,’17,’21 Ms. Darragh Davis ‘69 Ms. Katherine Ellsworth P’18,’21,’24 Mr. Richard Groux, Jr. P’15,’19 Ms. Candice Hall ‘92
Mr. John “Jeb” Hannum III P’21,‘23,’25 Mr. David Hartley P’17 Mr. Thomas “Ty” Moore Lawson P’11,’14,’19 Mrs. Amudha Mahendiran P’26,’27 Mr. Jim Mitchell P’19,‘20 Mrs. Kathy Morehouse P’20,’22,’24 Ms. Diana Norris P’26,’28 Mrs. Katrine Pendleton P’14,’17 Mrs. Elizabeth “Libby” Robinson P’14,’17 Mrs. Wendy Rodgers P’17,’19 Dr. Beejal Taylor P’25,’27 Dr. Laura Tremblay P’19,’21,’25,’27 Mr. Dave Turner P’19,’23 Mr. Ali Zarabi P’20,’24 Mr. Henry D. Berg P’08,’11,’13 Head of School Dr. Crystal Taylor P’28,’31 Parents Association President
The freshmen set a high bar at this year’s Lip Sync contest, which wrapped up Spirit Week, in The Rice Theater.
Highland School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational, employment, or admission policies, its scholarship, athletic, and other school-administered programs.
Our Mission
Highland School prepares students to thrive, lead and serve in a diverse and dynamic world, developing essential skills and character by challenging them with a demanding academic and co-curricular program.
READ MORE about our new Mission Statement
and Inclusivity Statement on page 18
Welcome!
This issue of the Highland Magazine is the third in a trilogy: Celebrating the Past History (Fall ‘17); Highlighting Present Achievements (Spring ‘18); and now Imagining Future Possibilities for Highland School. The strongest educational institutions are anchored by their traditions and strong foundations and served by reflective, forward thinking practices. We benefit from a growth mindset ethos that extends from trustees to students. We are self-assessing and open to the potential of improvement. I want to draw your attention to the revised Mission Statement and newly created Inclusivity Statement. Mission Statement alignment is one of the most critical indicators of the health of an independent school–is the school living its mission? When we undertook the review of the mission at the school and board levels, the need for several changes emerged. The statement needed to be modernized, as we are well into the 21st century, and our student outcomes needed to be clearer–to thrive, lead, and serve. Our Inclusivity Statement is the articulation of what has been true of Highland for more than 90 years. The single most cited reason families enroll their children at Highland is that it feels warm, welcoming, and inclusive of different kinds of learners. Right behind that is the excellence of the academic and co-curricular programs. We strive to be inclusive so that students can not only be themselves at Highland, but also be their best selves. As we think about the Highland of the future several key elements rise to the top. First, what kind of program will best serve students as they pursue preparation for college and life? What skills will teachers need to be the best in their field? How will we make this remarkable educational opportunity more affordable and accessible? The feasibility study we concluded this summer confirmed community interest in growing our endowment to provide resources to keep Highland on the path its founders set upon 90 years ago. When we are successful meeting these goals, Highland will move to a new level of excellence. This is a most exciting time to be part of Highland’s growth and development and I am glad you are a part of it. Sincerely and Go Hawks,
Henry D. Berg Head of School
Winter 2018/2019 Highland Magazine 5
In This Issue The Magazine of Highland School | Winter 2018/2019
15 MEET HIGHLAND’S NEW FACULTY This year’s new faculty and staff are an impressive bunch. Learn more
about this great group of new educators who will be working with students across all three divisions.
18 NEW MISSION AND INCLUSIVITY STATEMENTS In October, Head of School Hank Berg announced an updated Mission Statement and a new Inclusivity Statement. Read more about both on Page 18.
28 ELECTRIFIED FOR ENGINEERING Elizabeth Kennedy, Highland’s Science Department Chair, takes us on a tour of the new Upper School Physics Lab.
36 THIS CLASS MEANS BUSINESS! Dr. Nate Zuckerman introduces readers to his Social Entrepreneurship class and Highland’s newest certificate program.
44 THE FUTURE OF HIGHLAND SCHOOL Lindsey Dengel ‘89 asked her Middle School art students
to imagine the Highland School of the future. Three students rose to the challenge.
Upper School music teacher David Fatula is joined on stage by Christian Lyman ‘19 and Henry Wallace ‘19 at a recent Friday night Coffee House in the Lise Hicklin Black Box Theater.
Latest News Happenings on and around the Highland School Campus
Girls Varsity Soccer Team Wins VISAA DII State Title
On Sunday, May 20, 2018, the girls varsity soccer team earned their second Virginia Interscholastic Athletic Association (VISAA) Division II state title in three years with a convincing 5-1 victory over Nansemond-Suffolk Academy in Richmond. Congratulations to Carolyn Treuting ‘18, who earned Player of the Year honors, as well as Jessica Cochrane ‘19 and Molly Petronzio ‘18, who were voted First Team All-State honors.
Girls Varsity Lacrosse Wins Third Straight VISAA DII State Title
On Sunday, May 20, 2018, the girls varsity lacrosse team won its third consecutive VISAA DII state title with a 17-6 victory over Virginia Episcopal School. The game was played at Episcopal High School in Alexandria. Four Highland players earned First Team All State honors. Kayla Soltys ‘19 was recognized as State Player of the Year. Gabby Brisbin ‘21, Cady Eldredge ‘18, and Abby Soltys ‘21 were also honored.
Joel Sohn of Episcopal School Discusses Inclusivity
On Friday, October 5, 2018, Joel Sohn, Director of Community and Equity at Episcopal High School, spoke to Highland’s faculty and staff. Joel urged Highland’s teachers and administrators to look for new ways to make the community and learning experience more inclusive and meaningful while building a more inclusive environment. Mr. Sohn’s visit coincided with the announcement of Highland’s new ‘Inclusivity Statement.’ This new satement, which coincides with Highland’s new mission statement, is the culmination of a two-year process led by Middle School Director Matt Ormiston. Read more about the development of Highland’s new Mission and Inclusivity statements on page 18.
Head of School Hank Berg Receives Award from VAIS
In October, Head of School Hank Berg received The Sally K. Boese Distinguished Service Award at the 2018 Virginia Association of Indepedent Schools (VAIS) annual conference in Richmond. Mr. Berg is pictured here with retired VAIS Executive Director Sally Boese, for whom the award is named. Congratulations, Hank!
Keep up with all the latest news and photos on Highland’s Facebook page! facebook.com/HighlandSchool 8 Highland Magazine
Author Jason Reynolds spoke with Middle and Upper School students in The Rice Theater.
Award-Winning Author Jason Reynolds Urges Students to Find, Connect with Humanity in Others Washington, D.C. native and New York Times best-selling author found inspiration in rap music and tells stories that connect with young adult, middle-grade audiences
In November, best-selling author Jason Reynolds visited Highland School to talk to Middle and Upper School students about his life, his books, and how he can influence young students to project themselves in their own writing. Some of Jason’s novels include his New York Times best-selling Track series, Ghost (2017), Patina (2017), Sunny (2018), and Lu (2018); As Brave As You (2016), winner of the 2016 Kirkus Prize, the 2017 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Literary Work for Youth/Teen, and the 2017 Schneider Family Book Award; and a Marvel Comics novel called Miles Morales: Spider-Man (2017). While Jason spoke to students, he emphasized the importance of creating a more empathetic world. “What I love most about your generation is you are more open and more enthusiastic than we ever were.” He stated that it is easier for us to now be more accepting of people and for that “he is so grateful.”
While students listened and asked questions, he delved into his life and what it was like to grow up in and around Washington, DC. He spoke about his upbringing and how his family, his friends, and rappers like Tupac Shakur and Queen Latifah influenced his stories and success. In the end, Jason’s goal is to write stories that influence and inspire young people who typically don’t like to read and write, allowing them to explore both their humanity and their imagination. Mr. Reynolds’ visit was the culmination of six months of academic programming across all divisions. Lower and Middle School students had the option of reading several of his novels for their summer reading assignments. In the Upper School, every English class read and discussed his Newbery Award winning Long Way Down (2017). Students also had the option to attend a performance of the stage version at The Kennedy Center.
Winter 2018/2019 Highland Magazine 9
The Highland Auction, held in the Upper School gym, raised over $250,000 to benefit our students and teachers.
Annual Fund, 90th Anniversary Gala Exceed Goals
Thanks to the support of parents, alumni, faculty, and event sponsors, Highland raised over $680,000 in unrestricted funds through the Highland Fund and 90th Anniversary Gala Auction Thanks to a team effort led by trustees, former trustees, generous $45,000 matching gift in December. parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, and local businesses—Highland exceeded our fundraising goals for Kudos to our Honorary Co-Chairs of Highland’s 90th the annual drive for The Highland Fund and Gala Auction, Anniversary Celebration—Elizabeth “Betty” (Williams) raising a total of over $680,000 of unrestricted funds. Support Gookin ‘35, GP’90,’93 and Hope (Wallach) Porter ‘37, for Highland’s students and faculty poured in, providing the P’60,’66,GP’89,’94,’01,’03; Auction Coordinator Samantha funds needed to deliver an exceptional educational experience. Gravett P’16,’19; and the entire 90th Anniversary “Roaring Twenties” Auction Committee and Volunteers. The auction “We are so grateful for all of the generous donors who invest raised over $250,000 for our students and teachers, including in Highland each year,” said Katrine Pendleton P’14,’17, an incredible $90K paddle raiser in support of experiential Advancement Committee Chair. “Every dollar we raise helps education seeded with a bequest from Virginia Howard ensure that our students and faculty continue to grow and “Gina” Farrar ‘57. develop into the leaders of tomorrow.” This year’s success was also made possible by funds raised Congratulations also to George and Beth Wallace, P’16,’19, through the Highland Classic Golf Tournament, the Annual Highland Fund Co-Chairs for the 2018 school year. “Highland Loves Main Street” shopping event, Give Local Annual giving to The Highland Fund exceeded its $320,000 Piedmont, and the Highland Hero annual corporate sponsors. goal (fiscal year ending June 30). Success came in part from The greater Piedmont Region continues to offer important outstanding alumni support on #Giving Tuesday, and a support for our school. Thank you! 10 Highland Magazine
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Highland’s Athletic Trainer Celia Moore receives a portable AED machine from Chad Melton, CEO of Fauquier Health. With Chad and Celia are Gary Leake, Athletic Director, and Hank Berg, Head of School
Fauquier Health Joins “Highland Heroes,” Provides Portable AED for Athletics Department New annual corporate sponsorship, equipment supports students and athletes
Highland School welcomed Fauquier Health to its “Highland Heroes” annual corporate sponsorship program this year. As a premier Titanium Sponsor, Fauquier Health’s support provides important funding for students and teachers. They also generously provided a portable automated external defibrillator (AED) unit for potential delivery of life-saving treatment to student athletes and fans on the sports fields. “Health and wellness go hand-in-hand with academic learning and athletic performance,” said Chad Melton, CEO of Fauquier Health. “That is why we are thrilled to partner with Highland School whose students and teachers are wellknown for their excellence in both areas.” Launched in 2016, the Highland Heroes annual corporate sponsorship program offers businesses the opportunity to promote their services to the most active and engaged families in the Piedmont region. Starting at just $2,500 for a Bronze-level sponsorship, this simple “one-and-done” annual commitment is ideal for businesses seeking to share
their message while also supporting the education of the next generation of business and civic leaders. “Fauquier Health’s sponsorship is complementary with our school’s long-term strategic goal of providing ‘the best place to learn’,” said Head of School Hank Berg. “Wellness is essential to everything we do, and Fauquier Health’s backing helps us continue to offer the innovative, experiential Pre-K2 through Grade 12 education our families know and expect.” Joining Fauquier Health in the Highland Heroes program this year are: Titanium Sponsor—Union Bank & Trust; Platinum Sponsor—Simply RFID; Silver Sponsors—Griffin & Errera Orthodontics, Lynx Investment Advisory, Meridian Financial, Moser Funeral Home, and Superior Paving; Bronze Sponsors—American Automatic Sprinkler, Atoka PropertiesRocky Westfall, Edward Jones-Jeff Earnhardt, The Fauquier Bank, Fauquier Chamber of Commerce, Howard, Clark & Howard Attorneys at Law PLC, NVP Inc., Temp-Power, Inc., Warrenton Toyota, and Yount, Hyde & Barbour.
12 Highland Magazine
Highland By the Numbers Recognizing our students for recent academic successes Three Upper School Students Attended Governor’s School – Math, Science and Technology – Agriculture – Medicine
Our Students Love AP’s! 83% 83% of our Upper School students take AP’s
7
Top 30% of ACT = 31 (96% percentile in VA)
Our SAT Scores Are High!
Based on testing in the Junior Year
Class Mean 630 EBRW Top 30% of Class 681 EBRW
622 M 732 M
1.6 Million Students Take PSAT Test in Virginia
16,000 (less than 1%) become National Merit semi-finalists Highland’s Class of 2019 has four commended students and one National Merit semi-finalist (Madeline Kidd ‘19)
Seven students took 7-10 AP classes
3 Students take an average of three AP classes
Quae Vernant Crescent Legacy Society Key to Endowment Growth The Quae Vernant Crescent Legacy Society was launched in 2017 to recognize individuals who include a bequest to Highland School in their will or other estate plans, or name the school as the beneficiary of a planned gift. This is an important source of future financial support for Highland students and faculty, as these endowment gifts truly embody the school motto which translates as “that which is growing yields increase.” “The true power of these planned gifts lies in the fact that they will empower Highland to educate the leaders of tomorrow,” said Hank Berg, Head of School. “The lasting impact of bequests will shape Highland—and our world—for generations to come.” Led by Ms. Candice Hall, Esq. ’92, a special committee has completed a thorough update of Highland’s “Gift Acceptance Policy” to ensure proper stewardship of planned gifts. Joining
Candice in this important effort is fellow alumna and trustee Ms. Darragh Davis, Esq. ’69, who has drafted sample language for donors to use in making a bequest to Highland. Current parent, and local Certified Public Accountant, Jonny Rosch P’32,’33 is also sharing his expertise, as is Sarah Yakel, CFP, of Meridian Financial Partners, LLC. “Bequests cost donors nothing right now, yet offer the satisfaction of knowing that their future gift will live on,” said Marc Belanger, Director of Advancement. “For many alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends of our school, a charitable bequest is the easiest and best way to make a gift to Highland.” To join the Quae Vernant Crescent Legacy Society, simply complete a Confidential Statement of Planned Gift form with Highland School. To learn more about bequests and planned giving options, please contact Marc Belanger at 540-878-2777 or mbelanger@highlandschool.org.
Winter 2018/2019 Highland Magazine 13
Introducing Highland School’s
Quae Vernant Crescent Legacy Society
Highland’s Quae Vernant Crescent Legacy Society embodies our school motto, which translates as “that which is growing yields increase.“ The Society recognizes individuals who have made planned gifts or chosen to include Highland School in their estate plans. To learn more about planned giving and bequests, please contact Marc Belanger at mbelanger@highlandschool.org or call 540-878-2777.
www.highlandschool.org/legacy
Meet Highland’s Newest Faculty For the 2018/2019 academic year, Highland School added eight new faculty members across all three divisions. This year’s impressive group includes an accomplished musician, a returning language teacher, a doctoral professor in English, and several new early education specialists to meet the growing demand for our Pre-Kindergarten program, which represents the largest group of students under the age of five in Highland’s 90 year history. Please join us in welcoming Highland’s newest teachers!
Paula Bowen Paula Bowen returns to Highland to teach Upper School Spanish. Ms. Bowen earned her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with High Distinction, and a Master of Arts in Spanish, from George Mason University. She was most recently an instructor of Spanish at Lord Fairfax Community College, and has also taught Spanish locally at Battlefield High School, Wakefield School and Wakefield Country Day School.
Dr. Brian Brennan Brian Brennan joins the Upper School Faculty to teach English. He comes to Highland from the Talmudical Academy of Norfolk where he taught English, and was the General Studies Principal for nearly ten years. Prior to that he taught English at Cape Henry Collegiate and the Friends School of
Winter 2018/2019 Highland Magazine 15
Donna Loba, Betty LaPrade, Nancy Scheffel, Gary Hicklin, Pam Leake, Reynolds Oare ‘00, and Matt Ormiston were recognized for a combined 90 years of service.
Celebrating 90 Years of Service At Convocation in September, seven faculty and staff members were recognized for a combined 90 years of service to Highland School and its students. Congratulations to all of them for reaching these milestones!
For five of these stalwarts, the start of the new academic year marked the beginning of their 11th years at Highland. Congratulations to Reynolds Oare ‘00, whose sons James and Noah are students in the Lower School. Gary Hicklin teaches science in the Middle School. He also coaches Middle School basketball and varsity volleyball. Nancy Sheffel teaches Upper School math and Matt Ormiston is Highland’s Middle School Director. Matt’s son Zach is a Junior and his daughter Isabella is a freshman, who ran on the cross country team this fall. Pam Leake has been the Assistant to the Middle School since 2008. Her daughter, Caite, is a sophomore in the Upper School and is a key
contributor on the girls varsity basketball team and the girls varsity lacrosse team, which won its third straight VISAA state title in the spring. Two of our seven faculty members were recognized for starting their 21st years of service to the Highland community. Donna Loba teaches Pre-K 4/5 in the Lower School. Betty LaPrade is Highland’s second grade teacher. Both were applauded by both their fellow teachers, as well as all the students and parents–many of whom went through the Lower School and Middle Schools– with many of them having been influenced by some–if not all of the teachers being recognized. Thank you, teachers!
16 Highland Magazine
Baltimore. He also has collegiate-level teaching experience in Composition, Expository Writing, Literature and Popular Culture. Dr. Brennan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts/Art History from Swarthmore College, a Master of Arts in English from SUNY Binghamton, and a PhD in English Literature/Creative Writing also from SUNY Binghamton.
her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from George Mason University, Mrs. Mayhugh has also taught this age group at the UVA Childcare Center in Charlottesville, worked at the Shenandoah University Childcare Center in Winchester, and was a lead teacher at KinderCare in Burke. Her daughter Eleanor is in the Pre-K3 class at Highland.
Benjamin Grove
Gina Rosch
Benjamin Grove is teaching Music in both the Lower and Middle Schools. He recently earned a Master of Arts in Music Composition, with a perfect GPA, from Kent State University, and he also holds a Bachelors of Music in Music Education from Westminster College in Pennsylvania. While at Kent State he was a Music Theory Graduate Teaching Assistant, and during his undergraduate years he was a Student Music Teacher for children in Grades 3-12. He is a versatile pianist with professional experience performing as an accompanist for individuals and ensembles and as a soloist in classical, sacred, music theater, jazz and rock settings.
Gina Rosch is the assistant in the new, second section of Pre-K2 in the Chilton Village this year. Mrs. Rosch earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology and Psychology from Virginia Tech and a Graduate Certification in Higher Education Administration from George Mason University. Mrs. Rosch has been involved with childcare for two-year-olds at MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) at a Haymarket church, has been a childcare supervisor at Fauquier Community Child Care, has been a camp leader through the Fauquier County Parks & Recreation and has served as a substitute teacher in the public schools. Mrs. Rosch is also a Highland parent of Dylan ‘32 and Bennett ‘33.
Carolyn Hathaway
Sarah Ross
Carolyn Hathaway comes to Highland to teach Upper School French bringing more than a decade of teaching experience. Mrs. Hathaway earned a Bachelor of Arts in French from Virginia Tech, as well as a Master of Arts in Secondary Education from George Mason University. She comes to Highland from Loudoun County Public Schools where she taught French in Middle School. Prior to that she developed and taught the first high school French in Prince William County Schools. Her two children have also joined the Highland community, Abigale ‘26 and Alexandra ‘28.
Sarah Ross is teaming up with the Lower School faculty as a Kindergarten Assistant. Mrs. Ross earned her BS in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology from Longwood University, and holds a current Virginia Teacher Certification in grades K-6. She taught first and second grades at Bradley Elementary for five years. Before moving to Fauquier County, Mrs. Ross taught in the Goochland, Franklin and Roanoke Public School Systems. She is married to Highland alumnus Tyler Ross ‘02 and lives in Warrenton with their two young children.
Jennifer Mayhugh
Jennifer Wire
Jennifer Mayhugh shares her expertise with two-year-olds in teaching the second section of our youngest Highland students this year in the Chilton Village. With more than 10 years of teaching experience, Mrs. Mayhugh comes to Highland from the Warrenton Presbyterian School, where she created and implemented a play-based learning environment, in addition to being a lead teacher of the two-year-olds. Having earned
Jennifer Wire joins the faculty to teach Upper School English. She recently earned a Bachelor of Arts (summa cum laude) in English and Art History and a minor in Classical Studies from The College of New Jersey. While there she was a member of Sigma Tau Delta, Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Beta Kappa. She most recently taught 5th grade English in Washington, D.C. and 6th grade English in New Jersey.
Winter 2018/2019 Highland Magazine 17
TAKE A DEEPER LOOK INTO HIGHLAND’S NEWLY REVISED MISSION STATEMENT
18 Highland Magazine
Highland Announces New Mission Statement This Fall, Highland’s Board of Trustees approved a new Mission Statement. This foundational
document, which serves to articulate the school’s purpose as clearly and concisely as possible, is now updated for the next decade.
In a letter sent to parents to announce the updated mission statement, Head of School Hank Berg referenced the School’s most recent five year strategic plan, which was released in 2016. The Strategic Plan focuses the efforts on Highland’s Board of Trustees and school leadership on the most important initiatives that move our school forward. “The Plan called for a review of the mission statement, articulation of school values, and ‘Highland Ways of Being,’” Mr. Berg wrote in his introductory letter. “On September 17, 2018, the Board of Trustees approved a revised Mission Statement. The changes to the Mission continue our emphasis on service, character, and leadership.” Turn the page to see the previous mission statement and Highland’s new mission statement side by side to see how we’re moving forward and defining the future of Highland School in this foundational document.
Winter 2018/2019 Highland Magazine 19
New Mission Statement
service includes first mention of
a powerful description of what we want for our students
Highland School prepares students to thrive, lead
and serve in a diverse and dynamic world, developing essential skills and character by challenging them with a demanding academic and co-curricular program.
reworked slightly from the previous version
Previous Mission Statement
e this part stayed the sam
To provide a demanding academic and co-curricular program that develops the skills and character essential for students to meet the challenges of college and leadership in the twenty-first century.
started to feel a bit dated
Both Mission Statements are clear, concise, and powerful. However, the previous mission was starting to feel a little long in the tooth. By directly referencing the “twenty-first century,” the old mission no longer felt relevant almost twenty years into the century.
20 Highland Magazine
COMMITTED TO A CULTURE OF INCLUSION With the announcement of our new
Inclusivity Statement in September, the future of Highland will seek to reflect the growing diversity of the region we serve.
Winter 2018/2019 Highland Magazine 21
New Inclusivity Statement Highland School is committed to a culture of inclusion that affirms the innate dignity and worth of every individual as an essential aspect of our educational mission. The most enduring learning takes place in an environment where every member of the community feels safe, respected, known, trusted, and valued. We are deeply enriched by sharing different perspectives, traditions, and backgrounds. It is by including everyone in conversations and all areas of school life that we fully prepare students for engaged citizenship and compassionate leadership.
Highland’s new Inclusivity Statement is the product of a two-year process led by Middle School Director Matt Ormiston. It is a more specific articulation of what has always been true of Highland, as the history of our school includes demonstrated commitment to inclusion and equity. The diversity of our current student body includes first generation college students, international students from six countries, children of alumni, and every ethnic group in our seven county region. We take great pride in providing tuition assistance to more than half of our student body so students who can benefit from a Highland educational experience have access to do so.
22 Highland Magazine
SAVE THE DATE!
Join the Highland community on Saturday, April 13, 2019 as we celebrate 15 Years of the Highland Center for the Arts with a fun-filled ‘Evening on Broadway’ in the Upper School gym! Find out more at www.highlandauction.org
Thanks to our Highland Heroes
Thank you to all our sponsors for their generous support of Highland School, our mission, and the academic programs that directly benefit our students and their educational experiences. Our 2018 sponsors are listed below:
Titanium Sponsors Fauquier Health Union Bank & Trust Company Platinum Sponsor SimplyRFID Silver Sponsors Griffin & Errera Orthodontics Lynx Investment Advisory Meridian Financial Partners Moser Funeral Home Superior Paving Corporation Bronze Sponsors American Automatic Sprinkler Atoka Properties – Rocky Westfall, Realtor Edward Jones Financial Advisor –Jeff Earnhardt The Fauquier Bank Fauquier Chamber of Commerce Howard, Clark & Howard Attorneys at Law NVP Inc. Temp-Power, Inc. Warrenton Toyota Yount, Hyde & Barbour
24 Highland Magazine
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Grant Bloom ‘19 and Sophia Gillam ‘19 test for electrical capacitance in the new Physics lab.
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ELECTRIFIED ENGINEERING Winter 2018/2019 Highland Magazine 29
While our new Physics and Engineering Lab is a work in progress, we think that it has
been a game-changer at Highland School.
Every day, our students are truly becoming electrified for engineering.
By Elizabeth Kennedy, Science Department Chair Highland’s new physics lab, which opened at the start of the 2017/2018 academic year, is a place where students are encouraged to touch, take apart, create, and make, and where they are expected to help one another learn different strategies and skills by doing so. For the Upper School physics and engineering students, this means having the space and the freedom to explore a wide variety of phenomena in a hands-on way. Dedicated in honor of the Class of 2017, this lab is the ideal environment for active learning to occur, as well as for accommodating a range of learning styles. The physical space is large, with room for students to work at desks or tables and plenty of storage for works in progress. The lab is equipped with a state-of-the-art SMART Board 6000, several whiteboards, and a good oldfashioned blackboard. Students are
encouraged to stand and work at any of these boards whenever they want. In addition, tools available for student use include standard shop basics like a drill press, band saw, power tools, and a large complement of hand tools. Students who are unfamiliar with the use of tools soon learn skills and become comfortable with the tools. There are also 3-D printers and several laptops available with data collection interfaces and electronic sensors including motion detectors, force sensors, current/voltage sensors, and temperature/pressure sensors. The lab is further equipped with standard physics apparatus and equipment comparable to what students would use at the university level.
Cultivating a Culture of Collaboration As the teacher in this lab, I strive to cultivate a culture of collaboration, where technical skills are valued and
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Upper School science chair Elizabeth Kennedy (above) has created a classroom environment that encourages experimentation and collaboration.
Winter 2018/2019 Highland Magazine 31
sought out by students from each other. Students work on projects together to achieve common goals, such as building competition rockets for the Team America Rocketry Challenge. They also build experimental equipment for an AP® Physics lab, or produce a science outreach presentation for younger students who come to the lab for a “field trip.” The spread of knowledge and skill often happens organically, when students notice a classmate working on something that they would like to try out. For example, if only one or two students are familiar with the software necessary to use a 3-D printer, then I provide time and opportunity for those students to teach their peers. I see my role as a facilitator who enables students to share knowledge and skills.
FLEXIBLE SPACE ALLOWS FOR ACTIVE LEARNING One example of how the lab supports active learning is a recent “machine dissection” activity with the Introduction to Engineering class. Students in this class range from freshmen to seniors, and their experience working with their hands ranges from novice to veteran. They worked in groups to take apart a variety of machines and study what they found inside. Groups had machines such as an “all-in-one” printer-copier, a microwave oven, a computer, and a DVD-Blu-ray player. They were instructed to take the machines apart using any tools (except hammers!) and encouraged to salvage useful parts. The groups were also asked to identify mechanical and electronic components and to choose one of each to describe during brief “standup” meetings. As the students worked
to take apart the machines, I walked around and asked questions about the things they were finding. “What do you think this component does?” “Why do you think there would be a motor inside of a printer?” “What do you think we could re-use these toroids for?” The student who retrieved a DC motor out of a printer didn’t recognize it as a motor. I handed him some wirestrippers and a AA-cell battery. After
Magnetism. They found the necessary materials to construct their own electroscopes. Of course, we could have purchased this simple lab equipment from a supply house. But why not take advantage of an opportunity for students to have even more “skin in the game” by making their own?
“The spread
Introduction to Engineering is one of the required courses for our new PreEngineering Certificate that seniors may earn at graduation after satisfying requirements that include completing honors and AP® math and science classes, as well as programming classes, a group engineering design class or participation on our FIRST® Robotics Team, and an individual engineering experience over the summer. The program culminates with our Engineering Capstone class in which seniors work with an outside sponsor during the second semester to design and build a project of their choice. Eight members of the Class of 2018 earned the certificate by completing projects that included a Rubens tube, a Tesla coil, and a pond-cleaning robot. None of these projects could have been completed had we not had the space and tools to inspire innovation.
of knowledge and
skill often happens organically, when students notice a
classmate working
on something they would like
to try out.” some initial trepidation, and with help from others in his group, he connected the wire to the battery and was soon walking around showing everyone the motor that was now spinning. The diversity of learning styles and skills in each group enriched the experience for everyone in the class. The following day, components from machines were put to in AP® Physics C:
the reclaimed the dissected use by students Electricity and
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Home for Highland’s New pre-engineering certificate PROGRAM
As each student finds his or her own role in the class and on their teams, “Be yourself at Highland” becomes more than just a tagline on our school logo and signage. It’s an ideal we strive to help each student live up to, in a hundred different ways each day.
Yuhui Zhou ‘19 constructed his own electroscope out of household materials including wire and aluminum foil to test for electric charge.
Fourth Grade Play in the Arundel Gym
This year’s Fourth Grade Play, called Beauty and the Beast Unveiled, gave students a look at story genres and compositional elements. Full of great songs and funny jokes, the cast rose to the occasion with creative costumes and memorable performances. To see this and other photo galleries, please visit www.facebook.com/highlandschool.
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Winter 2018/2019 Highland Magazine 35
Social Entrepreneurship and Environmental Sustainability (SEES):
THIS CLASS MEANS BUSINESS! Highland’s newest certificate program gives Upper School students an opportunity to learn and apply the skills and mindsets of entrepreneurship to help local businesses, non-profits, and the environment.
ARTICLE BY DR. NATE ZUCKERMAN, SEES COORDINATOR
This year, Highland School has launched a new certificate program in Social Entrepreneurship and Environmental Sustainability (SEES). The brainchild of Head of School Hank Berg, the SEES program is hands-on, real-world, and continues the expansion of Highland’s Upper School certificate programs. The learning approach in SEES is unique: we challenge students to use the methods of nonprofits and business startups to create social good. Students consult with science and business experts to solve complex problems in the community and environment, both locally and beyond. To put a face on this concept, let’s consider the career of Jeffrey Hollender. Hollender is an American businessman, activist, author and the founder of the eco-friendly cleaning product company Seventh Generation. Through this company, Hollender set a new standard for marrying environmental stewardship with progressive, and profitable business practices. His blend of ‘green’ capitalism and ‘green’ environmentalism–is a true model for the mission of this new curricular venture.
Developing New Requirements
As the program director, one of my roles has been to lead the SEES committee in developing guidelines for course requirements, internship experience, and senior capstone projects that all SEES students will complete on their way to earning the certificate at graduation. Our committee, comprised of members from the Upper School faculty and administration, will also serve as advisors guiding students through each step of the certificate process. The linchpin of the program is a new semesterlong course called ‘Social Entrepreneurship,’ which I am teaching this fall to a packed class of 16 enthusiastic student entrepreneurs. For many people, the word ‘entrepreneur’ conjures images of Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos dreaming and scheming to rake in billions of dollars in profits and rule the world. But this is a misconception. Entrepreneurship is better thought–and better taught–as a mindset. An entrepreneur thinks outside the box, notices problems and opportunities that most people don’t even know
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Students in the new Social Entrepreneurship class present to business owners Bo Brice and Rebecca Snyder.
they have, and leads others to plant and grow new creative solutions.
Focus on Creating Social Good, Not Profits
Social entrepreneurship specifically puts the focus less on profit and more on the goal of creating social good. This can occur in education, public health, community development, or the environment. So, while Social Entrepreneurship students learn and employ the methods of business startups, their work is framed by the broader, more humanistically-grounded commitment expressed in Highland’s new mission statement. We’re looking for ways our students can “thrive, lead, and serve in a diverse and dynamic world.” This guiding principle, along with the Five C’s that have long served as the central pillars of Highland’s educational philosophy–critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration and character–aptly capture the signature learning goals of the SEES program.
How Do You Teach Entrepreneurship?
How do you go about teaching students to be entrepreneurs? This question is as old-school as Plato’s Socratic dialogue from 380 B.C., the Meno. There is no single textbook, no one teacher who could make someone become truly entrepreneurial. Students have to do this work for themselves. So how do we help that happen? We throw the students into the deep end of the pool! At least that’s the message that Mr. Berg and I took away from a three-day Wildfire Education workshop we attended in preparation for the official SEES program kickoff this fall. (You can learn more about Wildfire Education at www.wildfire-education.org.) The workshop was led by Doris Korda, a tech entrepreneur turned educator with years of experience teaching Social Entrepreneurship to high school students at the Hawken School in Cleveland, Ohio. She and her staff now train dozens of schools across the United States–and even as far abroad as Kazakhstan–in their proprietary practice of team-based learning by doing.
Winter 2018/2019 Highland Magazine 37
“Students learned how to identify ‘user pains and gains,’ create quick prototypes to explore how people interact with their proposed products, and iteratively pivot toward more refined solutions in light of their field testing results.” – DR. NATE ZUCKERMAN
Dr. Nate Zuckerman gathers with students in the first class of Highland’s new Social Entrepreneurship and Environmental Sustainability program in the Upper School.
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The SEES students’ first project was to analyze the business model of a locally-owned “farm to face” food truck.
In line with this ‘Korda Method,’ we jumped right in during our very first week of the school year and took a field trip to visit Bo Brice and Rebecca Snyder, owners of the SoBo Mobile food truck in Warrenton. We arrived at their bucolic Junco Hill Farm, where they humanely raise all the meats that they cook up and dish out with love to hungry guests at local wineries, breweries, weddings and other special events.
attention to those customers who sometimes seem to not fully understand or trust the truck’s banner message about their core values.
“So how do you teach entrepreneurship? You throw the students into the deep end of the pool!”
Bo and Rebecca told us the story of their Mexican family recipes, the birth of their food truck business, and their earth- and animal-friendly motto, ‘from our farm to your face.’ They then tasked the students with creating a plan to grow their customer base while remaining true to, and doing a better job to convey, their sustainable food philosophy. They asked the students to give special
With this marketing challenge in hand, the class was divided into teams, ecomprised of three to four students each. They had three weeks to conduct market research, develop customer profiles, learn effective customer interview skills and investigate trends in the food truck and local food industries. Finally, each team designed their own compelling oral and visual pitch to present to Bo and Rebecca.
Learning on the Fly
The pace was quick, the stakes were real, and the learning was authentic and on-the-go. Students organized and tracked their tasks through an online messenging tool called ‘Slack’ that has widespread
Winter 2018/2019 Highland Magazine 41
STUDENTS REFLECT ON THEIR PRESENTATIONS TO BO BRICE AND REBECCA SNYDER OF SOBO FOOD TRUCK
“I was proud of how both my team and myself handled our presentation. I felt as if we got our points across and influenced the opinions of Bo and Rebecca.” MADISON TURNER ‘19 “Throughout the past couple of weeks, helping Bo and Rebecca transform SoBo, their food truck company, has been extremely rewarding, while also presenting several different learning experiences.” SAMANTHA BULMER ‘19 “I feel as if this class, even though it is only in the first part of the semester, has and will continue to help me grow as a person.” VICTORIA HILTON ‘19 “Looking back on it, I’m not sure how else I could have had this kind of real world experience.” HENRY WALLACE ‘19
use among startups. They took an online course to begin mastering the ‘Business Model Canvas’ that has become a standard framework in the entrepreneur’s toolkit for forming and testing hypotheses about the ins and outs of their business model. Students learned how to identify ‘user pains and gains,’ create quick prototypes to explore how people interact with their proposed products, and iteratively pivot toward more refined solutions in light of their field testing results. They practiced weekly ‘shareout’ presentations and received frequent written and conversational feedback from me and their peers. From all this hard work came five impressive plans. Among many suggestions, students encouraged Bo and Rebecca to strengthen SoBo’s social media presence. They urged them to make
more complete use of their farm’s resources and local partnerships such as farmer’s markets and specialty food retailers.
They’re Off to a Great Start!
After the presentation, Mr. Berg proudly proclaimed that the teams’ recommendations to Bo and Rebecca were at a level of creativity, depth and sophistication that he would have expected to see eight weeks into the semester, not three. Our budding young entrepreneurs were ahead of the curve! As a result, our hopes and expectations are high for an even more inventive and deeply data-driven set of recommendations to the second and third businesses that the students will go on to work for by the end of the semester. We cannot wait to see what they come up with next!
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Sophia Le ‘24 used her artwork to ask a challenging question of our readers: How can Highland be better?
The Future of Highland We asked Middle School art students of Lindsey (Lawrence) Dengel ‘89 to imagine what Highland School might be like in the future. We gave them few parameters – hoping that her young artists might interpret the question differently than if we prescribed our own set of requirements or limitations. They delivered! Thanks to Mrs. Dengel and all the students who participated. We’re proud to be able to include their work in this issue of Highland Magazine!
Winter 2018/2019 Highland Magazine 45
Kai Johnson ‘23 took us in a completely unique direction in his reflection of what the future might hold for Highland.
Olivia Devening ‘23 focused not on the physical buildings but on the academic, artistic, and athletic pursuits that have always been the hallmarks of a Highland education.
Kai Johnson ‘23, Sophie Le ‘24, and Olivia Devening ‘23 pose with their artwork.
Thanks to our visionary artists! Thanks to the three artists from Mrs. Dengel’s Middle School Art Elective whose artwork was selected for this issue of Highland Magazine. From left to right, they are Kai Johnson ‘23. Next is Sophia Le ‘24, who is also involved in Student Council as a grade representative. On the right is Olivia Devening ‘23. Olivia is also one of this year’s Gold team captains. Thanks again to our three visionaries!
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How healthy is your heart? Visit HeartHealthToday.org/Fauquier to take our free heart health assessment.
Your heart is in the right place. Enhanced care close to home and close to your heart. Our experienced cardiologists are supported by an extensive team of ER, ICU and critical care staff. The addition of an on-site interventional cath lab and expanded cardiac rehabilition services means we’re better prepared to provide fast, life-saving, comprehensive cardiac care than ever before.
UPPER SCHOOL
GRADUATION
On Friday, June 8, Highland’s graduating Class of 2018 became the school’s newest
class of alumni. In a morning of festivities that centered around the Upper School gym and Winfree Commons, students and their families celebrated the completion of one
academic milestone and the beginning of another. Congratulations to the Class of 2018!
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Winter 2018/2019 Highland Magazine 53
54 Highland Magazine
Congratulations to the Class of 2018! Sana Tahir Ahmed James Madison University
Emily Rose Hillig San Diego State University
Axel Fernando Quintanar-Pena Berea College
John Ryan Backo Randolph-Macon College
Cecil Don Hylton, IV Virginia Wesleyan University
Dillon Marshall Rose University of Maine
Dean Muhammad Bailey Howard University
Parker Donovan Hylton Randolph-Macon College
Nicklas Roth Virginia Tech
Grace Rebekah Barratt Virginia Commonwealth University
Alexander Severino Iasso Rose Hulman Institute olf Technology
Georgia Elizabeth Scarborough Elon University
Caleb Roland Beverstock Virginia Commonwealth University Elizabeth Blake Bogin James Madison University Honors College
Bianca Haydee Infantes Virginia Commonwealth University Lucas Matthew Johnson Christopher Newport University
Tong Chen University of Wisconsin, Madison
Landon Ashley Leigh University of Mary Washington
Kenneth Wayne Clark-Suggs Radford University
Isabella Grace Martin Elon University
Brandon Tyler Conlin Kettering University
Lilly Augusta Martin Virginia Tech
James Solomon Deal University of South Carolina - Aiken
Justin Gregory Mayer University of Mary Washington
Elizabeth Anne Debes University of Mary Washington
Reed Anderson Morris Christopher Newport University
Nathaniel Scott Decker James Madison University
Jack Patrick Newell Pfeiffer University
Jenna Louise Devanney Maynooth University
Addison Michelle Norden University of Mary Washington
Raegan Colby Dodson University of Hartford
Isabel Buckley Norman Sewanee: The University of the South
Joseph Francis Dyer Virginia Tech
Claire Isabelle Crane Olson College of Saint Benedict
Ryan Lee Edwards Shepherd University
Rachel Poe Paradise Auburn University
Cady Ellsworth Eldredge Elon University
Haley Nicole Partlow Bridgewater College
Elizabeth Henley Ellis University of Mississippi
Caitlin Claire Parz Flagler College
Channing Mclain Entrican Sweet Briar College
Hayden Christopher Pence Davis & Elkins College
Sophia Alexandra Lydia Hechl College of Charleston
Jingrui Peng Savannah College of Art and Design
Mekhi Shemar Hendricks Millersville Universityof Pennsylvania
Rylie Ashling Pennell Virginia Tech
Shayne Josiaha Herrera Virginia Commonwealth University
Mary Katherine Petronzio Bowdoin College
Anastasia Joy Schlegel Virginia Commonwealth University Kollin Troy Sharpes Bridgewater College Zachary Ray Shuler Western Carolina University Jacey Nicole Simpson University of Mary Washington Olivia Grace Sirianni Wofford College Adam Corr Smedley Davis & Elkins College Cameron Scott Smith Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Mark Luke Sprague Belmont Abbey College Lillian Grace Stone Coastal Carolina University Carolyn Ann Treuting Marymount University Logan Elizabeth Carson Van de Water University of Virginia Rijia Wang Rutgers University-New Brunswick Jovante´ Brioni White Virginia Wesleyan University Melody Alexandra White Bridgewater College Abbey Lynn Wills Virginia Tech Kathryn Ann Yeager Virginia Wesleyan University Porter Alden Zemo George Mason University Anthony Eugene Zervoudis Delaware Valley University
Alumni Gather at Hopefield to Celebrate 90th Anniversary
In April, Highland alumni Betty Gookin ‘35, Hope (Wallach) Porter ‘37, Harry Atherton ‘59, Anne-Douglas Atherton ‘61, Bibi de Heller ‘62, Bobby Wallach ‘63, Feroline (Burrage) Higginson ‘66, and Lisa Wallach ‘70 hosted a reception for alumni and faculty from Highland’s early days. Held at Hopefield, the event drew more than 70 attendees–comprised of former students, parents, and even faculty and staff–on a beautiful spring evening.
“Max” Tufts Jr. ‘64 and current Board of Trustees member Darragh Davis ‘69
Susan Lewis Patnaude and W. “Monty” Rust ‘67
Head of School Hank Berg celebrates this momentous gathering Liza (Wallach) Rasmussen ‘70 and David Norden ‘74 P’18,’20
Classmates and best friends Liese Dart ‘94 and Lily Atherton-Hanbury ‘94
“Ninie” Laing ‘48 with Betty (Williams) Gookin ‘35 and Richard Gookin
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John “Jay” Adams ‘58 and Barry Wright ‘63
Classmates and best friends Kim Head ‘66 and hostess Feroline (Burrage) Higginson ‘66
Catherine Adams ‘68 with Susan Lewis Patnaude
Hank Berg with Bill Prime ‘42
Stephen Nash ‘99 and Harry Higginson ‘99 with a friend
Meg, Lucy, and Chillton Griffin ‘03 with mom Dr. Susan Griffin P’02,’03
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Alumni News & Notes HELP US KEEP YOU CONNECTED TO FRIENDS AND CLASSMATES
We need you! Highland is celebrating its 90th Anniversary this school year. Have a story to share with your classmates, friends, and faculty? Contact your class representative or alumni@highlandschool.org. Please note, all graduation years are listed as follows: pre-1998 are for 8th or 9th grade, from 1998 on they are for the 12th grade. Anyone who attended Highland School qualifies for alumni status, and is listed by the year they would have graduated 8th or 12th grade respectively.
1930’s Elizabeth “Betty” (Williams) Gookin ‘35, GP’90,’93, Honorary Co-Chair of Highland’s 90th Anniversary Celebration, graciously agreed to host Highland’s annual Leadership Donor Reception with her husband Richard Gookin at The Oaks in March 2019. Hope (Wallach) Porter ‘37, P’60,’66, GP’89,’94,’01,’03, Honorary Co-Chair of Highland’s 90th Anniversary Celebration, hosted a lovely alumni garden party at Hopefield along with Harry Atherton ‘59, AnneDouglas (Burrage) Atherton ‘61, “Bibi” (Wallach) de Heller ‘62, Robert “Bobby” Wallach ‘63, Feroline (Burrage) Higginson ‘66, and “Liza” Wallach ‘70 in April. She was also on campus for Convocation and the rededication of The Erica Wallach Music Room in the Lower School in September.
1940’s William “Bill” Prime ‘42, P’87 joined Head of School Hank Berg and members of the Class of 2019 for a canoe trip on the Shenandoah River as part of their Senior Field Studies in September. Dr. Aileen “Ninie” Laing ‘48 was honored as the 2017 Distinguished Alumna by Sweet Briar College, where she is also a professor emerita of art history. Ninie also attended the alumni garden party at Hopefield, and visited campus as part of a team from the Warrenton Garden Club to discuss ways they might support the Lower School Pollinator Garden project.
Hank Berg with Bill Prime ‘42
1950’s The Class of 1958 had the best showing at the 90th Anniversary alumni garden party at Hopefield in April. Their mini-reunion brought together John B. “Jay” Adams, Jr. ‘58, Margaret (Church) Littleton ‘58, Arthur “Bunny” Nash ‘58, P’96,’99, and Jens Tholen ‘58.
1960’s Lora Jenkins ‘61 joined classmates and schoolmates at the alumni garden party at Hopefield in April, and attended Convocation and the rededication of The Erica Wallach Music Room in the Lower School. Anne-Douglas (Burrage) Atherton ‘61, P’89,’94 attended Convocation and the rededication of The Erica Wallach Music Room in the Lower School.
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Alumnae in Recent Issue of ‘W’ Magazine Highland School alumna Hope (Wallach) Porter ‘37, and her granddaughters Hope Atherton ‘89 and Lily Atherton-Hanbury ‘94, were photographed by W Magazine at her beautiful Warrenton home “Hopefield.” Their parents, and fellow Highland alumni, Henry Atherton ‘59 and Anne-Douglas Atherton ‘61 are so proud.
Feroline (Burrage) Higginson ‘66,P’01,’03 masterminded the alumni garden party at Hopefield in April, and attended Convocation and the rededication of The Erica Wallach Music Room in the Lower School. Eileen Wilson ‘66 attended the party at Hopefield, and visited campus as part of a team from the Warrenton Garden Club. W. Montgomery “Monty” Rust ‘67 attended the party at Hopefield, and was back on campus for Graduation in June. Trustee Emeritus Marshall DeF. Doeller ‘67, P’97,’04 and wife Lee are thrilled to see a third generation of their family come to Highland. Grandson Henry Sinclair started Pre-Kindergarten as part of the Class of 2033. Darragh Davis ‘69 is a member of Highland’s Board of Trustees, and will serve as Chair of the Governance & Nominating Committee for the 2018-19 school year. She also sits on the Advancement Committee, the Planned Giving SubCommittee, and leads the Alumni Relations Sub-Committee.
1970’s David Norden ‘74, P’17,’19, along with his wife Renee, attended the alumni garden party at Hopefield, and is helping design a pavilion for the Upper School athletic complex. Alex Burnett ‘78 is the proud parent of a new Highland sixth grader Max Burnett ‘25. Kate (Breeden) Hearsey ‘79, P’23,’28 is serving on the Parents Association (PA) Board at Highland as the Third Grade Class Representative.
1980’s Michele “Chele” (Matrick) Hipp ‘82 chelehipp@gmail.com Kathryn (Sedam) Lamonia ‘88 klamonia@piccadillyltd.com
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2000 John O’Bannon gburgff01@yahoo.com Reynolds Oare roare@highlandschool.org
Lindsey (Lawrence) Dengel ‘89, P’25,’27 spent several weeks in Europe with her family this summer, visiting Germany and Italy.
1990’s Clarissa (Fischer) Fleming ‘98 clarissamaefleming@gmail.com
Tiffany (Beker) Broadbent tiffany.l.beker@gmail.com Reynolds Oare ‘00, P’31 was recognized for completing his 10th year as a Highland faculty member. He and wife Valerie are the proud parents of a new Highland prekindergartener Noah Oare ‘33, who joins his brother James ‘31.
Strickland “Strick” Payne ‘99 jstrickland.payne@gmail.com Nathan Gilbert ‘91 is a founding partner of Meridian Financial Partners in Warrenton. His company is a member of the Highland Heroes Corporate Sponsorship Program. Candice Hall ‘92 is a member of Highland’s Board of Trustees, serves on the Advancement Committee, and leads the Planned Giving Sub-Committee. Ginny-Len (Hazel) Potter ‘95 and husband Kevin welcomed a baby boy, Alden, in August. M. Alexandra “Alix” (Hazel) Remuzzi ‘97 delivered the keynote speech at Graduation for the Class of 2018. Katherine “Katie” (Doeller) Sinclair ‘97 and husband John are the proud parents of a new Highland pre-kindergartener Henry Sinclair ‘33. Lindsay (Soyars) Ward ‘97, P’32 teaches math at Highland, and her daughter Catherine is in the Highland School Pre-Kindergarten as well. Strickland “Strick”Payne ‘99 and wife Kelli are the proud parents of a new Highland pre-kindergartener Katherine “Katie” Payne ‘33.
Congratulations to Louise Lindqvist ‘00. Louise was married to Karl-Johan Stahlberg on September 22nd, 2018 in Sweden.
2001 Mark Miller markman130@gmail.com Dudley Payne dudleypayne@gmail.com Kate (Roehr) Merrihew kateavril@gmail.com
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William Dempsey ‘01 is currently working as a Senior Cyber Recruiter for Federal Services at FireEye Inc. Mark Miller ‘01 and wife Blair are the proud parents of a new Highland Pre-Kindergartener Blakely Miller ‘33. Dudley Payne III ‘01 married Sarah Black in September. His Best Man was his brother and fellow alum Strick Payne ‘99, and groomsmen included alumni Charles Asher ‘99 and Tyler Ross ‘02.
2002 Tyler Ross tylerjamesross@gmail.com Katherine “Katie” (Ortberg) Fletcher ‘02 and husband Michael are proud parents of new Highland Pre-Kindergartener Aria Fletcher ‘33. Amber Hoback ‘02 is currently working as a Program Director of KRSH at Wine Country Radio.
Caleigh (Megless) Schmidt ‘03 and husband Phillipp welcomed a baby girl, Nova Ray, in September. Proud grandparents Debbie and Mike Megless were on hand in Paris to welcome her.
Johnny Wen ‘02, his wife Joanna and their two kids, Ryland (4) and Lily (2), currently live in Fairfax. Johnny is a technology consulting manager with Accenture Federal Services and just celebrated his 12th year with the firm. He serves on the board of the Life Member and Alumni Association of the Virginia Tech Rescue Squad and is active with Tesla enthusiasts of the greater DC area. Joanna is an optometrist specializing in pediatric care and vision therapy in Manassas and recently started her own blog, www. themomsatodds.com. In January, Johnny will make his eighth annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas, NV to attend the Consumer Electronics Show with Highland alum Peter Weisz ’01.
2003 Caleigh (Megless) Schmidt cmegless@gmail.com Caroline “Carrie” (Hurst) Goll ‘03 and husband Michael are proud parents of Highland pre-kindergartener June Goll ‘33. Chilton Griffin ‘03 and his wife Maggie welcomed their daughter Lucy on February 21.
Gretchen (Finn) Sawyer ‘03 and her husband, Gordon welcomed their daughter, Alden Finn Sawyer, on April 2, 2018.
2004 Brooke Howard tbh@hhlawva.com
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Jamie Gravett jamie@primetime-limos.com
Nicolas Bell ‘05 is teaching English and coaching lacrosse at the Taft School in Connecticut.
Brittany (Carlton) O’Bannon brittcrltn@gmail.com
Shannon Shalestock ‘05 is working as a Implementation Consultant at Snagajob.
Jonathon Blackwell ‘04 is currently the Director of the Investments Group at SL Green Realty Corp.
2006
Steven Brown ‘04 and wife Roni are proud parents of a new Highland pre-kindergartener Evelyn Brown ‘33. Steven works as General Manager at Traffic Safety Supplies Inc. where he engages in every process that helps the company succeed.
2005
Paige (Statler) Wines paigeswines@gmail.com McClain (Bell) Herman mcclain.bell3@gmail.com Caroline Chewning ‘06 is an International Government Relations Specialist at United Technologies.
Ainsley Dickens ainsley.dickens@gmail.com
Samantha (Casey) Coleman ‘06 and her husband Mike Coleman welcomed their son Colton in May 2018.
Rachel (Shutt) Gravett rachel@primetime-limos.com Michael Casey ‘05 is Principle at Infinitive where he helps clients improve operations, gain better insights into their digital advertising efforts.
Paige (Statler) Wines’ ‘06 daughter, Sophia Wines ‘33 started in Pre-Kindergarten at Highland this fall.
2007 Courtney Brewer brewer_c@lynchburg.edu Alice Butler ‘07 visited from London for the first time in 10 years, and enjoyed a tour of the school with Mr. Berg. Parker Laimbeer ‘07 started a job at the FDA as a “Staff Fellow-Biologist.” He reviews the chemistry, manufacturing, and control data of drug applications. “I’m loving the job so far and, living in D.C., I’m excited to be a little closer home!” Brandon Perry ‘07 recently married Kristie French Perry where they celebrated with several alumni and faculty.
2008
Congratulations to Ainsley Dickens ‘05 and husband Ben Cockerille. The two were married in September at Marriott Ranch in Hume.
Callie Broaddus callie.broaddus@gmail.com Lauren Keyser keyserlmk@gmail.com
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Sam Glier ‘09 is currently working as a project manager for Verizon Enterprise Solutions in Sterling, Virginia. Alex Harris ‘09 married Delilah Ohrstrom on August 25, 2018. Seong Kim ‘09 is currently a Team Lead, Customer Success at Ursa Space Systems Inc. Tyler King ‘09 is a Retail Services associate based in RFK’s Midtown Manhattan office.
Callie Broaddus ‘08 returned to the Highland campus in October to discuss her career at National Geographic Society in Washington, DC. She also introduced Middle and Upper School students to Enkijape School, which Callie visited twice during her time as a Highland student. She also showed some of her photography and spoke about her sister Elizabeth Finley Broaddus’ ‘14 passion for the environment and the Green Leap Forward Fund she started. Evangeline Garreau ‘08 is currently working as a Software Engineer at Ad Hoc LLC where she helps design, develop and deliver new features to better serve our nation’s veterans and get them the benefits they’ve earned John Hartz ‘08 is working as an Account Manager & Field Analyst at Competitive Energy Services .
Andrew Newell ‘09 and Sarah (Tufts) Newell ‘09 sent in this photo with their children Adayn and Finn. Lindsay Raymond ‘09 is currently living in San Diego, California working for the luxury resortwear/ swimwear company, Vix Paula Hermanny.
Lauren Keyser ‘08 is currently a Interactive Media Specialist at Comcast Spotlight in Falls Church, Virginia. Ally Rice ‘08 is currently a Digital Media Editor at Apples and Oranges Studios where she conceived and executed social media campaigns for the Tony Award© winning Broadway production of An American in Paris. She designed new optimized digital content across Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
2009 Molly Statler mstatler2@gmail.com Brian D. Fisher, Jr. ‘09 is a patent agent in Oblon’s Electrical Patent Prosecution practice group.
Emily (Watt) Zentz ‘09 married Jordan Zentz in Warrenton in June. Her bridal party included Highland alumni Blake Bogin ‘18 (first on left) and Chelsea-Ann Patry ‘09 (fourth from left).
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sharks in May. Zach is the author of four books on sharks. Learn more at www.drjaws.net. Margot Laimbeer ‘10 graduated from Georgetown University with a Masters of Science in Nursing and works as a Registered Nurse at Children’s National Medical Center. She is planning to pursue a career as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.
2011 Class Representative Needed Interested? Contact alumni@highlandschool.org Forrest Stone Allen ‘11 is now attending George Mason University and looking to achieve his goals that he had set out from the “Get Go.” Mina (Pirasteh) von Feilitzsch ‘11 is the founder and photographer at Mina (Anahid) von Feilitzsch Photography in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Congratulations to Niki (Huntsman) Caliguire ‘09 who married Josh Caliguire in October
2010 Phoebe Krumich pkrumich@highlandschool.org Brendon McCann brendonmccannjr@gmail.com Clarke Chadwell ‘10 is a Business Development Representative at N3 in Atlanta, Georgia and just released a new CD with his band, the LaGoons (facebook.com/ lagoonstunes)
Fabian von Feilitzsch ‘11 is currently working as a Senior Software Engineer at Red Hat in Raleigh, North Carolina. Eric Hoback ‘11 is a news aide for The Washington Post. He has written six stories; four in sports and two in local. “The exciting parts of my job include taking care of reader questions and comments, and making sure our riot gear are ready for people to use when we’re out on assignment like political conventions. When I was in Sports, I got to work on the Web version of our NCAA tournament bracket . That was very rewarding.” Georgia Pearson ‘11 is working as a digital advertising specialist at Mondo Mediaworks. Sarah Seligman ‘11 is the founder of Bakefully Yours in Sterling, Virginia. She loves challenging herself in the kitchen by baking healthy, traditional desserts.
Chloe Christoforou ‘10 is an Account Executive for Noldus Information Technology.
Patrick Silva ‘11 works at the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Zachary Nicholls ‘10 (a.k.a. Dr. Jaws) came back to Highland to meet with students and teach them about
Gavin Terpilowski ‘11 is senior associate at Grant Thornton US.
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Aria Pahari ‘13 is currently working as a Peer Mentor at Speaking, Writing, Arguing (SWA) Center.
2012 Sarah Henry smh7tp@virginia.edu
Ayesha Prasad ‘13 aspires to be a lawyer focusing on international human rights and migration. She is currently an executive assistant at Chalo Africa (African Safaris & Adventure Holidays from India & Beyond). Mills Pritchard ‘13 is an Analytical Consultant at Wells Fargo Securities in Charlotte, North Carolina. Nathaniel Schwartz ‘13 is an Investment Research Analyst for Terra Alpha Investments. Isabella Sirianni ‘13 is currently working as a Account Manager and renewal specialist for Cvent. Jacqueline St. Clair ‘13 has started her own photography business called JStClair Photography.
Taylor (Wills) Nichols ‘12 married David Nichols ‘12 on April 16, 2018 at Stover Hall. Emma Rosse ‘12 is currently working as an Account Executive at SunTech Drive in Boulder, Colorado. Hannah Smith ‘12 is an Editorial Assistant at Hachette Book Group.
2014 Gus Moshos gusmoshos10@gmail.com Mimi Robinson mimisscene@yahoo.com
2013
Sarah Dunn ‘14 is currently an Intern to the Executive Assistant to the President at Eurasia Foundation.
Lauren Frye lauren.frye@enmu.edu
Donnie Mayer ‘14 is an Accounting Specialist at Agilla Pro in Washington DC.
Simon Schwartz simon.am.schwartz@gmail.com
Gus Moshos ‘14 is an account manager at Navstar Inc. Julia Robinson ‘14 is currently the Director of Products at Piedmont Racing Limited.
Jess Shaw jcs8bs@virginia.edu Ian Herbst ‘13 is the co-founder of White Heather Media. Visit their website at www.whiteheathermedia.com. Savannah Kovac ‘13 joined Highland’s Advancement team as an intern. She is helping out with alumni relations outreach. She will also be working with Admissions.
Mimi Robinson ‘14 Recently graduated from the University of Virginia with a BA in Drama, and moved to New York City. Mimi is currently pursuing a career as a theatre and film artist. She is juggling an array of jobs while auditioning and building up her screen/play writing portfolio. She works part-time with Broadway Artists Alliance, an organization that connects some of Broadway’s
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most notable stars with young students looking to make their way in the entertainment industry. She assists these artists in master classes and provides administrative support to the staff, advises students and helps them prepare audition material. She also writes press releases for the events BAA hosts for musical theatre students in New York City and around the country.
2016
Bisma Zaman ‘14 is a volunteer dental assistant at Crossover Healthcare Clinic.
2017
Bailey Babcox bbabcox@highpoint.edu Rich Gerhardt herhrj16@wfu.edu
2015
Annie Pendleton apendletonhs@gmail.com
Olivia “Liv” Bell oliviabell19@gmail.com
Manti Batistas Batistas.manti@yahoo.com
John Bounds johnbounds0121@gmail.com
2018
Phoebe Bain ‘15 is a Content Intern at Weight Watchers.
Blake Bogin bogin2eb@dukes.jmu.edu Lucas Johnson lucas.johnson.18@cnu.edu Getting married? Hosting a reunion? Include a Highland School flag in your photo and we’ll share it in a future issue of Highland Magazine! Contact Briar Leake at bleake@highlandschool.org.
Share Your Stories with Classmates and Friends
Seth Finkel ‘15 worked as a Flat-tailed Horned Lizard Team Member for the American Conservation Experience where he helped the BLM staff on monitoring, tagging, and collecting data. Oliver Schwartz ‘15 is a management consulting intern at Accenture in South Africa.
Celebrating a special event? Want to reconnect with your classmates, friends, and faculty? Send stories to alumni@highlandschool.org and we’ll include your update in an upcoming issue. go to www.facebook.com/HighlandHawksAlumni go to www.linkedin.com and search for ‘Highland School Warrenton VA’ to join group
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In Memoriam
Edward “Teddy” Wachtmeister ‘61, P’91,’94, GP’29,’31
Squad, the New Baltimore Fire and Rescue Company, the Piedmont Environmental Council, the Fauquier Hospital, the Fauquier Free Clinic, SPCA, the Fauquier County Public Library, the Fauquier Education Farm, the Path Foundation, and many other local organizations.
Edward Carl Axel Wachtmeister ‘61 died on April 26, 2018. He passed away as a result of Inclusion Body Myositis and pneumonia, at home, in the presence of family. Teddy was born on May 21, 1947 in Washington, DC to parents Frederik H. C. Wachtmeister and Anne Marie Von Krusenstierna Lawrence, who preceded him in death. He was raised in Warrenton, VA and attended Highland School, before leaving home to attend the Harvey School, the Salisbury School, and the Virginia Military Institute, where he earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering. After graduation, he was commissioned into the United States Air Force in 1971, earning the rank of Second Lieutenant. He served as a pilot supporting the Military Airlift Command, including being stationed at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he met his wife of 42 years, Karen Weir Wachtmeister. Following his service, Teddy returned to Warrenton as a hands-on owner/operator of Whitehall Farm, raising beef cattle, from 1975 to present. He was a strong advocate of educational institutions, especially of Highland School (trustee), Salisbury School (trustee), Virginia Military Institute, St. Lawrence University, and Texas Christian University. He was an active member of the VMI Foundation (trustee) and VMI Keydet Club (trustee). He was a life founding member of Great Meadow Foundation, and longtime local bank director. As a conservation advocate, he placed Whitehall Farm in a conservation easement with the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. His devotion to Fauquier County as well as the organizations that contribute to it were lifelong. He supported the Warrenton Volunteer Rescue
Teddy enjoyed the art of speed, whether that was piloting aircraft, downhill skiing, driving sports cars but especially Ferraris, and later, even wheelchairs. Despite his 15 year struggle with IBM, Teddy was able to spend much of the last 20 years pursuing his love of Colorado and passion for skiing, supporting and skiing with the Challenge Aspen adaptive ski program. His big personality cannot be forgotten, but he will be remembered by all who loved him as a generous and devoted friend, father, husband, and grandfather. His positive impact on the community he loved, and the people he loved, will be felt for years to come. He is survived by his wife, Karen Weir Wachtmeister; sons, Erik Wachtmeister ‘91 and his wife Christie Wachtmeister of Warrenton, Carl Wachtmeister ‘94 of Warrenton; sisters, Linda Wachtmeister and her husband Robert Strini of Scottsville, Virginia, Marianne Adair of London, England; brother, Hans Wachtmeister ‘58 and his wife Anne Marie Wachtmeister of Warrenton; granddaughters, Elina Wachtmeister ‘29, Sylvie Wachtmeister ‘31, and Anna Wachtmeister; as well as many nieces and nephews. The family extends their sincere gratitude to everyone who cared for and loved Ted, especially: Norma Breeden; the employees of Whitehall Farm: Michael Holloran, David Simpkins, Samuel Butler, Calvin Cook; Brett Heverly; the dedicated care providers from Cleansing Waters and Home Instead. Donations may be made in his memory to Highland School, to Salisbury School (Salisbury, CT), or to the Virginia Military Institute. A private “Celebration of Life” gathering was held at Whitehall Farm was held at Whitehall Farm in memory of Teddy in late July.
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Celebrating 15 Years of the Highland Center for the Arts
15
Members of the cast of this fall’s production of
The Importance of Being Earnest kicked off the 15th season of performances in The Highland Center for the Arts.
In 2019, Highland will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Highland Center for the Arts. In March, the Highland Players will present ‘Oklahoma’ in The Rice Theater. In April, the Highland Auction will mark the occasion with a fun Broadway theme for the annual fundraising event for alumni, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of Highland School. All Spring, the art department will host student and alumni driven art shows in the gallery and the Lise Hicklin Black Box Theater will host student performances in the monthly ‘Coffeehouses.’