O’NEAL
THE MAGAZINE OF THE O’NEAL SCHOOL
Winter / Spring 2011
Mission Statement O’Neal is a college preparatory school dedicated to the development of academic excellence, strength of character, and physical well-being of its students in an environment where integrity, self-discipline, and consideration for others are fundamental.
The O’Neal Administrative Team Headmaster Alan Barr Assistant Headmaster & Director of Institutional Advancement Brenda Jackson Chief Financial Officer Eddie Phillips Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Alice Droppers Director of Communications Kathy Taylor Dean of Faculty / Director of Studies Jim Miles
Lower School Director Linda Roberts Middle School Director Rich Tompkins Upper School Director Richard Catania Director of Athletics Steve Dahl Director of Technology Wes Underwood
Headmaster
Dear O’Neal Community: Excerpts from the State of the School Address, February 9, 2011 Access to technology + utility of information= a change in the process of education. Technology is moving faster than our minds can comprehend-this is a scientific fact. We are on the verge of the impossible, a true “paradigm shift” and this shift will be developmentally healthy for children. We are in the Digital Age and there are 3 groups. 1. Digital natives-anyone under 22. 2. Digital immigrants-anyone over 22 3. Digital pilgrims-those who pop in from time to time to check email and shop online. Our students are natives…no doubt about it. They speak the language. The President said in the State of the Union speech that America must reform education so we may be more competitive in the world. To be competitive we must be innovative and entrepreneurial. The current system does not promote what we need to be competitive if some of our most innovative minds are walking away from education and finding answers on their own on their terms. Education must be for everyone. Independent schools are listening, learning, researching and leading the way in real education reform. We are changing the model, not just improving what we have always done. Here at The O’Neal School, we are part of that group of schools leading the way. At the Auction I asked for help in raising the funds we need to expand our professional growth and development for faculty so we may do research and transform the new model. You answered with $44,000. Incredible! Wait till you see the return on that investment. With this faculty, this administration and this leadership, we will be a proud example of a 21st century school. What will not change are our mission, values, practices, traditions or relationships. For these we hold dear. We have always been and will continue to be The O’Neal School. Sincerely,
Alan K. Barr Headmaster
3300 Airport Road / P.O. Box 290, Southern Pines, NC 28388-0290 / Telephone: 910.692.6920 / Fax: 910.692.6930 / www.onealschool.org
O’NEAL SUMMER FUN O’Neal offers a variety of summer camps for youth of all ages.
Falcon Day Camp • Falcon Fun & Games Academics & Exploration • Adventure The Arts • Sports Visit our website for more information on O’Neal’s Summer Programs. www.ONealSchool.org/StudentLife/Summer 5
Stan and Jean Bradshaw have offered an exceptional opportunity to the entire O’Neal community - to make every gift to the School count twice. For every dollar paid or pledged to The O’Neal School Capital Building Fund, they are providing a 100% match. New pledges count toward the match and existing pledges can be extended. All gifts are tax deductible. If you work for a company that matches gifts, your donation can be tripled! If you are interested in doubling your donation, please go to www.ONealSchool.org/Giving/BradshawChallenge . For additional questions, please contact: Brenda Jackson at 910-692-6920 ext. 130 bjackson@onealschool.org or Kathy Taylor at 910-692-6920 ext. 129 ktaylor@onealschool.org .
6
Enrollment Referral Program for Parents
The O’Neal Players Proudly Present in collaboration with
As a small way of saying “thank you” for the effort that parents make to bring new students to O’Neal, the admissions office is giving an O’Neal Tervis Tumbler to those families that make a referral of a prospective family, which results in an enrollment for the 2011-12 academic year. Each family who made a referral of a student that enrolled will also be entered into a $500 tuition credit drawing which will be given out at the school picnic in August of 2011.
&
.
David LaMotte Performs
A Mystery Comedy by Jack Sharkey
April 14 & 15 at 7PM • APRIL 17 at 6 PM THE O’NEAL SCHOOL THEATER Tickets $5 at the door • O’Neal Students Free of Charge Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. New York City
After a well-received “Much Ado About Nothing” performance last year, The O’Neal Players are making their final preparations for this spring’s show. With support from The O’Neal Fund and Tobacco Road Golf Club, Jack Sharkey’s “The Murder Room”, produced by special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. New York City, will be presented in O’Neal’s theater April 14th and 15th at 7pm and April 17th at 6pm. A special debut performance for retirement communities will take place on April 13th at 7pm.
David LaMotte, folk artist and humanitarian, visited O’Neal on Thursday, December 2nd. He spoke to the Upper School students in the afternoon about his life experience from being a professional folk singer to founding a non-profit in Guatemala and furthering his humanitarian efforts as a recipient of the Rotary World Peace Fellowship. Highlighting the actions of Rosa Parks, he illustrated how small efforts can change the world. He concluded his talk by asking the students what they will do to change the world and performed the song “Hope” which referenced the church burnings that happened 10 years ago and how only one individual could feel the need to destroy, while multitudes of people came together to rebuild. At 7pm that evening, LaMotte gave an outstanding performance to the community including the stories behind the songs he sang. He left the audience with a memorable message and feeling of empowerment.
“Seeing this show will be like seeing an Agatha Christie murder mystery coupled with the humor of Monty Python,” comments O’Neal senior and the show’s producer, Seth Edmonds. When Edgar Hollister’s second wife attempts to take his life in exchange for his fortune, everything seems to go helter skelter. The cast is made up of five O’Neal seniors, Matthew McDougald, Joseph Hefner, Maura Thornton, Quinn Griffin, Virginia Woollens and junior Caleb Wood. In addition to senior Seth Edmonds serving as producer; senior David Letteney is stage manager. 7
Alumni 1986 Lewis Gibbons will be headed to Turkey in May 2011 as an Army pilot for the US Embassy in Ankara. He is a Battalion Executive Officer in the 224th Military Intelligence (Aerial Exploitation) Battalion. Lewis will work for the USAF in a joint operations assignment for two years. He will fly Huey, Kiowa Warrior and Blackhawk helicopters and C-12 Beech Craft and RC-12 Guardrail airplanes. Lewis’ wife, Yolanda, and their three daughters will stay in the states to live. Lewis will live off-base as he likes to live in the community, support the local economy and learn the local language and culture, all while allowing the locals to see an American as a person rather than as what TV shows present.
2001 Thad Lawrence lives in Durham, NC with his wife, Sarah and their 7-month old son, Ethan. Thad graduated from Wingate University with a degree in art and education, where he met Sarah. She is a school counselor at Southern High School in Durham. After teaching art and photography in the Durham Public Schools, Thad is now a full-time photographer with his own studio/company, 2&3 Photography, as well as a stay-at-home dad to Ethan.
1999 Catherine Frock Vogt and her husband, Matt, had a baby girl on October 1, 2010. Carson Elizabeth Vogt weighed in at 7lbs. 7oz. and was 20” long. Catherine is still coaching the USC men’s and women’s swimming teams and Matt is stationed at Camp Pendleton as a Marine. The new family is doing well in California and O’Neal wishes them well!!
Hudson Shelby graduated from Clemson University and returned to North Carolina in the fall of 2010 to begin the two-year MBA program with a specialty in consulting at UNC’s Kenan Flagler School of Business in Chapel Hill. 2002 Stephanie Simpkins graduated from Colorado College in 2006 where she participated in cross-country in the fall and cycling in the spring. In her junior year her running coach convinced her to try pole vaulting and she set school indoor and outdoor vaulting records. In 2007, she moved to Johnson City, TN to receive a master’s degree in sport science at Eastern Tennessee State University where she also coached the undergraduate pole vaulters. She moved to Boone, NC where she works at New River Gymnastics and Banner Elk Winery while training five hours a day, five to six days a week for multiple competitions in 2011 and the Olympic trials in 2012.
Sarah Katherine Upchurch married Christopher McLennan Cooke on November 6, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Morehead City, NC. The reception was at The Dunes Club in Atlantic Beach. Elizabeth Upchurch, the bride’s sister, was the maid of honor. Connie Fleming Wright (’99) was the matron of honor and Stacy Cowherd (’99) served as a bridesmaid. The couple traveled to Playa Del Carmen, Mexico for their honeymoon and lives in Raleigh. Congratulations to Sarah and Christopher!!
2005 Tara McCormick graduated from UNC Charlotte in May 2010 with a bachelor of science degree in public health and an American studies minor. While at UNCC she was the president of the Public Health Association, interned with Carolinas HealthCare System in the corporate Service Excellence department, and was a campus tour guide. Since graduating, Tara has been working part-time while taking additional science courses. She plans to apply to either nursing or graduate school to pursue a degree in health administration. 8
Alumni 2007 Nikki Miles will graduate from UNC Charlotte in May with a bachelor of social work. She has been on the dean’s list for the past two years with a GPA above 3.4 and the chancellor’s list her senior year with a 3.8 GPA. She has also interned with the Gaston County Department of Social Services for the past two years, while continuing with her college course schedule. She has her own case load and works in the field two days per week. As part of her entrance into the Senior Social Services program at UNCC she has committed to getting her master’s degree in the fall of 2011. 2008 Margaret Cross is a junior at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia and a member of the women’s basketball team. In December she was selected as the Player of the Week by the college as she turned in a solid performance against LaGrange College with 20 points, two assists and a steal during the game.
O’Neal alumni have a night out in Raleigh - Bryan Thompson (’05), Stephanie White (’06), Simon Cagle (’05) and Kelsey Hukee (’07)
Ray Morgenstern is a junior at UNC Charlotte. He is earning a BS in business administration and was recently spotted by the 49ers coaching staff playing intramural basketball. He is now playing on the UNC Charlotte 49ers men’s basketball team.
Attention Class of ’81, ’86, ’91 and ’01
Josh Wolonick was inducted into UNC’s Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most honored of all college honorary societies. Phi Beta Kappa is open to undergraduates in the College of Arts & Sciences with 75 hours of course work and a GPA of 3.85 or better or with 105 hours of course work in liberal arts and sciences with a GPA of 3.75 or better. Less than 1% of all college students qualify for this prestigious honor. Josh is an English and dramatic arts major at UNC. Congratulations Josh!!
If you want to plan your 30th, 25th, 20th or 10th class reunion, please contact the Assistant Director of Volunteer Management and Alumni Relations, Lynn Melton at lmelton@ onealschool.org or at (910) 692-6920 ext. 104 for class lists.
2010 Blair Puleo is a freshman at UNC majoring in psychology. She is the founder and organizer of Helping Hands, a student tutoring program and a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. She started 2010-2011 on the novice rowing squad and was moved up to varsity at the beginning of the spring season. After graduating from UNC she hopes to attend UNC’s School of Dentistry.
O’Neal alums join students for fun time in the snow over the winter holiday break. 9
Alumni
Check out our new website: www.ONealSchool.org
The O’Neal School recently launched a new and improved website. The new website will allow you to: ~ Login to our Alumni Directory with access to all O’Neal alumni ~ Learn about upcoming Alumni Events and Reunions ~ Update your contact information when you move ~ Give online ~ Receive our weekly e-newsletter, The Falcon Flyer Go to www.ONealSchool.org and create your personal, password-protected login. ~ Your individual login will be firstnamelastname2-digit class year. For example: William “Will” Smith from the class of 1988 will have the login: williamsmith88 (Note: please use your first name, not your nickname or middle name.) ~ Your initial password will be: abc123 (You will immediately be prompted to enter a new password.) Once you have accessed the online directory please update your profile as needed. Also, please check out your classmates and friends - if you notice any errors, please notify them (or us!) to make corrections. We hope this new alumni directory will prove to be a great resource to keep you connected to your O’Neal family! Please contact us if you have any difficulty with your login or questions about the new website:
Send your personal and professional news and photos for the O’Neal Magazine to:
Margie Conklin, Web Manager 910-692-6920 ext. 122 mconklin@onealschool.org
Lynn Melton, Alumni Relations 910-692-6920 ext. 104 lmelton@onealschool.org 10
Homecoming Week
Alumni Basketball Game
Fourth Annual Alumni Day Wednesday, January 5th was a great day for O’Neal alumni. The Alumni Office hosted the 4th Annual Alumni Day with a lunch of pasta, salad and dessert for O’Neal alumni and the senior class in the atrium of the Activities Center. After lunch the juniors joined the seniors and the alumni in the theater for a discussion of college life and the experiences of O’Neal’s graduates. They discussed the freedom of college life and the responsibilities that freedom places on the individual as well as stories about how prepared they were for college after attending and graduating from O’Neal. The alumni who participated in the 4th Annual Alumni Day were: Brian Bonville (ASU), Danielle Bradshaw (Washington University), Ellen Cowherd (UNC), Emma Craven (NCSU), Alex DiMaggio (University of San Diego), Kate Fedder (UNC), Abby Howe (ASU), Douglass Johnson (UNC), Katherine Kelly (Clemson), Jide Lawal (Emory), Olivia Matchum (UNC), Daniel McCall (Wake Forest), Tommy Miller (ASU), Amanda Morcom (Gardner-Webb), Nicolle Moser (UGA), Laura Puleo (Duke), Justin Puleo (UNC Law), Celeste Purvis (Sweet Briar College), Alexia Samaras (UNC), John Schoemmell (High Point), John Shudra (Marist College), Kate St. John (UNC), Samantha Thompson (University of St. Andrews), Andrew Torrey (U. of Texas – Austin), Nathaniel Torrey (St. John), Christopher Waddell (ASU), Josh Wolonick (UNC), and Alex Zhang (Washington University). A special thanks to all the alumni who came back to O’Neal to share their experiences with our juniors and seniors!! After the Alumni Day, three alumni (Ellen Cowherd, Jide Lawal and Tommy Miller, all SGA class officers) then spoke to the eighth grade class about their experiences in the Upper School and in college. They talked about their days at O’Neal and the activities they participated in so the 8th graders could understand that the Upper School is a lot of work, but a lot of fun too!!
The Falcon and The O’Neal Alumni Team
On Wednesday, January 5th (after the 4th Annual Alumni Day), O’Neal then hosted the 2nd Annual Varsity/Alumni Basketball Challenge in the Activities Center gymnasium. Twenty alumni from various years dating back to 1995 challenged the varsity boy’s basketball team. The varsity squad came out on top! Other alumni who didn’t play, as well as current parents and parents of alumni along with current students came out to cheer on the players. As part of O’Neal’s spirit week, it was a nice way to spend time together – past and present. The Alumni Office supplied the alumni squad with matching O’Neal Alumni t-shirts that they then took home to wear proudly! The Alumni who participated in the basketball game were: Christian Bolduc (’10), Simon Cagle (’05), Stephen Clark (’09), Will Cutler (’08), Robbie Davidson (’08), Evan Davis (’08), Andrew Dembosky (’10), Cody Howe (’08), Jide Lawal (’10), David Neal (’08), Corbin O’Donnell (’10), Chris Payton (’10), Justin Puleo (’00), Randy Quis (’01), John Schoemmell (’10), Joseph Speight (’98), Danny Stone (’95), Brandon Thompson (’04), Bryan Thompson (’05), and James Yarborough (’98). Coach Don Woodfield coached the alumni squad and Dr. David Graves coached the varsity boy’s squad while Athletic Director Steve Dahl and Coach Sam Amato officiated the game!
O’Neal Alumni assemble at Alumni Day
John Schoemmell (‘10) playfully grabs senior Charlie Johnson’s jersey as a “defensive” move on the court.
11
Homecoming Week Spirit Week Students returned from winter break ready to show their “spirit” for spirit week. All divisions participated in themed spirit days leading up to the grand finale: Homecoming.
of the new Activities Center which will now be called the Alan and Brenda Gutschmit Atrium, in honor of a family that continually gives to O’Neal. The boys’ JV and varsity teams won
Middle School students dress up for Wacky Tacky Wednesday.
Above: O’Neal alums sit together for the game. Left: Homecoming Queen, Amelia Schirmer and her escort Dylan Gehle.
Parade and Pep Rally
The different clubs and organizations of the Upper School kicked off the homecoming day festivities with a car parade around campus. O’Neal’s “Falcon” escorted the cars and shook hands with fellow students. Afterwards, students filled the gymnasium lined with a lenghthy paper chain made by the Lower School students for a pep rally. Lower School, Middle School and Above: The Falcon leads Upper School the car parade as (right) cheerleaders Lower School cheerleadled the students ers show their spirit. in chants and recognized the winter sports teams. After a few division competitions, the gym was emptied and prepared for the upcoming basketball games against Fayetteville Academy.
their games against Fayetteville Academy and the girls’ team made a great showing. After the varsity boys’ win, fans stormed the gym floor - like a “tidal wave”! The 2011 Homecoming Court was presented by Mr. Barr and Amelia Schirmer was crowned as the Homecoming Queen.
Alumni Social
The 2nd Annual Alumni Social was held at Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club after the homecoming games. Forty seven alumni (from 1977 to 2010) enjoyed snacks and drinks in the lounge at Pine Needles. They shared stories with each other as well as O’Neal faculty and administration. It was a great way to cap off a fabulous spirit week for O’Neal and the alumni.
Homecoming
Blue t-shirts were given to students, donning the theme: Tidal Wave. They served well in saturating the Super Fans section in blue throughout the evening. During half-time, Mr. Barr, O’Neal’s headmaster, asked all alumni to stand – they were welcomed back to their alma mater with enthusiasm. Mr. Barr also dedicated the atrium
O’Neal alums Melody Miller ‘07, Leah Kelly ‘07, Philip Kelly ‘05 and Cate Dahl ’08 enjoy the alumni social after the game. 12
Forty and Fabulous, O’Neal’s 40th Annual Auction was held on Saturday, February 5, 2011 at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst. The Fair Barn was beautifully decorated and filled with over 450 silent auction items along with a collection of almost 140 bottles of wine that was part of the twenty one Live Auction lots. It really was Forty and Fabulous!! This year’s auction was the most successful in the School’s history! The auction donors (local businesses and parents) were very generous with the items they donated and the auction attendees were extremely generous with the bids they offered for the silent and live auction items. The auction netted over $225,000, an increase of 33% over last year’s record-setting results! Auction Chairs and parents of alumni, Dr. and Mrs. Gerard O’Donnell along with 40year Honorary Chairs and parents of alumni, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Robbins, welcomed the guests at the Annual Auction. Executive Committee members Konni McMurray, Kim Meeks, Bev O’Donnell and Sue Gibbons were instrumental in organizing the auction and the numerous volunteers needed to put on such a large event. The Auction Committee, which consists of 30 dedicated parents, parents of alumni and friends of
the school turned the Fair Barn into a festive hall filled with flowers, candles, shiny lights and fabulous items up for auction to the highest bidder. The Upper School students created the sparkly silver and gold centerpieces with “40” as the central theme and stuffed the 1500 invitations mailed to parents, alumni, parents of alumni and friends of the school. O’Neal students also volunteered their time to play music at the Fair Barn. Students in the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools wrote thank you notes to all auction donors to show appreciation for the donations.
Auction Co-Chairs: Jerry & Beverly O’Donnell, Alice and Wayne Robbins 13
The 2nd Annual Preview was held on Friday, February 4th from 9am-12pm. This event was sponsored by J.T. Davenport & Sons and Sweet Feed Fine Food & Catering. The community was invited to a special morning that included breakfast along with Lower School student entertainment. There were three Pandora jewelry giveaways from Framer’s Cottage and a Pandora fashion show as well. Even though it was a rainy morning, the Preview attendees enjoyed listening to the students sing, the breakfast, the jewelry giveaways and the opportunity to really “preview” the auction before Saturday night’s big social event. Silent Auction items line the walls of the Fair Barn.
education here in the Sandhills,” stated Lynn Melton, auction director. “We couldn’t do it without the support of the local business community as they realize many of their loyal customers are O’Neal parents. We, in return for donations, give the donors a substantial amount of advertising including a Business Directory for all O’Neal families to use throughout the year.” The live auction assortment was spectacular this year. From a Seinfeld ticket package with dinner and Lower School students provide entertainment during the Auction limousine service to a five-night wine tour vacation Preview. to Sonoma, CA for four, the items were varied and “This year’s auction unusual. Also included again proved to be were items such as: four the most successful nd e t t tickets to the UNC vs. a • 350 in the school’s 2 7 9 Duke basketball game; t: 1 history. We would Even a complete orthodontic First like to thank all the case from Dr. Michael local businesses Henry; a week’s stay at who are so generous Grand Cayman; a 130when our auction bottle wine collection; volunteers seek and a student-donated donations. They custom watercolor. Greg give us great items Quiroga, from the San with real value Francisco-based Reynolds for our auction and Buckley, again served attendees. We rely as the auctioneer for the on local businesses live auction. He is an avid and parents. golfer and an expert on Everyone really wines. His services were steps up to help appreciated by all the O’Neal create a auction attendees because 40 year tradition he was professional, of excellence in courteous and humorous.
k
Lo
ac B g n oki
14
k
ac B g ookin
When the doors opened at 6pm, the Fair Barn was filled with the aroma of fabulous food created by Chef Mark Elliott of Elliotts on Linden. It was an evening of tapas – there were various tables around the room filled with sushi, prime rib, shrimp and grits, and Asian and Italian cuisine. There was also a host bar so the evening was filled with food and drink!
L
1975
Next year’s auction will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2012. Please join us for another evening of fun and fund-raising!
O’Neal parent, Kathy Lange and Tom Hollinshed enjoy the evening.
Look
k c a B ing 1973
Auctioneer Greg Quiroga
15
k
ac B g ookin
L
1978
Above: The O’Neal wine collection was a part of the Live Auction. O’Neal parents contribute to this collection. Below: O’Neal Lower School teachers at the Auction.
ack
gB n i k o o
L
1981
O’Neal junior, Meagan Watkins entertains for auction attendees.
16
Smartboards
A standard for engagement and motivation in the 21st Century Computer-generated whiteboards- more commonly known as “Smartboards” are becoming an integral part of the classroom. O’Neal has Smartboards primarily in the Lower and Middle Schools. After Kindergarten, all of O’Neal’s students in first through eighth grade attend a class or classes using the Smartboard. Smartboards allow students and teachers to share assignments, surf the web and edit video using their fingers as pens. This technology encour-
The ability to use different styles, colors and patterns when using the Smartboard to write, keeps the students interested.
tion of the Smartboard matches the same experience inside the classroom. The Smartboard is designed so much like a computer, it helps young children to become familiar with the fundamentals of using a computer. Most teachers don’t have a problem learning the Smartboard and using it to teach their students because of their familiarity in working with a computer. O’Neal continues to outfit classrooms with Smartboards along with other interactive learning tools by way of The O’Neal Fund.
O’Neal second grade students work together to color the different components of a cell on the Smartboard.
ages group work and motivation. The fact that it can be colorful and interactive allows students to engage in what is being taught. Today when iPods, XBox360’s and Nintendos serve as interactive play outside of the classroom, the func-
At times, it is necessary for the Smartboard to simply serve the same purpose as a standard white board or chalk board. Mrs. Liner’s eighth grade algebra class learns how to work a formula. Moments later, the same board is used to play an interactive game called: Death by Algebra.
To see how a smartboard works visit the following links: O’Neal Eighth Grade Students Play Death by Algebra
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4P-I6_55ns When learning about earthquakes, O’Neal fourth graders can plug in a number for the Rictor scale to visually see what happens to the surroundings when earthquakes happen of different magnitudes.
SMART Boards: Why are they so easy to use?
http://youtu.be/0U05WeXPGlk
17
Lower School Happenings
Author Nancy Kruik, author of “George Brown, Class Clown” and “Katie Kuzoo, Switcheroo” visits Lower School students.
Above: Special Person’s Day Below: Holiday Musical
Above: Getting your raft across the “river” was an accomplishment during The O’Neal Trail. Left: Students collect pet supplies and food for The Haven - the local no-kill animal shelter. Below: The Lower School’s annual “Shoebox Christmas” made a change this year to “Shopping Bags”. Left: First grade student Kristin Howell poses with Mrs. Roberts as she acts as Lower School Director for the day. This was a silent auction item won by her parents.
18
The Different Faces of
entire seventh and eighth grade student bodies - complete with commentator. This year’s champion is the Celtics.
Intramural programs are offered at O’Neal in the Middle and Upper Schools; yet their purpose is varied.
Fellowship --The Upper School Intramural Program was introduced by a former upper school director, Jim Mahan. Due to the enthusiasm of math teacher, Beth Whitman, he asked her to lead the program... and she has held her post ever since!
Intramurals
Learning--In the Middle School, because only seventh and eighth grade students are allowed to participate in team sports, fifth and sixth grade students are offered intramurals in the off-season after school. Baseball is offered in the fall, volleyball in the winter and the school year ends with basketball in the spring. This program helps to give students an opportunity to experience the sport, learn some fundamentals and assist with their decision making for team sports when the time comes.
Each year roughly two-thirds of the Upper School student body sign up for intramurals. Sixteen captains are selected to lead sixteen teams. Teams are drafted the first week of school and sixteen teachers/staff members are drawn from a hat and each placed on a team. The final four in each event (team or individual) are awarded points. The winning team is recognized at the end of each school year with a plaque (including team photograph) which is mounted on the wall in the student center. This longtime intramural program has become a way for students to interact with faculty/staff members as well as other students in different grades and strengthen the comfortable, close-knit culture of the Upper School. The program has also allowed for fellowship among spectators as everyone rallies for their team. Team Sports: Tug of War / Kickball / Volleyball / Basketball / Frisbee Football / Team Tennis Individual Sports: Scooter Sprint/ Football Throw / Putt Putt Golf / Foul Shooting / Jacks / Ping Pong / Foamy Ball Beth Whitman is retiring this year, but her spirit and enthusiasm will continue to flourish in the Upper School Intramural Program as it will continue to run strong and steadfast for many more years to come.
Fifth grade student, Braxton Furstein hits the ball during baseball intramurals this past fall.
Participation --This year, there was a special intramural competition for seventh and eighth grade boys due to the overwhelming turnout for team tryouts. In order to allow all who wanted to play basketball have a chance to participate, a total of twenty boys were put on four teams: Celtics, Magic, Nuggets and Heat. Complete with uniforms, these teams played 15-minute sessions during the physical education period at the end of the day. Officiated by teachers Dave Williamson and Zach Kazior, it was a twelve-game season with two playoffs. The championship game was held in front of the
Thank You Beth Whitman for your many contributions to O’Neal. 19
Upper School Tug of War
Middle School Happenings
Above and Below: Middle School Holiday Concert
Above: Seventh grade students study the solar system. Left: Fifth grade students on “The O’Neal Trail” Below: Jr. Beta Society Inductees
Above: Joe Craven performs for 3rd - 8th grade students.
20
A Focus on 21st Century Learning Whereas Odysseus
might have sacrificed a black ram to enter the Underworld, the students in Mr. Mancini’s ninth grade English class opened their discussion of Hades’ realm in Book XI of The Odyssey by reading the book’s incantation and offering something just as dark: chocolate donuts. Ah, the sacrifices… After the offering, students are divided into groups of three and each group is given a separate set of interpretive questions that deal with different parts of Book XI. Like many lessons in Mr. Mancini’s ninth and tenth grade English courses, the exercises are focused on developing what the Harvard-based education reformer Tony Wagner refers to as the seven survival skills that are key to a 21st century education, values that include Critical Thinking and Problem Solving, Effective Oral and Written Communication, Collaboration and Leadership, and Curiosity and Imagination. After students answer their questions in groups, they’re asked to teach the class about their findings. Everyone must analyze specific subsets of information, present on it to others and work as a team to solve the interpretive puzzle before them. Finally, students share a reflection they completed the night before on the three individuals from history or from their personal lives whom they would most like to encounter in the Underworld. Moving from ritual to interpretation to reflection, the class engages in Mancini’s belief that the study of literature isn’t just about analysis. Even 3,000 year old texts must be viewed as alive. They must be performed and personalized. ••••• The culminating assessment for a unit in Spanish III was a group project in the style of Spanish broadcasting -- think Univisión or Telemundo. The students had been discussing means of communication, media in Spanish, Hispanics in the United States and the press. They were given parameters: inclusion of present subjunctive, three uses of the prepositions por and para, and appropriate application of the chapter vocabulary. The students filmed and edited clips as they performed the duties of news anchors. Ian
Maynor and Ally Hoehn-Saric presented world news (Libya), health, sports, and the weather forecast. “We want the kids to ‘produce’ the language as much as possible,” states instructor Heather Weeks. She feels the integration of video technology allows the kids to tackle authentic uses of the language (i.e. news reports) in a way that doesn’t require them to improvise. It’s very hard for learners of a second language to think on the spot in the target language. Ultimately that is the goal of proficiency, so the technique she used is an intermediate level scaffold because it removes performance anxiety. Many studies have shown that anxiety very much prohibits production of the target language.
View News Story
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dPu2FK91cc
••••• Eighth grade students are introduced to the basics of genetics by way of super heroes. Students crossed different super heroes in an attempt to make new super heroes and also to see what traits the new ones would have. Students dressed up as the new super hero as it was being created and was donned with different features and props depending on the powers it received. The creative and actionpacked lesson allows for all students - regardless of their preferred learning method - to become engaged and excel. •••• These examples are a few of many efforts to apply 21st Century learning in O’Neal’s classrooms. According to National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) President Patrick Bassett, there is a list of six basic skills and values that will be expected and rewarded in this century. These are what he feels independent schools should guarantee for all students. 1. character (self-discipline, empathy, integrity, resilience and courage) 2. creativity and entrepreneurial spirit 3. real-world problem-solving (filtering, analysis and synthesis) 4. public speaking / communications 5. teaming 6. leadership O’Neal’s faculty has been given the “charge” to continue learning 21st Century methods via professional development and to start applying them in their classrooms. More resources for 21st Century Learning: Changing the Education Paradigm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U What is 21st Century Education?
http://www.21stcenturyschools.com/What_is_21st_Century_Education.htm
21
Upper School Happenings UNC-Chapel Hill’s “Destiny Bus” was on campus to guide freshmen through a mock DNA study for a crime investigation.
Above: Upper School students were dressed for the occasion - a surprise Valentines Dance during lunch. Right: Hats, scarves and mittens don the Upper School tree during the holidays. All items were donated to the Moore Coalition for Human Care.
Above: For the first time ever, freshmen volunteers served as “grandparents” for the “O’Neal Trail” families. Right: Grandparents keep their grandchildren warm on The O’Neal Trail. Above: Upper School students were rewarded a suprise“free day” after rigorous study for exams and hard work. Students enjoyed board games, movies and cornhole in the hallway!
Below: 2011 Homecoming Court
22
Athletics
Boys’ Swimming Finishes 2nd at the State Championship
Bennett Westling is the 2011 NC Breast Stroke State Champion The boy’s team, made up of nine upper and two middle school swimmers, had a lot to celebrate this swim season. On February 7th, the Falcons celebrated their third CFIC Conference Championship in as many years and on February 21st, the Falcons finished in second place, runner up at the NC State Championship meet. To make it to the state meet, you have to make a qualifying time for individual events or be on a relay. CFIC Champions
State Championship Highlights: Senior, Bennett Westling, is the state champion in the 100 yard breast stroke with a time of 1:02.71, three seconds faster than the second place finisher. He earned All-State honors for this first place finish. Westling also had a second place finish in the 100 yard freestyle. Kevin Duffy, sophomore, had a fifth place finish in the 500 yard freestyle and a sixth place finish in the 200 yard freestyle. Senior, Brandt Davis, was right behind with an sixth place finish in the 500 yard freestyle, trimming 16 seconds off his seed time. Davis also had an eighth place finish in the 200 yard freestyle. Freshman, Eugene Zhang, finished fifth in the 200 yard individual medley and seventh in Bennett Westling the 100 yard breast stroke. Sophomore, Patrick Wurzel, finished 11th in the 100 yard backstroke and 14th in the 100 yard butterfly. Bryce Baldelli, senior, knocked five seconds off his 100 yard freestyle time and competed in the 50 yard freestyle. Sophomore, Nathaniel Putnam, dropped six seconds off his 100 yard freestyle and also competed in the 50 yard freestyle. Senior, David Letteney, competed in the 50 yard freestyle turning in a personal best time.
The relay team of Davis, Duffy, Westling, and Zhang placed second in the 200 yard medley relay and forth in the 400 yard freestyle relay. The relay team of Baldelli, Letteney, Putnam, and Wurzel finished 12th in the 200 yard freestyle relay. Eighth grader, Nick Manning, accompanied the team as an alternate. Conference Highlights: Westling placed first in the 50 yard freestyle and second in the 100 yard freestyle. In addition to winning his events and earning All-Conference, he set two new conference records, breaking his own records. Davis placed first in the 200 yard freestyle earning All-Conference and second in the 500 yard freestyle. Duffy placed first in the 500 yard freestyle earning All-Conference and second in the 200 yard individual medley. Zhang had two second place finishes in the 100 yard backstroke and the 100 yard butterfly. Wurzel placed second in the 100 yard butterfly and fifth in the 100 yard backstroke. Putnam had two third place finishes in the 100 yard butterfly and the 200 yard individual medley. Baldelli finished third in the 100 yard freestyle and sixth in the 50 yard freestyle. Eighth grader, Nick Manning placed seventh in the 100 yard backstroke and eighth in the 200 yard freestyle. Senior, David Letteney, placed 10th and 11th in the 100 yard and 50 yard freestyle respectively. The relay team of: Westling, Davis, Duffy, and Zhang won both of their relays (200 yard medley and the 400 yard freestyle. They received All-Conference honors for each of these races and set new conference records in both. The team of Baldelli, Letteney, Putnam, and Wurzel finished third in the 200 yard free style relay. The meet ended with Westling receiving the “Conference Male Swimmer of the Year” for the third year in a row. The award is given to the swimmer with the most wins in individual events and relays. Head coach Owen Herbert received “Conference Coach of the Year” for the boy’s win. This award is given to the head coach of the team that wins conference. This was his third year winning the award.
23
Athletics
Girls Swimming Finishes Second in Conference and 16th at States
Varsity Boys’ Basketball The O’Neal varsity boy’s finished the season with a 6-16 overall record and was 2-9 in conference play. The season was highlighted by a Homecoming win over conference foe Fayetteville Academy in front of a packed Activities Center crowd. The team was led in scoring by sophomore Jacob Talbert and relied on the leadership of senior team captains Charlie Johnson and Stephen Chamberlain. Colin Jameson, Jake Lange, and J.R. Moore made significant contributions throughout the year. Garrick McAlhany, Joe Thompson, Logan Butler, and Theo Johnson all contributed to the team’s success.
This was a growing year for the Lady Falcons. With 11 swimmers, eight middle and three upper school, the team is very young and is looking forward to next season. The state cuts for the meet were adjusted after the 2010 championship and have become more competitive, especially for the younger swimmer. State Championship Highlights: Junior, Kendall Field, placed third in the 200 yard freestyle and fifth in the 100 yard butterfly. Mac Cooper, eighth grade, had an 11th place finish in the 100 yard backstroke and a 12th place finish in the 200 yard free style. Seniors, Abbey Dahl and MollyCraig Cordell, both swam the 50 and 100 yard free style and turned in competitive times. Hunter Atkinson, seventh grade, also competed in the 50 yard freestyle. Field, Dahl, Cordell, Cooper, and Atkinson swam relays along with eighth graders Wallace Beeson and Emma Moore. Eighth graders, Lacia Core and Kierst Doolittle were alternates. Conference Highlights: Field placed first in both of her individual events, 200 yard individual medley and the 100 yard backstroke. In addition to earning All-Conference honors, she set new conference records and currently holds five conference records. Cooper earned all-conference honors with a first place finish in the 100 yard breast stroke and second place in the 200 yard free style. Dahl had two second place finishes in the 50 and 100 yard freestyle. Beeson finished third in the 500 and sixth in the 200 yard freestyle. Core finished third in the 100 yard free style. Doolittle finished fifth in the 500 and eighth in the 200 yard freestyle. Moore had a seventh place finish in the 200 yard freestyle.
CFIC Runner Up 24
Athletics
JV Boys’ Basketball
Middle School Girls’ Basketball
Varsity Girls’ Basketball Middle School Boys’ Basketball
25
Athletics
Varsity Cheerleading
The varsity cheerleading team, led by Captains Shannah Pilson, Jackie Chamberlain, and Brianna Wilkinson, had an excellent season. After losing eight seasoned seniors last year, the girls had a lot to live up to. They learned several new dances and cheers throughout the season and placed a heavy emphasis on mastering new and more difficult stunts. Season highlights always include the Homecoming and competition. The girls worked particularly hard on their Homecoming routine having practice twice daily at 6am and after school. Real dedication! Their performance went off without a hitch and their basket toss and “stomp� were audience favorites. The team placed 4th in their competition this year which was a great finish for the season. Leah Samaras and Maria Morcom were our All-Conference champions. We are looking forward to a growing team next year with several 8th grade cheerleaders moving up, several strong, returning members, and hopefully some new faces as well!
Middle School Cheerleading
Varsity Cheerleading
Varsity & Middle School Cheerleaders
26
This magazine is a product of The O’Neal School Department of Institutional Advancement If you would like to receive a printed copy, please email the Advancement Systems Manager, Laura Wrightson lwrightson@onealschool.org