Amidst the Trees - Fall 2023

THE MAGAZINE OF FORSYTH COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

Fall 2023

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Gardner Barrier ’97

ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING

Michelle Klosterman, Ph.D.

ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR ADVANCEMENT

Nathan Battle

ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR WELLNESS AND BELONGING

Susan R. Perry, Ph.D.

ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL FOR FINANCE AND OPERATIONS

Andrea Matney

DIRECTOR OF THE PRESCHOOL

Renée Fuller

DIRECTOR OF THE LOWER SCHOOL

Ann Parke Muller

DIRECTOR OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

Robin Snow

DIRECTOR OF THE UPPER SCHOOL

Laura Clay

DIRECTOR OF THE JOHNSON ACADEMIC CENTER

Megan Newbauer

DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS

Doug Esleeck

DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Andy Clifton

AMIDST THE TREES EDITOR

Priscilla St. John

GRAPHIC DESIGN AND BRAND MANAGEMENT

Beth Mack

PHOTOGRAPHER

Tom Howell

PUBLICATION DESIGN

Kistin Jordan

Kistin Creative Studio, LLC

PRINTED BY Sir Speedy

Alumni, alumni families, faculty, and friends of the school are encouraged to send Class Notes updates and pictures as well as birth notes and items for In Memoriam to alumni@fcds.org.

Forsyth Country Day School is committed to cultivating an inclusive learning community free from discrimination. The School prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex in the administration of its educational policy and practice, admission and financial aid policy and practice, and other schooladministered programs.

POSTMASTER: please send address changes to Amidst the Trees, 5501 Shallowford Road, Lewisville, NC, 27023.

Amidst the Trees is published annually and sent free of charge to parents, alumni, and friends of Forsyth Country Day School.

WELCOME from Gardner Barrier

Dear Furies,

I’m always excited to be back on campus after the summer, but this year is unprecedented. Never before have I returned to find a campus that has been completely transformed, but somehow restored. Please read more about this transformation, made possible by our generous donors, in The Big Reveal on page 22. You can also learn more about what we’ll be using our new Niblock Center for Intentional Living for and hear my thoughts about how we got here, what we’re doing, and what our next steps are on page 20.

Read more about how our teachers make learning more fun and engaging every day through project-based learning in Projected Growth on page 6. Also, if you’re looking for some Good Advice, our alumni have wise words to share on page 26.

Read all the Campus News that’s fit to print starting on page 12, and catch up with old friends in Class Notes on page 28. We fondly remember the lives and legacies of an alumna, former teachers, and friends who left an indelible mark on our community in In Memory on page 32, and we catch up with our newest alumni, the Class of 2023, starting on page 36.

Take care and Go Furies!

Gardner Barrier ’97 Head of School

The two GBs! Head of School Garder Barrier ’97 with his headmaster, Gordon Bingham, in their office

Thank you to our corporate partners!

Throughout the magazine, you’ll see companies who have joined FCDS as corporate partners. Their generosity directly benefits our students and helps us fulfill our mission! In addition to the sponsorships throughout the magazine, we’d like to thank:

HBi Auto Spangler, Lambert, and Lipp DDS Pediatric Dentist

Stone Basyx FedLogic

Frank L. Blum Construction Co

To learn more about become a corporate partner, please contact Director of Philanthropy Andy Clifton at andyclifton@fcds.org or by phone at 336-978-3941.

• Winston-Salem, NC 27101

PROJECTED GROWTH

How Hands-on Projects Engage Student Learning

When students and teachers get curious and delve into project-based learning, they learn not only the subjects they study, but develop key skills that will serve them throughout their lives. Projects are woven into the educational experience at FCDS from preschool through twelfth grade, enriching the learning experience at all levels.

LOWER SCHOOL

Projects are particularly helpful with young students because they learn what they can do. In the Balloons Over Broadway project, kindergarteners researched the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and its famous balloons, learning how they are made. Then, they set out to create their own balloons. The design process started with drawing 2D models of the balloons; then they had to figure out how to turn their 2D design into a 3D balloon.

“I think it was really engaging,” kindergarten teacher Allison Blamer said. “The students were all invested and it really made them feel like they had a part in their learning because they had choice and voice,” she said. It was especially effective at helping kindergarteners learn critical thinking skills, because not every balloon design worked out the first time. “They learn problem-solving skills through what we call ‘productive struggle’,” she said. “You can see when a child finally ‘gets it’. It’s so rewarding for them!”

Once students reach third grade, they’re ready for State Fair. “Third grade state fair is a deeply rooted tradition that is always evolving to incorporate different ideas,” said third grade teacher Jenni Wright. In September, there’s a balloon drop which reveals each student’s state, and from there, the theme is woven into every aspect of the year’s curriculum. “Project-based learning sets students on fire!” Mrs. Wright said. “They are so excited about the projects surrounding their state. Once they realize how much they can learn, they approach future projects with a positive mindset about what they are capable of accomplishing. Completing a majority of the work at school shows them what they are capable of on their own.”

Werth Barry, who’s now in fourth grade, agreed. “I like doing research and finding out about new things and sharing it with other people. These projects make you feel good.”

“Their state forever holds a special place in their heart,” Mrs. Wright said. “I’ve never reconnected with FCDS alumni who participated in State Fair who couldn’t name ‘their state’ without erupting in a big smile!”

n Problem-solving. n Critical thinking. n Public speaking. n Teamwork.

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

MIDDLE SCHOOL

In middle school, projects get more complex as students mature. In Bill Fusek’s sixth-grade geography class, hands-on learning opportunities last year included creating a unique kingdom and making a PowerPoint travel brochure about a South American country that would entice tourists to visit.

These projects offer something for all different kinds of learners. “About 75 percent of the students liked the kingdom project more because it was more hands-on,” Mr. Fusek said. “The other 25 percent liked the PowerPoint project because it involved computers.”

In addition, some students prefer learning via projects because they are less stressful than tests. “With a test, you could just memorize the material but not necessarily master it,” Mr. Fusek said. “In a project, students are able to demonstrate mastery in a hands-on, creative way.”

In Jasmine Vadgama’s seventh grade Sustainable Cities class last year (which was inspired by the Future City STEM competition), students spent several months researching sustainable cities

and ways to make urban centers more eco-friendly, then designing and creating their own futuristic cities based on what they learned. They wrote research papers, performed skits, and then showcased their metropolis on a trifold or as a model.

One particularly passionate group of now-eighth-graders – Arianna Ajram, Livie Kaplan, and Kaylie Scott – created a 3D model with working lights of their island city of New Kora. The city used water from a desalination plant, centralized living, vertical greenhouses, and a monorail, to name only a few features. “We wanted it to feel futuristic – like something no one had ever created before,” Arianna said.

“It’s phenomenal what these girls created in the amount of time they had,” Ms. Vadgama said, and this kind of hands-on learning clearly resonated with the students.

“Projects are helpful,” Livie said. “You get to be creative with it.”

Kaylie agreed. “I think that projects help you learn things better than just reading about it. You get to apply your knowledge.”

“I think that projects help you learn things better than just reading about it. You get to apply your knowledge.”

— Kaylie Scott, eighth grade

UPPER SCHOOL

FCDS’s Upper School is known for rigorous academics and the quality of the student experience. Handson learning enhances this, helping students hone the skills they need as they prepare for college and what’s ahead.

In Grace Mason’s Honors Ancient and Medieval History class, students studying ancient Greece held a mock dinner party to better understand ancient philosophy. After reading about the philosophers’ lives and schools of thought, students broke into groups to write scripts for a dinner party. Each student played a different ancient philosopher and acted out how their character would have responded to modern problems such as global warming, space exploration, or food insecurity.

“Students then acted out their dinner parties in class – they were allowed to dress up, bring in food, and really get into character to make it fun,” Mrs. Mason said. “In the end, students got to learn about each of their ideas in more depth than just recalling random names associated with ideas as they would have on a test.”

Dr. Ashton Trawinski applied the same experiential bent to a cellular biology unit. She had students choose one of the three major areas of the cells, then create a webpage or blog that would teach other students about the topic and give fun, engaging assignments to help other learners. “First they had to spend time understanding the material themselves, then consider, ‘How do I break this

down so someone else can understand what I know?’. They engaged with the content more this way than simply asking them to memorize a list of steps or definitions.”

Sophomore Kelso Harvey especially enjoyed Dr. Trawinski’s diorama project in which students built a model of an ecosystem. “I had a lot of fun learning about my ecosystem and showing it to my classmates,” she said.

Fellow sophomore Maddie Heller loves the preparation projects provided. “Project work serves as an opportunity for me to gain important social and teamwork skills that I will use in the workforce,” she said.

Dr. Trawinski believes that Forsyth Country Day is uniquely well suited to provide this kind of preparation. “We have the flexibility to step away from the checklist of ‘we must cover all this content’ and really focus on which content can help them build skills focused on scientific reasoning and critical thinking,” Dr. Trawinski said. “These projects all take time, both in and out of the classroom, more time than a typical closed-book test would take. This requires focusing on which content really supports those scientific and academic skills that we value.”

“Project work serves as an opportunity for me to gain important social and teamwork skills that I will use in the workforce.”

— Maddie Heller, sophomore

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CAMPUS NEWS

FCDS Wins Wells Fargo Cup for Third Year with Two State Championships

Congratulations to FCDS athletics for another great year, winning the Wells Fargo Cup for the third year in a row and two NCISAA State Championships. The state champions were boys’ cross country and girls’ soccer.

BOYS’ CROSS-COUNTRY

The FCDS boys’ cross country team won the state meet with three FCDS athletes placing in the top 10 and all seven runners recording new personal best times to contribute to the victory.

VARSITY GIRLS’ SOCCER

The Fury girls’ varsity soccer team won its second consecutive NCISAA 3A state title with hard work, skill, and a very deliberate strategy: not thinking about the state championship.

“Coach [Brendan] Bohon and I knew that our biggest hurdle to overcome all season was not so much our opponents, but our attitudes and the expectations our players put on themselves,” Coach Julie McCann said. Despite losing only twice (in overtime) during the season, the girls deliberately didn’t think about the end game. “We did not discuss winning another state championship or even think about the state championship until playoffs arrived,” Coach McCann said. “Instead, we looked at each game as a learning tool no matter the outcome.” They studied their play on film, broke down what they needed to do to improve, then worked at those areas in practice.

“Coach Bohon and I are so proud of these girls and their repeat,” Coach McCann said. “Yet, we are more impressed by their ability to stay true to what this program is about, which is teamwork, grit, confidence from within, and playing the beautiful game to the highest standard each time we hit the pitch.”

“By almost any measure, this was one of, if not the most, talented boys teams in school history,” said Head Coach Joe Scott. “They had the fastest top five average in school history, went undefeated in conference meets, won their 11th straight conference championship meet, and won their second state championship in the last four years. George Lawson ’26 (16:07) and John Templeton ’26 (16:14) ran the two fastest freshman times in school history.” Sam Scott ’23 (16:44) also finished in the top 10.

Coach Scott reported that the team worked since June to achieve what they accomplished at the state meet. “It was a total team effort that required all seven boys to do their part - and that they did. These guys were as tight and as unified as any team I have ever coached. They care deeply for one another and really ran for each other as much as anything. It was an honor to get to be around them every day this season,” he said.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2023-2024 STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION (SGA) OFFICERS!

Upper School students listened to candidate speeches and cast their votes.

THE UPPER SCHOOL SGA EXECUTIVE STUDENT LEADERSHIP TEAM:

PRESIDENT

Springer Hiatt

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

Maddie Templeton

VP OF JUDICIAL BOARD

Asmithaa Vinukonda

SECRETARY OF JUDICIAL BOARD

Maia Cook

VP OF SPIRIT, SERVICE AND CLUBS

Ryan Nichols

VP OF SOCIAL EVENTS

Anna Merritt Madden and Ava Claire Scherer

ADVISOR COUNCIL REPS

Jack Wall and Lily Weeks

SGA CLASS REPS AND JUDICIAL BOARD REPS:

SOPHOMORE CLASS REPS

Kyle Pemberton and Dylan Robinson

SOPHOMORE JUDICIAL BOARD REPS

Livy Barrier and Nate Faraci

JUNIOR CLASS REPS

Amory Kelly and Addison Nicks

JUNIOR JUDICIAL BOARD REPS

Grant Faraci, Anika

Pawa, and Gracie Whicker; Hasting Runnels is an alternate

SENIOR CLASS REPS

Natalie Ellis and Luca Pass

SENIOR JUDICIAL BOARD REPS

Sienna Alday, Olivia Gornik, and Sam Speakman; Caroline Dunnagan is an alternate.

FCDS Twelve Team Places Second in the State

Twelve students. Twelve topics. Twelve questions each. This year, FCDS’s Twelve team did an amazing job, placing second in the state at this challenging academic competition.

Student leader and club member Julia Kincaid ’23 said that the FCDS team has placed third for the past three years - and this year they were

determined to rise. “This year we came in second place, defeating a large public school such as Atkins,” she said. She was quick to give credit to

her amazing teammates, including Maureen Cavanaugh ’23, Anika Pawa ’24, John Speas ’23, Asmithaa

Vinukonda ’24, Ava Claire Scherer ’25, Luca Pass ’24, Landon Greenwood ’23, Teodora Sorescu ’23, Ryan Reynolds ’23, Max Drucker ’23, and Sam Scott ’23. The team of Maureen, Anika, and John earned all-state recognition for their achievements.

“It’s awesome to be a part of such a dedicated and collaborative team for the last four years and have the opportunity to compete together,” Julia said.

FCDS is proud of these students for this incredible accomplishment! Go Furies!

2022-2023 Athletics Awards

Congratulations to the FCDS studentathletes who were recognized at the annual Athletics Awards Event. What a talented slate of athletes!

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER AWARDS:

Boys’ Cross Country: George Lawson

Girls’ Cross Country: Mia Fitzsimmons

Field Hockey: Caitlin Martin

Esports: Callum Forest

Competition Cheer: Izzy Juarez

Girls’ Golf: Ava Gutshall

Girls’ Tennis: Sophia Spalcke

Boys’ Soccer: Ethan McCann

Girls’ Volleyball: Lexi Wright

Boys’ Basketball: Iverson King

Girls’ Basketball: Parker Childress

Boys’ Indoor Track and Field: Sam Scott

Girls’ Indoor Track and Field: JahQueen McClellan

Cheer: Savannah McQuilkin

Girls’ Swimming: Anika Pawa

Boys’ Swimming: Erik Petruzzi

Wrestling: Hardin Massey

Boys’ Track and Field: Sam Scott

Girls’ Track and Field: Maureen Cavanaugh

Boys’ Lacrosse: Owen Fowler

Girls’ Lacrosse: Olivia McNatt

Boys’ Tennis: Kendrick Lash

Girls’ Soccer: Madeline Templeton

Boys’ Golf: Kyle Haas

Baseball: Jake Michalek

FCDS MAJOR AWARDS:

Margaret Venable/Ralph Nesbit Award for

Outstanding Faculty Spirit: Tom Westmoreland

The Award for Outstanding

Sportsmanship - Female: Sadie Quinn Wall

The Award for Outstanding

Sportsmanship - Male: Sam Scott

Jim Tobias Award for Excellence in Coaching: Julie McCann

The John Danforth Award for Outstanding Student Spirit: Jackson Spivey

Under Armor partnership announcement and Women of Will Award: Mackenzie Moore

Most Outstanding Female Athlete: JahQueen McClellan

Most Outstanding Male Athlete: Owen Fowler

STUDENT ATTENDS DIVERSITY WORKSHOP

Congratulations to senior Alexandra López, who attended the Chuck Stone Program for Diversity in Education and Media at UNC-Chapel Hill this past summer.

Each year, the Hussman School of Journalism and Media selects 12 students who represent various types of diversity to help them prepare for careers in journalism. The workshop is the centerpiece of the Chuck Stone Conference on race, equity, and inclusion, which honors UNC Professor Emeritus Chuck Stone’s commitment to increasing diverse voices in all areas of communication.

(Source: https://chuckstone.web.unc.edu/contact-us/)

TWO FCDS SENIORS ATTEND GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL

Congratulations to seniors Alec Jin and Maia Cook, who attended Governor’s School this summer. Alec studied natural sciences at Governor’s School East at Meredith College, and Maia studied English at Governor’s School West at Winston-Salem State University.

“Governor’s School is a highly competitive program, so having two students selected is quite the testament to both Alec and Maia. Alec is truly a renaissance scholar. He loves learning about anything, but his passion for science is apparent in all that he does. Maia loves thinking deeply about human and societal concerns. She is incredibly creative and curious,” said FCDS Governor’s School advisor Tamara Harrington.

FCDS ORCHESTRA STUDENTS EARN CHAIRS TO THE NC-ASTA ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA

FCDS senior Isaac Merkel and sixth grader Abigail Tan earned chairs to the North Carolina American Strings Teachers Association (ASTA) All-State Orchestra Festival last spring! Isaac placed third chair in the orchestra, and Abigail earned third chair in the second violin section.

The NC-ASTA Orchestra Festival, held last April, gave students the opportunity to work with nationally renowned orchestra conductor Dr. Annalisa Chang, who served as the clinician for the event.

“Both students submitted fantastic recordings that won them the honor of being in the orchestra,” said FCDS Orchestra Director Barbara Bell.

Congratulations to Abigail and Isaac on this wonderful accomplishment!

Abigail Tan and Isaac Merkel

FCDS Wins High Marks at Orchestra Festival

Congratulations to our Upper School Orchestra for earning three superior ratings and to our Middle School Orchestra for earning three excellent ratings at the Northwest Guilford High School Orchestra Festival! Superior is the highest rating an orchestra can receive. “The students were so excited and proud,” said Orchestra Director Barbara Bell. “We had quite the victory cheer on the bus after I read all of the scores and all of the comments. I’m super proud of them!”

Their Middle School counterparts also drew praise from Mrs. Bell. “They worked so very hard and have made so much progress this year,” she said. “I am proud of their achievement!”

Members of the Upper School Chamber Singers and the Upper School Orchestra took a three-day cruise to Half Moon Cay this spring.

During their first full day at sea, the chorus and orchestra each performed for judges, earning high marks.

FCDS Inducts Five Alums into Fury Athletic Hall of Fame

BRIAN HOLDEN ’04

• All-State Boys’ Lacrosse (2003, 2004)

• All-Conference Boys’ Lacrosse (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004)

• Conference Player of the Year 2004

• Selected to tryout for U-19 team USA (one of two sophomores selected to try out in country)

• Attended Syracuse University on a lacrosse scholarship

CAMERON HOWARD ’05

• Five-time All-State Award recipient (two times soccer, three times field hockey)

• Six-time All-Conference Award recipient (two times soccer, four times field hockey)

• Outstanding Female Student Athlete Award (2004)

• Female Sportsmanship Award (2005)

• Member of the 2001 State Champion Soccer team

• Three-time Co-Captain of the Field Hockey Team and two-time Co-Captain of the Soccer team

• Three-time MVP of the Field Hockey Team

CLARE PERRY LUNDQUIST ’07

• Two-time NCISAA All-State selection in Field Hockey (2005, 2006)

• Two-time Conference Player of the Year in Field Hockey (2005, 2006)

• Varsity Basketball (three years)

• Varsity Track (three years)

• Varsity Lacrosse (one year)

• Attended Davidson College and played Field Hockey

• Two-time All-NorPac selection at Davidson College in Field Hockey

HANNAH ALLGOOD MORRIS ’10

• Earned nine varsity letters at FCDS (three in basketball, three in volleyball, two in softball, and one in track and field)

• Volleyball Conference Player of the Year (2009)

• All-State in volleyball (2009)

• All-Conference and All-State in basketball (2010)

• Attended East Carolina University on a volleyball scholarship

The Forsyth Country Day School Athletic Department and Forsyth Athletic Hall of Fame committee are proud to announce the 2023 Fury Athletic Hall of Fame: Brian Holden ’04, Cameron Howard ’05, Clare Perry Lundquist ’07, Hannah Allgood Morris ’10, and Rachel Baker ’13. Congratulations

RACHEL BAKER ’13

• The first FCDS athlete to win a state championship (2012) and then return and win a state championship (2020, 2021, 2022) as a coach

• Three-time All-Conference swimmer

• All-State 2012 (200 medley relay)

• Member of the State Champion Girls’ Swim team (2012)

• As the Co-Head Coach of the FCDS Swim program, three consecutive conference and state championships (2020, 2021, 2022)

• NCISAA D2 Coach of the Year, Girls’ Swimming

• Jim Tobias Coaching Excellence Award recipient (2022)

• Four years as a varsity swimmer at Washington & Lee University

• Member of four Consecutive ODAC Conference Championship teams at Washington & Lee 2013-2017

• ODAC All-Conference 2014, 2015

• Washington & Lee Coaches and Captains Award for Leadership 2017

LOWER SCHOOL SHINES AT INVENTION CONVENTION

Last year, FCDS third and fourth graders leaned into our core value of curiosity as they created innovative inventions and shared them at Kaleidium’s annual Invention Convention. Congratulations to the following students for their outstanding inventions!

FOURTH GRADE (NOW FIFTH GRADE):

Zoya Bukhari ’31 brought home second place with her invention, The Sick Belt.

Hunter Baird ’31 came in third with The Jet Turbine 2000 and was also selected by Collins Aerospace to receive a scholarship for camp, a medal, and $150.

FELICIDADES! 28 FCDS STUDENTS EARN RECOGNITION ON NATIONAL SPANISH EXAMS

Twenty-eight FCDS students earned national recognition for their performance on the 2023 National Spanish Examinations - online, standardized assessments to measure performance and achievement of students studying Spanish as a second language.

Students from Forsyth Country Day School earned a total of three silver and nine bronze medals as well as 16 honorable mentions. “Attaining a medal or honorable mention for any student on the National Spanish Examinations is very prestigious,” said Kevin CessnaBuscemi, National Director of the Exams. Felicidades to all of our winners!

THIRD GRADE(NOW FOURTH GRADE):

Elliott Clark ’32 came in first place with the Clasping Line.

Avni Patel ’32 took home the third place prize with The Leak Buddy.

Molly Lynch ’32 received an environmentalist nomination and earned the People’s Choice award!

FCDS SPANISH III STUDENTS

SILVER:

Maia Cook

Sidney Baird

BRONZE:

Callum Forest

HONORARY:

Ryan Nichols

Lucas Liner

Logan Hammon

FCDS SPANISH IV STUDENTS

HONORARY:

Maddie Heller

Lucas Castro

Georgina Samuels

Anika Pawa

Alejandro Guedes

Sara Insuasti

FCDS HONORS

SPANISH IV STUDENTS

SILVER:

Juliana Rocha-Lima

BRONZE:

Lilirose Caty

Audrey Cavanaugh

Ron Saramya

Ava Claire Scherer

Sam Speakman

Molly Stauffer

Asmithaa Vinukonda

Derin Yalcinkaya

HONORARY:

Megan Coates

Stephen Filotas

Owen Fowler

Alec Jin

Andrew McBride

Noah Montoya

Olivia Samuels

TEN FCDS STUDENTS PLACE IN LE GRAND CONCOURS

Congratulations to the following students for placing in the National French Contest (Le Grand Concours). More than 43,000 students competed in the annual contest and were evaluated for their reading and listening comprehension skills in French.

AP FRENCH STUDENTS

GOLD MEDAL (95TH PERCENTILE NATIONALLY):

John Speas

#1 rank in North Carolina

BRONZE MEDAL (75TH PERCENTILE NATIONALLY):

Julia Kincaid

#4 rank in NC

HONORABLE MENTION:

Teodora Sorescu

HONORS INTERMEDIATE-MID

BRONZE MEDAL (75TH PERCENTILE NATIONALLY):

Ricardo Filotas

#5 rank in NC

HONORABLE MENTION:

Devon French

HONORS INTERMEDIATE-LOW

GOLD MEDAL (95TH PERCENTILE NATIONALLY):

Julia Cruz

#2 rank in NC

BRONZE MEDAL (75TH PERCENTILE NATIONALLY):

Adelle Denischuck

#6 rank in NC

HONORABLE MENTION:

River Koontz, Katie Pike-Werle, Lizzie Surrat

33 FCDS STUDENTS EARN HIGH MARKS ON NATIONAL LATIN EXAM

Congratulations to FCDS Latin students who attained national recognition for excellent performance on the 2023 National Latin Exam.

Forsyth Country Day School earned a Blue Certificate of Merit with eight students receiving Summa Cum Laude, 12 students receiving Maxima Cum Laude, 11 students receiving Magna Cum Laude, and two students receiving Cum Laude. Congratulations to the following students:

SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Parker Childress

Jay Dunnagan

Elliot Flattery

Wait McCormick

Carter Nance

Spencer Nugent

Sky Segal

Jake Yarbrough

MAXIMA CUM LAUDE

Tommy Andrews

Charlotte Files

Coleman Files

Margaret Morton

Lealand Oakes

Archer Petter

Luke Robinson

Elan Smith

Kalina Steinhoff

Ben Tucker

Gracie Whicker

Connor Wooten

MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Hannah Argenta

Walker Dew

Richard Han

Victorya Hattley

Charlotte Henshaw

Davis Lynch

Patrick Perrott

Ty Rippin

Sam Secunde

Zoe Simmons

Thomas Wilde

CUM LAUDE

Sienna Alday

Grant Faraci

If music be the food of love, play on! The Upper School’s production of Twelfth Night, a musical adaption of the Shakespearean comedy, showcased the depth and breadth of our students’ talent.

Thirteen Members of the Class of 2023 Signed National Letters of Intent

Congratulations to the following alumni of the Class of 2023 who signed national letters of intent to attend college as scholarship athletes!

Ana Calderon

Randolph-Macon College

Golf

Maureen Cavanaugh

Davidson College Track and Field

CC Chambers

Salem College

Basketball

Parker Childress Roanoke College

Basketball

Enzo Geremski

Guildford College

Basketball and Track and Field

Kyle Haas

Wake Forest University

Golf

Kendrick Lash Howard University

Tennis

Caitlin Martin

University of Mt. Olive Field Hockey

JahQueen McClellan

University of Kentucky Track and Field

Savannah McQuilken

University of Tennessee Cheer

Mackenzie Moore

Washington and Lee

Cross Country and Track and Field

Mary Stuart Stauffer

Sewanee: The University of the South Track and Field

Hank Williams

Georgetown Tennis

For more than half a century, Forsyth Country Day School has been preparing students for what’s ahead, though that mission wasn’t always stated explicitly. When FCDS alum Gardner Barrier ’97 became Head of School in 2016, his first priority was to create a mission for his alma mater that would drive everything the school did. That mission is: FCDS is a community of learners dedicated to preparing our students for what’s ahead.

Last year, Mr. Barrier and his team introduced the vision, which serves as the “why” of FCDS: Know yourself. Connect with others. Build community. As he enters his eighth year as Head of School – which included weathering a pandemic, steady enrollment growth, and a hugely successful capital campaign (see sidebar) – Mr. Barrier is reflecting on our past, present, and future.

“What I’m proud of in terms of work over the last few years is getting clear on our North Star and the cultural norms of how to be a warm community – an authentic learning community,” he said. “All of that work involved how to keep our academic expectations high, how to maintain an appropriately challenging academic environment but one that’s nested in the warmth of community.”

On the heels of pandemic-era isolation, the feeling of community is more important than ever before.

“After the past few years, we need to be authentic with one another. We need to build our capacity to be humans and not posture like we’ve got it all figured out,” he said. “It’s why we’re curious, it’s why we have one another – to help one another make sense of life.”

Checking in with Gardner Barrier Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and WHERE WE’RE

That’s where the newly created Niblock Center for Intentional Living comes in. Completed in the summer of 2023 (read more about it on page 20), the Niblock Center is the literal and figurative center of where FCDS is right now. “It’s at the center of campus both physically and in what our focus is,” Mr. Barrier said. “We’re building the capacity for how to be balanced with wellness and belonging, be balanced with teaching and learning, and be balanced with an authenticity of community.”

In simple terms, the school is dialing up the intentionality of advisory and homeroom to make them more meaningful for students. “Making sure we see and hear one another is massively important,” Mr. Barrier said. “Doing that work takes the investment of having one conversation at a time.”

The art of having a conversation is one of the most important skills a human can have, but it’s rarely taught explicitly. Through the Niblock Center, FCDS is changing that. Over the summer, a team of five FCDS administrators –Mr. Barrier, Associate Head of School for Wellness and Belonging Dr. Susan Perry, Associate Head of School for Teaching and Learning Dr. Michelle Klosterman, Associate Director of Enrichment Dr. Bert Ellison, and Director of College Counseling Katie Brewer—were trained and certified in Better Conversations Every Day by the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL).

This training is based on four core behaviors that foster conversational skills: listening to understand, asking powerful questions, challenging and supporting, and establishing next steps and accountability. It’s no surprise that those behaviors not only help us talk and connect with one another – they are also foundational for becoming successful leaders.

Now that the first five administrators (who also serve as the Niblock Center Task Force) are trained, they are certified trainers themselves. Beginning this year, they will train the nonteaching staff, then teaching faculty, then the students. “Better Conversations Every Day will become the flagship program for the center,” Mr. Barrier said. “It will give us common language for the whole school, and it will serve as the foundation on which we build the rest of the programs at the center.”

The path to the center has been slow and intentional in order to build the warm community Mr. Barrier envisioned, but – now that those cultural norms have been established – the school will follow an accelerated path of putting the systems in place. “The future is not standardized; it’s individualized,” he said. “The phrase I really like is ‘beautifully inefficient’. We’re not trying to make widgets here. From a standpoint of efficiency or notions of scale, it’s one conversation at a time. There’s no ChatGPT shortcut to relationship building. It takes what it takes and I like that.”

SEVEN YEARS OF SUCCESS

• New mission, vision, and expanded core values

• Two consecutive strategic plans to provide a clear direction for the growth and success of the school

• Eight years of enrollment growth

• More than 20 campus improvements including the Niblock Center for Intentional Living, James & Beverly Cook Commons, Williams Library Discovery Center, Welcome Center, Engineering Center, Legacy Track, Williams Family Tennis Center, Ogburn Family History Room, and much more

• Three Wells Fargo Cups for the most outstanding athletic program in the state and many state championships

• Campaign for Forsyth Country Day School has raised $10 million so far; first successful capital campaign in 20 years

• Growth of existing endowment; new endowments established to ensure financial stability for years to come

• Team of invested, experienced, and caring professionals who know every student

• Expanded curriculum in STEM, entrepreneurship, arts, architecture, exploratories, and Maymester

• #8 Best Private K-12 School in North Carolina rating by Niche

• Graduates leave FCDS knowing their purpose, finding the next right place for them, attending impressive colleges, earning tremendous scholarships, making a difference in the world, and prepared for what’s ahead!

“What I’m proud of in terms of work over the last few years is getting clear on our North Star and the cultural norms of how to be a warm community – an authentic learning community.”

A First Look at Our New Spaces

A first look at our new spaces.

New year, new look! Working 6-7 days a week throughout the summer, Blum Construction was able to transform campus before school began.

The renovations include a light-filled, modern reimagining of the Williams Library Discovery Center featuring the James & Beverly Cook Commons which includes the Masten Family Fury Café and Terry Family Fury Ltd., the Niblock Center for Intentional Living, a return to the original Founder’s Building entrance, and a brighter daylit Middle School with 16 skylights in classrooms and hallways.

These incredible updates became a reality thanks to generous donations to the Campaign for Forsyth, and you can still be a part of it! To learn more the campaign and how you can make a meaningful impact, please visit our website and contact Andy Clifton, Director of Philanthropy & Community Engagement.

These incredible updates became a reality thanks to generous donations to the Campaign for Forsyth.

They’re back!

It’s only fitting that Gordon Bingham, Jeanette M. Smith, John Danforth, and Pattie Stoltz got one of the first tours of the new spaces on July 10. “I LOVE HOW INVESTED THEY STILL ARE IN OUR SCHOOL,” said Head of School Gardner Barrier ’97.

“IT ILLUSTRATES PERFECTLY THE STRENGTH OF OUR COMMUNITY.”

Here’s what they had to say:

FRESH LOOK:

STUDENTS WEIGH IN ON THE NEW SPACES

“WOW! THAT’S SO COOL!” said sixth grader Reem Badreddine. “I really like the colors. It looks relaxing.”

“I LOVE THE MODERN LOOK OF IT,” Japhya Rouson said.

Senior and SGA President Springer Hiatt agreed. “I think it’s really cool. IT MAKES IT EASIER TO COLLABORATE. It’s honestly better than colleges I’ve seen. It works for what’s ahead.”

“I like all the natural light,” said seventh grader Analise Petruzzi.

“IT GIVES IT A NICE VIBE. IT BRINGS UP GOOD ENERGY.”

“It looks really different but I feel you can find things more easily,” fourth grader Werth Barry agreed.

“I REALLY LIKE THE LOOK.”

“It’s a very open space,” fifth grader MacRae Robinson said. “I’M EXCITED ABOUT HANGING OUT IN THERE.”

Good Advice

We asked for advice, and boy, did you deliver! Alumni were asked via email and social media to answer one of three questions: How did following your curiosity pay off in your life? What was the best advice you’ve ever received? and What advice would you give to current FCDS students? We’re taking notes! Note: some comments have been edited for length and clarity.

HOW DID FOLLOWING YOUR CURIOSITY PAY OFF IN YOUR LIFE?

“The times I have followed my curiosity have been the most fulfilling in my life (personally, emotionally, professionally). The times I have deviated from my curiosity have required a “course correct”, which sometimes has been painful. Following what makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning 100 percent leads to a better life.”

– Brad Kniejski ’08

“I chose my major in undergrad and wasn’t really in love with it and decided to reconnect with my passion for making connections with youth and mentorship instead. This had led me… to study school counseling in graduate school, and I feel much happier in my field now, and I feel that I’m making a difference in young people’s lives.”

– Jonathan Winbush ’17

“Intellectual curiosity leads to thinking, questing adults. Full stop.”

– Stan Coerr ’85

“I would say that FCDS helped foster our curiosity by having a flowing curriculum that wasn’t just designed to make us memorize the material but put it to use… This all paid off by those skills following me to college and helping me push my way through.”

– Ben Mitchell ’18

Brad Kniejski ’08

Jonathan Winbush ’17

Ben Mitchell ’18

Rodney Williams ’13

Brooks Jarrett ’18

Sally Fowler Davis ’08

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO CURRENT FCDS STUDENTS?

“Enjoy your time with your fellow FCDS students and teachers! You will miss these years! Study hard, because… the education you get at FCDS will stay with you forever even in subjects you don’t particularly like. You will be well prepared for college and life. Some of the best teachers I have ever had are at FCDS. FCDS will always hold a special place in my heart!”

– Sally Fowler Davis ’08

“I’d probably tell them that a strong community is made up of many different types of people with many different life experiences. Look for opportunities to build community by getting to know students in other social groups, other grades, and with different experiences than you. You’ll never regret getting to know someone better, and that community will stick with you for a long time.”

– Philip Waugh ’11

“Develop good habits and a strong work ethic NOW. Once you get to college you’ll realize just how far ahead of others you are. Also, be kind to peopleyou never know who you’re talking to. Most importantly, you never know who needs it and will remember you for it.”

– Rodney Williams ’13

“Meet as many people as possible: old, young, students, working, retired. Connections while you are young will pay dividends in the future; seek value from every conversation you have. Nothing is insignificant — your role as a student is to learn, inside the classroom and out.”

– Oliver Jewell ’19

WHAT WAS THE BEST ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED?

“Success is not something you arrive at, it’s something you build by showing up and taking small steps (and missteps) in the right direction.”

– Gray Galloway

’13

“My dad encourages me to focus on what I can control and sets an example for how that can guide me through almost all areas of my life: how I show up for my family, friends, and community; how I address and take on challenges in work and personal life; and how I move past missteps I’ve taken. While it may seem simple, applying that advice can transform my perspective on what may initially feel like unmanageable situations.”

– Lydie Neill ’14 attributed to David Neill ’79

“Focus on what you can control and outwork everyone you can.”

– Brooks Jarrett ’18

“The best advice I ever received was from one of my field hockey coaches: Never make excuses; determine the problem, and find a solution. Life does not wait for you to be motivated, you must be committed to finding and achieving success.”

– Sarah Grace Clifton ’22

Sarah Grace Clifton ’22

Oliver Jewell ’19

Philip Waugh ’11

David Neill ’79

Lydie Neill ’14

Gray Galloway ’13

CLASS notes

1977

Katherine (Kelly) Burnette ’77’s short story “The Recluse” appeared in the print magazine Moonshine Review in June. Her short stories previously have appeared in Maudlin House and Sky Island Journal Her poetry has appeared in Flying South, Red Fez, www.vietnamwarpoetry.com, and Deep South Magazine

Her debut novel, Judge’s Waltz, received a Pinnacle and Feathered Quill award. Her author page is katherineburnetteauthor.com.

2002

Parker Sheffield ’05 and Whitley Vogler Sheffield ’03 welcomed a girl, Anna Forrest Sheffield, on April 25.

William Theodore welcomed a son, Bruno Elias Theodore, on October 20.

2004

Rebecca Cregan married Eric Merkley on September 23.

2003

Laurian Roediger married Ryan Anderson. Ryan Sigal welcomed a son, Wilson Howard Sigal, on July 24, 2022.

Ashley and Preston Steele welcomed Kennedy Evelynn Steele on April 3.

2005

Reid Young married Shalee Woody on December 10.

2006

It’s a boy! Harrison and Katie Gerding Cross ’03 welcomed Guy Coleman Cross on March 5.

Wrenn ’05 and Rachel McGowan Wells ’06 welcomed Anne Wade Wells on November 24.

2007

Caitlin Fewell Bame welcomed a daughter, Lorelei Charlotte Bame, on February 4.

Will Bowman welcomed a son, Duke “Jennings” Bowman, on August 1, 2022.

Addison Ruffin Kon and Jason Kon welcomed Calder Alexander Kon on July 21, 2022.

Catherine Whaling McCoy welcomed a son, Bennett Allen McCoy, on April 27.

Abby and Justin Reissmann welcomed Grace “Gracie” Lynn Reissmann on January 13.

Chris Rhyne welcomed a daughter, Lydia Clarkson Rhyne, on September 16, 2022.

Samantha Wood Zecopoulos and her husband Chris welcomed their second child, Simmons Cahill Zecopoulos, on October 29. Simmons joins an older sister, Audrey.

Sally Fowler Davis welcomed a son, Ryan Davis, on July 14, 2022.

Jeff Harrell married Ashley Trice on March 11.

Wells Herndon welcomed a daughter, Sylvia Grace Herndon, on July 29, 2022.

MacKenzie Mauzy married Scott Ratliff on October 1.

Carina and Joe Wall welcomed a son, Henry Hampton Wall, on August 16, 2022.

2008

Holly Jo earned her Ph.D. in political science from the University of Minnesota. She and her husband Jacob Chae moved to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where Holly began teaching at Moravian University as an Assistant Professor of Comparative Politics.

Coty Lee welcomed Gwyn Harper Stolz on May 7.

Austin Dillon celebrates a dramatic win at Daytona International Speedway.

Whitney and Austin Dillon welcomed Blaize Austin Dillon on May 31.

Katharina Funder married Andrew Mullen on August 27.

Brandy and Jared Nelms welcomed Haddie Lee Nelms on January 3.

Brianna Reddy married John Russell Fortenberry on March 18.

Stavros Karagiorgis married Georgia Galatas on November 12. Molly Kellam married Jack Yeager on August 5.

Catherine Phillips Bennett welcomed a daughter, Josephine “Belle” Bennett, on August 29, 2022.

Anna Marie Carr-Reinhard welcomed Mary Ruddle Reinhard on December 28.

Bradford Church welcomed a son, William Priam Church.

Lisa Waugh Gibson welcomed Hayes McNair Gibson on February 19.

Allison Thornton married Devin Peters on November 4.

Shea Vogler has expanded her business, Rickhouse Marketing, to its second state, sunny Florida. She has also joined the Board of Directors of the Oopsie Project. 2009

Spencer Breeden welcomed William Heyward “Ward” Breeden on July 11.

Madeline Lang welcomed Emery Christine Windsor on May 13.

Masha Block Long welcomed Ezrin Sonia Long on October 1.

Kathryn SlaughterMehfoud welcomed Joseph Edward Mehfoud on August 10.

Emily Krewson Watson welcomed Beau Knight Watson on February 10

Raquel Chrysson welcomed Hugh Kelly Buckingham on July 12. 2010

Emma Blumstein Gockowski welcomed Andi Gayle Gockowski on November 3.

Marko Mandalinic, pictured with his fiancèe Sarah Fletcher, just became a U.S. citizen.

Chase Troxell ’10 married Clara Rankin on August 13. 2011

Lauri Anttila welcomed his second child, a daughter, on May 5.

Kaitlin and Robert DeLuca welcomed Kellan Carter DeLuca on March 20.

Heiðrún Kristmundsdóttir married Ægir Þór Steinarsson on July 9.

Christina Rodriguez Poole welcomed Sophia “Sophie” Wynne Poole on November 2.

Maggie New married Mark Evans on October 1, 2022, and the wedding party included 10 FCDS alums.

2012

Sydney Shaw married Jake Barosin on May 20.

Jeannette and Ben Stallworth welcomed a daughter, Madison Claire Stallworth, on February 2.

2013

Emily and Davis Westbrook welcomed Riley Grier Westbrook on March 12.

2014

Speight Carr married Eliza Elliot on March 11.

Jordan Lew married Ena Wong on November 5.

Kersey Moseley Goode welcomed Blythe Caulyn Goode on February 3.

Kaitlyn Hadfield welcomed Watson Reese Sawyer on November 9.

Kaitlyn Hadfield married Reese Sawyer on June 2.

Wood Britton welcomed twin sons, Thomas and James Britton.

Caleb and Lucy ChamberlainOverman welcomed Thomas G. Overman on February 6.

Kaylyn Surratt married Cody Maynard on August 6.

Kristen McHale married James Stormer on June 18.

Max Lum welcomed Earl Henderson Lum on February 15.

Anne Marie Mills married Spencer Neff on September 17.

Katelyn and Rodney Williams welcomed Juliette Joy Williams.

Ben Schlottman married Caroline Bado on December 28.

Jay Hunt ’14 married Kendall Jane Vaughan ’16 on November 12.

Samantha and Avery Wood welcomed Beau Alexander Wood on June 26.

Kylie Bouplon and Sam Beresford got married on April 2!

Hannah Jung married Konner Pritchard on April 22.

Emily Calloway Metts welcomed Everly Wynn Metts on June 27.

Makayla Tysinger Berry ’15 had a son, Luke Ty Berry, on October 5.

Sarah Logie Edgar welcomed Shepherd Lem Edgar on April 25.

Samantha Lew earned her doctorate in physical therapy from Drexel University.

Brynlee Parker married Sean Anderson on May 20.

Josiah Peterson married Gracie Bailey on May 28.

Bryan Christ married Katie Gayhart on May 12.

Elizabeth Surratt married Travis Bohr on May 20.

Anna Spove married Alex Comsia in Kauai.

Markey Battle married Andrew Pickett on April 30.

Rachel Rowan married Robert Vaughan on Bald Head Island on May 20.

Two of Trey Sutton ’15’s films, Go Dani Go and Karaoke Space Odyssey, will be screened at LA Shorts; one of the world’s most prestigious short film festivals.

in MEMORY

Forsyth Country Day School expresses its deepest sympathy to the families of the following FCDS alumni, faculty, family, and friends. These listings include all information received by press time. If a friend or loved one is not included and you would like them to be remembered in our next issue, please email Tom Howell, Director of Alumni Relations, at tomhowell@fcds.org.

Alumni

CARSON ROSE FUNK ’10

Carson Rose Funk, 30, passed away on April 28. She was the beloved daughter of long-time FCDS teachers Gina and Peter Funk, the sister of Garrett Funk ’09 and Atticus Funk ’14, and the fiancée of Ben Brewer ’08.

This young alumna, who was well-known for her work in theater at FCDS, earned her bachelor’s degree in theater arts from UNC-Asheville, where she worked at her craft after graduating. She eventually followed her dream to California, where she worked at the Universal Theme Park.

Later, Carson became a freelance writing consultant and editor, building her online presence during the pandemic. She recently moved back to Winston-Salem, where she focused on creating her art and helping her clients. Carson loved her dog, Andy, and all living creatures. She was a dedicated vegetarian from a young age, and she led by example the law of love. Please participate in the online Three Acts of Kindness Challenge in her honor.

Faculty

VAN BROWN

Born in 1943, Norman “Van” Brown passed away in 2022. He began teaching at FCDS in the fall of 1985 and left to care for his mother in 1996. During his time at FCDS, he taught a variety of subjects, coached, served as yearbook advisor, and much more. According to his staff bio, his rich life experience included “teaching at all levels, writing, farming, retailing, reading, counseling, cycling, investment banking, racing, cooking, chaplaining, grieving, laughing, and celebrating life.”

Van was enormously popular with students and faculty alike, and his sense of humor was legendary. Former students praised him for his “heart of gold”, for “treating everyone the same”, for his “intellectual banter, wit, and his humor”, and for “bringing joy to every class I took with him”. Many cite him as the most influential teacher in their lives. “It was because of his AP U.S. History class that I became a history professor. I still think about his teaching often and tell stories about all the humor he brought to teaching. He made the world more interesting and full of possibility. Thank you for a life well lived, Mr. Brown!”

MACLEAN “MACK” MITCHELL

Mack Mitchell died on February 17, 2023. He was 95. A founding teacher, Mack joined FCDS in 1970 after a successful career at RJ Reynolds High School. “He was a treasure for FCDS in its infancy because he gave our school instant credibility due to the fact that he was a great educator and leader,” fellow founding teacher John Danforth reported. Mack taught AP European History, took students on trips to New York City for enrichment, and had student dinners at his home where they discussed important topics from his history classes. Mack served for nine year before returning to Reynolds.

“He was a tower of a man!” John said. “He was a phenomenal person and teacher, and I had the utmost respect for him and looked up to him in my beginning years as a teacher and coach.”

NOEL RUEBEL

It is with great sadness that FCDS announces the passing of our dear friend Noel Ruebel in 2022. He served FCDS and inspired legions of student-athletes for almost two decades.

A dear friend, colleague, coach, and mentor, Coach Ruebel’s most profound contribution was to our track and field program. A former college coach and life-long track and field athlete known

for competing all over the world at the master’s level, Noel coached track and field at FCDS for 17 non-consecutive years. During his tenure, the girls’ track and field team won 11 conference

championships and the boys’ track and field team won 10 conference championships. Coach Ruebel also led two teams - the 2003 Girls’ Track and Field team and the 2007

Boys’ Track and Field team - to state championships. FCDS has installed a plaque honoring Coach Ruebel near the Legacy Track where he coached and inspired so many Furies.

Alumni Parents, Grandparents, and Friends

HAL BROWN

Henry “Hal” Andrew Brown passed away on October 23, 2022. He was 92. He was the father of Bruce Brown ’74, and the father-inlaw of the late Kathryn Leinbach Brown ’74, and the grandfather of George Brown ’07, Rebecca Brown Calderon ’08, and Andrew Brown ’11.

PATRICIA TANKARD BROWN

Patricia Tankard Brown passed away on January 1, 2023. She was 90.

She was the mother of Bruce Brown ’74, the mother-in-law of Kathryn Leinbach Brown ’74, and the grandmother of George Brown ’07, Rebecca Brown Calderon ’08, and Andrew Brown ’11.

DAVID LAMBERT

David Marsh Lambert passed away on May 12, 2023. He just three days away from his 70th birthday. He was the father of Trey Lambert ’02 and John Lambert ’05 and the grandfather of Ransome Lambert ’33, Fletcher Lambert ’35, and Harris Lambert. He was the brother-in-law of longtime FCDS faculty member Johnsie Pass Mason.

ROD LOWREY

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Forest Roderick Lowrey, Jr., one of FCDS’s founders, most steadfast supporters, and loyal friends.

Rod and his wife Sue, who passed away in 2007, moved to WinstonSalem with their family in 1965, and, according to founding teacher John Danforth, the extent of their impact can never be overstated. “Without Rod and Sue, there would be no FCDS,” he said.

Rod is survived by two sons, Paul Lowrey ’77 and John Lowrey ’83, and three grandchildren: Ariel, Brooke, and Jack.

The Lowreys were at the center of a network of people who made FCDS possible, providing a wonderful place for so many to work, learn, and grow, and we are profoundly grateful to them for making this school possible.

BILLY PACKER

Billy Packer passed away on January 26, 2023. He was 82. FCDS sends its deepest condolences to Brandt Packer ’92 and his family.

NADWA H. SAYESS

FCDS extends its deepest sympathies to the Sayess family on the passing of alumni mother Nadwa Sayess. She was the mother of Salah Sayess ’14 and Sahar Sayess ’19.

DR. ARNOLD “ARNY” ALTON SCHWARTZ

Arny Schwartz passed away on October 27, 2022. He was 75. He was the father of Adam Schwartz ’93, Josh Schwartz ’95, Abe Schwartz ’98, and Emily Schwartz Kapit ’01.

J. HOWELL SMITH

J. Howell Smith passed away on January 11, 2023. He was 86. Dr. Smith had a long and successful career as a history professor at Wake Forest University, but he was best known to the FCDS community as the husband of our beloved longtime librarian Jeanette M. Smith, as a benefactor, and as a friend to all.

NANCY NEILL SPENCER

Nancy Neill Spencer passed away on February 20, 2023. She was 88. She was the mother of David Neill ’79, the mother-in-law of Scottie Galloway Neill ’84, and grandmother of Mary Scott Neill Rawlins ’10 and Lydie Neill ’14.

SARAH DAUGHTRY TRULOVE

Sarah Daughtry

Trulove passed away on Friday, April 28, 2023. She was 88. Sarah was the mother of Evan Trulove Cavenaugh ’79 and the grandmother of Sally Symons ’06, Elizabeth Symons ’08, Anne Symons ’11, Kate Cavenaugh ’11, and Jay Cavenaugh ’14.

Commencement 2023

IN 2023, FCDS GRADUATED 69 WONDERFUL SENIORS.

Each of them made notable contributions to the school by sharing their gifts, talents, and daily presence with the school community. By tradition, FCDS gives five student awards and one faculty award at Commencement.

Williams Stoltz Director’s Award ANDREW MITCHELL

Meredith Harvey presents Andrew Mitchell with the Pattie Williams Stolz Director’s Award, which is given annually to the senior who has exhibited marked academic improvement and whose actions reflect an appreciation of the ideals of freedom and responsibility in their personal growth as demonstrated in the distinguished work of Pattie Williams Stoltz.

Carolyn P. Spencer Faculty Award MAX DRUCKER

Max Drucker with Tamara Harrington. Max was awarded the Carolyn P. Spencer Faculty Award, which is given annually to that senior whose academic and personal excellence has best demonstrated a full appreciation of the opportunities offered by Forsyth Country Day School and whose actions reflect a love of learning, thirst for knowledge, and positive spirit as demonstrated in the distinguished work of the late Carolyn P. Spencer.

Hagerman Award KEITH PEMBERTON

Bunny Beilman with Keith Pemberton, winner of the Hagerman Award. The Hagerman Award is presented each year to the senior who best exemplifies the characteristics of citizenship and service to the school and community.

Pattie

Founders’ Award

JULIA KINCAID

Head of School Gardner Barrier ’97 presents valedictorian Julia Kincaid with the Founders’ Award, which is presented annually to the senior with the highed weighted grade point average after completion of the senior year.

Jones Faculty Award

SHAMA WHITLEY

Garder Barrier ’97 with Shama Whitley. Middle school science teacher and eighth grade team leader Shama Whitley won this year’s Jones Faculty Award, which recognizes the teacher whose love, unending generosity, and commitment to others embodies the highest ideals of the teaching profession.

If Not You, Who? Award MACKENZIE MOORE

Tamara Harrington presents MacKenzie Moore with the If Not You, Who? Award. One of our newer awards, the If Not You, Who? Award recognizes that senior who has made the most significant impact on a social cause or causes in Forsyth County, living out their mission and their personal “why” every day.

Presenting

2023 “LIFERS”

Class of 2023

Henry Andrews

University of Tennessee

Hannah Argenta

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Laura Bean

North Carolina State University

Wil Blackburn

Campbell University

Ana Calderon

Randolph-Macon College

Maureen Cavanaugh

Davidson College

William Cavenaugh

Wake Forest University

Cyana Chambers

Salem College

Parker Childress

Roanoke College

Elliott Chmil

Furman University

Nicole Chung

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Caroline Clifton

High Point University

Thomas Constable

Colorado State University

Cailynn Divelbiss

Appalachian State University

Jiaang Dong

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Maxwell Drucker

Columbia University

Colin Duncan

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

David Foncilus

East Carolina University

Margaret Friedman

University of Mississippi

Fleming Fulford

North Carolina State University

Mary Kate Gargis

LIM College

Enzo Geremski

Guilford College

Miranda Gilson

University of North Carolina at Wilmington

Landon Greenwood

University of Pennsylvania

Isaiah Griffin

East Carolina University

Kyle Haas

Wake Forest University

Mary Brooks Hall

Wake Forest University

Ruilin Han

Craven Community College

Henry Jones

North Carolina State University

Isabelle Juarez

High Point University

Julia Kincaid

University of Pennsylvania

Ella Larmore

Wofford College

Kendrick Lash

Howard University

Boyi Li

University of Washington

Jiayao Li

University of Colorado

to the Class of 2023

Charlotte Madden

University of Georgia

Logan Marley

Undecided

Caitlin Martin

University of Mount Olive

Hardin Massey

North Carolina State University

Grayson Matney

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

JahQueen McClellan

University of Kentucky

Savannah McQuilkin

University of Tennessee

Andrew Mitchell

Washington and Lee University

Mackenzie Moore

Washington and Lee University

Clyde Morton Aircraft Mechanic Apprentice

Joseph Nardone

East Carolina University

Helen Newton

Wake Forest University

Keith Pemberton

Yale University

Andrew Peterson

NASCAR Technical Institute

Harrison Pike Colorado College

Ryan Reynolds

Middlebury College

Olivia Samuels

Rochester Institute of Technology

Elliott Sancrant

East Carolina University

Samuel Scott

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Allison Setliff

North Carolina State University

Xuan Shi

Boston University

Alexander Sicignano

Appalachian State University

Ashlyn-Rose Smith

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Teodora Sorescu

Wake Forest University

John Speas

Washington University in St. Louis

Mary Stuart Stauffer

Sewanee: The University of the South

Charles Thompson

Appalachian State University

Sarah Tucker

Montana State University

Avery Vail

University of North Carolina at Asheville

Leila Walden

Hampton University

Haorui Wang

University of Michigan

Madeline Wild

East Carolina University

Henry Williams

Georgetown University

Zhen Yan

University of Southern California