WINTER 2019
2018-19
BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MICHAEL K. ALFORD ’82
OUR MISSION Virginia Episcopal School is an engaging community that guides students to strive toward full stature in their academic, ethical, spiritual and personal growth.
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS Catherine Hunter Varner DESIGNER Esther Underwood WRITERS Catherine Hunter Varner Jillian Sollazzo-Wang PHOTOGRAPHERS Paul Brunett Mark Thompson Adam Underwood Esther Underwood Catherine Hunter Varner
Greensboro, NC
CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jacksonville, NC
SARAH P. DU BOSE P ’13, ’18
MARY HODGES GEORGE ’89
STEPHEN M. FARMER
VICE CHAIR, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Charlottesville, VA
C. LYNCH CHRISTIAN III ’69
CHAIR, FINANCE & INVESTMENTS Lynchburg, VA
ROBERT D. COOK, M.D. ’79 P ’18, ’20 CHAIR, COMMITTEE ON TRUSTEES Lynchburg, VA
ELIZABETH M. ELLISON ’96 HEADMASTER G. Thomas Battle, Jr. ’83
KATHY K. CRAFT P ’13, ’19
CHAIR, ADVANCEMENT Los Angeles, CA
ALAN E. HARER ’63
CHAIR, BUILDINGS & GROUNDS Raleigh, NC
G. WILSON MARTIN, JR. ’73
Charlottesville, VA
Chapel Hill, NC
MEREDITH MORAN GERMAN ’95 New York, NY
JESSICA S. GRANEY P ’09 VICE CHAIR, FINANCE Charleston, WV
W. DOUGLAS HARTOG
VICE CHAIR, ADVANCEMENT Charlottesville, VA
LEE C. HERBERT ’74 HONORARY TRUSTEE Charlottesville, VA
JAMES T. JOHNSON, JR. ’73 Ahoskie, NC
VICE CHAIR, COMMITTEE ON TRUSTEES Winston-Salem, NC
WILLIAM L. PANNILL ’73
__________________________________
LESSLIE HAMILTON RAY ’00
Martinsville, VA
West Palm Beach, FL
THE HONORABLE EMILY M. ASTOR London, England
HALL F. BARNETT P ’19 Raleigh, NC
JOHN E. BAUKNIGHT IV ’85 Spartanburg, SC
LAURA M. BEASLEY P ’07, ’09 HONORARY TRUSTEE Colerain, NC
DONTAY J. RILEY ’99
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT EX-OFFICIO Chicago, IL
WILLIAM E. SANFORD II ’77 Lynchburg, VA
PAUL H. SHEEHY ’81 Richmond, VA
LEIGH-ANN W. SPROCK P ’18, ’20 Charlotte, NC
Virginia Episcopal School, founded in 1916 in Lynchburg, Virginia, is an independent, coeducational college preparatory boarding and day school for students in grades 9-12.
400 VES Road, Lynchburg, VA VES.ORG
THE RIGHT REVEREND MARK A. BOURLAKAS EX-OFFICIO Roanoke, VA
JOEL T.C. WILLIAMS ’85 P ’17
VICE CHAIR, BUILDINGS & GROUNDS Raleigh, NC
WILLIAM L. BOWLES ’72 Georgetown, SC
P = PARENT
Cover Art: Linoleum print designed in collaboration by juniors Hannah Morris and Josh Staggers. Read the story on page 10.
TA BLE O F CO N T E N TS
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5
VES Launches New Strategic Plan
Our Strategic Choices
4 Our Mission, Vision, Values Portrait of a VES Graduate
6 Strategic Choice #2: Academic Curriculum
20 Strategic Choice #5: Campus Improvements
34
26 Be a Part of #everyonegiVES
A Tribute to Paul Taylor ’49
28
38 Class Notes
VES Reflects on Three Decades of Coeducation
45
33
In Memorium
Join Us for 2019 Special Campus Events
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VES Launches New Strategic Plan
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e launched VES’ current strategic planning process in February 2016, after we brought to a successful close our Vision 2016 strategic plan and
capital campaign with the celebration of 100 years of VES educational leadership. With the exponential rate of change in our world and new models of education creating disruption in the market, we knew we had a challenge ahead—one that would demand fresh eyes, laser focus, honest assessments, bold ideas, and broad engagement and transparency with our stakeholders. We chose to go on this journey with an experienced sherpa: Greenwich Leadership Partners, a strategic planning and leadership consulting team with a national practice focused on independent schools. We had the unique opportunity to join with a cohort of select schools as GLP launched its inaugural Strategic Planning Institute. Through this one-year program, our Strategic Design Team learned together, grappled with issues, and explored new ideas and new processes for strategic design. We shared our work, tested our concepts and collaborated with our colleagues in the Institute and at VES.
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In designing our strategic vision, we sought and
•C rafted our VES Statement of Community, defining
received feedback through empathy interviews, focus
our beliefs and expectations for an inclusive
groups, design thinking challenges, board meeting
community, with guidance from the Virginia Center
presentations and hallway conversations. And we asked
for Inclusive Communities, the National Association
essential questions:
of Episcopal Schools and the National Association of
How do we ensure that our curriculum remains relevant, reflective of real life, and still delivers the
Independent Schools. • Articulated five Strategic Choices that will guide
skills and knowledge demanded by our university
and shape our work over the next five to seven years
partners? What learning environments inspire curious,
and beyond.
innovative thinkers and producers? How can we strengthen meaningful connections and create deeper
Our work could not have been possible without a
learning in all that we do? How do we sustain VES as a
highly committed and high-performing faculty and
thriving institution for the decades ahead?
staff, dedicated and connected parent and alumni communities, an engaged and passionate student body
Along the journey, we:
and supportive, forward-thinking trustees.
• Conducted 50 interviews with faculty and staff, identifying priority issues and gathering input to inform our strategic plan. • Engaged students and faculty in design thinking challenges.
And so here we stand today, already leaning in to execute this strategic vision—a plan that, while ambitious, is actionable; a plan that allows us to be agile and responsive as we continually assess and anticipate forces shaping the world around us; and a roadmap we
• Refreshed our Vision Statement and Core Values, reflecting where we are as a VES community today and our ambitions for tomorrow. • Developed the Portrait of a VES Graduate with input gleaned through dialogue and creative exercises
hope will inspire the hearts and minds of our students, faculty, alumni, parents and friends of the school.
We invite you to join us as we continue on our compelling mission.
with students, parents, faculty, trustees and leaders in education and business. • Developed the Characteristics of Professional Excellence and Essential Faculty Expectations to align faculty behind common performance objectives and professional growth goals. • Through a year of investigation, inquiry and discussion, created a new Academic Philosophy
Michael K. Alford ’82 Chair, VES Board of Trustees
G. Thomas Battle, Jr. ’83 Headmaster
statement.
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STARTING FROM A
STRONG FOUNDATION Guided by Our Mission
Living into Our Vision for VES
Grounded in Our Core Values
Virginia Episcopal School is an engaging community that guides students to strive Toward Full Stature in their academic, ethical, spiritual and personal growth.
VES is an intentionally small, globally diverse educational community dedicated to excellence in student engagement, innovative learning and faculty support and growth. Our aim is to be the best small boarding school in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.
Show Humility Act with Honor and Integrity Fully Engage in Building Community and Self Strive for Excellence in All We Do
At VES, we believe that, to be their best, students must develop specific knowledge, skills, character and a learning mindset for the 21st century. Boarding school is a powerful setting because students and adults learn to live together in a community with purpose and have learning experiences that extend far beyond the academic day. Through the full breadth of our programs, VES students acquire the core competencies essential to succeed in today’s dynamic world.
Self-aware
Focused on community
Curious, innovative thinkers and producers
Mindful leaders who serve with courage and compassion
Ready to navigate and continue their personal growth in our dynamic world
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OUR STRATEGIC CHOICES VES will invest in five strategic choices over the five- to seven-year life of this plan. Each choice is designed to strengthen meaningful connections and create deeper learning in all that we do.
Deliver “programs with purpose� in every aspect of the school that promote happy, healthy young adults striving toward their highest level of personal achievement.
Deliver a curriculum, anchored to the VES Academic Philosophy, that inspires and develops curious, innovative thinkers and producers.
Expand access to VES and enhance diversity, equity and inclusion within the school community.
Promote an exceptional culture for faculty and staff.
Drive operational excellence, innovation and stewardship.
STRATEGIC CHOICE
ACADEMIC CURRICULUM
V
ES faculty developed a new academic philosophy, launched last spring, which serves as the foundation for evaluating, strengthening and transforming the VES
curriculum. Academic Dean Mimi Csatlos notes, “Just as we want our students to be curious and innovative thinkers and producers, we ask our faculty to be designers— shaping and delivering their curricula in ways that feed curiosity, build critical thinking skills, promote collaboration and stimulate creativity—characteristics cited as desirable in college applicants and new hires in today’s workplace.” Our faculty is committed to an Academic Philosophy in which: • Dynamic questions shape our content, experiences, perspectives and outcomes. • Intellectual playfulness drives our practice. • Creative thinkers and producers are our goal, committed to making beautiful work and communicating effectively with one another and throughout the world. Today, examples of our Academic Philosophy in action abound. From last year’s Expo Day—where 16 senior Advanced Studies scholars showcased their work to the VES community, to our teachers’ commitment to spark wonder and engagement in and outside of the classroom, students are acquiring the skills, knowledge and mindset to not only thrive, but to make a difference in the world.
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What do we mean by intellectual playfulness?
A guest visiting VES recently honed in on the strategic statement intellectual playfulness drives our practice. “I love seeing this idea in your academic philosophy. Few schools are doing that today. It’s such a powerful approach to engage students in learning and to prepare them for the complexities of today’s world.” Author Sarah M. Fine observed in her 2014 Harvard Educational Review article, A Slow Revolution, “There is a misalignment between instructional practices in classrooms and the interests and capabilities of high school learners.” Learning is no longer about teachers delivering information at the front of the classroom and students memorizing content. And acquiring traditional competencies are no longer enough. Today, education must make room for creativity, collaboration, questioning, openended problem solving, critical thinking, and excellent written and oral communication to effectively convey ideas, and risk-taking where students try, sometimes fail, and try again. These are the skills that will ensure our students are ready for their future.
INTELLECTUAL PLAYFULNESS ACROSS THE CURRICULUM
Spanish Classes Bring the Global Experience Home
A
manda Rhem, R. Maxwell Meador Chair of World Languages, embraces intellectual playfulness,
particularly for her advanced-level Spanish students, who are bringing language to life—immersing themselves in the traditions and culture of Spanish-speaking countries. “One of my goals is for students to see language as a living thing, part of real people’s lives and cultures. VES provides the freedom to design my curriculum around topics that interest the students, who have a lot of say in the content we study. I look for opportunities to connect what we’re learning with current events and authentic lifestyles, and VES offers such a rich pool of experiences and resources that allow for creativity, for students to ask great questions and find answers.” AP Spanish students researched the topic, formulated their positions and heatedly debated whether or not bullfighting should be eliminated in Spain. In Advanced Spanish IV, the students ended a unit on Colombia preparing—and eating—traditional Colombian cuisine of arepas con queso and Colombian tea in the Rhems’ kitchen. And, during a recent stop at VES while on tour, FLAMENCO VIVO CARLOTA SANTANA—the internationally acclaimed flamenco dance company— conducted an immersive dance workshop where they also discussed culture and traditions with VES students speaking solely in Spanish.
Music-themed escape room designed by SMAC students
SMAC Immerses Students in Real-World Practicum
S
eniors in VES’ Science & Mathematics Advanced Consortium (SMAC) are consistently challenged to problem solve in a variety of creative ways. Students are presently building a full obstacle course
applying the principles of physics and mathematics. As masters of each element they design, build, tweak and rebuild, the students work through a range of successes, failures and breakthroughs. While leaning on their teachers as guides and collaborators, the students learn and apply concepts to slowly perfect and implement their ideas. The final product has real-world consequence, as the SMAC team ultimately will host and run a school-wide event centering around the obstacle course, which will cover the entire Philip L. Van Every Field House floor. “Imagine a pared-down version of American Ninja Warrior,” Joe Matthews ’19 described to the VES student body as he invited their participation in this fun and challenging competition. Teacher Will Greene says about the SMAC experience, “Designing and unveiling full-scale escape rooms, creating bioterrorism city plans, rocket building, creating the ‘Next Great Outdoor Game,’ and pitching their own ideas at our ‘Shark Tank Invention Challenge’ are all examples of projects that stimulate creativity, collaboration, design thinking, perseverance and intellectual playfulness—all in a dynamic academic setting that is both challenging and supportive.”
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English and Art Classes Collaborate to Create Beautiful Reinterpretations
I
n an interdisciplinary engagement, English teacher
Add to that the dynamic questions asked by each
Matt LaFreniere’s American Writers students teamed
partnership.”
up with Jesi Thompson’s Studio Art II class for an Ismael Plet ’19 wrote the poem “Disturb Me” to
artistic collaboration.
convey how each of us has a voice and an important LaFreniere said, “Our assignment was all about
role in disturbing the universe to impart our views
choices, and the playfulness those choices enabled—
and make a difference in the world. “Poetry and
English students choosing the perspective from
art are platforms to share my ideas and encourage
which to write their poems inspired by T.S. Eliot’s
others. This project stretched us as writers to
‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,’ then choosing
articulate the meaning behind our words and
the words, images and metaphors that would best
envision how to represent that visually. My friend
render that perspective. Artists choosing, from
and art partner Julianna Sigler did an amazing job
discussing with their English student partners,
capturing an image of the universe and our role and
how to visually represent their partners’ poems.
opportunity in it.”
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Asking Dynamic Questions to Shape Content, Experiences, Perspectives & Outcomes
Always the beautiful answer Who asks a more beautiful question. — E.E. Cummings Do you know what one of the most essential life skills is? Whether it’s in the classroom to problem-solve thorny issues and generate creative ideas, in the workplace to explore multiple perspectives and hone our decision-making, or in life as we make important choices or deepen our connections with others, we need to know how to formulate and ask good questions. Why? How might we…? Wouldn’t it be cool if…? Our faculty and leadership team have read A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas by Warren Berger. This innovation expert contends that the art of “questioning—deeply, imaginatively, beautifully—helps us identify and solve problems, come up with game-changing ideas, and pursue fresh opportunities.” Companies like Google, Netflix, IDEO and Airbnb, as well as artists, teachers and entrepreneurs, are applying these techniques to move their work forward. Berger reveals through his research that, sadly, “a child will ask as many as 40,000 questions between the ages of 2 and 5, but that number drops precipitously as children enter school,” where rote learning has been the norm. Yet instilling questioning into the learning process allows for open discussion and discovery important in contemplating contemporary challenges. This approach also supports our VES model of teachers shifting “from that of the information provider to one of a catalyst, model, coach, innovator, researcher, and collaborator with students throughout the learning process.” (Curriculum 21: Essential Education for a Changing World) “To live into our Academic Philosophy and the Portrait of a VES Graduate,” said Academic Dean Mimi Csatlos, “our teachers are working to incorporate questioning exercises into their lessons and encouraging students to have both the humility and confidence to ask questions in this safe environment. In doing so, our students will expand their curiosity, achieve deeper learning and make new discoveries that propel them forward.”
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This summer, our faculty will have another exceptional opportunity to hone this skill of inquiry-based learning. Led by Dean of Faculty Jen Anderson, VES will host our second annual Collaborative for Excellence in Teaching & Learning—a partnership between VES and the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia. This 2-day intensive professional development workshop for VES faculty and K-12 teachers throughout the Southeast, will be led by Dr. Stephanie van Hover, Department Chair of Curriculum, Instruction and Special Education at the Curry School. Anderson notes that asking dynamic questions is equally important for our school leaders. “We have employed these techniques in collaborative design-thinking exercises, where faculty and administration work together to develop a new work equity model and identify approaches to measure student progress toward our Portrait of a VES Graduate. These sessions create space for listening and open dialogue, so that we design better solutions and advance our strategic priorities.”
SNAPHOTS OF LEARNING WITH DYNAMIC QUESTIONS
Geometry Goes into the Field
Discovery is such an important component of learning,” notes math teacher Courtney Rainey. “It is often helpful to understand how something works in the real world before we learn it in the classroom, so I like to have students discover math in their daily lives and come up with their own ideas about how it works.” Introducing the use of trigonometric ratios with right triangles, Rainey asked her class to ponder: How might we determine the height of an object that we cannot practically measure? To find answers, Rainey sent her Honors Geometry students outside, where students measured the heights of each other and their shadows. Back in the classroom, with this data collected and using the angle of elevation to the sun, the students worked on scale drawings to discover the previously unknown heights.
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AP U.S. History Digs into the James Aldwin Hight, Sr. Archives
As a way to bring the history of the Progressive Era to life and make it relevant to their VES experience, my AP U.S. History students crafted a short essay using at least one source they selected from the James Aldwin Hight, Sr. Archives,” said Dr. Zach Wakefield. Their essential question: In what ways did VES founder Bishop Jett embody Progressive ideals? Archivist Sara Campbell collaborated with the students, pulling files and instructing them on how to conduct archival research. Students looked through documents from the school’s founding including memoranda, personal correspondence and photographs to understand how ideas of the Progressive Era fit into the school’s history.
“
Our research in the archives provided a new perspective to what we are learning in class. I saw how VES’ history reflected what was happening across the U.S. And it’s exciting to realize that we are creating history right now at VES.” – Grace Morales ’20
Now It’s Your Turn e invite you to join us in this journey of learning
W
Sunrise is 6 a.m. Sunset is 6 p.m. A 14-foot flagpole
through dynamic questions.
casts an 18-foot shadow. What time of day is it?
Charles Watson, veteran math teacher who holds
Start solving the problem. Work with others or
the James B. Barber '63 Distinguished Mastership,
consider on your own what essential questions you
playfully shares this exercise he uses in Algebra II.
need to pose and answer to find the solution. Go to page 48 to see the answer.
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Students Simulate UN Climate Change Conference
T
hree VES classes—English, History and AP
on the roles of various heads of state. APES teacher
Environmental Science (APES)—collaborated
Jake Barton shared that this format “gives students
to simulate the 2009 United Nations Climate Change
a chance to construct a complex argument in
Conference, an international meeting of political
character—an argument grounded in empirical
leaders and activists to discuss environmental issues
data and sensitive to the economic and political
and set policy.
concerns of their fellow conference members. This is both important skill building and essential
The questions posed to these students were this:
content knowledge: that sustainable decision-
Are your country’s/organization's developmental
making does not exist in a vacuum, and that
goals reconcilable with a climate-sensitive future?
addressing climate change in a meaningful way will
How can you enlist the support of other countries
require significant changes in lifestyle and attitude
with similar goals? How can you productively argue
at national and international levels.” Hunt Bailey ’20,
against policies that work against your objectives?
who presided as the conference moderator, said, "I loved the conference format. It allowed me to learn
English students served as journalists reporting
hands-on and answer the questions by listening
on the issues and the event, APES students were
to many different perspectives, while also learning
the scientists bringing essential information for
more about environmental policy, journalism and
discussion and debate, and history students took
statesmanship.”
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Brain Bee competitions, held around the U.S., test students’ knowledge of the human brain, including such topics as intelligence, emotions, memory, sleep, vision, hearing, sensations, addiction, and various diseases of the brain. William Hu ‘20 was declared the regional winner in two of the three assessments, and tied for the win in the third category—clinching the overall win! William will represent our region in the U.S. Brain Bee Championship in April at the Penn State College of Medicine, where he will competing against winners from 54 different regions in 37 states across the U.S.
Visit www.ves.org/AcademicExperience to see more examples of VES teaching and learning in action.
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All freshmen take Computer Science I to gain foundational knowledge and experience.
Distinctive 9th Grade Curriculum Creates Advantages in High School, College and Life
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reshman year is the start of a new stage of life. We know it can be exciting and also a little overwhelming. That’s why VES has intentionally structured a unique and comprehensive 9th Grade Program to support
students in this transition—helping them build independence and confidence, and laying the foundation that will set students up for long-term success.
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Ninth graders at VES: Get Well-Connected Right from the Start Before arriving at VES, students are paired with a “Big Sib,” an older student ready and available to provide insights and answer questions. Once on campus, an intentional weekend of VES Orientation helps students become familiar with both new and returning students while learning about our VES culture. Dorm parents and student counselors help boarders quickly and comfortably enjoy dorm life. And in their first month of school, the freshman class participates in an off-campus, multiday Freshman Retreat, helping students form strong bonds with classmates, develop communication skills, collaborate with and trust each other, and have fun.
Gain Essential Foundational Skills to Excel All freshmen take VES’ unique ARC Collaborative program—introduced this year— providing an interdisciplinary introduction to three subject areas that students can apply across their VES experience and future studies. ‘A’ stands for the Arts; ‘R’ stands for Reasoning, the focus of the Critical Thinking course; and ‘C’ represents Computer Science I. The ARC Collaborative enriches students’ learning in core subject areas while exposing them to other aspects of our curriculum that may spark a new interest, talent or passion to pursue over the course of their time at VES. All new students also complete the new online Introduction to VES, a course designed to help them successfully navigate their VES experience—in the classroom, on dorm, in student life, socially and personally.
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Prepare to Take on Life At VES learning doesn’t begin and end in the classroom; it extends throughout the entire day. The VES Student & Residential Life Program focuses on developing the character, well-being and good citizenship of every VES student. From their first days on campus, freshmen participate in our weekly Student Life Program. In 9th grade, we introduce content and practical application of skills that will help each student work to become his/her very best self. Students learn from VES faculty and local and national experts about strong study skills, ideal sleep habits, mindfulness and managing stress, nutrition and the importance of exercise, selfawareness and how to best navigate the challenges of electronic media. And because we believe that our hearts and spirits are nurtured by giving back to others, the freshman class comes together to volunteer in the community in meaningful ways as part of our VES Service Learning program.
Discover Their Interests Ninth grade is the best time to explore a variety of athletics, arts and clubs to discover new interests and pursue passions. We know that a highly engaged student is a happier student, so beyond academics, all VES freshmen participate in an afternoon activity—whether a sport, one of our arts programs or robotics. Students make strong connections with peers, faculty and coaches; demonstrate teamwork, integrity, respect and accountability; enhance skills; and begin to build a co-curricular resumé that showcases their interests and strengths.
Develop Leadership Talents At VES, we believe every student has the potential to lead. In fact, freshmen are encouraged to envision how they can contribute to our community and to imagine their leadership potential from the moment they settle in. We spend time discussing what it means to lead, and provide opportunities for students to stretch themselves through formal leadership roles. So many opportunities exist—no matter the grade—on athletic teams, in the arts, on dorm, in your advisory, in chapel and in more than 30 clubs on campus. Freshmen may run for Student Council, where they can take ownership of organizing activities for the class and school.
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Get a Head Start in Thinking about College College? Already? VES views college counseling as a four-year process. Here, even our youngest students are engaged in relevant topics in the realm of college admissions. The knowledge gained will ensure students make academic and extracurricular decisions that keep doors open as they grow and discover their best options beyond VES. For freshman parents, our expert college counselors deliver an informative session about each stage of the college planning process, how VES develops students’ testing plans and the breadth of resources and individualized support available for each VES student—and their parents—to demystify the college admissions process. The intentional way we build community and impart learning are two reasons VES has among the highest retention rates in boarding schools. Add to that our VES Parent University—designed to educate parents about the teenage brain, share leading insights into the challenges of the teenage years and engage parents in a trusted and active partnership with VES and their students throughout students’ high school years. Starting that journey in the 9th grade at VES helps our students get the most out of their high school experience and ensures their success for the future.
As you can see, starting one’s high school career at VES in the 9th grade sets students on a path to achieve greater success. If you know 6 - 8th graders who would be a strong fit with VES and all that we offer, we would love to get to know them. Here’s how you can help: • Tell them about your experiences with VES. • Invite them to learn more about us at ves.org/meetVES. • Contact our Admissions team at 434.385.3607 or admissions@ves.org.
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STRATEGIC CHOICE
CAMPUS IMPROVEMENTS
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e are developing and repurposing space to serve our school’s changing needs.
Enhancements to campus spaces are essential to our vision of being the best small co-ed boarding school in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions. Each year, we are selectively developing and repurposing space to: • Increase opportunities for faculty-student collaboration • Provide more flexible and effective spaces for teaching and learning • Enhance the student life experience • Provide excellent athletic and arts facilities for our students. Numerous upgrades have come to fruition over this school year. The pictures speak for themselves.
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The Basement This winter, we unveiled the eagerly awaited Basement renovation. The open concept design includes a state-of-theart kitchen, café, performance stage, foosball, pool and pingpong tables, TVs and ample seating, making it a great space for students to relax, have fun and build lifelong friendships. This space is the Friday night hangout when our junior RAs host activities, a test kitchen for student groups to make foods from around the world, and a great spot for students to get to know prospective Bishops during open house events.
Hopkins Writing Center We continue to upgrade faculty offices and academic meeting spaces to provide opportunities for student and faculty collaboration and to support teaching and learning best practices. English classrooms in Jett and the Hopkins Writing Center—with office space for Humanities teachers, study and collaborative space for students, and breakout areas for classroom instruction— received facelifts this fall.
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Philip L. Van Every Athletic Center At the halftime of our varsity boys basketball opening game of the season, VES officially dedicated the renovated Van Every Field House side courts and beautiful center playing surface. The center court is named the Robert I. Lee, Jr. ’45 Court after former VES teacher, coach, advisor and student, who gave 31 years of unwavering service to the school and was an impassioned supporter of VES students. VES volleyball and basketball teams enjoy the benefits of the new center court, and our lacrosse and soccer teams take advantage of the side courts in inclement weather. The center court fabrication prevents injuries by providing “bounce back,” or shock resistance, to lessen fatigue on players’ knees and ankles, enhances performance, increases ball responsiveness, and offers a clean, sophisticated look. Van Every also now boasts a full set of banners recognizing individual and team conference and state champions across every sport.
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Buck Langhorne Field at Meador Park With new baseball coach Roger Keeling igniting enthusiasm for the program, the current team has restored the scoreboard and refurbished the field, and will sport new uniforms this season, all thanks to the financial support from a dedicated group of former VES baseball players, parents and friends and advisees of former Senior Master and Latin teacher Max Meador. The baseball field was given by Lady Astor at the outset of WWII in memory of her brother, William Henry “Buck” Langhorne, and Meador Park was given in honor of Max Meador at his retirement in the spring of 2002 by the Sauer family—Janet and Bradford ’70 and Bradford Sauer Jr. ’99.
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Barksdale Memorial Gymnasium After years as a black-box theater space, Barksdale Gym has been restored to its athletic function with a new look, honoring the style and design of the 1920s. The gym was originally a gift, made in 1919, by Ethel du Pont Barksdale in memory of her late husband, Hamilton M. Barksdale. Together, they were the school’s largest benefactors from its founding to the early years of WWII. Led by head coach Dr. Zach Wakefield, who is rebuilding a robust wrestling program, Barksdale Gym came back into action this winter when our student-athletes hit the mats, and opponents pinned on their backs once again saw the sign hanging above them: “IF YOU CAN READ THIS, YOU’RE IN TROUBLE.” This year in the VIC tournament, juniors Nana Kofi ObengMensah and Neguens Ovincy placed 1st in their weight classes, and junior Reilly Holleran placed 2nd in his weight class. Ovincy took 7th this year at the VISAA State Championship. The cosmetic restoration has been made possible through the generosity of several donors: former wrestler Will Cook ’08, Henry Clarke ’03, Sally Brown, the great-granddaughter of Hamilton Barksdale, Susan and Doug Lane, and David and Melissa Simmons, in honor of their son, Spencer Simmons ’19. Spencer came to VES as a sophomore and was one of only Spencer Simmons ’19 earned the 2018 VIC Championship in the 170 lb. weight class.
four wrestlers during a rebuilding year for VES’s program, in which he ended the season with a .500 record. In his junior year, Spencer was named a team captain for the season, leading a 13-man team. He posted an 11-8 record and won the VIC Conference Championship in his 170 lb. weight class. Beginning his senior year, Spencer started out strong and was picked to win the conference title at 182 lbs. He posted a 6-2 record and earned a third-place finish at the Fork Union Invitational Tournament in early December, but a mid-season injury sidelined him from completing the rest of the season. Spencer continued to help coach and manage the team for the duration of the winter, setting a positive example for the younger generation of VES wrestlers.
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Double the Donors. Double the Gifts.
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How the Challenge Works
Why
Who can give?
“With the extraordinary experience being delivered at VES, we want to challenge those who love our school to show their support to the faculty, students and our historic campus,” said Henry Clarke, director of Development. “Generous donors have pledged $2,000,000 to the school if at least 2,000 donors give on April 10. The value of these gifts will fundamentally strengthen VES.”
What 1 Day By 11:59 pm on April 10
2,000 Donors Gifts of any size from any member of our constituency
$2,000,000 If 2,000 donors give on April 10, VES will receive $2,000,000 in challenge gifts.
Anybody. Whether you have already given this year or not, please join us on April 10 with a gift of any size.
Does the gift I have already made this year count in this challenge? No. If you have already made your gift, thank you. However, we are asking that, on April 10, you make a token gift to help us achieve our challenge goal.
If I have not yet made a gift to VES this year, can my April 10 gift count as my 2018-19 annual contribution? Absolutely!
What does my gift on this day do? Each gift—whether it’s $1 or $50,000—counts toward the 2,000 donors needed on April 10 to meet our $2,000,000 challenge.
Where does my gift go? You may designate your gift to your area of interest within The Fund for Virginia Episcopal School or The VES Endowment & Trust.
Who’s behind the challenge? Generous friends, parents and alumni.
May I give before the day? Yes, but only in one way. Please find the donation form and envelope at the center of this magazine. Mark your gift amount, make your designation and check the box #everyonegiVES to indicate you want your gift counted on April 10. Pre-gifts must be received on or before April 10 to count toward the 2,000 donor challenge.
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VES REFLECTS ON
THREE DECADES OF COEDUCATION
T
his fall, we welcomed home 200 Bishops to celebrate and consider the impact of a significant milestone that changed the course of our school: coeducation. Over the Founders Day and Homecoming weekend, we honored the decision-makers, the faculty, the pioneering women and their male classmates, who in 1986, transitioned VES from an all-boys boarding school to one that offered equal opportunities for young women.
At a time when boarding schools were wondering about their sustainability, Headmaster Charley Zimmer and his forward-thinking Board of Trustees, led by Frank Craighill III ’57, evaluated the impact of doubling their prospective market by welcoming young women into the school. From a purely pragmatic standpoint, remaining an all-boys institution meant that the school was choosing to exclude half of all potential candidates for admission. But beyond pragmatism, Headmaster Zimmer saw an opportunity for enrichment—the kind of
VES looked back on this landmark decision in the
enrichment that only comes from adding varied
second year of its Dare to Imagine a Better World
perspectives and voices to the conversation.
Dialogue series—designed to elevate awareness and drive thought-provoking conversations about where
In a panel discussion with our students and faculty,
we’ve been and where we are today as a school.
moderated by pioneer and current trustee Mary
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Hodges George ’89, Zimmer shared, “Young women at the school meant a newly enlivened and enriched community. It is from this place that the Board voted nearly unanimously to allow girls to matriculate to VES.” With that and some significant modifications to campus prior to their arrival, in September 1986 the first 27 young women became students at VES. The boarders moved into Wyatt Dorm, earning the name “the Wyatt Women.” News crews were on hand to document their arrival and to feed the story to a curious Lynchburg community and beyond. Alumna Lane Lenzi ’89; Marion Farmer, former teacher and the winningest tennis coach in VES history; Catherine Gomez-Goodnow, Spanish teacher and dorm parent to the Wyatt Women; and Athletic Director Bob Leake, just starting his career at the time of coeducation, joined in the dynamic panel discussion about what it meant for each of them to be a part of the pioneering journey and reminisced about those early years. The breadth of their perspectives provided a rich understanding of this time in the school’s history for our present-day student body. On day two of the celebration, Headmaster Tommy Battle ’83 welcomed alumni and their families, current and former trustees, and faculty to a recognition event, showcasing the VES of today—a thriving school benefiting not only from coeducation, but also its multicultural composition, with students and faculty from 20 countries, nine states and Washington, DC. Presenting the recently launched strategic plan, Headmaster Battle highlighted the five strategic choices VES is pursuing to propel the school forward—with one of those laser-focused on the theme of the weekend: Expand access to VES and enhance diversity, equity and inclusion within the school community. Following a beautiful day with a Southern-fare Homecoming picnic and several athletic contests, Bishops past and present gathered for the Bishop Bash at the newly restored Virginian Hotel in downtown Lynchburg, surrounded with the sights and sounds of the time—VES yearbook pictures from 1986 to today graced the walls as a fan-favorite band, Indecision, played and guests danced the night away.
Commenting on the weekend, Sarah Elizabeth Perrow Sterne ’89, who has two sons attending VES and a third
Talking with the present female students is inspiring. They are intelligent, kind, engaged and know no ceiling. They are our leaders of tomorrow. I feel honored and humbled knowing we were the beginning of this incredible coeducation journey.
joining the school next year, said: “Returning home to celebrate three decades of coeducation quickly reminded me how time and distance do not change friendships, do not weaken memories and how the Old 160 feels like a warm hug akin to walking into your grandmother’s home after a long absence. I am so grateful for the returning administrators and faculty who patiently steered students through the teenage years and even more grateful for those who remain engaged with life at the school. How many years and counting, Mr. Leake? With pride, I loved seeing new and improved facilities that shape all components of
- Pioneer and present trustee Mary Hodges George ’89
student and faculty life. The weekend’s farewell was less of a ‘goodbye’ but a ‘see you soon, old friend!’”
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THE PATH TO COEDUCATION VES founder Robert Carter Jett had six children—two of them daughters. Even as he was formulating his plan for VES, he frequently expressed concern for the education of both young men and women. He advocated for the appointment of an educational committee to actively consider how to provide college preparatory opportunities to girls as well as boys. Nearly 80 years passed before VES undertook a preliminary study to see if VES could realistically provide that opportunity. After evaluating many factors—market demand, tuition, required changes to campus and more—the proposal to coeducate came to a vote. Frank Craighill III ’57, VES Board Chair, at the time made this strong appeal:
“
Why not take our rightful place as a leader in the Southeast and benefit from being the first boarding school to co-educate rather than some years down the road being a follower?
Butch Watkins ’57, the school’s first Alumni Director, provided another influential voice. It is said that during the discussions about coeducation, Butch noted that “Daughters of VES alumni are blood,” encouraging others to recognize their “rightful place” at VES. Former trustees and lifelong educators Bobby Watts ’65 and Billy Peebles, at the time VES Admissions Director and faculty member and recently retired headmaster of the prestigious Lovett School in Atlanta, participated heavily in the strategic study that the board used to analyze the pros and cons of co-education. Additionally, Jamie Johnson ’73 and John Bauknight ’85, now VES trustees, were invited to share their thoughts at the critical board meeting in 1985. The proposal came to a vote by the trustees on January 12, 1985. Mary Morris Booth, VES’s first female trustee, recounts that “When the vote came around to Bill Formwalt—an older, highly respected alumnus from the class of 1932—of course
everyone looked at him to see what he was going to
us, but we paid no heed. We were an official part of
say, and he voted for it. As a tangible demonstration
the community and, though we were outnumbered,
of his commitment, he established an athletic award
we resolved to be recognized as equals in all aspects
to be given to a female student at graduation. For
of school life. We could never give up.”
someone of Bill’s era, that was huge! He turned the tide, and I admired him for doing that.”
From an article then-faculty member Laura-Gray Street wrote of the times:
An eight-member steering committee was formed to guide the process and later, once the first group of women arrived on campus, a team of faculty and students formed the Co-education Committee to identify opportunities and tackle issues as they arose. By all accounts, the first year was a bit rocky, but ended with newly formed respect and friendships. Brooks Morrison ’89 from that pioneering class described it this way: “The monotony of blue blazers and khakis was broken by our colorful sweaters and skirts. We seemed to clash with the atmosphere around
“
Never again will we have another group as bonded by common experience, as affected by VES, as important to VES. Their impact on the school has been immeasurable. They have created history, framed and formed policies for years to come, and provided role models and high standards for the future leaders of the school, both male and female.” Indeed they did, and we feel their legacy still today.
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JOIN US FOR THESE
2019 Special Events
April 5 - 7
April 10
May 24 - 25
(Friday through Sunday)
(Wednesday)
(Friday and Saturday)
SPRING FAMILY WEEKEND
GIVE DAY #everyonegiVES
BACCALAUREATE & COMMENCEMENT
May 31 - June 2
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(Friday through Sunday)
(Friday through Sunday)
(Friday through Sunday)
ALUMNI WEEKEND
ALUMNI GOLF INVITATIONAL
FALL FAMILY WEEKEND & HOMECOMING
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A Tribute to Paul Taylor ’49 INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED PIONEER OF MODERN DANCE
Renowned as the pioneer of modern dance, alumnus Paul Taylor ’49 became a trailblazing professional dancer in his 20s, choreographed more than 145 dances throughout his career, and until his death at age 88 in August 2018, was sought after as one of the top choreographers in the world. His experimental choreography is noted for its physicality and grace as well as its cultural relevance and power to illuminate profound issues. Many of his classic dances were incorporated early on into the repertoire of world-class dance companies—including the Royal Danish Ballet, the American Ballet Theatre, the San Francisco and Miami City ballets, and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater—as well as his own Paul Taylor Dance Company and smaller Taylor 2 ensemble that tours the country to perform and conduct master classes.
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1947 - 48 Track Team (Paul Taylor, second row, left)
As described in The New
following college studying at the prestigious Juilliard
York Times, Taylor “had
School in New York.
piercing blue eyes, the power and musculature
Last winter, 68 years after his graduation, the VES
of a skilled athlete and an
and Lynchburg community bore witness to the genius
incisive, outgoing—but also
of Paul Taylor, when Taylor 2 performed their art and
elusive—personality.” This
taught master classes in movement and dance for
portrayal captures the spirit
VES and area college students. Before their travel to
of the high-school Paul
Lynchburg, Paul had shared his VES memories with
Taylor, where he was engaged in all aspects of school
his dancers. The troupe arrived at VES curious to
life. Taylor served during his three years at VES as a
learn more about the school that was important in
Counselor, dorm proctor, member of the V-Club and
Paul’s early life. They spent time with faculty, in the
president of the Hop Committee, where each year he
archives and touring campus to take their impressions
planned and elaborately decorated Barksdale Gym
back to New York and Paul.
for school dances. He lent his power and strength as an athlete for both track and field and football, and exhibited his creative side as a vocalist in the Glee Club and the school newspaper artist, cartoonist and editor-in-chief. Following graduation, Taylor attended Syracuse University, where he earned a partial scholarship to study art—his passion from early childhood—and was a key member of the swim team. It was during these college years that Taylor said he was first exposed to “serious dance” through books. He spent a year
Amanda Stevenson, Taylor 2 troupe member, shared,
“
Paul Taylor’s choreography is very diverse. Though most of dances have a similarity in style, in one evening an audience can see three very different pieces ranging from the beauty of lyrical dancing, to dark subject matter, or just a dance to make you laugh. All of his dances are very athletic, expressive and usually have some element of authentic humanity.”
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During his lifetime, Taylor received nearly every important honor given to artists in the United States. He was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors, an Emmy Award, a National Medal of Arts, and three Guggenheim Fellowships. He was one of 50 Left to right: Buck Nutt ’50, Paul Taylor, John Gower ’48 and Earl Johnson ’50
prominent Americans honored for outstanding achievement by the Library of Congress’s Office of Scholarly Programs, and he received honorary doctor of Fine Arts degrees from the California Institute of the Arts, Connecticut College, Duke University, The Juilliard School, Syracuse University and many more. Awards for lifetime achievement include a MacArthur Foundation Fellowship—often called the “genius award”—and the Samuel H. Scripps American Dance Festival Award. Other awards include the New York State Governor’s Arts Award and the New York City Mayor’s Award of Honor for Art and Culture. In 1989 Taylor was elected one of 10 honorary American members of the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters. Throughout his career, Taylor has been called “curious,” “experimental,” “a bold leader,” “a skilled writer,” “acutely intelligent.” As we reflect on his rich and enduring legacy, we see in Paul Taylor a man who exemplified our Portrait of a VES Graduate.
Vern Dawson ’49 and Paul Taylor ’49 (right)
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1947 Midwinter’s Dance in Barksdale Gym
NETWORK WITH FELLOW ALUMNI ON
VESCONNECT Join VESConnect.org—our web-based news, event and networking platform dedicated to serving our alumni. It’s a safe, secure online community to build your personal and professional networks.
CONNECT
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online with former classmates, faculty and graduates.
and coach VES graduates throughout their careers.
career connections with VES alums. Post a job or look for one.
with VES news, social media feeds and event info all in one place.
your network, keeping them up to date on all that you’re doing.
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Class Notes 1953
Paul Fulton, Jr.— president of the board of Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc.—was announced as a winner of the 7 over Seventy Awards. Sponsored by Wake Forest Baptist Health Sticht Center for Healthy Aging and Alzheimer’s Prevention, Senior Services, SPARK magazine, and the Winston-Salem Journal, these awards honor outstanding members of our community who have made it a better place by generously giving their time and efforts to help others.
preservation work has been inspiring to many. James has served on the boards of the Historic Wilmington Foundation, Lower Cape Fear Historical Society and Poplar Grove Plantation. He was also a three-term president of the Lower Cape Fear Historical Society, the former Chairman of the Latimer Landscape Garden Committee and the founding vice president of the Stageville Preservation Center in Durham, North Carolina. James also spent a career in public education teaching history.
1967
1961 James Robert Warren was named winner of the Thomas H. Wright, Jr. Lifetime Achievement award for his nearly 50 years of work in historical preservation. A pioneer in Wilmington, North Carolina preservation, James’ deep love of history and
Former Board Chair Parker Lee and retired teacher BK Mundy, recently completed a bucket list tour of Europe where they visited historical sites of World War II. Shown here at the Baugnez Crossroads near Malmedy, Belgium, site
of the worst war crime committed against American soldiers in the western European theatre of the war.
Barbara and former VES Board Chair Parker Lee enjoyed their summer in Chautauqua, New York.
1973
James “Jamie” Johnson, VES trustee, celebrated 40 years of his Ace Hardware business in Ahoskie, North Carolina.
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1974
David B. Bice, the fourth-longest serving Special Justice in the Commonwealth, led a day-long seminar for all Special Justices addressing the law as it applies to involuntary mental commitments. This marks the 10th time over that past 30 years that he has done so.
Bill English made his acting debut as the principal character, The Captain, in an Actors Equity Associationapproved “Showcase Production” of Eugene O’Neill’s Bound East for Cardiff. The play was one of three performed in an evening of one-act plays aboard a ship in New York’s South Street Seaport.
Charlottesville Bishops—including Mary Heppner, Gray Heppner ’74, Ellen Gorman and Lee Herbert ’74—gathered for some summertime fun at the Crozet home of former VES teacher and administrator Sarah and Gary Cuccio.
Owner Rodney E. Taylor said the restaurant, which opened its first location on Main Street in January 2010, will offer a smaller menu than its flagship location, but will serve popular breakfast, lunch and dinner options seven days a week.
1993
Former classmates and friends Edwin N. James and R. Claiborne Baird connected at Café Degas in New Orleans.
Market at Main will be opening its second location in Boonsboro Shopping Center.
November 10, 2018, at Riverview Manor in Hurt, Virginia.
2003 E. Rutland Tyler, wife, Elise, and big brothers Cole and Pierce welcomed Lillian Marjorie Tyler to the world on September 9, 2018. The growing family is overjoyed!
Henry Clarke and wife, Addie, welcomed a son, Burwell Boykin Clarke, at 8:06 p.m. on July 18, 2018. Burwell joins his brother, Henry (3). He is the nephew of Penn Clarke ’05.
1999
1977
1978
1995
Caroline Keys has partnered with Jamie Harmon of Memphis, Tennessee, to create a mobile, life-sized diorama to accompany her Woods of the Woman project. The project was created in response to Justin Timberlake’s album, Man of the Woods. Caroline’s own Montana-themed songs—inspired by Timberlake’s titles— deal with a range of topics from gender, class and romance to the wilderness and camping supplies.
Mary Lyons Mitchell Rouse and husband, Franklin, welcomed daughter Mitchell Pershing Rouse into the world on September 15, 2018, weighing in at 7 lb. 7 oz.
Eleanor Stanley Fairey and husband, William, welcomed a sweet baby girl into their family. Harriet Fairey was born October 8, 2018.
2001
Rick L. Brown and KC Smith married Saturday, TOWARD FULL STATURE MAGAZINE
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2001 Hunter Moore is celebrating a monumental achievement for his company, Plasma Games, which recently received a Small Business Innovation Research grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to build an effective education platform that empowers teachers and inspires students with the world’s most engaging and impactful learning technologies. After graduating from VES in 2001, Hunter went on to Georgia Tech where he received his B.S and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on robotics and micro-electrical-mechanical systems. Following that, Hunter went on to a wealth of experiential learning—nano research at Sandia National Labs, jet engine research at Pratt & Whitney, commercial aircraft manufacturing at Boeing, software development at IBM and venture capital at IDEAFund Partners. He also received his MBA from UNC-Chapel Hill. After all that, what could come next? With his vast experience and passion for education, Hunter wanted to connect his drive and knowledge to the EdTech industry. Hunter notes that “the US is 25th in science and 39th in math in the world (OECD 2015). Countries like Vietnam, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic are increasingly outperforming our students. The shortage of qualified STEM professionals is holding back economic growth and causing us to lose jobs to other countries. This hole in our workforce pipeline starts in middle and high school where students are disengaged and fail to find a passion for STEM.” As CEO of Plasma Games, Hunter set out to tackle how to boost student engagement in STEM subjects. Through the NSF grant, Hunter has been developing a solution to this problem—a cuttingedge learning tool that integrates with the teacher’s curriculum, fully fusing education with the world of gaming. Hunter is confident that these tools will “reignite classroom discussion, connect with students, and inspire them to pursue STEM careers.” In January, Hunter connected via Skype with VES’ Chad Hanning, Margaret T. Bourne Chair of Science, to discuss what this game can do for chemistry teachers, and to share how his time at VES helped shape his academic experience and get to this point in his career. The school’s “Toward Full Stature” motto helped him excel in the areas he was strong and overcome in areas he was not. Hunter said he always appreciated the level of care and connection he had with teachers “who wanted to see him succeed,” and noted that students “received pure, quality academics in conjunction with critical life skills to succeed in college and beyond.” Hunter visited VES in February to test his product with students in science and math classrooms and to connect with seniors about college. He shared this advice with students: “Seek out the things you are passionate about. Surround yourself with as many role models as you can. Make connections and create opportunity.” VIRGINIA EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
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2005 Mary Ashton Burgh married Colin Healey on September 15, 2018, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. VES alumni in attendance were brother of the bride Stuart Burgh ’03, Holly Hudson ’14, Mimi Corwin ’03, Ginny Hart McAnaney ’03 and Henry Clarke ’03. Also an important part of the day was former VES gifts officer and mother of the bride, Pattie Burgh.
2004
Edward H. Lane II and wife, Meade, welcomed twin boys, William Spotswood Lane and James MacPherson Lane, on July 7, 2018. William and James came six weeks early and were home by the end of July after a brief stint in the NICU.
The United Way of Porter County announced Madeleine King Grimm as the new director of their AmeriCorps program serving Lake, Porter, La Porte and Marshall counties in Indiana. Madeleine holds a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources from the University of the South and a master’s degree in Environmental Education from Goshen College. She is an AmeriCorps alumni and is a certified EMT-basic. United Way of Porter County president and CEO, Kim Olesker, said, “Maddie’s experience as an AmeriCorps member and in nonprofit and education work is key to having a successful program.”
each summer in her role as U.S. Executive Director of the nonprofit organization the Elewana Education Project. Through this program, Haynes sets the organization’s strategy with the board, coordinates with local Kenyan schools and libraries to improve Kenyan education and cultural awareness, and coordinates and leads unique educational experiences and service learning opportunities between schools in the United States and Kenya. The Elewana Education Project and VES partner on our student immersion trips to Kenya. The next VES trip will take place in June 2019.
year living and working in Essen, Germany. Chris has started taking calls in the radiology department of Essen University Hospital and enjoys the vibrant city.
2008
John Irvin Biesemier was born August 3, 2018 at 12:05 p.m. to parents Andrew Biesemier ’08 and Molly Biesemier ’09. He came five weeks early— the same week that Andrew started medical school at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. While his early arrival was a surprise, he is healthy and both parents could not be happier.
Collin T. Tinsley married Sarah Calvert on October 20, 2018 in Charleston, South Carolina. Alumni in attendance included Sutton Tinsley ‘03, Stuart Tinsley ‘05, Tom Thomson ‘71, Alex Owen ’71, Marsh Baker ‘09, Marjorie Baker ‘13, Cham Light ‘71, Randy Nexsen ‘76, Andy Koroneos ‘05 and Sidney Vermilya ‘08.
2007
Christian F. Gernhardt and wife, Mira, celebrated their second
Virginia Episcopal School alumni travel the world following their passions. Haynes Hicks, a second-grade teacher in Charlotte, North Carolina, pursues her passion in Kenya
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2009
2013
2015
Helen Woolard Powell, a ’13 Carolina graduate, married Jess Powell, a ’13 NC State graduate, on April 28, 2018, at St. James Parrish and celebrated with many VES alumni at The Surf Club in Wilmington, North Carolina, where they currently reside.
Courtney Lynne Carter, John B. Hurford ‘60 Center for the Arts & Humanities postbaccalaureate fellow at Haverford University, celebrated the opening of “Your Special Island,” an exhibition featuring the work of artists Andrea Chung, Rachelle Dang and Ming Wong. Courtney was co-curator on the exhibit that used video, archival photography, digital collage and sculpture to explore the post-colonial subject of tropical island sites— considering certain stereotypes, tropes and images associated with tropical places. The show ran February 7 through March 8, 2019.
Sylvie Job was named to the 2018 WayUp Intern 100 list, recognizing the top interns in the country as nominated by interns and their organizations. Sylvie will graduate in May 2019 from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management. She has a strong passion for entrepreneurship and would love to start her own company in the future. Heidi James, Sylvie’s aunt whose son John graduated from VES in 2011, shared “So much of Sylvie’s success is due to VES! Her time there was life changing!”
Pictured: L to R: John Woolard Jr ’76, Ed Craighill ’76, Colin Ponder ’11, Jay Saunders ’83, Marcey Cook ’09, Christina Hodson ’09, Jordan Ponder ’08, John Woolard III ’03, Ali Donaldson ’11, Sheldon Woolard Peebles ’06, Stewart Grantham ’07, John Hunter Leggett ’07, Katerina Dema ’09, Merriweather Franklin ’09, Marsh Baker ’09 and Anna De Loache ’10.
2018
George Burruss traveled to Xiamen, an island city on the southeast coast of mainland China, after having received a nationally competitive scholarship for immersive Chinese language study. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the National Security Language Initiative for Youth awards meritbased scholarships for high-achieving secondary school students and recent graduates to learn less commonly taught languages. During the immersive program, George deepened his Mandarin skills while learning about the rich culture of the city.
It was a big day for this bunch of Bishops— gathering together with old friends and new at Hampden-Sydney’s 2018 Homecoming. Pictured: Joel Williams ’85, Mike McCabe ’83, Rick Garrett ’86, Freddie Garrett ’18, Brooks McCabe ’17, Doug Hogan ’17, Sam Albright ’17, Joel T. Williams ’17, Ian Saunders ’18, Wyatt Elam ’18, Nixon Rascoe ’19, Roland Vaughan ’61 and George Wooten ’19.
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Alumni Attend VES’ 18th Annual Golf Invitational Tucked away among the Carolina Sandhills, people flock to Pinehurst, North Carolina, for its idyllic beauty, resort amenities and nine pristine golf courses. On July 20, 35 VES alumni— spanning five decades of graduates from as far away as Denver, Colorado—descended on the resort for VES’s 18th Annual Alumni Golf Invitational. While a few early birds arrived to get an in extra round of golf at the new short course, The Cradle, the weekend officially kicked off Friday with the Class Cup and the Low Gross/Net competitions. Those representing the Classes of 1990 and above—a team of Townsend Quinn ’97, Tac Johnston ’06, Gray Nexsen ’06, John Lyon ’07, William Hunter ’11, Jimbo Eggleston ’11, Charlie Bynum ’12 and Bill Brewer ’12—took home the cup, but it was the seasoned veterans of the event who won the Low Gross/Net competitions. Dan Johnson ’68 shot 77 for low gross and Brent Holmes ’73—the event commissioner—came in with the low net. At an awards banquet at the famed Pine Crest Inn, the group celebrated the day. Play continued Saturday with the Commissioner’s Cup, which came down to a nailbiter “chip-off” on the 18th green to settle the tie for first. It was Blitz James ’77 whose chip for his team—Joe Brewer ’81, Tripp Duerson ’82 and Scotty Scott ’81—won the cup. With some fierce, fun competition it was a beautiful weekend for renewing old friendships, making new acquaintances and maintaining the VES connection all hold so dear.
Alumni and current students of VES gathered together at a recent family reunion this past Thanksgiving, proving that the connection to the school runs deep. Pictured: Bill Nelson ’84, Rece Lynn Nester ’03, Merriweather Franklin ’09, Everett O’Flaherty ’10 and Anna Marie Barnes ’20.
J.B. Brewer ’08 (left), Sloan Lyndon ’11 and Will Futrell ’08 (right) all graduated from Campbell University School of Law in Raleigh, NC in May 2018.
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In Memorium Alumni
1942 James Talbot Jeffreys, Jr. passed away on August 14, 2018. James attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was president of Jeffreys Seed Company, an avid outdoorsman and boater, and a lifelong member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. He was married for 53 years to the late Lois Carolyn Taylor and is survived by four children, nine grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren. He would have been 94 on his next birthday.
going on to HampdenSydney College for undergraduate studies. He received a Master of Science in genetics from Virginia Tech and his DVM from Texas A&M. In retirement, after 30 years as the eastern Virginia supervisor with the Virginia Department of Agriculture, Winfield wrote the book “Jungle Tales: Adventures in Meat Inspection.” Winfield was active in Rotary and the Episcopal Church serving on Vestry for many years. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Rebecca Dragos Massie, his two children and three grandchildren.
1946
Dr. Winfield Massie, DVM, passed away on May 17, 2018, just months from his 90th birthday. Growing up in Honduras, Miami and Virginia, Winfield attended VES before
George Edward Withers, Jr., 89, widower of Mary Jane (Ashby) Withers, passed away Thursday, November 1, 2018, in Brightview at Baldwin Park in Staunton, Virginia. After VES, George attended Hampden-Sydney College. He retired
“Gene” Cornett passed away June 12, 2018, at the age of 88. A graduate of the University of Virginia Medical School, Gene taught at the Medical College of Georgia for six years, after which he became a founding partner of Thoracic Cardiovascular Associates in Greenville, South Carolina. After retiring in 1991, Gene became owner and operator of Reedy Fork Farms, raising beef cattle and engaging in his community.
from the City of Richmond as an accountant and enjoyed gardening.
1947
Reverend William B. Kerner, Sr. died on July 7, 2018, at the age of 89. The lifelong lover of learning spent much of his life traveling in a constant quest for knowledge. He was noted by many as a “strong, principled, faithful man.” At the time of his passing he was at home in Charlottesville, Virginia, with his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Brewer Kerner, by his side.
1949
A titan of the dance industry, Paul B. Taylor, Jr. passed away on August 28, 2018, at the age of 88. Known by many as the “Naughty Boy” of modern dance, Paul committed six decades to the art form he deeply loved. His vast capacity for creativity and poetic expression will echo through the arts.
1948
Dr. Victor Eugene
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1951
James H. Winston passed away on Wednesday, September 19, 2018, a little over a month from his 85th birthday. James was valedictorian of his class at VES before matriculating to UNCChapel Hill and becoming an officer in the Navy. He spent his career in investments and real estate development and co-founded the Barnett Winston Company in Jasckonville, Florida. He is survived by family and friends who loved him dearly. Paul Fulton ’53 served as an honorary pallbearer.
1953
James Langhorne Wiley, Jr. passed away peacefully the morning of July 24, 2018, at his home in The Plains, Virginia. After graduating from Hampden-Sydney
College in 1957 where he was the first athlete to medal in four Track & Field events statewide, he went on to attend the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia. Wiley operated an AE Finley dealership for more than 20 years in Roanoke and had a career in real estate in Roanoke and The Plains.
1954 G. Preston Nowlin passed away at his home in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on August 17, 2018. Pres attended Davidson college, served in the United States Navy and received a Master’s of Divinity, which he used to serve many congregations before retiring in 1998. Pres is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carolyn Mason Nowlin, three children and nine grandchildren.
Force, the Kentucky Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve. He was also co-owner of Long Block and Supply Company. Marshall is survived by his wife of 40 years, Claudette H. Long, four children and five grandchildren.
John Sasser McKee III passed away on September 4, 2018. He was a graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. After several years in banking, he worked from 1976 until his retirement in 2000 as the area director of Southeastern Regional Mental Health Center. John is survived by wife, Clyde, five children and six grandchildren.
1959
1955
Marshall Long died December 19, 2018, at the age of 82. Marshall served his country in the United States Air
S. Dale Carter passed away on Friday, October 26, 2018. Dale attended Vanderbilt University and graduated from Virginia Tech before he began his long career in education as a business teacher. Dale was an active member in his community of Buchanan, Virginia,
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including serving as a long-time member of Trinity Episcopal Church and the Buchanan Rotary Club. He also purchased and restored the Buchanan Theatre after 17 years of closure. Dale was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Goria, and is survived by two sons and one granddaughter.
Chiswell Dabney Langhorne, Jr. died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on October 12, 2018, at the age of 78. After graduating from VES, the University of Virginia and the University of Virginia Law School, “Chill” attended post-graduate programs at Harvard and the MIT Sloan School of Management. He was a trust officer at NS&T Bank for 15 years and maintained a law practice for years afterward. He was a past president of the board of Kentucky River Properties and an active board member until his death. He was past president of the Foundation for the Preservation of Historic Georgetown, in part an easement program to preserve open space in
the historic district, where he had lived for 45 years. Chill also served as a VES trustee during the era of coeducation. Chill was a devoted husband and father. He and his wife, Barbara, celebrated 50 years of marriage in May. He is survived by his wife, son Chiswell III, son William, daughterin-law Samar, and two granddaughters, Nora and Laila.
1966
Forrest William “Bill” McPherson passed away on July 23, 2018. He was a Vietnam veteran, who over his 69 years gathered a large circle of dedicated friends that date back to childhood in Blacksburg, Virginia and span all segments of society. His kind heart and warm nature will be missed by friends and family.
1974
James “Jim” MacLeod died on November 10, 2018, at the age of 62. Born the oldest of five children in Lynchburg, Virginia, he attended George Mason University and lived in the D.C. area until he and his wife moved to Asheville, North Carolina, in 2014. During his life, he started a business, played and coached soccer, immersed himself in music, books and cooking, and loved gatherings with friends and family. Remembered by many for his energetic and curious spirit, Jim is survived by wife, Kathleen, three daughters and four grandchildren.
2011 William “Bill” F. Whitlock passed away on September 14, 2018, in Little River, South Carolina. After VES, the Eagle Scout earned his bachelor’s degree from Longwood College and his master’s from the University of Virginia before committing to more than 25 years of teaching special education students.
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Meredith Haga Fox passed away July 20, 2018, after a prolonged illness. Meredith graduated cum laude from Sweet Briar College in 2016 with a B.S. in Biology. She had a lifelong love of animals and was an accomplished equestrian. A kidney transplant recipient, Meredith had a great passion for helping others and inspired many in her work as an Organ Recovery Coordinator for LifeNet Health. She worked to increase awareness about organ donation and her final act of advocacy and love was being an organ donor herself. Meredith is survived by her husband, Tanner Fox, mother, Allyson Haga, and stepfather, Bruce Blessing.
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ANSWERS FROM DYNAMIC QUESTION ON PG. 13 Charles Watson shares insights
Then the AHA moment arrived! The 18-foot shadow
into how his Algebra II students
will occur twice in one day‌ in the morning and
solved the question.
afternoon! And more questions‌
My students realized that, to find
How do we figure out those two times?
the solution, they needed to figure out the many additional questions they needed to answer:
How do the ratios need to be applied?
Which angles matter in this scenario?
After 25 minutes of working together, the students solved the problem by asking each other great
How do we find the value of those angles?
questions and working as a team. Incredibly, they
How do we interpret them?
also managed to understand that there are two correct answers. And I just listened and smiled
How do we figure out the ratios to convert
as they got the job done.
the angle measures into time?
Answers: 8:31 a.m. and 3:29 p.m. VIRGINIA EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
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