Academic EXCELLENCE | Personal ACHIEVEMENT | WINTER 2020
A MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNAE, PARENTS, AND FRIENDS
21st Century
Education
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Board of Trustees 2019-2020 Officers Dee Williamson Marley ’77HS,Chair Liza M. Roberts, Vice Chair Carter Warren Franke ’75HS ’77C, Secretary Stephen F. Later, Treasurer
Members At-Large Gloria Taft Becker ’92HS (2020), Raleigh, North Carolina Brooks Bell (2021), Raleigh, North Carolina Anna Neal Blanchard ’76HS (2021), Raleigh, North Carolina Martin W. Borden (2021), Raleigh, North Carolina Peter M. Bristow (2020), Raleigh, North Carolina Caren Threshie Camp ’71HS (2021), Alexandria, Virginia Eric W. Evans (2020), Raleigh, North Carolina Lucy V. Fountain (2020), Raleigh, North Carolina Carter Warren Franke ’75HS ’77C (2020), Owings Mills, Maryland Palmer Peebles Garson ’75HS (2020), Richmond, Virginia Mary D. Hinton ‘88HS (2022), Saint Joseph, Minnesota Lynn Cowell Ives ’85HS ’87C (2020), Rocky Mount, North Carolina Earl Johnson III (2022) Raleigh, North Carolina Stephen F. Later (2022), Southern Pines, North Carolina Steven C. Lilly (2020), Raleigh, North Carolina W. Scott Mahoney (2020), Raleigh, North Carolina Dee Williamson Marley ’77HS (2020), Charlotte, North Carolina Janie Swain Molster ’78HS (2021), Richmond, Virginia William C. Monk, Jr. (2020), Greenville, North Carolina Sally Sabiston Pelletier ’77HS ’79C (2022), Baltimore, Maryland Liza M. Roberts (2020), Raleigh, North Carolina D. Ward Russell (2021), Raleigh, North Carolina Sallie Shuping Russell ’75C (2021), Chapel Hill, North Carolina Charles A. Sanders (2022), Durham, North Carolina Maura Moylan Sullivan ’87HS (2021), Durham, North Carolina
Parents Association Representative to the Board Carolyn Fuller
Student Representative to the Board Margaret Ivy Johnston ‘20
(Date in parentheses indicates expiration of present elective term.)
Mission Statement Saint Mary’s School, a community dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement, prepares young women for college and life.
WINTER 2020 | VOLUME 105, NUMBER 1
Founded in 1842 in the Episcopal tradition, Saint Mary’s School is an independent, college-preparatory, girls boarding and day school dedicated to academic excellence and personal achievement for grades 9-12. Saint Mary’s School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, mental or physical disability, or any other status protected by applicable law in the administration of its educational, admission, financial aid, athletic, and other policies and programs. The school does not discriminate against qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, or mental or physical disability in providing the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.
Administration Brendan J. O’Shea, Head of School Tim Healy, Dean of Students Laura J. Novia, Director of Marketing and Communications Leslie Owen, Dean of Teaching and Learning Julie Ricciardi, Director of Development Kim Slade, Director of Enrollment Management and Financial Aid Sally Woods, Director of Finance
Saint Mary’s School Magazine Published twice each year by Saint Mary’s School. Please send address changes to: Alumnae Office 900 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, N.C. 27603-1689 919-424-4000 • www.sms.edu Editor Mary Virginia Swain ’77C Director of Public Relations and Publications mvswain@sms.edu Class News Editor Emory Rogers Church ’74C Contributors: Alex Boerner Photography, Lauren Gerber; Heath Hilliker; Margaret McGlohon ’81C; Laura Novia; Brendan O’Shea; Julie Ricciardi; Mary Virginia Swain ’77C, Brandon Wright Design Heath Hilliker, Senior Marketing Coordinator Printing Metro Productions, Raleigh, North Carolina
ON THE COVER Saint Mary’s continues to balance tradition and innovation in its approach to 21st century education. Read more on page 4. (Vintage photo from the 1967 Stagecoach.)
CONTENTS FEATURES
Teaching to the Future: 21st Century Education Alumnae Outcomes
4 10
IN EVERY ISSUE Head of School Message ............................................... 3 Academic Excellence .................................................. 14 Personal Achievement ................................................ 15 Athletics News .............................................................. 16 Arts News ........................................................................ 18 News Briefs ..................................................................... 20 Calendar of Events ........................................................ 22 Granddaughters Club ................................................... 28 Event Photos .................................................................. 30 Milestones ....................................................................... 42 Class News ..................................................................... 44
2
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Designing learning for 21st century girls By Brendan J. O'Shea, Head of School
If you have school-aged children, you have undoubtedly heard the phrase “21st century education.” Like history itself, the field of education has evolved over time. How students learned last century is wildly different than how students learn today. There are many factors that have contributed to this shift, among them shorter attention spans due to the variety and volume of stimuli children receive today – so different from what their parents experienced years ago. In addition, the skills being sought in the workplace have also changed significantly and educators have had to adjust accordingly. Ever dedicated to preparing girls for successful futures, Saint Mary’s leads the way in the design and implementation of innovative learning environments that provide girls with relevant, hands-on experiences. I’ve long advocated that learning is more effective and engaging if it can be applied to real-world scenarios or used to solve a real-world problem or issue. Knowing how information can be used or applied makes learning more meaningful and purposeful, as does learning how to transfer knowledge to new and different contexts. We can’t forget, however, that some skills just need to be acquired in order to build a foundation from which to work. For instance, a student cannot complete a detailed research paper without a firm grasp of grammar or solve a complex physics problem without a basic foundation of algebraic skills at her disposal. Saint Mary’s continues to excel in giving girls that important foundation, as it also continues to innovate in response to changing student needs.
There are countless ways learning comes to life at Saint Mary’s. In fact, all subject areas utilize a variety of teaching and learning practices to engage girls in their own learning and help them build the key competencies they will need to be successful in this 21st century. One obvious manifestation of how we shape learning for girls at Saint Mary’s today can be found in our Seminar Program which was designed expressly for the purpose of providing real-world applications for the material girls are learning in their core subjects. Another excellent example is the bio-medics course offered through our science department. The semester course starts with the death of a fictional character, and the students use the balance of the semester researching and investigating possible ailments to discover how the person died. Students love the hands-on approach of the course as well as the opportunity to use their own skills to solve the conundrum. Read more about Saint Mary’s approach to 21st century education in this edition of the magazine. Always working to strike a balance between traditional and innovative strategies, Saint Mary’s continues to provide a superior educational experience for girls. We’ve got this!
3
4
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Teaching to the Future: 21st Century
Education at
Saint Mary’s School
Balancing Tradition and Innovation Saint Mary’s School has successfully balanced tradition and innovation since it opened in 1842. While the school’s mission of educating young women for college and life has remained primarily the same for 178 years, the ways that mission is accomplished have evolved with the changing times during the three centuries in which Saint Mary’s has existed. Today, as we embark on the third decade of the 21st century, the focus is on innovation and competency building to prepare girls for an everchanging future. We may not know what tomorrow will bring; however, we are dedicated to giving girls the tools they need to successfully navigate what lies ahead – and thrive. “Our job is not to teach to the now, but to teach to the future,” says Leslie Owen, dean of teaching and learning at Saint Mary’s School. “That is why we have a deliberate and intentional commitment to 21st century learning.”
5
Designing for a New Generation of Girls “The 21st century has arrived,” writes Yong Zhao in the forward to the book, Leading Modern Learning: A Blueprint for VisionDriven Schools. “The once distant future has become our reality. It is time that we delivered a modern education that both meets the challenges and realities of the 21st century.
BALANCING TRADITION WITH 21ST CENTURY LEARNING Saint Mary’s approach to balancing tradition with 21st century learning includes merging foundational competencies with 21st century competencies. Foundational Competencies: Literacy Numeracy Scientific literacy Computer literacy Financial literacy Cultural and civic literacy 21st Century Core Competencies: Collaboration Communication Critical Thinking Cross Cultural Intelligence Growth Mindset New Media Literacy and Computational Thinking Self-expression Self-directed Learning Servant Leadership Social-emotional Intelligence
6
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
“To create a modern institution of education, we have to escape from the past first. We have to look at education with a fresh perspective, a new mindset,” writes Zhao. “This new mindset must be grounded in today’s realities, yesterday’s lessons, and tomorrow’s possibilities. This new mindset must start with the most recent discoveries about human beings: why they learn, how they learn, and where they learn. It must take into consideration the resources we have today, all the learning opportunities that can be harnessed in a globally connected society. It must also consider outcomes – people not only able to cope with the 21st century, but also able to create a better future for all.” A new generation calls for new learning constructs and environments to connect with students, to make learning relevant, and to prepare students for life. While students of the Baby Boomer generation learned in quiet, orderly classrooms with structured rows of desks and a teacher lecturing at the front of the class, today’s Gen Z teenagers have a very different experience. Supported by research about how we learn, the Gen Z classroom is designed to encourage teamwork, communication, and self-directed learning. Students learn in spaces that are open and flexible with desks organized loosely in pods or lounge-style with a teacher roving the room to engage with students working individually and in small groups. This change illustrates the shift from the “old” teacher-centered model of education to the 21st century, student-centered model that values collaboration and multiple modalities for learning. Saint Mary’s spaces reflect this shift. The Learning Hub in Ragland Hall provides a lounge-like setting where girls can drop by to work together or individually; classrooms have many different looks as they are reordered to accommodate various activities; the renovation of the Sarah Graham Kenan Library in 2014 has provided more collaborative spaces and access to the technologies that have become ubiquitous for Gen Z; and the Saint Mary’s Forever Campaign is focused on providing even more 21st century learning spaces for our students. The design of 21st century curriculum and coursework at Saint Mary’s School is also informed by research and learning as well as by what we know of the competencies employers are seeking today. We know that we learn by the acquisition of knowledge, making meaning of that knowledge, and transferring the knowledge by applying it independently, creatively, and fluidly, in a different context. We know that by engaging students more fully in their own learning through employing student-centered practices, they move more readily from acquisition to transference of knowledge, thus
“Our job is not to teach to the now,
but to teach to the future,”
says Leslie Owen, dean of teaching and learning at Saint Mary’s School. “That is why we have a deliberate and intentional commitment to 21st century learning.”
7
...girls require
connectivity, collaboration,
and communication
to learn best.
How We Learn 1. Acquisition Focus on a body of knowledge Emphasize facts, skills, procedures
3. Transfer Apply knowledge independently Use creatively and fluently in a different context
2. Meaning Making Analyze, synthesize, evaluate Make own sense
Source: The Science and Practice of Learning: Board on Behavioral, Cognitive, and Sensory Science; Board on Science Education; Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Education: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
8
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
deepening their understanding and making what they have learned stick. To engage students more fully, the school’s curriculum is designed to give girls choice – cutting-edge electives, independent studies, and real-world learning experiences; and help girls develop key competencies research tells us employers value – teamwork, creative problem solving, self-management, communication, and others. Saint Mary’s signature Seminar Program specifically focuses on competency building through relevant, experiential learning experiences with experts, resources, and organizations in and around Raleigh and the Research Triangle. Seminar topics provide required content specific to grade levels and focus on innovation, communication, social impact, and health and wellness. Girls can exercise personal choice by enhancing their seminar experience with independent study, internships or other school-approved activities. At Saint Mary’s there is an additional component to designing a successful 21st century education: designing for how girls learn. Knowing that girls require connectivity, collaboration, and communication to learn best, Saint Mary’s educators provide ample opportunities for girls to work in teams, exchange ideas, and build relationships. Creating a safe learning environment is also critical for girls who often struggle under the pressure of perfection. At Saint Mary’s, part of a girl’s 21st century educational experience includes making mistakes and being able to try and fail without fear. This environment encourages risk taking, builds resilience, and inspires creativity – all valuable competencies.
Finding the Balance While incorporating 21st century learning into Saint Mary’s curriculum and educational experience is critical to fulfilling the school’s mission to prepare girls for college and life, so too is striking a balance between traditional and 21st century educational components. By intentionally designing learning to build both foundational competencies like literacy and numeracy, and 21st century competencies like collaboration and cross-cultural intelligence, Saint Mary’s School provides a curriculum and learning experience that is • student/learner-centered, • relevant, • designed to achieve knowledge transfer, • personalized, and • focused on just-in-time learning. Times may change; educational models may evolve, but Saint Mary’s School remains constant in its commitment to giving girls what they need to confidently serve and shape their world. Laura Novia, Leslie Owen, and Mary Virginia Swain '77C contributed to this article.
9
10
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Alumnae Outcomes
By Mary Virginia Swain '77C, director of public relations and publications
For 178 years, Saint Mary’s School has been preparing young women for lives of meaning and intention. With every generation, Saint Mary’s alumnae have taken on challenges, overcome obstacles, forged new paths, and made myriad differences, big and small, in the lives of their families and communities. Today, Saint Mary’s School continues to prepare young women for the opportunities of their day with an educational experience designed expressly for girls – one that guides them in the development of key competencies, supports them in their individual aspirations, inspires them with confidence in their future, and transforms them into young women of intelligence, integrity, and purpose. From innovative classroom and real-world learning experiences to lifelong friendships with peers and faculty alike, the Saint Mary’s experience is like no other. The following pages highlight the journeys of a handful of recent Saint Mary’s alumnae and illustrate how Saint Mary’s gives every girl the foundation she needs to build a future of her choosing.
Kendall Hamilton ’15
Graduate Student/HBCU Fellowship Recipient, Columbia University, New York, NY Kendall Hamilton ’15 entered Columbia University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences in the fall of 2019 with a sense of confidence and a litany of achievements that earned her a full scholarship to pursue a master of science in strategic communications through Columbia’s HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) Fellowship program. “This fellowship is granted to only 20 graduates of select HBCUs every year, so I feel extremely blessed to have been awarded such an amazing educational experience in New York City,” says Kendall. “The fellowship aims to be a bridge between the selected AfricanAmerican students and the Fortune 500 companies eager to employ them.” Columbia’s HBCU fellowship is awarded to high-achieving undergraduate seniors selected by partner
HBCUs. Hamilton graduated Magna Cum Laude from Howard University in May 2019 with a B.A. in political science and a minor in strategic communication. At Howard, Kendall was a two-year captain of the university’s varsity soccer team. At Saint Mary’s, Kendall was named for four years to the TISAC allconference soccer team, was named for three years to the North Carolina Soccer Coaches Association all-region team, was a twotime Saints soccer MVP, and was the 2016 Saint Mary’s Athlete of the Year. She was an honor student, a member of the Beacon honorary leadership society, a volunteer for Special Olympics and Helping Horse therapeutic riding program, and a member of the Holy Cross Church youth group.
“Saint Mary’s gave me the confidence to seek guidance from those who inspire while supporting the women who come after. Kendall credits Saint Mary’s School with the confidence that led her to success at Howard University and beyond. “Saint Mary’s gave me the confidence to seek guidance from those who inspire while supporting the women who come after. I am proud to be part of Saint Mary’s alumnae network and love how I gain an instant friend whenever I connect with someone from Saint Mary’s and the bigger world feels so much smaller.”
11
Alexandra Speros ’06
Nurse-midwife and Family Nurse Practitioner Vanderbilt School of Nursing Faculty Practice As a high school student entering Saint Mary’s School, Alexandra Speros ’06 was determined to become a movie star. And, while she was a star of the Pittman Auditorium stage in the musical Nunsense and other school productions, Saint Mary’s theater teacher saw such great potential in Alexandra that she encouraged her to explore her talents beyond acting. “Saint Mary’s allowed me to explore every inch of who I was and who I wanted to become,” says Alexandra. “I was constantly pushed to explore a new or deeper aspect of myself.” Alexandra’s career path led her far from her youthful Hollywood dreams to becoming a rising star in the field of medicine. A 2019 graduate of the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing with a Master of Science in Nursing, she is a nurse-midwife and family nurse practitioner at the Vanderbilt School of Nursing Faculty Practice, working with women throughout their pregnancies, births, and beyond. “As an executive Student Government Association leader at Saint Mary’s, I learned to work with others to advocate for common goals and affect change in our community,” says Alexandra. “I saw first-hand what smart, empowered girls could do. I knew that I never wanted to be in a world where I didn’t have the support and brainpower of women beside me. Now, I work hard to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of women, both daily in my job and on a larger scale for my community and beyond.”
“Saint Mary’s allowed me to explore every inch of who I was and who I wanted to become,” says Alexandra. “I was constantly pushed to explore a new or deeper aspect of myself.” Alexandra didn’t have to look far for a smart, empowered role model. She followed her sister, Lindsay Speros Robbins ’02, M.D., to Saint Mary’s and, ultimately, into the medical field, where they are both advocates and practitioners for women’s health. “I first got to see Lindsay blossom at Saint Mary’s. While she had always been my hero, she seemed to transform into this confident, mind-blowing, powerwoman while she was away at Saint Mary’s. I couldn’t wait to go to Saint Mary’s and get some of what she had found there!” The Speros sisters credit their parents, each other, and Saint Mary’s faculty and friends with shaping the women they have become, both making a difference in the lives of the women, families, and communities they serve.
12
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Lindsay Speros Robbins ’02, M.D.
Obstetrician-Gynecologist, University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital Lindsay Speros Robbins, M.D., says there is no doubt in her mind that the two greatest influences on her life path have been her family and Saint Mary’s School. “My parents gave me a wonderful, solid foundation, and Saint Mary’s gave me the education and confidence to know that I really could achieve any goal I set in my mind,” says Lindsay. “At Saint Mary’s, I learned discipline, independence, how to work hard, and the rewards of true friendship. In nearly every class, with nearly every teacher, I was challenged, pushed, inspired, and nurtured. “As I watched Lisa Yount pour such passion into every dance class, I learned that if you love what you do, it won’t seem like work, and the passion will spread to others. As I watched Katie Floyd get so excited teaching biology, I developed a love for science and the fascinating human body. For the first time, ‘growing up to be a doctor’ was no longer a vague childhood sentiment, it was a firm goal I was preparing and laying the foundation for.” After Saint Mary’s, Lindsay attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a Carolina Scholar, a full four-year scholarship given for academic achievement and leadership potential. She graduated from UNC with a B.S. in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She earned a Master of Public Health from Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in New York City. She received her M.D. in 2014 from East Carolina University’s Brody School of Medicine. She is an obstetriciangynecologist affiliated with the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. She has won top awards and honors for research, residency teaching, presentations, integrity, excellence, compassion, altruism, empathy, and service. Lindsay, a wife and a mother of two young boys, shares a passion for medicine and motherhood with her family, including her father, a physician, and sister Alexandra Speros ’06, a nurse-midwife and nurse practitioner. “The fact that my sister and I wound up in health care, caring for women and welcoming babies into this wonderful world isn’t surprising given our parents’ influences. My mother always celebrated motherhood as the greatest gift, and my father has been so fulfilled and rewarded by his experiences in medicine, so it makes perfect sense!”
Caroline Ward Manning ’06 Hospitality and Events Manager, Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia Caroline Ward Manning ’06 grew up in Greensboro, North Carolina, in a family with a long history of attending boarding schools, so leaving home for Saint Mary’s was a natural choice for her. She stayed busy during her four years at Saint Mary’s, playing sports (soccer, basketball, swimming) and serving as the student life representative on the Executive Student Government Association (SGA). In this role, she worked with the student life team to plan campus events, a forerunner to her future career. During her senior year at Saint Mary’s, Caroline interned with Quaintance-Weaver Restaurants and Hotels in Greensboro. “That was when I fell in love with the hospitality industry and found that my passion lies in creating bespoke experiences that wow people.” Caroline chose the University of South Carolina for college because of its outstanding hotel, restaurant, and tourism program - one of the top programs in the nation. She received the Banfi Scholastic Tour Scholarship during her junior year, giving her the opportunity to travel through Italy studying wine. During the summer, she worked in the New York City office for Quintessentially, the luxury concierge firm. Her first job after college was with Marriott International in the management development program, which took her to Scottsdale, Arizona, to work for the J.W. Marriott Camelback Inn.
Alex Marshall-Brown ’03 Actress and Stuntwoman
Alex Marshall-Brown ’03 is a Los Angeles-based actress, stuntwoman, and motion capture performer wrapped up in a variety of creative endeavors, both onstage and onscreen. Alex has appeared on network television on HULU, FOX, NBC, ABC, CBS, USA, TNT, and HBO, in shows including Scandal, Modern Family, This is Us, Halloween House: Seven Moons, The Fosters, Grey’s Anatomy, and more. Her film credits include The Oath, Destroyer, The Hateful Eight, No Trace, Pitch Perfect III, and more. She has appeared onstage with the Metropolitan Playhouse and Dog Run Rep in New York, as well as with Ammunition Theatre Company, Taylor Theatre, and other companies. She has appeared as the leading character, Vi Moradi, Princess Leia’s top spy of the Resistance, in Disney’s Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. She has worked as a stunt double for the likes of Kerry Washington, Angela Basset, Jerikka Hinton, China McClain, and others. She is winner of best actress in a short from the Idyllwild International Film Festival and best female actor by the Connect Film Festival.
“Saint Mary’s was a refuge where I could safely expand my interests and independence, test my capacity for grit and growth, and master goaloriented organization,” says Alex.
In 2012, Caroline landed her dream job – clubhouse manager in the department of club operations at the famed Augusta National Golf Club, home of the iconic Masters golf tournament. At the time, she was the first woman hired as a manager in that department, during the first year the club opened its membership to women. Today, Caroline is Augusta National’s hospitality and events manager, overseeing many functions in preparation for Masters week and managing logistics for member events throughout the year.
Alex remembers fondly her years as a high school theatre student at Saint Mary’s, appearing on the stage in Eliza Battle Pittman Auditorium, as well as the holistic educational experience and friendships at Saint Mary’s.
“We should never underestimate the strong network that is represented by our Saint Mary’s family. Utilize those connections to help make your dream job become a reality.”
Alex excelled in many ways at Saint Mary’s on and off the stage, immersing herself in school life as a four-year boarding student. She was a member of Executive SGA as vice chair of the Judicial Board; she served as a prefect; and participated in a sport or a theatrical production every semester at Saint Mary’s.
Caroline, who lives in Augusta with husband Hamp and young daughter Mary Hunter, found her career passion, and that is what she hopes for today’s Saint Mary’s girls. “My hope for Saint Mary’s students is to take full advantage of the amazing opportunities that our school offers. We should never underestimate the strong network that is represented by our Saint Mary’s family. Utilize those connections to help make your dream job become a reality.”
“I remember sharing the Pittman Auditorium stage with Mr. Mason and the other theatre students for Saint Mary’s shows,” says Alex.
“Saint Mary’s was a refuge where I could safely expand my interests and independence, test my capacity for grit and growth, and master goaloriented organization,” says Alex. “I remember the kinetic jubilance as a swarm of red and blue gathered outside the dorms for Sigma-Mu field day, and the laughter that would ripple down the halls during study hall break. Whether it was at formal dinner or movie nights in the dorm, I could scan the room and witness the faces of hard-working young women sharing life experiences, as we gathered for shared activities. These are my Saint Mary’s friends who are still a part of my life today, and those are among the most cherished relationships in my life.”
13
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Saint Mary’s faculty showcase expertise and school programs at educator conferences Saint Mary’s School faculty members showcased their innovative expertise and our school’s signature programs at education conferences this fall in both Raleigh and Baltimore with the North Carolina Association of Independent Schools (NCAIS) 2019 Educators Conference and in Baltimore at the National Coalition of Girls Schools (NCGS) Educating Girls Symposium. “I am proud to highlight these phenomenal faculty in our midst,” says Dean of Teaching and Learning Leslie Owen. “This work represents the level of skill, expertise, talent, and creativity we have in our faculty.” A group of 10 faculty and administrators presented at the 2019 NCAIS Educators Conference at the McKimmon Center at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Friday, Oct. 18. The theme of this year’s conference was, Cultivating Community from the Inside Out. Instructor of Mathematics Ken Beasley shared a project he implemented with his Algebra II class, making math relevant to Saint Mary’s students while creating a design that can be used for multiple purposes. Instructor of English Virginia Boyd and Instructor of Visual Art Teresa Assenzo spoke about an ongoing project that pairs English and art students resulting in creative and profound outcomes. The connection has led to a second cross-curricular course offering. Instructor of English Alison Chernin presented on Saint Mary’s innovative Seminar Program to the conference audience. The presentation
14
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
highlighted the ongoing deep work that goes into this program, now in its second year at Saint Mary’s. The Seminar Program is designed to help girls develop key competencies through relevant, experiential learning experiences with experts, resources, and organizations in the greater Raleigh area. “Seminar integrates what we know girls need, with what we know of the changing world girls will be facing, to provide relevant, forward-looking, real-world opportunities to prepare girls for college and life,” says Dean Owen. Faculty members Rachel Hencher (math), Meredith Primm (residential and student life), and Randall Lathan (English) presented on how to teach implicit bias. The presentation was fun to watch, was full of great resources, and was an exceptional example of designing for learning with meaningful participation from the audience. Dean of Students Tim Healy, Director of College Counseling Morgan Phillips, and Dean of Teaching and Learning Leslie Owen served as facilitators for affinity groups workshops at the conference. At the NCGS Educating Girls Symposium, Leading Girls: Preparing for the Future, held at the Bryn Mawr School in Baltimore, faculty members Ann Marie Davis and Heather Ramee presented Seminar at Saint Mary’s School: Empowering Students for Life. “These presentations to educators at our peer schools are a pride moment for our school,” says Dean Owen. “This gives insight into the talented faculty we have at Saint Mary’s.”
PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT
Carly Rein ’20, Isabel McGowan ’20, and Spanish Instructor Suzanne Narbona
Saint Mary's students receive honors at UNC Languages Symposium Left to right: Wilder Semans ’20, Sofia Cimballa ’22, Aya Wehbi ’21, J’Lah Johnson ’20, Mimi Wellington ’21
Saint Mary's students attend diversity leadership conference As part of its commitment to building a diverse and inclusive community, Saint Mary's School sent a group of five students to Seattle in December to participate in the Student Diversity Leadership Conference. This conference is sponsored by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and runs in conjunction with the NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC). The NAIS People of Color Conference is the flagship of the National Association of Independent Schools' commitment to equity and justice in teaching and learning. The mission of the conference is to provide a safe space for leadership and professional development and networking for people of color and allies of all backgrounds in independent schools. PoCC equips educators at every level, from teachers to trustees, with knowledge, skills, and experiences to improve and enhance the interracial, interethnic, and intercultural climate in their schools, as well as the attending academic, socialemotional, and workplace performance outcomes for students and adults alike. Saint Mary's faculty members Alison Chernin and Meredith Primm chaperoned and attended the People of Color Conference.
Saint Mary’s students Isabel McGowan ’20 and Carly Rein ’20 earned the highest ranking for the paper and presentation, La tecnologia de energia limpia en el Golfo Persico y sus impactos, at the 2019 Learning Through Languages Research Symposium at UNC-Chapel Hill in December. The award was given for excellence in promoting the importance and value of world languages and global studies. The Learning Through Languages Research Symposium is a unique opportunity for high school students across North Carolina to conduct and present research in their language of study. In teams of 2-3, students write a research paper on a topic related to one of four regional research tracks. They present their research to UNC and Duke faculty and language instructor judges in their target language. Eligible students include Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Italian, Russian, and Spanish students, including heritage speakers, at Level III or higher. Students conduct and present research on contemporary issues in Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, or North Africa. The objectives of the Learning Through Languages Symposium are for high school students to: • Learn about a topic of significance to a world region in which the target language is spoken. • Engage in cooperative learning with a team. • Produce informational writing aimed at a particular audience. • Utilize public speaking and presentation skills in the target language. This program is designed to promote student learning in the areas of research methodology, technology literacy, and critical thinking and to encourage the learning of new academic vocabulary.
15
ATHLETICS Saints swimmers sign with ACC college teams Saint Mary’s celebrated national signing day for high school seniors committing to NCAA colleges and universities for 2020, in a ceremony in the dining hall, Nov. 13, 2019. Saint Mary's state champion swimmers Abby Arens ’20 (NC State) and Caroline Crouse ’20 (University of Pittsburgh) signed National Letters of Intent (NLI) to swim for top tier Division I programs in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Congratulations, to these outstanding student-athletes on their college selections.
Abby Arens '20, left; Caroline Crouse '20, right
Abby Arens ’20 named All-American swimmer Congratulations, to Saint Mary's senior swimmer Abby Arens '20 on being named a two-time All-American in the 200 Individual Medley and the 100 Breaststroke by the National Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association. Abby was recognized in assembly, Monday, Sept. 9, 2019.
Saints JV tennis completes undefeated season Saint Mary's junior varsity tennis team finished the 2019 season undefeated at 9-0 with a 6-3 victory at home versus East Chapel High School, Thursday, Oct. 10, on the Eure-Jones Tennis Courts. Five of the Saints were undefeated for the season in singles: Sibley Hash ’23, Kee Griffith ’23, Libby Eagles ’22, Annabel Semans ’22, and Raynor Singleton ’23. Number one singles player Holly Godwin ’22 led the way all season in the top spot. Rounding out the team were Karli Attayek ’23, Mills Austin ’22, Sofia Cimballa ’22, Emma Foreman ’22, Olivia Hodge ’21, Pipi Pi ’22, Margaret Ann Riggsbee ’23, Margaret Scoggin ’23, Lily Uebbing ’22, and Settie Webb ’22. Everyone contributed to this winning season. Congratulations, to Coach Lisa Gwyn and our JV tennis Saints on an undefeated season.
Senior Carly Rein ’20 is horse show champion Congratulations, to Saint Mary's School senior Carly Rein ’20, who competed with her horse, McHenry, in the two-week-long Duke Jump for the Children Horse Show in Raleigh in November. Carly was named “Champion of Week Two,” won the Classic, and was named Grand Champion of the older children's division.
16
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
2019 FALL SPORTS AWARDS Congratulations, to all the student-athletes, coaches, teams, trainers, and athletics staff, on a terrific fall 2019 season, celebrated Thursday, Nov. 21, at the fall athletics awards assembly in Pittman Auditorium. From undefeated seasons to personal bests, from the camaraderie of team sports to life lessons learned through athletics, it was another successful season for Saints athletics.
TISAC ALLCONFERENCE AWARDS Field Hockey
Lizzy Toms '20: All-Conference Kate Garrison '20: All-Conference Eleanor Williams '20: Honorable Mention Eliza Ellerbe '21: Honorable Mention
Tennis
Caroline Lively '21: All-Conference Sally Sandridge '20: Honorable Mention
Varsity Cross Country
Varsity Tennis
Varsity Golf
JV Tennis
Varsity Field Hockey
Varsity Volleyball
JV Field Hockey
JV Volleyball
Most Valuable Player: Chelsea Barnes '23 Most Improved Player: Izzy Kempson '20 Coaches Award: Scarlett Strickland '23 Most Valuable Player: Lily Song '21 Most Improved Player: Ashlee Rasmussen '20 Coaches Award: Gracey Falk '20 Most Valuable Player: Lizzy Toms '20 Most Improved Player: Kate Garrison '20 Coaches Award: Eleanor Williams '20 Most Valuable Player: Riley Bensen '21 Most Improved Player: Tatum Griffin '23 Coaches Award: Lily Finkelstein '22
Most Valuable Player: Caroline Lively '21 Most Improved Player: Logan Krepps '20 Coaches Award: Sally Sandridge '20 Most Valuable Player: Holly Godwin '22 Most Improved Player: Mills Austin '22 Coaches Award: Olivia Hodge '21 Most Valuable Player: Maggie Ambro '22 Most Improved Player: Caroline Garrison '22 Coaches Award: Elizabeth Rucker '20 Most Valuable Player: Ella Guess '23 Most Improved Player: Mimi Peterson '22 Coaches Award: Abby Foreman '23
17
ARTS
Saint Mary's Theatre presents fall production: Decision Height Saint Mary’s Theatre presented its fall play, Decision Height, Oct. 25-26, 2019, in historic Eliza Battle Pittman Auditorium. From the winner of the 2013 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Decision Height is a story about friendship and the complex, though essential role of women in wartime. Virginia Hascall left her home and fiancée to become a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP) and do her part to help defeat the Axis powers in the Second World War. Through triumph and tragedy, she and her sisters in flight suits learn as much about themselves as they do about airplanes. As the war rages over there, the women form a sisterhood that cannot be broken, and Virginia must make a decision that will change her life forever. With a cast of nine vibrant female characters, Decision Height offers a look into an underrecognized subset of American heroes and revises history into herstory. According to Jone Johnson Lewis of ThoughtCo.com, "In the United States, women pilots were trained to fly non-combat missions in order to free male pilots for combat missions. They ferried planes from the manufacturing plants to military bases, and ended up doing much more — including flying new aircraft such as the B-29, to prove to male pilots that these were not as difficult to fly as the men thought!" The play’s promotional poster featured Saint Mary’s alumna Caro Bosca Bayley ‘41C, who was a highly decorated WASP during World War II and award-winning aviator. Ms. Bayley is not a character in the play but is an outstanding real-life representation of the heroic Women Airforce Service Pilots and Saint Mary’s alumnae role model for today’s students.
18
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Orchesis presents fall concert Orchesis Dance Theatre proudly presented its fall 2019 concert, Nov. 15-15. The concert featured choreography by Saint Mary’s dance faculty, Lisa Yount and Michelle Pearson, with guest artist choreography by Valonda Calloway and Natalie Morton. “Orchesis dancers have worked tirelessly since August for this concert, and we are thrilled to present this concert featuring our company of amazing and talented dancers and choreographers,” says Orchesis President Frances Williams ’20. “It is my fourth and final year with Orchesis, and I could not be more grateful for everything this company has given to me. I have made the best of friends and had the most rewarding experiences dancing alongside so many talented artists.” Founded more than 80 years ago, Orchesis Dance Theatre has a long and rich history at Saint Mary’s. According to The Heritage by Martha Sprouse Stoops, Saint Mary’s was, in fact, one of the first educational institutions in the state to teach modern dance. “We are such a strong company this year, and I am so proud of what this group has accomplished,” says Williams. “We hope you enjoyed the performance as much as we do.”
Saint Mary’s Chorale performs for local dementia patients Saint Mary’s Chorale performed at Edenton Street Methodist Church, Oct. 16, 2019, for the church’s Memory Café, an adult day care for patients with dementia, and we’re not sure who loved the experience more – the audience or the singers! “Your girls had such lovely voices,” said Fran Preston, a volunteer with the program. “Our folks really had fun. Clearly, they were in a happy and loving spirit after hearing the beautiful singing.”
19
NEW BRIEFS
The Rev. Dr. Lauren Winner
Saint Mary’s names interim chaplain, launches search for full-time chaplain The Rev. Ann Bonner-Stewart departs to serve as rector in Massachusetts Saint Mary’s School celebrated the tenure of its 23rd Chaplain, the Rev. Ann Bonner-Stewart, with a leave-taking service in the Chapel, Friday, Nov. 15. Chaplain Bonner-Stewart accepted the call to serve as rector at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church in Newton Lower Falls, Massachusetts. During her distinguished 10-year career as Saint Mary’s 23rd chaplain, Chaplain Bonner-Stewart served Saint Mary’s with distinction and devotion. The Rev. Dr. Lauren Winner has been called to serve as interim chaplain, while the search for a full-time chaplain continues. Dr. Winner, an Episcopal priest and associate professor of Christian spirituality at Duke Divinity School, is familiar with Saint Mary’s, as she served as interim chaplain during Chaplain Bonner-Stewart’s maternity leave during the 2013-2014 school year. Dr. Winner was also commencement speaker for Saint Mary’s graduation ceremony in 2016. She thoroughly enjoyed her time at Saint Mary's and is excited to be back on campus. With four degrees including a B.A. and a Ph.D. from Columbia University and an M.Div. from Duke University, Dr. Winner is highly qualified to work with our school community. In addition, Amy Peterson will occasionally accompany Dr. Winner and be a frequent presence on campus. With numerous years of teaching experience herself, Ms. Peterson is an M.Div. candidate at Duke Divinity School. With extensive school experience, she will be a welcome presence on campus and a wonderful complement to Dr. Winner.
20
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
MIDDLE SCHOOL
You’ve got this.
Saint Mary’s offers a series of free workshops for middle school girls again this year. Designed to give girls in middle school the opportunity to build skills, explore new interests, and get acquainted with Saint Mary’s School, these programs are led by Saint Mary’s expert faculty and staff. Unless otherwise noted, these events take place on Saturday morning from 9 a.m. until noon. Here is what is in store for the year ahead! February 15, 2020: Girls in Science with Instructor of Science Katie Floyd. Open to 7th and 8th graders only. February 15, 2020: Visual Arts with Instructors of Visual and Performing Arts and professional artists Teresa Assenzo and Colin Murasko. Open to 7th and 8th graders only. April 4, 2020: Designing your Life for High School for 8th graders with Instructor of English, Academic Chair and Residential Faculty Member Alison Chernin. Open to 8th graders only. April 28, 2020: Dance Master Class taught by Lisa Yount, Director of Dance Programs – choose one or come to both! Open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Tuesday workshops 3:30 - 5 p.m. Please visit our webpage www.sms.edu/explorations for additional details. The link to register for each exploration will open six weeks prior to the event. Questions? Contact the Admission Office at 919-424-4100 or admission@sms.edu.
21
CALENDAR WINTER/SPRING 2020
February 21-22 Saint Mary’s Theatre presents its spring musical, Mary Poppins
April 24-25 • Reunion Weekend 2020 for classes ending in zero and five
February 21-22 Saint Mary’s Theatre presents its spring musical, Mary Poppins
22
January 20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
February 28 Granddaughters Club Luncheon
January 20-21 Admission Overnight and Visitation Day
March 5-8 Alumnae Trip to New York City
January 23 Key Largo, Florida, alumnae event
March 11 The Cardinal, Raleigh alumnae event
January 24 Ocean Ridge, Florida, alumnae event
March 12 Alumnae Share! Career Night
January 28 Smedes Parlor Concert, 7 p.m.
March 30 Book signing and talk with Frances Schultz ’76HS ’78C
February 7-8 Alumnae Council Winter Meeting
April 3 Athletics Hall of Fame
February 18 Smithfield, North Carolina, alumnae event
April 7 San Francisco, California, alumnae event
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
April 8 Los Angeles, California, alumnae event April 23-24 Alumnae Council Spring Meeting April 24-25 Orchesis Spring Concert April 24-25 Reunion Weekend 2020 for classes ending in zero and five April 24 Alumnae Bazaar
May 17 • Commencement
Dates c
for thes e summ er alumna e event s:
May 1 Admission 7th Grade Sneak Peek May 5 Greenville, South Carolina, alumnae event May 6 Columbia, South Carolina, alumnae event May 7 Charleston, South Carolina, alumnae event
oming s
Beaufor
Wilming
t/Moreh
ead City
ton/Wrig
htsville
Nags He
Norfolk
oon
/Vriginia
ad
Beach
Beach a
rea
May 17 Commencement for the 178th session
SAVE THE DATES AND JOIN US FOR THESE SPECIAL EVENTS! For a complete calendar of events throughout the school year, visit www.sms.edu/alumnae. Regional alumnae events will be added to the alumnae web page as they are scheduled. All alumnae are welcome at all events. Print and electronic invitations will be sent. If you do not receive your invitation, please let us know. Visit the Alumnae Events web page for more information and to register online. Contact Margaret McGlohon ’81C, director of alumnae relations, at memcglohon@sms.edu or 919-424-4171 with questions. Events are subject to change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances, and changes will be announced as soon as possible.
23
SAINT MARY'S FOREVER CAMPAIGN
Saint Mary's Forever Campaign Moves Forward With a gift to elevate the student experience, ground was broken Thursday morning, Oct. 17, 2019, on the Victory Bell Pavilion on the perimeter of the Hannah Smith ’12 Quad on back campus. One of the first leadership gifts to support the Saint Mary’s Forever Campaign—the Pavilion has a projected completion date of winter 2020. The Victory Bell was created as a gift from the Class of 2010 from student-athlete Susan Heyman ’10 and her classmates, who wanted Saint Mary's to have a tradition of ringing the bell after athletic victories. Ringing the Victory Bell has become a favorite Saint Mary's tradition. Today, the bell is also rung for personal and community victories of all kinds. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, the new pavilion will provide a permanent home for this campus icon, and future generations of Saint Mary’s students will benefit from the gathering place, outdoor classroom, performance space, and more that this pavilion will provide. “Saint Mary’s has always been all about the student experience and that means learning and sharing in spaces all over campus,” says Head of School Brendan O’Shea. “Thanks to the vision of student-athlete Susan Heyman and her classmates, the Victory Bell continues to be a valued tradition on campus.”
24
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Total raised: As of December 2019 Includes grandfathered gifts
$20,070,124 The next priorities for the Saint Mary’s Forever Campaign focus on financial sustainability through the elimination of the school’s $10 million debt and the renovation and expansion of Eliza Battle Pittman Auditorium. The elimination of debt will enable Saint Mary’s to directly invest resources in its innovative curriculum designed expressly for girls and in other schoolwide programming – transforming and enhancing the student experience in this 21st century. Inspired by the possibilities eliminating debt offers, the campaign has received $840,000 toward this goal since July 1, 2018, and the school is eager to continue securing gifts for this important component of the campaign. The renovation of Eliza Battle Pittman Auditorium will also provide additional resources and relevant learning opportunities for students and program. For generations, Pittman has been a central part of school life. It is a space where students share their creative expression, celebrate their victories, recognize their accomplishments, and grow together in community. The total renovation and expansion of Pittman is estimated to cost $5.8 million. Saint Mary’s is excited to share that to date $2.4 million has been raised towards that goal. Construction will not begin on this project until the $5.8 million is raised. “Opportunities to name the stage as well as the expansion of the facility exist. We want to commence this project within the year so that our students and community can benefit from this important space designed to foster a passion for the arts, provide spaces for collaboration, offer access to new technologies, and more. It is a central location on campus, enlivened daily by student energy. The faster we can raise the roof – the better for our girls,” says Director of Development Julie Ricciardi. “We are grateful to those who have quietly stepped up with their early dedication through leadership giving. This leadership will forever enrich the opportunities available to our girls as they receive an exceptional education at Saint Mary’s.” “We are experiencing an exciting era of growth at Saint Mary’s,” says O’Shea, “and now is the time for alumnae, parents, and friends to engage and support the school’s initiatives.”
Pittman Auditorium rendering, originally shared at Vision Dinner 2019
For more information about the Saint Mary’s Forever Campaign, or to schedule a visit with a campaign volunteer or Saint Mary’s development team member, please visit us or call 919-424-4107.
SUPPORTING SMS
The Lasting Impact of
Saint Mary’s by Lauren E. Gerber
For Sue Battle Moore ’63C, her daughter Heather Moore Thompson ’88HS ’90C, and granddaughters Grace Battle Thompson ’18 and May Thompson ’23, Saint Mary’s is woven into the fabric of their lives. “Saint Mary’s is deep in me,” says Sue. “I first saw the Saint Mary’s ring when I was about 10 or 12, and I decided Saint Mary’s would be the school of my choice. That never changed.” She also says she received much more than a degree. “I graduated from the junior college with a sense of empowerment and leadership potential – as girls still do today. The academic programs, personal development, and spiritual growth found here shape young women’s lives, and it left me with the ability to go out and make a difference in the world. I expect my girls to do the same.”
and then they must rely on themselves for the rest. I know they’ll prosper from doing so because of their Saint Mary’s experience.” The family also believes deeply in giving back to the place that’s given them so much, through board and committee leadership, volunteerism, philanthropic giving, and attending alumnae events. “I saw that maybe 23 percent of alumnae give back, and it makes me sad,” Grace Battle says. “It’s disappointing because I know thousands of women have benefited from Saint Mary’s, just as the women of our family have.”
Heather realized her own aptitude for leadership while at Saint Mary’s. “My potential was cultivated, appreciated, and encouraged here,” she explains. “It was one of those defining moments when I drove into the circle of the Grove. Today, I still feel such a sense of home.” It’s also been a big part of both Grace Battle and May’s lives. “Saint Mary’s is where we grew up,” says Grace Battle. “We came to campus all the time, ate dinner as a kid with my mom in the dining hall, and we’ve attended events. I always knew as I got older, my relationship with Saint Mary’s would grow.” Grace Battle enrolled in the fall of 2014 and was inducted into the Granddaughters Club. She played soccer and field hockey, got involved in student government as student body president, and graduated in 2018. This fall, her sister May enrolled as a 9th grader and says she already knows Saint Mary’s is different than other schools. “I went to a small, private school and then a big public school for 8th grade. In both, I didn’t receive the opportunities I know I’ll have here. I wanted to follow in my grandmother’s footsteps because she’s my role model, and I’d like to see who I can become,” says May. Sue says Saint Mary’s is more than where young women are educated. “It’s where young women grow spiritually,” she explains. “Generations have been given a foundation of skills and knowledge, self-confidence, resilience, perseverance, and a sense of empowerment. You leave Saint Mary’s with a sense of morals, ethics, tradition, and values that will follow you for the rest of your life. That will sustain you and strengthen you no matter where you go or what you do.” Heather and Sue also both believe in the significance of alumnae friendships and lifelong connections to each other. “My hope for my girls and others is that they take advantage of the ‘new girl network’ when they go for an internship or job interview,” says Heather. “Alumnae connections will get their foot in the door,
26
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Heather agrees. “There are so many amazing Saint Mary’s alumnae who’ve have already paid it forward, like my mother. They’ve paved the way for my generation and my girls to do the same. It’s kind of a rite of passage, and it’s just something you should do to help secure the future of this institution.” For Sue, it’s simple. “I’m a Saint Mary’s girl. I was a Saint Mary’s girl then; I’m a Saint Mary’s girl now. I will always be a Saint Mary’s girl.” To join Sue, Heather, and Grace Battle in giving back and creating more opportunities for current and future Saint Mary’s girls like May, make a gift to Saint Mary’s Annual Fund VISION 20/20 campaign at www.sms.edu/give2020.
Boarding at Saint Mary's School a 360° approach
Boarding school offers a unique 360° approach led by a team of educational experts who work together to guide students in academic and extracurricular course selection, college essays, and more. Extended access to campus facilities and additional time spent with teachers and peers further enriches a student’s experience and immerses her in a 24/7 living and learning community where she is known and valued for her unique talents, interests, and life goals.
Student Advisor “Saint Mary’s girls are inspiring…they make coming to work fun; and living on campus creates spontaneous opportunities that are really special.”
Dorm Parent “Within dorm life, I’m developing deep and meaningful relationships with the students. It has been wonderful getting to know more about their passions and interests.”
“As an advisor, I get to know each girl very well, developing an understanding of the bigger picture of her life as well as her academics.”
Nurse “Living on campus allows me to get to know the girls on a personal level and for girls who are away from home, this is an important part of their health and wellbeing on campus.”
Academic Leadership “It is my mission to build the best learning opportunities for our girls. As part of the residential program, getting to connect with the girls outside of the academic day is a huge plus.”
Teacher
360°
The
Head of School
“It’s often the informal conversations that take place outside of the normal daily routine that are the most memorable and impactful.”
Approach
Security Officer “The campus size is perfect, and the community is very close-knit. We know the girls and adults on campus, and that helps us keep everyone safe.”
Director of College Counseling “The greatest joy of my role is in encapsulating the best qualities of each girl into Student Life a college recommendation letter that helps her “Empowering young women to be known to in today’s world is such an colleges.” important job. We are so fortunate at Saint Mary’s to have an environment where girls can explore, create and challenge To watch indivual themselves in so many interviews with each team different ways.” member, scan this code:
GRANDDAUGHTERS CLUB 2019-2020
The Granddaughters Club held its annual induction of new members in a ceremony in the Chapel attended by family and friends, Nov. 6, 2019. The Granddaughters Club is composed of students who are direct descendants of Saint Mary's alumnae, including mothers, grandmothers, and greatgrandmothers from many generations. Founded in 1909, it is the oldest club on campus. May Brooks Barwick ’21, daughter of Jennifer Walker Barwick ’88HS ’90C and granddaughter of Rachel Cozart Barwick ’50HS Eleanor Shelgren Becker ’21, daughter of Gloria Taft Becker ’92HS and granddaughter of Cheryl Lee Taft ’68C Sara Elizabeth Bell ’23, granddaughter of Sara Frances Walters Borden ’70C and granddaughter of the Rev. Frank Pisani, former President of Saint Mary’s from 1969-1976 Anne Hunter Blake ’20, granddaughter of Gail Hunter Blake ’59C Caroline Davis Bradshaw ’23, daughter of Shayla Kirchin Bradshaw ’92C
28
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Kimberlen Ann Bryson ’22, granddaughter of Joy Hatley Pittard ’53C
Caroline Ballard Dixon ’20, daughter of Jackson Jordan Dixon ’84C
Lucy Ware Cheney ’21, daughter of Nina Anderson Cheney ’81HS and greatgranddaughter of Bertha Anderson ’23HS
Elizabeth Butler Eagles ’22, daughter of Ginny James Eagles ’89HS ’91C
Anna Leggett Payne Church ’21, granddaughter of Gillie Leggett Church ’63C Margaret Hadley Crawford ’22, granddaughter of Hadley Morgan Hines ’59HS ’61C Evelyn Elizabeth Crosthwaite ’22, daughter of Suzanne Morris Crosthwaite ’88HS
Virginia Katherine Eagles ’20, daughter of Ginny James Eagles ’89HS ’91C Rebekah McNeill Elam ’22, great-greatgranddaughter of Lucie Clifton Boddie 1899 Elizabeth Kirkland Ellerbe ’21, granddaughter of Martha Goode Ellerbe ’56HS Susan Gracey Falk ’20, granddaughter of Sue Stone Lester ’55HS
Abigail Adams Fritter ’23, daughter of Katherine Gregory Fritter ’91HS ’93C and great-granddaughter of Katherine Jamieson Gregory ’32C Ella Conger Glover ’21, granddaughter of Harriet Conger Glover ’52HS ’54C and greatgranddaughter of Nellie Cooper Rose 1917 Mary Holland Godwin ’22, greatgranddaughter of Margaret Thomas Boyce 1915 Elizabeth Bowen Gordon ’20, granddaughter of Stewart Howie Gordon ’63C and Mary Jane Johnson Tate ’49C Margaret Kruesi Griffin ’22, granddaughter of Marcia Sawyers Griffin ’62C Virginia Griffin ’23, daughter of Kim Goines ’89HS ’91C Alice Adeline Harris ’23, great granddaughter of Alice Cason Lineberger 1927C and greatgreat-granddaughter of Alice Makely Cason 1896-1898 Mary Elizabeth Hauser ’22, granddaughter of Darnell Knight Eller ’63C Isabella Dunstan Howard ’23, daughter of Virginia Dunstan Howard ’91C Elizabeth Hewitt Johnson ’20, granddaughter of Cissie Hobgood Wellons ’66HS ’68C Margaret Ivy Johnston ’20, daughter of Joan Comer Johnston ’87C, granddaughter of Lou Uzzle Blackman ’61C and Margaret Louise Hamilton Johnston ’57C Martha Luck Johnston ’20, daughter of Joan Comer Johnston ’87C, granddaughter of Lou Uzzle Blackman ’61C and Margaret Louise Hamilton Johnston ’57C
May Parker Leutze ’20, daughter of Taylor Brewer Leutze ’91C, great-granddaughter of May French Taylor Crawford ’42HS, and greatgreat-granddaughter of Placidia Bridgers Clark Taylor 1915 Prep Lindsay-Anne McCall ’20, daughter of Shore Tucker McCall ’88C and great-great-greatgranddaughter of Willi Julia Ruffin 1846-1849 Laura Grace McSwain ’23, daughter of Sarah Montgomery McSwain ’93HS Katherine Perry Morgan ’20, daughter of Elizabeth Van Dyke Morgan ’91C, granddaughter of Perry Grimes Van Dyke ’63HS ’65C and Kathy Cannon Morgan ’64C, and great-granddaughter of Mary James Perry Grimes ’39C Anna Abernathy Noelke ’21, granddaughter of Ginny McKimmon Noelke ’61C and great-great-granddaughter of Willa Norris McKimmon 1905HS Corinna Bailey Parker ’20, greatgranddaughter of Corinna Erwin Gant ’34HS Hannah Marie Perry ’21, great-granddaughter of Blanche Hanff Bonner ’28HS ’30C, greatgreat-great-granddaughter of Sally Collins Baker Smith 1865 and Merrill Hanff 1870 Elizabeth Perry Powell ’23, granddaughter of Betsy Johnston Powell ’64HS ’66C Elizabeth Joyner Rascoe ’21, granddaughter of Nancy Dawson Rascoe ’52C, greatgranddaughter of Edna Jones Nixon Dawson ’26C, great-great-great-granddaughter of Cornelia Townsend Nixon (pre-1870), and great-great-great-granddaughter of Isa Benedicta Gordon Granbery (pre-1870)
Martha Louise Wilson Stowe ’20, greatgranddaughter of Virginia Clark Jenkins ’34C and great-great-granddaughter of Martha Louise Wilson Clark 1917HS Ilse-Grace Thomas ’20, daughter of Holly Stephenson Thomas ’85HS ’87C May Edmonds Thompson ’23, daughter of Heather Moore Thompson ’88HS ’90C and granddaughter of Sue Battle Moore ’63C Elizabeth Dunn Tillman ’23, daughter of Melissa Morrisette Tillman ’88HS, granddaughter of Kathryn Symons Patterson ’65C and Mary Windley Dunn Tillman ’54C Elizabeth Shackelford Toms ’20, granddaughter of Margaret Shackelford Toms ’43C Sydney Stratton Vermillion ’20, greatgranddaughter of Margaret Banes Gold Borden 1918C, great-great-granddaughter of Sallie Smith Jones Borden, and the great-greatgreat-granddaughter of Georgia Whitfield Borden 1848 Anna Amelia Boryk Weaver ’21, daughter of Michelle Oppegaard ’93HS ’95C Emma Blaine Wharton ’20, granddaughter of Beth Kemper Wharton ’54HS ’56C Eleanor Davis Williams ’20, daughter of Margaret Cheatham Williams Williams ’78HS '80C, granddaughter of Margaret Cheatham Williams '50HS '52C, great-granddaughter Belle Davis Cheatham 1911 and Elizabeth Cross Williams 1921HS, great-great-granddaughter of Charlotte Grimes Williams 1868, and the greatgreat-great-granddaughter of Charlotte Bryan Grimes 1848
Ann Mason Smith ’20, great-great-greatgranddaughter of Susan Lane Hardin 1866
Frances Belle Williams ’20, granddaughter of Margaret Cheatham Williams '50HS '52C, great-granddaughter of Belle Davis Cheatham 1911, Elizabeth Cross Williams 1921HS, and Frances Elizabeth Hoggard Harriss 1928C; great-great-granddaughter of Charlotte Grimes Williams 1868, and the great-greatgreat-granddaughter of Charlotte Bryan Grimes 1848
Caroline Batchelor Koonce ’21, granddaughter of Mary Grady Burnette Koonce ’54C and Frances Holton Maffitt ’60HS
Caroline Wallace Smith ’20, daughter of Ashley Langley Smith ’90HS and greatgranddaughter of Mabel Freeman London 1929
Elizabeth Redfern Williamson ’23, granddaughter of Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C
Lillian Aycock Larson ’23, daughter of Allison Poe Larson ’90HS
Elizabeth Tremont Smith ’20, granddaughter of Anne Tremont Burr Smith ’37C and greatgranddaughter of Edith Lanier Clark 1913
Gwyn Katherine Jones ’20, granddaughter of Lucile Best Jones ’48HS ’50C Isabel Pearce Kempson ’20, daughter of Sydney Kepley Kempson ’83HS and greatgranddaughter of Jane Shaffer Holman 1931C
Arden Faith Lee ’21, daughter of Suzanne Bell Lee ’92HS
Elizabeth Hayden Savery ’21, daughter of Dolly Burton Savery ’82HS Lucy Hardin Sigmon ’21, granddaughter of Martha Ann Olsen Sigmon ’47HS and Mary Hannah Finch Taft ’58C
Anna Carlyle Spears ’20, daughter of Mandy Johnson Spears ’84HS ’86C
29
EVENTS
ATLANTA
October 29, 2019
Home of Tom and Elizabeth Stewart Long ’78C
Josie DeRonja ’19, Stephanie Woods ’19, Holden Stanley ’14, Berry Williamson ’12, Anna Dillon ’10, Emily Harmer ’11, Darby Fallon Clark ’12, left to right
Jean Redding ’72HS, Elizabeth Stewart Long ’78C, Gates Killian ’10, left to right
Jeff Harvey, Harriet Adams ’86HS ’88C, Holland Coward Muscio ’91C, left to right
Mary Donovan ’72C, Elsie Ives Thompson ’64C, Jean Redding ’72HS, Whitey Hunt, Lyn Brown Hunt ’72C, left to right
Dabney Mann Hollis ’83HS ’85C, Isabel Erwin Pope ’85C, Elizabeth Stickley Scott ’86HS ’88C, Kimbrough Motley Gibson ’84HS ’86C, Susan Sommers ’86HS, left to right
30
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Sarah Bailey Pate ’09, Kep Pate, Liza Wooten ’10, Emily Smith ’01, Gates Killian ’10, left to right
BOSTON
October 8, 2019
MJ O’Connor’s at Park Plaza
Front row, left to right: Polly Russler Dansler ’83HS, Lindsey Johnson ’11, Carson Clay ’15, Lindsay Nevitt ’14, Frances Cayton ’14; back row, left to right: Katie Jennette ’98HS, Julia Austenfeld ’11, Margaret McGlohon ’81C, Carolyn Coughenour Taylor ’70C
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. December 5, 2019
Home of Herb and Harriet Little Chen ’85C
Harriet Little Chen ’85C, Sue Dewalt Brown, Margaret McGlohon ’81C, Lindsay Speros Robbins ’02HS, Verna Gates ’75HS, Lizzie Lowder ’07, Alleen Cater ’63HS ’65C, Hannah Moore Harris ’11, Betsy Lipford Delionback ’57HS ’59C, left to right
31
EVENTS
WASHINGTON, D.C. October 23, 2019
Home of Jay and Georgia Worthington Sullivan ’77HS
Elise McKinney ’13, Helen Williamson ’13, Molly Bryant ’10, left to right
Ann Pelletier Lane ’75HS ’77C, left, Sally Pelletier ’77HS ’79C, right
Anna Clark ’15, Georgia Worthington Sullivan ’77HS, Jacqueline Collie ’15, left to right
Erika Reiger ’18, Brendan O’Shea, Sarah DeLuca ’06, left to right
Lisa Tate ’78C, Sally Pelletier ’75HS ’77C, Katherine Herring Christophe ’77HS ’79C, left to right
32
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
CHARLOTTE, N.C. November 19, 2019
Home of Paisley and Libby Gordon
Susan Creech Rankin ’74HS, Elizabeth Rasberry Pitts ’79C, Dee Williamson Marley ’77HS, left to right
Libby Gordon, Brendon O’Shea, Paisley Gordon, left to right
Elizabeth Williams Ellington ’11, Julia Coleman ’06, Deanna MacCormac ’13, William Hancock, Olivia Barwick ’11, Texie Arnold ’11, left to right
Kate Taylor Hill ’76C, Betsy Hardwick Dawson ’76C, Loula Polites Plyler ’75C, left to right
Isabel Nichols Roberts ’84HS ’85C, Ashley Davis Burlingame ’83HS ’85C, Janie Sellers, Lucy Blackwelder Stevens ’84C, left to right
Susan Watson Jones ’83C, Lee Smart, Libby Ward Smart ’83C, Jane Petit Higgins ’83C, left to right
33
EVENTS
EDENTON, N.C.
Tom Wood, Janie Stronach Wood ’62HS ’64C, Amelia Yancy Bond ’59HS ’61C, Lin Wood
November 5, 2019
Greenfield, Home of Virginia Hall Wood ’51C
Beth Harrington, Brendan O’Shea, Virginia Hall Wood ’51C, left to right Tra Jennette Perry ’62C, Jennifer Culberson Wood ’90HS ’92C, Jaquelin Jenkins Perry ’73C, Julie Ricciardi, left to right
FLORENCE, S.C. November 11, 2019 Alumnae Luncheon
Julia Willcox Buyck ’57C, Pam Graham ’72HS, Rett Weston Padgett ’59C, Sister Heath Wimberly ’54HS, Suiter Whitehead Coxe ’81HS ’83C, Mary Mar Ragland Coxe ’48HS ’50C, left to right
Mary Mar Ragland Coxe ’48HS ’50C wore her vintage Saint Mary's blazer.
34
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Chelsea Ward ’09, Vicky McKenzie Armes ’62C, Peggy Hamme Youngblood ’58C, Florie McLeod Ervin ’60C, Ann Niemeyer Williamson ’62C, Leigh Reynolds King ’82HS ’84C, front to back
GREENSBORO, N.C. November 12, 2019
Home of Will and Kitty Watkins Sydnor ’95HS
Deane Gresham Holt ’81C, Martha Kornegay Howard ’77HS ’79C, Dottie B Edwards Nutt ’76C, left to right
Sterling Kelly, Susan Stafford Kelly, Aurelia Stafford Monk, and William Monk, surround Aurelia Fulton Stafford ’48HS ’50C, center, as she receives the John Bratton Jr. Volunteer Service Award.
Eloise McCain Hassell, Betty Ray McCain ’50C, Aurelia Fulton Stafford ’48HS ’50C, Grey Watkins Lineweaver ’60C, left to right
Katie Jo Lawrence Redhead ’71HS ’73C, Jessie Allen Ogburn ’56HS ’58C, Kitty Watkins Sydnor ’95HS, left to right
Deane Gresham Holt ’81C, Suejette Brown, Sydney Brown Cardone ’81HS ’83C, Paige Brown DuBose ’79HS ’81C, Fran Oxner ’80HS, Aurelia Stafford Monk, William Monk, left to right
35
EVENTS
NEW YORK October 9, 2019
The University Club
Alex Mahoney ’13, Charlotte Niemann ’13, Ashby Bonds ’13, Blakely Neilson ’13, Mary Gordon Utt ’13, left to right
Nancy Newton Sipp '81C, left, Debbie Gupton Van Zijl ’76HS, right
Event hosts Kelly Stocks Milam ’01, left, and Carter Warren Franke ’75HS ’77C, right
36
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Nancy Vander Veer ’07 and friend
Cameron Sloan ’13, Mary Gordon Utt ’13, Caroline Utt ’15, left to right
RICHMOND, Va. October 22, 2019
Home of the Rev. John and Cynthia McCard
Gilmore Edwards ’65HS ’67C, Cynthia McCard, Margaret McGlohon ’81C, Linda Glass Hyslop ’71C, left to right Brendan O’Shea, Meg Irby Clement ’72HS
Kathy Reynolds Phillips ’78C, Sherri Wilkie Tew ’78HS; Molly Peebles Squire ’77HS ’79C, left to right Elizabeth Kerns Roberts ’11, left, Mary Stuart Smart ’10, right
Sally Simpson Neblett ’69C, left, Genie Hutcheson Lucyk ’69C, right
Kate Kittrell Kerns ’80HS, Linda Glass Hyslop ’71C, Marty Williams, left to right
37
EVENTS
WAKE COUNTY October 16, 2019
Smedes-Emory Parlor
Hal and Lee Scott Worth ’78HS ’80C
Beth Mann ’81C, Claudia Wooten Outlaw ’79HS ’81C, Sally Maddison Wooten ’85HS, Miriam Brown Lang ’85C, Allison Gilbert Holmes ’81C, Coles Hines Jones ’79HS ’81C, left to right
Carson Joyner Clark ’75HS, Eve Hargrave Smith ’53HS, Laura Norris Raynor ’69HS ’71C, left to right
Cooper Thornhill ’95HS 97C, Cameron Robbins Taylor ’08, Margaret Matteson Richards ’07, Ann Powell Whitehurst ’95HS, left to right
Karen Apostolou Gliarmis ’79HS ’81C, Coles Hines Jones ’79HS ’81C, Sally Pelletier ’77HS ’79C, left to right
38
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Lansdell Edward ’11, Lizzie Jenkins ’11, Anderson Stark ’11, Caroline Collie ’11, left to right
Laura Norris Raynor ’69HS ’71C, Josie Rawl Hall ’74C, Claire Bryant, left to right
Carson Joyner Clark ’75HS, Anna Zevenhuizen ’07, Margaret Matteson Richards ’07, Ruth E Perry Holding ’81C, left to right
Claire Bryant ’12, Kelly Rusher ’12, Ellee Craig ’12, Caroline Collie ’12, left to right
39
EVENTS
WILSON, N.C.
September 24, 2019
Home of Lee and Eliza Pittman Stephenson ’94HS ’96C
Cameron Kirkland Collins ’94HS, Julieanne Arnold Thomas ’94HS ’96C, Jill Sparks Hilliard ’89C, left to right
Elizabeth Skinner Smith ’80C, Eliza Pittman Stephenson ’94HS ’96C, Webber Bell Paxton ’60C, Peggy Jennette, left to right
Charlotte Bikle Daniel ’91C, Margaret Sydnor Jenkins ’83HS, Elizabeth Paxton Black ’92C, left to right Harriett Conger Glover ’52HS ’54C, left, Margaret McGlohon ’81C, right
40
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
ALUMNAE NETWORKING EVENT September 11, 2019 Smedes Hall
Julia Charles ’02, Margaret McGlohon ’81C, Leigh Ann Morauer Hammill ’07, left to right
Natalie Carter Hyde ’86HS ’88C, Leigh McAdoo Kempf ’88C, Heather Moore Thompson ’88HS ’90C, Josie Rawl Hall ’74C, left to right
Augusta Moran ’15, Katie Nash ’14, Brandon Wright, Julie Ricciardi, left to right
SCHOLARSHIP AND ENDOWMENT TEA November 4, 2019
Saint Mary's School, Smedes-Emory Parlor
J’Lah Johnson ’20, right, and Frances Read, left Seated, left to right: Sofia Cimballa ’22, Emily Leung ’20, Blanche Robertson Bacon ’53HS ’55C, Scarlett Strickland ’23; standing, left to right: Emily Smith ’22, Grace Sawyer ’23, Matilda McCard ’21
41
IN MEMORIAM IN MEMORIAM Phoebe Elizabeth Bashore Calma ’36HS ’38C April 20, 2018 Ernestine Rich Tuton ’39C October 19, 2019 Jane Forbes Black ’40C August 8, 2019 Julia Booker Howard ’40C January 27, 2018 Jane Morrison Harris Nierenberg ’40C July 23, 2019 Ruth Waters Bond Conger ’42C October 26, 2019 Louise Carr Tuttle ’44HS February 25, 2019 Emma Britt Davis Griffin ’44C September 20, 2019 Betsy Buchanan Capps ’45C August 29, 2019 Elizabeth Durham Mack ’45C June 24, 2019 Nancy Langhorne Wood Mordecai ’45C September 13, 2019 Mary Elizabeth Holmes Stephenson ’45C September 10, 2019 Jane Winston Witherspoon ’46HS June 18, 2019
42
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Franklin JoAnne Darden Kelly ’46HS ’48C October 6, 2019
Susan Douglad Giddens ’60C November 25, 2018
Sarah Dabney Little McElroy ’46C October 11, 2019
Diane Magruder Cumming ’63C December 10, 2018
Myrtle Alston Mott ’47HS August 16, 2018
Susan Kennerly Foy ’63C September 4, 2019
Hope Boyle Baxter ’47C September 12, 2019
Kathleen Hall Ravenel ’65C June 10, 2019
Mary Anna Dunbar Cline ’47C June 8, 2019
Katherine Manley Bell ’67HS July 9, 2019
Katherine Stephenson ’48HS ’50C August 19, 2019
Leila Leigh Webster ’68HS May 22, 2019
Mary Jane Johnston Tate ’49C June 13, 2019
Barbara Brown Hicks ’68C September 15, 2019
Sally Hope Bostic ’52HS June 19, 2019
Gigi Elizabeth Short Taylor ’77HS February 27, 2019
Betty Jo Snider Kellam ’52C February 4, 2019
A. Hobgood, former trustee October 6, 2019
Anne Bynum Marshall ’53HS ’55C August 30, 2019
The Rt. Rev. Robert Estill, former bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina October 9, 2019
Willamena Frasier Thomas Miller ’55HS May 24, 2019 Elizabeth Marshall Oden Current ’56C September 1, 2019 Julia Ann Hamme Taylor ’56C May 10, 2019 Betty Bacon Bikle ’59C June 18, 2019
Wylie S. Quinn III, Ph.D., professor emeritus October 25, 2019
MILESTONES
Elizabeth Kerns Roberts ’11, Anna Louise Vitek ’11, Julia McKissick ’11, Millie Fulk ’11, and Stuart Anderson ’11 show their Saint Mary’s pride at Elizabeth’s wedding, September 21, 2019, when she married Matson Roberts at the First Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia. Macon Cornick ’10 married Stuart Guidry, November 23, 2019
MARRIAGES
NEW BABIES
Gail Perry ’71C to William Brewster Cobb, October 4, 2019
Morgan Roberts ’09 to Joseph Westbrook, October 12, 2019
Morgan McDonald Williams ’01, a son, October 8, 2019
Layne Gann ’85HS to Dean Mureddu, April 18, 2018
Catherine Worth ’09 to Austin Davis, September 14, 2019
Courtney Haughey Thompson ’01, a daughter, September 9, 2019
Jennifer Stone ’89C to Sandy Roberson, October 26, 2019
Macon Cornick ’10 to Stuart Guidry, November 23, 2019
Courtney Crute Reese ’03, a daughter, September 10, 2019
Tyler Hill ’93C to Vaughn Ford, July 13, 2019
Cassie Helda ’10 to Matt Sagehorn, June 22, 2019
Lauren Robbins Dickson ’06, a son, November 30, 2019
Corey Blondeau ’99HS to Greyson Russell, July 5, 2019
Elizabeth Carson ’11 to William Blair, November 9, 2019
Blair Mikels Baker ’07, a daughter, August 25, 2019
Susan Lawson ’00 to Andrew Walker Morrison, August 24, 2019
Elizabeth Kerns ’11 to Matson Roberts, September 21, 2019
Janna Clare Weaver Cyrus ’07, a son, October 5, 2019
Katie Jones ’02 to Kristopher Kindberg, October 19, 2019
Molly McCord ’11 to Matt Parr, June 8, 2019
Caroline Donaldson Firdyiwek ’07, a daughter, July 13, 2019
Susan James ’04 to Chris Fundanish, August 24, 2019
Sam Macfarlane ’12 to Baidy Diaw, August 24, 2019
Culbreth Jones ’07, a son, June 25, 2019
Blair Burke ’05 to Alicia Watson, October 18, 2019
Anna Gardner ’14 to Stellan De Santis, October 26, 2019
Lauren Worth Barker ’08, a son, September 12, 2019
Hattie Walker ’05 to Matt Stephens, September 14, 2019
Caitlin Garrabrant ’14 to Luke Gile, June 29, 2019
Elle Fulenwider Engstrom ’09, a daughter, October 21, 2019
Elizabeth Behar ’07 to Matt Powell, June 29, 2019
Holden Stanley ’14 to Matthew Clark, November 9, 2019
Becca Vinson Hamilton ’09, a son, August 23, 2019
Julie Bynum ’08 to Jimmy Fraser, July 27, 2019
Sydney Milholen Kinsella ’11, a daughter, August 11, 2019
Claire Chewning ’08 to Claiborne Alec Smith, June 15, 2019
Hannah Moore Harris ’11, a son, September 21, 2019
Martha Cox ’08 to Tucker Whiteside, July 20, 2019 Crutcher Nash ’08 to Mark Battim, October 26, 2019
These milestones were compiled based on information received by the school by December 15, 2019. Every effort is made to include everyone for whom we have official confirmation by press time. If we missed you or your loved one, please send an official announcement to mvswain@sms.edu, or mail to Mary Virginia Swain ’77C, Saint Mary’s School, 900 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27603, for inclusion in the summer 2020 magazine.
43
CLASS NEWS CLASS NEWS It’s all here – the latest and greatest news from alumnae in even-year classes. Saint Mary’s extends a special thanks to the dedicated class secretaries who compiled and crafted these class newsletters, many who have served for decades. Odd-year classes will be featured in the summer 2020 magazine. Alumnae in these classes will receive information to facilitate the reporting of news to class secretaries or directly to the school.
CLASS NEWS POLICIES
1940
COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL Catherine Gant Powell ’40HS writes, “I moved to Cypress Glen Retirement Community in Greenville, N.C., in 2016. Son Rob and some of his family live here in Greenville. I’m still driving, walking, playing bridge, and knit with an outreach group. I enjoy wonderful food, loving staff, and interesting new friends here. I recommend this place! I have grandchildren in Charleston, S.C., Asheville; Charlotte; D.C., Baltimore; N.Y.C.; and Australia!”
1942
Due to the uncertain nature of certain types of news, Saint Mary’s does not publish news of wedding engagements or pregnancies. We publish news of marriages, births, adoptions, or deaths, based on published news reports or direct phone or email contact with the Alumnae Office from the parties or immediate families. Please remember to include Saint Mary’s in your wedding announcement in the newspaper and please send birth announcements to the Alumnae Office for inclusion in the milestones section.
COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL
Saint Mary’s Class Notes are published for each class once each year. Due to the extended nature of the production schedule for the magazine, class news is meant to be a once-a-year general update of your news for the previous year. We cannot guarantee the exact timeliness of your news, so please keep our advance deadlines in mind when submitting news.
1944
Saint Mary’s School reserves the right to edit class news for content, length, and timeliness. Photographs may be submitted for consideration for the class news to mvswain@sms.edu or Mary Virginia Swain, 900 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. Photos must be high-quality prints or digital .jpeg photo files of at least 300 dpi. Group shots should include Saint Mary’s alumnae (and spouses and children) only and must include a detailed listing of everyone pictured, including full names and class years.
Libba Thorne Beerman ’42HS writes from Hilton Head Island, S.C., “I have five wonderful children: Andrea B. Sonfield, Bill Beerman III, Bob Beerman, Scott Beerman, and artist John Beerman. I divorced in 1968 and lived in Greensboro; Pawley’s Island, S.C.; Alexandria, Va.; and Chapel Hill; before spending 10 years restoring a 100-year-old house in Alamance County. I then moved to Hilton Head, S.C., to be near my daughter. My life has been full of adventures, e.g., working as a realtor (not long), creating a large restaurant, running inns, then a career of helping people re-live past lives. Now at 94, I sit in a mushroom-type house overlooking Calibogue Sound, watching birds, dolphins, and keeping up with children—greats and grands and friends’. I wish I had studied more at Saint Mary’s and Hollins!”
COLLEGE Mary Lynn Lewis DeLany Dear Class of 1944C: I always hear from Rebecca Drane Warren in Chapel Hill and did this time. She writes that her sister, Frances Drane Inglis ’47HS ’49C, died this past spring. Rebecca notes that Frances was a leader in her class. Ruth Moore Glass, from Whiteville, writes that she is just fine but slower. (Join the group.) She goes to her Methodist church twice a week for armchair exercises and then to the Episcopal church once a week for yoga - sounds like fun! She says she is finally a great-grandmother via her son - they live away up yonder in Philadelphia! She stays in touch via IPhone. Her daughter Phoebe’s son lives on her property and teaches English at the local community college. Lib Jones Coltrane writes, “For the past three years I have lived in Greensboro, being closer to my family. My three children live here, as well as two of my five grandchildren and three of my four great-grandchildren. Family times are special, and we still get together at our home in Emerald Isle, which has managed to survive through all the storms that have hit the North Carolina coast.” I occasionally hear by phone from Olive Camp Johnson ’44HS. My group is busy. My older daughter, Lynn Johnson Titchener ’73C, is busy with her lovely calligraphy. Lynn’s older daughter, Winnie Titchener-Coyle, lives in Asheville and works as an archivist at Biltmore House. Her sister, Liza Titchener Deckelbaum, works in public relations in Raleigh. My younger daughter, Carter Johnson Overton ’76C, lives in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Her son, Marshall Overton, is a real estate tycoon there. Other son, Lewis Overton, lives in Chapel Hill, but works in Raleigh at Wake Med as an ENT surgeon, after a year in Australia on a fellowship. I am still here at Twin Lakes in Burlington, trying to stay busy. Our 75th class reunion in May was absolutely lovely, wish you were there. Maybe next time - in five more years! Mary Lynn
1944
HIGH SCHOOL Mary Randolph “Randy” Gardner Newcomb writes from Raleigh, “I am 93-yearsold, and live alone with a small rescue dog named Apple, not far from Saint Mary’s School. I have many fond memories of our school, especially 1941-42, when I was a boarder in East Rock. I was 15-years-old, and my room was directly over Mrs. Cruikshank’s office.”
44
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
1950
1954
Betty Ray McCain '50C It is a real privilege to talk to you all whom I called (and could find) and who sent in news about yourselves and your families. You are a wonderful bunch with joy, great gusto, curiosity, and interest. We have lost several cherished classmates including Olivia Lynch Hardin, Luke Hill Page, Rosalie Huske Kelly, Frankie Strosnider Dubose, and several others. So, we hope to hear GOOD news from all of us remaining! Patty Starr Willis writes that she looks forward to reading about you (as do I) from those responding. She enjoys seeing current SMS students and enjoys quality time in New Bern with fellow SMS alumnae. Rex, her husband, is now living in a retirement center, and she visits regularly. She has a granddaughter living in D.C., working for Geico, and a grandson who is a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill. Another grandson is a musician living in Wilmington, and another granddaughter is working in insurance in New Bern. Her youngest granddaughter is a senior in high school in Texas. “No little ones anymore!” I enjoyed a telephone visit with Mary Mar Ragland Coxe. Her husband has had a stroke, and she sees him every day. She and I had a wonderful discussion about Cokie Roberts, who many of you know. She died recently, and we will miss her! I hope to see Aurelia Fulton Stafford soon. She is thriving in Greensboro, where she lives at Wellspring! Lucile Best Jones lives in Raleigh, where several of her children reside. Her husband is suffering from dementia, and she visits him daily. She sends you all love! Betty Bowles Haywood ’48HS ’50C writes that she is the matriarch now of a big family, including eight greatgrandchildren, with a ninth on the way! Her family is living in California, Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina. All are well and happy. Betty sends her blessings to all. I have reached out to many others, and several have returned my calls. Thank you to those who responded! Our biggest news is the happy, healthy, most joyful arrival of Baby Blythe (my GREAT-grandchild and the smartest and most beautiful baby in the universe). She lives in Seattle, Washington, and I am visiting next month and am beyond thrilled! Love to each and every one of you! Submitted most respectfully by your Class Secretary of (of 69 years) Betty Ray McCain
Trissy Holt Lomax '54C Mela Royall Lawrence writes that she hated to miss the 2019 reunion but hopes to make the next one. She joins all A letter to Sa int Mary’s her classmates from the The Belles of Saint Mary’s College Class of 1954 A remembran ce by Clarice in sending heartfelt Elizabeth Woo lard Kennedy condolences to our ’45C I graduated fro long-serving class m college in 1945 during th Jones Cruiksh e reign of Mar secretary, Trissy Holt ank, and “dig garet nity was hers .” I loved every Lomax, who recently minute of life at Saint Mary’s. Granddaught lost her husband, I was in the ers Club and a host of othe being a Sigm Henry, after more than r activities, in a. cluding 63 years of marriage. I can’t believe I am Pat Perry Moser writes, 94 ½ years ol Raleigh boy bo d and Bob is 95 ½. Bob is rn in the fam “My only news I can a ily home on H We both grad illsborough St uated from N think of is that after reet. eedham Brou in the same cl ghton High an ass. After the three years, I am going d were War we were Mary’s Chape married in Sa l by the chap back to Florida for int lain, the Rev. I. Harding Hug Our daughter Thanksgiving. I gave it hes. Bonnie Kenn edy Hathaway Saint Mary’s in up because I was just graduated fro 1972. We have m two sons, Ro Kennedy Jr. an plain tired of all the bert Peele d Dr. Scott W oo la fr rd at er Kennedy. We nal twin gran hassle. So, I just let also have dchildren – H home is in Ra urley and Jack one of my kids and his leigh. son. Our family go to the condo I loved my ye ars at Saint M I had been renting for ary’s. O nce a Saint M years on Sanibel Island. ary’s girl, alw ays a Saint M ary’s girl. Well, the other son Looking back , with love an d gratitude said, ‘Ma, why don't we all go to Sanibel for Thanksgiving?’. It is my grand finale. I bought 10 airline tickets, rented three SUVs, and three condos. Six of us are staying two weeks, but the young folks have to go back to work.” Pat is still enjoying the lifecare community she moved HIGH SCHOOL to in 2016, after Monroe died. “I love it more Reba White Williams ’54HS every year. I'm in a condo on the third floor, Martha Brooks Bricio '54HS '56C reports, “You overlooking the Chester River. It is about two know there's no news if all I'm mentioning is miles from where I had lived the past 46 years a great report on my loop monitor! I thought in Chestertown, Md. My whole family, except the M.D. would compliment me on my 7,000 for one grandson, lives within 20-some miles or 8,000 steps a day, but he said, ‘Do 10,000!’ from me and each other. I seldom drive beyond which I guess is a compliment! I am very grateful the city limits, and never have to cook dinner. for good health and wish the same for all my Life is good.” Patty Schirm Mingledorff is still classmates!” Mott Butler Goff '54HS '56C notes, living in Savannah, Ga., with Fred, her husband “When I think of the ‘good old days,’ I think of of 59 years. She retired from St. Peters Episcopal Saint Mary’s. Carolyn Foy Ragsdale and I agree Church as associate priest on July 23, 2016. She that the wonder of the phone and technology had served there since 2001. “We both enjoy provide a great way to visit. I am enjoying my good health and stay busy. We have three granddaughter's senior year at UNC-Chapel children and six grandchildren with spouses Hill, as she plays soccer. A family summer trip but no great-grands yet. Plan to be together on to Sunset Beach and Thanksgiving in Chapel Hill top the year.” Jane Bradford Pearce writes, “I Christmas Day.” enjoy seeing many Saint Mary’s friends here in Greensboro. Many take leadership roles in our community.” Barbara Doar Cooper '54HS '56C reports, “We continue to chase away hurricanes from the NC/SC beaches, but we haven't had
COLLEGE
1952
COLLEGE AND HIGH SCHOOL Mary Boesser Paparazo ’52C reports that she is “alive and well in Goldsboro.” She has three children: Andy, Susan, and Cathy, who are all doing well. As of 2019, she has nine greatgrandchildren. She would love to hear from classmates!
COLLEGE
Clarice Elizabeth
Woolard Kenned
y '45C
1954
45
CLASS NEWS volcanoes, floods, tornadoes, fires, or earthquakes, so life is good. No news has to be good news.” Nancy Thompson von Lazar is living in Sarasota, Florida. She has two children: Pilar, her daughter, lives about 30 minutes away and holds an MBA. She is head of business development for a company dealing with behavioral issues with teenagers. Nancy’s son, Laszlo, deals with energy project development with developments all over the world. Nancy has resigned from the board of the Universal Design Coalition.
1956
COLLEGE
Aurelia Fulton Stafford ’48HS ’50C receives John Bratton Jr. Award The John Bratton Jr. Volunteer Service Recognition Award was presented at the 2019 Greensboro alumnae event in November to Aurelia Fulton Stafford '48HS ’50C. Mrs. Stafford served for many years as a member of the board of trustees and as board chair in 1997-1999. As board chair, she successfully led the school through a pivotal time in its history, as Saint Mary’s phased out its junior college program and transitioned to a fouryear high school. She also received Saint Mary’s Outstanding Alumna Award in 2003. The John Bratton Jr. Volunteer Service Recognition Award is presented by Saint Mary’s School to honor volunteers who stand out because of their leadership, vision, creativity, and generosity of spirit. In selecting recipients, members of the selection committee look beyond typical volunteer involvements, in order to recognize volunteers who have helped Saint Mary’s School grow in profound ways. The award was established by John R. Bratton, Michelle Bratton Parker ’63HS ’65C, Connie Bratton Grine ’68HS, Lucy Bratton Doak ’72HS, Jane Bratton Fleming ’76HS ’78C, Theodore D. Bratton, and Samuel T. Bratton, in honor of their father, John Bratton Jr., former chair of the board of trustees and generous benefactor at Saint Mary’s School.
46
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Martha Brooks Bricio '54HS '56C Here we are again at news time. I have SO enjoyed the (mostly email) news from everybody - in several cases resulting in an extended email or text conversation. As always, Betty Mixon Daughtry emails her news promptly. She and Gerald are still active in several areas of church work and with various organizations: Gerald with Golden K and Betty with D.A.R. and C.A.R. They both continue to visit shutins. Family times are still wonderful and fun, she says, and all are doing just great! With grandson Darden a high school senior this year, colleges were a main topic. He wanted to check out The Citadel, so they visited, he applied, and was accepted. Truly a wonderful year! Barbara Doar Cooper writes that this is one of those calm times - but she can always make me smile, "No wedding news, no one is in jail or pregnant, no new babies or graduations and no big trips. No news at all. Sometimes no news is good!" Ann Dorris Garvin says she is fairly well. "Such is life as our bodies wear down." But she doesn't seem to have slowed down at all. In May, Ann took part in a large family get together when her daughter, Mary Mark, celebrated her 60th at Lake Cherokee, a small, lovely lake in the mountains. Her daughter's family loved it so much they bought a house there, with 19 acres, which will eventually be their retirement home. They're all Clemson fans, and Lake Cherokee is nearby. Ann notes that even she may wind up there. She had her usual retreat to the Kanuga Renewal Conference in June, sharing a cottage with good friends, her sister, Lou Dorris O'Brien '61C, and Lou’s husband. In July, with a large family group, she visited Debordieu at her son's new beach house. I'd never heard of Debordieu, so Ann filled me in. it's a beach community between Pawley's Island and Georgetown, South Carolina, where at dusk golf cart riders compete to see who spots the most deer and alligators. Ann says she feels wonderfully blessed to have such a lovely family and wishes God's blessing to all. Patsy Miller Moore checked in with no particular news except that she and her two sons are doing well. We agreed that we had had wonderful trips together. Years ago, we went all over Europe with the Meredith art history teacher, but to me our most special adventure was when just the two of us went to Paris! Marianna Miller Raugh says that she hasn't much news, but that her daughter's book about Ted Williams' baseball team and World War II is doing well. In fact, her daughter was on D.G. Martin's Book Watch show on UNCTV! I'm impressed, and I know how proud Marianna must be. Laura James Bettes Schomberg writes that she is not doing as well as last year. She now uses a walker, owing to balance issues. I can relate to that since I, too, notice a difference in balance after a small stroke last year. Nevertheless, Laura James hopes to do more travel. She sends a hello to all! "When I think of the 'good old days' I think of SMS," says Mott Butler Goff. “Carolyn Foy Ragsdale and I agree that the wonder of the phone and technology provide a great way to visit. In addition to a visit to Sunset Beach and Thanksgiving in Chapel Hill, I am enjoying my granddaughter's senior year, as she plays soccer for UNC." I guess so! As I write this letter, Mott's granddaughter's team just won yet another ACC women's soccer tournament. Mott also wishes God's blessings for us all. There's great news from Fairfax Crow Randall. Her grandson, Gordon Carver, is marrying the daughter of an SMS alumna! Saint Mary's has a broader reach than we may sometimes think! Activity keeps us sharp, and Nancy Mallon Towe takes it seriously. "As for my news, not much. I'm still working and will continue to do so until I can't. Working keeps my mind and social skills active and on alert - important at 83! I'm in good health, thank God. Having my immediate family right near is a blessing in itself! I didn't get to see Glenn Norman Dickens this year, but we are always in touch. Hopefully next year, in October, I'll fly to North Carolina to join Glenn and her friends (who have accepted this Yankee into their clan) at Glenn's timeshare at the Outer Banks. "In October of 2019, Nancy visited a lifelong friend in the North Carolina mountains, near West Jefferson. From there the Barter Theater in Abingdon, Va., is nearby, and they saw Mel Brooks' The Producers. Nancy loves
her view of the Rockies, including the eight inches of snow they've already had by October. Mary Louise Bizzell Burress also understands the importance of mobility. "We are doing our best to keep safe and mobile. Am hoping all our class will be mindful of the Saint Mary's campaign. Our school is in good shape. No gift is too small! Wonderful leadership there which makes us all grateful and all the memories so meaningful. Best to each one and let us know if you are in Winston-Salem!” Mary Louise is and has always been a magnificent advocate for Saint Mary's! She loved seeing the son and daughter-in-law of Carolyn Foy Ragsdale at an Episcopal High School party. Helen Walker Webb continues to enjoy writing and playing bridge, and her wit is still sharp. "I moved to a retirement community on Halloween. It is so close to where I've lived for 56 years that I just flew over on my broomstick!" She looks forward to new adventures. From Georgia, Joan Culbreth Greer writes that after husband Jep retired as CEO of the Council of Exceptional Children, they retired to Bent Tree in Jasper, a gated community south of Chattanooga, Tennessee. And they've been there for 24 years! It happens that I am working without a printer this year, which in itself is disconcerting. Usually, when I get an email from a classmate, I print it out immediately. But when Betty Ivey Helms sent in her news, I somehow deleted her email. Betty, I apologize! I seem to remember that you and yours are doing well. I was surprised when an email arrived from Peggy Hamme Youngblood '58C, informing me of the passing of her sister, Julia Hamme Taylor. I remember Julia as being lovely and somewhat reserved, and, her sister added, "Being my older sister, she was my everything - always there to lead and guide me. I miss her so much...Julia is the reason I came to Saint Mary's!" Finally, there is so much we remember about Ina Gee Ridley Pittman. Ina Gee was always so active with her Saint Mary's friends and always faithful in reunions and any Saint Mary's-related event. Thinking of her, Mott Goff wrote how tough it is to lose your friends! I'm still here in Raleigh, trying to pare down to a retirement-sized apartment. Not yet! Love to all, and thanks so much for taking the time to keep in touch! Take care. Martha
1958
COLLEGE Barbara Hauser Bryan ’58C Ginger Vann King is still recovering from her September 18, four-fractures fall, “but glad to be back home.” Pat Watson Ambrose and Don still tend their home and yard, enjoying family trips also. Emmy McNeill Sconyers and Jim enjoy their grandchildren, ages 9-18. Studying Acts this year, she shared the Bible Study Fellowship website: bsfinternational.org. Ann Shepherd (Shep) Engel notes that she and Ted remain “healthy-ish and on the right side of
the grass.” Grands “are too young for trouble... still beautiful and smart.” Much of her time is spent with their eldest, who is battling cancer. From Janice Sutton Manassa, in Atlanta, we learn of her studious granddaughters Grace, (sophomore at U.G.A.) and Lindsay (working on her master’s in library and information sciences). Grandson Davis Grubin, UNC-Chapel Hill ’17, is in D.C. as data scientist for YouGov. Class baby (and always a stunning babe) Dickie Robinson Tyler “hit 80 this past summer,” celebrating with party in Edenton. A long and tough recovery followed her bladder cancer surgery, but she says she feels good. Daughter Blair and her four children (college and above) continue California residence, while son Dawson, in Edenton, enjoys success in his new construction/ restoration business. As a dwindling number of us, Dickie “still plays golf, loves it, and bridge. Busy! Busy!” Lucy Wooten Wofford lives near daughter Ann in Metro Washington, “enjoying apartment living minus house responsibilities.” She sees the grands often and likes helping with the family. Lucy says that the “only way we can be roomies again is for us to share a room in a retirement community.” Who knows? Carole Barber Fauth was a post-SMJC roomie and is now in her Key West, Fla., home after “a good summer on the shores of Lake Michigan.” She spent her “shoulder” season at her Charlottesville, Va., home near son Carson and family. Hard to believe that Robey, his eldest, finishes at U.V.A. this year. Jessie Allen Ogburn had a great time at the UNC/Duke Oxford Experience in September. She and Annie Gray Calhoun Lane hosted an October 14 mini-reunion of Saint Mary’s belles during Jenny Whitehurst Hawkins’ annual East Coast visit. Among attendees were Dickie Robinson Tyler, Lou Grady Johnson Johanson, Kit Tiedeman Mason, Jane Bellamy Venters, Nellie Holmes Ballou Smoot ’59C, Sylvia Crumpler Nash ’55HS ’57C, Allene Keith Wright ’57C, and Josie Ward Patton ’57C, and more. Jessie’s pulling for everyone to attend the May 2020 reunion. Annie Gray co-hosted that party at her beach home, noting that many guests “had not seen each other in a VERY LONG TIME!” Lou highlighted the party and mentioned seeing Polly Starbuck Robertson and Sue Sandlin Plaehn around town. She also noted the SMS Carnegie Hall event in 2020 and Lou’s encouragement to show support for our alma mater with alumnae association membership. (Note: Sure way to be on the list for SMS communications). And, speaking of beautiful Jane, her thoughtful daughter-in-law, Leigh Wilson Venters ’86C, corrected contact details on our own class list, much appreciated. Sara Barber Weatherman was slated to join Susan Hardin Flynn, Brooks Newton Preik, and yours truly for lunch on her way to Ocean Isle but plans were canceled when her brother became ill. His recovery was good news; but, in the meantime, Brooks has moved to Connecticut,
house-sharing with daughter Angela. The life of Brooks’ Southport sidekick and cousin, our Jean Thompson Poole, was celebrated Nov. 23 at Trinity United Methodist Church in their hometown. ALWAYS seeking our “lost” at class news press time, I hope to soon have contact information for Sallie Rembert Quirk, Harriette (Honey) Vann, and Charlotte Rodman Russell. Shella Strother Hollowell challenged us to find Charlotte, hiding in plain sight as a popular artist in Southern Pines. Millie Fary Coleman hoped to share some news from Pat Coulter Johnson. After years without contact, she heard from Pat that they’d be in touch soon. She happily has Majorie Coddington Cannon ’58HS, as her neighbor in their Spartanburg, S.C., retirement community. The Colemans’ first grandchild, Clay, represents the fifth generation in the family at Georgia Tech, where he plays lacrosse. Sybil Mathis Patterson rejoins the “found” list from Brooksville, Fla. where she posts, “Sandy and I are living the dream on our ranch.” Their children are doing well, five grands are in or have finished college, and they have one great-grandchild. Other news that arrived after last year’s letter includes a note from Bet Lee Girardeau stating how happy she and Ted are that all four children and two of nine grandchildren settled in the city of Aiken, S.C. Margaret Crowson Skinner’s son, Holt, prints out her emails and thanked us for keeping tracking of classmates (as Margaret had assisted last year). Dot Ricks Lind also had an update we needed! It is tough to find us in different places, cell phones, and no landlines, and often changed names! Our 18-20 who lack personal email are SO welcome to share an address of a family member or friend willing to catch emails for you. I’ve decided that 80 is the most productive, enjoyable year yet. My three guys, wives, and grands started it with a friends and family celebration. Now I’m leaning on them to consider SMS for the daughter each of them has. Although we had some newly “found” belles on our updated list, we will continue to try to reach everyone through the years. In the meantime, on a computer, iPad, or mobile phone, type in www.sms.edu/ alumnae to check Milestones, Alumnae News and gatherings, as well as current events at SMS and activities on the campus (or “the Grove” as we called it). Trusting that everyone on our list received this bulletin (you may read older ones on the website). Share updates and reach out to each other during Saint Mary’s 178th year.
47
CLASS NEWS 1960
COLLEGE Peggy Pegues Kinney ’60C Here are the bits of news I have received from our class, soon to celebrate a 60th reunion! Let’s hope for a good, fun gathering this spring at Saint Mary’s! Blanche Bonner Stevens writes from Greensboro that she and Walker “are land lubbers again. We had sold our boats several years ago and now our house on Carter’s Creek in Virginia. We miss it but now get to see oldest grandson William Price (16) play high school football. Daughter Margaret’s other children are athletes also, playing baseball and field hockey. I enjoy being a spectator at all their games. I will have to wait awhile for Elliott IV, who is only 18 months old.” Florie McLeod Ervin in Florence, S.C., enjoys her 11 grands, ages 1 to 15 (eight girls and three boys). When just the immediate family gets together, there are 22. She expected all of them at Thanksgiving and looks forward to the annual family vacation gathering at Surfside Beach in Floramay 1 and Floramay 2, totaling (12) bedrooms. Caramine Kellam is living in Punta Gorda, Florida. Sad news of our classmate Betty Latta Hill, who died June 22, 2018 - you may not have heard - she spent the last few years in assisted living in Wilmington. Dave Fortiere, husband of Nancy Siegling Fortiere of Mt. Pleasant, S.C., died April 23, 2019, after a battle with cancer. Nancy (Alston) has remained in their Mt. Pleasant home. Martha Taylor Yeargin of Greensboro says she lost husband, Neil, in May 2019, to pancreatic cancer. News from our family is that older grandson, Lee McNiel, married Emma Johnson of Chattanooga, Tennessee, in May and they live in Chattanooga. Granddaughter Margaret Jane works with an event planner (weddings, parties, etc.) in Florence, S.C., and presently commutes the 45 miles from home here in Bennettsville, S.C. Her parents and Bill and I are excited to have her here. Grandson Light is a senior at TrinityByrnes Collegiate School near Florence and is anxiously awaiting news of college acceptance while enjoying playing football on a team that likely with be 2-A state champs. Stay in touch! You can always email, write or call! Peggy
1960
HIGH SCHOOL June Boddie Stephenson wrote in from in Richmond, Va.
1962
COLLEGE Mary Larsen Jordan ’62C Shelia Hannah Duggan writes that she had a great “catch up “visit with her Saint Mary’s roommate, Tot Hofler Williams. She said that they laughed and had a wonderful time together. Better than just talking on the phone or writing an email, Shelia said. Marcia Sawyers Griffin writes that she is so happy that her
48
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
granddaughter, Kruesi Griffin ’22, is at Saint Mary’s this year! Marcia’s husband of 51 years passed away four years ago, and she says that her life has not been quite the same. She said that he was such a fun and happy person to be around. Dabney Johnston Mann writes that she continues to spend spring and fall in Wilmington, and her winter and summer in Sun Valley, Idaho. Her son, Billy, and his family live in Sun Valley. His oldest daughter is graduating from high school this year. Dabney’s daughter, Dabney Mann Hollis ’83HS ’85C, is in Atlanta. Dabney has grandchildren at High Point University and UNC-Chapel Hill. Lynn Purdie Brennan writes that her grandson, Boyce, plays soccer for Hampton-Sydney. SMS grad and granddaughter Emma-Claire Purdie ’17 loves the University of Alabama. Lynn reminds everyone to please donate to Saint Mary’s Annual Fund. Lynn has traveled a great deal this past year. She drove to Florida for her daughter’s graduation from graduate school. Then, she flew to Anchorage, Alaska, for a granddaughter’s wedding. She flew to San Diego for a family wedding. Lynn and her husband are taking graduate classes offered to seniors by William and Mary College. A blessing, she says. Malinda Swineford Roberts writes that she has joined the Williamsburg chapter of General Federations of Women’s Clubs on their 70th anniversary. Tra Jennette Perry writes that she is enjoying retirement. She spent most of her summer in Nags Head. She loves her grandchildren. Jap is a sophomore at N.C. State. Gray is a senior at Parrott Academy, and little Tilly Belle is a 1st-grader at St. Timothy’s in Raleigh. Tra adds that her grandchildren keep her smiling. As for me, Mary Larsen Jordan, I have moved! I now live in Granite Bay, California. I sold my home of 44 years since it was just me living there. I agree with Marcia when she said that her life is not the same after her husband passed away. My husband died two years ago, and it is a struggle. My house and yard were way too big for me. So, my daughterin-law invited me to come to see a house in Granite Bay that had another smaller house on the same property next door. One thing led to another, and suddenly I was packing boxes like fury. I moved into my new house September 5. The wonderful part of my move is that my little 2-year-old granddaughter lives next door. Plus, my three grandsons belonging to my older son are only 30 minutes away. That is a much better drive than three hours. As Tra said, my grandchildren keep me going, as well as smiling. I thank God for them! Thank you to those of you who took the time to write. I would love to hear from more of our classmates next time. Take care. Mary
1962 HIGH SCHOOL AND 1964 COLLEGE
Janie Stronach Wood ’62HS ’64C Dear Classmates! Elsie Ives Thompson ’64C writes that her youngest daughter, who is her partner in real estate, married two years ago. The wedding was at the High Hampton Inn in Cashiers. Her two grandchildren have both graduated from college, so she wishes they still had a few little ones around! She is happy to have a loving dog! Rosemary Sparkman McAteer ’64C writes the following news, “After losing my husband of 48 years, I returned home to Tampa in 2016. What a blessing to have my son and his family nearby. In addition, I also have my cousins and friends, with whom I spent the first 24 years of my life. My granddaughters (14 and 10) continue to enjoy Camp Greystone on Lake Summit in North Carolina each summer. I continue to enjoy one trip every year to a new location I have never been. My sister, Lamar Sparkman Toole ’66C, and her husband, John, have moved to Richmond, Va., from Charlottesville and shall spend the winter and spring months near me in Boca Grande, Florida. Much for which to be thankful. I look forward to our class news!” Marilyn Stadler Gideon ’62HS ’64C writes that she and Ed love residing back at their cabin and have been there for two years. They have just returned from Peru. She says Machu Picchu was on her bucket list, and she was excited to finally visit there! Sharon Floyd Jones ’64C says, “It's hard to believe that another year has gone by! I am still working as executive director of Everyone's Counseling Center. I live in Indiatlantic, Florida, and the main office is in Orlando, so I am on the road a lot. But I continue to enjoy my work, which is mostly in trauma, grief, and crisis counseling. My oldest grandson is a freshman at Wake Forest, pledging Theta Chi. It’s hard to imagine that not only is he is that old, but that I have a college age grandson! Denial is a wonderful thing! Best to all!” As for me, Janie, Tom and I continue to live at Mulberry Hill on the Albemarle Sound, east of Edenton. The bed and breakfast inn that we provide in the 18th century Georgian brick house has given us opportunities to meet many charming people who share our enthusiasm for historic preservation. I have also worked at being more conscientious as far as painting scenes around Edenton and of Raleigh, where I spent my early years and have so many wonderful memories! Our daughter, Caroline Wood Hauser ’98HS, lives with her husband, Bobby, in Pilot Mountain and is in graduate school for nursing. She also works at Baptist Hospital. Son Thomas works in Gatesville (Godwin and Wood) as an attorney. He and wife, Adrian, who writes a blog as a ministry for autism and other important issues, have four children: Thomas (almost 14), Russell (12), Blair (10), and Amos
SAINT MARY’S REMEMBERS (6). We love having them living nearby! Sister, Anne Stronach Genter ’53HS ’55C, paid a visit in May. After we shopped 'til we dropped here in Edenton, we headed to Raleigh and enjoyed shopping at Pigfish Lane! It is with a great deal of sadness to all of us that we have lost four of our distinguished and memorable Saint Mary's alumnae - all of whom were living here in Edenton and Hertford! Nancy Langhorne Wood Mordecai ’45C passed away recently. Nancy, who was Tom's delightful first cousin, lived life with such enthusiasm! She was Lady Astor's great niece and possessed an equally extremely adventuresome spirit, as she dealt with challenges living in Nicaragua, until she left to the sound of gunshots in the night over their cotton fields. We loved having her and her husband, George, as next-door neighbors in Raleigh and in Edenton. Tom grew up with his cousin, Frances Wood Drane Inglis ’47HS ’49C, in Edenton and Nags Head. Tom's description of Frances and her father, the Rev. Frederick Drane, building a ketch sailboat and the amazing effort required from Frances during this undertaking, made quite an impression on him at an early age! Frances also made many magnanimous gifts to the Town of Edenton. It was her brilliant idea to restore the Cupola House gardens at the 1758 Francis Corbin house in downtown Edenton! Visitors can benefit from her idea of forming The Cupola House Gardens Volunteers' Association. Nancy Dawson Rascoe Stevenson ’52C was equally as creative and industrious as the other ladies I have mentioned! Once, she invited a few of us over to her historic home, 1812 on the Perquimans, for a sleep-over "Gone with the Wind" evening! After she introduced the evening with a showing of the film, we all acted out characters, as best we could, after a few cocktails! No one can forget Nancy's famous "Manners Camp," so fortunately preserved in perpetuity at our Saint Mary's! Of course, no one can forget Nancy's monumental undertaking and completion of the history of the storied families of our beloved Outer Banks! We must forever remember our beloved, Mary Rhea Spivey Jones ’55C! She was "The Darling of the Town of Edenton." Always known for her contributions to religious and civic causes, in which she took leading roles, Mary Rhea's enthusiasm and bright spirit will never be forgotten! Tom and I are fortunate to see so many Saint Mary's alumnae here in the East and hope that this venue will continue to bring in many more to visit! It is such a wonderful, rewarding feeling to have the connections that we, as SMS alumnae have, with one of the most prestigious and excellent alma maters! Janie
1964 COLLEGE AND 1966
HIGH SCHOOL Roslyn Bowers O’Connor is living in Chicago, Ill.
1966
HIGH SCHOOL Cantey Tomlinson Tanner writes from Raleigh, “I loved getting down to Atlantic Beach in the spring and fall to play golf and party with my roommate, Juliet, and classmates Martha, Flake, Arabella, MC, Slater, Molly, and Diane. I so appreciate being included (again) in ’68C gatherings. Let’s do it again!”
1968
Dabney Little McElroy ‘46C 1927-2019 Longtime class secretary Sarah Dabney Little McElroy ’46C, longtime class secretary, died October 11, 2019 at age 92. Dabney was born in Wadesboro, North Carolina, in 1927. She was predeceased by her husband, Richard C. McElroy Jr. She graduated from Wadesboro High School in 1944, Saint Mary’s College in 1946, and UNC-Chapel Hill in 1948, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She met her husband at UNC, and they were married in 1949 in Calvary Episcopal Church in Wadesboro. Dabney and Richard lived in several cities, loving life and friendships wherever they lived, including Columbia, South Carolina, and Wadesboro, Greensboro, Raleigh, and Wilson, North Carolina. She enjoyed service to church, civic, social, and charitable organizations. She is survived by three children, daughter Sally Murphy and Rick of Alexandria, Virginia; son Risden and wife Kirby of Charlotte; and son Rick and wife Hargrave of Raleigh. She is survived by seven grandchildren and their families, including six great-grandchildren. A memorial service was held October 15, 2019, at Christ Episcopal Church in Raleigh.
COLLEGE Paula Johnson Stewart ’68C Dearest Friends, where is everyone? I have only heard from six of you! You must all be out gallivanting and enjoying life after 51 years of being away from Saint Mary’s! Let’s try to do a better job next newsletter. I know there are those of you who do have news and we would all love to hear it! By snail mail, I heard from Beth Harris Isenhour, who reported the birth of another grandchild in April 2019. So that makes four grands under the age of four. They all live within 40 minutes, so she sees them often. She babysits in Raleigh one day a week for the two older children. Beth is busy working on the 50th reunion at UNC-Chapel Hill and encourages everyone who went there after leaving Saint Mary’s and in the class of 1970 to come to the festivities. The class will get to lead the graduates on the field for graduation! Third floor Holt dorm friend, Mary Pershall Maxwell, has bought a townhouse in Chapel Hill as a
49
CLASS NEWS second home. She lives on the coast in Oriental. They also see Carla Heaton Bailey, who lives in Hillsborough. Mary wrote to say she is enjoying living in North Carolina again and being able to see classmates more often. (I saw her, Beth, Cathy Swain Crossett and Carla Heaton Bailey when they were visiting Frances Garriss Jilcott at the beach in August.) In her retirement village of Oriental, Mary volunteers with the Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and with the food bank. And from an email I received the following: Diane Stockard Wade writes, “My two bits of news are that I fell Labor Day weekend, at the beach, and broke two bones in my leg. Long story short, I spent nine days in the hospital in Greenville, had complications from Compartment Syndrome, resulting in three operations in six days! I have spent all of September and most all of October flat on my back. I’m now “on my feet” with a walker. Slowly! About a month of this walker and I should be walking with a cane.” (Update: She has relocated to the beach and is doing physical therapy.) “And my other bit of news is that Louis and I have been married 50 years as of November 1! Neither of us can believe how quickly the years have flown! We have been very fortunate and are so thankful. To celebrate the remarkable achievement, we’ve bought a new-to-us boat to be able to spend the winters in Florida! We especially love Ft. Myers, on the west coast, so we hope to get there sometime in January 2020. Our children and four grands are all healthy and happy, for which we are so very thankful. Louis and I continue to push as if we were in our 40s ourselves, but we are reminded daily that we aren’t!” Diane also reported that Bagley Waddill Reynolds had broken her leg right after Diane had. Y’all, we all need to be careful! Duffy Beasley Gibbs writes, “Life rolls right along! Our grandchildren are at golden ages (4, 5, 5, and soon to be 7). Having them in our lives on such a regular basis is such a blessing. Ken and I continue to enjoy traveling; however, that may be slowing down since we have just acquired a precious 2-year-old black lab. I am now wondering what we were thinking. To all the Saint Mary’s “girls” who couldn’t make it to our mini reunion in April 2019 at Atlantic Beach, you were missed. We had a grand time... lots of laughter and remembering. Maybe next time. Hugs to everybody.” Susan Davis Virgin, Molly Richardson Swan, and I enjoy texting as we watch the Tar Heels play. They are both big Georgia “Bulldawg” football fans BUT avid Carolina basketball fans. They even got into the Carolina football games now that Mack is back. Molly’s son and family have moved outside of Atlanta and Susan had a fifth grandchild, a fourth boy, whose name is Davis, which makes her happy. Toot and Molly’s families seem to be doing great – always something going on with children and grandchildren. Toot had driven to Nashville for grandparent day and Molly and Bill were in Macon celebrating her twin granddaughters’ fifth birthday. They are
50
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
daughters of one of Molly’s twin sons (I thought twins were supposed to skip a generation!) I saw Becky Bell Savitz at her house in the mountains this summer while she was waiting to have a heart ablation. She had it in Asheville and is getting along fine. She is in the process of downsizing and building a house across the street from her house in Tampa, Florida. It will be next door to daughter Sallie’s new house. She was making a 4’x5’ mosaic for the front porch of her house when I was there, since she had to take it easy and not do any gardening. She just sent me a picture of the middle panel of the mosaic that she is starting for the wall in the courtyard of her new house. It is her biggest undertaking yet. It will be 8’x12’ and has 26 teacups that succulents can be planted in, so it will be a living wall. She is an artist! Cece May Scott and I attended the scholarship tea at Saint Mary’s. Our class’s recipient has really blossomed. She is singing in a couple of choirs, in an a cappella group, has been in some plays and loves Saint Mary’s! What a wonderful investment our class made. (I understand the class of ’78 is planning to do the same for their 50th.) Martha Vaughan, Kaye Lasater Culp, Mary Clark Whittle German, and I made our yearly trip to visit Beverly Randolph in Irvington, Virginia, in October. We had a wonderful time visiting, laughing, and telling old stories! I had a granddaughter born on April 15. She waited to be born until our mini beach reunion was over! I am sure her mama was not pleased that she was two days late. But I am thrilled that I was able to enjoy all the hard work of Diane Stockard Wade and Duffy Beasley Gibbs and was able to be at the beach for the reunion. Thank you, girls, for all your detailed planning and wonderful arrangements for everyone. Thank goodness for email. Hope all of you will enjoy the holidays and be able to enjoy good health for yourself and your families! Until next year—Paula
1968
HIGH SCHOOL Susan Byars ’68HS ’70C I hope you are all doing well! It was so good to hear from several of you. Sally Lennon Terwey writes that she is enjoying volunteer work and her retirement community in Chapel Hill. She says that many Saint Mary’s and UNC alums also live at The Cedars. Woodie Byrd Fowler enjoyed seeing everyone at our 50th reunion. She and her husband are retired and continue to live in Greensboro, with their little French bulldog. Joan Sandlin Bowen was also glad to see everyone who came to our reunion but missed those who were unable to be there. She shared a special thanks to Nancy Haywood for hosting us. Some sad news from our class is that Leigh Webster passed away in May, after a long illness. She lived a wonderful life of adventure, travel, and accomplishment. Leigh, fortunately, remained close friends with several of our classmates. They were a great support to her
throughout her life. I am continuing to enjoy a wonderful retirement with volunteer work, friends, and family who live nearby. Our 50th, for those of us who remained at Saint Mary’s for college, will be this spring. Hope to see many of you there! Love, Susan
1970
COLLEGE Jane Wood Youngblood '70C Sara Frances Walters Borden writes, “I am so happy that my first granddaughter, Sara Elizabeth Bell ’23, is attending Saint Mary’s this year as a freshman in the class of 2023. It will be an extra special 50th reunion for me as she finishes her first year.”
1970
HIGH SCHOOL Louise Monte Williams reports, “After 20 years as an English teacher, I'm finally retiring. Now that I won't have essays to grade, I plan to spend more time with my grandchildren in Seattle, Boise, and here in Orlando. I also plan to read for pleasure. Did you know that there are books out there other than Wuthering Heights, Macbeth, and Brave New World?” Peaches Rankin ’70HS ’72C writes, “Things in Charlotte are good. I have seen Carol Redding Dubose ’70HS. She is a new grandmother of twin boys. I also have seen Ann Highsmith ’70HS. She’s good, too. I see Dell Parker Paschal ’70HS ’72C when I visit her in Raleigh. Looking forward to our 50th. Holy cow!” Nan Wilson McLendon is still living in Washington, N.C. “We have one grandchild, a precious three-year-old who lives with her mom and dad in Aspen, Colorado. Another son lives in Encinitas, Calif., and Nancy Stewart ’08, my SMS girl, is a physician’s assistant at Kids Care in Wilmington. Hurrah! One stayed on the East Coast! I have been selling real estate in Little Washington for 40 years! Still love it! Can’t believe how old we are!”
1972
HIGH SCHOOL Susan Hundley ’72C Coco McConnell Killian writes of a very busy year. Her son, Rally, was married December 1, 2018. Alicia Dees Taylor and Neale Turlington Lindholm and their husbands attended the wedding. Coco and husband Ray have been traveling in Europe this fall and plan a trip to Dubai, India, Katmandu, and Bhutan. When she is at home in Charlotte, she directs weddings in her church. She directs as many as 18 weddings a year, including Saint Mary’s girls. Whew! Libby Holland resides in Raleigh and is an R.N. in the cardiovascular intermediate care unit. She enjoys her job and has no plans to retire anytime soon. Libby occasionally runs into Laura Norris Raynor ’69HS ’71C at the North Carolina Museum of Art. Laura was Libby’s “big sister” at Saint Mary’s and still continues in that role! As
for me, Susan Hundley, I am still practicing medicine in a federally funded clinic in Boydton, Virginia. I am way too busy seeing patients and acting as medical director for five practices. I so enjoy my two granddaughters, Stuart and Bennett, born July 2019. I am a sucker and have already gotten them a miniature horse! I am also growing an Angus cattle farm on our family farm in Boydton. I just had nine new calves! I still enjoy Lake Country Living in Clarksville, Virginia, on Buggs Island Lake and spending with my beau, Gary. I do enjoy hearing of the many travels of Ivy Robinson Loftice and her husband, John. Please stay in touch! Susan
1972
COLLEGE Jean Crowell Clark is still working as a dental hygienist in Raleigh. “I have two lovely daughters-in law as well as two lovely granddaughters, hopefully future Saint Mary’s girls. Some of my favorite days are when Ann Cameron Highsmith, Carolyn Welfare Arnold, and I get together. Makes me feel young again!” Lisa Coleman Harmon is still living in Whitakers. Sue Barham Moore writes from Stoneville, “Don and I are doing well and enjoying our eight grandchildren (ages six months -11). Don is still practicing medicine. This makes his 40th year practicing and he still loves his patients!” Suzanne Clontz Coddington and husband Bill just moved to a brand-new home in Charlotte after 40 years in their old one. “Yikes! But it feels good to have purged!” Lydia Schwartz Woodward writes, “It’s been an interesting year for me. I lost my husband of 27 years after a long illness. I am adjusting to the new ‘normal.’ My dance studio, Southeastern Indiana Dance, located in beautiful downtown Batesville, Indiana, is doing well. Opened shop 11 years ago with seven students. We now have 100 students, two studios, and three teachers, plus an admin. I suppose that’s pretty good for a town of 6,500 people! Two of my children and five grands live within 30 minutes of me, so it’s nice to have them around. Took the older two rollerskating the other day, and I’m darn lucky I didn’t break a hip! I’m on Facebook if anyone wants to connect!” Lou Hodges Cleaver writes from Manteo, “I am fully retired from Dare County Schools, but I am a full-time grandmother (WooWoo) to our two precious grandsons (4 and 2). Our oldest son got married on September 19 in The Elizabethan Gardens. Our niece, Lauren Rutherford Perry ’01, joined us! Now I have two beautiful daughters-in-love! My husband, Eric, (WhyWhy) retired October 31.” Peaches Rankin ’70HS ’72C writes, “Things in Charlotte are good. I have seen Carol Redding Dubose ’70HS. She is a new grandmother of twin boys. I also have seen Ann Highsmith ’70HS. She’s good, too. I see Dell Parker Paschal ’70HS ’72C when I stay with her in Raleigh. Looking forward to our 50th. Holy cow!” Ann Elliott Newbern says, “Travel baseball, basketball, and soccer
games, along with dance and piano recitals from Annapolis to Wilmington, keep Elton and me on the road supporting the grandchildren. We traveled to Italy for two weeks in August and had a wonderful time. Busy must equate to healthy because we are both doing great. Our lives on the farm in Enfield and our time at the beach with family and friends bring us great joy!”
1974
COLLEGE Melrose Whitfield Fisher ’72HS ’74C Hello to the great Class of ’74C! Right off the bat I want to say, thank you, to everyone who attended our 45th reunion. So many classmates made a huge effort to attend and we were so glad you did. And those who were not able to be with us, we missed you and yes, you were talked about. So, mark your calendars now for spring 2024, our 50th reunion, ladies! I think everyone who attended our reunion would agree that the award for the classmate making the biggest effort to attend goes to Betsy Newman Brabson. Betsy was diagnosed in the fall of 2018 with cancer and it was our 45th reunion that was the motivating factor that got her through her months of chemo. Once chemo was over, Betsy drove by herself from Georgetown, S.C., to our reunion. Betsy was truly amazing and looked amazing, as usual. Betsy says she was so touched by the many SMC friends who reached out to her with their love and support during her days of chemo. Happily, Betsy reports that all is GREAT with good test results and she is feeling back to 100 percent. What fabulous news, Betsy. And with that, Betsy is back to her dedication of preserving sea turtles. According to Betsy, she and her team had a record sea turtle nesting season along with the entire East Coast, which kept Betsy very busy last summer. Keep rockin’ it, Betsy! As much as I hate to admit it, this is our Medicare year, along with retirement time, for many of us. One classmate who stepped into retirement from her many years in the nursing profession is Rachael Holmes. Rachael loves retirement and says everyday feels like Christmas morning. Some of Rachael’s retirement activities are Tai Chi classes, Mediterranean cooking classes, tutoring kindergarteners in math and reading, remodeling her home, and looking forward to basketball season just like the rest of us. Fortunately for Rachael, she had cataracts removed and after a temporary loss of vision, her sight is gradually coming back better than ever. Thank the Lord, Rachael. I had to make sure the sky wasn’t falling when I received class news from my old roommate Margaret Ann Denning Rhodes! A blast from the past, for sure. It was so good to hear from M.A. She has retired from teaching but stays busy working part time as an elementary reading specialist. Margaret Ann and Reid have just joined the ranks of grandparenthood. Daughter Suzanne
gave birth to a boy, Samuel Edward Sharpton, on July 28, 2019. Then Thomas Rhodes and wife blessed Margaret Ann and Reid with a granddaughter, Vivian Kate Rhodes, on October 15, 2019. Congratulations, M.A.! Son Thomas is working with Reid’s insurance company in Rocky Mount, so they get to see their granddaughter frequently, whereas they get to see Suzanne and her family less frequently because they live in La Jolla, California. Another great surprise from another classmate was hearing from Lee Macatee Green! Lee has been living and working in Castle Rock, Colo., for 19 out of the last 21 years. Lee has been practicing in the nursing profession since graduating from college! Good for you, Lee! Several of us in Mrs. Campbell’s anatomy and physiology class at SMS pursued a career in nursing or another medical field, like Ellen Henson in medical illustration. That’s amazing. Thanks for touching base, Lee. Writing in from Mt. Pleasant, S.C., is Shelley Tosto Snider. Shelley also loves her retirement from teaching. It turned out that her retirement came at a time when her mom needed her most. Shelley’s mother was diagnosed with cancer that required some extensive surgeries. Shelley has been able to go back and forth to her hometown to take care of her mom. When not helping her mother, Shelley is working as a FREE “Granny Uber.” Shelley’s middle son, Jordan, and his family moved back to South Carolina this past year when Jordan accepted a job as executive pastry chef at the Sanctuary at Kiawah. Jordan and wife Baker have two children: Hazel (5), who loves kindergarten, and William (2.5). Shelley’s older son, Jake, and his family live in Charleston, S. C., where Jake manages Florence’s Lowcountry Kitchen in downtown Charleston. Shelley’s daughter, Lacey, is finishing her second degree, dental hygiene. Lacey’s husband, Chris, just opened a personal training business. Lacey and Chris’s child, Asher, is another grandchild who rides in the “Granny Uber.” From Atlanta, Beth Nicolson Dick sends her regrets for not being able to be at our reunion, but said she is going to do her best to be at our 50th. We missed you Beth! Like others, Beth has been enjoying life with her children and grandchildren. Beth’s daughter, Elizabeth, and husband Lee welcomed their third child, daughter Tuller. Beth’s son, Hogan, and wife Katie welcomed their third child, son Jameson. Beth’s youngest son, Andrew, is living in Chicago and loving it. We look forward to seeing you in 2024, Beth! Emory Rogers Church loved seeing everyone at the reunion and wanted to give a shoutout to Beth Ellington Owen for hosting us at her beautiful home. Emory and John enjoyed a trip to Cuba in February. Jane Abernathy Hahn reports, “Still living in beautiful Beaufort by the sea! My son Andrew has moved to North Carolina and Brian is still in Florida. I enjoy running into alumnae around here.” Kathrin Koonce writes that she moved from the North
51
CLASS NEWS Carolina coast earlier this year and is living on a horse farm in Creedmoor, North Carolina. She will be taking an Equitour in Argentina in February 2020. What a neat trip, Kathrin. Retirement seems to be agreeing with everyone, but many of us seem to not want to cut ties completely from our former career. Libba Barbour Shelton is one of these people. Libba retired from teaching kindergarten in the Carteret County Public Schools in Morehead City a couple of years ago but finds working now as a kindergarten teacher for a private church school with smaller class sizes and less administrative pressure is a teacher’s dream come true. In the fall, a group of Saint Mary’s friends got together at Atlantic Beach for a long weekend. We’ve done this for three years now and it has become a “not-to-be-missed” fun time. Those joining in the fun were Becky Clark, Gail Shackelford Narron, Libba Barbour Shelton, Anna DuBose Doughton, Kirt Rendleman Austin, Susan Byers Muir, Jane Howell Sharp ’72HS and myself. Unable to join us were Sukoshi Williamson Roberts and Josie Rawl Hall. We had lots of good laughs, lots of good food, attempts at Kirt teaching a couple of us mahjong and lots of remembering our great times at our beloved Saint Mary’s. Here is the news I remember (lol) from these SMS classmates. Becky Clark hasn’t retired from her dental hygiene career yet, but she is loving her “new” dentist that bought Becky’s prior dentist’s practice. Susan Byers Muir and George are still loving Augusta, Georgia. They celebrated their 42-year anniversary! They visit North Carolina frequently because all three kids are there. Byers and George have been blessed so far with three grandchildren and life is great! Anna DuBose Doughton and husband Bud spend their time between Raleigh and Morehead City. Daughter Lawre is living in California and son Horton and his wife are in Boone, where Horton is working as an exercise physiologist. Gail Shackelford Narron has been spending a lot of her time between Smithfield, where she and Johnny live, and Mt. Olive, where her dad still resides. Gail’s dad is 94 and requires frequent visits and care by Gail and her sisters. Unfortunately, Gail’s mother passed away this year after 93 great years. Kirt Rendleman Austin is loving her retirement from real estate by playing grandmother and playing lots and lots of mahjong. Lastly, I continue to work as a clinical research nurse with the UNC Biomedical Engineering Department and still have my Lots of Luxe business. Complete retirement is not in my vocabulary yet. Maybe within the next five years. Denial is in my vocabulary, though. No grandchildren yet, but all in due time. Son Rob is currently living in D.C. and son Davis and his wife, Michalia, are in Charlotte. Life is good. FYI: mark your calendars now for 2024, which will be our 50th reunion! We won the “class with the most in attendance” at our 45th. We had about 42 peeps attend. Let’s see if we can have 50 at
52
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
our 50th in 2024! Spread the word about our 50th and spread the word about all the great growth occurring at SMS! If you don’t know what’s happening at SMS and the Saint Mary’s Forever Campaign, go to sms.edu and read! It’s all great! Melrose
1974
HIGH SCHOOL Catherine Blankenship ’74HS ’76C Another class reunion, number 45, is in the books and who can believe it. Loved seeing everyone there and having time to catch up. Angela Parker is living in midtown Atlanta with great walkability and still working. She is planning a vacation to see daughter Reilly in Rome. Karen Hearne is in Rocky Mount and was able to make the reunion – wonderful to catch up! She continues to work as a Registered Nurse. Becky Davis Morlok comments that we need to plan for our 50th in 2024, and how great it is to always pick up where we left off. Janie Cameron Wagstaff writes from Durham. She is still doing policy work at ICON Lecture series and is getting the her 100-year-old home and gardens ready for a special family event in 2020. Bennett Wellons Waters hated to miss the reunion. She is still in Charlotte and painting – look for her wonderful work! Her daughter was married in June in the North Carolina mountains. Moss+Ross, Mary McGranahan Moss’s business, is thriving through serving more than 180 non-profits. She and her business partner were recognized in “Durham Magazine.” She is enjoying her granddaughter and hoping for more. I am writing, still in Wilmington, grateful to all of you for the memories from many years ago and sending much love. Time to start planning for #50!
1976
COLLEGE Bess Knotts Walker ’76C Lisa Lybrook Goodson and husband Tom are enjoying traveling a lot. This past year they went to Ecuador and the Galapagos in the winter and then Nova Scotia for golf in the summer. She got the chance to photograph puffins in their nesting site, which was very cool. She published a book last year of her bird photography. I have seen it and it is beautiful! Next year they are spending some time in Florida, where Lisa will swim with the manatees and then go to Alaska in the summer. She can't wait! When Lisa isn’t traveling, her four little grandchildren keep her busy. Lisa enjoys visits with Kate Holmes each year in Southern Pines and has fun running into Laura Frazier Norman at bridge tournaments. Laura writes, “There was lots of love on our family vacation in August in Wrightsville Beach!” Daughter Sally and son Dean are both married, and grandmother Laura expects to be extra busy this year. Laura is still playing golf and I would guess still winning! She also got her Life Master in duplicate bridge in June. Lou White
has big news! She plans to retire at the end of 2019 and was so looking forward to it. She says she is anxious but excited! Don’t worry, Lou, you will quickly realize how to fill those hours! She hopes to start spending more time in Beaufort and doing some traveling. Have fun, Lou, and enjoy! Jane Johnson Brady says her happy news is the arrival of Leslie Jane “Janie” Hooker on Sunday, September 15, 2019! “She is our joy. Trina and Cahill are amazing new parents, so in love with each other and in love with their beautiful daughter.” Those of us who have grandchildren can feel your love, Jane! And I bet the name Janie is special, too! Sandy Sherrill Womble has been spending more of her summers in Blowing Rock, where she enjoys hiking, painting, and quilting. (Except this time, she's working on a quilt that has seen two house moves and she has yet to be able to straighten out her fabric patterns. It's either age or Fassett's fault. She's blaming it on Fassett.) Those are her words in parentheses, not mine! Sandy your humor is still intact! Ellie Maynard is still living at Lake Gaston and trying to adjust to life with MS. All three of her children are now married and making their mama very proud. Her best news is she’s a first-time grandma! “My daughter had a precious baby girl in August, Claire Jane. Two questions. Can you ever love a baby too much and are we really old enough to be grandparents?!” Ellie, I’d say, of course not to both questions! Jill Ciccone Pike says she has entered a new phase of life. They moved from their home of 32 years to a nearby townhouse in June and love it! Jill, 32 years of stuff - how long did it take to clean it out? That gives me anxiety because it would be the same for me. Skip and Jill are also in full Grandma and Grandpa mode. They just had their ninth grandchild (a second granddaughter!). Gayle McConnell Tallardy is so happy being back in North Carolina. She is a new member of Late Bloomers Garden Club and several members are Saint Mary’s girls. She is just so pleased to be home! Her father is in Davidson and doing great at 96. Carl, her husband of 39 years, is from New York but is happy to be here too! Life is grand. Catherine Joyner Hoft writes, “We are enjoying our three grandchildren and love that all three of our girls and families live in Raleigh, close to us!” Randy retires at the end of the year and they are looking forward to traveling and spending more time at the beach in their new home! Laura McSpadden Belle-Isle is living in Gastonia, and still working part time as a physical therapist. Her husband, David, is the pastor of pastoral care at their church. They have two sons with their families living just south of Daytona, Fla., and one son and his family live in Arlington, Texas. They have six grandchildren, four girls and two boys all under the age of six. Laura’s mom passed away last December, and they recently moved her dad into the health center of the retirement community where he lives. Laura, I am so sorry to hear about your mother.
SAINT MARY’S REMEMBERS I know you and your dad miss her. David and Laura have hosted Chinese high school students for the past four years but are once again empty nesters. They enjoyed trips this summer to China, Japan, and South Africa. Mazie Swindell Smith and husband Dan are all settled into their new home at Lake Waccamaw in southeastern North Carolina and are enjoying their wonderful new community. They have also enjoyed several great trips recently to Nashville, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to Asheville and to Raleigh for N.C. State’s home football games. “As Dr. Frank Pisani used to say, ‘Life is full and good for us!’” Yes, Mazie, life is full and good! Shirley Perrin Martin sends her greetings! Her daughter, Melaney (28), is a certified coach at CrossFit Versatile in Greensboro and charter crew member of Organize with Jess, a professional logistics/organizational service. Shirley’s son, Philip Jr., soaring in his recovery, is working at new Magnolia Blue restaurant in High Point https://www.magnoliabluehighpoint.com/ and heading back to school at GTCC in January to study live sound and recording engineering. Her husband, Phil, is now terrific after surgery and hormone/radiation treatment for prostate cancer. Shirley is still working at a law firm in downtown Greensboro. She looked forward to celebrating holidays this year with both kids now in North Carolina. Alice Horton Wiggins has happy news! She is excited to share that her daughter, Lilian Gretchen Wiggins, married William Arrington Pully II in February 2019. With the two of them having family either in Rocky Mount or Wilson, festivities spanned both towns and included a reception at the historic Elm City train depot, where Alice’s family lived long ago. Also, her precious grandson’s Little League baseball team won silver in the state for 11 and under! Much excitement at the Wiggins’ home. As for me, it’s been a year of change. The first thing that happened was wonderful! My son, Locke and his wife, Kallie, moved back to Raleigh! In February, my daddy passed away at 94-years-old. I found myself in a new and different phase, no longer having my amazing, full-of-life parents. I had the perfect summer by having my daughter, Ila Walker Bittner ’05, and family live with us at the beach. Loved having this special time with my 3-year-old grandson, Bear! My youngest, Carr, works with my husband in the same insurance agency! He was buying his first house, so we were happy to have him move home for a couple months! A proud moment this fall, was when Kallie and Locke organized a group of friends that planned a concert fundraiser, HopeJam, to raise funds for Hurricane Dorian relief in the Bahamas. Katherine Sloan Eatmon ’08, Betsy Church ’09, and Mary Stewart Bailey ’09 were committee members, as well as sisters, sons, and daughter-in-laws of SMS alumnae! One band was led by a son and brother of SMS alumnae and another band had brothers of an alumna! SMS alumnae were all very generous in supporting and giving to the event. The committee had an ambitious goal of $50,000 and they raised almost $84,000! It was held at Coastal Credit Union Midtown Park at North Hills and was a tremendous success and a fun evening! I was one proud momma and so proud of the many connections to SMS! I enjoyed hearing from each of you and hope the rest of our class is doing well. Have a great year! Bess
1976 HIGH SCHOOL AND 1978 COLLEGE
Bebee Bason Lee '76HS '78C Nancy Welby Check ’76HS writes in from Lexington, North Carolina, where she and her husband Jeff have both retired from second careers as teachers. Nancy still works a few shifts in labor and delivery at the local hospital, teaching CPR and prenatal classes. Jeff is works in real estate. They enjoy trips to visit their kids and friends. Their oldest daughter, Sydne, and her family relocated from Texas to Kinston over the summer. Joe is stationed in Pensacola, Florida, with the Navy, and Meredith finished grad school at American University and is now living and working in Washington, DC. She is quite happy to have everyone a little closer. Jane Bratton Fleming ’76HS ’78C and husband Pat went to Italy and Greece with a UNC group. She said it was wonderful! Their son Patrick is in D.C. with a lobby-
Dr. Wylie S. Quinn III Distinguished professor emeritus of humanities September 13, 1943 – October 25, 2019 Saint Mary’s remembers Dr. Wyle Savanas Quinn III, professor emeritus of humanities, who died peacefully Oct. 25, 2019, with his wife, Peggy, and children, Nathaniel and Molly, by his side. Dr. Quinn, who joined the faculty of Saint Mary’s College in 1973, was a distinguished Fletcher Endowed Professor who served as chair of the department of religion and philosophy for many years and was chair of the department of music and Chorale director for several years. He retired from Saint Mary’s in 1998, after 25 years of distinguished service. He delivered the commencement address for the college department in 1994. Dr. Quinn was a renowned organist and choirmaster, serving a litany of churches, including Saint Mary’s Chapel, over the years from Connecticut to North Carolina, most recently at the Chapel of the Cross in Chapel Hill from 1970-2017. He was an artist-in-residence at Duke University in the 1980s. He performed recitals at Yale University; Duke University; the University of Pittsburgh; Davidson College, Washington, D.C.; Middleton, Connecticut; Chapel of the Cross’ and the North Carolina Bach Festival. Dr. Quinn earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Davidson College; Bachelor of Divinity and Doctor of Sacred Theology degrees from Yale University; and a Ph.D. from Duke University. “One of Van’s greatest contributions to Saint Mary’s was researching and selecting the school’s beautiful Bigelow Chapel organ, Opus 9, hand-crafted by the renowned organ builder, Michael Bigelow,” says longtime colleague Terry Elizabeth Thompson, professor emerita of music at Saint Mary’s. “Van played a beautiful recital for the re-dedication of the organ in the Chapel in 1985 for the ceremony dedicating the organ to donor Mary Kistler Stoney, Class of 1919, and for the organ re-dedication in 2005. He was a generous, supportive colleague and a magnificent musician who will be missed by many.” Former students remember Dr. Quinn as a brilliant, intellectual scholar and inspiring professor and choirmaster who commanded the best effort from his students at the highest level. Funeral services for Dr. Quinn were held Nov. 2, 2019, at the Chapel of the Cross in Chapel Hill.
53
CLASS NEWS ing firm; son Alex is with Carlisle Group also in D.C.; and youngest son Jack is in Charleston with First Citizens Bank in training program. Jane is happy to have them all in such fun places to visit. Mary Jane Given Devins ’76HS and husband Jim live in Dedham, Massachusetts, and have three daughters, all who attended University of South Carolina, so the southern roots pulled them back. The youngest daughter is a senior at South Carolina. Their oldest daughter lives and works in Boca Raton and the middle daughter lives in Charleston, so they too have great places to visit! Mary Jane loves going to football games and catching up with SMS friends. Coleman Floyd Buckhouse ’77HS has taken care of them for the past 10 years at her tailgates. Mary Jane keeps up with SMS friends, traveling often with Nella Fulton Timmons ’77HS and Georgia Worthington Sullivan ’77HS, and she happily met Brendan O’Shea while attending Parents Weekend in South Carolina. Mary Jane looks forward to our next reunion. Lisa Lofton Tomlinson ’78C is also ready for an SMC reunion. Lisa is still selling the Carlisle Collection, and she will also be taking classes to become a realtor. Lisa asks all to send her any friends and family who may be moving to Charlotte and says she will repay the favor. While you’d think one might be settling down, but Lisa seems to be revving up! Lisa and John have four grandchildren, Mattie (4), James (2), Jack (1 ½) and Ty (6 months). Elizabeth Stewart Long ’78C and Tom have retired back to Atlanta after being gone for 17 years. Elizabeth says it is been great to be back in warmer weather and sunshine. Their daughters, Stewart and Rawlings, both got married in 2019 - one to her high school Wisconsin sweetheart and the other to hometown Atlanta boy. Both are living and working in Atlanta. Their son, Thompson, graduated this year and works in Atlanta also. So, it’s lots of fun having a full house when all the children and “granddogs” drop by! It was great to hear from Betsy Eddins Richards ’76HS ’78C. She retired from a 34-year nursing career five years ago. She and her husband Mark (from New York) sold everything, bought an RV, and are still gypsies. Betsy says this lifestyle suits her well. They spent the summer of 2018 in the Pacific Northwest. They always winter somewhere on the gulf coast, Florida or Texas. During the summer of 2019 they spent a glorious four months in the Adirondacks. At 61 years old, Betsy has survived anal cancer and meningitis. Yet, with her newfound tribe she has developed a serious wanderlust. She is getting a "do-over" and feels like an adolescent again. Lauren Sherman Peele ’78C writes that the Peele family had a huge celebration in 2019 when their oldest son, Tripp (29), married Brittany Wade in March. The wedding was in Manteo and it was so much fun. Tripp and Brittany went to Thailand on their honeymoon and just bought a home in Willow Spring. Tripp works for TekSystems and is a telecommunications and network infrastructure
54
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
recruiter. Brittany is a cardiovascular specialist at WakeMed. She and Tripp went to see Elton John’s Farewell Tour at PNC Arena. Rachel Woodruff Carlson ’78C came to NC in July and they had a wonderful visit in Raleigh, the highlight was seeing “Annie”. We facetimed with Mary Fondren ’78C and spoke to Betsy Eddins Richards ’76HS ’78C. Lauren attended the Western & Southern Tennis Open in Cincinnati in August with a cousin and watched some great tennis. In September, she met a group of girls she graduated from high school with in Nashville, and they rocked it on Broadway! Robbie and youngest son, John Gates (26), are farming together. Robbie went on his annual fishing trip to Costa Rica in February. They spend time at their condo in Manteo. Since retiring in 2016, she still gets a lot of sub time at Hobgood Academy and now at the new Hobgood Charter School. Lauren stays involved at church and with the Oak City Food Pantry and Oak City Recreation. Mary Beth Horton Grady ’76HS ’78C says the last reunion was so much fun, and she can't wait for the next gathering moving forward. Life is good in the Grady household! 2018 was a difficult year with the passing of her beloved mother and the subsequent sale of her property. This year has brought her much peace as she has had time to digest the loss. MB has moved on and made a vow that she would spend time after retirement in 2015 to give back to the community. Mary Beth volunteers at Duke Raleigh Hospital in Gift Shop (8 yrs.) and has now dedicated herself as a volunteer at the cancer center at the hospital. MB loves the work, the patients and their families! She is also involved with Hayes Barton United Methodist Church as a "visiting friend" for elderly shut ins and a member of Circle 8. Mary Beth has much respect for our older citizens. They have so much wisdom to share! Mary Beth and Joe have traveled to Beaufort several times and spent a lovely weekend in Asheville in August. Mary Beth spends much time in the gym trying to keep the ole body in shape! Libby Holding Ross ’78C and husband Willard are celebrated their second anniversary in November and have had a fabulous two years together. They recently returned from a hunting/fishing trip to Alaska which took Libby way out of her comfort zone as they were literally in the wilderness! It turned out to be one of the best trips of Libby’s life, although it wasn’t for the faint of heart. They have a couple of other trips in the works which thankfully aren't as “extreme!” Libby’s two oldest children live in Florida and her youngest one is in Colorado. Libby has seen Jane Bratton Fleming ’76HS ’78C, Kappy Carr Black ’78C, Sally Dillard Cohen ’78C, Elizabeth Stewart Long ’78C, Donna Sherrill Steele ’78C, Lee Archibald Taylor ’78C, and Dillon Robinson Manly ’78C at weddings and other events recently and she always feels very fortunate to still have these women in her life. It all started at Saint Mary’s! Sally Allen Watkins ’76HS writes
that is has been an interesting and busy year. Husband Randy retired from Hendrick Automotive in October 2018 giving him the R and R time he deserves. Sally’s mother passed in 2019 leaving her home on Ridge Road in Raleigh empty for the first time. They were originally going to move back to Raleigh and build on the property. However, she found a new barn that she loves, and Randy has his golf at Rolling Hills, so they are moving locally. This house is closer to both their hobbies, in Wesley Chapel, south of Charlotte and is more suited for their senior years. Sally and Randy travel infrequently, pursue our hobbies with fervor, love their dogs Blue and Max with abandonment, and try to keep up with all the grands who live between Raleigh and Minneapolis. Beth Kirkland Peters ’78C writes that she is in her fourth year as head of school at Greenfield School in Wilson. The job is very stressful yet rewarding. On the weekends Walston and Beth go down to Belhaven, North Carolina, to their house on the Pungo River and enjoy the quiet and beauty of the nature around them, usually while on the boat fishing. Dottie Lipscomb ’78C wrote as she’d been huddled in a closet under the stairs of her house with her sweet mother while one of the nine tornados touched down less than a mile away in their Preston Hollow location. Her favorite shopping center and eateries destroyed, while friends lost homes. Dottie is still engulfed with home portraits. So sorry Dottie has had to go through those storms! It was wonderful to hear from Rosemary Summerlin Crane ’76HS ’78C and to have lunch with her recently. Rose writes that she is still working for REX UNC Cancer Center as an oncology nurse, although she is now working part time. She has taken up playing golf at North Ridge and is serving on the leadership committee for the Triangle Leukemia/Lymphoma Society Man/Woman of the year campaign. Rose’s daughter Caylin Spear ’98HS is still living in Hawaii and recently hosted the Hawaii Craftsman Statewide Exhibition and judging that was held on Kauai. Caylin represents Kauai on the Board of directors. One of Caylin’s pieces was chosen for the exhibit that will hang in the Honolulu Museum of Art gallery exhibit. Caylin’s life work has been devoted to teaching art and supporting the Arts in her community and ocean conservation awareness. Caylin is a teacher at Eleele School and facilities director of the Storybook Theater and a member of the American Ocean Artists Society. If anyone is interested in a little golf give Rose a shout, she is a self-identified beginner forever! She’d love to reconnect with her SMS buds! It was so much fun running into Lee Scott Worth ’76HS ’78C and husband Hal at the SMS Wake County Alumnae Gathering in October! They’ve had an exciting year – their oldest daughter, Catherine Worth ’09 was married in September to Austin Davis of Fort Worth, Texas. They were married at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (very similar to SMS Chapel) in Beaufort,
N.C., they enjoyed a tented reception on the lawn of the Coral Bay Club in Atlantic Beach, N.C. Both of their other daughters, Sarah Scott Worth ’12 and Hallie Worth, were bridesmaids. Catherine and Austin live in Fort Worth along with their two pups, Joe and Rooster. Sarah Scott works for a PR firm in Charleston, South Carolina, and adores living there. Hallie is a high school senior in the thick of senior year and the college application process. Lee and Hal still love being in Raleigh and feel so lucky to get to see so many SMS friends here and down at the coast. Donna Sherrill Steele ’78C writes they have had a big year in the Steele household. Both of their children got married! Kathryn got married in February in Atlanta. And Donna was thrilled to have SMS friends and husbands celebrate with them – Jane Bratton Fleming ’76HS ’78C, Libby Holding Ross ’78C, Elizabeth Stewart Long ’78C, Kappy Carr Black ’78C and Dillon Robinson Manly ’78C. Harrison married Emily O'Hara in Charleston in October. It was fabulous and fun and happy in every way! Thrilled for both kids. What a small world that Debra Rhodes Gladstone's ’76 HS ’78C daughter was in the wedding! Mary Kate was a sorority sister of Emily's. As far as other Saint Mary sightings, she gets to see Liz Wright James ’78C when Donna gets to Greensboro. Donna says Liz always has a smile and her mind is quite sharp. Donna was also able to meet Liz and her husband, Alex, at Saint Mary's last spring to have a tour and visit. It was very special - the Chapel, classrooms, Smedes, etc., and I know Liz thoroughly enjoyed the visit. She could hear students hustling around, hear songs in the chapel and it has the same "woodsy" smell. Donna and her husband made a trip to White Stone, Virginia, last summer to visit Martha Boisseau Mattheisen ’78C and husband Steve. They live on the river there and love being grandparents! Donna often talks to Wimberley Burton ’78C, Martha Murphy ’76HS ’78C, and Elizabeth Kerr Agnew ’78C. Donna enjoys seeing the Charlotte SMS girls too. It's always a joy to hear from Frances Schultz ’76HS ’78C as she is looking forward to being at Saint Mary’s in March. Frances is still writing, painting, and dividing time between California, New York and the world! They have managed to avoid the fires so far in their part of California, thank goodness, but they hold their breath. Frances’s newest book came out in November, California Cooking and Southern Style, and she is looking forward to seeing SMS pals as book-related travel takes me around the Old North State, including a visit to SMS this coming spring! Jan Stewart Atkins ’76HS ’78C still loves living in Burlington. Husband Darrien’s business is growing, and she enjoyed a dinner visit with Sally Dillard Cohen ’78C and Dottie B Nutt ’76C recently. Jan had a sad summer, as losing her special Papa has been heartbreaking. Jan is helping her mother and all the family adjust to the new normal. Jan would love to get together soon! I hear from
Marjorie Berry ’78C that she is still working at the Museum of the Albemarle in Elizabeth City, doing lots of volunteer work, and enjoying her new home. She really enjoyed seeing everyone at the class reunion and look forward to the next one. Martha Boisseau Mattheisen ’78C and husband Steve are living in the NNK on Carter’s Creek in Virginia. Steve commutes to Williamsburg, while Martha is either playing tennis or golf or busy at her church, Grace Episcopal in Kilmarnock. Fortunately, all three of her children live close by so she can see her grandbabies often. She loved seeing everyone at the 40th reunion and reconnecting with classmates. She loves being back in touch with Mary Lou Jones and wants all her classmates to know to “please grab a classmate and come for a visit.” Susan Worth Costabile ’78C writes, “I am doing great in Atlanta but on the road a lot both to Fayetteville, to help my elderly parents, and to Nashville, to dote on my grandson, Holt Worth McElveen (10 months).” As for my news, Bebee - my family continues to grow! My son Will and his wife have given us three precious grandchildren – twin girls (Procter and Sadie age 3) and baby boy (Rhett 10 months). Daughter Anna Willard Cross ’05 got married in June 2018 in Saint Mary’s Chapel – it was absolutely beautiful and so much fun being on campus during all our planning. Son Sam Lee was married in October on the beach in Monterey, California. It was beyond fabulous! We are so blessed with our children – their spouses and grands. We love every minute we get to spend with them all! I am still with Junior Achievement of Eastern North Carolina, and my husband David is still with Wake Stone, so I do get to see Jane Bratton Fleming ’76HS ’78C at some of the Wake Stone events. Bebee
1980
COLLEGE Cissy Lofton Elmer '80C Thanks to everyone who sent news this time. The mailbag was less than full, but I’m thankful for the news received. Everyone must be very busy, and I can certainly relate. I do hope that even if you didn’t send news you will be able to attend our 30th reunion in the spring. Katie Zevenhuizen Medlin loves seeing her fellow Saint Mary’s girls at Atlantic Beach every summer and will be traveling to Italy and the Greek Isles this summer with high school students. Katie teaches British literature and yearbook at South Johnston. Colleen Smith Turner works for Ally Bank in Charlotte in the IT department. She and Steven are empty nesters this year, as John is working in N.Y.C. and Michael is a senior at USC. Colleen travels quite a bit but when she is home, she loves to catch up with Saint Mary’s girls in the Charlotte area. Missy Underwood Miller is in Charlotte and says her life is same old same old, just getting older. Her son, Rob, is in Mt. Pleasant, S.C., and daughter Liza is in Atlanta. Stepdaughter Katie is in her senior year
of college in Santa Barbara, Calif. All fun places to visit, which Missy loves! She ran into Jill Turner Kearse in Charleston recently and enjoyed a brief catch-up. Kelly Crouch has moved to Charlotte after spending many years in Texas, and I for one am happy to have her back on the East Coast! So many Saint Mary’s friends in Charlotte! Elizabeth Smith Skinner says that 2019 has been a fun year. She and Ben (and Mary Craig Timberlake Brown ’79 and Brick) became grandparents. Eleanor Thorp Brown was born February 13 and their lives are forever changed. Abby, Whit, and Eleanor live in Morehead City, so Elizabeth and Ben head east often. Daughter Sallie lives in Raleigh and is beginning her seventh year at Red Hat. Elizabeth is planning a fun trip for her 60th, so please send any great ideas her way! At the Saint Mary’s alumnae party in Wilson recently, Elizabeth loved hearing all the great things happening at SMS. Carolyn Walser Johnson and Earl are still in Raleigh, where Earl has started a new company called G3 Roofing, doing commercial and residential work. Carolyn is looking forward to going to St. Barts for her 60th birthday. Life is good. Karen Turner Clapperton lives in Salisbury, and commutes to work in Charlotte. She’s enjoying working on their 1889 historic home and just returned from a week in St. Kitts. The islands are seeing a lot of our Saint Mary’s girls this year. Might have something to do with that 60th birthday we are all experiencing! Terry McLennan Whitney is still doing consulting work in Charlotte and Joni Eargle Case is in Waxhaw enjoying being a first-time grandmother. Her son, Andrew, and his wife, Leah, had a beautiful baby girl and Joni is enjoying every minute! Danny and I are still in Asheville working for Christ School. Our boys, Ben and Sam, are keeping us on our toes getting married within 6 months of each other. So happy to have these two girls in our family! Hope you all stay healthy and have a great year. I really hope to see everyone at our 30th! Cheers! Cissy
1980
HIGH SCHOOL Kaky McCabe Bowden Hello dear friends from the class of 1980HS! I hope you all are well. It’s hard to believe that we graduated 40 years ago! In some ways it seems like yesterday. I have such fond memories of time together and our many escapades! It would be SO GREAT if we were all able to come back for our 40th reunion! Who’s with me? I am blessed to say that I have seen many of you over the years and keep up through Facebook. I keep up with and see Cathy Call Boykin a lot. Cathy has three kids: Laughton, 32, who is married and lives in Charlotte with a son named Ellis; Parke, 30, who also lives in Charlotte, and Callee Boykin ’16, a senior at University of Alabama. Cathy and her husband, Duke, spent a week in Paris and had a magical time! I saw several of our classmates at a wed-
55
CLASS NEWS ding in Raleigh this past July. It was great running into Elizabeth Patteson Dixon, who lives in Raleigh. I know she has a son who married this past year. I also connected with Boo Tyler Kennedy, who lives in Texas. Melanie Hardy Hardin (Atlanta), and Lee Williams (Raleigh) were there as well. So good to see everyone. Terry Gardner Noble writes that husband Billy is working in Raleigh with Trust Company of the South. They have a condo in Raleigh but still live in Rocky Mount. Their son, Will, lives in Rocky Mount and is a sales rep for Brewer-Henley Oil. Gardner is in commercial real estate with Trask Land Company in Wilmington. Marie works for Laura Park Designs in Charlotte. Terry still has her pearl business, TGN Pearls and travels around the state having shows. She loves running into old Saint Mary’s friends. I live in Lynchburg, Va., and still work for the Catholic Church as director of faith formation. My kids are Bob (29), Nan (27), and Mac (24). My sons live together in Charlotte and my daughter in Richmond, Va. Please log onto Facebook and join the page for our high school class of 1980 that I have created. We can stay connected and see updates and milestones in our lives. Hope to see as many of you as possible at the reunion! Peace and love, Kaky
1982
COLLEGE Cathy Call Boykin writes from Raleigh, “My son, Laughton (32), is married and lives in Charlotte with a son named Ellis. Son Parke (30) also lives in Charlotte, and daughter Callee Boykin ’16 is a senior at University of Alabama. Husband Duke and I went to Paris for a week—magical!” Terry Gardner Noble writes that all is well. “Husband Billy is working in Raleigh with Trust Company of the South. We have a condo in Raleigh but still live in Rocky Mount.” Son Will lives in Rocky Mount and is a sales rep for Brewer-Henley Oil. Gardner is in commercial real estate with Trask Land Company in Wilmington. Marie works for Laura Park Designs in Charlotte. Terry still has her pearl business, TGN Pearls, and travels around the state having shows. She loves running into old Saint Mary’s friends.
1982 HIGH SCHOOL AND 1984 COLLEGE
Beth Morris Gobble ’82HS ’84C Marion Farrar Dalgleish ’82HS writes, “This school year we are hosting Evan, an international student from Canada. He is attending his junior/senior year at Sterling's school here in Wilmington. Gordon and I visited South Africa for 2 1/2 weeks. Sterling is actively looking at boarding schools for next year, when he will be a freshman in high school. It brings back fond memories of SMS and all the friendships that I developed at Saint Mary’s. It's an exciting time for our family as we go through the admis-
56
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
sions process.” Caroline Nisbet Hewitt ’82HS ’84C is very excited to tell us that she became a grandmother in March 2019! Her oldest son, Tony, and his wife, Tait, welcomed a daughter and her name is Reese. Caroline is fully into the “grandma spoil mode!” Her son, Andrew, started a great job at Hendrick Automotive Group in the IT department. Her daughter, Casey, is a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, so Caroline and her husband are creeping towards being empty-nesters! Virginia White Pou ’84C had a very exciting year in 2019: daughter Sara-Morgan was married in a castle in Wales on August 3! She was a stunning bride and the family stayed on for two weeks to tour northern Wales and London. Their next adventure took the family to Bozeman, Mont., where they encountered snow in June! Elizabeth Sherrill Druga ’84C writes, “We are enjoying Pinehurst and are thrilled whenever we see other SMS friends. We had a nice SMS gathering at our house in the fall and it was fun seeing who went to Saint Mary’s and lives here that I wasn’t aware of. I see Windy Tillman Pratt ’79C on a regular basis and Jane Walker Browne ’84C when I’m in Charlotte. Beville Druga ’12 is a nurse at the cardiac step-down unit at Duke. And we are empty-nesters, Andrew having gone to McCallie, a boy’s boarding school in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I enjoyed time with those who came to the reunion.” Dan and I, Beth Morris Gobble ’82HS ’84C, have been enjoying the results of a very long remodel of our house in Greensboro. I continue to enjoy my work with Senior Resources of Guilford, and we have returned to the Episcopal Church where I was raised.
1984
HIGH SCHOOL Marty Worthy reports, “We have lots to celebrate in 2020! We will have a busy spring as we anticipate two graduations in May. Our son, Hoyt, will graduate from high school and daughter Emilie is set to finish up at UNC-Chapel Hill. Our youngest son, Clay, a 9th-grader at Broughton, is always worth celebrating. Malcolm and I will celebrate our 25th anniversary in October. Happy 2020 to all!” Robin Ballard Earp '84HS '86C writes, “Empty-nesting is great! Our daughter is the last one in college and is a sophomore at N.C. State. Middle son graduated from Sewanee and is in Namibia in the Peace Corps. We can’t wait to visit him. Our oldest is working in Raleigh.” Ellen Zollicoffer Jackson reports, “We had a pretty good turnout for our 35th reunion. We gathered at my house and had lots of fun catching up. It's hard to believe that I'm an empty nester. Daughter Janie Jackson ’19, is having a great freshman year at the University of Georgia and Mary Rinne is senior at the College of Charleston.” Christiana Black Kernodle ’84HS ’86C writes from Burlington, “Happy to have just sent #3 (last son) off to college at N.C. State, where #2 son is a senior. Oldest son is a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, U.S. Army. Empty-nesting feels really good!”
1986
COLLEGE Robin Ballard Earp '84HS '86C writes, “Emptynesting is great! Our daughter is the last one in college and is a sophomore at N.C. State. Middle son graduated from Sewanee and is in Namibia in the Peace Corps. We can’t wait to visit him. Our oldest is working in Raleigh.” Christiana Black Kernodle ’84HS ’86C writes from Burlington, “Happy to have just sent #3 (last son) off to college at N.C. State, where #2 son is a senior. Oldest son is a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, U.S. Army. Empty-nesting feels really good!” Bev Tuller is living in Columbia, S.C. She writes, “It has been a great year of travel for me! I started with Israel in January…a trip of a lifetime! Followed by the Los Angeles area (first time for me), Atlanta market (first time in four years), college tours with my nephew at UNC, Duke, and Wake Forest, and finally a trip to Disney World with my niece (11). I love seeing everyone on Facebook and Instagram! Look me up! @AuntBev12 or Beverly Tuller!”
1988
COLLEGE Olga McCoy Faison ’88C Thanks to everyone who sent news! Caroline Smith Culpepper wrote in from Hickory. She has one son at Mississippi State and one in high school. Caroline stays busy with P.T.A., church activities, soccer, and her Beautycounter business. Kelley Gomez Couch recently celebrated her one-year wedding anniversary! She and Greg were married in November 2018 on the island of Nevis. They live in Virginia Beach, Va. Rhett Lea Quattlebaum and Corey will celebrate 28 years of marriage this spring. They live in Norfolk, Virginia. Rhett teaches first grade at The Williams School in Ghent. Their daughter, Eliza, is in law school at Villanova and Addison, their youngest, is an intern at Walt Disney World. Parker Gabriel Cunningham sends a big hello from Atlanta to all her Saint Mary’s friends. Parker teaches preschool and enjoys cheering her two children on in basketball. Mary Lee Beasley Conner is now in her 20th year of teaching special education at Cedar Creek Middle School in Youngsville. Her two daughters are synchronized ice skaters. Her family stays busy practicing, traveling, and competing. Liz Stickley Scott and husband George sent their oldest off to college at Trinity in Connecticut. Their youngest two are in high school in Atlanta. She enjoyed visiting with Neely Barnwell Dykshorn in Richmond, Virginia, over the summer! Melissa Gibson Estes stays busy in Charlotte with husband Bryan and their son, Jack. Melissa also dominates on the local tennis circuit! Stephanie Yelton Williard sends a big hello to the class of ’88. Stephanie lives in Raleigh and enjoys seeing Harriet Adams and Shore Tucker McCall on a regular basis. Shore’s daughter, Lindsay Anne
SAINT MARY’S REMEMBERS McCall ’20 is a senior at Saint Mary’s, where she is a marshal and a star of the plays and musicals and Chorale. Leigh McAdoo Kempf is doing well in Chapel Hill and sends her love to all! Leigh is involved as a member of the Alumnae Council at Saint Mary’s and led a financial planning seminar in Smedes-Emory Parlor this fall for alumnae thinking about estate planning. Kim Norfleet Collie is in Raleigh. Her oldest daughter, Mary Mac ’17, is at Chapel Hill. Daughter Katharine Collie ’19, who graduated from Saint Mary’s in 2019, is a freshman at Wake Forest. Son Hugh attends Woodberry Forest School, where he plays football. Arianna Stuckey Harley shared the exciting news that their daughter, Taylor Harley Weeks, had a baby boy May 17, 2019. His name is Croft Mason Weeks. “Can't believe we are grandparents. How is this possible? Also, I love living in Greenville, S.C., and hanging out and playing tennis with Elizabeth Vandiver Harris.” Julie Rochon writes, “All is good on my end. My daughter Coralie Trudeau studies psychology at the University of Montréal and plans to do a semester "abroad" at UVA. On my end, I have been travelling a lot for work, spending a lot of time in Madagascar. Next Winter, I will be based in the Swiss Alps! Y'all come visit!” As for me, Olgo, I’m still in Charlotte. Jay and I have a quieter house with two off at school and our youngest in 8th-grade. I hope we all remain in touch. It is strange to think of the years that have passed since we were all together. Lots of love to everyone! Olga
1988
HIGH SCHOOL Melissa Morrisette Tillman writes, “Life as empty-nesters is at the same time wonderful and quiet. Rollie and I are thrilled that daughter Eliza Dunn Tillman ’23 is now at Saint Mary’s, boarding as a 9th-grader. And it’s nice to be close, whether on the beautiful campus or during a Saturday visit home to do laundry. Son Rollie is a freshman at UNC-Wilmington and loves it. The recent Granddaughters Club induction at Saint Mary’s was extra special, providing the opportunity to visit with Jennifer Walker Barwick ’88HS ’90C, Heather Moore Thompson ’88HS ’90C, Suzanne Morris Crosthwaite ’88HS and Ashley Langley Smith ’90HS. Friends, if you haven’t already, please join me supporting the Saint Mary’s Forever Campaign. Our alma mater continues to prepare young women for college and life: growing life-long, confident leadership and friendship. I ask you to consider the impact of your SMS experience on your life and give as you can.”
1990
COLLEGE Barbara Bryant Baynes ’88HS ’90C Hello Class of ‘90C! It was a treat to hear from so many of you this year! THANK YOU for sending your news! Lauren Black Currin owns a successful consulting business, Lawyers Marketing Associates, and enjoys traveling with Michael and their five grandchildren. Liz Bull Sri lives in Raleigh, where she works with children with autism in the Wake County Public School System. She has two children who attend Martin Middle School. Flossie Dossenbach Parks lives in Pinehurst, where she not only plays a lot of golf but also enjoys volunteering at the U.S. Women’s Senior Open and the U.S. Amateur tournaments. She writes that she and her husband planned to “follow the sun” to Palm Beach after the holidays. Natalie Gaskins Sherman lives in Chicago, Ill., with her husband, Brent, and their three children. Natalie works as a HR consultant for several small businesses and loves the flexible schedule that allows them to enjoy time at their vacation home on Torch Lake. Ellen Gilbert Gould’s daughter is a freshman at Ole Miss. Ellen still has a full house in Ponte Vedra, Florida, with three teenaged boys (17,16 and 16)! Kate Harrell Cole is sales manager for Talbots in Pennsylvania and enjoys her job. Her daughter, Caroline, is a senior in high school, so they are busy with college tours. While on a trip down south, Caroline was able to visit Saint Mary’s for the first time and Mary Virginia Swain ’77C took her on a campus tour. Kate also has a son, Woodson, who is a freshman in high school. Kimball Harris Saunders and her husband, Jim, are still in Southern Pines and enjoy chasing their German short haired pointer named Maddie. Heather Moore Thompson enjoys her non-profit work for a local foundation that makes the comforts of home a reality for formerly homeless families in Raleigh. Her
A. Hobgood 1946-2019 Former Trustee On Sunday, October 6, 2019, Alfred “A” Llewellyn Hobgood III, loving husband and father, passed away at age 72. A. was born on December 3, 1946, in Kinston, North Carolina. Raised in Smithfield, he went on to attend Darlington High School and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He built a successful career as a financial advisor, first being hired by Jim Wheat of Wheat First Securities, then building the presence of Scott and Stringfellow in Eastern North Carolina. He ended his career at RBC Wealth management. A. had a passion for golf and all things UNC. He loved the Carolina coast and spent much of his life by or on the water with friends and family. His greatest joy was spending time with his wife, children and most especially his five grandchildren. He was a devoted member of the board of trustees at Saint Mary’s. A. was known for his devotion to many charitable organizations and his contributions include: past trustee and president of Parrot Academy, Kinston; past trustee, LMH Foundation, Kinston; past trustee, Board of Visitors, UNC; past national chair, Excellence Fund, UNC; past president, Co-Founders Cub, UNC; past trustee, Saint Mary’s School, Raleigh; past trustee, Marine Sciences Board of Visitors, UNC; past trustee, NC Community Foundation; past director, First Tee of Triangle; member, UNC Cardiology Board of Advisors; director and chairman, The Medical Foundation of North Carolina; Leadership Council, Rex Hospital; trustee, Rex Heart Hospital; board member, Rex Open Tournament. Preceded in death by his father, Alfred Llewellyn Hobgood, Jr. and his mother Suefan Gooding Hobgood. He is survived by his wife Rhonda, two sons; Alfred Llewellyn Hobgood IV (Lila) and Coy Holt Edwards Hobgood (Jayme); grandchildren Alfred Llewellyn Hobgood V, Clara Odette Hobgood, Jewell Gooding Hobgood, Colton Edwards Hobgood, Michael Clarke Hobgood and siblings Elizabeth Hobgood Wellons, Kenneth Edwards Hobgood, and Tom Anderson Hobgood. A funeral service was held Thursday, October 10, at Christ Episcopal Church in Raleigh.
57
CLASS NEWS daughter, May Thompson ’23, is a freshman at SMS and Grace Battle Thompson ’18 is studying abroad this semester. Blanche Slade Hancock lives in Southern Pines, where she is the director of alumni relations at The O’Neal School. Her oldest son, Boone, attends East Carolina University and her youngest son, Philip, is a freshman at O’Neal. She and George are celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary! Anna Underwood Benson celebrated her daughter Caroline’s marriage to Weston Eubanks in a lovely ceremony at Figure Eight Island in September. Katherine Tierney Canady’s daughter is enjoying her junior year at East Carolina and was presented at the North Carolina Debutante Ball in September 2018. KT hosted several classmates at Lake Gaston, where they enjoyed a ton of laughs, happy memories, and good food and wine! Attending were Flossie Dossenbach Parks, Liz Bull Sri, Pat Gilliam Ivey, Sallie Smithwick Colton, Blanche Slade Hancock, Kimball Harris Saunders, Anna Tilghman and Heather Moore Thompson. Party favors from the weekend included SMC ’90C cups that said, “Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them. But you know they’re always there.” What a perfect quote for all of us Saint Mary’s friends! As for me, I am thrilled that Bustle, my personal shopping and closet organization business, is keeping me very busy! Ben is a senior at UNC-Chapel Hill, and Drew is a freshman at N.C. State, so our house continues to be divided! Lilly is a sophomore at Page High School, and Jonathan and I will happily celebrate our third wedding anniversary in May. I hope to see ALL of you at our 30th reunion in April! Until then, please keep me posted with all your news! Love, Barbara Bryant Baynes
1990
HIGH SCHOOL Stephanie Bishop Williams ’90HS It’s been wonderful hearing from all my friends both near and far. Louise Harris is still enjoying life in Raleigh. She is now the director for the North Carolina Bar Foundation after 17 years in advancement at UNC School of Law. She enjoys seeing Saint Mary’s girls in and around the Capital City and in her travels across the state, where she sees Tisha Carroll Edrington ’90HS ’92C, Kimball Harris Saunders ’90C and Blanche Slade Hancock ’90C in Southern Pines. She hopes to see you all and share some of those laughs in April! Heather Walker Youskauskas and her family are still living in Davidson. Their daughter, Robin, is now a senior in high school and son Wil is now 27 and living in the Charlotte area, working for a local company. Her husband, John, continues to fly for Netjets, and she is in her 17th year at AT&T. Heather hopes to attend the reunion weekend. Meredith Green Steinbraker has lived in Chester, Va., for the past 13 years. She and husband Dave have three teenagers: Mason (16), Carter (14), and Maggie (13). All three are involved with various sports and clubs, so she stays busy and
58
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
on the road! They have also been building their “dream house” on the James River this year and are hoping to be moved in soon. Mert still loves cheering for her Hokies, and she and her family enjoy Nags Head whenever they get the chance. Julie Hamilton Caviness lives in Raleigh and works with Hodge Kittrell Sotheby’s International Realty. Her oldest is a freshman at University of South Carolina, while a son is a junior and a daughter is a sophomore at Broughton. She says life is good and she looks forward to seeing everyone at our reunion! Tisha Carroll Edrington lives in Pinehurst. She and her family have been there 14 years. She sees Blanche Slade Hancock ’90C, Flossie Dossenbach Parks ’90C, and Kimball Harris Saunders ’90C around town and sees Louise Harris when she visits. Saint Mary's alumna Allison Schoen Hepfner '04, Ph.D., principal Her twin daughters are 16, and at Doby’s Mill Elementary School in Elgin, South Carolina, and her they all love to visit Wrightsville daughter sported Saint Mary’s t-shirts this fall during their school’s spirit week. “Our school celebrated 'Favorite High School Day’ Beach. She hopes to see everyin preparation for Career Day. Here I am with my daughter (SMS one at the reunion. Cammie Baclass of 2030) showing our Saint Mary’s school spirit!" son Smith and her husband are still in Dallas raising their girls. Margaret is a sophomore at Elon ing to SMS in the fall! Ashley loves being back while Sarah is a senior and very likely heading on campus (a lot) and seeing other SMS moms. to Alabama next fall. Caroline is a sophomore Meg Tuttle Powell is in her 15th year working in high school, and Kate is in sixth grade. Life is with AuPairCare. Her husband, Grey, is an atbusy with the girls, but in her spare time she plays torney in Raleigh, and their oldest is a senior in tennis and mahjong any chance she gets. She is high school. Their middle son is a sophomore in also very hopeful to get to our reunion in the his first year at Virginia Episcopal School, which spring and would love to catch up with every- reminds her of the old days at Saint Mary's! She one! Sutton Foy Boney has been living in Wilm- hopes he loves it as much as she loved Saint ington for 22 years with her husband, Chris, and Mary's. Their youngest is in seventh grade, and their three children. Lawrence (18) is a senior at they are all busy with sports and other activiWoodberry Forest, Henry (15) is a freshman at ties. Sarah Coleman Wilson is still in Cincinnati, New Hanover High School in Wilmington, and Ohio, and travels whenever possible. She loves May is in 8th-grade at Cape Fear Academy. Chris her work as a nurse practitioner in GYN Oncolis an architect in Wilmington, and Sutton is cur- ogy and looks forward to seeing everyone at the rently teaching Spanish at Cape Fear Academy. reunion! Joy Jansen Webb says that things are She occasionally sees Tisha Carroll Edrington wonderful on her side of the "world." She and around Wrightsville Beach. She would love to her family live in Sandpoint, Idaho, and love it! see the rest of our classmates and is hoping to She has the honor of being the director of spemake it to the reunion. Suzanne Wayne John- cial education and elementary school counson and Bill celebrated their 25th wedding an- seling for the local school district, Lake Pend niversary in August with a trip to Sea Island, Ga., Oreille School District. Dennison, her husband, where they spent their honeymoon. They live in is the founder and ED of a nonprofit 501 (c) (3), Benson. Their daughter, Mary Peyton, graduated Selkirk Outdoor Leadership and Education. They from Campbell University in May and is working enjoy serving a rural community in which most in real estate with Bill. She was also recently cast of the youth live in poverty. Their son Hunter (7) on a reality show called “Sequester,” and loved is loving school, growing up too fast, and ready that opportunity. Their son, William, is currently a to begin waterfowl hunting this year. As a famjunior at Campbell University and loving college ily, they enjoy the world of outdoors and travlife. Suzanne looks forward to seeing everyone eling for music, particularly Widespread Panic. at our reunion! Ashley Langley Smith reports As for me, my husband, Marty, and I are still in on her children that Langley is a sophomore at Richmond, Va. Our son, Henry (5), loves kinderU.G.A., Caroline Smith ’20 is a senior at SMS, garten, and I love my work at the State Historic and Anderson is an 8th-grader, hopefully head- Preservation Office. Tiger, the 1-year, 90-pound
(so far) labradoodle, keeps us busy also. I really hope to see lots of my SMC/SMS friends at the reunion this year. Hard to believe it’s been 30 years! Love to all, Stephanie Bishop Williams
1992
COLLEGE Michelle McLaughlin Cheshire ’92C Michelle McLaughlin Cheshire reports that she got to see Carrie Kitchen Jones several times over the summer when Carrie’s family traveled the West Coast and came down to San Diego. Weldon Jackson Byrtus loves working at Saint Mary’s School and seeing the daughters of classmates attending. Her daughter, Liza, is in fourth grade at Magellan Charter School and is playing soccer for the juniors’ program at NCFC.
1994
COLLEGE Andrea Staunch Green ’94C Anna Whitley Blessington is a principal at a middle school in Cabarrus County outside of Charlotte. She says her bucket gets filled every day with hellos, hugs, and high-fives. She loves her job and her Titan Family. She also misses her Saint Mary's crew. Grayson Hux Chase lives in North Raleigh with her husband, Jeff, and sons Carter (9) and Jackson (7). She and Jeff will celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary in February. Grayson has been doing a ton of volunteer work leading up to the 2018 and 2020 elections. After nine years of being a stayat-home mom, she's ready to go back to work and is currently in the process of launching her own travel agency. Susan Taylor Hawes lives in Charlotte. Her daughter, Catherine, is a sophomore at UNC-Pembroke, and her sons are both at Myers Park High School. Wilson is a senior and Matthew is a freshman. They lost their beloved 13-year-old yellow lab, Rosie, this past May. They have a new yellow lab puppy named Ellie, and she keeps them on their toes. It was hard for Susan to see her childhood home torn down after her parents downsized. She loves flying with David, her boyfriend of 11 years, and hopes to get all her ratings. Susan teaches at a church preschool with 4-and 5-year-olds, but dreams of a career in aviation. Katie O'Neal Horstmann, husband Kurt, and daughter Camilla Grace are doing well. She and Stacey Stallard Shaughnessy, Ellie Jarman, and Amy McIlvain Powell had a fun reunion seeing Widespread Panic at Durham's DPAC in March. Katie and her husband checked off a bucket list item in June when they travelled to Red Rocks and saw Widespread Panic again for three nights. They have also had the excitement of becoming dance parents when their daughter made Tap Company in the fall. They look forward to spending the holidays with their families. Joanna Weatherman Husky lives in WinstonSalem with her husband, and they celebrated
their 10th anniversary this past June. Joanna's grandson, Dawson, recently turned three and her granddaughter just turned a year old. She enjoyed seeing everyone at the reunion back in May! Robin White Mangum lives in Raleigh with her husband, Ned, and their three boys. When not playing chauffeur, Robin is the learning coordinator at Marbles Kids Museum. Mary Pat Phillips Radford is in Sarasota, Florida, with her husband, Kevin, and daughters, Izzie and Eliza. Izzie is a high school junior, so they are preparing for college applications next year. Eliza is in the 7th-grade and loves acting, her friendships, and her school. This past year they have spent time in Raleigh visiting Sally Howell Donaldson (Izzie's godmother), Margery Knott Clifton, and Robin White Mangum. She and Eliza also make a yearly trip to Mt. Airy to see Ann Green Floyd, who is Eliza's godmother. Sally recently visited them in Sarasota with her two-year-old, Mary Smith, who is Mary Pat's goddaughter. Mary Pat said it was truly special to watch their girls interacting. Kendy Allen Smith and her family have moved back to Seattle from the San Francisco Bay area. She is nannying again, volunteering with animal rescue organizations, and enjoying having a teenager. Henry (13) is a 7th-grader at Lakeside School. Kendy’s husband, Bryan, is the new director of experimental education at Lakeside. He oversees the outdoor program and their service learning programs. They are so excited to be back in the Pacific Northwest! Austin Staunch is still in San Francisco and is a stagehand with IATSE Local 16, building concerts, events, and conferences. Last year she fulfilled a dream of rafting the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon for three weeks on a private permit with a handful of other former guides. It was stunningly beautiful, with some of the most impressive rapids she's ever seen. Afterwards, she road-tripped home and hiked in Antelope Canyon, Bryce, Zion, and Great Basin national parks. She also visited several other weird, beautiful, and historic sights of the old west. She still has a seasonal job with Burning Man and was promoted to manager of the Center Camp Cafe construction crew, which is one of their largest construction sites. She went home to North Carolina a couple of times and skied in Mammoth and Tahoe. It was a good year to get back to the outdoors. I, Andrea Staunch, am in Charlotte with my awesome kiddos. Caroline is in 7th-grade and will become a teenager in February. Alex (10) is in 4th-grade. We took my mother on spring break with us and headed to California to visit Austin Staunch (Aunt Kookie). We spent half the week touring San Francisco and the other half in Yosemite National Park, taking in breathtaking vistas and hiking exploding waterfalls. Travelling to Morocco while my kids attended Camps Seafarer and Seagull was a summer highlight. And, finally, after 15 years of my twin working for Burning Man, I travelled out to Black Rock City, Nev., to experience it for myself. Austin hooked me up with everything,
making my journey into radical self-reliance much less radical! I loved seeing everyone who came to our reunion, and my boyfriend got a kick out of hearing my college stories.
1996
HIGH SCHOOL Mika Lanier Rogers is still in Dallas with her husband, Nathan, and their two children, Grace (7) and Gus (4.) Mika recently began a new position with Vista College as corporate director of high school admissions. She hopes everyone is well and wishes more of classmates lived west of the Mississippi! “Would be great to see everyone again.” Leslie Allred Yates ’96HS ’98C says she is happy to be in Raleigh with her husband and their daughter, Vivian (5), who attends St. Timothy’s School. “We divide our free time between Winston-Salem and Beaufort with family. I have taken up a new hobby of feeding birds, which has made me feel quite old.” Laura-Burke Davis Kerr ’96HS ’98C writes that she and John are also still in Raleigh, with their girls, Grace (8) and Ellie (12). “I am working part time for Transitions Home Health, as a speech therapist and spend a lot of time transporting kids to and from activities. Life is crazy busy but fun!”
1998
COLLEGE Leslie Allred Yates ’96HS ’98C says she is happy to be in Raleigh with her husband and their daughter, Vivian (5), who attends St. Timothy’s School. “We divide our free time between Winston-Salem and Beaufort with family. I have taken up a new hobby of feeding birds, which has made me feel quite old.” Laura-Burke Davis Kerr ’96HS ’98C writes that she and John are also still in Raleigh, with their girls, Grace (8) and Ellie (12). “I am working part time for Transitions Home Health, as a speech therapist and spend a lot of time transporting kids to and from activities. Life is crazy busy but fun!”
1998
HIGH SCHOOL Louise Alexander Vaughn married Damon Marsh Vaughn in April 2012. They have a daughter, Elizabeth Spotswood Vaughn (5) and a son, Henry Marsh Vaughn (3). Louise graduated from N.C. State.
2000
Katherine Cvetko McElroy ’00 Ashley Erickson Reineman and her husband, Dan, along with their son, Huck (2.5), and golden retriever, Lou Dog, welcomed a new baby, Gray Cypress on September 30, 2019. Ashley and her family are now living in sunny Ventura, Calif. Ashley wants you to know that if any Saint Mary's girls find themselves in Southern California, please come visit any time! Anna Burkhart Turner lives in Charleston, S.C, with her husband, Matt, and two boys, Coy (7) and Abe (6). She works for a
59
CLASS NEWS tech company in Southern Florida as a product director and serves as a chair for women in technology at her company. She enjoys spending time outdoors and cooking. Susan Lawson married Andrew Walker Morrison on August 24 in Wilmington. They live in Charlotte, where Susan works at Allstate Insurance Corporation doing consumer research. Jamie Miller Brown writes, “I still live in Wilmington with my husband, Mike, and two boys Corbett (5) and Miller (2) and new puppy, Judge. Our house is chaotic and busy and full of boys! We enjoyed a fun-filled summer around Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and Morehead City. I am looking forward to our reunion in April and can’t wait to catch up with everyone! If anyone ever finds themselves in Wilmington, please reach out! See you in April!” Katherine Cvetko McElroy lives in Charleston, S.C., with her husband, Richard, and three children Mac (9) Gray (7), and Eve (3).
2002
Hallie Sessoms Kennedy was named director of marketing and communications for the North Carolina Advocates for Justice in June. Hallie lives in downtown Durham with her husband, Griffin, and their young daughter, Frannie. In 2020, their family will be focused on a year-long renovation of their 1930 Craftsman-style bungalow. Ana Catherine Dickens-Massengill and husband John are still living and working in Durham. Ana Catherine writes, “This December we will celebrate our daughter, Iris Elizabeth’s, second birthday. How time flies! I am going on my eighth year of teaching and am still working for Montessori Community School of Durham. John works a non-profit, urban farm in Durham, where 100% of the food grown is donated to those in need. I talk daily to Hallie Sessoms Kennedy, Jenny Sutton Selph, and Anna Johnson Surratt, as all four
of our little ones were born within six months of one another. Anna’s son and our daughter were born just hours apart on the same day. Our 17year friendship is one of my greatest treasures.” Ana Catherine was looking forward to facilitating a part of an NCAIE conference in Raleigh and noticed several representatives from Saint Mary’s would be present. She planned to connect with them at some point during the day. Martha Bradley reports a very busy year. “Last summer (2018) I opened the Ashville office of Forrest Firm, where I’ve been local managing attorney and practicing law as a litigator. I was honored to receive the Everett O. Robinson Professionalism Award from the North Carolina Bar Association in 2018. This year, the N.C. Lawyer’s Weekly selected me as a “rising start” among young lawyers across North Carolina, and I was named one of Asheville’s 40 under 40. When I have free time, I spend as much of it as possible with my nieces, Nora Lou and Ellis Martha, or hiking with my German Shepherd, Sam.” Martha lives in Waynesville.
2004
Alumnae Instagram @saintmarysalumnae
60
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Katie Whitmore Allred ’04 Ryan Anthony Marston and her husband, Bobby, welcomed their first child, Charlotte ("Charley") Lane Marston, in February 2019. Hannah Barker lives in Palm Springs, Calif., and working at the Riviera, now a Marriott-owned resort which back in the day used to be one of the preferred hangouts for Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. She is an avid member of the Angel City Riot, the Los Angeles-based Carolina Panthers fan group, which has bonded over the years over a mutual longing for Bojangles and vinegar-based barbecue. Alaina Boyle graduated with a Ph.D. in human development and family sciences at University of Texas at Austin in December 2018. She recently moved to Chicago, Ill., with her fiancé, Tyler Drake, and is working at an educational research firm exploring how school and community factors influence children’s achievement and well-being. Merriweather Raidle Mulé lives in Charleston, S.C., with her husband, Michael, and children, Camille (4) and Gabriel (1). She works in wealth management for CornerCap Investment Counsel. In 2019, she completed her second year serving as the chair of the signature fundraising event for Communities in Schools of Charleston. In their free time, the Mulés enjoy sunny beach days, every Disney princess movie, and a full night sleep - every so often. Allison Schoen Hepfner, EdD is still busy serving as principal of Doby’s Mill Elementary School in Elgin, S.C., while she and her husband, Craig, raise their two sweet children, Emmy and Tripp. Recently, Allison was a nominee for the 2019 Women in Educational Leadership Award. This award recognizes current and accomplished female education leaders who have provided mentorship, guidance, and support to other leaders and have encouraged the development of future and current leaders. She continues in her mission to rally women leaders together to
build the next generation in educational leadership. Recently, her school implemented “College and Career Readiness” for the month of October, where all students were encouraged to explore potential educational and career options. Emily Stocks Walker enjoyed seeing those who were at the reunion back in the spring. She and her husband continue to live in Dallas, Texas, with their two sons, Stocks and Noble. After four years living in West Point, N.Y., I am thrilled to be back home in North Carolina. My husband, Ryan, is stationed at Fort Bragg, and we are living in Southern Pines until the Army sends us on our next adventure. Our son, Bobby, will be two in March and keeps us busy! We love being closer to our family and friends, and we plan to make the most of our time back home. Katie Whitmore Allred
2008
Mary Brown Taylor ’08 Lauren Worthy Barker and her husband live in Wilson. She works for BB&T as a regional associate relations manager. She welcomed her first child, John “Worth” Barker, on September 12, 2019. Anna Josephine Betts lives in Raleigh and is a full-time faculty member at Wake Technical Community College, where she works as an English instructor. She married Winston Kirby on October 19, 2019. Kallie Blount lives in Wilson and works as the director of travel and sales for Group International Specialty Travel in New York. She is pursuing her passion for travel and building itineraries abroad. Elizabeth Bonner Covington lives in Charlotte with her husband Alec and works as a PR account manager at Chernoff Newman. Julie Bynum Fraser lives in Jackson, Wyoming. She married Jimmy Fraser in July 2019 and works for the San Franciscobased design company, Brilliant. Hayley Dillon Cain and her husband, Brad, live in D.C., where she works as a marketing manager at Booz Allen Hamilton. Claire Chewning is a 7th-grade ELA/ social studies teacher in Bluffton, S.C., at River Ridge Academy. She lives in Beaufort, S.C. Martha Cox Whitesides married her husband, Tucker Whitesides, in July of 2019. Jennifer Currier lives in Asheville and is currently the lead blender for Wicked Weed Brewing. Heather Dew lives in Denver, Colorado, and works from home as a water resources engineer for McAdams in Durham. Betsy Douglass lives in Charleston, S.C., and is an artist. Her website is www.studiobetsy. com. Sidney Dawson Dozier lives in Raleigh, with her husband, Chris, and their two children, daughter Covington (2) and Rush (1). She works for AWH partners. Kiki Sloan Eatman married Jim Eatman on May 19, 2018, and they live in Raleigh, where she works as a territory account manager for James Hardie building products. Elizabeth Mills Grantham also lives in Raleigh, with her husband, Stewart. She works as the senior executive assistant to the executive vice president and chief people officer at Red Hat. Loftin Johnson lives in Raleigh and is a personal
trainer at Core Fitness. She leads the triangle fitness program and is the JV soccer coach at Saint Mary’s School. She also works as the youth ministry coordinator at Christ Episcopal Church. Mary Reid Larcade works as a licensed professional counselor at the family practice of Larcade Psychiatric Associates, PLLC. She specializes in working with adolescents and young adults with anxiety and depression. She lives in Raleigh and works as a volunteer for FOCUS at Saint Mary’s. Roslyn Ragsdale Manning and her husband, Max, and live in Crestwood, Kentucky, with their two daughters, Scarlett and Caroline. She is in her sixth-year teaching sophomore English and is a Google for Education Certified Trainer. Katie Matthews lives in Charlotte and works as a sales manager for Robinson Media. Catherine Schaefer Maxwell lives in Atlanta and works as a demand planner for Spanx. Nancy Stewart McLendon lives in Wilmington and is a pediatric physician assistant at Kidzcare. Mady McLeod is in Nashville, where she works at TriStar hospital in the impatient rehab department and helps with the outpatient department as well. Liz Moore Shaver and her husband, Jay, live in High Point. They were married on May 11, 2019 in their hometown, High Point. Liz is a furniture designer and has been working for her family's firm, Otto and Moore, Inc., since she graduated from Kendall College of Art and Design in 2013. Jay and Liz love their four-legged children, Tito (5-year-old Cockapoo) and Bronson (1-year-old Cavapoo). Ashby Claire Murray works as a speech-language pathologist for Speechcenter and lives in Winston-Salem. Danielle Musselwhite lives in Raleigh and works for a company headquartered in San Francisco called 15Five. She has traveled to six countries this year! Crutcher Nash is in Raleigh. She works for Scout as a senior account manager/ program manager. Sarah Staton Nash lives in Charleston, S.C., and is working as the design coordinator for Saussy Burbank. Beth Walters Nash lives with her husband, John, in Raleigh, where she works as a marketing communications specialist for Red Hat. Julia Nutt is an early childhood special education teacher (ages 3-5) at Goose Creek Elementary School near Charleston, S.C. Cynthia Partrick is also in Charleston, where she is a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway. Kim Purcell works in marketing for the “Got Milk? Campaign” and lives in D.C. Greyson Kane Sidebotham and her husband, John Reid, live in Raleigh. Their son, Reid, was born on May 15, 2019. She is an account supervisor at Eckel & Vaughan. Jessica Clark Stewart lives in Wake Forest with her husband, Andrew, and their son, Lyle (1). She is in her eighth year teaching ELA at Franklin Academy Middle School. Mary Brown Taylor lives in Raleigh and works as the assistant director of auxiliary services for Saint Mary’s. She is also is the godmother to Sidney Dozier’s daughter, Covington. Cameron Robbins Taylor married her husband, Josh Taylor, in March of 2018. They live in Raleigh. Sara
Walker is also in Raleigh, where she works for her family business, Walker Auto Parts. She also is godmother to baby Covington Dozier. Annie Whitmore lives in Charlotte and works in the Neonatal Progressive Care Nursery as a nurse at Levine Children’s Hospital. McCauley James Yates married Drew Yates in April 2018. They live in Raleigh, where she is a school counselor at Barwell Road Elementary.
2010
Emma Powell Pike ’10 Gates Killian lives in Atlanta and works as a product marketer for IBM Watson Media. She enjoys getting together with other SMS alumnae in the area. Whitney Currin lives in Charleston, S.C., and works at the Medical University of South Carolina, where she serves as the alumni and development coordinator for the Department of Medicine. She shares two cats with her boyfriend, Buck. She traveled to Raleigh in the fall to visit the North Carolina State Fair with Laura Gulledge, who recently moved from Washington, D.C., to Raleigh. Lisa Michelson is in her first year of medical school at UNC-Chapel Hill and visited Kacie Thompson in London over the summer. Macon Cornick Guidry wed her husband, Stuart, in November and is now a registered dietitian in the Raleigh area. Anna Grace Smither Semon is converting an old school bus into a tiny home and hopes to travel full time in 2020. She is currently a personal trainer in Raleigh. Check out @winstonontheroad on Instagram to see their progress! Sarah Blake is on the last leg of her seven-month deployment to the East China Sea and will then return to San Diego. She very much misses eating Mexican food. Louise Orr was scheduled to graduate from Clemson in December with her master’s in parks, recreation, and tourism management. She will look for a job in the conservation communication field. Molly Bryant is living in Alexandria, Va. Joi Marlowe is living in Raleigh and works as a traveling CRA with Covance. She also has her own blog, www.infamousjoi.com, where she partners with natural hair brands and also writes about travel. Taylor Lail has her own website, www.itstaybabii.tumblr.com. Rachel Finney O’Brien lives in Charlotte with her husband, Will, and teaches second grade at Charlotte Latin. She also coaches middle school field hockey and lacrosse. Ashley Flynn works as an emergency department Registered Nurse and is working towards her Bachelor of Nursing at UNC-Wilmington. My husband, Bryce, and I live in Smithfield with our black lab, Carlene. I am looking forward to seeing all my wonderful classmates at our big 10-YEAR reunion in April! Emma Powell Pike
61
CLASS NEWS ternational Realty. Berry Williamson is living in Atlanta, where she is working in private wealth management for Merrill Lynch. Sarah Scott Worth lives in Charleston, S.C., and is working for South City Public Relations, representing top restaurants across the Southeast. Duncan Weaver is living in Raleigh and working as an interior designer for the commercial design firm, Level Five Designs. Hailey Hart lives in Washington, D.C. and is the associate director for the White House Office of Public Liaison, with a focus on trade and financial services policy.
2014
Class of 2012 friends gathered this fall at a restaurant in Washington, D.C., for a minireunion. First row, left to right: Corinne Rixey ’12, Berry Williamson ’12, Hailey Hart ’12, and Jane Lyle ’12; second row: Margaret Blincow ’12, Hutter Black ’12, Sarah Scott Worth ’12, Darby Fallon Clark ’12, Cate Lyle ’12, and Sophie Bird ’12.
2012
Hailey Hart ’12 Hutter Black is living in Charlotte but is excited for her upcoming move to Chapel Hill in the spring. Hutter is partnering with sister Sujette Black ’13 to open a workout studio. Find them on instagram @sisterswhosweat. After an exciting summer back at Camp Greystone in Tuxedo as the health hut nurse, Margaret Blincow started travel nursing. She is currently an operating room nurse in Jacksonville, Fla. Sophie Bird spent in the summer with her family in Australia and is now back in Raleigh teaching 2nd-grade at Glenwood Elementary, a STEAM magnet Mandarin school. Darby Fallon Clark was married last June to Jack Clark, whom she met at Ole Miss. She is the business development director at Fallon Benefits Group, an employee benefits firm in Atlanta. Marwah Altzer is currently living in Athens, Georgia, and is in her first year of pharmacy school at The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. During her free time, she works in the pharmacy at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Scottish Rite in the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorder Pharmacy. After graduating, she hopes to carry on her career as a pharmacist at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Cate Lyle says she loves moving to new cities and recently landed in Washington, D.C., where she
62
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
works at a D.C.-based startup. Cate is recruiting talent for WhyHotel and can be found frolicking on the National Mall lawn on the weekends. Beville Druga recently finished nursing school and moved back to Raleigh. She is working at Duke University Hospital as a cardiac stepdown nurse. Meredith Miller lives in New York City and is in her third year of teaching at the Hewitt School, an all-girls private school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. She is currently a 1st-grade associate teacher, after spending two years as an associate in kindergarten. Meredith is enrolled at Bank Street College of Education, working towards her master’s in early childhood education. Also still loving her time in the Big Apple, Jane Lyle recently started a new job at Equipment, selling wholesale to different department stores in the United States. Corinne Rixey is living in Charleston, S.C., and selling real estate with Carolina One Real Estate. Caroline Pinney continues to paint and had a dual exhibition show this year with her mother, SMS alum Janie Parker Pinney ’80HS. The show was called “The Middle Way.” Caroline also works full time as a client services coordinator in the marketing department at Colliers International and has a cute new puppy named Bowie. Eliza Stoughton moved to Raleigh in June and is working as assistant broker and transaction coordinator for Tiffany Miller Clark ’82HS at Hodge & Kittrell Sotheby's In-
Mary Stuart Fountain ’14 Hi, Ladies! It was so much fun to see so many of you in May at our five-year reunion! Everyone is well, busy, and having fun, and we are already counting down the days until our next reunion! In the meantime, thank you so very much to everyone who submitted class news. It is wonderful to learn about everyone’s new post-college adventures! Frances Cayton is doing well and pursuing her master’s in Russian, East European, and Central Asian Studies at Harvard University, fully supported by a U.S. Foreign Language and Area Studies Fellowship. Cynthia Coleman writes, “I had a great time at our fiveyear reunion! It was wonderful to be back on campus and see members of the Class of 2014. My home base is still in Charlottesville, Virginia, but my job at a music management company takes me all over. I always try to connect with an SMS friend if I’m visiting a city where they live!” Meg Cooksey graduated with a master’s in biomedical science from the University of Denver in June. Meg is currently applying to medical schools and working as a medical assistant and clinical coordinator at an ob/gyn clinic in Denver, Colo. Tori Crook recently started her graduate studies at Yale Divinity School for a Master of Divinity, seeking ordination. This past summer, she worked at Metro Baptist Church as its advocacy intern and assisted with events at the U.N. regarding human rights issues during the HighLevel Political Forum. Besides her studies, Tori is the editorial intern at Baptist News Global. She is enjoying her exploration of New England! Anna Gardner De Santis married Stellan De Santis on October 26. She is working as a product manager for Next Century Spirits. Alex Dozier spent a month in Africa this past summer doing mission work. She had a great experience and could see herself doing more work and living there in the future! For the time being, she has a job at the district attorney’s office in downtown Raleigh as a victim services coordinator. Emily Evans says, “After graduating from UNC, I joined a rotational HR program with United Technologies. I have moved from Chapel Hill to New York City and back to Charlotte with the program! All along the way, I have been able to reconnect with lots of SMS alumnae, and they have welcomed me to each new place.” Annalise Franchina graduated from Baylor University and moved to Dal-
las. In July, she began work as an analyst for Goldman Sachs, where she is part of the firm's securities division. Annalise primarily supports settlement of securities transactions in the U.S. market. She has also bumped into several SMS girls at Goldman - small world! Caitlin Garrabrant Gile got married this past June in Raleigh to Luke Gile. Their honeymoon was an almost around the world trip: they went to 11 countries in 31 days! Caitlin and her husband lived in New York for two years but moved back to D.C. in August. She currently works for Walmart eCommerce, doing financial planning and supply chain. Mary Haley is living in Raleigh, where she and her sister own and operate an online stationary and gift shop called Surcie. She stays busy designing wedding invitations, stationery, and other personalized products. Megan Harlow had a great time visiting with everyone in May at the five-year reunion. Anna Lane Mayo has been working for Brackish in Charleston, S.C., ever since graduating from College of Charleston in 2018. Brackish is an accessories brand that makes handcrafted, luxury men's and women's accessories out of feathers. She handles all marketing for Brackish, and occa-
sionally travels for sales. Florrie McCard moved to Madison, Wisconsin, in August, where she's a student in the professional French master’s program at UW. While in Madison, she's living and working at St. Francis House, the Episcopal Student Center on campus. She also ran her first marathon! However, the most exciting news of all is that she adopted a Black Mouth Cur named Walter! His namesake is Sir Walter Raleigh, and he's a recent graduate of puppy kindergarten. Holden Stanley Clark married Matthew Clark on November 9 in Raleigh and has recently moved to Atlanta. Holden continues to work for McGriff Insurance, but has transitioned to the personal property and casualty field. Claire Stark writes, “I graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill this past May with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in medical anthropology. I’m currently working at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston as a research assistant on a randomized clinical trial examining the effects of a medication on alcohol use disorder and co-morbid PTSD. I’m in the process of applying for graduate school in clinical mental health counseling. As for me, Mary Stuart Fountain, I finished up an event-
ful year serving as the Charlottesville, Virginia, program director for Girls on the Run of Central Virginia, where I got to live with the wonderful Cynthia Coleman. In June, I moved to Charlotte to continue my work for Girls on the Run, which is headquartered there. I am enjoying being back in North Carolina for the first time since I graduated from SMS and reconnecting with familiar faces. Come see me if you are in Charlotte! Thank you again to everyone who sent in class news. I hope everyone has a safe and blessed holiday season and a wonderful spring. Remember to keep in touch, as always, “Proud to be a Saint Mary’s Girl! “Much love to everyone, Mary Stuart
2016
Alex Edmiston was crowned 2019 Ms. TCU (Texas Christian University) during a homecoming ceremony. Alex was nominated by the TCU Rangers, in which she currently serves as president. Callee Boykin writes, “I became an aunt 14 months ago to baby ‘Ellis!’ Can’t believe I am getting ready to finish senior year at University of Alabama!”
SAINT MARY’S PROUD As part of a legacy of generations of women who have benefitted from a Saint Mary’s experience and gone on to live lives of purpose and intention, Saint Mary’s alumnae stand tall and proud from coast to coast and continent to continent. Here are some ways you can show your pride for your alma mater and inspire others about Saint Mary’s: • Include Saint Mary’s on your resume or whenever you are listing or discussing your education. • Remember to wear that beautiful Saint Mary’s ring. • Get some Saint Mary’s gear at our school store, shop1842, and wear it often. • Send Saint Mary’s your news so we can share it with others. We love to hear about your personal and professional aspirations, achievements, and milestones. • Mentor a Saint Mary’s student through an internship. • Like/follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn • Keep the Alumnae Office apprised of your current contact information. • Attend your Reunion Weekend.
! s t n i Go Sa
63
CLASS NEWS 2018
Erika Reiger ’18 It is still unbelievable to many of us that we have been outside of the gates for almost three years now. Although time has flown by, we have continued keeping in touch, still making time for one another no matter the distance. I have loved being a liaison between Saint Mary’s and my graduating class. In conjunction with keeping up with all these incredible women, I am studying public health with a double minor in business administration and Spanish at The George Washington University. In addition to school, I am an active member and camp counselor in my school’s chapter of Camp Kesem, getting more involved in GW Women in Business, and on the campaign committee planning events for GW’s chapter of GlobeMed. I started as a special events intern at the American Heart Association, helping to plan the annual Heart Walk held on the National Mall. Hearing from and seeing everyone excel on their various paths has been amazing; it is true that the class of 2018 is off doing incredible things. Over the summer, Frances Anderson, Mary Ann Borden, Sophie Burkhardt, Lizzy Crumpton, Margaret Dixon, Kate Finkelstein, Margaret Foun-
tain, Lucy Glover, Lucy Ham, Grace Kempson, Kennon Later, Mary Kate Mahoney, Amelia Anne Marsh, Sloane Norton, Lilly Parker, Suiter Ragland, Mary Rives Rice, Mary Hunter Russell, Lindley Spears, Portie Stallings, Beverly Watson, Emmy Whitford, Pell Williamson, and Samantha Woolard were invited and attended the 93rd annual North Carolina Debutante Ball as 2019 North Carolina Debutantes. Samantha Woolard took a gap year in Berlin, Germany. She just began her freshman year at the University of Texas at Austin, studying economics and German. She recently joined the Beta Eta chapter of Delta Gamma. Grace Battle Thompson is studying politics and history in Rome, Madrid, and Copenhagen through CIEE’s program. Abby Harris is at Bucknell University and is interested in studying markets, innovation, and design. She recently joined the Theta Iota chapter of Alpha Delta Pi. Savannah Johnson is majoring in set and lighting design for theatre at Marymount Manhattan College. From January until July, she will be at Disney World doing the Disney College Program. Mary Ann Borden and Amelia Anne Marsh are both at Wofford College and recently joined the Epsilon Sigma chapter of Kappa Delta. Amelia Anne is interested in
studying biology and studio arts. Sloane Norton is at High Point University and is a member of the Delta Gamma chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha. Grace-Anna Glenn is a member of Carolina for the Kids (CFTK), a non-profit at UNC-Chapel Hill, which provides emotional and financial support for families assisted by UNC Children’s Hospital. She loves fundraising and volunteering for this philanthropic organization as well as being part of such a well-rounded community. Ginsy Barnes transferred to Appalachian State University and is double majoring in art and psychology. Since transferring, she has gotten involved in the school’s ski team. Virginia Laurie is at Washington and Lee University, double majoring in English and studio art and minoring in Middle East and South Asian studies with an Arabic emphasis. She is on the mock trial executive board, contributes to the student newspaper, Ring-Tum Phi, and is a graphic designer/social media director for the multicultural student’s association. Amber Morse is at Brown University studying biology and organizational sociology. She is on the club field hockey team and is involved in STEMS, a math and science tutoring program offered at a local high school.
June 22 to July 31, 2020 Residential & Day Camps
Sum@mer
Sports • Fitness • Art • Performing Arts • Enrichment • STEM
919-424-4028 • WWW.SMS.EDU/SUMMER 64
Saint Mary’s School | www.sms.edu
Registration open now!
Support Saint Mary’s School in 2020 Happy New Year! The holiday season often allows family members and friends to come together to enjoy long-held traditions and create new memories. However, the excitement and generosity associated with the season of sharing can extend well beyond calendar yearend! As the pace of gatherings lessens and travel schedules subside, if only slightly, please consider the following ways you can support Saint Mary’s School in 2020. Bundle Annual Gifts The Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 provided substantially higher standard deductions, reducing the number of donors who itemize tax deductions. To more fully utilize the tax benefits that charitable contributions provide, some alumnae are embracing a gifting strategy called “bundling” or “bunching.” For example, an alumna who gives $5,000 each year to Saint Mary’s Annual Fund may choose instead to make a single gift in one year of $25,000. Combining a bundled Annual Fund gift with other itemized deductions may help increase a donor’s overall tax savings. Give Appreciated Assets Recent high valuations in the stock and real estate markets make gifting appreciated assets an attractive option. When gifting longterm, appreciated assets, like stock and real estate, donors avoid capital gains taxes on the gifted assets and receive a charitable income deduction for the fair market value of their gift – a double benefit to the donor and a wonderful way to support Saint Mary’s. Since real estate gifts often require more time to facilitate, the new year is a perfect time to begin the gifting process. Use Required Minimum Distributions If you are at least 70.5 years old, you can direct your IRA administrator to transfer any amount, up to $100,000, directly to Saint Mary’s. The direct transfer, or Qualified Charitable Distribution, counts toward your annual Required Minimum Distribution and you pay no federal income tax on the amount transferred directly to Saint Mary’s. Update Estate Plans The new year also provides an opportunity to evaluate whether changes are needed to your overall estate and wealth succession plan. Life events from the previous year or anticipated events in 2020 – such as the birth of a child or grandchild, the passing of a spouse or loved one, an inheritance, job change or retirment – often serve as motivating factors to revise these important plans. When updating plans, please consider including Saint Mary’s School in your will or trust or listing the school as a beneficiary of a brokerage account, life insurance policy, or retirement plan (among many other account types). Regardless of how you choose to make your gift, your support of Saint Mary’s steadfast mission to prepare girls for college and life is needed and appreciated! Brandon Wright, director of gift planning, will gladly assist you, your financial advisor, retirement account administrator, or estate-planning attorney in facilitating a gift to benefit Saint Mary’s. Brandon can also help you make a future gift by providing language to list the school in your estate plan. Please contact Brandon at 919-424-4111 or at bwright@sms.edu.
900 Hillsborough Street Raleigh, NC 27603–1689
address service requested
Scenes of Saint Mary’s Autumn at Saint Mary’s, Bratton Hall, November 2019
Photo by Mary Virginia Swain ’77C
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Raleigh, NC Permit No. 102