1953 T H E M A G A Z I N E O F S T. J O H N S C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L
Summer 2020
Members of the boys varsity soccer team salute senior players on Senior Night by holding up blow-ups of their heads.
Contents Letter from the Head of School...................1 Special Section................................................2 School Heeds Calls for Progress..................5 School News Briefs........................................6 Lower School...................................................................................6 Middle School.................................................................................. 7 Upper School...................................................................................9 Athletics.............................................................................................12 Performing Arts ..........................................................................15 Technology .....................................................................................17 Visual Arts....................................................................................... 18
On the cover: Lifers from the Class of 2020 gathered on the steps of Timuquana Country Club at the Senior Dinner preceding graduation.
Graduation..................................................... 23 Thank You...................................................... 32 Alumni Spotlight ......................................... 35 Alumni Notes................................................40
1953: The Magazine of St. Johns Country Day School is published twice a year for the school community, with goals to tell the school’s stories and capture the history, traditions, values, and culture of St. Johns Country Day School.
Greetings, Spartan Family! By the time this magazine reaches you, I should just be finishing up the first two months of my tenure as Head of School, and what a time it has been! I knew before I even accepted the position that St. Johns is a very special place — a place where children have the tools and are encouraged every day in every way to be their very best selves. I knew it’s a place full of strong, creative, resilient individuals. And I knew that St. Johns is a place with a very bright future, indeed. I’ve been very lucky that all of my early inferences about St. Johns and the School community have been right on target. That was evident to me as I joined the School community on July 1, 2020, and immediately picked up the work leading the School toward a safe, healthy reopening in the midst of this global pandemic. While that work has at times been challenging, it has given me so many opportunities to get acquainted with the School community, to dive into its culture and practices, and to really get to know St. Johns. As we forge this path ahead, I’m very thankful to be moving forward together with each of you. I know you feel a very strong commitment to and connection with the School, and I’m grateful for that as well. To each of our alumni, parents, parents of alumni, faculty members, and the broader School community — thank you. Thank you for the gifts you give, and your wisdom and insight. Thank you for the time you spend volunteering for the School (no matter how different that may have looked this spring), and thank you for the support you consistently show toward our teachers, students, and now, me. Thank you for caring about St. Johns. We would not be the community we are without you. You’ll see much evidence of that caring, and of what makes St. Johns so special, in the following pages. I hope you enjoy this issue, and, as always, please let me know what you think. All the best,
Valorie Baker Head of School
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Special Section
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Special Section
CORONAVIRUS
UPENDS SCHOOL YEAR
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ell, this has certainly been a School year like no other!” said Acting Head of School Mary Virginia Fisher. And with 45 years at St. Johns to compare against, that’s saying something. While School Administration watched the progression of the virus in February, they never dreamed of the extent of the impact that COVID-19 would have. From French Congrès to the Spring Break Costa Rica ecology and Singers Germany trips, the coronavirus canceled Spartans’ plans and upended schedules even before Florida Governor DeSantis closed all K-12 schools on the afternoon of Friday, March 13th. After Spring Break and an extra week off, all School activities moved online and students, faculty, and parents quickly became well acquainted with the video conferencing app, Zoom. Spartans Zoomed into classes, club meetings, and choral practices. They took tests, completed art projects, and presented plays. English courses re-enacted Shakespeare in photos, submitted with captions and quotes from the plays. The physical education staff even became adept at creating exercise videos, encouraging Spartans to be active in their living rooms if nowhere else.
“The Class of 2020 missed out on so much. From Prom and spring sports Senior Nights to taking their first grader to the zoo, many quintessential St. Johns experiences were lost to the coronavirus, so it was very important to all of us that they be able to have their traditional graduation. Even if a month late, we made it happen for them!” “Our experience with Spartan Distance Learning was a resounding success,” said Fisher, “if rather sudden. I was so impressed with how the students, faculty, and parents all adapted so quickly to a new bell schedule, new technology, even new policies on homework and grading. A very sincere ‘kudos!’ to all!”
As of this writing, Florida continues to emerge from its nearly twelve weeks of slumber. Campus reopened at the beginning of June, and club sports and facilities rentals resumed at that time. Summer Camp reopened at the end of the month, offering a robust slate of targeted Adventure Camps, which
Left: Faculty and coaches held up signs for their much-missed students for this Spartan Distance Learning social media post. Right: Library Assistant Mrs. Jacobs helped younger Spartans through the shutdown by continuing to read books to them—both on Zoom and by video on the School’s Vimeo page. S T. J O H N S C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E
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Special Section
enabled the School to socially distance the campers, keep tight contact groups, and minimize campus exposure. As the state continued to move through reopening phases and the Thrasher-Horne Center reopened for events, St. Johns was thrilled to be able host its 65th traditional commencement ceremony for the Class of 2020 on Friday, June 26, 2020. (See page 22 for that story.)
“The Class of 2020 missed out on so much,” said Fisher. “From Prom and spring sports Senior Nights to taking their first grader to the zoo, many quintessential St. Johns experiences were lost to the coronavirus, so it was very important to all of us that they be able to have their traditional graduation. Even if a month late, we made it happen for them!” Plans are on track for an on-time,
on-campus reopening on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, though it’s possible that we haven’t seen the last of the effects of the coronavirus, says Fisher. “While the experience has been very educational for all of the faculty and administration, and we expect we learned many useful skills we may be able to put into action during hurricane season, we are optimistic that we won’t experience another extended closure such as earlier this year.”
VIDEO CLASSES FACILITATE GUEST SPEAKERS Students, faculty seize opportunities to learn more, gain expert insights
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hile the coronavirus pandemic presented many challenges and disappointments to St. Johns’ students, faculty, parents, and community, one positive that distance learning brought was the ability to easily bring in outside speakers to talk with classes. Many of our speakers were quarantined at home themselves and welcomed the opportunity! St. Johns’ faculty took good advantage of this during Spartan Distance Learning, inviting a variety of guest speakers to join classes at various grade levels in all three divisions. Mrs. Cadley-Mach invited a Broadway actress to speak to theatre classes, and Dr. Saumil Oza ’95 dropped in on the AP Biology class to discuss COVID-19 and his new campaign #Masks4Jax, which works to change the perspective many people have about wearing a face mask and to get masks into the hands of Jacksonville residents. (Learn more at masks4jax. com.) Madison Duff ’13 also visited AP Biology to talk about his work with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and how his education at
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St. Johns and in AP Biology specifically was instrumental in his academic journey and his career. One such guest speaker joined St. Johns history classes in commemoration of Holocaust Remembrance Day, on April 21, 2020. Holocaust Remembrance Day is an annual commemoration of the approximately 6 million Jews and others who perished under Nazi Germany. To find out more about the Holocaust and the lessons we must learn from it today, History Department Chair Mr. Josh Stern invited Rabbi Robert Goodman of Congregation Ahavath Chesed to meet with Middle and Upper School history classes. “History is about putting ourselves in the shoes, the footsteps, of those who walked before us,” said Stern, before Rabbi Goodman walked the students through a guided imagery in which our existing government is suddenly overthrown by a dictatorship. Freedom of speech, assembly, and religion are all banned and no criticism of the current government is tolerated. Rabbi
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Goodman asks students, What would you do? “We do not learn well from history,” said Rabbi Goodman, and the hope is that by remembering and teaching succeeding generations about [the Holocaust], we can work to avoid the mistakes that Nazi Germany made 50 years ago. “Even today there are too many people in our world who suffer at the hands of cruel dictators,” he continued. So today is about two things, he said, learning the story of the Holocaust during 1933-1945 and vowing never to let it happen again. “Let us promise that we will fight ignorance, prejudice, racism, and hatred in all forms, for our sake and for the sake of future generations.” — Rabbi Goodman The Zoom meeting was interspersed with musical selections from the Middle School Chorus and students and visiting faculty members had the opportunity to ask questions of Rabbi Goodman.
Special Section
School Heeds Calls for Growth, Progress By Mary Virginia Fisher
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hen future Spartans look back on the School’s history, they will most certainly make special note of 2020. So will I, but not for the reasons one might predict. While I certainly do not discount the havoc created by the ongoing pandemic; neither do I consider it the most defining event of this new decade in the life of St. Johns. Rather, the events I consider to be the greatest change agents of the School’s future center around the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements that gained much traction in the spring. In response to the School’s May statement reminding Spartans of the importance of “liberty and justice for all,” several alumni contacted incoming Head of School Mrs. Valorie Baker and myself with experiences, insight, and recommendations for ways St. Johns can better ensure that all are welcome and supported. It was my honor to introduce Sabrina Tomlinson ’13, Lindsay Marshall ’13, and Patrick Glenn ’11 to Mrs. Baker and to share changes that have taken place since their graduations. Others came in for one-on-one meetings to share their experiences and offer suggestions. We discussed steps taken to recognize and
better support BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and women in our academic and social-emotional curricula; enhanced, readily available mental health support; faculty/staff training in diversity and inclusion; the addition of several new student organizations, and the School’s new One Love Hero certification. Much is left to be accomplished; that’s for sure. But St. Johns is focused on solutions, intent on moving forward, and has surely set the stage for all of us to make strides together. Never have I been more appreciative of the many Spartans I have been blessed to teach and know throughout my forty-five years at St. Johns. Instead of choosing any of the many other avenues of expression available, the alumni who came forth did so directly with the School, opening a dialog and helping us improve the School we all know and love. I can’t think of a better commentary on the St.Johns family than this. We look forward to continued discourse throughout the year(s) ahead and encourage participation by all alumni who are available (either in person or from afar) to help your alma mater continue to fulfill its mission of ethical responsibility. With your help, we will make this a pivotal moment in St. Johns history.
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SCHOOL NEWS BRIEFS Lower School News Grade 5 Enters Martha Washington Speech Contest In January, Grade 5 traveled to the Jacksonville Public Library to present the results of their work for an annual essay contest sponsored by The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America (NSCDA) in the State of Florida. Students were given Martha Washington as the subject matter, and spent time during first semester researching Martha Washington and then following the writing process steps to finalize a typed, one-page essay. Then in January, students and teachers went to the Main Jacksonville Public Library, where they saw a Martha Washington reenactor who spoke about the importance of Washington in our country’s founding as well as the importance of the writing process. Students participated in the re-enactment, and Bailey Conner ’27 was selected as the St. Johns Country Day School essay winner. Congratulations, Bailey!
World Read Aloud Day Earlier this year, the whole St. Johns community came together in celebration of World Read Aloud Day. Spartans in all divisions celebrated by reading aloud or having others come read to them.
Photos: L-R Chair of the History and Social Sciences Department Josh Stern reads to Grade 4; Director of Development Jordan Robbins Rechcigl ’10 reads to Grade 2; Grade 4 teacher Erin Bare Willingham ’98 reads to Pre-K4.
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School News Briefs Vanishing Kindergartners On February 4, the entire Kindergarten mysteriously vanished from campus. In their place at flag raising stood a batch of what looked like the students’ centenarian great-grandparents! The puzzle could not be resolved, and it was sad as the class was celebrating the 100th Day of School that day. Fortunately, they returned to campus safe and sound the following day.
S Middle School News
Fourteen Middle School Students Qualify for Duke TIP This spring, fourteen Grade 7 students were recognized by the Duke Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP), one of four regional programs that works to identify and provide opportunities for gifted students. Each year Duke TIP invites academically high-achieving students to participate in a testing experience usually targeted for high school juniors and seniors—taking the SAT or ACT college entrance exams. Based on results from these exams, students are then offered opportunities to engage in academic enrichment opportunities through Duke University, participate in online book groups, or access reduced-cost enrichment programs such as Rosetta Stone
language learning courses. This year, fourteen Grade 7 students were invited to join the Duke TIP program. These students include: ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
Frances Bailey Hadi Basil Olivia Belland Caroline Burson Ainsley Costarakis Kelsey Gregson Brandon Keyes Grayson Moody Charles Morgan Isabel Nix Shane Reaves Ava Joy Richards Nathan Terry Brynn White
Students who do exceptionally well qualify for state- or national-level recognition. This year, five St. Johns students achieved state-level honors. These include: ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
Caroline Burson Ainsley Costarakis Grayson Moody Charles Morgan Shane Reaves
Congratulations, Duke TIP students!
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School News Briefs
Targeted Gift Spurs Robotics Victory Thanks to a gift from Dr. Murren Hill and her husband, John Nelson, St. Johns’ Middle School kicked off a new robotics team this year. Springing from one of the new Middle School electives (also about robotics), the team began in August with just a handful of students who stayed after school a few times each week to learn, work on robots, and prepare for competition. Over time and with thanks to this generous funding, the team evolved, gaining the tools and experience they needed to take their passion to the next level. St. Johns Robotics’ first competition, Robo-Thrasher 1, took place in January at the Thrasher-
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Horne Center with 16 teams competing. Rather than bestowing awards for first place, most improved, etc., robotics leagues tend to go a different route. In keeping with this tradition, the competition also gave out atypical awards. “I’m so proud of the robotics team for winning the Core Values Award,” said team co-sponsor Mrs. Wagstaff. “The robotics league’s core values are innovation, impact, inclusion, discovery, teamwork, and fun. Throughout the season, these students have consistently demonstrated these core values, and we are so happy that the judges at the competition saw the same thing.”
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Additionally, while only three teams advanced to the next round, St. Johns Robotics earned an “alternate bid” to the regional tournament, a completely unexpected honor for this brandnew team. “It’s hard to believe that five months ago, not a single one of these kids could program a robot at all,” concluded Wagstaff.
School News Briefs Upper School News Sheila Hodges ’20 Wins Rotary Youth Oratory Competition
Poetry Out Loud
Senior Sheila Hodges competed and took first place in the 2020 Rotary Youth Oratory Competition, presented by the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville. After winning the Orange Park competition in January, Sheila progressed to the Finals on Thursday, February 20, 2020. This year’s speech topic was to “select a person in history (deceased and not related to you) who, by their achievements, would be an ideal person to improve life today, utilizing their talents, skills and today’s advancements to ‘connect the world.’ Support your decision by historic reports, opinions by cultural experts and documentation you can deliver verbally.” Competing against five other contestants from other area schools at WJCT studios, Sheila was victorious with her speech about Fred Rogers, discussing how he is the best person to help better-connect the world as evidenced by his many years of encouraging all to be good neighbors on his hit television program, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” As the contest champion, Sheila is the winner of a $5,000 scholarship. Congratulations, Sheila!
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Foundation Sophomore Susannah Goodwin has been selected to be a member of the prestigious Hugh O’Brian Leadership (HOBY) Program. As a member of HOBY, Susannah will have the opportunity to participate with students from all over the country in summer seminars designed to enhance students’ leadership and teamwork skills. Susannah will also have the opportunity to meet and converse with community leaders in fields such as volunteerism, media education, philanthropy, and politics. Congratulations Susannah!
Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation contest that encourages the study of poetry and helps students develop public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history. This year’s competition began in St. Johns’ English classrooms, where students competed class by class with winners advancing to the school competition in early February. These students included: ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
Ally Desguin ’23 Mary Beth Garrison ’22 Shannon Hodges ’23 Ava Johnson ’23 Jona Kats ’21 Ben McCormick ’23 Abby Mencner ’22 Christian Sabbagh ’20 Jordan Sabo ’20 Josh Soffler ’20 Emma Stasiak ’22 Claire Trammell ’20 Nasua Williams ’20 Serenity Williams ’22
Each contestant memorized and presented two poems, with selections ranging from Emily Dickinson to contemporary Irish poet Roisan Kelly. Judges rated each presentation for physical presence, voice and articulation, dramatic appropriateness, evidence of understanding and overall performance, narrowing the competitors to ten, who made a third presentation. After a few minutes delay as judges tallied scores, they announced the runner up, Mary Beth Garrison ’22, and the winner, Claire Trammell ’20, who went on to represent St. Johns at the State competition at the University of South Florida later in the spring.
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School News Briefs
Mr. & Miss St. Johns In February, St. Johns was thrilled to elect a new Mr. and Miss St. Johns for 2020! First, at the Mr. St. Johns competition nine contestants put their hearts into it, and Sophomore John Cabrera was voted Mr. St. Johns. Senior Anthony Morris was voted Mr. Congeniality by the other contestants and James Wilson ’21 earned the People’s Choice Award by raising $275.00 in his voting box. In total, the Mr. St. Johns competition raised $2,178 for the American Cancer Society. The following weekend brought the School community another fun and engaging event when Junior Julia Schildberg was voted Miss St. Johns 2020. Other awards included: ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆
Miss Congeniality Gaby Loustau ’21 Crowd Favorite Gaby Loustau ’21 Miss Fashionista Kaitlyn Philips ’23 2nd Runner Up Bianca Horen ’21 1st Runner Up Susannah Goodwin ’22
Hearty congratulations and thanks also to the pageant directors, Juniors Brooke Ferris, Abbey Lantinberg, and Julia Nichols. These three ladies worked hard to bring the pageant to life. And special thanks to everyone who came out to cheer on all of our contestants and to support Best Buddies of Jacksonville. The event raised $1,700 in support of this amazing cause.
Youth Leadership Jacksonville Since 1989, Youth Leadership Jacksonville has worked to bring together a select and diverse group of Northeast Florida high school students with demonstrated leadership ability and to prepare them to become ethical leaders committed to active community involvement. Students are selected in their freshmen year for participation during their sophomore year. This year, three St. Johns students were selected: Freshmen Kennedy Brown, Shannon Hodges, and Patrick Walsh. Kennedy, Shannon, and Patrick will attend six program days with Youth Leadership Jacksonville, each emphasizing hands-on activities and focusing on specific facets of the community including government, criminal justice, human services, diversity, and business.
Kennedy Brown
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Shannon Hodges
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Patrick Walsh
School News Briefs
Seniors Visit Nation’s Capital In January, St. Johns Country Day School’s Class of 2020 took the learnings from their fall Government class on the road with a four-day trip to Washington, DC. A whole-class trip is always a fantastic opportunity—for class bonding and much more—but for the senior class, it served as much more. It’s the starting gun for their last semester of high school, and the only whole-class trip they’ve taken since Grade 8. “This was a curriculum-based trip with truly amazing on-site instructors,” said Government teacher and Senior Class Sponsor Mrs. Gayle Simpson Garrison ’94. “The trip instructors specialize in Washington, DC, and they really helped our students think about and discuss the deeper issues in what they experienced, instead of just sightseeing.” Students focused on the three branches of government by visiting the Capitol, the White House, and the Supreme Court and having indepth conversations at and about each. They also discussed foreign policy and visited the Embassy of Finland and the United States Institute of Peace, which is a national, nonpartisan, organization established by Congress in 1984 as an independent institution dedicated to the nonviolent prevention and mitigation of deadly conflict abroad. “I learned so much in the US Government class and thought I knew it all,” said Senior Jack Hodges. “But then I went on this trip and learned so much more and was able to really understand it seeing it put into practice.” “This trip gave students the chance to have the things they learned in a textbook come alive,” added Mrs. Garrison. “They were able to ask tough questions directly to their Representative in the House as well as their Senator, and discuss the idea of war, peace, and memorializing. Students got a thoughtful, hands-on exploration of the three branches of government and their role as citizens and the trip brought much of what they’ve been studying into crisp focus as these students begin registering to vote and get ready to head out into the world on their own.” S T. J O H N S C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E
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School News Briefs Athletics
“This season the team had huge wins over big schools like Fletcher, Stanton, Ridgeview, and Yulee. The hard work and dedication of these ladies continues to move the program in the right direction. Great season, Spartans!” — Coach Yolanda
Girls Varsity Basketball Congratulations to Mary Kate Kent ’24 who was named Florida Athletic Coaches Association 2A District 6 Player of the Year, and Coach Yolanda Bronston, who was named Coach of the Year. It’s a tremendous honor for an eighth grader to receive this award, said Coach Bronston. “I’m so happy for Mary Kate to receive this well-deserved recognition. She works so hard, is a great team player, and consistently performs on both sides of the court.”
Senior Athletes Charge Forward Congratulations to six Spartan senior athletes who will take their skills and determination to play at the next level:
Ryan Croft (Soccer) Carroll College
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Kyla Hartwell (Basketball) St. Francis Xavier University
Lea Hartwell (Basketball) St. Francis Xavier University
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Jack Hodges (Baseball) Flagler College
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Joseph Shimko III (Crew) Berry College
Elizabeth Stoeber (Majorette) University of Florida
School News Briefs
Nine is Fine for Girls Varsity Soccer by Julia Nichols ’21
Spec Martin Municipal Stadium lights in the pouring rain didn’t stop the St. Johns Country Day School Varsity Girls Soccer Team from clenching its ninth consecutive state championship trophy. “Nine is fine” was marked as the new soccer slogan after the game vs. Shorecrest Prep on February 26, in DeLand, FL, concluded with a 4-0 win. Goals were scored by Hannah Lemieux ’22, Paige Crews ’21, Mia Sadler ’21, and Lauryn Mateo ’23. The back line, with Alexis Agramonte ’21 in the goal, finished the season continuing their shutout streak. St. Johns sent a pep bus putting a crowd of student supporters in the stands, while those who stayed on campus watched the livestream that showed the girls making history once again. Mike Pickett ’83 has coached the female Spartans for the past 22 years, and in that time span, he has led 12 teams to win state championship titles. Their smiles say it all, as the clock hit zero, the joy on every Spartan’s face was almost as abundant as the raindrops that fell.
Jack with his parents, Amy and Dan Hodges, holding up his #9 jersey.
Photos by Julia Nichols ’21
Belated Baseball “Senior Night” Honors Hodges Spring sports Senior Nights were canceled or belated, but Spartan Baseball was able to squeeze in some time to honor Senior Jack Hodges, who will go on to play baseball at Flagler College next year. “Jack was a 6 year starter and has done as much as anyone in transforming the Spartan baseball program into what it is today,” said Head Baseball Coach Tom Lucas. “Thank you Jack for all you’ve done!”
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School News Briefs
#BeTheLight Participating in the nationwide #BeTheLight movement, in April St. Johns held a socially distant drive-through celebration of our seniors, as we lit up the athletic fields in honor of the Class of 2020 and the seniors drove by to music and cheers. Clockwise from top-left: The Robbins family (Caroline Robbins ’13, Mrs. Ivonne Robbins, and Jordan Robbins Rechcigl ’10) in support of Parker Robbins ’20. June and Mike Stoeber (and friend) in support of Elizabeth Stoeber ’20. Drew Petty ’13 and Jean Marie Maierhoffer Petty ’13. Larry and Barbara Sage, in support of their seniors, Courtney and Kendall Sage.
Middle School Spartan Earns Athlete of the Year
Photos courtesy Snappy Patchy Photography
Congratulations to weightlifter Addison Frisbee ’24, who was named ITG Next Female Youth Athlete of the Year, presented by Wolfson Children’s Hospital. While not offered as a sport at St. Johns, Frisbee has been lifting weights since she was ten-years-old, said mom Jennifer Frisbee. “Her older cousin was lifting at the time and encouraged her to give it a try after she stopped competitive gymnastics.”
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School News Briefs Performing Arts News
Arts Students Get Innovative During Distance Learning St. Johns performing art students often had to get creative during the coronavirus-related shutdown, so it’s a good thing they are, almost by definition, creative. First, both Dance and Theatre students enjoyed meeting Broadway performer Morgan Harrison when she joined their classes by Zoom. She talked about her life as a professional performer, answered their questions, and,
for the dance students, taught them some of the choreography from Beetle Juice, her current show. St. Johns’ dancers also had to get creative when it came to performances this spring, posting both individual and group performances by video (you can check out some of those at vimeo.com/sjcds).
State Solo & Ensemble Festival Fourteen musicians earned slots in the state Solo and Ensemble Festival in February and earned the following rankings: MIDDLE SCHOOL: ◆ Trumpet SoloSuperior Zach Dimmick ’24 ◆ Alto Sax Solo- Superior; Bari Sax Solo- Superior Torrin Heinrichs ’24 ◆ Trumpet Solo- Superior Timmy Jackson ’24 ◆ Clarinet Solo- Superior Michela Mach ’26
◆ Trumpet Solo- Superior Ty Neal ’25 ◆ Clarinet Solo- Superior Addison Wagstaff ’26 UPPER SCHOOL: ◆ Flute Solo- Excellent Isabella Ottey ’20 ◆ Flute Duet- Excellent Kaley Burnside ’21 & Julia Andrawis ’21
◆ French Horn Solo- Superior Sean Gregson ’22 ◆ Marimba Solo- Superior Ariel Sauer ’22 ◆ Alto Sax Solo- Superior; Advancing to State Alex Dimmick ’21 ◆ Tuba Solo- Superior; Advancing to State Josh Soffler ’20
◆ Baton Solo- Superior; Advancing to State Elizabeth Stoeber ’20 Performances by Alex Dimmick, Josh Soffler, and Elizabeth Stoeber advanced them to the State competition, which, unfortunately, was cancelled due to the coronavirus.
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School News Briefs
Middle School Chorus
St. Johns Singers
Choral Groups Excel at State MPAs The St. Johns Singers and Middle School Chorus were able to squeeze their Music Performance Assessment (MPA) in just under the wire before area schools closed due to the coronavirus. The Florida Vocal Association District IV Music Performance Assessment took place on March 6 at Mandarin High School. The Middle School Chorus earned ratings of Excellent from all adjudicators, and the St. Johns Singers earned a Superior on stage and an overall Excellent rating. “I am very proud of all of these students and their progress this year,� said choral director Brenda Scott.
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School News Briefs Technology When they built out “SJ3D Labs” from St. Johns Country Day School’s 3D printing lab a couple of years ago, little did Jona Kats ’21 and Sahaj Patel ’20 know they’d be using it to make protective medical equipment. But when the coronavirus pandemic hit the First Coast, that’s exactly what has happened for the two Technology Fellows. Kats and Patel originally started SJ3D Labs to broaden their experience designing and printing materials in 3D, but when the coronavirus hit Jacksonville and medical providers and first responders were running low on personal protective equipment (PPE), they knew they had to act. While campus was still open, they moved 3D printers and other equipment to one of their homes and began production of face shields for medical professionals and others in the community. “The lab has been our project for the last few years and with the coronavirus shutdowns, it and the equipment were going unused. We were sitting on the sidelines watching others with similar equipment make a difference in their communities, and we knew we had to act,” said Patel. “The idea became a reality when
we migrated lab operations to my house,” Kats continues. “We made the first face shield prototypes based on a widely-used certified design, which we tweaked a little. It has been an honor to serve our community and use our resources to help those on the front lines.” With the dearth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available for essential health workers, the students’ project has generated a lot of interest in the community. They set up a GoFundMe to fuel continued production and through the end of the school year had created and donated more than 500 face shields, fulfilling several requests from St. Johns alumni in the health care field, including Sjoukje Mooneyham ’90, Ramzi Shaykh ’09, and Michelle McCauley ’06. “These remarkable students saw a need in our community and immediately set out to be part of the solution,” said St. Johns’ Director of Technology Anne Gorman, the students’ technology mentor. ‘They have worked tirelessly to create a prototype and perfect it, and have been printing and building face shields day and night.”
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School News Briefs Visual Arts 36 Spartan Artists Lauded in Scholastic Awards
Michael Maytin ’20 Silver Key Drowning in Sorrow
36 St. Johns student-artists earned 89 honors in the 2020 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, which recognize the vision, ingenuity, and talent of our nation’s student-artists. “It’s a significant achievement to earn any of these awards,” said Visual Arts Department Chair Anna Reynolds-Patterson. “Each award represents our students’ dedication to creative and technical artistic skill. We are proud of these artists for excelling at this level, especially considering many of the awards were received by students still in Middle School.” 2020 award recipients include: Yashas Aprameya ’21 Olivia Belland ’25 Landon Brafford ’21 Kassie Burton ’22 Addison Ellis ’22 Brooke Ferris ’21 Kelsey Gregson ’25 Kinley Hall ’22 Kyla Hartwell ’20 Lea Hartwell ’20 Natalie Higingbotham ’21 Desiree Holmberg ’21
Haley Juskowski ’21 Anna Kemp ’23 Mary Kate Kent ’24 Abbey Lantinberg ’21 Khloe Lloyd ’24 Michael Maytin ’20 Tyce Moore ’22 Ava Morin ’24 Mia Morin ’22 Riley Myers ’22 Lulu Nowicki ’23 Delaney Payton ’20
Zoë Roberts ’20 Kylie Rodriguez ’20 Kendall Sage ’20 Noelle Sanford ’22 Emma Schultz ’23 Claire Trammell ’20 Laney Valdivia ’24 Reagan Wagstaff ’25 Laura Walden ’24 Ruihong Wang ’20 Sophia Woolard ’24 Sims Wulbern ’21
Kyla Hartwell Silver Key Permission
Brooke Ferris ’21 Silver Key Analogous Self Portrait
Noelle Sanford ’22 National Silver Key Three Drunken Revelers
Zoë Roberts ’20 National Gold Key Vase
Three of these artists were honored with National Gold and Silver Medals: Kelsey Gregson ’25, Noelle Sanford ’22, and Zoë Roberts ’20. Were it not for the coronavirus pandemic, Zoë and Kelsey would have traveled to Carnegie Hall in June for the Awards Ceremony.
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Kelsey Gregson ’25 National Gold Key and Best in Grade Self-Portrait
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School News Briefs
Found Color Wheels Lower School Art Teacher Mrs. Mary Beth Allgaier helped students find colorful inspiration during Spartan Distance Learning with a found color wheel project. Using objects found around their homes, students created wonderful wheels demonstrating their comprehension of the color wheel. From household cleaning products to favorite toys, students got creative in making up their wheels.
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#GettyMuseumChallenge Students and faculty throughout the Upper School took on the Getty Museum Challenge this spring, recreating famous works of art from common household materials. From Madonna to Marat, history and art history students and teachers (among others) came up with some very creative replicas of famous works of art. St. Johns faculty led by example in this challenge, pulling together some truly amazing reproductions: Lower School Art Teacher Mrs. Mary Beth Allgaier, in Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring. Middle School Art Teacher Mrs. Anna Reynolds-Patterson, with Spartans Sophia McClellan ’28 and Brice McClellan ’26, in Dorothea Lange’s Migrant Mother. Upper School Art Teacher Mrs. Pam Ayres in Gustave Courbet’s The Desperate Man. AP Art History teacher Mrs. Heather Velasco in Portrait of Henry VIII, by Hans Holbein the Younger.
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Upper School Explores Nontraditional Materials As the School moved into Spartan Distance Learning in March, Upper School visual art students took advantage of it as an opportunity to explore non-traditional materials. Inspired by the Tibetan sand paintings of Buddhist monks, St. Johns’ Upper School art students created works made from ground coffee beans.
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Graduation 2020
65th Commencement Ceremony
The Class of 2020 C
apping off what has been a most unusual year, on Friday night, June 26, 2020, the 47 members of the Class of 2020 —finally—had their commencement ceremony. The original graduation date—the more traditional May 30—had to be canceled due to the closure of School and the Thrasher-Horne Center caused by the coronavirus. But as School and area businesses began to reopen after the extended Spring closure, a new date was quickly secured. Florida remains in “phase 2” of reopening, which limited attendance at the socially-distanced 65th St. Johns Commencement. Families were seated in blocks of four, with space between each block. And it wasn’t just the audience that was distanced—the graduates themselves were spaced apart on the stage, and afterwards, guests went outside to take photos and greet the graduates.
Otherwise, the ceremony was very much in keeping with St. Johns tradition, and graduates, families, and faculty alike all breathed a heavy sigh of relief that the School was able to host it in these unusual times. “The Class of 2020 has had to give up so much that we really wanted them to have their graduation,” said Head of Upper School and Acting Head of School Mary Virginia Fisher. “They missed their prom, their trip to the zoo with their first graders, athletics senior nights, and so much more. It was important for them to have this.” And so they did, and other than the masks and social distancing, it wasn’t much different from the 64 commencements that came before. In keeping with School tradition, student speakers were elected from among the graduating class. This year, seniors auditioned for the role via a Zoom
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Graduation 2020
conference call, and students voted online for their favorites. The voting was tied, however, so slightly atypically, three speakers were selected: Parker Robbins, Kendall Sage, and Joshua Soffler. After an introduction by newly elected Student Council President Maggie Kent ’21, the three seniors took turns at the podium, talking about their experiences at St. Johns and how much they have learned from each other over the years. Robbins recalled the early days of kindergarten and discussed how many of his classmates have inspired him in one way or another. Sage observed that the Class of 2020 is always going to be strong, determined, and resilient. They were born into the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and graduate among a global pandemic. What more could life bring them, what could they possibly not be able to handle after these things? And Soffler declared that the pandemic and its related events have helped them all become stronger, better people. “While we have no control over what problems the world has given us, we have the ability to choose how we will respond to these challenges,” he said. “These experiences, good and bad, have made us become stronger and wiser. They have shaped us and helped us grow into adults.” After tremendous applause for these inspiring talks, diplomas were presented. Reading each graduate’s accomplishments and the college or university each has chosen to attend, Mrs. Fisher and President of the Board of Trustees Mr. Rick Gregson bestowed the diplomas. Congratulations to these 47 new St. Johns alumni, and best of luck on all of your future endeavors!
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Lifers The following graduates have been St. Johns students since preschool: Valerie Cabrera Pacey Cummings Ian Duncan Grayson Hall
Carolina Hollis Jessica Linge Michael Maytin Sahaj Patel
Delaney Payton Lilly Peterson Jackson Powers Parker Robbins
ZoĂŤ Roberts Christian Sabbagh Courtney Sage Kendall Sage
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Joseph Shimko III Joshua Soffler James Woolard Liam Woolard
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Graduation 2020
Members of the Class of 2020 Victor Tillman Avery
Grayson Kincaid Hall
Liam Benjamin Bielik
Member, National Honor Society St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Marshall Xavier Bustamante
Kyla Kai-Yue Hartwell
Member, National Honor Society
Member, National Honor Society
Valerie Victoria Cabrera
Lea Kai-Lu Hartwell
Member, Cum Laude Society Member, National Honor Society National Merit Scholar St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Ryan Patrick Croft Pacey Maine Cummings
Member, National Honor Society St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Riley Scott Davidson
Member, National Honor Society
Ian Spencer Duncan
Member, National Honor Society St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Member, National Honor Society St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Anthony Brent Morris
Member, National Honor Society
Member, National Honor Society
Derek Jerod Neal Jr.
Victoria Grace Hayes
Jordan Ashlee Noble
Kena Lynn Herrera Jackson Dean Hodges Sheila Alfredia Hodges
Member, Cum Laude Society Member, National Honor Society
Member, Cum Laude Society Member, National Honor Society National Merit Commended Scholar
Isabella Kristine Ottey
Member, National Honor Society
Sahaj Rahul Patel
Carolina Kate Hollis
Member, Cum Laude Society St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Member, Cum Laude Society Member, National Honor Society National Merit Commended Scholar St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Jessica LeMae Linge
Delaney Joi Payton
St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Rentz Connor Foster
Member, National Honor Society
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Stuart Wallace Mackenzie Michael Allen Maytin
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Member, National Honor Society St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Lilly Grace Peterson
Member, National Honor Society St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Jackson William Powers
Member, National Honor Society St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Parker Douglas Robbins
St. Johns Student Since Preschool
ZoĂŤ Celestine Roberts
Member, National Honor Society St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Kylie Veronica Rodriguez
Member, National Honor Society
Ella Marie Rothberg
Lindsey Nicole Sabo
Member, Cum Laude Society Member, National Honor Society National Merit Scholar
Courtney Nicole Sage
Member, National Honor Society St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Kendall Alexandra Sage
Member, National Honor Society St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Emily Grace Serrano
Member, National Honor Society
Joseph Shimko III
Ruihong Wang Nasua’ Tamyah Williams James Makoto Woolard Member, Cum Laude Society
Member, National Honor Society St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Liam Tadashi Woolard
Member, National Honor Society National Merit Commended Scholar St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Joshua David Soffler
Member, National Honor Society St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Jordan Sierra Sabo
Braden Robert Steiner
Member, Cum Laude Society Member, National Honor Society National Merit Commended Scholar
Member, National Honor Society
St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Member, Cum Laude Society Member, National Honor Society St. Johns Student Since Preschool
Christian Kuriakos Sabbagh
Rita Sinclair Trammell
Member, National Honor Society
Elizabeth Renee Stoeber
Member, Cum Laude Society Member, National Honor Society
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Graduation 2020
Class of 2020 Graduation Awards Valedictorian Award: Jordan Sierra Sabo
Service Award: Emily Grace Serrano Ruihong Wang Nasua’ Tamyah Williams Sahaj Rahul Patel Sheila Alfredia Hodges
Edwin Paul Heinrich Award Sheila Alfredia Hodges Dora Helen Skypek Award Sahaj Rahul Patel
English Award Elizabeth Renee Stoeber
Stephen F. Russey Best All-Around Young Man Jackson William Powers
The Carol A. Hart Math Award Jordan Sierra Sabo Science Award Emily Grace Serrano
Stephen F. Russey Best All-Around Young Woman Elizabeth Renee Stoeber
Art Award Zoë Celestine Roberts
The Roddey R. Fisher Award Jackson William Powers
French Award Elizabeth Renee Stoeber
Leadership Award: Anthony Brent Morris Rita Sinclair Trammell Joshua David Soffler Joseph Shimko III
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Spanish Award Christian Kuriakos Sabbagh
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Graduation 2020
The Myrtle O’Shea Latin Award Emily Grace Serrano Cynthia C. Landry History Award Joshua David Soffler Drama Award for Theatrical Performance: Ian Spencer Duncan Drama Award for Technical Theatre Ryan Patrick Croft Jackson Dean Hodges Music Instrumental Award Elizabeth Renee Stoeber Music Vocal Award Valerie Victoria Cabrera Computer Science Award Sahaj Rahul Patel Captain Borries Cup Award Jackson Dean Hodges
The following awards were presented at the Upper School Awards Ceremony, on Friday, May 29, 2020:
Top Female Athlete Award Upper School: Kendall Sage Top Male Athlete Award Upper School: Ryan Croft Laurie Anne Richards Memorial Scholarship: Kendall Sage Ashley Lynn Cowie Award: Emily Serrano The “I Dare You” Leadership Award: Liam Bielik S T. J O H N S C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E
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Class of 2020
Fast Facts The Class of 2020 has accumulated 208 acceptances and nearly $3.0 million in scholarships at 94 colleges and universities, including 11 honors college programs. Six of the class will play collegiate sports. Twenty-five are Bright Futures Scholars, twenty-three are AP Scholars, and two are National Merit Scholars. And the class accomplished all of this while balancing schoolwork, extra-curricular activities and over 7,043 hours of community service. No wonder we are so proud of them!
Graduates
2020 AP Scholars
$3.2m
7,043
Received in scholarship offers
Hours of community service performed
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6
St. Johns students since preschool
Will play sports at the college level
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9
Florida Bright Futures Academic Scholars
Scholastic Art & Writing Award Winners
5
1
Florida Bright Futures Medallion Scholars
2
2020 National Merit Scholars 30
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National Art Gold Key Recipient
Graduation 2020
Colleges and universities accepting members of the class of 2020 include: American University Appalachian State University Arizona State University (Main Campus) Auburn University Baylor University Belmont University Berry College Bethune-Cookman University Brown University California State University (Long Beach) Carroll College Clemson University College of Charleston Colorado State University (Fort Collins) Cornerstone University Eckerd College Edward Waters College Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (Daytona Beach) Flagler College Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University Florida Atlantic University Florida Gulf Coast University Florida International University Florida Southern College Florida State University Fordham University Fort Valley State University George Mason University George Washington University Georgetown University
Georgia Southern University Hampton University Indiana University (Bloomington) Ithaca College Jacksonville University Lynn University Michigan State University Middle Tennessee State University Mississippi State University Montana State University Montana State University (Billings) Neumont College of Computer Science New College of Florida North Carolina State University Northwestern University Ohio University (Main Campus) Old Dominion University Oregon State University Oxford College of Emory University Pace University (New York City) Pennsylvania State University (Main Campus) Piedmont College Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rocky Mountain College Rollins College Rutgers University (New Brunswick) Saint Mary’s University (Halifax, Nova Scotia) Samford University San Diego State University Seton Hall University St John’s University (New York)
St. Francis Xavier University Stetson University Stony Brook University Texas Christian University The University of Alabama The University of Tampa The University of Texas at Austin The University of West Florida University of California (Santa Cruz) University of Central Florida University of Colorado Boulder University of Connecticut University of Florida University of Maryland (College Park) University of Massachusetts (Amherst) University of Miami University of Mississippi University of Nevada (Las Vegas) University of New Haven University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Florida University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Providence University of South Carolina University of South Florida (Main Campus) University of Virginia (Main Campus) Valdosta State University Vanderbilt University Wake Forest University Washington College Washington State University
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Thank You
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Thank You!
T
hank you to the many parents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty members, grandparents, and friends of St. Johns Country Day School who contributed to the 2019-2020 St. Johns Fund. The continued generosity received from so many, even during these unprecedented times, was truly inspiring. Everyone at St. Johns greatly appreciates the unwavering commitment and support of so many. The full 2019-2020 Annual Giving Report is available at sjcds.net/agr.
Day of Giving Thank You Thank you so much to everyone who donated, supported, and spread the word about our 3rd Annual Day of Giving, #GreatDaySJ. While we carefully considered canceling this event, we kept returning to the heart of the day, the reason for it, which is a celebration of St. Johns and everything it means to us. We set out to reach 108 gifts- one for every teacher, coach, and staff member at St. Johns. In true Spartan fashion, our community came together and exceeded our greatest expectations. Together, we reached 165 gifts, raising more than $40,000! Your support makes an incredible difference for our students, our faculty, and the St. Johns experience.
St. Johns on Broadway & Golf Tournament Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the unfortunate decision was made to cancel both the St. Johns on Broadway 2020 production and the 14th Annual Spartans Golf Tournament. Despite the cancellations, we are incredibly grateful for the many corporate sponsors and donors who opted to still generously support the School. Funds raised through St. Johns on Broadway support the St. Johns Fund while funds raised through the Golf Tournament support the St. Johns Athletic Department.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors & Donors 2020 St. Johns on Broadway Title Sponsor: BTC Property Management Consulting, LLC
St. Johns Spartans Golf Tournament 2020 Title Sponsor: BTC Property Management Consulting, LLC
Lunch Sponsor: Williams & Rowe Company, Inc.
Gold Sponsor: Family Life Care, Inc. St. Johns Investment Management Company Turf Doctor Landscaping and Lawn, LLC
Hole Sponsors: Accident Lawyers, P.A., John Fagan The Bailey Group Future Home Loans Kailes Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Beth Kailes O’Steen Automotive Group Regions Mortgage, Jim Branch Southern Enclosures Weather Engineers
Donors: Mr. & Mrs. William Powers Mustang Marketing Group
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Supporting the 2020-2021 St. Johns Fund What is the St. Johns Fund?
St. Johns Country Day School relies upon funds above and beyond tuition to cover the costs of delivering an outstanding educational experience. The St. Johns Fund, our annual giving program, works to make our School’s needs and wants a reality, providing the best possible education, environment, tools, and technology for Spartans of today and tomorrow. It’s fundamental to the School’s operating budget and the reason we are so deeply appreciative of broad participation from our entire School community: parents, alumni, faculty and staff, parents of alumni, grandparents, and friends of the School. Your gift is a commitment to our students, our faculty, and the St. Johns experience. Every gift, large and small, matters. Thank you!
How are contributions used?
Your support of the St. Johns Fund fuels every aspect of the St. Johns experience, including: ■ ■ ■ ■ ■
Supporting teachers, coaches, and staff through professional development opportunities Delivering technology to enhance teaching and learning Making enhancements to the campus, buildings, and security Improving student life and co-curricular activities, including trips, equipment, and more Strengthening St. Johns’ financial future.
Commit to St. Johns Today
Online: sjcds.net/give Phone: (904) 264-9572 or Text SPARTANS to 243-725 Mail: St. Johns Annual Fund 3100 Doctors Lake Drive Orange Park, FL 32073
Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our alumni both near and far. We asked alumni on the front lines to share their perspective and experiences during this unprecedented time.
Saumil Oza ’95 Cardiologist, Ascension St. Vincents
Working during the COVID epidemic was certainly eye opening. Although Jacksonville has been spared from the worst of the pandemic so far, we completely changed the way we practiced medicine. We switched all of our clinics from in-person visits to teleconsults. We cancelled all but the most necessary procedures. We had to make difficult decisions regarding which patients to hospitalize and which to keep at home despite their medical problems. Through it all, however, we learned to be more efficient and focus on ways to minimize patients as well as our own time in clinic and the hospital. In the end, I think this will be a paradigm shift in the practice of medicine. My normal hours are quite long and it was a breath of fresh air to be able to work from home and spend more time with my wife and 5 year old son. I hope that there are some practices that we will take forward
regardless of the presence of COVID. We are safely sending home patients earlier after procedures. We use telemedicine and remote monitoring devices to check in on patients and monitor heart conditions. This will be far more convenient for patients in the future and likely lead to better outcomes as people heal much more quickly when they are in familiar environments. In the hospital and in the community, we are more cognizant of washing our hands and wearing masks in public. This will undoubtedly stem the spread of other infectious diseases in our community going forward if we retain the lessons that COVID has taught us. During the early stages of the pandemic, we were running critically low on PPE (personal protective equipment) at St. Vincent’s. I was surprised to hear from several of my former classmates from St. Johns who reached out to me and connected me to suppliers of PPE after they heard of our need. We even had students from St. Johns make 3D printed face-masks and deliver them to our hospital for our front line workers! The academic rigor at St Johns is second to none and will certainly prepare students for the next stage in their lives. What truly has endured in the 25 years since I left St. John’s is the compassion that is taught and displayed by the students and faculty. It shows in the concern from my classmates so many years later and is evident in the students there now.
Ramzi Shaykh ’08
Third Year Pediatrics Resident at New York Presbyterian Hospital
Deep breath in, deep breath out - I focus on my breath and the task at hand instead of the uncomfortable heat and sweat brought on by my N-95 mask and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Discomfort has become the new normal in this pandemic, and in no place is this more apparent than in New York City.
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Alumni Spotlight
I have spent the last 3 years working as a pediatric resident in New York City treating newborns to young adults as old as 25 years of age. Now with the spread of COVID-19, the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) has been transformed into an adult COVID intensive care unit (ICU). I now find myself treating adults of all ages in a setting that looks like a scene from an apocalyptic Hollywood film. I’ve had to learn the intricacies of a new patient population and a new disease, while also balancing how to ration supplies and equipment such as ventilators and machines for kidney replacement therapy. But we manage and forge on for our patients. The most difficult yet rewarding part of my day is between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. when I call or FaceTime family members who are not permitted to be by their loved ones in their time of need. I typically come home exhausted yet thankful for the opportunity to be there for people when others cannot be. The beginning of this was overwhelming; however, throughout it all I am growing … we are growing. Healthcare personnel in the US and around the world are learning from their experiences and becoming better providers each and every day. The situation is slowly improving and yesterday we discharged our 36
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final adult COVID patient from the pediatrics ICU. We are nowhere near the end of this war, but the tide is turning. What was once so uncomfortable has become much more comfortable to us. The adversity brought on by this pandemic will allow the resilience of humanity to shine through as we take this on one day at a time. I thank St. Johns for thinking of me and my colleagues during this time and for the timely and generous donation of face masks.
Michelle McCauley, DO ’06
Family Medicine Chief Resident Tidelands Health/MUSC Family Medicine Residency Murrells Inlet, SC
St. Johns instilled in me work ethics that I’ve used to get to this point in my career and continue to use during my training. I learned the art of diligence, detail-oriented thinking, and teamwork. While working on the frontlines during the COVID pandemic, my team and I have learned that it is important to find joy in the small moments. Often times as a physician with an overwhelming amount of tasks set before you daily, you can easily get in the “get the job done” mindset and you forget to slow down and appreciate the process and progress made. Each day in the intensive care unit comes with new obstacles, but there is always something to celebrate whether it’s a large feat such
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Jamie Henry ’00
Major, US Army, Medical Corps Internal Medicine Physician Womack Army Medical Center Fort Braggs, NC
Michelle McCauley ‘06 with her co-resident, Anthony, holding a poster they made for a patient to wish her a Happy Birthday.
as a patient coming off the ventilator or something as seemingly small and ordinary as a patient turning a year older. One experience with the latter was a joyful day in the midst of many trying ones that holds memories I will cherish forever. When finding out our beloved patient was turning one year older shortly after being weaned off the ventilator, we knew we were left with no other option than to celebrate big. Her birthday party was made complete with a poster, balloons, her care team singing Happy Birthday and a whole lot of smiles. This time in my life has been profound and has reminded me to not take the small things for granted, for tomorrow is never promised.
Working in the US Army, I am not authorized to talk about my experience in detail regarding COVID-19. However, while driving to work on March 9th after much of America was closed down, I had tears of gratitude for being given a chance to use the skills I had
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Alumni Spotlight
honed over the previous 30 years of my life to serve during this crisis. I have learned (and continue to learn!) so much these past few months. I have felt overwhelmed at times during this crisis, much like I did while a student at St. Johns. I felt like a failure and that the academic challenge was too great for me; however, my sister comforted me and helped me through it. I rely heavily on my friends and family now to get through each day. I urge each of us to stick close to our friends and family during these unprecedented times. Collapsing just before the finish line of my last high school cross country state meet, I learned to get back up and keep going. The result wasn’t what I had hoped for or expected (I wanted to win!), but with the encouragement of others, I finished. In 2020 we are all weak in the face of the crises we experience today. A little humility and patience will serve us well. May we all finish the race before us with grace and humility.
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Aseem Peterson ’02 Air Force Major Internal Medicine Physician Nellis Air Force Base Las Vegas, NV
I am a physician and currently am an active duty Air Force Major with my specialty being Internal Medicine. I perform outpatient and inpatient services as a hospitalist at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. Life has myriad bumps and obstacles. I was not in the top ten of my graduating class at St. Johns. I did not excel on my AP finals and had some rejection letters from some of the universities I had applied to in high school. My teachers were not easy on me, but then again you find out later in life that it won’t always be easy. The question becomes, do you shy away or do you step up to these challenges in life to achieve the best version of yourself? St. Johns taught
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Alumni Spotlight
me the importance of determination, hard work and patience. Twenty years after completing undergraduate school, medical school, being stationed in England, and being deployed to the Middle East, I arrived in Las Vegas, Nevada where I currently reside. The COVID-19 pandemic is what I call a life challenge. It can easily spread, we don’t have a vaccine, and at this point we remain unsure why it affects some people more severely compared to others. In the hospital setting, there is a chance of cross contamination from COVID patients to patients without the disease. To address this, I was placed on the inpatient COVID team with other staff internists to limit the number of staff exposed to COVID patients. We would keep COVID patients in a different part of the hospital from the rest of the patients to limit the spread from the moment they entered the emergency
room. I am lucky that my hospital was not overwhelmed like many other unfortunate places. We were prepared. Every time I entered the room with person suspected of having this disease, I would need to put on an N95 mask, another surgical mask so as not to contaminate the N95 mask, goggles with a face shield, gown up, glove up, and leave my cellphone, keys, and badge outside the room. A few patients were quite ill. I thought one of the patients was going to die. After over a week of being intubated, she eventually pulled through. It can be difficult when things don’t go smoothly in an ICU. It takes patience waiting for a patient’s condition to turn the right corner. The core characteristics of determination, a strong work ethic, and patience that I gained in high school laid the foundation of what I needed to step up and not back down during these challenging times.
Alumna Marches for Change This spring, Chastity Duffey ’16 was inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. She knew she wanted to bring change to Clay County; she just wasn’t sure how. She considered going to the Clay County Courthouse and holding signs with her mom and sisters, but after talking to former teacher and now friend, Gayle Simpson Garrison ’94, she realized that there hadn’t been a march in Clay County yet. With Gayle’s encouragement, Chastity began planning a peaceful march to end brutality, racism, and injustice, and was overwhelmed by the support from her St. Johns family. Chastity planned out every detail of the march—when to march, where, who to invite—except one, and that was Clay County Sheriff Darryl Daniels showing up on her doorstep the night before. “When Sheriff Daniels showed up to my house, I was so surprised! It meant so much that he went out of his way to stop by and meet me, and to hear what kind of change I wanted in the community,” said Chastity. “He and the Chief of Patrol both assured me that they were working hard to create a better relationship between the community and the police department. They understand that it is their job to protect all of us and complete their job with respect.” The next day, Friday, June 12, Chastity met about 50 friends, family members, and fellow St. Johns alums at Orange Park Town Hall and walked peacefully, carrying signs. “Change doesn’t happen on its own,” said Garrison. “Change takes a force behind it, and [Chastity is] that force.” As for what comes after the march, Chastity hopes the Clay County community continues to fight against injustice daily, not just
during times when race relations is a popular subject in the news. She encourages others to talk to family and friends about current events and listen to those who have different opinions and experiences. She also suggests reading articles and books to gain a better understanding of the problems that are going on in this country. “This is an everyday fight,” she says, “but I know this community is capable of change.”
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Alumni Notes
Alumni Notes 1950s
1970s
Ralph Danson ’59 takes great pride in being the first class under the Chapel Oak. He and his wife of 50 years, Carolyn, live in Greensboro, Georgia on Lake Oconee. He is the great uncle of Kristin Hodge Jackson ’00 and the great grand uncle of Lewis Jackson ’32.
Tia Apperson Bacheller ’77 has relocated from the chaos of central Florida to life on the Satilla River in Georgia.
After teaching social studies for 40 years, including 4 years at St. Johns, Charles Keisling ’59 has now been retired for about 16 years. He is enjoying retirement and has two children in college at the University of North Florida and Florida State College at Jacksonville. For the past 5 years, he has enjoyed administering a Facebook group called “Historic Sites.” It started out just sharing photos and information about the places he had traveled to, but now it has become so much more than just that. Charles encourages the St. Johns community to check it out.
1960s Elizabeth Towers ’69 was named the first executive director of Florida’s Colonial Dames.
1980s
▲ Lisa Wilson Allen ’93, was elected as a County Court Judge in the 13th Judicial Circuit in Hillsborough County, Florida in November of 2018. She took the bench in January of 2019. Lisa’s sister Allie Wilson ’17 and Katie Gibbs Schmidt ’93 traveled to Tampa for her investiture and Marc Peden ’93 was one of her campaign endorsers. She is currently presiding over dockets in the County Civil and Domestic Violence Divisions. If any St. Johns Alumni happen to visit the courthouse in Tampa, Lisa says to please come say “hello.”
▲ Jenny Rainey Edwards ’86 visited campus this past January to speak to the students about her new book, Bumping Down Highways. Michele Evans Sorrell ’88 is living in Pace, FL with her husband, Brent. She works as the Employee Relations Manager for CocaCola United. When she and her husband are not working, they enjoy spending time with their five children, five grandchildren, and four fur babies.
Saumil Oza ’95, cardiac electrophysiologist and chief of cardiology at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside, was recognized for his work in a wireless pacemaker clinical trial which puts St. Vincents on the map as one of the leading heart centers in the country.
1990s
▲ Members of the classes from ’68, ’69, and ’70 participated in a Zoom happy hour during the coronavirus pandemic. The members included Jan Ritch Bolena ’70, Thornton Lurie ’69, Bobby Knight ’70, Helen Newton Hartung ’69, Mandy Graves Rough ’69, Barbara Fulghum Foster ’68, Michael Harrell ’70, Jim Simpson ’69, and Rudy McKinley ’69.
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▲ Julie Walker ’95 welcomed her second child, Poppy, on January 27, 2020. Poppy’s sister, Vivanne, loves being a big sister!
▲ Traci Peacock Livingston ’90, Beth Guswiler Johnson ’91, and Laura Fisher Proffitt ’92, cheered on the Girls Varsity Basketball team during their district championship game this winter.
S T. J O H N S C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E
SUMMER 2020
Caterina Castruccio-Prince ’97 joined the Fitzhugh Mullan Institute for Health Workforce Equity at George Washington University as a research program manager working on a grant developing a behavioral health provider tool for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Alumni Notes
▲ Brad Jackson ’98 and Kristin Hodge Jackon ’00 welcomed their second child, Clara, on September 6, 2019. Their six-yearold, Lewis ’32, is very excited about being a big brother!
2000s
▲ Kyle Sawicki ’03 and his wife, Lindsay, welcomed their first child, Amelia Kate, on January 28, 2020. She was 7lbs 9 oz and 20.5 in long. Kyle is currently senior counsel at Rayonier Inc., a publicly traded timber company, and Lindsay is the chief investment officer of West Point Business Group. They currently live in San Marco.
▲ Haley Van Wagenen ’03 married Scott Kadlec, of Chicago, IL, on January 18, 2020. They met while working for the same architecture firm, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP. They were both assigned to a
project for the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, which gave them the opportunity to live in London and Geneva for a few years. Their wedding took place during a perfect weekend at The Cloister at Sea Island, GA. Several St. Johns alumni were in attendance. Hunter Van Wagenen, Haley’s brother and an ordained Anglican priest, performed the ceremony. Her sister, Hilary Van Wagenen ’98, was the matron of honor, and Teddi Longard Bair ’03 was a bridesmaid. Her parents Wick Van Wagenen ’72 and Helen West Van Wagenen ’71, her aunt Lynn Van Wagenen DeRosa ’72, her uncle Walt West ’69, Gayle Garrison ’94, and former teachers Sam and Erin Cox were in attendance. Scott and Haley now reside in Chicago.
Carter Weber ’07 and his wife, Katelyn, welcomed their second child, James Scott Weber, on March 2, 2020.
▲ Mitch Agee ’09 proposed to his girlfriend, Carly Hubert, on Christmas Eve in Stuttgart, Germany.
2010s
▲ Jessica Palombo Gustafson ’04 stopped by to have lunch with the School’s journalism fellows, Julia Nichols ’21 and Sheila Hodges ’20. Jessica, the news director at WJCT, shared some of her own experiences throughout her journalism career and offered some advice to the students. Barron Martin ’05 is a senior associate with Boyd & Jenerette in Jacksonville. He is getting married this November in Cashiers, North Carolina.
▲ Caitlin Booth ’06 graduated from Duke University with her master of arts in Christian Practice. Due to the cancelation of Duke’s commencement ceremonies, she was hooded on June 7, 2020 by her pastor, Scott Smith at First United Methodist Church Ormond Beach.
▲ Rachel Brown ’10 graduated from Harvard Business School in May 2020. She was a recipient of the Dean’s Award for distinguished service to the school. Kori McKenzie ’10 was named the 2020 Young Engineer of the Year by the Dallas chapter of the Texas Society of Professional Engineers.
▲ Emily Wood Meagher ’10 and her husband Kyle welcomed their son, William “Hudson” Meagher on February 26, 2020. Hudson’s big sister, Caylin ’30, loves being a big sister.
S T. J O H N S C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E
SUMMER 2020
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Alumni Notes Patrick Kmieciak ’11 has been accepted into the PhD program in accounting at the University of Florida. He will begin taking classes this fall.
Corina Mercado ’12 graduated with honors from the University of Oklahoma with a masters degree in global terrorism and is currently pursuing a career in the federal government. Andres Carrasquillo ’13 is engaged to Gabby Gleichman.
▲ Cali Slaughter Burkett ’12 married Joshua Burkett on January 18, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Fleming Island and a reception followed at the Club Continental. Mother of the bride, Jan Slaughter, brother of the bride, Cody Slaughter ’06, Tori Slaughter Todd ’01, Christie Slaughter ’05, and Ali MacDonald ’12 were all a part of the big day.
▲ Austin Franklin ’12 took time out from his Wake, Rise, and Smile book tour to visit with St. Johns’ Middle School students. Each student received a signed copy of his book.
▲ Lindsay Marshall ’13 has been working with the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Miami and this summer will move to New York to attend NYU College of Dentistry. ▲ Lexi Frasier ’13 and Jacob Dautel ’13 got married at Epping Forest on December 21, 2019. Lauren Sado ’13, Natalie Shaykh ’13, Spring Dautel McManus ’96, Dylan Dautel ’13 and Greg Murray ’13 were all a part of the wedding party.
Madison Powers ’13 graduated with her master’s in business administration in luxury brand management from the La Rochelle Business School Excelia Group in LaRochelle, France. Sabrina Tomlinson ’13 graduated from Georgetown Law School this past spring.
▲ Tiffany Felts ’13 married Nicholas Huff on December 8, 2019 at the Clay Theatre. Monica Ilaria ’13 was the maid of honor and Christine Grimming ’13 was a bridesmaid. ▲ Garrett Hays ’14 married Brooke Sawyer on July 4, 2020. Merrick Isley ’14, 2nd Lt USAF, received his Air Force Pilot Wings on April 10, 2020. Merrick was selected to fly the F-35 Lightning II. He received three awards during the winging ceremony — Distinguish Graduate, Academic Award, and Order of Daedalians AETC Commander’s Trophy. Merrick will train on the F-35 at Luke AFB in Phoenix, AZ.
▲ Sarah Hartley ’12 graduated from the Florida State University College of Medicine in May. She will begin her career in June as an OB/GYN resident at Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver, Colorado.
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▲ Brooke Lucas ’13 graduated with her doctorate of physical therapy this spring from the University of Florida.
S T. J O H N S C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E
SUMMER 2020
Emily Merritt ’14 moved to Dallas, TX and has accepted a federal judicial clerkship with the Honorable Brantly Starr of the Northern District of Texas.
Alumni Notes
Kendall Perkins ’14 graduated in May from the University of Michigan with a master of science in biological chemistry. She is pursuing a PhD at the University of Michigan through the Program in Biomedical Sciences.
▲ Courtney Powers ’15 graduated from the University of South Florida with her masters in business administration. Kirby Powers ’15 graduated from the University of South Florida with her masters in business administration. Phillip Powers ’15 graduated from the University of South Florida with his bachelors in communication and a minor in entrepreneurship.
▲ Lauren Remolde ’15 has been selected to attend Ross University Veterinary School in St. Kitts. The accelerated program began in May and Lauren will travel to St. Kitts once it is safe. Her final clinical will be conducted in the emergency equine unit.
bachelors of science degree in nursing from Jacksonville University’s Keigwin School of Nursing. She will be joining the frontlines this July at Ascension St. Vincent’s as a registered nurse. Catherine Randall ’16 graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor of science in integrated marketing and communications and a minor in business administration. She is planning on pursing an MBA, also from Ole Miss, in the fall of 2020. Serena Shah ’16 graduated with honors from the University of Miami with a bachelors of science in neuroscience and minors in chemistry and public health. She is currently finishing research projects with the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in the Philip Frost Department of Dermatology and Subcutaneous Surgery. She plans to attend medical school at the University of Miami this fall.
bachelor’s degree in studio and digital arts and a concentration in graphic design. ▲ Thomas Maierhoffer ’17, shown with Lauren Hodges above, graduated from Liberty University this past spring with his bachelor degree in business administration and a minor in finance. He will leave in August for Naval Officer Candidate School. Yasmin Mercado ’17 is a junior at Virginia Commonwealth University studying communication art. She was chosen by her professors to be interviewed for her artwork, and her interview and artwork will be featured on the school’s website this fall as one of their outstanding art majors. Molly Urnek ’17 is studying fashion design and magazine editing and publishing at Florence University of the Arts in Italy. Lea Shah ’18 is currently a sophomore at the University of Miami majoring in neuroscience. She is currently the vice president of philanthropy for the Gamma Alpha chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha and she also serves as the head of sponsorship for a large Indian dance competition, 305 Tran Taali.
▲ Libby Coen ’17, a Garnet and Gold scholar, graduated Summa Cum Laude with a bachelor’s degree in communication science & disorders from Florida State University in May. She will begin the master’s program in Speech Language Pathology at Rush University in Chicago this fall.
▲ Matthew Drake ’19 was selected as a finalist for the “Excellence in Visual Arts Exhibition Award -Undergraduate” at Florida State University. You can check out his artwork on display in the Honors, Scholars, and Fellows House on the university’s campus. ▲ Brooke Arnett ’16 finished nursing school during the worldwide pandemic and quarantine and graduated with her
▲ Lauren Hodges ’17 graduated from Liberty University this past spring with her S T. J O H N S C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E
SUMMER 2020
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Alumni Notes In Memoriam Helen Brown Adams was born on November 15, 1919 and passed away on April 18, 2020. She was 100 years-old. When Dr. and Mrs. Heinrich came to Orange Park in April of 1953 to explore the idea of a new college preparatory school, Mrs. Adams shared their enthusiasm and quickly arranged a reception for them on Saturday, April 4, at Mara Rio, now the main building of Club Continental.
Alumni Gatherings
This past January, the seniors traveled to Washington, DC, for their senior trip. While they were there, they had the opportunity to have dinner with alumni who live in the DC area. The dinner guests included Parker Robbins ’20, Jackson Powers ’20, Philip Robbins ’08, Catarina Castruccio-Prince ’97, Sahaj Patel ’20, Sheila Hodges ’20, Gayle Simpson Garrison ’94, Les Alderman ’91, Blair Burke ’10, Josh Soffler ’20 and Jim Townsend ’75. We can’t wait to continue this new tradition next year!
Robert G Fulton II ’72 passed away on April 2, 2020. He is survived by his younger brother Chris Fulton ’75, his wife Laura, and three daughters, Emily, Melissa, and Shelby. Reverend Robert M.G. Libby passed away on February 26, 2020. He served as chaplain at St. Johns in the early ’80s and taught world religions.
Gift Illuminates Campus Thanks to an anonymous gift in honor of St. Johns’ LGBTQ+ community, beautiful uplighting was installed last fall at the base of the Chapel Oak, lighting the way for years to come. St. Johns is truly grateful for the dedicated support of so many parents, alumni, parents of alumni, and friends of St. Johns. With your help, we are able to provide the many extras that make a St. Johns education—and the St. Johns Experience—truly the best on the First Coast. Thank you!
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S T. J O H N S C O U N T R Y D AY S C H O O L M A G A Z I N E
SUMMER 2020
Raymond Knight Mason passed away on January 2, 2020 at the age of 92. He was the first President of the St. Johns Country Day School Board of Trustees in 1953. He and his wife Minerva were early supporters of the School and provided early financial support. Bobby Stroud, father of Joseph Steven Stroud ’84
We love to hear your news! Alumni, please send your updates to Director of Alumni Relations Jean Marie Maierhoffer Petty ’13 at jpetty@sjcds.net.
Published by St. Johns Country Day School Mail: 3100 Doctors Lake Drive Orange Park, FL 32073-6997 Phone: (904) 264-9572 Email: info@sjcds.net Web: sjcds.net Head of School Valorie Baker vbaker@sjcds.net Head of Administrative Affairs Tanya Powers tpowers@sjcds.net Director of Alumni Relations Jean Marie Maierhoffer Petty ’13 jpetty@sjcds.net Director of Communications Regan Minners rminners@sjcds.net Director of Development Jordan Robbins Rechcigl ’10 jrechcigl@sjcds.net
Thank you to the 2019-2020 Board of Trustees Officers: Rick Gregson, President Richard C. M. Wilson, Treasurer/Vice-President Angela DeMonbreun, Secretary
Members: James W. Branch Steven W. Conner Nicholas K. Courtney ’03 Brad Crews Margaret Rood Gibbs
Daniel W. Hodges Dr. Carissa J. Kostecki John Maierhoffer Robin McMullen Eugene B. Nichols
Trustee Emeritus:
Headmaster Emeritus: Ex Officio:
Dr. Steven B. Kailes Dr. Arjav Ted Shah Sharon J. Suggs
Stephen F. Russey
Pamela Petty Craig Phillips Daniel Towers Allan E. Wulbern
Mary Virginia Fisher Acting Head of School
Save the Date! Contact Director of Alumni Relations Jean Marie Petty at jpetty@sjcds.net to add or correct your mailing address, or for more information on these upcoming events: ◆ September 14, 2020: Founders Day ◆ October 23, 2020: Homecoming Tailgate & Game ◆ December 20, 2020: Alumni Social
St. Johns Country Day School 3100 Doctors Lake Drive Orange Park, FL 32073-6997
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Seniors Christian Sabbagh, Marshall Bustamante, and Emily Serrano get their hands dirty in a March marine science and AP Biology trip to the Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Station.
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