StC Magazine | Spring 2023

THE CHAMBERLAYNE ACHIEVEMENT PROGRAM

How the program helps students from all walks of life page 10

The Magazine of St. Christopher’s

StC Magazine Staff

HEADMASTER

Mason Lecky

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Sharon Dion

EDITOR

John Taylor

VISUAL CONTENT EDITORS

Ashley Cameron and George Knowles

ALUMNI NEWS EDITOR

Jennifer Scallon

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Merry Alderman Design

PHOTOGRAPHY

Wright Hilbert ‘24, Jesse Peters and Jay Paul

CONTRIBUTORS

Jeremy Dunn

Mark Jones ‘79

Stephen Lewis

Nicholas Manetas ‘23

The Rev. Michael Sweeney

Tony Szymendera

St. Christopher’s School

711 St. Christopher’s Road

Richmond, VA 23226

P. 804.282.3185

www.stchristophers.com

For over 50 years, the Catlett Memorial Garden occupied the space known as the Terraces between the LLC and Chamberlayne Hall. The garden was originally established in memory of Mrs. Marion Catlett, who was an avid gardener and lent her talent to the School. She passed away when her boys, Rick Catlett ’71 and Tommy Catlett ’77, were students in the Lower School. Because of COVID and a need for more outdoor space, the garden was removed, but the beautiful plaque and a bronze statue by Jack Witt ’52 were moved to the Historic Corridor alongside a smaller garden and two benches.

Here are snapshots of Thanksgiving as celebrated in our Middle and Lower Schools. For more from Around Campus, please see page 14.

MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER

MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER

Dear Saints,

It has been an exceptional year at St. Christopher’s. The 20222023 school year has been memorable for many reasons, most notably due to the joyful abundance of school spirit all over campus. Many dear traditions have returned to St. Christopher’s in full form over the past six months. To name a few—our outstanding Class of 2023 led an impressive all-school pep rally on the day that we held our first football game under the new lights on Knowles Field; the Lower School Musical, Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Kids, triumphantly returned to a packed house for four separate shows this winter; and we celebrated one of the most successful evenings of fundraising in StC history with our biennial auction, An Evening Under the Pines. Over 525 event tickets were sold, making it our largest-attended auction (and highest grossing auction event) in the history of StC!

These events bring out the best in St. Christopher’s, showcasing the community and strengthening the bonds that unite us. Establishing and embracing a culture of belonging for every Saint is of utmost importance. One tangible way we are working to ensure that every student feels known, loved, and celebrated is through the Chamberlayne Achievement Program (CAP). CAP provides resources and support specifically for students who come to St. Christopher’s from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds. Created in 2018, the program has grown over the years and now supports over 35 boys and their families. I invite you to read more about CAP in the pages that follow.

Certainly no one has more of an impact on belonging in our community than the dedicated faculty and staff who teach, coach, and mentor today’s Saints. We are fortunate to benefit from a long-tenured faculty and staff. Teachers who join St. Christopher’s early in their career often find a home and stay for decades, raising their children here and becoming part of our parent and alumni communities forever.

The end of the 2022-23 school year marks a seminal moment, as we will bid farewell to several beloved retiring faculty and staff members who have served St. Christopher’s, collectively, for nearly 200 years. You will see tributes to those who have been at St. Christopher’s for 25 years or more in this magazine. We are forever grateful for their wisdom, energy, and love of St. Christopher’s and the boys in their care.

While farewells are never easy, we also will joyfully welcome new faculty, staff, and administrators, including, for the first time in over 30 years, a new head of the Upper School. I invite you to learn more about our new leader of the Upper School, Jake Westermann.

We look to the future with optimism and excitement. It is a spectacular time to be a Saint!

Yours,

Mason Lecky, headmaster

“Certainly no one has more of an impact on belonging in our community than the dedicated faculty and staff who teach, coach, and mentor today’s Saints.”

On Belonging

The Rev. Michael Sweeney, Middle School Chaplain

Just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.… If the ear were to say, ‘Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body’, that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? … The eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no need of you’, nor again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you.’

1 Corinthians 12: 12, 16-17, 21

We have a lot to be grateful for as we begin this new year together. We get to worship indoors. Sitting next to each other. Singing out loud. Without masks. Thanks be to God.

This is the first time in three years—the first time since 2019— that we’ve begun a school year like this, free of COVID protocols. Which makes this the first “normal” start to the school year that any of you have had as Middle School students.

One of the many blessings of no longer being so focused on COVID is that we can now give more energy and attention to other really important aspects of our community’s health.

Belonging is a big one that we’ll be talking about a lot this year. A healthy community—a true community—is one where every one of us feels a sense of belonging, where no one is excluded or left out.

COVID was no fun, but we all knew the protocols—what to do to help keep ourselves safe and healthy. Wear masks. Practice social distancing. Stay home when you feel sick. Belonging is a little bit trickier.

What are the belonging protocols? Humans have been struggling with that for a long time. It was nearly 2,000 years ago that St. Paul—an earlier follower of Jesus—wrote the words we heard a moment ago.

He was writing to an early church in Greece that was having real problems with belonging. They were finding all kinds of ways to exclude each other. And Paul uses an amazing metaphor to talk about community and belonging. The human body.

Just as the body is made up of different parts, a community is made up of different people, each one of us contributing something completely essential to the whole.

We can care for the health of our community in the same way we care for our individual bodies: by valuing and taking good care of every part of them. And what “belonging protocols” does St. Paul suggest?

“A healthy community— a true community— is one where every one of us feels a sense of belonging, where no one is excluded or left out.”

These two things: that we recognize our differences and value them for the gifts they are.

Paul says: “If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be?” The eye and the ear are different, and what a blessing that difference is! That difference allows us to see AND hear.

So the eye can’t say to the ear, “I don’t need you.” It’s not just that the eye shouldn’t say that to the ear because it would be mean. The eye CAN’T say, “I don’t need you,” because it’s not true. Each part of the body has value, contributes to the whole, and belongs.

And this is true not only of other people, but of ourselves, too. Sometimes, it can be hardest to recognize and value our own gifts—to understand how each of us belongs.

And so St. Paul also says, “If the ear were to say [to itself], ‘Because I’m not an eye, I do not belong to the body,’” that would not make it any less a part of the body. We ALL belong.

How will you help to make that true in this community this year? How will you recognize difference and value it for the gift that it is—in others and in yourself? I want to leave you with those questions and one illustration of belonging in action.

When my son, Emmett, was almost 5, he really wanted to be a big kid. He wanted to run around with the older boys in the neighborhood we lived.

The older boys were always off on some great adventure. They weren’t actively mean to Emmett. They just hardly noticed him. He was only a little 5-year-old, after all. Definitely not one of them.

But then there was Asher. Asher was 8 years old, but that didn’t stop him from speaking to Emmett. In fact, he went out of his way to befriend Emmett and include him.

I noticed this, and one day when I ran into Asher in the courtyard I said, “Asher, you are such a good friend to Emmett. Thank you.” He responded, “You’re welcome. I don’t want anybody to be left out.”

Belonging isn’t merely the absence of exclusion. Belonging happens when we actively seek to recognize and value the gifts of every member of the community. So that we are truly one body. May God help us to become such a community this year.

Delivered in Memorial Chapel earlier this school year.

StC students engage in a wide range of academic and social activities that stress understanding, inclusion and belonging.

The Most Dangerous Game

Behind the scenes at Battle of the Brains

by Nicholas Manetas ‘23

In Richard Connell’s 1924 short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” hunter Sanger Rainsford finds himself washed ashore on the private island of fellow hunter General Zaroff. There is one important twist, however. Zaroff is no ordinary hunter. He’s slain the fiercest animals known to man. Searching for a new challenge, he has begun pursuing a new prey: human beings. The Zaroff-Rainsford dynamic offers a helpful framework for understanding the most dangerous game on St. Christopher’s campus: Battle of the Brains.

For a brief hour every Thursday night, Dr. C’s (Alina Cichocki, Ph.D., Upper School teacher of physics) room transitions from a physics classroom into the cutthroat hunting ground for a bunch of trivia-obsessed students. Like Rainsford, I entered my first meeting unaware of the skill of my competition.

I arrived a minute late, but I recognized something—different—as I skipped up the steps of Gottwald. Every few seconds, a rat-a-tat-tat-like a snare drum ricocheted down the stairwell. A senior jumped out of his chair, hands on his head.

“No WAY did I get the Anime question wrong!”

You learn pretty quickly, but Dr. C is basically the Battle of the Brains bouncer, as she tells the student, “Sit down, Lane, sit down.”

“I’m telling you, Dr. C, my buzzer is slow.”

Back to Connell’s story: As Rainsford wanders around the island, he eventually meets Ivan, a physically menacing, war-hardened servant of Zaroff’s. Although Ivan is both deaf and mute, his physical presence and experience remind Rainsford that he is not to be trifled with. He may not speak, but he is always heard.

Team members Mac Dixon ‘24, Charlie Aghdami ‘23, Nicholas Manetas ‘23 and Jack Nelson ‘24 listen as host Cheryl Miller reads a question.

“I entered my first meeting unaware of the skill of my competition.”

In a way, Dr. C is our Ivan, adopting an officious tone when dealing with our complaints, the kind that reminds you she’s fought in the trenches of trivia for far longer than we have, and she knows what no Battle of the Brains player wants to admit. Slammersystems.com did not sell her faulty buzzers. If you’re blaming the buzzer, she says with just a look, then you’re the problem.

In my first year on the team, I formed relationships with a group of seniors I might not otherwise have met, enjoying a quiet sense of pride whenever I beat one of them to the buzzer. Now, as a senior myself and team captain, I’ve had the same experience with the junior class, but their reactions are actually very LOUD when they get one over me. Which, unfortunately, happens all the time. I’ve been trash-talked more at Battle of the Brains than even the most hostile sporting events I’ve attended. And I’m not exaggerating. In chapel, Mr. Lecky often reminds us that we “cheer for our guys,

not to degrade or demean the opponent.” Of course, we are all Saints at Battle of the Brains. We just happen to hold each other to a very, very high standard.

Although we love our overly intense games of trivia, the club’s main goal is to prepare a four-person team for CBS-6’s televised Battle of the Brains competition. Entering these matches, you never know whether you’re the stronger or weaker team, the Zaroff or Rainsford, the hunter or the hunted.

Schools from all around Central Virginia participate, and each round whittles an already skilled group down to a quicker, even more competitive pool. Just two years ago, Weston Williams ‘21 captained the team to a state title. This season, after two years of virtual tapings, we returned to the studio in force, defeating Louisa County and Charlottesville High School. The team’s next match aired after the production dates for our magazine. Check StC social media channels for results.

In Connell’s story, Rainsford wins “The Most Dangerous Game” through a mix of ingenuity, wit and poise under pressure. Clearly, we aren’t future Navy SEALs like Holden Woodward ‘23 or first responders like Cameron King ‘23 However, the same nerves that rack a basketball player as he shoots a free throw can easily make you forget something you learned just days before. They say the camera adds 10 pounds, but I believe it adds 10 seconds, slowing your mind just enough to cost your team the match.

In a way, Battle of the Brains competitions can really be boiled down to a single question: How well do you know what you know? For all the fun I’ve had filming competitions, the concept of “knowing what you know” has been perhaps the most meaningful element of my time on the team. Team trivia is a very vulnerable thing. But I don’t just mean vulnerable with respect to your performance or point total. That’s just

The team has its “Abbey Road” moment on the way to the studio.

Feeling confident before the competition

part of the competition. The questions you answer say a lot about your personality, the things you care enough about to learn, study and memorize.

Hitting the buzzer carries with it a certain element of openness. I know Macon Moring ‘23 will never miss a sports question. Theo Cross ‘24 will ace every mythology question, and I have yet to see John Daglio ‘24 forget a fact about Catholicism. In the past, whenever we had a three-part question on Toni Morrison’s “Beloved,” the room would go quiet as Kevin Omohundro ‘22 repeatedly slammed his buzzer, sweeping the round and shouting at us, “I OWN that book!” We couldn’t help but smile.

To me, Thursday night will always mean sharing a strange, overly-competitive game of trivia with friends—glimpsing the passions, hopes and fears of my peers through the snapshot lens of a bright blue buzzer.

“They say the camera adds 10 pounds, but I believe it adds 10 seconds, slowing your mind just enough to cost your team the match.”

The team looks to Jack for an answer.

Meet Jake Westermann, Incoming Head of Upper School

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

I grew up in a small town on Long Island, New York, called Setuaket, right on Long Island Sound. It was the kind of neighborhood where you could go to a friend’s house, ride your bikes all day and your parents wouldn’t worry. It was great to grow up in a place with so much local history. It gave us a lens through which to understand the American Revolution, for example. The events that were covered in the TV show Turn, about General Washington’s network of spies, took place in and around our town.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB IN EDUCATION?

It was at a small independent school in Providence, Rhode Island—the Wheeler School— the same school I attended. I taught in the woodshop there, and I was also the fourth grade basketball coach. It was then I realized, “If I could spend my days working with kids, I’d be a very happy person.”

Editor’s Note: You could say this former shop teacher started his career by rolling up his sleeves, and he’s been doing it ever since.

WHAT ARE YOUR PASSIONS OUTSIDE OF WORK?

I love to cook and feed lots of people. In my backyard I have a 36-inch griddle, an electric smoker, a gas grill and two charcoal grills … and that’s just outside! Lately I’ve been trying a lot of Molly Baz’s recipes. We really enjoy cooking as a family. And when we travel, it’s all about, “Where can we eat?”

My other big passion is music. I love seeing live music. I enjoy collecting vinyl which, in my opinion, is the only way to experience great music. I’m a big fan of The Band, Grateful Dead and Tedeschi-Trucks Band, to name a few.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPORTS TEAMS?

I was born in New York, so I’m a New York sports guy. Giants, Rangers, Knicks. My wife is from Cincinnati, so I’ve also adopted the Bengals. Since we moved to Virginia, I’ve become a passionate supporter of UVA. My college lacrosse coach, Lars Tiffany, is at UVA and he’s led them to two national championships.

Editor’s Note: Jake was lacrosse team captain at Brown University, where he was recognized as an Academic All-American.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS AS YOU GET READY TO OFFICIALLY JOIN ST. CHRISTOPHER’S SCHOOL?

I’m going to spend my first few months being a student of St. Christopher’s—getting to know the places and the people. Since my role doesn’t officially begin until July, I won’t get to know the boys right away, but I can make sure everything is set for them once they do arrive. Above all, I see it as an exciting opportunity to join a school and faculty whose excellence is known well beyond Richmond. If I had to pick one word to describe STC, it’s “warm.” Everyone is so kind, wanting to get to know me and my family. It’s a genuine kindness, and that just doesn’t exist everywhere.

Mr. Westermann will be officially joining St. Christopher’s School in July 2023. We were lucky enough to catch him for a few minuites during a recent visit to campus.

CAP

Inside the Chamberlayne Achievement Program

by John Taylor

To feel that one truly belongs —to avoid the dismissive label of “other”—is a powerful, essential emotion that forms the foundation for all that is to come.

As popular author and filmmaker Brené Brown wrote:

“A deep sense of love and belonging is an irreducible need of all people. We are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don’t function as we were meant to. We break. We fall apart. We ache.”

Yet, that sense of belonging can be so difficult for adolescents to experience; more so for students who have not followed the traditional, well-worn path to St. Christopher’s. This includes students who come to the School from traditionally underserved communities whose lives, as Assistant Head of School for Community

Engagement Ed Cowell puts it, have been “differently lived.” These are the students for whom the Chamberlayne Achievement Program (CAP) was created.

Wherever our boys may come from, whatever lives they have lived, they are each held in the loving embrace of the St. Christopher’s School mission:

St. Christopher’s School knows, loves, and celebrates boys, promotes their pursuit of excellence, and prepares them for lives of honor and integrity, service, and leadership.

But to prepare them for such lives, one must first understand the path that has brought them to St. Christopher’s. With that in mind, in 2018 a working group of staff and faculty discussed how “differently lived” students and families often faced a unique set of challenges and obstacles as they

sought to experience the full benefit of a St. Christopher’s education.

It could be the student who had always been in a public school environment. The family that must stretch financially to even consider buying a branded backpack or a new pair of cleats. The single parent who doesn’t know where to begin to shop for a blue blazer … or at what events it should be worn. The student of color. The student who, all too often, feels “othered.”

It was this understanding that certain students and families lack the experience and, in some cases, the resources to maneuver through the idiosyncrasies and unspoken rules of a boys’ preparatory school that led to the creation of CAP.

The mission of the program is found right in its name. The Chamberlayne Achievement Program was created to ensure that students from all backgrounds are able to achieve to the utmost of their abilities.

In group discussion, Middle School students pondered important questions at a recent CAP check-in.

CAP

Andrew Taibl, associate director of athletics and co-director of the program, said, “We want the program to, whenever possible, support students and their families in the pursuit of opportunities we offer, to help to ensure that each boy within the program has an equal opportunity to maximize their St. Christopher’s School experience.“

The CAP team works closely with key staff members such as house deans, division heads, community and inclusion leads, and teachers to help ensure the success of all participants. The program adds specialized layers of mentoring, guidance and support to the spectrum of tools and resources enjoyed by St. Christopher’s families.

Boys who participate in CAP:

• Participate in regular meetings to address academic, emotional or social concerns

• Receive guidance, as needed, regarding academic performance and college prep

• May receive non-tuition support for books, tutoring, clothing, transportation, club or athletic fees, and School-related or sponsored trips

• Engage in service projects in communities the participants represent

• Can participate in summer workshops designed to mitigate the “summer slip,” particularly in STEM-related courses

“CAP is a living manifestation of our commitment to diversity and inclusion,” noted Headmaster Mason Lecky. This commitment, in part, reads:

A PARENT’S VIEW

“CAP bridged the gap in support for a diverse group of boys who had unique needs at St. Chris,” noted Crystal Hendrick, whose son Trent Hendrick ‘22 participated in the program during his years in the Upper School. “It provided a safe space for Trent where he could discuss his needs, and the program would provide the appropriate resource. He benefited from the individual attention as well as group interactions. I believe it allowed him the opportunity to be a great leader. It gave him the added confidence to truly be himself and share that gift throughout the StC community.”

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is based on a genuine respect and appreciation for individual differences that enrich our School and reflect the broader community that we serve.

CAP Timeline

2018

12 Students

In its inaugural year, CAP offered support to 12 Upper School boys.

2020 Program Expands

Understanding the unique pressures on Middle School boys, the program was expanded by adding 11 Middle School students

Programming was added to help educate parents about CAP, as well as discuss expectations for parent involvement

Trent Hendrick ‘22 and his mother Crystal

Mr. Lecky continued, “This responsibility is an essential part of our Episcopal tradition as well as our mandate to deliver a transformative educational experience to every boy who sets foot on our campus.” To which Ed Cowell added, “We are proud of the program, and proud of its impacts, not only to the students it supports, but in building an ever more inclusive and diverse student community.”

In addition to educational support and guidance, the CAP team provides grants so that families can purchase the tools their student needs, including:

• Laptops

• Books and other school supplies

• Tutorial support

• Athletic fees and gear, fine art and performing arts fees, travel fees not covered by tuition or financial aid

• Participation in StC’s new Summer Bridge Program that assists new students with their transition to St. Christopher’s, as well as current students needing additional academic support over the summer

Finding the right educational path for each student.

Another way CAP helps support students is by covering the cost of privately administered assessments to identify the individualized education plan and accommodations a student needs to maximize his success in school. While this testing is available through the public school in which the student is zoned, the waiting list is often hundreds of students long.

Families benefit, too.

The CAP team has developed programming for the parents and families of CAP participants. There’s a special orientation to educate parents about CAP and to answer specific questions about St Christopher’s. Parents are also invited to workshops and information sessions that provide important insight into the college application and selection process.

One of the CAP team’s ongoing goals is to increase transparency. While at first they worked exclusively with faculty and staff to identify students who would really benefit, prospective families now learn about CAP during the admissions process.

“We’re so proud of all that CAP has done to help students from all walks of life come to our campus and feel a sense of connection that feeds their desire to be the best students they can be,” said Ed Cowell.

Andrew Taibl added, “The program is here to help instill in these boys the belief and confidence that they can achieve whatever it is they want to achieve, both here at StC and beyond.”

2021 The first group of Saints who benefited from CAP took their places at the University of North Carolina, the University of Virginia, James Madison University, the University of Dayton, Morehouse College, and Randolph-Macon College.

2022 and Beyond

Beyond StC Growing and Mentoring

Fifth grade students have been added to the program. Current ninth grade participants have received specialized training so they can serve as mentors for the fifth graders.

St. Christopher’s goal is to make CAP a fully-endowed program. To donate to CAP, please email Development Director Jane Garnet Brown at brownjg@stcva.org.

Co-Director Andrew Taibl, Program Advisor Mary Anderson, Co-Director Ed Cowell

“CAP allowed me to ‘exhale.’ I knew Trent was in good hands from the time he arrived on campus until the end of the school day.”

— Crystal Hendrick, Saints parent

FIRE/RESCUE VISIT WITH LOWER SCHOOL STUDENTS

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT STC

THANKSGIVING FEAST PAJAMA DAY

CELEBRATING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR

St. Catherine’s School Teacher Kefu Dorian taught our kindergarteners about the Lunar New Year and the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. They even learned how to count to 10 in Chinese!

NATIONAL HONORS CHOIR

These talented Saints were named to the 2022 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) 2022 National Honors Choir. The boys, who recorded their auditions in September and were selected in October, joined other outstanding singers from across the country this past February at the organization’s Annual Conference.

FOCUS ON THE BUILD LAB

The BUILD Lab was created last year to be a dedicated space for boys to design, innovate and collaborate in creative ways. “I love the freedom we get in this room. I get excited knowing that I get to work together with my friends on anything we want in here,” said eighth grader Loch Macfarlane ’27 From creating laser-cut art projects to baking delicious muffins and cookies to share with our neighbors at local care facilities, our boys do it all at the BUILD Lab!

6TH GRADE SCIENCE TAKES OFF

Front row: Palmer Berry ‘27, Charlie Vaughn ‘29 Middle Row: August Price ‘29, Freddy Gatty ‘30 Back row: Fletcher Stephens ‘29, Tal Horton ‘28, Henry Kidd ‘31, W.J. Valentine ‘28

AROUND CAMPUS

LESSONS AND CAROLS

Many consider St. Christopher’s annual Lessons and Carols service not only the highlight of the holiday season, but of the entire year. The 2022 services were held on campus and at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.

POWERFUL LESSONS FOR FACULTY AND PARENTS

Julie Lythcott-Haims, acclaimed author of The New York Times bestselling book, “How to Raise an Adult,” led faculty and staff from StC and St. Catherine’s School in an important discussion about the challenges of being an educator today. That evening, Lythcott-Haims spoke with parents from across the Richmond community, where she shared her personal journey as a parent and highlighted the breakthroughs that allowed her to see her children as the people they truly are.

A CELEBRATION OF DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

On January 16, 2023, the Saints community gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. in a joint celebration with St. Catherine’s School. Gathering in Ryan Recital Hall, the student-created service included music, dance, scripture readings and deeply meaningful first-person accounts from students at both schools.

MR. LECKY GOES TO CLASS

Headmaster Mason Lecky has been teaching a class of juniors and seniors in a history elective entitled Profiles in Leadership. Students have explored multiple theories of leadership and examined current and historical leaders across various eras and geographies. The class was joined by guest lecturers including real estate executive (and StC parent and former board member) Krissy Gathright; Grammy awardwinning composer Mason Bates ’95; and Ned Valentine ’83, Chairman and Managing Director at Harris Williams.

Mr. Lecky led the class in an ongoing dialogue focused on what it truly means to be a leader.

Julie Lythcott-Haims’ TED Talk, “How to Raise Successful Kids— Without Overparenting,” has over 3,000,000 YouTube views.

HOMECOMING 2022

Following a spirited daytime pep rally—featuring an appearance by the ever-popular Red Man—a packed house cheered on the Saints as they played for the first time under the lights at Knowles Field, defeating Collegiate 14-3.

Under the lights

The new Community Pavilion opens up outdoor possibilities.

Construction on the new St. Christopher’s Community Pavilion has been completed. Situated between Knowles and Jacobs/ Massey fields, the Pavilion will serve Saints of all ages by providing muchneeded space and shaded seating for outdoor meetings, summer programs and social gatherings. It will also provide a location where students can step out of the classroom and engage in outdoor learning experiences.

Saints sports fans will enjoy dedicated space for food and beverage concessions, bookstore sales and additional bathrooms.

“The spirit of community and the importance of outdoor gatherings have never been more evident at St. Christopher’s. We look forward to the community-building that this pavilion will bring, creating new experiences and memories for our students, families, and fans,” said Headmaster Mason Lecky. The Pavilion was made possible by generous donations from many members of the Saints community, including the parents and grandparents of the Classes of 2022 and 2023.

Director of Capital Improvements Katie Chernau showed off the nearly complete Pavilion on April 1, 2023.

The Importance of Parent Programming

As part of its mandate to promote best practices in nurturing and educating boys, The Center for the Study of Boys (CSB) worked with St. Christopher’s Parents’ Association to develop relevant parent enrichment programming for the 2022-2023 school year and beyond.

“Near the end of last school year, we worked with the leaders of our three divisions to develop a survey for parents,” Lower School Co-Director of Student Life and CSB Coordinator of Parent Programming Jen O’Ferrall said. “We asked them which topics they would be most interested in learning about, and how they’d like the information to be delivered—through on-campus events, Zoom meetings, book clubs, even a podcast.”

The CSB tailored programming to address parents’ most pressing needs. One concern that emerged loud and clear was mental health and, more specifically, what parents should do at home to support their boys’ overall emotional and physical well-being.

In January, CSB and the Middle School Health & Wellness team hosted a conversation on this vital topic with parents of boys in grades 6-8. Then, a few weeks later, Lower School parents attended a similar event, featuring the insights of nurse Liza Clark and counselor

Catherine Graves

Nurse Clark stressed the importance of making healthy food choices and ensuring boys were getting the proper amount of sleep. Counselor Graves gave parents advice on how to identify unhealthy stress and encouraged parents to ensure that home was “a safe place for boys to share their frustrations.”

“I encourage parents to visit the resource section on our website,” said Dr. Kim Hudson, the Center’s director. “There they’ll find recommendations on books, articles and podcasts that provide valuable insight into how we can help our boys grow into good men.”

The CSB tailored programming to address parents’ most pressing needs. One concern that emerged loud and clear was mental health.

Scan this code with your phone to view CSB’s resources for parents

Content is curated to address parents’ specific questions and concerns.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Band and Strings Christmas Concert filled the StC Arts Center with the sounds of the season.

BEAUX TIES VISIT ST. CATHERINE’S

Our favorite harmonizers visited St. Catherine’s and joined the Censations for a toe-tapping session of holiday favorites.

LOWER SCHOOL’S SWEET PRODUCTION OF WILLY WONKA CHARMS YOUNG AND OLD

This past winter’s production of Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka Kids marked director Mary Kathleen Tryer’s 82nd production at St. Christopher’s. For the first time in three years, every boy K-5 had a role to play in the production. That meant four full casts, each containing upwards of 90 boys.

“It really takes a village to make this happen,” Tryer said backstage. ”We depend so much, and are so grateful, for the contributions of our classroom teachers, enrichment teachers, room parents and parent volunteers.”

Another thing that made this year’s musical so memorable is that members of the Class of 2023 stopped by to see the show. Many made their stage debut as kindergarten Oompa Loompas the first time Tryer directed the show at StC. “It really warms my heart when they stop by,” Tryer said. “It’s another great example of the spirit of brotherhood that makes this place so special.”

OUTRÉ’S

MARY POPPINS REACHED NEW HEIGHTS

by Jeremy Dunn, Middle School theater teacher

Outré’s production of Mary Poppins Jr. was remarkable for many reasons. First among them, it was the first Middle School musical directed by St. Christopher’s own Jake Simard; the first new director the winter show has had in over a decade.

Also remarkable was the growth of the technical skills among those involved in the show. Many learned to hold a pneumatic stapler or an impact driver for the first time, while others were mentored in scene painting by Faith Carlson. I will continue to regale anyone who’ll listen about the many talents of our three leading young men of the Class of ‘27, Brodie Schlobohm, Coleman Mayer, and Palmer Berry, plus the 28 other Saints from our campus who contributed their singing, acting and dancing talents to the process (not to mention the same from the 50 more artist friends from St. Catherine’s School).

Above all, this cast and crew will best be remembered for their connection to each other. Theater often bonds us together as a team. This production, however, had something special. The cast and crew moved beyond being a team to become a found family. They supported each other, delighted in each other’s company, and were genuinely invested in this being the best show it could be, because they loved being together so much. This connection, rooted in a shared love for their craft, blossomed on stage and allowed the audience to feel the rapport of the Banks family, their magical nanny, and the Londoners they encountered along the way. It is this bond, over which many tears were shed upon our final gathering, that will forever mark this group as special, beyond their many and varied talents. Bravo.

FALL CROSS COUNTRY

The cross country team won its fifth straight Prep League crown. Eight StC runners earned All-Prep honors: Ford Clark ‘23 (4th, 16:57), Holden Valerie ‘23 (5th, 17:02), Asher Green ‘26 (7th, 17:09), Stephen Proctor ‘23 (8th, 17:11) and Macon Moring ‘23 (10th, 17:36) scored for the Saints. George Beck ‘23 (12th, 17:46), Liam Kurzawa ‘25 (13th, 17:47) and Patrick Mayer ‘24 (14th, 17:47) also finished in the top 15 for All-Prep honors. The team also finished second in the state meet as Green, Moring and Proctor earned all-state accolades.

SOCCER

Soccer won its fifth state VISAA title, defeating Trinity Episcopal 2-0 in the final. The Saints shut out each of their three state tournament opponents. The team finished with a 16-1-4 record, with eight shutouts. All-Prep honorees were Rex Alphen ‘23, Cameron King ‘23 and Wes Wise ‘23. The trio was also named firstteam all-state. Coach Jay Wood earned state coach of the year honors.

FOOTBALL

Varsity football finished 7-4 overall with another state tournament appearance. The season was highlighted by a thrilling comeback 20-14 victory at Douglas Freeman. The Saints followed with a 14-3 win over Collegiate in the first-ever outdoor night game on StC’s campus to end the regular season. Six players earned All-Prep honors: Kirk George ‘23, Darius Gray ‘26, Brandon Jennings ‘24, Konstantinos Kovanes ‘26, Henry Omohundro ‘24 and Jacob Zollar ‘24. George, Gray, John Miles ‘23, Omohundro and Zollar were named all-state.

Sport recap submitted by Assistant Athletic Director Stephen Lewis

George Beck ‘23 (# 380) and Liam Kurzawa ‘25

Cale Roggie ‘23

Beck Mumford ‘23 (left) with Wes Wise ‘23

WINTER

BASKETBALL

Varsity basketball completed the season with a 19-11 record, earning a state tournament bid. Highlights include a dominant performance to win the program’s first-ever Henrico Holiday Hoops tournament, and three wins each over rivals Benedictine and Collegiate. The Saints also placed second in the historic Freeman Basketball Invitational. Brandon Jennings ‘24 earned All-Prep League and Prep League tournament honors, and was named the MVP of the Henrico tourney.

FUTSAL

Futsal finished the season 17-9-2 behind first-year coach Steve Chapman. The Saints combined its two teams for the season-ending Valentine Classic, and earned a top seed coming out of pool play, but fell to eventual champion Banner Christian 3-2 in the quarterfinals.

INDOOR TRACK

The team reeled off a 32-1 dual record before placing second in the Prep League and fifth in the state meet. Victor Olesen ‘26 set a league meet record in a winning pole vault effort, going 15-10. Ford Clark ‘23 (1600M) and the 1600-meter relay team of Clark, Stephen Proctor ‘23, Avi Gupta ‘25 and Bradley Garner ‘23 earned All-Prep honors.

SQUASH

Varsity squash had one of its strongest seasons ever, registering a 14-3 record. The team did not lose to a Virginia school all season. It fared well at the U.S. Nationals, going 3-1 and winning the consolation bracket in Division III. Manoli Loupassi ‘23 and Alex Street ‘23 posted 4-0 records at nationals.

SWIMMING & DIVING

Swimming & diving won its fourth straight Prep League title (2019, 2020, 2022, 2023; the meet was not contested in 2021). The team took its third straight state VISAA crown (2020, 2022-23). Swimming’s All-Prep performers were the 200 free relay team of Carter Perkins ‘23, Brandon Moore ‘23, Alex Gertner ‘25 and Ryan Smith ‘26, the 400 free relay title team of Smith, Gertner, Ben Franks ‘27 and Ben Butterfield ‘25, and Moore (110 butterfly) and Perkins (100 free) individually. The next week the 200 free relay team set a School record at states going 1:24.28 for the win, which also qualified for All-American consideration.

WRESTLING

Wrestling captured its 21st straight Prep League title and coupled it with a state VISAA crown two weeks later. StC boasted 11 individual Prep League champs (Max Buono ‘23, Caleb Haney ‘25, Miles Hinson ‘26, Tyler Hood ‘25, Jack Parker ‘23, Eric Pendlebury ‘26, Cade Petrus ‘23, Cale Roggie ‘23, Drew Roggie ‘26, Richmond Southall ‘23 and Walker Turley ‘26) and seven VISAA champions (Mitchell Faglioni ‘24, Riley Finck ‘23, Haney, Hood, Parker, C. Roggie and D. Roggie). Buono was state runner-up, and Turley placed third. The team also sent 14 wrestlers to National Preps where it finished 8th overall with six All-Americans (Faglioni, Hood, Parker, C. Roggie, D. Roggie and Turley).

Brandon Jennings ‘24

Class Notes

Please send any news and photos for our next issue to Jen Scallon, scallonj@stcva.org.

1956

Tom Hutt continues his role as a Civil War battlefield guide at Ball’s Bluff in Leesburg and at Mt. Defiance in Middleburg. Tom maintains the walking trails, fills potholes and, of course, conducts tours of the battlefields.

1959

Ham Bryson earned an LL.D. from Cambridge University. He also published a new edition of the highly regarded textbook, “Bryson on Virginia Civil Procedure.”

Rusty Rabb and wife Molly visited Cape Town, South Africa, earlier this year. One of their adventures brought them to Table Mountain, the most visited national park in South Africa.

1960

Kenny Greer was proud to attend the all-day wrestling event at St. Christopher’s featuring prep high schools, grade schools and a match pitting UVA against George

Mason. He noted that the Kemper Athletic & Fitness Center is “a far cry better than our quarters 62 years ago.”

1961

Doug Carleton finished his stint writing his monthly column for the Chesterfield Observer entitled ”Eyes on Small Biz.” He now writes a monthly blog entitled “Small Business Should Know,” and serves as Chairman of BizWorks, Chesterfield County’s small business incubator. He has also been a mentor with SCORE since 2011.

1964

Craig Bailey lives in Hidden Valley Lake in Lake County, about 100 miles north of San Francisco. Craig noted, “It’s picturesque, rural, with only the occasional biker gang or celebratory gunfire. I’ve got six bedrooms, so come visit!”

In early January, class members Bumby Gresham, Guy Horsley, Le Frazier, David Satterfield, Bob Purcell, Bob Priddy and Dick Rheutan joined with the Kiwanis Club of Richmond to volunteer for Feed More. The team assembled 1,000 food backpacks for inner city elementary school children to take home for meals on weekends.

1966

Chuck Miller and his wife live in Gibsonville, NC, near their alma mater Elon College. They often visit with brother Joe Miller ‘62 who lives in Gloucester, VA.

Memories from boarding school days

by The Reverend Charles Austin Beckett ‘49

As I think back to leaving for St. Christopher’s, which seemed so far from my home of Chase City, VA, I’ll always remember the teary goodbye I shared at the Greyhound Bus Station with the grandmother who raised me. Little did I know this would be the last time I would see her, as she died just a few months later. Once I began boarding at St. Christopher’s, I learned to wear a necktie for each dinner meal, how to do my laundry, and how to get along with my roommates Rumble and Dormire.

I fondly remember the morning chapels led by Headmaster John Page Williams I dove headfirst into athletics and remember how baseball Coach Jacobs allowed me to bunt leading off each home game for the B Team.

The Saturday afternoon bus trips to downtown gave this country boy his first taste of city life.

St. Christopher’s was where I first received God’s emphatic “call” for me to prepare for pastoral Gospel ministry and eventual overseas missionary service.

I praise God for the boarding school experience.

Rusty Rabb ‘59 at Cape Town’s Table Mountain Members of the Class of 1964 at their annual service project

1967

Ralph Nesbit was inducted into the Richmond Public Schools Hall of Fame this past June to commemorate his accomplishments playing soccer for Thomas Jefferson High School and for helping found the soccer program at Maggie Walker High School. He was previously inducted into both the St. Andrews University and Trinity Episcopal School Halls of Fame. Ralph also recently took part in Trinity Episcopal School’s 50th Anniversary celebrations as a founding faculty member and their first varsity soccer coach.

1968

Ward Cates and his wife Anne celebrated their 50th anniversary by taking a 3,000mile, 22-day remembrance road trip to see surviving members of their wedding party and to visit former houses and old haunts from throughout their marriage. In retirement, Ward spends most of his time in his art studio, while Anne knits caps for chemo patients.

Bill Dennis visited Tokyo, Japan, in November 2022, where he was met at the Narita Airport by classmate Bill Court Bill then went on to visit his youngest daughter Josie at her home in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture.

1975

Tom Baker serves on the Standing Committee for the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and the Board of Shrine Mont. Tom reported that he received an

informative Christmas card from former StC Math Teacher Rives “Doc” Hardy, who wrote, “As a gift to you, Tom, here’s one of your favorite formulas,” and enclosed the Quadratic Formula! Tom had to call on son Richard R. Baker ’08 to identify the formula.

1977

The group that memorably dubbed itself Thugs Inc. had their annual get-together, where they were joined by former Headmaster George McVey

1978

Dick Fowlkes sold his store Peter-Blair to focus on his roles on the Board of Trustees at the Riverdale School and at The Children’s Center, which is dedicated to providing the best early childhood development in the Richmond area. In his leisure time, Dick can be found in his painting studio overlooking Jump Mountain and the Alleghenys in Rockbridge County, VA.

1981

For his most recent book, “Guardians of the Valley,” Dean King traveled to John Muir’s boyhood homes in Dunbar, Scotland, and in rural Wisconsin and spent months roaming Yosemite National Park and the Sierra Nevada.

1982

Jim McLaughlin, previous winner of the 2019 Edgar Award for Best First Novel, has released his second novel, “Panther Gap.”

Bill Dennis ‘68 and Bill Court ‘68 connected in Japan.

Jim McLaughlin ‘82’s new book

Dean King 81’s new book

Class of 1977 “Thugs” reunion

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Rob Storrs ‘70

Professional photographer Rob Storrs has released the collection of his best photographs of 2022. Here are a few highlights:

1986

Clarke Wallace has moved from Charleston, SC, to Keswick, VA.

1990

Greg Case won the 2022 Sports Car Club of America’s Northern Conference Championship and finished 5th at the SCCA National Championship Runoffs in the Prototype 1 class.

1993

Wells Hanley released “Out of Doors,” a new collection of 12 tracks on Blue Yarn Records. The songs were inspired by Hanley’s practice of recording a piano improvisation each evening before bed.

Ray Martin has released two new books of poetry, “Time and Tide” and “Reflections

That’s Greg Case behind the wheel.

Class Notes

on the Water,” which draw from the inspiration of nature, the moments of life, the ocean, the Bible and travel.

1997

Ashby Price has been elected as president of the Board of Directors for the Central Virginia Employee Benefits Council. Ashby is founder and owner of Ashwood Financial Partners.

2001

Joey Ellen is seen here with his son Joseph “Jay” Harry Ellen IV, wife Meghana and their daughter Amara.

Paul Evans and his wife Molly welcomed James Henry “Hank” Evans, born Friday, December 30, 2022 at 8:16 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hospital.

2002

Catherine and Preston Kendig’s son Thomas “Holt” Kendig was born on December 29, 2022.

2004

1994

Tom Gresham, director of news operations at Virginia Commonwealth University, has released “Donnie Baseball,” a widely praised novel about “ambition, thwarted dreams, and the indestructibility of hope.”

Chris Peace is the newly named president of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia Inc. (CICV). Founded in 1971 and based in Bedford, the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, also known as Virginia Private Colleges, is a nonprofit organization representing 27 accredited nonprofit private colleges and universities in Virginia.

1995

Mason Bates’ album, “Philharmonia Fantastique - The Making of the Orchestra,” was nominated for a Grammy Award, making the third time he has been so honored. Mason previously won a Grammy in 2019 for Best Opera Recording for “The (R)evolution of Steve Jobs.”

Tee Valentine and wife Liz had a baby boy, Briggs Boushall Valentine, on December 12, 2022.

2005

James Hoffman and his wife Ellen welcomed Luke “Davis” Hoffman on November 16, 2022.

Baby Briggs is the center of attention in the Valentine household.

Joey Ellen ‘01 with his family

Hank, the son of Paul Evans ‘01

Holt, the son of Preston Kendig ‘02

James Hoffman ’05 and wife Ellen with their son

Class Notes

John Mark DiGrazia ‘08 (center), with fellow 2008 Saints on his wedding day

Neal Moriconi ‘08 with his family

Rachel and Chas Skidmore ‘08 with their daughter

Christopher Alexander ‘09 and his husband Julian

Bart Farinholt ‘09 and his wife Cara

Billy Miller ‘09 surrounded by Saints at his wedding in Las Vegas

Hugh Nicholson has moved to Los Angeles and is working for the local organizing committee of the Los Angeles 2028 (LA28) Olympic and Paralympic Games. He is overseeing and managing the competition and noncompetition venues.

2006

Lauren and Elliott Jones welcomed daughter Berkeley Ingram Jones on October 4, 2022.

2007

We recently learned that Thomas Jenkins and wife Colleen welcomed daughter Spencer Parks Jenkins in November 2021.

Trigg Brown and his Brooklyn-based restaurant Win Son were featured in The New York Times. The article included Trigg’s recipe for roasted peanuts with Chinese five-spice and Sichuan peppercorn, from his cookbook, “Win Son Presents a Taiwanese Cookbook.” The spicy dish, Trigg noted, pairs nicely with your favorite beer. When you’re in Brooklyn, Trigg invites you to visit him at his restaurant.

Neal Moriconi and wife Sarah welcomed Christopher Jensen “CJ” Moriconi on October 30, 2022.

Rachel and Chas Skidmore welcomed Hampton Anne Skidmore on November 11, 2022.

Jennifer and Rob Valentine had a baby girl, Emmet Rose Valentine, on December 9, 2022. Along with the parents, grandad Granville Valentine ‘73 is proud as can be.

2009

Christopher Alexander married Julian van der Made on October 8, 2022 in Grafton, VT. They live in New York City.

Fitz-Henry Bose married Elaina Tirador on October 29, 2022 in Orange Beach, AL.

John David Crossen married Helen Cousar on December 10, 2022.

Bart Farinholt married Cara LeCand Darden on January 21, 2023 in Fort Worth, TX.

Jay Lynde married Dominique Ledyard on November 19, 2022.

Billy Miller married Abbey Smith in Las Vegas on November 5, 2022. Billy currently runs the Las Vegas division of digital asset securities firm Securitize. Caroline and West Smithers welcomed Westwood Coleman “Cole” Smithers on January 11, 2023.

Class Notes

2011

Casey Fox, wife Madison, and son Hudson welcomed Cooper John Fox to the world on November 9, 2022.

2008

John Mark DiGrazia married Madeline England on September 10, 2022 in Atlanta.

Schuyler Doughtie married Madeleine Alderman on October 1, 2022.

Chase Gunter will be graduating from the University of Virginia School of Law this May, after which he will begin working as a public defender.

Ian Kilpatrick’s National Guard unit was deployed as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom - Horn of Africa from December 2021 - September 2022, where he was the Mortar Platoon Leader, leading soldiers deployed across operating bases throughout Somalia, Kenya and Djibouti.

Will Valentine and wife Cele welcomed daughter Darby Valentine on September 19, 2022.

Roasted Peanuts With Chinese Five-Spice and Sichuan Peppercorn as featured in Trigg’s Brooklyn restaurant Win Son.

Cole Smithers

Hudson and Cooper Fox

The Valentine family

Class Notes

You could say Harrison Vance has been busy. He accepted the role of director of corporate strategy with Fortune 500 company Unum, proposed to Erin Watkins with a wedding scheduled for January 2024, and qualified for the 2022 USGA Mid-Amateur golf championship, the winner of which receives a place in the Masters and U.S. Open tournaments.

Jordan Chalkley married Hayley Piercy on October 21, 2022.

2013

Christian Braden married Sarah Schaefer on December 17, 2022 in Athens, GA

Carsten de Wolff married Brenna Magette on November 12, 2022 in Richmond.

Charlie Yorgen married Katherine Maloney in Richmond on October 8, 2022. After four years working for Senator Mark Warner in D.C., Jack English will be returning to Charlottesville in August to pursue an MBA at Darden.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Adam Hugo ‘15 heads to World Games

Adam Hugo was selected to play for the United States Men’s Kayak Polo team in two international competitions in the summer of 2022.

World Games 2022 took place in Birmingham, AL, this year and is run by the Olympic Committee. Held every four years, the event contains disciplines that have not yet been admitted to the Olympics. For kayak polo, the seven best teams in the world plus the host country are invited. Adam said, “I had an awesome time playing against the best in the world and meeting such a wide variety of athletes from across the world.”

The second competition was World Championships 2022, which took place in Saint Omer, France. Adam explained, “This was a Kayak Polo-specific tournament, and it was crazy to see how much bigger the sport is in European countries. The top 24 countries are invited to play across four different pitches. This tournament was much more enjoyable for me personally as we got to play teams that were closer to our skill level, as well as explore a completely different culture.”

Adam is one of the country’s top kayak polo players.

Harrison Vance ‘11

Carsten and Brenna celebrate their nuptials.

Jack English with U.S. Senator Mark Warner

David Millman is the student body president at Dartmouth. He was also a Rhodes Scholarship and Truman Scholarship finalist.

2020

Wheat O’Hagan was named to the All-Academic Team in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) for the second consecutive year. O’Hagan was also selected for the All-Sportsmanship Team, as voted by his coaches and team at Trinity College.

2021

Curtis Hale was named Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference Defensive Co-Player of the Year and first-team all-conference playing for the Colorado College soccer team. Hale led a defense that paced the conference, allowing 0.63 goals per game in conference play. Hale also scored six goals, second on the team. Hale was also named to the all-tournament team.

2022

Firefighter Heaton Lawrence and EMT

Kevin Omohundro took their last shift together at Manakin Fire-Rescue before leaving for college this past August.

IN MEMORIAM

as of February 15, 2023

1945

George Wayne Anderson of Richmond, Virginia, died November 8, 2022. He is survived by his son Edward C. Anderson II ’77 and grandsons

Edward C. Anderson III ’17 and John G. Anderson ’18

1947

Charles Alexander Chilton of Richmond, Virginia, died November 5, 2022.

1950

Charles Larus Reed Jr. of Richmond, Virginia, died December 22, 2022.

1951

John Jeffress Cardwell of Irvington, Virginia, died August 24, 2022.

1956

Henry Cannon Spalding Jr. of Richmond, Virginia, died January 13, 2023. He is survived by his son Henry C. Spalding III ’84

1959

Thomas Thorn Moore Jr. of Charlotte, North Carolina, died August 31, 2022. He is survived by his brother Hullihen W. Moore ’61

In Memoriam continues on next page

Heaton and Kevin during their last shift together

George Anderson ‘45

Charles Reed Jr. ‘50

Charles Chilton ‘47

John Cardwell ‘51

Henry Spalding Jr. ‘56 Thomas Moore Jr. ‘59

Continued from previous page

1959

Dr. James Bannister Stone III of Wytheville, Virginia, died October 17, 2022.

1962

Lindsay Gordon Dorrier Jr. of Crozet, Virginia, died January 30, 2023. He is survived by his brother E. Bruce Dorrier ’67

1972

Edward King Bedinger of Southworth, Washington, died December 2, 2022. He is survived by his brother Robert W. Bedinger Jr. ’70

1976

James Pleasant Massie III of Richmond, Virginia, died January 25, 2023.

1978

Harry Hudnall Ware IV of Middleburg, Virginia, died February 4, 2023. He is survived by his father H. Hudnall Ware III ’50 and brothers W. Compton Ware ’80, John W. Ware ’85, Robert L. Ware ’90 and Samuel L. Ware ’90

1979

The Honorable Aston Donald McEachin of Richmond, Virginia, died November 28, 2022.

1998

Conard Blount Mattox IV of Richmond, Virginia, died December 10, 2022. He is survived by his sons Conard B. Mattox V ’30, Frank W. Mattox ’34 and Henry H. Mattox ’33

2021

William Harrison Coble of Richmond, Virginia, died December 28, 2022.

John Lucas Fergusson of Richmond, Virginia, died February 2, 2023. He is survived by his father John D. Fergusson ’81

Faculty, Staff and Board of Governors

Richard D. Enemark of Pacific Grove, California, died September 18, 2022. He was the assistant headmaster of the School.

Carroll Northen Fowlkes of Richmond, Virginia, died December 8, 2022. “Mert” worked in the Alumni and Development office.

Billie Grace Webb Howell of Richmond, Virginia, died January 27, 2023. She was a teacher in the Lower School.

Norwood B. Woodard Jr. of Raleigh, North Carolina, died November 20, 2022. While at St. Christopher’s, he served as head of the Lower and Middle Schools.

Lindsay Dorrier ‘62

Jim Stone ‘59

Ned Bedinger ‘72

Jimmie Massie III ‘76 Hudnall Ware ‘78

Richard Enemark

Matt Mattox ‘98

Billie Grace Howell

Don McEachin ‘79

Mert Fowlkes

Woody Woodard

Harrison Coble ‘21

Luke Fergusson ‘21

“I got to know Don after he was elected to Congress in 2016. The son of a school teacher and an Army veteran, public service was in Don’s DNA. He fought for justice, for civil rights, and for communities that are often left behind. May God bless Don McEachin, Colette, and the entire McEachin family.”

REFLECTIONS ON A PATRIOT In Remembrance of Don McEachin, St. Christopher’s Class of 1979

by Mark Jones ‘79

The signature in my “Raps and Taps” reads “A.D. McEachin ’79: The Start of Something Great!”

I can’t go into detail about the rest of the message, but it was clear now that Don was right. The commencement of the St. Christopher’s School Class of 1979 was indeed the start of a great run for many of the members of that class, not the least of whom was my friend, Aston Donald McEachin.

I knew Don for many years before either of us arrived at St. Christopher’s, he in fifth grade, me in ninth grade. We were both acolytes at St. Philip’s Church, and were both Boy Scouts in Troop 498 in Northside Richmond. When I arrived at St. Christopher’s in 1975, Don was a familiar and welcoming presence; a thoughtful, caring friend who went above and beyond to help me navigate my new environment. Although he was as carefree and fun-loving as the rest of us, Don was also more focused and more driven than most.

Indeed, Don had decided very early in his life that his long-term goal was to be president of the United States. Few of us took this as a serious career option at the time. But in retrospect, the ways he chose to focus his education, hone his social skills, and

develop his leadership skills as captain of the varsity basketball and track teams would help him achieve his goal.

As he continued on his journey, Don made all the right moves. He attended American University in Washington, D.C., and went on to earn his law degree from the University of Virginia. A successful law career followed, then election to the state House of Delegates and the Senate. Indeed, my good friend appeared to be on his way to the ambition he shared with us back at St. Christopher’s. But for the cruel fate of a diagnosis of cancer at age 51, we will never know how close he would have come to achieving that goal.

Despite this devastating diagnosis and the grueling treatment regimen that followed, and with the superhuman support of his wonderful wife Colette, Don continued to serve his constituents, his state and his country. Through it all, Don never complained. He fought, he persevered, he worked, he served and he smiled. He fought the good fight fiercely, he finished the race strong, and he kept the faith gracefully. He was a true Saint, one of whom we can all be proud.

from the “Statement from President Joe Biden on the Passing of Congressman Donald McEachin”

Alumni Gatherings

New York City, NY

SWIFT HIBERNIAN LOUNGE | JANUARY 31, 2023

Washington, D.C.

METROPOLITAN CLUB | FEBRUARY 23, 2023

An Evening Under the Pines

Auction night at Richmond’s Main Street Station

On Saturday, February 25, the St. Christopher’s community gathered at Richmond’s Main Street Station for An Evening Under the Pines. With over 525 guests, it was the best-attended auction in StC history.

Among the many silent and live auction items up for bid, winners took home memorable dining experiences, travel packages to exciting locations like Argentina and Italy, a Toyota 4Runner from McGeorge Toyota and the evening’s cutest prize, a chocolate Labrador puppy.

Thanks to the wonderful generosity of the St. Christopher’s community, the three division libraries will be upgraded to state-of-the-art learning centers and will be transformed into comfortable and inviting places for Saints to study, collaborate and foster a lifelong love of learning.

Upper School House Dean, Teacher of Science, and Coach Bucka Watson and his wife Savannah welcomed Rebecca James Watson to the world on December 26, 2022.

Our faculty and staff beyond campus

engage with interested attendees looking to dig deeper into specific topics.

Upper School Teacher of English and Coach Elizabeth Berry maintained her National Board Certification in English Language Arts—Adolescence and Young Adulthood from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The Board believes, “Educators must help students understand their role in a diverse world, value individual differences, and … in the power of the teaching profession to defend what is good and right for all people.”

In January, members of the St. Christopher’s Development and Communications teams attended the CASE-NAIS Independent Schools Conference in New York City.

Jim Jump attended a conference of boys school college counselors held at St. Albans, where he had lunch with St. Christopher’s former Upper School Chaplain Melissa Hollerith. Jim, our retiring director of college counseling and Upper School academic dean was also quoted in a Forbes article on how ChatGPT, the artificial intelligence program known for its ability to write in a conversational tone, might impact the future of the college essay.

St. Christopher’s George Squires Chair and Writer-in-Residence Ron Smith’s fifth and longest volume, “That Beauty in the Trees,” has been published. Mr. Smith was recognized as a 2023 Morehead-Cain “Impact Educator” for his “positive impact on the lives of scholars.”

Court, director of the arts, and her husband Ben would like to introduce daughter Isla Wynne, born September 29, 2022.

Dr. Ann Vanichkachorn joined with colleagues from Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools (TOPSS) to create “Stress and Health: A Six-Lesson Unit Plan for High School Psychology Teachers.”

Published by the American Psychological Association, the plan is built on a series of critical thinking exercises that enable students to identify different types of stress, analyze the stress response, assess stress management and coping strategies, and promote their own mental and physical health, among other key topics.

Kerry and

Maryn Massell married Jeramey Ward on December 10, 2022, with their children Reese (St. Catherine’s ‘32), Jay ‘34 and Eleanore participating in the ceremony.

In late March, Dr. Derek Porter presented a 50-minute poster session entitled “Bias Detectives: Document-Based Questioning for All Students” at the National Council for History Education Annual Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. During poster sessions, presenters

Rebecca James Watson Kerry

Isla Wynne

On December 10, 2022, Mary Anderson, Jen O’Ferrall, Isabel Shealy, Brian Zollinhofer, Amy Buerlein and Ed Cowell (not pictured) were among the nearly 8,000 independent school educators and students who attended the 2022 NAIS People of Color Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

(L-R) Davis Wrinkle ‘81, Penny Lowrey, Stephen Davenport ‘08, Jane Garnet Brown, Jennifer Scallon, Blair Belote, Ashley Cameron, Andrew Chesebro

Catching up with a New (to StC) Teacher

We visited with Elizabeth Berry, Upper School teacher of English and coach, to ask her what it was like to come to St. Christopher’s after years of teaching at Deep Run High School.

Can you remember how you felt on your first day here?

Any first day of school brings excitement and some jitters, and this year —my 15th year teaching—was no different! After preparing for the start of the school year with a lot of teacher meetings and long days spent lesson planning, I was ready to meet my new students in August and start teaching. Since I also started coaching JV soccer at StC in the fall, I was immediately immersed in the school community. This kept me busy, but it was a great way to meet students, fellow coaches and other faculty and staff members. Everyone was so welcoming to me, I felt immediately included in the StC community.

What event stands out most from your first few months at StC?

One event that stands out in my mind was attending the Annual Fall Festival with my husband William, son Grayson ‘33 and daughter Brianne. My husband teaches at St. Catherine’s, my son is a second grader here, and my daughter attends JK at St. Catherine’s. Walking around, among the four of us, we saw so many people we knew! My daughter was excited to bump into some of her new friends from JK, my son saw his teacher with her family and, of course, my husband and I saw many of our students having fun at the Festival or volunteering their time to help the younger kids. We ended the day watching an StC soccer game with some colleagues and their kids, and I remember just thinking, “Wow, this is an amazing community. I’m so grateful for my family to be a part of this.”

What did you learn from your first few months at StC?

As a teacher, you are constantly adapting your lessons and instructional approaches to meet the needs of your current students, and this year, I’ve been challenged by not only teaching all new students, but by also teaching some new English classes. However, it has been fun to research and read new texts and turn these new ideas into lessons that are applicable to my boys’ lives and their learning. I’ve also learned a lot from meeting and working with my colleagues in the English department at StC. I think sometimes educators can become stagnant in their teaching approaches and ideas, and this year has been quite the refresh for me!

“This is an amazing community. I’m so grateful for my family to be a part of this.”

Elizabeth Berry, Upper School teacher of English and coach

RETIRING FACULTY & STAFF

RON SMITH

A remarkable halfcentury as a Saint

by George Knowles, digital media manager

Ron Smith first set foot on St. Christopher’s leafy campus on a beautiful spring day in 1972. The sun was shining, the dogwoods were blooming, and as he got out of his car, he looked on as a student and a teacher encountered each other on the Terraces—and traded jovial barbs as they passed.

“I think I like this atmosphere,” Mr. Smith said to himself.

The close, supportive teaching relationships between the boys and faculty at StC are a big part of what’s kept Smith here for so long. But this May, after 51 years of teaching, he’ll be moving on. Since joining StC, Smith has poured his soul into the Upper School English curriculum. He served as chairman of the department from 1981-2002, founded the StC Writers’ Institute in 2002, and became the School’s writer-in-residence in 1994.

For generations of Saints, Ron Smith is a legend. He’s known for his intellectual discipline, academic precision and boundless dedication to his students. He’s demanding, and he takes the business of educating young men very seriously. “When students are in my classroom, I’m giving them everything I’ve got,” said

Smith. The educator delights in moments where, through careful readings or spirited discussions, he witnesses intellectual breakthroughs in his boys. “You can actually see a guy sit up, and he’s got this look on his face. He gets it.”

Key Randolph, a former English teacher at StC, has the distinction of being one of Smith’s students before joining him as an educator in the English department. As a young man, Randolph remembers being impressed not only by Smith’s reputation as a hard-charging football coach, but also by his intellectualism. “My first day at StC in 1982 was Ron’s class,” he said. “I remember sitting in the front row, and I very quickly appreciated his ability to talk about language and motivate me,” said Randolph. “Here was a tough, accomplished football player who also wrote poetry. In a way, Ron almost gave me permission to like books and to enjoy reading and writing.”

Stephen Davenport ‘08 remembers Smith as an influential mentor who so greatly influenced him that he chose English as a major in college. “He was a phenomenal teacher. He had an extraordinary way of

connecting with the boys,” said Davenport. Smith was also prone to conducting surprise quizzes, and Davenport remembers coming to dread the phrase, “Class, take out a pen and paper!”

Smith was a football coach for the first 12 years of his StC career, and he was just as relentless on the athletic field. He coached Davis Wrinkle ‘81 for two years, who recalls Smith’s hard-charging coaching methods. “He had a way of inspiring and leading us,” said Wrinkle. “He would never ask you to do something that he wouldn’t do himself.” Smith’s leadership style stayed with Wrinkle beyond his years as a student at StC. “Ron expected excellence. He taught us the importance of doing things right and not taking the details for granted. His attention to detail was unmatched.”

George McVey, StC’s former headmaster, remembers Smith (or “Big Ron”) as a force of nature on the football field as well as the classroom. “I think the early football days established his reputation,” he said. “Over the years he really developed into quite an English teacher, and the School has been lucky to have what he has to offer.”

Alongside his teaching duties, Smith launched an accomplished career as a writer and a poet. He’s the author of “Running Again in Hollywood Cemetery,” and his poetry has appeared in The Nation, The Southern Review and Kenyon Review, among many other publications. In 2014, he was appointed Poet Laureate of the Commonwealth of Virginia by Gov. Terry McAuliffe, and a book of Smith’s newest poems, “Beauty in the Trees,” was published in spring 2023.

Smith may have been a teacher most of his life, but he’s also driven by a desire to learn more, experience new things, travel and grapple with novel ideas. “Ron has a deep sense of curiosity and a desire to keep learning,” said English Teacher Wood. “To me, that’s probably one of the most important traits about staying in the game as a teacher for a long time.”

Once a week, Smith co-leads the Philosophy Club meetings with Math Teacher Emmett Carlson School boys get together to explore intellectual subjects between classes. “What I get out of it is some joyful, delightful, precise thinking,” said Smith.

Top Left: Ron Smith in the classroom

Top right: Before arriving at St. Christopher’s, Ron anchored University of Richmond’s offensive line.

Bottom: Smith in his classroom circa the 1970s.

RETIRING FACULTY & STAFF

CORYDON BAYLOR

He nurtured a love of literature for countless Saints.

Over the past 39 years, students walking into Corydon Baylor’s Middle School English classroom have been struck by two things: The lush greenery that rings the room, and the charm and humor that flows from the teacher.

From the first text he taught in 1984 (Richard Wright’s groundbreaking novel, “Native Son”) to the last class he’ll lead before he retires at the end of this school year (discussing Shakespeare’s “Merchant of Venice”), Mr. Baylor has always found just the right balance between rigor and humor.

“It always starts with humor,” Baylor remarked. He used that humor to create connection, but he made sure his boys knew when it’s time to get down to business. That way, he subtly taught them the invaluable life skill of being able to come back to focus. It’s why he described his classroom as “loose, but strict.”

His objective has always been to prepare Middle School boys for Upper School by teaching them how to think about and analyze literature at a higher level. Giving them the chance to hone their critical thinking skills is a key step in their development not only as students, but as leaders.

Looking back on 39 years, Mr. Baylor is struck by how much has changed, and the important things that have stayed the same.

When he first came to St. Christopher’s, the Middle School was not yet air conditioned. “You’d open up the windows in September and May, and the kids loved watching the birds and bugs fly around the room,” he remembered.

Back then, all grading was done by hand. There were no photocopiers and certainly no laptops. The day computers came to town was a great one. “I no longer had to try to decipher their handwriting. And they couldn’t lose their work! That’s a blessing for them, and their parents.”

There’s one very important thing that hasn’t changed, however. “Honor still comes first, just as it did when I first came here. Chapel still plays an important role in the boys’ lives. If anything, the values are even more purposefully woven into everything the School does. It’s been a great thing to witness, especially the idea of educating the Whole Boy.”

In addition to being a beloved teacher, Mr. Baylor has also served as grade-level chair and honor council participant for over 20 years. He’s coached many different sports, including baseball, tennis, track, soccer and his favorites, golf and waterman.

He’s looking forward to visiting his son Wells Baylor ’11, who lives in D.C., and spending time here in Richmond with his daughter Allie (a St. Catherine’s grad) and her family, including grandsons Gus, aged 4, and Peter, who’s 1. He’s already got some classes lined up at VCU, including a master gardener program.

His objective has always been to prepare Middle School boys for Upper School by teaching them how to think about and analyze literature at a higher level.

Mr. Baylor has mixed emotions about retirement. He relishes the thought of being on the golf course while his colleagues, whom he adores, are toiling in the classroom. But he’ll miss the boys. And mostly, he said, “I’ll miss having all those great stories to tell my wife at the end of the day.”

JIM JUMP

by Tony Szymendera, director of strategic priorities

Imagine you had a co-worker, collaborator, colleague whom you could implicitly trust with the toughest, thorniest and most troubling of decisions. Someone who had the courage to tell you when they thought you were wrong, and the ability to do it without crushing your ego. Imagine they stood by you, steadfastly, for decades. You would have to feel pretty lucky and pretty sure that their support helped you be successful in whatever you undertook.

I did not have to imagine. Because I’ve known Jim Jump for over 30 years. And now, Jim has made the decision many of us have dreaded for some time. As he has counseled countless young men and women over many years about the next stage in their lives, Jim has finally decided it is his turn to move from this phase to the next. No more Early Decision deadlines. No more feeling and experiencing the college decisions, positive or negative, with a boy and his family.

But that only begins to scratch the surface of what Jim Jump has meant to this community. Yes, you would have to go far to find someone in the college admissions world who has been cited and quoted as often as Jim. The New York Times, The Chronicle of Higher Education, Newsweek, Forbes and others will have

to cull new sources for perspectives on the ever-changing landscape of college admissions practices. And, of course, college and university admission deans —whether they would admit it publicly or not—will miss Jim’s knowledge and insight into their highly charged world.

Jim’s work and influence has brought tremendous prestige to St. Christopher’s over many years. But he would be the last to mention any of that, certainly in any manner that would bring attention to him.

In the same way, most would not know that Jim’s handwriting is all over any significant document which the School has produced over the last three decades. VAIS SelfStudies and Reports. Strategic Plans. Mission and Vision Statements. Core Values. If it has been and is important in expressing the most significant aspects of the St. Christopher’s community, Jim Jump’s name is on it. More accurately, Jim wrote it, but his name is probably NOT on it.

And that is why Jim is one of the most cherished members of the faculty and administration. There is never any question of Jim’s motives: they are always for the good of the School and its boys. Always.

Students knew they could always trust their hopes and dreams, their previous

13 years of work to someone who would hear, challenge and affirm them in a loving manner. Parents were assured of truly honest guidance and determined commitment to their sons’ academics and their college plans. And faculty knew Jim’s questions and words were always true or, more importantly, in pursuit of truth in any situation.

Teacher, advisor, counselor, coach, confidant, writer, thinker, philosopher, friend and so much more, Jim has positively impacted the lives of thousands individually and this community collectively.

New York Yankees great Yogi Berra once said, “You don’t have to swing hard to hit a home run. If you got the timing, it’ll go.” Jim never seemed to swing hard, but his timing was always perfect.

He helped thousands of St. Christopher’s boys pursue their dreams.

There is never any question of Jim’s motives: they are always for the good of the School and its boys. Always.

RETIRING FACULTY & STAFF

BILLY ABBOTT

A quiet legacy of excellence

Billy Abbott is a humble man. He’d much rather teach than talk about the thousands of students he’s inspired, or the many accomplishments he’s enjoyed as an educator, mentor, administrator and coach. While those accomplishments speak for themselves, Mr. Abbott’s retirement gives us the perfect opportunity to appreciate all he has done for our community—to reflect on his quiet legacy of excellence.

Billy Abbott first joined St. Christopher’s faculty for the 1996-1997 school year, following 17 years teaching history at Monacan High School—where he taught StC’s Kim Hudson and was Charlie Hudson’s wrestling coach. Then, through a master’s-level administration program at VCU, Abbott met Tony Szymendera. Tony immediately realized the great contributions Abbott could make to St. Christopher’s community, and invited him to consider a career at the school.

“I was taking classes to become an administrator,” Billy said. “In the public school system, you have to leave the classroom if you want to be an administrator, and I didn’t like the thought of that. So, when Tony said St. Christopher’s offered me the chance to do both, I knew it was the place for me.”

Soon after he joined the St. Christopher’s faculty, Abbott took on the role of dean of students, which he held for over 20 years. “With teaching, I got to know the boys

as students,” he remembered. “As dean, I really got to know them, and their family members, as people.”

While Mr. Abbott is primarily known as a history teacher, there were those few years when he also taught 10th grade health. That provided the wonderfully awkward opportunity to teach his son Will Abbott ‘13 the 10th grade health curriculum. While it was an interesting challenge for Billy, it was downright mortifying for his son.

“Billy brought consistency, thoughtfulness and enthusiasm to school every day,” noted fellow History Teacher Greg Tune. “He defined the hard right over the easy wrong, no matter the cost. I learned a lot from him and will miss working with him greatly.”

“What I’ve always tried to do is give my students the ability to understand the present by looking at the past—helping them develop the tools to understand what has happened so they can help our world move forward. I’ve always loved the Faulkner quote, ‘History is not was, it is.’”

In addition to his teaching, Mr. Abbott has served the community as a wrestling

coach, leveraging his own experience as a wrestler in high school and at his alma mater Hampden-Sydney. He also helped out with the mountain biking team.

As he moves on from teaching, Mr. Abbott is looking forward to “seeing as much of the world as I can” with Heidi, his wife of 32 years. He’s also providing counsel and advice to daughter Kate, who is studying to become a teacher. He feels blessed to have been a part of such a talented faculty, and relishes the opportunity to share with her the wisdom he’s gained from his peers.

“He defined the hard right over the easy wrong, no matter the cost. I learned a lot from him and will miss working with him greatly.”

- Greg Tune, teacher of history

TISH TAYLOR

The St. Christopher’s Community bids a fond farewell to the voice of the School.

For the past 25 years, Switchboard Operator Patricia “Tish” Taylor has been one of the great unsung heroes of the St. Christopher’s family.

Whether you realize it or not, you know her—and the care and love she puts into everything she does for our boys, our parents and our neighbors. Hers is the friendly voice you hear when you call St. Christopher’s main number. Hers are the hands that tie a ribbon around each and every diploma. She is the one who happily handles the details that many may not even notice, but all appreciate.

Taylor first came to St. Christopher’s in the fall of 1998. Initially she was brought in to provide some short-term help, but she made such a positive impression that she was asked to join the School full time. She quickly became a go-to for new faculty and staff, patiently answering questions and providing an empathetic ear.

“One of Tish’s many wonderful qualities is her sincere joy at meeting new people and turning an acquaintance into a friend,” said Maryn Ward, business manager. This notion is echoed by Taylor’s business office colleagues Laura Dick and Terry Dalton, who also described her contributions as “too many to count.”

Her nurturing spirit and attention to detail can also be seen in the meticulously maintained plants that line the walkway leading to the door of the business office. In addition to caring for that greenery, Taylor has also helped countless faculty and friends “rescue” their gardening gaffes.

In retirement, Taylor is looking forward to spending more time with her beloved family: son Z. Nathan Taylor, Ph.D. ‘01, daughter in-law Dr. Pooja Taylor and granddaughter Indali; her daughter Sarah Gillespie and son-in-law Dr. Nathan Gillespie; and, of course, her granddog Gigi.

“We owe so much to Tish,” noted Headmaster Mason Lecky. “Not only has she been the voice of St. Christopher’s for these many years, she has also provided much of the heart and soul that makes this such a special place.”

“We owe so much to Tish. Not only has she been the voice of St. Christopher’s for these many years, she has also provided much of the heart and soul that makes this such a special place.”

-Mason Lecky, headmaster

RETIRING FACULTY & STAFF

FLIP PHILPY

Remembering 25 years as a Saint

Buford “Flip” Philpy, who retired this past fall, has seen St. Christopher’s School from perspectives few ever will. As St. Christopher’s painter and maintenance extraordinaire for 25 years, his work took him to every nook and cranny of campus —often up on a ladder much higher than most of us would find comfortable.

“I’ve been up, through and under every building at St. Christopher’s. Every once in a while, you’d crawl under a building or take down a wall and find things you’d never expect,” laughed Philpy.

While it could be a challenge to answer that 4:30 a.m. alarm, it was the element of the unexpected that Flip enjoyed most during his time with St. Christopher’s. He fondly remembers coming to campus every day and looking forward to what the day had in store for him, whatever that might be. “The best thing about working for St. Christopher’s was obviously the people, but it was also the fact that you’d see something new every day,” he said.

Over the last 25 years, Philpy has witnessed—and made important contributions to—StC’s dramatic evolution.

He’s seen the construction of Bolling Field House, the Lower School buildings, Alumni Hall, Ryan Dining Hall, Gottwald Science Building and StC’s Arts Center. “When I first started working here, there were just hundreds of pine trees everywhere,” he said.

Philpy made a friend of everyone who met him. Mark Gentry, StC’s director of facilities, remarked on Flip’s generosity and kindness. “He has a great sense of humor and will do anything in the world for you,” said Gentry.

Ricky Jones, building and grounds manager, worked alongside Flip for 25 years, doing everything from working on vehicles to everyday maintenance. “He was easygoing, just a good soul,” said Jones. “He was meticulous, and he loved a clean car.”

Mr. Philpy may be officially retired, but you haven’t seen the last of him. He’ll be on campus during the summers to paint and work on other maintenance jobs. “I’m looking forward to the summers. I’ll get to see a lot of familiar faces,” said Flip.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

National Merit Scholars

We’re proud to salute these six Saints, who each scored in the top 1 percentile of PSAT test takers nationwide.

Charles Aghdami ‘23

Gerrett Broussard ‘23

Charles Konvicka ‘23

Theodore Price ‘23

Marc Revilla ‘23

Wyatt Townsend ‘23

AP Scholar

Congratulations to these 29 Saints who received scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP Exams.

Sterling Austin ‘22

Charles Bayler ‘22

Nathanial Broughton ‘22

Gerrett Broussard ‘23

Scott Butterfield ‘23

James Clark ‘23

Parker Cullinan ‘22

Jake Flippen ‘22

John George ‘23

Jacob Gray ‘23

Cecil Herrington ‘22

Max Hladky ‘22

James Hunter ‘22

Lane Jones ‘22

Maximilian Kobal ‘23

Charles Konvicka ‘23

George Ladd ‘22

Quintin Levy ‘23

Eli Martin ‘22

Hamilton Mueller ‘22

Scott Neely ‘22

David Owen ‘22

Luke Pendlebury ‘23

Edward Poarch ‘23

Joshua Powell ‘22

William Rees ‘22

William Tunner ‘22

Henry Willett ‘23

Forrest Woodward ‘23

AP Scholar With Honor

Congratulations to these 18 Saints who received an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of these exams.

Nathan Aschheim ‘22

George Beck ‘23

James Boyd ‘22

Cade Bridges ‘22

Richard Dodson ‘23

Bowen Hall ‘23

Alexander Hatfield ‘23

Peter Huff ‘23

Alan Jones ‘22

Cameron King ‘23

Mason King ‘22

Austin Levin ‘23

Jeffrey Mitchell ‘23

William Oakey ‘22

Cabell Pasco ‘23

Mason Stanley ‘23

Alexander Street ‘23

Wyatt Townsend ‘23

AP Scholar with Distinction

Congratulations to these 30 Saints who received an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams.

Charles Aghdami ‘23

Langdon Allen ‘22

Edward Boehling ‘22

Robert Bowles ‘22

Mason Carter ‘22

Ewan Cross ‘22

Evan DiCosmo ‘22

Preston Dillard ‘22

Christopher Durette ‘22

Patrick Fitch ‘22

Nathan Glerum ‘22

Luke Gresham ‘22

William Hall ‘22

Jackson Hill ‘22

James Ireland ‘22

Henry Leister ‘22

Alexander Lim ‘22

Reginald Long ‘22

Nicholas Manetas ‘23

Taylor McDermott ‘22

Jackson Mitchell ‘22

Griffin Moore ‘22

Macon Moring ‘23

Kevin Omohundro ‘22

Theodore Price ‘23

Marc Revilla ‘23

Rohan Simon ‘22

James Southall ‘23

Samuel Stocks ‘22

William Wise ‘22

St. Christopher’s School welcomes qualified students to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation or national or ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid policies and athletic and other School-administered programs.

A puppy always brings the boys together.