Summer 2026
Letter from Head of School Mike Drew As we prepare to welcome students back to campus this August, Cannon School stands at an exciting moment. Over the past year, our community has engaged in a thoughtful and ambitious process to shape a Strategic Vision that will guide the direction of our school for the next five years and beyond. The process itself reflected one of Cannon’s defining qualities: a commitment to continuous growth. Trustees, faculty, staff, students, parents, and alumni all contributed perspectives, asked important questions, and helped shape a shared vision for our future. The result is not simply a plan on paper, but a living framework that will guide our priorities, decisions, and investments in the years ahead. At the center of this vision is a commitment to strengthening what has always made Cannon distinctive: a student experience grounded in strong relationships, academic excellence, and preparation for a changing world. As technology accelerates and society grows more complex, schools must prepare students not only to master knowledge, but to think critically, adapt confidently, communicate effectively, and lead with character. Our Strategic Vision builds on Cannon’s longstanding emphasis on Adaptive Expertise, helping students apply learning in new contexts and navigate uncertainty with confidence. In the years ahead, we will deepen experiential learning opportunities, expand programs that foster civil discourse and community connection, thoughtfully integrate emerging technologies, and strengthen alignment across academics, arts, and athletics to create an even more connected experience from Junior Kindergarten through graduation.
This vision also recognizes that exceptional schools are built by exceptional people. Cannon’s faculty and staff are the heart of this institution, and our future depends on investing in their growth, collaboration, and success. We remain committed to ensuring Cannon is a place where talented educators thrive while continuing to advance innovative teaching and learning practices for our students. That spirit of investment and progress is visible across campus this summer. As part of our A Flourishing Future campaign, renovations to the Gossage Building are underway and will be completed in time for the opening of school in August, creating enhanced spaces that support collaboration, innovation, and student learning. Cannon has always been a school that strives to evolve in ways that best support our students and prepare them for a changing world. By strengthening the student experience, investing in our people, and widening the circle of our community, we are building on a strong foundation while preparing students not simply to succeed in the future, but to shape it. Thank you for your partnership and continued belief in Cannon School. I look forward to all that lies ahead for our community. With gratitude,
Mike Drew Head of School
EDITORIAL STAFF Elizabeth Isenhour Writer and Chief Editor
Bill Diskin Editor and Contributing Writer
Sarah Sooklal Editor
Cannon Magazine Summer 2026 Cannon Magazine is published by the Advancement Office. Address changes should be sent to advancement@cannonschool.org.
Contents
14
A Vision Shaped by Community . . . . . . . 4 Celebrating Carla Moyer & Fabio Hurtado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Welcoming New Division Heads . . . . . . . 8 Learning How to Learn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Learning in Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Cannon School Esports
More Than a Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Cannon Shines Across Disciplines . . . . 16 Faculty Voices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Cannon School Celebrates the Class of 2026 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Senior Celebrations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
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New Beginnings: 2026 Promotion Ceremonies . . . . . . . . 28 Class of 2026 by the Numbers . . . . . . . 30 The Gift of Joy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Student Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Parents at Cannon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Commencement 2026
Community Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Leaving a Legacy: Cannon Girls Basketball . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Celebrating Our All-State & All-American Student-Athletes . . . . . . . 41 Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Alumni Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
31
Embracing the Information Age . . . . . . 46 Cooking Up a Storm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Photography: Carrie Allen ’11, Elizabeth Isenhour, Craig Reynolds, Sadie Weiss
Caroline and Carolle Kaba ’26
Summer 2026 | CANNON | 3
Over the past year, Cannon School has been engaged in an important question: How do we build on what makes Cannon truly unique while preparing students for a future that is changing faster than ever before? The answer became the foundation for Cannon’s new Strategic Vision, a five-year framework focused on three key priorities: strengthening the student experience, investing in faculty and staff, and deepening the connections that define the school community. But as school leaders will quickly point out, the finished vision was only part of the story. Equally important was the process used to create it. “This was never intended to be a plan developed by a few people in a conference room,” said Head of School Mike Drew. “We wanted this to reflect the voices, experiences, and aspirations of the broader Cannon community.” Over the course of 12 months, the school gathered feedback from faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, volunteers, and supporters through surveys, conversations, and strategic visioning sessions. Throughout the process, one theme surfaced repeatedly: Cannon’s emphasis on the journey of growth.
A Vision Shaped by Community Cannon’s New Strategic Vision Will Guide Growth and Student Experience Over Next Five Years
4 | CANNON | Summer 2026
For more than 50 years, Cannon School has embraced continuous improvement, always asking how the school can better serve students in a changing world. The Strategic Vision builds on that mindset, focusing on how the school can continue evolving while staying grounded in the relationships and experiences that families value most. One of the clearest examples of the communitydriven process came during Community Vision Day last fall. Nearly 100 community members gathered in the Cindric Performing Arts Center for a morning of facilitated discussion led by educational strategist Tim Fish and supported by a grant from the Mariam & Robert Hayes Charitable Trust. Parents, faculty, staff, and students worked through questions about Cannon’s future: What should never change about the school? Where are the opportunities for growth? What will students need most in the years ahead?
The conversations were intentionally broad and included perspectives from across the Cannon community, from longtime families to newer parents and Upper School students. According to Nate Rogers, Director of Teaching & Learning JrK-12, that range of voices played a critical role in shaping the vision.
“This is Cannon’s moment,” Drew said. “The world around us is evolving quickly, and great schools have to evolve with it. What gives me confidence is that Cannon has always embraced growth, adaptability, and innovation while staying deeply committed to relationships and community.”
“A good strategic planning process has to include many perspectives,” Rogers said. “Students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni all experience Cannon differently, and those perspectives helped us think more deeply about both our strengths and our opportunities.”
That spirit is already visible on campus this summer. As part of the A Flourishing Future campaign, renovations to the Gossage Building are underway and will be completed before students return in August, creating updated Upper School spaces designed to support collaboration, connection, and adaptive learning.
In addition to the key priorities identified in the Strategic Vision, Cannon plans to deepen its commitment to Adaptive Expertise, emphasize faculty growth and collaboration, and strengthen relationships locally and across the Charlotte region.
As the Strategic Vision moves from planning to implementation, the process behind it may remain one of its defining strengths: a shared vision shaped by a community working together to grow, adapt, and prepare students not only to succeed in a changing world, but to help shape it.
For school leaders, the Strategic Vision is designed to be more than a static document. Instead, it will serve as a living framework that guides decisions, priorities, and investments across campus over the next five years.
Explore Cannon’s Strategic Vision report here.
“Students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni all experience Cannon differently, and those perspectives helped us think more deeply about both our strengths and our opportunities.” — Nate Rogers
Summer 2026 | CANNON | 5
Celebrating Carla Moyer & Fabio Hurtado Honoring their leadership, impact, and years of service to Cannon HOLDING THE RHYTHM
Honoring Carla Moyer’s Legacy of Leadership, Community, and Care For many Cannon families throughout the years, Middle School begins with a familiar sight: Carla Moyer standing outside Taylor Hall, greeting students as they step out of their cars each morning.
Carla Moyer
Through heat, rain, cold mornings, and hurried afternoons, she has been there, offering a smile, a wave, a quick check-in, or simply the steady presence that makes a school like home.
After 26 years at Cannon School, Carla concluded her tenure as Head of Middle School at the end of the 2025–26 school year, leaving behind a legacy defined by steady leadership and the relationships that grew from it. Students know her as the longtime Head of Middle School. Faculty know her as a trusted leader and advocate. Generations of families know her as a reassuring presence during some of the most formative years in a child’s life. And every year at Faculty Follies, the Middle School community sees another side of her seated behind the piano with the “Trebled Teachers,” anchoring the performance with the seamless continuity that has long shaped the division itself. Sometimes Carla led from the foreground. Other times, she worked more quietly behind the scenes. But through every season of change and growth at Cannon, her steadiness remained a constant.
Over the years, Carla witnessed countless milestones: the first glow of stadium lights on a Friday night, international trips with students and colleagues, the transformation of Taylor Hall, and nearly every Cannon graduation ceremony for more than two decades. Yet the moments she speaks about most often are the simpler ones, the everyday interactions that define school life. In fact, when asked what parts of her role she will miss most, her answer comes quickly: car line. Not because it was part of the job, but because it allowed her to see everyone across divisions. Lower and Middle School students waving hellos on their way into the buildings. Upper School students driving themselves to campus. Parents beginning and ending their days. In many ways, car line represented what Carla valued most about Cannon: community. As she and her husband, Pat, begin a new chapter in Phoenix, Arizona, where Carla will serve as K–12 Principal at Paideia Academy, she carries with her a collection of handwritten notes from students, parents, and colleagues accumulated over the years. She calls it her “feel good” pile. It is a fitting keepsake for an educator whose impact was often found in moments that felt small at the time: a greeting at car line, a reassuring conversation, a note of encouragement, or a comforting hand during moments of transition. Long after students leave Middle School, and long after Carla herself has left Cannon, that steady presence will remain part of the school she helped shape.
Even as the school evolved, Carla remained grounded in a philosophy that shaped every decision she made: take care of the people who take care of the kids. Her deep care for the Middle School faculty created a culture that, in turn, nurtured students not only academically, but personally. And for Carla, students were always at the center. One of her greatest joys came years after teaching former students, when their own children eventually enrolled at Cannon. She affectionately called them her “grandstudents,” a term that perfectly captures both her humor and the lasting relationships she built here. 6 | CANNON | Summer 2026
Carla and her 2025-26 grandstudents
A LASTING LEGACY OF RELATIONSHIPS AND PURPOSE Honoring Dr. Fabio Hurtado’s Impact on Cannon School
When Dr. Fabio Hurtado first visited Cannon School in 2008 alongside his wife, Teresita, the two walked out of the Gossage Building and immediately turned to one another with the same thought: “I love this school.”
Fabio Hurtado
Eighteen years later, that feeling never changed.
This summer, Fabio concludes a remarkable chapter at Cannon as he departs to become the next Head of School at Bethany School in Cincinnati, Ohio. While the Cannon community celebrates this exciting next step, it also offers an opportunity to reflect on the lasting impact of his thoughtful leadership, deep commitment to relationships, and unwavering belief in the transformative power of education. Over nearly two decades, Fabio served Cannon in an extraordinary range of roles: English Department Chair, Upper School Academic Dean, Interim Head of Lower School, Director of Teaching and Learning, and ultimately Head of Upper School. He jokes that he holds the school record for holding the most offices on campus—physical offices, that is. Yet anyone who knows Fabio understands that his impact was never confined to an office space anyway. More often, you could find him in the hallways greeting students, chatting with colleagues, laughing over lunch in the quad, or making cafecito in the faculty lounge. Fabio helped shape many of the ideas and values that define Cannon today. He played an important role in developing the school’s mission statement, while championing a culture grounded in curiosity, adaptive expertise, and relational teaching. Again and again, he reminded students and colleagues alike that learning is deeply human work and that students thrive when they feel known, challenged, and supported. Under his leadership, the Upper School grew not only in size, but also in the breadth of support available to students. Programs in counseling, student life, and learning support expanded significantly, helping create a culture where students are encouraged to pursue growth while understanding that every path looks different.
That distinction matters deeply to Fabio. He often points to a single word in Cannon’s mission statement: a. “Cannon School nurtures relationships at the heart of learning and engages the learner in a journey of growth.” Not the journey, he notes. A journey. To Fabio, that wording reflects something essential about education: each student’s experience is unique, personal, and worthy. Students knew him as a visible and energetic presence in the Upper School. Colleagues knew him as a collaborator who brought both thoughtfulness and joy to the work. His leadership style often reflected the principles of the FISH! Philosophy: choosing one’s attitude, being fully present, bringing creativity and fun to daily work, and lifting others up along the way. Even in the busiest moments, Fabio had a way of making people feel seen, and usually making them laugh, too. And despite the many administrative roles he held, some of Fabio’s most treasured memories came from moments outside the office entirely. For more than a decade, he coached Lower and Middle School chess, an experience he says gave him the chance to build lasting relationships with students and families in unexpected ways. He especially cherishes the opportunity to have been more than an educator to his own children during their time here (Joseph ’20, Rebecca ’22, and Grace ’24) and now to his granddaughter Eva ’36, a current Cougar. He speaks fondly of conversations with colleagues, watering plants with Karen, mementos in his office from teachers and friends, and watching seniors deliver Capstone presentations among the moments he will miss most. “I’m a lucky guy,” he says. “The universe put me in the right place at the right time.” As Fabio prepares for this next chapter, he says he leaves Cannon with gratitude and confidence in the people who continue the work here. “I may be leaving Cannon,” he reflects, “but in my heart, I am taking you all with me.” Teresita and Fabio Hurtado Summer 2026 | CANNON | 7
Welcoming New Division Heads
Introducing Cannon’s next Head of MS and Head of US A FAMILIAR FACE FOR A NEW CHAPTER
Joe Trojan Begins His Role as Head of Middle School When students arrive in the Middle School this year, many will already know Joe Trojan before they ever step into his office. That familiarity is one of the unique strengths he brings to his new role as Cannon School’s Head of Middle School. A member of the Cannon community Joe Trojan since 2007, Trojan has spent nearly two decades investing in students across divisions as a teacher, coach, advisor, technology facilitator, and most recently, Upper School Dean of Students. Along the way, he has built a reputation for steady leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and a genuine commitment to students as individuals. Trojan approaches this transition less as a new beginning and more as a continuation of relationships that have been developing for years. Although much of his recent work has been centered in the Upper School, he has intentionally maintained close connections with Middle School students through coaching football and cross country. Those experiences, he says, have reinforced what he loves most about the age group. “Their joy is gravitating,” Trojan says. “Middle School students are still figuring out who they are, and there’s something really special about getting to be part of that process.”
He describes the Middle School years with a metaphor that reflects both growth and possibility: in Middle School, students are gathering the ingredients; in Upper School, they begin baking them together. It’s during these formative years, he believes, that students develop the habits, confidence, and selfawareness that shape who they will become. Most importantly, Trojan hopes students learn to trust that they belong exactly as they are. He wants students to feel comfortable with who they are as unique individuals, a philosophy that aligns naturally with Cannon’s commitment to knowing and valuing each child. That relational approach has long defined Trojan’s leadership style. In the Upper School, students and faculty alike know him for his constant visible presence: walking the halls, stopping into conversations, checking in with students, and building trust through consistency and care. He describes leadership as a balance of stewardship and coaching: supporting students while also challenging them to grow. That same philosophy is what draws him to the Middle School advisory program, which he considers one of the division’s most meaningful strengths. “The student-teacher relationships that develop there are incredibly special,” he says. “That daily connection matters.” Trojan also says one of the things he is most excited about in this new role is the opportunity to work alongside the Middle School faculty. He describes the division as a community of educators who genuinely and passionately care about students and says their dedication was a major reason he felt drawn to the position. Students may be surprised to learn that outside of school, Trojan is also an enthusiastic cook. In fact, he jokes that his dream job might be working as a short-order cook. Over the past several Winterms, he has even taught a popular grilling class, sharing both practical skills and plenty of humor along the way.
Joe with students Grant Springate ’25, Henry Anthony ’25, and Colby Drye ’25 8 | CANNON | Summer 2026
As Cannon begins this next chapter in Middle School leadership, Trojan brings not only extensive experience, but also a deep understanding of the community he has helped shape for nearly 20 years.
LEADING WITH CONNECTION
Rishikesh “Rishi” Raghunathan Begins His Role as Head of Upper School When Rishikesh “Rishi” Raghunathan talks about education, he returns again and again to one central idea: relationships. “Relationships are at the heart of everything,” he says. It’s a philosophy that has shaped more than two decades of leadership in independent schools and one that now guides his work as Cannon School’s new Head of Upper School. Rishikesh “Rishi” Raghunathan
Raghunathan joined Cannon this July after serving as Head of Upper School at The Wellington School in Columbus, Ohio. Throughout his career as a teacher, dean, mentor, and divisional leader, he has become known for building cultures rooted in belonging, purpose, and care while maintaining high expectations for students and faculty alike. At the center of his approach is a belief that schools should help students become not only accomplished learners, but thoughtful and connected human beings. “We want students to be competent, confident, and connected,” Raghunathan says. For him, those qualities are deeply intertwined. Competence develops when students are encouraged to do hard things, persist through challenges, and apply their learning in meaningful ways. Confidence grows from those experiences. And connection, the sense of belonging to something larger than oneself, becomes the foundation that gives learning purpose.
Raghunathan’s leadership style reflects that same spirit of intentionality and connection. He describes himself as collaborative, thoughtful, and visible, someone who values listening carefully and building trust through consistent presence. Parent partnership also remains a key priority for him, grounded in the belief that schools and families work best when united around a shared mission. That mission, he believes, must prepare students not only with knowledge, but with the ability to apply it meaningfully in a rapidly changing world. “The world is different now,” he says. “We don’t want content versus skills. We want both.” What attracted him most to Cannon, he says, was the school’s emphasis on relational teaching and its commitment to cultivating ethical, engaged human beings. “We need relationships to help cultivate humanity,” he explains. Outside of school, students may discover a few unexpected sides of their new division head. Raghunathan is an avid photographer who enjoys capturing the beauty of everyday life. He also has an impressive collection of action figures that may make appearances in his office. And perhaps most famously, he loves costumes and dressing up for community events, bringing a sense of joy, humor, and creativity to school culture along the way. As Cannon’s Upper School begins this next chapter, Raghunathan brings a leadership style grounded in empathy, purpose, and authentic connection. His vision for the division is one where students are challenged to grow, encouraged to belong, and inspired to become fully themselves, both inside and beyond the classroom.
That balance between support and challenge is central to what Raghunathan describes as a culture of “safety and stretch.” Students, he believes, thrive when they feel known and supported while also being encouraged to take intellectual risks, navigate setbacks, and grow in independence. “Adults shouldn’t try to do everything for students,” he says. “Part of growth is learning to see things through.” It’s one reason he is especially drawn to working with Upper School students. “I get them,” he says with a smile. He describes adolescence as an exciting and deeply meaningful period of growth when students are beginning to make sense of themselves and the world around them. Supporting that process, he says, is both humbling and energizing.
Rishi with his wife, Neelie, and children Annika ’27 and Simon ’30 Summer 2026 | CANNON | 9
Learning How to Learn Cannon School Expands Academic Support Through the ARC
At Cannon School, student success has always extended beyond grades and test scores. Rooted in the school’s commitment to developing confident and curious lifelong learners, the Academic Resource Center (ARC) exists to help students discover not only what they learn, but how they learn best. This year, through the continued momentum of the A Flourishing Future campaign, Cannon expanded that mission by opening new dedicated ARC spaces in the Lower and Middle Schools, building upon the Upper School ARC that has supported students since 2017. Together, the three divisions now create a connected continuum of support that helps students grow in confidence, executive functioning, and independence as they move through each stage of their academic journey. In the Lower School, the ARC introduces students to academic support in a warm, welcoming environment intentionally designed for young learners. Led by Lower School Learning Specialist Rhiannon Bresalier and Reading Interventionist Sabrina Amann, the space supports collaborative work, book clubs, small-group math instruction, and testing accommodations. Just as importantly, it helps students understand early on that support is for everyone. The Dovi Academic Resource Center in Middle School, made possible through a generous gift from Damien and Debbie Dovi, builds on those foundations by helping students strengthen organization, study habits, time management, and self-advocacy. Under the leadership of Tracy Wade, Middle School Dean of Academic Support, the Dovi ARC offers programs like “Rise and Shine,” “Math Mornings,” and structured study hall support to assist students with learning how to manage increasing academic expectations with greater confidence and independence. Wade hopes students leave Middle School not only understanding how they learn best but also learning to advocate for themselves during a stage of life when speaking up can feel especially difficult. 10 | CANNON | Summer 2026
One of our biggest successes has been normalizing that asking for support is a mature thing to do. Seeking help is a strength, not a weakness. — Jennifer Ridenhour By the time students reach Upper School, the ARC evolves into a hub for self-directed learning, academic coaching, and peer collaboration. The Hudson Academic Resource Center in Upper School, named in recognition of a generous gift from Andrew Hudson, emphasizes independence, accountability, and advanced executive functioning development. “The ARC is available to any Upper School student,” says Jennifer Ridenhour, Upper School Student Academic Support Coordinator. “One of our biggest successes has been normalizing that asking for support is a mature thing to do. Seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.” This year alone, about 240 students used the ARC, underscoring how widely students have embraced academic support as part of their success. At the center of the Upper School ARC is academic coaching at Cannon, a research-based coaching program that supports students in areas such as planning, organization, task initiation, attention regulation, and self-monitoring. A coach or learning specialist works one-on-one with students to develop personalized strategies that help them become more intentional and independent learners. Students also turn to the ARC during especially demanding seasons, whether balancing rigorous coursework, recovering
from an extended absence, or managing a concussion or other health challenge. The ARC’s relational approach helps students feel supported while still encouraging ownership of their learning. By creating a welcoming environment, the ARC fosters trust and connection, allowing students to feel safe enough to ask questions, take risks, and grow.
student growth. At every level, the ARC is designed to help students become increasingly self-aware, independent, and confident learners. The ultimate goal is not simply academic performance in the moment, but preparing students for the demands of college, careers, and lifelong learning.
“We acknowledge that building new study habits is hard,” Ridenhour explains. “A lot of what we do is grounded in neuroscience and helping students understand how their brains work so they can develop strategies that truly fit them.” The ARC also houses Cannon’s Academic Lab Program, which provides faculty-facilitated, peer-supported tutoring in writing, math, science, and world languages during the school day. Rather than simply giving answers, Academic Lab Fellows guide students through collaboration, questioning, and reflection. This year, Upper School students even hosted peer panels for younger students preparing for challenging courses, reinforcing the ARC’s culture of shared learning and support. This summer, the Upper School ARC will enter an exciting new chapter as part of the Gossage Building renovations and expansion connected to A Flourishing Future. The redesigned space will create larger, more flexible environments for coaching, peer tutoring, and collaborative learning while centralizing support services in one dedicated location. Perhaps most importantly, future Upper School students will arrive already familiar with ARC support thanks to their experiences in the Lower and Middle Schools. “That familiarity and comfort level will already be there,” Ridenhour says. From foundational support in Lower School, to skill-building in Middle School, to independent learning in Upper School, the ARC’s progression reflects Cannon’s broader vision for
As Cannon continues investing in spaces and programs that support the whole student, the ARC stands as a powerful example of the school’s commitment to helping every learner thrive, not just by teaching students what to think, but by empowering them to understand how they learn best.
Summer 2026 | CANNON | 11
Learning in Action Learning at Cannon extends far beyond the traditional classroom. Through hands-on projects, real-world applications, and signature learning experiences across all divisions, students develop the adaptive expertise to tackle new challenges, make meaningful connections, and bring their learning to life.
Junior BIOREX (Biology Research Experience) Presentations
Eighth Grade Cornerstone Presentations
Senior Lit Defense Presenters 12 | CANNON | Summer 2026
Senior Capstone Projects
Lower School Makerspace
Eighth Grade Social Studies Artifact Exchange
Upper School Winterm Experiences
Seventh Grade Innovations Conference
Fourth Grade Living Museum
Summer 2026 | CANNON | 13
More Than a Game Walk into Cannon School’s esports space on any given afternoon and you’ll see something unexpected: students who might never have crossed paths elsewhere on campus working together toward a common goal. That diversity is what makes Cannon’s esports program unique. 14 | CANNON | Summer 2026
What began as a way to keep students connected during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into a thriving community that extends far beyond gaming. Today, Cannon’s esports program includes both Cannon School Gaming and the Upper School’s Business of Esports course, giving students opportunities to compete, lead events, manage broadcasts, develop business skills, and build authentic relationships. “When students discover something they’re genuinely good at, it often unlocks confidence in other areas of their lives,” says Tram Tran, Cannon’s Director of Technology and Esports. “We’ve watched students form friendships they might never have made otherwise, become stronger communicators and teammates, and grow as learners in the classroom. Many of the benefits mirror what we see in traditional athletics.” The program’s roots date back to 2020, when students, faculty, and staff sought ways to stay connected despite physical distancing. Cannon School Gaming officially launched that fall, bringing together nearly 100 members of the Cannon community who had spent the summer gaming remotely. That energy led to Cannon’s first Local Area Network (LAN) party, where 40 students gathered to compete in Fortnite, League of Legends, Rocket League, and Overwatch. Interest continued to grow, and in the summer of 2021, a team led by Tran transformed the school’s media production studio into a dedicated esports facility with support from a generous anonymous donor. Today, the space serves as a hub for competition, collaboration, and creativity. While competitive gaming is a key component, Cannon’s program focuses equally on the skills surrounding the industry.
Through the Business of Esports course, Upper School students explore the entrepreneurial side of esports by working as interns for the Collective Esports Company (CEC), a grassroots esports consulting firm founded by Tram and Cannon alumni Matthew Leck ’23 and Chase Hensley ’23. Students help organize events, manage operations, create sponsorship proposals, develop presentations, and gain firsthand experience in business strategy and event management. Each February, students host the annual CEC Invitational on Cannon’s campus, planning and running the tournament themselves. The experience gives them practical leadership opportunities while teaching valuable organizational and communication skills. Students also have opportunities to travel and learn from the broader esports community. Program participants have traveled to Sweden, Nevada, and Georgia, and this summer students visited China, where they toured a professional esports organization’s training facility, competed against a local high school team, and attended a professional esports match. For alumnus Eli Maples ’24, the program played a significant role in shaping his future. Now a rising junior at Catawba College, Maples earned an esports scholarship and is majoring in business. “The esports program changed the trajectory of my high school experience,” Maples says. “It gave me a community, introduced me to opportunities beyond gaming, and helped me discover a future that included college and a career path I was excited about.”
In reality, students learn many of the same skills developed in traditional sports: communication, teamwork, strategic thinking, preparation, and accountability. — Dan Maples Parents involved with the program say misconceptions about esports often overlook the discipline and teamwork required to succeed. “People sometimes assume esports is just playing video games,” says volunteer Dan Maples. “In reality, students learn many of the same skills developed in traditional sports: communication, teamwork, strategic thinking, preparation, and accountability. On the business side, they’re learning how to create presentations, secure sponsorships, and pitch ideas.” Volunteer Tristan Sooklal says one of the program’s greatest strengths is the sense of community it creates. “What starts as a shared interest in gaming often becomes something much bigger,” says Sooklal. “Students build relationships that stay with them long after graduation. We regularly see alumni return to mentor students, volunteer at camps, and support tournaments. Along the way, students develop networks that can lead to internships, job opportunities, and lifelong friendships.”
Maples credits the program with helping him develop confidence and communication skills that continue to serve him today.
Those connections reinforce one of the program’s central goals: helping students find a place where they belong while developing skills and relationships that extend far beyond the gaming arena.
“I was pretty shy when I started high school,” he says. “Through esports, I learned how to communicate with people from different backgrounds and build relationships. I’ve made friends from around the world and gained perspectives I never would have encountered otherwise.”
As esports continues to grow worldwide, Cannon’s program remains focused on something timeless: building community. Through competition, entrepreneurship, travel, and teamwork, students are developing the confidence, relationships, and leadership skills that will serve them long after graduation.
Summer 2026 | CANNON | 15
Cannon Shines Across Disciplines Cannon School is proud to highlight recent accomplishments by our students, faculty, and staff.
Jady Arriaga was published as a contributor to the white paper “Experiencias y reflexiones sobre el Español para Fines Específicos,” in which Cannon’s Spanish 5 course is highlighted as an example.
Jenna Fernandez was awarded a grant from the World Affairs Council to travel to Finland to study how schools combat mental health and student life.
16 | CANNON | Summer 2026
Angela Hernandez successfully completed the maintenance of National Board Certification process, renewing her certification for another five years.
Laura Huffman was named an Impact Educator by the Morehead-Cain Scholarship Fund at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, her second time receiving this honor. She was also recognized as a National Advisor of the Year by the National History Club.
Paula Hylton launched the state’s first network for high school psychology educators and led the effort to host the inaugural NCTOPSS conference on Cannon’s campus this spring.
Dan Maples recently published a book on leadership, Leaders Don’t Grow on Trees: They’re Forged Through Experience.
Sarah Miller’s debut book, The Teacher’s Year: A Weekly Guide to the Heart of the Craft, was published this summer by Routledge, a multinational academic publishing company.
Leigh Northrup was honored by the FIRST LEGO League at the 2025 FIRST World Championship with the Coach/Mentor Award for his leadership and guidance.
Whitney Rice presented both a live webinar and a recorded session, “[Men]tal Health: Redefining What It Means to ‘Man Up,’” for the American School Counselor Association’s professional resource library, supporting school counselors nationwide.
Chris Satterfield contributed to a National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) Leadership
Training course, supporting the professional development of athletic administrators nationwide.
Arianna Sherrill received the inaugural Helfrich Catalyst Fellowship to support an international learning experience in Peru.
Annalee Taylor received the Kimbrough Award to travel to Finland to study one of the world’s most respected educational systems.
Lily Foster ’37, Adalyn Foster ’35, and Ryan Ortley ’32 earned multiple podium finishes in the North Carolina Junior Ski Race series and placed among the top racers in their respective age groups for the season.
Thomas Isenhour ’29 was selected as a state winner in the Greater Cabarrus Reading Association’s Young Authors writing contest.
Keenya Western ’28 and Dakotah Smith ’27 were the inaugural winners of the Cabarrus County Poetry Out Loud competition.
Hope Cooksey ’27, J’Ericson Newby ’27, and Dakotah Smith ’27 were selected to attend the 2026 North Carolina Governor’s School in the field of Arts.
Hanna Lee ’26 was named a Class of 2030 recipient of the MoreheadCain Scholarship at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Kendyl Majors ’26 was presented as a debutante at the 62nd Cotillion of the Charlotte Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Madikay Ndiaye ’26 published his first novel, The Mirror of Narcissus, this spring.
Cannon School’s literary arts magazine, The Ink (Vol. 6) was named a REALM First Class magazine, the highest distinction in the 2025 National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) Recognizing Excellence in Art and Literary Magazines (REALM) contest.
The Brainy Yaks, Cannon’s robotics team, finished in the Top 100 at the 2026 FIRST LEGO League International Championship in Houston.
Cannon’s 2025 yearbook, The Flashback (Vol. 56), was featured in the Jostens Look Book 2026, recognizing the very best in yearbook design and inclusive storytelling nationwide. Summer 2026 | CANNON | 17
Faculty Voices There are so many moments that remind me why I love teaching at Cannon, but the Living Museum stands out each year. It’s always one of my favorite traditions because you can feel the joy and pride as families see the culmination of their children’s hard work. This year felt especially meaningful because I experienced it not only as a teacher, but as a parent. I watched my own daughter step into the shoes of her hero with confidence and excitement and seeing her through the eyes of both roles reminded me just how special our community truly feels. — Angela Hernandez Lower School
A great school is built on great teachers and often, it’s the small moments that remind them why they chose this work. We asked six Cannon faculty members to reflect on one moment from this school year that reaffirmed their love of teaching. Their responses reflect the close student-teacher relationships that define the Cannon experience and shape learning both inside and beyond the classroom.
On the way back from the eighth grade trip to Atlanta, I had individual conversations with each of my advisees. We spoke candidly about their successes, their challenges, and everything in between. What struck me most was how reflective and self-aware they had become. In that moment, I was reminded of just how rewarding it is to teach and mentor young people with so much potential. — Dr. Xiaozhao Sun Middle School
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A group of juniors I had taught as both freshmen and sophomores started a petition to have me teach them AT: European History their senior year. When I held an interest meeting, students came in and found the seats they had sat in when they were in my class. One student came in, saw the others in the room, and joyfully proclaimed, “we are so back!” Their excitement over being together again learning history with me reminded me of why I love teaching at Cannon: the students are the absolute best. — Laura Huffman Upper School
Moments from this year that reminded me why I love teaching at Cannon were watching students support and encourage one another during classroom projects. Seeing students grow in confidence, share their ideas, and truly feel proud of their work reminded me how special this community is. I love that Cannon gives students opportunities to be creative, take risks, and feel seen and valued for who they are. It was especially meaningful to watch students who were once shy begin speaking up, participating, and finding joy in learning. Moments like these remind me that teaching is about so much more than academics. Teaching is about relationships, growth, and helping children believe in themselves. Being part of that each day is why I love teaching at Cannon School. — Susan Lewis Lower School
One moment that reminded me why I love teaching at Cannon happened during a recent morning meeting. When I asked my first graders what they were most excited to do this summer, nearly every student responded that they weren’t excited for summer at all because they wanted to stay in school. Their answers were a sweet reminder of the special community we have built together. Creating a classroom where students feel loved, valued, and connected is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching, and hearing that they didn’t want the school year to end was a moment I will always treasure! — Jamie Stavenger Lower School
I will never forget the surprise birthday celebration that my advisory group planned for me. Seeing students take the initiative to organize something so thoughtful and dedicate their time and energy to making someone feel special was truly inspiring. Their kindness, teamwork, and genuine care for others exemplify the very best of our community. Moments like these reflect the heart of Cannon’s core values and the culture of belonging that is evident every day. The relationships built through these experiences remind me why I love teaching at Cannon. Each one has been especially meaningful and is something I will always cherish. — Doretha Grier Middle School
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CANNON SCHOOL CELEBRATES
THE CLASS OF 2026
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The morning of May 22 began with uncertainty. Heavy rain and dark clouds lingered from the night before, casting doubt on whether Cannon School’s Commencement ceremony would be able to proceed as planned outdoors on the Bryant Central Green. As the 9 a.m. start time approached, families, faculty, and graduates alike wondered whether the celebration would need to move inside to Boswell Gymnasium. Then, just 20 minutes before the ceremony was set to begin, the rain stopped. Faculty, staff, and volunteers immediately sprang into action wiping down chairs, sweeping water from the stage, and handing out towels to prepare the space for the long-awaited celebration. After a brief delay, the skies held, the sun peeked through the clouds, and Commencement for the Class of 2026 began. Led by junior marshals, the Class of 2026 processed onto the Bryant Central Green, where proud family members and friends eagerly awaited the moment they would walk across the stage. This year’s keynote speaker, nationally recognized speaker and author Jess Ekstrom ’09, delivered an inspiring and heartfelt address centered on embracing uncertainty and pursuing authenticity. Encouraging graduates to take chances, remain curious, and trust the process of growth, Ekstrom challenged students to start over, gather data, and “be a good person” as they move into the next chapter of their lives. Co-valedictorians Sydney Conklin and Ryan Schreck also addressed their classmates, reflecting on the experiences,
friendships, and lessons that shaped their time at Cannon. Their remarks captured both the gratitude and excitement shared by the graduating class as they prepared to leave campus and begin new journeys. Head of School Mike Drew celebrated the resilience, accomplishments, and deep connections forged by the Class of 2026 throughout their Cannon experience. This fall, members of the graduating class will enroll at 63 different colleges and universities across the country, including nine institutions where no Cannon graduate has previously matriculated. Thirty graduates will remain in North Carolina, while 75 students will continue their academic journeys beyond the state, joining communities and campuses stretching from coast to coast. Though their destinations may differ, the Class of 2026 leaves Cannon united by the relationships, values, and experiences that shaped them during their years on campus. As the ceremony concluded and graduates tossed their caps into the clearing sky, the morning’s stormy uncertainty gave way to celebration, pride, and anticipation for what lies ahead. Cannon School proudly congratulates the Class of 2026 and looks forward to watching these graduates make their mark on the world.
Though their destinations may differ, the Class of 2026 leaves Cannon united by the relationships, values, and experiences that shaped them during their years on campus.
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“As we celebrate everything this class has accomplished, let’s also celebrate the community we have built. Because when I look back at these last four years, it is the people and the ways they have shown up for me that I will remember most.” — Sydney Conklin Co-Valedictorian
“Wherever we go, we have the chance to create the kind of community that helped shape us here: one where people are supported, encouraged, and pushed to become better.” — Ryan Schreck Co-Valedictorian
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A FULL CIRCLE MOMENT Cannon alumna Jess Ekstrom ’09 returned to campus in May to deliver the keynote address at Commencement, standing in the very same place where she received her own diploma 17 years earlier. “What a full circle moment for me!” Jess shared. “I know how formative those high school years are, and it’s the honor of a lifetime to share some of my experiences and advice with the Class of 2026.”
“I feel hopeful because of your passion, courage and kindness. I feel hopeful because of your adaptability, creativity and resilience. I feel hopeful because of your ability to lead and to care deeply about others. And I feel hopeful because I know you are prepared, not just academically, but as human beings.” — Mike Drew Head of School
A nationally recognized speaker, bestselling author, entrepreneur, and founder of Headbands of Hope and Mic Drop Workshop, Jess encouraged graduates to embrace uncertainty and stay open to unexpected opportunities in the years ahead. “Graduation is a wonderful celebration, but it also poses the question of what’s next?” she said. “I hope students can take a moment, even if it’s brief, to recognize how far they’ve come.”
“Here’s what I know: there are endless winning scenarios for you. And most of them haven’t even been invented yet. Hold your future with open palms: not a clenched fist. Have goals. But leave room to surprise yourself.” — Jess Ekstrom ’09 Alumna and Keynote Speaker
To read Jess’s full Commencement speech, scan the QR code. Summer 2026 | CANNON | 23
CONGRATULATION
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NS, CLASS OF 2026!
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Almost There Brunch
SENIOR CELEBRATIONS
The final weeks of senior year are filled with moments worth celebrating. Through cherished traditions like Decision Day, the Almost There Brunch, Senior Breakfast, Prom, Alumni Brunch, and Senior Night, Cannon seniors come together to honor their accomplishments, enjoy time with classmates, and prepare for the exciting transition ahead.
Decision Day
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Senior Night
Senior Breakfast
Alumni Brunch
Prom Summer 2026 | CANNON | 27
New Beginnings: 2026 Promotion Ceremonies At the end of each school year, Cannon School celebrates the growth and achievements of its students through our promotion ceremonies. Held in the Cindric Performing Arts Center, these special events honor students at key milestones in their educational journey. This year’s ceremonies, held on May 27 and 28, recognized the kindergarten, fourth grade, and eighth grade classes as they prepared for their next chapter at Cannon. More than a celebration of academic progress, these ceremonies reflect the growth, character, and accomplishments of our students as they move forward with confidence and excitement.
Eighth Grade Honors Night On the evening of May 27, the Class of 2030 gathered for Eighth Grade Honors Night, celebrating their Middle School experience and promotion to Upper School. The ceremony featured student reflections, special awards, and recognition of the class’s achievements and contributions to the Cannon community. Students received certificates of completion, while Carla Moyer and Dr. Fabio Hurtado shared remarks and welcomed students to the next stage of their Cannon journey. Violetta Ivanov and Beck Macdonald were named recipients of the Liles Citizenship Award, while the McWhorter Medallion was awarded to Olivia Knichel and Rhys M.L. Shifa Bukhari and Lawson Watts received the John Riley Leadership Through Service award. With proud families in attendance, the evening served as a meaningful celebration of growth, leadership, and the exciting opportunities that await the Class of 2030 in Upper School. 28 | CANNON | Summer 2026
Fourth Grade Moving Up Ceremony On May 28, the fourth grade class marked the completion of their Lower School years and looked ahead to Middle School. Dr. Regina Nixon, Head of Lower School, and Joe Trojan, new Head of Middle School, welcomed families and recognized the growth and accomplishments of the Class of 2035. Student representatives shared reflections on Cannon’s core values, highlighting the character and community spirit that define their class. Following the presentation of certificates by Head of School Mike Drew, students concluded the ceremony with a musical performance.
Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony Also on May 28, kindergarten students proudly took the stage to celebrate the completion of their year at Cannon. Families enjoyed student performances, and Head of School Mike Drew presented certificates to each student in the Class of 2039. The ceremony concluded with a reception in Gay’s Garden, providing an opportunity for families to celebrate this special milestone together.
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CLASS OF 2026 BY THE NUMBERS
105
Members of the Class of 2026
9
Colleges Where No Cannon Graduate Has Previously Enrolled
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71%
Students Attending Out of State
24
States
206
Colleges and Universities Offering Acceptances
13
College/Post Graduate Athletic Commitments
16
Global Studies Certificates
63
Colleges and Universities Attending
13
Cannon Lifers
The Gift of Joy How a Peace Corps friendship led two sisters from Burkina Faso to Cannon School’s Class of 2026 By Bill Diskin, Director of Admission & Financial Aid
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Rob Hammock and Caroline Chambre-Hammock are the father and stepmother of Jackson Hammock ’21. In 2020, Caroline approached Cannon’s admission office with the idea of having twin sisters from Burkina Faso apply to Cannon School. Six years later, Carolle and Caroline Kaba are Cannon graduates and proud members of the Class of 2026. In 2002, Caroline Chambre-Hammock left New York City to serve as a Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso, a small, landlocked country in West Africa. Assigned to a remote village with no running water, electricity, or internet access, she quickly found herself relying on the support of a local health worker, Segrim Mathias Kaba, and his wife, Fatimata (Fati) Coulibaly. “My counterpart was Segrim Mathias Kaba,” Hammock recalls. “In addition to working with him at the village health clinic, I lived next door to him and his wife.” Kaba helped her understand the local culture, community, and healthcare system, while Fati taught her the practical skills needed to navigate daily life. “Fati taught me how to live and survive,” Hammock says. “Everything from how to get water from the well, how to wash my clothes by hand, how to haggle at the weekly market, and how to keep produce fresh despite no refrigeration.” Looking back, Hammock says the couple became much more than neighbors. “They basically became my African family.” Although Hammock returned to the United States in 2004, the friendship endured. In 2007, Kaba and Fati welcomed twin daughters and named them in honor of Hammock and her mother, an extraordinary gesture in Burkinabé culture. “Having a child named for you is a huge honor in Burkina Faso,” Hammock says.
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When she returned to visit in 2010, she met the three-year-old twins for the first time. “Even at that tender age, they were bright, curious, and confident.” Years later, the friendship deepened. In 2018, Hammock invited the twins and their older brother to spend the summer in the United States. The following summer, the girls returned for another visit. “It was magical to watch Carolle and Caroline experience so many firsts in America,” Hammock says. “They were fearless in trying new things, and their fun personalities always shone through.” During that second visit, Hammock found herself thinking about the twins’ future. Carolle and Caroline consistently ranked among the top students in their classes, but educational opportunities in Burkina Faso remained limited. One visit to Cannon School left a lasting impression. “I remember thinking, ‘These girls could do anything if they had the right educational foundation,’” Hammock says. With support from her husband, Rob, she began exploring the possibility of bringing the twins to Charlotte and enrolling them at Cannon. “Rob says that his most vivid memory of the idea of hosting the twins is that ‘It just felt right,” says Hammock. “It should have felt crazy. But it just didn’t.’” The twins’ parents were supportive, though understandably cautious. After a year-long process involving applications, enrollment paperwork, and visa documentation, Carolle and Caroline arrived in Charlotte and enrolled at Cannon School. For the twins, the opportunity felt life-changing from the beginning. “I was very excited,” Carolle recalls. “The idea of not just coming to the U.S. but also having the opportunity to study here was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.” Caroline felt much the same. “I was extremely excited,” she says. “I was aware of just how many opportunities it was offering me.” As departure day approached, the significance of the decision became clear to everyone involved. “Just before the girls left Burkina, standing in the airport with their parents, their dad looked at me and said, ‘These are your
daughters now,’” Hammock recalls. “That was like a punch in the gut. It fully hit me that we weren’t just educating these girls, we were now raising these girls.” Rob Hammock remembers feeling the weight of that responsibility as well. “This wasn’t just fun and games for the summer,” he says. “We now had a deep and awesome responsibility to care for and guide these girls as their American parents.” Over the next five years, Carolle and Caroline immersed themselves in life at Cannon. Like any student adjusting to a new environment, they experienced both challenges and successes. Learning a new language, adapting to a different culture, and being far from home were not always easy. “My experience at Cannon has been very broadening and loving,” says Carolle. “I met many new people, tried new things, and got to experience things I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.” Caroline says the transition required patience and perseverance. “Initially it was hard because I had to learn the language and adapt to the culture and traditions,” she says. “But as I adapted, I grew to love it here. I found lifelong friends, teachers that deeply impacted me, and my mindset on many things changed.” Both sisters point to the relationships they formed with teachers as one of the most meaningful aspects of their experience. “I could never truly describe with words how much my teachers have helped and supported me throughout my journey at Cannon,” says Carolle. “The thing that I love most about my experience at Cannon is the connections students can form with their teachers,” Caroline adds. “Teachers genuinely care about their students.” For their parents in Burkina Faso, the growth they witnessed made the sacrifice worthwhile. “Beyond the academic knowledge they have acquired, we have noticed that they have gained an enhanced sense of wisdom and respect for others,” Kaba says. Of course, there are things the twins still miss about home. Both mention family, friends, and the strong sense of community they grew up with. Caroline especially misses mango season and afternoons spent outdoors with friends, while Carolle misses favorite foods that can only be found back home.
Yet both look back on their years at Cannon with gratitude. Now graduates of the Class of 2026, Carolle and Caroline leave Cannon with lifelong friendships, expanded opportunities, and two families cheering them on from opposite sides of the world. What began as a Peace Corps assignment more than two decades ago became a remarkable story of friendship, trust, and opportunity that forever connected two families. Caroline Hammock expresses deep gratitude for the whole experience. “Everyone who meets the twins comments on their joyful nature, which is a major characteristic of being from Burkina Faso,” she says. “Their joy has been a gift to our family for these past five years.”
To read the full story and learn more about Carolle and Caroline’s journey, scan the QR code. Summer 2026 | CANNON | 33
Student Life AT CANNON SCHOOL Student life at Cannon is shaped by the moments that happen both inside and outside the classroom. Across all divisions, students learn, create, compete, perform, and connect as they discover their interests and build lasting relationships. These snapshots capture the energy, spirit, and sense of community that define the Cannon experience each day.
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We are grateful for our incredible Parents at Cannon volunteers, the true heartbeat of our school community. From joyful classroom celebrations to unforgettable community-wide events, Parents at Cannon brings parents, family members, and friends together through meaningful service, enriching the student experience all year long. To our many volunteers, thank you for your generosity, your partnership, and the love you pour into our school every day.
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COMMUNITY EVENTS From thoughtful conversations to everyday moments of connection, Cannon families help shape the vibrant culture of our school. These images reflect the connections, involvement, and shared experiences that make Cannon a place where families and students thrive together.
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L E AV I N G A L E GACY:
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But inside Cannon School’s girls basketball program, success is measured by more than banners. When the Cougars defeated Providence Day School 47–37 in the NCISAA state championship game in February, the victory capped another dominant season and reinforced Cannon’s place among the region’s premier programs. Beating the same talented opponent three times in one season made the accomplishment even more impressive. Yet those closest to the program say the foundation was built long before the trophies arrived. “We changed the culture first,” says Program Director Kelvin Drakeford ’08.
This year, Jaiden Thompson ’26 and JaKaila Gaskin ’28 brought a steady presence to the team this season. Madison Drayton ’27, despite being sidelined with injury, continued showing up daily with energy and encouragement. Brooke Busby ’27 earned respect through consistency and example.
Cannon COUGARS
Three straight state championships are rare. Winning four state titles since 2021 is even rarer.
That leadership is already shaping the next generation of Cougars. Eighth graders London Truesdale ’30, Mackenzie Larkins ’30, and Lola Wilson ’30 all played up with the varsity team this season, gaining experience while learning the standards and culture that define Cannon girls basketball. Drakeford believes the example set by the program’s veteran players is helping prepare younger athletes to become future leaders themselves.
A former Cougar and college player at Catawba, Drakeford returned to Cannon as an assistant coach for boys basketball in 2013 and transitioned to girls basketball in 2017. In the early years, he says, belief in the program as a consistent championship contender had not fully taken root. “Our record wasn’t pretty,” he recalls. “But our culture and standard had changed.” Today, Cannon’s girls basketball program is a perennial force in the CISAA and across North Carolina independent school basketball. The Cougars routinely challenge nationally ranked opponents, travel to elite tournaments around the country, and enter each season with championship expectations. But within the program, the focus extends far beyond wins. The team motto, “Leave a Legacy,” reflects that larger mission. For Drakeford, legacy means helping student-athletes become the best version of themselves, on and off the court. Every player is valued, regardless of role or minutes played, and leadership takes many forms.
The Cougars routinely challenge nationally ranked opponents, travel to elite tournaments around the country, and enter each season with championship expectations. Summer 2026 | CANNON
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Cannon COUGARS
The Cougars also benefited from a strong junior class this season, a group that has helped uphold the program’s expectations since winning a state championship as freshmen in 2024. Their experience and leadership have played an important role in sustaining Cannon’s culture of accountability, competitiveness, and team-first mentality. The result is a team dynamic Drakeford believes is unique. “There’s a real unity and support system,” Drakeford says. “The players form family bonds that last forever.” That closeness matters in today’s demanding sports environment. Cannon athletes balance rigorous academics with schedules that include holiday tournaments, national travel, and intense competition.
Social media and recruiting culture also create constant comparison and pressure. Drakeford encourages players to tune out the noise. “Run your race,” he tells them. “The right people will find you at the right time.” Preparation is another cornerstone of the program. Through repetition, film study, and scouting reports, players develop the confidence that comes from being fully prepared. Before this year’s championship game, the Cougars spent significant time studying Providence Day’s tendencies. “That preparation helps instill confidence,” Drakeford says. Even after years of success, Cannon’s demanding national schedule keeps the team grounded and motivated to improve. And while support for girls athletics continues to grow, Drakeford hopes to see even more Upper School students filling the stands. The trophies matter. The championships matter. But inside Cannon girls basketball, legacy is built differently.
“There’s a real unity and support system. The players form family bonds that last forever.” 40
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It is found in effort and attitude, the two things Drakeford says players can always control. It is found in teammates, past and present, supporting one another through adversity. And it is found in a program that expects excellence while never losing sight of the people behind the success. “I hope the players remember me for being real, for pushing them to reach goals and helping them grow,” says Drakeford. “I’m always going to be there for them.” For Cannon girls basketball, that may be the legacy that lasts the longest.
Cannon COUGARS
Celebrating Our All-State Student-Athletes Congratulations to these students for earning statewide recognition during the 2025–26 school year.
ALL-STATE ATHLETES Football Kingston Davis ’27 Jackson Laws ’27 Marcus Sales ’27
Lacrosse Hudson Higbea ’27 Addison Maynor ’27 Maggie Murphy ’27
Cross Country Elise Wrenholt ’26
Softball Addie Hartz ’28 Viola Knosby ’29 Jolie Matthews ’26 Layla Wagner ’27
Tennis Jack Kirby ’26 Rylee Miller ’28
Track & Field Jade Adams ’28 Saadiya Davis ’30 Kaylee Dobbins ’29 Taylar Gordon ’28 Christina Hall ’29 Kaylin Kenseth ’28 Elise Wrenholt ’26 Jessie Wrenholt ’28
Soccer Carsyn Cavitt ’28 Kinton Surface ’26 Mia Valencia ’27 Brielle Wilson ’28 Basketball Brooke Busby ’27 JaKaila Gaskin ’28 Sean Nix ’27 Swimming Tripp Cooler ’27 Golf Aiden Clark ’26
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Class Notes IN MEMORIAM
Kathryn DeSutter ’09 It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Kathryn “Kady” DeSutter on May 25, 2026, after a battle with glioblastoma. Kady’s time at Cannon helped shape her lifelong commitment to learning, service, and community. She was known for her intelligence, kindness, adventurous spirit, and the meaningful relationships she built throughout her life. Above all, Kady was a devoted wife and mother who loved her family deeply. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Kady’s husband, Brian, her children, Evelyn and Jonah, her parents, Steve and Linda, her sister, Sarah DeSutter ’11, and all who knew and loved her. To connect with the family, please email RememberingKady@gmail.com.
2013
2016
2015
Dr. Kenny Clarke and Hayley Combs were married this April in Cincinnati, Ohio, surrounded by close family and friends. The couple met while attending Ohio State University and reside in Milford, Ohio.
Dana Norton wed Jabari Dawkins this spring in a beautiful ceremony at the South Carolina Aquarium. Several alumni were in attendance to celebrate with them: Lizzie Lovett ’13, Erin Edmondson ’15, and Noah Edmondson ’15.
Jordan Lauher got engaged in February to Jesse Deal at her favorite place, Hilton Head.
Dana Norton
Two-time Cannon Athletics Hall of Fame inductee Anna Redding got engaged to Alex Bronkar last fall at the University of Virginia. Brandon Wade was recently promoted to Fire Captain with the Charlotte Fire Department.
2020 Anna Redding
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Dr. Kenny Clarke
McKenna Koch wed Zach Wagner in a beautiful outdoor ceremony at the Kinleeshop Farm this spring.
2021 Brandon Wade
Jordan Lauher
Cameron Shepard recently got to meet one of his idols, David Letterman, when he worked on an episode of “My Next Guest Needs No Introduction,” featuring Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast), with whom he works as a YouTube production assistant.
McKenna Koch
Cameron Shepard
2025
Anna Galloway received her Master’s in Athletic Administration from Clemson University this May.
Congratulations to Julia Schattner on her acceptance into the Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars Program at Clemson University. Anna Galloway
2022
Sydney Rose recently got engaged to Erin Terwilliger in Davidson, NC. The couple plans to wed in 2027. Competing for American University, Caleb Campos earned a fourth place finish at the NCAA Championships, solidifying his spot as a Top 5 wrestler in the country.
Julia Schattner
Gabbi Coppa
Sydney Rose
Special thanks to our Alumni Board members: Caleb Campos
2023
Kenlee Griffin, Cadet Second Class at the United States Air Force Academy, was selected as Cadet Vice Wing Commander for summer 2026. A student at Tulane University, Helen Craft recently traveled to Bo, Sierra Leone, where she helped create and fit prosthetic arms for individuals in an amputee community.
A student at the University of Texas at Austin, Gabbi Coppa created a television pilot, The Queen, that was selected for screening at the 2026 ATX TV Festivals.
Kenlee Griffin
Helen Craft
Trey Hoover, III ’06 President Carrie Allen ’11 Elizabeth Poole Barnes ’04 Curt Black ’09 Santiago Castaneda ’24 Ryan Chen ’22 Lauren Connors ’10 Dallas Disbro ’08 Annie Earnshaw ’17 Haile Foreman ’13 Ashley Goldstein ’05 Thomas Goode ’13 Kaitlyn Grant ’05 Hillary Gruce ’08 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 Reynolds ’21 Carter Rice ’22 Stephanie Sloop ’72 Brandon Wade ’15
Read more Class Notes online: Instagram.com/cannonalumni
SEND US YOUR UPDATES Alumni, we’d love to hear from you! Send your updates and milestones to alumni@cannonschool.org to be featured in Alumni Class Notes. Whether it’s a wedding, baby, new job, or reconnecting with classmates, we want to celebrate your news!
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Alumni Events Members of the Alumni Board (Carter Rice ’22, Elizabeth Barnes ’04, Carrie Allen ’11, Chandra Pridgen ’21, Hillary Gruce ’08, and Alice Moore ’06) gathered this March for dinner with Head of School Mike Drew. Over a delicious meal, the group reminisced about favorite Cannon memories and reflections as parents of current Cougars. Grateful for the many ways this board continues to support and stay engaged with Cannon!
CANNON ON THE ROAD: CHAPEL HILL This spring, Cannon faculty and staff headed to Chapel Hill for a Triangle-area alumni meetup. Alumni of all ages stopped by Carolina Brewery for snacks, stories, and a few well-earned hugs from Mike Drew, Laura Huffman, Josh Zebracki, Christiana Colacion, Sarah Sooklal, Lauren Biggers, and former faculty member Will Sinden.
STAIRWELL FAREWELL The day before Commencement, alumni Elizabeth Barnes ’04, Lydia Pinto ’19, Hillary Gruce ’08, and former faculty member Molly Manning stopped by Upper School to reconnect with faculty and say farewell to the iconic spiral staircase in the foyer, which was removed this summer during planned renovations to the Gossage Building. The renovations are part of the A Flourishing Future campaign to revitalize learning spaces across campus. “The spiral staircase has always stood out to me as one of those quiet landmarks of daily life at school. It wasn’t just a way to move between floors — it was a backdrop to countless small moments: passing friends between classes, heading upstairs before a test, or simply pausing for a conversation along the way. While change is always part of a school’s growth, I appreciate the thoughtfulness in inviting alumni to reflect on and celebrate these spaces before they evolve. Places like that staircase quietly hold so many shared memories for generations of students.” — Haley Poole Minner ’07 44 | CANNON | Summer 2026
SPOTTED ON CAMPUS Harrison Burton ’19 visited Cannon in April as a special guest on the third grade’s Zooming into NASCAR podcast. Joined by his wife Jenna Petty Burton ’20, these two lifers enjoyed a campus tour and reconnected with faculty and staff along the way.
Justin Weaks ’08 returned to campus this spring to host a weeklong theater workshop, challenging students to fully embody their roles and take creative risks. Justin performed in A Fine Madness this summer at the Woolly Mammoth Theatre in Washington, DC.
Several recent alumni returned this February to support Cannon Theater Company’s production of Mean Girls: High School Version. Thank you for showing up and supporting the arts, Aashvi Shah ’25, Spencer Hillman ’25, Sofia Moncada ’25, Elias Simon ’25, and Sajan Patel ’25.
An all-female alumni panel consisting of Joelle Parkin Vaccaro ’15, Kathryn Remmey ’20, and Cali Proper ’20 recently returned to Cannon to share insights and advice as part of a Senior Capstone project on female entrepreneurship. Joelle, joined by her husband Joseph Vaccaro ’15, spoke on her experiences of pivoting with purpose, from owning a dog grooming business to opening Spin City Dance. Kathryn and Cali, co-founders of Shop Closet, shared how they grew a high school startup to all 50 states.
SAVE THE DATE! ALUMNI WEEKEND May 21-22, 2027 • Distinguished Alumni Induction Ceremony
• Class Reunions celebrating the 1s and 6s
• Cabarrus Academy Brunch .......................... STAY CONNECTED!
Visit campus or email alumni@cannonschool.org for opportunities to get involved!
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A LOOK BACK Embracing the Information Age As computer technology transformed daily life during the 1990s, Cannon School was already helping students prepare for a rapidly changing world. In 1991, the school connected to the emerging digital landscape through an IBM PS/2 computer, modem, and the PRODIGY network, allowing communication with other schools and users across the country. Under the guidance of computer lab teacher Sharon Lorish, students learned more than basic computer skills. They designed, developed, and debugged their own computer games and quizzes, some of which were used by Cannon’s first-grade classes. By spring 1998, Cannon launched its first website, providing prospective families with information and online applications while giving current families easy access to newsletters, lunch menus, and athletic schedules. As the Internet age arrived, Cannon was already leading the way.
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Phyllis Underwood’s Chicken Salad INGREDIENTS 2 large chicken breasts, cooked whole 1 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons yellow mustard 2 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons garlic powder 1/2 cup finely diced celery 1/2 cup finely diced red onion 1/2 cup finely diced pickles OPTIONAL 1/2 cup diced boiled egg INSTRUCTIONS
Cooking Up a Storm FROM THE CANNON KITCHEN Phyllis Underwood’s Legendary Chicken Salad If you’ve spent time in Cannon’s cafeteria, chances are you’ve seen cook Phyllis Underwood greeting students from behind the deli counter or making omelets during Wednesday breakfast service. Now in her fourth year at Cannon, Phyllis arrives before sunrise each morning to help prepare the meals that keep the school community fueled throughout the day. Cooking has been a lifelong passion for her. She has worked in food service for 25 years and has been cooking since she was 10 years old. While she enjoys serving the entire Cannon community, her favorite lunch visitors are the third and fourth graders. “They’re so unpredictable,” she laughs. “I never know what to expect from them.” Among students and faculty alike, one of Phyllis’s most beloved creations is her homemade chicken salad. The secret? “Micro dicing” the red onion, she shares.
1.
Cook the chicken breasts until fully done, then allow them to cool completely.
2. Chop or shred the chicken into small pieces and place in a large mixing bowl. 3.
Add the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
4.
Mix in the celery, red onion, pickles, and boiled egg if using.
5. Stir everything together until evenly mixed. 6. Chill before serving for the best flavor. Serve on sandwiches, crackers, croissants, or over lettuce. And according to Phyllis, don’t forget the most important ingredient: a whole lot of love.
Summer 2026 | CANNON | 47
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