| VOL. SUMMER SPRING 2015 2017| VOL. XVIII. XX. NO. NO. 21
magazine
LEADERSHIP IN PHYSICAL
EDUCATION
& ATHLETICS
STUDENT ATHLETE
LEADERSHIP
TRAINING BENJAMIN ZUCKER ’17
INSIDE: Alumni in the Military |
Our Teachers, Our Inspiration | Winning at Social
Winning photo by EMMANUEL BAENDE ’17 from Ravenscroft’s #viewfromthecroft photography contest. Character Tree Thinkers, featuring CAM SCIOLATTI ’17 and RYAN GERARD ’17
magazine
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25
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FEATURES 8 Creative Leadership
Learning Leadership Skills in Physical Education & Athletics
16 Innovation & Tech
DEPARTMENTS 2 Vision & Voice
3 Lead From Here
Teaching Students How to Win at Social Media
20 Global Citizenship
Resilence by Talia Granick ’21
34 Center Stage
Correction: In the 2016 Report on Giving, the artwork on the back cover was done in Julie Cardillo’s Art Foundations class, which includes a photo project as well as drawing, painting, printmaking and digital art.
Design by M Creative | Photography Simon Capell | Written by Kathleen Louis, Carol Arant, Caryn McNeill
News and Updates from the Ravenscroft Community
32 Student Showcase
Our Teachers, Our Inspiration
Ravenscroft magazine is published three times a year by the Marketing and Communications Office. Any suggestions or comments should be directed to Kathleen Louis, 919-847-0900, ext. 2828 or kathleen.louis@ravenscroft.org.
Lifelong Learners — Professional Development for Faculty
4 Notes from the Nest
Alumni in the Military
25 Academic Excellence
Board Governance at Ravenscroft Doreen Kelly, Head of School, and Caryn McNeill, Ravenscroft Board Chair
Backstage Becomes Center Stage — Sophie Raymer ’15
36 Game Day
Launching a Dream in Sports Journalism — Kofie Yeboah ’13
38 Class Notes 56 Ravenscroft Rewind
VISION & VOICE A message from our Head of School
DEAR RAVENSCROFT ALUMNI, PARENTS AND FRIENDS, We have been honored to have Caryn McNeill serve as our Board Chair for the past two years. Her insight, experience and dedication have helped drive our school forward. I’d like to share with you a piece Caryn authored following her recent remarks to Ravens Council. Sincerely,
Doreen C. Kelly Head of School
The One Big Thing: Board Governance at Ravenscroft Caryn Coppedge McNeill, Ravenscroft Board Chair (2015-2017) AT THE SIGNING of the Honor Code ceremony at Sewanee: The University of the South, freshmen process down the aisle of All Saints’ Chapel and, before signing their names in one of several large, leather volumes, touch a fragment of the university’s original cornerstone.1 The fragment is literally
a touchstone — a physical reminder of the university’s mission and the vision that has sustained it over the years. After seven years on the Ravenscroft board, I believe the two things that have the most power to hold an independent school steady — to keep as Head of School Doreen Kelly says, “the one big thing, the one big thing” — are its mission and its vision for executing on that mission as set forth in its strategic plan. That may be obvious to some, but I had to experience how putting Ravenscroft’s mission and strategic plan at the center of all we do aligned our efforts to appreciate them for the touchstones they are. Alignment isn’t easy. One of the most wonderful things about independent schools is that they are independent. Because we receive no money from outside sources, we are free to set our own mission and execute on it as we see fit. But where anything is possible, the challenge is to avoid attempting everything. Also challenging is the fact that, as with most independent schools, our board members change out regularly. With the exception of Fran Pugh, who is now in her 47th year, our board basically turns over in full every six years. There are positives to a regular influx of new board members. They bring new energy, ensure a diversity of perspectives and experience, and expand our base of committed supporters. But how, where anything is possible and our membership is changing, do we as a governing body maintain a consistent focus year to year? The answer is made possible by touchstones that are rock solid. Armed with a noble mission and a strategic plan capable of driving action, we’ve been able to do a number of things that help us maintain our focus:
First, our strategic plan forms the basis for our Head of School’s goals. Doreen proposes goals at the outset of each school year and then reports back regularly about the progress she and her team are making. Second, we evaluate our Head of School’s performance based on execution of her goals. Using a customized tool, each board member weighs in on the degree to which Doreen and her team have accomplished what they set out to. Third, our board committee goals correlate to our Head of School’s goals. Where a committee has oversight responsibility for one of her goals or she wants to use us as a sounding board, our committee’s goals reflect that. Finally, our board calendar reflects our priorities. We map out the agendas for our meetings at the beginning of the year so our shared work is sure to get the time needed to ensure success. I have served on other non-profit boards with noble missions, but I have never been part of such a highfunctioning group from a governance standpoint. To be clear, the difference is not my doing. Rather, it is a product of an excellent and experienced Head of School with one of the best executive teams in the business, and board members who are insightful enough to know none of this is about them. Together, we have worked to create a process that safeguards our shared work. By elevating the role of our mission and strategic plan, we have ensured that they serve as the touchstones that propel us forward.R
Originally weighing six tons, the cornerstone is in fragments because in 1863, Union troops travelled to the top of The Cumberland Plateau and blew it up.
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LEAD FROM HERE Updates from our Movement
Lifelong Learners
By Carol Arant, Upper School English teacher
Year-long Professional Development for Faculty with Center for Creative Leadership AS EDUCATORS, we often say that we are “lifelong learners.” I continue to feel blessed by the many professional development opportunities Ravenscroft provides in supporting our learning as educators. Early in the year, I had the pleasure of spending the day at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) with Ravenscroft faculty from the Physical Education, Upper School English, Lower School and Middle School Science, 3rd and 5th grades and Visual Arts departments. My experience at CCL certainly taught me a lot, and it has been refreshing to apply those lessons in my roles at Ravenscroft as a teacher, coach, advisor, and club sponsor. When people ask me why I love Ravenscroft (because I’m always talking about how great it is), one of the first things I mention is the supportive community. Seeing new faces at CCL and spending time with people outside of my department proved very rewarding. I was reminded of the shared vision and purpose of everyone at Ravenscroft, and at the end of the day, I felt like I was part of something much bigger than myself. It just doesn’t get much better than that!
As a competitive person, there is nothing I love more than games with lots of action, and there was plenty of friendly competition at CCL. However, I’ve always been less inclined toward reflection. At CCL, my colleagues reminded me that time to reflect is essential to the learning process. After each game, we had debriefing sessions. I heard from an art teacher who conducted a debrief in her class, which then turned into an entirely new lesson. I heard from a science teacher who held a debrief in which one of her students taught her a new way to conduct an experiment. The next week, back in the classroom with my freshman classes, we held our annual Lord of the Flies debate. It went well last year, so I didn’t change anything this time, anticipating that the end result would be fabulous. Boy, was I wrong. The first debate fell flat and didn’t seem to go anywhere. Prior to CCL, I would have forged ahead to avoid losing valuable instruction time. This time, instead, I paused for a second, and then told the students: “First, let’s thank this group for being brave and going first... and now, I want to hear from you all about how we can make this exercise better.” I wrote down all of the students’ suggestions, and within 20 minutes, we had created a MUCH better assignment. I shared the new format with my other classes, and the debates improved dramatically. Plus, the students enjoyed the debates a lot more!
Varsity soccer seniors from the class of 2015 with head coach Carol Arant
Good teaching requires that we allow students to go through the entire learning process: first collecting and absorbing information, and later analyzing how that information applies to the real world and to previous lessons. I have learned that giving students space to think, and not rushing to fill an awkward silence in class, is fundamental to developing critical thinkers. Ultimately, our job is to develop thinkers, not fact-regurgitators. I love seeing the positive impact I can have on my students, advisees and athletes by allowing them more time to debrief. As an advisor, I strive to have more direct conversations with my advisees. On the field hockey and soccer fields, I encourage players to reflect about what went well, and where we can improve in the future. As an educator, I continue to be excited about working in a community that challenges its faculty, staff and students to grow and improve every day.R
Carol Arant, JV field hockey assistant coach, with team Spring 2017
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NOTES FROM THE NEST News from around the campus
Madeline Musaus ’17 Presents Scientific Research to International Society
Chris Farrow, ANNA BREEDEN ‘18, REED FARROW ‘18, ELIZABETH GRUSKIN ‘18 and Dean Barnes
Ravenscroft Community Donates to Hurricane Matthew Efforts STUDENTS FROM ALL DIVISIONS, parents, alumni, faculty and staff participated in a flood relief drive to collect items for families and communities in North Carolina who were affected by Hurricane Matthew. Led by Chris Farrow, director of buildings and grounds, maintenance staff members, as well as several Upper School students, delivered six pallets full of boxed donations to Fayetteville. Emily Roach, Middle School computer science teacher, organized students to make fleece baby blankets to be given to flood victims. Megan Bever, third grade teacher, brought the Lower School donations to Kinston, and maintenance staff drove three trucks filled with school furniture, including donations from Creative Business Interiors owned by D.C. Ramey ’86, to Lumberton for distribution to Robeson County schools in need.
Madeline Musaus ’17 was selected to present her scientific research on the habits of patients taking new forms of cardiovascular medicines at the annual meeting of the European Society for Patient Adherence, Compliance and Persistence (ESPACOMP) and was the only non-PhD presenter. The annual meeting was held in Lisbon, Portugal in November. Madeline received a Special Recognition Award for her research and presentation.
Blair Cross ‘07
Lower school students load boxes of donated items in a truck for Kinston, N.C.
THANK YOU to all who gave on GIVING TUESDAY on November 29th! We raised close to $60,000 — a Giving Tuesday record!
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Girls Golf Team Wins Second Conference Championship The girls’ varsity golf team had an outstanding 2016 season, going undefeated all the way to a TISAC title and a second-place finish at the state championship. Winning the 2016 TISAC Championship for the first time since 2011, the Ravens had five players make All-Conference, including Holly McCann ’19 who also earned TISAC Player of the Year honors. Along with McCann, earning All-Conference plaudits were Natalie Warren ’17, Camryn Fletcher ’19, Deborah Spair ’20 and Carson Jenkins ’19.
The girls’ varsity golf team
Students Achieve Milestones in Athletics Three girls’ varsity basketball players reached 1,000 points during the 2016-2017 season: Lynn Johnson ’17, Madison Taylor ’18 and Erin Hughes ’17. Additionally, Ian Conley ’17 achieved his 100th win in wrestling this winter. Last season, Ian Dubose ’17 reached 1,000 points in basketball as the fourth Ravenscroft boys’ basketball player ever to reach 1,000 points. Congratulations to our student-athletes on their accomplishments!
LYNN JOHNSON ’17, MADISON TAYLOR ’18 and ERIN HUGHES ’17
IAN CONLEY ’17
Upper School Students Perform Lessons and Carols Upper School Band, Concert Choir and String Symphony performed the Anglican Service of Lessons and Carols in December at Christ Baptist Church. The concert is based on a presentation first heard at King’s College in Cambridge, England in 1918 in an attempt to make the recitation of the liturgy more imaginative. Lessons and Carols features a series of nine lessons from the Old and New Testament outlining the prophecy and its fulfillment of the birth of Christ matched with nine music selections.
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NOTES FROM THE NEST News from around the campus
Makerspace Opens in Lower School After months of planning, design and build-out, the Lower School Makerspace opened this fall! The space gives students in Pre-K through 5th grade the opportunity to engage in meaningful, handson problem-solving utilizing the design thinking process. Teachers elevate and enhance their core curriculum and STEM+ through creative uses of the space and its resources, sparking curiosity, inspiring creativity and affirming ongoing problem-solving. As an example, second graders participated in the “Little Pigs Challenge,” working to build a house to withstand the “huff and puff” of the big bad wolf. Thank you to Otto Kumbar, Sue Whitehouse and Katie ’11 and Alex Kumbar ’12 for their generous support and vision!
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Middle School Comes Out On Top for Students Against Hunger Competition This fall, Middle School students donated 2,409 pounds of food and other items to the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina’s Students Against Hunger competition. This equates to providing 2,028 meals for families in need. The Middle School achieved first place in their category for the amount of food and items donated. Congratulations to our Middle School students, faculty and staff for making such an impact and truly changing their world!
FACULTY NOTES News from our faculty and staff
Faculty Notes
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AVENSCROFT HOSTED the annual board meeting of the Global Education Benchmark Group (GEBG) in November. As thought leaders in Global Education at independent schools, board members discussed collaborative programming, partnerships and assessment of global competencies, and laid out a strategic plan. Led by Ravenscroft’s Director of Global Education and Initiatives and former GEBG board member David Kates, board members learned about Ravenscroft’s global programs and engaged in a conversation on diversity and inclusion with Upper School students. Kates will be presenting at the annual GEBG Conference in April on “Building a Meaningful Program: A Case Study with Ravenscroft School in Zambia.” Paul McAllister, Middle School math and science teacher, was accepted into and participated in a three-day training in January with Google Earth Outreach Team and National Geographic at the Google Chicago office where he learned strategies for integrating the use of maps and geospatial thinking into the classroom. Marcia Jones, Upper School English teacher, has been selected to attend the UNC World View professional development program’s South Africa Study Visit. She will travel throughout South Africa in June 2017. The trip offers an opportunity for educators to explore the educational system in South Africa, interact with communities and school officials, and design content-aligned learning experiences for students. Jones has been at Ravenscroft since 1980 and has been teaching “World Literature: Africa” since the course was introduced in 2007.
The art exhibit, Groundlessness by Julie Cardillo, Middle and Upper School visual arts teacher, was featured at the Nature Art Gallery in the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh this November.
With our ongoing focus on STEM+, Ravenscroft was selected as one of only two schools in North Carolina to participate in a year-long professional development program, Using the Outdoors to Teach Experiential Science (UTOTES), in partnership with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Seventeen teachers from Ravenscroft’s Lower and Middle School are being trained on ways to extend learning happening inside the classroom to the natural world outside, taking advantage of the resources available on our campus and fostering a culture of outdoor awareness and environmental stewardship. Over the course of the year, the team will collaborate with the NC Museum of Natural Sciences to design and build a feature for campus that will extend learning in nature.
Phil Higginson, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement, was elected to the Council of Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) District III Board of Directors as a Director at Large for 2017-2019. Spring 2017
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CREATIVE LEADERSHIP
LEADERSHIP IN ATHLETICS IS ABOUT MUCH MORE THAN BECOMING A STAR ATHLETE OR A TEAM CAPTAIN.
LEARNING LEADERSHIP SKILLS IN PHYSICAL EDUCATION
& ATHLETICS
BY KATHLEEN LOUIS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SIMON CAPELL
DESIGN AND ART
D I R E CT I O N AMANDA KING
ERIN HUGHES ’17
SALT MEMBER
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E
V E RY S T U D E N T AT R AV E N S C R O F T is encouraged to learn and practice leadership skills in Physical Education (P.E.) class or on their sports teams. Ravenscroft’s one-of-a-kind leadership program Lead From Here, developed in partnership with the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), provides a common language and tools for students and coaches alike, helping open up communication, provide opportunities for feedback and support everyone to become a citizen leader. “Students of all abilities have the opportunity to lead and in our PE classes, we see it every day,” shared Jimmy Cox, P.E. instructor, middle school boys’ basketball coach and boys’ golf coach. What makes a great athlete? An inspiring coach? Focus, resilience, collaboration and accountability are just some of the skills needed to truly excel as an athlete, a teammate, a coach, a student, a leader. Through Lead From Here lessons and activities in classrooms, students from Pre-K through 12th grade learn citizen leadership competencies, and those lessons are reinforced in P.E. classes and on sports teams as students apply their leadership skills to real-world situations. “There’s so much more learning than just wins and losses and improving on the techniques of your sport,” explains Elizabeth Ledford, girls’ varsity volleyball coach. “There’s so much learning in how to lead.” For the program to be integrated and for it to be successful, coaches learn the language and tools, serve as role models, and guide students to identify and step into leadership opportunities. Coaches participate in a variety of professional development workshops with CCL beginning with annual coaches’ training and continuing throughout the year. They work cross-divisionally and in cohorts, participating in training sessions and discussions on campus and at CCL in Greensboro. “The professional development for coaches and teachers really differentiates our program,” said Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Ned Gonet. “They are fully committed to learning and growing. We strive to make our program the best it can be in all areas. There is a true understanding and sense of pride among our entire community, including our student-athletes, therefore instilling an appreciation for and sense of pride in developing and maintaining a quality program.”
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR & COACH
NED GONET
ASST. ATHLETIC DIRECTOR & COACH
JIM GIBBONS
STUDENT ATHLETE
LEADERSHIP
TRAINING In 2008, Assistant Athletic Director Jim Gibbons saw a need for a leadership program to give student leaders time, space, support and tools to build skills and serve as leaders for their teams. From that vision, the Student Athlete Leadership Training program (SALT) was created to provide opportunities for student-athlete leaders to further develop their leadership skills and strategies, working alongside faculty advisors. Lead From Here, rolled out two years ago, aligned perfectly with SALT, and Gibbons integrated CCL leadership strategies into the SALT curriculum. Faculty coaches Jim Gibbons, Kevin Billerman, Payton Hobbs and Kerry Norman have served as advisors and facilitators for SALT since it began. Between 40 and 45 juniors and seniors, nominated by their head coaches, meet throughout the year, to learn and practice strategies for such things as improving communication, team building and managing team conflict. Seasonal sports roundtable discussions provide opportunities for team leaders to share what’s going on with their teams, ask for advice and learn from others. “SALT offers a safe place to have difficult conversations,” said Payton Hobbs. “For example, to identify something that’s not going well and think about different ways to address it, and weigh the pros and cons of different ways to address it.” Students bring knowledge and tools back to their teams. “I think they feel more empowered after having talked about team issues within the SALT group,” shares Kerry Norman. “It helps them feel more confident in what they are trying to relay to their teams.”
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COACHES, STUDENTS AND ALUMNI SHARE HOW LEAD FROM HERE HAS IMPROVED THEIR COACHING, THEIR TEAM, THEIR PERFORMANCE AND THEIR ATTITUDES.
ON VULNERABILITY
“IT’S IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE
“ IN A SOCCER GAME
where we were up 5-0 in the first six minutes, we agreed that a blowout would not benefit either team, and tried not to score anymore. The girls continued to play but in new positions they weren’t familiar with. Everyone could learn, work on skills and gain experience. And allow a team who was not as strong to do the same thing. The game became one where PLAYERS WERE COMMUNICATING AND COLLABORATING MORE and
helping each other in new situations.
COACH
ALFIE
HOBBS
THAT EVERYONE LEADS IN A DIFFERENT WAY.
I ENCOURAGE MY
STUDENT-ATHLETES TO USE THEIR NATURAL
”
BUT ALSO TO
UNCOMFORTABLE.
I LIKE TO LET DIFFERENT INDIVIDUALS
”
LEAD DRILLS OR MAKE SUGGESTIONS. COACH
HOBBS
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BECOME COMFORTABLE
WITH BEING
PAYTON
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TALENTS
“ WITH LEAD FROM HERE, OUR FACULTY FEEL SUPPORTED
AND MORE COMFORTABLE
BEING VULNERABLE BY TRYING
NEW THINGS. THEY’RE ABLE TO SAY,
‘HOW ABOUT THIS?
LET’S GIVE THIS A TRY.’
”
ATHLETIC TRAINER & COACH
MICHELLE PIETTE
ON AUTHENTICITY
“ IMPORTANT TO I HAVE LEARNED THAT IT’S
ALWAYS BE
YOURSELF. Whether a team captain at Ravenscroft or a teammate at the University of Miami, I always try to show people a consistent DJ. I have learned through my experiences that in order to reach success as a leader and as a team, consistency is important. Learning from fellow SALT members and at weekly Lead From Here discussions, I have developed an understanding of leadership and team that would have taken a lifetime to comprehend: people gravitate towards those who are confident in themselves and BOLD ENOUGH TO STAND UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT.
”
ALUMNUS
DJ WASHINGTON ’16
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ON COMMUNICATION
“ IN MY 17 YEARS HERE THE BIGGEST CHANGE I’VE SEEN
HAS BEEN MORE OPEN LINES OF
COMMUNICATION
COACH
KEVIN
for student-teacher, coach-player and player-player. It’s beneficial for everyone. When I sit down with my student-athletes now, they are more open and ready to contribute. THEY ARE MORE CONFIDENT AND COMFORTABLE and are aware of the positive things that come out of open communication.
BILLERMAN
”
“ STUDENTS ARE MORE LIKELY
to come talk with me about issues such as team conflict or question a drill we’re doing. Lead From Here has really helped OPEN UP THE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN STUDENT ATHLETES AND COACHES.
”
COACH KERRY NORMAN
“ THE PROGRAM HAS TAUGHT ME HOW TO HANDLE
ADVERSITY WITH TEAMMATES AND COACHES. ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO LEARN
IS THROUGH OTHER
PEOPLE’S SUCCESSES
AND FAILURES. In SALT, we often have time to meet with the representatives from other teams and discuss BOTH WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESN’T.
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”
ERIN HUGHES ’17
SALT MEMBER
ON REFLECTION “ AFTER A GAME, IN THE TRAINING ROOM, STUDENTS ARE EXCITED, TALKING ABOUT HOW THEY HANDLED THIS, WHAT HAPPENED.
THEY CYCLE THROUGH EVERYTHING THAT’S GONE ON.
THAT IN MY MIND IS LEARNING
AND LEADING AT ITS FINEST.”
COACH
MICHELLE PIETTE
THE END OF EACH “AT P.E. CLASS, WE DEBRIEF AND ASK STUDENTS WHAT
LEAD FROM HERE CHARACTERISTIC THEY
APPLIED. They can usually name multiple competencies. Rather than saying they had to be resilient, students will give specific examples. That shows me that they’ve gotten it. THEY HAVE WORK-
”
ING KNOWLEDGE.
COACH
KERRY
NORMAN
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ON ADVERSITY
“WE HAVE GOALS
for each drill during practice — sometimes based on time, sometimes on achievement. When the girls don’t achieve that goal, I ask them to huddle themselves to determine what adjustments need to be made. And they come back to me and say we’d like to do this or shift this or make a substitution here. I PUT THEM IN POSITIONS WHERE THEY HAVE TO COME UP WITH SOLUTIONS AND THEN TRY THEM.
”
COACH
ELIZABETH LEDFORD
TOWARDS “ STRUGGLING THE END OF THE SEASON WAS A LEARNING
EXPERIENCE FOR ALL OF US,
BUT THROUGH THAT, I LEARNED
THAT NOT EVERYTHING
WILL GO YOUR WAY ON
THE FIELD, AND YOU HAVE TO LEARN TO
DEAL WITH DEFEAT. IT’S HOW WE WILL RESPOND TO THAT
BENJAMIN ZUCKER ’17
SALT MEMBER
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defeat next year that will define us as a team.
”
ON TEAMWORK
“IN AN 8TH GRADE
P.E. softball unit this year, one of the very best athletes in the grade was pitching to a batter who was having trouble hitting. Instead of worrying about winning the game, that pitcher stepped forward and gave the batter advice on how to hit better. And then after the next pitch gave some more batting tips and feedback. He was helping his opponent. THAT SHOWED GREAT LEADERSHIP and probably made a bigger impact on the batter than if I had given the same tips.
COACH
JIMMY COX
”
“ I TRY TO MAKE SURE
THAT EVERYONE
FEELS THEY ARE A PART OF THE TEAM. For example, having conversations with all team members so that everyone knows their role is important. BEING INCLUSIVE MAKES EVERYONE REALIZE THEY ARE CONTRIBUTORS
toward the betterment of the team.
COACH
ALFIE
HOBBS
”
THE WORD ‘TEAM’ “MEANS A LOT MORE TO ME NOW THAN IT DID BEFORE
I STARTED SALT.
I NOW KNOW WHAT IT MEANS
TO B E A T RU E
TEAMMATE. Being part of a team means that YOU PUT YOUR TEAMMATES BEFORE YOURSELF. It means that you enjoy
seeing your team succeed more than seeing yourself succeed.
LYNN JOHNSON ’17
”
SALT MEMBER
Spring 2017
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INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
Focusing on the DO’S TEACHING STUDENTS HOW TO WIN AT SOCIAL MEDIA
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~ by kathleen louis ~
“D
ON’T ACCEPT FRIEND REQUESTS FROM STRANGERS.” “Don’t join that social media platform.” “Don’t post that to your profile.” There are many things you shouldn’t do in life, but what if that was all anyone taught you? Social media can be used in thoughtful and powerful ways, but in many cases students are not taught the skills needed to navigate social media in a positive way. Combine that with the sheer amount of time being spent on social media. According to a study by Common Sense Media, the average student spends nine hours each day using media for enjoyment — a powerful influence on their development.
A Positive Approach To teach and empower students to Win at Social NikG ’20 Ravenscroft School Media, Ravenscroft has partnered with The Social Institute on a new and exclusive social media education I can’t wait to learn how to set up my social media accounts so that they can create a positive image of the true me. program — Winning at Social — thanks to a generous Looking forward to learning next year. #winningatsocialmedia gift from the Parents’ Association in 2016. “The positive and developmentally-appropriate work being done 4:00 PM - 18 Feb 2017 with our students, faculty/staff and parents creates an ongoing, supportive and educational dialogue about lutions with one another, learning from both Tierhow to use social media for respectful outcomes,” said ney and their fellow peers. “We believe social media is Dr. Susan Perry, Assistant Head of School for Student simply being social,” said Tierney. “Technology is one Affairs. “This program aligns with Lead From Here as of the greatest powers that teens can hold in their hand. students learn how to strengthen their own reputation, lift If we equip them to use this power in positive ways, we’re others up, seize opportunities and change their world. Our giving them a lifelong lesson that can impact their goals, three-year plan with The Social Institute is an important their self-esteem and social development.” extension of our commitment to supporting student “Students trust Laura. She understands what it’s like for health and community well-being.” students and has coached some of their role models. She Social media coach Laura Tierney, Founder and relates to them, and consequently, her message resonates,” President of The Social Institute, teams up with Ravensaid Dr. Perry. scroft students and parents, serving as a bridge between The comprehensive, integrated approach engages not both groups. After growing up with social media as a only students but faculty/staff and parents too. Regular teen and getting recruited to play field hockey at Duke faculty bootcamps equip faculty with the knowledge to University, Tierney worked at ESPN and McKinney reinforce social media lessons in the classroom and lead advertising firm leading social media strategy for global clients. In addition to coaching students, she also coaches their role “Technology is one of the greatest powers models, U.S. Olympic athletes, on digital reputation management. that teens can hold in their hand. Tierney takes a growth-minded If we equip them to use this power in approach to helping students use social media in healthy, meaningpositive ways, we’re giving them a lifelong ful ways. In the workshops tailored lesson that can impact their goals, their to each grade level, Tierney equips students for positive and negative self-esteem and social development.” situations they may face online. —LAURA TIERNEY Students proactively discuss so-
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their own lessons during advisory periods. Presentations by Tierney to Middle and Upper School parents provide growth-minded strategies on how they can help their children navigate social media in a positive way. Parents learn about emerging platforms, privacy settings and how to enforce smart social standards. “It’s important to help parents see the positive aspects of social media; it’s not all negative as we are often led to believe,” said Jason Ramsden, Chief Information Officer at Ravenscroft. “Our partnership with The Social Institute gives parents knowledge and resources to support their children and understand social media at a deeper level.”
SOCIAL SPRINT #1
Example of a scenario students discuss in small groups
You’re in a group chat about an upcoming party on Friday night. One friend asks, “Should we invite Joe Shmoe?” and most of the group chat starts to bash on him. You’re not close friends with Joe, but you know what your friends are saying isn’t nice. What would you do?
The Long View Ravenscroft’s three-year partnership with The Social Institute takes a long-term approach to social media education, with the understanding that strategies can’t be taught in one class period. Rather than being lectured to, students engage in small group discussions on social media dilemmas. Grade-specific Social Leagues, comprised of a
LynneR ’23 Ravenscroft School
Through @thesocialinstit I learned to put down my device and spend more time with my family. I also learned that using devices at night can affect our sleeping and concentration.
small group of student leaders, meet with Tierney to share real-life experiences, challenges and solutions. Social Leagues even brainstorm ideas for new and different social media workshops on using social media in the spirit of Lead From Here. By establishing trust and open communication, Tierney ensures the student voice is heard, keeps abreast of issues in the fast-changing social media realm and ensures her messages resonate with the students. Winning at Social has been rolled out to Middle School students, faculty and parents this year. Over the next two years, the program will be implemented with grade-specific curriculum to Upper School students and their parents.
8:57 PM - 2 Feb 2017
“Cyberbacking” in Seventh Grade
“It’s powerful for students to hear about experiences their fellow classmates face. As a student, you realize, ‘Hey, it’s cooler to stand up to this negativity together than to simply ignore it or even worse, fuel it.’” —LAURA TIERNEY
Along with teaching seventh graders tools to handle cyberbullying, Tierney encourages students to proactively “cyberback” — come together to stand up for their peers and themselves. According to the National Crime Prevention Council, forty-three percent of teens reported being victims of cyberbullying over the past year. Cyberbullying comes in all shapes and sizes, forms, char-
SkylarW ’20 NicoleK ’22 Ravenscroft School
Excited to further develop knowledge on how I can use social media to my advantage over the course of my high school career @thesocialinstit 8:23 PM - 12 Mar 2017
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SkylarW ’20 Ravenscroft School
Great conversations about social media with peers and @thesocialinst. Learned about online privacy, and received insights into positive and negative posts 6:00 PM - 20 Feb 2017
NicoleK ’22 LynneR ’23 Ravenscroft School
@thesocialinstit was very useful because it provided information on how to stop a cyberbully. #winningatsocialmedia 2:40 PM - 3 Mar 2017
acters and emojis. Sometimes it’s about what you do online and sometimes it’s about what you don’t do. It could be posting a photo online and intentionally cropping someone out of it or pretending to be someone else online or circulating inappropriate photos of someone online. Tierney teaches seventh graders how to identify cyberbullying and then what to do about it. Stop. Screenshot. Block. Talk. Because cyberbullying is so pervasive, students need tools and knowledge to combat it. Tierney offers four simple steps for students to remember when facing a cyberbullying situation. Along with these easy-to-remember steps, workshops provide space for students to share experiences and understand how others feel when bullied online. “It’s powerful for students to hear about experiences their fellow classmates face. As a student, you realize, ‘Hey, it’s cooler to stand up to this negativity together than to simply ignore it or even worse, fuel it.’ That positive attitude will win at social,” said Tier-
Students reflect on their social core, beginning with their values and what makes them who they are
ney. Students talk about ways to stand up and say something in a polite way and pivot the conversation. They can leave a group text if the text becomes negative and, if necessary, talk to an adult such as a parent or a teacher. “We tie everything back to their ‘core,’” said Lorelei Lindow, Middle School counselor. “At the beginning of the year, all Middle School students took time to reflect on their ‘social core’ — what makes them who they are, their values, interests and hobbies; how they want to represent themselves; and what reputation they want to create for themselves. The cyberbullying/cyberbacking exercise helps students better understand the impact of their choices online and encourages them to pause before posting something on a social media site.” R
SOCIAL SPRINT #1
Example of a scenario students discuss in small groups
A student at another school starts an Instagram hate page about another student at Ravenscroft. You hear from friends that the bashing and posts are pretty cruel. You suddenly get a friend request from the account. What would you do?
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GLOBAL CITIZENSHIP
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~ BY KATHLEEN LOUIS ~
M
OST PEOPLE KNOW ALEXANDER THE GREAT as one of history’s greatest military figures. Fewer know the deep respect he had for his teachers. Reflecting on all that he had learned from Aristotle, Alexander once said “I am indebted to my father for my living, but to my teacher for my living well.” The following Ravenscroft graduates have all achieved remarkably successful military careers. And they all credit much of their progress in the military to their experience at Ravenscroft. Each graduate was impacted by the opportunity, the rigor and the self-discovery that are the hallmarks of the Ravenscroft experience. Their teachers’ support and encouragement laid the groundwork for their exploration of, and ultimate success in, a military career.
DR. MICHAEL LAIDLAW
’97
UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY
Driven by a strong history of family military service, Michael Laidlaw ’97 had dreams as a high schooler to attend either flight school or medical school — he realized he could have the opportunity to achieve both. At Ravenscroft, Laidlaw not only built his confidence and leadership skills, but realized that he could make a difference in the world. “Whether in the classroom or on the athletic fields, the opportunities to voice your opinion as a leader and make a difference were too numerous to count,” reflected Laidlaw. “The exceptional teachers at Ravenscroft advocated for individual thought and encouraged students to take on leadership opportunities.” After his love of science was “solidified with Mrs. Pressel in AP biology,” Laidlaw studied science at the United States Air Force Academy and graduated with a degree in biochemistry and with distinguished graduate honors. After applying for and receiving a health professions scholarship, Laidlaw decided to attend Georgetown University
LAIDLAW with wife Kristen and son Reid
School of Medicine, graduating in 2005 with magna cum laude honors. He completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University of California San Francisco, further developing his skills alongside national leaders in the field of orthopaedics. In 2010, Laidlaw rejoined the United States Air Force where he MICHAEL LAIDLAW ‘97 and son Reid at an airshow at served as staff orLangley Air Force Base thopedic surgeon at joint base Langley-Eustis in Virginia, followed by a tour of duty deployed overseas in the Middle East. While serving as the Chief of the Orthopedic Surgery Department from 2012 to 2016, Laidlaw developed a strong interest in sports medicine and decided to sub-specialize further. Laidlaw is currently attending a year-long orthopaedic surgery sports medicine surgical subspecialty fellowship at the University of Virginia. Once completed, Laidlaw plans to return to the U.S. Air Force to “continue to care for our service members, dependents and retirees/veterans.” Laidlaw, his wife Kristen and their eight year-old son are excited to see where their next duty assignment with the U.S. Air Force takes them!
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“Coach Gonet taught me the importance of hard work and being tough — and not just in football or baseball — in life.” FRANK LORIA ‘89 graduating from West Point
FRANK LORIA* ’89
UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY WEST POINT Frank Loria ’89 wanted to do something different, but he also wanted to make a difference. When looking at colleges to attend, Loria was introduced to the idea of attending the United States Military Academy by Dr. Joe Beasley, a former West Point professor and Head of Ravenscroft Upper School at the time. In addition to giving back to the country, Loria saw a career with the military as an opportunity to make his parents proud. Loria’s father was killed in a tragic plane crash at 23, while traveling as a coach with the Marshall University football team, just a month before Loria was born. His mother, with her unwavering strength, positivity and grace, continues to be “the biggest influence in [Loria’s] life,” and Loria planned to make a positive impact on the world to honor both his parents. Loria credits Ravenscroft as helping develop his mental toughness and his leadership skills, preparing him well for his time at West Point and as an Army Officer. “Coach Gonet taught me the importance of hard work and being tough — and not just in football or baseball — in life,” said Loria. “He wouldn’t accept half effort and that’s an attitude I carry forth today. I am forever grateful for the many lessons that Coach Gonet taught me but most of all for believing in me.” Although West Point was challenging physically, mentally and spiritually, Loria graduated on the Dean’s List in 1993. He went on to serve as an Army Officer in Hawaii for
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LORIA with wife Katharina and children Sophia and Frankie
a little over four years, and since then, has been building his career in medical device sales in New Jersey. Though no longer in the military, he approaches each day with integrity and a selfless leadership style instilled in him while at Ravenscroft, West Point and later as an officer. *Frank Loria went by Frank Garner while at Ravenscroft. Garner was his stepdad’s last name, but Loria is his legal last name. Loria’s sister Vickie went to Ravenscroft her junior year, and his sister Julie ’87 also attended Ravenscroft.
AMANDA DONGES
’98
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY
Attending a military academy didn’t cross Amanda Donges’ ’98 mind until a life-changing trip to Annapolis her junior year. Donges and her parents, lifelong Duke fans, drove to the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) to cheer on Duke University as they played the Naval Academy in football. Arriving early, they took a tour of the campus and Donges found the Naval Academy ideals, challenges and opportunities aligned with her personal values and aspirations. “It’s interesting to see how those little turns in your life open up a door you wouldn’t have imagined,” reflected Donges. “And now I think if it hadn’t have been for that visit, I wouldn’t be working in the field I am in today.” With the support of Ravenscroft faculty, Donges completed a rigorous application process for the USNA including interviews and physical tests. “The challenges [present at the USNA] inspired me,” said Donges. “The standards are very high and you have a strong sense of purpose. You know you are making a difference.” Continuing to seek out challenges, Donges chose surface nuclear as her assignment upon graduation from the USNA. After initial training and a tour of duty on USS Bonhomme Richard, she attended nuclear power school for a year in Charleston, SC, and then was stationed in Norfolk, VA on the USS Enterprise as a nuclear officer in the engineering division. When she decided to leave the Navy, Donges interviewed with the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) in Atlanta
AMANDA DONGES ’98 graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy
where she embraced opportunities to transfer many of her skills and experiences. She’s been with INPO for nearly 10 years, and is currently the Manager of Industry Leadership and Performance Improvement. Donges remains grateful to all of her teachers at Ravenscroft who encouraged her to take on challenges and helped lay the foundation she continues to build upon. With the combination of self-motivation and support of those around her, Donges was able to achieve her goals and set higher standards in her career and life, as well.
DONGES (right) with her mother, Lynne Fountain, and husband, Jorge Orlandini
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“I’ve learned to approach life with a lot more gratitude and a lot more focus on what’s really important.” DREXEL KING ‘04 with wife Johnna and their children
DREXEL KING ’04
UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY “I’ve learned to approach life with a lot more gratitude and a lot more focus on what’s really important,” reflected Drexel King ’04 on his military education and career. Inspired by his dad’s time in the Army, King saw a career in the military as a natural fit, aligning with his own ambitions, interests and personality. After being recruited by the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) for football, King attended Naval Academy preparatory school in Rhode Island, where he was introduced to the various areas of the Navy and quickly identified the Marines as his area of passion. “Ever since then, it was a no brainer,” said King. “Their motto is always faithful. They are the first
to fight, and they like living up to high standards and working under high pressure situations.” Without a solid foundation going into the USNA, King believes he wouldn’t have been as successful or as prepared to take on challenges and leadership opportunities. “I was set up for success because of the rigors of Ravenscroft,” King said. “I was prepared academically, but beyond that had discipline, and time management and leadership skills. I knew I had to manage myself first before I could lead others.” He entered the USNA with confidence, dedication and an unwavering belief that he could achieve his goals, an ideal instilled in him at Ravenscroft. After graduating in 2009, King went to Infantry Officer School and deployed twice. He returned to the USNA in 2014 to become a Company Officer, guiding and advising Midshipmen on a career path in the Navy. In January 2017, King and his family moved to Waco, Texas where he accepted a position as the Manager of Learning and Development at Baylor University. “It’s rewarding to be making a difference in people’s lives,” said King. “I’m helping managers become better leaders through training and development.” Dedication to people and “what’s really important” continues to drive King every day. R KING during his service at Camp Pendleton, CA
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
MRS. IMMEDIATA
ANNA WHITE ’97
MR. PENDERGRASS
WILL JAMES ’00
WILL TATUM ’99
Our Teachers, Our Inspiration MR. YOHMAN
CHRISTINA BIGGS ’94
ALUMNI WHOSE CAREER PATHS HAVE BEEN INFLUENCED BY THEIR
RAVENSCROFT TEACHERS COACH BILLERMAN
in·spire in’spī(e)r/ verb
JUSTIN BRADLEY ’09
1. fill (someone) with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative. 2. breathe in (air); inhale.
MRS. WILLOUGHBY SIFF
KERIC SHANAHAN ’83
Both definitions of inspire apply to the following Ravenscroft graduates who were inspired by their teachers in powerful ways that resonated well past their time at Ravenscroft. Their Ravenscroft teachers fostered a drive-to-learn and a drive-to-grow that was so profound that it was akin to a sense of awakening and enlightenment.
// BY KATHLEEN LOUIS //
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ALUMNA
Anna White ’97 SEVENTH GRADE SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER
Magellan Charter School
MRS. IMMEDIATA inspired me to become a history teacher, and I strive to emulate many aspects of her teaching style. Although I am a shy person by nature, when I am teaching, I step out of my comfort zone and try to captivate my students in the same way that Mrs. Immediata did for our classes. I always loved how Mrs. Immediata taught history as if it were a story. She was able to make history relevant and interesting, to connect events in the past to our lives today and to encourage us to be curious about our world. Mrs. Immediata cares deeply about her students. She was always there to help us before and after school. When I took AP European History my senior year, my whole class came in for extra study sessions before school, during lunch and after school. While it was voluntary, everyone came because we all wanted to do well on our AP exam for her.
“I always loved how Mrs. Immediata taught history as if it were a story.”
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Mary Beth Immediata WORLD HISTORY TEACHER
Anna was extraordinary in her conscientious approach to her studies, quietly competent and extremely self effacing. But it was her strength that I remember the most. On the day of the AP exam, Anna had a debilitating migraine headache. It was only afterwards that I learned that she had sat for that three hour exam and had done her very best despite that headache. The fact that she earned the highest possible score on that national exam, while certainly commendable, seemed secondary to the resilience she demonstrated in completing that task.
ALUMNUS
will james ’00 PRINCIPAL PERCUSSIONIST
Saint Louis Symphony
The skills I learned from MR. PENDERGRASS built a strong musical foundation and set me off for the rest of my education — and career. Not only did I learn skills necessary to become a musician, but I learned how to be a teacher as well. Mr. Pendergrass truly cares for his students and wants the best for them — and his students see that. He is tough and has high expectations, but he is also very fair. That attitude inspires my own teaching. I try to push my students while also encouraging them to be themselves and take ownership in their study.
bill pendergrass BAND TEACHER
Mr. Pendergrass gives students all the tools they could possibly need to succeed and then lets the student decide how far they want to go with it. He knows that the student has to do the work. He doesn’t do a lot of ‘motivating,’ because that is the job of the student to come motivated. In an ironic way that tactic ends up being motivating. Students want to succeed because Mr. Pendergrass trusts them.
Will was/is a fantastically disciplined percussionist. Before he purchased his own instrument, Will would be at school nearly every morning around 7:00 am to practice. Will is one of those students who made up his mind about what he wanted to accomplish and set goals along the way for success. His recital performance on campus a few years ago was one of my favorite moments on this campus.
“Mr. Pendergrass truly cares for his students and wants the best for them — and his students see that.”
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ALUMNA
Christina Biggs ’94 EXPERT BUSINESS ANALYST
Allscripts
Before having MR. YOHMAN in the seventh grade, I did not enjoy math at all. He completely changed that for me. I became interested in math after his class. He somehow turned it into a game or puzzle that was challenging but fun! For example, I remember he gave you two points just for putting your name on your paper, and then if you made a 102 on a quiz or test, he would give you a Jolly Rancher. I also remember his using M&M’s to teach us about ratios. Mr. Yohman always had a way to make math about more than just numbers on a page. Had I not had Mr. Yohman as a teacher and had I not had an attitude shift towards math, I know I would not have pursued math and science oriented classes in college or a degree in computer science. He made what I previously thought was a boring subject really fun and interesting. That set the stage for the rest of my scholarly and professional life.
“Before having Mr. Yohman in the seventh grade, I did not enjoy math at all. He completely changed that for me.”
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ed yohman
FORMER MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH TEACHER CURRENT MIDDLE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES COORDINATOR Hearing that my former students are successful and doing well is so rewarding — it’s what teaching is all about. Math isn’t always seen as the most exciting subject. Chrissie came into my class not very interested in math, convinced she wasn’t good at it. I try to reach those students by putting a different spin on math problems, by trying to make math fun and, through that, building their skills and confidence. Seventh grade is an important year as students are discovering where their interests lie, and it’s rewarding to know the impact my class had on Chrissie. I’m proud of her for pursuing math/ science and landing in a career that allows her to do what she loves.
ALUMNUS
justin bradley ’09 ASSISTANT BASKETBALL COACH
Williams College
COACH BILLERMAN
led our Ravenscroft basketball team with the professionalism, attention to detail and toughness of a college-level coach. He treated us like adults and that trust led us to want to perform at our best — always.
coach billerman VARSITY BOYS’ BASKETBALL COACH, ASSISTANT HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL FOR STUDENT LEADERSHIP
I hope to inspire my student-athletes in the same way he inspired me. He taught me to be relentless, and I hope to instill that in the student-athletes that I coach. Additionally, Coach Billerman adapted his coaching technique and style depending on his team each year — something I believe only the best coaches are able to do well. Coaching allows me to help others reach their full potential and be a part of a student’s growth, on and off the court — which makes for a truly rewarding career.
Justin studied everything when he was a point guard on our basketball team. I remember he always wanted to understand not only the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of our drills and game plans, but also the ‘why’ behind our strategies and thinking. From that time and due to his curiosity and interest, I thought he might become a coach — I could see it in him. When Justin was playing at Guilford College, an injury led him to become a student assistant coach. He converted the disappointment of an injury to launch his career in coaching collegiate basketball. He’s motivated and passionate about coaching, and this has led to a dramatic career progression. I value the fact that Justin and I stay in touch and that he visits when he’s in Raleigh. I still stay in touch with my high school basketball coach; he’s my mentor and my friend. Two of my high school teammates just drove him down from New Jersey to see my team play. I’m looking forward to, when Justin becomes a head coach, seeing his team play, as well.
“I hope to inspire my studentathletes in the same way Coach Billerman inspired me.” Spring 2017
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ALUMNUS
Will Tatum, Ph.D. ’99 HISTORIAN
Dutchess County, NY Every day of AP European History with was an inspiration. The experience sealed my fate to become a historian. To this day, the most valuable training I have received as a historian took place in her classroom and subsequently during my year abroad at the University of Exeter in England. I would not have reached the latter without the former.
MRS. IMMEDIATA
Mrs. Immediata’s AP European course was about much more than scoring a five on the AP exam. She introduced us to the fundamental idea behind the profession of history: that there is a reason, a purpose and a value to the past that goes far beyond the entertainment value of names, dates and people. That thirst for understanding, that drive to decipher the riddles and create those ah-ha moments powers my continuing academic scholarship and my dayto-day work of bringing history to the public.
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Mary Beth ImmediatA WORLD HISTORY TEACHER
Will came to Ravenscroft with a love of history that was pretty extraordinary and the important thing was to simply feed that love while introducing new historical thinking skills that might add new tools to his already brimming tool box. In addition to his sense of humor, there was a degree of self awareness that accompanied his strength of character.
“Every day of AP European History with Mrs. Immediata was an inspiration.”
ALUMNUS
Keric Shanahan ’83 VICE PRESIDENT OF DELIVERY
Point Solutions US
MS. WILLOUGHBY didn’t make French just about grammar rules and vocabulary words, she made it about conversations and engagement. I not only gained a strong foundation in the French language but, due in large part to Ms. Willoughby’s enthusiasm, I developed a strong interest in “all-things French,” which led me to continue those studies in college.
Val willoughby siff FORMER UPPER SCHOOL FRENCH TEACHER
I think I remember every student from Ravenscroft because they were so accepting of me as a new, young teacher who was convinced that she could teach the world to speak French and to love the French culture. Keric was a bright, engaged student who took his learning seriously. He was diligent and had a clever sense of humor, which is needed to take the risks associated with speaking another language.
While at Wake Forest University, I was accepted into the semester abroad program in France. I wouldn’t have been able to do that if I hadn’t had developed such strong language skills at Ravenscroft. The experience I gained in living outside the US and being able to speak another language opened up opportunities to work internationally in South America, Europe, and India. Knowing conversational French has frequently come in handy along the way, allowing me to pick up a bit of Spanish and Portuguese and assimilate to different countries easier when traveling for work. In our “shrinking” world and global economy, having experiences like these aren’t just fun but are increasingly necessary. Merci, Mlle Willoughby! R
My students then and now have afforded me the luxury of spending my days doing what I love. I have never felt that I to go to a job and work; I go to school and play, act, speak French, interact with students, and continue to learn.
“Ms. Willoughby didn’t make French just about grammar rules and vocabulary words, she made it about conversations and engagement.”
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STUDENT SHOWCASE Highlighting exceptional student work
Resilence by Talia Granick ’21
RAVENSCROFT’S EIGHTH GRADE LANGUAGE ARTS curriculum focuses on texts that highlight competencies in the Changing Your World sphere of the Lead From Here framework. After reading Night, which depicts Elie Wiesel’s experiences during the Holocaust, students chose from a variety of character and literary analysis prompts to ultimately evaluate the impact on Elie’s life. In Advanced Language Arts 8, Talia Granick ’21 evaluated how the Nazis’ dehumanization attempts actually made Elie Wiesel more human. When writing her paper, she realized that many Lead From Here competencies helped her best explain what it means to thrive as a human even in the face of destructive inhumanity.
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— Sarah Baker, Middle School language arts teacher
T
RAGEDY AFTER TRAGEDY, horror
after horror, death after death. This was life in the Holocaust. The Holocaust was a series of inexplicable events brought on by a cruel dictator, Adolf Hitler. He is responsible for the genocide of six million Jews and five million other targeted minorities. Few people survived the Holocaust and even fewer talk about their experience in the war, but one named Elie Wiesel shares his story with the world. Elie was about twelve years old when World War II started. He lived in the small town of Sighet, Transylvania. A few days before he was ripped from his home and all he knew, he and his family heard rumors of the deaths of several of their Jewish peers. Little did Elie know that in a short time he too would experience these extreme circumstances. Elie was forced to face the worst human conditions possible. He fought for his independence, his humanity, his family and his survival. Through Elie’s fight against inhumanity, he finds a humanity in himself he never had to examine before; he develops empathy, an awareness of his spiritual self and the capacity to take on necessary roles for his survival. Two core values of a well developed human are empathy and selflessness. When the Nazis take away everything that makes Elie happy and content with the life he is living, he discovers another side to himself; Elie becomes more empathetic when he is forced to be dependent on his community. The prisoners in the camps need each other and have no choice but to be selfless. He and the other prisoners come together for mutual survival; the only way they can overcome the Nazis is to collaborate and combine their physical and intellectual strengths: “I had made up my mind to accompany my father wherever he went” (82). Elie forgets
about the pain and hardships he endures during his time in the camps, and he focuses instead on his father and his ultimate responsibility as a son. He forgets his wants and all the things he used to feel entitled to, and focuses on how he can strategically use what is given as a source of strength. Throughout the Holocaust, Elie is deprived of everything material and all cultural and environmental stimulation that he had known. He turns inward as he is forced to examine his spiritualism and his most basic being as a human. Before, eating, sleeping and walking involved choices and interaction; in the camp, they are done in isolation. Because he is deprived of the distractions of daily life, Elie comes to know his thoughts, body, capability and beliefs. By turning inward and being so alone, Elie is brought back to his own basic human state. Being an intellectual child, Elie was a big believer in God’s teachings, yet when he is deprived of the products of God’s work, he no longer has something to believe in, he no longer has a reason to stay faithful. His spirit is left abandoned: “I suffer hell in my soul and my flesh. I also have eyes and I see what is being done here. Where is God’s mercy? Where’s God? How can I believe, how can I believe in this God of Mercy?” (77). Elie is connected to the most basic human place of anger, rage and confusion. He feels that God ruined his soul and therefore how God has ruined him. It is uniquely human to be able to change roles as needed depending on a given situation. Elie Wiesel, faced with the weaknesses of his father, takes on the responsibility of an adult. Through all the harsh and difficult choices and actions he has to take on while in the camps, Elie grows up. He ultimately becomes more human in how he adapts to this
new role in his life. Not only does he transition from child to adult, but he transitions from son to caretaker. In the end, his ability to adapt to life as a more mature human is what allows him to stay alive. When these new responsibilities are pulled away from him, however, he no longer feels that there is meaning to his life: “One more stab to the heart, one more reason to hate. One less reason to live” (109). Elie finds himself not wanting to move forward without his father who has stuck by his side for so long. When Elie loses his father, he never lets himself think about what he’s lost, and he never lets himself grieve; he keeps going, and with his newfound strength, he builds a tolerance to his misery. Through all of the events that tear Elie away from how he used to identify himself, he evolves into a new deeper version of himself. He suffered hell, and when he was freed, he didn’t receive any reassurance or reason to keep going, yet he did. Elie persevered, he moved onward, he continued to make a difference in the world. Elie did what he knew he had a duty to do. Showing readers his perseverance and resilience through utterly horrible circumstances, and perhaps even evolving to a higher consciousness, is Elie Wiesel’s unforgettable gift to the world. R
WORKS CITED Wiesel, Elie, and Marion Wiesel. Night. New York, NY: Hill and Wang, a Division of Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2006. Print.
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CENTER STAGE Students and alumni excelling in the arts
Backstage Becomes Center Stage Sophie Raymer ’15
SOPHIE RAYMER ’15 (bottom row, middle) with the crew from The Addams Family production at Ravenscroft
Ravenscroft creates an environment for students to grow, learn and explore their unique interests and passions. For Sophie Raymer ’15, that journey of discovery led to the theatre arts — but perhaps not in the way you might think. DISCOVERING STAGECRAFT During her internship, Raymer building upon her skills and knowlS A FRESHMAN at Ravenscroft, quickly discovered that her diverse edge. She enrolled in Ravenscroft’s
A
Raymer explored theatre-related opportunities for a summer internship. A posting for an internship with Theatre Raleigh caught her attention. She knew she didn’t want to pursue acting as a career but still wanted to be involved in theatre in some way. She became curious to learn more about working on the technical side of theatre production.
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interests and passions — storytelling, fashion design, managing and planning, to name a few — could be combined and used in the management and design of productions. The variety of tasks and variety of productions provided ongoing learning opportunities. Returning that fall for her sophomore year at Ravenscroft, Raymer was eager to apply her experience from the internship and continue
Stagecraft course; a STEM+ course dedicated to the engineering, design and creation of sets for school musicals and plays. In addition, Raymer volunteered to assist in the management of the productions. Recognizing her drive and passion, Stagecraft teacher Russell Vacanti and Middle/ Upper School drama teacher Jason Sharp gave Raymer the challenge, freedom and support she needed to
by Kathleen Louis
experiment, learn and further develop her skills. “It’s important for good directors to understand and appreciate the talents of those around them. Early on, it became obvious that Sophie was a self-starter and set very high goals for herself. Based on her enthusiasm, creativity and drive, I felt compelled to give her the space and freedom to do what interested her,” reflected Vacanti. Raymer adds, “Mr. Vacanti and Mr. Sharp challenged me and allowed me to pursue my passions. They never put limitations on what I could and couldn’t do because they knew I wouldn’t abuse the responsibility. They gave me the freedom to explore things that I enjoyed and that helped shape me as a person.”
was able to take what I had learned and apply it for the first time.” “Sophie changed the game for our department at Ravenscroft,” shared Sharp. “Through her exceptionally hard work, creativity and self-motivation, Sophie essentially created her own curriculum for theatrical costuming and became our first student stage manager to fully take on work at a professional level.”
FINDING HER PATH With her passion for costume design and stage management, Raymer looked for a program that would allow her to continue studying and applying her broad skillsets and interests in theatre. She discovered that
DESIGN AND STAGE MANAGEMENT Raymer continued interning with Theatre Raleigh every summer during her Upper School years at Ravenscroft. Starting off painting sets, she assumed greater responsibilities each year and focused on specific interests that she discovered through her hands-on experience. “I always liked clothing and fashion. I was assigned to a wardrobe crew for Avenue Q and really enjoyed it!” shared Raymer. During her senior year, Raymer was the lead stage manager for The Addams Family and a costume designer for Marat/Sade at Ravenscroft. She shares, “The Addams Family was my first time beDress designed by Raymer ing the lead stage manager in a large for U of M class based off show so I learned a dress worn by Aurora in a lot during it. I Disney’s Sleeping Beauty
Costumes Raymer designed for Marat/Sade at Ravenscroft
the Theatre School at the University of Michigan offers a unique degree in Theatre Design and Production, combining her interests in both stage management and design. Though part of a large university, the Design and Production program at U of M is small and selective, providing the intimate classes Raymer thrives in. “I prefer smaller classes where I can get to know my classmates and participate comfortably in class discussions,” said Raymer. “The small classes at Ravenscroft gave me the confidence to speak up, share ideas and be a leader.”
Though seemingly very different areas of theatre, costume design and stage management tap into Raymer’s diverse skills and talents. With costume design, Raymer uses creativity to tell stories through fashion and finds it rewarding to see the designs take shape into costumes for productions. Through stage management, Raymer enjoys working with teams and being so integrated into the ins and outs of the production. Lust costume designed Both, however, require for Intro to Design strong communication class; incorporates elements of lust, and interpersonal skills. “Being able to com- one of the Seven municate effectively and Deadly Sins work with others are probably the most important skills for both areas. You have to be able to communicate your ideas well to the rest of the team — the costume shop, the director, the actors and everyone involved,” said Raymer. Raymer plans to continue pursuing her unique and special niche in theatre, and aspires to work backstage on a Broadway production in New York City. In the meantime, she’ll continue her collegiate education while building her experience and network by working with local professional theatre productions. “Each production I work on provides new and invaluable learning opportunities,” said Raymer. “My time at Ravenscroft and at Theatre Raleigh helped expose me early on to a variety of technical roles, a range of productions and different teams, helping me feel comfortable stepping out of my comfort into new situations — that’s helped me really grow and continue to improve.”R Spring 2017
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GAME DAY Students and alumni support outstanding athletes
Launching a Dream in Sports Journalism at Ravenscroft — Kofie Yeboah ’13 broadcasting. Yeboah began as a spotter tracking tackles and injuries, but soon took on more responsibilities hosting his own pregame and halftime shows. “For a high schooler to sacrifice his Friday nights, that’s a big deal. Kofie did a great job for us, setting us on a good path to know what we wanted out of a student assistant going forward.” Yeboah’s initiative gained him experience early on, through weekends and evenings covering games and learning from those in the industry. During the holiday invitational basketball games at Ravenscroft, Yeboah remembers observing and networking with the tournament newscasters. His resume reads like a mid-career professional’s, but Kofie Yeboah ’13 Those connections helped is still in college. him land a sports journalism internship at WRAL, SENIOR AT UNIVERSITY OF “My mom did her best to give me which brought Yeboah even more MARYLAND (UMD), Yeboah has opportunities to gain experience. She valuable experience. interned with D.C. United, writand my dad believed in me from the ten for The Huffington Post, created a start. When I told them I wanted to DEDICATION ON THE TRACK series called “Millennial Spotlight” for be a sports journalist, they said ‘Let’s Yeboah’s hard work and deterUSA Today College and worked as an make it possible.’” mination carried through to his Assistant Editor at ESPN. And that’s athletic career in track and field. just a partial list. Recently, he began A START IN SPORTS BROADCASTING Arriving to his first practice in a full-time job with Vox Media’s SB As a ninth-grader at Ravenscroft, sneakers instead of spikes, Yeboah Nation as a Social Media Producer, Yeboah sought out opportunities was undaunted as a track novice while simultaneously taking a full to learn about and gain experience and quickly discovered his pascourse load at UMD. in broadcasting and sports journalsion and talent for sprinting, with Though Yeboah is “blessed to ism. Hearing of his interests, Penny the guidance of his coaches about have these experiences,” they didn’t Rogers ’93, then Ravenscroft’s comfuture goals and aspirations. Durcome without hard work and serious munications director, connected ing his three years on the team, motivation. Yeboah with Dave Nathan of Tar Yeboah was a two-time winner at Yeboah remembers as a seventh gradHeel Sports Network who broadthe State Championship in the er telling his parents he wanted to be a casts Ravenscroft’s football and bas100M dash and set a new school sports journalist. Coming from a family ketball games. After seeing Yeboah’s record in the 100M. of engineers, Yeboah broke from tradienthusiasm and dedication, Nathan “I learned that anything is possible tion, but his parents supported him and created a student assistant position with hard work and focus. Coach his dream from the beginning. for Yeboah with Ravenscroft’s sports Hardy really taught us the value
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by Kathleen Louis
of determination. I was able to see results from my hard work and practice, and I maintain that viewpoint today.” Yeboah aspired to attend a college where he could both run competitively and earn his journalism degree. However, a hamstring tear during his senior year in Upper School changed his plans, but not his drive. “Staying positive has gotten me where I am today. I’ve learned that if something bad happens to you, you might feel absolutely terrible in the moment, but it might be the best thing for the long-run. I didn’t run after pulling my hamstring during my senior year. I didn’t run in states or go to college for track. I shifted my focus entirely to journalism and now I’m at a top sports journalism school that I hadn’t considered before because of track.”
ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN COLLEGE Yeboah didn’t slow down once he got to University of Maryland. As a freshman, looking for more opportunities to get involved with sports on campus, he recruited two classmates to join him in creating TheLeftBench.com, a website focused on collegiate athletics. Today, he serves as an advisor to the
website team, which numbers over 60 student contributors! “I’m most proud of my work on the website and what I learned through that experience. I learned the value and importance of setting both short and long term goals, along with a clear vision. I learned how to lead a team, and to be patient and understanding of people’s backgrounds and where they are coming from.” In addition to leading the website, Yeboah has taken advantage of the opportunities UMD offers with its proximity to D.C. Through attending professional sports games in D.C. and Baltimore, Yeboah met a panelist at ESPN who recommended Yeboah to USA Today, which led to an internship with the Sports Media Group his freshman year. Yeboah has been a correspondent for ESPNU, maintained the twitter account for the men’s professional soccer team, D.C. United, and wrote on millennial entrepreneurship and networking for The Huffington Post. This past summer, he accepted a full-time position with SB Nation as a Social Media Producer.
BUILDING A CAREER Confidence, a positive attitude, dedication and hard work have enabled Yeboah to accomplish all that he has at the age of 21. Although he sets goals, he’s learned the importance of flexibility and being open to opportunities that come his way. “I don’t know where I’ll be in five or ten years. But I’ve gotten this far not knowing what I’m going to do the next year. Of course, I have goals but those can change. In high school, I had a goal to be a playby-play announcer for baseball. And then I got to college and realized I
“I learned that anything is possible with hard work and focus. Coach Hardy really taught us the value of determination.”
don’t even like baseball that much anymore. I realized your goals change over time.” Yeboah credits the skills he’s gained through his time at Ravenscroft in the classroom, on the track and through internships, in helping make him who he is today. The relationships Yeboah’s built and the life experiences he’s gained have been invaluable. R
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CLASS NOTES Catching up with our alumni
BILL MOSS ’74 RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD
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ILLIAM “BILL” MOSS ’74 was awarded this year’s Distinguished Alumni Award, recognizing his exemplary leadership and outstanding professional, civic and personal accomplishments. From speaking at the Middle School groundbreaking as an eighth grader to serving on Ravenscroft’s board of trustees, Moss was and continues to be actively involved in the school community. With 84 years of combined family involvement at Ravenscroft, Moss’s ties to the school run deep and the school is truly a part of his family. They “always believed in education,” with his mother, Margaret, teaching first grade at Ravenscroft beginning in 1969. As “pioneers” during Ravenscroft’s relocation to Falls of Neuse, Moss and his classmates saw the school go through dramatic transformations from an “abandoned farm to the premiere college preparatory independent school it is today.” Through change, community remained strong and had a profound impact on shaping who Moss is today as he describes many of his Ravenscroft friends as “lifelong friends.” Moss received both his BA and law degree from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Since then, he has practiced at the Raleigh law firm of Smith, Anderson, Blount, Dorsett, Mitchell & Jernigan. Moss has been an active volunteer at Ravenscroft in a variety of capacities, including serving on the school’s board of trustees (’03-’08; vice chair, ’07-’08). He is currently a member of the Trustee Advisory Council and is a Golden Raven, Ravenscroft’s loyalty giving society. His mother, Margaret B. Moss, taught in the Lower School for 16 years, and his wife, Mary, was Director of Development at the school for 11 years and later also served on the board of trustees (’10-’16). Their three sons are alumni of Ravenscroft: William ’03, John ’04 and Alex ’07. In addition, his niece, Kristy Rogers, is the World Languages Department Chair PreK-12 and Spanish Instructor in the Upper School.
(above) The Moss family in attendance: Kristy Rogers, Alex Moss‘07, Susan Moss, James Moss, Margaret Moss, David Moss ‘77, Bill Moss ‘74, Beth Moss, John Moss ‘04, Mary Moss (left) Rick Reddick ‘73, Bill Moss ‘74 and Vic Bell ‘74
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Class Notes information as of December 2016
BIRTHS
as of December 2016
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1
3
2
5
6
7
8
1. BILL HOGG ’97 and wife Kendra welcomed a son, Will, on February 2, 2016. 2. JANIE SMITH BROOKS ’98 and husband Sean welcomed a son, Thomas Carter, on December 5, 2016.
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3. MICHAEL ’98 and LIZ MANERA GOODMON ’98 welcomed a son, William Fletcher, on June 12, 2016. 4. CARRIE BRENNEMAN GALLOWAY ’00 and husband Jay welcomed their second daughter, Eliza Carlisle, on July 5, 2016. 5. KATHERINE CVETKO McELROY ’00 and husband Richard welcomed their daughter, Eve Capers, on November 10, 2016.
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6. SALLY O’HERRON HOGAN ’01 and husband Mike
9 7. SCOTT MANNING ’03 and wife Carter welcomed a son, William “Stokes,” on May 25, 2016.
8. TAYLOR GREENE ’04 and wife Zoey welcomed their second daughter, Sara Avery, on June 2, 2016.
9. SARAH GILLESKIE HOVERSTAD ’04 and husband Eric welcomed a son, Henry Deubler, on July 26, 2016.
10. MARY GLENN CRUMPLER COLEMAN ’06 and husband Will welcomed Kathryn Elizabeth on October 26, 2016. 11. RYAN (’09) and wife LINDSAY COWHER KELLY ‘09 welcomed a daughter, Tess Eden, on December 28, 2016.
welcomed a son, Jamie, on July 14, 2016.
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CLASS NOTES
1975 Cindy Poole cindy@cindypoole.com
Bernadette Ransbottom Hearne just returned from her annual writer’s retreat at Isle of Palms. For a week, 13 writers gather in a big oceanfront house, work all day on their latest manuscripts, then spend their evenings cooking dinner and marinating plot points in wine. Bernadette spent her week plotting a novel set in the tumultuous 1960s for readers age 10-12. (Can’t wait to see her new novel!) Mary Minor Clifton Shelby reports, “I am now retired after teaching many years for Wake County Public School System. I spend as much time as possible at my small condo in Carolina Beach. The loves of my life are my two 14-yearold dogs and my cat…. and of course my husband of 37 years, my son and my daughter!”
Kim Reynolds, husband Rod, and son Reynolds have opened their home to a 14-year-old student from China. He is in 9th grade at Trinity Academy where Reynolds goes to school. Our class was heartbroken to hear of Kim Scheffler’s passing of ovarian cancer on November 6, 2016. She was the wife of classmate, Tim, and daughter-in-law of past Ravenscroft teacher, Carl Scheffler.
Cathy Christian says, “Augusta is great! Franklin, 27, is in Charlotte working in finance; Christian, 24, is in Raleigh doing commercial construction; and Ada, 19, is a sophomore at Auburn studying industrial design. I am really hoping that we can get a group for a fun 60th, as in age, get-together!!” Congratulations to Nancy Dameron Almquist who writes, “I am so excited to have joined the ‘grandparent’ club in October 2016! Henry IV is a happy, healthy boy who joins his tired parents. In this circle of life, the world lost an exceptionally special person in the same month. She was an amazing woman whom I loved as did my Mother, two wonderful friends since their days at Duke. I know we all share in Cindy’s sadness. Besides doting on baby Henry, I continue to stay busy with Camp
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Merrie-Woode as we prepare for her Centennial birthday.”
Cindy Poole Roberts reports, “I am now a grandmother to five precious grandchildren under the age of four! My three step-children are all having kids at the same time! All of them, plus my two children, now 24 and 26, makes for a lively household at holiday time! Still working as a realtor for Fonville Morisey in Raleigh, see Amanda Worth Tueting weekly at BSF, and swimming and training for triathlons.” Many of us are at the age where we are losing our parents. Clark Wright, Pam Vinson Aldridge and I (Cindy Poole Roberts) all lost our moms the last few months of 2016. Classmates, please join and share this and any other news on our “Ravenscroft Class of 75” Facebook page and know that we are all there to support and care for each other. As most of our classmates turn 60 next year, we are planning on a huge birthday party for our class! Please email me at Cindy@CindyPoole.com with ideas and a willingness to help plan or post on our Facebook page!
1976 Joel Reames joel@joelreames.com
Lee Bunn writes, “Pamela and I were in Africa the first two weeks of October; she trained teachers in Ghana and Kenya. A lot has taken place as all three of our kids now live and work in Austin, Texas, and Pamela and I have purchased a home in Naples, Florida, and sold the Raleigh home we designed and that I built 21 years ago. Her family has been in the Naples area for 50 years, and it is time for us to get much closer to the water. I will continue to work with MI Homes at a Sarasota startup division there and
FAVORITE MEMORIES
DUKE FINLEY ’76 “Having Scott Hutchinson teach “A Separate Peace” by John Knowles. I went on to major in English.”
FAVORITE MEMORIES
MARGARET MAHOOD MILLS ’76 “Open Curriculum — biking and camping trip, Joe Sam Routh’s 7th grade homeroom, ISM’s class.”
plays for the Portland Timbers which is a soccer academy. This is the highest level of soccer for a kid his age. He is the goal keeper. Last but not least is her daughter, Caroline. She is a fifth grader and plays soccer and piano. Sue met Di-
anne Jones Hyneman, Cathy Edwards Lull and myself for dinner and am currently splitting my time between N.C. and Florida. Pictures of our grandkids in the Gulf at Naples — that makes the move even more worth it. Will miss our Raleigh friends and appreciate you keeping us in the loop.” In December, James Sansom joined the Bank of North Carolina as a senior vice-president/ commercial relationship manager. James is also serving his second year as a member of the Ravenscroft Board of Trustees — so he is back on campus quite a bit!
1979 Allison Gilbert Holmes allisonholmes@nc.rr.com
John Hogan’s son, Hardy, graduated from Broughton High School this spring and is headed to Georgia. Congrats to Hardy. I ran into Johnny Lyon the other day. It was great to catch up with him. Johnny, I hope you will let us know what you are up to soon!
Lisa Brown Glenn’s son made the Flex 50 of the fittest men of 2016. Congratulations to Logan Aldridge ‘09!
Dianne Jones Hyneman’s husband, Don, surprised her for their 33rd anniversary with a week-long trip to Disney World. They had a great time.
Sue Finley Cotton came to the East Coast for a family visit. She and husband Steve have five kids. Their oldest, John, has completed the Navy and wants to live in Raleigh. He is currently living with her sister, Ann Finley Dillon ’84. Their next son, Ben, is currently in the Army bootcamp. Chris is their next son and he is a senior. He plays football and also basketball. Basketball is his favorite sport. Eric is their fourth son. He is an amazing soccer player. He
drinks at Winston’s Grille. We had a great time catching up and laughing. Sue wanted me to let you all know that she still has her Ravenscroft ring and that she still wears it. She had it on that night.
Skipper Day wrote that he is just working a lot these days and not having much time to play golf. He says that his golf game shows his lack of practice time. He has been freshwater fishing this summer. His wife, Barbara, is staying busy in her job plus her volunteer roles at the church and as president of the NCSU Alumni Association for Wake County. Chad ’07 made the decision at the beginning of 2016 that he wanted to go to grad school and had three offers from quality schools. For a true Wolfpacker, he ended up choosing what he calls “the dark side.” He knew that UNC did have one positive and that was the Kenan Flagler MBA program; he started the two year program in August. He is staying busy with the school work and the interactions with various companies and still adjusting to living in Chapel Hill. Wilson ’11 graduated this past May from N.C. State and is now working for Gregory Poole Caterpillar as a business development representative. He is enjoying working for an established Raleigh firm and learning the business and getting to travel some. Both boys are still finding some time to play golf in a more relaxed atmosphere. Beth Thomas Tripp says that all is well in Virginia. She is loving selling real estate! She is focusing on the historic Gloucester farms and houses in the area. She and Raymond moved to 38 acres three years ago. They renovated an old farmhouse. They have just completed the barn and working on the fencing this fall. The busyness of farm life helps to adjust to the empty nest. Anna is a French-global studies major at Bridgewater College in the Virginia mountains. She is studying abroad this semester in Chambery, France. Noah is in the aviation program at Blue Ridge. Raymond enjoys his work
In July 2016, a few ’78 girls had a mini-reunion at Sunset Beach, N.C. From left to right: KNOX DOUGLASS BARKER from Greensboro, ALLISON ALDERMAN MORRISSETTE from Greensboro, BETH PLEASANTS MCCAIN from Raleigh, PRINCIE DIXON WITT from Charlotte and KATHARINE HOGAN KANE from Raleigh
Class of ’79 friends, CATHY EDWARDS LULL, SUE FINLEY COTTON, ALLISON GILBERT HOLMES and DIANNE JONES HYNEMAN, gathered for dinner at Winston’s Grille to celebrate Sue being on the East Coast
MONIQUE DERBY ’79 and husband Mark Shuford celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in Bavaria, Germany (Pictured in Regensburg)
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CLASS NOTES
with economic development in the Hampton/ Newport News area. He still does the commute every day.
Colonel DOUG MASON, USMC, ’83 and REV. DURK STEED ‘83 at Mason’s retirement ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C. in June 2016
Monique Derby says that she and her husband, Mark, are going on a 30th wedding anniversary trip to Europe. They are traveling on a Viking River Cruise from Budapest through Vienna and finishing in Germany. Monique’s mother, Janice Derby, passed away on July 11, 2016. She was 94 ½ years young. Our condolences to Monique and her husband, Mark. Anita Daniel Kraynik writes that her oldest, Sarah, just got engaged. They are thrilled but a bit overwhelmed at the same time with all of the logistics of planning a wedding. Sarah is living in Atlanta and works at Northside Hospital as an Anesthesiologist Assistant. Her son, John, recently graduated from UGA and is taking the EMT test soon so he can have a job while he prepares for the MCAT’s and med school. Her youngest, David, is at the University of Colorado in Boulder and is participating in their Army ROTC program. Her husband, John, is still at BB&T in Charlotte with 30+ years there. Anita had back surgery in the fall. She has had back pain for the past couple of years and decided that surgery was the only way to resolve the issue. She is feeling better now and has started physical therapy. Anita says that she can’t wait to get back to the tennis courts, hopefully in the spring.
Lawrence Watts let me know that his youngest, CAROLYN MCDONALD’S ’85 twin boys, Charlie and Roane (2)
ALEX KATEN ’91 with wife Kara and daughters, Hope (4) and Lindsey (2)
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Daniel, a sophomore at Charlotte Latin has recently been voted to the All State soccer team for 2016. Lawrence says that he is a proud father for sure. His oldest, Adam, is a sophomore at Northwestern University in the McCormick Engineering School. He says that he definitely has his mother’s brains. After a nationwide balloting, Duke University’s Christina Gibbons, Tom Gibbon’s daughter, was selected as the 2016 Senior CLASS Award winner for women’s soccer. The award, chosen by the Division 1 women’s soccer coaches, national soccer media and fans, is given annually to the most outstanding senior studentathlete. In order to be eligible for the award, the student-athlete must be
classified as an NCAA Division 1 senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: classroom, community, character and competition. Congratulations to Tom and his wife, Beth Anne! As for me, I have been enjoying my new job as a preschool teacher. It is a definite change from selling wine but has been enjoyable. We are in the middle of our boys’ senior year. It will be fun to see where they go to school next year. Please remember to let me know what all y’all are up to so that I can put it in the magazine.
1983 Caroline Day Plummer carolinedayplummer@gmail.com
Rev. Durk Steed gave the invocation at Colonel Doug Mason’s, USMC, retirement ceremony at Camp Lejeune, N.C., in June 2016. Doug received high praises from all ranks from generals to privates, and his leadership will be sorely missed by the Corps.
1985 Class Agent needed! If you are interested in serving, please email Tammy Haywood, Director of Alumni Giving and Activities, at thaywood@ravenscroft.org.
Dene Dawson writes, “After six plus years at Habitat Cabarrus, I am moving on to a new adventure. In September, I began working with Myers-Chapman, a commercial general contractor based in Charlotte as a project manager. It’s a great company that is doing great things.
FAVORITE MEMORIES
JOANNE AGAYOFF DEOCAMPO ’91 “Rappelling down a rock face during our senior camping trip and winning our softball conference senior year.”
Class years without notes have been omitted. See Alumni at ravenscroft.org for class agents.
FAVORITE MEMORIES
SANNA BRYANT ’91 “Spending four years in choir under Lester Southern. We had the opportunity to sing at both the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall.”
1992 Stephenie Butler Kovac stephenie.butler@bcafreedom.com
Over the summer, Blair Hines and his family relocated to Bremerton, Washington, where he is assigned to the USS Nimitz as the director of dental services.
an attorney with Oxendine Barnes & Associates PLLC and focus my practice primarily in the areas of worker’s compensation, employment discrimination, medical malpractice, wrongful death claims and other complex civil litigation matters.
When you are back in town, you should stop by the school — it has changed a lot since we graduated but still feels like home! They are doing some really neat things at Ravenscroft with the Lead From Here initiative as well as Ravenscroft Connect for alumni. If you have not joined Ravenscroft Connect yet, you should! Go to www.ravenscroftconnect.com to sign up or give Tammy Haywood, alumni director, a call at 919-847-0900. She would love to tell you more about it!
Stephenie Butler Kovac ’92 had a son, Ryker, in
JOANNE AGAYOFF DEOCAMPO ’91 celebrated the holidays with husband Daniel and children Alexander (7) and Gabbie (11)
1994
October.
Tim Johnson
1993
tej916@gmail.com
Jim Barnes
Kristen Rice Ange and husband Robert welcomed
jbarnesiv@yahoo.com
Calvin Chandler Ange on July 6.
Many thanks to Penny for serving as our Class Agent! She’s decided to pass the baton to me! Next magazine I hope to have lots to share from our class. I am currently serving my second year on the Ravenscroft Alumni Council and enjoying being back on campus! My sons, Avery and Camden, keep Amanda and me very busy! I am
1995 Jen Madison Snook jmadison77@gmail.com
JIM BARNES ’93 with wife Amanda and children Avery (11) and Camden (8)
Ryan Kramer and his family accepted a lead pastor position just north of Seattle, Washington. They moved in May 2016 and are loving it
FAVORITE MEMORIES
KATIE SWANN ’96 “My memories of Ravenscroft are many, lasting and so precious. What an amazing year I had to soak up the experience of life in another country before returning to Australia! Key words that evoke some memories for me: the wind in the pines, the gazebo, the Nevarmore, microtubules, Mr. Smith’s weekly word lists, the murals in the art room that were unfortunately painted over as soon as I finished mine, the trip to Orlando where we made a TV commerical.”
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WEDDINGS 6
1
4
2
7
3
5
8 1. CHRIS DRUMMOND ’98 married Wurth Hosch on May 14, 2016.
2. DIANA SCHOFIELD ’00 married Lawrence Phillips over Labor Day weekend.
3. EMLYN JOHNSON ’04 married fellow Eastman School of Music Alum Daniel Ketter in September 2016.
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4. JOHN MOSS ’04 married Beth Shannon on July 16, 2016.
5. JENNA FLORIO ’06 married 11
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Trey Laughrun on October 22, 2016.
9 6. JOE GREW ’06 married Mary Catherine Benson on May 28, 2016. 7. KATHARINE KENYON ’06 married Tyler Hodinka on November 12, 2016. 8. HANNAH MARGARET LINDQUIST ’06 married PATRICK CLARE ’06 on October 29, 2016. 9. TAYLOR MACHIKAS ’07 married Jon Willard in May 2016.
10. HARRISON RIGGS ’07 married Carlee Fowler on October 9, 2016.
11. ANNA HUNTER ’08 married Cody Underwood on October 15, 2016. 12. COREY GARRITY ’12 married Madeline Schult on August 13, 2016.
there. Ryan’s son, Jeremiah, has made the middle school varsity basketball team, but Ryan says he can still beat him in 1-on-1.
Matt Cantando and his family are currently on a 10-month adventure traveling around the world. They’ll spend some time in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe before heading to Raleigh in June 2017. You can follow their travels on their blog at www.detourdiary.com.
Becky Streamo Eberwein is still living in the Baltimore area with her husband, Tom, and their daughter, Gianna (who turns two this summer). They are expecting their second child, a son, in May.
1997 Elizabeth Warren Hamilton Ecarver22@nc.rr.com
Bill Hogg and Kendra welcomed a son, Will, on February 2, 2016.
1998 Ellen Mann O’Connor Ellen.b.mann@gmail.com
FAVORITE MEMORIES
RICHARD FORSYTH ’96 “Winning the state championship in football in 1994.”
MATT CANTANDO ’95 and his family on their 10-month adventure traveling around the world
Hope everyone in the Class of 1998 had a wonderful holiday season! Lots of exciting updates to share, thanks for sending them in! Congrats to Liz and Michael Goodmon who welcomed their fourth child, William Fletcher Goodmon, on June 6, 2016. Liz writes, “He’s pretty perfect and has fit right in with our circus!”
Emily and Michael Callahan have had a busy year! Emily started a new job at the end of July as the executive director for the Council of Autism Service Providers. Their son, Jack, turned one on October 30th and they have officially bought their first house in Charlottesville! Emily writes, “It only took us 12 years of marriage...haha….So, new job, new house and a baby in the last year...We decided we really wanted to test the limits of our ability to handle change!”
Many Ravenscroft friends from the class of 1998 attended the wedding of CHRIS DRUMMOND ’98, and Wurth Hosch, including ELLEN MANN O’CONNOR, ANNA WHITE HOSEA, MIKE NOEL, TRIPP LUMPKIN, MICHAEL GOODMON, KATIE HUNTER CECIL, CHRIS HAMRICK, ANDREW FARRELL, NICK SARGENT, ANDREW HAWKINS, LIZ MANERA GOODMON, DOUG BRITT, CHAD DOGGETT and JOSH OTTO
LAUREN STANLEY KESTERSON ’96 and AARON KESTERSON ’95 with children Morgan (13) and Josh (10)
MEREDITH WEAVER HILTON ’98 with husband Scott and children Trent (10), Chase (7) and Caroline (5)
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Several classmates from 2001 attended TOBY POE’s ’01 wedding, including, from left to right, DREW HARGROVE, ALSTON MANN, THOMAS ELLER, TOBY, CHESTER ALLEN and STEVE LICHTIN
Jennifer and Tripp Lumpkin welcomed James Parker Lumpkin IV (Parker) on April 4th. Tripp writes that he has really gotten into “scarfing.” He knits at least three scarves a week, and his favorite ones are the ones with yellow in them! His dream is to make one for the actor Peter Sarsgaard, so he can give it to him and say “more like Peter SCARFgaard!”
Boz Zellinger and wife Jessie welcomed a son, Zachary Ben, on May 18, 2016.
Chris Drummond married Wurth Hosch on May
Katherine Cvetko McElroy and her husband, Richard, welcomed their daughter, Eve Capers, on November 10, 2016. Eve joins her big brother, Mac, and big sister, Gray!
14, 2016 in a beautiful ceremony and reception in Lonesome Valley in Cashiers, N.C. Many Ravenscroft friends from the class of 1998 attended including Ellen Mann O’Connor, Anna
White Hosea, Mike Noel, Tripp Lumpkin, Michael Goodmon, Katie Hunter Cecil, Chris Hamrick, Andrew Farrell, Nick Sargent, Andrew Hawkins, Liz Manera Goodmon, Doug Britt, Chad Doggett and Josh Otto! An amazing night was had by all!
Janie Smith Brooks ’98 and Sean welcomed son, Thomas Carter Brooks, on December 5.
Doug Britt ’98 welcomed a son, William Greeley, on July 12, 2016. Please keep sending in all your exciting news on new jobs, babies, marriages and travels — love hearing from everyone!
1999 ALENA SIMMONDS OAKES ’01 and her husband, Rob, with children Hudson and Connor Robert, in Nags Head last summer
Class Agent needed! If you are interested in serving, please email Tammy Haywood, Director of Alumni Giving and Activities, at thaywood@ravenscroft.org.
John Spivey is competing off the track in the medical world these days for Medtronic. He has been with the company three years and was promoted to capital specialist this past year. In this role, he develops new digestive health programs focused around treating patients that suffer from heartburn, reflux and swallowing disorders. John’s desire to win is still a driving force. Recently, he secured the Pinnacle Award which is the most prestigious sales award at Medtronic. Pinnacle is awarded to the top two reps with the highest two year combined average out of 140 sales reps in the company. He achieved this by attaining Rookie of the Year this year and Rep of the Year in 2015. John resides in Denver, Colorado, where he enjoys mountaineering, snowboarding and watching the Broncos with friends when he’s not traveling for work. What’s next? After climbing Mt. Elbrus and Aconcagua, he has his sights on Denali in 2017. KELSEY FROHMAN MARKS’s ’01 daughter, Penny
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2000 Melissa Warren Dougher melissawdougher@gmail.com
Diana Schofield married Lawrence Phillips over Labor Day weekend in Virginia Beach. Jena Wittkamp Howard served as her matron of honor and Carly Apple also attended. Carrie Brenneman Galloway and her husband, Jay,
welcomed their second daughter, Eliza Carlisle, on July 5, 2016. Eliza joins big sister, Celia!
2001 Jaclyn White Morgan jaclyn.w.morgan@gmail.com
Kelsey Frohman Marks is enjoying maternity leave with her daughter, Penny, in Brooklyn, N.Y. Meagan Matt Maddox and her family moved to Florham Park, N.J., last summer. She is now a stay-at-home mother of two kids and enjoying her new home.
Alena Simmonds Oakes and her husband, Rob, welcomed their second child, Connor Robert, on July 9. Her older son, Hudson, is a great big brother. Sally O’Herron Hogan and her husband, Mike, welcomed baby boy, Jamie, on July 14 and are loving every minute. Sally writes that Jamie and Penny (Kelsey’s daughter) have had several playdates and are sure to be city kid besties in no time! Paxton Badham and his wife, Jennifer, moved back to Raleigh last summer with their two young children, Elizabeth and Paxton. They’re excited to be here.
2002 Alan Haydon ahaydon@gmail.com
Julie Becker Cretu writes, “I received the Best Paper Award in Division 18 (Psychologists in Public Service) at the American Psychological Association annual convention in September 2016. The paper, “Efficacy of Structured Approach Therapy in Reducing PTSD in Returning Veterans: A Randomized Clinical Trial,” was published in the division’s highly regarded Journal, Psychological Services.”
Yasmin Sauls Odunukwe has served in the U.S. Navy for the past ten years as a cryptologic warfare officer and was recently promoted to LCDR/O-4 in the U.S. Navy on September 1, 2016. She is now serving as a junior permanent military professor in the cyber science department at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD teaching courses in the technical fundamentals of cybersecurity. Prior to her position at the Naval Academy, she served at the National Security Agency, Navy Cyber Warfare Development Group, Pentagon, and also deployed to the Arabian Gulf and Indian Ocean for two deployments with the USS NITZE (DDG 94).
Guy Crawford writes, “I am pleased to finally reveal that this coming January, I will be launching my very own non-profit organization. Knowledge Buddies has been a brain child of mine for many years now. Knowledge Buddies is an academic mentoring program for children Pre-K through middle school. The goal of Knowledge Buddies is to give children in low income families the skills and tools they need to succeed. Knowledge Buddies will serve the Triangle area. I am excited about this next chapter in my life.”
2003
JULIE BECKER CRETU ’02 received the Best Paper Award in Division 18 at the American Psychological Association annual convention in September 2016
Anna Claire Murnick Price annaclaireprice@gmail.com
Scott Manning writes, “Professionally, I’m the president/CEO of the Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce and serve on the Ravenscroft Alumni Council as chair for the 2016-2017 school year. Personally, my wife, Carter, and I welcomed our first son, Stokes, to our family on May 24th, 2016. Work and life are great!!” Katie Mann graduated from Georgetown University in August 2015 with a masters in professional studies: sport industry management and is now living in Washington, D.C., working with the Washington Capitals (NHL) as a membership services manager.
YASMIN SAULS ODUNUKWE ’02 with parents and two children at her promotion ceremony, which was held at the National Cryptologic Museum at Fort Meade, MD
KATIE MANN ’03 with the Washington Capitals mascot, Slapshot The Ravenscroft community was well-represented at the wedding of JOHN MOSS ’04 and Beth Shannon in July 2016! Standing, left to right: BILL MOSS ‘74, MARY MOSS, CARYN MCNEILL, JIM DORSETT, WYNN DORSETT ’78, SARAH CUNNINGHAM MOELLER ’06, JOHNNY MCNEILL ’16, WILL THOMPSON ’04, MARY FRANCES THOMPSON ’06, WILLIAM MOSS ’03, KRISTY MOSS ROGERS, BEN SWANEY ’04, MOLLY WILKINS ’07, ALEX MOSS ’07, KATHERINE TROXLER ’05. Kneeling, left to right: JANE MCNEILL ’24, GRAHAM SAUNDERS ’04, ALEX FLOYD ’04, LAUREN ENGSTROM ’04, MICHAEL RHANEY ’04, JOHN MOSS ’04, BETH SHANNON MOSS, MATT HUNTER ’04. Present but not pictured: ROB MINEO ’04, SARAH GILLESKIE HOVERSTAD ’04, JOE GREW ’06, ROB CROWLEY ’04 Spring 2017
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CLASS NOTES
Fanny Slater has a new gig as one of the co-hosts on the Food Network’s new show This and the Kitchen Sink. Callie Allen Lowe and her husband welcomed a son, William ‘Hunter’, born on June 11, 2016.
2004
FAVORITE MEMORIES
KATELYN PAUL ’06 “A real train conductor reading The Polar Express in Ms. Hancock’s first grade class.”
Gretchen Presnell Hyde and Ashley Board gretchenphyde@gmail.com ashleyboard@gmail.com
Sarah Gilleskie Hoverstad and husband, Eric, welcomed Henry Deubler on July 26, 2016. He joins big brother, James, who is now two! Fifteen kids ages six and under! The children of BYRON MOORE ’03 and wife Love, along with MATT ’03 and DANA WIMSATT ’04, DREXEL KING ’04, JOHN RITCHER ’01 and RYAN BARRY ’01, gathered for a group photo. Top to bottom, left to right: Zakai King, Charlotte Wimsatt, Loah King, Dayin King, Elias King, Jameson Barry, Wyatt Wimsatt ‘30, Emmy Barry, Samantha Wimsatt, Sophie Ritcher, James Ritcher ‘29, Owen Barry, Boden King. Not pictured: Jack Ritcher and Byron Moore Junior
John Moss married Beth Shannon on July 16 in Pinehurst, North Carolina. The couple would like to thank Jack Morton ’96 for the beautiful wedding photos! On June 2, 2016, Taylor Greene and Zoey welcomed their second daughter, Sara Avery, to their family. Taylor is finishing his thesis at N.C. State and exploring PhD opportunities.
Emlyn Johnson married fellow Eastman School of Music alum Daniel Ketter in September 2016 at the Wadsworth Homestead in Geneseo, N.Y.
2006 Celeste Allen Chapman chapman.celeste@gmail.com
CHRISTINE BENEDICT LARAMEE ’06 and husband Nicholas
Caroline Murphy Turco writes, “I’m married to Lt. Alex Turco. He is a surface warfare officer with the U.S. Navy. We were stationed near Tokyo about eight months ago. I left behind my vocal studio of more than 100 students in Norfolk. Now I’m working as an actress for Japanese daytime television. It’s been a challenging but fun transition. And we have loved traveling all around Asia and exploring new cultures. Sadly, I still don’t love sushi!” Jenna Florio married Trey Laughrun on October 22, 2016.
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Mary Glenn Crumpler Coleman and husband, Will, welcomed Kathryn Elizabeth on October 26, 2016.
Katharine Kenyon married Tyler Hodinka on November 12, 2016. Hannah Margaret Lindquist married Patrick Clare on October 29, 2016.
Joe Grew married Mary Catherine Benson on May 28, 2016. The bride is a graduate of Saint Mary’s School and Wofford College. She currently works at Bagwell & Bagwell Insurance in Raleigh. Will Thompson ’04, John Moss ’04 and Lee Perry were groomsmen.
2007 Rob Byrd robertgbyrd@gmail.com
Caroline Fish writes, “I am in my second year of law school at St. John’s University in Queens. I’m an International Honors Program Scholar and Fellow in the Center for International and Comparative Law and received two international internships for next year. I will be working in the Chambers of the International Crim-
FAVORITE MEMORIES
ELISE DORSETT ’06 “Peforming in Into the Woods, morning meetings with performances and student shout-outs, silly times on the tennis team bus.”
inal Court in the Hague, Netherlands, for four months, and then I will be the legal intern on the Pro Bono Team for DLA Piper in Paris, France, for two months. DLA Piper is an international law firm, and I’ll be helping on pro bono human rights cases and implementing the firm’s Pro Bono Strategic Plan in Continental Europe.”
Taylor Machikas Willard married Jon Willard in May 2016 on Bald Head Island, N.C. The couple now lives in Chapel Hill. Taylor graduated with an MBA in December 2016. Harrison Riggs married Carlee Fowler on October 9, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee.
2008 Taylor Rankin, Lauren Miller and Casey Stevenson tfr813@aol.com lauren.m.wieczorek@gmail.com ccs32@duke.edu
D.J. Dover shares, “Sadly I no longer travel; I was hired last year by the FAA and spent quite some time waiting for a class date for initial training in OKC. After about four months of training, I graduated and was placed at Erie Tower to start my career.”
Ryan Sandman writes, “I am still in D.C. getting my masters in sports management at Georgetown University which I am on track to finish up in the spring. I recently started working part-time for the Washington Capitals on their game day staff which I am enjoying immensely. As always, if you are in the D.C. area and want to catch up definitely let me know.” Kat Simmons says, “Hey y’all. My fiancé and I live in Raleigh. We had our daughter Luna on Memorial Day and are getting married in February. I am currently working at WakeMed part-time but am going back full-time soon. Hope everyone is doing well!”
Anna Hunter Underwood writes, “I’m a newlywed! Cody and I were married on October 15th at Fearrington Village. We had an awesome honeymoon in Hawaii and have settled here in Raleigh. I still work at the District Attorney’s Office downtown as a legal assistant in the general felony (screeners) unit. Cody works for an accounting firm. If you need some tax help, he’s your man! We have a 16-year-old yorkie, five fish and love playing aunt and uncle to our niece and nephews.”
Rachel Wrenn writes, “I graduated from NCSU in 2012 with a B.S. in meteorology and have been a marine meteorologist for Wilkens Weather Technologies (A Rockwell Collins Company) since the start of 2013. We support the global oil and gas industry, providing weather forecasts, severe weather alerts, tropical cyclone information, and occasionally onsite consultation directly aboard an offshore oil platform. We’re a 24/7 operation located in Houston, Texas. However, I’ve been doing my job remotely from Oklahoma since 2014, when my boyfriend (also a meteorologist) decided to pursue a good opportunity here. The East Coast is home to both of us, so we hope to move back that way soon...before we see any tornadoes up close. Right now, I’m on maternity leave, taking good care of our 7-weekold daughter, Holly. I’ve enjoyed reading everyone’s updates! Keep them coming!”
JENNIFER REDDISH BUCKLEY ’06, husband Jon and sons Grayson and Landon
Casey Stevenson shares, “Since graduating college in 2012, I’ve stayed at Duke working in their athletic department in a few different areas — first with the men’s basketball team, then with the athletic director, and lastly with the development/fundraising department. In July of this past year, I left Duke to work for a small software company in Durham called Teamworks. We partner with college and professional teams to help streamline their operation through our platform and mobile app, which has proven to be a real need in college and professional athletics. On top of that, I am helping back at Ravenscroft as an assistant coach for the varsity boys basketball team, which has been a blast.”
2009 Kathryn Fogartie, Jack Greenberg and Sallie King
BYRON RANSOM ’06 and wife Sonali at their wedding on June 3, 2013 in India
HANNAH MARGARET LINDQUIST ’06 and PATRICK CLARE ’06 were married in October 2016
katfogartie@gmail.com jack.d.greenberg@gmail.com shking@email.unc.edu
Travis Frank writes, “I am living in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, and currently working as a Transportation Broker for the Allen Lund Company.”
Brittany Atwater became the assistant basketball coach for the Guilford College Quakers in fall 2016. She played collegiately while a student at Guilford. In May of 2016, Atwater graduated with her master’s degree in sports management from Wingate University.
Ryan Kelly and wife Lindsay welcomed their daughter, Tess Eden, on December 28, 2016.
KAT SIMMONS’s ’08 five-month-old daughter, Luna Spring 2017
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CLASS NOTES
2011 Patrick Bailey, Zaki Haidary and Allie Withers Jpb693@gmail.com zakihaidary@gmail.com alliewithers@gmail.com
Austin Colquitt began medical school at East Carolina University’s School of Medicine.
2012 Angelika Barth, Jordan Jeter and Lewis Stocks
BRIANNA BRYAN ’12 graduated from Wake Forest University in May 2016
angelikagaledesigns@gmail.com jjeter@elon.edu lhstocks22@gmail.com
Brianna Bryan graduated Summa Cum Laude from Wake Forest University as an anthropology major and biology minor. Brianna plans to continue her work and dedication in the fall as an Americorp volunteer in Greenville, S.C., through which she continues her studies towards a physician’s assistant. Corey Garrity graduated from Concordia University Chicago this past May with a business degree and got married this past August 13th! He works for a marketing company called The Pepper Group in Palatine, Illinois, and lives in Oak Park with his wife, Madeline. Once she graduates in May of 2017, they plan to move to California where Corey will attend seminary part-time while he works.
Scott Goldcott will be graduating in December from the University of South Carolina. Winston Holloway transferred to NCSU and plans to work for ESPN or pursue law school following graduation.
Conor Fry is working in digital media and analytics in Atlanta, GA.
Sarah Fritsch graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in the spring and is currently working as a legal assistant in Raleigh. She plans to attend law school in the fall of 2017.
Morgan Stafford is currently attending medical school at Wake Forest University.
Lexy Bader graduated from Boston College. Laura Beacham graduated from Clemson University with honors in industrial engineering and is currently working at LMI Consulting in the healthcare department as a data analyst in Washington, D.C.
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Alex Bowen graduated from North Carolina State University and is currently working for IPREO in downtown Raleigh.
Sydney Bullock graduated from James Madison University.
Dain Clare graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and accepted a position at SunTrust Robinson Humphrey in Atlanta, Georgia, this past spring. Perry Dubow graduated from Davidson College and is working for Cookies For Kids’ Cancer in Charlotte.
Andrew Franz graduated from Washington & Lee University with a degree in business and accounting and is currently working in New York at Deutsche Bank as an investment banker. Melissa Funsten graduated from Davidson with a Bachelor of Science in psychology, minor in environmental studies. She spent the summer in Thailand teaching English for four months before beginning her service with the Peace Corps in Senegal in September 2016.
Lauren Grady graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with honors with a degree in advertising and is working as an account manager for a digital advertising agency in the Triangle, MaxPoint. She married Taylor Robinette in October 2016. Emily High graduated from College of Charleston and moved to Atlanta for work. John Hockman is currently finishing at West Virginia University with a degree in agricultural business management.
Mike Hutter graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in the spring and is currently enrolled in law school at the University of Pittsburgh. Amanda Lampuri spent the spring studying abroad in Western Europe and interned with an event venue in downtown Raleigh, NC this past summer. Caroline Lindquist graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with honors as an environmental major and urban planning minor and is enrolled in an Environmental Urban Planning Program at Berkeley University. Corinne May graduated from Duke University with a Bachelor of Arts in public policy international comparative studies and is working in Raleigh, N.C.
Matt McDowell graduated Cum Laude from Colgate University and is currently building up his “patient care hours” as a certified nurse at Rex Hospital before applying to physician assistant school. Hunter Nance is working at Measurement Inc. in Durham in quality assurance automation. Parker Preston graduated from the University of Alabama in May with a degree in public relations. She is currently in the sports management masters program at Alabama and is in her fifth year as an employee in the athletics communications office. Paige Schafer is currently working as an account executive at Yelp. Josh Silver graduated from Brown and will be attending Harvard Law School in the fall.
Chad Stanback is finishing school at A&T and currently interning in London for DSA Engineering. Parker Troutman graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in finance, specialization in investment management and recently began working as an associate portfolio manager at BMO Private Bank in Chicago.
TR Vernal is a senior at East Carolina University. Tracy Winston graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in business administration and a
minor in Mandarin Chinese and is working for Red Ventures in Charlotte.
Taylor Zaytoun graduated Summa Cum Laude, Valedictorian from the University Honors and Student Athlete programs with a degree in fashion and textile management from N.C. State University’s College of Textiles with a concentration in brand management and marketing.
2013 Emily Bedsole, Bryant Dowd and Thomas Sigmon ebedsole2@gmail.com bdowd1@nc.rr.com thomasigmon@gmail.com
Sydney Allain-Stockton is graduating from Georgetown University in spring 2017 and will be moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan, after graduation to join the sales team at Google.
Margaret Edwards became a student teacher in January 2017. She plans to take ESL classes in hopes of teaching English in Spain after graduation. She loves N.C. State and will be continuing to high jump for the Women’s Varsity Track & Field Team.
Lauren Norris worked at NIH over the summer as an Amgen Scholar doing research on drugresistant malaria. This year, she is continuing to perform similar research at the Infectious Disease, Epidemiology and Ecology Lab at UNCChapel Hill.
Connect with Ravenscroft Alumni! Join the new Ravenscroft Connect social networking platform. Log in through your LinkedIn account to learn about campus and alumni news, find classmates, build and engage with your professional network and volunteer to be a mentor!
Sign up today at www.RavenscroftConnect.com!
Spring 2017
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CLASS NOTES
Alfre Wimberly writes, “Over summer 2016,
JOHN PUPA ’15 studied abroad in China this past summer with NCSU
2015
I worked with the OMAO Small Boats Program, which is a part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), through my Hollings Scholarship. I developed a national emergency oil spill response policy that is currently being utilized nationwide. I had the opportunity to present my work at NOAA headquarters in Washington, D.C., in August. In fall 2016, I studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland, for business at the University College Dublin in the Quinn School of Business. It was great getting to experience a new culture and travel while studying! I have been accepted in the Energy and Sustainability Field Site with UNC-Chapel Hill to complete my environmental science degree in Bangkok, Thailand, for the spring 2017 semester. I wish all the members of the Class of 2013 well!”
Erin Kelly received the Commissioner’s Academic Award for the 2015-16 academic year from the Colonial Athletic Association. Erin is a sophomore at Elon. The CAA Commissioner’s Academic Award gives special recognition to those student-athletes who have distinguished themselves both in the classroom and in the athletic arena. Those student-athletes are members of a team in a sport sponsored by the CAA and have achieved at least a 3.200 grade point average based on semester/quarter performance or cumulative GPA.
2014
Talia Wahl writes, “I’m going into my sophomore
Mary Grady Bell and Humza Rizvi mgbell@live.unc.edu humzarizvi@gmail.com
Kyle Adams was elected President of the IFC, Interfraternity Council at UNC-Wilmington! IFC is the governing council over all 14 fraternities and 14 sororities at UNC-W. Avery Edwards, who is attending the University of Maryland, received the George Boutselis Memorial Award for Letterman with the Highest Academic Average.
Mykayla Perry, Rebecca Qubain and Alex Woodward mperry52@uncc.edu rqubain@purdue.edu awoodward322@gmail.com
year at Elon College; I am affiliated with Kappa Delta sorority, became treasurer of the student organization S.P.A.C.E. (Students Promoting Awareness Change Empowerment), declared myself as a public health major, and will be studying literature abroad this upcoming January in Ireland!”
Rebecca Qubain writes, “This semester, I added minors in classical studies and statistics. I also had the opportunity to travel to the University of Nebraska and the University of Minnesota with the Purdue Reamer Club.”
Boys from the class of 2015 got together over Christmas Break 2016 to play paintball. First row, left to right: Josh Diamond (HUNTER BROUGHTON’s fiancé), ZACK HOFSTADTER, TRAVIS SHAFFER, MITCHELL STUMPO, JACK DEMPSTER, JOHN PUPA, MEL BROUGHTON, friend of Ravenscroft alumni and WILL FARROW. Behind Will: JACK PHILLIPS, SAM SOUTHERLAND. Second row, left to right: MCLEAN VOELKEL, WES STROUD, ANDRZEJ RICHARDSON, JOHN FLANDERS, JACK VAN LOKEREN. Back: JOHN BAILEY
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John Pupa spent 10 weeks over the summer with NCSU Study Abroad’s Physical Chemistry & Research Program in Hangzhou, China.
licans and Alpha Epsilon Delta — the Health Pre-Professional Honor Society.”
2016
ics and have joined the Gamecock Barbell Club (bodybuilding & fitness club).”
Henry Atkeson, Emerson Burkhardt, Megan Ragusa, Lucy Russell and Zoe Strafford-Price
Stratton Lindenmuth writes, “I’m pledging Pi Kap-
henry.atkeson@gmail.com burkhardt.emerson@gmail.com meragusa@yahoo.com lucyrussell414@gmail.com zstraffordprice@gmail.com
Drew Davis shares, “I’m on the Varsity Lacrosse
Cole Kennedy writes, “I’ve decided to major in neuroscience. Football is still in season for me, so no free time yet to join clubs. I wake up at 5:30 a.m. Tuesday-Friday to lift from 6-7 a.m., classes, then practice from about 4-6:30 p.m. I’m redshirting this year, so I have four years of eligibility left. Really enjoying being a college athlete though the hard work is worth it. Hope you are all doing well! Except Henry he needs to come back down south.” Ellie Knudsen writes, “College is great! I am in the Operation Smile Club and the Environmental Action Club! Also, I love being in Baltimore!”
Gage Czito says, “I study a lot at Boston College and am planning on majoring in math.”
Lauren Walsh was crowned Miss Garner 2017. Evan Grimes shares, “I am majoring in mathematical decision sciences and computer science. I’m on the Club Ultimate Frisbee Team, leading a Bible Study, and I’m in Tar Heel Rifle and Pistol Club! I’m applying to be a mission trip leader next summer with TEAMEffort missions, where I’ll lead worship, VBS camps for children in the areas we serve in, and help with mission projects like building/repairing houses, running community events, etc.”
Ahmad Ratliff writes, “I’m still a BFA Musical
Blake Beckstrom says, “I’m majoring in econom-
pa Alpha and really enjoying it. I’m currently undecided on my major.” team and planning on majoring in sports business.”
Will Bird writes, “I’m on the club lacrosse team, and I’m going to be an economics major and pre-law. I’m planning on rushing a fraternity in the spring.”
Will Reddin says, “I’m pledging Kappa Sigma fraternity and planning on majoring in marketing.”
Jack Newall writes, “I’m on the lax team and then I’ll probably major in either business or communications/marketing.”
Warren Myers shares, “I’m currently in a leadership group at Hampden-Sydney and planning on majoring in business or econ.”
Bradley Conley writes, “I’m currently rushing Phi Kappa Psi. I’m a member of the Fly Fishing Club here at UC-Boulder, and I’m planning on majoring in marketing.”
Troy Jones shares, “I’m pledging Oozma Kappa, playing lacrosse, and want to major in business.” Chase Storch writes, “I am in ROTC, the flyfishing club, and club lacrosse team and planning on majoring in business/econ.”
Robert Cooley writes, “I’m in Promise Committee which provides sober drivers, club lax, club soccer and club ice hockey. I’m majoring in economics.”
Theatre Major at Florida State University. I finished All Shook Up in the fall, going to be doing Music Man in the winter and then Beauty and The Beast in the spring!”
Tommy Corchiani writes, “I’m on the Varsity Basketball Team, managing my startup Oakwood Outfitters and planning on majoring in journalism.”
Connor Ramsden shares, “I’ve decided to major in game theory, and I’m completing an Emerging Leaders Program, writing articles for The Odyssey Online @Champlain and playing League of Legends for Champlain College.”
Spencer Beller says, “I’m currently pledging DKE
Abbie Green says, “I’m majoring in public health on a pre-nursing track. I joined Delta Gamma Sorority and am a member of College Repub-
photo
at UNC, playing club lacrosse and planning on majoring in business.”
Kenny Bowling shares, “Everything is going well. I am a bio major set in a two-year pre-pharmacy track. I am also involved in the Pre-Pharmacy Club.”
Save the Date for Homecoming Save the Weekend 2017!
Date for Homecoming FRIDAY, 10/13 Homecoming Weekend 2017! football game
Alumni Association Friday, 10/13: Annual Meeting Luncheon > Homecoming football game SATURDAY, 10/14 > Alumni Association Sandbox Party for Annualalumni Meeting Luncheon families Class reunions Saturday, 10/14: > Sandbox Party for Stayalumni tunedfamilies for the full
line up of activities! > Class reunions
Stay tuned for the full line up of activities!
CLASS NOTES
Emma Dement writes, “I’m a sport management major, and I joined Kappa Delta Sorority.”
Summer Programs at Ravenscroft June 12 – August 11
Menaka Atree says, “I’m planning to be a neuroscience major, and I’m on the pre-med track. I have also walked onto the rowing team.”
Cory Carr writes, “I’m currently a chemistry major, though I’m looking at applying to UNC’s Clinical Lab Science program next year. I’m involved in club swimming, UNC Science Days and UNICEF at UNC.” West Ellwanger says, “I’m majoring in business; I’ve pledged the fraternity Chi Phi; and I’m playing IM Soccer and am involved in RUF (Reformed University Fellowship).”
Learn more and register at ravenscroft.org/summer or email summer@ravenscroft.org.
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Andrew Pruden shares, “My major is history. I am not in a fraternity, but I have all my brother rats in the ratline. Overall I am pretty good. I’m about to do my Army contracting oath for my 4-year scholarship.” Lucy Russell writes, “I am a declared public policy major on a pre-law track. I joined the Tri Delta sorority and am on two committees in our Student Government Association: Professional Development and Carolina Speakers. I am also volunteering for a Campus Y program called Enrich, which teaches English to immigrants.”
Sabrina Earp writes, “I’m majoring in engineering but haven’t decided on a specialty yet, and I’m in the university honors program.”
Emerson Burkhardt says, “I am in the College of
Bailey Mcneill says, “I’m majoring in global studies and planning to minor in Spanish. I’m in Tri Delt, and I’m in boxing club.”
Jonathan Marlowe writes, “I attend Hampton University in Hampton, Virginia. I am currently a pharmacy major and I’m a part of the pre-pharm club.”
Rachel Edwards writes, “I’m currently a biology major on the pre-med track. I work at the Corp which is the largest entirely student run business in the world that only exists at Georgetown. I’m in the middle of training to be a leader for Chi Alpha which is a student ministry on campus and am currently involved in a LifeGroup (small group). I’m on the women’s club lacrosse team (our last game we beat GW 10-1!!!!!!!) #hoyasaxalaxa. I’m on the community outreach board for GU Donors, the George-
From baseball to broadway to rocketry, Ravenscroft offers more than 80 academic, athletic, arts and enrichment half and full day programs for Pre-K through grade 12.
town organization for the American Red Cross blood drives, in charge of finding new ways to get students’ interest.”
Design at State majoring in art + design and I also joined the Chi Omega sorority.”
Zoe Strafford-Price writes, “I am currently double majoring in computer science and pre-business (either Business Journalism, Advertising, or Marketing), with a minor in Spanish. I am currently on the women’s rowing team and Carolina Creed through the Leadership Academy here at UNC. I just finished designing the website for the Australian branch of my parent’s company, and I am looking to travel back there in June. I hope everyone is enjoying their time at uni!”
IN MEMORY Ravenscroft Alumni Office has learned of the passing of:
MATT MCLAURIN ’05 on May 27, 2016.
FACULTY/STAFF
ERIC BOWMAN ’83 on June 17, 2016.
KATHLEEN FAIR, former P.E. teacher, on December 25, 2016.
ELLIOT COPELAND ’13 on June 19, 2016. LEE SANDERSON ’91 on August 21, 2016.
MARY JOSLIN (1922-2016), former French
CAMERON MILLER ’05 on October 2, 2016.
teacher known to her students as Madame Joslin, on June 13, 2016.
ROBERT PATTON ’77 on December 16, 2016.
COACH SCOTT “STUMP” DESHIELDS on
Class Notes as of December 2016
June 23, 2016
REUNIONS
2006 grads gathered at Celeste Allen Chapman’s home in December
Atlanta-area alumni gathered at Sweetwater Tavern in October
Over 60 college-age alumni returned to campus for a gathering in the Finley Center during their holiday breaks in December
Ravenscroft lacrosse players from ‘96 -’16 gathered for a game in November
Spring 2017
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RAVENSCROFT REWIND A look back in time in Ravens history
Middle School Groundbreaking
On March 24, 1970, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for Ravenscroft’s new Middle School. After remarks by Mrs. Jacquelyn W. Stallings, the parents’ representative, Mr. C.A. Dillon, business community representative, BILL MOSS ’79, eighth grade student representative, and Headmaster MR. JOHN TUPLIN, students and faculty watched as dynamite exploded the ground where the Middle School (now Richards Hall) would soon be built.
Lewis R. “Snow” Holding (left), President of First Citizens Bank, his brother Robert P. Holding, Jr. (middle), Ravenscroft Board of Trustees Chair and First Citizens Bank Board Chair and Ravenscroft Distinguished Alumnus, BILL MOSS ’79 (right), eighth grade student representative at the groundbreaking. Robert P. Holding, Jr. was the Chair of the Ravenscroft Board from 1967 to 1974. Lewis R. “Snow” Holding was the Chair of the Ravenscroft Board from 1974 to 1987.
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A Vision Standing the Test of Time “...Education implies not only thorough instruction to fit the student for the pursuits of later life, but the rudiments, the foundation of knowledge. It is here that all impediments are removed, the bridges erected…”
— Rev. Dr. Richard S. Mason, Rector, Christ Church 1836
Dr. Josiah Ogden Watson had a vision for the teaching of young minds and a passionate belief in education. Dr. Watson, a parishioner at Christ Church, left $5,000 in his estate plans in 1862 to start a church school that would later become Ravenscroft. The Josiah Ogden Watson Society was established to honor and recognize those individuals who have included Ravenscroft in their estate plans. These individuals believe that a great vision will last the test of time, these individuals believe in extraordinary teachers, and these individuals believe in the path of excellence that is found at Ravenscroft today. Ravenscroft, at its very core, has held that path sacred and guided thousands of young people to lives fulfilled by a love of learning and giving. Help ensure that future generations have the same opportunities that Ravenscroft gave you or your children. To establish a new gift or add to an existing plan, contact Phil Higginson, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement, or Deborah Thompson, Director of Capital Giving. phigginson@ravenscroft.org | deborah.thompson@ravenscroft.org | 919-847-0900
7409 Falls of Neuse Road Raleigh, NC 27615 Return Service Requested
OUR MISSION
The Ravenscroft community, guided by our legacy of excellence, nurtures individual potential and prepares students to thrive in a complex and interdependent world. Summer House by Nicole Mason ’19 Gouache medium on paper Joyce Fillip’s painting and drawing class
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