Cannon Magazine Summer 2025

Summer 2025

Letter from Head of School Mike Drew As the 2024–25 school year draws to a close, we find ourselves in a moment of meaningful transition.

One chapter concludes, rich with memories, accomplishments, and growth, while another begins, quietly but purposefully, with thoughtful planning already underway for the year ahead. The energy that carries us through this season is rooted in the deep commitment of our faculty, staff, and community to the growth of each student who calls Cannon home.

This summer marks a particularly exciting milestone for Cannon School. On June 17, we broke ground on a transformative expansion of the Gossage building, an ambitious project made possible through the generosity and vision of our community, and a central pillar of A Flourishing Future, our ongoing campaign to enhance learning spaces while elevating academic support across all divisions to support students on their journey of growth.

Aligned with our mission and guided by our Campus Master Plan, A Flourishing Future represents a bold investment in learning spaces that inspire academic excellence, collaboration, and exploration. In the Upper School, this work will introduce 12,500 square feet of flexible classrooms, modern science labs, and inclusive student spaces that will cultivate engagement and intellectual curiosity. Equally significant is the creation

of dedicated Academic Resource Centers (ARCs) in the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools designed to nurture independent learning, build confidence, and support each student’s unique academic journey from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12.

This is a pivotal moment for Cannon. As we look ahead to the 2025–26 school year and beyond, we also begin the important work of developing our next five-year strategic plan. Building on the momentum of A Flourishing Future, we will come together as a community to articulate a shared vision—one that honors our core values, meets the evolving needs of our students, and continues to position Cannon as a place of innovation, academic excellence, and integrity.

To all members of our Cannon community, I offer my deepest gratitude for your continued support and partnership. I hope this summer has brought you rest, reflection, and renewed inspiration as we prepare to write the next chapter in Cannon’s story together.

With gratitude,

Mike Drew Head of School

EDITORIAL STAFF Elizabeth Isenhour Writer and Chief Editor

Sarah Sooklal Editor

Ché Bratley Editor

Cannon Magazine Summer 2025 Cannon Magazine is published by the Advancement Office.

Address changes should be sent to advancement@cannonschool.org.

Contents

4

Cannon School Celebrates Its 27th Commencement Ceremony . . . . . . 4 Celebrating New Beginnings: 2025 Moving Up Ceremonies . . . . . . . . 10

Sophia Charania ’25 and Angelina Chen ’25

Cannon Seniors: The Final Countdown. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Building A Flourishing Future. . . . . . . . . 18 Looking Back: 2024-25 Cannon Athletics Highlights . . . . . . . . . 22

18

Introducing our 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Upcoming Alumni Events . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Rendering of updated Upper School entry

22

Cover: Gabbi Coppa ’25 shares a moment of gratitude with faculty member Jeremy Frye at Commencement.

Photography: Carrie Allen ’11, Ché Bratley, Craig Reynolds

Maya McCorkle ’25

Summer 2025 | CANNON | 3

Sydney Scurlock and Samuel Schneider proceed to Commencement.

Cannon School Celebrates Its 27th Commencement Ceremony 4 | CANNON | Summer 2025

Under a cloudless Carolina sky on Friday, May 23, Cannon School marked a joyful occasion: our 27th Commencement ceremony.

The Class of 2025 makes its entrance to begin the formal Commencement ceremony.

Sophia Charania and Angelina Chen take part in singing the alma mater “O, Cannon” during the ceremony.

Cannon’s Commencement is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of our most senior Cougars and recognize the personal drive and hard work that led them here.

Beginning early that morning, families, faculty, and friends gathered to honor the graduating Class of 2025—an exceptional group remembered for their big hearts, deep sense of togetherness, and an unwavering commitment to staying true to themselves and each other.

With 111 students, the Class of 2025 stands as the second largest in the school’s history, bringing the total number of Cannon graduates to 2,011. Representing 17 zip codes across the greater Charlotte area, this class was both geographically diverse and deeply rooted in the Cannon community.

Twenty-two students were recognized as “lifers,” having begun their journeys at Cannon in Junior Kindergarten.

Danny Saltzman smiles proudly during the ceremony.

Kirsten McEachern walks across the stage to receive her diploma.

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The ceremony featured inspiring remarks from Head of School Mike Drew and outgoing Board of Trustees Chair Karin Cain. The keynote address was delivered by Danny Scurlock—a beloved parent, coach, advisor, and faculty member—whose daughter Sydney was among the graduates. In his heartfelt speech, Scurlock encouraged students to “always be real and be present,” reminding them to surround themselves with people who tell the truth and hold them accountable.

“These are the people who help you grow,” he said.

Head of Upper School Dr. Fabio Hurtado presents valedictorian Annalise Leck with a plaque honoring her achievement.

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Head of School Mike Drew speaks on the character and unity that defined the Class of 2025.

Keynote speaker Danny Scurlock shares reflections and advice with students.

Valedictorian Annalise Leck posed a powerful question to her classmates: “What do we do with all the help we’ve received?” She challenged them to pay it forward and to carry on the Cannon culture that has shaped their identities. “Let our legacy not just be defined by where we go,” she said, “but by who we lift up on the way there.”

In a remarkable first for Cannon, this year’s class featured a three-way tie for Salutatorian honors. Ian Kuo reflected on the enduring power of community, calling the day “a beautiful

Salutatorian Ian Kuo reflects on the shared experience of the graduating class.

reminder that there will always be people who walk with us through life, no matter the season, no matter the challenge.”

James Ter Poorten urged the audience to view

the day not just as a celebration of an ending, but as recognition of the journey—”a culmination of all the little steps we’ve taken”—that brought them here. Ada Hicks offered a poetic metaphor, comparing graduation to the flight at the beginning of vacation—“a departure full of

anticipation and joy.”

Chloe Thompson proudly displays her diploma after the ceremony.

Salutatorian James Ter Poorten addresses classmates and guests, highlighting memorable moments and lessons learned.

Salutatorian Ada Hicks delivers parting thoughts, celebrating the journey ahead for the Class of 2025.

As the diplomas were handed out and tassels turned, the spirit of Cannon’s mission and the legacy of its graduates echoed clearly: one of connection, learning, and preparation for the journey ahead.

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Launched into the future! Our newest graduates mark the close of one chapter and the beginning of another with the ceremonial cap toss.

Gabbi Coppa poses for a selfie with Director of Admission & Financial Aid Bill Diskin.

Niki Desai and Elias Simon smile side by side in cap and gown.

Gabriel Zelaya looks ready to take on the future.

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From the halls of Upper School, Kenan Bullard, Kirsten McEachern, Charlotte Trembath, Phenix Brown, Julia Schattner, and Sofia Moncada celebrate years of hard work and friendship.

Congratulations CLASS OF 2025!

A moment of shared pride: James Ter Poorten, Sajan Patel, Devin Bell, and Elias Simon pose with faculty member Josh Zebracki.

Saiya Patel and Phenix Brown show off their hard-earned diplomas.

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CELEBRATING NEW BEGINNINGS

2025 M OV I N G U P CE R E M O N I E S

First grade, here he comes! Liam D. ’37 stands proud with his certificate of promotion.

Each school year, Cannon School proudly marks the academic progress of its students through a cherished tradition: the Moving Up Ceremonies. Held in the Cindric Performing Arts Center (CPAC), these special gatherings honor the achievements of students at pivotal moments in their educational journey. This year’s ceremonies, held on May 28 and 29, celebrated the Kindergarten, 4th Grade, and 8th Grade classes as they prepared to take their next steps at Cannon.

These ceremonies are more than milestones—they celebrate the journey of becoming. As our students rise to meet new challenges and opportunities, we celebrate their courage, their achievements, and the bright paths ahead.

10 | CANNON | Summer 2025

Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony

K

On the morning of May 29, young members of our school community took the stage with pride and excitement.

The Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony was filled with joyful energy as students performed songs for their families and received their certificates from Head of School Mike Drew. This milestone marks the next step of their Lower School journey, an exciting transition made even more memorable with a post-ceremony reception in Gay’s Garden.

Madison M. ’37 and James N. ’37 enter the CPAC to begin the Kindergarten Moving Up ceremony.

Kia S. ’37 and Thiessen A. ’37 share a hug at the post-ceremony reception.

Mike Drew presents Nolan S. ’37 with a certificate of promotion to first grade.

L to R: Class of 2037 members Liam D., Daniel D., Anisha D., Carleigh B., Reese G., Andreya B., and Lux B.

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4

Briella L. ’33 gets a hug from teacher Angela Hernandez during the ceremony.

4th Grade Moving Up Ceremony That same day, the 4th Grade Moving Up Ceremony ushered in the next chapter for the Class of 2033 as they prepare to join Middle School in the fall. Dr. Regina Nixon, Head of Lower School, and Ms. Carla Moyer, Head of Middle School, welcomed families and recognized the hard work and growth of the class.

A highlight of the event was a series of student reflections on Cannon’s core values. Representatives Thomas G., Rashik B., Brynn S., Eslyn S., Andrew K., Nico B., and Avery R. each spoke thoughtfully, offering insight into the character of the Cannon community. Mr. Drew then presented certificates to each student, and the ceremony concluded with a class musical performance—a fitting end to their Lower School experience.

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Ready for middle school! Class of 2033 members Abby M., Brooklyn Y., Hope H., Piper M., Grace H., Cora G., and Avery R. celebrate their promotion at a reception in Gay’s Garden.

Lennon S. ’33 receives a certificate of promotion from Mike Drew.

8th Grade Honors Night On the evening of May 28, the Class of 2029 gathered for 8th Grade Honors Night, a promotion event that celebrated their Middle School years and prepared them for the transition to Upper School.

The evening featured several student speeches and a series of special recognitions. Charlie Z. and Kaylee S. received the John Riley Leadership Through Service Award, while Reid C. and Rani C. were honored with the George W. Liles Citizenship Award. The prestigious McWhorter Medallion was awarded to Sam G. and Rumaisa S. In addition to award presentations, the ceremony included a moving series of student reflections delivered by candidates for the Liles Citizenship Award—Rani C., Reid C., Cayden F., Sam G., John H., Grace K., Reid K., Kaylee S., and Rumaisa S. Their words captured the journey of growth experienced in Middle School.

Dean of 8th Grade Students Christiana Holyer presented each student with a certificate of completion, formally recognizing their promotion to Upper School. Head of Middle School Carla Moyer and faculty member Lori Macdonald offered remarks, sharing reflections on the class’s unique spirit. Dr. Fabio Hurtado, Head of Upper School, was also on hand to welcome the rising freshmen and celebrate their bright futures ahead.

8

Newly minted 8th grade graduates Evan G., Parker P., Tanner G., Barkley S., Bennett G., Brooks D., Charlie Z., and Hayes W. pose alongside faculty member John Cooke.

Stella C., Lucy H., Ava D., Bella D., Gigi M., Kaylee D., Christina H., Mariah D., and Kenzie T. join faculty member Kyle Tsuchiyama for a group shot on Bryant Central Green.

The ceremony offered a heartfelt tribute to the accomplishments, personal growth, and meaningful contributions of the Class of 2029. With proud families looking on, it served as a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of the middle school experience.

Members of the Class of 2029 ready to take on Upper School.

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CANNON SENIORS

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN As the school year came to a close, Cannon School’s seniors celebrated their final weeks with a whirlwind of memorable events and cherished traditions. From the excitement of Decision Day to the elegance of Prom, each moment brought the Class of 2025 closer together as they marked the end of their Upper School journey.

Highlights included the Almost There Brunch, Alumni Brunch, and a heartfelt Senior Breakfast—each offering time to reflect, connect, and savor the closing chapter of their Cannon experience.

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Maya McC orkle ’25 and Olivia Lon g ’25 run through th Cougar tu e nnel on D ecision Da y.

Decision Day

dewalk 5 chalks the si Saiya Patel ’2 ing ld ui Gossage B in front of the . ge logo with her colle

Andrew Peterson ’25 celebrates with his Jr. Kindergarten buddy Kairav P. ’38.

Seniors Sarah Duty, Ada Hicks, Aashvi Shah, and Niki Desai wear their collegiate gear with pride.

Summer 2025 | CANNON | 15

prom ott ’25 and Wil McDerm Amber Hollar ’26 . e sketch sit for a caricatur

Emma F a Samuel rley ’25 and Schneid er ’2 are crow 5 n Prom Ro ed yalty.

Upper School Dean Team Joe Trojan, Tom Booker, Michelle Zelaya , and Paul Borowicz make a grand entrance at prom.

Mia Bradshaw ’25 and Bennett Miller ’25 get playful at prom.

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efe ’25 and Lily Wittgra ’25 strike John Murash e cameras. a pose for th

Santiago Castan eda ’24 speaks importance of to seniors abou staying connec t the ted during the Alumni Breakfas t.

Annalise Leck ’25 pens a thank you note during the Alumni Brunch.

Aaron Ward ’25 addresses classm ates and parents at the Se nior Breakfast held at the Speedway Club.

Molly Reiss ’25 shares a moment with parents Amy and Dan at the Senior Breakfast.

ost There Brunch.

Senior class photo at the Alm

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Rendering of a modernized science lab in Upper School.

Building Rendering of a dedicated Academic Resource Center.

Rendering of an updated, right-sized classroom.

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As a campaign comes to life, Cannon School remains steadfast in its commitment to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to succeed in the world ahead. With the expansion of the Upper School, the renovation of science labs, and the development of dedicated ARCs, students have the support they need to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

Cannon School has long been a place where relationships form the foundation of learning. In every classroom and every interaction, the faculty and staff commit to nurturing students through personalized attention and meaningful engagement. As Cannon continues to evolve, it remains dedicated to ensuring that students are not only supported but also empowered to reach their fullest potential.

Renovated Upper School rotunda area.

The latest initiative, A Flourishing Future, is designed to further enhance the school’s commitment to academic excellence. Through a significant renovation and expansion of the Upper School, as well as the creation of dedicated Academic Resource Centers (ARCs) across all divisions, this initiative is focused on providing students with the tools and spaces necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

SPACES THAT INSPIRE INNOVATION AND COLLABORATION Central to A Flourishing Future is a 12,500 square-foot expansion and renovation of the Upper School, which will introduce 17 flexible classrooms and seven modern science laboratories. These new spaces will foster hands-on, interactive learning by offering students the ability to engage in diverse modes of inquiry whether through group work, discussions, or individual research.

Classrooms will be designed to adapt to a variety of teaching styles and learning activities. As recent research has shown, the design of the physical learning environment can have a profound impact on student achievement, accounting for as much as 16% of the variation in academic outcomes. The expanded Upper School spaces will allow students to engage more deeply with their subjects, whether they are exploring the fundamentals of physics or experimenting with biological research.

The renovation of science laboratories will provide students with dedicated spaces to pursue specialized electives in Health Sciences, Engineering, and Environmental Awareness. These pathways will empower students to engage in applied science, preparing them for the challenges of an ever-evolving world. Generous supporters like the Bragg family have played an important role in making these classroom and lab expansions possible, helping to shape spaces where students can truly thrive.

PERSONALIZED SUPPORT FOR EVERY STUDENT At Cannon, academic support is not an afterthought—it is an integral part of the student experience. The creation of

dedicated ARCs at the Lower, Middle, and Upper School levels will allow for a more comprehensive and tailored approach to student learning. These centers are designed to support not only students who face academic challenges, but also those seeking to expand their skills in specific areas.

In the Upper School, for example, students preparing for rigorous Advanced Placement (AP) or Advanced Topic (AT) courses will benefit from one-on-one support in managing complex assignments and balancing extracurricular commitments. The ARC’s staff provides essential guidance in executive function skills, time management, and study strategies—skills that will serve students well beyond high school.

In the Lower and Middle Schools, students benefit from a collaborative, relationship-driven approach to academic support. Whether through classroom-based strategies, one-on-one coaching, or small-group instruction, the goal is to meet learners where they are and help them grow with confidence. These programs are designed to be responsive and developmentally aligned, giving students the tools they need to thrive academically and personally, now and as they move through each division of the school. Thanks in part to the support of the Dovi family, the Middle School ARC will be especially equipped to offer students targeted academic resources in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR A COMPLEX WORLD The world students are entering is vastly different from the one in which they began their educational journeys.

As technology continues to advance, the skills needed Summer 2025 | CANNON | 19

Rendering of Ramchandani Family Courtyard.

Rendering of Leck Family Senior Lounge.

Rendering of Wheeler Family Collab Hub.

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One of four collaborative and flexible Upper School student spaces.

for success are evolving. Today’s students must be equipped to not only consume information but to analyze, adapt, and apply knowledge in innovative ways.

This is why the new learning environments at Cannon will emphasize flexibility by creating spaces that support collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. The goal is to prepare students for a future in which they will solve complex problems, often in environments where the answers are not immediately clear.

In the classroom, this means encouraging students to question, explore, and test ideas. Outside the classroom, it means providing open spaces where students can collaborate, share ideas, and develop executive functioning skills. The new collaborative space in the Upper School, for example, will foster this sense of community and teamwork, offering spaces for students to connect and engage in meaningful discussions.

LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE As A Flourishing Future comes to life, Cannon School remains steadfast in its commitment to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and character necessary to succeed in the world ahead.

With the expansion of the Upper School, the renovation of science labs, and the development of dedicated ARCs, students will have the support they need to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally.

Through this initiative, Cannon is not just creating physical spaces but is building an environment where students can pursue their passions, explore new ideas, and shape their own paths with purpose and curiosity. With these enhancements, Cannon is poised to continue nurturing its students’ journeys of growth and ensuring that they are prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Structure, Support, and Success LEIGHTON’S ARC STORY As a former valedictorian at Cannon, Leighton Evans ’23 excelled academically while staying active in extracurriculars. But even high-achieving students benefit from support.

“During my junior year, I began using the ARC after an unexpected illness led me to be absent for a week,” Leighton explains. “I initially felt overwhelmed about the makeup work alongside my regular coursework, so I used the ARC to help organize and mediate the burden.”

At the ARC, she found more than just short-term help. With guidance, Leighton developed sustainable study habits and learned to prioritize coursework without sacrificing her outside interests. “The advisors helped me identify academic needs I hadn’t previously recognized and guided me in setting healthier boundaries around my coursework,” she notes. “This enabled me to lead a balanced life where I could both excel academically and make time for the extracurriculars I enjoyed outside of the classroom.

The ARC helped me time manage and adopt the mantra ‘work smarter, not harder.’”

Leighton says the ARC’s support was pivotal in preparing her for college life. “The ARC helped me develop an effective studying routine and integrate structure into pre-existing habits, so I could better use my time. Learning this from the ARC in high school has been paramount to my success in college, where free time is much more abundant and using it wisely becomes increasingly important alongside other obligations.”

Now a rising junior at Vanderbilt University, double majoring in Human & Organizational Development and Philosophy, Leighton says those habits continue to serve her well. She even mentors other college students and serves as a writing studio consultant.

She encourages other students not to hesitate in seeking support. “I implore you to go to the ARC! I also once hesitated to seek advisement and support, thinking that it meant I wasn’t doing enough on my own. However, I quickly realized that asking for support demonstrates the opposite.”

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Maya McCorkle ’25

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Cannon School student-athletes made this a year to remember through hard work, resilience, and a deep sense of pride in representing the Cougars. While this recap highlights just a few standout moments, every team and athlete played a role in shaping a strong and spirited year for Cannon Athletics.

VARSITY GIRLS’ BASKETBALL delivered a season for the ages, capturing their second

consecutive NCISAA 4A State Championship and a fifth straight CISAA title. Madison Drayton ’27 was named Player of the Year, and she, JaKaila Gaskin ’28, and Maya McCorkle ’25 all earned All-State honors after competing against top nationally-ranked teams.

VARSITY GIRLS’ LACROSSE made a

major leap in just their fifth year, advancing to the state semifinals with standout performances from All-State sophomores Addison Maynor ’27 and Maggie Murphy ’27.

Maggie Murphy ’27

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Cannon COUGARS

Looking Back: 2024-25 Cannon Athletics Highlights

Cannon COUGARS

Layla Wagner ’27 and Addie Hartz ’28

Varsity Track & Field

Aniah Love ’27

saw multiple Cougars rise to the podium. Aniah Love ’27 placed 2nd in high jump at States, Elise Wrenholt ’26 medaled in both the 800 and 1600, and the Girls 4x200 relay earned 3rd. At Conference, top three finishes came in sprints, distance, relays, and throws—a true team effort across events.

Elise Wrenholt ’26 (right)

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VARSITY SOFTBALL showcased grit and firepower all spring, highlighted by a thrilling come-from-behind win on Senior Night to clinch the conference championship and the #1 seed in the state playoffs.

All-State players Layla Wagner ’27 and Jolie Matthews ’26 led the way, while underclassmen made major contributions on both sides of the ball.

Griffin Evans ’26, Brady Ravin ’26, Quincy Booker ’26, Trent Loggins ’27

Cannon COUGARS

VARSITY CHEER elevated spirit across campus and beyond. After earning the Top Banana Award at camp, the team brought new energy to the sidelines and became champions of school pride. With nine athletes earning All-Conference honors, their leadership made a lasting impact.

Varsity Baseball and Varsity Boys’ Basketball Sean Nix ’27

Thomas Smith ’27

both welcomed new head coaches this year and made strong strides, laying the foundation for exciting seasons ahead. Their progress and momentum point to great things in 2025–2026.

As we celebrate these accomplishments, we also honor the character, teamwork, and drive our student-athletes showed in every practice and competition. From recordsetting seniors to rising stars, the future of Cannon Athletics is bright.

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Voting Members:

INTRODUCING OUR 2025 INDUCTEES Established in 2019 through a partnership between the Office of Alumni Relations and the Athletics Department, the Cannon School Athletics Hall of Fame honors student athletes, coaches, teams, and contributors whose legacy continues to shape our athletic tradition.

This prestigious recognition celebrates individuals or groups who have made a lasting impact on Cannon Athletics—whether through exceptional athletic achievement or meaningful contributions to the strength and spirit of our athletic programs. Each inductee represents the very best of our school, exemplifying Cannon’s core values of integrity, teamwork, passion, kindness, respect, and courage.

We are grateful to the members of our Selection Committee whose thoughtful deliberations identified these deserving individuals and teams.

We hope you will join us this fall as we celebrate our newest inductees into the 2025 Athletics Hall of Fame.

Kelvin Drakeford Lower School PE teacher and Program Director Girls’ Basketball Mike Hoffman Middle School Dean of Students Carla Moyer Head of Middle School Holly Pente Assistant Athletics Director Shawn Powell Director of Sports Performance Danny Scurlock 2024-25 Interim Athletics Director Joe Trojan Upper School Dean of Students Non-Voting Members: Mike Drew Head of School Sarah Sooklal Director of Community Engagement

SAVE THE DATE 2025 ATHLETICS HALL of FAME Induction Ceremony Homecoming Weekend Saturday, September 13, 2025 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Cindric Performing Arts Center Inductees will also be recognized at the Homecoming football game on Friday, September 12.

To read more about these inductees, visit cannonschool.org/alumni/athletics-hall-of-fame

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The 2015 Cannon School Boys’ Golf Team achieved historic success, becoming the first team in Cannon history to win an NCISAA State Championship. Known for their depth, talent, and unity, the team featured multiple All-State and All-Conference honorees, individual state and conference champions, and standout underclassmen who made immediate contributions. Their unwavering determination and competitive spirit not only led to a landmark title but also elevated the profile of Cannon’s golf program.

Remarkably, nearly the entire roster went on to compete at the collegiate level, with nine players earning Division I golf scholarships— a testament to the team’s extraordinary skill and the strength of Cannon’s athletic development. Their legacy continues to inspire future generations of Cougar athletes.

Varsity Boys’ Golf Team Team members: Katie Collom Westbrooks ’14 Taylor Bunten Lauback ’14 Annie Collom Schmidt ’15 Anna Redding ’15 Coach Sonnefeld Coach Whisenant

Team members: Michael Baker ’17 Tim Bunten ’17 Michael Childress ’18 Will Gordon ’15 Noah Edmondson ’15 Davis Kiger ’15 Stanton McKay ’17 Anthony Perrino Jr. ’15 Lansdon Robbins ’18 Michael Saunders ’18 Coach Whisenant

’15

The 2011 Cannon School Girls’ Golf Team marked a turning point in school history, launching a dominant four-year run of NCISAA State Championships from 2011 to 2014. As the school’s first girls’ golf team to capture a state title, they set a new standard of excellence through their talent, determination, and unity.

This trailblazing group produced multiple All-State and AllConference honorees, individual state champions, and future collegiate athletes who went on to compete at the Division I level.

Their success helped establish a winning culture that shaped the program for years to come, with several team members later leading college teams and continuing their involvement in golf as players and coaches.

Beyond the accolades, the 2011 team embodied the core values of Cannon School—courage, integrity, passion, respect, teamwork, and kindness. Their legacy lives on as a foundation for Cannon’s golf program and a source of inspiration for future generations of student-athletes.

Varsity Girls’ Golf Team

’11

Winter 2023 Summer / Spring 20252024 | CANNON | CANNON | 27 | 27

Drew Balsbough ’18 embodied the true spirit of a student-athlete at Cannon School, competing with excellence in football, wrestling, and lacrosse. A twotime football captain, lacrosse captain, and NCISAA State Champion in wrestling, Drew earned All-State honors in all three sports—a rare and remarkable achievement. Known for his leadership, grit, and teamfirst mindset, he also received two Iron Cougar Awards and ranks fourth all-time in ground balls for lacrosse.

Athlete DREW BALSBOUGH

’18

Gabby Holloway ’20 left a lasting legacy at Cannon School as one of its most decorated student-athletes. A four-year varsity softball standout, she earned three All-State and All-Conference honors and helped lead the Cougars to the 2019 NCISAA 4A state championship. Gabby still holds school records for career home runs, strikeouts, and pitching wins. Her athleticism also extended to tennis, where she was a four-time All-Conference player.

Athlete GABBY HOLLOWAY

’20

Trey Hoover ’06 embodies the spirit of excellence that defines Cannon School.

A Cannon “lifer” and founding member of the varsity swim team, he served as captain for eight consecutive years—a testament to his unmatched leadership and dedication. During his high school career, Trey won 15 individual NCISAA State Championships and earned national recognition as a First Team AllAmerican, helping lead Cannon to a 2nd place state team finish in 2006.

Now a dermatologist in Huntersville, Trey stays deeply connected to Cannon as an Alumni Board member and as a parent of a current student.

Athlete Trey Hoover 28 | CANNON | Summer 2025

’06

To read more about these inductees, visit cannonschool.org/alumni/athletics-hall-of-fame

Upcoming Alumni Events SAVE THE DATE!

SAVE THE DATE!

Alumni Soccer Game Saturday, August 2 9:00 a.m.

Randy Marion Field

Alumni Reunion celebrating the classes of ’05, ’10, ’15, and ’20 All are welcome!

Special thanks to our Alumni Board members: Carrie Allen ’11 Elizabeth Barnes Poole ’04 Curt Black ’09 Santiago Castaneda ’24 Ryan Chen ’22 Lauren Conners ’10 Dallas Disbro ’08 Annie Earnshaw ’17 Hailey Foreman ’13 Ashley Goldstein ’05 Thomas Goode ’13 Kaitlyn Grant ’05

Hillary Gruce ’08 Trey Hoover, III ’06 Katie Joseph ’08 Hayden Keziah ’10 McKenna Koch ’20 Myles Martino ’13 Alice Moore ’06 Patrick Murphy ’11 Anthony Oddo ’07 Shannon Ondecker ’03 Virginia Ourisman ’08 Lydia Pinto ’19 Chandra Pridgen ’21 Joshua Reynold ’21 Brandon Wade ’15

Tuesday, December 23 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Summit Coffee Birkdale Landing RSVP at

STAY CONNECTED!

Visit campus or email alumni@cannonschool.org for opportunities to get involved!

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Class Notes 2012

Emily Wheeler wed Kevin Carroll in Temecula, CA in November 2024, surrounded by family and friends including her siblings Sara ’09, Hannah ’16, David ’23, and Jack ’26 Wheeler.

She and Kevin are expecting their first baby boy in November 2025!

Emily Wheeler

2015

Jessica Abel earned her M.A. in digital communication from the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in August 2025. Her thesis research explored the intersection of generative AI and Gen Z social media engagement. At UNC, she serves as the assistant director of communications for the College of Arts and Sciences where she leads social media strategy and writes feature stories about Carolina’s students, faculty and alumni.

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Jaeden Heesch

2021

Eliott Diskin graduated in May from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Recreation Management.

Jessica Abel

2016

Austin Coale recently earned his M.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and will practice residency in general surgery at the University of Florida.

He hopes to pursue cardiothoracic or trauma surgery in the future.

Fun fact: he helped deliver over 10 babies in a single week during his OB-GYN rotation!

Jaeden Heesch received her M.D. in May from Rocky Vista University in Denver and will start pediatric residency in Los Angeles this summer. She gives special thanks to Cannon faculty Mr. Herder and Mrs. Hylton for their huge impact on her decision to pursue medicine.

Austin Coale

Kendyl Lauher graduated in May from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University with a B.S. in Magazine, News, and Digital Journalism and a minor in Psychology. She will return to Syracuse for her fifth year on the women’s soccer team and will pursue a Master’s degree in Advertising.

Sofia Rooney graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May with a B.S. in Dental Hygiene. She will be joining a family dental practice in Raleigh as a dental hygienist.

During her time at UNC, Sofia served as president of her dental hygiene class, was a member of Sigma Phi Alpha Dental Hygiene Honor Society, and had the honor of speaking at graduation.

Eliott Diskin

Kendyl Lauher

Sofia Rooney

Class Notes 2021

Isabelle Schaefer graduated in May with a B.S. in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she was also a member of the gymnastics team.

She will begin the Master of Social Work program at UNC-Charlotte this fall.

Vincent Vaccaro has has transitioned from music performance to music research over the past year and has been conducting research on the music of Louis Prima. His work was selected through peer review for presentation at the American Musicological Society Southeast Chapter Spring 2025 Meeting, making him the only undergraduate accepted. His research has been recognized by scholars from institutions including UNC Chapel Hill and the University of Chicago. In recognition of these accomplishments, Vincent received the 2024–2025 UNC Charlotte Music Department Outstanding Scholar Award. He will continue his studies in musicology at Florida State University, where he has been awarded a Graduate Assistantship,

a scholarship, and an out-of-state tuition waiver. He plans to pursue a Master’s degree with the goal of entering the Ph.D program.

Isabelle Schaefer

Grace Winchester graduated this May from Appalachian State University with a B.S. in Public Relations.

2023

Vincent Vaccaro

Grace Winchester

Anna Dula currently attends Sewanee: The University of the South and works in a virology lab studying coronavirus using MHV-A59, a murine hepatitis virus. Her project is designing a recombination assay using MHV-A59 to better understand recombination events in SARSCoV-2. Anna recently joined a cancer research lab studying TripleNegative Breast Cancer and works on identifying specific histone modifications that could help identify biomarkers or therapeutic targets. She recently presented her cancer research at Yale Medical School and will be presenting her virology research at Sewanee and Vanderbilt.

Anna Dula

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B R YA N T C E N T R A L G R E E N Join us as we gather to celebrate Cannon’s past, present, and future and “toast” to the bright journey ahead!

Invitation to follow.