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
Winter 2019
Sparty the Spartan has been out and about all over campus this year, even over the summer. In August, he surprised the Class of 2019 with these awesome yard signs.
Contents Letter from the Acting Head of School.....1 School News Briefs........................................2 Lower School................................................................................... 2 Middle School..................................................................................4 Upper School...................................................................................6 Performing Arts ......................................................................... 10 Visual Arts ......................................................................................13 Athletics.............................................................................................15
An Avalanche of the Arts.......................... 20 Founders Day Memories............................ 26 Technology Fellowship ............................. 32 Alumni Spotlight ......................................... 36 Alumni Notes................................................ 42
On the cover: Some of the cast of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, including (L-R) Serenity Williams ’22, Jack Henry ’19, Lily Weldon ’23, Zion Dugan ’22, Brooke Remolde ’21, and Parker Robbins ’20.
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, St. Johns Friends! This past semester has flown by in such a blur, it’s hard to believe it’s 2019 already. How grateful I have been to share so many joyful experiences here at St. Johns. From the first day of school in August, with the seniors donning crowns and everyone eager to get the school year underway, things have just gotten better. In September, Rod and I were honored to be able to share some of our St. Johns memories with so many of you at a special Founders Day assembly. It was such fun to walk down memory lane and share stories with students, alumni, parents, colleagues, and former faculty. November brought Senior Presentation, which is always one of my favorite events of the year. This year, of course, it was made even more special when, as Acting Head of School, I was able to deliver Dr. Heinrich’s words proclaiming the members of the Class of 2019 to be adults and challenging them to recognize their callings in life. What an honor it was to participate in our soccer field grand reopening and dedication ceremony in December. Many of you know Head Soccer Coach Mike Pickett ’83, either from his days as a student here or through his reputation as an award-winning coach (our girls are currently #1 in the nation!). Having watched Mike both play and coach as a Spartan, it was especially memorable to name our soccer field the Michael L. Pickett field in his honor. As we enjoy this issue’s articles spotlighting alumni accomplishments, it is fitting to reflect on the beginnings of our arts programs. Although we’ve always had a room dedicated to visual arts (just drawing and painting at first), the performing arts began as what one could euphemistically call “a la carte,” as in the music teacher pushed her cart of instruments from room to room to bring instruction to students. Expansion of the arts was one of the hallmarks of the vision Mr. Russey had for St. Johns, and many of you were here in the 80’s when plans for our first dedicated arts complex came to fruition. The current Middle School art room was the music room complementing the two dedicated visual art rooms across the hall. My, how we’ve grown! I hope you enjoy all of the stories in this issue, as we continue our year of celebrations around the 65th anniversary of our school’s founding. I know many more exciting adventures lie ahead of us in the remaining semester. Fondly,
Mary Virginia Fisher Acting Head of School Head of Upper School & Academics 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 Lower School News
Lower School Student Government Congratulations to all the Lower School students who ran for student government office this fall. In September, thirty students ran for five positions— Historian, Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and President— which lead the Lower School student-driven efforts each year. “The Lower School Student Government is a service organization that serves the needs and the interests of the Lower School student body as well as the school at large,” said Mrs. Celeste Heller, Lower School Student Government sponsor. “Its goals are to promote school spirit and encourage leadership skills.” During Campaign Week, each candidate is allowed to display two homemade posters around the Lower School campus to encourage students in Grades 3-5 to vote for them. At the end of the week, entertaining and informative speeches of many styles are given in the Performing Arts Center, followed by the voting. The ballots are rushed up to Mr. Wirth’s office where votes are careful2
ly counted. After the winners of the five overall positions are announced, class representatives from Grade 3-5 are elected in individual homerooms. Hearty congratulations to the 20182019 winners!
“We are so proud of all the candidates,” said Mrs. Heller. “Each of them did a tremendous job establishing a platform, making posters, and developing and delivering their speeches.”
Front, L-R: Vice President Irmana Denemark ’26, Secretary Sophie Mejias ’26, Treasurer Will Laird ’26, Historian Brooke Pickett ’26, and President Sydney Schmidt ’26 with Mrs. Heller.
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School News Briefs
S Driftwood Trip After a sudden “Hurricane delay,” the Grade 5 trip took place safely—if perhaps coolly— at the end of November. Featuring an exciting itinerary of beach activities, a visit to the Georgia Turtle Center, and, of course, a stay at the Driftwood Education Center, our Spartans came away with a better sense of our local natural environment, and each other! Grade 5 students on Driftwood Beach. (Photo courtesy Joann Denemark)
Foundations of Character Each year, St. Johns Spartans participate in our character education program, Character Foundations, which focuses on a different character trait each month. For example, in September, students focused on “Initiative,” and Mrs. Landers worked with Grade 1 to make special glasses to help them “See what needs to be done, so we can do it.” Our Grade 1 Spartans had lots of great ideas for ways to take initiative, such as taking care of a friend who is hurt, cleaning up a mess, or helping with chores at home. Way to go, Spartans! Mrs. Landers with Grade 1 students wearing their Initiative Glasses. 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 Middle School News
Middle School Trips:
Experiential Learning and Lifelong Memories Three amazing Middle School trips went off without a hitch last fall— no hurricanes or shortened itineraries whatsoever! In September and October, students in Grades 6-8 embarked on three amazing trips—Grade 8, naturally, headed to the mountains of North Carolina to hike, camp, and whitewater raft in and around Pisgah National Forest. Grade 7 went to Florida’s west coast to kayak, swim, and snorkel with manatees around the Tampa Bay area, and Grade 6 headed to Camp Montgomery for three days of teambuilding, outdoor activities, night walks, and more! “Our students challenged themselves physically and mentally throughout the week,” said Grade 8 trip sponsor Mrs. Thea Burke. She references the Grade 8 Mountain Trip specifically, but her comments reach across all three Middle School trips. “They eagerly tried new things they might never have attempted in their ordinary, daily lives. In addition to creating lasting memories, students worked together to find creative solutions to prevail in the woods. They learned the importance of “leaving no footprints” as they explored the environment without disturbing the natural habitat. Through this unique opportunity, our Spartans learned about themselves, each other, and the world around them— all essential knowledge and skills that will see them through the rest of their Middle and Upper School St. Johns careers, and into the wide world beyond!”
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School News Briefs
Mr. Stern with representatives from Montana, L-R Reagan Elia, Jack McNulty, and Josie Dinkins, all Class of 2023.
Wild West Road Show
This fall, Grade 8 history students learned about manifest destiny and the process, trials, and successes of settling the American West. To put their knowledge into action, students were divided into groups representing each western territory, and Mr. Stern and Mr. Rooks hosted a “Western Roadshow,” a territorial fair in which their students made brochures, promoted the abundant resources available, and offered tempting tastes from all the states that entered the Union between 1850 and 1912. Middle and Upper School students and faculty toured tables placed around the quad Mr. Rooks dressed and explored the opthe part for the tions, ultimately voting Western Roadshow on their favorite. It was a hot time on the frontier! History & Social Studies Chair Mr. Josh Stern noted that he was blown away by the students’ dedication to their state, and he hopes that students saw the similarities and differences in each state’s formation. The voting results were tallied, and St. Johns was able to wish a hearty congratulations to the winners, our fine representatives from Montana, New Mexico, and Texas!
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School News Briefs Upper School News
Let’s Get this Party—ahem— Year Started! The First Day of School began the year with a festive tone as seniors showed up in crowns, Sparty made appearances in Lower School classrooms, and smiling students were everywhere. Upper School faculty in particular kicked things off in style in the Upper School student assembly. First faculty performed the Keke dance, then the student council introduced them all pageant style: “Teacher Number Four is Wes Cox! Mr. Cox teaches Algebra 2, Geometry, and Probability and Statistics. Three words that describe Mr. Cox are “rock and roll!”
Student Government President Kamy Loustau ’19 kicks off her first morning announcements of the year in style with a senior crown.
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School News Briefs
This group of seniors (with some of their Grade 1 Buddies, of course!) was acknowledged on Friday, November 30th for the acceptances received over the past week.
Senior College Acceptances This fall, the College Counseling Office saw a flood of college acceptances stream in for our seniors. Each acceptance was lauded at morning flag raising, on in-school announcements, on social media, and in the school’s weekly parent e-newsletter, “Campus Update.” So far this school year, St. Johns seniors have more than 100 acceptances in hand.
Looking to the future, members of the junior class who ordered class rings participated in St. Johns’ firstever ring ceremony. (Photo by Claire Trammell ’20). 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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Presenting the Class of 2019 As St. Johns seniors have done almost since the beginning, the Class of 2019 was presented to the community in what has become known as simply “Senior Presentation.� Seniors prefaced the formal ceremony with brunch together at the Inn at Winterbourne, kicking off the final leg of their St. Johns journey, enjoying each other’s company, and reveling in their status as seniors. After a beautiful brunch marked by a nostalgic talk from Mr. Rod Fisher, the seniors gathered at the Performing Arts Center with friends, family, and first graders for their official presentation. The words have changed very little since Dr. Heinrich first said them in 1963:
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As your teacher, I present you to the academic world that you may enter it and meet its demands honorably and successfully. As your Headmaster, I present you to your schoolmates so that they may accept you and look up to you as worthy leaders and as their shining example. As your friend, I present you to your parents so that they may regard you as adults who have come into their own and who are to be dealt with from henceforth on an equal basis. As your fellow human being, I present you to your calling in life that you may always have the wisdom to recognize it and the strength to live up to that divine calling within you.
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Congratulations, Class of 2019!
The Class of 2019 enjoyed brunch together at the Inn at Winterbourne before the presentation ceremony.
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School News Briefs Performing Arts News
Theatre Students Take on “Lion” This fall, theatre performance and technical theatre students tackled one of their biggest challenges yet—not just lines, staging, set design, construction, and costumes for the fall play, The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, but also— puppetry. “I got the idea when I was at the National Theatre Education Conference about a year ago,” said theatre teacher Mrs. Kimberly Cadley-Mach. “I took a master class on puppetry creation and The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe specifically, and I thought, ‘We could do that.’” And they did! With masterful puppet crafting and a classically simple set, theatre students performed The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe November 2-3, 2018, in St. Johns’ Performing Arts Center. “In the past, our fall plays have been contemporary comedies,” said Mrs. Mach, “so this really forced us outside our comfort zones.” Actors had to work with accents and time-specific characters, and the technical crew had their hands full designing and building both the set and a life-sized Aslan puppet, not to mention projection and sound effects. “Theatre is a mirror of life,” said Mrs. Mach. “It’s risk. It’s live, and unexpected things can—and do—happen. But how you handle them is truly the mark of a growing performer and technician. These students have grown and learned a lot through this journey and I am so proud of them.”
Left: James Wilson ’21 and Jack Henry ’19 as Mr. Tumnus and Fenris Ulf. Above, from top: Emma Stasiak ’22 as the White Witch, Nicky Glassman ’19 and Abigail Maierhoffer ’23 as Edmund and Lucy, and Matthew Stratton ’22, Keira Moisan ’22, and James Wilson ’21 as Mr. and Mrs. Beaver and Mr. Tumnus.
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School News Briefs
Spartans Shine at District Thespian Festival Last November, thirteen students participated in the District 2 Thespian Festival at St. Augustine High School. It was an all day affair and allowed St. Johns Spartans to experience theatre with hundreds of other students from more than 20 high schools. Going for the first time and taking our first venture into scene design were Jack Hodges ’20 and Jona Kats ’21. “The judges gave them excellent feedback,” said faculty sponsor and theatre teacher Mrs. Kimberly Cadley-Mach. “These two boys have paved the way for many more scene designers!” Two duets received an “Excellent” in duet acting— Maggie Kent ’21 and Lily Croft ’22, and Gaby Loustau
’21 and Alexa Radford ’21. Two monologues also received an “Excellent,” including Maggie Kent and Jack Henry ’19. Receiving the top rating of “Superior” were two acting duets—Matthew Stratton ’22 and James Wilson ’21 and John Cabrera ’22 and John Nowicki ’21—and Nicky Glassman ’19 with a monologue. “I am so proud of all of these students,” said Mrs. Mach. “We only took five students last year and only four of these thirteen had experienced this before. All the students’ growth and commitment is evident!”
Band & Upper School Students Experience PRISM More than 60 band students from Grades 6-12 and Upper School College Counseling students went on a trip to Tallahassee this fall to see the annual holiday PRISM concert— an amazing celebration of sound that takes place in FSU’s Ruby Diamond Auditorium. Students arrived in Tallahassee after lunch and went on a self-guided campus tour, culminating with dinner at the Suwannee Dining Room. From there,
they were concert-bound, where various College of Music students performed a variety of musical selections, from Toto’s “Africa” performed on kazoos, boomwhackers, and melodicas to Scottish pipe and dance, to the selections from “The Phantom of the Opera” and “The Avengers.” The show culminated with the Marching Chiefs filling the aisles and the air with the booming sound and spirit they bring to FSU football games all season long.
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School News Briefs
Triumphant Winter Concerts St. Johns’ Performing Arts Department hosted two triumphant concerts this winter. First, “A Winter Celebration” featuring the Grades 3, 4, and 5 Choruses, Hand Bell Choir, Middle School Chorus, St. Johns Singers, and a special guest violinist. The Lower School choruses sang a variety of traditional and modern selections including “Believe,” from The Polar Express. The Hand Bell Choir played several pieces including “Frosty the Snowman” and “Bring a Torch,” and Middle School student Ashlyn Rose ’24 joined the Middle School Chorus on the violin for a traditional Hebrew folk song, “Hine Ma Tov.” Finally, the St. Johns Singers delighted the audience with several selections including an aptly-named “Five Favorite Holiday Songs” medley and “Carol of the Bells.” The following week, the band presented a delightful show, “Concert, Cookies & Cocoa.” The Beginning Band, comprised of Grade 5 students, played two selections, followed by Concert (Middle School) Band with selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker and two festive carols. Symphonic Band, comprised of Upper School students, also played a Nutcracker selection and a fabulous new piece for them—“Adventum.” Director of Bands Mr. Michael Warren mentioned that the students were initially reluctant to play it and didn’t like it, but it has quickly become one of their favorite pieces. Finally, in what was a well-suited end to the evening, the newly formed St. Johns Jazz Band took the stage to deliver popular hits ending with another Polar Express selection, “Hot Chocolate,” which capped the performances perfectly and invited parents and guests back stage for cookies and, yes, cocoa.
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School News Briefs Visual Arts This fall, visual arts classes in all three divisions undertook artist studies, in which students analyze a particular artist’s work for common themes and stylistic elements. Students then complete a work in the style of that artist.
Blake Sheftall ’27
Jaina Neal ’27
Evelyn Earp ’27
Andrew Nargundkar ’27
In Lower School, Grade 4 students undertook a study of artist Sandra Silberzweig, who says of her art, “I have no fear of color > It lives in my soul, dances in my heart > Spills out of my fingers flowing down a canvas.” Our Grade 4 Spartans certainly had color spilling out of their fingers this fall as well!
Grade 6 artists studied Jim Dine, one of the artists at the very beginning of the American pop art movement. Dine is known for many things, but among them his exquisitely rendered drawings of basic tools and everyday artifacts. Top to bottom: Art by Grade 6 students Mia Johnson, Megan Jeffers, and Olivia Belland.
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School News Briefs
Jenny Pack ’19
Brianna Enter ’19
Caroline Dinkins ’19
Upper School students studied Ancient Greek pottery design and techniques, then put their own twists on them. Senior Brianna Enter created an amphora vase with a black figure painting style. “I created a nature theme on my vase,” said Enter, “that includes multiple registers with designed leaves and water birds.” Senior Jenny Pack took a different route, portraying the 1979 sci-fi horror film, Alien. The different tiers on the vase depict pivotal scenes from the movie. Finally, Senior Caroline Dinkins’ work features the ancient Greek themes of mythology and the gods. Dinkins depicted the themes via “The Little Mermaid,” showing Ariel with her fish, Flounder, and her enemy, Ursula.
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School News Briefs Athletics
Seniors Sign to Play College Softball This fall Seniors Linsey Arnett and Brianna Enter both signed to play softball at the college level. Arnett signed to play for Southeastern University, Lakeland, Florida, and Enter signed to play for Florida State University. Congratulations, Linsey and Bri!
Boys Golf Boys Golf had back to back seasons at regionals, and they continue to improve and grow as golfers. (World Golf Village, Slammer & Squire Golf Course)
Middle School Cheer Under the direction of Coach Kim Kurnitsky, Middle School cheerleaders brought festivity and spirit to Middle School football games this fall. Photos by Nasua Williams ’20. 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
Senior Cross Country runners (L-R) David Gonzales, Ben Kailes, Nick Ferris, and Sergio Arellano with Coach Jody Hale (far left), Coach O’Sullivan (middle), and Coach Birmingham (2nd from right).
Another Outstanding Season for Spartan Harriers Twenty-three boys and 12 girls competed in cross country for St. Johns this past fall. Early-season competitions at the Summer Beach Run, Ridgeview, and Embry-Riddle University hinted that the season would be a good one, and that proved to be the case for our Spartan harriers. Matthew Stratton ’22 placed 5th overall at the Beach Run in the field of nearly 1,000 runners. Six Spartans won age-division awards: Ben Kailes ’19 and Stratton earned medals at Embry-Riddle, Bishop Kenny, Ponte Vedra, and Amelia Island Invitationals. Kaitlyn Phillips ’23 and Sofia Conde ’24 were front-runners all season for the girls team, joined by veterans Evelyn Hanson ’22 and Hannah Marshall ’21. Ben Kailes was individual District Champion, leading his team to the Runner-Up trophy in the field of 14 schools. Also earning All-District medals were Stratton and Jake Kailes ’21. The girls team placed 3rd at District behind medalists Phillips, Conde, and Juliet Moody ’23. The girls team placed a surprise 3rd at the Region Championships, earning a place on the State Meet starting line for the 13th consecutive year. Phillips was All-Region. Ben Kailes became the fastest runner in St. Johns cross country history, clocking 15:57 at Region. Kailes 16
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and Stratton were All-Region medalists and the boys team placed 5th to advance to State. At the FHSAA State Championships, Matthew Stratton earned the first All-State medal for St. Johns, placing 8th in the field of 187. Kailes placed 12th and the boys team earned its highest place since the distance was increased to 5,000 meters in 2000. Led by Juliet Moody, Kaitlyn Phillips, and Sofia Conde, St. Johns placed 15th in the field of 25 qualifying teams. At the end of season awards banquet, James Wilson ’21 and Sarah Robinson ’24 won Most-Improved honors and Most Valuable winners were Ben Kailes and Kaitlyn Phillips. Congratulations, runners!
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School News Briefs
Livingston Volleyball Coup Congratulations to Madison Livingston ’19 and Head Volleyball Coach Traci (Peacock) Livingston ’90 on being named 2018 Florida Athletic Coaches Association District 6 Class 3A Volleyball Player of the Year and Coach of the Year. Madison finishes her career with a school record of 1,236 digs.
Head Volleyball Coach and Director of Athletics Traci (Peacock) Livingston ’90
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School News Briefs
Soccer Field Renovation and Dedication
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upported by dedicated donations to the Annual Fund, this fall St. Johns was able to undertake extensive renovations to improve field performance and drainage. On a crisp, cold night, intrepid Spartan sports fans, students, parents, and family members gathered for the grand reopening and renaming of the field. Director of Athletics Traci (Peacock) Livingston ’90 opened the ceremony by introducing members of administration and Mr. and Mrs. Brad and Tyree Crews and their children. “I would like to recognize and personally thank Brad and Tyree Crews along with their children Payton, Paige, Paxton, and Parker as well as Brad’s father, Mr. Pat Crews, for making this new field possible,” said Head of Administrative Affairs Tanya Powers. “It was a field of champions before, but now, thanks to the Crews family support, it is a field for champions!” Then Mrs. Powers introduced Head Soccer Coach Mike Pickett ’83, who has led the St. Johns soccer program for nearly 20 years. She listed the incredible statistics: ◆◆ 2 time National Champions and, for the past two years, two consecutive perfect seasons ◆◆ 10 state championships ◆◆ 72 consecutive wins ◆◆ 85 games without a loss
And the list goes on! “So many of our Spartans have been influenced, coached, counseled, and inspired by Coach Pickett over the years,” said Mrs. Powers. “His passion and commitment to not only the game but to our students and St. Johns is awe inspiring and is a tradition in and of itself.” With that in mind and without further ado, St. Johns pulled back the curtain to unveil the Michael L. Pickett Field. “It has been wonderful over the years,” said Mrs. Fisher, “for Rod and me to have watched Mike both play and coach Spartan soccer. As a youngster, Mike already ran circles around the varsity players and now he’s teaching his girls to do the same. Naming the field for Mike honors the legacy of the many years he has dedicated to St. Johns.” Mrs. Fisher cut the ribbon with the help of the youngest Crews family member, Parker Crews ’31, and the field was officially christened. With this honor, Coach Pickett and his Spartan Girls Varsity Soccer team took to the field to warm up for the season opener against Oak Hall, while the boys team took charge on the lower field. And what season openers they were, with the girls winning 8-0 at the half under the mercy rule and the boys taking Oak Hall 7-0.
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Congratulations, Coach Pickett and Spartan soccer players!
Photo by Kate Fackler ’19
School News Briefs
Swimming Spartan Swimming had a great “culture-building” season this year, according to new coach J.J. Albino. “We worked to set the tone for years to come,” said Coach J.J., “developing confidence and character one lap at a time!” The team participated in 7 regular season meets and took 4 home wins and one win on the road. “13 swimmers advanced to regionals this year, one went on to states, and three records were broken” said Coach J.J. “I’m very proud of all of them.” Season highlights include: Nick Rogers ’19 broke two individual school records in the 200 freestyle and the 100 butterfly, and was on the teams that broke the 200 meter medley relay and the 200 free relay. Tucker Price ’19, David Ni ’19, and Stuart Mackenzie ’20 also put forth fantastic efforts in breaking the 200 free relay and the 200 medley relay. Courtney Sage ’20 was a dominant force in the 100 and 50 freestyle, leading the girls team in points at every meet and finishing 7th at regionals in her 50 free. Senior girls Maylee Gouin and Maddie Wilkes anchored multiple relays throughout the season with their solid freestyle and backstroke.
Record-breaking relayers Nick Rogers ’19, David Ni ’19, Tucker Price ’19, and Stuart Mackenzie ’20.
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An
Avalanche of
Arts
the
“...no area of learning at St. Johns has exploded like the fine arts,” wrote former faculty member Owene Weber in her retrospective book Vision: The Story of St. Johns Country Day School. “Even as late as 1980, music was generally considered something the Lower Division did. The whole school sang at Christmas, and every year there was a little flock of song birds which gathered to perform at Headmaster’s Day. Then Anita Snell came to St. Johns and began the artistic avalanche.”
In 1983, her third year at St. Johns, Mrs. Snell produced the first St. Johns on Broadway. Before this, the arts at St. Johns were a mixed bag. The first year after Mrs. Snell came to St. Johns, she took a group of five Middle School students to the state chorus, but five girls does not a production make. Then came St. Johns on Broadway. “There really wasn’t much in the way of performing arts here to speak of when I arrived in 1980,” says Snell. “But I brought the idea for St. Johns on Broadway to [then Headmaster] Mr. Russey, it grew on him, and soon enough we were off and running.” 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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L-R; Mrs. Anita Snell makes her pitch for volunteers to perform in St. Johns On Broadway in 1983. Leslie Ritch (now DeStefano) costumed for CATS in 1990. Derek Neal ’20 and Bishoy Abdelmalik ’18 in a number from smash Broadway hit Hamilton in 2018.
Every student was conscripted and made a star. Heretofore unknown resources were tapped, and the whole school was all in for this new musical extravaganza. Until the Performing Arts Center was opened in 2004, theatrical productions took place on the stage in the Brown Gym. But the stage is really just an elevated platform, not truly intended as a real stage. When St. Johns on Broadway launched, there were no lights, no sound system, not even a curtain. “I remember that first year we didn’t have a curtain,” said Snell. “I asked Robert Arleigh White to do a mime workshop with students and they came up with the ‘curtains’” Mr. Grover Howard was a brand new faculty member that first year, in 1983. “Having something where, literally, all the kids were in the production— St. Johns on Broadway...that idea fit into the philosophy of the school very well,” said Howard. St. Johns on Broadway has always been a true community effort and a labor of love. “People came out of the woodwork to help,” says Snell. “Everybody volunIn one of many memorable performances, faculty members Grover Howard and Sarah Harvey perform in “Music Man” in 1996. Students perform a number from “Waitress” in the 2018 St. Johns on Broadway.
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Left to right Thomas Johns, Saumil Oza ’95, Jeff Gessert, Rob Cannarella, Brett Chapman ’95, and Judson Sapp sing with enthusiasm in “Fiddler on the Roof, 1984.
Aaron Makar ’19 sings a solo from “The Civil War” in the 2018 production, with L-R Ian Duncan ’20, Aaron Mylrea ’19, Joseph Shimko ’20, and Derek Neal ’20.
teered. It was the St. Johns experience at its very best.” The concept has been so successful that the school has produced the show every other year since then. Early editions focused on a single show: Charlie Brown, Cats, Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, Music Man. Over time, as available artists broadened and interests expanded, it has become more of a Broadway variety show, with performances from the various choruses, the Grade 5, Middle School, and Upper School bands, handbells, and more. Kiss Me, Kate mixes with Beauty and the Beast and songs from Les Miserables follow 42nd Street. Now, music and theatre are everywhere at St. Johns, in theatre and theatrical production classes, band and percussion, the St. Johns Singers going to the White House, and visiting artists present master classes to avid students. One such course recently focused specifically on the low brass instruments for students in Grades 5-12. In Upper School, there is a Music Club, where students sing and play together every week and occasionally have performances on the deck during lunch. The club was formed last year by Rachel Thompson ’19, and has continued. “Music Club is a space for students of all levels of musical ability to share musical ideas and interests in a low-key environment,” said club sponsor Mr. Josh Stern. “We perform for school events like Homecoming and Thanksgiving feast, and look forward to growing the club in the future!” This school year, Director of Bands Mr. Michael Warren started a new jazz band featuring members from Grades 7-12, whether or not they are already in Concert or Symphonic Bands. And a pep band played in the stands at the Homecoming game. If Mrs. Snell started an avalanche of the arts in 1983, it will be truly amazing to see where the momentum takes St. Johns next!
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Invest in Us Tuition alone does not cover the entire cost of a St. Johns education. That’s why your support of the St. Johns Annual Fund is essential to make our school’s wants and needs a reality, providing the best possible education, environment, tools, and technology for Spartans from age 3 through Grade 12. Your gift is an investment in the students, teachers, and the St. Johns experience. YOU can make a difference. For more information, please visit sjcds.net/support.
Annual Fund Wish L
◆◆ Soccer/Football Fie ld
(to include concession
ist
Press Box stand) $30,000
◆◆ Baseball & Softb all field irr
You can also choose to give an unrestricted gift of any amount to benefit the area of greatest need.
igation systems $35,000 ◆◆ New Picnic Tables and Trash Cans for the Deck $10,0 00 ◆◆ Lower School Ba throom Renovation $30,000 ◆◆ Grades 4 & 5 Pla y Area Renovation, to include mulch and pic nic tables (bid pending ) ◆◆ Tennis Court Resu rfacing $26,000 ◆◆ Track resurfacing $70,000 ◆◆ Upper School Eatin g Area Canopy (bid pending) ◆◆ Chapel Oak Lighti ng $3,000 ◆◆ Brown Gym Lighti ng & Painting $65, 000 ◆◆ Alumni Gym Reno vation (bid pending) ◆◆ New Roofs for the Technology & 3D Design & Innov ation Lab $20,000 ◆◆ Middle School Ea ting Area Canopy (bid pending) ◆◆ Track & Tennis Eq uipment Sheds $5,0 00 ◆◆ Streetside Pole Lig hting $30,000 ◆◆ Exit Road Bulkhea d Replacement $17,000
Invest in... The Students
The Teachers
The St. Johns Experience
◆◆ Invest in band instruments,
◆◆ Send teachers to conferences
◆◆ Develop hands-on and
technical equipment, kilns, and more to help students grow and learn in the arts ◆◆ Provide athletics supplies and
field equipment to help our student-athletes achieve at the highest level
where they learn new teaching strategies ◆◆ Provide equipment, apps,
and technology that improve the learning environment for teachers and students
collaborative student learning spaces, such as our MakerSpace and 3D Design & Innovation Lab ◆◆ Upgrade technology
throughout campus ◆◆ Invest in overnight trip
experiences that provide skills and memories to last a lifetime
Make your gift or pledge today at sjcds.net/give. Reach out to giving@sjcds.net to learn more about how to support St. Johns.
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Memories
Founders Day In September, St. Johns celebrated Founders Day, which this year marked the 65th anniversary of the first day of school, September 14, 1953. This year’s celebration was unlike any other as we took a walk down memory lane with Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, joined by the St. Johns Singers and Symphonic Band.
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2018
Mr. Rod Fisher, surrounded by members of the Grade 5 Safety Patrol, on the stage at Founders Day. 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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Founders Day
Encompassing many “how on earth did we get away with that?� moments, such as when the Lower School Safety Patrol was in charge of stopping cars for oncoming trains, the 1964 trip to Europe which lasted for 35 days, and of course pictures of Mr. Fisher grilling hamburgers in his fish hat. It was also somber as Mr. MacMillan read his reflections of the day in 1986 when the Space Shuttle Challenger exploded. We heard tales of the early days and the stories behind the school we all know and love.
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A special treat was the series of “favorite memories” slides featuring quotes from alumni, current students, and faculty about their favorite St. Johns memories. Some of these treasured memories include: “Dancing with Rod Fisher at school dances.” – Judy Kalil, Art Teacher (Retired 2017)
“Senior Presentation–It was such a special time to celebrate!” – Katie Foster ’92, Middle School English Teacher
“Hobo Day: We got to wear whatever we Acting Head of School Mary Virginia Fisher and former wanted to clean the faculty member Judy Kalil. school (girls always wore skirts or dresses to class-no slacks allowed!)” – Lila Byrd Brown, Class of 1967 “Grandparents Day when we sing for them.” – Sander Crumpton, Class of 2026
“Mrs. Kimball’s Drama Class– A large group of seniors in 2004 took her class as an elective and we had the BEST time! We felt at home and got to be extremely goofy!” – Meghan Perkins Barnes ’04 “Too many memories to remember in our long history at St. Johns, but it is without a doubt a school with dedicated teachers and faculty who all share a sense of family and community with our students.” – The Robbins Family, Class of ’08, ’10, ’13, and ’20
“I remember when the boys in the senior class decided that every Thursday was “pop-the-collar” day. All the boys wore the collars on their shirts up!!! SO COOL!!!” – Beth Herzog, Upper School English Teacher
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Founders Day
“My favorite memory at St. Johns was the first day of pre-k three. Some random girl came up to me and said “Hey! I’m Laura! Wanna be friends?” I’m still friends with her now.” – Gracie Arnett, Class of 2024
Gracie Arnett and Laura Walden, both Class of 2024, then and now.
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“Road trips to baseball games when Coach Hilliard would turn on the 80s radio station and one player (Brandon Dodd) only knew one band from the 80s (Foreigner) so his guess for every song was them. When it finally was them, the van went nuts!” – Andrew Price, Class of 2002
Andrew Price ’02 with his son, Davie Price ’32. Former faculty members Una Pardue, Anne Auchter, Pha Anderson, Christy Comer
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TECHNOLOGY FELLOWSHIP
Focuses on Real-World Experience
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ew to St. Johns’ curriculum this year is the St. Johns Fellowship Program, which works to help students gain practical experience in targeted topics directly relating to student interests and possible career paths. Fellowships help students explore opportunities in their areas of interest, give them outlets to pursue their passion for a particular topic, and facilitate “deep dive” explorations into targeted areas. The goal is to provide the St.
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Johns Fellowship student with valuable experience and distinction in the increasingly competitive collegiate and career worlds. One of the opportunities available in the 20182019 school year is the Computer Science Fellowship. Working with Director of Technology Anne Gorman, five students have been able to dive into technology Technology Fellows Jona Kats ’21, Stuart Mackenzie ’20, and Sahaj Patel ’20 troubleshoot over a laptop.
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and helpdesk services, shadow St. Johns tech staff, and stretch and grow their knowledge of 3D printers, raspberry pis, and other cool tech St. Johns leverages in its curriculum. Computer Science Fellows include Andrew Britts ’22, Jona Kats ’21, Stuart Mackenzie ’20, Sahaj Patel ’20, and James Wilson ’21. Two of these students, Kats and Patel, have also completed the Apple Student Mentor program, becoming trained and certified by Apple to assist other students and faculty members with questions or problems related to Apple software and devices. Britts, Mackenzie, and Wilson are now in the training program. “I’m so proud of each of these students,” said Director of Technology Anne Gorman. “They’ve been working so hard and are proactively identifying, troubleshooting, and implementing solutions for problems they find around campus. In addition to being true assets to our Technology team, they are gaining valuable skills that will help them in college, work life, and really across all areas in the future.” Aside from gaining practical troubleshooting and technology repair skills, the Fellows have also been able to experiment with the technology St. Johns has on campus, gaining valuable experience in software and hardware solutions design, implementation, beta testing, and evaluation. For example, recently the students noticed that extra plastic from the 3D printers was falling into the machine’s motherboard. In order to avoid possible damage to the expensive technology, the Fellows designed a fan grill to deflect these plastic fragments. The students have also implemented lower-tech solutions around campus. “One of my favorite things are the coat hangers they’ve done,” says IT Manager Lonnie Rachal. The Fellows designed and 3D printed a number of over-the-door coat hangers for use around campus. “We have a couple of them in our office and we use them to hang our coats,” said Rachal. Their iPad holders and phone stands are also
Expectations of all St. Johns Fellowship students include: ◆◆ fulfillment of the St. Johns Graduation Requirements, ◆◆ successful completion of at least one St. Johns elective pertinent to the field of interest, ◆◆ successful completion of one mentorapproved online course pertinent to the field of interest, ◆◆ completion of at least fifty hours of related service learning, and ◆◆ presentation of a Senior Symposium research based project focused on the chosen field of interest.
James Wilson ’21
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Technology
very popular around campus. These simple devices are great examples of the design and refine strategy that goes into all technology fabrication. The practical experience in collaborative project management, design, implementation, and product refinement will help the students in many possible careers down the road, but most of the Fellows hope to go into some sort of technology career. “Since ninth grade, I’ve just always been [in the Technology Department],” said Junior Sahaj Patel. “It was where I could practice some of the things I was learning on YouTube, really. So that became the Tech Lab, and with the 3D printers and all the parts and things we’ve made, I’ve been able to use some of the things I learned.” From the Fellowship, Patel hopes to gain more real-world experience with technology, which he can leverage in his future career. Others were turned on to technology more recently. Coming from a background where computers really didn’t factor into his education or daily life, Sophomore James Wilson said he was astounded by the technology when he got to St. Johns and it peaked his interest and desire to learn more. “I remember there 34
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Apple Student Mentor Program Objectives ◆◆ Objectives of the Apple Student Mentor Program include helping student participants develop the following qualities and skills: ◆◆ Behaviors that contribute to and support a positive learning environment ◆◆ Interpersonal communication skills including the ability to express thoughts and ideas clearly, directly, honestly, and with respect for others ◆◆ Advanced skills in the use of Apple devices and apps
Technology
being Smart Boards that you could write on,” he said “and then following year in fifth grade we had iPads. Mine was the only one in the entire grade that didn’t
work and I had to get a new one halfway through the year because I didn’t know that it didn’t work, and I thought, this is crazy, and I want to learn more about this!” And the Computer Science Fellowship gives him the perfect opportunities to do exactly that— learn more about software, video game development, building computers, technology like the raspberry pis that run the 3D printers, and the app the boys use to monitor the printers. “This is a really important goal of the Fellowship program overall,” said Director of Curriculum Leslie DeStefano. “To help students get in habit of exploring the why of their pursuits, rather than just ticking off the boxes. What ignites my passion? What can I contribute? How can I bring my talents and imagination to the skills I am learning in school and make a difference?” St. Johns expects the Technology Fellowship—as well as all the others—to achieve this and to help students gain valuable experience that will help them better understand their own interests and drivers and distinguish them during the college application process. n 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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Alumni Spotlight
Alumni Spotlight Tom Townsend ’76 Music, art, and the creative process have all been integral components in the life of Tom Townsend ’76. From playing in a local band in high school to working with world renowned musicians, from founding a premier advertising agency, a music nonprofit group, and a large music festival, to painting… Tom’s life has always been creative. He graduated from St. Johns in 1976 along with classmate Walter Parks ’76, who has been a lifelong friend and creative collaborator. After graduating from St. Johns and then from Duke University in 1980, Tom worked in advertising in St. Louis and then started his own advertising agency, Rogers Townsend, with a partner in 1996. It grew to be one of the most successful agencies in St. Louis and around the nation. His business partner said that Tom was an exceptionally gifted writer and creative who had such a great reputation that they were able to attract top talent to their firm. However, his advertising career was interrupted when in 2010, Tom and his wife Jeanne found out that his son Alex, who was an art student and a musician at Savannah College of Art and Design, had been killed in a car accident. He stepped away from work and focused on his grief and art. He wrote emails to himself to process through his grief, which he has collected into a book, In This I Will Find Beauty. Never one to wallow in self pity, Tom and his wife, Jean, went to work on how they could make a difference in the world and honor Alex’s life and legacy. They started a yearly Savannah music festival called the A-Town 36
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Get Down that celebrates both art and music. Through musical performances, interactive art clinics, colorful projections, pumped-up DJs, and more, the festival seeks to celebrate the ties between art and community. Fellow St. Johns alumnus and professional musician, Walter Parks ’76 has performed at the festival almost every year since its inception. With Walter on guitar and Tom playing piano, they always bring down the house. Tom is not a professional musician, but as a blues pianist he has played with Chuck Berry, opened up for Chicago legend Buddy Guy, and worked in commercials with BB King. He has played along the Mississippi Delta in Clarksville, in the bayous of Louisiana, and in other states throughout the South. The A-Town Get Down is a way to spread the joy and love of music and art, two things his son loved dearly. In 2012, Tom and Jeanne started the non-profit,
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Pianos for People that refurbishes pianos and pairs them with those who could not otherwise afford one. It also offers free piano lessons to predominantly low income and minority students in St. Louis and Ferguson. The non-profit has served over 7,000 people and provided more than 230 pianos to people in need so far and they are still going strong. Just a few months ago, Tom’s life took another sharp turn as he was the victim of a carjacking and was shot through the lower jaw, shattering bone and teeth. Even in the hospital, Tom could not help but create. He could only communicate via whiteboard and technology and desperately needed to have a creative outlet. While communicating with a friend and fellow musician in Wales, they wrote a guitar-driven ballad “Love Always Wins.” Once he was able to return home, he returned to the art studio where he paints fun and whimsical paintings for friends, and also gritty urban scenes. The attacker has not
been caught yet and while some people would think of vengeance, Tom thinks about the young man who shot him and what could have been done earlier in that man’s life to put him on a different path. He and Jeanne are committed to living in St. Louis and helping those in their community who are most at risk. Tom had planned to perform at the annual fundraiser for Pianos for People but the event was just 2 weeks after he was released from the hospital. Tom surprised everyone when he not only showed up for the event, but took the stage and played “Amazing Grace” while one of the students at Pianos for People sang. In November, Walter and Tom teamed up for a concert in St. Louis benefitting Pianos for People. Through everything, Tom has turned to art, music, painting, the creative process for comfort, for an outlet, but also to make the world a better place for those around him. His genuine care and compassion for all people is perhaps his most beautiful creative expression.
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Alumni Spotlight
Dr. Hilary Van Wagenen ’98 Hilary Van Wagenen ’98 fell in love with music at an early age and now relishes in the opportunity to pass that love along to a new generation of students. She is the daughter of two St. Johns alumni, Wick Van Wagenen ’72 and Helen West Van Wagenen ’71, and attended St. Johns starting in first grade. When she thinks of St. Johns, Hilary says she thinks nurturing and rigorous. “I loved the small size and individual interests the teachers took in our development,” she says. “I remember getting to college and thinking, ‘Wait, my exams at St. Johns were harder than this!’” She tries to tap into the rigorous and nurturing environment of St. Johns as she balances her many roles as music teacher, piano instructor, homeschool mom, blogger, writer, and performer. As a St. Johns student, Hilary was considered quite the Renaissance woman. She ran cross country and track, held several school records, and competed at the state level throughout Upper School. Some of her favorite memories are of the many cross country trips with Sam Cox. She was gifted in academics and especially loved AP US History with Ms. DeStefano (formerly Ritch) and said “she was never teaching to the test, but genuinely loved the subject material and helped me become the history nerd I am today.” In her later years of Upper School, Hilary had to make some hard decisions about what courses to take because she wanted to have more piano practice time and knew that a full load of AP courses would not allow her that time. Hilary expressed appreciation for Carol Hart, former Science Department chair and AP Calculus teacher who stood up for Hilary as the pressure was mounting for her to take the AP level science and math classes and said “We need to all just let Hilary focus on practicing piano.” Hilary says “this is just one example of a million stories from my days at St. Johns that demonstrate how the teachers cared about us as people more than just our grades.” Hilary has wonderful memories of the exhausting but exhilarating St. Johns on Broadway. She was in St. Johns 38
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Singers and appreciates how Brenda Scott helped her develop as a musician by allowing her to accompany the Singers—an incredible opportunity that most choral directors would not be willing to offer. Hilary admits that “in retrospect, it was probably terrifying to turn over the choir to some high school accompanist, but I never sensed any hesitation in Mrs. Scott.” On top of all her accomplishments in music, academics and sports, Hilary’s character is described by her former teachers as the thing that really made her remarkable. One teacher observed, “Never have I seen a human being with the combination of such an abundance of gray matter, dedication to success, enthusiasm for life, and yet with a heart of such pure gold.” Another teacher said, “I like her so much personally because she is unflinchingly honest with herself, and therefrom emanates her sense of integrity toward others.” After graduating from St. Johns, Hilary studied piano performance as an undergraduate at Furman University. At Furman, she taught in the precollege piano program and was also a teaching assistant. She went on to graduate school at Catholic University, earning a masters and then doctoral degree in piano performance.
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Since then, she has accompanied choruses and individuals, taught private lessons, taught piano, music theory and music history at the college level and more. She has performed throughout Europe and the United States in settings ranging from Concert on the Green with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra to Carnegie Hall. She enjoys collaborating with other musicians and artists, and is a member of The Great Noise Ensemble, a contemporary music ensemble based in Washington, D.C. She was also the featured musician at the Washington Arts Group’s 20th anniversary gala. Hilary has been a participant in and winner of numerous competitions, including the National Federation of Music Clubs student competition, Catholic University’s concerto competition, and South Carolina’s Collegiate MTNA competition. She has performed with the chamber orchestra I Soloisti di Perugia in Perugia, Italy, and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra in Jacksonville, Florida. Hilary believes deeply in the power of art in this world. “Our souls desperately need beauty. In a world that’s becoming increasingly fast-paced and fragmented, truly experiencing good music, art, literature, sculpture, etc. is so restorative” she says. Not only is it restorative, but it is relational. “It connects people through shared experience.” Hilary loves to share that passion, that beauty, that restorative nature with as many people as possible. For those who have had the pleasure of seeing her perform, they know firsthand how restorative her music can be.
Jeff Carlisi ’70 “Timing is everything” is a common phrase, but it rings especially true for Jeff Carlisi ’70. The timing of his graduation from St. Johns and the state of the national economy at the time he graduated from college, combined with living in a particularly talented neighborhood, are just some of the external factors that helped Jeff have the incredible life he has had the fortune to lead. Jeff came to St. Johns in Grade 7 after his Grade 6 teacher told his parents that he was very bright and
needed to be in a more challenging environment. He had just started playing guitar when he transferred into St. Johns and his first lessons were from his friend and fellow St. Johns Alumnus Terry Cosgrove ’69. His first impression of St. Johns, which turned out to ring true, was that St. Johns was a place where friendship was valued and fostered. “With the smaller classes, I ended up becoming friends with everyone. It was a tight community, like a family or brotherhood,” Jeff said. Those friendships have lasted him even to this day. Students bonded as they struggled through tough classes, as they worked to avoid Dr. Heinrich attempting to measure “two fingers” above the eyebrow for their hair, as they watched a friend almost blow up the chemistry lab but inadvertently cure the acne on his face, and as they hung out in the Senior Shack. In those days, St. Johns did not have a music program or even offer music classes. Music was an extracurricular part of the school, but not a main focus. Jeff continued to play guitar and began to realize that he had a real
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talent and love of the instrument. He would play with “just some guys around the neighborhood”—many of whom ended up being founding members of 38 Special and Lynyrd Skynyrd. In high school, Jeff was in a band called Sweet Rooster, which included Donnie Van Zant, and they played at the St. Johns Girls Club Winter Dance in February of his senior year. Jeff loved playing music, loved the lifestyle, and loved the adoration that came with being in a band. But when it was time to go to college, he did not hesitate to go. At. St. Johns, Jeff saw Dr. Heinrich as a mentor and held him in very high esteem. “I almost majored in Physics because of him” said Jeff, but instead, he went into architecture. After graduating from St. Johns in 1970, he went on to pursue his undergraduate degree in architecture from Georgia Tech. He loved the creative process that came with architecture. Jeff says he learned the value of a good teacher from St. Johns and that became obvious at Georgia Tech. When he thinks of St. Johns, he appreciates how well it prepared him for college and life. “I didn’t realize how well prepared the school made me for the next level as a freshman at Georgia Tech,” he said. “We had the same book in my college calculus class that I had had at St. Johns.” He also says he learned the value of a good teacher because he realized in college that not everyone had good teachers like the ones he had at St. Johns. People like Mr. Fisher who “was more of one of the students than a teacher. He treated the students with respect and kindness. I loved going to his class!” Jeff continued to play guitar at Georgia Tech and honed his skills. He graduated in 1974, and quickly realized that it was a terrible time to try to get a job as an architect. Interest rates were so high that new construction was incredibly slow. So Jeff decided to move back to Jacksonville while looking for a job. His plan was to take a 2 years sabbatical to play music and then try to jump back into architecture. So the timing was perfect for him
to go into music and his parents were incredibly supportive, wanting him to follow his passion. He and his old bandmate Donnie Van Zant formed 38 Special and after 2 years, Jeff knew that something special indeed was happening with the band. While on tour in Atlanta, he went to see classmate John Abbott, who had gone into architecture. Jeff said he quickly realized that the industry was moving forward technologically and he was not going to be able to “jump back in” very easily. Luckily, he didn’t have to because 38 Special continued to be successful. Jeff played guitar with 38 Special from its inception in 1974 until 1996. The band played all over the world and put out more than a dozen albums, earning several gold and platinum records along the way. While it was fun and exciting, Jeff says it was also hard, cut throat, and challenging. “There was no such thing as compromise when it came to making it in the music industry. You must be all in and completely dedicated to your goal.” After leaving 38 Special in 1996, Jeff ran a rock & roll camp for many years before selling the company. He now is semi-retired and plays about a dozen shows a year with players from different groups. He played in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band with band members from Billy Joel’s band, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Peter Frampton’s band, and Starship. Jeff believes that music still plays a vital role in society. It’s timeless, universal, and can be enjoyed by anyone. He says the most important thing about music is how it connects to people’s physical, emotional, and spiritual selves. Jeff still loves it when someone tells him how much his music means to them. “It is very emotional to have someone tell me that one of my songs helped them get through a difficult time.” Jeff said he feels grateful for everything that St. Johns provided for him and for the exciting life he has been able to lead. 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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Alumni Notes
Alumni Notes 1970s
1990s Lisa Wilson Allen ’93 is a nonpartisan judge-elect for the Hillsborough County Court in Hillsborough, Florida after advancing from the primary to win the general election. Allen has worked over the past 17 years as a lawyer, federal law clerk, and volunteer in numerous legal organizations, her homeowner’s association, her church, and her children’s school.
▲ Walter Parks ’76 and Tom Townsend ’76 played a benefit concert together in St. Louis for a nonprofit that Tom started, Pianos for People, which works to provide pianos for underserved communities and families. In addition to running an advertising agency, Tom is an accomplished blues pianist who has opened for Buddy Guy and played with Chuck Berry and BB King. Walter, the longtime sideman for Woodstock legend Richie Havens, has created Swamp By Chandelier – a new solo tour that’s both a concert and a historical experience.
▲ Leah Jones Copham ’98 had a baby boy, Rhodes William Copham, April 19, 2018. He is named after his father and Leah’s grandfather. Leah says “his sisters are so in love!”
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▲ Mike Vallencourt ’02, Kyle Sawicki ’03, Henry Dinkins ’19, and Jackson Powers ’20 recently played golf at Timuquana Country Club.
2010s
Drew Frick ’93 is GATE’s general counsel and was recently promoted to president of GATE Lands, GATE’s real estate development division.
1980s
▲ Britt McTammany ’87 won a Regional Emmy Award for his cinematography work on a project for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
2000s
Chris Hagan ’99 was recently profiled in the Jacksonville Business Journal. He formed Gilmore Hagan Partners LLC in May with veteran lobbyist Jim Gilmore. Their many clients include Hillwood, the developer of AllianceFlorida at Cecil Commerce Center, and The PARC Group, which is developing Nocatee and eTown. Hagan also remains on the Jacksonville Planning Commission. He started his consulting career nine years ago, is married to Rebekah, and they have three boys – Gavin, Graham and Fore.
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▲ Ramzi Shaykh ’08 got married in September to Anahi Einhorn in Charlottesville, VA. Groomsmen included fellow St. Johns Alumni Philip Robbins ’08 and Walker Mason ’08. Ramzi’s sisters Natalie Shaykh ’13 and Diana Shaykh ’19 were bridesmaids. The daughters of Le’Anna Ray Conner ’07 and Thomas Conner ’07 were flower girls and the son of Amy Cowie Buckley ’09 was the ring bearer. Sam Whitman ’10 and his new bride, Katie, were married in October. They live in Dallas. Pilar Brito ’12 interned in Strasbourg, France for the European Court of Human Rights last summer. She is a law student at Yale Law School. Austin Engelbrecht ’12 is a Legislative Intern for the Ways & Means Committee in the Florida House of Representatives while in law school at Florida State University.
Alumni Notes Ellie Bright ’14 recently moved to New York City where she is working for Insight Global, an IT recruiting company. Nick Small ’14 graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor of science degree in commerce business administration.
▲ Alex Herndon ’11 and Sean Bowles ’11 were married in December at Chandler Oaks Barn, in St. Augustine, Florida. Bridesmaids included Tere Smith Irizarry ’11, Kelsey Coon ’11, Elizabeth Greenhalgh ’11, and Becca Staples ’11. Groomsmen included Chadd Myers ’11, Chris Fowler ’11, and former St. Johns student Jimmy Gainey.
▲ Natalie Shaykh ’13 recently had her white coat ceremony—a rite of passage for medical students, signifying their entrance into the profession—at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine at Auburn University. Her father, Dr. Marwan Shaykh participated in the ceremony.
▲ Chastity Duffey ’16 and Marie Price ’16 reconnected with their first graders, Dominique Clark ’27 and Liam McNulty ’27, at St. Johns’ Lessons & Carols in December.
▲ Becca Staples ’11 graduated from the University of North Florida in December with a masters degree in educational leadership.
▲ Megan Wolf ’17 was inducted into the prestigious Phi Kappa Phi honor society at the University of Florida, where she is a sophomore.
▲ Michelle Jansen ’12 is teaching English in Paris and recently met up with former French teacher, Madame Butler to spend the day touring Versailles.
▲ A new film by Franklin Ritch ’12, Bedridden, was selected as a feature film at the Fantastic Fest Film Festival in Austin, TX. Britt McTammany ’87 served as the Director of Photography. Franklin was also honored recently with the 2018 Rising Star Award at the 18th Annual Jacksonville Film & Television Industry Awards, and was the director of the play, Wait Until Dark at All Beaches Experimental Theater.
Maddie Schultz ’16 has been selected by the Air Force to attend the Hudson Institute Summer Fellowship program at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. She also will be traveling to India this Spring as part of a research project for the Political Science department at the Air Force Academy.
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Alumni Notes
▲ Courtney Powers ’15 graduated from the University of South Florida Summa Cum Laude in December after having served as a yearlong PricewaterhouseCoopers intern, Ambassador Young University Summit, athletic tutor, volunteer for the Paralympics of Tampa Bay, and a committee member for the USF Relay for Life. She will continue at USF to pursue her MBA. Kirby Powers ’15 also graduated last month from the University of South Florida. Kirby was a King O’Neal Scholar, Ambassador Young University Summit, was named to the USF 25 under 25, and served as a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Team leader for the USF track
and field team, and came in 10th place at the American Athletic Conference Outdoor Championship. Kirby will also be pursuing her MBA at USF. Philip Powers ’15 is also studying at USF. This year, Courtney wrote an essay to nominate their family and their parents, Steve and Margaret Powers, for the USF Family of the Year. The Powers family won the honor for their unwavering support for their 3 USF students and their dedication and commitment to what it means to be a part of the USF Bull Family. Photo courtesy of University of South Florida.
Alumni Get Togethers
▲ Stephanie Schmidt ’16 was nominated to be the President of Sigma Kappa Lambda Zeta at the University of South Florida. Libby Coen ’17 was honored at The Golden Torch Gala which celebrates the academic achievement of Florida State University student-athletes. Libby, who is on the FSU cross country team, won the Golden Torch Award for her tremendous GPA and commitment to the classroom.
In Memoriam William Marion “Bill” Fackler, father of Michael Fackler ’90 and Mark Fackler ’87 and grandfather of current student, Kate Fackler ’19. Alumni Director Gayle Simpson Garrison ’94 travelled this fall and made sure to get some St. Johns Alumni together each time. In November, several St. Johns Alumni got together for brunch in New York City. Christina Madison ’05, Michael Rios ’05, Erin Patterson ’12 and Michael Beltz ’18 got a chance to reminisce about their years at St. Johns and hear about what other Spartans are doing in New York. Christina is still working as a costume designer, Michael as a casting director, Erin works in the publishing industry, and Michael Beltz is a freshman at Columbia University.
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Robin Hagel Cooper ’75 John W. Nichols ’88 While in Chicago, Mrs. Garrison gathered Chicago alumni Jennifer Cowie Stanton ’06, Joe Patterson ’08 and Avni Patel ’15 for a fun dinner on a cold, windy night. Joe is working as an attorney, Jennifer in real estate, and Avni is finishing her degree at Depaul University and applying for medical school.
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
Betty Lurie, mother of Serena Lurie Bloomfield ’71 and Thornton Lurie ’69. Peggy Trimble, mother of Bonnie Trimble Copeland ’69, former student.
Alumni, please send your updates for Alumni Notes to Director of Alumni Relations Gayle Garrison at ggarrison@sjcds.net.
WINTER 2019
Alumni Notes
Owene Weber 1934-2018
A few of my memories of the unforgettable woman who literally “wrote the book” on St. Johns Country Day School. When I took over the Grades 4 & 5 French classes she had taught for years, Owene showed me how to use the state of the art filmstrip projector and gave me the storybooks about “Poof-Poof et Minet” that we used for many years; she also bequeathed to me French books from my high school French teacher Alice Sexton, who was one of her cousins. The real gift to me was that she had instilled in her students a love for French that allowed the program to flourish. The summer after my first year of teaching, Owene invited me to her French current events discussions with Frederica Massee and a couple of others. We spoke in French about what was going on in France, information gleaned from the latest edition of Paris Match magazine (probably more than months old by the time we read it). Mainly, it meant enjoying French wine and camaraderie. The more wine, the better our French became. We sponsored Girls’ Club together; among other events, that meant judging the annual Grades 1-3 Halloween parade, giving prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category. Both of us were Grade 9 homeroom teachers; as such we spent many a June day on the docks at Strickland’s Landing under the blazing sun writing report card comments as the students enjoyed swimming and sliding on their annual Class Day. After watching Owene day after day using one of the trees at front of school for warm-up stretching before a run, then-first grader-Laura Fisher finally asked her dad “why is that lady trying to push over that tree?” Had that been Owene’s goal, I’m certain it would have happened! The poem Owene and Rabun Chappell penned to honor Rod’s 25th year at St. Johns hangs in our home and is a cherished reminder of the many memories they shared and their love of the school all three helped shape. Owene’s exceptional intellect was not her only distinction. Her passion for learning and reaching the pinnacle of accomplishment in everything that interested her made her the true Renaissance woman whose influence touched the lives of all she encountered. Her retirement from St. Johns in 1982 did not end her relationship with the school. It was after that when she wrote Vision to preserve the history of St. Johns, and as recently as January 2017, Dr. Weber visited the AP Psychology class as a guest speaker to finish out their unit on Human Growth and Development. As always, she commanded the riveted attention of her students. Owene Weber originated and sponsored the school’s literary magazine, named The Afterthought, because its first edition was stapled to the Saints’ Scroll school newspaper as an “afterthought.” In the history of St. Johns Country Day School, however, “Owenie” (as I called her) remains anything but an afterthought. With loving admiration, “Deanie”
(Acting Head of School Mary Virginia Fisher)
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
WINTER 2019
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Alumni Notes
Alumni Soccer & Baseball Reunions On Saturday, December 22, St. Johns Alumni dusted off their soccer cleats and baseball gloves to relive the glory days on the field. Soccer started at 2:00 p.m. and got off to a quick start using a shortened field. Snacks and drinks were provided and the group took plenty of breaks to catch up (and catch their breath!). Rod and Mary Virginia Fisher came by to chat with everyone and get a picture with the group. Players included Hwang Marino ’09, TJ Weaver ’08, Kevin Weaver ’13, Ellen Crist ’13, Bobby Harris ’11, Britt McTammany ’87, Stephen Rivers ’12, and Jimmy Merritt ’10. At 3:00 p.m. over at the baseball diamond, alumni were suiting up and getting ready to take on the current St. Johns baseball team. Their goal for competing with the “youngsters” was mostly just to hang in there against the well-conditioned team. They scored a run and pitcher Luke Dill ’14 even had quite a few strikeouts. Other alumni players included Cam Gilson ’17, Noah Wilkes ’16, Evan Engelbrecht ’17, Matt McMullen ’16, Drew Petty ’13, Garrett Hays ’14, Austin Engelbrecht ’12, Zac Hays ’11, Jamie Griffith ’13, and Robert Vogt ’13. While the alumni did not win the game, they loved reconnecting with their former teammates and experiencing what it feels like to be a Spartan baseball player again. Later that night, the Class of 2008 gathered at Black Sheep for their class reunion while over at Whitey’s Fish Camp other young alumni met up for a fun night of catching up and retelling old stories.
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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
WINTER 2019
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13th Annual ST. JOHNS SPARTANS
GOLF TOURNAMENT Friday April 26, 2019
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ark your calendars and plan to join us for a great day of golf, food, and fun at the award-winning Eagle Harbor Golf Club. Your participation will help to make this year’s golf tournament a great success! All proceeds from the tournament will directly benefit the athletic department and all of our student-athletes. Proceeds from prior golf tournaments have paid for a new scoreboard in the Brown Gym and on the softball field, windscreens and scoring poles for the tennis courts, brick enclosures for the softball and soccer field scoreboards, and many other athletic team “wish list” items.
Visit sjcds.net/golf for more information and registration. Register today! 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
WINTER 2019
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PTL Gala & Auction Saturday, March 9, 2019 Sullivan Hall, on Fleming Island 6:00 p.m. Cocktails 7:00 p.m. Auction Kickoff
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 Acting Head of School: Mary Virginia Fisher mvfisher@sjcds.net Director of Alumni Relations: Gayle Simpson Garrison ’94 ggarrison@sjcds.net
Thank you to the 2018-2019 Board of Trustees
Director of Communications: Regan Minners rminners@sjcds.net
Officers: Rick Gregson, President Richard C. M. Wilson, Vice-President Andrew L. Glassman, Treasurer Angela DeMonbreun, Secretary
Director of Development: Jordan Robbins Rechcigl ’10 jrechcigl@sjcds.net
Members: James W. Branch Nicholas K. Courtney ’03 Brad Crews Margaret Rood Gibbs Daniel W. Hodges Dr. Carissa J. Kostecki John Maierhoffer Marla Matson-Quattrone Robin McMullen Dr. Arjav Ted Shah
Trustee Emeritus: Dr. Steven B. Kailes Sharon J. Suggs Headmaster Emeritus: Stephen F. Russey Ex Officio: Mary Virginia Fisher, Acting Head of School
Save the Date! Contact Director of Alumni Relations Gayle Garrison at ggarrison@sjcds.net for more information on these upcoming events: ◆◆ Alumni Spring Fling - Friday, May 3 ◆◆ Graduation - Saturday, June 1
St. Johns Country Day School 3100 Doctors Lake Drive Orange Park, FL 32073-6997
sjcds.net
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