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w w w . G R e e N S b O R O D A y . O R G Inside: Conceptual Images of our New Middle School
CHeeRS to 40 years
S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 Volume 22
& the Class of 2010
Grandparents’
&
Special Friends’
Day
APRIL 30, 2010
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CONTeNTST H E Y E A R I N R E V I E W . . .
HeAD’S CORNeR Inside Front Cover
AROUND CAmPUS 26
ANNUAL FUND 17
ALUmNI NewS 52
CLASS NOTeS 55
D E P A R T M E N T S
12 Class of 2010 College Admissions
13 Class of 2010 Intended matriculation
14 Seniors earn merit Scholarships
16 Senior Awards
32 Lower School Closing
33 middle School Closing & Awards
36 Head’s List (Grades 7-12)
37 Honor Roll (Grades 7-12)
38 Grades 9-11 Academic Awards
39 In a Student’s words
47 Parents’ Association yearly Report
F E A T U R E S
18 middle School Designs: A Visionary Environment
34 The Connection between Diversity & Sustainability
40 CHeeRS TO 40 yeARS!
HeAD’S CORNeROur Commencement exercises on June 11 reminded me that Greensboro Day has now graduated over 2,000 young men and women. In that group we have graduated Morehead-Cain, Kenan and Benjamin Duke Scholars; our graduates have made great impressions at Stanford, Brown, Columbia, and the US Naval Academy; and, our alumni are doctors, legislators, economists, newscasters, Peace Corps workers, teachers, and ministers (page 59). This is only a mere sampling of the distinctions Greensboro Day School students have earned in our 40 year history.
This year’s graduates are already making their mark: 32 of our 87 seniors have weighted GPAs of 96 to 103, the class averages an SAT score of 1291, they were accepted at over 100 colleges, and they have earned college merit scholarships of over $3,000,000 (pages 12-16). Our upcoming classes are showing equal promise and ability both in the classroom (pages 36-38) and in the community (page 30).
Where does all this ability begin to develop? Certainly, our students enter our school with a desire to learn, but desire is not always enough without teachers, coaches and a staff who are ready to help them. Gracie Tewkesbury entered Greensboro Day as a kindergarten student in 1997 and graduated this year. Here is what she had to say about her GDS experience.
“I have friends that I’ve known for 13 years, my 1st grade teacher still remembers my name and says ‘hi’ to me in the hallways, and I’m always surrounded by familiar people I know I can trust. I also believe my education has truly been continuous, and the things I learned throughout Lower and Middle School are still relevant. I might never have known how much I loved French if I hadn’t been taking it in kindergarten, and my success in challenging math courses started with Mrs. Teague in 2nd grade,” – Gracie Tewkesbury ’10
Not all of our outstanding graduates began in our kindergarten program, but having the full K-12 experience at GDS provides a very enriching experience and strong background for success. There was no better evidence of this than at our 40th anniversary celebration in April. What an incredible celebration for everyone who has been touched in meaningful ways by Greensboro Day School. It was a pleasure to meet and speak with so many of the 750 or so people at the event (page 40) and realize that we have produced some of the finest and most engaging young people to be found across our country and in far regions of the world.
As Greensboro Day School continues to produce academic and community leaders, we are in need of ensuring that our physical plant is keeping pace with our educational program. In order to do so, the Board is continuing the Quiet Phase of our capital campaign, and, this fall, construction will begin on replacing our deteriorating tennis courts. Their new location will pave the way for our first priority in capital development, a new Middle School (page 18).
In addition to capital fund raising, our Annual Fund Campaign continues to be critical in the ongoing development and success of our school. Tuition at GDS, as with most all independent schools and colleges, only covers 92% of the cost of educating each student. Charitable donations, primarily from the Annual Fund, as well as earnings from investments, cover the crucial difference in operating funds for educational programs, financial assistance and our ability to offer competitive faculty salaries to attract and retain the best teachers (page 17 & 46).
Greensboro Day has been, is now, and will continue to be, the premier TK-12 independent day school in the Triad. We are well-positioned to continue providing the academics and nurturing our students need to become “…constructive contributors to the world.” Thank you for your ongoing support of our School now and in the future.
All the best,
Mark C. HaleHead of School
Volume 22 • Summer 2010
On the cover: Conceptual rendering of our new Middle School.
miSSion Statement:Greensboro Day School develops the intellectual, ethical, and interpersonal foundations students need to become constructive contributors to the world.
Guiding PrinciplesWe commit to provide our students:• challenging and inspiring academic programs that support students in achieving their potential in college and life• a socially and economically diverse community that honors and nurtures relationships among students, faculty, and community• exceptional extra-curricular opportunities that enrich the educational experience• global perspectives that cultivate respect for others and promote stewardship of the environment - Adopted by the Board of Trustees, April 7, 2009
Greensboro Day School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, disability (to the extent that reasonable accommodations are possible), or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, or any other programs administered by the school.
Mark C. Hale, Head of [email protected]
Stacy Calfo, Editor/[email protected]
Greensboro Day School5401 Lawndale Drive Greensboro, NC 27455336.288.8590 Fax 336.282.2905www.greensboroday.org
GDS Magazine is published two times a year. Third class postage paid at Greensboro, N.C. If you would like to add others to our mailing list, please contact Nancy Roberts at 336.288.8590, ext. 230.
Anne HurdDirector of Advancement
Terri JacksonDirector of Annual and Corporate Giving
Kathy Davis Director of Alumni Relations
Stacy CalfoDirector of Communications and Marketing
Leigh MunseyAdvancement Services - Data Management
Nancy RobertsAdvancement Services - Gift Processing and Reporting
Sandra Hughes Addresses Class of 2010Veteran broadcaster Sandra Hughes addressed the Class of 2010 during their commencment exercises in June.
Hughes urged the graduates to choose a path for the future that will help them become community leaders. “I encourage you to start as soon as possible helping others,” she said. “Your talents and skills will be essential in helping our community and the world.”
She challenged them to do three things: Go out and help someone. Just helping one person for 1. one hour a week will make a difference. Be a part of what make our world a better place. 2. Share your wonderful gifts with others, no matter how 3. small you think your gifts are.
She also asked them to always keep learning. “Strive to learn at least one new thing everyday,” she said. “And, don’t forget to laugh, it keeps your spirit young.”
Finally, she asked that the seniors not let the joy of graduation day leave their soul. “Always remember what you have accomplished and continue to live your life at the level you have earned and deserved.
“Set your sights on your dreams and go for the gold,” she exclaimed. “Don’t ever let anyone tell you ‘no you can’t, because yes you can.”
She started her career with WFMY News 2 in 1972 as a general assignment reporter. Since 1990, she has been a mainstay on the WFMY evening news. In 2009, she announced her plans to retire by the end of 2010. She is an endowed professor of mass communications at NC A&T University and parent to Allan Hughes, GDS class of 1993.
Sandra Hughes
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Campus News
school’s Cum Laude Society, she served on the Honor Board, was active in school clubs, charities and the arts. She earned merit awards at several of the nation’s most prestigious institutes, including the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and Boston University. She will attend Chapel Hill in the fall as their Kenan Music Scholarship winner. Outside of GDS, she is active in community theatre, helps lead the choir at her temple, she volunteers at six different local nonprofit organizations and leads religious services at the Abbotswood Retirement Home.
Third grade assistant teacher Sandi Scragg was honored with the 2010 Carla D. Dowler Tradition of Caring Award. Those who nominated her for this award praised her willingness to offer suggestions, help when extra hands are needed, provide a warm hug or a kind word to those in need, and motivates students to embrace community service and to make real differences in the lives of others. The Dowler Award recipient may be a teacher, parent, or other adult member of the Lower School community who reflects an approach to learning and life which values kindness and sensitivity to others and an abiding respect for teaching children.
Andrew Magod ’11 is the 2010 recipient of the John F. Johnson Scholar-Athlete Award. The award is given to a rising senior who exemplifies the best combination of outstanding sportsmanship through involvement in the GDS athletic programs, and consistently excellent scholarship in the classroom. Magod carries a weighted GPA of 93, while taking a course-load that includes four advanced and two AP courses. Athletically, he has represented Greensboro Day School with distinction in varsity basketball, soccer and lacrosse.
This year’s recipients of the Lenwood Edwards Award are juniors Dianne Uwayo and Joel Teah. Teah has maintained a 91 weighted GPA and he has been a leader on our soccer program for the past two years. Uwayo carries a weighted GPA of 97 and has played on the varsity tennis and lacrosse teams, is a member of our Admissions Ambassadors, Model UN, Amnesty International, the Diversity Club and Prom Committee. She also participates in Youth Leadership Greensboro, where she served as the Diversity & Tolerance Committee Chair.
Sandi Scragg
Andrew Magod ’11
Juniors Dianne Uwayo and Joel Teah
Campus News
Students andFaculty Standoutat End-of-Year Ceremonies Every year, Greensboro Day School honors a select number of faculty and students whose achievements during the school year are extraordinary. To follow are the recipients of these prestigious awards:
Anna Dorsett ’11 was presented with the Kimberly Susan Bates ’84 Memorial Merit Scholarship during Upper School closing. She was selected to receive this honor, which includes full tuition for her senior year, by the Upper School faculty. Dorsett maintains a weighted grade-point-average of 97, and holds membership in the National Honor and Cum Laude Societies.
Dorsett is an active participant in the GDS theatre department. She is a member of Mixed Review and has been recognized with awards for Best Dancer, Best Leading Actress, and as Outstanding Volunteer in our Lower School Drama Program. She is also a member of the School’s swim team, has been an Admissions Ambassador, a member of our Envirothon Team, Club Uganda, Atticus Club, and served as secretary for Student Council for two years, and most recently represented the student body as vice president.
She co-founded and has been co-president of the Mathletes Club and EAST Club, attended the NAIS Student Diversity and Leadership Conference, attended the International Student Leadership Summit in New Delhi, India, and served on our Honor Code and the Upper School Counselor Selection Committees. She has also volunteered with Relay for Life and at the Loyalton Retirement Center.
This award is funded annually by Louis and Joan Bates, parents of the late Kimberly Susan Bates ’84, and the endowment fund established in her memory at GDS. The only full merit scholarship offered at GDS, it is presented annually to the member of the rising senior class who strives for academic excellence and for excellence in all other areas of life; values the learning experience; is active in community outreach and service, clubs and organizations, athletics, arts and leadership, displays those values characteristic of our Honor Code; values cultural differences and global education.
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Upper School math teacher Kathy Davis was named the recipient of the 2010 James P. Hendix, Jr. Excellence in Teaching Award. As a member of the GDS faculty for over 35 years, Davis was applauded for using positive reinforcement to address students’ challenges in a way that supports self-esteem and shows respect for young adults. Her humor and her individual interest in students help them realize that she is personally and emotionally invested in each of them. When not in the math classroom, Davis spends her time as Director of Alumni Relations to maintain her close connection to current and former students.
Kelly Carty ’10 was announced as this year’s Founders’ Award recipient. She was chosen as the senior who best exemplified the characteristics of scholarship, sportsmanship and leadership. Carty made the Head’s List all eight semesters and was inducted into the National Honor and Cum Laude Societies. She carried an unweighted GPA of 98 in a schedule that included six advanced and eight AP courses. She was also a Commended National Merit Scholar, and attended the Governor’s School. Athletically, she was a member of the varsity volleyball and basketball teams. She was vice president of the Environmental Club and National Honor Society, president of the GDS Amnesty International Chapter; and and Honor Code Board Member. In the community, she volunteers at Moses Cone Hospital, Greensboro Beautiful, the Greensboro Historical Museum, Reading Connections, and she tutors middle school students.
The Middle School Student Council was selected as the 2010 recipients of the Edward G. Dickinson Award for Environmental Leadership and Responsibility. Led by Alexa Schlein ’14, the Middle School student council transformed their division into a haven for environmental activism and consciousness-raising this year. Their efforts helped the Middle School lead the entire campus to a second consecutive regional victory in the 2010 Green Cup Challenge.While the entire campus reduced its electricity use by 7%, the Middle School cut back a remarkable 16.6% for the four-week challenge.
Senior Emily Siar is the recipient of the Maureen B. Gerhardt Award. This award is made in memory of Maureen Gerhardt, GDS parent and trustee, and given to a member of the Upper School who best exemplifies the values of honor, personal integrity, responsible citizenship and service to the community. Siar was commended for her ability to learn the most from her life experiences. At GDS, she was a top scholar, a member of the
Kathy Davis
Kelly Carty ’10
Emily Siar ’10
Tony Bates ’85, Lyn Dorsett, Anna Dorsett ’11, and Joan Bates
Siar AwardedKenan Scholarship Senior Emily Siar has been awarded the Kenan Music Scholarship at UNC Chapel Hill. Over 160 instrumental and vocal students auditioned for the award. Eighteen were chosen as semi-finalists. Eight qualified as finalists. Following a weekend of auditions, only four of the finalists were awarded scholarships.
The Kenan Music Scholarship includes four years of tuition, room and board, books, and all other expenses. It also pays for up to a year-long foreign exchange study in music, summer study and a $6,000 stipend to be used to study in a music program plus full reimbursement for all audition and traveling costs for graduate applications for study in music.
Congressional ArtistsSenior Meredith McGee’s “Fuse” received Judge’s Special Merit recognition at the Congressional Art Contest. Beth Niegelsky ’10, Katie Schneider ’10 and Megan Wright ’11 received Honorable Mentions for their submissions. These students were honored at a reception with Congressman Brad Miller in May.
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Campus NewsCampus News
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Goodman Named LS Director Gillian Goodman has been appointed Greensboro Day School’s Lower School Division Director beginning July 1, 2010.
Goodman’s appointment follows a year-long search conducted by the Lower School Search Committee, which was made up of teachers, administrators and parents. The Search Committee reviewed over 150 applications, interviewing 35 candidates and welcoming eight to the GDS campus. Throughout the process, Committee members carefully weighed the merits of each candidate and took into account all of the feedback they received.
The Committee’s unanimous and enthusiastic recommendation of Goodman was based on her proven dedication to the school, leadership skills, knowledge of GDS, a background in business, active involvement in the Greensboro community, a commitment to differentiated instruction and her passion for educating young minds for the challenges of the 21st century.
Goodman has been a 4th grade teacher at GDS for the past six years. During her tenure, she has served on the leadership team of the Lower School, served as a grade level chair, participated on the 21st Century Learning Committee, chaired the Lower School Project Based Learning Team and this year, was chosen to take on the leadership of the school-wide Improvement of Instruction Committee.
Goodman holds masters degrees in Business Administration and Elementary Education as well as a B.A. in Psychology. She has earned National Board Certification as a teacher. She serves as Vice-Chair on the UNCG School of Education Advisory Board, and through her work at UNCG, was recently nominated to become a master teacher in residence for the Guilford County School system.
Before coming to GDS, she worked for six years in the Guilford County School system as an upper elementary teacher. Before that, she worked as a consultant in providing training classes for various businesses after leaving AT&T where she led a 25-person team as a department manager. She has been active in the Greensboro community, serving on the Board of the Junior League as well as on the Board of Temple Emanuel. She is also a 7th and 8th grade religious school teacher at Temple Emanuel.
medoffNamed Duke Scholar Senior Carmi Medoff has been selected to receive a Benjamin N. Duke Memorial Scholarship at Duke University. The B.N. Duke Scholarship is inclusive of the full cost of tuition, mandatory fees (student health, student recreation, and student government/Duke union fees), as well as room and board for eight semesters at Duke. The scholarship also provides funding for two summer experiences, one within the Carolinas and one abroad.
browning Named Top VolunteerThis is the 4th year that the Parents’ Association has presented the “Making the Difference” Award. Any parent volunteer, except for the elected officers of the PA Board, is eligible to be nominated for their exemplary service to our GDS community. This award, though it is given to just one person each year, represents the history of strong parent commitment to the Greensboro Day Community.
“Kim Browning is one of those wonderful volunteers that you know once you have passed her a responsibility, you can trust that it will be done and done well. In fact, she will most likely do it better than you could ever dream of doing it yourself,” said Jennifer Smith Adams ’86, PA President.
Browning has been one of the US Hospitality chairs for the last three years. During her second year, she also co-chaired the Innisbrook Gift Wrap Sale, and during all these years she has supported the wrestling team, served on the Booster’s Steering Committee, and worked concessions at sporting events and at Game Day Grill.
She has generously shared her time and resources with our community and this year, as well as last, her efforts have been noticed and highly praised by all those that have nominated her for this award.
Carmi Medoff ’10
Kim Browning
Siar sang at Convocation.Gillian Goodman
Several Greensboro Day School students excelled on the National Latin Exam in March. There are four levels of recognition on the exam: Cum Laude (2-3 correct answers above the national average), Magna Cum Laude (4 correct answers above the national average), Maxima Cum Laude - the Silver Medal Award (7-8 correct answers above the national average) and the Summa Cum Laude Award (Gold Medal) (9-10 correct answers above the national average). This is the first time in seven years GDS has had a student earn GOLD Summa Cum Laude: Matthew Aronson ’11.
Those students who were recognized include:
7th grade: Tyler Williams, Charles Mayer, Peter Bearse, Nicholas Duehring, Delaney Dalldorf, Zoe Rosen and Lucy Dunham, certificates of merit
Latin I: George Russell ’11, Silver Maxima Cum Laude, Matthew Melhem ’14, Magna Cum Laude, and Marissa Reid ’13, Magna Cum Laude
Latin II: Lauren Freedman ’10, Magna Cum Laude, and Lauren Watson ’12, Magna Cum Laude
Latin III: Diana Nguyen ’11, silver Maxima Cum Laude, Kyu Won Chung ’10, Silver Maxima Cum Laude, Carmen Lawrence ’10, Magna Cum Laude, Hayden Nault ’12, Magna Cum Laude, and Stephanie Hemphill ’12, Cum Laude
Latin IV Poetry (AP): Matthew Aronson ’11, GOLD Summa Cum Laude, Peter Han ’11, Silver Maxima Cum Laude, Beren Patel ’11, Magna Cum Laude, and Baxter Sapp ’10, Cum Laude
The exam assesses a student’s general knowledge of vocabulary, English derivatives, grammar, culture, Roman history and the ability to read passages at sight.
40 Years of Fun in One NightGDS’ 40th year celebration on April 24 drew over 800 responses and marked the largest-ever gathering of faculty, friends, parents and alumni in one location.
Those attending traveled from as far away as China, Montana, New York, Boston, Michigan, Los Angeles, and Denver to celebrate. The doors were open to everyone at no charge and a vast majority
of the expenses were covered through underwriters, making it both one of GDS’ most successful events and least costly in the history of the school. For pictures from the event, please see page 40.
Students Test Well on National Exam
FUSE, by Meredith McGee Beth Niegelsky
Katie Schneider Megan Wright
Memorabilia was on display at the event.
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Campus News
GDS Captures 2nd Green Cup TitleGreensboro Day School captured its division in the Green Cup Challenge for the second year in a row. During the month-long competition, January 15 through February 22, GDS reduced its electricity consumption by 7.0% to lead the efforts of other Green Cup Challenge schools in the Carolinas Region.
The Green Cup Challenge is a student-led competition that includes 161 schools from 10 regions across the United States and Canada. Collectively the schools in the 2010 Challenge kept 1,680,000 pounds of CO2 greenhouse gasses out of the atmosphere. A similar positive impact on the environment could be achieved by taking 162 cars off the road for a year or replacing 30,599 incandescent light bulbs with CFL bulbs.
Greensboro Day School’s contribution to the collective effort measured 14,087 pounds of CO2. Equivalent impacts on the environment could be attained by diverting 2.5 tons of trash from the landfill to recycling or nurturing 194 tree seedlings for 10 years.
The Upper School Environment Club, led by president Emma Park ’10 and vice-president Kelly Carty ’10, worked to expand the influence of the Green Cup Challenge beyond the GDS community this year by hosting a kick-off conference and workshop for other Carolinas region schools in January. After hosting a period-long presentation to kick off the GCC for Upper School students at GDS, Park was pleased to note that encouraging small actions, such as turning off lights and unplugging appliances, will always make a difference.
Eighth-grader Alexa Schleien led an inspired effort in the Middle School as the student council plastered the MS building with posters and Green Cup Challenge reminders. “Wear Green Wednesdays,” also kept the GCC visible and present in the Middle School during February.
Reduction percentages are determined by comparing a school’s electricity use to a baseline amount, which is calculated by averaging electricity consumption over the past three years. Because of GDS’s reduction of 20% in the 2009 Green Cup Challenge, the task of achieving measurable results in 2010 was more difficult.
As GDS Sustainability Coordinator Gareth Griffith notes, “the challenge should become more difficult each year. If we truly examine and change how we use our energy resources, then we will force ourselves to innovate and find a new way to live comfortably and in harmony with the natural world. The beauty of the Green Cup Challenge is that as students lead us forward, they realize that through their vision, hard work, and commitment, they have the power to change the world for the better.”
Thespians HonoredGreensboro Day School held its annual Musical and Drama Awards on May 6. The ceremony was complemented by the music of Stephen Schwartz performed by the Upper School Cabaret class.
The evening showcased those students in the Middle and Upper Schools whose commitment and dedication to the school’s theatre department is extraordinary. This year’s honorees are:
Middle School Awards:Best Actress - Kit McGinley ’14Best Actor - Grayson Thompson ’14Best Male Vocalist - Charles Mayer ’15Best Female Vocalist - Karson Bankhead ’14Best Supporting Actor - Marshall Macheledt ’14Best Supporting Actress - Annalise Graves ’15Director’s Award - Caroline Attayek ’15Spotlight Award - William Armstrong ’14Crew Leadership - Natalie Curry ’14Crew Spirit - Rachel Hayes ’14Junior Thespian - Ellie Dougherty ’14
Upper School Awards:Thespian Award - Sarah Cassell ’10Best Actor-Drama - Andrew Edwards ’10Best Actress-Drama - Allie Glenn ’11Best Supporting Actor-Drama - Max Roehrig ’10Best Supporting Actress-Drama - Carmen Lawrence ’10Best Actor- Musical -Jordan Rogers ’10Best Actress-Musical - Anna Dorsett ’11Best Supporting Actor-Musical - William Morris ’10Best Supporting Actress-Musical - Taylore Woods ’10Spotlight Award - Cameron Lemley ’12Crew Leadership - Simran Mann ’11Crew Participation - Matt Kusiak ’10Crew Spirit - Taylor Curry ’12“Above and Beyond” Crew Award - Moises Diaz ’12
12 Invited for Merit ProgramTwelve rising seniors have been invited to participate in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program. Kathryn Brassfield, Shaun Deveshwar, Niklas Gahm, Chase Graham, Ian Jackson, Kris Li, William Montgomery, Alex Procton, Jake Pulitzer, Sophia Schermerhorn, Griffin Smith and Nathan Vercaermert all scored in the top 2% of juniors nationwide on the PSATs, and they will now be eligible for National Merit Scholarships.
Campus News
Six Faculty Chosen for NASA ProgramSix faculty members have been accepted for the NASA Reduced Gravity Education Flight Week program. They will travel to Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, TX July 29-August 7, 2010 to participate in the Flight Week. Those who were chosen are Jeff Regester, Chris Bernhardt, Tim Martin, Melinda Graham, Jason Cheek and Eric Shilling (alternate).
The group will explore the interplay between kinetic energy and elastic potential energy, for two masses on the end of a spring as the spring rotates in simulated zero gravity. They are calling this experiment “Hooke’s Law Orbital Motion.” Along the way they will be using some skills and concepts learned in math class, such as graphing in cartesian and polar coordinates and trigonometric functions.
The NASA Reduced Gravity Education Flight Week program is offered in conjunction with Oklahoma State University’s Teaching From Space Program and the National Science Teachers Association. NASA reduced gravity flight experiences offer educators the opportunity to successfully propose, design, and fabricate a reduced gravity investigation of their choice with their students, fly the experiment, conduct research in a microgravity environment, and evaluate the investigation. Educators then share their findings with their students (who are not permitted to fly) and emulate the nature of inquiry to the larger education arena via a community experience of learning and future flight participants. The program offers educators the opportunity to participate in first class immersive inquiry learning experiences and to engage, educate, and inspire their students in the STEM disciplines using NASA unique content and resources. In-flight and post-flight video activities allow educators enhanced opportunities to share their experience with students.
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Parents’ Association FundsSix TeeF Projects The Teacher Enrichment Endowment Fund (TEEF) began in 1982 with a $30,000 grant from the Parents’ Association. Each subsequent year the Parents’ Association contributes 10% of the proceeds from their fundraising activities to this endowment. Since its beginning, the PA has provided 204 grants totaling over $188,000. This endowment is exceedingly important to our parents as it represents commitment to our faculty and to maintaining a community of dynamic, engaged, life-long learners at Greensboro Day School.
This year the PA awarded $10,660 to six projects;
Maude Caudle (LS Technology Specialist) and Rose Marie Cook (LS Science Specialist) will attend International Society for Technology in Education conference in Denver to gain new skills for 21st century project-based learning focusing on digital tools and expanded distance and online learning opportunities.
Cindy Rayburn (4th grade Geology unit teacher) will be studying the longest continuously erupting volcano in the world. She will visit Volcano National Park in Hawaii, geologists at Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Pua Loa Petroglyphs, and take the Thurston Lava tube hike.
Crissy Anderson (LS Reading & Learning Specialist) and Michele Bostian (LS counselor) will attend the learning and brain conference in Washington, DC. to study the link between the brain’s attention networks, motivation, memory, motor skills and executive functions to specific learning styles.
Tim Martin (MS Science Teacher) will attend the International Polar Year Oslo Science Conference and Polar Teachers Workshop in Norway. Martin will be making a presentation at this United Nations-sponsored event.
Terri Maultsby (US IOI member) and Gillian Goodman (LS IOI member) will attend an Understanding by Design conference in Toronto to learn critical curriculum design skills that would result in a strong unification of curriculum design across our three divisions.
Linda Sudnik ’79 (School Nurse, Health Educator) will attend a School Nurse Emergency Medical Services for Children Program that includes information on all aspects of emergency care including triage, mechanisms of injury, and legal aspects of emergency care. Her long term goal is to bring this type of program to other private and public school nurses by working with the Childress Institute for Pediatric Trauma at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center to develop a similar program in North Carolina.
GDS welcomed our newest Bengals to campus for a picnic in April. Welcome members of the Classes of 2023 and 2024!
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Spor t s Repor t
Golfer Captures 3rd Place in State The 2010 Bengal Golf Team finished the season with a 4-11 record. The players showed a great deal of improvement in their scores as the season progressed. After just missing qualifying as a team for the state tournament, the Bengals had two impressive days of individual play by seniors Leif Neijstrom and Ren Schiffman. Neijstrom was named co-Conference Player of the year, all-conference and all-state. His excellent season culminated with a 3rd place finish in the state tournament with rounds of 71 and 69 to finish at 4 under par in the championship. Schiffman was also named to the all-conference and all-state teams. The GDS golf team looks forward to 2011 with five returning players who contributed all season. – John Carty, head coach
14th PACIS Title in Soccer This soccer season began as one of promise and high expectations. With an experienced group of nine seniors and seven returning starters, the Bengals had hopes of making it to the NCISAA finals. The Bengals started the season with six consecutive wins including a 2-1 victory over 2A State Champions Calvary Baptist and an important 2-1 win over rival Durham Academy. Senior forward Meg Kiser provided six goals in three games during this stretch of victories, propelling GDS to a number three state ranking.
A 4-0 win against Forsyth in addition to two wins over Wesleyan Academy gave the team its 14th consecutive PACIS conference title. After compiling an 11-0-1 record GDS traveled to Ravenscroft to face the team that eliminated them from the 2009 state semi-finals. It would be a difficult match that would end the Bengals unbeaten season and put them in a must-win situation for their final two games. The regular season ended with a huge 2-0 win over in-town rival Page High school and an important 5-0 win against Cary Academy. After receiving a number three seed in the state tournament the team would wait to play Ravenscroft in a quarterfinal game. Despite excellent play and numerous opportunities to score the Bengals would fall 0-1 to Ravenscroft ending their hopes of making it to the NCIAA finals.
A final 13-2-1 season, a PACIS conference championship and a record 20th consecutive appearance in the NCISAA State play-offs were all accomplished during the year. Individuals also received numerous awards for outstanding play during the season. Kiser led the Bengals in scoring 16 goals in addition to five assists and moved into the top ten all time goal scorers at GDS. She also received all-conference, all-region and all-state recognition. Fellow seniors Caroline Strong and Meredith McGee were also named to the all-state team.
– Kim Burroughs, head coach
Girls’ Lacrosse Part of New LeagueThe girl’s lacrosse program had a fresh outlook with the new NC Independent League and a new head coach. The team was able to maintain their own and had a successful season. The Bengals finished their season in the first round of states. The team’s efforts were a direct reflection of the great senior leadership from Anne Lucas, Elizabeth van Noppen, Sarah Willis, Jenny Kaplan, Alexandra Fortune, and Katie Schneider. Fortune had her skills recognized as she was named all-conference and all-state. Next year’s team looks to be strong due to the solid foundation created this season and the rising talent. – Kim Juda, head coach
Injuries Plague Boys’ Lacrosse With injuries to key personnel, the 2010 lacrosse team had to reshuffle the pack and move players to different positions. That being said, they were able to finish second in the conference and place five members of the team on the all-conference team: seniors Austin Pittman and Jimmy Nussbaum, juniors Alex Walthall and Adam Hardy and sophomore Chase Templeton. With 21 returning to the squad, look for experience that will pay dividends next year and the years to come.
Jimmy Nussbaum ’10 was named as this year’s FACEOFF Award winner. FACEOFF is an acronym for Fundamentals, Academics, Competition, Excellence, Over- achievement, Friendship, and Fidelity. The Faceoff Award is a recognition for a junior or senior lacrosse player who represents excellence in both scholarship and sportsmanship as a member of the Greensboro Day School boys’ lacrosse team. – Andrew Gaunt, head coach
Close Call in TennisThe tennis team had a stellar season - making it into the second round of the state tournament and almost finishing the season undefeated. With 20 boys on the team this year, the Bengals were able to field two separate teams. This year, four 8th graders and one 7th grader joined the varsity squad, proving that tennis has a bright future at GDS. – Jeff Campbell, head coach
Softball Pitches DedicationAlthough you may not be able to tell from the record (1-9), the softball team improved incredibly this season. It was a very small team and it was a dedicated one. Award winners this season included Sophia Schermerhorn ’11 for most valuable player, Madison Brantley ’13 for coaches’ award, and Evelyn Milford ’12 for most improved player. – Jen Shoemaker ’93, head coach
Spor t s Repor t
Peay, Cohen & KingReceive Top Athletic Honors Seniors Kayla Peay, Lilly Cohen and Tommy King were named the 2010 Athletes of the Year in recognition for their outstanding contribution to Bengal athletics and their demonstration of leadership, honesty, integrity and sportsmanship.
In basketball, Peay was a 3-year varsity letter winner, served as co-captain, and received the coaches award. In track and field, she was a 4-year letter winner, served as captain and was selected to the all-conference and all-state teams. She was also conference champion and holds the school record in the shot put. She will continue her track and field career at UNC Wilmington next year.
Cohen is the only member of the class of 2010 to participate in the field hockey, basketball, and soccer for all four years in the Upper School. In field hockey she was a 3-year varsity letter winner, served as co-captain, and was selected to the all-conference team. In basketball she was was a 3-year varsity letter winner, served as co-captain, and was selected to the all-conference team. In girls soccer, she was a 4-year letter winner, served as co-captain, was selected to the all-conference and all-region teams.
King was a 2-year letter earner and co-captain for both wrestling and baseball. He was also named the MVP for both squads and earned all-conference and all-state recognition for both squads. In wrestling, King won the conference and state championships in 2010 for his weight class. He will play baseball at Newberry College next year.
John CartyReceives Brenner Award John Carty is the 2010 recipient of the Frank Brenner Award. Carty is the varsity golf coach and coach for the JV boys’ basketball team. This award is presented to a coach who has gone above and beyond in his/her expectations to raise the bar within their given sport. The Brenner Award carries with it a financial stipend to support the deserving coach in pursuing further knowledge and education within their given sport specialty.
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Lucas NamedTop Volunteer Senior basketball manager Anne Lucas earned the 2010 Jon Woods ’78 Award for spending hours each week at practices and games. The Woods award is given to a student who volunteers to help the athletic department through managing, being a statistician or a videographer.
Two Track Records BrokenTwo school records were broken during this year’s track season: Kayla Peay ’10 in the shot put and Sarah Bankhead ’12 in the mile run. Both athletes were named to the all-state team this season. There were six all-conference athletes from the girls’ team and seven from the boys’ team. The boys’ team had a strong showing in relays and distance running during the state meet. – Bill Welch, head coach
Baseball Ranks in Top 8 The Varsity Baseball team finished once again ranked in the top 8 in the NCISAA State Association. Highlights of the season included wins over Forsyth Country Day School on senior night at New Bridge Park, as well as victories over Durham Academy, Ravenscroft, North Raleigh Christian, and Providence Day. The Bengals had four PACIS all-conference players: seniors Tommy King, Scott Wells, and Jonathan Wells, along with junior Alec Bankhead. King was also selected to the NCISAA all-state team. – Buddy Walker, head coach
The Following Senior Student-AthletesWill Continue Their Athletic Dreams in College:
Tommy King - Newberry CollegeChristian Pulliam - UNC Chapel HillLucas Weavil - Elon UniversityKayla Peay - UNC WilmingtonMeg Kiser - UNC WilmingtonRen Schiffman - Elon UniversityLeif Neijstrom - Elon UniversityBrandon Dorsett - Pfeiffer UniversityPat Howell - Elon University
Seniors Tommy King, Kayla Peay and Lilly Cohen
John Carty
Anne Lucas ’10
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C la s s o f 2010
Intended matriculatonMembers of the Class of 2010 intend to enroll at the following colleges and universities:
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C la s s o f 2010
College Admissions Eighty-seven members of the Class of 2010 submitted 426 applications at 111 different institutions. Colleges accepting GDS students are noted with multiple acceptances in parentheses:
Appalachian State University (11)
Auburn University
Bienen Conservatory
Boston College
Boston University (2)
Brandeis University
Brown University
Carnegie-Mellon University
Carnegie-Mellon Conservatory
Chapman University
College of Charleston (4)
College of William & Mary
Clemson University (4)
Colgate University
Davidson College (5)
Dickinson College
Drexel University
Duke University (6)
East Carolina University (5)
Elon University (15)
Emory University (2)
Fordham University
Franklin & Marshall
Furman University (6)
George Washington University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Greensboro College
Georgetown University (2)
Gettysburg College
Hampden-Sydney College (4)
Hampton University
Howard University (2)
High Point University (3)
James Madison University
John Hopkins University (3)
Johnson & Wales University
Kenyon College
Longwood University
Loyola University (Md.)
Mary Baldwin College
Marlboro College
University of Maryland
Mercer University
Meredith College
Middlebury College
Millsaps College
NC A&T State University (4)
NC State University (21)
New England Conservatory
Newberry College (2)
New York University (3)
Northwestern University
Oberlin College
Oberlin Conservatory
Peabody Conservatory
Pfeiffer College
Princeton University
Radford University
Randolph College
Rhodes College (3)
Roanoke College
St. John’s College
Syracuse University (2)
Tufts University (2)
Tulane University (3)
University of Alabama (4)
University of Central Florida
University of Georgia (17)
University of Maryland
University of Northern Colorado
University of Oklahoma
University of Mississippi (2)
UNC-Asheville (2)
UNC-Chapel Hill (34)
UNC-Charlotte (4)
UNC-Greensboro (4)
UNC-Pembroke (3)
UNC-Wilmington (10)
University of Pittsburg (3)
University of Richmond (4)
University of South Carolina (15)
University of the South (5)
University of Virginia (3)
Virginia Polytechnic Institute (4)
Vanderbilt University (2)
Washington & Lee University
Western Carolina University
Wake Forest University (5)
Washington University
Wesleyan University
Wofford College (3)
Kelsey Ammondson Franklin & Marshall College
Stanley Ammondson University of Richmond
Kyle Arnold UNC-Chapel Hill
Corey Arvinger Howard University
Katie Ball Wofford College
Drew Beach Wofford College
Katherine Bernstein UNC-Chapel Hill
Caroline Brown University of Georgia
Blaine Browning NC State University
Jimbo Brumley UNC-Wilmington
Alex Bruno Chapman University
Kathryn Carroll College of Charleston
Kelly Carty Johns Hopkins University
Sarah Cassell Syracuse University
Kyu-Won Chung UNC-Chapel Hill
Lilly Cohen UNC-Chapel Hill
Elijah Cone Wesleyan University
Will Copeland University of the South (Sewanee)
Robbie DeSantes Clemson University
Brandon Dorsett Pfeiffer University
Amelia Dosser Appalachian State University
Andrew Edwards UNC-Chapel Hill
Max Farrior NC State University
Tommy Flannery UNC-Chapel Hill
Jauric Flowers Elizabeth City State University
Katie Flynt Rhodes College
Alexandra Fortune UNC-Chapel Hill
Lauren Freedman UNC-Chapel Hill
Alex Gittin Davidson College
Huston Harrington Undecided
AJ Hayes Hampden-Sydney College
Michael Hayes NC State University
Matthias Hertl UNC-Chapel Hill
Ben Holcombe Wake Forest University
Jack Holland UNC-Chapel Hill
Pat Howell Elon University
Jenny Kaplan Brown University
Tommy King Newberry College
Meg Kiser UNC-Wilmington
Stephanie Krantz Tufts University
Matthew Kusiak UNC-Chapel Hill
Carmen Lawrence Appalachian State University
Madison Lewis Appalachian State University
Katie Lloyd Davidson College
Steven Love UNC-Chapel Hill
Anne Lucas UNC-Chapel Hill
Catherine McDonald UNC-Greensboro
Meredith McGee Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Carmi Medoff Duke University
Mark Mitchell Appalachian State University
William Morris Davidson College
Leif Neijstrom Elon University
Trevor Newman UNC-Chapel Hill
Ming Ni Boston College
Beth Niegelsky UNC-Chapel Hill
Jimmy Nussbaum University of Georgia
Megan Oleynik University of Virginia
Emma Park Davidson College
Kayla Peay UNC-Wilmington
Virginia Perkins Wofford College
Austin Pittman UNC-Chapel Hill
Christian Pulliam UNC-Chapel Hill
Grant Rankin NC State University
Max Roehrig Elon University
Jordan Rogers Duke University
Baxter Sapp St. John’s College
Renn Schiffman Elon University
Jenna Schleien UNC-Chapel Hill
Katie Schneider Duke University
Emily Siar UNC-Chapel Hill
Kate Stark UNC-Chapel Hill
Hammer Stern Elon University
Grainger Stewart NC State University
Caroline Strong UNC-Chapel Hill
Gracie Tewkesbury Duke University
Michael Tuck UNC-Chapel Hill
Josh Van der Linden University of South Carolina
Elizabeth Van Noppen Meredith College
Jayme Wainer NC State University
Haley Walker NC State University
Sara Beth Watkins Mary Baldwin College
Lucas Weavil Elon University
Jonathan Wells Undecided
Scott Wells Undecided
Sarah Willis Appalachian State University
Taylore Woods UNC-Chapel Hill
Patrick Wrenn Davidson College
15
C la s s o f 2010Cla s s o f 2010
Seniors earnMerit Scholarships
14
Forty members (46%) of the Class of 2010 earned merit scholarships at 40 colleges. The total four year value as of May 10 is $3,224,744. Awards reported are as follows:
Student ScholarShip collegeKelsey Ammondson Presidential Award University of the South (Sewanee) Founders’ Scholarship Dickinson College Merit Award Gettysburg College
Drew Beach Achievement Award Hampden-Sydney College
Katherine Bernstein Cooper Scholarship University of South Carolina
Caroline Brown Presidential Award University of the South (Sewanee) Achiever Award Furman University McKissick Award University of South Carolina
Alex Bruno Dean’s Scholar Award Chapman University
Kathryn Carroll Achiever Award Furman University
Kelly Carty Bill Lee Award Any College
Sarah Cassell Presidential Award Elon University Merit Award University of Northern Colorado Founders’ Award Syracuse University University Scholar University of Oklahoma
Will Copeland Presidential Award University of the South (Sewanee) Academic Excellence Award University of Mississippi Ray Shaw Memorial Award Any College
Andrew Edwards Merit Award University of Mississippi Academic Excellence Award University of Mississippi
Tommy Flannery Carolina Scholar Award UNC-Chapel Hill
Katie Flynt Presidential Award University of the South (Sewanee) Presidential Award Rhodes College Achiever Award Furman University
Lauren Freedman Presidential Award Elon University
Houston Harrington Merit Award Hampden-Sydney College
AJ Hayes Merit Award Hampden-Sydney College
Matthias Hertl Virginia Tech Scholar Virginia Polytechnic University
Ben Holcombe Charter Scholarship University of Georgia
Jack Holland Merit Award Elon University Merit Award University of South Carolina
Patrick Howell Presidential Award Elon University
Matt Kusiak Chancellor’s Award University of Pittsburg
Katie Lloyd Presidential Award University of the South (Sewanee)
Steven Love Nat’l Merit UNC-Ch Award UNC-Chapel Hill
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINEGDS SUMMER MAGAZINE
Catherine McDonald Presidential Award Greensboro College Joseph & Kathleen Bryan Award UNC-Greensboro Merit Award Roanoke College Merit Award UNC-Charlotte
Carmi Medoff Colgate Alumni Award Colgate University B. N. Duke Scholarship Duke University
Ming Ni Merit Award Boston College Merit Award Syracuse University Merit Award University of Richmond
Jimmy Nussbaum Charter Scholarship University of Georgia Merit Award Furman University
Megan Oleynik Merit Award UNC-Chapel Hill
Emma Park Distinguished Scholar Award Kenyon College
Virginia Perkins Academic Merit Award Wofford College
Jenna Schleien Presidential Academic Award George Washington University Merit Award University of Maryland
Katie Schneider Presidential Scholarship University of Vermont Presidential Scholarship Elon University
Emily Siar Merit Award Oberlin Conservatory Kenan Music Scholarship UNC-Chapel Hill Performing Arts Scholar Boston University Merit Award Oberlin College
Baxter Sapp Presidential Award Elon University Dean’s Merit Award Marlboro College Second Generation Award Millsaps College
Kate Stark Cooper Scholarship University of South Carolina
Gracie Tewkesbury Nat’l Merit PG Community Award Any College
Michael Tuck Merit Award University of South Carolina
Elizabeth van Noppen Merit Award Randolph College Merit Award Meredith College
Josh Van der Linden Woodrow Scholarship University of South Carolina
Sara Beth Watkins Merit Award High Point University Baldwin Scholarship Mary Baldwin College Learning Gateway Award Mary Baldwin College
Taylore Woods Legacy Scholarship Howard University Tuition Waiver Award University of Central Florida
Patrick Wrenn Merit Award Furman University Merit Award Elon University
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C la s s o f 2010
Senior Awards
engliShHonors Seminar: Victorian Literature –
Outstanding Achievement Kelly Carty, Alexandra Fortune, Carmi Medoff Outstanding Contribution Andrew Edwards, Jenny Kaplan,
Gracie TewkesburyLiterature and Composition AP -
Outstanding Achievement Kelsey Ammondson, Lilly Cohen, Matthias Hertl Tommy Flannery, Meredith McGee, Emma Park, Kate StarkOutstanding Progress Stanley Ammondson, Katie Lloyd,
Christian Pulliam, Patrick WrennOutstanding Contribution Kathryn Carroll, Alex Gittin
English Language AP -Outstanding Progress Josh van der Linden, Elizabeth van Noppen, Sarah WillisOutstanding Contribution Robbie DeSantes, Tommy King,
Elizabeth van NoppenCreative Writing –
Outstanding Achievement Sarah Cassell, Katie LloydIntroduction to Philosphy -
Outstanding Achievement Katie Flynt, Carmen Lawrence, Emily Siar
mathematicSAlgebra III -
Outstanding Achievement Virginia PerkinsOutstanding Progress A J Hayes
AB Calculus –Outstanding Achievement Caroline StrongOutstanding Progress Will Copeland, Grainger Stewart
BC Calculus –Outstanding Achievement Tommy FlanneryOutstanding Contribution Megan Oleynik
Social ScienceSenior Government/Economics -
Outstanding Achievement Kelsey Ammondson, Kelly Carty, Lilly Cohen, Katie Flynt, Tommy Flannery, Alex Gittin, Jenny Kaplan, Carmi Medoff, Ming Ni, Megan Oleynik, Emma Park, Emily Siar, Katie Schneider, Gracie Tewkesbury
European History AP –Outstanding Achievement Lilly Cohen, Elijah Cone, Katie Flynt, Alexandra Fortune, Matthias Hertl, Carmi Medoff, Emily Siar
ScienceBiology AP –
Outstanding Achievement Kelly Carty, Gracie TewkesburyMarine Science ADV –
Outstanding Achievement Kelsey Ammondson, Kayla PeayOutstanding Progress Drew Beach, Sara Beth Watkins
Advanced Environmental Science –Outstanding Achievement Virginia Perkins, Kate StarkOutstanding Progress Drew Beach, Grant RankinOutstanding Contribution Meredith McGee, Meg Kiser, James Brumley
Senior Advanced Physics –Outstanding Achievement Stanley AmmondsonOutstanding Contribution Matthias Hertl
Physics AP –Outstanding Achievement Tommy Flannery
Foreign languageFrench Language AP –
Outstanding Achievement Kelly CartyFrench Literature Senior Seminar ADV -
Outstanding Achievement Gracie Tewkesbury, Emily SiarFrench I/II
Outstanding Achievement Kelsey AmmondsonSpanish Literature AP -
Outstanding Achievement Lilly Cohen, Andrew Edwards, Katie Flynt Alexandra Fortune, Jenny Kaplan, Steven Love, Beth Niegelsky, Megan Oleynik, Emma Park, Kayla Peay, Jenna SchleienOutstanding Contribution Megan Oleynik
Spanish Language AP -Outstanding Achievement Tommy Flannery
Spanish IV ADV –Outstanding Progress Ming Ni
Spanish IV -Outstanding Achievement Jimmy Nussbaum, Kathryn Carroll
Latin II -Outstanding Achievement Lauren Freedman
Latin III –Outstanding Achievement Kyu Won Chung
Fine artSCabaret –
Outstanding Contribution Sarah CassellPublic Speaking –
Outstanding Progress Jauric FlowersCeramics I –
Outstanding Achievement Sarah Willis, Meg KiserCeramics AP –
Outstanding Achievement Virginia PerkinsOutstanding Progress Jimmy Nussbaum
Introduction to Art: Design –Outstanding Achievement Elizabeth van Noppen
Intermediate Art –Outstanding Achievement Grainger Stewart
AP Art: Drawing –Outstanding Achievement Patrick Wrenn
AP Art: 2D Design –Outstanding Achievement Beth Niegelsky
Video Production –Outstanding Achievement Elijah Cone
department aWardSOutstanding Senior English Student Kelly Carty, Jenny KaplanOutstanding Senior Math Student Tommy Flannery, Gracie Tewkesbury Sybil Davis Award – Outstanding AP European History Student Jenny KaplanHerodotus Award – Outstanding 4-year Social Science Student Jenny Kaplan, Emma ParkOutstanding Senior Science Student Tommy Flannery, Gracie TewkesburyOutstanding Senior Spanish Student Alexandra FortuneOutstanding Senior French Student Gracie TewkesburyOutstanding Senior Music Student Emily SiarOutstanding Senior Art Student Meredith McGee
higheSt academic aVerage Tommy Flannery
citiZenShip aWard Anne Lucas, Hammer Stern
“Are you a giver or a taker?”
These seven words form the foundation of Virginia and Paul Milam’s relationship. It was the philosophy on which Virginia was raised, and fortunately for Paul, when his future father-in-law posed the question to him when he was dating Virginia, he knew the right answer.
Giving, and expecting nothing in return, is the hallmark of the Milam family. The doors to their home in Summerfield are always open, to family, friends and even a rambling menagerie of animals that includes dogs, cats, horses, goats and even a Labrador puppy that the family is fostering for the Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind program. “How could we not?” says Paul. “One year with us is going to help this puppy bring years of happiness and service to someone who needs her.”
Back to the giving. Virginia’s mother and step-father, Sandra and Don Henson, are no strangers to helping others. Virginia learned at an early age that both Sandra and Don gained a great deal of satisfaction from philanthropic giving, and embraced that philosophy herself. “You know you’re doing something for someone else. When there is a need and the timing is right and you’re able to help, there is no greater reward.”
And Paul was a quick study of his father-in-law’s philosophy, having been raised to lead and think of others as well. “Don showed me the true meaning of giving. I watched him and saw the rewards and what a sense of satisfaction that brought to him and to Sandra.”
So giving to Greensboro Day School is a natural for both the Milam and Henson families. As this year’s chairs of the Annual Fund First campaign, the Milams have helped GDS not only with their generous support, but with hundreds of volunteer hours. Actively involved with the Annual Fund since their daughters, Henson ’15 and Alley ’16 were in Lower School, they have championed the need for all families to be “givers” to the best of their ability. Many families have gathered on the Milam’s patio for a home-cooked burger or pizza and to hear Paul talk about the importance of stepping up. “Everyone needs to do it.”
“This is our school,” says Virginia. “GDS offers our children phenomenal opportunities, and we all need to do what we can.” The Milams chose GDS for their children because of the GDS difference. “We knew that as they grew older, they would have opportunities here that they wouldn’t
have other places. They are getting a great education, but also are exposed to technology, athletics and drama. They are learning that if you just try – if you make an effort – you get to be involved and included. That’s a good lesson in life.”
Alley echoes this feeling. “I know everyone in my grade. And my teachers are great, too.” She remembers that in Lower School, Mrs. Lowe would come in each week during her maternity leave to have lunch with her class. “She missed us, and I liked that.” GDS also feeds Alley’s competitive spirit. “It’s cool to have the chance to play new sports,” she says, as she eagerly awaits joining the lacrosse team.
And while she’s looking forward to the 8th grade, Henson is more than ready for her Upper School experience, which she can sum up in one word: freedom. “We’ll have tablets, open campus, and senior projects – I can’t wait!” After seven years as a Bengal, Henson easily appreciates the GDS difference. “I’m active in drama programs across the community,” she says. “At GDS, my friends are good influences. We have the same values, and it’s easy to make the right choices.”
This year, Virginia and Paul, along with co-chair (and next year’s chair), Jay Brennan, faced possibly the most difficult economic climate that our community has ever seen. Their passion and their belief in supporting the things that make a difference in their lives and the lives of other carried them through to a wildly successful year, both for their campaign team as well as GDS. The Annual Fund exceeded the budget goal of $800,000 by more than $19,000 – a winning outcome for our students and teachers.
Jay Brennan also praises the Milam’s leadership. “ Throughout the year I was overwhelmed again and again by their generosity, hard work and commitment to GDS. It has been an honor and a pleasure to work with Virginia and Paul this year. As a school, we thank them for leading us through another great Annual Fund First campaign!”
And as the Milams step down (but never away) from their role as chairs of the 2009-2010 Annual Fund First campaign, they can do so knowing that they are not only leaving our school a stronger place, but have passed along their family mission to another generation: to be givers, and not takers.
Give or TakeGive or Take Clockwise: Alley, Virginia, Paul and Henson Milam with their pets
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE18 17GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE
greensboro Day School is celebrating 40 years of educational excellence in 2010. Built on the
philosophy that friendship, scholarship, sportsmanship, and honor are the foundations of strong
character, GDS is our community’s premier independent college preparatory school. Since 1970, Greensboro
Day School has maintained a tradition of superior education while encouraging intellectual curiosity,
openness to new ideas, the courage to think independently and a love of learning among our students.
Currently serving 910 students from transitional kindergarten through grade 12, Greensboro Day School’s
mission is to develop the intellectual, ethical and interpersonal foundations students need to become
constructive contributors to the world. Such an education requires the dedication, ingenuity, experience –
and commitment – of the entire community.
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21ST CeNTURy vISIONfor Middle Grades Education at GDS
A STRONG MIDDLE SCHOOL TRADITIONChildren learn by doing as they grow and develop rapidly during the middle grades. Our Middle School students are active participants in the learning process, in groups small enough to offer individual attention, yet large enough to offer a wide range of opportunities. They need a safe place to explore, take risks, and grow in independence. At GDS, we believe it is essential that students learn in a connected community, with a supportive team of parents and teachers to guide them through the challenges of early adolescence.
Foreign languages, the arts, and technology are integral to the middle grades curriculum and help to unite challenging core academic subjects. With the aid of laptops and teacher guidance, students have boundless opportunities in writing, research, and collaboration. Students develop knowledge and skills to be advocates for the natural world environment, and our sustainability program develops the critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills they will need into the future. With small class sizes and our unique Advising Program, no student can be anonymous. These advising groups help deepen the relationships among the students and teacher and foster communication between home and school. Our goal is to help each student grow in awareness of self and others.
A 21ST CENTURY VISION FOR MIDDLE GRADES EDUCATIONIn the GDS tradition of academic innovation based upon research of best practices and school structure, in 2006 school leaders charted a course to reconfigure grades within the divisions, most notably moving 5th grade to Middle School. Research indicates that 5th and 6th grades, and 7th and 8th grades working more cooperatively in pairings would offer the opportunity for a distinct and enhanced developmentally appropriate academic, social and extracurricular program. A 5-8 Middle School would also more evenly distribute the transition programs and improve experiences of students, faculty and parents during these important years. A new Middle School building designed with distinctly sustainable features would maximize students’ interaction with the natural world and allow for advanced curriculum designs and teaching practice; in itself, the building could serve as a teaching environment.
PROVIDING A VISIONARY EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT: THE CAMPUS MASTER PLAN In October 2007, the Board of Trustees adopted a bold new campus master plan to guide our campus and facilities development to provide this 21st century educational environment. Factors that shaped the full campus master plan included academic program needs and grade configuration, campus security, basic plant operation, environmental sustainability policy, and future traffic patterns in anticipation of the completion of the urban loop.
The new plan calls for an urban layout of buildings (multi-story buildings with smaller footprints), enabling GDS to maintain more of the campus in its natural state, providing natural learning areas for our students and creating a buffer from the surrounding suburban sprawl. As the plan is implemented, the entire campus will be transformed into a vibrant learning facility with environmental sustainability and stewardship reflected in all facilities and operations.
Our vision is for an environmentally green educational oasis with two striking new features: creation of a large central quadrangle that provides a natural green community gathering space for students; and reorientation of the main entrance to Lake Brandt Road. Redesign of the campus accomplishes many significant objectives: increasing campus safety and security, creating a clear, attractive main entrance to the campus, providing on-campus queuing for carpool traffic, and creating a new, aesthetically compelling front-door presentation.
Reorientation of our campus entry to the less-traveled Lake Brandt Road, and away from the Lawndale Drive thoroughfare, represents thoughtful planning for future traffic patterns when the Painter Boulevard urban loop is completed; the long, curving drive will queue carpool traffic safely within the campus grounds. Over time, additions to existing classroom and administration building entrances will face Lake Brandt Road and an entrance drive and central parking area will provide visitors clear yet controlled access to all facilities. An attractive, highly-visible main entry and eventual new west-facing facades on existing buildings will give the school a different aesthetic appeal.
Reorientation of an attractive highly-visible main entry and central parking to Lake Brandt Road, reflects careful planning for future traffic patterns and carpool safety away from the Lawndale thoroughfare. It also provides an opportunity for a different aesthetic appeal with the addition of new more attractive west-facing facades on existing buildings.
The new Middle School will be a signature landmark of the front entry from Lake Brandt Road. Removal of the old building will open up the center of campus for a
new quadrangle – a natural gathering place for our vibrant learning community.
The first priority in implementing the plan is to construct a new Middle School building for grades 5 through 8 that in its own sustainable design and operations, will serve as a teaching environment. The new Middle School’s design will lead the campus aesthetically in ambitious, yet modest ways and provide building features that can be integrated into other existing buildings through ongoing renovations and additions over time.
PHASE I FACILITIES PRIORITIES: MIDDLE SCHOOL AND TENNIS COURTS
MIDDLE SCHOOL BUILDINGA new Middle School building and has been high on the facilities needs for many years, as the program is handicapped by its current facility, which is one of the oldest on campus and has been reconfigured and renovated many times. Replacing the outdated facility with one that is built for students in the middle grades with a design tailored to the academic program, will create a learning environment unsurpassed in our community for this critically important developmental age.
This project will allow the school to implement its plan to have 5th grade join the Middle School. The building will be a signature element of the campus – our first green building, constructed to standards of environmentally-sustainable design and operation. Removing the existing outdated Middle School building will open the center of the campus for the new quadrangle. The new building will be constructed southwest of the existing one on the site of the current deteriorating tennis courts, and construction will not disrupt classes for current students.
In October 2009, Centerbrook Architects of New Haven, CT, led a two-day participative design workshop called a charette, to garner ideas from students, faculty, trustees, administration and parents on the location and a broad vision for the proposed new Middle School building. The resulting conceptual designs by Centerbrook have been presented to the community by Trustees
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Chuck Keeley and Jim Rucker from January through May 2010. All parents were invited and encouraged to attend one of a series of breakfast, lunch, dinner and evening gatherings in homes and on campus. Several hundred members of the school community attended to vet the plans and then complete a survey for their opinions. A clear majority of survey participants support moving the 5th grade to the Middle School and find the conceptual designs for the building to be exciting.
NEW TENNIS COMPLEx Five of 10 existing tennis courts are no longer safe for play and need to be replaced. Because the new Middle School will be built on that site, it would not be cost-effective to invest more funds to repair the existing courts which must be demolished to accommodate the middle school building. Therefore, the time is right to proceed with construction of a new tennis complex near Lake Brandt Road, to the northwest of the existing courts as called for in the campus master plan. Two of the tennis courts will be constructed to double as an outdoor play area for Middle School students. Consistent with our Sustainability Policy, the site will be built to high sustainable site standards.
SITE MODIFICATION FOR THE CAMPUS QUADRANGLE After the new Middle School is built, removing the existing Middle School building will open the center of campus for initial
development of the new central campus quadrangle, a central signature gathering space for our vibrant learning community. The campus quad will feature benches under canopy trees and beautiful, sustainable landscaping. It will be a natural community gathering spot for school events such as graduation and other GDS celebrations.
FUNDING OUR BOLD VISIONGreensboro Day School is in the quiet phase of a capital campaign during which lead six- and seven-figure gifts are being secured to fund the Phase I projects. Although the recession made it necessary to extend the quiet phase from the originally planned 18 to 24 months, many members of the GDS community who are able to consider gifts of this magnitude have indicated that the School will be among their top charitable priorities when the economy rebounds. Already, over $2 million has been committed. The Board of Trustees and Head of School, working with the Advancement Department and volunteers, will continue to secure capital lead and major gifts, work to increase the number of prospects for the capital campaign and strategically determine the optimal time for launching the public phase of the campaign. Two lead gifts have already been announced in previous magazines: from Burlington Industries-International Textile Group and grandparents Marion and Peggy Follin in honor of Liz Wright James ’76 and her family. Other lead gifts will be announced in beginning in fall 2010.
Leadership of any campaign is crucial to its success. A strong Campaign Executive Committee has been working for the past two years to secure the lead gifts and identify campaign leadership, which will be announced in fall 2010. The Campaign Executive Committee
will expand over the next year into a Campaign Cabinet ready for a public launch of the campaign. Many members of the Campaign Executive Committee are alumni and represent a new generation of GDS leadership committed to the school’s vision.
This 21st Century vision leads GDS toward its own half-century mark, and is a worthy successor to the bold initiative in independent education undertaken by our founders 40 years ago. The Campaign leaders recognize and honor their parents and others who started GDS and are stepping up to secure the school’s future. Their rallying cry has been: It started with them. It continues with us.
CAMPAIGN ExECUTIVE COMMITTEE2009-2010
Committee Advisors Ed Cone ’80 Jed Dunn Marion Follin Steve Hassenfelt Mark Hale Bill Soles ‘75 Anne Hurd Terri Jackson Fred Johnson Burney Jennings Counsel Paul Milam Charlie PattersonChuck Keeley ’81 Jim Rucker ’82Mary ScottTommy Webb
Drawings of the planned new tennis complex.
Main entry view of the Middle School from Lake Brandt Road .
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE18 17GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE
DeSIGN eLemeNTS of Centerbrook Architects’ Conceptual Images
The following questions were posed to Chad Floyd, lead
architect and partner of Centerbrook Architects. In fall 2009,
Centerbrook Architects held a design charette to garner ideas
from middle school faculty, trustees, administrators, parents
and students in their development of conceptual images for
a proposed middle school classroom building and campus
re-orientation at Greensboro Day School. Visit their award-
winning website at www.centerbrook.com
How would you describe Centerbrook’s style?
We purposefully don’t characterize our work with established
nomenclatures of style, because each of our buildings is
unique for its place and time. It would be fair to say that
our aesthetic proposal uses the context we find at the school
as a starting point in order to fit with and, we hope, flatter
what’s there.
What would we build if there were no other buildings on
campus?
A building-less campus is not what we have, so the question
is moot. And it would be disruptive to the campus visually
were we to build something that ignored existing buildings.
A Georgian building from UVa would make everything else
on the campus look odd, as would a structure from New
England, or one from Southern California, or a clay-tiled
structure from Texas, or a building with a swoopy roof.
Given the non-historical nature of the campus, we thought
introduction of a historical-looking structure would appear
ersatz. With our mandate for technical sustainability, we did
think the new building should be forward-leaning.
The campus as it exists now is made up of one and two-
story, flat-roofed, horizontally-proportioned buildings. We
have concerns about some of them, especially as to their
dark plywood banding, their lack of roof overhangs, their
lack of clear entry points, and their more recent dark-tinted
windows and curtain walls. Given the reality of fund-raising
for independent schools at this time, though, we know
the wholesale configuration of GDS’s buildings will not
dramatically change anytime soon, so we have proposed a
building that we think projects a comfortable relationship
with what’s there.
What was your objective in designing the new building?
Our objective was to add a new sustainable piece of
architecture that is fresh and handsome in and of itself . We
wanted it to express that sustainability visibly but without
looking so different that it calls everything else into question.
Our intention was to design a building that gently points
a way the campus can develop over time, in ways modest
and ambitious. Since we don’t want the school at any point
along that journey to appear disjointed, our thinking has
been not just about our new building as a discrete entity but
about the evolving campus as a whole. Our idea has been to
provide a new building with features that could be integrated
into other existing buildings through ongoing renovations
and additions over time.
Why a flat roof?
There are many reasons for a flat roof: (1) GDS’s campus
is one of flat-roofed buildings, (2) flat roofs accept future
photovoltaic arrays easier than pitched roofs, (3) flat-
roofed buildings are less expensive to build than pitched
roof buildings, (4) flat roofs allow for the inexpensive
development of deep overhangs which shade the sun and
keep the weather off exterior walls (something we’d like
to see extended to other buildings), and (5) flat-roofed
architecture allows more vertical stories within the campus’s
50’ maximum height that is imposed by the City of
Greensboro’s Zoning Code (our building’s 3 stories barely
make it under the 50’ limitation). So the reality is even if
An open Pavilion in the garden can be used for classes, meetings, project-based learning, socializing, and play. The permaculture garden will be directly accessible to students as an outdoor learning area. Rain water catchment will irrigate the garden.
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE18 17GDS SUMMER MAGAZINEGDS SUMMER MAGAZINE24 25GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE
we had wanted one we could not have designed a three-story
building, because it would have been too tall. Had we tried to
develop a third story as an occupied attic we would have lost
necessary third floor space to a knee wall. So we think a flat
roof is a good solution.
Why white trim on the roof overhang?
Buildings need tops. The campus’s existing buildings lack
overhangs and detail up at their roof lines, where the buildings
meet the sky. This makes them look spare and utilitarian and
without “tops”. By extending flat roofs out over a minimum
three-foot overhang our new building and, with future
renovations, even existing buildings can be topped off in a way
that adds detail and dimension to the campus as a whole. By
making overhangs and making the trim under them white or
at least off-white, the overhangs will contrast strongly with the
shadow lines that appear below, adding emphasis to the “tops”
of buildings.
Why do the walls look the way they do?
First, they are of brick. Most of GDS’s main buildings are at
least partially brick. But GDS’s brick is laid up in solid masses
of beige fields with very dark brown string courses or other
accents. The result is sharp contrast between the beige color
and the dark brown color. What we’re suggesting is a more
complex weaving of light and dark bricks in a single field of
brick laid up in Flemish bond. This will bring some of the
darker brick directly into the field of the lighter brick and will
make a more interesting façade --without great expense.
Why are the windows recessed deeply?
Windows on GDS’s existing buildings are set directly upon the
surface of the exterior where they convey a rather inexpensive,
commercial look and are unable to provide shading to interior
spaces. Ours are recessed back into the wall several inches. The
recess makes our exterior walls look substantial while improving
solar shading and providing the visual interest of shadow under
the window headers. Our windows also are operable, and there
is a horizontal shelf feature high in the openings that functions
as a light shelf by bouncing sunlight up onto the ceiling of
rooms within.
Why are the windows so repetitive?
The Middle School building is a classroom building with
academic spaces stacked very efficiently within, thus the
windows have a regular rhythm.
Why aren’t there more windows or bigger windows?
Our brief was to design the Middle School as a sustainable building.
We begin design of any sustainable new buildings by calculating the
optimal glass-to-wall ratio. We actually have exceeded the amount of
glass called for on all the facades but especially on the north side. So,
to put a fine point on it, we have much more glass than we should.
But we have to be practical: while the optimal ratio would have had
us put less glass on the north side, the reality is classrooms must all
have the same windows.
What are those flat things sticking out from some of the windows snd
those lines running across other windows?
They all are shading devices. They appear mostly on the south side
and are designed to shade the sun in hot months while allowing it
to penetrate the rooms in the winter. There is fixed glass above the
shades that allows year-round sunlight to enter and bounce
up to the ceiling to illuminate the room naturally, reducing
energy required for interior lighting.
What is the cylinder at the NE corner of the building?
It is a glassy entry element. We expect there to be an
interesting chandelier hanging within making it glow at
night like a lantern. The idea here is to create a landmark
that works in three directions as an orienting device. First,
it’s what people will see as they drive into the campus,
situated at the west extreme of the north façade. What’s
important here is a long relatively simple, horizontal
façade that works as a backdrop, or a lead-up, to the entry
vestibule. The entry vestibule is locked into a number of
other elements that rise above the roof of the main bar of the
building, all of them accommodating important elements of
lobby and staircase. The entry vestibule also functions as a
landmark at the southern terminus of the drop off walkway,
and it functions as a landmark for the SW corner of the new
quadrangle. We have found that campuses benefit from
having vertical landmark elements. We believe this one is
an effective model for future entry or landmark elements on
buildings around the campus –a concept for which all kinds
of riffs can be taken in the future.
What is the indoor-outdoor space on the second floor behind
the louvers?
This is a fully-covered, sun-shaded terrace room that can be
used for meeting, dining, and other functions. It overlooks
the garden, and we think it will be an attractive multi-
purpose space providing a connection to the outdoors.
What is the structure in the garden?
It is a very simple and inexpensive flat-roofed pavilion. It
can be used for classes, meetings, lectures, social events, and
the like, in a beautiful garden setting.
Why is the building sited where it is?
This question was an important topic of discussion in our
charette workshops. First, the site allows the new Middle
School to be built without disturbing the existing Middle
School. Second, with demolition of the existing Middle
School, an academic quadrangle at the heart of the school
can be carved out. Third, the site creates a new image
for the school out at the entrance where it has maximum
effect. Fourth, the lay of the land on the site allows for
development of a third, partially sunken, story with an open
indoor-outdoor relationship to the site towards the south,
which offers the possibility for a permaculture or water
management garden as called for in our program discussions.
What is the hoped-for overall effect?
The overall effect of the new building is to act, in tandem
with the new drive and new parking, as a gateway building
for those entering the campus. It will re-position the
identity of Greensboro Day School to a more forward-
leaning stance while linking itself in a logical manner to
the rest of the campus. It will introduce a strong new
“glass lantern” landmark, and it will direct the eye into a
new central quadrangle. Its lively brick pattern and thick
exterior wall will convey an overarching sense of quality,
and its deeply recessed windows with their sun shades will
heighten the play of sunlight on the building and underscore
its inherent sustainability. The building’s presentation on
the site will be an up-to-date, technologically superior, and
gently transformative building that suggests new directions
for the future.
Chad Floyd, FAIA, Partner
Andrew Santaniello, AIA, Associate
Centerbrook Architects & Planners, LLP
67 Main Street, PO Box 955
Centerbrook, CT 06409
For more information about the Middle School Conceptual Designs or for more information
about how to make a capital gift to GDS, please contact Director of Advancement Anne Hurd at
[email protected] or 336-288-8590 ext. 235.
Examples of other independent school campus quadrangles include Buckingham, Browne and Nichols School in Cambridge, MA, (above) and Saint Mark’s School in Dallas, TX (below).
PUT PHOTOS IN
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Linda Sloan Theatre
Presented by the Upper School
Director, Choreographer & Producer
Ruthie Tutterow
Assistant Director
Jane Gutsell
Set Design, Technical Direction
Dana Lowell
Student Director
Taylor Curry ’12
Presented by the 6th GradeDirectorSonny Willis ’96Assistant DirectorsMarilyn Jones, Carol Williams
Set Design, Technical DirectionDana LowellChoreographerCory StephensonStage Managers
Cameron Lemley ’12, Simran Mann ’11
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Co-Sponsored by the Parents’ & Alumni
Associations1k Family Fun Run5k Certified Course
Activities Week
may 30-june 4
8th Graders in Washington, D.C.
Freshmen Learning in the Community
Sophomores Performing Community Service
Juniors Backpacking in Pisgah National Forest
45,396
We set out to collect 40,000 cans of food to
celebrate our 40th anniversary. After 40 weeks,
we collected over 45,000 cans of food! That
has fed over 5,000 families at Greensboro
Urban Ministries and the Second Harvest Food
Bank. The school-wide effort was led by service
learning coordinator Marilyn Jones.
Congratulations to all the students, faculty, sta
ff
and parents on this great accomplishment!
We did it!
yeS We can!
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE 33
Around Campus
m i d d l e S c h o o l CLOSINGl o W e r S c h o o l CLOSINGAround Campus
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE32
6th Grade Good Citizen Shreya Shah
7th Grade Good Citizen Annalise Graves
8th Grade Good Citizen Mary Kathryn Sapp
Middle School Student CouncilService Award Andrew DeJoy
8th Grade Scholarship Shivani Shah
8th Grade Leadership Alexa Shleien
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE 35
of the removed element are no longer available. The system is unable to self-regulate under stress and will eventually collapse.
So, in Capra’s view, which many in the sustainability movement share, it’s the diversity of an ecosystem or a system of people that brings stability. When disruptions occur, and in a universe of constant change and movement disruptions will occur, diversity allows a system to self-regulate and survive. Capra sums up the beauty of diversity, the protective quality it provides:
In a diverse ecosystem many species with overlapping ecological functions coexist and can partially replace and shelter one another. The more diverse the system, the more alternative relationships are available when any particular link in the network breaks down (5-6).
So, the need to protect the diversity of an ecosystem or to increase the diversity of a system, such as a school, elevates the call for diversity to the level of imperative. A diverse system is a safer system, a diverse system is a more secure system, a diverse system is better able to self-regulate, and ultimately a diverse system will endure. At Greensboro Day School, educating for sustainability and for diversity will teach all of us to see and understand the complex networks that comprise the earth’s ecosystem. As we gain knowledge and experience, we will come to value all expressions of diversity and call out for more. Ultimately, we will act to preserve, to restore, and to build increasingly diverse social communities and natural ecosystems.
Capra, Fritjof. “What is Ecological Literacy?” Guide to Ecoliteracy: A New Context for School Restructuring. The Elmwood Institute, Berekely, CA, 1993.
Greensboro Day School Sustainability Vision Statement
Greensboro Day School recognizes that the health and
well-being of the planet and all forms of life within it
depend on a relationship of mutual enhancement between
the human community and the natural world. Our
program, facilities, and operations will embrace this vision.
To guide our endeavors we ask ourselves the following
questions when considering how to teach our students to
think, feel, and act with regard for the earth:
Think Do we integrate questions about the human/earth
relationship into our academic studies in every discipline?
Feel Do we develop inner capacities of compassion and
empathy toward the earth and its diverse communities?
Act Do we create and nurture practices that integrate a
concern for the earth into our goals and actions?
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE34
Does the following observation by Fritjof Capra appear to be a paradox?
The stability of an ecosystem also depends on the complexity of its network of relationships; in other words, on its diversity (5).
Aren’t we conditioned by culture and the way we humans tend to organize our minds, our lives and our institutions
to think that homogeneous collections of objects bring stability? When we think about a topic in school, we are trained to analyze and break it down by its similar parts. In science, we study biology and chemistry. In poetry, we examine individual stanzas, lines, and metaphors. In math, we study geometry one year and algebra the next. We divide so that our minds can grapple with complex topics, so that we can organize our learning and thinking. In short, dividing and defining gives our minds a stability that we like and that we’re trained to expect.
In our institutions, such as schools, we group students by type to create stable teaching environments. On college campuses, we encourage academics to pursue discrete disciplines in isolation. A chemistry building on one side of campus and a fine arts building on another side of campus keeps those disciplines distinct, independent, and stable.
In nation building, we argue for a two-state solution to the Israeli – Palestinian conflict. We hope to keep the Kurds a part of a new Iraq, but help them set up a state-within-a-state government. Perhaps we observe genocide around the world with indifference because we, in part, understand that people feel comfortable, secure, and stable with people like themselves, not with an other who happens to live among them. Yet, when we examine Capra’s paradoxical observation of ecosystems, we uncover his point. He argues that all systems, which includes all people as part of the global ecosystem, are in
The Inseparable Connection Between SUSTAINAbILITy & DIveRSITy
By Gareth Griffth, Sustainabilty Director
a constant state of flux. In this state of constant motion, each component’s movement depends on the movement of countless other elements. Given the complexity of the earth’s natural systems, it’s practically impossible to trace all the connections that exist. The wonder of these complex systems is that they self-regulate. When one event occurs, say a volcano on a Pacific island erupts, other elements of the system adjust and eventually find an equilibrium. Soil is re-formed, seeds sprout, and other life forms once again take up residence. What happens when a system is unnaturally stripped down and made more homogenous, perhaps by removing a predator, putting out a natural fire in a long-leaf pine tree forest, or separating one group of people from another, is that the system loses a potentially important element. At first glance, the system may seem more stable. Sheep are safe from wolf attacks, for example. Yet, the danger Capra sees is that when a disruption occurs in the system, the function and gifts
“Growing the Green in Greensboro Day School” has become the Sustainability pledge for students and faculty.
The Learning Pond on campus has enabled students to get their hands dirty and study an ecosytem first-hand.
Academic Ach i evement
Head’s ListSpring 2010
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE36
Students who maintain an average of 90 with no grade below 70 are recognized on the Greensboro Day School Head’s List. The following Middle and Upper School students earned placement on the GDS Head’s List during the second semester of the 2009-10 academic year.
7th gradeAlyssa Altheimer
Caroline Attayek
Nathan Barefoot
Peter Bearse
Kassi Browning
Madi Caviness
Delaney Dalldorf
Lucy Dunham
Katerina Forbis
Annalise Graves
Shepard Griswold
Sarina Haghighat
Aerin Hickey
Sarah Kahn
Lucy King
Libby Knowles
Annabelle Kramme
Tom Kubitza
Kaitlyn Lingard
Mary Kathryn Midgett
Henson Milam
Rachel Pfenning
Jonas Procton
Jessica Pusch
Kayla Reardon
Olivia Register
Zoe Rosen
Everett Saslow
Emma Simpson
Scott Taylor
Madison Watson
Emma Weissburg
Tyler Williams
Katie Wyatt
8th gradeLexy Ackerman
Michael Armstrong
William Armstrong
Ana Bauer
Lauren Beane
Claire Burns
Christopher Caffrey
Sarah Cheek
Connor Cooke
Natalie Curry
Ania DeJoy
Thomas Hollands
Sarah Lindsay Liebkemann
Chase Mansell
Laura McGee
Kit McGinley
Carole Roman
Eric Rosenbower
Camille Russell
Mary Kathryn SappJanse Schermerhorn
Alexa Schleien
Rachel Schomp
Shivani Shah
Caroline Sherwood
Reid Smith
Tyler Sudbrink
Kelsey Supple
Clayton Swords
Zax Tate
Christian Taylor
Grayson Thompson
Catherine Wright
9th gradeJenny Allen
Elise Ammondson
Jack Andersen
Shannon Arnold
Aditya Badve
Caroline Brassfield
Caroline Cox
Justine Dassow
Artashes Davison
Andrew Dutch
Savannah Fox
Sebastian Hertl
Sarah Carter Jessup
Courtney Key
Saad Khan
Aleksa Kirsteins
Allie Kleinman
Wynne Kulman
Seonil Lee
Ben Magod
Caroline Magod
Carrie Melson
Gabrielle Merritt
Greg Mitchell
Tina Ni
Weldon Rose Nichols
Alex North
Maggie Phillips
Andrew Plotnikov
Marissa Reid
Jonathan Rogers
Hannah Rosen
Kathryn Smith
Christine South
Elizabeth Tilley
Lindsay Tuck
Annie Wainer
Drew Wang
Harper Weissburg
Maggie Wilkinson
Spencer Williams
Clayton Wilson
10th gradeClark Ackerman
Sarah Bankhead
Nicholas Beane
Matheson Brady
Hannah Brennan
Samantha Brookshire
Hannah Browne
David Burick
Jake Burns
Jonathan Campbell
Sydney Cone
Madhu Cornelius
Morgan Cox
Dixon Crews
Taylor Curry
Chris Dalldorf
Nathan Elsner
Jacqueline Gravely
Stephanie Hemphill
Lauren Henley
Kim Hundgen
Hailey Jacob
Mary Stuart King
Allie Knowles
Cameron Lemley
Sarah Lucas
Daniel MacDonald
Emma Mattingly
Rakesh Mitra
Colleen Paterson
Haley Peck
Wilson Roseman
Alex Rosenbower
Katie Rowlett
Edward Sapp
Clay Sherrill
Lindsay Stark
Mary Talbot
Aqeelah Tarver
Annie Tewkesbury
Emily Walthall
Lauren Watson
Kaitlyn Webster
Emily Wilder
Graham Wrenn
Christopher Zammit
11th gradeKatie Andersen
Matthew Aronson
Alec Bankhead
Marjorie Bearse
Kathryn Brassfield
Graham Breitenstein
Johan Carlsson
Chris Clark
Jennifer Delman
Anna Dorsett
Jesús Ignacio Fueyo González
Niklas Gahm
Chase Graham
Lee Graves
Ben Howard
Ian Jackson
Margaux Ketner
Jamel Lewis
Nick Li
Kris Li
Steffani McLean
Maggie Medlin
Diana Nguyen
Brittany Porter
Katelyn Powers
Nicole Powers
Alex Procton
Jake Pulitzer
John Sanders
Sophia Schermerhorn
Lucy Smith
Griffin Smith
Kristen Stevenson
Patrick Stovall
Lauren Swords
Dianne Uwayo
Nathan Vercaemert
Jennifer Wintringham
Megan Wright
Lane Zuraw
12th gradeKelsey Ammondson
Stanley Ammondson
Kyle Arnold
Katie Ball
Katherine Bernstein
Alex Bruno
Kathryn Carroll
Kelly Carty
Sarah Cassell
Lilly Cohen
Elijah Cone
Robbie DeSantes
Drew Edwards
Tommy Flannery
Katie Flynt
Alexandra Fortune
Lauren Freedman
AJ Hayes
Matthias Hertl
Ben Holcombe
Jenny Kaplan
Meg Kiser
Carmen Lawrence
Steven Love
Meredith McGee
Carmi Medoff
William Morris
Ming Ni
Beth Niegelsky
Jimmy Nussbaum
Megan Oleynik
Emma Park
Kayla Peay
Virginia Perkins
Jordan Rogers
Jenna Schleien
Katie Schneider
Emily Siar
Kate Stark
Caroline Strong
Gracie Tewkesbury
Michael Tuck
Elizabeth van Noppen
Jayme Wainer
Lucas Weavil
Scott Wells
Sarah Willis
Patrick Wrenn
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE 37
Academic Ach i evement
Honor RollSpring 2010
Students who earn an average of 85 and no grade below 70 qualify for the Greensboro Day School Honor Roll. The following Middle and Upper School students earned placement on the GDS Honor Roll during the second semester of the 2009-10 academic year.
7th grade
Caitlyn Bostian
Lily Brown
Beau Burns
Cassie Burroughs
Addison Byrd
Christopher Diggs
Katie DiNoia
Nich Duehring
Sabrina Greer
Jonathan Hirsch
Jesse Joyner
Katherine Kane
Charles Mayer
Brittany McGroarty
Carter North
Harrison North
Alexander Paris
Tyler Steen
Spencer Vass
Rachael Wilson
8th grade
Miranda Bachicha
Andrew DeJoy
Gina Dick
Elizabeth Dougherty
Quentin Doutt
Ross Gaines
Erin Garinger
Matthew Gasiorek
Clay Hawkins
Rachel Hayes
Patti Hazlett
Olivia Knox
Matthew Lowe
Ashley MacDougall
Marshall Macheledt
Matthew McIVor
Brandi McLean
Matthew Melhem
James Murray
Emily Perkins
Caroline Schlosser
Zac Schner
John Scott
Katherine Sipes
Ethan Smith
David Stern
Megan Stonecipher
Raj Vyas
Max Weingold
9th grade
Cody Adams
Marco Basile
Alex Boyko
McKibbin Brady
Madison Brantley
Trey Chapman
Haley Gilmore
Romina Haghighat
Jess Hickey
Jordan Johnson
Judy Kim
Kenny Kunberger
Jerrel Moore
John Morrisette
Mark Perry
Hunter Pool
Jacque Ravenscroft
Kelly Redd
Andrew Regal
Abby Register
Will Riedlinger
Madison Roehrig
Andrew Smith
J.T. Terry
10th grade
Marshall Brown
Emily Crow
Moises Diaz
Mary Frances Jennings
Fletcher Keeley
Rob Kleinman
Jennings Kuzmier
Stephanie Lee
Evelyn Milford
Amanda Ni
Jonathan Petrinitz
Addison Pugh
Kelly Pusch
Kenesha Raeford
Holland Robinson
Jack Taylor
Richa Vyas
Tori Warren
Bradley Youngdahl
11th grade
Billy Allen
Jabari Bradford
Tory Calkins
Kathleen Davidson
Shaun Deveshwar
Qiaosong Dong
Lillian Evans
Cami Flanagan
Patrick Fontaine
Allie Glenn
Chris Groce
Peter Han
Aubrey Kaplan
Charlie Keeley
Wolf-Michael Kriesten
Andrew Magod
Simran Mann
Dajana Milicevic
Sarah Ann Mincher
Thomas Mincher
Josh Mintz
William Montgomery
Sam Nichols
Lizzi Obermeyer
Beren Patel
John Perry
Kellie Powell
Jaleel Roberts
Alex Rotenstreich
George Russell
Joel Teah
Luke Thomas
Morgan Vance
Bennett Vass
Maggie Weatherly
Kendall Weavil
Ashley Woods
12th gradeDrew BeachCaroline BrownJimbo BrumleyWill CopelandBrandon DorsettMichael HayesStephanie KrantzKatie LloydAnne LucasCatherine McDonaldTrevor NewmanAustin PittmanChristian PulliamGrant RankinBaxter SappRen SchiffmanHammer SternGrainger StewartHaley WalkerSara Beth Watkins
memBerS oF the claSS oF 2010 on head’S liSt For eight SemeSterS
Kelsey AmmondsonStanley AmmondsonKyle ArnoldKatherine BernsteinKathryn CarrollKelly CartyLilly CohenElijah ConeDrew EdwardsTommy FlanneryKatie FlyntAlexandra FortuneBen HolcombeJenny KaplanMeredith McGeeCarmi MedoffWilliam MorrisBeth NiegelskyMegan OleynikEmma ParkJordan RogersJenna SchleienKatie SchneiderEmily SiarGracie TewkesburyMichael TuckPatrick Wrenn
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE38
citiZenShip
Grade 9 – Gabrielle Merritt, Clayton Wilson
Grade 10 – Sarah Lucas, Rakesh Mitra
Grade 11 – Megan Wright, John Sanders
higheSt academic aVerage
Grade 9 – Elise Ammondson
Grade 10 – Cameron Lemley
Grade 11 – Matthew Aronson
9th grade aWardS
Outstanding 9th Grade English Student
Elise Ammondson, Aleksa Kirsteins
Outstanding 9th Grade Math Student
Elise Ammondson, Shannon Arnold
Outstanding 9th Grade Social Studies Student
– Scott William Patterson ’08 Award
Elise Ammondson, Harper Weissburg
Outstanding 9th Grade Science Student
Elise Ammondson, Shannon Arnold
Outstanding 9th Grade Spanish Student
Harper Weissburg
Outstanding 9th Grade French Student
Elizabeth Tilley
Outstanding 9th Grade Music Student
Instrumental - Clayton Wilson
Choral - Andrew Plotnikov
Outstanding 9th Grade Drama Student
Elise Ammondson
Outstanding 9th Grade Art Student
Caroline Cox
10th grade aWardS
Outstanding 10th Grade English Student
Cameron Lemley, Rakesh Mitra
Outstanding 10th Grade Math Student
Jonathan Campbell, Daniel MacDonald
Outstanding 10th Grade Science Student
Cameron Lemley, Daniel MacDonald
Outstanding 10th Grade Latin Student
Stephanie Hemphill
Outstanding 10th Grade French Student
Cameron Lemley
Outstanding 10th Grade Music Student
Instrumental - Katie Rowlett
Choral - Jacqueline Gravely
Outstanding 10th Grade Drama Student
Moises Diaz
Outstanding 10th Grade Art Student
Taylor Curry
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE 39
Academic Ach i evement
9-11 Academic Awards
11th grade aWardS
Outstanding 11th Grade English Student
Niklas Gahm, Maggie Medlin
Outstanding 11th Grade Math Student
Matthew Aronson, Niklas Gahm
Outstanding 11th Grade Social Studies
Student – Ted Sturm Award
Lane Zuraw
Outstanding 11th Grade Science Student
Niklas Gahm, Alex Procton
Outstanding 11th Grade Latin Student
Matthew Aronson
Outstanding 11th Grade French Student
Lucy Smith
Outstanding 11th Grade Music Student
Instrumental -
Jesus Fueyo, Chase Graham
Choral - Allie Glenn
Outstanding 11th Grade Drama Student
Niklas Gahm, Maggie Medlin
Outstanding 11th Grade Art Student
Tory Calkins, Nathan Vercaemert
To view a complete listing of individual
recognition in specific courses, visit
the Upper School news page at
www.greensboroday.org/USnews.
In a Student ’s Words
Greensboro Day School has always been a team building school,
and they always let students do things together as partners or in teams to build teamwork and friendships. The 4th graders got to experience more than this in April.
We were all waiting until it would happen; waiting very anxiously. And finally, the day came when we got to SPEND THE NIGHT AT SCHOOL! Now, I’m not talking about an overnight where you watch TV and play the Wii, and then you do prank phone calls and things like that. This overnight was about building up teamwork and friendship, and it worked completely.
The 4th grade learned about nature from a man named Eustace Conway, who has been living in the woods since he was 17. When he was eight, Eustace was able to throw a knife so it could nail a chipmunk to a tree and would kill it. At ten years old, he could shoot a running squirrel 50 feet away with a bow and arrow. He taught us what plants we could eat raw and plants we should boil first; and of course, plants we can’t eat at all. He taught us a tip about hunting: “if you’re using a bow and arrow, be sure it has a blunt tip for small animals and a sharp tip for bigger animals like deer.” We all loved meeting Eustace Conway, and that’s why some of us will go to Turtle Island Preserve, his summer camp for kids to get closer to the environment.
A woman named Earth Mama also came to see the 4th grade. She sang many songs about the environment like “Pay Attention,” about paying attention to the environment, and the “Very Same Air,” about extraordinary people breathe the same air we do. One of my favorite things about the day performance was when Earth Mama asked Mr. Buxenbaum to be a tall tree during one of her songs. Oh, the memories last forever, don’t they?
Throughout the day we completed many amazing stations. We painted Earth Day murals with black raspberries, red raspberries, dirt and grass. We also painted pet rocks - that was one of the best stations, if you ask my opinion. Next, we helped plant a garden, which was fun and earthy.
The dinner we had included burger sliders, pizzas, egg salad, hard boiled eggs, kabobs, and amazing dessert. Oh, and guess what? All the dinner was made by the 4th graders! It was one of the many perfect ways to bond! We all enjoyed the food we had and then we went to the campfire where we made smores. We also worked as a team to make sound effects for a story written by our teachers. When we got back from the camp fire, the teachers closed the yellow doors in front of a ramp as a divider between the girls and the boys. The girls got to sleep in the 4th grade room, and the boys got the hall, gym and music room. I’m not sure about anyone else, but my favorite experience was when I was
in a room with all my friends. Other girls were in Mr. Buxenbaum’s room and Mrs. Baldwin’s room, but I swear we had the most HILARIOUS people in our room. We spent time telling ghost stories - all of them were funny, not scary.
We used a flashlight to make our faces look scary, and when one girl stood up, we all laughed because her shadow had a wide head, crouched back and curled fingers. “You look like a monster,” is what we all screamed, and she started chasing us around the room. The girls in Mr. Buxenbaum’s room got to turn on all their flashlights and have a dance party. What a night!
When it was morning, we rolled up our sleeping bags and got dressed. Some went down to breakfast earlier than others. We had yogurt and other good things. Following breakfast, it was time to do more stations. We did survival skills with Mr. Buxenbaum, like Frog Lake, where there are polly spots in between rows of cones. No cone can be left unattended and all frogs must get to the other side of the lake without stepping on the water (grass). With Mrs. Baldwin we did team-building stations like Blindfolded, where you get a partner and they wear a blindfold while you guide them.
The last part of our sleepover adventure was a hike behind Jesse Wharton Elementary. We saw the lake that provides Greensboro with water and we also learned how to skip stones. Sadly, we walked back to school and it was time to go home.
This Earth Day experience was amazing because I now feel closer to my grade because we can be in teams and work together. I really hope that the overnight continues as a GDS tradition.
One night, at GDS...By Morgan Winstead ’18
On Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, the 4th grade spent the night on campus to culminate their Journey North study. The Journey North program includes classroom, outdoor, and online activities that allow students to become part of a nationwide collective of student scientists who track climate change. Students used a wide range of skills including observing, graphing, writing, communicating, collaborating, and planting as they managed a controlled and experimental tulip garden, tracked photoperiods in Greensboro, and deduced ten mystery locations across the globe. To learn more about Journey North, visit www.journeynorth.org.
The blindfold game taught our 4th graders teamwork.
In a Student ’s Words
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In a Student ’s Words
And the award goes to…….. the soil, for being the most underappreciated
resource of this earth. Not only is it one of the most underappreciated, but it’s also one of the most important, and it’s highly endangered. It’s unbelievably precious, but why do people seem to overlook it? Why do you not hear much about soil conservation? It’s because people don’t take the time to appreciate the soil, they don’t look past it being well, dirt. Soil is not just dirt. All the complex components that it needs make it almost alive. A living organism needs water, food and air to stay healthy. Soil, needs water, nutrients, and oxygen to stay healthy. The soil is so intricate, so busy, that when you really take the time to learn about it, there’s absolutely no way it could be thought of as just dirt.
All living organisms need a balance of many different things, soil does too. The main nutrients or macronutrients that soil requires are nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Each nutrient does its own specific job in keeping the things that grow in the soil healthy. If there isn’t the right amount of any these, then plants won’t grow correctly. The three parent materials are sand, silt and clay. Other components of soil include dead organic matter which micro organism can use for food, and humus, or old organic matter that has already been decomposed which is very important for storing water and nutrients.
Soil is actually full of water. It needs it to stay healthy, just like any living thing. Water is stored in the soil like a sponge. Everything that grows needs this water, and the soil does a great job absorbing and storing it. Gasses such as oxygen fill in any space where there isn’t water. If soil is given too much water, there won’t be any room for oxygen, and plants will die. So you see that there’s a lot going on. Without the balance of all these things, the soil couldn’t do its job. But why is it even important that the soil stay healthy?
When you think about it, all living things start and end in the soil. The food we eat either comes from plants that grow in the soil, or animals that eat those plants. Plus, think of all the amazing material, like wood and paper, which we get from all different types of plants. With the many things that it provides us, why do we continue to do nothing about conserving the soil, which is slowly becoming endangered? Right now, only one fourth of the world’s soil is fertile. Not even a half of it is usable. The reason is partly because of natural erosion, but it
is also human related. There are things that being done by departments like the NCRS (National Resources Conservation Service), but there needs to be more being done by people who don’t do it for a living. It’s going to take all of us to dig us out of the hole we’re in. It’s not enough just to say “oh the conservation people will take care of it, because even though the things they do are amazing, they need our help too, because eventually there won’t be any fertile soil left. Trees and plants wouldn’t be able to grow. No fertile soil equals not many trees and plants, which equals not much oxygen, which would equal something not so great for the human race. But what can you do to help?
Everyday conservation is not that hard of a job. There are things we can do every day to help. Some things are out of our control, like soil erosion caused by hurricanes and floods. But one of the main causes of erosion is the removal of plants. Vegetation cover protects soil from eroding, so planting trees and flowers does a lot to help. If you do plant things, you have to water them right? Well if you can water the plants you can water the soil. Another way to protect soil from wind and erosion is to water it and keep it moist. We’re not talking about hosing down your entire yard and inspecting every square inch of soil and making sure it’s completely moist, because a) that would be a waste of water and b)just a bit ridiculous. What I mean by that is you should make sure that the soil around your trees and in your garden stays relatively moist. There has to be enough water to sustain the plants that live there and the thousands of micro organisms that live in the soil. And if anybody is a farmer, or knows a farmer, there are some simple things that they can do too. No-till farming can help prevent soil from compacting and losing organic matter. It can also prevent death of some very helpful organisms, like earthworms. Crop rotation or not planting the same crops every year can help improve the structure and fertility of the soil and keep some unwanted pathogens from building up.
So you make a choice. Don’t just tell yourself that all the conservation organizations are going to do all the work. Because what they’re doing is great, but it’s time for you and me to take a stand. WAKE UP! Stop and smell the flowers because in a way, we’re running out of time to do just that. The human race is slowly going to rid the earth of all its beautiful organism and life. That may not happen for thousands of years. But we need everybody to help out, because if we don’t do anything now, our great grandchildren’s great grandchildren might be wishing we had.
WAKE UP! It’s time to save the Earth By Annalise Graves ’15
Seventh grader, Annalise Graves, competed in the state level NC Soil and Water Conservation Speech Contest on May 14 and won first place! The assigned topic, “The Living Soil”, is one that Annalise can certainly speak about with natural oratorical skills and with the excellent foundation that is provided through the 7th grade life science lessons taught by Clarissa Marshall.
Annalise Graves accepts her speech award.
we landed in Rome at 7 a.m. on Palm Sunday, groggy from nearly 15 hours
of traveling. Ms. Arnette took us to see the Ara Maxima of Augustus (built in honor of peace after decades of civil war in Rome) and to visit the Pantheon. This massive, domed structure was built by Marcus Agrippa originally, and then Emperor Hadrian (126 AD) to celebrate the glory of the Roman Empire.
Our second day began with our first group tour and our wonderful tour manager, Lara. The Vatican was the first stop of the day. The Sistine Chapel was my favorite part of Vatican City; the paintings that lined the ceiling were baffling and awe-inspiring. Next up: the Coliseum. It was both huge and beautiful, a real testament to human achievement. To think that people fought to the death for sport in this monolith was quite baffling. The sheer size of it took my breath away, and I was left amazed nearly the entire time. The Coliseum was quite intact, compared to the Forum; coincidentally, our next stop. The Forum, once the epicenter of Roman politics, religion, law, civic life and shopping, has been reduced to a pile of glorified rubble over the centuries. The Rostra, where Cicero and countless others spoke from, literally a large slab of brick, was still there; and, thanks to diligent reconstruction over many years, the most intact building is the Curia (Senate house). However, my favorite area of the Forum, was the Altar to Julius Caesar, where Caesar was purportedly cremated and where flowers are still placed.
Day three was grueling yet rewarding. Ms. Arnette wanted us to see Pompeii, so our wake-up call was even earlier than usual. The GDS group boarded a bus to the ancient Roman city destroyed in 79 A.D. Our tour of Pompeii was a walk through history, and I found it quite interesting that an entire city was so completely preserved in time by such a horrible event as an erupting volcano. Among the multitude of buildings visited were a few houses (one of which was the largest house in Pompeii—the house of the Fawn), a public bath, a bakery, a brothel, the Forum and a temple.
On day four we said goodbye to Rome and headed north to Florence. The countryside, which I haven’t described yet, was absolutely beautiful. Castles dotted the horizon, and looming mountains hung ominously on the horizon. Before arriving in Florence, however, we were to spend the afternoon in Siena.
Our group arrived in Siena and visited a very pretty church (the Basilica of San Domenico) – home to the head of a famous Saint in Catholic tradition, Catherine of Siena. After Saint Catherine
died, she was buried near the Pantheon in Rome, and the people of Siena wished to have her body. Realizing that they couldn’t smuggle it whole out of Rome, they took her head which now resides in a case inside the cathedral. One of the miracles surrounding this relic was that when the guards demanded to see the contents of the sack, the head was transformed into rose petals). Now it was time to leave for Florence. Getting in to the actual city was quite interesting – the streets are built in such a way that buses are not able to traverse them. So we had to leave our bus and take a short walk to the hotel (just like the ancient Romans who were not allowed to have
carriages inside the city during the day). The first sight greeting us was the Duomo (Dome) of the Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (begun in 1296 completed in 1436), modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. It was beautiful, and the dome itself was crafted by the skillful Brunelleschi and remains the largest brick dome ever constructed. We next went to the Medici Palace, the original location of the famous David statue.
The morning of the 5th day began with a visit to the Accademia. Here I saw my first, in-person work by Michael Angelo, a truly amazing sculptor. His David and his Slaves were enthralling statues; you can see the anxiety in David’s eyes as he is about to face Goliath. We toured the church of Dante Alighieri (the Church of Badia Fiorentina), which had been the site of an Abbey since 978 AD. Dante in The Divine Comedy describes Dante’s journeys through hell, purgatory, and heaven.
Our 6th day began with a four hour bus ride to the Venetian docks. Once we arrived, the bus drove onto a large barge and we walked up to its upper decks. About 30 minutes later, we were in the waterway between the major parts of Venice – it was beautiful! Venice was really our area to “chill out” – our only truly guided tour was to see the famous Venetian Murano glass factory. We were able to watch a demonstration of glass making, which was incredibly fun to see. Knowing that the glass factory had been in operation for over 700 years made the experience even more remarkable. We toured the Doge’s Palace, now preserved as a museum, but built originally as a seat of political power in the early 1300’s. We walked across the Bridge of Sighs, which was where prisoners condemned in the palace walked to get to the dungeon, conveniently located right beside the palace; I sighed as I crossed it. We saw jail cells from six hundred years ago; there was graffiti dating back to then, as well. It was incredibly interesting.
The last day of our adventure consisted of many connecting flights (specifically, one boat, three flights, a van from Charlotte to GDS and finally a car to our individual homes) arriving once again drowsy and tired, but happy. It was such a great trip-- thank you, Mrs. Arnette!
Viva Italia! By Baxter Sapp ’10
This spring break, several of Ms. Arnette’s Latin III and IV students traveled to Italy. They visited Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Siena, Florence, Padua, and Venice. This article will detail some of the highlights of their journey.
GDS students in Italy
HEARTS BEHELD:
GREENSBORO DAY SCHOOL, APRIL 2010
By Bob Demaree,
Retired GDS Educator,
Author of “Lo Hearts Behold: A History of Greensboro Day School (1970-1995)”
Entering the story
About a third of the way through,
I tried to tell of its unfolding.
We recall two leaders:
One whose sense of historic irony
Turned to confidence a hopeful, uneasy past;
One whose warm, baritone arias
Dreamed beyond what the founders dreamt.
Another has come to fulfill those visions,
A school in the fullness of time.
I think of a tournament in Asheville,
Nineteen eighty-seven,
A loss, a snowfall, a hope that would be redeemed,
The cheerleaders, my daughter among them,
Singing “Lean on Me”:
I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on;
I’m right up the road,
I’ll share your load,
If you’ll just
Call me.
COMING HOME Verse 1
(It’s) Forty years since they came here with a dream and hearts open wideTo build this school called Greensboro Day to nurture bright young minds Down through the years, the laughter and tears they’ve watched her change and grow To hopes fulfilled from a seed they planted that day so long ago.
CHORUS:No matter how far I may wander or how long I may roamComing back to Greensboro Day feels just like coming home:Teachers who care and friends to share their stories often toldMemories to fill these halls of youth, home of the Green and Gold.Verse 2
From blackboards and chalk to laptops that talk, we’ve come a long, long wayAnd walked together side by side through years of work and play.Remember Prom? And Dad and Mom waiting up so late?The joy and pride that filled their eyes on Graduation Day!
REPEAT CHORUSVerse 3
The days to come...no one of us can tell what they may bringBut there’s one thing deep down inside, I truly do believe.There’ll be teachers who care and friends to share their stories often toldMemories to welcome me back to the home of the Green and Gold.
FINAL CHORUSWritten and composed by faculty member Judy Arnette
CHEERS to 40 YEARS! APRIL 24, 2010
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4 DECADES OF FUN!
CULINARY STARSGive a round of applause to the chefs who provided
the fine fare of the evening:
Phoenix Asian CuisineQuaintance-Weaver Restaurants:
Printworks Bistro, Green Valley Grille, Lucky 32The Pit (Raleigh)
Elizabeth Karmel ’79Reto Biaggi Home Cuisine
Flik Indepedent School Dining
PARTICIPATING PARTNERSWe would like to thank the following corporations for their continued support of GDS.
Their generosity made CHEERS TO 40 YEARS a great community event.
Happy RentzClinton Press
Triad Sign GuysGuy M. TurnerCarey Sound
Aesthetic ImagesNatty Greene’s Brewing Co.
Total Wine & More (Battleground)Thoughtstream Media - Charles Tinsley ’81Lineweaver Design - John Lineweaver ’81
MUSICAL PARTNERSContemporary Jazz group Trio Slaye,
featuring Kevin McDonald ’06
The Bengal Blues, featuring Jason Cheek, Ben Hill, Randy Mintz, Bill Moore & Sonny Willis ’96
The Greener Grass, featuring Judy Arnette, Karen Collins, Ben Hill & Scott Walker
Soul Central
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THANK YOU SPONSORS!
For more information about planning an estate gift to
Greensboro Day School, visit www.greensboroday.org and
see Planned Giving under Support GDS, or contact Anne
Hurd, Director of Advancement, 336-288-8590, ext. 235.
Jeff and mary beach: McLendon Society DonorsBefore Mary and Jeff Beach enrolled their oldest son Taylor in kindergarten in 1995, they did extensive research on area public and independent school options. A business opportunity attracted the couple to Greensboro after 14 years in New York City, where conversations among their friends had naturally evolved from Big Apple young professional life to discussions about where their young children should attend school.
“Without a doubt, we chose Greensboro Day School for the excellent education we believed the school would provide for our sons,” Mary and Jeff agree. Taylor’s experience from kindergarten until he went to Woodberry in ninth grade was extraordinary, they say. Younger son Drew, who will graduate in June with the Class of 2010 as “a lifer,” has had an equally wonderful, yet his own unique, experience.
“GDS was a great fit for both boys, each in their own different way. There was always someone there to support and guide them,” Mary says.
“ Those personal relationships are a main reason to come here; they will not let you fail,” Jeff adds. “GDS looked after our boys.”
From the day the Beach boys entered GDS, both Mary and Jeff were involved and supportive parents. Mary volunteered for everything from Lower School room parent to chair of the Parent Association spring fundraising event, the premier “Savor the Day.”
Jeff immersed himself in helping the school grow financially and served two full terms on the Board of Trustees. Though he has proven to be a tireless and perennial Annual Fund volunteer, co-chaired the Leadership Division the Milestones Campaign in the early 2000s, and ramped up the Major Gifts program by starting a Major Gifts committee, building endowment through planned giving is what Jeff is “adamant about.”
“The very best way to ensure the school’s long-term financial security is to build a substantial endowment; and, the best way to build endowment is through Planned Giving,” he emphasizes.There are options for planned giving vehicles including insurance, charitable remainder trusts, and others, but the simplest way to give is to name Greensboro Day School as a beneficiary through a Last Will and Testament, or a codicil attached later.
Greensboro Day School recognizes those who have made provisions for GDS in their estate plans by listing them as members of The Charles McLendon Founders Society, named after the school’s founding board president. Such provisions may
take the form of a bequest, the designation of GDS as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, the establishment of a charitable trust with GDS as the beneficiary, the assignment of a title to a primary residence or other planned gift arrangement. Gifts are designated or restricted according to the donor’s wishes. Most often, donors choose to direct planned estate gifts to the School’s permanent endowment, or to provide their own named endowment fund for a specific purpose.
Membership in the McLendon Society is a special distinction,
signaling the donor’s understanding that the future of the Day School is a priority now in planning for the ultimate gift upon their death. It is a lifelong commitment to the School’s future welfare. Because of the variety of gift vehicles and giving opportunities available, donors can make a personal statement about their care for the children who attend GDS.
The Beaches made their estate plans for GDS even before the establishment of the McLendon Society, though they did know Mr. McLendon. In fact, Jeff went to UNC with Charlie McLendon, Jr., who attended GDS from 1970 (the year the school opened), to 1974, and they saw each other when they all lived in New York City. The Beaches agree that for executive couples who live in other major cities, and are considering moving to Greensboro for business or other purposes, having a thriving Greensboro Day School as an educational option is a must. “The very economic health of our community is dependent upon having a superior quality independent school option. Executives who make company location decisions, will look at education for their children and their employees’ children as a major deciding factor,” Jeff says. “I want to raise the consciousness of my contemporaries – the parents of children who have gone to school with our children – that we all should all consider providing for GDS through our estate plans,” Jeff encourages. “It is a really simple matter to leave a legacy to Greensboro Day School. It sets an example for our children, strengthens the school’s future, and helps our entire community,” he adds.
Taylor ’08, Jeff, Drew ’10 and Mary Beach
Inve s t in GDS
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE46
Dear Greensboro Day School Families,
While celebrating the 40th anniversary of GDS at our Founders Day ceremony, I had the distinct pleasure of addressing past founders, trustees, and Parents’ Association Presidents together with the very first President (then called the Presidents’ Council) Mrs. Emma Poindexter. I mentioned the leap of faith that it takes to step into this role, but that each President
does so because of and inspired by the tradition of extraordinary parent volunteers that have given so generously of their time and resources every year of our 40-year history. Each generation of the GDS family has built on the foundation of those before and so together has reached higher goals.
In my first letter last summer, I encouraged you all to get involved in ways that fit your talents and time, to be present as much as possible, and help weave the strong Bengal fabric of families. Your presence unequivocally made the difference this year with increased numbers at Carnival, participation that jumped to over 400 at Bengal Paws for Service and the Bengal Dash, and together we shattered the attendance for any GDS event at Cheers to 40 Years! Thank you.
It was my pleasure to guide the work of the parents in support of the GDS community. When your heart and work are aligned, it is an enjoyable and fulfilling expenditure of energy and time. I wish that I could share with you the stories of every amazing teacher, parent or student that I have encountered this year, but I will simply say that, regardless of what economists are telling us, at GDS, we are rich in faculty that are vested in our children’s success as if they were their own; we have creative, dynamic volunteers that continue to invest in our community; and our efforts are yielding a generation of young leaders who are equipped to not only succeed in college but to improve our world with their contributions. We have so much for which to be proud and thankful.
I would like to express my gratitude for the work and support of a fabulous PA Board, school faculty and administration, and innumerable parent volunteers that made this a wonderful year,
Jennifer Smith Adams ’86 PA President 2009-2010
G R E E N S B O R O D A Y S C H O O L PA R E N T S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N
2009-2010 yeARLy UPDATe
Members of the Parents’ Association Board
President: Jennifer Smith Adams ’86
President Elect: Jan Findley
Secretary: Macie Templeton
Board Treasurer: Belinda Brantley
Fundraising Treasurer: Cindy Knowles
Board Advisory/Nominating: Pam Hemphill
VP Campus Life: Leigh Ann Pool
VP Community Enrichment: Chris Hudson
VP Fundraising: Erica Procton
Administrative Liaison: Tommy Webb
preSident’S council memBerS:
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Advisory
The GDS Community strongly values and is strengthened by open, two-way
communications between its families and the school. Divisional Advisory
committees are one way to facilitate this communication. This year a MS
Technology advisory group was formed as a result of increased parental
questions surrounding the rapidly changing technological environment our
children are navigating on and off campus. As a result of the work that began
with this group, the school formed a GDS Counseling, Technology, and
Academics committee to address these questions for all divisions and help the
school and parents better define our roles in helping students maximize the
benefits from technology while minimizing the negative pitfalls with which
students can struggle. Their collaboration will no doubt make our program’s
focus and mission even stronger.
Lower School Advisory – Beth Christina
Middle School Advisory – Robyn Weissburg
Upper School Advisory – Jane Steiner
Campus Life
Parents give generously of their time because they know the importance of
the partnership between home and school in the education process and realize
the difference their presence makes each day in every little moment supporting
students, parents and faculty.
Back to School Supply Sale – Beth Walton and Carlen Walters
Grade Parent Chairs – Kim Lewis and Kara Ruffin
LS Hospitality – Liza Lee and Lisa Newsome
MS Hospitality – Belinda Brantley and Erin Rosen
US Hospitality – Kim Browning, Chris Supple and Mary Van der Linden
MS Social Events – Lisa Hazlett
Sustainability Liaison – Jennifer Riedlinger
The teachers and staff were honored guests at two appreciation events this
year. A New Orleans Garden Café with specialty coffees, homemade sweets
and savories, live entertainment and spa treatments to brush off the winter
blues. And, an end of year luncheon with a Low Country Boil amidst a beach
and nautical backdrop got them in the mood for summer.
True to our mission...
The purpose of the GDS Parents’
Association shall be to provide
parental voice and support for the
school, to develop a welcoming
climate for all parents, and to
work closely with the school in
meeting its needs. This purpose
shall be to support the students,
parents, faculty, administration,
staff, officers and board of Trustees
of the Greensboro Day School
in academic, arts, athletic, social,
and development objectives by
encouraging volunteerism, raising
and disbursing funds, promoting
communication within the school
and conducting events that foster
school spirit and camaraderie. The
Parents’ Association shall have a
non-profit purpose.
Community enrichment
The PA’s greatest strength continues to lie in its ability to build community. Working to support new families, supporting each other when in crisis or celebration, and reaching out to the greater Greensboro community represent the best of what we can accomplish together.
Admissions Support – Bethany & Nathan DugginsAlumni Liaison – Carla Jones ’83
Bengal Paws for Service – Leigh SudbrinkDiversity Liaison – Nancy Vaughan
GDS PA Cares – Penny GravesNew Family Coordinator – Marilyn Whitley
Funds and Friends Raising
Flashes of pictures of laughing children, beloved teachers, and parents connecting flow through my mind as I reflect on the enormous impact these parent-led special events have made on the GDS campus and school spirit this year. Funds raised from these initiatives are distributed each fall through allocations and enrich our students’ lives during their years as a Bengal.
Bengal Dash – Laura Hochstein and Patty McIvorGreen & Gold Carnival – Bobby Calfo and Kevin Pusch
Innisbrook Fundraiser – Isabelle Kramme and Stephanie RichardsonSpecial Projects – Angela Van Trigt
Fun and friendships flourished as the Green & Gold Carnival continued to grow in its focus to engage all divisions and all families. Initiatives were taken to reduce the cost of attendance, decrease the demand on Lower School donations, and to work with admissions to provide tickets for potential new families. Profits from the carnival support the US Service Learning Clubs that volunteer at the event, giving them another way to raise funds and decreases the pressure on alternative methods needed such as bake sales.
The third annual Bengal Dash’s reputation is growing as one of the most enjoyable race events in Greensboro. Racers and sponsors alike enthusiastically supported the school’s goal of providing 40,000 cans of food for those in need and service learning opportunities for students through their participation. We welcomed groups from the community, Rides for Smiles and the Girls Running Club from the Triad Math and Science Academy, who enriched the day for all with their presence.
Cheers to 40 Years: During the current economic environment, the PA decided not to have a spring fundraiser, but desired instead to partner with the school in providing a whole community 40th celebration event focused on the richness of our heritage and the relationships that bind us together. Parents were encouraged to support the Annual Fund instead as it was critical that we met our budgeted goals.
6th Grade Parent Social
New Family Hosts
Back to School Supply Sale Chairs
Winter Teacher Appreciation Event
A yeAR IN RevIew
Spring Appreciation Luncheon Chairs
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G R E E N S B O R O D A Y S C H O O L PA R E N T S ’ A S S O C I AT I O N
TReASUReR’S RePORTFor the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2010
The Greensboro Day School Parents’ Association income sources are membership dues and fundraising activities. One hundred percent of the net earnings from fundraising activities, as well as surplus operating funds, are contributed to the school. The PA financial records are consolidated into the financial statements of Greensboro Day School and as such are audited annually by independent auditors. Parents’ Association operations are based on a breakeven budget and funded by parent dues. Every parent at GDS is a member of the PA and pays dues through tuition payments. This year, 906 students paid PA dues amounting to $18,120. This revenue was used to pay for operational expenses which included parent and student social activities, community and student enrichment funding, and PA administrative expenses. Each year, the PA contributes an amount equal to or greater than 10% of its net spring fundraiser proceeds to its Teacher Enrichment Endowment Fund (TEEF). In the aggregate, grants to faculty members are awarded in an amount equal to the investment spending policy set forth by Greensboro Day School.
net Fundraising activities and Special events for the year ending june 30, 2010
Green & Gold Day Carnival (funds for US Service Clubs) $4,614Innisbrook Gift Wrap Sale 18,169Special Projects (VIC, Box Tops, Target) 3,389Bengal Dash (funds designated for Student Service Learning) 9,374 net SurpluS From FundraiSing and Special eVentS $35,546
Funds provided to gdS through the pa allocations committee process:
Campus Wide Furniture $35,000Virtual/Distance Learning Video Conferencing Classroom 13,000Smart Tables for Lower School 12,000Teacher Enrichment Endowment Fund 9,538After Prom Extension Party 5,500Sloan Theatre Concessions Improvement 2,000Alumni Gym Boiler Link to Control System 2,000Security Cameras 1,600
total FundS proVided to gdS $80,638
Cash Reserve for contingences from Operating surplus $3,695
teacher enrichment endowment Fund
Grants awarded this year $10,663Grant recipients 10
Communications and marketing
The majority of advertising and communication for PA events were
streamlined into the school Paw Prints to reduce the overwhelming number
of emails and various communications received by our parents. A quicklink
on the School’s Web site was added to direct parents to all pertinent PA news
and information, as well as a PA Board working page to support volunteers
with copious resources available from home such as job descriptions, access to
historical data, vendor contact information, board lists and minutes. Our goal
is to provide greater ease of access to a greater depth of information which will
provide increased flexibility to when our volunteers can accomplish their work.
Communications & Media Support –
Alyssa Chowdhury and Karen Armstrong
Looking to the future...
The creative leadership of the
Parents’ Association realizes that
it is a whole new environment in
which we are all operating. we are
working to stay in alignment with the
diverse needs of our families, to stay
aware of the pressures that are being
brought to bear on their time and
resources, and are excited about the
possible opportunities of new ways
to connect and support the mission
of GDS. The relationships and
love of school that are established
through volunteerism and our
initiatives are extremely important
to our community. we must find
ways to communicate better, be
efficient in how to best use our
resources, and stay flexible in order
to respond to the school needs and
those of its stakeholders.
Innisbrook Gift Wrap Sale Chairs Bengal Paws for Service
Board Treasurer Belinda Brantley
Security Camera
Furniture in the PA Media Center
Fundraising Treasurer Cindy Knowles
Green & Gold Carnival Cheers to 40 Years!
The 3rd Annual Bengal Dash
Smart Table
Alumni News Alumni News
GDS WINTER MAGAZINE 53
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April 23-24, 2010
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE52
Sonny Robinson ’80 and Charles Cunningham ’80
Sylvia Diaz Jones ’85, Melissa Wright Niegro ’85 and Lisa Koury Johnson ’85
Members of the Class of 1985
’85
’80 Class of 1980:Home of Helen BrooksOrganizers: Helen Brooks and Elaine Alspaugh Fox
Class of 1985:REFSOrganizers: Leslie Scott Alexander and Chris Meadows
It has been an amazing year for Greensboro Day School
alumni. In celebrating the school’s 40th anniversary, we
realized that we needed to celebrate our school’s product – its
alumni. We started the year with our annual wine tasting
at Tyler White Galleries where we viewed beautiful paintings
done by Katie Long Stevenson ’99 and Nancy B. Jester
Westfall ’88. As we started preparing for the 40th party,
John Lineweaver ’81 became a crucial part of the team – he
branded the event with his designs. And, he did an amazing
job, and he did it from Atlanta! For two years, Charles
Tinsley ’81 has interviewed and taped 22 people who were
part of the beginning of our school – Founders, teachers,
students. The documentary debuted during our Founders’
celebration on April 22, and it was a hit! Charles traveled to
Greensboro regularly from Richmond, VA to interview people.
At the “Cheers to 40 Years” party, we celebrated talented
alumni Kate Middleton ’96, Sonny Willis ’96 and Kevin
McDonald ’06 who shared their music/drama talents. Thank
you to these alumni and to all alumni who give back regularly
to our school.
So, what can we take away from this year? Our alumni are
talented and giving. There is a common thread among them
all, whether they graduated in 1975 or 2010 – Greensboro
Day School. And, I am thankful to be working with them.
Have a great summer.
OH WHAT A NIGHT!Cheers to 40 Years! On April 24, our expectation was high, and it was even better. Over 800 people were in attendance for the biggest/best celebration GDS has ever had – a great tribute to 40 years of educating the best.
A special thank you goes to Kate Middleton ’96 and Sonny Willis ’96 who did a fabulous job emceeing, to Kevin McDonald ’06 whose jazz trio - Trio Slaye - entertained, to John Lineweaver ‘81 who designed the graphics and invitations for the event, and to Charles Tinsley ‘81 who produced a commemorative video. For more photos, see pages 42-45.
Elaine Alspaugh Fox ’80 and Charles Poindexter ’80
Homecoming 2010As has become our tradition, we celebrated Homecoming 2010 with a cookout and a hospitality room. Thanks to Todd Munsey ’90 who manned the grill and made a lot of hungry people happy!
The Class of ’04 gathered at the Speakeasy for their five year reunion in November. Whitney Marshall, Merrill McCarty and Spencer Kirkman for organized this event.
Class of ’04 Reunion
Gatherings across AmericaWith board members living in other cities, we have had numerous gatherings across the U.S. this year. John Lineweaver ’81 and Anna Beaver ’03 had a holiday gathering in Atlanta. Dillard Williams ’01 hosted a gathering in Charlotte at a GDS/Providence Day basketball game. Emily Burbine Rose ’97 hosted a gathering in Richmond, Forest Michaels ’98 in DC and Alex Lawson ’99 in New York City. We will continue to expand our cities so if you are interested in hosting a gathering in your city, let us know. We will be happy to help!
Atlanta gathering at John Lineweaver’s ’81 house
Katie Robinson Springer ’95, Mary Katherine Davis ’99, Kelli Robinson Phillips ’99, and Eric Phillips
Sarah Tennille Kaplan ’91 and her daughters.
Bill Morrisette ’75, Tommy Webb and Allison Morrisette
’75 Class of 1975:Home of David & Sally Gorrell Kuratnick Organizers: Sally and Mary Marr Dillard Johnson
Kristen Cloninger Lancaster ’84, Kathy Davis, and Jane Eskridge Thomas
Kate Middleton ’96 and Civia Lieb’ 95
Senior LuncheonThe Senior Luncheon has become a wonderful tradition where we welcome our youngest alumni into the GDS Alumni Association. This year’s speaker was Grier Booker Richards ’97 who did a wonderful job challenging the Class of 2010 to remain in touch with the school and to remember the teachers who helped them along the way. Read her speech on the inside back cover.
Alumni with their graduating seniors: Katherine Bernstein ’10, Gail Isaacson Bernstein ’76, Lilly Cohen ’10, Lane Schiffman ’82, Sally Cohen ’76, Ren Schiffman ’10, Ed Cone ’80, Michael Flannery ’81, Tommy Flannery ’10, and Elijah Cone ’10.
ALU
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Alumni News
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE54
April 23-24, 2010
GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE 55
C la s s Note s
CLASS NOTeS1989lou rice thompson and her husband, Robert, launched carolinacrabcakes.com, offering fresh, gourmet items that are popular at their family’s bed and breakfast, The Orchard Inn.
leslie legare is a Senior Director of Creative at CmT in Nashville.
1991jacky Bollini was promoted to Supervisory border Patrol Agent in Arizona, where he works at Douglas, the busiest station in the nation.
1994anne haldeman Blackmon was voted Teacher of the year At North Ridge elementary School in Raleigh.
1999alex Sigmon just returned from his tour of duty in Iraq where he served in military intelligence. while in Iraq, he had an American flag flown in honor of GDS and its contribution of care packages to his battalion.
2000Samantha rogers graduated from the Physician Assistant (PA) program at wake Forest University School of medicine.
2001jeb Brooks was selected by his classmates to give the student graduation address at The elon School of Law.
2006jaron Wilson graduated from UNC with a business degree. In August he will be moving to Dallas where he will work as an assistant buyer for Neiman marcus.
Stephany rayburn graduated from wake Forest University. She received the wake Forest University Theatre Department Service Award and the wake Forest University Theatre Department excellence in Design Award. Stephany will be working for the costume shop at Triad Stage before heading to the University of virginia as an 8th grade counselor for their Summer enrichment Program. In August, Stephany will begin an internship with the Cincinnati Shakespeare Theatre company in their costume shop.
’90
Tamara Sloan Rice ’90, William Presson ’90 and Alice Tennille Givens ’90
Members of the Class of 1990
’95 Class of 1995: Bistro Sofia’s Organizer: Katie Robinson Springer
Lynn Murphy ’95 and Aron Strasser ’95
Class of 1990:Home of Allison & Jon BellOrganizers: Todd Munsey andJon Bell
Members of the Class of 2000
’00 The Class of 2000: REFS Organizer: Landy Douglas Elliott
2000 classmates: Kathleen Martin Barry, Kim Hickey, Kate Banner, Margot Neufeld, Lauren Hall Hopper, Andrea Pate Fletcher, Samantha Rogers, and Bonnie Dickinson Boyer
LIddy Davis Hall ’95, Civia Lieb ’95, Tara Langston Horelica ’95, Amelia Hummel Hodges ’95, Lise Conner Sherlin ’95
2009elizabeth Buxton, in her first year at Connecticut College, recently appeared in the leading role of Nora in her college’s spring drama, Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. Lizzie has also been cast in both the fall (Trinculo in The Tempest) and spring dramas at her school, which is a remarkable accomplishment for a freshman.
Young Alumni MingleThe Greensboro Young Alumni Group gathered at the Grasshopper stadium for a night of baseball on May 18. Durant Bell ’98, Jeb Brooks ’01, Mary Katherine Davis ’99 and Jonathan Peddrick ’98 planned this event, and it was a great success with almost 20 young alumni coming out to share a few stories and to watch baseball.
Young alumni turned out for a Greensboro Grasshoppers game in May.
Elizabeth Buxton ’09
Thanks to the many alumni who returned for the annual alumni baseball game as players and as observers! The cookout was quite successful as was Bengal Town, a small Green and Gold Day game area. And, thank you to Linda Knox Sudnik ’79 who organized the cookout!
Play Ball!
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GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE56 GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE 57
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WeddingS
1989 leslie legare and Greg burgess were married on October 17, 2009 in Roaring Gap, N.C. They live with their daughter, violet, in Nashville.
1995 abby Soles and mike Zimmerman were married on march 13, 2010 in Durham, N.C. Groomsmen included john Soles ’01. Abby and mike live in Cary, NC.
1996 joseph Burney and Jennifer Anderson were married on November 7, 2009 in Atlanta. bridesmaids included elizabeth Burney malinzak ’00. The best man was jay cantrell and groomsmen included james Burney ’91 and Benjamin morcos. They live in Atlanta.
1997 marcy guterman and Jason Crump were married on October 31, 2009 in Landrum, S.C. marcy and Jason live in Cary, N.C.
meriwether maddux and Tanner Powell were married on may 1, 2010 in Georgetown, S.C. matron of Honor was neil maddux miller ’99 and greeters were madeleine Berry Smith, leigh Brantley Wheeler and elizabeth Stafford White. They live in New york City.
1998 Brandon hilliard and Juliette Hudlow were married on August 29, 2009 in Norfolk, va. chris hilliard ’01 was the best man. brandon and Juliette live in virginia beach.
2000 christy mcgroarty and Justin Powell were married on October 3, 2009 in Greensboro, N.C. bridesmaids included jennifer mcgroarty ’02 and ashley mcgroarty ’07. Christy and Justin live in Greensboro.
2001 chris hilliard and Laura Kerns were married on November 28, 2009 in Davidson, N.C. bridesmaids included meghan chisnall Willis ’03. The best man was Freeman jones and Honorary best man was Brandon hilliard ’98. Chris and Laura live in Coronada, Calif.
dillard Williams and Anne warren were married on may 15, 2010 in Charlotte. Groomsmen included jackson Williams ’07, john mccarty, michael thomas ’00 and alex Worth. Katherine johnson ’07 was a reader and greeters were Katie cohen ’08 and lillie cohen ’10. Dillard and Anne live in Charlotte.
BirthS
1991 jacky Bollini and meredith bollini. Daughter: Sofia James bollini, February 1, 2010. Sofia joins big brother Jake and big sister maren. They live in Sierra vista, Ariz.
1992 Bryce Flint-Somerville and Liz Flint-Somerville. Daughter: Zora Shay Flint-Somerville, march 30, 2010. They live in Portland, Ore.
1993 ryan gioffre and Danielle Giofree. Son: Rocco walter Gioffre, January 22, 2010. They live in Greensboro.
amanda taylor marshall and alex marshall. Son: brooks Taylor marshall, April 6, 2010. brooks joins older brothers James, mac and John. They live in washington, DC.
1996 Kara medoff Barnett and Dov barnett. Daughter: Riley Sage barnett, October 22, 2009. They live in New york City.
Sarah levinson rothman and matthew Rothman. Daughter: Alexandra Henry Rothman, march 23, 2010. They live in New york City.
1997 margaret Farrell Brown and Scott brown. Son: Noah James brown, December 16, 2009. They live in Greensboro.
grier Booker richards and Richard Richards. Son: Olsen mcNeill Richards, march 29, 2010. They live in Princeton, NJ.
2002 catherine powell and Jason Regan were married on October 3, 2009 in Greensboro. bridesmaids included marilyn carlson ’02, Kristen Beavers haynes ’02 and Betsy huffine ’02, and program attendant was Katie cockrell ’02. They live in mount Pleasant, S.C.
ryan o’Shea and Shannon Hatcher were married on August 8, 2009 in wilmington, N.C. Groomsmen included john chapman ’03, mackey macdonald, eric trivette and james megliola. Ryan and Shannon live in Chapel Hill.
2003 mary gaines donaldson and Thomas Douglas were married on February 20, 2010 in Greensboro. bridesmaids included grace donaldson ’01, rebecca Barger, molly hassenfelt and clarence mills. Honorary bridesmaids were nancy calhoun, dana murphy and rachel Wolff. jamie donaldson ’08 and William mills ’02 were groomsmen. The couple live in Charlotte.
Beau mcintosh and craig hassenfelt mcintosh. Son: Robert Fletcher mcIntosh, Jr, may 4, 2010. Fletcher joins big sister Adelaide. They live in Greensboro.
jonathan hall and elizabeth Hall. Son: James Davis Hall, February 11, 2009. James joins big brother Campbell. They live in Greensboro.
elizabeth Stafford White and Julian white. Son: Julian bernard white Iv, January 26, 2010. Court joins twin sisters Tyler and Harper. They live in Charlotte.
1998 lisa Barry First and David First. Daughter: Alexis Paige First. April 17, 2010. They live in in Atlanta.
Brooke evenson moncrief and Lee moncrief. Daughter: elizabeth Anne moncrief “Lily”, February 18, 2010. They live in Houston.
craig hassenfelt mcintosh – see 1997
1999 david conrad and megan gessner conrad. Son: Dawson michael Conrad, October 23, 2009. They live in winston-Salem.
Brian groat and Demetra Groat. Twins: Robert bryce and brooklyn Reese, December 18, 2009. They live in Greensboro.
Kelly robinson phillips and eric Phillips. Daughter: Zoe wylder Philips, January 5, 2010. They live in Greensboro, NC.
2000 megan gessner conrad – see 1999
Court White with his sisters, Tyler and Harper. They are the children of Elizabeth Stafford White ’97
Maren, Sofia and Jake, children of Jacky Bollini ’91
Riley (left), daughter of Kara Medoff Barnett’ 96, and Alexandra, daughter of Sarah Levinson Rothman ’96.
Zora, daughter of Bryce Flint-Somerville ’92.
Rocco, son of Ryan Gioffre ’93 Olsen, son of Grier Booker Richards ’97 Fletcher and Adelaide, children of Beau ’97 and Craig Hassenfelt McIntosh ’98
Sons of Jonathan Hall ’97 Noah, son of Margaret Farrell Brown ’97
Brooklyn and Bryce, children of Brian Groat ’09
Dawson, son of David ’99 and Megan Gessner Conrad ’00
Alexis, daughter of Lisa Barry First ’98
As I began thinking about what I might want to share with you all this afternoon, my thoughts returned time and again to the theme of gratitude…and specifically gratitude for all of the ways GDS has helped to prepare me, and has now prepared you, for the rocky road ahead.
As a generation longing for home, your teachers, coaches and administrators have provided you with fertile soil for establishing lifelong roots: a community of care, which has both nourished and nurtured you ever since you began your journey here. And unlike many teenagers your age, you are graduating from an institution that has claimed you and will continue to value your gifts and your input for years to come. I know this, because it has been my experience.
As for living generously? I can think of no other school which values service and outreach as much as Greensboro Day School does. Whether it’s spending days on-end serving the greater Greensboro community during sophomore service week, or seeking new ways to live more sustainably, you all are way ahead of the curve when comes to conceiving of a world that exists far beyond the bounds of your everyday melodrama. Your time here at GDS has allowed you to catch a glimpse of the larger, more important picture – it has given you a taste of what it feels like to NOT be valued for what you own, but for who you are – and your experience here has equipped you with the skills necessary to be able to respond with intelligence to our country’s crisis of consumption.
And while our rapid-fire, hurry-it-up pace doesn’t seem to be letting up any time soon, I have high hopes that your generation will finally be the one to question the insanity of our 24/7, round-the-clock work week, and might even remind all of the rest of us that working hard AND playing hard do not have to be mutually exclusive.
Certainly the temptation is there – to simply “manage” all of your time away – but I believe that your education at Greensboro Day School has actually prepared you to be exactly the multi-tasking, priority-setting future leaders that we need: leaders who both value their time, AND use it wisely.
As a GDS alumna, I can tell you that you will only become increasingly grateful for all this community has given you and more in awe of how much the people here truly care for you. You have been given a top-notch education, relationships that will last a lifetime, and a toolbox – complete with everything you’ll ever need – to become successful in whatever it is that you want in life.
(Grier gave this speech to the Class of 2010 at their Senior Luncheon)
RemembeRI’M JUST LIKE YOUby GRIeR bOOKeR RICHARDS ’97
I imagine that to you, my career in the ministry probably sounds a bit weird and definitely boring…a career which possibly has the least amount of glam-factor out there. But the truth is, I absolutely LOVE what I do.
Part of what I love so much about my job, is that I have the privilege of learning a lot about people your age. Believe it or not, I’ve actually spent countless hours over the past few years researching and studying 21st century American youth culture. So even if we haven’t been formally introduced yet, I still happen to think that I already know a little something about you…
I’ve learned you all face a host of challenges that no one else in this room ever had to encounter in the same way when they were your age; and it is these challenges that, in a sense, define your generation.
First, is the challenge of being grounded – for you and your peers, your sense of place is incredibly fluid. At any given time, any one of you might very well be in 3 places at once: in your room, on the phone and on Facebook. Your attention can easily be divided between three friends, two parents, a math problem, and Hulu. For the most part, this isn’t all that much of a problem: it’s just the way things are now.
Yet researchers have noticed one disturbing trend that’s evolved alongside this fluid sense of place: your generation, perhaps more than any other in American history, is a generation that longs for home – some place where you are known, claimed, valued, and most importantly needed by your community: a place where you can grow roots and return to over and over again.
Without this sense of “home,” it’s become increasingly difficult for you all to effectively care for one another, because quite literally, you’re all over the place! All you need is your computer or your iPhone, and you can be wherever you want to be, exactly when you want to be there. What’s been exchanged for this freedom to be anywhere at any time, however, is a community of care that surrounds you and knows you over the long haul.
The second challenge your generation faces is the challenge of living generously. The old phrase “You are what you eat” now reads: “You are who you wear,” and “You are what you have”…so it’s no surprise that your generation is one that accumulates more and gives away less. If you are what you own, as advertisers would lead you to believe, then why would you live with a spirit of generosity? Implicitly and explicitly, this is what our American consumer culture has taught you, and now your bear the burden of having to figure out how you will respond.
Lastly, your generation is faced with the challenge of an ever-changing tempo. Technology has blurred the line between work-time and down-time – so much so, that our age-old understanding of labor and rest have become completely confused. As a result, many now believe that your generation suffers from a watered-down work ethic and the misguided belief that to be relaxed, is to be inherently bored. The gift of time rarely feels like a gift anymore – rather it’s simply something that must be managed before it all dries up and runs out.
Margaret Farrell Brown ’97 and Grier Booker Richards ’97
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GDS SUMMER MAGAZINE58
Greensboro Day School lost a good friend with the passing of Si Boney on May 14. His name appears throughout GDS’ 40 years of history as a Founding Trustee, parent, Head’s Council member, and generous donor to every fundraising effort ever undertaken by GDS, from the annual fund to endowments and buildings. He was a charter member of the Charles A. McLendon Founders Society that recognizes those who have made provisions in their estates for Greensboro Day School.
Mr. Boney and his wife Betsy Richardson Boney, who predeceased him in 1986, had four children, three of whom were students at GDS – Betsy Boney Mead ’75, Louise Boney McCoy ’78, Martin ’85, and elder son Sion. He was also survived by six grandchildren.
A native of Goldsboro, Mr. Boney graduated from UNC-CH, received an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a Certificate of Banking from Rutgers University. He served his country during WWII in the Navy, and was a lieutenant in the US Naval Reserve. His career in
memorialS
Howard Allred, October 12, 2009. Grandfather of caroline doss ’20 and stepfather of GDS Regsitrar Susan Doss.
Henry Peraldo, November 19, 2009. Grandfather of leah peraldo ’19 and chandler peraldo ’15.
Herman Cone, December 11, 2009. Grandfather of Barbara cone ’01.
mary Frances mcDaid, December 12, 2009. mother of carol mcdaid ’78 and grandmother of emily mcdaid ’08.
elvin Parks, December 28, 2009. Grandfather of anna hunter ’03 and matthew hunter ’00.
Henry Levinson, January 4, 2010. Father of molly levinson Wachs ’94 and Sarah levinson rothman ’96.
Peter vanderwerff, January 4, 2010. Stepfather of alice tennille givens ’90 and Sarah tennille Kaplan ’91.
Gene Guhne, January 6, 2010. Grandfather of ryan guhne ’09, Kristine guhne ’12 and matthew guhne ’16.
Helen Fifield Pope, January 21, 2010. Grandmother of missy Black akin ’84, johnny Black ’87 and Stiles Fifield ’12, and the great-grandmother of harrison akin ’18 and Briggs akin ’20.
Louis bachicha, January 26, 2010. Grandfather of adriana Bachicha ’17 and miranda Bachicha ’15.
Robert bleke, February 3, 2010. Grandfather of alexander paris ’15 and isabell paris ’17.
Gary Cox, march 10, 2010. Father of Stephen cox ’98.
Doris bradley, march 22, 2010. mother of laura Bradley Fenn ’87.
Demp bradford, April 4, 2010. Father of ron Bradford ’00.
Gil wright, April 4, 2010. brother of danny Wright ’89, chris Wright ’75 and liz Wright james ’76.
Joseph brantley, may 13, 2010. Grandfather of cooper Brantley ’93, elizabeth Brantley ’97, caroline Brantley ’05 and andy Brantley ’04.
Sion boney, may 14, 2010. School founder and father of Betsy Boney mead ’75, louise Boney mccoy ’78 and martin Boney ’85.
Lamar beach, may, 29, 2010. Grandfather of taylor Beach ’08 and drew Beach ’10.
Fred barakat, June 21, 2010. Father of rick Barakat ’92 and the grandfather of catherine Vaughan ’19.
Greensboro started with NCNB (now Bank of America). He then worked for the Richardson Corporation, retiring in 1985 as Secretary and Vice President, and then served as Vice President and Trustee of the Hillsdale Fund for 36 years. He served on numerous nonprofit boards and many education boards including Greensboro Day School and Hollins University.
“Si was a great friend to Greensboro Day School. His gentlemanly charm, warm smile, grace and keen wit will be missed by everyone at GDS, and especially by me and former GDS Heads of School, and members of the Head’s Council of which he was a member for many years,” said Mark Hale.
At a reception following Mr. Boney’s funeral, son Sion told the representatives from GDS that one of the last things his father did at home before he went to the hospital was to view the documentary film of the Founding of GDS, produced by Charles Tinsley ’81 to commemorate the 40 years since the School’s founding. Sion reported that his father was “pleased with Greensboro Day School.”
Sion Alford boney, Jr.
Si Boney