The Galax (Winter 2022 Issue) by Christ School

the

galax a publication of christ school

MOVING

OurMission FORWARD

winter 2022

Winter | 2022 Editor: Donna Wheeler P’21 Design: Steve Parker Design Editorial Contributions: Graylyn Loomis ’10, Jack Lynch, Olga Mahoney P’20, Andrew Pearson, John Roberts, Isaac Rankin. Photographic Contributions: Duncan Barnes, Graylyn Loomis ’10, Jack Lynch, Olga Mahoney P’20, Donna Wheeler P’21. The magazine’s name, The Galax, honors a traditional school emblem, the galax plant, which is indigenous to our area of Western North Carolina.

The Galax is published two times a year by the Christ School Advancement and Communications Offices: Betsy Ellis P’24, Director of Advancement; Graylyn Loomis ’10, Director of Communications; Isaac Rankin, Associate Director of Advancement; Donna Wheeler P’21, Director of Publications; Kathryn J. Belk, Annual Loyalty Fund Director; Sarah Fox, Advancement Office Manager; Dan Stevenson ’72 P’15, Director of Alumni Affairs and Major Gift Officer; Andrew Pearson, Digital Content and Communications Specialist; Chris Childers, Video Production Specialist. Send submissions to: Galax Editor, Christ School, 500 Christ School Road, Arden, NC 28704 or call 828-684-6232, ext. 104. You can also submit information through our web page at www. christschool.org or to Donna Wheeler at dwheeler@christschool. org. Christ School admits boys in grades eight through twelve based on academic ability, personal qualifications, and recommendations, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, or national and ethnic origin.

table of contents from the head 4 feature story 6 in & around yard a

the fourth pillar

young men of distinction 36

26 beneath the angelus bell 30

under the lights 42

beyond the gate house 56

the great

outdoors 54

class notes 64

Feature Story: The Cassarino Effect: Music at Christ School

12 48

ringing true & standing Still Windows of Opportunity

Greetings FROM CAMPUS!

I hope this letter finds you and your family healthy and secure as we embark on a new year.

This is my first letter in the Galax, and writing it fills me with gratitude and excitement. Joining the Greenie community was an honor, and now my family is privileged to belong to it. We had a busy summer and full fall, enjoying traditions that were sidelined last year during Covid as well as creating new ones.

from the head by Dr. Sean Jenkins

We started the year with a chapel service to celebrate the seniors receiving their green jackets. This inaugural ceremony, which included an address by our board chair, John Beard ’84, P’18, marked a memorable occasion for the Class of 2022. Our cross country team won its first state championship…in record fashion. Our theater program earned acclaim for its production of “The Ear of the Emperor,” by the North Carolina Theatre Conference Board of Directors. Our “Lift Every Voice” Speakers Series has welcomed distinguished speakers from around the state and Southeast to share stories of hope and encouragement in chapel. Campus was brimming with spirit and smiles during Asheville School Week, with a competitive basketball game between the faculty and seniors, Senior Assembly, a flag football tournament, Enrichment Day, semi-pro wrestling, Dolly’s ice cream, the annual bonfire, and a WIN (ten in a row!) against Asheville School. The 88th Candlelight Service was a perfect way to celebrate the season, which was made more special by the addition of the Green Angel Choir.

We ended the semester with a holiday dinner, an event we intend to renew. The boys enjoyed a formal, family-style feast, just as our alumni did when they were students, accompanied by music from Christ School’s own Garage Band. It has been a pleasure to travel to the hometowns of Greenies, such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Greensboro, New Orleans, and Raleigh, and to continue with our Celebrating Boys series, which highlights Christ School’s methods for raising young men in the modern era. The Christ School alumni and family network is stronger than ever, and we are blessed to enjoy immense support from you and our fellow Greenies. Thanks to everyone who has welcomed Lawson, Coleman, Jack, and me to Christ School with hospitality and kindness. We are grateful to live and work in service of this special community where boys become industrious men of character, intellect, and faith. n

Sean K. Jenkins, PhD. Head of School

"WE ARE GRATEFUL TO LIVE AND WORK IN SERVICE OF THIS SPECIAL COMMUNITY WHERE BOYS BECOME INDUSTRIOUS MEN OF CHARACTER, INTELLECT, AND FAITH." — Dr. Sean Jenkins

Inset: Dr. Jenkins congratulates Daniel Du ’22 at the Senior Blazer Ceremony.

THE

CASSAR by Donna Wheeler P’21

EFFECT

RINO A one-man band of sorts, our Music Director and Fine Arts Chair, Jim Cassarino, has dazzled our community since taking the helm of a job that once required three people: playing the organ at every Chapel service, leading the Christ School Choir, giving lessons to the boys on piano and organ, and teaching music history.

If there was a seminal moment that signaled the buy-in of the Christ School community to the Music Program, it was during a Chapel service this past November, when Jim led the boys in a spirited rendition of our National Anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

He began the service by explaining the history of the piece and the challenges that it has posed for singers through the ages, and then proceeded to conduct the entire student body in a surprisingly melodic, but all the same boisterous, performance that rattled the foundation of St. Joseph’s Chapel and moved many stalwart faculty to tears. This is the Cassarino Effect. Jim, who previously worked in academia – most recently as a dean and Chair of the Music Department at Green Mountain College in Vermont – has overseen a campus-wide musical Renaissance. An unlikely boarding school teacher (his previous professional life was full of lecturing, publishing, and being cited in musicology papers), Jim and his family have embraced life and music at Christ School.

Boarding School Life When he arrived on campus three years ago, Jim wasn’t sure what to expect. Unfamiliar with the boarding school model, he was pleasantly surprised to learn that the school would provide housing for his family, including wife Elise and grown children, Peter and Cecilia. “My colleagues told me that I would hate it here; that there was no way based on my experience that I would enjoy teaching at this age level,” says Jim. “Instead, I wish I’d found this job 20 years ago! The college students already knew most of what we were talking about in class, but for these guys, everything is new; I find that exciting!” “One of the things that I was not aware of before I arrived was the extent to which music had disappeared, so I thought it was going to be a daunting task. However, I haven’t experienced a lack of interest – there is plenty of enthusiasm – just a lack of time. Just trying to carve out time to meet with the boys to work on music, whether it’s choir or instrumental lessons, is difficult with their busy schedules.” Living on campus has helped solve that problem by allowing him to offer classes and rehearsals in the evenings after dinner and study hall. A Music Philosophy “My goal is simple: to make music available to Christ School. I’m not aggressive about it; I’ve never been the kind of teacher to shove things down the throat,” says Jim. “I like the idea of providing a safe, supportive place to discover music and that approach seems to work.” Although hesitant to brag, Jim admits “I think I’m really good at matching music with the ability of my musicians,” a skill which has served him well here. “I think I have done that with the choir, but I also think I have done it with the curriculum.” He says that “without dumbing it down,” he has made music more relevant for a Christ School student. “I know what a 16-year-old boy wants to talk about when he discusses music, and so I’ve been able to create a curriculum around that.” Rather than just sing religious music to support the Chapel Program, the choir also sings classic rock songs from the 70’s and 80’s, and rather than telling them what to sing, he often asks their opinion. Recently that resulted in them singing “California Dreaming” by the Mommas and Poppas.

Left: Ben Wiznitzer ’22 performs on piano in the fall recital. Above: Chandler Piao ’24 plays Mozart in chapel.

The Music Curriculum Curriculum wise, Jim revised an existing course, Music Appreciation, and added a new one, History of American Music. “Music Appreciation used to be bottom-heavy with a lot of time spent in the Renaissance and medieval church music. And although Western music sits on the shoulders of that time period, I thinned it out a bit so we’re spending more time on music the boys recognize.” He also makes a point of making composers more relatable. “Learning the stories of composers, what was happening in Salzburg when Mozart was writing his music, helps the boys see that these great composers were people too.” And while some students who take the class to fulfill their Fine Arts requirement might resent the class in the first few weeks, Jim says that usually changes. “There is a moment when the light goes on and they say, ‘Wow, I like this!’ I’ve lost track of how many times that has happened since I’ve been here.” In History of American Music, Jim highlights the rich musical history of the Asheville area. “We focus on popular American music from the Colonial time period to the present, but a special focus of the class is the vernacular musical traditions of the Asheville area.” They begin with Scottish and Celtic music that was popular in the mountains at the turn of the century and move into the 20th Century. “The first musical festival in the United States was in Asheville in 1929 and it was folk ballads and mountain music. The boys seem to really like that; even the boys who are from the area are amazed that country music started about an hour and a half away in Bristol. I’ve been teaching elements of this course for 20 years, but now to teach it here is really exciting.”

“Being a part of the Green Angels has brought me such joy, and not just in the singing,” says Mary Dillon. “Our presence as a group of powerful women is forming a new connection with the Christ School community.” In addition, several faculty men often sing with the choir. Associate Director of Advancement, Isaac Rankin, says “Christ School is at its best when faculty and students work in partnership to learn, serve, and create. The chance for faculty and students to sing together in the choir is an example of this partnership in action. And it’s a lot of fun!” This year, at the Candlelight Service, along with the 12 boys in the Christ School Choir, these voices created a 30-person choir powerhouse that brought down the house with renditions of Bach’s “Prepare Thyself Zion” and the carol, “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear.” Music Lessons This year, there are a record number of boys taking music lessons, three of whom are working with Jim to master the organ. In fact, part of the

The Choir Program Jim has worked to expand the Choir Program so that in addition to singing in chapel, they perform at local churches and retirement homes. “In college we called it town/gown relationships and I would like to see it happen once or twice a semester.” He has also expanded the choir to include new voices. This fall, after a suggestion from English teacher Mary Dillon, Jim organized a women’s choir comprised of faculty and staff. At its inaugural performance in Chapel during Asheville School Week, Father Roberts dubbed them the Green Angels, a name that has stuck.

Left: Mr. Cassarino leads the congregation in "The National Anthem." Right: Students and faculty lead a sing-a-long in chapel.

reason German ASSIST student, Paul Mueller ’23, chose Christ School was because of our organ. “I wanted to continue to play piano, organ, and trombone and Christ School was one of the few schools that had an organ,” says Paul. He has since decided to exclusively play organ and says that the openness of the chapel, with people coming and going as he rehearses, has significantly improved his confidence about performing. “Mr. Cassarino has a huge sheet music library for me to choose from. After I learn the fingering of a new piece, he helps me open it up and, as Mr. Cassarino says, ‘make it dance.’” After hearing about the school’s vibrant music program, Noah Graham ’23 signed up for piano lessons when he joined our community freshman year. Last winter, inspired by classmate and fellow musician Noah Henthorn ’24, he picked up the organ. During his free time, he can often be found practicing in the chapel. “It’s an easy way to relieve stress while also creating something,” says Noah. “It’s like creating a work of art; you notice your process from sightreading and stumbling

through a piece to two weeks later when you know it by heart. That’s a great feeling!” In November Jim organized a recital so that all the musical instrument students could hear each other and practice performing in a nonthreatening way. Paul and Noah are also part of a student-run garage band that helped Noland House win the annual dorm Christmas light competition when they serenaded the judges with “Jingle House Rock.” This winter Jim plans to start a busker’s club. “After Christmas, during the cold weather, we’ll learn a body of music, rehearse, and I’ll take the boys to Black Mountain or Brevard where we’ll set up on a street corner for an hour of just playing.” With any luck, the Cassarino Effect will play on for these boys. “When I worked at the college, students always told me how much they regretted that they stopped making music after high school,” Jim says. “So my goal is to have the students graduate from Christ School and not have that conversation when they get to college.” n

in & around yard a NEWS FROM AROUND CAMPUS

GET TO KNQW SEAN

Meet Head of School: Dr. Sean Jenkins

With his first semester as Head of School under his belt, Dr. Jenkins has led Greenies in success in the classroom and on the athletic fields. He has continued time-honored traditions like the Candlelight Service and started some new ones, such as the Senior Blazer Ceremony. Furthermore, as a way of getting to know our broader community, he has met with Christ School alumni and families. You will undoubtedly get to know the Jenkins family even more in the coming weeks and months, but please enjoy this glance at Dr. Jenkins “on paper.”

“ADOLESCENT YEARS FOR BOYS ARE PARTICULARLY IMPACTFUL BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, AND HOW IMPRESSIONABLE THEY ARE.”

Q A

With Dr. Sean Jenkins

DESCRIBE YOUR FAMILY GROWING UP

I grew up in Knoxville, TN, on the banks of the Tennessee River, born to two first-generation American college parents from humble beginnings who had high expectations and cracked the whip. My mother’s parents immigrated from Poland; my dad is one of five brothers from Buladean in Western NC, who grew up on a tobacco farm. My father was a longtime business professor at the University of Tennessee, Wake Forest, and retired as a revered dean of the Business School at Miami Ohio University. My mom had an amazing career breaking glass ceilings as a female board-certified anesthesiologist. They instilled in my younger sister, Sasha Haberle, a MOHS surgeon in Charlotte, and me a strong value set, work ethic, the importance of diversity and service to others and community, and that education can drive social mobility.

TELL US ABOUT ATTENDING MCCALLIE SCHOOL IN CHATTANOOGA, TN.

Boarding at an all-boys boarding school, McCallie, was the experience that most fundamentally changed and shaped me through close relationships with teachers and coaches, that I still cherish today. Those teachers drew me into teaching and education and are why I felt a calling for my family and I to be in service to Christ School. I left home to board in 9th grade as a goofy, unconfident, deeply homesick and insecure pimply kid with braces. I didn’t know how to tie a tie or use a washing machine or dryer. Despite all that, I wanted to grow and learn and stretch myself.

HOW DID YOU DEVELOP DURING THOSE HIGH SCHOOL YEARS?

Adolescent years for boys are particularly impactful because of the potential for growth and development, and how impressionable they are. Boarding at an all-boys school is a journey where some weeks pass like years and others pass like days. I was so blessed in that critical time in my life to have been surrounded by amazing teachers, coaches, advisors, and mentors, who now 30 years later are dear friends. They pushed me, challenged me, and saw things in me I didn’t see in myself. In my senior year I was elected to positions of leadership that were humbling, including senior prefect, president of Keo-Kio (senior leadership organization), vice president of the Senate (Honor Council), and captain of the basketball team. I learned the importance of being willing to try new things, to pay attention to the small things daily that over time lead to excellence. To study hard, keep your honor, and laugh often. I learned integrity, courage, and competitiveness.

WHAT FROM YOUR MCCALLIE YEARS DO YOU CARRY WITH YOU AS HEAD OF CHRIST SCHOOL?

An understanding that great schools are made so by people and mission. I see every boy individually and think of their promise that I know we can fulfill through our mission. I understand that’s only possible due to our incredibly talented and dedicated faculty and staff who commit daily to the demanding, rewarding lifestyle of a boarding school, and the passion and commitment of alumni who give back.

Q BOARDING AT AN ALL-BOYS BOARDING SCHOOL, MCCALLIE, WAS THE EXPERIENCE THAT MOST FUNDAMENTALLY CHANGED AND SHAPED ME THROUGH CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS WITH TEACHERS AND COACHES, THAT I STILL CHERISH TODAY.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU’VE ENJOYED AND LEARNED BEING BACK IN THAT BOARDING SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT?

Being surrounded by young people offers variety and entertainment. I love the camaraderie, the competitiveness, lifelong learning, creativity and, most importantly, the comic relief our boys provide daily. Since I was little, I have always annoyingly asked a lot of questions –a trait my son Coleman has acquired honestly. You learn more with your mouth closed and your ears open. That has helped me this last year observe, listen, and learn the history, traditions, and people that make Christ School unique and special.

WHO WERE SOME YOUR ROLE MODELS GROWING UP?

Certainly my parents, and many other amazing mentors in different stages of my life. There were so many at McCallie for me, including Lee Burns and Kenny Sholl. In 12th grade I had Chet Lesourd for AP English, who is retiring this summer after over 40 years of teaching. He was my 9th and 12th grade dorm head and is a transcendent teacher who brought stories to life in each class. His classroom atmosphere was sacred and full of gusto. To me, he is the embodiment of a great boarding school leader: iconic teacher, dorm head, and coach.

Left: Dr. Jenkins plays "dorm battleball" with classmates. Right: Dr. Jenkins delivers his senior speech to McCallie School.

AND WHO WERE SOME OF YOUR MENTORS LATER IN LIFE?

At UVA over the last 17 years I was again surrounded by incredible teachers and leaders. Former college president David Breneman chaired my dissertation. I partnered with the effervescent Economics and Education legend Sarah Turner on papers and projects. Former UVA presidents John Casteen and Terry Sullivan took me under their wings and have stuck with me. We trade ideas and stories. I send them my speeches for much critique. Gordon Burris and Lu Alvarez are steadfast mentors. Former Asheville School and Lovett School Head Billy Peebles is one of my closest mentors and supporters who encouraged me to in move into the independent school world where I could have a greater impact on young people.

FROM WHERE DO YOU DRAW STRENGTH AND MOTIVATION?

My main motivation comes from an everlasting will to improve and compete, to get into the arena every day and make a difference. In The Man in the Arena, Teddy Roosevelt writes "It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly." I can’t think of anything more motivating than leading a loving community that fundamentally changes the trajectories of human lives.

FINALLY, HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME AWAY FROM WORK?

I enjoy spending time with my greatest achievement, my children: Coleman and Jack, and my wife, Lawson. We are an active family. We love to ski out west, to hike, to play golf, and find greasy spoon restaurants with 4-seat stools at the counter. I love to read, run, and listen to old country music. If there was a natural talent I most wish I could have, it would be to ski anything, anywhere.

Q A

With Dr. Sean Jenkins

JOHN BEARD ’84, P’18, HONORS CHRIST SCHOOL’S PAST WHILE ADVANCING ITS FUTURE When John Beard ’84, P’18 became president of Christ School's Board of Trustees, it was a moment in the making since before he was born. John’s father, Tom Beard ’51, set foot on campus as a student in 1947. Over the last 75 years, the Beard family and Christ School have been partners in carrying out the mission of developing boys into outstanding young men.

by Isaac Rankin

“I think it’s pretty amazing that we’ve been involved and connected since the 1940s. There is a lot of pride in our family legacy at Christ School,” says John. John remembers coming to campus as a boy when his father served on the board in the 1970s. Still, it wasn’t a given that he would attend his father’s alma mater. When John came home from his local high school with a poor report card in 9th grade, he and his parents both knew it was time to make the change. “A Christ School application arrived in the mail the day after the report card came out. They already knew it was going to be a bad report card,” he says with a laugh. Once he arrived on campus, John felt at home. He knew this was the place for him to grow, develop, and tap into the rich brotherhood that defines the school. “I had a good time at Christ School, though I wasn’t the best student by a long shot. Most importantly, I learned how to work hard and I made lifelong friendships. Those two things have stuck.” After graduating from Christ School and Greensboro College, John married his wife, Sarah, whom he started dating during his senior year of high school. He then began a career working with the family business, Beard Hardwoods, in his hometown of Greensboro. Today, he is President and CEO of the company. In the 1990s, Tom Beard ’51 returned to serving on the board. Around that same time, John’s classmate and friend, David Gaines ’84, P’26, started working at the school. Both relationships kept John connected and involved with Christ School. Eventually, he joined the Alumni Council and by the early 2000s, began serving on the Board of Trustees. His nephew,

“With this transition comes the opportunity to look into the next phase of strategic thinking. Our job is to assess how can we sustainably fulfill our mission. There are challenges to running a school, and we want to be proactive in meeting those challenges so that we can move forward for the next 100 years.” — John Beard '84, P'18

Thomas Beard ’12, enrolled in 2008. Despite 50 years of involvement with the school, John didn’t fully understand the impact of Christ School until he became a current parent. His son, John Beard, Jr. ’18, enrolled in 2014. “When young John came here, I started to see this place from a new perspective. And it brought me closer. John hit the ground running from the start and had a wonderful experience. My bond with the school only strengthened during his time here.” During John’s time on the board and as a parent, his wife Sarah has been his partner in serving Christ School. They both served on the committee for the Strength from Within campaign, and Sarah was president of the Parent Council for two years during young John’s time as a student. “Sarah has always been so supportive of my professional and volunteer work. I can’t do it without her. She’s a true partner, and Christ School is near and dear to her heart.” John has also witnessed and experienced challenging periods in the school’s history. He remembers when his dad served on the Board of Trustees and the school struggled to survive — even considering a change to co-education. John was also a board member when the recession hit in 2008. Despite the circumstances, the school’s leadership worked tirelessly to move the mission forward. Against all odds, they guided the school through a period of tremendous growth while many peer schools struggled. With the sum of these experiences and a deep love for Christ School, John believes that he was called to serve as board president at exactly the right time for the school and for him. Fittingly, his first year in leadership is also Dr. Sean Jenkins’ first year serving as Head of School.

“I’m really excited about the transition and being a part of this important moment for the school. I felt I could make an impact and create stability, knowing the school from the board, parent, and alumnus points of view. I want to be effective, and I wouldn’t do it unless I believed we could be effective.” While John reveres the history and traditions of Christ School, he doesn’t believe in resting on laurels. In addition to overseeing a leadership transition, he’s excited about embarking on a new era of strategic planning and forward thinking on campus. The school will begin work on a new strategic plan during the 2022-2023 school year, building on an assessment of the campus and facilities that is currently underway. Beyond strategic planning, John believes that continuing to grow and develop the board will also be essential for creating a sustainable future. “With this transition comes the opportunity to look into the next phase of strategic thinking. Our job is to assess how can we sustainably fulfill our mission. There are challenges to running a school, and we want to be proactive in meeting those challenges so that we can move forward for the next 100 years.” Even during a time of transition and forward thinking, John always comes back to the mission of the school. For him, Christ School should always be a place that pays homage to the past and honors traditions. “We still have our mission. We will never get away from being a place where a student who has a lot of potential can learn the value of hard work in a supportive environment. That’s what our mission has been for 121 years and always will be.” n

new christ school faculty Chris Childers

Matthew Cole

Josh Coley

Chris Childers Video Production Specialist Reaching others through a visual medium has always appealed to Chris Childers. In his new role as Christ School’s Video Production Specialist, Mr. Childers produces video pieces for the Communications Department, handles technical elements of school gatherings, and oversees the Christ School Broadcast Network. Mr. Childers is an award-winning filmmaker of digital shorts and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Western Carolina University in 2019 with a degree in film and television production. From there, Mr. Childers worked as an administrative assistant at Link Horne Middle School in Lynchburg, VA, and then as a news photographer and editor at ABC 13 WSET-TV in Virginia. Mr. Childers enjoys hiking and camping and is a massive fan of the Carolina Hurricanes and Carolina Panthers. Matthew Cole Science Teacher Matthew Cole grew up in the greater Boston area and comes from a family of educators. Being a firm believer in the value of a boarding school education serves him well as a new science instructor and dorm parent at Christ School. Teaching is truly in Mr. Cole’s blood. One of his grandfathers taught mathematics at The Episcopal Academy in Philadelphia; the

other was a college professor at two schools in Massachusetts – Northeastern University and Bentley University. Many of his extended family have followed similar paths. As a teenager, Mr. Cole said he had a profound boarding school experience at New Hampton School in New Hampshire. Mr. Cole graduated from Union College (NY) in 2019 with a degree in Geology. He spent much of his free time volunteering for multiple organizations throughout the city, which led to him being awarded a Minerva Fellowship by Union. This fellowship is given to a select group of graduating seniors to partner with non-profit organizations in the global south. He worked with The Samburu Project to help drill water wells for local populations in Samburu County, Kenya, where he lived for nearly a year. Mr. Cole is an avid outdoorsman, having grown up backpacking and camping in the White Mountains and is excited to see what the mountains of Western North Carolina have in store for him. He also enjoys baseball and basketball, as well as playing the drums, and is looking forward to bringing his many passions to the Greenie community. Josh Coley Varsity Basketball Coach Josh Coley brings to Christ School a proven track record as an effective leader and winning coach. Mr. Coley maintains our tradition of success as the Greenies’ new Varsity Basketball Coach. Mr. Coley has nine years of coaching experience from Charlotte area high schools: Garinger, Carmel Christian, and most recently United Faith Christian Academy, where he directed the NC Independent Schools Athletic Association program to a 94-28 overall record with four conference championships as well as a state finals appearance and two trips to the NCISAA semifinal round. During his time

at United Faith, Mr. Coley served as Athletic Director, where he was responsible for managing budgets and staff, as well as enforcing state association rules. More than 20 student athletes at United Faith signed basketball scholarships with Division I or Division II colleges during his time as Athletic Director. Mr. Coley has professional coaching or playing experience from three leagues – the NBDL, American Basketball Association, and United States Continental Basketball League. He was a point guard for two pro teams in the Raleigh/ Durham area (the Carolina Jaguars and Cary Invasion) from 2010 to 2012. Mr. Coley graduated from NC Central University’s Turner School of Law in 2012 with his MBA/JD after receiving a BA in Communication Studies from UNC Greensboro in 2008. Lisa Garner Director of Student Counseling As Director of Student Counseling and Wellness Programming, Dr. Lisa Garner P’24 hopes that every Christ School boy will grow and develop into the best version of themselves. She is a native of Western North Carolina and is happy to return home and join the Christ School community. Prior to this, Dr. Garner spent more than 20 years living and working in Chicago with a professional practice that focused exclusively on work with children, teens, and families in residential, community mental health, and school settings. Outside of school, she enjoys travel with her family to locations near and far, exploring local trails, gardening, reading historical fiction, and snuggling with her dog, Clover. Dr. Garner and her husband, Lee, are proud parents to Lawson, a senior at the University of North CarolinaChapel Hill, Lily, a freshman at Smith College, and Luke ’24.

Jim Goodrum Director of Student Engagement and Summer Programs Many of the fondest Christ School memories are made during the weekends and evenings. Jim Goodrum provides the best entertainment and leisure possible for the boys in his role as Director of Student Engagement and Summer Programs. Even though he is a Georgia native, Mr. Goodrum spent much of his childhood going to the Falling Creek Summer Camp in Henderson County, NC. He later worked at the camp as an activity leader, program director, and staffing director. Mr. Goodrum attended Mercer University, earning a BA in History. He returned to his college alma mater in 2002, serving as Assistant Director of Admissions and Recreational Sports and Wellness. Most recently, Mr. Goodrum led student enrichment and summer programming at Carolina Day School. Mr. Goodrum and his wife, Kristi, have a son, Thompson, and a daughter, Alice. John Manganiello History Teacher John Manganiello may be a newcomer to Christ School’s History Department, but he is a seasoned educator with 23 years of teaching experience in independent schools. Mr. Manganiello was born and raised in New Rochelle, NY, and began his career in the Empire State at Windward School in White Plains, NY, where he spent 15 years as a teacher, mentor, coach, department chair, and team leader. Mr. Manganiello wanted to experience other educational philosophies and take on a variety of administrative roles and did so, becoming the Assistant Head of the Masters Middle School in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where he discovered his love for boarding schools and embraced being part of the school community.

Lisa Garner

Jim Goodrum

John Manganiello

Darryl Orletsky

Chad Walker

He next became Headmaster of the Beacon School in Stamford, CT, where Mr. Manganiello was proud of the school’s ability to provide an individualized learning experience to gifted and exceptional students. After his stint at Beacon, Mr. Manganiello became director of both the prospect and bridge programs at the Wooster School in Danbury, CT, helping students with language-based learning disabilities by offering an appropriate learning environment and instruction while keeping the students in a mainstream setting. Mr. Manganiello completed his undergraduate degree at Lemoyne College in Syracuse, NY, where he double majored in History and Religious Studies. He completed his graduate work and earned his master’s degree in Special Education, with a concentration on learning disabilities from the College of New Rochelle. He later earned a second master’s degree in History from Iona College. Mr. Manganiello coaches in the athletic department and lives on campus with his wife, Joanne, and their 10-year-old son, Chase. During his free time, he enjoys cooking for his family and friends, playing sports, biking, writing, and playing with his son. Darryl Orletsky Math Teacher Darryl Orletsky was not disappointed moving to Christ School after hearing so many positive things about campus and the surrounding mountains of Western North Carolina. The newest addition to the Math Department brings varied life experiences into the classroom including military officer, commercial beekeeper, business owner, and investor, to name a few. Dr. Orletsky has spent over a decade in the classroom teaching a wide variety of math and physics courses. He earned his BA, MA, and PhD all at Arizona State University. Dr. Orletsky is keenly interested in the application

of mathematics to biology, physics, and everyday settings. Dr. Orletsky’s hobbies include traveling, bicycle-touring, staying fit, and with his tongue in cheek, trying to determine what he should be when he grows up. Chad Walker Head Varsity Football Coach Mr. Walker has a proven track record in program building, player development, and a commitment to academic excellence. He comes to Christ School from Cambridge Christian School in Tampa, FL, where he was the 2020 Florida Athletic Coaches Association 2-A District 15 Coach of the Year. Mr. Walker also serves as Athletic Department Assistant and brings that same dedication to education and academic pursuits to Christ School. Prior to Cambridge, Mr. Walker worked for several collegiate football programs including as an assistant coach at Lafayette (his alma mater). He has experience training NFL veterans as well as prospects for their combines and pro days. He is also involved with the Lauren’s First and Goal Foundation, a group that hosts the largest oneday football camp in the country to raise money for cancer-related causes. Mr. Walker was an all-conference player at Lafayette, where he graduated with a BA in Anthropology and Sociology in 2006. He played football professionally in Italy and Sweden before starting his coaching career in 2008. Mr. Walker joins the Christ School community along with his wife, Victoria, and their daughter, Elle. n

welcome!

it’s brighter here!

This fall, just as the days began to get shorter, the Soccer Program got a big boost when an anonymous donor gave light to the soccer/lacrosse and baseball fields. Because the new stadium lights are LEDs, turning them on is as easy as flicking a switch (unlike the football field lights which require time to warm up before being fully illuminated). In addition to allowing for night games, the lights extend the number of practices that can be held on each field. Varsity Soccer hosted four night games before their season concluded in October. Between the soccer/lacrosse fields and its lower version, the Steve Young ’82 Field, lies a new practice field. Creating this 60-yard by 80-yard field involved bulldozing and grading the area just past the fence on Perimeter Road. Matching the football field, it is covered in Bermuda Grass that will be overseeded with Winter Rye each winter. These welcome new additions to our campus enhance our Athletic Program, giving athletes and teams more practice and playing options, and offer more space and options for non-athletic student activies. n

The full cast and crew consisted of: •H istoriographer/Prince – Tony Hao ’22 •L awmaker/Warmonger/Physician – Durant Long ’22 •T he Emperor – Mark Yu ’22 •O ld Servant/Guard – Ethan Xiong ’23 •Y oung Servant/Guard – Weder Qin ’24 •L ights and Stage Managing – Jack Carver ’26 •F ollow Spot Operator – Dylan Edwards ’26 • S ound Tech – Whitford Birthright ’24

in & around yard a NEWS FROM AROUND CAMPUS

Fall Theater:

THE Ear OF THE

EMPEROR In October, Christ School Theater presented “The Ear of the Emperor,” an original one-act play by seniors Tony Hao ’22 and Durant Long ’22 at Calvary Episcopal Church in Fletcher, NC. The school bused over boys who wished to support their peers.

While the thespians were pleased with the rave reviews they received from the Christ School community, everyone in the cast and crew was blown away by the reception they got in November competing in the NC Theatre Conference One-Act Play Festival. The Greenies received not only one, but two standing ovations in Boone, NC, and brought back three awards for their fall production – Excellence in Playwriting: Tony Hao ’22 and Durant Long ’22; Excellence in Acting: Weder Qin ’24; and Excellence in Production Design. n

FOUR GREENIES RECEIVE WNC

REGIONAL ART AWARDS by Andrew Pearson Fine Arts instructor Erin Price begins every school year with a blank canvas, meaning there is an innate joy in seeing each new group of students push their boundaries. The quality of work and variety of mediums offered by Christ School is reflected again in this year’s Western North Carolina Regional Scholastic Art Awards. Four students received recognition from judges: •C aleb Booth ’22 (Mixed Media), Silver Key for “Entranced.” •D aniel Du ’22 (Architecture Designs), 3 Honorable Mentions, 3 Silver Keys, and 1 Gold Key for “Passing Through.” •E than Park ’23 (Drawing), Honorable Mention for “Silenced.” •T ucker Reece ’23 (Photography), Honorable Mention for “108.” “These young men continue to exceed expectations and are more than deserving of these honors,” Mrs. Price said. The WNC Regional Scholastic Art Awards are open annually to area students in grades 7-12. Originality, technical skill, and emergence of voice or vision are the main criteria of the judges. As in the past, award winners had work displayed by the Asheville Art Museum from January 24-March 7. Christ School has had 12 boys recognized in the regional competition since Mrs. Price joined the faculty for the 2019-20 school year. By winning a regional Gold Key, Daniel advances on to judging for the National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. n

Clockwise: "Passing Through" by Daniel Du ’22; "108" by Tucker Reece ’23; "Silenced" by Ethan Park ’23; "Entranced" by Caleb Booth ’22.

in & around yard a NEWS FROM AROUND CAMPUS

the fourth pillar

by Olga Mahoney P’20

THE DIGNITY OF MANUAL LABOR

The Four Pillars at Christ School – Academic Rigor, Leadership, Spirituality, and the Dignity of Manual Labor – guide the school, set priorities, and help define who we are. The school’s focus on service to others, and particularly the Day of Service, is rooted deeply with the Four Pillars and has through lines to the school’s founding.

Frank Howden ’22 waters Calvary Episcopal's Lord's Acre.

Service Learning Spotlight – Frank Howden ’22 Last Spring, Frank Howden ’22 was tapped as Service Learning Chair. Since his arrival at Christ School, Frank has exceeded the 15-hour service requirement every year. He has earned two Presidential Volunteer Service Awards – one Silver (over 150 hours) and one Gold (over 250 hours) in 2021. Frank completed the Community Partners Service Project by thoroughly researching and reflecting on the work of 16 agencies

27 in Asheville where Christ School students regularly volunteer. Then, during the summer, he made a point of volunteering with our three main partners to better understand the needs of our community. Frank led the summer watering team at Calvary Episcopal’s new Lord’s Acre of Fletcher – a garden that Christ School students started last fall by clearing several tons of rocks from the soil. Throughout the year, other students volunteered to build the planting beds, plant the seeds, and eventually pick the produce. ABCCM (Asheville Buncombe County Christian Ministries) and Asheville Habitat for Humanity are two other partners with whom Frank has volunteered extensively. He genuinely enjoys preparing meals to feed the veterans at the Restoration Quarters and regularly writes notes of appreciation to them. Whenever an additional volunteer is needed on any of our community service trips, Frank is our go-to guy as he always makes time for service. Frank has brought tremendous energy to the

Service Learning Program with his leadership. By example, he inspires his peers to serve. He also designed an incentive and rewards plan to encourage all students to participate in Service Learning and exceed their 15-hour requirement this year. He has set an ambitious goal of 8,000 hours for the student body to complete this year. Frank, with his contagious enthusiasm and genuine dedication to service, will get us there. n

Above: Frank Howden ’22 receives his senior blazer with a handshake from Dr. Jenkins. Middle: Frank loads donations for MANNA Food Bank. Bottom: Frank was tapped as Service Learning Chair last spring.

the fourth pillar THE DIGNITY OF MANUAL LABOR

CHRIST SCHOOL’S DAY OF SERVICE

A TRADITION OF GIVING BACK Each year, in addition to weekly trips and service projects that we offer students, we dedicate one full day to service and reflection. This year, on Wednesday, September 13, more than 350 Christ School community members volunteered at 23 different locations around Asheville, addressing issues such as food and housing insecurity, environmental pollution, animal rescue needs, homelessness, and child poverty. The projects varied according to our service partners’ needs. At the ABCCM Veteran’s Restoration Quarters, a crew of 40 spread three truckloads of mulch. At a women’s shelter, students prepared a meal. At three locations, students worked in gardens that feed our neighbors. Several places required heavy lifting and moving – a perfect job for energetic boys. We returned to campus for lunch and a service at the Fr. Brown Outdoor Chapel, followed by a designated time for reflection.

Mason Heth ’24 worked at Calvary’s Lord’s Acre Garden “It was a full day of physical activity and as young men I feel we can and should give back to the community in this way.”

v Michael Jaber ’22 volunteered at the Asheville Habitat for Humanity House Build “I learned that we can dedicate ourselves to devotion towards service in our community and humble ourselves to have a greater understanding of the situations of those who are not as fortunate as us.”

v Henry Nicholls ’23 long-term volunteer with Habitat Student Build Project “At Christ School, we are very privileged, and it is important to serve those who have less than we do, and it is also a great way to build character.”

v Ben Fedder ’24 served at the ABCCM Veteran’s Restoration Quarters “I think that this day is important to remind us of the value of community service and motivate us for the rest of the year to participate in future service trips.”

v Noah Graham ’23 volunteered at the Asheville Habitat for Humanity House Build “The Day of Service gives all Christ School students the opportunity to see a different side of the world and our community, as well as creating the foundation of motivated and hard-working young men.”

v Luke Garner ’22 worked at the Root Cause Farm “I learned that even if we can’t see it, a lot of people suffer from food insecurity. We are so lucky to be able to go to school here, so we should give back to people who are not as lucky as us.”

Before departing for the Day of Service, the school met in St. Joseph’s Chapel for our invocation: A Franciscan Prayer: May God bless you with discomfort, at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. May God bless you with tears, to shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and to turn their pain to joy. And may God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in the world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor. Amen

growing in

beneath the angelus bell NEWS FROM ST. JOSEPH’S CHAPEL

by Fr. John Roberts, Chaplain

There are so many things at Christ School that are measurable – student grades, athletic results, standardized testing statistics, service hours recorded, or the word count of a senior speech. But there are many more intangible areas of growth for our students that speak to a much larger journey that occurs at Christ School. One of those areas is spirituality and faith development. We can certainly look at how much time our students spend in chapel, but I think the more important measure is the stories of personal growth and opportunities taken. It is an amazing gift to watch these young men grow through the ups and downs of life. Here are a few ways our students live into their faith story at Christ School: o Everyone is so thankful to be fully back as a community in chapel this year. The energy as the students walk through the doors on the way to chapel is palpable. Having time away from chapel last school year due to COVID-19 showed all of us just how much we need a sacramental community to ground us. o This year, we are excited about a chapel speaker series called “Lift Every Voice.” The series is named after a hymn and points us toward the idea that everyone has a story to share from his or her unique perspective

and experience. While we may disagree, we can learn empathy and to love others the way Jesus taught. We have welcomed civil, church, athletic, community, and non-profit leaders to our chapel to share how their work connects with faith. o One of the things that amazes me is the courage our students show through leadership in chapel. Our choir leads us in singing, our student musicians (including student organists!) help set the tone for the day by sharing their talent, our readers find the fortitude to read scripture in front of the whole school, and our Sacristan and Verger continue the historic tradition of leading the boys through our services and ringing the Angelus bell at the beginning of each day and during every chapel service. o Every Sunday afternoon, often in the Fr. Brown Outdoor Chapel, many of our students gather for a casual discussion-based Eucharist service called Fellowship. We have guys of all ages, denominal backgrounds, and interests show up and participate. We talk about scripture, share our prayers requests, and enjoy a delicious meal afterward. It has become a tightknit community within our larger community. o This year we have a new student-led Bible study, and we are taking guys off campus on Tuesday evenings to gather with other students of faith from around Asheville for Young Life. These initiatives are some examples of students taking ownership of their faith and building relationships with folks inside and outside of Christ School. While these examples speak of the ways our students can grow in faith, as I so often remind them, living our faith is about whole-person change, so that everything we do is part of being formed in the image of our loving God, as the best version of ourselves. The truly difficult things to measure are the moments where our guys choose to love God, love neighbor, and love self in the little choices throughout the day. I am so thankful and privileged to walk with our boys on their faith journey, to hear their stories, and watch them grow. Thanks be to God for his faithfulness to this school for so many formative years. n

Right: Father Roberts and visiting Archdeacon Brenda Gilbert. Inset: The Cassarinos host Fellowship. Far Right: Fr. Roberts with his wife, Hannah Marie, and daughter, Martha.

One of the amazing traditions we have at Christ School is our closing blessing that is said over our community at the end of our services. It is an ancient prayer that Christ School adopted as our school blessing. While these words are not new to us and have been said for hundreds of years all over the globe, they continue to be deeply relevant and meaningful. Life is short, and we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel with us. So be swift to love; make haste to be kind. And may God, who is beyond our ability to fully comprehend, but who knows us, and loves us, and travels with us, bless us, and keep us in peace.

JUST BECAUSE CHRIST SCHOOL IS 121

beneath the angelus bell NEWS FROM ST. JOSEPH’S CHAPEL

SENIOR BLAZER

CEREMONY by Andrew Pearson

YEARS OLD DOESN’T MEAN THERE IS NO ROOM FOR NEW TRADITIONS. Head of School Dr. Sean Jenkins presented each of the 62 seniors with their green blazer during a formal ceremony in early September that was the first of its kind for the school. “It’s an important and deserved way to recognize our seniors who are our culture carriers,” said Dr. Jenkins. Reverence for Christ School’s green blazer was perhaps best expressed by Father Roberts, who called the jackets “a mantle of responsibility and leadership.” The Class of 2022 processed into St. Joseph’s Chapel for the Eucharist service, in which John Beard ’84, P’18, President of the Board of Trustees, spoke to the student body. Following his speech, the seniors received the jackets from Dr. Jenkins before posing as a group for their class photo on Yard A. Christ School’s senior class consists of the following boys (in alphabetical order): Sam Bassett, Charlie Bednar, Jimmy Belcher, Gabe Berardi, Ty Besses, Caleb Booth, Eli Brasher, Colin Brazas, Sawyer Breiter, Jack Britts, Jackson Burch, Sam Chandler, Myles Clarkson, Gil

Cooper, Jack Cross, Nick Crowley, Parker Davis, Daniel Du, Joshua Edgecomb, Colson Etheridge, Tommy Ferguson, Donavon Fitzgerald, Sanford Gardner, Luke Gardner, Jack Godwin, Jacob Halfacre, Tony Hao, Matthew Henderson, A.J. Hesselson, Charles Howden, Frank Howden, Webb Hughes, Brady Ioannidis, Michael Jaber, A.J. Jacobs, Sam Jarrett, Nate Kelley, Mac Kimel, Tommy Li, Durant Long, Matthew Luke, Edwin McAlister, Robby McAlister, Ivan Mora Hernandez, Jackson Ogren, Tobenna Okoli, Emmett Paradine, Bowen Perry, Will Purvis, Jake Regan, Bryce Sain, Collin Schott, Daniel Shea, A.J. Simpkins, Will Snyder, Spencer Strickland, Wesley Thomas, Trey Wagner, Samuel White, Ben Wiznitzer, Jack Young, and Mark Yu. Seniors are the only boys allowed to wear the green blazer at Christ School. In the past, they have picked up the blazers at a designated time from Dean of Students Drew Hyche ’94, but there was no ceremony of any sort. n

beneath the angelus bell NEWS FROM ST. JOSEPH’S CHAPEL

Candlelight Service

The 88th Candlelight Service, led by Father John Roberts, was held on December 5 in St. Joseph’s Chapel, which had been transformed earlier in the week with garlands of greenery and holiday bows by a jolly troop of parents and students led by Mrs. Emily West P’25. A hallmark of the Christ School Christmas season, the ceremony showcased the choir. Following tradition, as the congregation sang “Silent Night,” during the service’s final moments, light from individual candles illuminated the chapel and spilled into the night. n

Members of the choir: Jackson Burch ’22, Joshua Edgecomb ’22, Donavon Fitzgerald ’22, Jacob Halfacre ’22, Matthew Henderson ’22, Noah Henthorn ’24, Vovi Lagutin ’23, Paul Mueller ’23, Khazi Sealey ’23, Brian Sheridan ’23, Noah Wood ’25, and Jack Young ’22, led by Jim Cassarino. In addition, a faculty choir, including the newly formed all-female Green Angels, accompanied the boys in several songs. Playing instruments were skilled musicians, Larry Black on trumpet and Lori Hammel P’20, P’23 and Beth Trower on violin. Leading the procession were Noah Graham ’23, Crucifer, John Barton ’25, Torch Bearer, Henry Lytle ’23, Torch Bearer, Joshua Edgecomb ’22, Verger, and Sam Bassett ’22, Sacristan. Readers included Phillip Lopez ’23, Grey Edens ’25, Lansing Lewis ’26, Mary Dillon, Tobenna Okoli ’22, Noah Graham ’23, John Barton ’25, Noah Henthorn ’24, Henry Lytle ’23, and Ty Besses ’22.

YOUNG MEN OF

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Y.M.O.D.

SAM BASSETT ’22 Sam Bassett ’22 had a close connection to Christ School long before he stepped foot in the Admission Office. Sam’s neighbors in Asheville, NC, were the McDill family (Belk ’16 and Marshall ’18), who often hosted international students over school breaks. “From the McDills and the international students I met through them, I knew that Christ School was the right place for me beyond just lacrosse,” says Sam. Lacrosse is Sam’s main passion and another way in which his connection to Christ School was strong long before enrolling. Due to league lacrosse and camps that used Christ School’s athletic facilities, Sam spent a considerable amount of time on campus, before he was a student. So much time, in fact, that when he did look to enroll at Christ School his 8th-grade year he felt completely at home. Sam’s early years at Christ School provided opportunities to both try new things and

develop existing passions. Sam raced with the ski and snowboard team his first winter and learned how to kayak with the Outdoor Program. His heart was set on lacrosse though, and his focus narrowed as he grew older. “Sam is the prototypical Christ School lacrosse player who started as a contributor on the JV team when he first arrived at Christ School and has blossomed into one of the best attackmen in the state,” says Head Varsity Lacrosse Coach Benjie Colberg. “One of Sam’s defining attributes is his ability to regulate his emotions and stay in the moment during big games. He not only calms his teammates down in those tense moments, but he plays his best lacrosse then as well, most notably scoring the double overtime game winner in the state quarterfinals last year. Most importantly, Sam takes himself seriously and represents his family, his school, and himself honorably.” Sam has committed to playing lacrosse in college at Washington & Lee. “I went up to visit Washington & Lee last December. Due to Covid there were no students on campus, but I saw enough to love it. I liked the small aspect of the school – it reminded me of Christ School in that way.” Sam balances his athletic passions with one of the school’s four pillars – spirituality – which plays a large role in his life. As Sacristan he helps lead his fellow Greenies in chapel. “I’ve always done programs like YoungLife growing up, so have felt like I had a strong spiritual connection since about 6th grade.” More than that, “Connor Booher ’20 was one of my best friends and Connor Jones ’21 was a great friend as well and both were Sacristans as seniors. They really enjoyed it and encouraged me to get involved in the chapel. I’ve always really liked that space.” Whether on the lacrosse field or in chapel, Sam has a principle by which he lives. “I attribute my guiding principle to my younger sister, Elyse, because she’s really lived by this,” says Sam. “Be nice to everyone. You don’t know what people are going through. I try to live by her example.” n

TY BESSES ’22 Freshman year, when Ty Besses ’22 received the Philip N. Tilghman Memorial Award, which is presented to the Christ School student who has had the greatest positive impact on the school in his first year, he was honored, but he also understood the weight and responsibility that comes with such lofty expectations. Earlier in his first year, Ty got a taste of the spotlight in a different way. “As a freshman I started the voter registration initiative and continue it today. My first announcement about it during assembly in Pingree Auditorium freshman year was terrifying, but I made the announcement, got the seniors registered to vote, and it’s carried on from there.” Since then, Ty has traveled from his hometown of Asheville, NC, to meet with senators and congressmen about voter registration and his work in the civic realm has only grown. As Day Student Prefect, Ty sees himself as a role model and leader at the school. He is part of a Senior Council that meets with school administration to voice concerns and thoughts from the student body. He has played an integral role in the inaugural year of the Black Student Union. “It’s a place where we can be ourselves and talk about whatever we’re seeing at the school. There are times when big events come up, but it’s also a place to educate ourselves about issues,” says Ty. “I didn’t have something like this my first three years and now there are freshman who will never have had a year without it. I think that’s important.” Beneath the list of Ty’s accolades, there is a Greenie who loves his family. “It’s different because no one else at this school has two moms,” he says. “They inspire me to be me and have held me accountable my whole life. They are my role models and have had such impact and meaning on my life. One of my moms is a former therapist and the other is an accountant, which is fun because I can talk to them about anything and get two different perspectives on it.” Ty lives his life by an ethos that grew out of a trip he took with his mom to hear the Dali Lama speak. “The impact you make on other people is so important. I can only control myself. I can’t

control what others do, but I can show them through my actions what to think of me.” Ty uses his actions to inspire and teach underclassmen. Whether it’s through his leadership roles or his example working each summer on a local farm, Ty continues to make an impact on the Christ School community. n

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TIDIANE GAKOU ’23 When Tidiane Gakou ’23 got involved with a non-profit called Harlem Lacrosse in his native New York City, he had no idea that it would lead him to a boarding school in Western North Carolina. Harlem Lacrosse’s mission is “to provide opportunities, relationships, and experiences that activate the skills and traits to put youth on a path to success as students, athletes, and citizens.” As part of that, they occasionally help students find an independent school that would be a good fit. They suggested Christ School to Tidiane.

YOUNG MEN OF

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Upon his visit to Christ School, Tidiane immediately knew it was the place for him. “I wanted a better environment,” he says. “I came down to Christ School to visit and it seemed awesome. I saw the brotherhood the first day I was here, and I wanted to be a part of it.” The interest in lacrosse that set Tidiane on the path to Christ School started because of his older sisters. “My sisters started playing lacrosse before me. I saw them playing and became interested in the sport.” Now that he’s spent three years in the Greenies lacrosse program, he’s an attack on the varsity team and has his eyes set on a state championship this year. “The team keeps me going,” says Tidiane. “It gives me something to look forward to, something to set goals for. It’s a way to keep pushing myself and stay focused, even in the classroom.” When asked about important people in his life, Tidiane mentions his Harlem Lacrosse mentor Coach Hurley who helped him make his way to Christ School. On campus, Tidiane’s mind goes to his advisor, Benjie Colberg, and his teachers. “Ms. Delaney has helped me a lot and I really look up to her. Mr. Chester’s US History is my favorite class.” “Tidiane is one of those quiet contributors in class,” says Mr. Chester. “He doesn't always have something to say, but when he does, students instinctively pep up and listen, knowing that what he's going to contribute will be thoughtful and warrant discussion. I really enjoy his presence in the classroom.” Tidiane names his sisters as his most important role models. “I have four older sisters and they all push me to be the best that I can. I’m the only boy, so in a way they look up to me, too. I talk to them all at least once a week.” In everything he does, Tidiane lives by a mantra that has set him up for success at Christ School and beyond – prove it to yourself first. “You don’t need other people to believe in you first,” says Tidiane. “Prove it to yourself first and everyone will see the evidence.” n

YOUNG MEN OF

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ROCKY HANSEN ’23

Y.M.O.D.

A single moment brought Rocky Hansen’s ’23 life into focus. This past May, he was driving down a rural road near his hometown of from Hendersonville, NC, when he hit a pothole, his car fishtailed, and he rolled the vehicle into a ditch. Fortunately, he and his accompanying dogs were okay. “I was alive, the dogs were fine, and thankfully there were these kind souls driving by who stopped and helped me,” says Rocky. “I often reflect on their kindness, positivity, and support and think about how others may need those qualities from me – I was a scared teenage boy upside down in a truck. It put my life into perspective.” Subsequently, Rocky refocused his outlook and forged a path for an exemplary junior year and a record-breaking cross country season. He led the cross country team to its first state championship. More than that, he won the state championship individual race with a 15:21 – a personal best and a 5K record at Christ School. The cross country team dominated meets the entire season, so much so that Rocky had to look to his own teammates for competition instead of

opposing schools. “The drive to win makes you feed off those around you,” says Rocky. Rocky has been learning from his teammates and mentors ever since he enrolled at Christ School his freshman year. It was varsity crosscountry head coach and mentor Randy Ashley who initially put Christ School on the Rocky’s radar. Once at the school, Rocky found another mentor and friend in Andrew Hammel ’20, who was an elite runner in his own right. “I was happy to enroll at Christ School,” says Rocky. “It was interesting joining an all-boys school environment – you definitely feel more camaraderie and brotherhood. I noticed that immediately.” Off the running trail, Rocky has succeeded academically, where he loves anything to do with math or physics. “It’s my forte when it comes to classes,” says Rocky. “There’s something about going through and solving a series of steps is satisfying to me.” No doubt Rocky’s mathematical brain has helped him with everything from winning races to finding footing again after a major car accident. “We’re products of our minds. What we think, we become,” says Rocky. “Hard work, being efficient – it all pays off in the future.” n

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CHAPIN MOHNEY ’23 Few people know Christ School better than Chapin Mohney ’23. Chapin was born in 2004 – the same year his father, Mike Mohney, started teaching at the school. Spending his early years in Noland House set the stage for Chapin’s childhood amongst the Greenies. “Growing up on campus was really cool,” says Chapin. “I know they say it a lot in senior speeches, but everyone really is your brother.” “The boys helped him learn to ride a bike, they played hide and seek with him, and helped him celebrate every birthday,” says Diedra Mohney, Chapin’s mom and a school nurse since 2018. “Mason Plumlee ’09 helped him learn how to

dribble a basketball. Tad Wheeler P’21 let him ride on the mower with him when he mowed the football field. He trick or treated on campus. He even attended preschool on campus at ‘Little School.’ So, when he graduates, he will have gone to Christ School for 7 years!” Chapin explains that he didn’t see living on campus as living at a school. “It was just my home, and that has never changed.” When it came time for Chapin to enroll as a student at Christ School, his transition was easier than he expected. His years as an 8th and 9thgrader helped reignite Chapin’s love for paddling. “I took a trip with Mr. Harris and the Outdoor Program, and I got back into paddling,” says Chapin. “Since my dad is the paddling program head, it was easy for me to get to the river and move up in difficulty. Then, when I got my driver’s license, I could go on my own and with friends.” Most recently, Chapin competed for the second time in the world-renowned Green Race, a kayak race takes place on a section of the Green River called the “Monster Mile.” The best whitewater kayakers from around the world gather to compete for the fastest time. Chapin placed second in his division and shaved more than a minute and a half from his first time competing in 2020. When asked how he grew from being a young beginner to competing in one of the most extreme kayak races in the world, Chapin shares a lesson that he uses almost every day in life. “It’s all about the people you start with. Start slow and get comfortable, work through that superficial fear, and slowly build up to the next steps.” Whether he’s on the river or walking across the campus he knows so well, Chapin embodies the Greenie ethos and will always have a place to call home. n

Y.M.O.D.

BRYCE SAIN ’22 Bryce Sain ’22 arrived at Christ School his sophomore year from his home in Whittier, NC. Prior to Christ School, he attended Swain High School and was one of their star football players before an injury ended his season and made him rethink his high school plan. “My dad and I took the opportunity to look into other schools,” says Bryce. “I ended up visiting Christ School where I met Coach Luhm, looked at the facilities, and realized how much everyone is a family here. I loved that. I made my decision a week later and the rest is history.” Bryce already knew a handful of Greenies from competing against them on the football field. “I played against Cade Mintz ’21 when he attended my rival school, Cherokee High School. At Christ School we worked out together every day and became like brothers.” “It’s amazing,” Bryce says. “We get to live with our best friends here.” Bryce’s success on the football field flourished at Christ School and culminated with him being named team MVP and receiving an offer to play football for Furman University. “Furman was a blessing from God,” says Bryce. “I asked God to show me where to go and what to do. That Friday, I played very well against Providence Day and Furman was actually at that game to watch my old roommate Eli Brasher ’22. Furman ended up calling me a few days later to offer me a scholarship.” Beyond athletics, Bryce plays a significant role in the Christ School community. He leads the younger boys as Harris House Prefect. “I never thought that I would be in the leadership position that I am in now, but it has been a blessing” says Bryce. “I’ve discovered that I love to lead others.” Outside of the dorm, Bryce loves helping train his friends and teammates in the gym – something he hopes to continue as a career one day. “Bryce is the consummate senior leader and was my first choice for prefect for Harris house,” says Les Thornbury, Head of Harris House. “He has a calm, steady, no-nonsense demeanor that commands respect. He knows the members of Harris house well and makes it a point to be present and in communication with them

frequently. His prefect role has given Bryce the space to develop his leadership abilities and, when necessary, learn from his mistakes. I am proud to be working with him this year.” Bryce’s strong morals derive from family. “I feel like if you do good things, good things will happen,” says Bryce. “That’s what my dad has always said to me and how my parents have raised me. My dad has made me who I am and my mom has also instilled the religious aspects of life in me. It’s the best of both worlds.” n

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Coaches: Chad Walker Nick Luhm Duncan Barnes Michael Watson Jamie Auch Antonio Britto Jack Fader Scott Perone Randy Lytle Matt Perse Captains: Bryce Sain ’22 Brady Ioannidis ’22

All-State 1st Team Eli Brasher ’22 Cayden Jones ’24 Bryce Sain ’22 2nd Team Charlie Bednar ’22 Honorable Mention Quinton Cancel ’23 All-Conference: 1st Team Charlie Bednar ’22 Eli Brasher ’22 Cayden Jones ’24 Bryce Sain ’22 2nd Team Quinton Cancel ’23 Zack Myers ’24

FOOTBALL

Adversity, Struggles, and Triumphs

The 2021 football season was full of adversity, struggles, and triumphs. The Greenies found themselves playing the toughest strength of schedule in North Carolina according to MaxPreps, but they were up to the challenge. The beginning of the season was filled with close games and health issues. After facing defeat in Corbin, KY, the Greenies battled some off-field issues that sidelined them for a few weeks. Returning in week three, the team faced Maiden High School with less than a day’s notice due to a cancelation from Polk County High School. The Greenies took Maiden into overtime, but eventually fell short (27-21). The Greenies were the first team to score on Maiden, who had outscored their opponents 116-0 coming into that game. With injuries adding up for the first home game against Rabun Gap, the Greenies suffered a loss. However, the battle-toughened Greenies responded during the My40 Friday Night Rivals Game of the Week against Providence Day. The Greenies defeated the Charlotte school 25-21. Providence Day won the rest of their games after the loss in Arden.

under the lights Most Valuable Player: Bryce Sain ’22 Most Improved Player: Josh Harrison ’24

The month of October boded well for Greenies football. They finished the month with a 3-1 record including the first win over formidable foe Charlotte Christian for the first time since 2004. They closed out the season with a convincing 60-24 win over rival Asheville School in the 95th playing of “The Game.” That win secured the return of the FayssouxArbogast Trophy to Arden for the 10th straight year. n

Above: Christ School hosted four football games in 2021, including a Sept. 17 matchup with Rabun Gap. Right: Bryce Sain '22 has signed to play college football for Furman and was the Greenies' Most Valuable Player for the 2021 season.

Courage Award: Noah Henthorn ’24 Outstanding Lineman Award: Charlie Bednar ’22

SOCCER

under the lights

Momentum and Potential Above: Reeves Cates ’24 carries the ball away from defender during CAA match.

Coaches: Jonny Wangrin Guy Campbell ’00 Captains: Carter Compton ’24 Jackson Knoll ’23 Brendan Regan ’24 Ethan Rose ’24

The 2021 team finished their season with a 9-9 record and second place in the conference, a record that doesn’t reflect the momentum and potential that this group has going into 2022. Coach Jonny Wangrin and Coach Guy Campbell ’00 can’t help but smile and feel excited when talking about this group. “We have something very special growing within our soccer program, and the development and growth of this young team has made huge strides this fall,” says Coach Wangrin. “The addition of night games fed the energy and hype surrounding this group. Returning all of our starters and key guys who came off the bench will be huge to transitioning from a young, inexperienced team into a veteran, battle-tested team for years to come.” Varsity soccer bids farewell to Basti Guder ’23, a junior and a one-year ASSIST student hailing from Bremen, Germany. Basti was a welcomed member of the team and will forever be a Greenie! Although this was a unique year with no seniors, the team is excited that five veteran juniors will fill that void next year: Jonathan Chen, Max Hartwig, Jackson Knoll, Caleb McClellan, and Jaron Richardson.

All-Conference: Jackson Knoll ’23 Brendan Regan ’24 All-State: Carter Compton ’24 Most Valuable Player: Carter Compton ’24 Most Improved Player: Bradley Campbell ’24 Greenie Award: Ethan Rose ’24

“While we can look back on this year, and are proud and excited for the accomplishments, we are extremely confident that this group has only scratched the surface, and that the best is yet to come!” says Coach Wangrin. n

Above: Truett Compton ’25 gracefully avoids the tackle from a defender. Right: Team Captain Ethan Rose ’24 looks to get a shot off.

Coaches: Randy Ashley Emily Pulsifer P’15 P’17 Captains: Jackson Burch ’22 Jack Cross ’22 Rocky Hansen ’23

All-Conference: Jackson Burch ’22 Jack Cross ’22 Eyob Gill ’24 Rocky Hansen ’23 Luke Parrish ’24 Dawson Reeves ’24 Kahzi Sealey ’23 All-State: Jackson Burch ’22 Jack Cross ’22 Rocky Hansen ’23 Dawson Reeves 24’ Most Valuable Runner: Rocky Hansen ’23 Most Improved Runner: Matthew Luke ’22

Grit, Stamina, and Comradery The 2021 cross country team was solid from its first preseason practice in mid-August. In the first race at home, the trio of Rocky Hansen ’23, Dawson Reeves ’24, and Jackson Burch ’22 dominated – something they did throughout the season. In the Eye Opener Invitational, Rocky was the individual winner, with the squad of Jack Cross ’22, Luke Parrish ’24, Eyob Gill ’24, and Kahzi Sealey ’23 rounding out the “A Team.” This core group led the full team to a perfect-score CAA Conference Championship win at home, followed by Christ School’s first ever NCISAA 4A State Title.

State Champions!

Rocky Hansen broke three course records this season on his way to his individual CAA and state titles. Twice he broke Christ School’s 5K record (set by Andrew Hammel ’20), running 15:28 at the Great American Meet and then 15:21 at the NCISAA 4A State Championship. Dawson Reeves further established running prowess by running a personal best of 15:31. He also finished second at the CAA Championship and the state meet. By the end of the season, every member of the “A Team” had all broken 17:00 for 5k. The team finished the season with a 16:02 team average, which placed the team third of all public or private schools in North Carolina. Matthew Luke ’22, Ondrej Szkandera ’23, John Barton ’25, Patrick Wang ’24, Nate Wilberding ’25, AJ Hesselson ’22, Rhodes Field ’23, and Nick Crowley ’22 all ran consistently strong races throughout the season. Congratulations to the entire 2021 XC team! With incredible grit, stamina, and comradery, this team came together to accomplish its goals and launch a new era in Christ School’s XC history. n

under the lights

CROSS COUNTRY

Left: Winning our first NCISAA 4A State Title was a team effort. Above: Eyob Gill ’24 strides toward the finish line.

ASHEVILLE

SCHOOL WEEK

As in the past, there was plenty in store for the boys in the days leading up to The Game. Dean of Students Drew Hyche ’94 got a surprise Monday morning when he discovered that the seniors had moved the entire contents of his office to Yard A. Other memorable events included the senior assembly, bonfire, student-faculty basketball game, a pro wrestling tournament, and Enrichment Day (a day where teachers lead students in non-academic courses like turkey frying, blacksmithing, and car maintenance). Greenie fans prepared to cheer varsity football to its record 10th consecutive victory in The Game with Saturday morning’s Parent Council tailgate lunch and sendoff on Stolz Plaza. Green took the day with a 60-24 win at Asheville School.

GREEN!

10th

STRAIGHT WIN IN "THE GAME" by Andrew Pearson

Sensing his football team could use a jolt, Head Football Coach, Chad Walker, went to his bag of tricks Saturday, October 31. An onside kick to start the second half may be the most important call the coach made in his first year at Christ School. And it got the desired effect. The Greenies were energized enough by a recovery from Wilkes Thomas ’24 to break a 17-17 halftime tie and take absolutely all the fight out of Asheville School, 60-24. In his first game since verbally committing to Furman University, Bryce Sain ’22 ran for three touchdowns (2, 17, and 67 yards). His quarterback, A.J. Simpkins ’22 rushed for two as well (1 and 41 yards) and connected with Zack Myers ’24 for his first of two touchdown passes – a 60-yarder at the 6:04 mark of the third quarter. It was at that point that the Greenies (4-4) were finally able to get some breathing room in the 95th edition of “The Game.” Seeking to avoid a record 10th consecutive loss in the series, the Blues (6-3) were a game opponent for the first two quarters. However, it takes more than two quarters to hoist the FayssouxArbogast Trophy.

Asheville School committed two of its four turnovers in the second half and was only able to score seven points. A.J. Jacobs ’22, back in the Christ School lineup for the first time since August, recovered a fumble. Lou Eesiah ’24 and Jack Shimer ’23 recovered a fumble as well and Zack Myers ’24 made an interception. Bryce appeared to tweak a hamstring with his last touchdown run, but the offense did not miss a beat with Cooper Perone ’24 stepping in at running back. He caught a 14-yard touchdown pass from A.J. Simpkins with 9:52 to go in the game and Lou provided the Greenies’ final score via a 69-yard run with 3:38 remaining. Matthew Hammel ’23 not only successfully executed the onside kick, but made a 25-yard field goal for Christ School’s first points with 4:11 to go in the first quarter. The junior was a perfect 7-for-7 on extra points. The all-time series between the Greenies and Asheville School now stands at 50-41-4 in the Blues’ favor. Christ School’s 10 consecutive wins are the longest streak for either side in a rivalry which began in 1911.

ASHEVILLE

SCHOOL WEEK

60-24 FINAL

Clockwise from Bottom Left: Emmett Paradine ’22 leaps over defender, Mr. Karp, in the Student-Faculty Basketball Game; Food Service Director Anola Alabdo arranges the Parent Council Tailgate; Jackson Burch ’22 and Havilah Cooper ’23 wave in another touchdown; a fireworks display ends the annual Bonfire; Greenies celebrate their 10th straight win; Dorm Wars flag football at dusk; the team is cheered on as they approach the bus to head across town; a Halloween-inspired Spirit Rock; parents catch up at the Tailgate lunch; Dr. Jenkins cheers on the sidelines.

IS A MOUNTAIN EVER CLIMBED ALONE? by Jack Lynch

Reflecting Upon The Christ School Climbing Team’s Revival

THIS YEAR THE STUDENTS AT CHRIST SCHOOL EXPERIENCED A NEW WAY TO EXPLORE THE MOUNTAINS OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA. IT WAS A REBIRTH OF SORTS. Christ School has a long history of climbing, from rappelling down the old grain silo during the farm days to exploring the boulder fields of Rumbling Bald State Park. Nevertheless, the climbing program had been dormant for several years, until the fall of 2021, when ten young men got to hone their skills in the art of rockcraft once more. Thanks to a generous donor, construction began on a new indoor climbing wall in the spring of 2021. This new facility, along with the commitment of some dedicated staff

and students, enabled the climbing program to reach new heights. As one of the coaches of the program, and a lifelong climber myself, I have developed a deep appreciation for the lessons that climbing can teach us. Primarily, climbing is centered around trust and partnerships. Unless you’re a free solo climber like Alex Hannold or Dean Potter, you’ll need to develop a partnership founded in mutual trust to progress (and avoid injury) in this sport. One of the first lessons our team learned this fall is that climbing hard is the easy part but learning to quiet your mind and trust your climbing partner is far more difficult. Beyond climbing partners, every student on the team this fall could point to a moment when their confidence failed before their physical limits were reached. One wonders how often this is true in our daily lives. How often are our minds the limits of our excellence? There is another adage in climbing that I share with younger climbers. Climbing is not a skill that can be safely practiced alone or mastered by watching YouTube videos. In fact, I believe that everyone needs three types of climbing partners: one less skilled than you to take under your wing, an equal-skilled partner to challenge and compete with, and a mentor to show you the proverbial ropes. Even our newest climbers, like Jack Godwin ’22 and Luke Jennings ’24, had opportunities to teach us new skills. Luke, for

55 one, taught us patience; Jack taught us courage. Likewise, our team captains, Henry Holland ’23 and Jack Britts ’22, have many skills they have yet to master. When I think of the partnerships in climbing, I’m often struck by the beauty of it all. That every master was once a student, and without the unbroken transmission of knowledge from master to student, climbing would have ended before the adventures began. Over the course of the year our team travelled near and far; from the Henderson gneiss of Rumbling Bald State Park to the Whiteside granite of North Carolina’s largest monolith, Looking Glass Rock. We camped under the stars, kindled fires, climbed to new heights, bouldered with vigor, and shared in the camaraderie of pushing our limits. In total we travelled to five different climbing areas and spent many hours trusting our grip and holding on to the support of our teammates. As I reflect upon the fall climbing season, I am confident that our inaugural graduates possess the skills they need to safely explore the vertical realm and to pass their knowledge along to others. n

the great outdoors THE OUTDOOR PROGRAM

Dear Greenies,

beyond the gate house FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

The fall semester felt like a glorious step on the path back to normal: gathering together for chapel and assembly, cheering on Greenie athletics as a community, and reviving the traditions and rituals that make this place unique and special. You could feel the energy on our beautiful campus, and this publication is evidence of a fun and successful kick-off to the 2021-2022 school year. This spring we are eager for the following opportunities to connect with alumni, parents, grandparents, and friends: •O n April 2, Christ School’s Auction & Gala will return after a four-year hiatus. This year’s theme is “Work Hard, Play Hard” and proceeds will help fund a much-needed renovation and refurbishment of the Patrick Beaver Student Center. •O n April 22, Christ School will host its first ever Grandparents Day. We are thrilled to invite the grandparents of our current students to come to campus for a day in the life of Christ School and a chance to spend time with their grandsons and their classmates. •O n May 4, we will host our second annual giving day. “Give Now & Go Green” is a day to come together in support of Christ School. Whether you make a gift to your class scholarship, a favorite athletic team, or the Christ School Fund, your participation helps us finish strong in our annual fundraising. •M ay 6-8, we invite all alumni to campus for our annual Alumni Weekend. We will celebrate reunion years ending in 2 and 7 and gather for Alumni Awards, the Pig Roast, and other fun events. We look forward with great anticipation to 2022 and hope you will join us in celebration for one of these exciting events. Thank you for your generous support of this special place. Go Greenies!

Betsy Ellis P’24 Director of Advancement

AW alumni weekend | May 6 - May 8, 2022

CELEBRATING REUNION YEARS FOR CLASSES ENDING IN 2 AND 7 All alumni are invited to return to campus for a fun weekend with their classmates. Events will include the Head of School’s reception, Pig Roast, class dinners, alumni awards, athletic contests, alumni games, and more!

BILTMORE FOREST COUNTRY CLUB April 2, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. Learn more about purchasing tickets, donating items, and sponsoring the event at www.christschool.org/auction or email advancement@christschool.org

Auction proceeds will support an array of improvements to the Patrick Beaver Student Center. Potential projects include a new snack bar, theatre-style movie theatre, additional work and gathering spaces, video and arcade games, and lounge area.

GIVE

GIVE NOW & GO GREEN IS CHRIST SCHOOL’S GIVING DAY. On May 4, 2022, the Christ School community will come together to make a lasting impact by supporting the Christ School Fund and our students. The Christ School Fund provides vital, budget-relieving funds that make this school year possible. Stay tuned for exciting updates about challenge giving and how you can make a difference. Give Now & Go Green!

Knighton and Byrd Cup Participation is what matters most to the Christ School Fund. The Byrd Cup and Knighton Cup recognize giving participation from Christ School’s current parents and alumni, respectively. The Byrd Cup honors the Byrd family, including Grady Byrd ’57 and three generations of loyal Greenies. The Knighton Cup honors Coach Mike Knighton P’87, who served Christ School for more than 25 years and championed alumni giving. The competition lasts through the end of June! Link to give: christschool.org/give

as planned Estate Planning: Buck Hinkle ’66 and Henry Hinkle ’69

PROCEEDING 62

by Isaac Rankin

beyond the gate house FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

More than 50 years after Henry graduated, it’s fitting that both Buck and Henry have committed to planned giving at Christ School.

When he first visited Christ School in 1962, Buck Hinkle ’66 knew that this was where he wanted to go to school. For Henry Hinkle ’69, the choice to attend Christ School was simple. “When it was my turn, my parents said you’re going where your brother goes,” says Henry. More than 50 years after Henry graduated, it’s fitting that both Buck and Henry have committed to planned giving at Christ School – and that Henry is again following Buck’s lead. “When you have a big brother who’s wise, you need to take advantage of that wisdom,” Henry says with a laugh. Both Buck and Henry feel gratitude for the role Christ School played in shaping their lives, and they have tracked the school’s progress from a distance in their native Kentucky. Both brothers stay connected with their classmates.

For Buck, his relationship with Christ School is especially rooted in the deep bonds shared with his classmates in the Class of 1966. “I was fortunate enough to be in a really outstanding class, both academically and athletically, and my classmates have kept me connected. My class was and remains a tightknit group,” says Buck. The Hinkle brothers have committed to planned giving because of their shared belief in Christ School, and yet they both have unique reasons for leaving the school in their estate plans. Henry looks back on his time at Christ School as transformative, offering blessings and developing habits that would last a lifetime. Planned giving is a way to honor his experience. Buck believes planned giving is an important way to establish a legacy and demonstrate the importance of philanthropy to

Dad Page

HARRIS S O C I E T Y

his family. Buck and Henry have also committed to planned giving because they both believe in supporting the school’s endowment. They have each served on boards for non-profits or colleges and universities in Kentucky, where they witnessed firsthand the importance of endowment strength. “I’ve served on two university boards where endowments were undersized. Having seen those two examples up close and personal, and then reading about endowments at Yale, Harvard, Berea College, or even Woodberry Forest School – it’s just so obvious how much more an institution can do for its students and faculty with a robust endowment,” says Buck. “CS is worthy of having the kind of endowment that other schools of its caliber have. I think the results over these recent years

demonstrate that it is a deserving institution,” says Henry. Almost 60 years have passed since Buck Hinkle arrived in Arden, setting in motion a lifelong bond between the Hinkle brothers and Christ School. But their commitment to the school remains forward thinking. Each brother’s planned gift will support scholarships for future Greenies. “I’ve recently had the chance to follow the career of a young alumnus. I’ve seen what his experience at Christ School was like and know that other students can have the same transformative experience. I’m excited about the school’s future. It’s a cause that’s well worth supporting,” says Buck. n

The David Page Harris Society is named in honor of David Page Harris, Headmaster of Christ School from 1927 to 1967. Established in 1999, the Society recognizes more than 100 alumni and friends of Christ School who have made planned gifts. Contact Betsy Ellis at bellis@ christschool.org or 828-6846232 ext. 115 if you are interested in learning more about planned giving at Christ School.

1948

Evan Miller ’48 is still kicking in Etowah, NC.

1958

1959

George “GG” Griswold ’59 died on November 26, 2021, in New Orleans, LA. He was a loyal Greenie and lifelong supporter of the school. Throughout his life, GG exuded a quiet confidence and a mischievous nature. After graduating from Christ School, he then went on to attend The University of Virginia where he was an avid member of St. Anthony Hall fraternity, which led to a two-year stint in the US Navy. Following his military service, he returned and graduated from The University of Virginia as a newlywed. GG began his professional career with Whitney National Bank in 1965, but soon joined Waters, Parkerson & Company where he would spend the balance of his career before retiring as Chairman of the Board in 2015. GG is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Madison Dickson Griswold, his son, Dickson, his daughters, Catherine (Gasque) and Nina (Fitch), as well as six grandchildren.

1960 64 George "GG" Griswold ’59

Frank Foster ’60 and his wife, Linda, have retired from the company they founded and are happy living in Greenville, SC. Robin Boylan '66

Labor Day Weekend at Christ School began with a nice surprise as Phil Patrick ’58, Stan Gibson ’58, and Bruce Woodward ’68 returned to campus on the same day. The boys saluted each alumnus with applause in Assembly.

1966

Christ School was saddened to learn of the passing of Robin Boylan ’66 on September 30, 2021. Robin was a native of New Orleans and a loyal Greenie. He served as a class agent and board member and lived in Asheville, where he worked for Beverly-Hanks Commercial Real Estate for more than 30 years. Robin will be missed.

1967

1973

Henry Warner ’24 was wearing a Christ School sweatshirt when Richard Fayssoux ’67 stopped him in Costco over Thanksgiving Break to make the connection between Greenies.

Bruce Burris ’73 and Tom Eddins ’81 played a round of golf together this summer in Highlands, NC.

1971

1979

class notes NEWS FROM ALUMNI

Hicks Milner ’71 has plans to put on a remotecontrolled plane demonstration for the boys later this school year and flew into Asheville in the real thing this fall. Shannon Allison ’79, Brandon Allison ’10, Conner Allison ’15, and Graylyn Loomis ’10 caught up at a wedding in New Orleans, LA.

1986

Christ School was saddened to learn of the passing of Mark Jockwig ’86 in October at his home in Springfield, IL.

1993

Christ School was saddened to learn of the passing of Mutodi Neshese ’93 in July. Mutodi was a native of South Africa, where he was a popular actor. His classmates gathered in St. Joseph’s Chapel for a memorial service and pew dedication on Saturday morning before “The Game.”

1994

Mark Jockwig ’86

2003

Andrew Block ’03 owns a studio in one of the epicenters for American music — New Orleans. His excitement about being closely involved in a Grammynominated project is understandable. Andrew was a Producer and Engineer for the band Cha Wa’s “My People,” which is nominated for Best Regional Roots Music Album. The 64th annual Grammys took place January 31. Andrew said that “My People” was recorded at his studio, Neutral Sound Studio, by Cha Wa, which describes itself as a “New Orleans brass band-meets-Mardi Gras Indian outfit.”

2004

Joe Wheeless ’04 started a new job as Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. He is also pursuing his PhD at William & Mary.

2005

Mutodi Neshese ’93

Dean of Students Drew Hyche ’94 met up with two of his former classmates from Christ School, Neville McCaghren ’94 and Sam Logan ’94, for a reunion and impromptu birthday celebration at 12 Bones Smokehouse. Gaines Myer ’94 was recently hired as COO of Archetype Brewing in West Asheville, NC.

1999

Heyward Hardy ’99 married Emily Wike in a ceremony on Jekyll Island, GA. The couple will make their home in Charleston, SC. Duffy Davenport ’05 married Sara Fagel in a beautiful beach wedding ceremony on Saturday, May 2, 2020, at the Carolina Yacht Club in Wrightsville Beach, NC, with brother, Simms Davenport ’08, as his best man. The

Davenports have settled in their new home in Wilmington, NC, where Sara works as a Learning and Talent Development Manager for Deloitte while Duffy works as a Co-Founder and Product Manager for Arrow Innovative Business Technologies – a privately owned company specializing in pharmaceutical pricing, compliance, and contracting.

2006

James Bailey ’06 and his wife, Perry, welcomed their third son, Jones Powell Bailey, on August 26, joining brothers Freeman (3) and Royall (almost 2). James lives in Raleigh, where he works as a commercial real estate broker with Lee & Associates.

supported the Volunteers his entire life and had a visceral reaction to the Aug. 26 terror attack in Afghanistan that killed 13 US service members, including Tennessee soldier Ryan Knauss. Will’s father was a Marine and his two grandfathers served in World War II. Back to the tweet, Will asked Tennessee directly how much money it would take to buy a permanent seat in Neyland Stadium (the venue where the Volunteers play football to crowds of more than 100,000) for Staff Sgt. Knauss. The university responded by contacting Will and suggesting they work together on a scholarship instead of the seat. The Veteran’s Memorial Graduate Business Scholarship will go to an individual seeking their graduate studies through Tennessee’s Haslam School of Business who has a family tie to the military or is coming from a service academy or military university. Will has set up a GoFundMe page for the scholarship at https://www. gofundme.com/f/utvmsf, with the goal to raise $25,000 by the end of the year and $50,000 by the end of 2022. Will resides in Cartersville, GA, and is a Loan Officer who handles marketing and social media for Ameris Bank. Jack Smallpage ’06, John McMurray ’02, and Thomas Lynch ’14 participated in a Career Pathways session with current students, sharing insights about their careers in sales and marketing and fielding questions from students.

2008

Christ School alumnus Will McNeeley ’06 had only the best of intentions when he tweeted at University of Tennessee Athletic Director Danny White back on Sept. 9. Will has

Christ School alumni Dr. John Yanik ’08 and Dr. Trey Newsome ’06, along with school nurse Monique Usher, led the College Guidance Office's virtual panel on the medical profession in November.

class notes NEWS FROM ALUMNI

2009

Ty Baugh ’09 is founder and CEO of K2 Scientific in Charlotte. K2 Scientific is leading the industry in value-priced, high-performance, medical-grade refrigeration.

2011

Mason Plumlee ’09 is now a member of the Charlotte Hornets. He joined Christ School alumni and faculty for a pre-game party at Red Rocks Café in Charlotte before the Greenies defeated Charlotte Country Day in football.

Bug Little ’09 and Turner Brooks '24

Bug Little ’09 specializes in the design and service of inshore saltwater boats with On the Fly Skiff Co. in Charleston, SC, and was happy to show off the shop to Turner Brooks ’24 and his family.

2010

James Garland ’10 just began his second year as Assistant Director of Admissions at Christ School and has been on the road finding the next Greenies. James was in Florida this fall for boarding school fairs in Naples and Palm Beach.

68 Marshall Plumlee ’11 spoke to the Army basketball team in October at the US Military Academy and also met up with Connor Jones ’21.

Stuart Mason '12

Michael Robbins ’11 married Lucy Endicott in St. Louis on June 2021. The couple lives in Tampa, FL.

2012

Alex Dunn '15 and Max Snider '08

Andrew Walters ’10 donned Greenie green for his wedding to Brittany McCall on November 13 at The Oaks at Salem in Apex, NC. Andrew has started a new job as Client Service Manager for Non-Foods Marketing out of Long Island, NY, with their new office in Fuquay-Varina, NC.

Stuart Mason ’12 continues to make inroads in the art world. The Christ School alumnus creates out of Los Angeles and four of Stuart’s paintings were part of the “Finding Water” exhibition for New York's Van Der Plas Gallery held July 2-11. Those same paintings have now been acquired for another showing by the Mandarin Oriental, New York luxury hotel.

2015

Alex Dunn ’15 and Max Snider ’08 were part of the crowd for the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington, DC, this summer.

2017

Christ School Admission ran into Frank DeRonja ’17 and his mother, Cristin, in Raleigh on Frank’s birthday in November.

Liam Pulsifer ’15 is a Software Engineer for IXL Learning in Durham, NC, and spoke to Mr. Martin’s Computer Science students in October.

2016

With a few swipes of a pen, William Fleming ’17 fulfilled a lifelong dream over the summer. Every boy who ever picks up a ball, glove, or bat has the same dream as William. What separates the Christ School alumnus is his talent. William became just the second Major League Baseball draft pick in school history earlier this month and signed with the Seattle Mariners at their spring training facility in Arizona.

William Fleming '17

class notes NEWS FROM ALUMNI

After the school collected four barrels of food for Asheville’s MANNA FoodBank, Jake Deuterman ’16, who works for MANNA, thanked the students and faculty for their generosity. He estimated that every pound of food would provide 1.2 meals. CS varsity soccer coach Cal Jansen ’16 was back at his college alma mater and had a chance to catch up with three former Christ School soccer players who are now UNC-Chapel Hill students: Thomas Smoots ’19, Luke Rheney ’21, and Tyler Bell ’21.

Like a good neighbor, Wade Mouer ’17 is there. The commercial jingle for State Farm Insurance can be playfully modified now that Wade has accepted the position of Data Scientist with the insurance company at one of its hubs in the Atlanta area. The Christ School alumnus called it a “dream job for this point in my career,” and Wade has put in the educational legwork to make it happen. After receiving his BA in Applied Mathematics from UNC Asheville in 2020, Wade went on to get a master’s degree in Analytics from NC State University.

Cal Jansen '16 and former teamates

2019

Siler Sloan ’17 is the Ale Blazer for Black Mountain Ale Trail, a new beer tour that launched in November of 2021. As the guide for each tour, Siler leads groups to and from area breweries in Black Mountain and Old Fort. The tours educate participants on local history and beer trends and, of course, offer a chance to sample local beers.

2018 Drew Hamilton ’18

Davis Crook ’18

Several members of Christ School’s Class of 2018 are progressing nicely in their college careers and shared these summer updates. Carson Jones ’18, pictured here with Max LeCroy ’19, is a double major at UNC-Chapel Hill (Biology and Exercise and Sports Science). Carson said that his ultimate goal is to attend medical school, but in the meantime, he will likely look into taking a gap year and applying to a laboratory. Davis Crook ’18 is another double major at UNC (Economics and Exercise and Sports Science). Davis has been a Commercial Risk Intern for the Aon professional services firm since June and is also a certified personal trainer. Drew Hamilton ’18 is about a year out from graduating with his degree in Computer Science from the University of Maryland. At the moment, Drew is a cyber security intern for Redpoint Cyber, which does breach response for companies which have suffered a ransomware attack.

As a college sophomore, Sidney Gibbs ’19 led the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association in rushing with 166 carries for 948 yards and six touchdowns with only one fumble. Sidney, who is a running back for Shaw University, was named to the All-CIAA team.

Jack Harrison ’19 (Lafayette) and Davis Lindsey ’20 (Loyola) both play college lacrosse after having been state-championship teammates at Christ School. They met up with Santa in December.

Coles Manning ’19 and Ross Oakley ’19 caught up at the University of Oklahoma.

Carson Jones ’18 and Max LeCroy ’19.

2020

No matter what the final score was, the ArmyNavy game was a win for Christ School alumni Henry Duggins ’20, Joseph Coladonato ’20, and Connor Jones ’21. The Greenies have remained close and are friendly rivals for the annual rivalry game.

2021

Sam Bassett ’22, Tyler Bell ’21, Jack Rheney ’23, Wesley Thomas ’22, and Connor Jones ’21 reunited on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill this fall. Henry Duggins ’20, Joseph Coladonato ’20 and Connor Jones ’21

Jack Fitch ’20 will attend Officer Candidate School for the US Marine Corps. Jack is currently a sophomore at the University of Vermont, where he plays lacrosse.

class notes NEWS FROM ALUMNI

Mrs. Mahoney P’20 made the trek up to Cambridge, MA, over Fall Break to see Michael Mahoney ’20 and Justice Ajogbor ’20 at Harvard University.

Stewart Buchanan ’21 is enjoying life on and off the football field at Sewanee: The University of the South. Stewart, a freshman linebacker from Dallas, appeared in five games for the Tigers in his first college season.

Garrett Clapsaddle ’21 was back on campus in November to speak about his experiences as a cadet at the US Merchant Marine Academy, part of the College Guidance Office’s “Lunch and Learn” series.

Billy Thackston ’21 is a freshman at the University of Texas.

Painter Richards-Baker ’21

class notes NEWS FROM ALUMNI

Joshua Edgecomb ’22 and Jordan Edgecomb ’25 found themselves in Charlottesville, VA, this fall and had the good fortune of seeing Lex Long ’21 make his college debut for the University of Virginia football team. Playing defensive back, Lex registered two solo tackles in a 43-0 win over William & Mary. Afterwards, the three Greenies had a chance to hang out. Painter Richards-Baker ’21 appeared in nine games for Dartmouth Football during his freshman season and caught five passes for 125 yards and a touchdown.

Johnny Wehner ’21 and Daniel Neuman ’21 have hung out during their first semester at NC State.

ACADEMIC RIGOR We provide a curriculum that engages, stimulates, and challenges each student to discover his own academic gifts and to develop their academic potential to its maximum. Our engaged faculty leads, mentors, and guides our students through a rigorous college preparatory curriculum.

LEADERSHIP We provide programs and venues for boys to demonstrate their leadership skills outside of the classroom. Through our multi-level program, which includes athletics, community service, residential life, drama, outdoor, and work programs, boys have the freedom to lead, to serve, and to hone their skills as members of this unique community.

SPIRITUALITY All boys are on a spiritual journey, sometimes at different paces and with a variety of focus. We are an inclusionary community where all world faiths are recognized and welcomed. Each student participates in our Chapel Program which meets regularly and allows them to share their gifts to further enrich our community.

THE DIGNITY OF MANUAL LABOR No task is too small or unworthy of a Christ School boy. We believe that involvement in the care and maintenance of our campus fosters a sense of ownership, pride, and service. The dignity of manual labor is a tradition and ethos not lost on the Christ School boys of today.

THE FOUR PILLARS

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE

PAID ATLANTA, GA

CHRIST SCHOOL

PERMIT NO. 3259

An Episcopal School for Boys

500 Christ School Road Arden, North Carolina 28704-9914

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