2017-18 ANNUAL REPORT
REFLECTING STRENGTH
H o n o r i n g Tr a d i t i o n
Visions don’t change…Plans rarely stay the same…. Be stubborn about the vision, but flexible with your plan.
Leadership guru John C. Maxwell
Dear Friends, Flexibility and creativity have defined Stuart Hall, and 2017-18 was no exception. John C. Maxwell's quote encapsulates the 2017-18 year at Stuart Hall School, and indeed every year since I arrived here 14 years ago! To use Maxwell’s words, we remain stubborn about our Mission: To prepare students of all faiths for success in universities worldwide and for engaged lives of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and contribution. We also remain stubborn about our Vision, Staunton is our Campus: "Through a program centered around authentic learning experiences in the Staunton community, our Vision is to produce students who are invaluable to the future and who will navigate with confidence a world we cannot even imagine." Our Vision includes a strong downtown presence for our School (think Virginia Commonwealth University or NYU) and strategic partnerships with institutions across our area to develop both knowledge AND essential skills—articulated in our STU Graduate Goals, or core competencies—for all students, PreK-12. I am pleased to tell you we are well on our way to achieving our Vision. Fundraising results to support the Vision are exceeding our expectations. Faculty professional development in support of the Vision continues to evolve, and the community is excited to partner with us. Moreover, the VAIS five-year interim accrediting team, who visited the School in October 2017, affirmed this Vision is the right one for Stuart Hall at this time. In their exit interview with the administrative staff, team members said it was apparent the School community is united around the School’s
mission and STU Graduate Goals, and added they had never seen an administrative team with such a clear vision of how to tap the full potential of its school’s location. Our School passed all accreditation standards with flying colors! At the same time, 2017-18 did see an adjustment in our strategy to execute our Vision. Our original plan was to move our Lower School to the Staunton campus in order to better leverage our PreK-12 plus boarding community. However, as planning for this progressed, the costs associated with building a new Lower School on our historic campus continued to rise due to external factors, including code and historic district requirements. The final figure was almost double the original estimate. This caused us to pause and think critically about how we, as good stewards, could make the best use of the funds we raise to bring our Vision to life. Modeling the creative design-thinking we ask our faculty to practice, our Board approved a pivot in our plans for implementing our Vision that can be summed up in two words: Stewardship and Momentum. This new direction addresses multiple needs more economically, more quickly, and with greater programmatic impact by: • Enhancing the learning environments on the current Lower School Campus; • Developing a robust daily transportation system to allow us to realize our PreK-12 identity with less expense in our infrastructure; • Adding to our endowment to produce annual income for faculty salaries and professional development; • Fully renovating at least the first floor of the 26,000-square-foot downtown building (107 W. Beverley) to create a state-of-the-art, flexible learning environment that can be used for authentic learning experiences by all grades;
• Restoring/enhancing critical aspects of our current Staunton campus. Embracing this new plan, facility upgrades on both the Staunton and Verona campuses began almost immediately, with the goal of realizing significant enhancements for the 2018-19 school year. New transportation resources were purchased, and an architectural firm has been hired to help us transform 107 W. Beverley into the collaborative, authentic learning space we imagine. In all this excitement, it’s important to add that none of this precludes a Lower School move to Staunton in the future, but it does allow us to achieve our Vision more meaningfully and sooner. Like many other schools, we continue to grapple with the effects of softness in the early grades and domestic boarding market. Therefore, it is more important than ever to fully implement our distinctive vision sooner rather than later in order to attract a larger portion of the independent school market. Of course, I cannot end this look back over the past year without addressing the announcement I made earlier this fall about my intention to leave Stuart Hall at the end of the 2018-19 academic year. As evidenced by the stories you’ll read in this report, Stuart Hall is confidently poised for the next stage of growth, with a strong faculty and student body, and values that have persisted from one generation to the next. While we are in a position of strength, the time is right to enact a change in leadership. I am confident that incoming Head of School Michael Robinson will serve our community well and is the right choice for the next phase of Stuart Hall’s history. Thank you for your support of me over the past 14 years, and your continued support of Stuart Hall School. Sincerely, Mark H. Eastham, Head, Stuart Hall School
1
2017-Â18
Operating Revenue & Support Endowment 4%
Endowment Long Term Investments
4% Auxiliary Activities
$5,000,000
Gifts & Support 19%
Student Fees 4%
$6,486,906
$3,750,000
Net Tuition Revenue 70%
$2,500,000
2017-Â18
Operating Expense
$1,250,000
Advancement 2%
Food service 9%
$0
Plant 11%
Technology 3%
Programmatic Supplies 4%
Administrative 10%
Personnel 61%
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$6,426,344
2012-13
2013-14
2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18
Net Gains (Losses)
Beginning Balances
Cash Withdrawals
New Cash Gifts
($1,250,000)
$1,000,,000
Capital Expenditures
$750,000
$625,000
$500,000
L E A DE R S H I P 2 0 1 7 - 2 0 1 8 $375,000
$250,000
B OA R D O F G OV E R N O R S
Trustees Emeritae
William B. Armstrong
Glenore (Glennie) Smith Forbes ‘60
Henry D.W. Burt
Florence Jones Rutherford '71
Dr. David H. Charlton
Annette Smith Parker '69
The Reverend Edward M. Covert
Page Hynes Sullenberger ’63
Dennis Cross, Chair
STAFF: Mark Eastham, Chip Broadway
Cary Dahl Mary Carter Frackelton $125,000
$0
2011-12 2012-13
2013-14 2014-15
2015-16
2016-17
2017-18
Technology
Vehicles
Furnishings & Equipment
Buildings & Land
Sally Balch Hurme ’64, Vice-Chair
F O U N DATI O N B OA R D
Tom Kalasky
William B. Armstrong, Chair
Dylan Kramer ‘12
Molly Brown, Vice-Chair
Catherine “Cathy” Parks Loevner ‘67
Henry D.W. Burt, Secretary/Treasurer
Steve McAllister
Grace den Hartog
Richard Tankard
Dana Parks Gray '65
Kathryn “Kitty” Quarles Wafle ‘71
David G. Frackelton
The Honorable Don Wilson
Bonnie Fontenot Nielson '64
Denise Wooldridge ’76
Ex Officio With Vote
Ex Officio
Dennis Cross, Chair, Board of Governors
The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas
Sally Balch Hurme ‘64, Vice-Chair, Board of Governors
The Rev. Shelby Owen
3
Stuart Society $25,000 and Above
Leadership CONTINUED
ALUMNI COUNCIL
Colonel Daniel Barr and Mrs. Susan Barr *
Krystal “Kay” Deitz Allyn ‘01 Elizabeth White Baker ‘88*
Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia ◊
Susan Ellett Beaver ‘58*
Mr. Dennis Cross and Mrs. Susan Cross #
David Boatright ‘07 Margaret “Peggy” Runnels Bowditch ‘59*
Mr. Allen Dahl and Ms. Carolyn Dahl ◊ > #
Elizabeth “Barry” Thrift Brown ‘64*
Mr. Robert Doolittle and Mrs. Anne Doolittle ‘74 ◊
Adalyn “Addie” Brugger ‘80* Cristina Casado ’93, President-Elect
Johnson Charitable Gift Fund
Grier Cross ‘10 Glenore “Glennie” Smith Forbes ‘60*
Katharine Taylor Gray Fund ◊
Catherine “Cate” Dell Garris ’95, President
Network for Good
Dana Parks Gray ‘65
The Honorable Elmon Gray and Mrs. Pamela B. Gray ‘44 * ◊
Ms. Katharine Gray ‘68
Betsy Butzner Greene ‘66
Mr. Robert Holsinger and Mrs. Orlean Holsinger *
Elizabeth Hamblet ‘97* Anna Austell Hogan ‘87 Sally Balch Hurme ‘64* Priscilla “PJ” Pineiro Jenkins ‘94 Dylan Kramer ‘12 Linda Roller Livick ‘53* Elaine Elder McCarrick ‘61* Carolyn Smith Moore ‘67 Dorothy “Dottie” Duval Nelson ‘65 Bonnie Fontenot Nielson ‘64*
Honor Roll of Donors
Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, Inc. ◊ Charles Schwab & Co. Inc. Mr. David Loevner and Mrs. Catherine Loevner ‘67 ◊ # Dr. Dennis Nielson and Mrs. Bonnie Nielson ‘64 ◊ #
Mary Beirne Kerr Nutt ‘57*
Mrs. Virginia Niemeyer ‘42 *
Casey Wilkinson Ochs ‘89
Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program ◊
Dr. Nancy Poe ’78, Secretary Elizabeth “Betsy” Pritchard ‘86 Ruth Smith Pritchard ‘62* Heather Douglas Rook ‘96 Katherine “Katie” Campbell Spurlock ‘87* Page Hynes Sullenberger ‘63* Deborah “Debbie” Lotz Walker ‘66 Anne Bareford Woodard ‘71 Susan Lambert Yates ‘73 *denotes Emeritus member 48
STUART HALL SCHOOL 2017-2018
Mr. Arthur Hurme and Mrs. Sally Balch Hurme ‘64 ◊ #
five or more years consecutive ◊ Denotes giving
*
Denotes deceased
# Denotes Board of Governors or Foundation Board member
+ Denotes Faculty or Staff Member > Denotes Current Parent
Mr. Douglas Quarles and Mrs. Kathryn Quarles ‘47
Mr. Benjamin Wafle and Mrs. Kathryn Wafle ‘71 ◊ # Mr. E.C. Wilton and Mrs. Shay Wilton Mr. Ronald Yates and Mrs. Susan Lambert Yates ‘73 ◊
1844 Society $15,000 - $24,999 The Hamm Family Foundation ◊ Ms. Mary Carter Frackelton ◊ # Mr. Charles Hamm and Mrs. Irene Frail Hamm ‘56 Union Bank and Trust Wealth Management Mr. Charles Nelson and Mrs. Dorothy Duval Nelson ‘65 ◊ The Honorable Don Wilson and Mrs. Patsy Wilson ◊
Founders’ Club $10,000 - $14,999 Delta Air Lines Foundation Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund Mrs. Sylvia Mathis Gibson ‘53 Mr. Scott Goldenberg and Mrs. Krista Goldenberg > Ms. Anne Norris Kast ‘66 Mr. Gary Stern and Mrs. Mary K. Nelson Stern ‘66 Mr. Daihong Ling and Mrs. Chao Wang Ms. Ann Watkins ‘73
Community Foundation Central Blue Ridge
Ms. Denise Wooldridge ‘76 ◊ #
Mrs. Elizabeth Scott ‘32
McGuire Associates 5,000 - $9,999
Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Pamela Smith ‘69 TIAA
Mr. Gerald Acuff and Mrs. Maryann Acuff Mr. William Armstrong and Mrs. Ellen Armstrong # Mr. Mitch Carr and Mrs. Iris Carr
Mr. Todd Carr and Mrs. Marjorie Carr >
Governors’ Club $2,500 - $4,999
Mr. P. William Moore and Mrs. Lisa Moore
Mr. James Crawford and Mrs. Ann Crawford ‘68
Mr. Geoff Cambell and Dr. Julia East ‘79
Small Boarding School Association
Mr. Robert Musser
Mr. Thomas Dahl and Mrs. Kristin Dahl
Ms. Mary Louise Fisher * ◊
Mr. Thomas Aycock and Mrs. Anne Aycock > +
Carr Family Foundation ◊ Donald T. Regan Foundation ◊ King Family Fund Schwab Charitable Fund ◊ Mrs. Mary Morriss Gibbs ‘53 Mr. William King and Mrs. Grace den Hartog Mr. Curtis Hathaway and Mrs. Brenda Hathaway Ms. Anne Hedman + Mr. Brian Thomas and Mrs. Alison Heinrich > Dr. Justin Deaton and Mrs. Lauren Hurst > Ms. Jenny Kelling ‘68 Mr. Dave Kramer and Mrs. Joannie Kramer Mrs. David A. Lefeve Mr. Stephen Parker and Mrs. Annette Parker ‘69 ◊
Mr. Edgar Noel and Mrs. Jeanne Noel Mr. Alfred Strickler
Mr. & Mrs. Patrick Bassett and Mrs. Barbara Bassett
Mr. Richard Tankard and Mrs. Joie Tankard # >
TIAA Charitable
Mr. Frederick Watson and Mrs. Sara Opie Watson ‘48 ◊
Dr. David Charlton and Mrs. Wendy Charlton ◊ # Mr. Jun Tang and Mrs. Shumin Chen > Mr. H.C. Stuart Cochran and Mrs. Emily Cochran ◊ Mountain Valley Corp Mr. Mark Eastham and Mrs. Kathy Eastham ◊ +
Head’s Circle $1,000 - $2,499 Mr. Nathaniel Adkins + Mr. Alvin Alsobrook and Mrs. Elizabeth Alsobrook ‘60 Mrs. Mary Anderson ‘49 ◊ Mr. Hyman Bielsky and Mrs. Marietta Austin-Bielsky ‘73
Mr. Thomas F. Farrell and Mrs. Anne Garland Farrell ◊
Mr. Park Beaver and Mrs. Susan Beaver ‘58
Jessie Ball duPont Fund
Mr. Donald Beck and Mrs. Susan Beck ‘60 ◊
Mrs. Dana Parks Gray ‘65 ◊
Ms. Grace Suttle ‘56 ◊
Mr. William McCarrick * ◊
Mrs. Jane Tolleson ‘48 ◊
Ms. Holly Miller ‘75
Mr. Robert Duke and Mrs. Tommie Duke
Mrs. Brenda Wilkinson
Mr. Matthew Egeli and Mrs. Kathleen Egeli >
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Mr. J. Dennis Delafield and Mrs. JoAnn Delafield ‘54
Mr. William Bissett and Mrs. Patricia Bissett ‘73
Mr. Ray Edwards and Mrs. Sallie Edwards ‘62
Mr. George Booth and Mrs. Katharine Booth ‘76 ◊
Mr. Allen Ervin and Mrs. Sara Ervin
Mr. Cary Booth and Mrs. Jane Booth ‘77
Mr. Benjamin Farrell and Mrs. Tanya Farrell > +
The Rev. P. Bowen and Mrs. Kennon Bowen ◊
Mr. Edward Flippen and Mrs. Pearcy Flippen ‘63 ◊
Dr. Glenn Brammer and Dr. Jennifer Brammer >
Norfolk Southern Foundation ◊
Reverend William Brown and Mrs. Peggy Brown ◊
Advisors Charitable Gift Fund
Dr. William Call and Mrs. Barbara Call ‘77 ◊ Mrs. Mary Chase ‘45 ◊
Cochran Family Foundation Benevity Community Impact Fund Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Mr. Zhaoyang Chen ‘18
Mrs. Louise Coleman Gardiner ‘37 ◊
Hershey Chocolate Company
Ms. Catherine Garris ‘95 >
The Rev. Edward Covert and Mrs. Nan Covert ◊ #
Mr. David Gauldin and Mrs. Teresa Gauldin CONTINUED 5
Head's Circle CONTINUED
Major General L. Ginn ◊ Mr. Alan Goldenberg and Mrs. Vicki Goldenberg Mr. James Greene and Mrs. Betsy Greene ‘66 Mrs. Sally Hodgkin ‘45 ◊ Mr. J. Ben Huson and Mrs. Monica Huson > Vailes Brothers, Inc. David Vaughan Investments The Rt. Rev. Shannon Johnston Mr. Mark LaRosa and Mrs. Jennifer LaRosa + Mr. Richard McPherson and Mrs. Elizabeth Lewis ‘75 Fidelity Brokerage Services LLC Mr. Russ Martin and Mrs. Heather Martin ‘87 ◊
Mr. William Miles and Mrs. Nancy Miles ‘58
Reverend Daniel Owen Worthington, Jr. and Mrs. Jane Worthington
Mr. Clifford Moore and Mrs. Carolyn Moore ‘67
Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Wright ◊
Mr. Brian Ochs and Mrs. Casey Ochs ‘89 ◊ > Mr. Chris Payne Dr. Michael Plautz and Dr. Claire Plautz > Mrs. Ruth Pritchard ‘62 Mr. Mark Pruett and Mrs. Paige Pruett ‘89 Mr. Carson Ralston and Mrs. Bonnie Ralston ‘84
Mr. Thomas Kalasky and Mrs. Beverly Kalasky # Ms. Nancy Kight ‘66
Old Main Society $500 - $999 Dr. Saied Asfa and Mrs. Amy Asfa >
Mr. Dylan Kramer ‘12 ◊ # Dr. Swen Laser and Mrs. Susan Laser Mr. Chuck Lenz
Dr. Thomas Aycock and Mrs. Kae Aycock
Mr. James Makos and Mrs. Susan Smith Makos ‘72 ◊
Ms. Micaela Baca ‘11
Mr. James McConnel and Mrs. Catherine McConnel ◊ +
Bartzen and Ball Mr. Kieran Bartley
Mr. Richard McFarland and Mrs. Peggy McFarland
Mr. Alan Sanders and Mrs. Elisabeth Sanders ‘64
Mr. Mark Battin and Mrs. Sara Battin ‘68 ◊
Mr. Robert Schreiber and Mrs. Elizabeth Schreiber ‘75
Ms. Sally Beach ‘65
Mrs. Nancy Moser ‘68
Mr. John Bishop and Mrs. Samantha Bishop ‘89 ◊
Ms. Ngozi Obi >
Captain Richard Schwarting and Mrs. Sue Schwarting ‘71 Mr. George Seitts and Mrs. Phyllis Seitts ‘67 Mr. Brandan Sommerfield and Mrs. Robyn Sommerfield > Ms. Katherine Spurlock ‘87 ◊ > Mrs. Page Sullenberger ‘63 ◊ # Ms. Kathryn Thompson ‘66 The New York Community Trust ◊ Mr. Thomas Tullidge and Mrs. Cathy Tullidge Mr. Robert Turnbull and Mrs. Anne Turnbull ‘71 ◊ (Church Schools of the) Diocese of Virginia ◊
6
H L Lang & Co. Master Jewelers
Mr. Steven McAllister and Mrs. Kathryn McAllister
Mrs. Epsey Farrell Weatherbee ‘53
Mr. George McCrary and Mrs. Shirley McCrary ‘61
Mr. David Weavil and Mrs. Mila Weavil ‘82
Mr. Joseph McDonald and Mrs. Elissa McDonald +
Mr. Beverly Wickersham and Mrs. Edna L Wickersham ‘67
Ms. Adalyn Brugger ‘80 ◊ Mrs. Ann Carman ‘55 ◊ Mr. Rick Cason and Mrs. Brooke Cason > Ms. Robin Clement ‘74 Ms. Sydney Cross ‘13 Ms. Sara Rayburn ‘65 and Ms. Barbara Dick ‘66 * Ms. Frances Early ‘58 Mr. Ian Forbes and Mrs. Glenore Forbes ‘60 ◊ # Mr. Lawrence Fowler and Mrs. Linda Fowler ‘61 Mrs. Susan King Gaskins ‘67 Mr. Theodore Hainline and Mrs. Melody Hainline ‘78
Mrs. Emilie Merritt ‘46 ◊
Mr. Stephen Owen and Reverend Shelby Owen Dr. Nancy Poe ‘78 Mid Valley Press Mr. David Wiedemer and Mrs. Elizabeth Pritchard ‘86 ◊ Ms. Julia Beatrice Reed ‘74 Mr. Charles Revette and Mrs. Elizabeth Revette ‘74 ◊ Mr. Michael Seiferth and Mrs. Eleanor Seiferth ‘65 Ms. Jenna Smith ◊ + Mr. Robert Stoddard and Mrs. Thalia Stoddard ‘68 BB&T Scott & Stringfellow Ms. Anne Tankard Mrs. Martha Walton ‘70
Mr. David Hunt and Mrs. Sara Hunt ‘64
Mr. Eugene Watson and Mrs. Jane-Page Watson ‘73
Mr. Olaf Jensen and Ms. Nathalie Jensen +
JP Morgan Chase Good Works Mr. Robert Young and Mrs. Florence Young ‘68
Red/White Club $250 - $499 Mrs. Jane Ambrose-Cosby ‘59 * Mr. Nelson Arencibia and Mrs. Boni Arencibia Ms. Sharon Arne + Ms. Rida Aycock ‘56 Mrs. Barbara Beard ‘64 Mr. Bob Barron and Mr. Frederick Blanton Mr. David Boatright ‘07
Mr. James Graham and Mrs. Bonnie Graham Mr. Larry Hecox and Mrs. Carolyn Day Hecox Mr. John Hopper and Mrs. Sally Hopper ‘75 Ms. Nancy St John Mr. Michael Kelley and Ms. Kendel St. John > The Rt. Rev. Mark Bourlakas and Ms. Martha Johnson-Bourlakas #>
Mr. Robert Bragg and Mrs. Mary Bragg ‘69 Mr. Jack Broadway Mr. Craig Brown and Ms. Jordan Brown ‘06 Ms. Mary Burwell ‘54
MISSION STATEMENT: To prepare students of all faiths for success in universities worldwide and for engaged lives of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and contribution
Mr. Paul Coleman and Mrs. Pamela Coleman Mr. W. John Collins and Mrs. Diana Collins ‘73 Mr. Cory Conner and Ms. Catherine Conner > Mr. Roy Cool and Mrs. Rebecca Cool ‘64 Mr. Grier Cross ‘10 Mr. Charles Davis and Mrs. Rosa Davis ‘65 Mr. James DeBerry and Mrs. Margaret DeBerry ‘73 ◊
Dr. Walter Kerschl and Mrs. Kim Kerschl > Mr. Jamie Kimmett and Mrs. Anne Finley Kimmett ‘89 Kjellstrom-Lee
Dr. Susan Dell
Mrs. Augusta Kosowicz ‘80
Ms. Amelia Dungan ‘96
Mr. Malcolm Livick and Mrs. Linda Livick ‘53 ◊
Dr. Philip Fisher and Mrs. Virginia Fisher ‘45 Mrs. Carol Gauntlett ‘49 Mr. Mike Golden and Ms. Lelia Golden ‘64 ◊ Mr. John Gorra and Ms. Rebecca Gorra > Dr. Edward Gotlieb and Dr. Jaquelin Gotlieb ‘64
Mr. Kenneth Lyons and Mrs. Nancy Lyons ‘73 Mr. Robert Miller Mr. Philip Moran and Ms. Cheri Moran Ms. Anne Bryan 72 and Mr. Joe Murray CONTINUED
7
Red/White Club CONTINUED
Ms. Cynthia Patton ◊ Mr. Clifton Peterson and Ms. Mary Cary Peterson ‘06
I
Ms. Regina Pettus ‘72 Ms. Sarah Pritzlaff ‘78 Mr. Jon Putnam and Mrs. Helen Putnam ‘69 Ms. Anne Randolph ‘65 Mr. Lamar Sale and Ms. Sarah Sale Mr. Richard Scaglione and Mrs. Janice Scaglione ‘69 ◊ Mr. Fred Schultz and Mrs. Allison Schultz Mr. James Secor and Ms. Katrina Secor Mr. Jerry Starace and Mrs. Anne Starace Mr. Richard Stockton and Mrs. Barbara Stockton ‘58 Ms. Lisa Stratienko ‘74 Mr. Paul Viers and Mrs. Margaret Viers ‘78 Mrs. Jane Wainwright ‘59 Mr. Harry Warner and Mrs. Sis Warner ◊
Challengers’ Club $100- $249 Dr. Brian Alexander and Mrs. Caroline Alexander > Dr. Mark Piper and Dr. Pia Antolic-Piper > Ms. Judith Armstrong Mr. Bradley Arnold ◊ + Mr. Alain Audet and Mrs. Tamsey Garst Audet ‘74 Mr. Robert Baiotto and Mrs. Stephanie Baiotto > Mr. Thomas Baker and Mrs. Linda Baker > + CONTINUED
8
Bob Tran, bottom right STUA RT HA LL SCHOOL
A Conversation with Bob Tran ‘19 INTERNATIONAL BOARDING STUDENT, SGA PRESIDENT 2018-2019
f you glance through Stuart Hall’s 2017-2018 yearbook, you will notice the picture of a junior boy wearing aviator sunglasses in his student picture. What’s the motive behind this fashion statement? Anyone who knows the student will smile. That’s Bob! Bob Tran, a native of Hanoi, Vietnam, came to Stuart Hall in the fall of 2015. At first, he was quiet and unfamiliar with his surroundings. He was a world away from home. In the fall of 2018, Bob started the year confident, well-known, and well-loved by his classmates and teachers. BobHe Tran, right walks the halls with a smile and gladly dishes out a high-five or a fist bump to those that he sees. He has the trust and support of the community and is a leader at Stuart Hall. In the spring of 2018, the student body elected him as SGA president for the 2018-2019 school year. He has plans to make a difference, and there is little doubt that he will. We sat with Bob for a conversation regarding his journey to and through Stuart Hall, his plans for this year, and his plans for the future. While his aspirations for college and career are huge, he has big goals for Stuart Hall and plans to see them through.
W H Y D I D YO U C H O O S E S TUA R T H A LL A S YO U R S C H O O L? “It really came down to five schools. I looked at the programs and saw there was a strong STEM [science, technology, engineering and math] program here at STU. The location was great having a downtown, and being close to DC.”
W H AT I S TH E D I F F E R E N C E I N TH E B OYS’ B OA R D I N G PRO G R A M N OW V E R S U S W H E N YO U A R R I V E D? “There is much more freedom now. Then, there were not as many guys. The school was not used to having us around. Now there are lots of us so it’s easier to do things that guys like to do. We can play basketball, go to the movies, and play video games.”
W H AT I S YO U R FAVO R ITE TR A D ITI O N AT S TUA R T H A LL? “Junior-Senior Banquet is my absolute favorite. It’s a big bonding moment for us and I am looking forward to that this year. Senior Retreat is another favorite. We usually shut ourselves off, but we opened up a lot. Things that people don’t normally talk about openly happened that day. Graduation is also another tradition that I enjoy.” Note: Senor Retreat takes place at the beginning of each year. This year, the senior class traveled for an overnight stay at Massanetta Springs with Head of School Mark Eastham, Chaplain Connor Gwin, and Senior Class Sponsors: Alumni Director Jenna Smith and Learning Resources Director Carol Stanley. They planned for the year, discussed goals, and had fun.
W H E R E A R E YO U A PPLY I N G TO CO LLE G E ? “I am applying to lots of places. Hopefully, I’ll be in a big city, like New York, Boston, or Atlanta. MIT is my top choice. I’d like to double-major in Physics and Computer Science and minor in Philosophy. Wherever I go, I want to be a part of the community. When I first arrived at Stuart Hall, I wasn’t as willing to jump in and speak up. I want to learn from my mistakes here and contribute to my new community.”
W H O I N S P I R E S YO U A S A LE A D E R ? “On a personal level, it would be Mr. Eastham. He is so motivational and inspirational. He is easy to talk to and makes us feel comfortable and right at home. I am going to miss him next year. As far as major world leaders, I would have to say Martin Luther King. His confidence and courage is inspirational. He was willing to sacrifice for what he believed in.”
W H AT D O YO U WA NT TO ACCO M PLI S H TH RO U G H B E I N G S G A PR E S I D E NT ? “I would love to see long-lasting changes and initiatives. I like thinking about creating something that lasts. This year, we are putting more responsibility on students by doing such things as monitoring the weight room and running more after-school clubs. I want a formal constitution for what the SGA at
Stuart Hall stands for. I don’t want to be credited for it. I just want to make sure its existence matters. I also want to be more involved and make sure that communication between students and teachers continues to improve.”
W H AT I S YO U R LE A D E R S H I P S T Y LE ? “I love sitting down for conversations and being able to set the tone. I make sure I notice what is happening on campus and the issues people are talking about. I try to be approachable and take everyone seriously. I want people to know that we can have an impact on our school but it requires effort from everyone.”
I F YO U CO U LD O F F E R A DV I C E TO A N E W S TU D E NT, W H AT WO U LD IT B E ? I would say to call their parents! Make sure you keep in touch with them. It’s easy to forget, and when I was first here, I didn’t keep in touch with my parents enough. It’s important to let them know how things are going. In addition to that, get involved early. Join a team or a club. Make sure you get to know the people around you soon after you arrive here! Bob’s presence will be missed at Stuart Hall next year as he continues on his journey, but we look forward to seeing all he will accomplish in life. His positive leadership has encouraged others to get involved and will make an impact on those who will lead our student body moving forward. We look forward to an exciting spring semester of Bob’s leadership!
Bob Tran, center, with friends in downtown Staunton
9
Challengers Club CONTINUED
Mr. Tony Ball and Mrs. Jennifer Stark Ball ‘78 Mr. Rand Barthel and Mrs. Carolyn Crosby Barthel ‘69 Mr. Martin Bass and Mrs. Susie Bass Ms. Cristina Casado ‘93 and Mr. Juan Pablo Berrizbeitia ◊ > Ms. Suzanne Blackwell >
Mr. Bill Campbell
‘70
Mrs. Sally Howie Jebson ‘55
Mr. Gerry Freiert and Mrs. CeCe Clement-Freiert ‘75
Fitzgerald Law Group
Ms. Susan Kelley ‘67
Mr. Hugo Cotzomi and Mrs. Maria Gutierrez >
Mrs. Victoria Botkin Kennedy ‘09
Mr. Mark Gribbin and Mrs. Elizabeth Coleman ‘94 Stuart Hall Alumni Council Mr. Michael Craun and Mrs. Elisabeth Craun >
Dr. William Hawkins and Mrs. Mary Curry Hawkins ‘49
Mr. Sean Cullinan and Mrs. Jennifer Weis Cullinan ‘88
Ms. Virginia Coppridge Hayes ‘73
Mr. Franz Kunisch and Mrs. Marianne Kunisch >
Mrs. Nancy Dahl
Mr. J. Thomas Hemp and Mrs. Bruce Higginbotham Hemp ‘72 ◊
Mr. Greg Latham and Mrs. Jane Latham
Mr. Carey Deckard and Mrs. June Neel Deckard ‘53
Mr. Bruce Henry and Mrs. Virginia Henry ◊ +
Mr. Frank Lepore and Mrs. Renate Freeman Lepore ‘60
Mr. Joe DeLisle and Mrs. Reynolds Davis DeLisle ‘88
Mr. Emmett Hines and Mrs. Carole Hines
Ms. Susan Lewis ‘63 ◊
Ms. Jacqueline Duke ‘87
Ms. Jean Hoffman
Mr. Robert Little and Mrs. Elizabeth Sellars Little ‘50
Mr. Robert DuPuis and Mrs. Patty Pendleton DuPuis ‘55
Governor A. Linwood Holton and Mrs. Virginia Holton ‘42
Ms. Catherine Lloyd ‘60
Mrs. Claiborne Dohs Elder ‘53
Mrs. Emily Richards Hopkins ‘88
The Community Foundation of Louisville
Mr. David Faunce and Mrs. Sarah Mauney Faunce ‘66
Dr. Steve Miskinis and Dr. Margaret Hu >
Mr. Donald Luebke and Mr. Paula Luebke
Mrs. Sally Alexander Ford ‘47
Ms. Victoria Oppel Hudson ‘87 ◊
Ms. Amanda Luttrell ‘05
Mr. Brian Ford-Coates and Mrs. Barbara Williams Ford-Coates ‘66
Mr. Shawn Hughes and Mrs. Samantha Hughes > +
Mr. Marvis Maffeo and Mr. Thomas Maffeo
(The) Winston-Salem Foundation ◊
Georgia Health Foundation, Inc.
Baton Rouge Area Foundation ◊
Dr. Sara James
Mr. Robert Major and Mrs. Deborah Lambert Major ‘74 ◊
Mr. David Frackelton and Mrs. Monica Frackelton Mrs. Carter Venable Blundon ‘48 Dr. Ed Bower and Mrs. Angela Bower Dr. Asher Brand and Dr. LauraJean Brand
10
Mr. Philip Kennedy and Mrs. Connie Kennedy >
Mr. Scott Capehart and Mrs. Nelson Capehart Harrell ‘68
Mr. Steve Friedman and Mrs. Martha Heath Cooley Friedman ‘88 Ms. Dorothea Fuller ‘49 Mr. William Pritchard and Mrs. Ann Candace Corry Garner ‘63
Mrs. Sarah Finley Brodie ‘85 >
Mr. Thomas Garrett and Mrs. Flanna Sheridan Garrett ‘98
Mr. Clark Brown and Mrs. Elizabeth Barry Thrift Brown ‘64
Mr. Robert Gingerelli and Mrs. Elizabeth Gingerelli
Dr. Carie Buckley and Mrs. Debbie Buckley
Mr. Robert Goodwin and Mrs. Sydney Burt Goodwin ‘56
Mr. Jeff Blauvelt and Mrs. Melinda Caldwell ‘75
Dr. George Gorski-Pompiel and Mrs. Cynthia Ward Gorski-Pompiel
Dr. Preshant Khetpal and Dr. Reshma Khetpal >
Dr. Raymond Roberts and Mrs. Sallie Rowe Roberts ‘79 Mr. Jason Carty and Mrs. Christina Roeder > Mrs. Donna Higginbotham Rosser ‘70 Mrs. Sally Wheat Ruffin ‘55
Local Food For Thought 2017
Mr. Albert Rylak Mr. Woodrow Sanders and Mrs. Anita Sanders ◊ + Dr. Scott Scutchfield and Mrs. Margaret Lawrence Scutchfield ‘64 Mrs. Christina Tolbert Mangino ‘88
Ms. Eleanore Setzer
Mr. Edward Marks and Mrs. Victoria Sharpe Marks ‘56 ◊
Mr. Adam Shiflett and Mrs. Sara Shiflett >
Mr. Liam McNamara and Mrs. Emily Laser McNamara ‘09
Mr. Peter Simpson and Mrs. Laura Simpson >
This year’s event raised $125,000 for scholarships for students in the Shenandoah Valley.
Mrs. Lucy Burwell Meade ‘53 Mr. Amory Mellen and Mrs. Jane Pollock Mellen ‘48 *
It was another beautiful night in October as
Aliceia Anderson, C.M.T.
150 people from the Stuart Hall community
Asfa Plastic Surgery
Mr. John Miller and Mrs. Barbara Yocom Miller ‘59 ◊
gathered under a clear tent with twinkling
The Emporium
lights. Delicious food, great conversations,
JMD Farm Market & Garden Center
Ms. Elizabeth Smith Miller ‘50
and classic local music made this a spectacu-
Mr. David Milligan and Mrs. Francie Griffin Milligan ‘68
lar evening for all. Thanks to donated auction
Mr. Frank Morgan and Mrs. Louise Morgan
items and the generosity of our attendees
Dr. Scott Nordstrom and Mrs. Laura Nordstrom
more than $120,000 was raised. All proceeds
Mr. Andrew Parlier and Mrs. Sonya Parlier >
students to attend Stuart Hall.
Mr. William Peachy and Mrs. Anne Wakefield Peachy ‘56 ◊ Reverend Gilbert Pingel and Mrs. Linda Pingel Mr. Warren Ramp and Mrs. Anita Ramp Mr. Kevin Remington and Mrs. Anne Remington > Ms. Jane Richmond ‘63 Dr. Joseph Rizzo and Mrs. Heidi Rizzo >
during our “Paddle Raise for Scholarships,” from the event support scholarships for local
join us for our
3rd annual
Ms. Carole Redmond Smith ‘88
Mr. Andrew Snyder and Mrs. Ann Snyder ◊ + Mr. Terry Speigner and Mrs. Lisa Speigner Dr. Harriette Spiegel ‘63 CONTINUED
David & Cathy Parks Loevner ‘67 Mike Lund Food MJ Perception Photos MS Events Dennis and Bonnie Fontenot Nielsen ‘64 Dr. and Mrs. Steven Nordstrom
Ms. Ann R. Smith ‘70 ◊ Mr. Bryan Snyder and Mrs. Tara Carr Snyder ‘98
Priscilla Pineiro Jenkins ‘94
Local Food for
Thought a farm to table event
Queen City Marketplace The Remington Family Reynolds Lake Oconee Tom and Mary Scarborough & Cory and Catherine Conner Staunton F45
Saturday, OctOber 14 at 6 p.m. davis-Pitt commons at Stuart Hall School 235 West Frederick • Staunton, VA
Enjoy unique food and drink from Shenandoah Valley farms as created by chef Mike Lund, while
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Challengers Club CONTINUED
Morgan Stanley Mr. Joseph Dickey and Mrs. Mary Beth Starckey Ms. Melanie Stevens ‘73 Mr. Alexander Stevens and Mrs. Emily Stevens Ms. Patricia Crowell Stewart ‘65 Ms. Patricia Stewart ‘65 Ms. Josephine Smith Strickler ‘66
Friends Up to $99 Ms. Kay Deitz Allyn ‘01 Mr. John Griffiths and Mrs. Catrien van Assendelft > Ms. Tess Baccino ‘12 Mr. Michael Bailey and Mrs. Crystal Weber Bailey ‘98 Ms. Kristina Bergey ‘08 Mr. Nathan Bowden and Mrs. Christa Bowden >
Mr. Thomas Davis and Mrs. Constance Davis Mr. Edward Davis and Mrs. Christa Abbott Davis ‘92 Mr. Wallace Day Mr. Bill Dee and Mrs. Ann Dee Mr. Tim Shelton and Mrs. Christine Dee > Mr. Richard Dodd and Mrs. Marjorie Nash Dodd ‘64
Ms. Dorothy Sullenberger ‘88
Mr. Bill Bromfield and Mrs. Susanne Wilson Bromfield ‘68
Mr. Joseph Thomas and Mrs. Janice Jacobson Thomas ‘64
Mr. Patrick Brown and Mrs. Katherine Higginbotham Brown ‘86
Mr. William Thomas and Mrs. Susan Thomas ◊
Mr. Lynn Brugh and Mrs. Mary Smith Brugh ‘53
Mr. Rick Fawley and Mrs. Janean Fawley
Reverend Thomas Tillerson and Mrs. Phyllis Tillerson
Ms. Laura Buckley ‘93 >
Mrs. Jennifer Leach Feraldi ‘88
Dr. Paul Cabe and Mrs. Leigh Ann Cabe >
Mr. Daniel Frye and Mrs. Jamie Frye +
Mr. Thomas Cabe and Mrs. Patricia Cabe
Mr. Ricardo Garza and Mrs. Linda Newell Garza ‘78
Mrs. Louise Caldwell ◊
Mr. Jason Brown and Ms. Ashley Gauldin >
Mr. Thomas Tomfohr and Mrs. Warwick Deyerle Tomfohr ‘66 Major Paul Underwood and Mrs. Mary Jones Underwood ‘71 Ms. Daisy VanDenburgh
Ms. Hannah Call ‘16
Mr. Stephen Vaughan and Mrs. Louise Miller Vaughan ‘47 * ◊
Mr. William Hunter Call ‘13
Mr. David Walker and Mrs. Deborah Lotz Walker ‘66 Mrs. Susan Burress Wall ‘49
Ms. Thao Cao ‘16 Mr. Kevin Caran and Mrs. Julie Caran ◊ + >
Mrs. Ann Wallinger ‘95
Mr. Clyde Olsen and Mrs. Ashley Carter ‘87
Mr. Joseph Ward and Mrs. Ellen Selph Ward ‘87
Ms. Margaux Clark ‘13
Mr. William Washburn and Mrs. Eleanor Bell Washburn ‘65 ◊ Mr. William Wharton and Mrs. Elizabeth Kemper Wharton ‘54 ◊ Ms. Joanna Whitmore
Mr. Michael Collins and Mrs. Nancy Hogg Collins ‘79 Mr. Karl Cooler and Mrs. Gail Agett Cooler ‘71 Mr. Philip Corbeil >
Mrs. Anne Bareford Woodard ‘71 ◊
Mr. Michael Cotter and Mrs. Denise Cotter >
Mrs. Anne Lacy Wright ‘68
Ms. Ann Criser Mr. Jeffrey Currie and Mrs. Ann Riley Currie ‘67
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Mr. Michael D’Amato and Mrs. Sara Gilliam D’Amato ‘78
Ms. Samantha Dozal ‘13 Ms. Laura Bohan Duffy ‘81
Mr. Motley George and Mrs. Karen George > Ms. Sarah Gibson ◊ + Mrs. Nancy Glass Mr. Brent Godfrey and Mrs. Mary Margaret Godfrey > Mr. Samuel Goldenberg ‘20 Mr. Gadi Levine and Mrs. Tyra Goodman-Levine ‘84 Mr. Donald Grande and Mrs. Barbara Grande Ms. Katherine Hagg ‘10 Mr. Dominic Sandoval and Mrs. Alicia Harman ‘98 Mr. Gary Harris and Mrs. Harriet Savaides Harris ‘64 CONTINUED
Stuart Hall School 2017-2018
Alumni Weekend
I
t’s been said you can’t make old friends, and there’s nothing more refreshing – and uplifting! – than spending a weekend with people who have known you since you were very young. Alumni Weekend 2018, held April 13-15, provided just that opportunity for more than 100 alumni who gathered on campus during a bright, glorious early spring weekend, coming from as close by as Harrisonburg and as far away as England. Friday night found old friends laughing, hugging, recounting stories, and paging through yearbooks and scrapbooks over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the Gibbs Reception Room. “The Glad Class” of 1968, back for their 50th Reunion, continued fellowship at Carroll House at a dessert reception held in their honor. Many alums danced the night away at The Clocktower at a special dance party arranged by Staunton Military Academy, while others enjoyed continued merriment at class dinners and gatherings. On Saturday morning, the 32 members of the Class of 2018 joined alums at the annual Roundtable Remembrances session. Held in the Gray-Lester Library, this is a special time of deep bonding and open sharing. The soon-to-be-graduates were captivated by stories of days gone by – and eager to share their own Stuart Hall stories. Alums then gathered around familiar round tables in the dining hall for a delicious lunch and the presentation of our annual awards. Board of Governors member Cathy Parks Loevner ’67 of Princeton, NJ was named
Distinguished Alumna to the applause of many, including her siblings, who had arrived to surprise her. Stuart Hall volunteer Dr. Dennis G. Nielson, husband of Distinguished Alumna and Board of Governors member Bonnie Fontenot Nielson ’64, was honored as Distinguished Honorary Alum for his many years of enthusiastic dedication and support of the School. Classmates loved and lost were remembered at a lovely memorial service led by students, after which alums enjoyed a painting class (accompanied by wine) led by our dynamic art teacher, Mrs. Nance Sweet; a session of yoga led by staff member Alisa Loughlin; relaxing and visiting in the Reception Room, or just enjoying the wonders of Staunton. Saturday evening, Head of School Mark Eastham and his wife, Kathy, opened wide their doors and welcomed alums to dinner at their campus home, Worthington House. Afterwards, alums enjoyed class dinners or mixed and mingled at our All-Alumni Dance-tacular dance party. Memories and laughter were shared, tears were shed, and the spark of love rekindled for Stuart Hall. Omnio cum deo!
Dr. Dennis G. Nielson, Distinguished Honorary Alum, and Cathy Parks Loevner '67, Distinguished Alumna pictured upper left
Memories and
laughter were shared, tears
were shed, and the spark of
love rekindled
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Friends CONTINUED
Mr. R. Heizner and Mrs. Helen Robinson Heinzer ‘75 Ms. Christina Hilliard ‘03 Dr. Joel Hodson and Mrs. Halime Hodson ◊ + Mr. Arthur Hogan and Mrs. Anna Austell Hogan ‘87 ◊ Mr. Chip Honsinger and Mrs. Mary Honsinger Mr. Robert Hopkins and Mrs. Elizabeth Baker Hopkins ‘50 ◊ Mr. Chester Hunter ‘16 Ms. Teresa Huntley ◊ + Mr. David Hutchings and Mrs. Lauren Hutchings Mr. Brian Incheck and Mrs. Robin Kresge Incheck ‘09 Ms. Destinee Jackson ‘14 Mr. Marcus Jenkins and Mrs. Priscilla Pineiro Jenkins ‘94 Mr. Christopher Jones and Mrs. Amy Jones >
Stuart Hall Math Teacher Jennifer LaRosa Brings Girl Scouts Back To Its Roots
Mr. George Kreeger and Mrs. Hellan Kreeger Mr. Brandon Krusz and Mrs. Joy Krusz > Ms. Jennifer LaPorte > Mr. Kevin Larue and Mrs. Elizabeth Stephens LaRue ‘00 Ms. Abigail Lawhorne ‘13 Mr. Kevin Leaman and Mrs. Hannah Leaman + Mrs. Mary Link-MacLean ‘88 Mrs. Kathleen Maddox ◊ + Mr. Michael Maher and Mrs. Alison Bassett Maher ‘89 Mr. Preston McAllister ‘12 Ms. Allison McIntyre ‘16 Ms. Trayona McKeithan ‘14 Ms. Josie McMahon ‘98 CONTINUED
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S
pend a moment with Jennifer LaRosa in her classroom at Stuart Hall School, and you’ll notice two things right away. First, she loves all things Peanutsrelated. Charles Schulz’s smiling, iconic characters adorn her walls and classroom door, creating a cheerful, inviting atmosphere for her students that matches her warm personality and teaching style. Two, she loves teaching at Stuart Hall, noting that “everyone – staff, faculty, administration – pull together around our students. It’s a small-town mentality in an academic setting.”
A passionate and enthusiastic educator who holds both an education degree and a Master of Social Work, Mrs. LaRosa has taught on and off for thirty years. When she wasn’t in the classroom, she worked as a private family therapist in Pennsylvania. As her son and two daughters grew, Mrs. LaRosa also carved out time to support her daughters as a leader for their Girl Scout troop. Though never a Girl Scout herself (there was no troop available in her hometown), it didn’t take Mrs. LaRosa long to love and respect the organization. “I saw how relevant it was for my daughters’ leadership development through their tween and teen years,” she reflects. After Mrs. LaRosa arrived at Stuart Hall last year to teach math, she discovered that Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low had attended Stuart Hall (known in
her day by its original name, Virginia Female Institute, or VFI). She assumed, based on this significant connection, there was a campus troop, but much to her surprise, there was not. This past school year, Mrs. LaRosa decided to start one, knowing from experience what a great enrichment opportunity it would be for girls on campus. “It combines so many of our STU grad goals: community service, leadership, and character development.” The troop meets during enrichment time and had a wonderful first semester of friendship and service, including a successful holiday food drive for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. Juliette Magill Kinzie Gordon, known as “Daisy” by her friends and family, joined sister Eleanor at VFI in 1874, some 145 years ago. Daisy, just thirteen years old when she first enrolled, was impatient with the many strict rules and regulations she encountered on campus (girls could not, for instance, read novels). She was, however, a strong student and earned medals in English, French, piano, elocution, and drawing. Daisy left VFI at fifteen, but she never forgot the lessons learned here. She was profoundly and positively influenced by principal Flora Cooke Stuart, for whom the School was later renamed, even weaving principles she learned at school into her work with the Girl Scouts. Daisy started the first Girl Guides patrols in 1912, forming a trailblazing organization that was ahead of its time in countless ways. Besides preparing girls for traditional duties as homemakers, girls were also encouraged to be professional women and active and engaged citizens in their communities. Girls with disabilities were welcomed at a time when they were generally excluded, this openness perhaps stemming from Daisy’s own hearing loss. Girls from any neighborhood, any ethnic and financial background, with any level of ability could be Girl Scouts, joining
together to learn more about nature, develop confidence and resourcefulness, and enjoy one another’s friendship. Daisy, who enjoyed sports, even taught the first Girl Guides to play basketball. The girls in those early years learned electrical work, farming, astronomy, and “how to secure a burglar with eight inches of cord,” among other unique skills. Mrs. LaRosa acknowledges the challenges middle school girls face every day. “This world we live in is full of twists and turns and complications my generation never dreamed of,” she says. “Girl Scouts evolves very intentionally to address these challenges in an ageappropriate way for all girls at each age and stage.”
Mrs. LaRosa’s goals for the troop are simple: to have each girl develop and grow her leadership skills. “There are some who are natural leaders,” she says, “and others who have a softer voice. I am working with the natural leaders to learn to step back and let the quieter ones lead an activity.” These activities include social events, classroom activities that build leadership skills, games, and open discussions (which go hand-in-hand with Mrs. LaRosa’s counseling background). As the weather warms up, kayaking and camping are on the agenda, as is attending the Women in Engineering
The girls in those early years learned electrical work, farming, astronomy, and “how to secure a burglar with eight inches of cord,” among other unique skills. She finds herself “continually awed by the perceptive nature of Girl Scout programming and its positive impact on girls. Our girls need and deserve the chance to be girls, to have honest conversations about their lives and struggles, and to try new things and roles without the trepidation inherent with mainstream middle school drama.” 107 years after its founding, the Girl Scouts of America continue to thrive and is the largest leadership organization for girls in the world, with about 2.6 million Girl Scouts: 1.8 million girl members and 800,000 adult members working mostly as volunteers. Countless women have benefitted from their time in Scouting, including former Secretaries of State Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Condoleezza Rice, tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, and singing sensation Taylor Swift. Seventy-three percent of female U.S. senators are Girl Scout alums, along with fifty-one percent of women serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, and four of the six current female governors.
regional conference. “Stuart Hall has always recognized the unique and wonderful strengths and needs of girls,” she notes. “Girl Scouts simply enhances the opportunities for our girl students. Girl Scout Cadette Troop 296 is both a way to honor our heritage and open doors for today’s female students.”
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From the Honor Code to Graduation
Stuart Hall’s Traditions: an Integral Part of Community Life
T
here are perhaps few things more treasured by Stuart Hall alums of any generation than the many unique traditions shared by those who have trod the grounds of Old Main. Our school’s traditions reflect our values, and weave students, staff, and families into one community. Though our traditions have shifted through the years, some have been mainstays, linking the past with the present and even the future. Here are just a few of Stuart Hall’s most beloved traditions, and a bit of history behind each one.
Honor Code “That I have neither given nor received unauthorized assistance on this assignment or know of anyone who did so. That final clause was a true test of ethics for me.” – Nancy Poe ‘78 Senior prefect Katy Owens ’19 cites the Honor Code as her favorite thing about Stuart Hall because “it
16
encourages integrity in everyone.” Each year as school begins, students line up to add their names to the long and running list of students who have pledged not to lie, cheat, or steal during their time at Stuart Hall School. “When I came to Stuart Hall, I discovered the Honor Code almost institutionalizes a sense of honesty and truthfulness, and this School really believes and supports that. Your intention should be to live an honorable life, both here and outside of School, and as you continue on in your future. It’s so important now, perhaps more than ever, to engrain in my generation that honor and living with integrity are important,” said Owens. It boils down to respect – for other people and their belongings, their thoughts, and their beliefs. Sallie Rowe Roberts ’79 told us, “I love living with an Honor Code. As an adult, honor continues to govern how I live my life. I don’t make promises I cannot keep and I take seriously those that I do make. I expect others to be honest and true. I acknowledge when
I have received help from others rather than taking credit for their work.” Distinguished Alumna Katie Campbell Spurlock agrees, “To this day, living honorably is my goal in everything I do and with everyone I encounter.” Stuart Hall’s Honor Code helps shape morals, ethics, and values, forming people of character who hold themselves, and others to high standards.
Junior-Senior Banquet Back in “the day,” the junior class worked hard second semester planning and rehearsing a play that was performed as a gift to the seniors during Junior-Senior Banquet. The location and play the juniors would perform was kept top-secret, and practices and preparations went on for weeks. To raise money for this ambitious project, juniors held fundraisers and sold candy. “I ate a ton of junior candy that year!” laughed Kitty Lee Quarles Wafle ’71. Her class hosted the Class
of 1970 at the Boars’ Head Inn in Charlottesville for dinner and a performance of The Wizard of Oz. Many alums earned lifelong nicknames based on characters they played at banquet performances. As years went by, the play was dropped and JuniorSenior Banquet added a new tradition: dedications. Similar to the toasts of Loving Cup, each senior is recognized during a short speech given by a member of the junior class. After a special dinner planned by the seniors, the juniors line up to present both dedications and a slideshow honoring each senior.
Red/White Tradition & Games While researching stacks of historical documents for her upcoming book focusing on the history of Stuart Hall School, Distinguished Alumna Sally Balch Hurme ’64 found the first mention of a Red and White competition for a hockey game just before Thanksgiving in 1940. At that time, Mrs. Hodges wrote: “The athletic life of Stuart Hall is
centered around our color teams, one of which is Red and the other White. The second Saturday evening of the school year is devoted to a very lovely installation exercise at which every new girl and new member of the faculty is ‘drawn’ and henceforth loyally supports her team.” In the mid-1970s, the draw involved scrambling up a muddy hill on Fillmore Field and was a class competition (seniors and freshmen vs. juniors and sophomores), with a tug-o-war as the centerpiece of the games. Today, new members of the Stuart Hall community draw either a red or white marble onstage in the auditorium (or in the cafegymnatorium at the Lower School), then run “home” to their chosen team. There are also special Red/White competitions throughout the school year when students can earn points for their team.
Ring Ceremony & the Stuart Hall Ring “My ring is an outward symbol of my love for my home.” – Priscilla “PJ” Pineiro Jenkins ’94, PresidentElect of the Stuart Hall Alumni Council. Our current Stuart Hall ring design (based on the Bishop’s ring) has been used since the early 1920s. The black onyx ring is worn with the engraved “SH” oriented toward the student until graduation, and
then reversed afterward so that the “SH” is oriented outward – symbolizing an outward vision and a recognition of responsibility to the world. It is traditional for the seniors to have their class rings turned by friends and families corresponding to the number of their class year. The ring is turned away from the heart, until the final turn, when the senior asks a very special person in their lives to turn the ring inward toward their heart. To Nancy Poe ’78, her Stuart Hall ring signifies her place “in a very special lineage – connection to my classmates for sure, but also to EVERY Stuart Hall student in his or her senior year. From all of those who had gone before me, and to those who would come after.” The unique design of the ring “has become a powerful symbol of place, belonging, continuity, identity, and the unique coming-of-age experience in the unique world and culture of Stuart Hall.”
“Senior Steps, the White Lady, the Red and White Teams, a Senior and her Usher, Red Flag, Academic Excellence, Loving Cup . . . to most people, these particular phrases have no significance. Yet for our unique family of Stuart Hall, these words are quite special – they are traditions which give meaning to a major portion of your youthful years . . . Stuart Hall’s legacy is the School’s traditions that brighten and warm the attics of our memories.” – Distinguished Alumna Barry Thrift Brown ‘64 17
Loving Cup “Loving Cup is almost as important as graduation, but different and deeper. Every school has a graduation ceremony, but not every school has a Loving Cup. It’s another tradition that makes us distinctive.” - Hannah Call ‘16 For the uninitiated, Loving Cup seems mysterious from the offset: a ceremony featuring girls in all white, boys in suits accented by red and white ties, and poignant, funny, and often emotional speeches delivered for each senior. For the past hundred or so years on the evening before commencement, seniors file out of the Fillmore Street door in pairs while quietly singing the Stuart Hall Alma Mater. The class assembles in a quadrangle on the East Lawn, facing one another, and one by one, each senior is toasted – or, in some cases, roasted – by a sub-usher (either a fellow senior, a younger student, or alumni specially chosen for this position of honor). Afterwards, each person takes a sip out of a centuries-old silver Loving Cup, freshly shined and festooned with a red and white ribbon. The Cup is held by a faculty member chosen especially by the seniors, along with another faculty member who holds a microphone. As
18
the senior draws closer to receiving their diploma, their time at Stuart Hall is wrapped up in memory, acknowledgement, and love.
Graduation “I remember attending my very first graduation ceremony in 1977. I didn’t realize how symbolic and moving it would be.” – Emily Hudson Overcast ‘80 Graduation day constants: white dresses and red roses for the girls, boutonnieres and some variation of red and white for the boys, shepherd’s crooks held by loving ushers, and scriptures and prayers read by graduates. Stephen Hoyle ’14 shared some unique thoughts about the ceremony: “Although I knew I was saying goodbye,” he said, “there is something redeeming about graduating from Stuart Hall, because you realize you will always have this place. It’s just like leaving your family for college. Of course it’s sad leaving, but that’s buried beneath the joy and pride in having them in the first place.” Classes have celebrated the most significant day of their Stuart Hall lives at Emmanuel
Episcopal Church, on Paradise Lawn, on the Davis-Pitt Commons, in the auditorium and gymnasium, and now at Trinity Episcopal Church. Graduation is about more than shepherd’s crooks and roses. “It cannot get more beautiful to be recognized for the years you spent at Stuart Hall,” said Lauren Kim ‘13. Female graduates each wear their own unique white dress. “Girls in my dance class talked about ordering their caps and gowns for their graduations,” Rachel Pitchford ’16 remembered, “and they knew they would look identical to the person sitting on either side of them. I got to choose a beautiful white dress and be an individual.” Sydney Cross ’13 cherished a quieter tradition that goes largely unnoticed: the giving of roses at the end of the ceremony to someone in the Stuart Hall community that has contributed to that graduate’s success. “I value the traditions that incorporate those people who have supported and
Friends CONTINUED
loved you in your educational journey. There is something truly beautiful about recognizing those who have helped you succeed on your momentous days.” ***** If you would like to see for yourself the beauty of a Stuart Hall graduation, please mark your calendar and join us for Stuart Hall’s 175th Graduation. It will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2019, at Trinity Episcopal Church in downtown Staunton.
Mr. William McNeill and Mrs. Lillie Brown McNeill ‘82 Mrs. Neriah Dillon Mitchener ‘13 Mr. Peter Cline and Mrs. Elizabeth Moore
their diploma, their time at Stuart Hall is wrapped up in
Ms. Betty Simmons
Provides matching funds, corporate donations, and donor advised funds distributions
Mr. Peter Skidmore and Mrs. Teresa Johnson Skidmore ‘87 Ms. Kaitlynn Snyder ‘12 Mrs. Kelsey Sorge +
Community Foundation Central Blue Ridge
Ms. Toviah Morris +
Ms. Kelsey Speigner ‘08
Johnson Charitable Gift Fund
Mr. Joe Morrison and Mrs. Kathleen Morrison
Mrs. Emma Dare Eastlick Spicer ‘88
Katharine Taylor Gray Fund The Community Foundation
Mrs. Huong Ngo >
Mr. Wm. Stanley and Mrs. Carol Stanley ◊ +
Lettie Pate Whitehead Foundation, Inc.
Ms. Maria Ortiz ‘14
Dr. Steven Grande and Dr. Angela Staton >
Hamm Family Foundation, Inc. Northern Trust Bank, FSB
Mrs. Mary Emily Hudson Overcast ‘80
Mr. Jesse Stewart and Mrs. Rebecca Dountz Stewart ‘55
Carr Family Foundation
Mr. Roland Owens and Mrs. Amy Owens >
Ms. Kiele Stewart-Funai ‘00
King Family Fund (A fund of American Endowment Foundation)
Mr. Joseph Parker and Mrs. Alana Brisbin Parker ‘69
closer to receiving
CORPORATION AND FOUNDATION
Mr. Patrick Moran ‘13
Ms. Erin O’Connell >
As the senior draws
Mr. Michael Shaner and Mrs. Alison Shaner >
Mr. David Strider and Mrs. Anne Davis Strider ‘80 ◊
Donald T. Regan Foundation
Ms. Connally Parrott ‘89
Mr. Michael Strong and Mrs. Mardie Strong
Schwab Charitable Fund
Mr. Jackson Pettrey and Mrs. MacKenzie Pettrey >
Mr. Sid Perley and Mrs. Faith Strong ‘78
Advisors Charitable Gift Fund
Mrs. Karen Cushman Portillo ‘79
Ms. Nance Sweet +
Ms. Kelsie Powell ‘14 Ms. Ruby Pulliam
Mr. Michael Traut and Mrs. Maybelle Runkle Traut ‘51
Dr. Ty Buckman and Mrs. Jody Rambo >
Mr. Thomas Trobaugh and Mrs. Linda Lloyd Trobaugh ‘60
Baton Rouge Area Foundation
Dr. Pamela Reed >
Dr. Paul Deeble and Dr. Jennifer Visger >
TIAA
Mr. Erik Boody and Mrs. Bobbi Jean Regi >
Mrs. Daryl Farrington Walker ‘54
Jessie Ball duPont Fund Cochran Family Foundation Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund (The) Winston-Salem Foundation Network for Good Vanguard Charitable Endowment Program
memory, acknowl-
Mr. James Rice and Mrs. Cynthia Rice ‘74
Mrs. Rosemarie Washington Ms. Jessica Windley ‘93
Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund
edgement, and love.
Ms. Heather Douglas Rook ‘96
Mr. Courtland Winfield ‘15
Mountain Valley Corp
Mr. T K Rosolina and Mrs. Kristine Rosolina >
Ms. Elizabeth Wright ‘42 * ◊
Small Boarding School Association
Ms. Sandra Gills Rothschild ‘66 Mr. Fred Schroeder and Mrs. Sara Graney Schroeder ‘73 Mr. Ryan Scripps and Mrs. Nancy Eisenberg Scripps ‘91
Mrs. Sybil Thurman Wyatt ‘74 Mrs. Anne James Yellott ‘50 Mrs. Alice Tappan York ‘55 ◊ Mrs. Victoria Waiton Zemlan ‘03
TIAA Charitable David Vaughan Investments Norfolk Southern Foundation CONTINUED
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Corporation and Foundation
Scott Goldenberg
Kelly D. McFarland
Turner T. Smith
CONTINUED
Genevive S. Grande Staton
Anne B. McLaughlin
Claire M. St. John-Kelley
Vailes Brothers, Inc.
Georgia R. Grande Staton
Elizabeth J. Moore
Emila J. Sutton
Bartzen and Ball
Pamela B. S. Gray
Toviah Morris
Susan G. Tansey
BB&T Scott & Stringfellow
Matthew D. Heidel
Ava Murphy
Louise E. Thompson
H L Lang & Co. Master Jewelers
Bruce Hemp
Lavinia Nelson
Florence G. Tullidge
JP Morgan Chase Good Works
Steven R. Higgins
Blake Nickles
Lucy D. Venable
Fitzgerald Law Group
Julia G. Hopkins
Bonnie L. Nielson
Jane-Page L. Watson
Georgia Health Foundation, Inc.
Robert P. Irons
Bobbie Noell
E.C. Wilton
Church Schools in the Diocese of Virginia
Martha D. Jones
Sarah A. Nordstrom
Gail Winsor
Anne W. Kimmett
Zachary H. Nordstrom
Susan L. Yates
Finn D. Layne
Margaret Norris
Brian R. Zentz
Tai E. Layne
Mary A. O’Brien
Susan H. Lewis
Casey J. Ochs
GIBBS SOCIETY
Ms. Frances Early ‘58
Linda M. Livick
Nancy T. Poe
Corinne E. Luedke-Brown
Sydney C. Remington
J Lewis Gibbs Legacy Members
Mr. Geoff Cambell and Dr. Julia East ‘79
Deborah L. Major
Amelia A. Rylak
Mr. G. Holbrook Barber
Martha A. Kendall, Estate
Amelia J. Maxham
Benjamin Rylak
Dr. George Barber and Mrs. Elizabeth Barber '09
Oliver B. Maxham
Anita Sanders
Dr. Philip Fisher and Mrs. Virginia Fisher ‘45
Jamison M. McCarty
Mary M. Sasser
Colonel Daniel Barr and Mrs. Susan Barr
Mr. Luke Fleischman and Mrs. Catherine Fleischman ‘81
Kendrick McCarty
Mr. Robert Fletcher and Mrs. Lorraine Fletcher ‘o6
TRIBUTES (Memorials and Honorees) Katarina L. Alexander Phoebe E. Alexander Andrew S. Asfa Thomas C. Aycock Thomas G. Aycock Susan Barr Jeremiah Brown Jonathan Brown Ann B. Carroll Yvonne Clement Lee. S. Cochran Parker Corbeil
Mrs. Mary Bear ‘ 43
Laurel I. Shelton
Laura F. McDonald
Luke A. Shiflett
Mr. Donald Beck and Mrs. Susan Beck ‘60
Mrs. Nancy Coleman ‘ 22 Mrs. Lucy Jane Conger ‘ 41 Mrs. Elizabeth Constantine ‘ 30 Mr. Fred Cook and Mrs. Mary Frances Cook Mrs. Nancy Cosgrove ‘65 Mrs. Virginia Davis ‘ 17 Ms. Frances Dawson ‘52 Mr. Robert De Coudres Mrs. Virginia Dillard ‘25 Mr. Claude Duval and Mrs. Betty Duval ‘30
Beazley Foundation
Mr. Russell Berry and Mrs. Bertie Berry
Gray Foundation
Mr. Charles Blanchard and Mrs. Bernard Blanchard ‘39
The Edward E. Ford Foundation
Ralph E. Mills Foundation
Mrs. Shelley Boatright
The Westchester Foundation
Margaret S. DeBerry
Mr. Keith Boone and Mrs. Harriet Boone ‘57
Ms. Olga Fulton ‘28
Betty Duval
Mrs. Patricia Bousfield ‘36
Mark H. Eatham
Reverend Alexander Boyer and Mrs. Margaret Boyer ‘33
DeWitt Wallace-Reader’s Digest Fund
Margaret R. Cuthbertson
Martha Feola Caroline Foley Ryleigh E. Gardner Robert E. Gibson Anna L. Gingerelli Francesca B. Gingerelli
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William B. Shaner
Will McCormick
Reverend and Mrs. George Cochran
Dr. David Charlton and Mrs. Wendy Charlton
Jessie Ball duPont Fund
Mr. Fred Funkhouser and Mrs. Virginia Funkhouser
Mrs. Mary Chase ‘45
Mr. W. H. Gaskins and Mrs. Susan Gaskins ‘67
Trinity Episcopal Church
Mrs. Carol Gauntlett ‘49
Mrs. Yvonne Clement ‘ 42
Mrs. Mary Gibbs ‘53
Mr. Jonathan Old and Mrs. Mary Graham Old
Mr. Roderick Watson and Mrs. Polly Watson ‘57
Mr. William White and Mrs. Beatrice White ‘58
Mr. William Perry and Mrs. Virginia Perry
Mr. Frederick Watson and Mrs. Sara Opie Watson ‘48
Dr. W. L. Wiley and Mrs. Dorothy Wiley ‘19
Mr. David Wiedemer and Mrs. Elizabeth Pritchard ‘86
Mrs. Emily Watterson ‘ 30
Mrs. Isabel Willson
Mr. Harold Weaver and Mrs. Elizabeth Weaver ‘57
Mrs. Robert Withers
Mr. Douglas Quarles and Mrs. Kathryn Quarles ‘47 Mrs. Gladys Quarles
Mrs. James Wheat
Mr. Ronald Yates and Mrs. Susan Lambert Yates ‘73
Mrs. Elizabeth Quigley ‘ 44 Mrs. Julia Richmond ‘ 30 Ms. Jane Richmond ‘63 Dr. and Mrs. James Rooney Mr. Raymond Rush and Mrs. Laura Lee Rush ‘46 Mrs. J. Lewis Gibbs Mrs. Sylvia Mathis Gibson ‘53 Mrs. Ellen Gilchrist ‘ 19 Ms. Katharine Gray ‘68 The Honorable Elmon Gray and Mrs. Pamela B. Gray ‘44 Mr. James Greene and Mrs. Betsy Greene ‘66 Mr. William Habliston Mrs. Mildred Haines Ms. Virginia Coppridge Hayes ‘73 Mr. R. Heizner and Mrs. Helen Robinson Heinzer ‘75 Governor A. Linwood Holton and Mrs. Virginia Holton ‘42 Mr. Arthur Hurme and Mrs. Sally Balch Hurme ‘64 Jefferson-Pilot Life Insurance Ms. Marian Javana ‘49 Ms. Kristine Johnson ‘74
Dr. Swen Laser and Mrs. Susan Laser
Mr. Alan Sanders and Mrs. Elisabeth Sanders ‘64 Mrs. Elizabeth Scott ‘32
Dr. Townes Lea and Mrs. Paula Lea
Mr. Brian Smith and Mrs. Kimberlee Smith ‘87
Mr. Edsel Lester and Mrs. Shirley Lester ‘54
Mrs. Anne Smith ‘ 34
Mr. Edsel Lester
General and Mrs. Archibald Sproul
David and Cathy Parks Loevner '67 Mrs. Rebecca Logan ‘ 24 Mrs. Grace Loth ‘ 24 Mrs. Josephine Lotz ‘ 34 Mr. James Makos and Mrs. Susan Smith Makos ‘72 Dr. Robert Manchester Mrs. Mary Agnes Melton ‘ 46 Mr. P. William Moore and Mrs. Lisa Moore Mr. Malcolm Murlless and Mrs. Dorothy Murlless
Ms. Jane Smith ‘43 Mr. Gary Stern and Mrs. Mary K Nelson Stern ‘66 Dr. Emma Stokes ‘63 Mrs. Dorothy Sullenberger ‘ 63 Mr. A. K. Sutton and Mrs. Margaret Sutton
GIFTS-IN-KIND Aliceia Anderson, C.M.T.
MS Events
Ms. Katharine Terrie ‘62
Asfa Plastic Surgery
Mrs. Mary Thomas ‘ 40
The Emporium
Dennis and Bonnie Fontenot Nielsen ‘64
Mrs. Jane Tolleson ‘48
Dr. and Mrs. Steven Nordstrom
Fitz-Gibbon Trust
JMD Farm Market & Garden Center
Hunter Charitable Trust
Priscilla Pineiro Jenkins ‘94
The Remington Family
Mrs. Florence Tullidge ‘45
David & Cathy Parks Loevner ‘67
Reynolds Lake Oconee
Ms. Lucy Venable ‘44
Miss Martha Jones
Dr. Dennis Nielson and Mrs. Bonnie Nielson ‘64
Ms. Anne Norris Kast ‘66
Mrs. Elizabeth Norfleet
Mr. David Walker and Mrs. Deborah Lotz Walker ‘66
Mrs. Elizabeth Kirkland ‘ 56
Ms. Frances O’Brien ‘30
Mrs. Susan Burress Wall ‘49
Queen City Marketplace
Mike Lund Food
Tom and Mary Scarborough & Cory and Catherine Conner
MJ Perception Photos
Staunton F45
21
Development Office Stuart Hall School P.O. Box 210 • Staunton, VA 24402 www.stuarthallschool.org 540/213-7074 development@stuart-hall.org