Beyond-the-classroom adventures give Middle Schoolers opportunities to expand their worldview and connect with nature.
7 An Unprecedented Gift
The Wilton family’s generosity will support Steward’s endowment for years to come.
8 Leadership and Entrepreneurship Programs
Hands-on training helps Spartans develop lifelong skills.
9 The Language of Art and Music
Our fall Visiting Innovators captivated the Steward community with their one-of-a-kind talent.
ADMINISTRATION
Dan Frank, Head of School
Lisa Dwelle, Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations
Dear Steward Community,
This fall, our fourth graders wrote their own play about the importance of listening. In the play, which was performed in the BlackBox for their parents and all of Lower School, they demonstrated how good things can happen when you listen and bad things can happen when you do not. Their charming skits were poignant in their relevance to our school-year theme of dialogue. (Read more about the Grade 4 play on page 15.)
The dialogue theme was chosen by our Program Steering Committee and was selected for its relevance to our school mission as well as to current events and national trends. On campus, the dialogue theme has come to life in ways that range from grade-level lessons to community-wide initiatives.
For example, I released a white paper about Civil Discourse at The Steward School (scan the QR code to read it). Civil discourse is dialogue at its best. It brings together the four elements of Steward’s mission: robust academics, inspiration, engagement, and care. In order to fulfill this mission, our students must have the capacity to explore challenging ideas (robust academics) that spur new connections, innovative thinking, and personal growth (inspiration and engagement). We also must do it in an environment of care
When students have this opportunity, they are not only better prepared to flourish today, but they are also equipped to help shape the future. You can read about other ways our community has engaged in dialogue in our cover story on page 16.
Sincerely,
DAN FRANK, HEAD OF SCHOOL
Bobby Pollicino, Director of Upper School
Susan Atkinson, Director of Middle School
Becky Groves, Director of Lower School
PUBLICATION STAFF
Kathryn DiPasqua, Sydney Smith, Rachel Williard, Editors
Lisa Dwelle, Contributing Editor
Sarah Barton, Designer Carley Hamilton, Contributing Designer
Kelly Frankenburg, Jason Harris, Photo Editors
Kathryn DiPasqua, Dan Frank, Meredith Harris, Sydney Smith, Rachel Williard, Contributing Writers
Kelly Frankenburg, Jason Harris, Wendell Powell Photography, Paul Gresock ’26, Dylan Griffin ’26, Yuna Harris ’32, Ada Long ’25, Kamran Mohanty ’26, Caleb Morrison ’26, Morgan Smartt ’25, 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.
Middle School Community Week
During Middle School Community Week, Spartans spent time in nature, worked together in team-building activities, and engaged in service-learning activities. “Middle School Community Week is a terrific way for students to expand their worldview,” said Middle School Director Susan Atkinson
Sixth graders enjoyed a team-building session led by Upper School Teachers Eliza McGehee and Scottie O’Neill and students in the Leadership Program. They also competed in the Sixth Grade Olympics, which included an opening ceremony with warm-up laps and mindful stretching … and lots of cheering! And at the University of Richmond, sixth graders participated in challenges on the fields and high-ropes course.
At Triple C Camp in Charlottesville, Va., seventh graders took part in a variety of activities, including a climbing wall, ziplining, a night hike, teambuilding skits, and campfire s’mores. The week also included field trips to Maymont and the Virginia Museum of History & Culture. Zoe Basmajian ’30 loved Triple C Camp and “being able to unplug and spend time in the mountains. And who better to enjoy it with than my friends and classmates?!”
At Wilderness Adventure in the Blue Ridge mountains, eighth graders embarked on four technology-free days. They tackled a ropes course, scaled a climbing wall, and tested their teamwork when canoeing. They also rode mountain bikes and discovered the wonders of caving. Each evening, campers met in groups to debrief and play cards.
Back on campus, eighth graders, under the guidance of Coordinator of Service Learning and Engagement Alexa Bolt, cooked lasagna, baked chocolate chip cookies, and assembled healthy salads that included vegetables from the Bryan Innovation Lab gardens. Ms. Bolt delivered the meals to the Safe Haven division of Daily Planet, a Richmond community health center.
Wilton Family Donates Steward’s Largest-Ever Planned Gift
Generous gift supports school’s endowment
This fall, the Steward community celebrated a planned gift of $1.2 million from the family of Betty and E. Carlton Wilton, Sr., and their son Buddy Wilton. This gift, Buddy Wilton shares, is both about legacy and inspiration.
“Education is the future,” said Buddy Wilton. “Our family has supported Steward since its early days because we believe in its mission. This planned gift from my parents’ estate honors that legacy.”
The generous gift will support Steward’s endowment for years to come. The endowment impacts every facet of our program, said Head of School Dan Frank
“The Steward community is forever grateful for and forever changed by the Wilton family’s generosity,” said Mr. Frank. “This gift will have a marked impact on our endowment, which enhances opportunities for our students, faculty, staff, families, and alumni. Tuition alone cannot fully provide the Steward experience and gifts such as this one empower the delivery of our mission.”
The gift was derived from a life-insurance policy and invested over a period of 20 years prior to its donation. The Wilton family shares these details to encourage others to understand that planned giving may be more attainable than it seems.
Planned gifts can include bequests, gift annuities, charitable remainder trusts, charitable lead trusts, gifts of real estate, and charitable IRA rollovers. They are possible for families from all backgrounds, and the Steward team is available to help support your planning.
Special Projects Coordinator Stephanie Bowlin has been part of the Steward community since she first accepted a position in 2013 as the executive assistant to the head of school. Her mother, Sally Ayres, has been a Steward grandparent since Ainsley Bowlin ’27 started kindergarten in 2014. This mother-daughter duo now serves on the Annual Fund Committee, and both have been Annual Fund donors for many years.
Mrs. Bowlin says she regularly gives to Steward because, as an employee, she’s seen “firsthand all the different ways that we can support students,
Multigenerational Giving Generous Spartans help Steward thrive
teachers, facilities, and everything that doesn’t get covered by tuition. Being here every day and seeing the things that happen because of the extra donations makes it an easy decision for us.”
Mrs. Ayres, who taught in public school for 30 years, adds that when she talked with her daughter about where Ainsley and her brother Parker ’30 (both Steward lifers) would attend school, “The decision to come to Steward was really based on class size and the ability for the kids to get attention [from the faculty]. While I taught in excellent schools my last several years, class size was a big factor for me … knowing that Ainsley would start out in a class of 10 or 12 was just amazing, and the same for Parker. It’s been delightful to watch them grow and flourish here, and to realize that we could help support that.”
Mrs. Ayres and her husband, Kermit, moved to Richmond in 2019 and live 10 minutes from Steward, allowing them to become more involved in school life as grandparents. Mrs. Ayres said, “I didn’t realize that there’s a gap between tuition and what the student costs actually are. I think that’s a piece that probably a lot of parents and grandparents don’t realize. You just think tuition covers what they need and everything else is gravy, but then I realized that’s not really true.”
She said that some of the Annual Fund Committee members have been a part of Steward for decades: “To see the commitment [of the other committee members] to Steward is a testimony to the school. They don’t put their kids in the school for a few years and then pull them out. There’s loyalty here.”
Taking the Lead
Celebrating inaugural cohort of Leadership Program students
Steward’s Leadership Program is a three-year pathway for students in grades 9-11 that combines hands-on learning with academic studies. The program focuses on group dynamics, conflict resolution, global engagement, and social justice.
Students design and implement a capstone project at Steward or in the broader community aimed to create positive change on an issue of their choice. As part of the requirements of the program, 21 students presented their capstone projects in either April or September to their families, faculty, and administrators.
From leading campus workshops to organizing service projects and engaging in advocacy campaigns, students made a significant impact and grew as individuals.
Young Entrepreneurs in the Richmond Community
Justin Fratkin ’25, who organized free tennis clinics for elementary school-age children, spoke on the value of teamwork in leadership: “I learned how important it was for me to gain the respect of the players and in turn for the players to have respect for me. This respect is crucial to the performance of the team. If one side of the coin, whether boss to employee or coach to player, does not respect the other, then there is no hope for success. Being a leader is ultimately a team effort.”
Fifty students are participating in the Upper School Entreprenership Studies Program this school year, representing nearly one in five Upper Schoolers. This flagship program is not only a hands-on learning opportunity for our students, but a true community initiative that integrates alumni, parents, and Richmond-area volunteers. We sat down with program co-coordinators Angela Coppola and Aly Verlander to learn more.
What’s new in Entrepreneurship this school year?
Us! This is our first year leading the program. Also, we are bringing in a new module for the “Knowledge” portion of the program. Steward board member and parent Karol Olexy (pictured at left), who represents Junior Achievement of Richmond (JA), is teaching a JA module called Be Entrepreneurial. This is in-person instruction that ends with a creative project.
Morgan Shigley ’25 learned valuable lessons about adaptability and resilience through her capstone project aimed at addressing housing insecurity. She shared, “I learned that not everything will go according to plan and that staying calm when you face an obstacle is the best thing to do. A good leader has to adapt to any situation and use the resources that are available to you at the moment and make the best out of it.”
What are Entrepreneurship students up to outside of the classroom?
As in past years, our students will work with local entrepreneurs to learn about and propose solutions to real business challenges. In addition to multi-week engagements for all our students, we are also adding Minimester programming. We will support students in their Minimester internships for additional Entrepreneurship education and credits. Students will engage in businesses run by Steward parents and alumni as well as other area organizations.
What are your goals for the program?
The Entrepreneurship Program is missiondriven. We are helping prepare students for life beyond Steward. Not many high school students understand the challenges and rewards of owning your own business. Our students learn to collaborate, think critically, and problem-solve in a real-world setting with expert guidance.
Visiting Innovators: The Language of Art and Music
Each year, the Bryan Innovation Lab brings real-world experts — scientists, artists, writers, creators, changemakers — to campus to share their time and talent with students and families. In October, Steward welcomed Visiting Innovators Audrey Wright and Geoff Robertson (son of retired Middle School History Teacher Louise Robertson).
In the BlackBox Theatre, the pair presented “Luminous Being.” Ms. Wright, a violinist with the New York Philharmonic and the concertmaster of the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, captivated the audience with a multi-sensory performance that included a soundresponsive light-filled garment that she wore while playing the violin. Her illuminated dress was created by Mr. Robertson.
Following the performance, Mr. Robertson, a New York City-based artist, hosted the unveiling of one of his recent works, “The Pellet,” a sculpture created out of repurposed materials, in the Bryan Innovation Lab.
These Visiting Innovators also spent time with Steward students in all divisions. Ms. Wright performed “Luminous Being,” and she and Mr. Robertson joined students in an exploration of the wonders of art and music.
“Steward community members of all ages were delighted by Audrey and Geoff’s talent,” said Brad Kovach, dean of the Bryan Innovation Lab. “They are enormously inventive, and our students especially enjoyed hearing the stories behind their careers and engaging with their music and art.”
Mr. Robertson was also a guest lecturer in Mr. Kovach’s Upper School engineering class, where he led students through some of the steps he took to write the computer code that powers the “Luminous Being” garment.
Our strategic plan is charting the course toward realizing Steward’s timeless mission in these exciting times. The work of the plan advances our commitment to innovative academics, a strong community, and care for the individual. In this, our second year of Compass 2028, committees across campus are making significant progress. Read on for details.
INNOVATION IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
Student-led conferences: This spring, Middle Students will once again engage in student-led conferences in which students will lead with family members and their advisor in attendance. In the Upper School, a new student reflection process was launched. All students will engage in structured reflections for each class, and they will reflect on their knowledge gained, achievements, and areas for growth, and set learning goals. In addition to teachers having the reflection documents, so will each student’s advisor. This will enrich advisee/advisor discussions and also guide advisors in continuing to create meaningful relationships with their students and compose informed comments for the MP4 report cards.
Beyond APs: The committee is focused on creating opportunities to include experiential or project-based learning into the current curriculum JK-12, including AP classes, which will be completed quarterly.
Demonstration of skills and content mastery: This year, the committee will identify a standardized procedure to utilize Rubicon, the curriculum mapping software used by Steward’s faculty, for tracking and assessing experiential learning.
Ethical technology use: This committee has launched the Steward AI Leaders program (SAIL) for faculty. Our “SAILors” will complete a Steward-developed course in AI and a Google Essentials course, develop at least two AI-powered projects or lesson plans, and submit at least one AI-related professional development proposal.
Environmental leadership: Last year, a schoolwide composting initiative began in the Dining Commons and Bryan Innovation Lab. This year, the same committee is enhancing upcycling and recycling options across campus to broaden the scope and enhance ease of access.
Reinvigorated Visiting Innovators program: Steward hosted an October innovator event, “Luminous Being,” with Audrey Wright and Geoff Robertson, that reached students JK-12 as well as our parent and alumni community (read more on page 9). A board, faculty, and staff committee is researching possible future innovators-in-residence.
BUILDING AND ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY
Defining our core values: Community input was used to draft definitions of our six core values (innovation, inspiration, individuality, care and respect, achievement, and civil discourse), which were approved by the Board of Trustees in the fall. They will soon be shared with the Steward community.
Aligning on outcomes: The core values will be used as input for the potential development of a Skills Palette or Portrait of a Graduate, which are the competencies we expect our graduates to demonstrate. While it would be anathema to Steward’s ethos to assume all graduates will conform to a particular prototype, it is valuable to align on an expectation of common skills and knowledge.
Events audit: Steward’s Development Office is surveying guests after family and alumni events to inform future programming.
Parent engagement: The Lower School is intentionally weaving meaningful parent engagement opportunities throughout the school year. Last year, two family social events were added as times for fun and connection and to entice students to read more to earn tickets. This year, Lower School faculty and staff are working to enhance opportunities for families to engage within our classrooms.
In the Middle School, parents were invited to fall and winter grade-level coffees with the Middle School admin team, and notes were shared for those unable to attend. We also look forward to parents attending student-led conferences this spring.
Upper School parents were recently invited to complete a survey on cell phone use and invited to attend a coffee with the director of the Upper School on the same topic. For those unable to attend, a recording of the slide deck was shared. Additionally, Dr. Paul Harris, Upper School Dean of Student Support, invited parents of Grade 9 seminar students to listen to their child’s presentation on the result of their CliftonStrengths Assessment.
Student-led symposia: For the third year in a row, Steward will host a Beloved Community conference, which will be student-led. Details are still being decided at this magazine’s press time.
OPTIMIZING HOLISTIC, WHOLE-PERSON EXPERIENCES
Civil discourse: This fall, Head of School Dan Frank released a white paper on Civil Discourse at The Steward School. Civil discourse brings together the four elements of Steward’s mission: robust academics, inspiration, engagement, and care. In order to fulfill our mission, we must have the capacity to explore challenging ideas (robust academics) that spur new connections, innovative thinking, and personal growth (inspiration and engagement). We also must do it in an environment of care. The white paper details our philosophy as well as current programming that encourages civil discourse. A faculty/staff committee is currently exploring next steps for programming.
Safe and secure campus: Faculty and staff engaged in training events with security and crisis communications experts this fall, including tabletop workshops. Additional security hardware was installed, including additional card swipe entry points as well as additional safety cameras, speakers, and lights. We also implemented a new emergency alert system with enhanced functionality.
Mental Health First Aid: This program trains adults to recognize the signs of student mental illness and substance abuse and to connect those students with mental health professionals. More than 45 faculty and staff members have been trained.
Our mission is to prepare our students for college and for life in a community defined by robust academics, inspiration, engagement, and care.
Ray Tate Spartan Golf Classic
Teeing up for a great cause
At the 21st annual Ray Tate Spartan Golf Classic, held at Independence Golf Club in October, 120 participants enjoyed friendship, blue-and-gold swag, and lots of great golf. Named in memory of Ray Tate, the founding member of the Spartan Club, this fundraiser brings hundreds of golf enthusiasts together and benefits the school’s athletics program. This year’s Classic raised over $83,000.
Each year, a portion of the proceeds from the event supports two Ray Tate Student-Athlete
Scholarships, which are awarded to seniors who exemplify athleticism and community involvement. Congratulations to this year’s recipients, Brian Archer ’25 and Sadie Goldberg ’25
Thank you to Golf Committee members Bobbie Fass, Melissa Johnson, and Jamie King, Spartan Club President Chuck Wingfield, and Treasurer Mike Proctor, who teamed up to ensure a fantastic day for golfers. And a special Spartan shoutout to the generous companies and individuals who sponsored the Classic!
There’s a team of sports enthusiasts that meets throughout the year and always comes in first place: the Spartan Club! These spirited volunteers work the concession stand during games and tournaments, and Club leaders collaborate with the athletics department to support our teams. Club members’ hard work provides funding for sports equipment, team travel, and upgrades to athletic courts and fields.
Nearly 60 families are members of the Spartan Club, and they invite you to join them! Members pay annual dues and are invited (but not required) to volunteer. The Club is led by a board that includes four subcommittees: golf, concessions, membership, and special events including a fan favorite: the Spartan Golf Classic. Chuck Wingfield, president of the Club and father of Chase ’23, Spencer ’25, and Mason ’31, said, “We have a great time supporting Steward athletics because we know that sports can help build character, empathy, and confidence. Let’s work together in Spartan pride!”
ATHLETICS AT A GLANCE: FALL
2024
Our athletes are something to cheer about. During the fall, our Spartan athletes teamed up, worked hard, and showed super Spartan spirit. We’re proud of their accomplishments and their dedication!
• Lost to #2 Nansemond-Suffolk Academy 0-3 in the quarterfinals
TCIS ALL-CONFERENCE AWARDS
Girls Tennis: Emma Wang ’29, First Team Singles, Player of the Year
Girls Tennis: Emma Wang, TCIS Tournament MVP
Girls Tennis: Emma Wang and Anne Soden Henceroth ’27, First Team Doubles
Girls Tennis: Anne Soden Henceroth, Second Team Singles
Girls Volleyball: Lucie Tindell ’25, Second Team
Girls Volleyball: Betty Jean Riddick Sportsmanship Award
Girls Field Hockey: Sadie Goldberg ’25, First Team
Cross Country: Nathan Gu, All-Conference
VISAA DII STATE TOURNAMENT
Boys & Girls Cross Country
• Boys finished 10th of 20 teams
• Girls finished 13th of 21 teams
• Nathan Gu, All-State
Girls Tennis
• Seeded #4
• Defeated #5 Covenant 5-1 in the quarterfinals
• Lost to #1 St. Anne’s-Belfield School 0-5 in the semifinals
• Finished the season 12-3
VISAA DII ALL-STATE AWARDS
• Cross Country: Nathan Gu, All-State
• Field Hockey: Sadie Goldberg, First Team All-State
• Girls Tennis: Emma Wang, First Team All-State
• Girls Tennis: Anne Soden Henceroth, Second Team All-State
Whirled
Peace Day
Spartans gather to celebrate kindness
Spartans of all ages know that compassion and empathy are essential to the Steward experience. Respect for others and service to those in need brings students together as they engage with the wider community. Whirled Peace Day, a Steward tradition since 2007, is held annually to honor the International Day of Peace.
In preparation for this event, students in JK-Grade 12 created pinwheels (symbols of peace). During Community Time on September 21, Spartans gathered to “plant” the colorful pinwheels in the multi-purpose gym (a concession to the day’s rainy weather).
Lower/Middle School Visual Arts Teacher Abby Klein and Upper School Visual Arts Teacher Kristin Snellings teamed up to coordinate this year’s celebration, which featured musical selections from students in Lower, Middle, and Upper School.
The Steward community collected individually packaged snacks to donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond (RMHC), which will serve more than 400 RMHC guests. The Houston family, including Lower School Teacher Liz Houston, Ellie ’31, Carson ’31, and dad Rick, connected Steward with RMHC.
Carson explained that RMHC sheltered and cared for his family while his sister Ellie was hospitalized several years ago.
“The snacks that were collected might seem like a small thing, but they may go to a parent who has forgotten to eat while caring for their kids,” Carson said. “For my sister, a bag of donated Goldfish was the first thing she asked for when she was allowed to eat. Little things can make a huge difference — even snacks. One of my biggest takeaways from this experience is that you should always be kind to others because you never know what they are going through behind the scenes. Little acts, no matter how small, can leave a big impact.”
Charming Comedy Graces Steward’s Stage
In November, Steward’s theatre department presented “Arsenic and Old Lace,” which tells the story of Mortimer Brewster, who finds out what his sweet aunts have been up to! The play, directed by Lower School Theatre and Upper School Acting Teacher Craig Smith, featured a 1940s-era set … and lots of Spartan talent.
“Meira Boyle ’25, Charlie Cram ’25, Wyatt Roberts ’26, and Jordan Solomon ’26 led the cast of 14 through the deceptively strange world of
the 1940s, full of unlocked doors, drop-in visits, and rotary phones,” wrote Mr. Smith. “The entire cast and crew rose to the occasion, resulting in much laughter and joy for audiences.”
On the opening night of the play, theatregoers could also enjoy Dinner and a Show, hosted by our hardworking ArtLink volunteers.
Scan this QR code for photos of “Arsenic and Old Lace” and Dinner and a Show.
Grade-Level Plays Inspire New Learning Pathways
Lower Schoolers make connections across the
“The Lower School plays have always been interdisciplinary,” explains Lower School Theatre and Upper School Acting Teacher Craig Smith, who has been leading the younger students’ acting program for more than 20 years. “We demonstrate that there are multiple ways to learn a topic. For example, in second grade, students are learning about fairy tales. Their play is always a fairy tale and they make their own puppets to use in the performance.”
This school year, Mr. Smith and his fellow arts faculty are expanding that interdisciplinary approach. Each Lower School play will not only coordinate with their academic studies, but will also include a song that follows the same theme as the play, as well as a visual arts display. This approach follows a core Steward tenet: encouraging students to explore their creativity through hands-on learning. Steward is the only local independent school that does a theatre intensive with all Lower School students starting in kindergarten.
Grade 4 students kicked off the year with plays about listening, which included a performance of the song “Children Will Listen,” led by Lower School Music Teacher Sandy Dacus. As they do every year, the fourth graders wrote their own plays and they were focused on the schoolwide theme of the year (for 2024-25: dialogue). They were inspired by the remarks made at Convocation by Lower
curriculum
School Director Becky Groves. The play included a series of skits.
Quinn Wiles ’33, Jack Ivey ’33, and Keene Wilson ’33 laughed while describing the skits they penned and performed. The scenes included a shoe that kept falling off, Minions sneaking into a theatre, and a cat named Agatha who turns into a mom. In each skit, the students first demonstrated what happened when the characters didn’t listen and what happened when they did.
“It’s a lot of fun to write our own plays,” Quinn said. “When we write, we decide. That’s better than being handed something.” Jack agreed, adding, “I like how people laugh at my jokes!”
Throughout the year, each grade level (kindergarten-grade 5) performance will include a musical performance and an art display. Lower School Visual Art Teachers Emily Wolfe and Abby Klein are coordinating with Mr. Smith, Ms. Dacus, and Lower School Music Teacher Erin Roukous on the project.
“The grade-level plays will help students understand their academic studies in new ways,” Mr. Smith said. “Creative exploration through visual arts, music, and theatre brings concepts to life and builds new learning pathways.”
Spartans in Conversation
Exploring the Year’s Schoolwide Theme of Dialogue
OUR MISSION AT STEWARD is to prepare students for college and for life, an important part of which is effective communication. That’s why, when it came time to choose this year’s schoolwide theme, we landed on “dialogue,” explained Middle School Academic Dean Ann Robbins. Mrs. Robbins, along with a cross-divisional team of school leaders, sits on the Program Steering Committee, which chooses the theme from faculty proposals.
“Understanding that we were having conversations about the importance of communication with families and students, knowing we needed to prepare for an election year, encouraging the skills and values we prioritize by having conversations and building those relationships — dialogue felt the most important,” Mrs. Robbins said. “We did discuss what to call it — knowing we wanted something that worked for all ages — and discussed ideas like conversations, talking, ubuntu, and more. We landed on dialogue recognizing it is both a noun and something to be recognized but is also a verb and requires action.”
The dialogue theme came to life across campus this fall in lessons and events big and small. Read on to see some examples.
Dialogue is a mission-driven theme, preparing students for college and for life.
*SOURCE: Association of American Colleges and Universities 2021 study of nearly 500 executives and hiring managers: “How College Contributes to Workforce Success - Employer Views on What Matters Most”
Students Define Dialogue
“Dialogue is speaking, and you can either speak nicely or meanly. Words can hurt as much as actions.” —Quinn Wiles ’33
“Dialogue is listening to other people when you talk.” —Jack Ivey ’33
“Dialogue is talking, listening, and making an effort to understand each other’s point of view.” —Faith Akinfolajimi ’29
“Dialogue is a conversation between two or more people.” —Julia Leonard ’25
“Dialogue is an open exchange of ideas and perspectives, fostering understanding, empathy, and critical thinking, which is essential at The Steward School to help us grow intellectually and socially.” Cayden Diatelevi ’25
“Dialogue is the act of speaking to one or more people for entertainment or problem-solving purposes.” Holden Teague ’29
“Dialogue is the culmination of discussions and conversation that create understanding, meaningful connections, and social change.”
—Meira Boyle ’25
COVER STORY A Sampler of Spartans in Conversation
Lower School
This year, Character Education classes have focused on developing the essential skills of discussion, dialogue, and active listening. Lessons have utilized R.J. Palacio’s books “365 Days of Wonder” (Grades 3-5) and “We’re All Wonders” (KGrade 2). Lessons involve both small-group and large-group discussions on quotes, precepts, and relevant topics that align with the content of the lesson and the CASEL Social Emotional Learning Framework.
In our Grade 3 classrooms, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Tiffany Goodman led a conversation about understanding differences and disabilities. Students reflected on a video and shared their own experiences. They also talked about asking questions respectfully and understanding boundaries.
The Middle School Advisory program was updated this year with a clear mission and focus on the themes of teambuilding, service to self and others, and dialogue. Students have engaged in conversation during both circle conversations and playful activities.
Seventh-grade students, under the leadership of English Teacher Mary Hopkins and Visual Arts Teacher Abby Klein, created artwork with poetry in a crosscurricular project. To focus on empathy, they wrote poetry called “Someone Else’s Shoes” and “Walk in My Shoes,” which were accompanied by shoe drawings.
Middle School
COVER STORY A Sampler of Spartans in Conversation
While learning about nuclear chemistry, students in Aly Verlander’s Honors Chemistry class engaged in a debate. After learning about nuclear processes and reactions and nuclear power plants, this was an opportunity for them to express their understanding in a different way. They were assigned to a particular stance and tasked with developing compelling arguments. Teachers and administrators served as judges, playing the role of U.S. policymakers who invited two teams of scientists to help them decide what the future of nuclear energy in the United States should look like.
Upper School
During Unit 1 of Exploration of Global Issues 9, Jim Haske’s students learned about the causes, impacts, and potential solutions of the Russia-Ukraine War. As a culminating activity, students participated in a simulation where they portrayed real members of the United States National Security Council and offered recommendations to President Biden on the role the United States and its allies should play in this ongoing conflict.
A Sampler of Spartans in Conversation COVER
Each year, Eliza McGehee’s AP World History students study the Enlightenment and the ways these reformers and philosophers challenged existing political, economic, and social ideas of the Modern period (1750-1900). One of the ways these Enlightenment ideas spread was through discussions at coffee houses. Students researched the ideas of one Enlightenment philosopher and wrote a position paper, followed by a “coffee house” simulation where
they drank hot beverages and discussed the key ideas of the era, such as the role of monarchy, individual rights, science and reason, slavery, and women’s rights from the perspective of their philosophers. This project not only exposed students to the diversity of thought in the late 1700s and early 1800s, but it encouraged them to practice crafting and defending arguments, while also actively listening to different views and finding areas of consensus.
COVER STORY A Sampler of Spartans in Conversation
Faculty and Staff
In September, all faculty and staff gathered to learn from Dr. Pascal Losambe, an educator, independent school leader, and speaker who led two sessions: The first was about the cognitive, emotional, and social impact of COVID-19 on students and the second was about how educators could successfully navigate the 2024 election. He provided research-based insights and actionable tips.
A Sampler of Spartans in Conversation COVER
Susanne Carpenter from Carpenter Leadership Consulting led an afternoon professional development videoconference called “Navigating Difficult Conversations” with the Lower School faculty and staff. In breakout groups, teachers and administrators practiced applying the skills Ms. Carpenter taught, such as identifying a goal for the conversation in advance, considering a conversation starter, “controlling your controllables,” and active, empathetic listening.
During the annual summer professional development week in the Bryan Innovation Lab, faculty engaged in workshops, brainstorming sessions, and presentations centered around dialogue. They collaborated on cross-divisional, crosscurricular, and experiential projects they could do with their students. Conversations included AI, equitable classroom environments, cultural curiosity, and shaping the future.
Alumni Achievement Award
The 2024 Alumni Achievement Award, presented during Convocation, was given to Danny Welsch ’03. The award recognizes members of our alumni community who exemplify the Steward mission through inspiration, engagement, and care of others. Retired Steward art teacher Cindy Grissom presented the award, lauding Mr. Welsch for his artistic talent, commitment to serving the community, and generosity.
Mr. Welsch, who joined the Steward community as a freshman, played lacrosse and tennis for the Spartans and was voted “Most Artistic” his senior year. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University, Mr. Welsch is a successful real estate agent who prioritizes helping those in need. He serves on the Massey Alliance Board; volunteers with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond; and raises funds for the American Heart Association and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
In his acceptance speech, he said, “The years I spent in the Upper School shaped the foundation of the person I am today.” Looking out into the faces of the young Spartans in front of him, he smiled and advised, “Grow outside your comfort zone … and remember to spread kindness and find a way to give back to the community.”
Scan this QR code to submit a nomination for the Alumni Achievement Award:
Let’s Talk Alumni podcast launched
With 50-plus years of stories to tell, 2024 was the natural time for the Alumni Association to introduce an alumni podcast. In September, two episodes were launched with host Harry Baron ’01 at the microphone: Episode one was a discussion with Alumni Board President Mary Harvard Nolde ’93 and podcast producer Sydney Smith, special projects coordinator in the Development Office, and episode two was a conversation between Mr. Baron and Alumni Achievement Award recipient Danny Welsch ’03. Other fall 2024 episodes included a history of Trucks and Shucks with some surprise guests, and a wonderful conversation with three Steward treasures: Carolyn Brandt, Lee Healey, and Rugene Paulette.
The podcast idea came from the alumni engagement team, who sensed that a podcast could be a way for more alumni to feel connected to Steward. Mrs. Smith collaborated with Upper School Technology Teacher Erin Springfield, who is an advisor to the Podcasting Club and the instructor of a summer podcasting camp. They set up interviews with a handful of alumni for the campers to get practice, and Mr. Baron was one of the guests. When he expressed an interest in podcasting, he and Mrs. Smith began to develop a launch plan.
The podcast can be found on Apple, the Steward Alumni webpage, and on the alumni Instagram. Each monthly episode will have a different theme or guest — stay tuned for more interesting conversations!
In fall 2024, Robert Dietz ’81 and Denise Featherston Dietz ’81 generously offered a $5,000 matching gift challenge for the Alumni Legacy Scholarship in loving memory of their friend, Marion Thoma Bailie ’82, who passed away in 2019. The Dietzes, along with their friends Mary Hollis Lewis Jupe
’84 and Susan Cramer Twining ’84, felt it was a great way to honor Ms. Bailie’s legacy and support future generations of Spartans. According to Mrs. Dietz, though Ms. Bailie only attended Steward from 1977-82, she would tell friends that Steward “completed” her.
The challenge was met in time to announce the results at Trucks and Shucks, bringing the total raised
for the Alumni Legacy Scholarship to nearly $74,000, which is almost three-quarters of the way toward the endowment goal of $100,000. The Alumni Board hopes to close out the campaign by the end of the 2024-25 school year in order to begin awarding scholarships for the 2026-27 school year.
Scan this QR code to learn more.
Scan this QR code to learn more.
Class Reunions
Classes ending in 4 and 9 celebrated their reunions last fall, many of them during Homecoming Weekend. A special thank you to the volunteers from each class who helped make the gatherings a success!
1 Class of 1984’s 45year reunion: pre-Trucks and Shucks cocktails at the home of Susan Cramer Twining ’84 and brunch at Lola’s Farmhouse Bistro
2 Class of 1989’s 40-year reunion: gathering at the home of Graham Hickerson ’89
3 Class of 1999’s 25year reunion: celebration with their families at River City Roll in September
4 Class of 2004’s 20-year reunion: dinner at Eazzy Burger/Ardent Craft Ales in Scott’s Addition, followed by a Richmond Kickers game at City Stadium
5 Class of 2009’s 15year reunion: gathering at the Kanawha Club
6 Class of 2014’s 10-year reunion: celebration during Thanksgiving weekend at Cirrus Vodka Tasting Room
7 Class of 2019’s 5-year reunion: gathering at Brambly Park
Side by Side
Life is better when you have a twin to share the ride.
In its 52-year history, Steward has had 14 sets of twins who graduated as Spartans, and we’ll add two more to that count when the Aderhold brothers and Tindell siblings join them as alumni in May. We checked in with these siblings to find out what it was like to have a twin — often a lookalike — as a classmate. 8 2 9 3 10 7 1
1 “When my twin sister and I started Steward our junior year, we knew no one and most of our classmates (there were only 11) had been going to school together for many years. Our transition was much easier than it would have been because we were going through it together.” — Leslie Muldowney Gallagher ’90
2 “Steward was such a small school that Megan and I were the only students in our French class for two years! One time we met our teacher at Starbucks for class. We had to order and speak in French, but it was a fun activity to do together. Because the school was so small, we had more opportunities to find out what activities and sports we liked. This helped us learn more about ourselves as individual people, Megan and Whitney, instead of the one unit: ‘MeganandWhitney.’ We went to different colleges and grew apart somewhat during those years — I think after being together at Steward, it was a good chance for us to experience the world as individuals.
We have grown closer since college and have found that as adults we’re actually more like our twin was in high school.” — Whitney Hajek Richman ’98
3 “I transferred to Steward in tenth grade. It was the first time my brother and I weren’t in school together. Then Andrew saw how well I was doing, |and he ended up coming to Steward as a junior. Switching to Steward was one of the best decisions I ever made. We both did a lot there. We were three-sport athletes — lacrosse cocaptains together, and I switched to soccer after seeing my brother play. Andrew even did his senior speech about being a twin. I felt like I made an impact on Steward, and the school had a positive impact on me. Smaller classes encourage you to be a bigger part and do more things.”
— Alex Gary ’12
4 “Mason and I shared a unique experience at Steward together as twins. We spent our entire K-12 education at Steward, but only shared one year together in the
same grade. While this was a bit different compared to other twin alums, we grew to appreciate being outliers and fully embraced our situation. We could share many fun (and embarrassing) memories from our time at Steward, but one that sticks out to me the most was when we were in Middle School. I was a cheerleader for the boys basketball team, and we had a cheer called ‘Big Blue.’ Mason is very funny and knows how to engage an audience, plus he never skipped a game and memorized all of my cheers. One game, he started chanting ‘go Big Sue’ instead of ‘go Big Blue.’ The other kids found it to be catchy, and then it happened at every game and in the hallways at school! At the time, I was, without a doubt, embarrassed and annoyed with my brother, but now that I look back, I have grown to realize that Mason was and still is my biggest cheerleader of all! Being a twin is a special thing that many people will never truly be able to understand, and I can confidently say that I couldn’t be more grateful to have Mason in my life!” — Susan Mire ’14
Steward Alumni Twins
1990 – Leslie and Liz Muldowney 1998 – Megan and Whitney Hajek
11 2008 – Liz and Mary Martha DeLaney 2012 – Alex and Andrew Gary
2014/2015 – Susan and Mason Mire
2015 – Jack and Sam Trepp
12 2018 – John and Peter Orgain
2020 – Brianna and Danielle David
2020 – Sachin and Sonali Sanjay
2021 – Mike and Will Frank
2021 – Anna and Mary Pastore
2022 – David and Jason Cantor
13 2023 – Tom and Wil Berling
14 2023 – Alex and Pierce Chapman 11
5 “I guess we both can’t really imagine going to school without your twin, but I have a hard time believing it’s nearly half as fun. I always had my best friend around and an easy scapegoat in case I ever did anything to mess up. While being in class with your twin is great, it’s another thing to be out playing on the court with them in practice and in games. The countless hours we spent playing 1-on-1 in the driveway together (in which I was undefeated) paid off when we got to play with the best teammates and coaches out there.”
— Sam Trepp ’15
10 “During our time at Steward, we did not share all that many classes together, but that does not mean we were two ships passing in the night. We interacted a bunch with each other from our friend groups to extracurriculars like theatre and robotics to our car rides together to and from school events. We still developed our own unique identities at Steward through sports teams, clubs, and volunteering.” — David Cantor ’22 6 5 4 12 13 14
6 “Going to school with a twin means always having someone you can rely on and a best friend to lean on when challenges arise. Having a twin at school with you encourages you to be the best teammate, student, classmate, and friend possible. Attending Steward together was so fun, we decided to do it again at Virginia Tech. Thank you Steward and, of course, Go Hokies!”
— Danielle David ’20
7 “As new students entering Steward in ninth grade, having a twin made navigating high school so much easier. We had common interests, and we pushed each other to excel, whether it was academics or sports or creative activities. It helped so much to know that we’d always have someone cheering for us at school. Whether it was winning state tennis team championships, representing the school in Battle of the Brains, doing Model UN conferences together, or even cheering each other on during our senior speeches, our dynamic duo was a memorable part of high school. We had no idea if it would keep going after Steward, but then we both got into Duke University, where our twin dynamic duo continued. We had so much fun exploring our different pathways, interests, and identities, including starting an a capella team together! Being a twin is the greatest gift ever — it’s a built-in best friend for life. Thank you, Steward, for double the memories and double the friendship!” — Sonali Sanjay ’20
8 “Having a twin at Steward was pretty nice, despite our teenage arguments. Having family with you at school helps it feel more comfortable because what you experience, they most likely experience as well, and you can debrief together about your day. For most of our time at Steward we shared friends, classes, even a car. It provided us with the opportunity to spend time together, but also to escape to other things if we wanted. Despite being twins, we are both very different from each other. So, when we wanted to share an experience we could; when we wanted to experience something independently, we could do that too. Overall, having a twin is great — like a built-in friend. Since high school, we have both built lives for ourselves while still remaining close and rooting for each other. Since we are no longer teenagers, we are more mature and have grown even closer. It is super nice to always have that one person you can go to and know that they will understand what you are going through.” — Mike Frank ’21
9 “I loved being at school with my twin. We always were able to help each other, since we were in the same classes, and I never felt alone at school - I always had Mary. Going to a different college than my sister has been a change, but it’s given us the chance to be truly independent from each other while still being best friends. We call each other all the time, and it’s really nice to see each other succeed! The closeness doesn’t change even if we go to different schools.” — Anna Pastore ’21
Amy Neese Kelley ’80 lives in Virginia Beach; she was widowed two years ago. She has three grandchildren (two boys and one girl) who bring her great joy!
Robert ’81 and Denise Dietz ’81 welcomed a new granddaughter to the family in September 2024.
Corbin Brierre Ryland ’01 joined the Board of Trustees for Riverside School in North Chesterfield, Va.
1 Mike Edwards ’03 and his wife, Liz, adopted seven-year-old twins, Skye and Levi. He says both kids are extremely active and eager to play sports; Skye is an artist, while Levi is a future engineer, building with LEGO. They are pictured on adoption day.
2 “Boo” Deacon Petrosian ’04 was promoted to chief development officer at the YMCA of Greenville.
Morgan Hutchinson ’05 welcomed baby girl twins in June 2024.
Katie Kurilecz ’06 lives in the U.K. and works at Mines Advisory Group, raising money from donors in the U.K. and the U.S. She recently reconnected with Lindsey Carter Jennings ’04 and “Boo” Deacon Petrosian ’04, who both work in nonprofit administration.
Amy Bisger Peery ’08 welcomed baby girl Martha “Douglas” Peery on August 29, 2024.
3 Kemis Noble Rawls ’08 and her husband, Brewster, welcomed a baby boy, Brewster “Stone” Rawls III, on August 13, 2024.
Hillary Lane-Ramirez ’10 works for the ELA Department of Hampton City Public Schools as a secondary English teacher specialist.
4 Samantha Bisger Stephano ’10 and her husband welcomed a baby girl, Lucy Rhodes, on December 1, 2023. The family moved back to Richmond after several years in New York City.
5 Kiera Hintz ’13 was awarded employee of the quarter at StyleCraft Homes for Q3 2024.
6 Cabell Harper ’14 married Riley Williams in Richmond on September 28, 2024.
7 8 Nic Enright ’15 married Erin Anderson on December 2, 2023. Because of Nic’s baseball schedule, they live in Phoenix, Ariz. from January to March; Columbus, OH from April to October; and Rocky Mount, N.C. from October through December.
9 Will Farmer ’15 and Helen Russell ’16 were married at Maymont Park on October 17, 2024.
10 Zoe Dwelle ’16 married Matthew LaCorte on September 28, 2024, at Oakdale in Ashland, Va. Her sister, Abby Dwelle ’19, was the maid of honor. The couple lives in Dallas, TX, where Zoe is a pediatric ICU nurse at Children’s Medical Center.
11 Weston Popp ’16 married Kelsey Schuermann in Charleston on September 20, 2024. Sam Popp ’19 was his brother’s best man, Owen Carter ’16 was a groomsman, and Gray Redmond ’16 served as master of ceremonies.
12 Meg Trepp ’16 welcomed a baby girl, Laurel Marie, on September 3, 2024.
13 14 Alex Jobe ’17 married Cate Henderson in Hartsville, S.C., on October 12, 2024. Alumni in attendance included groomsmen Parker Wright ’18 and Zac Abushmaies ’18, and Summer Owens ’17, Landon Smith ’17, and Caroline Willhite ’18 They live in Richmond, where Alex works for the Federal Reserve, and Cate is completing a seminary program.
Chris Koerner ’17 was named employee of the quarter for Q2 2024 at StyleCraft Homes in Richmond, Va.
Murad Matar ’18 is attending West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine in Lewisburg, W.Va.
John Orgain ’18 was promoted to lieutenant with the Goochland County Fire Department, and he was awarded Career Firefighter/EMT for Goochland.
Emma Connelly ’20 is working as a marketing specialist at CoStar assisting with the Homes.com team, specializing in content strategy and media campaigns.
Elliot French ’20 is a sales associate for Homes. com, a division of CoStar, in Richmond.
Olivia Koerner ’20 is attending graduate school at VCU’s Brand Center.
15 Sachin Sanjay ’20 earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science from Duke University; he will graduate this May from Duke’s accelerated master’s program in computer engineering, concentrating in machine learning. Sonali Sanjay ’20 graduated from Duke with a degree in statistics and minors in financial economics and Asian & Middle Eastern studies with a Hindi literature concentration. She’s working as an investment analyst at a private equity firm in Boston.
Avery Bates ’24, who is in her first year at Auburn studying architecture, received a $10,000 scholarship from the American Institute of Architects Richmond. She completed an internship at HKS Architects.
Memorials
James Stephen Buis
Father of James V. Buis ’92, August 29, 2024
Janet Carter
Former employee in the Spartan Shop, July 9, 2024
Mary Macrina
Mother of Frank Macrina ’93, February 7, 2024
Bill McCoy
Husband of retiree Livia McCoy, August 12, 2024
Doug Mickle
Father of Adam Mickle ’15, May 24, 2023
Carolyn Boone Todd July 7, 2024
Melvin L. Todd, Sr. November 15, 2024
Parents of Melvin Todd ‘00 and former student Bridget Todd
