class notes

Our goal is for alumni to get involved and stay connected.

If you have recently moved or relocated, please update your address by visiting savcds.org/alumni. For more information, please contact Amy Pinckney ‘85, Director of Alumni Relations, at 912.961.8849 or pinckney@savcds.org. And don’t forget to follow the Hornet Alumni network on social media.

@SavannahCountryDaySchoolAlumni scds_alumni

SavannahCountryDaySchool-Alumni

2022-23 Board of Alumni

Julian Lewis ‘98, President

Stefanie (Dasher) McCullough ‘07, President-elect

John Northup ‘02, Past President

Joey Bell ‘97

Louis Brody ‘11

Bess (Butler) Brunson ‘11

Jade (Aaron) Dietz ‘03

Doug DeWalt ‘89

Brooke Fortson ‘01

Seth Goodman ‘90

Amanda (Byck) Jones ‘96

John Kingston ‘03

Caroline Long ‘08

Rob Martin ‘95

Simona Perry ‘90

Ashley Pinckney ‘85

Kathryn (Groover) Pross ‘09

McNab Reeves ‘07

Dana Stevens ‘99

Beth (Windom) Stewart ‘88

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

2023 Hornet Homecoming Weekend

September 22 – 23, 2023

Celebrating all Hornet alumni, with special recognition of reunion classes ending in 3s and 8s, and SCDS Athletics State Champions

COUNTRY DAY IS COMING TO YOU!

Alumni Regional Happy Hour Events DC Metro Area: March 6, 2023

Charlotte: April 4, 2023 New York City: May 8, 2023

We plan to share updates via email, social media, and on savcds.org/alumni as they become available.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SERVING AS A CLASS REPRESENTATIVE?

The Class Representative Program deepens and expands alumni engagement by strengthening the bond between Savannah Country Day and its alumni.

If you would like to serve or know someone who would like to volunteer alongside you, please email Amy (Martin) Pinckney ‘85 at pinckney@savcds.org.

1940

With great sadness, the Alumni Office reports the death of The Pape School class associate Anita (Lippitt) Clay who passed away on November 27, 2022.

1946

With great sadness, the Alumni Office reports the death of The Pape School class associate Ann (Stovall) Stevens, who passed away on October 12, 2022.

1948

With great sadness, the Alumni Office reports the death of Pape alumna Margaret “Peggy” McBrier (Keisker) Gunn who passed away on August 16, 2022.

1956

With great sadness, the Alumni Office reports the death of alumna Anne (Seiler) Robertson who passed away on November 1, 2022

1957

With great sadness, the Alumni Office reports the death of alumna Clara (Estabrook) Roebling, who passed away on October 11, 2022.

With great sadness, the Alumni Office reports the death of alumna Merrill (Davis) Guttry who passed away on March 6, 2022.

With great sadness, the Alumni Office reports the death of alumnus Richard “Dickie” Willis Heard, III, who passed away on November 2, 2022.

1958

REUNION TIME! Hornet Homecoming 2023 will be here before you know it. Help build momentum for your 65th Reunion by joining your Reunion Committee! You have the best insight into the celebration your classmates would enjoy, so you are the key to a fun and successful event. For more information about becoming a volunteer for your Reunion Committee, email Amy (Martin) Pinckney ‘85 at pinckney@savcds.org or call 912.961.8849.

1963

REUNION TIME! Hornet Homecoming 2023 will be here before you know it. Help build momentum for your 60th Reunion by joining your Reunion Committee! You have the best insight into the celebration your classmates would enjoy, so you are the key to a fun and successful event. For more information about becoming a volunteer for your Reunion Committee, email Amy (Martin) Pinckney ‘85 at pinckney@savcds.org or call 912.961.8849.

1964

With great sadness, the Alumni Office reports the death of alumna Valentine “Val” (Orr) Hayes, who passed away on August 2, 2022.

1968

REUNION TIME! Hornet Homecoming 2023 will be here before you know it. Help build momentum for your 55th Reunion by joining your Reunion Committee! You have the best insight into the celebration your classmates would enjoy, so you are the key to a fun and successful event. For more information about becoming a volunteer for your Reunion Committee, email Amy (Martin) Pinckney ‘85 at pinckney@savcds.org or call 912.961.8849.

Carol Fulenwider Elliott writes, “Thanks to my excellent science background from SCDS, I earned a PhD in physiology, then taught science for 15 years in California and then Savannah (including SCDS). I made a career change to anesthesia and currently work part-time at Southeast Georgia Regional Hospital, Brunswick, Ga.”

1971

Kathleen Brewin Lewis’ collection of poetry, “Magicicada & Other Marvels,” has recently been published by Shanti Arts. It is available on Amazon.

1972

With great sadness, the Alumni Office reports the death of alumna Elizabeth “Beth” (Weeks) Sellers, who passed away on July 12, 2022.

With great sadness, the Alumni Office reports the death of alumnus William “Bill” Langdon Oliver, who passed away on August 5, 2022.

1978

REUNION TIME! Hornet Homecoming 2023 will be here before you know it. Help build momentum for your 45th Reunion by joining your Reunion Committee! You have the best insight into the celebration your classmates would enjoy, so you are the key to a fun and successful event. For more information about becoming a volunteer for your Reunion Committee, email Amy (Martin) Pinckney ‘85 at pinckney@savcds.org or call 912.961.8849.

1980

Rob Fritz writes, “Hello classmates. In closing out my mom’s household, I found a number of my SCDS middle school pottery projects. Surprisingly, one of them was not mine, but was signed by Jon Burke and Craig Haynie, who I presume would be considered affiliates of our class as they did not follow us to 9th grade. My attempts to locate them have not been successful. If any of you are still connected with either of them, please let me know.

“Otherwise, I always get a sense of déjá vu when we’ve attended our children’s events at Great Mills High School in Lexington Park, MD. If you search for their website, you’ll discover that their colors are green and gold and they use the identical Hornet mascot as SCDS. Wishing you all the best, Rob”

1981

1982

Teresa Ashman writes, “The SCDS Class of 1982 recently had their 40th Reunion. In fact, there were two reunions because Hurricane Ian marred the plans of many out-of-town alumni who were planning to attend the originally scheduled date. Nevertheless, those who were more local followed our class motto “Carpe Diem” and we went ahead and had a party. The rescheduled date had several out-of-towners making the journey home to celebrate despite Hurricane Nicole’s attempt to derail a second attempt. Between the two events, 40 people attended. There were many alumni who had not seen each other in decades, and everyone was happy to catch up and reminisce. The common refrain was that it was hard to believe that so much time had passed, yet everyone was easy to recognize! I choose to interpret that as we all still look 18!

1973

REUNION TIME! Hornet Homecoming 2023 will be here before you know it. Help build momentum for your 50th Reunion by joining your Reunion Committee! You have the best insight into the celebration your classmates would enjoy, so you are the key to a fun and successful event. For more information about becoming a volunteer for your Reunion Committee, email Amy (Martin) Pinckney ‘85 at pinckney@savcds.org or call 912.961.8849.

1974

With great sadness, the Alumni Office reports the death of alumnus Mark Stephen Mackey who passed away on June 11, 2022.

On November 10, 2022, Nina (Tracy) Gompels was inducted into the Junior Achievement Savannah Business Hall of Fame. Nina and former SCDS parent, Ira Berman (Polly Berman ‘16 and Annie Berman ‘22) joined the prestigious list of laureates who have enriched Coastal Georgia’s community through their business leadership and exemplary civic and professional achievements.

Pictured here with her family: From left, Matthew Gompels ‘18, Mark Gompels, Nina (Tracy) Gompels ‘81, and William Gompels ‘16

“The person who traveled the furthest, Buford Scott came from London, his home for over two decades. Katherine (Gardner) Martz traveled over 2,000 miles from her home in Park City, UT. We were all pleasantly surprised by the last-minute arrival of Dwayne Leik, who drove round trip (~10 hours) from Asheville, NC on the day of the reunion, though his previous career as a race car driver may have cut that time significantly. Charlie Elmer surprised us by coming from the DC area for the original reunion date, not at all deterred by Ian’s forceful path. Susan (Hershey) Smith came from her new home in Buffalo after 20+ years in Nashville. Although a northern move may seem surprising after retiring, Susan and her husband, Lee, were originally from Buffalo and usually spend their summers across the border in Canada. The remaining attendees all currently live in GA, many in the Savannah area (Teresa Ashman [recently returned], Elizabeth (Sheehan) Hamrick, George Hassell, Debbie (White) Hornsby, Austin Kennedy, Jeanne (Howell) McMillan, Lisa (Massey) Muller, Hurley Ryan, Brendan Sheehan) and the rest in the Atlanta region (Ashley (Mulherin) Dollar, Lucy (Sparkman) Crosswell, Martha Parker, Margaret (McCullough) Russell, Melanie (Cobb) Sprung, Julie (Allen) Onians)

“We had many volunteers who reached out to class members multiple times, though sadly both dates conflicted with several classmates’ schedules. It is hard to compete with football. Also, very special shoutouts to Jeanne for floral arrangement, gift bags, and decorations, and to Debbie for creating a great video that started with a clip of our graduation ceremony (thanks Ray Bailey’s dad being an early camcorder user) and many pictures over the years, including prior reunions.”

On Saturday, November 12, the class of 1982 gathered at the home of Teresa Ashman in downtown Savannah to celebrate their 40th reunion. The reunion was originally scheduled for October 1, but due to the threat of a hurricane, many classmates were unable to travel to Savannah. Between the two parties, 40 classmates were in attendance. Standing (left to right): Brendan Sheehan, Elizabeth (Sheehan) Hamrick, Julia (Allen) Onians, Susan (Hershey) Smith, Austin Kennedy, Adger Ross, Ashley (Mulherin) Dollar, Farrell Middleton, Buford Scott, Dwayne Leik. Sitting (l to r): Debbie (White) Hornsby, Katherine (Gardner) Martz, Teresa Ashman, Martha Parker, Melanie (Cobb) Sprung, Jeanne (Howell) McMillan, George Hassell.

1983

REUNION TIME! Hornet Homecoming 2023 will be here before you know it. Help build momentum for your 40th Reunion by joining your Reunion Committee! You have the best insight into the celebration your classmates would enjoy, so you are the key to a fun and successful event. For more information about becoming a volunteer for your Reunion Committee, email Amy (Martin) Pinckney ‘85 at pinckney@savcds.org or call 912.961.8849.

1984

Mallory (Troxler) Lehn shares that her mother, JoAnn Troxler, passed away January 5, 2021, and her father, Drew Troxler, passed away December 23, 2021. They were buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

1988

REUNION TIME! Hornet Homecoming 2023 will be here before you know it. Help build momentum for your 35th Reunion by joining your Reunion Committee! You have the best insight into the celebration your classmates would enjoy, so you are the key to a fun and successful event. For more information about becoming a volunteer for your Reunion Committee, email Amy (Martin) Pinckney ‘85 at pinckney@savcds.org or call 912.961.8849.

Robert James II has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 SCDS Distinguished Alumni Award. Robert will visit campus this winter and be featured in the Summer 2023 issue of Images Magazine. Congratulations, Robert!

Jean Wright Sitkei writes, “Our big news this year is the addition to our family of a robot vacuum, affectionately named Alfred. (Excitement about household appliances = adulthood achieved. Seriously, we don’t have to vacuum anymore. It’s amazing!) This fall my husband and helped my mom move from Savannah to Oregon. I am happy and relieved my mom is now close to me and enjoying herself at her new independent senior living community. I wish with all my heart that my dad was here to make the move as well. I miss you so much, Dad.”

1998

chaddow85@gmail.com, Caroline (Holland) Weimar at caroline.weimar@gmail.com, Niko Caparisos at caparisos@gmail.com, or Amy (Martin) Pinckney ‘85 at pinckney@savcds.org or call 912.961.8849.

2004

1990

With great sadness, the Alumni Office reports the death of alumna Deborah “Debbie” (Henderson) Hughes, who passed away on December 9, 2022.

With great sadness, the Alumni Office reports the death of alumnus Jacob Lawrence Dimond, who passed away on December 21, 2022.

1993

REUNION TIME! Hornet Homecoming 2023 will be here before you know it. Help build momentum for your 30th Reunion by joining your Reunion Committee! You have the best insight into the celebration your classmates would enjoy, so you are the key to a fun and successful event. For more information about becoming a volunteer for your Reunion Committee, email Amy (Martin) Pinckney ‘85 at pinckney@savcds.org or call 912.961.8849.

REUNION TIME! Hornet Homecoming 2023 will be here before you know it. Help build momentum for your 25th Reunion by joining your Reunion Committee! You have the best insight into the celebration your classmates would enjoy, so you are the key to a fun and successful event. For more information about becoming a volunteer for your Reunion Committee, email Helen (Williams) Johnson at hhwjohnson@bellsouth.net, Tara (DeLoach) Rocker at tara.d.rocker@gmail.com, or Amy (Martin) Pinckney ‘85 at pinckney@savcds.org. Lacie (Thompson) Van Alstine writes, “I am celebrating 10 years owning and operating Che Bella AVEDA Salon & Spa in Lakewood Ranch, FL!”

2000

On September 6, 2022, Cory Isaacson was named the ACLU of Georgia’s new Legal Director. A graduate of Berkeley’s School of Law, Cory has dedicated her career to criminal legal reform, including her most recent experience at the Georgia Resource Center representing clients on death row in Georgia. Cory brings extensive experience in and out of the courtroom, developing novel litigation in very complex cases, arguing before the 11th circuit, recruiting and managing pro bono partners, cultivating relationships with community stakeholders, and supervising legal interns and staff attorneys. Congratulations, Cory!

2007

1992

Classmates Scott Howell, Tim Livingston and Jay Markwalter celebrated Tim’s marriage to Brooke Capolino on October 22, 2022. Tim and Brooke reside in Atlanta.

Charles Dunn writes, “My wife, Mary, and I live in Los Angeles with our two kids, Charlotte (10) and Connor (6), along with Sunny (4), our underappreciated border collie, where I’ve been working in wireless telecom since 2004. This past year though, I took a long-standing hobby to the next level with the publication of my first children’s picture book, Claire vs The Flying Saucers, which was released this fall. I’d like to think Mrs. Beulah Harper Nettles would have been amused that I finally found an audience who appreciates my juvenile writing.”

Deedee (Lewanski) Brownlee shares that she is a part-time elementary school counselor at a local inner-city school. Deedee’s husband, Griffin, and children, Joe (6) and Frannie (4), reside in Knoxville, Tennessee. Deedee writes, “Let’s get the class of 2000 together for a reunion!!!”

Sara Hofstein moved with her family to Portland, OR from Vienna, Austria in December 2021. Since then, she has helped produce the visual effects (VFX) on Netflix’s Wendell and Wild and Disney’s Hocus Pocus 2.

2003

REUNION TIME! Hornet Homecoming 2023 will be here before you know it. Help build momentum for your 20th Reunion by joining your Reunion Committee! You have the best insight into the celebration your classmates would enjoy, so you are the key to a fun and successful event. For more information about becoming a volunteer for your Reunion Committee, email Caroline (Baker) Haddow at

The class of 2007 gathered at Starland Yard on Friday, November 25 for their 15-year Reunion class party. Top row (left to right): Sean Dane-Kellogg, Chris Maddox, Holly (Suthers) Gainer, Matthew Kenreich, Sara Hofstein, McNab Reeves, Bobby Shelley, Jack Baker; Bottom row: Virginia (Lewis) Shelley, and Lloyd (Pember) Childs.

2008

REUNION TIME! Hornet Homecoming 2023 will be here before you know it. Help build momentum for your 15th Reunion by joining your Reunion Committee! You have the best insight into the celebration your classmates would enjoy, so you are the key to a fun and successful event. For more information about becoming a volunteer for your Reunion Committee, email Amy (Martin) Pinckney ‘85 at pinckney@savcds.org or call 912.961.8849.

2009

Tucker Compton writes, “I am more than excited to share that I am starting up a new role as Client Advisor at Sterling Seacrest Pritchard! I had worked for a local insurance agency in Chattanooga, TN for the past six years, and in moving back home, it just made sense to join the biggest and best agency in Savannah. I have learned a lot in my past roles as a claims adjuster, underwriter and agent since graduating from UGA’s risk management/ insurance program in 2013, and I can’t wait to bring that expertise to new clients here. I am focusing on mid-large sized construction, solar, and healthcare related companies to provide property, casualty, and bonding insurance needs. I also plan on continuing SSP’s continued efforts of giving back to our community that I grew to love. I can’t wait to get back ingrained in the city that molded me into who I am today!” your classmates would enjoy, so you are the key to a fun and successful event. For more information about becoming a volunteer for your Reunion Committee, email Amy (Martin) Pinckney ‘85 at pinckney@savcds.org or call 912.961.8849.

2017

The Class of 2017 met at Starland Yard on Saturday, November 26, to celebrate their 5-year reunion. With over 30% of the class attending, everyone had a great time reconnecting and learning what friends had been up to since graduation. Classmates that couldn’t attend the class party were missed and everyone looks forward to getting together in 2027.

Chase Gibson started a new job as the marketing director for Advantage Gold, a precious metals investment firm out of LA in July. He travels all over the country, LA, San Diego, Vegas, Austin, and Dallas and has met some famous politicians like Ted Cruz and Ben Carson. Chase works remotely and recently moved to a new house in downtown Savannah.

Kate Groce graduated from Georgia Tech in May, 2021. She currently resides in midtown Atlanta and works for NCR in Global Workforce Analytics and Reporting. Kate is enjoying fixing up her new condominium, which is right around the corner from Piedmont Park, and encourages SCDS friends to visit.

After graduating from the University of Mississippi in April 2021, Grace Archer Pinckney moved to Charleston, SC to teach first grade. After a rewarding first year in education, Grace Archer moved to uptown Charlotte, NC. She is thrilled to live in a large city and loves teaching second grade at Beverly Woods Elementary.

Kate Templeton graduated with a Master of Public Health degree from UGA in May 2022 and is now working as the Outreach Coordinator for Tharros Place, a new non-profit in Savannah working to support survivors of human trafficking.

2013

REUNION TIME! Hornet Homecoming 2023 will be here before you know it. Help build momentum for your 10th Reunion by joining your Reunion Committee! You have the best insight into the celebration

The Class of 2017 met at Starland Yard on Saturday, November 26 to celebrate their 5-year reunion. Top row (left to right): Emily Roher ‘17, Grace Lewis ‘17, Kate Groce 17, Maggie Sheehan ‘17, Kate Templeton ‘17, and Alex Lynch ‘17; Bottom row (left to right): Michael Landa ‘17, Bryce Dunn ‘17, Mike Turton ‘17, Will Sampey ‘17, Jack Rittmeyer ‘17, Chase Gibson ‘17, Mason Heiges ‘17, Allyson Kemp ‘17, Savannah Fritz, Tristan Senkowski ‘17, Evan Lee ‘17, Peter Kronowitz ‘17, Hurley Ryan ‘17, Grace Archer Pinckney ‘17, and Mary Jane Chappell ‘17*.

*Denotes Class Associate

REUNION TIME! Hornet Homecoming 2023 will be here before you know it. Help build momentum for your 5th Reunion by joining your Reunion Committee! You have the best insight into the celebration your classmates would enjoy, so you are the key to a fun and successful event. For more information about becoming a volunteer for your Reunion Committee, email Amy (Martin) Pinckney ‘85 at pinckney@ savcds.org or call 912.961.8849.

On Monday, October 24, Kathryn (Tatum) Saunders ‘92 graciously welcomed Nashville area alumni into her home for a memorable evening. The outstanding company and engaging conversation among old and new friends made for a perfect evening.

After years of limited travel, Country Day is excited to get back on the road. If you are interested in hosting an alumni event in your city, please reach out to Amy (Martin) Pinckney ‘85 at pinckney@savcds.org.

*Denotes Class Associate

Alumni Oyster Roast: Hornet Home for the Holidays

Every year on the day before Thanksgiving, generations of Hornets kick off the holidays with an all-alumni oyster roast. On November 23, sounds of chatter and laughter between friends echoed over Delegal Creek, only to be interrupted when the crowd spilled over the picnic tables with each batch of steamed oysters. This beloved Country Day tradition builds memories and larger groups of Hornets year after year. We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2023!

Morgan (Roberts) Caldwell ‘09 and her husband, Maclain, joyfully announce the birth of their second child, Taylor Maclain Caldwell, Jr., born on August 5, 2022. Taylor has joined big sister Caroline at The Little School at SCDS!

On October 11, 2022, Sam Mikell ’08 and his wife, Jess, celebrated the birth of their son, Samuel LeCraw Mikell, Jr.

Brooke (Bradley) Halpern ’09 and her husband Stuart joyfully welcomed their second child, Harper Amelia Halpern, on June 29, 2022. Harper is especially adored by her big brother Bennett who turned two in July.

George Peter Girgis was born on April 19, 2022. He is the third child of Sally (Johnson) Girgis ‘09 and Peter Girgis.

Matthew and Sally (Parker) Shay ‘10 celebrated the birth of their son, Jack Keaton Shay, on October 14, 2022. Sally and Matthew are excited for Jack to join his class at The Little School this year.

Lloyd (Pember) Childs ‘07 and her husband Stuart joyfully announce the birth of their daughter, Layden Carter Childs, born on August 14, 2022. Layden is already adored by many, especially her big brother Huntsman, age 3.

Mary (Reeves) Close ‘10 and Claude Close joyfully welcomed their daughter, Sallie Healand Close, on September 28, 2022.

Cassandra (Tyson) Cannon ‘03 and Pierce Cannon are delighted to announce the birth of their son, Miller, on October 10, 2022. Jude ‘37, Mary Pierce ‘34, and Finn ‘33 are excited to welcome Miller to the family!

Thomas ‘01 and Betsy (Tate) Barrow ‘04 welcomed their daughter, Tate Copeland Barrow, on June 25, 2022. Each day with Tate brings the best laughs and smiles.