The Colonnade 2023

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS!

Steward’s Next Strategic Plan Defining future priorities for the School

A Thriving, Caring Community Steward maintains its purposeful size

Leadership and Entrepreneurship Programs

Hands-on training, lifelong skills

Super Spartans

Steward’s Parents Association

Memories and Milestones

The Steward School marks 50 years

CELEBRATE STEWARD

Dear Steward Community,

Every year, our Program Steering Committee chooses a theme that impacts both our curriculum and the tone of the year. In keeping with the School’s 50th anniversary, this year’s theme is “celebrate.”

As you turn the pages of this magazine, you’ll find good news to celebrate schoolwide, as well as pictures and tales from the anniversary and special events we have already observed this school year, including Fall Social, Whirled Peace Day, Alumni Socials, Middle/Upper School Grandparents and Special Friends Day, and more. We celebrate the successful culmination of our strategic plan, Compass 2022, this year, as well as progress in many of our programs, from Entrepreneurship and Leadership (page 8) to expanded student wellness programming in the Center for Engagement (page 10). We cheer for a successful fall athletic season (page 14) and love how every Spartan, from JKer to adult, has been humming “The World is Ours” since Heidi Taylor’s choir students first wowed us at Convocation.

And most importantly, we celebrate YOU, our Spartan community. Thank you for being a part of our community during this anniversary year. Here’s to more celebrations to come!

DAN FRANK, HEAD OF SCHOOL

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ADMINISTRATION

Dan Frank, Head of School

Lisa Dwelle, Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations

Adam Seldis, Director of Upper School

Susan Atkinson, Director of Middle School

Ingrid Moore, Director of Lower School

PUBLICATION STAFF

Kathryn DiPasqua, Sydney Smith, Rachel Williard, Editors

Lisa Dwelle, Contributing Editor

Kate Carpenter, Designer

Carley Hamilton, Contributing Designer

Aaron Earley-Ledesma, Photo Editor

Kathryn DiPasqua, Aaron Earley-Ledesma, Jenni Booker Baker, Dan Frank, Sydney Smith, Rachel Williard, Contributing Writers

Aaron Earley-Ledesma, Kelly Frankenburg, Wendell Powell Photography, Paul Gresock '26, Ada Long '25, Kamran Mohanty '26, Sabina Mohanty '23, Zak Qureshi '24, Meghan Rotter '23, Charlie Ventura '23, Wesley Walsh '24, Hank Wang '23, Chase Wingfield '23, Contributing Photographers

Total Printing

The Steward School admits students without regard to race, religion, color, ethnic or national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of these protected characteristics in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other schooladministered programs.

1 Students from every division sang “The World Is Ours” together at Convocation

2 Spartans played hard and with heart this fall season

3 Leadership students explored personality traits

4 Alumni met in the Bryan Innovation Lab to reconnect and network

5 Sparty enthusiastically greeted young Spartans during SpartaFest

6 Spartans JK-12 came together on the Wilton lawn to celebrate Whirled Peace Day

7 The Fall Social had a 50th birthday party theme

8 The Admissions team greeted familiar faces at Middle and Upper School Grandparents and Special Friends Day

9 Spirit Squad members cheered at the Blue & Gold Spirit Reveal

10 JK/K/Senior buddies processed down the Colonnade before Convocation

11 Celebrating community and connection

Work Commences on New Strategic Plan

Five years ago, the School launched the current strategic plan, Compass 2022, and has made considerable progress in its five key areas:

the fall, community groups met to provide input to a 20-person Strategic Planning Committee. Alumni, current and alumni parents, faculty and staff, and current students gathered in groups, both small and large, to consider the School’s past, present, and future.

The groups analyzed trends, opportunities, and needs globally, regionally, and within the Steward community. Leadership + Design, a consultancy that specializes in independent schools and also supported the development of Compass 2022, is leading the process.

accomplished with Compass 2022 as well as identify new opportunities.”

The input and refining process will culminate in a large-scale community input session early in 2023. Then, the Steering Committee will begin work on a draft plan, which will be presented to the Board of Trustees in the spring of 2023. Once approved, it will be shared with the community at large, and work toward it will start at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.

As a result of Compass 2022, the Center for Engagement began; the Alumni Office and programming expanded; service learning opportunities grew; the Leadership Program launched; the Entrepreneurship Program thrived; and a school counselor, a coordinator of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and a coordinator of campus life and community stewardship were hired.

Now, in the 2022-23 school year, it’s time to envision Steward’s next strategic plan. Throughout

“When we created Compass 2022, we set milestones and guideposts in recognition of the fact that a strategic plan is not a roadmap with step-by-step instructions,” said Head of School Dan Frank. “Rather, it’s a compass that leads us toward our ultimate goals, with room to flex and stretch along the way. That was a prescient decision, considering we had to navigate many new paths in the COVID-19 pandemic. In this year’s strategic planning process, we will once again recognize the need to both define our future priorities and allow space for the work to evolve.”

Mr. Frank continued: “It’s too early to clearly articulate the focus areas of the next plan, but I believe it will both build on the work we’ve

School Completes Security Assessment with Outside Firm

This fall, the School partnered with Margolis Healy, a firm specializing in safety, security, and emergency preparedness, to review all aspects of campus security.

“This is part of our standard process,” explained Lisa Dwelle, associate head of school for finance and operations. “We do a full safety review every few years to ensure we have the appropriate systems and processes in place.”

The work with Margolis Healy included:

• a document review of our crisis plan and written information about security measures;

• a two-day on-site review, which included meetings with key stakeholders, a facility analysis, and observations about campus at different times of day; and

• a workshop with the School’s Executive Council, during which the group planned responses to hypothetical (but realistic) crisis scenarios, using an “if this, then that” approach.

In early 2023, Mrs. Dwelle, along with a few other staff and Board of Trustees members, will review Margolis Healy’s final recommendations. Due to the sensitive nature of the information in the report, the findings will be kept confidential. However, Mrs. Dwelle shared that she’s already received preliminary feedback that indicates the campus is in good shape.

A team is already working on upgrading the School’s door-locking technology, and small updates to the Crisis Plan have been made.

“We like working with Margolis Healy because they understand that campus safety is proactive,” Mrs. Dwelle said. “They consider mental health factors, including our desire to maintain safety while also preserving a community feel.”

Steward Maintains Commitment to Purposeful Size

Last August, Steward opened our doors with the largest student and faculty community in our history. With approximately 715 students and 100 faculty members, we have now reached the size we’ve been working toward for years.

Head of School Dan Frank spoke of Steward’s purposeful size: “In our 50-year history, the School has been steadily growing as our reputation for excellent education in a caring community has also grown. Nine years ago, the Board of Trustees and School Leadership conducted a school size study, which concluded a school of approximately 700 students was possible for us.”

The study analyzed factors including campus facilities, programmatic needs in academics, the arts, and athletics, and research on social dynamics and authentic connections.

Steward remains committed to this overall school size, with no plans for significant future growth, as well as small class sizes, personal attention, and an environment where every individual is seen and known. Our average class size, 12, has not changed. A robust student body enhances the Spartan experience in many ways, from classroom experience to athletic competition, diversity and inclusion, and artistic and social opportunities.

With all the recognized advantages of our current size (10% bigger than the School was five years ago), the School leadership also sees it has required extra creativity with space and scheduling.

“As we are working on the School’s new strategic plan, we are mindful of future considerations regarding campus spaces,” Mr. Frank said. “It’s exciting to see our community thriving and plan for our future needs.”

Leadership Program Successfully Begins Second Year

The Upper School Leadership Program is now in its second year, and program coordinator Eliza McGehee says she can see its positive impact on participating students.

“I also teach a lot of the second-year Leadership students in my Social Studies class, so I see them daily,” Ms. McGehee said. “I’ve noticed they’re able to collaborate more easily and work through challenges more effectively. In group work, they can identify their strengths as well as the strengths in others.”

Braylan Rice ’25, a second-year participant, agreed. “We’re practicing skills that will not only benefit us now, but also in college and after. We’re learning about our own character traits and those of others and how to use that knowledge to be productive, efficient, and successful.”

The Program now has two cohorts. Twenty students in the first-year group are focused on the selfdevelopment of their leadership traits and styles as well as group dynamics. Like last year, the first-year

students will partner with the Student Government Association at the Jepson School of Leadership Studies at the University of Richmond. That group is also supported by Assistant Program Coordinator Scottie O’Neill, who is also an Upper School teacher.

Nadine Odibo ’26 is in the first-year cohort. She said: “The Leadership Program has helped me grow because I've learned that leadership is an accumulation of things that build a strong foundation. Traits that a strong leader expresses are loyalty, trust, and respect.”

Seventeen students in the second cohort are studying global engagement and social justice and the topics’ connections to leadership. Small teams are researching and designing service learning projects that will ultimately be implemented locally. The students chose their topics from the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. These groups will also receive guidance from Rashad Lowery, Steward’s coordinator of campus life and community stewardship.

Entrepreneurship Students Engage in Real-World Business Planning

Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator Melissa Freed. “Our Entrepreneurship students are helping the Gather leadership team with business ideas that will support both employee and customer retention in their downtown Arts District location. This project exposes our students to a different business model than anything we've worked on before. Additionally, the space is buzzing with entrepreneurs, and our students have heard from several business owners.”

Entrepreneurship student Charlotte Olexy ’24 added: “I have really enjoyed helping solve the difficult issue of parking at the Gather location in the city because it requires thought, research, and group collaboration; these skills help me grow as a successful entrepreneur.”

The goal of the Upper School Entrepreneurship Program is to give students real-world business experience. This fall’s Entrepreneurship project, partnering with Gather co-working spaces, is exceptionally relevant in our post-pandemic culture.

“Many people are tired of working from home and are looking for communal spaces to work,” said

The Gather partnership follows Ms. Freed’s successful formula for an Entrepreneurship project: immersion in a local business (its goal, successes, and challenges), group work guided by the organization’s employees and Steward faculty, and student pitches to the business executives. Every

project includes the possibility that the organization may choose to implement the winning student group’s ideas.

This winter, Entrepreneurship students Gates Fox ’23 and Henry Bearden ’23 will be thrilled to see their winning idea for Saxon Shoes come to life. The students partnered with Saxon in the 202122 school year. Thanks to Gates and Henry, the shoe company will host a student art gallery that includes a contest. Participants will receive a coupon good for purchase from the locally owned shoe store. Gates and Henry will be part of a cohort that graduates with an Entrepreneurship endorsement on their diplomas.

The Entrepreneurship students are also looking forward to their spring project, which will feature Recognizing Children’s Gifts Behavioral Health Network, which is owned by Steward parents Tarsha and Sherman Adkins (parents of Gabby ’31 and Jordyn ’25).

Happenings at the Bryan Innovation Lab

PARENTS ASSOCIATION

Bringing Spartans together

Creative. High-energy. Non-stop-spirited. Parents Association (PA) volunteers, guided by PA President Kristen McGregor, (mother of Oliver ’26), are all this and more. A dedicated group of community builders, they plan and coordinate events that bring together Spartan students, alumni, parents, faculty and staff, and friends. During the 2022-23 academic year — and after a pause due to the pandemic — the PA brought back popular events such as the Fall Social, SpartaFest, and Sparticipation Fair, adding a 50thanniversary touch to all three. The excitement on campus at the return of these events was astounding. To wit: A record number of people (500) attended SpartaFest! A special thank you to the Fall Social Chairs (Gabby Bradford, mother of Max ’34; Nicky Naz, mother of Noah ’34 and Nuri ’34; and Stephanie Maddox, mother of Oliver ’34), and SpartaFest Chair Alden Rice (mother of Braylan ’25) for orchestrating these large-scale events.

The PA also puts a joyful blue-and-gold spin on School happenings such as the Auction at the Gala, Ice Cream Socials, Bingo, Faculty and Staff Appreciation events, and the Parent Speaker Series.

Last year, the PA’s annual fundraising reached a record-high of nearly $100,000, which funded community needs from Lower School playground equipment to Middle/Upper School science labs. This hardworking group also makes a yearly leadership gift to the School’s Annual Fund. The next time you see PA volunteers, remember: They put the “PA” in

“sPArtan”!

1 Grade 4 Teacher Janell Kauffman watched as her students learned about the life cycle of monarch butterflies from Bryan Innovation Lab Program Specialist Megan Young

2 A monarch butterfly that had just emerged from its chrysalis caught the attention of the entire Steward community. Scan this QR code to watch the butterfly emerge!

3 Second graders listened attentively to Mary Lincoln, a pollinator expert at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

4 Amelia Rosenthal '36 enjoyed planning in the garden during an after-school "Nature Play School" event.

5 The Health and Wellness Program and Bryan Innovation Lab are working together to teach students about nature as a resource for promoting wellness.

6 In the Bryan Innovation Lab community gardens, students discovered that naturebased mindfulness is growing all around us.

“The Steward experience is about so much more than academic skills,” shared Head of School Dan Frank. “Care is also central to our mission: care for the individual, care for our fellow Spartans, care for oneself, and care for the greater Richmond community.”

These topics were highlighted in the Compass 2022 strategic plan and are also top of mind for administrators and faculty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

That focus is why the School brought together four important functions in the 2021-22 school year: Health and Wellness; Community Life; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and School Counseling.

The Center for Engagement’s mission is to positively impact both the individual and community through intentional experiences and practices that increase empathy, responsibility, and purpose.

It includes the work of Tiffany Goodman, diversity, equity, and inclusion coordinator; Rashad Lowery, campus life and community stewardship coordinator; Kris Marchant, health and wellness coordinator; and Jentae Scott-Mayo, school counselor. These four spent the 2021-22 school year building a collaborative program. This school year, several important new initiatives have progressed.

FOCUS ON THE NUMBERS

A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services study published in the American Medical Association’s journal JAMA Pediatrics in March 2022 reports significant increases in the number of children diagnosed with mental health conditions. The study, conducted by the Health Resources and Services Administration, finds that between 2016 and 2020, the number of children ages 3-17 years diagnosed with anxiety grew by 29 percent and those with depression by 27 percent.

Providing school-based wellness programs is an important tool in supporting student mental health.

The Center for Engagement develops programming focused on community health and well-being

CHARACTER EDUCATION IN THE LOWER SCHOOL

In past school years, Ms. Marchant has taught Lower School character education alone. This year, in keeping with the Center’s collaborative approach, the team has expanded to include Mr. Lowery and Ms. Scott-Mayo.

Each teacher focuses on the area for which they have the most expertise: Ms. Marchant connects the honor code (kindness, trustworthiness) to everyday experiences, including conflict resolution and appreciating each other’s similarities and differences. Mr. Lowery teaches service learning, empathy, and gratitude in a unit he calls “What it means to be a steward.” And Ms. Scott-Mayo focuses on organizational skills, time management, stress management, emotional regulation, and confidence building. The group brings Ms. Goodman in as needed for relevant lessons.

The group based their curricular plans on the feedback they received in a needs-assessment survey (completed by teachers) at the end of last school year, as well as CASEL, a nationally recognized framework for social-emotional learning.

“While we all have a common mindset and passion for this work, each of us has a distinct set of experiences,” Ms. Marchant said. “The students are enriched by our different perspectives, experiences, demeanors, and personalities. It's a deeper experience because we are teaching together.”

HEALTH AND WELLNESS ACROSS THE DIVISIONS

The Center’s team-teaching approach extends into Middle and Upper School as well. In the Middle School, Ms. Marchant and Ms. Scott-Mayo co-lead but also include Ms. Goodman and Mr. Lowery in certain lessons.

Mr. Lowery explained how he focuses on stewardship and empathy with lessons outside of the classroom environment: “Students look forward to making a contribution to the community outside of Steward, which reinforces positive connections with each other,” Mr. Lowery shared. Each week he organizes rotating opportunities for advisory groups to serve guests at the Reinhart Guest House by making breakfast.

Like in the Lower School, the curriculum for older students is based on evidence-based practices and national standards as well as Steward-specific inputs from a spring 2022 needs assessment of students.

“The most important thing is that we consider student needs as they are evolving,” Ms. ScottMayo said. “Students today are not the same as they were yesterday or will be in years to come. Our curriculum is informed by research and data as well as global and local trends and needs.”

The Center team worked with the Middle School leadership in the summer of 2022 to restructure the schedule, allowing for Health and Wellness to be

STEWARD NEWS

taught at every grade level on a more continuous basis throughout the year.

“The new schedule has opened up opportunities for innovative curricula, such as the Middle School’s partnership with the Bryan Innovation Lab for outdoor mindfulness-based health and wellness lessons and art-based activities in which students explore their own characteristics, roles, and interests,” Ms. Marchant shared.

In the Upper School, the Center team partners with Upper School Dean Livia McCoy to team teach the freshman and sophomore seminars.

“This year, I am team teaching the freshman seminar with Ms. McCoy, which is designed to allow students to think critically about themselves as individual learners and as community members,” Mr. Lowery said. “Ms. McCoy emphasizes the importance of utilizing your learning strengths to your advantage academically, and I emphasize strategies to improve relationship-building skills and conflict resolution. I work with students to explore important questions such as ‘How can I use my learning strengths to be better at school and in life? What is the best way to solve a conflict with a friend? Do I have a social responsibility to help others when people are not treating them well?’”

The sophomore seminar helps students develop skills and find information on topics including mental health, substances, personal identity, and reproductive health, and is led by Ms. Marchant with support from Ms. Goodman on certain lessons.

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES TRAINING AND IMPLEMENTATION ADVANCE

In the fall of 2021, the School began faculty and staff training in Restorative Practices for Education, an initiative spearheaded by Ms. Goodman.

The program’s goal is to strengthen relationships between individual students and social connections within the student body. An expected outcome is that our community will be enhanced through the shared experience and built trust.

Restorative Practices teaches individual skills to use daily, such as active listening and conflict resolution, as well as specific actions like faculty-facilitated

listening circles and restorative conferencing. At Steward, it also highlights the principles of the honor code, including honesty and integrity.

Some Restorative Practices techniques were implemented last school year, which will become more widespread as trainings continue. In August 2022, faculty learned about the importance of doing things “with” students (instead of for, to, or not at all), which represents the balance between high accountability and high support, and the beginning stages of facilitating listening circles. And, in November, all faculty participated in a session about using affective questions to address behavior that has harmed or helped the community, focusing on who was impacted and how to make things right (or restored).

Steward is using a “train the trainer” approach to roll out the program. Ms. Goodman, Mr. Lowery, and Ms. Marchant are all fully trained and share their expertise with their colleagues, along with Yaa Akinfolajimi, the director for the Center for the Advancement of Learning. Ms. Scott-Mayo’s role is a bit different as school counselor, as explained by this example:

“In response to conflict within a grade level, the Center team took a multi-faceted approach,” Ms. Goodman said. “First, I facilitated a restorative conference between two students and their families. Then, Ms. Marchant and Ms. Scott-Mayo integrated relevant social-emotional skills in that grade level’s character education classes, and I joined Ms. ScottMayo to facilitate a friendship group among the students. Concurrently, Ms. Scott-Mayo is doing school counseling work with individuals in that grade on topics like friendship, communication, and conflict resolution. That’s the magic of how we can all work together using Restorative Practices.”

Ms. Goodman continued: “With this approach, the Center team hopes to help our students see the community, interpersonal, and personal impacts of healthy friendships through many avenues of learning. This can extend to many other topics as well, all resulting in increased community health and personal growth.”

Ray Tate Spartan Golf Classic

Teeing up for the athletics program

At the Ray Tate Spartan Golf Classic, held at Independence Golf Club, participants enjoyed lunch, lots of blue-and-gold swag, and some great golf. Named in memory of Ray Tate, a big-hearted man devoted to athletics at Steward, this annual fundraiser brings hundreds of golf enthusiasts together and benefits the School’s athletics program. This year’s Classic raised over $65,000!

Each year, a portion of the proceeds from the Golf Classic supports two Ray Tate Student-Athlete Scholarships, which are awarded to seniors who are top athletes and exemplary community members. Congratulations to Gates Fox ’23 and Sam Roberson ’23, who are this year’s recipients.

Thank you to Golf Committee Chairs Bobbie Fass (mother of Grace '21 and Isaac '23), Kelli Fox (mother of Victor '22 and Gates '23), and Lariza Rife (mother of Ainsley '23 and Sydney '24), who worked hard to ensure a fun day for golfers. And thank you to the many generous companies and individuals who sponsored the Classic!

THE SPARTAN CLUB

Spirited fun with a purpose

What’s even more fun than watching Steward athletes compete? Helping them succeed by joining the Spartan Club! Membership in the Spartan Club is a great way for families, alumni, faculty, staff, and students to show their blue-andgold spirit by supporting coaches and enhancing our athletes’ experiences. Club President Chuck Wingfield (father of Mason ’31, Spencer ’25, and Chase ’23) is dedicated to bolstering the athletic program at Steward.

The 2022-23 season members will help fund a new scoreboard for field 2, two volleyball “CatchIt” machines, new weight room equipment, scholarships, and more through membership dues, the concession stand, and the annual Spartan Golf Classic. Plus, each membership level (Sparty Fan, Blue and Gold Club, and Champions Club) comes with special benefits (including free popcorn at home games!).

To join the Spartan Club, visit the Athletics section of our website, or contact Amy Sherman at amy.sherman@ stewardschool.org.

ATHLETICS AT A GLANCE: FALL 2022

Our athletes’ dedication and hard work are really something to cheer about! Over the course of the fall, the Steward community was filled with pride as athletes improved their skills, exhibited blue-and-gold teamwork, and showed tremendous Spartan spirit.

VISAA STATE TOURNAMENTS

Boys and Girls Cross Country

• Nathan Gu ’25 finished 17th overall, earning All-State

• Girls finished 9th of 18 DII teams

• Boys finished 9th of 18 DII teams

Boys Soccer

• Seeded #2

• Defeated #7 Norfolk Collegiate 1-0 in the quarterfinals

• Lost to #3 North Cross 1-0 in the semifinals

• Finished the season 14-5-2

Girls Volleyball

• Seeded #5

• Defeated #4 Atlantic Shores 3-2 in the quarterfinals

• Lost to #1 Peninsula Catholic 0-3 in the semifinals

• Finished the season 14-11

Girls Field Hockey

• Did not qualify

• Finished 4-15 on the season

Girls Tennis

• Did not qualify

• Finished 3-8 on the season

VISAA ALL-STATE AWARDS

Boys Soccer: Henry Bearden ’23, First Team All-State

Boys Soccer: Sam Roberson ’23, First Team All-State

Cross Country: Nathan Gu ’25, All-State

Volleyball: Kyla Johnson ’23, First Team All-State

TCIS ALL-CONFERENCE AWARDS

Boys Soccer: Henry Bearden ’23, First Team AllConference

Boys Soccer: Sam Roberson ’23, First Team AllConference, Player of the Year

Cross Country: Nathan Gu ’25, All-Conference

Field Hockey: Anza Fierro ’23, Second Team AllConference

Girls Volleyball: Kyla Johnson ’23, First Team AllConference, All-Tournament Team

Girls Volleyball: Mikal Banks ’23, Second Team AllConference

Congratulations to Sam Roberson ’23,

Steward’s all-time leading scorer in soccer. In the fall, Sam broke the School’s record with his 105th goal, which was previously held by Corey Turnage ’88 for 35 years. Mr. Turnage (pictured above) was at the game when Sam made his history-making goal against Catholic High School.

Act III: Welcoming “Harvey” Back to the Stage

In October, the Theatre Department presented “Harvey,” the story of an eccentric man whose best friend is an invisible (and exceptionally tall) rabbit named Harvey. The play was directed by Theatre and Acting Teacher Craig Smith and featured a cast and crew of talented Spartans.

This was the third time Steward put together this beloved play. The first was in 1991 and the second was in 2004. Kara Johnson ’06, who acted in the 2004 production, took part in a walk-on scene in the most recent production, which took place in the Paul R. Cramer Center for the Arts; Liz Franklin ’06, who also acted in the 2004 production, visited this year’s cast and crew backstage. (The opening night for the 2022 “Harvey” show was also the 20th anniversary of the opening of the Cramer Center!)

DINNER AND A SHOW

“Harvey” was made extra special with Dinner and a Show, a favorite School tradition that was paused during the pandemic. On opening night, theatre-goers gathered on campus for a casual dinner before heading to the Theatre. ArtLink, a dedicated group of parent volunteers, arranged Dinner and a Show; they also sold flowers during intermission. Thank you to ArtLink President Anne Williford (mother of Chip ’23) and all the volunteers whose enthusiasm could never be upstaged!

Interested in joining this fun and vibrant group of ArtLink volunteers? Contact Amy Sherman in the Development office at amy.sherman@stewardschool.org.

Artistic Expressions

An interview with Craig Smith and Lynn Zinder, co-chairs of the Fine Arts Department

What exciting things are happening this year?

Craig Smith: A highlight of the year was the premiere of “Today’s Hope,” a song commissioned by Steward for our 50th anniversary and featuring the words of “The Power of Hope,” a poem written by Gabby Marshall ’26. The song was first performed at the Thanksgiving program, and our student choir will professionally record it in the coming months. In addition, we have a yearlong, rotating alumni art exhibit on display in the Carolyn R. Brandt Art Gallery.

How is Steward theatre celebrating our 50th birthday?

CS: Grade 4 performed “Celebrate Steward!,” a play that the students wrote. The scenes incorporated all of Steward’s history, from founder Helen Dixon to the Bryan Innovation Lab. In addition, the entire theatre season honors the School’s history this year. Each show performed on the Lora M. Robins Theatre stage has been

performed at Steward in the past 50 years, and some have been performed three times! It was great having alumni back for our production of “Harvey,” and we look forward to having more return for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.”

Lower School art teachers recently partnered with local business Saxon Shoes. What was that like?

Lynn Zinder: Fourth and fifth graders created 50 adorable papier mâché dogs, which were featured in a week-long exhibit at Saxon. An opening reception attended by our student artists, their families, and appreciative Saxon customers was a terrific way to connect with the wider community

Q. What do you find most fulfilling about teaching?

LZ: It’s so rewarding because art is part of the entire educational experience, which values selfexpression and individuality. Students learn to make connections between what they learn in the classroom and the art they create. We are blessed with the ability to provide students with the best possible courses, and plans are in the works for more 50th-anniversary projects. We really feel the pulse of excitement!

CS: The Fine Arts departments work diligently to showcase the fantastic talents of all of our students. We like to think of this building as a building full of smiles — smiles that celebrate the creativity and curiosity of our teachers and students.

Last fall, we welcomed some new teachers to the fine arts department. Who are our new colleagues?

LZ: Four excellent fine arts teachers joined us: Sandy Dacus (Lower School music), Abby Klein (Lower/Middle School visual arts), Erin Roukous (Lower School music), and Kristin Snelling (Upper School visual arts). They fit in so well and are developing projects that reflect their unique styles. We can’t wait to see what they come up with!

Middle School Community Week

A weeklong celebration of discovery

Middle School students experienced a fun, fast-paced five days during September’s Community Week. They trekked through nature trails, collaborated in team-building activities, and immersed themselves in new ways of thinking.

“Middle School Community Week gives students opportunities to get to know their classmates and teachers better, hone their collaborative skills, test themselves during ‘challenge activities,’ and create lasting memories,” said Middle School Director Susan Atkinson.

FREE PLAY AND MUDDY ART

At Wildrock, a nature playscape in the Blue Ridge foothills, sixth graders got their hands dirty with “mud art.” After gathering water from the creek and soil from the mountainside, they created “paint brushes” using flora from the bird sanctuary. They also toured the different landscapes of the property while participating in a scavenger hunt. Back on campus, our sixth graders tie-dyed T-shirts, attended a workshop on manners, and joined forces in team-building exercises.

WORKSHOPS AND FIELD TRIPS

For seventh graders, Community Week was packed with activities, including a digital archives presentation on Steward’s history from Shahwar Qureshi ’90, director of technology. They also learned how to cite sources when conducting research, thanks to a workshop led by Crystal

Hamlin, Middle School/Upper School librarian. Field trips to the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, Maymont, and Washington, D.C., rounded out the week.

INTO THE WILDERNESS

At Wilderness Adventure in the Blue Ridge mountains, eighth graders enjoyed a technology-free, adventurous week. They tackled a ropes course, scaled new heights on a climbing wall, and whizzed through the air via a zipline. Students also discovered new terrain through mountain biking and explored the wonders of caving. In the evenings, campers met in activity groups to debrief the day and played board games.

“Middle School Community Week gives students opportunities to get to know their classmates and teachers better, hone their collaborative skills, test themselves during ‘challenge activities,’ and create lasting memories,”

– Middle School Director Susan Atkinson

Memories and Milestones

The Steward School marks 50 years

If you’ve walked around campus lately, you’ve likely noticed a special feeling in the air. It’s a celebratory atmosphere — and it only occurs once in a lifetime. This year, The Steward School turns 50!

Marking a half-century birthday is always a cause for celebration. For The Steward School, which was founded in 1972, turning 50 is a year-long opportunity to look back, think ahead, and celebrate the people who make Steward a buoyant, nurturing community.

BEGINNINGS

When educator Helen Dixon founded The Steward School in 1972 in a church basement in the west end of Richmond, she was likely guided by the same principles that inspire current Steward teachers: offering students opportunities to learn and thrive in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Ninety students in kindergarten through grade 10, plus 12 faculty members, called Steward home during that first academic year.

Fifty years after its founding, Steward has grown to a student body of more than 700 in junior kindergarten through grade 12, a group of dedicated faculty, staff, and coaches numbering nearly 200, and a verdant campus that spans 37 acres.

Steward Through the Years

The pillars of honoring the past and planning for the future are deeply intertwined with the School – tied together like emotional ribbons in the hearts and minds of all who love Steward. Students, faculty and staff, alumni, parents, and friends: As they have for the past 50 years, these spirited Spartans are what make the School a true community. And together, they will be celebrating Steward with special 50th-centric events all year.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, SPARTANS

Beginning last fall, members of the Steward community were asked to create one-minute videos of themselves as they completed the statement, “When I think of Steward…” These heartfelt testimonials — sweet snippets from current students, alumni, parents, current and former faculty and staff, and friends — represent a tapestry of experiences and emotions about life at Steward. Below are a few excerpts from this unique collection:

First Grade Teacher Kenley Smalkowski (mother of Charlie ’35) is the granddaughter of Steward founder Helen Dixon Ms. Smalkowski grew up hearing her grandmother talk about her love for the School and her

1973

1972–75

1977

Ronald Messersmith serves as Steward’s first headmaster.

1975 Paul R. Cramer becomes Steward’s second headmaster. He serves until 1994.

The original gym is built.

1974

A two-room structure is built to house the arts and science departments.

1972 Helen Dixon founds The Steward School in a church basement.

The School relocates to the corner of Gayton and Ryandale Roads. The original building (Dixon Hall) is now home to the Lower School.

hopes for its future. “If my grandmother could … see Steward today, she would be beyond proud of what it’s become and how it has evolved,” she shared.

Looking back at his family’s experiences at Steward throughout the years, Don DeLaney (Foundation Board member; former Board of Trustees chair; and father of Ryan ’06, Liz ’08, and Mary Martha ’08) said fondly, “We have incredible memories of the years we spent at Steward as parents and volunteers.”

Susan (Cramer) Twining ’84, daughter of Steward’s second headmaster, Paul R. Cramer, is a member of Steward’s Board of Trustees and a former field hockey coach. She’s also the proud parent of Abbey ’13 and Mason ’18. Ms. Twining, who first set foot on the campus in 1975, said, “When I think of Steward, I think of my parents … my father was headmaster, and my mother was the administrative ‘everything.’ I think of how the School started … the transformation has been amazing.”

Former Steward Music Teacher Bonnie Anderson developed the School's music program and taught for more than 30 years. Ms. Anderson said, “When I think of Steward, I think of colleagues who work together to find the very best in every child.”

Matthew Cantor ’20, a Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship recipient who is currently a student at University of Michigan, thinks of “some of the best times of my life … where I met my lifelong group of friends” that he catches up with whenever he can. He also cherishes his friendships with former teachers, which he calls “some of the best connections I’ve ever had.”

School spirit is top of mind when Ebika Odibo (mother of Ryan ’18, Nicole ’21, and Nadine ’26) thinks of Steward. “I think I’m the best cheerleader out there!” said Ms. Odibo in her video.

Scan this QR code to view the entire video library. Want to add to our video archive? Email your one-minute video to photos@stewardschool.org

PARTY HATS AND SPIRITED EVENTS

No 50th birthday party would be complete without fanfare, special activities, and a few surprises, and Steward has had plenty of all three … with more to come!

On the first day of school, families were greeted during carpool with smiles, blue and gold party hats, balloons, and an appearance by Sparty. With a firstday-of-school buzz in the air, families arrived in cars decorated with paper flowers, “50” balloons, and

fun messages celebrating their love for all things Steward. Adjacent to Waddell Terrace, students posed for selfies in front of giant letters that exclaimed, “Celebrating 50 Years!” Spartans young and old blew bubbles, hugged teachers, and highfived Sparty before heading to their classrooms.

In October, Spirit Week filled the campus with Spartan pride. Paying homage to our year-long theme of “celebrate,” the week gave Spartans opportunities to dress up each day in fun clothing, from team jerseys (to celebrate team spirit) to 1972 garb (to celebrate the “groovy” fashion that was popular when Steward was founded).

The Blue and Gold competition, which returned this year after a two-year break due to the pandemic, capped off Spirit Week at rousing Lower, Middle, and Upper School pep rallies. Every family is assigned to either the Blue or Gold team when their first child starts at Steward, and student spirit T-shirts indicate a family’s team color. On designated days, Spartans wear their spirit shirts to school or after-school events, and “sparticipation” points are tallied for each team. The shirt design was created by Nick Preston '32 and includes the slogan, “Half a century old, still brave and bold!” which was submitted by Catherine Graves ’98 Team shirts were unveiled in the spring during Blue/ Gold Reveal Day in the gym.

Scan this QR code to see the Spirit dashboard.

1977 The School’s inaugural graduation ceremony is held, honoring three graduates.

The School’s first capital campaign is launched. 1980

1984 Steward offers its first summer camp program.

The Steward School Alumni Association is established by Robert Dietz ’81, Denise (Featherston) Dietz ’81, Wyman Smith ’82, and Robinnette (Turner) Wrobel ’83. 1986

1993

G. Thomas Taylor Hall is completed in 1993, serving as the math and science building.

Stephen Stackhouse is named Steward’s third headmaster; he serves in that role until 1997.

1994

1997 Roger Coulombe is named Steward’s fourth headmaster; he serves in that role until 2004.

1989 Fire damages the original Athletic Center.

HOMECOMING, STEWARD STYLE

When Spartans gather, magic happens. And that’s what our 50th Anniversary Homecoming Weekend, which took place October 14-16, was all about. The community shared laughter, food, (and lots of selfies!) over three fun-filled days.

On Friday evening, Trucks and Shucks, an annual fundraising event hosted by the Alumni Association, kicked off the weekend. More than 270 guests gathered on Waddell Terrace and enjoyed delicious food, danceable music, and beautiful weather as they mingled, posed for photos, and toasted the School’s milestone birthday. Thank you to the Alumni Board and alumni class agents for hosting this terrific event.

The following day, families and friends had a blast at SpartaFest, a beloved Steward tradition that was hosted by the Parents Association. SpartaFest’s return to campus was much-anticipated after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. There was something for everyone to enjoy, including carnival games, a bake sale, train rides, a climbing

wall, inflatables, food trucks, music, and pumpkin painting. More than 500 people attended SpartaFest this year!

Throughout Homecoming Weekend, alumni reconnected at class reunions off campus, and on Sunday morning, they gathered in the Carolyn R. Brandt Gallery for an Alumni Brunch and to enjoy “A Year of Alumni Art,” a rotating exhibit.

50TH MAGIC

Befitting a half-century milestone, the campus is adorned this year with 50th-anniversary touches throughout. There are photos galore — from “vintage” snapshots of the School’s beginnings to images of current students — decorating doors and windows. A giant “50” on the fence of the athletic field serves as a popular backdrop for photos, and a “50” shield on the athletic field greets Spartans and visitors alike.

A 50th-anniversary theme is also peppered throughout beloved Steward events, including the Sparticipation Fair, Fall Social, Whirled Peace Day, Bingo Night, Middle/Upper School Grandparents and Special Friends Day, and the Thanksgiving Program.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Steward community has always been forward-thinking, setting its sights on the future of the School and its students. With a challenging curriculum that encourages meaningful connections, a focus on innovative problem-solving, and an environment that encourages empathy and civil discourse, the School is preparing students who will help shape the future. Here’s to the next 50 years!

SAVE THE DATE

March 18, 2023, 6-10 p.m.

The Parents Association Gala and Auction: 50th Anniversary Edition

Mark your calendar for this extra-special event, which will feature dinner, a band, dancing, a live auction, and more.

The 2023 Golden Gala will be held at the Dewey Gottwald Center (adjacent to the Science Museum of Virginia), and formal invitations will be sent in the coming weeks. You won’t want to miss this black-tieoptional extravaganza!

2009

1997

An anonymous $15 million gift results in significant renovations to the campus.

Cosby Hall, an addition to Taylor Hall, is constructed. Taylor and Cosby Halls house the Upper School. 1999 2000 The new Athletic Center is constructed.

The Paul R. Cramer Center for the Arts and Wilton Hall are completed. 2002

2004 Ken Seward is named Steward’s fifth headmaster; he serves in that role until 2013.

The Upper School is renovated as part of the capital campaign, “Building a Legacy. One Steward at a Time.”

2013 The state-of-the-art Bryan Innovation Lab is built, and the Visting Innovators Program is launched.

2001 The varsity field hockey team becomes Steward’s first State Champions.

The Latino Education Advancement Program (LEAP) launches. 2007

Steward Through the Years

2022

THE ANNUAL FUND

As we celebrate this special year, we continue to highlight Steward’s culture of philanthropy because we care so deeply about our mission and our community. Your gift — of any size — helps us foster the joy and wonder that our students experience every day, and helps ensure a bright future for the School.

We hope you will join us at our 50th-anniversary events, offer your time by volunteering, and consider making a gift to the Annual Fund. Contributions to the Annual Fund directly benefit our students and faculty and enhance the School’s programs.

Scan this QR code for more information.

2017

Steward’s inaugural Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony is held.

2015

2017 The Entrepreneurship Program at Steward is launched.

The School launches its latest strategic plan (Compass 2022) and capital campaign (Steward50).

2021 Steward launches the Center for Engagement and the Leadership Program.

The School celebrates the completion of its strategic plan and the success of its capital campaign, which raises more than $11 million.

The varsity girls basketball team becomes Steward's first TCIS State Champions. 2018

2019 Steward celebrates its inaugural Fine Arts Hall of Fame ceremony.

Steward receives Field of the Year Award from the Sports Turf Managers Association.

2014

2014 Dan Frank is named Steward’s sixth headmaster.

Brushstrokes and Memories

Art and archives celebrate the Steward community

The Carolyn R. Brandt Gallery is brimming with school pride in the form of artistic expressions and treasured keepsakes.

“A Year of Alumni Art,” a rotating exhibit, was curated by retired Art Teacher Cindy Grissom

“Since this is Steward's 50th year, it is the perfect time to showcase the artistic talents of our alumni,” said Mrs. Grissom. Works by Jack Sims ’15 and Lindsey C. (Leach) Jennings ’04 (shown above) kicked off the project in the fall, and additional works by alumni will be showcased throughout the school year.

The Gallery also has photography and memorabilia from the School’s archives on display, including the oversized $15 million check presented to the School in 1997; a unique trunk decorated with images from the campus; the bridge that was used during Lower and Middle School graduation ceremonies; and photos galore.

Plans are in place to end the school year with a senior art show. “I have been amazed at the talent of our students,” said Mrs. Grissom, whose career at Steward spanned 22 years. “Whether they went on to art school or pursued other passions, it's nice to see that art continues to hold a vital place in their hearts.”

2022 50th Anniversary Alumni Achievement Award

The 2022 Alumni Achievement Award, presented at Convocation, was given to the founders of Steward’s Alumni Association, which they established in 1986: Robert Dietz ’81, Denise (Featherston) Dietz ’81, Wyman Smith ’82, and Robinnette (Turner) Wrobel ’83. Former Steward Athletic Director Janet Rice presented the awards.

Mr. Dietz was a three-sport all-conference athlete, a member of the student government association, and performed in theatre productions. Mrs. Dietz played softball and was active in theatre. Mr. and Mrs. Dietz met in the fourth grade! Mr. Smith was active in the Student Government Association, served on the yearbook staff, and performed in theatre productions. Mrs. Wrobel was a member of the field hockey and softball teams and served as a yearbook editor.

Reflecting on the changes that Steward has undergone in the decades since he graduated, Mr. Smith said, “There’s the family you’re born into and the ones you make along the way. Steward was that family for us,” he said.

Shared Experiences

Spartans for Life

One of Steward’s most charming traditions is the Buddy Program, which began in 2003. At the beginning of the school year, junior kindergarten and kindergarten students are each paired with a senior student, and throughout the year, they team up at School events. There’s nothing quite as sweet as watching our youngest and oldest Spartans share a giggle when they first meet each other … or hold hands as they process down the Colonnade during Convocation. Buddies also pair up at the Thanksgiving program, College Declaration Day, and pep rallies. Seniors serve as informal mentors, giving our littlest students someone to look up (figuratively and literally!), and all buddies benefit from the friendship, responsibility, and empathy that the program fosters.

Thanks to the School’s strong sense of community, alumni and current students often keep in touch well after their year of buddy-dom. For example, Landon Smith ’17 and his buddy, Kara Freed ’29 (top right), stay connected by meeting occasionally for lunch and catching up on all things Steward!

Homecoming Weekend

Food, friendship, and fun

Beautiful fall weather served as the perfect backdrop for our 50th Anniversary Homecoming Weekend, which took place October 14-16. On Friday, Trucks and Shucks, hosted by the Alumni Association, featured oysters and live music, and loads of happy guests (270 in all!). Generous Trucks and Shucks sponsors made this year’s event better than ever.

Thank you to Alumni Association Events Committee Chair Dani (Fraizer) Blake ’09 and Alumni Association Fundraising Committee Chair Harry Baron ’01 for all of the planning and hard work that went into making this event a success! A special thank you also goes out to our top-level sponsors: Hosted Backbone (a 1972 Sponsor) and RVA Kitchens and More, Scout

& Molly's, Strangeways Brewing, and West End Academy of Dance (Blue and Gold Sponsors).

On Saturday, revelers had a great time at SpartaFest, which was hosted by the Parents Association. Carnival games, train rides, food trucks, and music brought the community (more than 500 attendees!) together for a super-fun day.

Throughout the weekend, alumni mingled and reminisced at class reunions off campus, and on Sunday, they brunched in the Carolyn R. Brandt Gallery and enjoyed “A Year of Alumni Art,” a rotating exhibit.

SPARTAN NETWORKING 

Thanks to its close-knit community, Steward offers alumni a built-in network of professional connections. In early fall, alumni got together in the Bryan Innovation Lab for some “speed networking” fun. Participants paired up and took 10 minutes to chat one-on-one about their lives and career trajectories.

GET TOGETHERS 

In November, alumni met in Washington, D.C., at The Admiral restaurant for an informal regional gathering, and in December, alumni who are Steward staff members, current parents, or alumni parents, plus our beloved retired Spartans, met for coffee and pastries on campus. (Some were members of two or three of those categories!) Both events were filled with lively conversations and plenty of laughter.

SUDS AND SCOOPS 

A popular warm-weather alumni event is Summer of Suds, and 2022 brought alumni together at The Grill (operated by Ryan Byrne ’08), Tang & Biscuit, and Hardywood West Creek for friendship, selfies, and Steward-centric stories. And young alumni got together for a summery (and sweet) meeting at Gelati Celesti.

FOREVER SPARTANS

Alumni events foster friendships and connections. Talk to alumni, and you’ll hear story after story about Spartan friendships that began on campus and continued well past graduation. Alumni events are a great way for lifelong Spartans to catch up with one another, reminisce, and network.

We love hearing from alumni! We invite you to update your contact information, learn more about the Alumni Association, and let us know what types of events you’re most interested in. Contact us at

Class Notes

Fahad Qureshi ’99 works for the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), a bureau within the Department of Treasury, as the assistant CIO for software application security and assurance. In this position, he will be overseeing the development of "myTTB," a new and modern application that will serve as an integrated and personalized online portal to help alcohol and tobacco industry members navigate the process of doing business with TTB.

1 Ayers Gilman Dawes ’06 and her husband, Adam Dawes ’07, welcomed baby girl Addison Lynn on November 3, 2022 at 8:53 a.m. She weighed 6 lbs 4 oz and was 19 inches long.

2 Ryan Burgess ’09 and his wife, Lauren, welcomed a son, Easton James, on March 19, 2022.

3 Samantha Bisger ’10 married Stephen Stephano on July 23, 2022 at the Mayflower Inn and Spa in Washington, Conn. The wedding party included Mary Taylor Tepper Collier ’10, Taylor Booth ’10, Madelyn Stoneburner Rowland ’10, Parker Wheat ’10, Mary Stuart McIntyre ’10, and Kate Farmer Walker ’11

4 Amanda Kern Mitchell ’10 and her husband, Hunter, welcomed a baby boy, Hudson Hayes, on August 16, 2022.

5 Samantha Cummings ’12 earned her bachelor's degree from USC in 2017 and her master’s degree from Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business in 2020. She is currently living in Charleston, S.C., and is a healthcare sales recruiter at Carter Mackay. She has also established her own consulting group, Silver Linings Consultancy, a website design, branding, and strategic business development company supporting and empowering small businesses everywhere (mention “Steward alumni” to receive a 25 percent discount on services!).

6 Preston Huennekens ’12 married Rachel Morrison on August 13, 2022 in Arlington, Va. David Carl ’13, Parker Leep ’13, Kevin Friend ’12, Boyd Chambliss ’12, and Harrison Mire ’12 were in attendance. Following the wedding, the couple moved to Kentucky, where Preston is attending law school at the University of Kentucky.

7 Mackenzie Marcia ’13 married Davis Boyd on July 2, 2022 in Richmond at Willow Oaks Country Club. Friends since Lower and Middle School days at Steward, Michelle Napper ’13 and Abbey Twining ’13 were bridesmaids. Davis is a financial advisor for Ameriprise Financial, and Macky is an underwriter with Kinsale Insurance Company. They recently bought a house in the Malvern Gardens/Mary Munford neighborhood, where they live with their Schnoodle, Berkley.

8 Mason Mire ’15 and Haley Cagle were married in Hillsborough, N.C. on July 16, 2022. Steward alumni Cameron Bachman ’15, Kevin Cameron ’15, Harrison Mire ’12, and Susan Mire ’14 were in the wedding party. In addition, Chloe Staples ’14, Forrest Andrews ’14, Tyler Miracle ’14, Braeden Glancy ’15, former student Gray Chambliss, and former teachers Louise Robertson and Meredith McGuire were in attendance.

9 Mary Madison Andrews ’16 and Matthew Gelber ’15 were married in Glen Allen, Va. on October 15, 2022. Harrison Gelber ’21 was his brother’s best man; former Steward faculty member Chip Chapman officiated the ceremony; and Lee Healey and former math teacher Doug Griffith were in attendance.

10 Ally Dods ’16 and John Keefe ’15 were married in Lexington, Va. on October 15, 2022. Andrea Schwartz ’16 was maid of honor; Jay Charity ’15 and Sean Highfill ’15 were groomsmen; and Virginia

Villani ’15 attended the wedding. The couple recently bought their first house in the Richmond area.

11 Liza Thompson ’17 and Sean Highfill ’15 were married on August 27, 2022 in Charlottesville. The wedding party included John Keefe ’15, Jay Charity ’15, Holly Highfill ’14, Taylor Walker ’17, and Xander Johnson ’17.

12 Cole Richardson ’17 married Mary Welty on November 26, 2022 in Winchester, Va. His classmates Tucker Diveley ’17, Chris Frydenborg ’17, Will Harrison ’17, Chris Koerner ’17, Landon Smith ’17, and Ethan Stein ’17 were groomsmen, and Anna Reese Richardson ’20 was a bridesmaid.

13 Ryan Odibo ’18 was named the first Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy Intern for the summer of 2023 at Arcesium, a global financial technology and professional services firm based in New York City, delivering post-investment and enterprise data management solutions to some of the world’s top financial institutions.

Abby Dwelle ’19 graduated from Clemson University in December 2022 with honors in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology. She spent spring semester 2022 at the School for Field Studies Center for Wildlife Studies and Human Dimensions of Conservation in Kimana, Kenya. She began working as a research technician for the Savannah River Ecology Lab in Aiken, S.C. in January 2023.

14 Sonali Sanjay ’20 created an app called Mil, which launched recently after more than a year of research, testing, and development. Sonali, a junior at Duke University who is studying statistics and finance, was inspired to create the app during the pandemic. Mil — the Hindi word for “meet” — is designed to encourage “hyper-casual and spontaneous” meetups with other members of the Duke community.

Memorials

Plunket Beirne

former coach and parent of former students, November 22, 2022

Lewis Carter parent of Austin Carter Hyatt ’05, February 12, 2022

Dorothy Cronk parent of Jennifer Cronk ’88, October 8, 2021

Stacy Dougherty parent of Claire ’27 and Collin ’31, October 2, 2022

Leo Drozeski parent of Kurt Drozeski ’92, May 7, 2022

Patricia Duke former teacher and grandparent of former students, November 24, 2022

Philip Ludwell Grymes ’90 brother of Randolph Grymes ’89, November 10, 2021

Dickie Haskell ’96 brother of Lainie Gratz ’97 and former student Clay Haskell, July 13, 2022

Justin Jefferson

former student in the class of 2017, April 15, 2022

David Maszaros parent of Michael Maszaros ’99 and Christopher Maszaros ’02, February 6, 2022

John Eric Rice

former student in the class of 1989, June 16, 2022

Trudy Bryan Sorg former kindergarten teacher, July 25, 2022

Latasha Traynham parent of Mimi Traynham ’21, June 5, 2022

The memorial section is new to the Steward magazine. The information on these pages has been submitted, listed publicly, or is printed with permission from the family. Please contact the Development Office at alumni@ stewardschool.org or (804) 740-3394 if you have information to share.

SNAPSHOTS

First Week of School

You can download additional photos from these events and more on Steward Snaps!

Colonnade

Whirled Peace Day

Blue and Gold Reveal

Fall Social

Winter Concerts

50 Years of Inspiring the Future Steward Spartans, Then & Now

From our founding in 1972 to today, Steward has inspired students to learn and grow through hands-on experiences, fearless exploration, and meaningful connections. As we celebrate our beginnings, we look toward a tomorrow shaped by Spartans who are forward-thinking and limitless in their creativity and innovation … Spartans who will continue to