AllPoints Summer2014

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The Class of 2014Our Fift y-first Commencement • Welcoming 39 New Alumni

Inside This Issue:

The 2013-14 Year in Pictures with Highlights from Community Service, Symposium, and More

Eileen Strulson, Creator of the “Dinosaur Cha-Cha-Cha,” Retires After 30 years at North Cross

Russ Ellett ’84 Awarded 2013-14 Alumni Service Award at Fifty-first Commencement

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Volume 28 • Summer 2014

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AdministrationChristian J. Proctor, Ph.D. HeadmasterLiz Holt Assistant Headmaster & Director of the Lower SchoolEdward A. Dickenson Director of the Middle SchoolMark W. Thompson Director of the Upper School

Board of TrusteesLinda D. Frith, ChairKatherine F. Walker, Ph.D., Vice ChairRuss Ellett ’84, SecretaryMary Lynn Wright, TreasurerWilliam A. AmosBradley J. Blum ’95Robert Webb BurnsGeorge B. Cartledge III ’82Ashutosh ChandelSarah Tune Doherty ’91Elizabeth F. Frankl ’82Talfourd H. Kemper, Jr.Ian McDade ’91James V. RevercombRoberto H. RobinsonEdward M. SmithSusan K. StillGeorge I. Vogel III ’93Allen B. Whittle ’91David D. H. Willis, Sr. ’77

Alumni Board OfficersJames ‘Tyler’ Pugh ’93, President Sarah Boxley (Parrott) Beck ’98, Vice PresidentWilliam ‘Jack’ Hamlin, Secretary

Parents’ Association Board Allison J. Bloomfield, PresidentDeena R. Lugar, SecretaryDon Hooker, Treasurer

AllPoints is published by the North Cross School Office of Development.

Office of Development

Chris Moore ’71 Director of Development

David Lake Associate Director of Development

Jennifer Burtch Development Coordinator

Whitney Aldridge Assistant to the Headmaster, Media Relations Coordinator

Jeffrey Kennard Director of Communications

Content published in AllPoints represents opinions, ideas, and perspectives of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Trustees or Administration of North Cross School. The editors reserve the right to accept, reject, or edit any content submitted for publication in AllPoints.

The Office of Development has made every effort to ensure that this donor listing is accurate. We apologize in advance for any errors or omissions. Please call (540) 989-6641 ext. 284, or e-mail [email protected], if you believe our records are incorrect.

© Copyright 2014. All Rights Reserved.

North Cross School 4254 Colonial Avenue, Roanoke, VA 24018 (540) 989-6641, (540) 989-7299 (FAX) www.northcross.org

Our Sponsors

Table of Contents

Thanks to the following companies for supporting North Cross School at the Gold and Silver Sponsorship Levels. To advertise in the next issue of AllPoints, please contact Chris Moore, Director of Development, at [email protected].

AllP intsCommencement 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2013-14 Year in Pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Focus on Faculty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Focus on Future . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

From the Parents’ Association, FOTA, and Athletic Boosters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Alumni News & Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Celebrating 70 Years in 2014-15In 1944, Mrs . Howard (May) Butts, a former librarian at the Salem Library with a passion for education, decided to start a private school in her Salem home because the cutoff date for public school meant that her daughter, Cynthia Butts Kelly, would not start first grade for another year . When she recruited Margaret (Billy) Northcross (later to become Mrs . Ellis) to teach first grade and 19 students, she promised to name the school, “Northcross,” which she determined was much better than “Butts’ Basement .”

In honor of our 70th anniversary, commemorative activities will be part of the following events:

Convocation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 25, 2014Alumni Soccer Game and Party . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 29, 2014Founder’s Week . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan. 28-30, 2015Gala . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb. 7, 2015

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As I watched our most recent graduates, including my own son Andrew, receive their North Cross School diplomas, I felt proud of them, as individuals and as a class, and what they had accomplished. I am certain they will continue to accomplish great things and I am confident their time here at North Cross will continue to impact their lives—in and out of the classroom.

We have a reputation as a fine school; and though we glow with reflections on our past graduates and accomplishments, we are in a continuous pursuit of “excellence.” As fast paced as educational change may be, we have worked hard to remain aware of best practices. Over the past three years, our initiatives in global studies, world language, classroom technology, and literacy have placed us at the forefront of education in the Roanoke Valley. Our partnership with Virginia Tech in the areas of creativity and technology continues to set us apart; and the CrossWalk Program, our program for high ability students with dyslexia, continues to promote a school-wide awareness of learning differences and teaching styles. Next year, our lower school will transition to Singapore Math, a research-based mathematics curriculum that emphasizes mastery learning.

While we have been quick to seize upon a better way of doing things, the biggest change in the past three years has been the gradual increase in the degree of rigor. It is not sexy, nor is it easy to quantify, but the reality is that we have significantly increased what we demand from our students. Our expectations of every student have increased, academically, athletically, and artistically. Our new merit-based Founders’ Scholarships will not only reward and encourage our current students to excellence, they will attract excellent students to North Cross. Combining great students with the rigorous expectations of a talented faculty will continue to distinguish North Cross in our own community and with college admission departments.

This year’s graduating class has taken more AP level coursework than previous classes and has continued our strong record of successful scores on AP exams.cThis past year, North Cross administered 212 AP exams with a senior class of 39 students, an exam to graduate ratio of 5:44. This ratio was sufficient to have placed us third in the Commonwealth of Virginia according to a Washington Post article on school rigor. More than a quarter of our juniors and seniors have been named AP Scholars based upon their AP test scores. We have returned to an earlier practice of writing 12-20 page DeHart Project papers in advance of our traditional senior speech. When our graduates apply to college, they now demonstrate success at the highest academic level, the most crucial factor in gaining admission to the most selective colleges and universities.

While not as obvious, and more difficult to quantify, the degree of rigor in our fine arts program has also increased. Our student art show displayed a depth and breadth of artistic talent not seen in my three years. The number of all-state and all-district band and chorus members far outstrips expectations of a school our size. And, for the first time in my three years, our spring musical was a full length musical with our own orchestra. We continue to find new venues to expose our talent to the greater community.

Athletically, we have a stable coaching staff that demands the very best from our athletes. We recognize that a traditional part of an independent school education is participation in interscholastic athletics; and our 29 teams spread over 12 different sports have met with unprecedented success over the past three years. Two state championships, 27 teams advancing to the state playoffs, and a myriad of state and conference player and coach-of-the-year awards is testimony to the rigor of our athletic program.

Brain-based research has confirmed the existence of multiple learning styles, modern medicine has provided drugs that help us concentrate, and educators tell us to focus on non-cognitive factors to improve achievement. The difficulty in education is not in finding the next great change. The difficulty is in remembering and reinforcing what is essential to a quality independent school education. I believe at North Cross we recognize the promise of new initiatives as well as the need to maintain traditional values such as rigor. There has never been a better time to be at North Cross.

Christian J. Proctor, Ph.D.Headmaster

Christian J. Proctor, Ph.D.

“Next year, our lower school will transition to Singapore Math, a research-based mathematics curriculum that emphasizes mastery learning.”

Message from the Headmaster

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Commencement 2014Our Newest Alumni

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Congratulations to the Class of 2014This fall, graduates are attending the following schools:

Berea College

Christopher Newport University

Davidson College

Dickinson College

Emory and Henry College

Gettysburg College

Hampden-Sydney College

High Point University

James Madison University (2)

Roanoke College (6)

Virginia Tech (4)

Virginia Tech College of Engineering (2)

University of Georgia

University of Tennessee

University of Virginia (10)

University of St . Andrews

Virginia Western Community College

Wofford College

“Being a Global Studies scholar has let me combine the values my parents instilled in me with the program, resulting in a truly phenomenal experience. For those of you who have not done so already, I recommend you look further into the program as it is an opportunity that should not be missed.”Nicole Chaney ’14—Global Studies Scholar

“Be humble about your plans, or your parents’ plans for you. Not only might they not work out, maybe they shouldn’t work out. When things go in ways you never anticipated, don’t view that as wrong or a mistake but as an opportunity. ”Dr. John Waterbury—President Emeritus, The American University of Beirut

“In our future endeavors, I would, however, insist that my classmates rememberwho they truly are and where they came from. After all, it is your beginnings that makeyou the person you are today and continue to form the person you will be in the future.”Urmila Bharathan ’14—Valedictorian, Class of 2014

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2013–14 Year in PicturesRaider Happenings

Fifth grade students are responsible for raising and lowering the flags on campus each day . Mr. Victor Lamas teaches the students the meaning behind each part of the Pledge of Allegiance . Students are then taught how to raise and lower the flags and instructed on proper folding techniques .

Nine athletic contests, Red and White Day, America Day, and an alumni party were part of the numerous festivities during Homecoming and Alumni Reunion Weekend October 11-12, 2013 .

Terry Papillon, Professor of Classics and Director of the University Honors Program at Virginia Tech, initiated the second season of Global Studies speeches with his talk called, “The Best Thing about College Is Leaving: Transformative Education Abroad .”

Ninth grade students took an overnight trip to Wilderness Adventure in New Castle, VA . Students participated in team-building exercises that helped students get to know each other .

This fall, students in the middle and upper schools donated a day of service to 19 local organizations .

North Cross School alums and their children gathered in early October for the annual Legacy Picnic in the courtyard .

Eighth grade students traveled to West Virginia for their river study trip . The students visited a schoolhouse, toured a coal mine, rode a zip-line, and went river rafting on the New River .

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The kindergarten classes study the solar system including the sun, the eight classic planets, and the three dwarf planets . The students learn about NASA, the International Space Station, meteorites, gravity, air, constellations, and space food .

Several seventh grade students spent 15 weeks in the Virginia Tech ICAT program . The program utilized a creative approach to technology that enabled students to find, evaluate, and utilize data in the solution of novel problems . Students were tasked to work independently and develop products that address environmental issues in their home, school, and community .

Students in Mrs. Linda Wright’s fifth grade science class chose a scientist they admire, researched the scientist’s life and contributions to the world of science, and created a presentation .

Fourth and fifth grade students performed a Latin dance at the Roanoke Latino Festival in Elmwood Park .

Students in Mr. Stephen Belderes’ 3-D Printing class visited Virginia Prosthetics and learned how the practitioners and technicians use a 3-D printer to design and fabricate custom prosthetic devices for patients .

Students in Ms. Sandy Patterson’s Life Science class raised trout from eggs to fingerlings . The trout team went to Botetourt County to release the trout into Roaring Run .

Maddie Robinson ’16, Coach Greg Lake, and Matt Doughty ’14 trudged through the snow in February to attend the state championship meet in Manassas, VA . Maddie advanced to the finals in two events and Matt advanced to the finals in one .

Over 35 classes were offered at this year’s Symposium . The sessions gave students a chance to learn about the life of a newspaper reporter, newscasting, self-hypnosis, meteorites, visual communication, and many more topics .

The school community celebrated the holiday season and sang carols with Mr. Andrew Miller at the Second Annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Bonfire .

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Eileen Strulson Retires After 30 years

“I remember the day in January 1984 that I came to North Cross for my interview. I toured the campus and remembered stepping into Shirley Johnson’s art room. It instantly reminded me of my elementary school and I knew that North Cross would be the perfect place to teach.” After 30 years at North Cross Eileen Strulson will retire. “I’m excited. I’ll have more time to spend with my husband, Arnold, and my children and grandchildren. I’m looking forward to reading, my pottery, and spending more time outdoors.”

Mrs. Strulson loves dinosaurs, a passion that grew out of her own experience as a second grader. One of her favorite memories of her time here is teaching her famous “Dinosaur Cha-Cha-Cha” and sharing her love of dinosaurs with her students. “When I began teaching dinosaurs there were about 250 identified. Today there are more than 500. I want my students to love learning and develop a curiosity about many things around them.It’s so rewarding when students come back and ask me if I’m still teaching kids about dinosaurs. Yes, I am; and, yes, it is still fun.”

Mrs. Strulson is thankful that mentors Dave Calvert and Dawn (Lukens) Hollandsworth showed her “the ropes.” “It was, and still is, a community that feels like family and I have built relationships I’ll cherish forever. Dawn helped me see the freedoms I had here to teach what I thought was best for my students and to realize I had autonomy and support

to do things that would produce better experiences for the children here. Dave hired and encouraged me, and reminded me that what I was doing was important.”

“I am so glad my two children, Sam ’95 and Erin ’97, were students here. I got to see them every day, watched them with their friends, and saw them grow each year.” Mrs. Strulson has enjoyed seeing the campus expand, the new buildings, a larger and more positively diverse student body, and air conditioning in the lower school!

We wish Eileen well as she travels with her family, turns the potter’s wheel, listens to her music, and enjoys a wonderful retirement.

Focus on Faculty

ABOVE: Eileen with her family after the annual First Grade Dinosaur Program in May.

“I want my students to love learning and develop a curiosity about many things around them.”

Faculty leaving the community after commencement:Heather Donaho—14 years Who was your mentor during your time at North Cross School? “The person that stands out to me the most when I think about my 27 years in the North Cross family, is former coach, teacher, and athletic director, Donna Satterwhite. Having played volleyball for her, I learned how to be a better coach. To coach the whole athlete, both those with amazing talent and those who are just learning the game. She supported me as a student-athlete, and took me under her wing when I began coaching. Donna gave me the opportunity to take over her legendary volleyball program and chair of the VISAA state volleyball committee. For those opportunities and so much more, I am eternally grateful.”

Wanda Clower—12 yearsWhen you think of your time here, what makes you smile the most? All the hugs, smiles and love you get from the “little ones.”

What will you miss about North Cross? “My fellow teachers I have worked with for many years.”

What is your favorite time of the year in Lower School? “Christmas. The children are so excited and happy!”

What’s going to fill your future days? “I work at the Salem Red Sox during the baseball season. I don’t really have any major future plans, but I plan to just relax, sleep late, and do whatever I want to do.”

Linda Wright—10 yearsYou were both a public school teacher and independent school teacher here at North Cross. Did you see any differences between the two experiences? “The effectiveness of the instruction and education at North Cross is evaluated not only by test scores, but by the students’ development of curiosity about the world in which they live, character and integrity, enthusiasm for learning, and most of all, by the opportunity to explore and nurture the gifts and talents that they have, but of which they may not be aware.”

Laura Allen—2 yearsLiza Conner—1 yearHeidi Tacktil—1 year

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Yearbook Dedication HonoreeAppointed in 1972, Mr. Cook came to North Cross to teach history and start the soccer program. Over 41 years, he has earned the respect of countless students and served as a mentor for numerous faculty members. Former colleague Dave Calvert summed up the impact Mr. Cook has on the community, “No one has given greater service and loyalty to North Cross School than Richard Cook.”

“He keeps up with his students and is interested in their progress years after they leave his classroom.” ~ Liz Holt, Director of the Lower School

Mr. Victor Lamas, fifth grade teacher at North Cross School, was named the 2014 recipient of the Morris Award for Excellence in Teaching at the Founders’ Day ceremony on January 31, 2014.

Now in its fourteenth year, the award recognizes a faculty member who has a minimum of three years teaching experience at North Cross School, expertise in his or her field, the ability to effectively communicate that expertise/knowledge, the desire and commitment to grow professionally, and participation in the greater School community through co-curricular activities. Nominations for the award are made by the faculty, staff, and students at North Cross School.

“He keeps up with his students and is interested in their progress years after they leave his classroom”, says Liz Holt, Assistant

Headmaster and Director of the Lower School. “He is always open for suggestions and is constantly improving his teaching.”

Mr. Lamas has been teaching for seventeen years and just completed his sixteenth year of teaching at North Cross School. In addition to teaching, Mr. Lamas is the Assistant Director of the Lower School, coaches soccer, and is responsible for the oversight of standardized testing. He also recently co-chaired the school’s accreditation committee. As a fifth grade history teacher, one of his most memorable activities each year is the re-enactment of a famous battle in history. His unique hands-on approach, paired with his passion for teaching, won him the 2013 Platinum Award for “Most Inspiring Teacher” in The Roanoker magazine.

The Lawrence Award is funded through the generosity of former North Cross School parents who experienced, through their children, the rewards and benefits of great teachers and teaching. The award is to be used for professional development opportunities

Emily Brown, who teaches ECP Level 3—Kindergarten, has received support for her pursuit of an endorsement as a reading specialist. She will begin her coursework at the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia with the on-line class “Foundations of Reading Instruction.”

Don Webb, Science Department Chair, will receive funding to support a Global Studies trip to Australia this summer. The funds will allow students to participate in a number of the optional programs being offered.

Mr. Victor Lamas Receives the 2014 Morris Award

Lawrence Award Recipients

Focus on Faculty

TOP: Mr. Victor Lamas, second from right above, with his family. BOTTOM: 1998 yearbook, coaching the Boys’ Middle School Soccer team; leading his first group of students onto the battlefield.

Emily Brown

Donald Webb

Richard Cook

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“I’m hopeful that a visit to my studio can show students with learning differences that systems of organization can be learned to help them cope with their gift.” ~ Eric Fitzpatrick

Earlier this year, the school announced the expansion of the CrossWalk Program. This dynamic program, based on the Orton-Gillingham instruction model, began at North Cross in 2012 to assist several lower school students diagnosed with language-based learning differences, such as dyslexia and dysgraphia. With the completion of nearly two years, children enrolled in the North Cross program have clearly benefited from effective teaching by CrossWalk faculty and volunteers. This past year, the Board of Trustees at North Cross School conducted extensive research and discovered a greater need for a program like this in Western Virginia. Board members visited and explored other successful programs in North Carolina before making the decision to expand CrossWalk. The Board believes the CrossWalk Program is an essential part of the School’s core mission, to provide students “the personal and intellectual skills to lead full and meaningful lives.”

The expanded North Cross School program is for students in grades ECP Level 3 (kindergarten) through 5th grade who have

diagnosed language-based learning differences. Orton-Gillingham instruction uses a hands-on, multisensory approach that is tailored to the individual needs of each student. Students in the program spend part of their day in lower school classrooms, and the other part of their day is spent with CrossWalk teachers focused on one-on-one instruction in language and mathematics.

With intense, structured, individualized remediation, these bright students will learn more than just how to read and write. They will learn skills to compensate and self-advocate to be self-confident and successful in school. These students, when properly instructed, will not just reach minimum benchmarks, but will learn to maximize their unique strengths to become successful independent learners.

In April, the current CrossWalk students took a field trip to Eric Fitzpatrick’s art studio. Fitzpatick, a very successful local artist, is dyslexic. When asked if he would be interested in sharing his story with the CrossWalk students, he agreed because he was excited and hopeful that his experience could help others.

The merit-based Founders’ Scholarship program was developed to attract and retain the best and brightest students in the Roanoke Valley and to assist these students in their efforts to attend North Cross School. Applicants should demonstrate excellence in academics, extra-curricular interests, leadership, and community service. The common bond among applicants is their passion and determination to achieve academic success and become future leaders in their communities. Qualified applicants must have and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or greater and excel in one or more extra-curricular activities, demonstrate strong leadership abilities, and be dedicated to serving the community. The following current students were named Founders’ Scholars for 2014-15.

Expanding the CrossWalk Program

Founders’ Scholars Named for 2014-15

Focus on the Future

ABOVE: Eric Fitzpatrick told CrossWalk students how his dyslexia has helped his career as an artist.

Akaela Feng ’19

Everett Ward ’18 Jane Ward ’16

Heba Imam ’18

Tanner Smith ’16Sarah Shaff ’15

F’SP –

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The Parents’ Association would like to say a heartfelt “Thank You!” to our outgoing President, Allison Bloomfield, for her hard work, dedication, hours of time, and good humor over the past two years.

Under Allison’s leadership, the PA has significantly increased its budget through the continued success of the Kroger Cares Card program. With these funds, to date, the PA has been able to contribute gifts and equipment worth over $30,000 to enhance our children’s educational experience and support our faculty. Examples of these include:

• 3D printer for the Upper School • Seated risers for chorus• Holiday Tree Lighting Party

and Bonfire • Contribution to teachers’

holiday cash gifts• 5th grade completion party• 8th grade completion party

• Teacher appreciation lunches• $2,000 cash gifts to each of the

divisions• Students of Color conference

sponsorship• Senior class gift contribution• Lights for the Fishburn Auditorium• New classroom software

This fall, I will assume the role of PA President, and with the incredible volunteers who make up the 30-member board, I feel Allison has left us on the path to a successful future. Allison, we all wish you a relaxing summer and, again, say “thank you” for a job well done! Susan CardIncoming President, Parents’ Association

As a direct result of the hard work of FOTA’s capable and generous volunteers on the greenery sale, the Coffeehouse, the concession (and rose) sales, and the gifts of some very generous sponsors, we met our goal of raising $10,000 for the arts this year. The band is getting some new chairs and instruments, the film class got three new GoPro cameras, and the art rooms will get projectors, supplies and more displays. Additional purchases for the art, music and drama departments will, no doubt, be finalized over the summer.

Special thanks to Susan Thurman, our Treasurer and mother of Blair Thurman ’14, for all of her help in FOTA over the years. We wish you and Blair all the best and we will miss you. Lisa Hooker has graciously agreed to serve as our new Treasurer next year.

Please know that I am open to any of your ideas about FOTA fundraising for next year. I want to address our art, music and drama faculty’s needs and concerns. Therefore, it is important to discuss the timing and nature of our fundraising efforts next year and to coordinate them with Development. Peggy McDonnellPresident, Friends of the Arts

The Boosters Club would like to thank our outgoing President, Beth Doughty, for her untold hours of hard work and leadership on behalf of the student-athletes at North Cross over the past several years.

Over the past year, Beth has spearheaded numerous significant contributions through concessions, gates at events, and other activities, raising nearly $10,000 in funds. Perhaps the most impactful contribution was funding an on-site athletic trainer for all sports events, setting the stage for further development in this critical area. The Boosters Club contribution of $6,000 allowed this to happen in the past year.

Examples of other contributions in 2013-14:• New gas grill for Raider Joe’s • Supplies for Homecoming• Two new basketball cages • New lacrosse uniforms• New swim team warmups• Field marking paint

As we plan for the upcoming school year, a

number of new initiatives are on our agenda, including appointing liasons for each team and hosting local basketball tournaments.

We welcome and need participation and ideas from all members of the North Cross community. Our first meeting of the new school year will be on Tuesday, August 26 at 6 p.m. in Lemon Dining Hall. All are welcome to attend. Scott SmithIncoming President, North Cross Athletic Boosters

Parents’ Association

Friends Of The Arts (FOTA)

Athletic BoostersFrom the Parents’ Association, FOTA, and Boosters

Beth Doughty

Allison Bloomfield

Peggy McDonnell

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Alumni News & Notes

This has been a great year for the North Cross Alumni Association. Our fall had its usual lineup including the Legacy Picnic where all our Alumni with children currently enrolled in the school, gather for a lunch and pictures, and followed by Homecoming, with athletic contests and an alumni party at the Headmaster’s House, to which all alumni, regardless of graduation year, are invited. This year we also dedicated the Wall of Fame in the Carter Athletic Center. The lobby renovation was the final phase in the three-year renovation of the CAC, with the emphasis in the lobby on North Cross athletics. It includes pictures, banners, and trophies from all the State championship teams, and other memorabilia. The hallway has framed pictures of the Conference championship teams. If you haven’t seen these, make it a point to visit the CAC. If you are a North Cross Alum, ask them for a one-day free guest pass to work out. Tell them I sent you!

We now have a more vibrant website, Facebook page (please “Like” us), and beginnings of a Twitter account. All alums should be receiving a weekly copy of “Crossties” electronically; if you’re not, contact Chris Moore ’71 at [email protected] to subscribe.

During Founders’ Week, Dr. Proctor gave a great “State of the School” address about all the school has accomplished in the last three years. A copy of that is on the Headmaster’s page on the school website. The Alumni Association was very involved in supplying seven speakers to Symposium. If you live in or near Roanoke, and would be willing to talk to the Upper School students at Symposium, please contact Brandon LaCroix ’98 at [email protected].

The Board of Trustees approved a new merit scholarship program this year called the Founders’ Scholarship, for high achieving students in grades eight through eleven. The purpose of the Founders’ Scholarship Program is to attract and retain the best and brightest students in the Roanoke Valley and to assist these students in their efforts to attend North Cross School. Applicants must demonstrate excellence in academics, extracurricular interests, leadership, and community service. Although applicants’ interests will vary, the common bond among them is their passion and determination to achieve academic success and become future leaders in their communities. Recipients of these scholarships will have demonstrated the ability and potential to fulfill the vision of the school’s founders.

The Alumni Association felt we should designate a merit scholarship using the same criteria as the Founders’ Scholarship for children or grandchildren of alums. If you would like more information on how you can help these students, please contact Chris Moore, or Amy Jackson, Interim Director of Admission.

Russ Ellett ’84 was selected as the recipient of the 2014 North Cross Alumni Service Award. Russ has been active in the Alumni Association and the Board of Trustees, serving as Chairman of the Audit and Institutional Advancement committees. He has served as Secretary of the Board and was recently elected to serve as Chairman of the Board. He and his wife, Heather ’88, have been ardent supporters and advocates for the school. Their daughters, Lucy Paige ’26 and Katherine ’29, attend North Cross.

We are also very proud to announce a new award, the Distinguished Alumnus(a) Award, which recognizes an alumnus or alumna who has made distinguished and outstanding contributions to his or her profession or field of interest and has brought benefit to the community or humanity and honor to North Cross while embodying the values and spirit of the school. We hope to present our first award at Founders’ Day in January of 2015.

Please become active members, join us at parties, keep us apprised of important events in your lives, and support the school with a gift to the Annual Fund.

Thanks for your support,

J. Tyler Pugh, Jr. ‘93Alumni Association President ’13–14

Message from the Alumni Association President

J. Tyler Pugh, Jr ’93

“The Alumni Association felt we should designate a merit scholarship using the same criteria as the Founders’ Scholarship for children or grandchildren of alums.”

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Alumni News & Notes

Class NotesTrevor Ruble ’87 is a sixth-grade English teacher. He was one of three teachers to be given the Red Apple Award.

Katherine Laughon Grantz ’91 was married to Brad Grantz on October 19, 2013.

John Logan ’93 and Elizabeth Logan just had a third child. They reside in New York City.

Catherine Bradshaw, M. Ed., Ph.D. ’93 is a Professor and Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development at the Curry School of Education at University of Virginia.

William Dichtel ’96 has been promoted to Associate Professor with indefinite tenure in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University. His research breakthroughs are reverberating through organic chemistry and materials science, and this work has earned Dichtel the Fresenius Award, sponsored by Phi Lambda Upsilon, the National Chemistry Honor Society.

Jenn Vermillion ’96 ran the Blue Ridge Half Marathon and is moving to Boston for a new job.

Andy Harrison ’96 is a baseball coach for Collegiate School in Richmond.

Whitney Watson Nicholas ’98 and Daniel Nicholas ’98 welcomed a new baby.

Trent Johnson ’98 was married in June of 2014.

Brandon LaCroix ’98 married Caroline Ellison (below) on May 31, 2014.

In October, Tom Ashton ’98 and Lindsay Ashton welcomed their son, Kyle Benjamin Ashton, who was born in Richmond, VA. Tom is currently an attorney with the Solomon Law Group in Winchester, VA.

Jamie Greenawalt ’99 is living in D.C. and working at the World Bank in the South Asia Region on Food and Nutrition Security initiatives, and more specifically helping rural women access training and resources to start their own businesses. She is also involved in the Junior League of Washington and a volunteer for Bright Beginnings which helps provide assistance to homeless children via literacy.

Kelly Dyer Keller ’01 runs a boat charter company in the Caribbean.

Andreas Wokutch ’02 married Seema Sheth of Louisville, KY on August 10, 2013. They reside in Irvine, CA.

Mike Corswandt ’02 is engaged to Caroline Gough and will be married October, 2014

Page Johnson ’03 has earned her Masters in Scientific and Technical Writing and Editing and will be attending Oxford University in England to pursue a Masters in Biodiversity and Conservation Management.

Grace Ann Hamlin (right) was born April 16, 2014. She is the daughter of Leigh Ann and Jack Hamlin ’03.

Jack Hamlin ’03 started Hamlin Builders, LLC a new residential construction firm serving the Roanoke Valley and surrounding areas.

Allison Stover Vagts ’03 will be a second grade teacher at North Cross for the upcoming 2014-15 school year.

Katey Houck ’05 got engaged to Ryan McBurney in June.

Ben Hoyt ’06 married Kathryn Conrad (above) on June 14, 2014.

Homecoming Weekend and Fall Festival Join us October 3-4, 2014 for a fun-filled family oriented weekend of athletic contests, games, and entertainment for the family . The afternoon kicks off with slides, a bounce house, face painting, games, and activities for the kids .

Friday October 3rd3 p .m .: Varsity Football game, North Cross School vs . St . Anne’s-Belfield5 p .m .: JV Volleyball match, North Cross School vs . Timberlake Christian6:15 p .m .: Varsity Volleyball match, North Cross School vs . Timberlake Christian

Saturday October 4th2 p .m .: Varsity Soccer game, North Cross School vs . Grace ChristianVarsity Field Hockey game, opponent and time to be determined .

There will not be an Alumni party that Saturday night, it has been moved to Thanksgiving weekend, on November 29, along with the Alumni soccer game . Make plans to attend, everyone is welcome!

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Alumni News & Notes

Ainsley Cooper ’05 and James Revercomb ’06 were married (above) on October 12, 2013. The following groomsmen and bridesmaids from North Cross were in attendance: Joe Revercomb ’07, Will Cooper ’01, Katey Houck ’05, Kate Beedie ’05, David Callis ’06, Anna Cooper ’14, Max Revercomb ’15, Wes Revercomb ’07, Holly Bucher ’05, and Gray Hamlin ’06.

Gray Hamlin ’06 and Holly Bucher ’05 are engaged. They will be married in November, 2014.

Stephanie Crawford ’08 (below) is biking 4,295 miles across the country in the “Bike the US for MS” ride.

Washington & Lee sophomore Rachel Wright ‘12 was named to the All-ODAC women’s golf team in May.

ObituariesBenjamin Parrott Bullington ‘73 Ben Bullington, 58, a doctor and country singer-songwriter whose work drew a passionate following from the small towns of Montana to the music halls of Nashville, died on November 18, 2013, from pancreatic cancer at the Livingston, MT, home of his manager and close friend, Joanne Gardner, surrounded by his sons,

Samuel, Joseph, and Ben, and his daughter-in-law Lorinda. He spent his last days in a room awash in items that reflected a keen and complex mind. Among them: his beloved 1929 Martin guitar, a blizzard of to-do lists (“lift-tickets for the boys”), concert posters, atlases, works by Robert Frost and the Sufi poet, Hafiz, and The Complete Calvin and Hobbes. Ben’s siblings are Andy Bullington ’69, Mary Bullington ’71, Elizabeth “Bibba” Carlton ’77 , and Carter Bullington ’80.

Kevin Barnard ’84 Kevin Osborne Barnard, 47, of Roanoke, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2014 after a valiant battle with cancer. Kevin was a graduate of North Cross High School where he made life-long friends. He graduated cum laude with a B.A. degree from Davidson College in 1988 and successfully completed one year of medical school at the Medical College of Virginia before deciding to pursue a career in law. He received his J.D. from the T.C. Williams School of Law. In 2003, Kevin returned to his native Roanoke to join the firm of Frith Anderson and Peake PC. Kevin was known for his keen intellect, precise analytical skills and persuasive written and oral advocacy. While a tenacious advocate for his clients, he never lost his calm demeanor or professionalism which earned him the immense respect and admiration of his peers, his clients, and the tribunals before whom he appeared. He was a loving husband to Doly and a devoted father to Cole and Spencer. He is also survived by his brother, John Barnard, Jr. ’84 and his wife Heather, sister, Brooke Barnard ’87, sister, Meg Barnard Clemens ’90, and her husband Chris, his grandmother Louise Osborne, nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, and loyal friends.

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Russ Ellett ’84 Earns 2014 Alumni Service Award

At the 51st commencement ceremony, Sarah Boxley Beck ’98 (left) awarded Russ Ellett ’84 (right) the 2014 Alumni Service Award . The Alumni Service Award is presented annually to one outstanding alumnus/a who has made significant contributions to his/her community . Nominees should meet the following criteria:

1 . The candidate must have graduated from or attended North Cross School and must continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to the school and its ideals .

2 . The candidate must be someone other than an alumnus/a currently serving on the North Cross School Alumni Association Board .

3 . The candidate should be a responsible citizen who generously contributes time and/or resources and who continues to be involved with North Cross School and/or with his/her community .

Russ was recognized for his service to the North Cross community as well as his contributions to the Roanoke Valley . Russ told the audience that “I benefited in countless ways from a talented and dedicated faculty that came to work every day to help me and my classmates learn, succeed, and become good members of society . The teachers, coaches, and school staff were not in it for money or for glory . They were in it for us—the students . The same is true today .”

Past Recipients2013 Katherine Watts ’67

2012 Allen B . Whittle ’91

2011 Joseph D . Logan III SA ‘49

2010 Stephen W . Lemon ‘80

2009 Linda A . Valleroy ’68

2008 David B . Trinkle ’79

2007 Anne Lee Stevens SA

2006 G . Andrew Kegley, Jr ’77

2005 T . Christopher Moore ’71

2004 Kathryn Krisch Oelschlager ’69

2003 Deb Bennett Haggerty ’76

2002 David D . H . Willis, Sr ’77

2001 J . Randolph Garrett III ’65

2000 T . Garrick Steele ’71

1999 Rossie Carter Hutcheson ’73

Alumni News & Notes

Distinguished Alumnus(a) AwardIn April, the North Cross Alumni Association unanimously agreed to create a new award, the Distinguished Alumnus(a) Award. The award recognizes an alumnus or alumna who has made distinguished and outstanding contributions to his or her profession or field of interest and has brought benefit to the community or humanity and honor to North Cross while embodying the values and spirit of the school. The recipient must agree to attend the presentation of the award.

Linda Steele and Betsy Boggs Freund, co-chairs of the North Cross School Alumni Awards Committee, remarked, “Every year when we solicit nominations for the Alumni Service Award, we receive recommendations for outstanding alumni who have made incredible impacts in their professions or in other ways on the world around them. Such alumni may no longer be physically tied to the Roanoke-area community, and therefore may be less likely to meet selection criteria for the Alumni Service Award based upon service to the school. However, we want to recognize and honor those individuals who have made significant achievements, with whom we share a common thread as alumni of North Cross School. We hope fellow graduates and other alumni agree that these honored alumni have enhanced the value of a North Cross School diploma for everyone.”

To make a nomination for the Distinguished Alumnus(a) Award, visit www.northcross.org and go to the “Alumni” tab, look for “Award Nominations”. Deadline for submissions is August 8, 2014. The award will be made during Founders’ Week, January 28-30th.

North Cross School is an independent, coeducational, college-preparatory day school that serves children from early childhood through twelfth grade. In all of its programs, North Cross School strives to promote in its students: scholarship and a love of learning; character and a sense of personal integrity and responsibility; and a commitment to the good of the community and all within it. Although we prepare our students to enter the finest colleges and universities in the country, we understand that such preparation is of greatest use when it provides for our students the personal and intellectual skills to lead full and meaningful lives. In all things, North Cross School endeavors to be true to its motto: Veritas Vincit — The Truth Will Triumph.

4254 Colonial AvenueRoanoke, VA 24018

www.northcross.org

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Documents

AllPoints Summer2014