The O'Neal Magazine Winter / Spring 2013

O’NEAL

THE MAGAZINE OF THE O’NEAL SCHOOL

Winter / Spring 2013

$40,000 is left in achieving the goal of $150,000 for this year’s O’Neal Fund.

It’s not WHAT you give, it’s THAT you give.

Give Online For more information contact The Office of Institutional Advancement.

Jennie Ford jford@onealschool.org ext. 125 Kathy Taylor ktaylor@onealschool.org ext. 129 Laura Wrightson lwrightson@onealschool.org ext. 106

On the cover: The beginning sprouts of the seventh grade Victory Gardens. Read more on page 16.

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 School Leadership Team Headmaster Alan Barr Director of Institutional Advancement John Madden Chief Financial Officer Eddie Phillips Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Alice Droppers Academic Enrichment Center Director Beth Huey

Lower School Director Linda Roberts Middle School Director Andrea Smith Upper School Director Richard Catania

Headmaster

Dear O’Neal Community, Recently, I had the opportunity to speak with you in the homes of generous hosts for our “Neighborhood Chats” where I casually presented the “State of the School”. Here is a summary of that presentation.

O’Neal has managed to increase enrollment by 10% over the past two years. Although there is much to attribute to this success, within these last few years we’ve established new schedules in the Middle and Upper Schools allowing for enrichment as well as a boost to effective learning. The hiring of faculty and administration has been conducted via national searches in an effort to seek out the best of the best for the independent school environment. The role of technology in the classroom as well as within the school community has taken the forefront for daily operations. Our pre-kindergarten program has a full enrollment, which is an indicator that our community strongly values O’Neal’s preschool offering in addition to our on-going K-12 instruction. The addition of after-school clubs in the Lower School and intramurals at the end of the school day for Middle School allows for extra enrichment and physical activity as the day comes to an end.

Two years ago, via our “Fund a Need” live auction item, $45,000 was raised for professional development for faculty. Through conferences, workshops and other educational programs, our faculty has discovered that children learn differently today than 5 years ago. As a consequence, an adjustment in the teaching process by taking a new direction for the 21st century is inevitable. In time, we will see a “sunset” on the use of textbooks in classrooms.

The use of handheld devices will be common place. In order to prepare our students for the influx of college on-line courses, an on-line component will be introduced in every subject area. O’Neal is developing flipped classrooms. The Harkness teaching method is currently taking place in some classrooms and being introduced in others as a way of using collaboration for more effective learning. It is important that O’Neal offers courses that push the minds of its students. Learning in the classroom will be more project-based and hands-on. An SAT lab will be added to the Upper School offerings. Academic coaching that helps Middle and Upper School students learn how to study and be prepared for participation in the “new classroom” will be emphasized.

In conclusion, it is an exciting time at O’Neal as our faculty takes a new direction in how they teach for the purpose of cultivating outstanding, achieving students in this new age of learning. If you have any questions about our new direction, please feel free to contact me.

Cheers!

Alan 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

Visit our website for more information and to register online

www.ONealSummer.org

O’NEAL SUMMER FUN O’Neal offers a variety of summer camps for youth in the area.

Falcon Day Camp • Falcon Fun & Games (Ages 3,4 & 5) Fun with Math • Spanish Immersion • LEGO Engineering with PlayWell • Jump Start to College Applications and Essays • Boys’ & Girls’ Basketball • Girls’ Volleyball • Boys’ & Girls’ Soccer • Cheerleading • Stitch and Create • Critter Softies • Crafting with Cricut • Fiddler on the Roof Jr. Intensive Summer Drama • Music Fun Camp • O’Neal Theater Program 5

Alumni Notes Sharon Campbell Murphy ‘79 has been married to her husband Paul for thirty-one wonderful years and they have four fantastic children. She has her bachelor’s and master’s degree in education and is certified kindergarten – sixth grade. Sharon has been teaching for sixteen years and has done missionary work in the US, South Africa, St. Croix and India!

Doughton Horton ‘02 lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife Mallery. Doughton was recently made partner at the Law Offices of Jeremy B. Smith where he has been associate since May 2011. The firm name is being changed to Smith Horton Law. Smith Horton Law has an office in uptown Charlotte as well as an office in Union County.

Emily Troutman ‘04 is in her second year as a French teacher at Western Harnett High School.

Laura Weatherly Briceno ‘89 keeps busy with her wedding planning business. She is also working on a new book about a small town in Mississippi. Laura has a 6 year old daughter named Emma and a 3 year old son named Nicolas.

Addison Horner ‘12 explored Istanbul this past January through an Honors Program course with Elon University called: Questioning Istanbul. Approximately 20 days were spent learning about this “crossroads” of Eastern and Western cultures and religions. Learn more about Addison’s trip by reading the course blog: http://eloninistanbul. blogspot.com/

James Weatherly ‘92 is a senior vice president for Capital One. He has taken recent trips to Europe and has two daughters, 5 year-old Claire and 3 year-old Rose.

Congratulations to MJ Meltzer ‘96 on his wedding last year!

Congratulations to Neri Meltzer Thompson ‘99 on the birth of her twins. She now has three children!

Callip Hall ‘99 and Christine West Hall ‘99 have moved back to the area and now live in Whispering Pines. They recently had the opportunity to see their daughter’s ballet performance in the O’Neal theater!

Patrick Mincey ‘99 is excited to announce he has joined Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog in Wilmington as of January 2013. Congratulations Patrick!

Addison Horner (right) listens to a spokesperson at Koç University Anatolian Research Center.

Congratulations to new parents Justin Carr ‘01 and his wife Stephanie on the birth of their son, Harrison Joseph Carr!

Four generations: New father Justin Carr ‘01, Harrison Joseph Carr, great-grandfather Frank Curtis, grandmother Cindi Carr, and aunt Melissa Carr Hegarty ’93.

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Admissions

There are two truisms at O’Neal, one is that the most important assets are the students; the second is that one would not have the quality of school that is enjoyed without the support of parents. Despite being truisms, it behooves everyone to remember them. The admissions team enjoys these blessings along with the rest of the school.

This year Admissions has had the good fortune to have two Admissions Prefects, Ryan Williams and Katherine McMurray. They are supported by the Admissions Prefect Committee that works to welcome new students and to help them acclimate to life at O’Neal. In addition to that task they help with events such as the PK-3, PK-4 and Kindergarten Ice Cream Social, Information Session and Admission Testing. The most valuable task might be the hosting of students in the classroom. Having a peer show a prospective student around lends credence to who we are and what we stand for. Everyone continues to be impressed by the impact that these visits have.

Admissions Prefects: Front Row(L-R): Landon Teschendorf, Jarred Jenkinson, Mary Catherine Coltrane, Kelsey Hoehn-Saric, Alessandra Tozzi, Chynna Baldwin, Tori Landers. Back Row (LR): Jack Johnston, Gates Moore, Katherine McMurray, Catherine Huntley, Jonah Saunders, Ryan Willams.

This is where the School could use your help. As parents you know the difference O’Neal makes in a child’s life.

You are in the community, and know who would be a good fit to help us build an even stronger school. Please talk us up to your friends, and let them know about O’Neal. YOU are our best ambassadors. We are happy to talk to anyone about the school, even those with a casual interest. O’Neal speaks for itself, and when people visit they see firsthand what makes the School so unique!

It is a busy time in Admissions. Testing, tours, visiting and communication with prospective families are moving forward at a brisk pace. Interest is steady and O’Neal is looking forward to another good incoming group of students. PK-4 is already full and in a wait pool situation.

The goal is to have another year of growth in the school population.

The Foreigner

by Larry Shue

Attention Class of ’83, ’88, ’93 and ‘03 If we can help plan your 30th, 25th, 20th or 10th class

The O’Neal Players will again bring laughter to the stage with this reunion, please contact The O’Neal School Advancement year’s production of The Foreigner by Larry Shue. This production is produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Office at (910) 692-6920 ext. 106 or at lwrightson@ onealschool.org.

Inc of New York, NY and directed by drama teacher Michael Norman.

In a rural fishing lodge in Georgia, Froggy LeSueur, a British demolitions expert who runs training sessions at a nearby military installation, is trying to put his friend, Charlie Baker at ease. Charlie has come along for a much needed getaway. The problem is that he is pathologically shy and is terrified at the prospect of having to converse with strangers at the lodge for three days. Froggy, attempting to help his shy friend, tells Betty, the owner of the lodge, that Charlie is from an exotic foreign country and neither speaks nor understands English.

Thus, conversations by intriguing characters at the lodge carry on around Charlie much as if he weren’t there at all, since it is assumed he can’t understand them anyway. The play progresses along a twisting road of laughs and sentimentality as we learn more about each of the characters and their true nature.

Listen for Upcoming Events: The O’Neal Players Present:

The Foreigner April 26-28, 2013

5th Annual Varsity Softball Challenge Date TBD Class of 2013 Commencement May 24, 2013

The Foreigner stars sophomore Bradley Miller as Charlie Baker and junior Danielle Cormier as Betty Meeks. Froggy LeSeur is played by sophomore Teague Vreeland. Juniors Mary Winston Dozier and J.R. Moore play the engaged couple, Catherine Simms and Rev. David Marshall Lee. The role of Ellard Simms is played by freshman Jonah Saunders with Logan Butler and Drew Meese sharing the role of Owen Musser. Freshman Emily McMurray and Senior Megan Cooper are sharing the stage management position for this production.

Performances will be in the Hannah Center Theater on Friday, April 26th and Saturday, April 27th at 7:00pm. There will also be a performance on Sunday, April 28th at 6:00pm. Tickets will be available at the door.

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Homecoming Week

Alumni Basketball Challenges

Sixth Annual Alumni Day

O’Neal’s short homecoming week started off with the traditional varsity / alumni basketball games. The second year for the ladies, recently retired coach, Don Woodfield, was invited to coach the alumni team. Five alums and some relief help from PE instructor and volleyball coach, Kendall Harper were victorious over the varsity team.

The 6th Annual Alumni Day was held on Friday, January 4th. A panel of visiting alums informed O’Neal seniors about college life. After the Homecoming ceremony, alumni were invited to a social in the theater lobby of the Hannah Center.

The varsity men were unable to hang on to last year’s title.

The men had a tight game with the alums winning 51 to 48.

Grace Baran ‘12 and Julia Rickard ‘12 consult O’Neal seniors about college life as part of an alumni panel discussion on Alumni Day.

Above: Alumni Girls’ Team - Front Row (L-R): Abby Fuller ‘12, Claire Russell ‘12, Maura Thornton, ‘11, Back Row: (L-R) Coach Don Woodfield, Katie Jenkins ‘10, Syd McIlwain ‘09, Coach Kendall Harper.

Below: Alumni Boys’ Team - Front Row (L-R): Andrew Dembosky ‘10, Donald Piper, Brandon Thompson ‘04, Chris Payton Back Row (L-R) Danny Stone ‘95, Joseph Speight ‘98, Corbin O’Donnell ‘10, Zeb Viskovich ‘12, Armmond Alston ‘07, John Schoemmell ‘10, Bryan Thompson ‘05, unkown.

Panel Participants: Above (L-R) Laura Puleo ‘08 and Brian Bonville ‘09 Below (L-R) Tory Fedder ‘12 and Katie Dyer ‘12.

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Homecoming Week

A 3-day Homecoming week was kicked off upon return from O’Neal’s winter break. In addition to the alumni events, each day had a unique theme for the students. On Friday, the school day ended with a pep rally and then the games began against Faith Christian School. The Booster Club served BBQ and pizza plates in the dining commons. After the games, the homecoming court was presented and Madeline Davis was crowned Homecoming Queen.

AMERICA

Above:What The artwork this year’s Wednesday homecoming t-shirt. The theforHeck? flag was sketched by senior Nicole Basile.

Twin Thursday

Below: Even the Lower SchoolFriday students take part in the fun Falcon at the homecoming pep rally.

Above: The Homecoming Queen and her escort pose for a picture with their mothers. L-R: Lisa Youngclaus, Will Youngclaus ‘12, Madeline Davis and Holly Davis. Below: The varsity boys’ basketball team runs through their banner at the homecoming pep rally.

2013 Homecoming Court

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A Night in New Orleans, O’Neal’s 42nd Annual Auction was held on Saturday, February 2, 2013 at the Fair Barn in Pinehurst. The sound of a jazz band flanked The Fair Barn as O’Neal supporters bid on a multitude of auction items ranging from jewelry to trips to student creations.

The success of this year’s auction abounded from the generosity of the auction donors (local businesses and parents) who provided a wonderful assortment of silent and live auction items and to auction attendees whose generous bids did so much to help support O’Neal.

The proceeds from A Night in New Orleans support the faculty and students of The O’Neal School. Many thanks to all of the volunteers, donors, businesses, event underwriters, Preview sponsor, Business Alliance members, important contributors and guests who joined together to make this a successful O’Neal School event. Your support is truly and deeply appreciated by everyone at O’Neal.

The 43rd Annual Auction will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2014. Please save the date in your calendars for another fantastic evening!

Left: Lindsay Blackwood wins the jewelry raffle. Right: Sarah and Sean O’Leary are dressed for the occasion.

View The Pilot’s A Night in New Orleans Photo Gallery http://www.thepilot.com/photos/galleries/2013/ feb/06/night-new-orleans-saturday-february-2-2013/ flash/?popup=true You may have to copy and paste to your browser.

Mark Elliott, of Elliotts on Linden, helps to raise the bids with Auctioneer Greg Quiroga for his live auction item,

O’Neal students perform for Auction Preview attendees on Friday, February 3rd at the Fair Barn.

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Lower School Happenings

Wagons Ho! on the O’Neal Trail

The Wells Fargo Stage Coach participates in The O’Neal Trail

Math and String Club

Doing the “wave” at a pep rally

Seniors eat with their “Buddies” at lunch.

Pre-K -1st grade students are visited by a bear at their holiday musical.

Kindergarten and Pre-K4 classes collect 100 cans of food in celebration of the 100th day of school.

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When We’re Not at School...

A look into the lives of juniors Josh D’Annunzio and Anna Fatakhova and their achievements outside of O’Neal.

Co-written by O’Neal sophomores Lara Allen and Benjamin Johnson on behalf of the Communications Prefect Committee. great business from the surrounding military base.

O’Neal student Josh D’Annunzio was awarded $2,500 for first place in an indoor skydiving competition that was held on February 2nd and 3rd. On the first day of the twoday competition, Josh and his teammate, Alex Verner, briefed the competition and set out to win in the first few rounds. Josh said, “There were two different categories we had to complete. The first is called formation skydiving where you go into the tunnel for 35 seconds, you get a list of formations, and you have to do them as many times as possible. The second is a free routine which we had been preparing for months in advance. We went into the tunnel for 45 seconds and performed a choreographed routine.” Josh and Alex were flying at 160-170 MPH during the competition and had to wear specially made suits for the speeds. Sunday consisted of the final rounds, scoring, and then prizes. Josh and Alex have practiced for an hour to two hours about five times a week for several months in advance of the competition.

Click on the link to watch Josh and his teammate compete and win the 2012 Indoor Skydiving World Championship in Singapore in December. http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ILpXk8OfxxU (The 4:29 minute mark is where you will be begin to see Josh).

Josh has been skydiving competitively for four years now, although he has been indoor skydiving his entire life. Together, Josh and Alex Above: Team Paraclete XP is awarded their first place prize of $5,000 for the world indoor skydivhave won first place on seven ing championships in Singapore. Below: Teammate Alex Verner and Josh. different occasions and have been to skydiving competitions all around the world.

They have traveled to Singapore, Arizona, Colorado, New Hampshire, Montreal, Dubai, and Bedfordshire, England.

And out of all these accomplishments there is one other major factor that sets Josh and Alex apart from the other teams. Josh is only 16 years old and Alex is only 19 years old, the youngest flyers competing.

Josh was inspired by his father who was a part of “the golden knights” when he was in the Army. Josh’s family owns their very own wind tunnel, Paraclete XP, located between Fort Bragg and Fayetteville where the competition took place. His father decided to build Paraclete because he wanted to bring the experience here, not to mention the 12

Anna is riding “Leo” at a show jumping event at Emirats Equestrian Center in Dubai.

competitions while she has been here and won’t stop at just that, she has a bright future with riding ahead of her.

Anna Fatakhova arrived at O’Neal in the middle of her sophomore year to pursue her dream of horseback riding and to improve her skills. Anna has an interesting background, she spent the first 8 years of her life in Russia, and the next 8 in Dubai with her mother before coming to America, she says “Dubai was marvelous, but I just didn’t see myself going down a good path staying there”. Anna says she has come a long way since she came to Pinehurst, although moving all the way from Dubai was a struggle.

Transitioning from a British education to American was very difficult, but she has pulled through.

One of the deciding factors for Anna to move here was her trainer(Kiki) moving here as well and the fact that “the Southern Pines/ Pinehurst area is a great riding community” says Anna. Anna lives with her trainer which not only makes her better at riding but also more independent. She was tired of being a kid which was one of the other reasons she wanted to come to America.

O’Neal made Anna feel comfortable with her decision to come here “knowing it was such a good school,” she says.

She heard great things from Kaily Meeks, a 2012 O’Neal graduate, who was also being trained by the same trainer as Anna. “O’Neal also offered great college prep courses and extra curricular activities,” says Anna, “which was incredibly reassuring to me.” Anna has won many various

Anna and her sister Liza.

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Meet O’Neal’s Foreign Exchange Students

can. It’s nice to tell the differences between two different cultures!

IN: I have taught them about Norwegian food culture and Norway in general, no one knows anything about Norway anyways.

Contributed by O’Neal junior Alessandra Tozzi on AT: Have they taught you anything about American culbehalf of the Communications Prefect Committee. ture?

RL: Of course, they taught me a lot about American culture This year, O’Neal has hosted two foreign exchange stujust by hosting me, the simple fact of being here for a long dents: Romane Lecarpentier and Ingrid Nordvik. Adapting time teaches me a lot of things and I realized that you have to a different culture may be a difficult task but these juto live somewhere to know how people really live I guess. niors willingly jumped into the American lifestyle, hopeful IN: They have taught me everything! toward their awaiting adventures.

AT: Favorite memories so far?

Alessandra Tozzi (AT): Where are you from?

RL: Favorite memories... I’d say the fact I’ve met some Romane Lecarpentier (RL): I’m from Burgundy, in France really nice people, there is probably a lot of good memories Ingrid Nordvik (IN): Norway but I couldn’t tell any AT: How does O’Neal exceptional one! compare to your school IN: Everything adds up back home? to a great memory so I RL: O’Neal is smaller really don’t know which and I’d say a lot more one is my favorite. welcoming than my AT: What are some school back home. In things you have learned my school, we’re about about yourself for trav900 students and there eling so far from home? isn’t any sport team or RL: By doing this kind anything like that. And of experience, I’ve I can also finish school Romane and Ingrid learned that everything at 6 (and start at 8...) but wasn’t so simple, I realwe have at least 1 hour ized that I’ve never had to follow that many rules. I think to eat and we can leave whenever when we don’t have any it makes me grow up a little bit because I have to deal with class. some things by myself, but it’s great! I think I needed that!

IN: It’s small, my school is 1500 students. O’Neal is more IN: I’m more independent, and I appreciate my family focused and the expectations are higher from the teachers. more and things I take for granted in Norway that don’t AT: Do you like it here? exist here.

RL: I like it here but I have to say that without a car, I don’t AT: Would you do a foreign exchange program again? have enough freedom. As an exchange student adults have RL: I think I might do a foreign exchange program again to know everything I do and I’m not used to that so it’s a lot but later, when I’ll be in University, and in a big city! I different! think it’s always an interesting experience!

IN: I love it!

IN: Yes! AT: What activities do you do in your free time?

RL: During my free time, I stay with my host family and O’Neal is very welcoming to students who want to particitry do the same activities as them. But if you mean in my pate in a foreign exchange program. Romane and Ingrid free time alone, I text my friends in France, or here, but I are just two out of many who have exposed the O’Neal also try to Skype with them if it’s not too late over there! I community to different cultures. Students have been very send some messages to my family to let them know how I friendly to both and have shown a genuine interest in getam too. And sometimes I try to do some things with some ting to know what life in France and Norway is like. friends from here, which means eat or go watch a movie, most of the time!

The family of Holly and Carty Davis is hosting Romane IN: Cheerleading and spending time with my host family, and the familiy of Jill and Ron Russell is hosting Ingrid. doing what they like to do.

AT: Have you taught your host families anything about If you would like to learn more about being a host family, your culture? please contact Upper School Director, Richard Catania RL: I didn’t really teach my family a lot of my culture but rcatania@onealschool.org. when they ask me something I try to answer as well as I 14

Upper School Happenings Moore County Literacy Council Spelling Bee

Glee Club Concert

Above. Seniors eat lunch with their “buddies”.

Sophomores learn traditional Indian dances

National Honor Society Inductions

Above: Upper School decorates tree with mittens, hats and scarves that are later donated to the Moore Coalition for Human Care.

Left: “Exploding Teapot” by junior Tatum Riley,won Honorable Mention at the Young People’s Fine Arts Festival.

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“Pink Out” on Senior Night in honor of cancer awareness.

VICTORY...

The O’Neal Middle School

seventh grade students are learning and applying their knowledge of a cross section of subject areas all by simply growing a garden. History teacher, Caitlin Cummings and science teacher Dave Williamson have partnered to grow a “Victory Garden” on the front lawn of the Middle School.

What better way to mesh the importance of history and science into one project! Oh, but wait… there’s also math, English, art, in addition to life skills like collaboration, organization, planning and more. Most of all, it’s just plain fun.

Braxton Furstein, Kennon Later, Mrs. Cummings and Caleigh Ana Kruse work out the details on paper.

The seventh grade students’ summer reading assignment was “Seedfolks” by Paul Fleischman. A story of how a garden is grown in a vacant lot of a neighborhood where no one really cared. As the garden grew, the neighborhood transforms itself. Hence, the common thread for a seventh grade project. Students were assigned tasks for the project based on their interests.

Victory Gardens were conceived during World War II when there were shortages of food. The government encouraged families to grow their own vegetables and fruits to help the cause for the sake of patriotism. There was a large wave of backyard gardens during this time and everyone was very proud of their achievements. “My history students are learning first hand the sacrifice of time and just how much work it takes to grow a garden as they go through the process themselves,” says Mrs. Cummings.

With help from Mr. Williamson, Kyle Ehlers tacks the boards for the containment area with nails. Once assembled and aligned, Signe Healy screws the boards together with a drill.

The students designed the garden on paper, with consideration to the space they were allowed. They researched the possible predators in the area that could inhibit the success of the garden. Their math skills took over as they created a grid for the garden to determine how many plants they could grow and where they wanted to grow each type of vegetable.

Kyle Ehlers and Evan Jones spread the containment areas with manure for planting.

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in Veggies

“Building the containment for the garden required math and some carpentry skills”, states Mr. Williamson. “The students learned how to operate some carpentry tools and when to use certain drill bits for specific jobs. It wasn’t something that was on the agenda to teach, but it’s definitely an occupational skill that these students will take with them for the future.” Some generous donors gave all the 2-year old horse manure that was needed to fill the raised beds. After a real grid was constructed from yarn, the students began to plant the seeds of lettuce, carrots, radishes, kale, spinach, peppers, beans and beets.

The students are tracking the growth of the plants and keeping statistics on the whole process. “One student even took it upon himself to build a tool to measure the moisture of the soil,” says Mr. Williamson.

The artists of the group built and painted signs with slogans for the garden. There are also students responsible for photographing, videoing, interviewing and blogging.

Drex Lindsay, Alex Marin, Matthew Roberson, and Harvey Anderson plant the seeds.

“It’s been exciting to watch the students collaborate and complete a task,” says Mrs. Cummings. “It’s teaching them responsibility.”

“It’s also been a unifying project for our faculty as well, adds Mr. Williamson. “In addition, we’ve noticed that it has opened up communications between generations, particularly when the students consult with their parents and grandparents who are farmers or avid gardeners.”

Depending on how much produce the garden yields, Mrs. Cummings and Mr. Williamson would love for the students to be able to eat some of what they’ve grown. However, if there’s a large crop, they plan to donate the produce to community service organizations that provide for those in need.

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Middle School Happenings

Sixth grade cow heart dissections Eighth graders prepare lunches for MANNA

Jr. Beta Club Inductions Middle School Pep Rally

Above: Middle School Theater Performance Below: Cheerleaders at Middle School Pep Rally

Seventh grade students read their fables to first graders. First grade students read their published books to the seventh graders.

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Athletics

Zhang State Champion for 200 Freestyle and 100 Fly

Middle School Cheerleading

The middle school cheerleaders, coached by Caitlin Cummings, far surpassed expectations this year. The squad built itself from the ground up being made up almost entirely of girls from 6th through 8th grade who were new to the sport.

The team was led by returning 8th grader Rachel Carlson and newcomer Elizabeth Trexler, both of whom shined as captains. Not only did they lead by teaching new cheers and dance routines, but they were also excellent models of good character and great sportsmanship. As a whole, this team was notably enthusiastic and spirited. They constantly pushed themselves and each other to try new and more difficult routines and stunts, and they always aimed for perfection. Not only were they great cheerleaders for the basketball teams, but they were great cheerleaders for each other which made for a really fun season.

The boys and girls varsity swim teams both conquered the conference title - once again and both teams placed 3rd in state competition. The girls had a record of 4-1, while the boys were undefeated with a record of 5-0. Coach Jen Schmitz was named NCISAA Div II Coach of the Year.

For the boys, the team captains were seniors Patrick Wurzel and Kevin Duffy. Individual all-conference honors were received by: Kevin Duffy, Jarred Jenkinson, Drew Meese, Landon Teschendorf, Patrick Wurzel and Eugene Zhang.

All state honors was received by Eugene Zhang in two events. Zhang was state champion for the 200 Freestyle and the 100 Butterfly.

Above: (L-R) Carlos Field, Jarred Jenkinson, Eugene Zhang, Kevin Duffy

Varsity Cheerleading

The varsity cheerleading squad, coached by Cecy Morcom, was a large number this year. The team’s captains were seniors Veronika Russell, Kaleigh Teschendorf and Maria Morcom. The team placed 3rd in the CFIC Conference Championships with Maria Morcom, Veronika Russell and sophomore Amanda Barnes receiving all conference honors.

The captains for the girls’ team were McKenzie Cooper and Emma Moore. Hunter Atkinson, McKenzie Cooper, Fiona Duffy and Ellie Henry each received individual all-conference honors.

Girls’ Team Captains Emma Moore and McKenzie Cooper 19

Athletics

Middle School Boys’ Basketball

The middle school boys’ basketball team concluded another successful season in February. Coached by Sam Amato, a SEMSAC tournament invitation as the #4 seed capped off an eight win, four loss campaign. The team was led by six 8th grade “starters”; Will Taylor, Pait Bryan, Christopher Dymond, Keller Bycura, Josh Pleasant, and Tucker Fessenden. Classmate Jack Hendricks also enjoyed a successful year. The season was highlighted by a dominant January performance in Fayetteville against rivals Village Christian, a birthday pizza party hosted by Wendy and Carl Bryan and by a team dinner at Elizabeth’s in Sanford courtesy of Drs. Kim and Joseph Tozzi.

Middle School Girls’ Basketball

The middle school girls’ basketball team had a fun-filled season. Coached by Ceci Liner, there were only a few returning eighth graders, and sixth graders were allowed to play for the first time. The team captains Elle Dembosky and Kate Liner did a great job keeping a positive spirit and high energy level throughout the season. Although the record was 4-8, the team finished the season with a spectacular victory over Fayetteville Christian at home with a score of 29-9. The leading scorers for the year were Alyssa Pearson with 54 points, Kate Liner with 35 points, and Elle Dembosky with 31 points.

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Athletics

Varsity Girls’ Basketball

The varsity girls’ basketball team concluded their season as fifth place of the CFIC standings. At an overall record of 3-21, the girls worked tremendously hard in their first year under new head women’s coach Carl Bryan. “I was pleased with what we accomplished in my first season at O’Neal.

The girls had to adapt to a new offensive style as well as learn new plays and new defensive sets. There were a few games in which we went into overtime or double overtime that I wished we could have closed out better, however, the girls worked very hard and improved a lot during the year.

Their three wins on the year were exciting to be a part of, and their sweep of Cape Fear in conference play was really good basketball to watch from a fan’s perspective. In a building year, I was elated that Maggie Jackson concluded her senior season as an All-Conference selection. I felt that by working with both JV and varsity at the same practice time was instrumental in developing the girls for future success.”

JV Boys’ Basketball

Reginald Pleasant had a great bunch of young men who he was very proud to coach. The season started with a small number of players but no one knew the size of their heart.

Game in and game out they played with the desire to get better at doing the little things as well as building the bond to be a team. It was never about wins and losses. Coach Pleasant always told them, “Execute the little things of the game and the wins and losses will take care of themselves.”

Everyone who attended the last regular season game against Village Christian saw the desire they had to be a great basketball team from being doers of the little things of basketball. The game was lost by score but won with the team’s desire to pay attention to details.

The team lost two players to injury the last week of play.

A full and speedy recovery is the goal. Many thanks to the team score book keeper and manager as well the 3 players that came up to play from the middle school team.

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Athletics Varsity Boys’ Basketball

The varsity boy’s finished the season with a 13 -14 overall record and were 8 -5 in conference play. The season was highlighted by earning the CFIC tournament championship.

All conference senior captain Jacob Talbert led the team in points, rebounds, assists, and blocks and was supported by junior Jack Johnston who was second in scoring. Talbert was selected as a CFIC All Conference player for the third time and was the CFIC tournament MVP. Senior Theo Johnson was also an all tournament selection and was instrumental in capturing the title. Junior captain John Roger Moore led the team from the point and served as a coach on the floor. The team was disciplined, played hard, and improved throughout the season due to the hard work put in by seniors Logan Butler, Luke Elliott, Garrett Klumpar, Stephen Stewart, and Grant Whitmire. Juniors Joseph Taylor and John Ronalter made significant contributions throughout the year. Fans packed the Hannah Center on Senior Night to recognize our seven seniors in their final home game, a victory over Village Christian. The team earned a bid to the NCISAA State 2A tournament for the first time and had not made a State tournament appearance since 2001. Elliott and Moore received Coach’s Awards to honor their outstanding effort and commitment to O’Neal basketball.

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This basketball season marked the first time since 1992 that O’Neal has won a conference championship for varsity boys’ basketball. It was also notable as senior Jacob Talbert topped 1,000 by scoring an all-time high of 1,380 points in his varsity basketball career at O’Neal.

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This magazine is a product of The O’Neal School Office of Institutional Advancement If you would like to receive a printed copy, please email the Director of Communications, Kathy Taylor ktaylor@onealschool.org