The Magazine of St. Christopher’s
Reimagining Richmond Meet the Saints driving the City's future.
2023 Commencement
2022-23 Annual Report
The Magazine of St. Christopher’s
StC Magazine Staff HEADMASTER Mason Lecky DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Sharon Dion EDITOR Aynsley Fisher VISUAL CONTENT EDITORS Ashley Cameron and George Knowles ALUMNI NEWS EDITOR Jennifer Scallon PHOTOGRAPHERS Jay Paul and Jesse Peters GRAPHIC DESIGN Merry Alderman Design
Eighth grade students at Shalom Farms in September. See more around campus on page 14.
CONTRIBUTORS Marie Ayers, Scott Butterfield '23, Kerry Court, Cappy Gilchrist, Karen Glasco, Stephen Lewis, Marissa Sanghvi, Karen Wormald, Davis Wrinkle '81 COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Draper
St. Christopher’s School 711 St. Christopher’s Road Richmond, VA 23226 P. (804) 282-3185 www.stchristophers.com
At the first meeting of the Lower School Literary Society, students recited poems for students, faculty and parents.
Correction: The spring issue of StC magazine said that new Upper School Head Jake Westermann attended The Wheeler School. He worked at The Wheeler School while attending Brown University. He attended Ward Melville High School. We regret the error.
IN THIS ISSUE C H A PEL TA LK | 4
Seek Opportunities to Lead Scott Butterfield ‘23
FACULT Y VOICE | 6
Putting Down Roots Marissa Sanghvi
F E AT U R E STORY | 8
Reimagining Richmond Meet the Saints driving the city's future.
DEPA RTMEN TS FINAL PROGR A MS | 28
Message from the Headmaster
2
2023 Commencement
Happenings on Campus
14
The Center for the Study of Boys Update
16
2022-23 | 62
Annual Report
Homecoming 18 Spring Arts Recap
24
Spring Sports Recap
26
New Faculty & Staff
40
Alumni Gatherings & Reunions
44
Class Notes
52
MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER
A Time of Great Strength for StC 119 New Students 34 New Employees 88% Admissions Yield Highest number of applications in two decades Over 3,000 donors to The St. Christopher’s Fund in 2022-23
Dear Saints, We have enjoyed a smooth and joyful start to the 2023-2024 school year. We welcomed 119 new students and 34 new employees to campus this fall, likely the largest cohort of new students and employees in School history. We have endeavored to greet these new community members with “radical hospitality,” embracing the Episcopal ethos of inclusion and belonging. Our newest Saints join St. Christopher’s at a time of great strength for your school, as illustrated by the following data points: We continue to enjoy strong family satisfaction and market demand. Applications for the 2023-2024 school year reached the highest level in two decades and likely the second highest level in School history. Our admissions yield rate (the percentage of families who accept our offer of admission) was an astounding 88%, the highest in School history, and our attrition rate (the percentage of families who leave St. Christopher’s) was at a near-record low of 2.8%. As of the publishing date for this magazine, applications for the coming school year (2024-2025) are tracking up by more than 40% relative to last year’s historic figures. As you will see in the Annual Report section of this publication, philanthropy continues to soar at St. Christopher’s. The generosity of the Saints community this past year was astounding, enabling another record-breaking year for our annual fund, The St. Christopher’s Fund. Over 3,000 donors (a School record) contributed over $2.3 million to The Fund (also a School record), with an average gift of $572. Our Day of Giving, in honor of our faculty and staff, shattered previous records. Our alumni (44%), parent (72%), and faculty/staff (83%) participation continues to be robust, demonstrating commitment to providing an exceptional education for the boys in our care. As we enter the third year of our strategic plan, Momentum 2025, several exciting initiatives are coming to fruition. With four strategic priorities and 30 discrete
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objectives, Momentum 2025 covers all aspects of school life. As an example of one objective already accomplished, this fall we launched our new Community Pillars, which are Schoolwide core values. These Pillars–Honor & Integrity, Pursuit of Excellence, and Community & Brotherhood– are on display on new banners atop campus light posts and in prominent locations inside key campus buildings. More importantly, they are being inculcated into the daily vernacular and lessons we teach our boys–in Chapel, in the classrooms, hallways, performance spaces, and playing fields. Of course, these values are not new to St. Christopher’s; we are simply communicating and emphasizing them with greater intent and consistency. Finally, as our magazine feature attests, St. Christopher’s is living its strategic plan and enjoying remarkable success at a moment of significant growth and progress for the City of Richmond.
It is worth pausing and noting the myriad ways our city and region have changed over the past decade and more, with an optimistic eye to what the future will bring. Not surprisingly, several Saints are key drivers and leaders in the positive change taking place today and tomorrow in Richmond. Thank you for your dedication and unwavering support of St. Christopher’s. I am proud to serve as headmaster of this incredible community. Gratefully,
Mason Lecky Headmaster
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CHAPEL TALK
Seek Opportunities to Lead in Everything You Do by Scott Butterfield ‘23
Chris Beach '23 and Scott Butterfield '23 outside the chapel
I want to thank Mr. Lecky and Reverend Ohmer for inviting us back to campus. Now, I could flatter myself and think that we were their first choices, but it is more likely we were chosen because we are the closest option. It is weird to think that my entire education has taken place inside a 2-mile radius, but it’s probably a good thing because it provides me the opportunity to speak with you all this morning. I took Mr. Lecky’s class on leadership because I was very interested in the subject but, more importantly, I believed that it would be a lot of fun hanging out with my buddies and having only a small amount of work. However, I quickly realized that Mr. Lecky was not planning on just hanging out when the first night we were already slammed with two 50-page readings. When we asked if there had been a mistake in the assignment, Mr. Lecky proceeded to tell us about
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the speed reading class he took at UVA, and that he apparently completed the readings in 30 minutes. He really wasn’t lying when he said, “It’s been a long time since I last taught.”
searching for my role in the community, time passed, and before I knew it, we were voting for our senior student council core. And to my disbelief, I had been nominated and, of course, I accepted.
As we began looking at different leaders, I was able to take a more reflective look into my experiences in leadership. Since the third grade, I wanted to be on the student council. So, each year I put myself in the ring and presented my speech before the class. And each year I would lose, over and over again. I always took a more realistic approach to my policies, but no third grader wants one pizza party when my opponent is promising vending machines in the classrooms. Eventually, I stopped running because I believed that my luck was never going to change. I felt that I was stuck without achieving this one goal.
Suddenly, the fear of knowing I have one week to produce a speech sets in, and I start scrambling to look up if I can fit a vending machine in every classroom. But I settled down and began setting up meetings with various faculty members to organize my primary points and see if my campaign promises would, in fact, be
Finally, the beginning of freshman year rolled around and somehow I was nominated for the Missionary Society. But, I was still just as excited because I saw my opportunity to get involved and fulfill my role as a critical leader in the St. Chris community. I was not fortunate enough to be elected. So I continued
possible. Finally, it is speech day, and just like today I am sweating a very uncomfortable amount, and I am making an awkward amount of eye contact with Mr. Green. But I successfully presented my ideas and felt incredible knowing I put myself back into the arena. The rest of that day was incredible as everyone told me how well spoken I was and that they agreed with my proposed agenda. Two weeks later, the results are announced and I wait with expectation of hearing my name called out, but that moment never came, and I was crushed by disappointment and anger. I began to selfishly look at who was elected to compare our speeches, and I was in complete shock that I was not elected. Now I think we can agree that this is a very immature reaction, but it taught me to turn my focus toward leading without a defined role in the school. This is part of the reason I took Mr. Lecky’s class, because I saw an opportunity where I could learn how to become more approachable and lead without the need for a title. I wanted to share my personal experience with failure to present to you the numerous opportunities every single one of you has to be a leader. We have been tricked into believing that leadership revolves around the name, like president, club head, or captain, and that is a huge misconception. Author John C. Maxwell defines leadership as influence, nothing more, nothing less. Every day there are moments that are often overlooked where we can lead. Be the guy who actively participates in class and buys into everything St. Christopher’s has to offer. You will find your passion, and a person who is passionate about what they do will be a far more effective leader.
An example of both great leadership and influence was on the varsity baseball team last season. A lot of you probably remember Brad Garner for his contagious laugh, his humor, often his disruptiveness, and his dedication to the game of baseball. I remember him most for his leadership on the field. He took on the tough role of being the sole captain of the baseball team and he handled it perfectly. What I remember most was how he incorporated all of the seniors, reminding us that we all are role models for the younger guys, and if we wanted to have a stronger team bond, we all need to lead. So, my charge to everyone here is to chase the opportunities to lead in everything you do. Keep trying to get involved because, although your hard work may not be seen entirely, it will pay off in the long run. To close, here is a quote from Teddy Roosevelt’s The Man in the Arena speech: “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly, who errs, who comes short, again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming.”
Scott Butterfield ‘23 and Chris Beach ‘23 returned to campus for a special leadership-themed Upper School chapel service in September 2023. The two recalled how their experiences at StC helped develop their leadership skills and shared life lessons with the Upper School boys.
“Leadership is a muscle. You can be a natural leader, but you can also learn to improve. Not everyone starts in the same spot. You just have to keep working at it.” —Chris Beach ‘23
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FACULTY VOICE
Putting Down Roots by Marissa Sanghvi, Kate Childrey Fellow
I started my first post-graduate job in a new city during the COVID-19 pandemic. If someone had told me how challenging that would be, it probably still wouldn’t have stopped me. I came to work at StC as part of the Kate Childrey Teaching Fellowship, a program designed for aspiring teachers to gain valuable classroom experience under the guidance of a St. Christopher’s mentor teacher. I was so excited to be a part of the magic I had experienced at St. Christopher’s during my interview day in January of 2020 for a teaching position with the math department. However, as we all know, StC, and Richmond, were very different in January than when I actually moved here in August of 2020. The magic was still there, but we were in the middle of a pandemic, and it took a lot of effort and time before I started feeling like I could call this place my home. In my case, however, I was asked to step in for a teacher who would be staying at home due to the pandemic. From day one, I was in front of the students, leading each lesson with the virtual support of my mentor teacher. This somewhat unusual introduction to teaching was an unexpected benefit and changed how I approached my job. I learned more about myself and my teaching style than I could have just as an observer, and I knew there was someone there to catch me when I experienced difficult moments. Outside of the classroom, I had trouble finding my stride in Richmond. I had been excited to explore the city and make new friends, but all of that felt put on hold that first semester. I remember going back to my childhood home in Chicago for winter break and making a list of ways that I wanted to improve my life in Virginia. Included in that list were things like exploring Richmond neighborhoods while sipping on a latte, learning how to cook (a skill
THE KATE CHILDREY TEACHING FELLOWSHIP Created in 2017 to honor the life and impact of Kate Childrey, a beloved JK co-teacher, The Kate Childrey Teaching Fellowship is designed to provide aspiring educators with the opportunity to learn about the profession and independent schools.
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I was lacking), and “Always keep a good book,” a goal I am proud to say that I have stayed true to. Looking back though, it was actually through my role at St. Christopher’s, and the people I met here, that made Richmond start to feel like my new home. The first big change occurred when baseball season started. Considering my math background, Coach Tony Szymendera asked me to be the scorekeeper. I had assumed my job would mainly consist of cheering the boys on and counting the number of times they ran around the bases. It didn’t take long for me to realize that was not the case, nor did it take long for the other coaches to offer me assistance in understanding the scoring. That first season was a big learning curve, but sitting in the dugout, I never felt like I wasn’t supposed to be there. Being accepted on the varsity baseball team, even with limited baseball knowledge and experience, was a big step toward feeling like I belonged here.
After finishing year three at St. Christopher’s, I feel so far away from that version of myself who wasn’t sure if I’d be able to create a life in Richmond. I’ve found joy in my roles here as well as in communities outside of school. Although I’ll always be a Chicagoan at heart, I’m excited to put down more roots here. Looking back, I can see how much that first year helped me grow. It gave me the confidence to know that I can take chances and try new things, knowing that I’ll make it through.
"I was so excited to be a part of the magic I had experienced at St. Christopher’s during my interview day." Another moment I think about from that first year is talking to retired Upper School Teacher Andy Smith after a chapel service for which I had played the prelude on the piano. He was asking me about my musical interests, and I mentioned that I had been wanting to learn the banjo. In a couple weeks, I was picking along with a group of bluegrass musicians at an open jam, one of whom was the new banjo teacher that Andy had introduced me to. This musical community has been one of my favorite parts about Richmond, and the experience showed me how excited the Saints community is to connect with me and help me pursue my interests here. Marissa Sanghvi working with Marshall Crocker '26
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REIMAGINING RICHMOND
RICHM
(L-R): Brendan Staley P'36, Jennifer Mullen P'27, P'30, Taylor Williams '96, P'30, Maritza Pechin P'35, Ashley Peace P'29, Jason Guillot P'33, P'36, Bea González P'33
REIMAGINING RICHMOND MEET THE SAINTS DRIVING THE CITY’S FUTURE By George Knowles, Digital Media Manager
Known for its vibrant arts community, innovative restaurants, craft breweries, history and outdoor life, Richmond is experiencing a renaissance. The secret is out: River City is a great place to live and work, and culture, commerce and new transplants alike are headed to the area.
Driven by the rise of remote work and a competitive housing market, Richmond is experiencing rapid growth. From creative urban planners to enterprising local developers, meet these Saints writing the next chapters of the city’s future.
DEVELOPING RICHMOND’S FUTURE Current Saints parent Maritza Pechin P'35 joined the City of Richmond in 2021 with a mission to help create a version of the city that’s sustainable, walkable, green and equitable—one where people move easily between neighborhoods and everyone enjoys equal access to good schools, hospitals and other services. She led the city’s effort to achieve these goals as director of a new department, the Office of Equitable Development. Pechin, who recently took a job with the Department of Transportation’s Build America Bureau, was charged with everything from improving 8 | StC Magazine
economic opportunities in the city to ensuring everyone has access to clean water or urban green spaces where they live.
With such a wide-ranging, complex mission, Pechin took an intentional approach to planning for the city’s future and prioritized meeting people where they are, establishing relationships and building empathy. “Everyone I talk to can speak intelligently about what’s missing from their neighborhood and what they’d like to see,” said Pechin. “It really just starts with a conversation.” Pechin was the architect of Richmond 300: A Guide for Growth, a comprehensive master plan for the city’s evolution over the next 20 years. The plan, which was officially adopted by the City Council in December 2020, includes guidance for local government, community groups, nonprofits, business owners and the public. Notably, the document prioritizes rezoning, increased housing, improving access to green spaces, reconnecting historically separated areas of the city, focusing on “growth nodes” like Southside Plaza and downtown, and providing better access to city services for everyone. Pechin’s early life took her all over the world, and these experiences inform her planning work. As a child in Boston, she and her mother would attend city development meetings, and she regularly took the “T” and walked to school. Later, in Puerto Rico, she relied almost exclusively on cars for transportation,
A V , D MON and during her high school years in Austria, she learned how to quickly navigate her small home city on a bike. “I think what really drives my work is helping people have the freedom to get where they want, how they want, and not be constrained by not owning a car in order to experience the city or do what they want to do,” Pechin said. “I really want to focus on thinking about creating communities and neighborhoods that are centers of activity, that are connected to each other.”
TR ANSFORMING OLD SPACE The Diamond District Achieving the vision of the city’s Richmond 300 plan will require significant redevelopment, and the greater Scott’s Addition area now hosts one of the largest building projects in Richmond’s history, the Diamond District. The Diamond District is a transformative, $2.4 billion effort to develop 67 acres of land around the new 10,000-person baseball stadium, including real estate and commercial projects. The plan includes rental and housing units, nearly 59,000 square feet of retail space, and a crescent-shaped public park between Arthur Ashe Boulevard and Hermitage Road, according to the city’s term sheet with the development firm RVA Diamond Partners.
The vision for the project is a walkable and bikeable community where people can live, work and enjoy themselves in a neighborhood that feels both new and classically Richmond.
Current Saints parent Jason Guillot P '33, '36, principal, Thalhimer Realty Partners, is at the center of the Diamond District project and hopes that the design’s intentional nature makes a meaningful difference. “I’ve always believed that development is not about bricks and mortar, it’s about people,” said Guillot. “If you can focus your efforts on improving people’s lives and their experiences, then the rest will follow. That’s what drives me at the end of the day.”
“I really think this is Richmond’s moment.” —Ashley Peace P'29 President, Sauer Properties The project, spread out into four phases, calls for the area to be walkable, green and provide mixed-income housing to align with WINTER 2023 | 9
REIMAGINING RICHMOND
the city’s master plan. “I think we can look back at some of the new developments and say that the city and the private sector got it right,” he said. “These are inclusive developments in terms of housing, public spaces, and things that are attractive to people from all ends of the income spectrum.”
"Once you have young, educated, highly employable professionals start moving here, big companies realize there’s a great talent base. It starts to feed on itself in a really positive way." —Taylor Williams '96, P'30 Principal, Spy Rock Real Estate Group
SCOTT’S ADDITION From Warehouse to Destination District A bridge will connect the Diamond District to nearby Scott’s Addition, which hosts some of the hottest nightlife and restaurant properties in the city. Current Board of Governors member and current parent Taylor Williams ‘96, P'30 and business partner and current Saints parent Andrew Basham P'29 have been active developing apartments, offices and a hotel in Scott’s Addition through Spy Rock Real Estate Group. Williams is excited to see the contrast between the two areas, with each possessing a distinct feel. “Scott’s Addition has been organically developed and has a gritty and unique feel and people love it, but development at the Diamond District will be very different. It’ll be much more master planned out, with a more polished feel and green spaces,” said Williams.
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Williams sees parallels between the evolution of Scott’s Addition and the Greater Richmond area. “I think our creative culture has really flourished over time,” said Williams. “That gives rise to a better culinary scene and things like the breweries. Once you have young, educated, highly employable professionals start moving here, big companies realize there’s a great talent base. It starts to feed on itself in a really positive way.” Guillot sees Richmond as a place with big-city appeal on a small-town scale, especially in the years following the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is a very old city, but I feel like Richmond is now coming into its own as a major metropolitan area,” he said. “The outdoors, the good food, VCU, the art scene. What we have to offer is quality of life. During the pandemic, people were thinking, ‘What can I do to make my life and my family’s life better?’ I think Richmond is the answer to that.”
CREATING COMMUNIT Y “I really think this is Richmond’s moment,” said Ashley Peace P'29, president, Sauer Properties and current Saints parent. Heading up one of the biggest urban building projects in Richmond’s history, Peace leads development of the Sauer Center and recently unveiled plans involving the latest phase in a multiyear effort to transform a 37-acre site in the center of Richmond into a dynamic new neighborhood. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime unprecedented opportunity,” Peace said. “What we’re trying to do with Sauer Center is create a community.”
Taylor Williams '96, P'30 and Andrew Basham P'29
The project includes everything from housing and health care to retail and green spaces and will occupy over 22 million square feet. According to Peace, the vision for this phase of the Sauer Center is to create a neighborhood that people will not only visit, but also make their homes and put down roots. “In the ‘70s and ‘80s, you ended up with a lot of suburban sprawl. There’s been a lot of research since that time which shows that communities really thrive when you put housing, retail and all these different industries closer together.”
BEHIND THE SCENES As the Richmond 300 plan was being formed, conversations across the city were taking place. To create a coherent vision for the city’s future, diverse groups gathered, built relationships and worked together to form a plan that would make Richmond a better place for everyone. “We want this to be a more
Ashley Peace with son Henry '29
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REIMAGINING RICHMOND
equitable and inclusive city, so to set this vision forward and for us to accomplish it, it can’t just be the city. We have to have developers, philanthropy and nonprofits all working together to further these goals,” Pechin said. Conversations about rezoning and the behind-the-scenes legal work of Richmond’s changing landscape may not possess the glamor of new restaurants, parks, condo developments and sports facilities, but they played a critical role in determining what the city will look like.
Jennifer Mullen P'27, P'30, current Saints parent and attorney specializing in commercial real estate and land use law, was a member of the Richmond 300 advisory council who participated in the visioning of the document and then helped rezone properties to match the land use designation identified in the plan. Mullen appreciated the all-in involvement from the city government, community groups and developers. “We all play a role,” Mullen said. “The Richmond 300 plan is not just a guide for land use, it’s really how we think about development in the city.” Brendan Staley ‘01, P'36, a current Saints parent, is an attorney who works with localities and developers involved with large infrastructure projects on how to best achieve their economic development goals, including initiatives like the Diamond District, where he advised the city of Richmond. “Where it’s interesting to me is exactly what they’re trying to do with the Diamond District,” Staley said. “These large projects where they want to create a community within a community, to create a neighborhood feel while also integrating into a broader area, is very interesting. That’s where having good people in the city administration, which we do, is very helpful. They’ve worked really hard to think of creative ways to work with the private sector.”
Maritza Pechin with her children, Oscar Pechin '35 and Catalina '32 (St. Catherine's)
“What I’ve learned [and] that I’d like to share with my kids is the idea that they can make their own little difference.” —Maritza Pechin P'35 Department of Transportation, Build America Bureau
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Conversations between different groups and getting buy-in from communities on big infrastructure projects are key. In her work with public affairs firm Capital Results, Bea González P'33 serves as the link between developers, governments and the public, and she is inspired by the work on the Diamond District. “The harmony between the City Council, the mayor’s office, and the Office of Economic Development, the synergy is really there,” González said. “It’s an exciting time to be in Richmond. All these different things are happening, and I think the Diamond District is really the catalyst for a lot of development down Arthur Ashe Boulevard.” Beyond the Diamond District, González is looking ahead to her work on another landmark building project: the new $30 million Richmond Amphitheater, which was approved by the City Council in June. The 7,500-person capacity outdoor performance venue will overlook the James River and is slated to open in the spring of 2025. “We don’t have a venue of that size in Richmond right now, so we lose a lot of the bigger acts,” González said. “We’re very excited about this. The landscape is perfect for it.” Pechin finds lessons in her work for her children, and hopes they will think about making an impact on their communities and the value of collaboration at StC and St. Catherine’s. “I think what I’ve learned from my work that I’d like to share with my kids is the idea that they can make their own little difference,” she said. “And you have to listen to people. None of the work that we’re doing is by ourselves.”
“We all play a role. The Richmond 300 plan is not just a guide ... it's how we think about development in the city.”
A V
—Jennifer Mullen P'27, P'30 Partner, Roth Jackson
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AROUND CAMPUS
HAPPENINGS ON CAMPUS Camp River’s Bend In September, the eighth grade class headed up to Camp River’s Bend in the Allegheny Mountains for an overnight trip. Camp visits like these are bonding experiences for our students across divisions. The Middle School boys spent time hiking, fishing in the river, exploring and participating in the teambuilding activities. “The bonding as a class was really natural, especially during the campfire at night. We all started sharing stories and we could see the stars really well.” -Stanton Czajkowski '28
Blessing of the Animals On October 4, third through 12th graders gathered for a special Blessing of the Animals in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals and the environment. Saints families gathered on campus to welcome and bless pets of all shapes and sizes.
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All-School Opening Service September 1 was a perfect day to celebrate back to school with the All-School Opening Service on the Terraces. Following a procession of seniors and their kindergarten buddies, students, staff and faculty met to sing, pray and reflect on the school year to come as Headmaster Mason Lecky welcomed the StC community back to campus.
X-Term In June, Upper School students participated in X-Term, a partnership with St. Catherine’s, and participated in learning experiences on campus, around Richmond and all over the world. International destinations included Iceland, Greece, France, Puerto Rico, Italy and Costa Rica. Additional experiences introduced students to the world of journalism in Washington, D.C., STEM in Seattle, and nonprofit work in Richmond’s community with the housing nonprofit Project:HOMES. Students also hiked in the Shenandoah Mountains.
Engage RVA In September, eighth grade boys in Engage RVA helped the nonprofit Shalom Farms with harvesting crops and learned how the farm grows and distributes its goods to be sold in communities where access to healthy food can be limited.
Grandparents & Friends Day Over 800 Saints grandparents and friends were on campus in April and enjoyed hearing Literary Society poems, songs from the third and fourth grade choir and the beautiful sounds of handbells during our morning program. Guests then toured the Lower School, where they participated in classroom activities, heard from teachers and spent some quality time with their students. WINTER 2023 | 15
DEPARTMENT AROUND CAMPUS TITLE
The Center for the Study of Boys Update By Kim Hudson, Director of The Center for the Study of Boys
SAINTS STUDENTS ATTEND LECTURE ON MASCULINITY
VISION
On September 8, thirteen Upper School boys on The Center for the Study of Boys Advisory Board visited the University of Richmond to hear from Richard Reeves, author of “Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It.” The lecture kicked off UR’s Jepson Leadership Forum Speaker Series focused on “Masculinity in a Changing World.”
To be a global thought leader in best practices for educating boys, serving as a resource for educators and parents seeking expertise in raising boys.
MISSION Reflecting St. Christopher’s commitment to being a global leader in educating boys, The Center for the Study of Boys is dedicated to promoting best practices in engaging and teaching boys through research, professional development and programming.
CORE VALUES • We respect, understand and value the complexity and uniqueness of boys. • We provide opportunities for educators, parents and the boys themselves to understand and reflect on their own journeys to manhood and to learn from the journeys of others. • We seek to understand the experiences of boys first and foremost through the boys’ voices, and we honor the boys’ contributions to the work of the center. • We value partnerships with educators from around the world, knowing through this work we will address issues facing boys.
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GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS ENRICH STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES From September 26-27, St. Christopher’s hosted 28 students and four faculty members from Christ’s College in Christchurch, New Zealand, an International Boys’ Schools Coalition brother school. The Saints JV and varsity soccer teams participated in international friendlies with the Christ’s College boys, and Saints families hosted guests for an overnight stay. Before heading off to the next stop on their U.S./Canada tour, Matt Cortesi, director of Character, Leadership, and Service at Christ’s College, offered a professional development session with StC faculty.
During the summer of 2023, St. Christopher’s formalized new Community Pillars. These Pillars crystallize the defining characteristics that make the St. Christopher’s experience unique. While these values are not new to St. Christopher’s, the cohesive and communitywide expression of them is new. The Pillars will be woven into the daily vernacular and lessons for the boys–in chapel, in the classrooms, hallways, performance spaces and on the playing fields.
Honor & Integrity
Pursuit of Excellence
Community & Brotherhood
Saints strive to be honest, kind, and compassionate, choosing the hard right over the easy wrong. We care most about developing young men who possess honor and integrity.
Saints strive to do their best in every endeavor. We value hard work and perseverance both inside and outside the classroom, focusing on process more than outcome.
Saints strive to understand and act upon the notion that we are part of something larger than ourselves. We value leadership, service, and the lifelong relationships that are formed in our community.
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AROUND CAMPUS
HOMECOM
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MING 2023 Homecoming Weekend Homecoming 2023 was a hit! We kicked off the weekend with StC’s first-ever Friday night varsity soccer game on Massey Field, beating Trinity 3-0. The fun continued Saturday with live music by Will Perkinson ‘93 and the varsity football team triumphed over Fork Union Military Academy 62-6. It was great seeing so much spirit and so many familiar faces on campus. Go Saints!
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AROUND CAMPUS
Fall Festival Saturday, October 28 was a beautiful day for the 49th annual Fall Festival. Thanks to the Fall Festival chairs Perkins Lyne, Kristan McGehee, Alison Martin and Connie Mattox and all of the parent and student volunteers who helped make the event so successful. With games galore for kids of all ages, the ever-popular cake walk, prizes, live music, a DJ and lots of shop vendors, it was a great day!
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StC LEGACIES
Top Row (L-R): Jamie Bliley ’27, son of Carey Bliley ’95; Robley Bates V ’36, son of Robley Bates ’94; Zachary Feldmann ’36, grandson of Neville Johnson Jr. ’78; Row Hill V ’36, grandson of Whit Wall Sr. '69; Second Row: Whit Holladay ’36, grandson of Conrad Sauer IV '68; Adrian Julius ’36, son of Tony Julius ’03; RC Revercomb III ’36, son of Chapman Revercomb Jr. ’04; Neal Ackerly ’37, son of Stewart Ackerly '02 and grandson of Ben Ackerly '61 and Cabell Moore '39*; Third Row: Millner Arnett ’37, son of Alex Arnett ’04; Thomas Branch Jr. ’37, son of Russell Branch '06, grandson of Read Branch Jr. '67, and great-grandson of Read Branch '37* and O.D. Dennis Jr. '38*; Grey Elmore ’37, son of Andrew Elmore ’04; Anson Harris ’37, son of Austin Harris '00; Fourth Row: Hunter Lester ’37, son of Lee Lester '98; James Naylor ’37, son of George Naylor ’96; Townes Pratt ’37, son of Tim Pratt ’02; Walter Robertson ’37, son of Brett M. Robertson '96 *Deceased WINTER 2023 | 21
AROUND CAMPUS
Welcome New Members Board of Governors
Bill Childrey '63, P'03
Steve Horton P'28
Former President and Partner of Sealey Optical Lab, community philanthropist and former faculty member, Childrey graduated from Hampden-Sydney College and the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. The father of Thurston Childrey ’03 and Kate Childrey (deceased, Collegiate), he is the co-founder of Kindess4Kate, a nonprofit established in memory of his daughter, Kate Childrey, a former Lower School co-teacher at StC who died unexpectedly.
Horton leads the MWCAdvocacy for McGuireWoods Consulting, the firm’s communications and digital practice. He was previously Deputy Chief of Staff for Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore. Steve and his wife Christina served as volunteer parent co-chairs for the St. Christopher’s Fund from 2021-2023. He graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University. Steve is the parent of Tal ‘28.
Belinda D. Jones P'25, P'29
Walter Robertson III '72, P'12
A Partner with Christian & Barton, Jones represents clients in intellectual property matters before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, federal courts and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board. Jones’ commercial litigation practice focuses on health care matters, transportation and financial services disputes. She graduated from the University of Virginia and Georgia State College of Law. Belinda and her husband Dyke Jones ’95 are the parents of two Saints, George '25 and Wally '29.
Managing Director and Director of Strategic Development for Brockenbrough, Robertson has over 45 years of investment experience. Walter previously served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Sterne. Walter graduated from Washington and Lee University and is the parent of Mamie Robertson ‘10 (St. Catherine’s) and Mac Robertson ‘12, and is a former Board of Governors Member (1999-2005), a former Foundation Board Member (1995-1999) and a Former Alumni Board Member (1990-1999).
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Welcome New Members Alumni Board
Andrew Carleton '13
Garnett Hall '58
Ted Moore '07
After attending St. Christopher’s from kindergarten through senior year, Carleton graduated from Hampden-Sydney College in 2017 with a degree in economics and business. He currently works at Silvercrest Asset Management as a Portfolio Assistant. Andrew has served as class agent and volunteer for many years and has two sisters who attended St. Catherine’s.
After St. Christopher’s, Hall graduated from Hampden-Sydney College and Rutgers University Stonier School of Banking. His 38-year banking career began at United Virginia and concluded as Senior Vice President at SunTrust. Hall serves on numerous boards and spent 25 years volunteering for the American Cancer Society, including chairmanship of the Virginia State Society and six years on the National ACS Board. He has quietly devoted time to StC in many support capacities. He is grandfather to three current Saints, great-uncle to two Upper School students and has many family members who have attended St. Christopher’s since 1930.
Moore attended St. Christopher’s for 14 years before graduating from Washington and Lee University with a B.S. in business administration. He is a Vice President at Silvercrest Asset Management, where he has worked since 2017. A third-generation legacy, Ted is the son of Jay Moore ’75 and grandson of Justin Moore ‘43 (deceased). He lives in Richmond with wife Julia, son Henry and daughter Frances.
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AROUND CAMPUS
SPRING 2023 ARTS REC AP
Theatre
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Ampersand, the joint St. Christopher's and St. Catherine's School production team, kicked off "Matilda: The Musical" on Friday, April 27 at St. Catherine's School Endeavour Hall. Featuring high-energy song and dance, students dazzled and delighted Saints of all ages with shows that went through the weekend. The play, inspired by Roald Dahl's "Matilda," has won 47 awards around the world, including a Tony.
Visual Arts As part of Grandparents & Friends Day, the Lower School was transformed into a gallery. Walls and hallways were adorned with artwork from every Lower School student. Several student artists in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools had the privilege of having their work hung in a professional gallery as part of a special St. Christopher’s showcase at the Reynolds Gallery’s Libbie and Grove location. Seniors Kyan Patel ‘23, Gerrett Broussard ‘23 and Robert Edwards ‘23 showcased their work in a Senior Art Show featured in our beautiful new gallery space in the Arts Center.
Artist-In-Residence Wells Hanley ‘93 Singer songwriter Wells Hanley ‘93 was the 2022-2023 Sisk Artist-in-Residence. He worked with singers in the Glee Club and collaborated with The Center for the Study of Boys to conduct research into the pressures our Middle and Upper School students sometimes feel in their own journey from boyhood to manhood. These perspectives were then synthesized through the lens of the mythic “Hero’s Journey” into a composition entitled “The Call,” which Wells premiered with the ensemble in May.
Music In May, StC collaborated with St. Catherine’s School to showcase a series of performances, with nearly 500 students, at Ryan Recital Hall, which included Grades 2-8 strings, Grades 4-12 band and the Lower and Middle School choirs. Joint Lower and Middle School Band, String and Orchestra concerts featured hundreds of young musicians from both St. Catherine’s and St. Christopher’s, singing and playing to overflow crowds in Ryan Recital Hall. The Upper School Glee Club and Chorale presented Sunrise Mass accompanied by a professional chamber orchestra, while members of Saints Singers joined with students from Episcopal schools all over the Mid-Atlantic region to present a choral evensong at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
The Upper School Orchestra collaborated with string musicians from Trinity Episcopal School to present a concert directed by University of Richmond Symphonic Orchestra Conductor Naima Burrs. The Upper School Jazz, Rock and Concert Bands presented fantastic spring concerts in the Recital Hall, but also could be heard sharing their music around campus, from the Concert Band playing as part of the School’s annual Memorial Day service, to the Jazz Rock group presenting a night of original music and covers in the 2010 Café. Singer, pianist and guitarist Teddy Price ‘23 presented a Senior Recital featuring a few of his own compositions, while he and fellow members of the Class of 2023, Bowen Hall ‘23 and Alex Hatfield ‘23, a.k.a. “Dry Season,” celebrated the release of their band’s debut EP with a launch party in the 2010 Café.
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SPRING 2023 SPORTS REC AP
AROUND CAMPUS
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Golf The varsity golf team registered a 10-3 record, placing fourth at the Prep League meet and third at states. Garnett Hall ‘24 and JJ Powell ‘23 made All-Prep, and Hall and August Lange ‘24 earned all-state honors.
Baseball The varsity baseball team won its sixth straight Prep League crown, going 14-9 overall, falling in a nail-biter in the state quarterfinals, taking No. 2 seed Cape Henry Collegiate to 10 innings. Bradley Garner ‘23 was named second-team All-Metro. Garner, Charlie Knighton ‘23 and Henry Knighton ‘25 were named to the All-Prep team.
Lacrosse The varsity lacrosse team had a 7-12 record against one of the most competitive schedules the team has ever had. It improved down the stretch, avenging a regular season loss to Woodberry in the Tigers’ den, winning 14-7 in the first round of states before bowing out in the state quarters. Miles Harvey ‘23, Manoli Loupassi ‘23, Henry Westfall ‘23 and Liam Wright ‘24 were named All-Metro. Harvey and Loupassi earned all-state honors.
Outdoor Track
Tennis
The squad placed second at the Prep League meet and fifth at states. Victor Olesen ‘26 broke the Prep League meet record in the pole vault, winning with a 16-1 jump. Ford Clark won the 800 and led the 4 x 800 team including George Beck ‘23, Holden Valerie ‘23 and Stephen Proctor ‘23 to a victory. The 4 x 100 team of Hunter Garnett ‘24, Maddox White ‘26, Elisha Asare ‘26 and Jacob Zollar ‘24 set a school record in 42.29 at states and won the Prep League meet. At states, Olesen won the pole vault with a 15'-6" performance.
Coach Richard Peyton and Coach Pontus Hiort’s crew won its fourth straight state tournament crown. StC has not lost a team match since a state semifinal loss in 2018 (there was no play in 2020 because of COVID). The Saints knocked off Trinity Episcopal 5-2 in the final. Evan Fisher ‘23 and Brendon Engel ‘23 were both named firstteam all-state. Fisher was named first-team All-Metro, and Engel made the second team. The team also won its fourth consecutive Prep League title, nipping the Titans by two points. Bo Barbour ‘25 and Blake Caldwell ‘25 earned All-Prep honors in singles, and Barbour and Jake Kuhlen ‘23 were All-Prep at No. 3 doubles. Fisher earned All-Prep at No. 1 singles. WINTER 2023 | 27
COMMENCEMENT | SPRING 2023
THE CLAS 28 | StC Magazine
SS OF 2023 WINTER 2023 | 29
LOWER SCHOOL FINAL PROGRAM | JUNE 2023
LOWER SCHOOL FINAL PROGRAM
The sound of handbells from the Fifth Grade Bell Choir welcomed the Lower School community to the Terraces on June 1, 2023 for the LS final program. On a beautiful sunny morning, fifth graders celebrated what they’d accomplished and looked forward to a new chapter of their lives as Middle School Saints. Leader of the Lower School, Miko Aboutanos ‘30, presided over the ceremony and introduced various speakers and acknowledged different clubs, students and groups. Fifth grade choir members sang “Sisi Ni Moja” before Headmaster Mason Lecky and Head of Lower School Todd Stansbery offered their thoughts and remarks. “I have enjoyed getting to know this class and look forward to hearing great things about you in the future,” Stansbery said. “I remember this class as a clear example of a unique, diverse and strong Saints community at our great Lower School.”
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“I remember this class as a clear example of a unique, diverse and strong Saints community at our great Lower School.” — Head of Lower School Todd Stansbery
LOWER SCHOOL AWARDS THE DOROTHY M. BUGG MEMORIAL AWARD William Lehman ‘32 THE ALBA WHITE MEMORIAL AWARD Ward Schaaf ‘32 THE WILLIAM ADAMS PINDER AWARD Robert Caputo ‘31 and Loc B. Nguyen ‘31 THE WILLIAM S. GRIFFITH PRIZE FOR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE Bridger Clemons ‘31 and Troy Myers ‘31 THE THOMAS NELSON PAGE PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENGLISH COMPOSITION Levi Browder Jones ‘30 THE HELEN SHEPHERD MUSIC AWARD Freddy Gatty ‘30 and Graham Wood ‘30 THE ANDREW BEIRNE BLAIR AWARD FOR LOYALTY AND BEST SPIRIT IN ATHLETICS Sam Williams ‘30 THE DUFFEY AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP IN ATHLETICS IN THE LOWER SCHOOL Eli White ‘30 THE LOWER SCHOOL MATH AWARD Evan Clary ‘30 THE LOWER SCHOOL SCIENCE AWARD Aveon Wynn ‘30 THE LOWER SCHOOL SPANISH AWARD Ware Beck ‘30 THE HENRY J. TOBLER MEMORIAL AWARD FOR ART Benjamin Gates ‘30 THE GEORGE SQUIRES LITERARY AWARD Davis Mullen ‘30 THE HIGHEST ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Miko Aboutanos ‘30 and Benjamin Gates ‘30 THE OLIVIA HARDY BLACKWELL AWARD Parker Kuemmerle ‘30 and Woods Taliaferro ‘30 THE BEATTIE MEMORIAL PRIZE FOR LEADERSHIP Miko Aboutanos ‘30 THE THOMAS VALENTINE ‘76 FAMILY FACULTY INCENTIVE AWARD Ann Carlson, Lower School Teacher of 5th Grade, Coach THE NORMA ALLEY PRIZE FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE Holly Moreland, Junior Kindergarten Co-Teacher THE “HAWKINS HIDEAWAY” PRIZE FOR LOYALTY AND SERVICE Maggie Jones, Lower School Teacher THE ANDREW JACKSON BOLLING III FACULTY AWARD Amma Gatty, Junior Kindergarten Co-Teacher WINTER 2023 | 31
MIDDLE SCHOOL FINAL PROGRAM | JUNE 2023
MIDDLE SCHOOL FINAL PROGRAM
On June 2, 2023, the Middle School Saints community gathered on the Terraces to celebrate the final program for the eighth grade class. The community prayed, recognized leaders and heard “Battle Hymn of the Republic” from eighth grade members of the choir. Head of the Middle School Warren Hunter spoke to the Class of 2027, recognized their achievements, and encouraged them to keep their friends close and use their Upper School experiences to make even more connections. The ceremony closed with remarks from Headmaster Mason Lecky, who recognized several faculty achievements.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS ART AWARD Eli Matthew Tatum ‘27
WOODWORKING AWARD Owen Christian Farmer ‘27
ATHLETIC AWARD Edwin Harding Lucas ‘27 and Long T. Nguyen Jr. ‘27
THE MONICA FRISCHKORN WENZEL MEMORIAL SERVICE AWARD Loch Hamilton Macfarlane ‘27
CHINESE AWARD Witt Gamble Wood ‘27
THE ROBERT W. BUGG AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CITIZENSHIP IN GRADE EIGHT Matthew Richard Matthews ‘27
DRAMA AWARD Brodie Larue Schlobohm ‘27 THE T. FOSTER ’46 AND ANN WITT ENGLISH PRIZE Carter Perrine Appelget ‘27, Coleman Joseph Mayer ‘27, Keane McCallum Stuart ‘27, Eli Matthew Tatum ‘27 THE DULANEY WARD FRENCH PRIZE Andrew Nicholas Brata ‘27 LATIN PRIZE Benjamin Joel Mayer ‘27 THE FRANKLIN AND GRACE MULLINAX MATHEMATICS AWARD Matthew Richard Matthews ‘27 MUSIC AWARD Benjamin Gentry Vaiksnoras ‘27 THE SARA WHALEY FORSYTHE MEMORIAL SCIENCE PRIZE Keane McCallum Stuart ‘27 THE BENJAMIN BRISCOE WHITE MEMORIAL SPANISH PRIZE Everett Walton Reeves ‘27
HIGHEST CUMULATIVE GPA Matthew Richard Matthews ‘27 THE CENTENNIAL CITIZENSHIP AWARDS Grade 6: John James Bodt ‘29, Charles Read Branch ‘29, Aksel Harrison Nordin ‘29, William Lowndes Peple V ‘29, George Robert Wolfe ‘29 Grade 7: Landon Alexander Allen ‘28, Micah Owen Daigneau ‘28, Noah Ralph Daigneau ‘28, Talmadge Rearden Andrew Horton ‘28 Grade 8: Owen Christian Farmer ‘27, Graham Scott Judd ‘27, Coleman Joseph Mayer ‘27, Long T. Nguyen Jr. ‘27, Eli Matthew Tatum ‘27 THE ANDREW JACKSON BOLLING III FACULTY AWARD Brian Zollinhofer, Middle School Instructional Technologist THE CLIFFORD R. DICKINSON PRIZE Chris Carrier, Middle School Spanish Teacher THE CONARD BLOUNT MATTOX IV '98 MEMORIAL FACULTY AWARD Martin Millspaugh, Middle School English and Health Teacher WINTER 2023 | 33
COMMENCEMENT | SPRING 2023
UPPER SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT
Upper School Chaplain the Rev. John Ohmer led the Upper School in prayer to open the commencement ceremony on the Terraces this May. Faculty, staff, students, alumni and families gathered to congratulate the Class of 2023 on a job well done and wish them luck. “Give each parent here a renewed sense of awe and wonder over the miracle that is their son,” said Ohmer. Headmaster Mason Lecky, Director of The Center for the Study of Boys Kim Hudson and Salutatorian Teddy Price ‘23 recognized the boys’ outstanding achievements and qualities. “Throughout our time here, this class has built an identity,” Price said. “We’re a group full of kindness, unity and respect.” Valedictorian Nick Manetas ’23, in his speech, described a new world, one reshaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the rise of AI technology. “As graduates of St. Christopher’s, where do we fit into this special, changing world?” Manetas asked. “This diploma signifies we’ve undergone a moral and spiritual journey, grounded in values that, despite the constant change of this world, have stood the test of time,” he said. The event closed with awards and the conferment of diplomas. 34 | StC Magazine
“This diploma signifies we’ve undergone a moral and spiritual journey, grounded in values that, despite the constant change of this world, have stood the test of time.” - Nick Manetas ’23, Valedictorian
UPPER SCHOOL AWARDS THE WILLIAM M. HILL JR. ‘73 MEMORIAL AWARD Wesley Ernest Wise ‘23 THE RAY MERCER “BUCK” PAUL III ’06 MEMORIAL AWARD Bowen Rice Hall ‘23 THE WILLIAM CARTER BOWLES JR. ‘56 MEMORIAL MUSIC PRIZE Theodore Winston Price II ‘23 THE DOUGLASS P. GRIFFITH PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN MATHEMATICS Cameron Lane King ‘23 and Charles Barner Konvicka ‘23 THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN DRAMA Peter Lyon Huff ‘23 THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN ART Kyan Amir Patel ‘23 THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENGLISH Nicholas Everett Manetas ‘23 THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN SPANISH LANGUAGE Charles Paxton Aghdami ‘23 THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN SPANISH LITERATURE Nicholas Everett Manetas ‘23 THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN CHINESE LANGUAGE Cabell Carrington Pasco ‘23 THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE Charles Paxton Aghdami ‘23 and George Hensley Beck ‘23 THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE Quintin Thomas Levy ‘23 THE SCHOOL PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN HISTORY Gerrett Maxwell Broussard ‘23 THE MOORE PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN FRENCH Peter Lyon Huff ‘23 THE E. W. BOSWORTH LATIN PRIZE Macon Lyerly Moring ‘23 THE SCHOOL SPIRIT OF CHALLENGE PRIZE Riley Edward Finck ‘23 and Cade Kamal Petrus ‘23 THE REVEREND MELISSA K. HOLLERITH PRIZE FOR SERVICE, COMMUNITY BUILDING, AND INCLUSION Jeffrey Robert Mitchell ‘23 THE ANTHONY J. SZYMENDERA JR. PRIZE Charles Barner Konvicka ‘23 THE CHARLES M. STILLWELL PRIZE FOR LEADERSHIP Theodore Winston Price II ‘23
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COMMENCEMENT | SPRING 2023
UPPER SCHOOL AWARDS (CONTINUED) THE HEADMASTER’S PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE ST. CHRISTOPHER’S COMMUNITY Miles Xavier Harvey ‘23, John Davis Hunter ‘23, Cameron Lane King ‘23 THE ALEXANDER MCNEILL CARRINGTON ‘41 MEMORIAL AWARD Gerrett Maxwell Broussard ‘23 THE JOHN NEWTON GRAY ‘35 MEMORIAL PRIZE FOR OUTSTANDING LOYALTY Christopher Edward Beach Jr. ‘23 THE DASHIELL MEMORIAL PRIZE Cabell Carrington Pasco ‘23 THE IRVING H. BLACKWELL MEMORIAL PRIZE FOR HIGH DEVOTION TO THE HONOR AND TRADITIONS OF ST. CHRISTOPHER’S SCHOOL Charles Paxton Aghdami ‘23 THE WILLIAM CABELL BROWN PRIZE FOR CHARACTER AND ABILITY Cabell Carrington Pasco ‘23 THE JOSEPH BRYAN MEMORIAL PRIZE FOR LEADERSHIP Nicholas Everett Manetas ‘23 THE ANDREW JACKSON BOLLING III FACULTY AWARD Alina Cichocki, Upper School Physics Teacher THE ARMSTRONG-JENNINGS AWARD Casey G. M. Torrence, Upper School Science Teacher THE CARL J. KOENIG PRIZE FOR FACULTY EXCELLENCE William A. Abbott, Upper School History Teacher and James W. Jump, Director of College Counseling THE SAINTS SPIRIT OF SERVICE AWARD Patricia Taylor, Switchboard Operator THE THOMAS B. VALENTINE ‘76 FAMILY FACULTY INCENTIVE AWARD Emmett Carlson, Upper School Math Teacher and J. Ronald Smith, Upper School English Teacher
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Class of 2023 Legacies
Front Row (L-R): Cliff Schroeder ’86, Chas Hall ’87, Jack Street ’53, Ernest Jones ’51, John Jones ’90, Gene Bowles ’55, Peter Bowles ’88, Manoli Loupassi ’85, John Westfall ’89, Tim Knighton ’91, Randolph Trow ’92, Bennett Lee ’84, Taylor Tompkins ’86, Sam Proctor ‘83, Scott Nystrom ’92, Chris Mumford ’88, Billy Hancock ’68; Back Row: Mason Schroeder ’23, Bowen Hall ’23, John Street ’88, Alex Street ’23, Jack Jones ’23, William Bowles ’23, Manoli Loupassi ’23, Henry Westfall ’23, Charlie Knighton ’23, Randolph Trow ’23, Caton Lee ’23, Lewis Tompkins ’23, Stephen Proctor ’23, Jack Nystrom ’23, Beck Mumford ’23, Charles Hancock ’23
13 Year Saints Front Row (L-R): Michael Jimenez, Noble Cosby, Jack Jones, Davis Hunter, Alex Street, Ryan Reece, Oliver Gardner; Back Row: Kirk George, HI Willett, Max Kobal, Manoli Loupassi, Charlie Knighton, Mason Schroeder
14 Year Saints Front Row (L-R): Bowen Hall, Randolph Trow, Caton Lee, Teddy Price, Nick Manetas, William Bowles, Brendon Engel, Jeffrey Mitchell, Bolling Poarch; Middle Row: Macon Moring, Luke Jones, Cade Petrus, Charlie Aghdami, Evan Fisher, Parker Cushman, Jacob Gray, Holden Woodward, Wyatt Townsend; Back Row: Jack Nystrom, John Miles, Sidney Konvicka, Barner Konvicka, Luke Pendlebury, Cabell Pasco, Clay Davis, Scott Butterfield, Ford Clark
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COMMENCEMENT | SPRING 2023
2023 Athletic Awards THE BUERLEIN DISTANCE RUNNING AWARD Holden Valerie ‘23
THE MANAGERS AWARD Michael Jimenez ‘23, Sajiv Patel ‘23, Ryan Reece ‘23
THE HUGH BRENAMAN FOOTBALL AWARD Carson Lamb ‘23
THE VOICE OF THE SAINTS AWARD Austin Levin ‘23
THE ANNA P. GOODALE SOCCER AWARD Bowen Hall ‘23 and Wesley Wise ‘23
THE ST. CHRISTOPHER’S SCHOOL MONOGRAM AWARD Manoli Loupassi ‘23
THE JAMES W. PROFFITT ’48 BASKETBALL AWARD Willie Jennings ‘23 and Thomas Youngkin ‘23
THE ROBERT WILLIAMS HERZOG AWARD Maximus Buono ‘23 and Cabell Pasco ‘23
THE ST. CHRISTOPHER’S FUTSAL AWARD Elisha Taylor ‘23 and Wesley Wise ‘23
THE JAMES TURNER SLOAN II ’40 AWARD Cade Petrus ‘23
THE RANDOLPH BURWELL CARDOZO JR. ’74 INDOOR TRACK AWARD Richard Stanton Dodson III ‘23
THE BRADFORD ALLEN PARRISH ’91 AWARD Brandon Moore ‘23 and Jackson Parker ‘23
THE ST. CHRISTOPHER’S SQUASH AWARD Alexander Street ‘23 and Holden Woodward ‘23 THE ST. CHRISTOPHER’S SCHOOL SWIMMING & DIVING AWARD Brandon Moore ‘23 THE E. OTTO N. WILLIAMS ’27 WRESTLING TROPHY Cale Roggie ‘23 THE JOHN R. BRINSER BASEBALL AWARD Bradley Garner ‘23 THE HARRY W. EASTERLY JR. ’40 GOLF AWARD Vijay Powell ‘23 THE C. BRAXTON VALENTINE ’41 LACROSSE AWARD Miles Harvey ‘23 THE ST. CHRISTOPHER’S OUTDOOR TRACK AWARD James Clark III ‘23 THE BART JAN LAVERGE ’57 TENNIS AWARD Matthew Brendon Engel Jr. ‘23 and Evan Fisher ‘23 THE STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING AWARD Luke Pendlebury ‘23 38 | StC Magazine
THE TALMADGE ABBITT DUPRIEST ’91 AWARD Matthew Brendon Engel Jr. ‘23 and Riley Finck ‘23 THE NELSON HILL HOTCHKISS, JR. ’70 AWARD Christopher Beach Jr. ‘23 and Luke Pendlebury ‘23 THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR’S AWARD FOR COMPETITIVE EXCELLENCE Rex Alphen ‘23, Evan Fisher ‘23, Carter Perkins ‘23, Vijay Powell ‘23, Cale Roggie ‘23, Mason Stanley ‘23 THE JOHN T. SIEGEL ’57 MEMORIAL PRIZE Gerrett Broussard ‘23 and Willie Jennings ‘23 THE SLATER PRIZE Carson Lamb ‘23 THE DAVENPORT TROPHY Wesley Wise ‘23 THE ALBERT LUCK “PETEY JACOBS” MEMORIAL AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED COACHING James Jump, Director of College Counseling, Varsity Basketball Coach
2023 Arts Awards GRAPHIC DESIGN AWARD Gerrett Maxwell Broussard ‘23
GLEE CLUB PRIZE Theodore Winston Price II ‘23 and Randolph Edmonds Trow IV ‘23
SENIOR PAINTING AWARD Kyan Amir Patel ‘23
ST. CHRISTOPHER’S PIANO PRIZE Joseph Garrett Huberman ‘23
JAZZ BAND LEADERSHIP PRIZE Charles Barner Konvicka ‘23
THE THESPIAN PRIZE Nicholas John Fraine ‘24
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NEW F A C U LT Y
A special welcome to our new faculty and staff
Lower School Sarah Ambrose Lower School Counselor
Smith Blake Long Term Substitute Teacher
Natalie DeForest First Grade Co-Teacher
Brittany Dix Little Saints
Emily Dwyer Lower School Nurse
Emily Hicks JK Co-Teacher
Heather Mumford Lead JK Teacher
Ellie Pitzer JK Co-Teacher
Kerri Ann Plaster Little Saints Coordinator
Cheng Tullner Little Saints
Kate Fleisher English
Kimberly Ryan Leader Coordinate Middle and Upper School string programs
Middle School
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Ashley Soukup Middle School Counselor (Part-Time)
NEW F A C U LT Y
Upper School Meredith Baker History
Daniel Clarke Teacher of Music and Director of Jazz/Rock Ensembles
Christian Cousins Spanish
Allyson Diljohn Director of College Counseling
Jim Guion JK-12 BUILD Coordinator
Taylor Knight ’10 Math
Andrew Maynard English
Katie Smith History
Paul Takács Artistic Director of Ampersand and Theatre Teacher
Jake Westermann Head of Upper School
WINTER 2023 | 41
NEW F A C U LT Y
F A C U LT Y NEWS James Stephen Barnes was born April 29, 2023 to Upper School English Teacher Stephanie Barnes. In May, Director of Information Systems and Academic Technology Hiram Cuevas was appointed to the board of the Association of Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (ATLIS).
New Staff
Andrew Chesebro Director of The St. Christopher’s Fund
Middle School Assistant Director of Academic Support Tim Daigneau traveled to Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, CO, to attend the Center for Spiritual and Ethical Education’s Stanley King Institute. The training was on “deep listening” and how to listen better to adolescents. Megan Garrity, upper school mathematics and science teacher, graduated with a Master of Chemistry from Ohio University.
Aynsley Fisher Magazine Editor
Erin Nord Assistant Director of The St. Christopher’s Fund
Jen French Administrative Assistant to the Business Office
Gabriel Ploeger PC Technician
Middle School Spanish Teacher Kathleen Hornik and Middle School History Teacher Jon Piper traveled to Guatemala to participate in the Faces and Our Culture teacher program. Through this program, Saints families are able to host Guatemalan students to enrich our School and it allows us the opportunity to send StC boys for two to four weeks abroad. Hornik and Piper enjoyed a week of travel and exposure to the rich Guatemalan and Indigenous cultures. Dr. Kim Hudson, Director of The Center for the Study of Boys and Associate Head of the Upper School, served as a panelist for The Browning School’s “Today’s Boys, Tomorrow’s Men” Speaker Series in May. College Counselor Jim Jump was quoted extensively in a front page article regarding changes in the college admissions process in the Richmond Times-Dispatch on Sunday, August 13. He has also been asked to serve as author of a chapter on ethical practices for a new edition of the textbook, “Fundamentals of College Admission Counseling,” published by the National Association for College Admission Counseling.
Andy Smith School Archivist
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Saints were well represented at the International Boys Schools Coalition Annual Conference in Auckland, New Zealand, this year. Headmaster Mason Lecky, a trustee for the IBSC, was joined by StC faculty across divisions.
Lower and Middle School Choir Director Nick Brata, Upper School Math Teacher Marissa Sanghvi, Lower School Learning Commons Librarian Laura Sabo and The Center for the Study of Boys Director Dr. Kim Hudson presented research and shared perspectives with their international peers. In her role as Program Coordinator for the IBSC’s Action Research Program, Laura Sabo conducted training with a group of 40 international educators prior to the conference.
Dr. Derek S. Porter, research coordinator for The Center for the Study of Boys, joined the Center for Educational and Technological Innovation (CERTI) advisory council in March 2023.
Seligman. In other news, Vanichkachorn co-wrote the Stress and Health Lesson Plan for the American Psychological Association Teachers of Psychology in Secondary Schools.
Noah Charles Richards was born February 22, 2023 to Lower School Instructional Technologist Jess Richards and her husband Paul.
Hayden Vick, lower school kindergarten teacher, was one of 75 educators in June who attended Columbia University’s Klingenstein Summer Institute, an intensive, graduate-level professional learning experience for early-career teachers. Edward Massie “Ned” Kane-West was born April 15 to Upper School Counselor Sazshy Kane-West and her husband Jonah.
The StC group at the IBSC Conference
Upper School Spanish Teacher and Coach Kimberly Mayer was recognized as an outstanding volunteer by RVA More for her involvement in the mountain bike community and mentorship of young female riders. Lower School Spanish Teacher Sonia McDonnell and Upper School Spanish Teacher Gracie Cuevas attended the World Language Conference “Fluency Matters” in St. Petersburg, FL, in July 2023. Cuevas participated in two courses on theory and practice for teachers of Spanish as a foreign language at the University of Salamanca.
Noah Richards with his siblings
Emeritus Writer-in-Residence Ron Smith gave two live online poetry readings with other state Poets Laureate. On June 11, he read from his new book, “That Beauty in the Trees.” And on August 11, he read only new poems that have yet to be published. The readings were hosted by the Library of Virginia and the Poetry Society of Virginia. James Alexander Sweeney was born on June 6 to Briget Ganske and Middle School Chaplain Michael Sweeney.
Upper School and Middle School P.E. Teacher and Coach Tommy Owen coached Ibrahim Bunduka, representing Sierra Leone at the 2023 World Championships, September 21-22, 2023 in Belgrade, Serbia. James joins older brothers Emmett (7) and Isaac (3).
Casey Torrence, upper school science teacher, graduated with her master’s in education, administration and supervision from the University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education.
Photo (L-R): StC Assistant Coach Rob Prebish, Ibrahim Bunduka (World Team member, Sierra Leone), Sam Braswell (Assistant Coach, Averett University), Tommy Owen (Head Coach, St. Christopher’s)
Dr. Ann Vanichkachorn, director of health and wellness, graduated with a master’s in applied positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and was invited to be an assistant instructor for Dr. Martin
Ned Kane-West
Lower School Librarian Lucinda Whitehurst attended the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Chicago in June. Whitehurst is a member of the ALA’s Children’s Literature Lecture Award committee. The group will be selecting a speaker to present a lecture intended as a “significant contribution to the field of children’s literature.” Whitehurst spent time with Newbery Medal-winning author Kate DiCamillo and author Meg Medina, the National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Author Kwame Alexander invited the Newbery Medal Selection Committee, including Whitehurst, to the Hollywood premiere of the Disney+ series based on his book, “The Crossover.”
Lucinda Whitehurst with author Meg Medina
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Alumni Gatherings In Honor of Ron Smith StC Field House | June 15, 2023 More than 300 alumni, current and former faculty and staff, parents and students gathered to give a royal send-off to Ron Smith. At the event, Headmaster Mason Lecky announced the establishment of the J. Ronald Smith Chair of Distinguished Teaching. The Chair is awarded to the faculty member who, through personal example, continues Ron’s legacy of intellectual discipline, academic precision and boundless dedication. Ron joined St. Christopher’s in 1972 and established himself as one of the School’s all-time legendary teachers, teacher-leaders and coaches. Ron’s influence in the classroom, the English Department, the Upper School and the St. Christopher’s community at large cannot be overstated. He has become synonymous with rigorous teaching and learning at the School and countless alumni are quick to name Ron Smith as among the most challenging–and positively influential– teachers of their lives.
Ron Smith with former Headmasters Charley Stillwell, George McVey '57 and current Headmaster Mason Lecky
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River City Roll Richmond, VA | May 17, 2023
River Saints Indian Creek Country Club | June 9, 2023
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Reunion
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Reunion Weekend May 4-6, 2023
Chamberlayne Society Reception | May 3, 2023
Reunion Chapel Service Chapel | May 6, 2023
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Reunion Class of 1973 | 50th Reunion
Front Row (L–R): Shep Parsons, Craig Dunkum, Allan Wagner, Phil DiStanislao, Scott Ellis, Gary Shelton, Marshall Reinsdorf, Ian Valentine, Randy Harrison, C. Jay Robbins, Bill Mattox, Hobie Claiborne, Vernon Priddy; Middle Row: Bart Davey, Tim Carpenter, Brown Glenn, Herbert Fitzgerald, Carter Eubank, Scott Harvard, Lud Kimbrough, Carter Doswell, Steve Yevich, Sam Bemiss, Granville Valentine; Back Row: Christian Bozorth, Scott Ellett, John Forsyth, Scott Jones, Lewis Bosher, Claiborne Irby, Stan Greene, Nate Armistead, Frank Garrett, Harrison Wilson, Tommy Williams, David Rennolds, Bruce Cann. Attended, but Not Pictured: Chris Blair and Kurt Butler
50TH REUNION COMMITTEE Mr. Samuel M. Bemiss Mr. Bruce C. Cann Mr. R. Scott Ellett Mr. Herbert E. Fitzgerald Mr. H. Stanley Greene Dr. E. Claiborne Irby Jr. Mr. Ludwell H. Kimbrough III Mr. Granville G. Valentine Mr. Allan S. Wagner III
The Class of 1973 kicked off their 50th reunion in the fall of 2022 with a wonderful gathering at the home of Elsie and Sam Bemiss. It was a chance to gather longtime friends and connect with long-lost classmates. The momentum continued into Reunion Weekend where more than 70 guests gathered for many celebrations. Members of the class attended a special hands-on session led by BUILD students and faculty where they could experiment with robots, drones and 3D printers. In honor of their 50th reunion, the class chose to make a collective gift to establish the BUILD Program Endowment. The BUILD (Boys Using Innovation to Learn and Design) Program is an intersection of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) curriculum and best-practice learning for boys. The BUILD Program Endowment will provide resources to maintain the Oppenheimer BUILD Lab, and purchase consumable materials and large machinery such as 3D printers, laser cutters, cooking appliances, sewing machines and robotics equipment. It will also recruit and retain BUILD and robotics faculty in all three divisions. The Class of 1973 made gifts and pledges totaling $439,000 in honor of their reunion, with an additional $52,000 for The St. Christopher’s Fund.
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THE ST. CHRISTOPHER’S FUND OR BUILD SUPPORTERS Mr. & Mrs. Nathaniel L. Armistead III# Mr. & Mrs. Samuel M. Bemiss#% Mr. & Mrs. Christopher P. Blair#% Mr. & Mrs. Lewis C. Bosher#% Mr. J. Christian Bozorth#% Mr. & Mrs. Kurt D. Butler# Mr. & Mrs. Bruce C. Cann#% Mr. & Mrs. Herbert A. Claiborne III#% Mr. & Mrs. R. Jeffrey Chasen% The Hon. Phillip T. DiStanislao & The Rev. Virginia G. DiStanislao#% Mr. W. Carter Doswell & Mr. Jeffrey Jacobs#% The Hon. & Mrs. B. Craig Dunkum#% Mr. & Mrs. R. Scott Ellett#% Mr. & Mrs. R. Scott Ellis% Mr. A. Carter Eubank% Mr. & Mrs. Herbert E. Fitzgerald III#% Mr. & Mrs. H. Stanley Greene Jr.#% Mr. & Mrs. Randolph F. Harrison#% Mr. H. Stuart Hotchkiss% Dr. & Mrs. E. Claiborne Irby Jr.#% Mr. & Mrs. Ludwell H. Kimbrough III% Mr. & Mrs. William H. Mattox#% Mr. T. Sheppard Parsons III% Mr. & Mrs. Henry R. Pratt# Mr. & Mrs. S. Vernon Priddy III% Mr. & Mrs. David W. Rennolds#% Mr. & Mrs. Henry C. Riely#% Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Spach# Mr. & Mrs. D. Ian Valentine#% Mr. & Mrs. Granville G. Valentine III#% Mr. & Mrs. Allan S. Wagner III% Mr. & Mrs. John M. Wallace# Mr. & Mrs. Harrison M. Wilson#% Mr. Stephen C. Yevich & Mr. Terry Cook#% # Supported Annual Giving % Supported Class Gift
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Reunion Class of 1998 | 25th Reunion
Front Row (L–R): Malcolm Randolph, John Neal, Rob Pinkerton, Matthew Burlee, Aaron Basmajian, Alexander Ayers, James Zehmer; Second Row: Marshall Croft, Taylor Moorman, Tommy Huffman, Brian Lynn, Taylor Wiseman, James Clary; Third Row: Lee Lester, Paul Habenicht, Robert Turnbull, Jimmy Leppert, Lee Krauss; Back Row: Andrew Kean, Chad Ligon, Wickliffe Lyne. Not Pictured: Jon Bliley and David Satterfield
25TH REUNION COMMITTEE Mr. Alexander H. Ayers Mr. Matthew D. Burlee Mr. James A. Clary Mr. Marshall S.J. Croft Mr. Lee G. Lester Mr. Wickliffe S. Lyne Jr. Mr. Brian D. Lynn Mr. A. Taylor Moorman Mr. David E. Satterfield V
When the committee gathered to begin the planning for their 25th reunion, the memories and laughs flowed. Many in the class remain close today, and several now find themselves on the “other side” as parents of current students. The Class of 1998 Reunion Committee had many thoughtful conversations about how best to acknowledge the untimely passing of classmate and friend Matt Mattox. Matt immersed himself in all aspects of his life at St. Christopher’s both during his time as a student, and also as a mentor, chapel speaker and father to three young men who continue their journey as Saints. It is with this love for their friend that the Class of 1998 established the Conard Blount Mattox IV 1998 Memorial Faculty Award. This award is given to a faculty member of any division to support and reward early career faculty leaders. This award signifies the School’s ongoing commitment to an investment in the recruitment, financial support and personal and professional growth of the next generation of St. Christopher’s teachers, mentors and coaches. Middle School English and Health Teacher Martin Millspaugh is the first recipient of the Mattox Faculty Award. The class raised $123,000 toward the Mattox Faculty Award and an additional $24,000 in Annual Giving in honor of their 25th Reunion.
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THE ST. CHRISTOPHER’S FUND OR MATTOX FACULTY AWARD SUPPORTERS Mr. & Mrs. Alexander H. Ayers #% Mr. & Mrs. Jonathan H. Bliley #% Mr. & Mrs. Charles C. R. Brown #% Mr. and Mrs. J. Paul Bullock III % Mr. and Mrs. Matthew D. Burlee % Mr. & Mrs. James A. Clary #% Mr. Matthew B. Conn & Ms. Jacquelin F. Bauters #% Mr. & Mrs. Marshall S. J. Croft #% Mr. & Mrs. Paul C. Habenicht #% Mr. & Mrs. Thomas J. Huffman #% Mr. & Mrs. T. Rhys James# Mr. & Mrs. Andrew V. Kean #% Mr. & Mrs. Lee B. Krauss #% Mr. & Mrs. Lee G. Lester #% Mr. & Mrs. Wickliffe S. Lyne Jr. #% Mr. & Mrs. Brian D. Lynn # % Mr. & Mrs. A. Taylor Moorman #% Dr. S. Tyler Perkinson# Mr. Bryan S. G. Pinckney #% Mr. & Mrs. Robert K. Pinkerton Jr. # Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm M. Randolph Jr. % Mr. David E. Satterfield V # Mr. & Mrs. Patrick W. Thompson # # Supported Annual Giving % Supported Class Gift
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Class Notes
1964
1976
Kirk Materne traveled back to Richmond to host many of his classmates and some of their former teachers for a special luncheon in Stern Alumni Hall in May.
Inspired by a news story of a young girl who asked her father to donate an ambulance to Ukraine, Tolar Nolley donated his decommissioned fire truck to Ukraine. “The story touched my heart,” he said. “This rescue vehicle has an oxygen maker, air compressor and a winch and can do a lot of things. It was a special opportunity to show what we can do here in the Commonwealth to help.” Nolley placed a sticker of the Virginia flag on the windshield before the fire truck departed overseas.
If you have news to report, please contact Jennifer Scallon: scallonj@stcva.org. Please remember to include your class year and a photo if you have one.
1955 Members of the Class of 1955 at the annual Chamberlayne Society Breakfast following the Memorial Day Service in May.
Front Row (L-R): David Satterfield, Stuart Cottrell, Scott Campbell, Ranny Herring, Guy Horsley, Kirk Materne; Second Row: Bob Purcell, Rick Hankins, Bumby Gresham, Doug Hayden, Armistead Williams, Bill Rasmussen; Third Row: Joe Knox, Bill Carter, Dick Rheutan, Rives Hardy, Doug Rucker
1967 Susan and Hank Gibson and Dorothy and Bill Tompkins ‘76 met on a Silversea cruise of Finland and Sweden.
Charlie Caravati, Edmund Benson, Gene Bowles and Gordon Wallace represent the class of ‘55.
1958 Dee Laird was presented an award for his service to the 7th Judicial District of Colorado Community Corrections Board in Montrose, Colorado.
(L–R): Hank Gibson ‘67, Susan Gibson, Dorothy Tompkins, Bill Tompkins ‘76
1972 Taylor Tucker bumped into old friend, Greg Hughes, in West Africa. They had lunch in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
Dee is presented his award by the local sheriff.
1977
Frank Maloney’s radio business HOOS TALKING just launched season XV this fall, including the 500th episode, which aired on October 9. He loves reporting on former Saints who are now competing for the Virginia Cavaliers.
1978
Matt Thornhill started Cozy Home in early 2020, with the goal of building houses and communities that are affordable for middle-income older adults between the ages of 60 to 80+. Each Cozy Home community consists of five or more “colonies” of 8-10 modularbuilt cluster homes of about 1,200 square feet and consists of people who have chosen to live together. Development is currently underway in Pennsylvania and Bozeman, Montana, with two communities in pre-development in North Carolina and Georgia. Several members of the class of 1978 met up in Pinehurst for their annual 78 CUP golf tournament.
Front Row (L-R): John Orgain, Ed Schoeffler, John Fleming; Back Row: Rip Wilson, Jim Cain, Ben Jarratt, Matt Renner, Richard Mitchell, Stuart Horsley Continued on page 54
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Class Notes 45TH REUNION
Class of 1978 Front Row (L-R): Ed Schoeffler, Neville Johnson, Dave Cohen Back Row: Butch Butcher, Dan Talley, John Board, Parke Smith, Johnny Peery, Matt Renner, Tyler Akers, Randy Daniel, Dick Fowlkes, Scott Inman, Berkeley Fergusson, Mark Jenkins, Mack Faulkner, Bill Peery, Wheat McDowell
40TH REUNION
Class of 1983 Front Row (L-R): Charles Bice, Judson Smith, Alec Oppenhimer, Robert Chappell, Ros Bowers Second Row: Todd Williamson, Chris Guvernator, Ted Ukrop, Alexander Macaulay Third Row: Scott Davila, David Bandas, John Barnard Back Row: Birck Turnbull, Jim Farinholt, Chip Caravati, David Chew
Class of 1964
Venimus, Vidimus, Eradicamus By Lee Frazier ‘64 We came, we saw, we eradicated. Members of the Class of 1964 have been involved in community service projects in the Richmond area each year for 12 years. In June of 2023 we partnered with The James River Association on one of our projects. The objective of our activity was the eradication of invasive species, particularly Japanese Hops, on Chapel Island in the James River. Its removal,
among other such species, is critical to reestablish important flora to provide a balance to ecosystems. Like all of our projects, this activity afforded us a tremendous bonding experience for everyone participating as well as allowing us to represent the School and our class in providing needed services for individuals and significant organizations in the community.
Front Row (L-R): Rick Hankins, Guy Horsley, Cary Gresham; Back Row: Doug Hayden, Scott Campbell, David Satterfield, Lee Frazier
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Class Notes Continued from page 52
1980
Turner Hunt and Sam Williamson enjoyed hiking in the Tetons.
commercial sensors to improve border situational awareness and apprehension performance across operational domains.
1991 Donny Wade and son Mac ‘18 visited Egypt in May to celebrate Mac’s college graduation. Highlights included a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings, a visit to the Great Pyramids and Sphinx, and a Nile River cruise.
Bryan Stygar (center) on the southern border
1983
Saints gathered at the home of Lisa and Robbie Huffines in Kiawah, SC, for a mini reunion.
1987
1989
Stephen Stalker, Burke Lewis ’92, Douglas Lamb, Gordon Lewis and Jay Wells ’92 went heliskiing in Canada in January.
Brian Stygar has temporarily left retirement to support U.S. Border Patrol as Senior Advisor to support the implementation of their autonomous surveillance strategy on the southern border. He will be overseeing the deployment of surveillance and intelligence systems that leverage current and future advances in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and
Donny and Mac Wade ‘18 at the Great Pyramid
Professor Temple Cone was a recipient of the Admiral Jay L. Johnson Professorship of Leadership and Ethics at the U.S. Naval Academy. This professorship, now in its 11th year, is intended to support, recognize and retain outstanding senior faculty, either military or civilian, ensuring them the resources to remain at the forefront of their fields and lead teaching and research efforts in key areas supporting the mission of the LEAD Division.
1992
After 33 years of service, Jethro Piland retired as the Hanover County Fire-EMS Chief. During his tenure, he received numerous accolades, including the Governor’s Virginia Fire Service Award.
1997
Ashby Price has been elected President of the CFA Society Virginia. Ashby is Founder of Ashwood Financial Partners. Members of the class of 1983 and Key Randolph '84 gathered in South Carolina Continued on page 56
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Class Notes 35TH REUNION
Class of 1988 L-R: Paul Doherty, Geoff Switz, Leo Boyd, Chris Mooz, Lee Chapman, John White, Eddie Lumpkin, Peter Bowles, Rand DuPriest, Lake Taylor, John Street, Mark Orgain
30TH REUNION
Class of 1993 Front Row (L-R): Charles Ayers, Roby Hackney, George Bland, Wade Blackwood Middle Row: Trey Jackson, David Owen, Julian Pozzi Back Row: Clark Coulbourn, Connell Mullins, Charles Valentine, David Adamson, McGuire Boyd, Ian McVey, Chris Broaddus
20TH REUNION
Class of 2003 Front Row (L-R): Andrew Livick, Marshall Alexander, Philip Innes, Michael Doyle, Jono Dahl, David Coleman, William Nicoll, Steve Clement Middle Row: Bobby Johnson, Rob Bedinger, Ryan Messier, Tony Julius, Rawleigh Taylor, Brice Fiske, Sam Thomas Back Row: Bert Miller, David Roberts, Basil Hallberg, Matt Strader, Michael Hoffmann, John Young, Peter Delaney, Ned Munson, Scott Kelly
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Class Notes Continued from page 54
2001
2003
John Dos Passos Coggin wrote an article discussing his grandfather’s love of the sea and how it shaped his life — “The World at the End of a Line” was published in The American Scholar. He has also published several poems this year, including: “The New Television Tyrant,” “Sandy Cameron’s Magic Violin,” “Tesla vs. Edison” and a video poem called “Buffalo Fish and Daddy Rabbit.”
Jonathan Wright and wife Dianna welcomed Josephine (“Josie”) Bobby Wright on August 27, 2022. She is being spoiled by her older three brothers.
Brian Murphy and wife Mana welcomed Anna Maie Murphy on August 31, 2023.
2005
Kelly Crockett and wife Marlène welcomed daughter Billie Lennox Crockett on March 31, 2023.
Bobby Johnson married Emma Lande Leonard on March 25, 2023 in Richmond, VA.
2004
Virginia Selden Talbott was born April 6, 2023, to Emily and Frank Talbott. Selden is welcomed by her big sisters, Claiborne and Mary Vance.
Taylor Brannan bumped into a familiar face in Kennebunkport, ME, over the summer. Taylor was eating dinner at the same restaurant (Little Barn) as George W. Bush. (See photo on facing page.)
Brian Murphy ‘01 with daughter, Anna Maie
Blayre and Thomas Gottwald welcomed Hedy Roselyn Gottwald on April 13, 2023. Noah Hornstein married Shelley Campbell (St. Catherine’s '05) in Richmond, VA, on June 16, 2023. (See photo on facing page.) Hugh Nicholson is now the Head of Race & Market Development for Formula 1 in Los Angeles. Jonathan Wright ‘03’s daughter, Josie
Frank Talbott ‘04’s children, Claiborne, Mary Vance and newborn Selden
Marlène and Kelly Crockett ‘01 took their daughter to Bruges, Belgium, the city where they were engaged.
Saints gather at the wedding of Bobby Johnson ‘03. Front Row (L-R): Steve Clement ’03, Bobby Johnson ’03, Emma Leonard, Michael Doyle ’03; Back Row: Colin Morrison ’01, Russell Branch ’06, Sandy Wall ’08, Ryan Messier ’03, David Coleman ’03, John Wilson ’03, Holland Scott, Jamie Sauer ’04, Michael Copley ’03, Chad Lockart ’03, Jenks Coggin ’03
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Class Notes 2006
Ben Cronly was named the Executive Director of The Byrd Theatre Foundation after serving as a Board Member, Treasurer and staff member for the nonprofit organization since 2018. In September, Alexander Murphy became an assistant professor at Clark University in Worcester, MA. He was awarded his Ph.D. last December from the University of Chicago.
Taylor Brannan ‘05 with George W. Bush
Ted Moore ‘07’s daughter
2007
Maggie and Jeb Bryan welcomed Margaret “Annie” Anderson Bryan on January 19, 2023. Frances Lynne Moore was born on May 18, 2023 to Ted Moore and wife Julia.
2008
Daniel Fletcher and wife Sarah welcomed Isaac Andrew Fletcher on August 28, 2023. Sarah and Andrew Klein welcomed Tillman Roy Klein on September 13, 2023. Robert McCarthy married Megan Bosher on May 20, 2023 in Richmond, VA. McKenzie and Michael Tuohey welcomed Thomas Fitz Tuohey on August 14, 2023.
2009 Noah Hornstein ‘05 with his wife Shelley
Maggie and Jeb Bryan ‘07 with Annie
Scott Richardson married Catherine Acomb on April 15, 2023 in New Orleans, LA.
Alexander Murphy ‘06
Michael Tuohey ‘08 with his family
Scott Richardson ‘09 with his wife Catherine
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Class Notes 2010
Mapp Tucker Braden born July 17, 2023 to Mo and Tucker Braden. Mapp is welcomed by his big brother Hayes.
Charlie Yorgen married Katherine Mohoney (St. Catherine’s ’13) on July 1, 2023 in Richmond.
2019
Tyler Hutchison, who majored in engineering physics and applied design at William & Mary, has accepted a job as an electrical engineer on the NASA Sounding Rocket Operations Contract team at NASA Wallops Island following graduation.
2022 Clare and Beirne Hutcheson welcomed twins Carter Steele Hutcheson and Reed Campbell Hutcheson on March 3, 2023.
Chase Mullins, who plays lacrosse for Penn State, was named Freshman of the Week by the Big 10 in April.
Tyler Hutchison ‘19
2012
Marshall Jennings Mayhew and Olivia Faye Massie (Collegiate ’15) were married on September 17, 2022. The Cupp Run slope-side ceremony took place in Snowshoe, WV.
2013
Harrison McVey married Maggie Dougherty on May 27, 2023 in Virginia Beach, VA.
Marshall Mayhew ‘12 with his wife Olivia
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Saints gather at the wedding of Charlie Yorgen '13. Front Row (L-R): Anthony Battiston ’13, JT Beck ’13, Elizabeth Nelson ’13, Sarah Cassasnovas ’13, Charlie Yorgen ’13, Katherine Yorgen ’13, Lizzie Dickinson ’13, Anna Keeling ’13; Middle Row: Harrison McVey ’13, Churchill Young ’13, Ben Foley ’13, Gus Corwin ’13, Eliza Edlich ’13, Mckayla Boyd ’13, Lizzie Wallace ’13, AP Harkins ’13; Back Row: Chase Crowder ’13, Adam Richardson ’12, Marshall Hollerith ’13, Evan Reid ‘13, Andrew Carleton ’13, Peter Feramosca ’13, Jack English ’13, Franny Blanchard ’13, Abe Barksdale ’13
Saints gather at the wedding of Harrison McVey '13. Front Row (L-R): Trice Moore ‘13, Wyatt Eck ‘13, Charlie Yorgen ‘13, Thomas Lynde ‘15, Marshall Mayhew ‘12; Back Row: Doug West ‘13, Will Abbott ‘13, Ned Ukrop ‘13, Marshall French, Jay Moore ‘75, Henry McVey ‘87, Maggie McVey, Harrison McVey ‘13, Churchill Young ‘13, Henry Watkins, Matt MacLeod ‘14, Jim McVey ‘85, Gee McVey ‘82, Jack Westfall ‘19, Abe Barksdale ‘13, Church Young ‘80
Class Notes 15TH REUNION
Class of 2008 Front Row (L-R): Paul Ferramosca, William Irby, Benjamin Harrison, Charles Ellen; Second Row: Robert McCarthy, John Parrish, Addison Dalton, John Mark DiGrazia, William Cronly; Third Row: Chas Skidmore, Christopher Irby, Sam Priddy, Joseph Suarez, Brewster Rawls; Fourth Row: George Parrish, Brian Kusiak, Whit Long, Sam Hewitt, Kevin Isaacs; Fifth Row: Rob Valentine, Stephen Davenport, Sandy Wall, Teddy Mitchell, Jimmy Meadows; Sixth Row: Stephen Davis, Michael Tuohey, Bill Cogar, Andrew Klein
10TH REUNION
Class of 2013 L-R: Mike Luke, Ned Roberts, Ben Jessee, Carter Rise, Nat Rodgers, William Conover, Jack English, Andrew Fernandez, Rodney Williams, J.T. Beck, Ryan Nelligan, Peter Ferramosca, Charlie Yorgen, Cole Carns, Swain Molster, Harrison McVey, Collins Burlee, Andrew Carleton
5TH REUNION
Class of 2018 Front Row (L-R): Maddison Furman, William Rodriguez, Jack Franko, Gray Hart, Jens Ames, Mac Wade, Connor Johnson, Christian Carlow, Henry Rodriguez, Clifford Foster, Will Atkinson Back Row: Quinn Bundy, Justin Jasper, Ralph Levy, Read Brown, William Tappen, Will Roberts, Jack Pendlebury, Donovan Murphy, Wayland Jones, Landon Spruill, Thomas Caravati, R.J. Wilkinson, Miller Farley
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Class In Memoriam Notes as of September 25, 2023
Henry Valentine ‘45
Doug Chapman ’46
Hugh Leach Jr. ’51
Major Reynolds ‘52
George Ginn ’54
Wellford Reed Jr. ’54
Bill Mann ’55
Don Whitley ’55
1945 Henry Lee Valentine II of Richmond, VA, died September 21, 2023. He is survived by sons Henry L. Valentine III ’77 and Edward W. Valentine ’83 and grandsons Thomas R. Brown Jr. ’09, Barbour T. Farinholt Jr. ’09, Tucker V. Brown ’12, H. Blair Farinholt ’12, Edward W. Valentine Jr. ’12, Henry L. Valentine ’19 and Henry L. Valentine IV ’20.
1946 Douglas Gordon Chapman Jr. of Richmond, VA, died July 6, 2023. He is survived by his son Douglas G. Chapman III ’75. Tom Motley ’56
Henry Harrell ’57
1951 Hugh Leach Jr. of Richmond, VA, died March 31, 2023.
1952 Richard Samuel Reynolds III of Richmond, VA, died September 18, 2023. He is survived by his son Richard S. Reynolds IV ’74.
1954 George Holmes Ginn of Richmond, VA, died February 24, 2023. He is survived by brother L. H. Ginn III ’51 and sons Marshall H. Ginn ’82 and G. Warren Ginn ’84. Wellford Claiborne Reed Jr. of Atlantic Beach, FL, died May 2, 2023.
1955 William Wood Mann of Alexandria, VA, died July 7, 2023. Donald Pope Whitley of Richmond, VA, died June 30, 2023. He is survived by his son Donald P. Whitley Jr. ’82 and grandson D. Pope Whitley III ’16.
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Gil Minor III ’59
Malcolm Randolph ’60
Cliff Fleet ’61
Mike Larus ’69
Chris Rose ’69
Rusty Scott ’78
Brenton Halsey
Jeremy Jones
1956
FACULTY, STAFF AND BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Thomas Fitzgerald Motley III of Chatham, VA, died July 4, 2023.
Brenton S. Halsey of Richmond, VA, died May 28, 2023. Brent served on the Board of Governors.
1957 Henry Howze Harrell of Richmond, VA, died May 30, 2023.
Jeremy Jones of Saratoga Springs, NY, died March 12, 2023. Jerry worked in the Development Office.
1959 George Gilmer Minor III of Richmond, VA, died May 4, 2023. He is survived by his brother Claiborne W. Minor ’63 and his son G. Gilmer Minor IV ’89.
1960 Malcolm Matheson Randolph of Richmond, VA, died August 14, 2023. He is survived by his brother E. Fairfax Randolph Jr. ’57 and his son Malcolm M. Randolph Jr. ’98.
1961 Clifford Bridges Fleet Jr. of Richmond, VA, died September 16, 2023. He is survived by his grandsons Cabell M. Fleet ’21, William B. Tigani ’29 and Miles M. Tigani ’35.
1969 Michael Gavin Larus Jr. of Saluda, VA, died March 7, 2023. He is survived by brothers Brockenbrough L. Larus ’71 and Preston B. Larus ’77. Robert Christian Rose Jr. of Richmond, VA, died March 12, 2023.
1978 Russell Cecil Scott Jr. of Richmond, VA, died June 6, 2023. He is survived by his brother W. Norwood Scott ’85.
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Development and Communications Staff DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT
LEADERSHIP GIVING OFFICER FOR SPECIAL CAMPAIGNS
Marie Ayers
Cappy Gilchrist
MANAGER OF ADVANCEMENT OPERATIONS Blair Belote
DIRECTOR OF PLANNED GIVING AND LEADERSHIP GIVING OFFICER
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT
Valerie Hedley
Jane Garnet Brown
DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
George Knowles
Ashley Cameron
DIRECTOR OF STEWARDSHIP
DIRECTOR OF THE ST. CHRISTOPHER’S FUND
Penny Lowrey
Andrew Chesebro
MANAGER OF SPECIAL EVENTS
LEADERSHIP GIVING OFFICER
Cricket O’Connor
Stephen Davenport ’08
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND PARENT RELATIONS
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Jennifer Scallon
Sharon Dion
MAGAZINE EDITOR
COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT AND MAGAZINE EDITOR
John Taylor (2022-2023)
Aynsley Fisher
DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AND PARENT RELATIONS Davis Wrinkle ’81
The Annual Report includes all donations received by St. Christopher’s School between July 1, 2022 and June 30, 2023. Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy in this publication. Please contact the Development Office at (804) 282-3185 or alumni@stcva.org for any corrections.
ONE DAY | 1,000 GIFTS
DAYof GIVING THE ST. CHRISTOPHER’S FUND SAVE THE DATE
Please save the date for our Day of Giving on Thursday, April 18, 2024. This is an opportunity to honor a teacher, coach, mentor, student, or any Saint who has made a lasting impact on your life or that of your son or grandson. More information to follow.
APRIL 18, 2024
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. The Magazine of St. Christopher’s
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