The Journey Begins at
Riverside RIVERSIDE REVIEW 2020 - 2021
Table of Contents 1
Head of School’s Message
12 The RPDS Class of 2021
2
Board of Trustees Year in Review
13 “All 9” at Riverside 14 2021 Commencement
3 4
Leading the Way/ New Faces at Riverside
16 Honoring 6th Grade Student Achievement
Honoring Our Faculty & Staff 17 Academic Honors and Awards
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Bo Cotton Award Honorees 18 Class of 2015
6 7
Faculty Retirement Spotlight: Dale Child Faculty Retirement Spotlight: Pam MacCulley
19 The RPDS Alumni Council 20 Alumni News 22 Riverside Parents Association
8
The Riverside Rams 23 Cornerstone Campaign
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6th Grade Experiences in 2021 24 Business Partners
10 Riverside Reimagined
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Head of School’s MESSAGE
RIVERSIDE REVIEW 2020-2021
As I reflect on the events of the year, I remain deeply grateful for the tremendous efforts, sacrifices, and contributions of the entire RPDS community. From day one, our faculty and staff courageously opened their hearts and classrooms to receive RPDS students eager to learn, grow, and interact alongside classmates and friends. Partnering with us, our parents supported students and faculty, and contributed to the advancement of our mission in an abundance of meaningful and generous ways. Equally impressive, was our students’ joyful approach to the year. They enthusiastically bounded into the classrooms each day, excited to discover new content and ideas, poised to become the best versions of themselves. With a deep commitment to our values, and with our mission as our guide, we emerged from this historic year energized and optimistic, ready to charge onward with new insight and perspective. We celebrated the many accomplishments and successes brought forth by our school community, even under the most challenging of circumstances. This year’s Riverside Review captures just a few of the many great stories which emerged from the resiliency, creativity, and courage displayed by each member of the Riverside community. In the pages ahead you will see how teachers, students, and parents embraced a reimagined school year in the Riverside Way, how 6th grade students carried forward the work of Project Leads, and how innovation and initiative, which are embedded in our school’s culture and ethos, sparked a movement which gave birth to RPDS’s first mascot. We hope you find inspiration in these stories as they are a reminder of the love and learning synonymous with the outstanding Riverside experience we collectively share. We wish the class of 2021 all the best as they continue to develop their passions and fulfill their dreams. Throughout the year they remained poised, courageous, and open to possibilities. They led the school community with empathy and passion and will begin the next chapter of their educational journey with the foundational traits and skills reflective of RPDS graduates: leadership, curiosity, integrity, moral decision making, resourcefulness, confidence, and humility. This outstanding class leaves behind a special legacy. The wonderful accomplishments of this year are a result of the collaboration of the Board of Trustees, the faculty and administration, and the generous and dedicated families and alumni. The collective contributions of this school community are a tribute to the strength of the RPDS community and the value of this cherished foundational RPDS experience. It is gratifying to know that so many share in this commitment to our students and that the school community remains steadfast in our work to fulfill the mission of “educating the mind, nurturing the spirit, and fostering the development of the whole child.” Thank you, RPDS friends and family, for generously supporting the mission of our school and for partnering with us to provide an exceptional elementary school experience for our children. I look forward to the year ahead as we continue to prepare our children to live, serve, and love others as conscientious citizens.
Ben Ketchum Head of School
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Board of Trustees
YEAR in REVIEW
Brooke W. Rice President, RPDS Board of Trustees
This year I got to watch my own child walk across the stage and collect his diploma and Bible. As the 6th grade class stood to be honored for their hard work and dedication, I reflected on all that RPDS has provided. I’ve watched this group of graduates grow from toddlers to young adults, developing an exceptional educational foundation, an aptitude for serving others, and the confidence to conquer life’s challenges. Each of these students truly embodies the RPDS Graduate Traits. To say that the 2020-2021 school year was a challenging one would be an understatement. Never did I think when I wrote last year’s letter that I would still be talking about the impact COVID-19 had on our school again this year! While it may have seemed effortless on the surface, behind the scenes, the RPDS faculty, staff, and administration worked tirelessly to keep the school open all year. As we neared the last few weeks of school, they were able to pivot again and invite many of us parents back onto campus for traditional events like The Vocabulary Parade, The Health & Wellness Fair, Flying Chapel, and Honors Chapel. Students were even able to squeeze in a few field trips. The effort and coordination required by the faculty and administration to give these students a big-bang send off will never be forgotten. As I close out my tenure as board chair, I thank Ben Ketchum for his tireless leadership. The last two years were unprecedented and created challenges that we never imagined, yet he remained calm and steadfast in his commitment to his vision for Riverside. I also thank the Board of Trustees, who seamlessly adapted to countless Zoom committee meetings and board meetings. Their commitment to the long-term sustainability of this institution never wavered, despite all the hurdles and distractions. Most of all, though, I’m eternally grateful for the teachers who have worked so hard to create a sense of normalcy for our children, despite wearing masks and keeping their distance. Finally, thank you to our community of parents, grandparents, friends, and Riverside Presbyterian Church for your continued support of RPDS and its mission.
Brooke W. Rice President, RPDS Board of Trustees
Board of Trustees 2020 - 2021 Brooke W. Rice President
Martin S. Harrell Vice President
Colleen E. Haley Secretary & Treasurer
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Jan Andrews (’59) Brad Arrowsmith Joseph L. Barrow Marcela S. Beard Paula P. Brice Jenny Brumback Alicia Buckley Benjamin H. Campen Jed Davis Tommy Dudley, Jr. (’87) Katie Fackler
Stephanie Harden William H. Klima, Jr. (’89) Elizabeth G. Meux Titus J. Pittman John-Paul Saenz John Sapora Jessica Stevenson (’87) Shannal L. Thomas William Trice Scott C. Verlander (’88) Annika Wallace
2020-21 LEADING THE WAY In the summer of 2019, a small group of RPDS teachers attended a 4-day workshop, which introduced them to Responsive Classroom, a uniquely mindful and respectful approach to classroom discipline. With a focus on cultivating students’ social and emotional skill development and well-being, this approach teaches students how to respect and care for themselves, others, and the world around them. The workshop was immersive and life-changing for that group of teachers; they returned to campus inspired, energized, and eager to share what they had experienced with their colleagues. Very quickly, their passion lit a brush fire of interest among their colleagues. By the end of the 2019 school year, our faculty made the decision to become a Responsive Classroom school, embracing the philosophy, the language and the practices and committing to implementing it across every grade level to build continuity throughout the RPDS experience. Undeterred by the pandemic, in 2020, more than 35 faculty members participated in Responsive Classroom’s Introductory Elementary Core Course online and then proceeded, under the most challenging of circumstances, to implement that novel approach in their classrooms. Next year, the entire faculty will be taking either the Responsive Classroom Introductory or Advanced Elementary Core Course right here on our campus! Committed to cultivating the hearts, hands, and minds of our students, our faculty are excited to lean into this upcoming opportunity to further expand their understandings and practices! RPDS Faculty and Staff are lifelong learners and participate in year-round professional development. Here are more examples of our commitment to innovation and professional growth from 2020-21: Dyslexia Training Institute Bal-A-Vix-X
New Faces at RPDS
Association of Independent School Admission Professionals NAIS Strategy Lab
Mike Bradac Assistant Facilities Manager
Booklist Responsive Classroom Workshops
Ashlee Collins Art Teacher
Maci Nazzarini Instructional Tech Coordinator
for the 2021-22 school year
Emma Newton (’08) Learning Specialist
Cody Porche Facilities Manager
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Lu Stuart • 35 Years Supportive, earnest, and a true professional, Ms. Lu Stuart holds a special place in the RPDS community. Lu has been a part of the RPDS community for 35 years and is rightly respected by all. A key partner to the business team and mainstay in the Business Office, Ms. Stuart ensures we are all well taken care of and have all we need to work comfortably without worry or fret. For all who know Lu, this is not a surprise as she is sincere, kind, caring, and patient. Generous with her time and talent, she always puts others first and without fail goes above and beyond to enhance the school community. Knowledgeable, excellent with numbers, and a superb memory, Lu keeps everything in order and tip top shape. Now, at the end of the day, Lu ensures the numbers all add up. However, we are the lucky ones, because Lu adds even more to our lives. We are blessed by her wonderful sense of humor, quick witted comments, and serenity in times of frenzy. Lu has been a tremendous example of living the Riverside Way for faculty, staff, and students alike to emulate for over three decades now, and we are forever grateful for her impact on RPDS.
Donette Snyder • 30 Years Donette Snyder’s conscientious approach to the teaching profession is exemplary, as is her persistence in providing all students with a quality education. Donette has without question proven herself as an outstanding educator with a unique gift to reach the hearts and minds of all children. Donette is a natural teacher and is artful in her approach. It is her keen insight, astute understanding of her students, and her ability to make meaningful connections that distinguishes her as a master teacher. Donette makes it a point to know, understand, and love each of her students. She respects the uniqueness of each as an individual, and they, in turn, have the utmost respect and admiration for her. Donette consistently provides an engaging learning experience and has created a classroom atmosphere that allows children to connect, collaborate, and actively discover the world in which they live. Devoted, compassionate, and kind, Donette is a voice and an advocate for all children and a constant resource for parents and colleagues. The RPDS community is greatly blessed by and thankful for Donette’s steadfast investment of time and talent to her students and the entire Riverside community.
Faculty & Staff Milestone Years of Service 5 YEARS 5 YEARS 5 YEARS Lisa Butler Music and Drama Teacher
Darrell Moench Security Specialist
Jen Edwards 2nd Grade Teacher
Kelly O’Brien PreK 3 Assistant Teacher
Pam Harvey Chief Financial Officer
Carlisle Stone Art Assistant
Shannon Jennings ELC Music Teacher
Lisa Young RITA Assistant
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Amanda Lucas Media Specialist
10 YEARS
20 YEARS
Deana Green PreK 3 Teacher
Gabe Clark PE Coach
Jamie Roberts 2nd Grade Teacher
30 YEARS
Karen Worsham 6th Grade Math Teacher
Donette Snyder Academic Resource Specialist
15 YEARS
35 YEARS
Wally Garcia Hospitality Assistant
Lu Stuart Business Office Manager
Bizzy Wimberley ELC Administrative Assistant
2020 Bo Cotton Award Honoree Isabelle Milne (’80) A true professional is every sense of the word, Isabelle Milne is a natural teacher and an outstanding leader. With passion, zeal, and a joyful spirit, Isabelle consistently demonstrates her mastery of her craft through her ability to make learning relevant, fun, and meaningful to her students. A model teacher and an extremely kind and thoughtful person, Isabelle serves as a shining example of excellent teaching in action. Her engagement of students both inside and outside of the classroom is worthy of praise, and her ability to help each child find the joy in learning is a true gift. A skilled educator and master teacher, Mrs. Milne artfully uses her gifts of empathy, patience, intellect, and understanding to educate the hearts and minds of RPDS students. For 17 years, she has lovingly guided students to think deeply about ideas, concepts, and perspectives. Her desire to help each child develop his or her passion is just one of her many defining characteristics. It’s evident to all who know and teach alongside Isabelle that she teaches from the heart with love and grace. Isabelle has an amazing sense of humor and a wonderful way with people. Her welcoming personality and joyful disposition permeate the learning environment, uplifting all those she encounters. She is extremely supportive of her colleagues, always asking what she can do to be of assistance to enrich the learning environment and all around RPDS experience. Nurturing and empathetic, Isabelle loves her students unconditionally, cares deeply about their personal lives, and supports their social and emotional well-being. She has the natural ability to meet all children where they are and lovingly embrace their uniqueness. Her treasured routines serve as a comfort to her students, providing them with the tools and skills necessary to build the foundations for future lifelong learning.
2021 Bo Cotton Award Honoree Gabe Clark Teacher, coach, and mentor, Coach Gabe Clark is a gifted educator and charismatic leader. He is fun, full of energy and has a captivating sense of humor. In the gym and on the sports field, Coach Clark teaches with clarity and a sense of purpose. His instruction and coaching reflect his enthusiasm and passion for physical education, athletics, and wellness. With a strong moral compass, Coach Clark guides students to make wise ethical choices that will serve them well now and far into the future. Coach Clark values teamwork, persistence, and honesty and works to instill these ideals into the hearts and minds of RPDS students and athletes. With high expectations for each of his students, Coach Clark consistently challenges them to realize their full potential and encourages them to step outside their comfort zone and reach their personal best. Coach Clark outwardly reveals his delight when students find success or even achieve the smallest of feats. Coach Clark is truly a team player, and his contributions to the RPDS community extend well beyond the Rice Sports Zone. From helping to manage arrival and dismissal to assisting with the building of the Flying Chapel stage, Coach Clark is always there to lend a helping hand. A true leader and devoted member of the community, Coach Clark seeks ways to support others and the school. He is great at anticipating the needs of others and going above and beyond to support colleagues, parents, and especially his students. Coach Clark is a key member of our 6th grade Project LEADS team and actively shares his strong faith and guiding principles with our students. His example, set forth in the way he lives his life daily, makes a lasting impression on his students as they leave Riverside and embark on the next chapter of their educational journeys. Coach Clark teaches life lessons that create lasting friendships as his students grow and transition into adulthood, keeping them grounded and often bringing them back “home” to RPDS for a visit. Grounded in his own faith, Coach Clark demonstrates to his students how to be competitive, yet display good sportsmanship reflective of their faith and values. Coach Clark truly embodies Riverside’s mission to educate the mind, nurture the spirit, and foster the development of the whole child each day. 5
Faculty Retirement Spotlight DALE CHILD • ART TEACHER • 26 YEARS After 26 years of service to Riverside Presbyterian Day School, beloved Art Teacher, Dale Child, retired from RPDS at the end of the 2020 - 2021 school year. For 26 years, Dale has gracefully served RPDS as a teacher, colleague, and friend to all. Always leading with her heart and living the Riverside Way, Dale naturally inspired students to reach their full potential and worked assiduously to ensure that each child was known, loved, and recognized for his or her unique gifts. All who know Dale will attest that she approached her role with professionalism, joy, intention, and zeal. Dale’s acumen, encouraging demeanor, and remarkable skill as an educator are gifts that have positively shaped the culture, climate, and student experience at RPDS. Dale will be greatly missed, and we can all share in her joy as she prepares to move to Washington state to be closer to family. At RPDS, we have been fortunate to journey alongside Dale and be reminded along the way to enjoy the beauty in the world, appreciate the arts, and to never shy away from creativity and self-expression in all its forms. Dale will always remain a treasured member of our community. Dale entrusts to us a legacy of which both she and the school community can be very proud. Please join us in expressing our sincere and heartfelt appreciation for Dale’s outstanding teaching and her passionate commitment to RPDS and the many children she has served.
“Always leading with her heart and living the Riverside Way, Dale naturally inspired students to reach their full potential and worked assiduously to ensure that each child was known, loved, and recognized for his or her unique gifts.”
In 2017, Dale Child, painted an adorable chair that was auctioned off at The Sanctuary on 8th Street "Keep Shining Shindig" that year. This piece was one of the many creations she donated to help raise money for area organizations and charities throughout her many years at RPDS.
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Faculty Retirement Spotlight PAM MACCULLEY • 3RD GRADE TEACHER • 42 YEARS After 42 years of service to Riverside Presbyterian Day School, 3rd Grade teacher, Pam MacCulley, retired at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. It is not often one encounters a teacher as thoughtful, creative, and committed to her craft as Pam MacCulley. She taught with empathy, passion, and a keen understanding of the uniqueness each child brings to her classroom. Pam’s experience, kindness, patience, expertise, and great sense of humor are characteristics that not only define her success in the classroom, but also remind us of why she is beloved by all. A natural teacher and an inspiring classroom leader, Pam leaves behind a most wonderful legacy that will be forever remembered here at RPDS. Her positive spirit, professionalism, and keen attention to her students and their individual needs define her tenor, along with her ability to collaborate with parents and colleagues with genuine ease and love. The school community remains grateful to Pam, who has shaped the hearts and minds of hundreds of RPDS students over the years, pointing each one of them in the direction of their own dreams and passions. Pam MacCulley will be greatly missed, and we can all share in celebrating her outstanding career as she prepares to embark on new adventures with family and friends. Please join us in expressing our sincere and heartfelt appreciation for Pam’s outstanding teaching and her commitment to RPDS and the many children she has inspired along the way.
“It is not often one encounters a teacher as thoughtful, creative, and committed to her craft as Pam MacCulley. She taught with empathy, passion, and a keen understanding of the uniqueness each child brings to her classroom.”
Pam MacCulley has taught many RPDS students, including family generations! During her 2nd Grade year, Sarah Howard Cotchaleovitch (’95), current RPDS Finance Assistant, honed her mathematical skills from Mrs. MacCulley from 1990-91. She also was introduced to one of her favorite authors, Judy Blume. Sarah’s children, Peter (’20) and Ian (’24) also both thrived in Mrs. MacCulley’s 3rd Grade class!
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The Riverside Rams RPDS ANNOUNCES NEW MASCOT Last spring, rising 6th graders Lily Indelicato and Grace Ross started discussing with some of their peers the need for RPDS to have a school mascot. Grace Ross said, “We all felt like we needed to have something that represents our school, that would bring us all together, and be something to root for with our different athletic teams.” The group of 6th grade girls devised a plan to email Mr. Ketchum to pitch their idea to search for a mascot for the school. Lily Indelicato explains that “it was a little nerve-racking to email the Head of School, but I knew I had the support from my peers, and we were just so passionate about our idea.” When the 2020-2021 school year started, the group of 6th grade students met with Mr. Ketchum and Director of Upper School Mrs. Prohaska to discuss how to move their proposed mascot search forward. Together, the group planned a mascot election in which they would encourage the entire school to propose mascot candidates, students would campaign for their candidates, and then ultimately vote for their favorite mascot. As the RPDS mascot election began, some of the top candidates that surfaced included the ravens, river dolphins, rams, and raptors. Hand drawn posters began popping up on classroom doors, in the hallways, and all around the school campus. Once the mascot candidates had been narrowed down, every student, faculty, and staff member at RPDS was able to cast his or her vote on the official RPDS mascot ballot. After all the ballots were turned in and accounted for, the school community had to wait for the votes to be counted and the winner to be announced. On May 4th, we held our annual Gratitude Walk, an event where our 6th grade class walks around the school track as underclassmen line the track cheering, clapping, and holding signs to show how much they love, appreciate, and will miss the graduating class. Mr. Ketchum and Mrs. Prohaska thought the morning would serve as the perfect occasion to announce the new RPDS mascot and celebrate the leadership and hard work the 6th grade class displayed in leading the mascot election. As the entire student body created a drumroll, Mr. Ketchum explained that “the winner of the RPDS mascot election is the rams!” The students erupted with excitement and applause. When asked how it feels to see their idea and year of hard work produce their school’s very first mascot, Grace Ross said, “It feels like we did something that really helped our school, and that’s exciting. Finding a school mascot was a way our 6th grade class could leave our mark even after we graduate.” Lily Indelicato exclaimed, “It was something positive in a very different school year and something for our entire school to be excited about.” With the winner announced, the school will spend the summer months designing the ram mascot so the RPDS Rams can be in full force for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year. Looking back on the mascot search, Ben Ketchum explained, “I’m proud of Lily, Grace, and the entire class of 2021 for not only identifying a need within our school, but also for taking the initiative and displaying strong leadership qualities in providing a plan of action and guiding our entire school to this special moment in our history.” 8
RPDS Student Spotlight 6TH GRADE EXPERIENCES IN 2021 The Jacksonville Humane Society Dr. Carla Rodriguez, owner and founder of Pawsitive Healing Rehabilitation and Acupuncture Clinic in San Marco, was treating Nikki Simpson’s dog and explained how much she loves kids and asked the 6th grade RPDS teacher how she could get involved with RPDS students. Ms. Simpson told Dr. Rodriguez about RPDS Project LEADS. Servant leadership is at the very center of the Riverside Way and something RPDS instills in our students beginning in Pre-Kindergarten all the way up to their milestone 6th grade year when they serve different agencies in our community through their Project LEADS service event. In a typical school year, our 6th grade students would go serve different community agencies off campus over the course of three days. However, due to the pandemic this year, students had to get creative with how they could safely serve their community from their school campus. After Dr. Rodriguez and Ms. Simpson talked, they realized they could team up for a new Project LEADS project this year to help animals in need. Back in October, the students made and donated dog and cat beds, toys, heating pads, and cat scratchers, along with other items they brought from home, including collars, leashes, toys, bowls, and food. In the spring, the students continued helping the animals in their community by making more supplies and by painting portraits of their own pets to be sold at the Artisan Market hosted by Dr. Rodriguez’s practice. In addition to RPDS student artwork, the Artisan Market hosted vendors from Old Colony Woodworks, Ingravity Art, Jade Paws, Utter Chaos Creations, and The Cultural Center of Ponte Vedra. RPDS 6th grade student artwork raised $435, and another $365 was raised by other vendors, totaling $800 in funds raised, all benefiting the Jacksonville Humane Society.
The St. Johns Riverkeepers At the end of January, our 6th grade students started walking down to the river to conduct routine river checks as part of their St. Johns Riverkeepers partnership. RPDS 6th Grade scientists tested the water temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, salinity, pH, nitrate, nitrite, and ammonia. The results from the tests were continuously reported to the Water Rangers, a group that monitors the health of water worldwide. Water Rangers' mission is to build the tools to help citizens and scientists easily record and analyze water data so that they can use the data to learn about problems, share discoveries, and engage with their neighbors. Our 6th grade students enjoyed their trips to the St. Johns River and took a great amount of pride in their testing and analysis, knowing they were contributing to the health of our river.
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Riverside Reimagined TRANSFORMING OUR TRADITIONS The 2020-21 school year was a year unlike any other! While we were thrilled to simply be back together on campus, we knew this year was going to look a bit different than previous ones. RPDS faculty, staff, students, and families rallied together and embraced unique versions of our cherished traditions while protecting our school community amid a pandemic. We found ourselves reimagining the Book Fair, Octoberfest, Grandparents’ Day, our Lessons and Carols Chapel, guest speakers in classrooms, and so much more. And while we look forward with great anticipation to Riverside traditions and events returning in a more normal fashion, reflecting on this school year, we marvel at the ingenuity, care, and compassion that all members of the RPDS community displayed to create a memorable year for our students, despite the challenging circumstances. We smile at the wonderful photos of students and teachers from this past year, whether they are dressed as their favorite literary characters for Book Fair week, students enjoying the Octoberfest petting zoo and getting custom “arm painting” done by teachers, and our students beaming proudly with their grandparents on their desks in honor of Grandparents’ Day. Thank you to everyone who helped us “Reimagine Riverside” this year. The Riverside Way was ever-present throughout the school year. We look forward to 2021-22 with hope and optimism. It has never been more apparent that, together with grace and perseverance, we can do great things.
The Book Fair
Grandparents’ Day
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Octoberfest
Author in Resident
Christmas
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Congratulations
CLASS of 2021
Akin Akande, Bolles
Johnny Froats, Episcopal
Isa Ramirez, LaVilla
Langston Bryan, Classical Academy
John Gibson, Episcopal
Culver Rice, Bolles
Ashlyn Bush, Episcopal
Lila Guthrie, Bolles
Konrad Roessler, Episcopal
Mary Veazey Catlin, Bolles
Liza Haley, Episcopal
Grace Ross, Bolles
Grace Christy, Bolles
Max Harden, Episcopal
Lucy Saenz, Episcopal
Harrison Clark, Episcopal
Hudson Harllee, Providence
Rick Schultz, Episcopal
Brodie Colyer, Bolles
Elle Harris, Bolles
Reilly Schultz, Episcopal
Braylon Cook, Duval County
Max Horstmanshof, Assumption
Lainey Sharkey, Bolles
Jayson Correia, Episcopal
Alex Hughes, Episcopal
Ellie Skeels, Episcopal
Walker Creel, Bolles
Lily Indelicato, Episcopal
Lilliana Smith, Trinity
Mary Elle Cronk, Bolles
Sutton Jackson, Episcopal
Bennett Surface, Bolles
Cooper Davis, Bolles
Cooper Jones, Episcopal
Joel Thomas, Episcopal
Greer Davis, Bolles
West Jones, Bolles
Cami Walker, Bolles
Jackson Davis, Episcopal
Kylie Kellogg, Episcopal
Alex Westbrook, Episcopal
Myles Dubnansky, St. Johns Country Day
Nate Leddy, Episcopal
Zack Whitchurch, Episcopal
Mimi Dunn, Episcopal
Gabriella Louh, Bolles
Finn Wogoman, Assumption
Palmer Edwards, Bolles
Blaire Massey, Episcopal
Celeste Wright, Episcopal
Emily Elrod, Episcopal
Zipf Pedrick, Bolles
Michael Ziegler, Episcopal
Madeline Finke, St. Johns Country Day
Kaitlyn Poe, Episcopal
Ellsa Zinn, Bolles
Lucas Forbess, Episcopal
Marco Pulido, Assumption
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Class of 2021 “ALL NINE” AT RIVERSIDE Below you will find the graduation photos of our 20 6th Graders who began their RPDS journey when they were just three years old. From the first pew in Chapel to the balcony, we have watched as these students have grown spiritually, academically, socially, and emotionally during their time at RPDS. We send them on to share all that Riverside has taught them: empathy, compassion for others, leadership skills, global citizenship, and service to others. Our blessings to our “All Nine” at Riverside!
Langston Bryan
Brodie Colyer
Jayson Correia
Mary Elle Cronk
Greer Davis
Lucas Forbess
Johnny Froats
Lila Guthrie
Max Harden
Elle Harris
Max Horstmanshof
Alex Hughes
Gabriella Louh
Kaitlyn Poe
Marco Pulido
Culver Rice
Lainey Sharkey
Ellie Skeels
Bennett Surface
Michael Ziegler
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Class of 2021 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY On Friday, May 21st, Riverside Presbyterian Day School celebrated 59 graduates from the Class of 2021. The commencement ceremony was held outside on the Rice Sports Zone and welcomed faculty, staff, graduates, and their families to gather together to honor our graduates, reflect on the students’ journey at RPDS, and encourage them as they move on to the next chapter. This year’s graduating class boldly faced adversity and unlikely circumstances and rose as leaders of the school, modeling resiliency, ingenuity, love, and light for the entire Riverside community. Congratulations to the Class of 2021! “Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
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Educational
EXCELLENCE Honoring 2021 Student Achievement
Alex Hughes
Highest Academic Distinction
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Greer Davis, Palmer Edwards & Madeline Finke High Academic Distinction
Lily Indelicato, Gabriella Louh & Ellie Skeels Academic Distinction
Ellen Millar Award for Excellence in Writing
Elizabeth Martinson Poetry Award
Grace Ross
Langston Bryan
Long-time RPDS language arts teacher, Ellen Millar, was known and respected by her students and colleagues as a professional who expected the best effort that each had to give. She guided her students through the writing process with care and patience and taught them how to write with clarity and expression. This year’s award was presented to 6th Grader Grace Ross, whose writing reflects excellence in the elements of written thought and expression.
The Elizabeth Martinson Poetry Award fosters an ongoing love of poetry at RPDS and annually honors a student who has demonstrated an excitement for learning, appreciating, and/or interpreting poetry during their years at RPDS. This year, the award was presented to 6th Grader Langston Bryan.
Barnabas Award for Christian Spirit
Andrew L. Clarke Music Performance Award
Braylon Cook
Gabriella Louh
In scripture, Barnabas is mentioned as a trusted Christian friend, encourager, mentor, and evangelist. Braylon Cook, recipient of the 2021 Barnabas Award for Christian Spirit, emulates Barnabas by consistently recognizing the perfect time for a helpful word, a hand to share life’s load, and a prayer of encouragement when it’s needed most. His encouraging spirit is an inspiration to fellow students, faculty, family, and friends.
The Andrew L. Clarke Music Performance Award is given in honor of long-time RPC organist Andrew Clarke, to cultivate an ongoing excitement for and love of individual music performance at RPDS. The 2021 award was given to 6th Grader Gabriella Louh, who demonstrates an accomplished foundation for studying, appreciating, and performing musical compositions through private study and in music classes at RPDS.
Academic *High Academic Honors
5th Grade
Houston Abney Margaret Arrowsmith* Phebe Ball* Sam Barksdale* Mitchell Blanks Mallie Brackin Audrey Brice* Kate Brice* Sophia Butler Kline Cummings Austin Davis* Emily Day* Caroline Edwards* Chase Fallucco Evan Finn
U.S. PRESIDENTIAL AWARD FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE 6th Grade Langston Bryan Grace Christy Harrison Clark Brodie Colyer Cooper Davis Greer Davis Palmer Edwards Madeline Finke Lucas Forbess Lila Guthrie Liza Haley Max Harden Alex Hughes Lily Indelicato West Jones Nate Leddy Gabriella Louh Zipf Pedrick Kaitlyn Poe Konrad Roessler Grace Ross Reilly Schultz Rick Schultz Lainey Sharkey Ellie Skeels Lilliana Smith Bennett Surface
2020-21 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHY BEE CHAMPION 5th Grade Sam Barksdale
Robbie Gillis* John Charles Gonzalez Jackson Guthrie Chloe Hodges* Jimmy Hunt Emmy Jackson Hayden Jones* Stella Krueger* Evelyn Leddy* Chad Lee Daniel Lopez Candler Lott John McKenzie Tyler Murphy Abigail Naugle Kinley Nelson* Ellana Parker
2020-21 SPELLING BEE CHAMPION 5th Grade Phebe Ball
ART 6th Grade Langston Bryan Mary Veazey Catlin Palmer Edwards Lila Guthrie Elle Harris Lily Indelicato Cooper Jones West Jones Blaire Massey Marco Pulido Culver Rice Grace Ross Lainey Sharkey Joel Thomas Cami Walker Alex Westbrook Ellsa Zinn
CHINESE 5th Grade Phebe Ball Emily Day Evan Finn Robbie Gillis Evelyn Leddy Ellana Parker 6th Grade Akin Akande Greer Davis Madeline Finke Lucas Forbess Gabriella Louh Grace Ross
Chloe Pittman Taylor Spencer Ella Springer* Weston Taylor Ellie Weidlich Charlotte Verlander* London Willmott
HONORS Cooper Davis Greer Davis* Myles Dubnansky Mimi Dunn Palmer Edwards* Madeline Finke* Lucas Forbess Johnny Froats John Gibson Lila Guthrie* Liza Haley* Max Harden Hudson Harllee Alex Hughes* Lily Indelicato* Sutton Jackson Cooper Jones
West Jones Kylie Kellogg* Nate Leddy Gabriella Louh* Blaire Massey Zipf Pedrick Kaitlyn Poe Konrad Roessler Grace Ross* Lucy Saenz Rick Schultz Reilly Schultz Lainey Sharkey Ellie Skeels* Lilliana Smith Alex Westbrook Michael Ziegler
DRAMA
MUSIC
POETRY SLAM
6th Grade Akin Akande Grace Christy Mary Elle Cronk Liza Haley Max Horstmanshof Alex Hughes Isa Ramirez Grace Ross Reilly Schultz Bennett Surface Ellsa Zinn
5th Grade Houston Abney Margaret Arrowsmith Phebe Ball Sam Barksdale Audrey Brice Sophia Butler Emily Day Emmy Jackson Stella Krueger Kinley Nelson Ella Springer 6th Grade Langston Bryan Mary Veazey Catlin Braylon Cook Jackson Davis Mimi Dunn Palmer Edwards Emily Elrod Madeline Finke Hudson Harllee Lucy Saenz Lilli Smith
6th Grade Langston Bryan Palmer Edwards Lila Guthrie Alex Hughes Gabriella Louh Isa Ramirez Grace Ross
6th Grade Langston Bryan* Mary Veazey Catlin Grace Christy Harrison Clark Braylon Cook Jayson Correia Walker Creel
LANGUAGE ARTS 5th Grade Sam Barksdale
MATH 5th Grade Kate Brice 6th Grade Mary Elle Cronk Liza Haley Max Horstmanshof Bennett Surface Cami Walker Zack Whitchurch Celeste Wright
PHYSICAL EDUCATION 5th Grade Isabella Borghese John Charles Gonzalez John McKenzie Kinley Nelson 6th Grade Ashlyn Bush Braylon Cook Greer Davis Mimi Dunn Palmer Edwards Johnny Froats Elle Harris Rick Schultz Finn Wogoman
SCIENCE 6th Grade Liza Haley
SPANISH 5th Grade Sam Barksdale Audrey Brice Kate Brice Caroline Edwards Chase Fallucco Chloe Hodges Emmy Jackson Stella Krueger Kinley Nelson 6th Grade Langston Bryan Palmer Edwards Alex Hughes Kylie Kellogg Ellie Skeels
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Congratulations
CLASS of 2015
Amelia Barakat, University of the South
Jack Jenkins
Chloe Shaw, Florida State University
Sally Barksdale, Harvard University
Kelly Jenkins, East Tennessee State
Hazen Sherlock, University of South Florida
Macie Barron, Auburn University
Sara Kasierski, Eckerd College
Anna Kate Smith, University of Florida
Abby Beaver, Eckerd College
Julia Kato, American University
Ella Smith, Tallahassee Community College
Isabel Blanton, Samford University
Nicholas Leibinger
Emily Spinning, Texas Christian University
Shelton Clark, Central Florida University
Ford Milne, Auburn University
Kelsey Stankard, Tulane University
Katherine Creveling, Florida State University Cynthia Montgomery, Lewis & Clark
Jalen Sullivan, University of Central Florida
Meagan Donovan, Washington and Lee Olivia Nolan, University of South Florida
Michael Teal, University of Kansas
Nick Elksnis, Univeristy of Florida
John Nowicki, Appalachian State
Shelby Thomas, Virginia Tech
Katherine Enoch, Florida State University
Winnie Pajcic, University of the South
Isabella Wright, University of Virginia
Whitney Fix, Samford University
Gabe Pearson, Palm Beach State
Anna Wulbern, University of the South
Hannah Goldfield, University of Richmond
Lilah Philips, Appalachian State
Elizabeth York, Univeristy of North Carolina
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Kurt Greiner, Sante Fe College
Isabel Ritch, Southern Methodist University
RPDS Alumni INTRODUCING THE RPDS ALUMNI COUNCIL As RPDS begins its 73rd year in 2021, alumni programming has become an important emphasis in response to the School’s strategic plans centered on strengthening a stronger community. With effective volunteer support from many RPDS alumni led by Sally Regitko Smith (’89), a revitalized alumni council has been formed to foster greater communication among alumni and to design and execute events and programs that will encourage effective RPDS alumni engagement. Comprised of Alumni Class Representatives and additional RPDS Alumni, one of the first actions of the Alumni Council is to collect current contact information for all RPDS alumni in order to share the latest news about the School. Current Class Representatives of the Alumni Council are:
Class of 1979
Class of 1997
Trudi Miller Lockwood tlockwood@rpds.com
Annie Longenecker Roberts annie.roberts@me.com
Class of 1980 Fran Moomaw Wulbern fwulbern@rpds.com
Class of 1981 Stephanie Risley Milne smilne@rpds.com
Class of 1984 Mark Cotton markcotton@mindspring.com
Class of 1986
Class of 1987 Jessica Stevenson jstevenson@rpds.com
Class of 1989 Sally Regitko Smith alumni@rpds.com
Class of 1994 Sara Milton Leutzinger sara.leutz@gmail.com
Class of 1995 Sarah Howard Cotchaleovitch scotchaleovitch@rpds.com
Sally Ball Sharp sallyballsharp@yahoo.com
Class of 2000 Lesley Marchman Gittings lesleym1287@yahoo.com
Class of 2015 Olivia Nolan g8olivia@icloud.com
Class of 2017 Natalie Rabil rabilna01@esj.org
Class of 2020 Emily Stevenson emkast11@icloud.com
In addition to assisting the Advancement Office through providing alumni contact information, the Alumni Council plans fellowship events for all RPDS alumni. An upcoming event, an Alumni and Former Faculty/Staff Reunion is scheduled for Thursday, October 28, which will include a special chapel program followed by campus tours conducted by 6th grade students and a light lunch. Alumni Council member and current RPDS parent Annie Longenecker Roberts (’97) is chairing this event, along with a committee of alumni, former faculty, and staff. Please connect with any member of the Alumni Council to assist with this and future programs or to serve as a Class Representative. We look forward to growing our alumni engagement programs and staying in touch with all RPDS Alumni.
Calling All RPDS Alumni • Stay In Touch Want to connect with your alma mater? Please do so by visiting www.rpds.com/connect/alumni and filling out the form! We will be in touch with you about RPDS happenings and upcoming events. 19
RPDS Alumni ALUMNI NEWS 1989
2002 Sally Regitko Smith and husband, Steve, welcomed their son, Grainger Breen Smith, on September 13, 2020. Sally and Steve reside in Jacksonville, and Sally spends her time with Grainger and tutors and volunteers at RPDS in alumni relations.
1994 Sam Hyde Geisler was named one of the Jacksonville Business Journal's 40 Under 40 this year. Sam serves as the Executive Director of Admission & Enrollment at Episcopal, and she and her husband Erich stay busy at home with their children Emma (3) and Henry (1).
2001 Tanner Stiehl accepted his J.D. and LL.M. in maritime law at the University of Miami. He follows in the footsteps of his great-grandfather and great-great grandfather, who were the University of Miami Law School's first two deans. Upon graduation, Stiehl returned to active duty in the Coast Guard where he is working as a staff attorney for the Seventh District Legal Office in Miami. He has also attained a Masters in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from UF. 20
Emily Child Grove and her husband, Tyler, announced the birth of their second son, Chase Marshall Grove, joining his brother, Carson, in Washington near Seattle. Emily is the Controller at The Tuna Store, LLC. Our beloved Dale Child, mother of Emily, has retired from RPDS and she and her husband will be moving to Washington state to be near their grandchildren.
2002 Max Glober and his wife Emily welcomed their son, August Glober, on January 15, 2021. Max is the Director of Marketing for First Coast Energy, LLP and a commissioner on the Jacksonville Historic Preservation Commission. After RPDS he went on to attend The Bolles School, The College of William and Mary, and The University of South Carolina School JD/MBA program.
2006 Caitlin Putnal Beye married Michael Beye on January 2, 2021 and they now reside in Ocala. Caitlin will be teaching 4th Grade and admits “Mrs. Nash had me excited for reading to my class!”
2006
2008 Celeste Glober Kelly, attended Wellesley College, then the University of Texas School of Law. She now works in Houston, Texas at Hunton Andrews Kurth working in the Public Finance practice group. She married Cameron Kelly at St. Mary Cathedral in Austin, Texas in 2020.
Patrick Glover recently completed his first year of medical school at Emory University.
2011 Christian Glover graduated summa cum laude from the College of Business at Florida State University.
2006 Kyle Sanchez graduated from Stanton Magna Cum Laude in 2013, UCF with a BS in Biology in 2017, and from UCF College of Medicine in 2021. He is starting an anesthesia residency at Harvard Massachusetts General this July. Kyle married Jeremy Kalina this year.
2007 Alyssa Sanchez Saxton graduated from the IB program at Stanton Prepartory School in 2014 and graduated from FSU with a BS in Biology in 2018. Alyssa is attending UF College of Medicine with a graduation date of 2022 and plans to go to Pediatric residency after that. Alyssa married Michael Saxton in 2018.
2015 Chloe Shaw graduated from Bishop Kenny High this year. She will be attending FSU. She was instrumental in helping her team win the first Women’s State Soccer title for Bishop Kenny. Her best RPDS memories are from the 6th Grade trip to Washington DC, the coaches singing the birthday song, field trips, and playground time.
2019 The following RPDS Class of 2019 graduates were awarded the following end of the year middle school athletic awards from Episcopal this May: The Peter Ober Sportsmanship: Hattie Todd Athlete Scholar: Bella Villano Best in a Single Sport: William Moore
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Riverside Parents Association
Welcome 2021 - 2022 RPA Officers With the excitement of the 2021-2022 school year in which parent programs will regain momentum from several months during a challenging pandemic, the Riverside Parent Association (RPA) is eagerly planning upcoming activities and programs. Throughout the spring and summer months, the recent past and incoming RPA leadership began these preparations by assessing its current mission of strengthening the relationships among our current parents and building strong connections between our parents and the School. There are three areas of mission-focused action for 2021-2022: communication, volunteer service, and community-building, in which the RPA leadership and RPDS administration are collaborating in refining the programs in these areas. Through evaluating ways that RPDS parents can become better informed and more engaged, the RPA programs are adaptive and responsive to the ever-changing needs of our School community. We are pleased to introduce the RPA President for 2021-2022, Jennifer Harbin. Jennifer and her husband, Brian, are the parents of RPDS alumnus Stone (’20), and two current RPDS students Max (’25) and Charles (’28). With Jennifer’s long-standing commitment to RPDS and the RPA, she brings extraordinary energy, talent, and wisdom to this vital group of parent volunteers. We are grateful to Jennifer for her willingness to lead our RPA forward during this new school year. Serving as RPA Vice President for the 2021-2022 year is Amanda Jackson. Amanda and her husband, Matt, are parents of RPDS alumnus Sutton ('21), and three current RPDS students Emmy ('22), Charlie ('25), and Cate ('27). Amanda is eager to engage our current and new parents in building a strong community at RPDS and is very interested in gleaning parent feedback on all RPA activities. We sincerely appreciate Amanda's enthusiasm and strong leadership in strengthening the partnership between RPDS parents and the School's administrative team.
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President
Vice-President
Jennifer Harbin
Amanda Jackson
Riverside Cornerstone Campaign Amidst a challenging 2020-2021 school year and through all of the uncertainty that we faced, the volunteer and staff leadership did not retreat but moved forward to advance the mission and impact of Riverside. With a bold vision for the future, we conducted a campaign study to gain insights from you, our families and stakeholders, about proposed campus expansion and redesign. Being encouraged by the positive feedback, in January we launched into the planning phase of a capital campaign to raise $6,000,000. We are pleased to call this important fundraising effort the Riverside Cornerstone Campaign. A strong volunteer team has been assembled of school families and church members to serve on the Cornerstone Campaign Steering Committee. These volunteers will lead the initiative, are already pledging significant support to the campaign, and look forward to meeting with you about the project. To date, more than $1.3 million has been pledged to the campaign! As you enjoy time with your family this summer, please know that these volunteers and key staff will be casting the vision of the future for Riverside and meeting with potential donors. We hope you are inspired to be involved when the time arrives. We will keep you apprised as more details materialize about the project.
The RPDS Report of Philanthropy Please know that our annual recognition of donors to RPDS is not included in this edition of the Riverside Review. We are excited to share a new publication with you this fall, The RPDS Report of Philanthropy, which will have our traditional listing of our donors and will also highlight stories about several of these donors and the impact of their generosity in advancing the mission of RPDS. We hope you will enjoy this new opportunity for us to recognize and express our gratitude to all who help us provide the best educational experience for our students.
Doug Walker
Coming Soon!
Director of Advancement
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Riverside’s BUSINESS PARTNERS We are grateful to our 2020-2021 Business Partners, who share their expertise, in-kind benefits and financial contributions with RPDS. These partners help us provide the extraordinary educational programs that are synonymous with RPDS. Each year, our Business Partners help us reach new levels of excellence in our internal and external classrooms, stages, and playing fields. We sincerely appreciate their financial commitment to RPDS, and we proudly promote these Business Partners to our community. For more information on how to become a Business Partner, please contact Doug Walker, RPDS Director of Advancement, at 904.353.5511, or dwalker@rpds.com.
PRESENTING SPONSOR
GOLD PARTNERS
SILVER PARTNERS
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BRONZE PARTNERS
For more information about the RPDS Business Partners Program, please visit www.rpds.com/businesspartners.
We invite you to visit www.rpds.com/give to make an online donation or to return a donation in the envelope provided. We are truly thankful for your gift to The RPDS Annual Fund and the heart of Riverside!
NON PROFIT ORG US Postage
PAID
Jacksonville, FL Permit No. 659
RIVERSIDE Presbyterian Day School 830 Oak Street Jacksonville, FL 32204 www.rpds.com
