Board of Trustees Letter from Karin
Dear Cannon School Community,
I hope this letter finds you at a moment in time that you can take a pause to rest after a long summer. Summer is a “both/and” season for our family. We feel both love for the freedom the lighter schedule allows, and we eventually long for the reliability and structure that our fall calendar brings. As I look forward to the fall, I am delighted to welcome Mike Drew as our next Head of School in what promises to be a momentous new chapter in Cannon’s story. In this preparation, I am reminded of the extraordinary year we have just experienced together. It is with a deep sense of gratitude and admiration that I reflect on the journey we have all embarked upon. Your commitment to this community and our students has not only astonished me, but has also reinforced my belief in the incredible spirit that defines Cannon School.
You, our students, staff, and families, have shown that the core values we hold dear—integrity, respect, kindness, passion, teamwork, and courage—are not merely words on a website. They are our North Star. These values are embodied in each of you. They are not generational. They are what unite us today in nurturing our student’s journey of education and growth. It is fair to say that living out these values requires intentionality and humility. Yet, this is where the beauty of an educational community is realized.
Our shared commitment to passion and courage has driven students to take bold risks that lead to excellence, whether
inspiring theater performances, championship-level athletic achievements, world-class robotics innovations, extraordinary academic growth, or the development of strong character. Passion, courage, and integrity are not easy or ordinary. That is why the pursuit of these values has brought us extraordinary results.
As we celebrate the class of 2024 and welcome the classes of 2025-2038, we know that each of you will not only be a part of the Cannon story, but you will also mold and shape it in countless ways.
As we embark on our next chapter together, may we let the values that bind us together form the common ground from which each student can grow in their knowledge, wisdom, character, and love. Wishing you all a wonderful and exciting fall. Thank you for making Cannon an extraordinary institution.
Warm regards,
Karin Cain Board Chair Cannon Board of Trustees
EDITORIAL STAFF
Elizabeth Isenhour Writer and Chief Editor
Sarah Sooklal Alumni Writer and Editor
Special
Amy Hunt Contributor and Editor
Lynda Abel Editor
Bill Diskin Contributor and Editor
Ché Bratley Editor
Cover: Hiya Sapui ’32 performing at the 4th grade Moving Up Ceremony. Photo by Carrie Allen.
Get to Know Mike Drew
Cannon’s 8th Head of School
During his visit to campus in May, Mike Drew took a moment to acknowledge how excited and energized he is about his new role as Cannon School’s 8th Head of School.
Drew admits that he had strong feelings about Cannon from the beginning. During his initial visit to Cannon during the interview process, he was reminded of something one of his mentors, Scott Wilson, taught him about reading a school. “One of the things Scott would say is you can tell right away when you walk on a campus, whether it’s a school for kids or a school for adults,” Drew recalls. “And when my wife Lisa and I stepped foot on this campus, this place felt like a school for kids. It’s palpable and it aligns perfectly with what’s important to me personally and professionally.”
Relationships, it turns out, are at the heart of Drew’s career in education. He’s quick to share a list of mentors who have guided and inspired him over his years in teaching and independent school administration. And, looking back to when he was a student, he pinpoints a connection that continues to make a difference in his life. Drew, who grew up in upstate New York, traces his path to a career in education to high school. “I had a teacher in high school named Mr. Horrigan,” Drew recalls. “He was my senior year Social Studies teacher. He was the first teacher I had that resonated with me in terms of being a writer and a critical thinker. He expected and demanded a lot out of us.”
“It’s incumbent upon us as schools to develop not just good students, but good people.”
— Mike Drew
Drew credits his connection with Mr. Horrigan with his eventual interest in teaching. “He got me interested in being active in politics and local government—and thinking about the world that I lived in beyond the bubble of my high school and my classroom. Because of him, I pushed myself to become involved in things that I never would have been involved in.”
That relationship with Mr. Horrigan, Drew believes, influenced the direction he took through college, graduate school, and along his life journey. “Where he stood—at that juncture—he sent me on a path that has led me to where I am today.”
Given that experience as a high school student, it’s easy to understand Drew’s appreciation for Cannon School’s explicit commitment to nurturing relationships. “I do believe that
relationships are part of learning. And that philosophy is one of the things that most attracted me to Cannon,” Drew says. “In fact, that exact language has been in the educational philosophies that I have written over the last 15 years of my career.”
For Drew, the power of relationships—of human connection—can’t be overstated. “I feel so strongly about the value and importance of relationships and education,” he says. “And if there was any silver lining to the pandemic, it’s that it reaffirmed that need for human connection and relationship.”
In Drew’s view, the benefits of human connection go way beyond a student getting better grades and higher test scores. “You can’t grow as an individual without these connections,” he says. “As a teacher, you can’t nurture a student without the opportunity to build relationships with them. And I don’t think you can have as much joy in life either. You know, for young people, joy really stems from the ability to build meaningful relationships—with your peers and your teachers.”
Part of Mike Drew’s excitement about getting the school year started relates to his recognition of the changes that schools, students, and families are facing.
“The world around us has changed dramatically in the last five years with the onset of artificial intelligence and the divisiveness that seems to permeate much more of what we do in our workplaces and communities,” Drew says. He believes that Cannon School’s commitment to its core values is vital given this inflection point. “Cannon has a strong
legacy built on its core values,” he says. “And those core values have allowed the school to grow and evolve over time into the school that it is today.”
Drew looks forward to the opportunity to build on Cannon’s solid foundation as the community navigates new challenges that await. “All of these things have changed the landscape, but those core values of the school remain relevant—perhaps are even more relevant today than they were in the past,” Drew says. “Thinking about courage, thinking about being respectful, acting with integrity, being kind…that through line of those values is so important for us to focus on today. I see that as being the core of the work that we do moving forward together for Cannon School.”
Mike Drew with wife Lisa and children Nate and Allie.
Get to Know Mike Drew
Based on his experience as a teacher and school leader, Drew believes that independent schools are uniquely poised to make a difference going forward. “I think it’s incumbent on independent schools to make a positive impact in the larger community,” Drew adds. “That public purpose of private education is something that NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) has been focused on for a long time. I think independent schools, by their nature, will be developing a significant portion of the leaders of the future.” Drew says. “So, it’s incumbent upon us as schools to develop not just good students, but good people.”
While acknowledging that change always includes challenges, Drew embraces the opportunity to lead a community like Cannon during this period. “You know, this amount of change would push anybody out of their comfort zone,” he notes. “That’s exciting and exhilarating for me. Thinking about the future of Cannon—and the impact that we can have together—is really, really exciting.”
Thinking about how Drew’s first few months will be at Cannon, he adds, “I feel it’s important to take the time to understand the landscape and get to know the collective community. It is in this foundation that we can grow and build on Cannon’s success in the exciting years to come. There is a strength in listening and taking time to understand the challenges before making long-lasting change.” Drew notes, “It is not just one person who runs a successful school, but rather a collective group of exceptional people coming together and aligning with the same values and goals—and more importantly, delivering on those goals. I think the team here is fantastic. Everybody’s ready to go and move forward and everyone has been so supportive of me. Matt Gossage has been extraordinarily helpful in this transition. And I’m grateful for all that he’s done.”
Looking back, it is fascinating to see all the pieces that have come together to bring Mike Drew to this point in his life and his career. Each step of the way, talented and passionate mentors and friends have helped him develop his sense of passion and purpose. From college and graduate school, to teaching and leading at top-notch independent schools in
three different states, Drew has worked side-by-side with hundreds of experienced educators.
In the end, though, Drew believes he continues to draw inspiration from the closest relationship he had as a child. “I was raised by a single mom as an only child and had an extraordinarily close relationship with her,” Drew says. “She is a remarkably strong and independent woman who, without her love and support, I would not be here today.”
While he notes that lots of people might say that about a parent, Drew reaffirms the lasting impact of his relationship with his mom. “I think, because of our circumstances, she is largely responsible for the person that I am.” Drew pauses, smiles, and adds one more comment. “And she’s very excited about Cannon and about Lisa and me coming here.
“Get
to Know Mike Drew” by Bill Diskin,
Director of Admission and Financial Aid
“I believe that relationships are part of learning. And that philosophy is one of the things that most attracted me to Cannon.”
— Mike Drew Head of School
Mike Drew and his mother, Cheryl Drew
The Class of 2024 will attend the following colleges and universities this fall.
ALABAMA
Auburn University
The University of Alabama
ARKANSAS
University of Arkansas
CALIFORNIA
Harvey Mudd College
CONNECTICUT
University of Connecticut
DELAWARE
University of Delaware
FLORIDA
Lynn University
The University of Tampa University of Miami
GEORGIA
Georgia Southern University
Spelman College
ILLINOIS
University of Chicago
Wheaton College
INDIANA
DePauw University
KENTUCKY
University of Kentucky
LOUISIANA
Tulane University of Louisiana
MASSACHUSETTS
Boston College
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Tufts University
University of Massachusetts (Amherst)
MAINE
Bowdoin College
MINNESOTA
University of Mississippi
NORTH CAROLINA
Appalachian State University
Barton College
Catawba College
Central Piedmont Community College
Duke University
East Carolina University
Elon University
Guilford College
High Point University
North Carolina State University
University of North Carolina at Asheville
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of North Carolina
School of the Arts
Wake Forest University
NEW YORK
Cornell University
Hamilton College
St. John’s University
University of Rochester
OHIO
Denison University
PENNSYLVANIA
Bryn Mawr College
Lafayette College
Penn State University
University of Pittsburgh
RHODE ISLAND
Brown University
SOUTH CAROLINA
College of Charleston
Furman University
University of South Carolina
TEXAS
Baylor University
Texas A&M University
Texas Christian University
VIRGINIA
Virginia Polytechnic Institute
and State University
William & Mary
VERMONT
University of Vermont
“Appreciate your story—every part of it—because no one will ever be able to share the same story, advice, lessons, or memories that you can.”
Nicole Ratterman Class of 2024 Co-Valedictorian
CANNON SCHOOL CORE VALUES
COURAGE
Willingness to take risks, be innovative, and embrace change
THE TWENTY-SIXTH GRADUATING CLASS of Cannon School took the stage on Bryant Central Green on May 24, marking their last day as students here.
“Welcome whatever sets your heart ablaze. And welcome every obstacle, puzzle, and respite along the way. We’ve all learned throughout the course of high school that the mind can reach capacity, but the heart can never be too full. Welcome the unconventional idea of educating our hearts first, before our minds.”
Rayyan Syed Class of 2024 Salutatorian
TOP LEFT:
Meadow Campurciani shares a hug with McKenna Newton.
MIDDLE LEFT:
Naomi Fleckman and William Lomax are all smiles after receiving their diplomas.
BOTTOM LEFT:
Liam Gibbons enjoys a celebratory fist bump.
Students and faculty gathered in the Gossage Building before the procession, sharing last-minute embraces and reflecting on shared memories from their time together. Commencement took place outside on Bryant Green and featured an accomplished line-up of speakers who spoke of the lasting impact their Cannon experiences bestowed upon them.
BELOW:
Laura Huffman, Upper School history teacher, delivered the commencement keynote address. “Put yourself out there—for the opportunity, or the job, or internship, or the house, or the partner,” she urged graduates. “Why? Because you’re lovely and amazing and smart and most of all, kind… other people will see that, too.”
Austin Swartz receiving his diploma.
“Each one of us possesses a unique perspective formulated by our experiences, triumphs, and tribulations. I urge you all to cast aside doubts, insecurities, or fears you may hold, advocate for yourself and others, listen with empathy, challenge the status quo, speak out against injustice, and embrace the diversity of perspectives surrounding us. For it is only when we share our stories can our voices be amplified, and we can truly make a difference in the world.”
Ashmi Trivedi Class of 2024 Co-Valedictorian
Congratulations CLASS OF 2024!
Matt Gossage, Interim Head of School, “Class of 2024, you worked your way through change and challenge, and you prevailed.”
Conor Nelson with mother, Joanie Nelson
Kierra Morrow takes a celebratory selfie with friends
CANNON SCHOOL
CORE VALUES
TEAMWORK
Cooperating, communicating, and collaborating to achieve a common goal
Students in Middle School come together during Middle School Advisory Games.
Why does Cannon offer AT and AP coursework?
Cannon’s adaptive curriculum prepares students for college beyond the test.
Innovation is nothing new to Cannon. Since its inception, the school has continually studied best practices in education and cognitive research to serve the evolving needs of today’s youth.
“We are always examining our programs and we want to ensure that the coursework our students are engaging in will prepare them for the complexity of their future,” says Nate Rogers, Director of Teaching & Learning for JrK-12 at Cannon. “Before enacting long-term change, our staff connects with colleges to identify needs and gaps that they’re seeing in students, and then we adjust the curriculum to align with those needs.” This includes taking stock of trends in college admissions and feedback from graduates to evaluate the best path forward to prepare students for college and beyond. “We hear from graduates that their college experience feels like an extension of Upper School,” says Heidi Waibel, Co-Director of College Counseling. “A Cannon education gives students an edge in tackling those higher-order skills expected at the university level.”
“AT courses can pause and dig deeper into certain areas, allowing space for higher order thinking and deeper understanding of content.”
— Nate Rogers, Director of Teaching & Learning JrK to Grade 12
A redesign of advanced level courses in the Upper School has emerged from this ongoing assessment. In 2017, Cannon was one of the first college prep schools in North Carolina to introduce Advanced Topic (AT) classes into its Upper School course offerings. Like Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Advanced Topic courses also offer a rigorous and enriching course of study, but with more flexibility by the teachers to customize the curriculum and delve deeper into key topics. This year, Cannon will offer 8 AT courses—mainly in humanities—and 12 AP courses to our Upper School students. Examples of these Cannondesigned AT courses include advanced electives such as:
Students presenting their work during 4th grade Living Museum.
World History II, English Literature & Composition, Environmental Science, and US Government/ Politics. New this year will be Design Thinking & Entrepreneurship, a course exploring the intersection of creativity, business acumen, and community impact.
The College Board launched the AP program in the 1950s with the goal of helping students obtain academic credit to finish college early, while also providing rigorous course options. Student enrollment in AP courses remains high nationwide, but not all high schools offer the AP curriculum and many do not offer each individual AP class. This begs the question: does a transcript heavy in AP courses make a student more competitive in college admissions?
Not necessarily, says Jonathan Sims, Director of Admission and Recruitment at Davidson College. He says that colleges like Davidson are seeing more high schools move away from the AP curriculum and renaming the highest level of coursework available in its place. Some still offer certain AP courses or refer to the most rigorous classes as Advanced, Advanced Topics, Seminars, Honors and more. He shared that colleges and universities that utilize a holistic admission review focus on the curriculum available in place, in combination with the student’s essays, recommendations, and out of classroom involvement. “We want to see students challenging themselves with the most rigorous courses available at their school, while maintaining balance. When specific courses allow teachers and students to dig deeper into core subject areas it only prepares them more for the academic rigor of college,” says Sims.
curating other’s ideas or simply scratching the surface,” he notes. Every AT class at Cannon includes a demonstration of each student’s signature learning experience, such as website portfolios or a public defense of their work. For example, the AT Environmental Science course, in addition to following a standard curriculum, also requires students to choose a local environmental issue to study and write a scientific grant proposing a solution to help it. Real-life skills like grant writing are instrumental in preparing today’s generation to better articulate what topics motivate them and what career paths interest them.
This in-depth learning experience is what sets Cannon apart from many of its independent school peers, says Rogers. Cannon prides itself on allowing students to focus on complex learning— “generating their own ideas rather than
Cannon School’s approach to instilling these critical thinking skills begins early. Lower School teachers have adopted an adaptive expertise learning approach, which focuses on skills to solve problems, think flexibly, and adapt to new situations. Fourth graders participate in the Living Museum project each year, which requires students to research a historical figure and then creatively present their findings in a public forum. The Middle School curriculum continues building on these public speaking and relational skills to help students apply knowledge in meaningful ways. The eighth-grade year culminates with students presenting Cornerstone projects, which highlights an aspect of the student’s learning journey to make meaningful real-world connections. All of these projects, while significant, make up only a part of the diverse learning experiences employed across grade levels.
For Upper School students, application of knowledge is critical preparation for college and the adult world. It represents more challenging scenarios and interdisciplinary connections missing from much of the AP curriculum. “Cannon emphasizes depth over breadth,” says Rogers. While an AP curriculum is often designed to cover a wide range of topics, some of this knowledge feels rushed because teachers and students are only allotted a small amount of time to study it before moving on to the next subject. AT courses can pause and dig deeper into certain areas, allowing space for higher-order thinking and deeper understanding of content.
Rogers says writing is an example of a skill that needed more support. One of Cannon’s first course transitions involved the AP Language & Composition class. In this course, students learned three different types of writing and were asked to produce short, timed writing entries on the AP exam as well as answer a large number of multiple-choice questions in a small amount of time. Hard? Yes. Complex? Not really, say Rogers. “What we saw was that our kids weren’t actually learning to write—they were just learning to curate other people’s ideas.” He compares the revamped AT Language & Composition course to an introductory writing class in college, where students are exposed to multiple writing styles and revision processes. At the end of the course, students are asked to create a signature learning experience project where they present on their writing journey, summarize what they’ve learned to do better, defend their learning to a panel of judges, and connect their growth to other areas of their life. These personal insights, while challenging for some students, are a key component of AT offerings that lead to longer-lasting learning as the students must draw connections and reflect on their learning processes.
“When schools have a curriculum of a good mix where teachers can dig deeper into subjects, it only prepares students more for college.”
Jonathan Sims, Director of Recruitment and Admissions at Davidson College
AP courses remain a popular option for Upper School students at Cannon, with most seniors taking at least one AP course. In addition, AP exams are open to everyone—not just students who have taken the AP course—and many AT students still successfully take the AP exams to receive academic credit. Cannon currently favors the flexibility of a hybrid curriculum approach to ensure that the school can pivot and evolve to provide a challenging curriculum that prepares students for the next steps in their education.
“A curriculum oriented toward collaborative and experiential learning better prepares a student for college and beyond,” asserts Waibel. “We want our students to see graduation as more than their end goal, but as their jumping-off point.”
Rayyan Syed '24 on Decision Day
SIGNATURE LEARNING EXPERIENCES result in so much more than well-executed presentations or research papers—they set the stage for moments of inspiration, new ideas, and excitement for learning. I’ve seen the moment a new connection is made—the moment the light bulb clicks on—and it’s magic.
— Nate
Rogers, Director of Teaching and Learning JrK to Grade 12
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
AMERICAN LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE
ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION
WORLD HISTORY II
UNITED STATES HISTORY
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT / POLITICS
Scan the QR code for the Upper School course catalogue.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
DESIGN THINKING & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
CANNON SCHOOL CORE VALUES
Valuing self as you do others, their differences and their property
Mrs. Lucas, Nico Brigham ’33 and Landon Wooden ’33 at Lower School Olympic Day 2024
Creative Intelligence: A Case for the Arts
Arts integration at Cannon fuels more than just aesthetic value
Flowers by Finley Necessary ’24
“Education is not the learning of facts, it’s rather the training of the mind to think.”
— Albert Einstein, Scientist
Einstein’s mantra is the common theme across campus when speaking to heads of departments in all disciplines, including the arts. A student’s artistic experience at Cannon involves more than just practicing scales or cutting up paper to make a collage. “I teach through art,” says Brad Davis, Director of Band, Jazz & Music Tech. “Creativity connects to everything in life. Art is just the vehicle that gets us there.”
Director of Theater Arts Andy Macdonald wants to help the public understand how critical thinking and creativity go together. “In the 20th century, we developed this mentality that objective is more important than subjective, pure intellect is more important than imagination, and so the arts weren’t seen as essential to learning,” he asserts. “This approach has sometimes left the arts as a supplementary offering, but this is just not the case. Whether an art discipline is developed into a career or not, the arts are what help us develop innovative and critical thinking in our everyday life.”
CRITICAL THINKING;
Noun
the objective analysis and questioning of an issue in order to creatively solve a problem.
During the 2022-2023 academic year, Cannon School arts faculty came together to expand on the arts vision statement: Cannon School Believes the Arts are Essential. Through a collective visioning process, the mission and vision statements were updated to include four deeper components of student development: innovative thinking, cultivating courage and learning by doing, purpose and voice, and connection to community and the world through empathy. Here’s what faculty are doing today to move this vision forward.
“Students at Cannon are guided to create original artwork, while also learning how to design and bring their own ideas to life,” states Nate Rogers, Director of Teaching and Learning. “The focus is not on the output, but rather the process of developing critical thinking skills.” In the modern world where students have growing access to artificial intelligence (AI) automation to streamline routine work tasks, it has become more crucial to develop young people
into critical thinkers who can creatively problem solve— abilities lacking in AI. “We want to shape our students into well-rounded human beings who have curious minds and who can lead productive lives,” says Rogers.
Portrait by Bri Cagnina ’26
A visual arts class at Cannon has moved beyond the traditional teaching of art. Students are encouraged to find their own creative approach and, in this process, develop those critical thinking skills. Questioning, forming ideas, and finding solutions become central to this approach. The focus is on leading students down a path of self-discovery, explains Krista Johns, Visual Art Director. By providing optimal environments for student growth, which include space and time for selfexpression and reflection, faculty encourage students to develop a unique sense of purpose and voice through their creations. Under the TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior) curriculum employed by visual arts faculty, the student self-directs his or her artistic craft rather than following a traditional “cookie cutter” model assigned by the teacher. Students are treated as artists, deciding what to make and how to make it from within the framework of known skills and techniques. The teacher’s role is to introduce the class to new concepts through mini lessons and guide the student through challenges. Students are then presented with the task of creating by applying a series of skills including questioning, problem-solving and application. The resulting process of creating something, receiving feedback, and correcting mistakes through new techniques is a natural part of making art while developing transferable skills that can be used across all aspects of their lives, academic-based or not.
Using art to build life skills is infused into every aspect of the arts curriculum, no matter the medium. Cannon’s literary arts magazine, The Ink, was launched five years ago to help students build deeper community connections. Developed and produced by students, The Ink showcases an array of Cannon students’ work in poetry, short fiction, essays, photography, art, and design. Not only are the students’ talents on display, but also the crafting of the publication connects them to beyond the classroom learning opportunities. From publication, graphic design and actively collaborating with multiple stakeholders, projects like The Ink develop confidence and crucial life skills of finding solutions. Another key skill developed is the ability to pivot as necessary when challenges arise.
In addition to developing these critical thinking skills, engaging with art is essential to the human experience, correlating with benefits in social, emotional, and academic performance. A recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts, found that students with high levels of arts
engagement had more positive outcomes in a variety of areas, from graduation rates to SAT scores. Moreover, the arts connect people across different cultures, beliefs, and religions, building community through creativity.
The evidence is clear that study of the arts contributes significantly to student achievement and success, says Rob Burlington, Director of Music Arts. This is why Burlington actively works on ways in which the arts education can be supported from lower school through graduation. Burlington notes one of the key issues faced by Upper School students is choosing between arts or other programs in an already-packed class schedule. Cannon’s music faculty have confronted this issue by offering zero-hour workshops, where elite performing student groups can meet before school to hone their craft. Similarly, in addition to curricular acting classes, students can participate in Cannon Theater Company after school. Cannon currently offers additional summer school intensive courses across other subjects that allow for students to work ahead in specific areas. In doing so, Cannon leaders affirm the importance of keeping arts fully integrated and accessible across the curriculum schedule, no matter the grade level of the student.
As one of the longest serving faculty members in the arts department, Brad Davis also saw the need to expand on the current ensemble offerings to encourage trial, error, and discovery. As he reminds us, jazz was once considered taboo many years ago and is now taught in schools across the country. He asserts that there is always a place for traditional music teachings, as these provide a foundation of skills, but expanding skills is paramount to students developing creativity and individual talents. From this notion came the Modern Ensemble course created by Davis, which requires somewhat greater collaboration among students as they choose, develop, and prepare music that (unlike the traditional ensembles) isn’t written out for them on paper. The risks involved are higher, as students are creating and developing their own musical arrangements, but the rewards of introducing their fresh take on this music to the world are exhilarating.
As research continues to reveal the necessity for strong arts education and the emergence of AI is introduced across several traditional roles, it has become more important than ever to provide students with new and deliberate opportunities that develop critical thinking skills. While AI can perform some tasks exceptionally well, it currently lacks
“Whether an art discipline is developed into a career or not, the arts are what help us develop critical thinking in our everyday life.”
— Andy Macdonald Director of Theater Arts
(without human input) authentic creativity and critical thinking. It is the development of critical thinking skills that sets us apart from AI in understanding context, questioning, adjusting our reasoning based on changing circumstances and most importantly, the ability to understand human emotions. Cannon’s investment in arts integration with traditional studies helps students adapt to the rapidly changing global landscape by shifting their thought processes. As for the artistic outputs—whether beginner or advanced—original artworks transform the school campus into a living, breathing classroom.
One of the students at Cannon who dove into the Modern Ensemble course is Willa Needham ’24. Starting at Cannon in her sophomore year, Willa came to Cannon already experienced in the arts. Under Burlington’s tutelage, she continued to hone her musical talents before moving onto modern ensemble in her senior year to develop her skills and creativity even further. “Modern Ensemble really helped us learn how to push boundaries,” said Willa. “Class was such an inspiring environment where you weren’t afraid to try out new things.” Together, Davis and Willa’s family recognized an opportunity to expand Cannon’s offerings. The Needham family partnered with Cannon in identifying areas that could aid student life across artistic disciplines and generously gifted Cannon a multipurpose audio lab. The purpose of the audio lab will be to provide a functional designated space for all students to experiment new skills and ideas, from recording music to gaining sound technician skills.
Lucas Guilfoyle ’25 during a dress rehearsal.
CANNON SCHOOL CORE VALUES
PASSION
Enthusiasm for excellence
BOYS’ VARSITY LACROSSE
won NCISAA State Championship for the third consecutive year!
GIRLS’
GIRLS’
VARSITY VOLLEYBALL won NCISAA State Championship
VARSITY BASKETBALL won NCISAA State Championship
Boys’ Varsity Golf
took third place in the CISAA Conference Championship
Varsity & MS Swimming
8 swimmers qualified for NCISAA State Championship Meet
GIRLS’ VARSITY SOFTBALL runner- up NCISAA State Championship
Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse
earned number six seed in the playoffs
GO COUGARS!
BOYS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL
Finished season ranked ninth in NC and second in the NCISAA conference
Varsity Track & Field
Several records broken, PRs set, and multiple podium finishes at the NCISAA State Championship
VARSITY WRESTLING
hosted first-ever all-girls wrestling event featuring the first NC female to place in the National Prep Tournament
Boys’ Varsity Baseball won first-round playoff game
BOYS’ VARSITY TENNIS earned number two seed in the playoffs
CONGRATULATIONS
CISAA 2023-2024 ALL-CONFERENCE ATHLETES
BASEBALL
Second Team All-Conference
Victor Lopez
Tyler Green
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
CISAA Player of the Year
Austin Swartz
First Team All-Conference
Isaiah Henry
Austin Swartz
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
CISAA Player of the Year
Maya McCorkle
First Team All-Conference
Maya McCorkle
Madison Drayton
Kierra Morrow
Second Team All-Conference
Brooke Busby
CHEERLEADING
First Team All-Conference
Kenan Bullard
Second Team All-Conference
Isabella Moore
Sydney Scurlock
BOYS’ CROSS COUNTRY
First Team All-Conference
Alexander Friedli
GIRLS’ CROSS COUNTRY
Second Team All-Conference
Elise Wrenholt
FOOTBALL
Offense – First Team All-Conference
TE – Henry Anthony
WR – Colin Reese
Offense – Second Team All-Conference
QB – Tyler Green
WR – Gavin Powell
WR – Kenan Dixon
OL – Hayes Galloway
Defense – First Team All-Conference
LB – Luke Fox
Defense – Second Team All-Conference
LB – Sam Davis
DB – Max Riley
Special Teams – Second Team All-Conference
Kicker – Landon Mare
Punter – Landon Mare
GOLF
First Team All-Conference
Brooke Busby
Angelina Chen
BOYS’ LACROSSE
CISAA Player of the Year
Brevin Wilson
First Team All-Conference
Ben Maynor
Quinn Falasca
Will Swartz
Brevin Wilson Cole Frood
Conor Nelson
Quinn Frood
Second Team All-Conference
Liam Gibbons
Colby Dry
GIRLS’ LACROSSE
First Team All-Conference
London Barnhardt
Second Team All-Conference
Maggie Murphy
Addison Maynor
BOYS’ SOCCER
First Team All-Conference
Charlie Freidenger
Second Team All-Conference
JT Murphy
GIRLS’ SOCCER
Second Team All-Conference
Mia Valencia
SOFTBALL
First Team All-Conference
Maddie Sturgill
Layla Wagner
Jolie Matthews
Second Team All-Conference
Clark Hudson
Kenzie Sturgill
SWIMMING
First Team All-Conference
John Kroll (50 Free)
Second Team All-Conference
John Kroll (100 Free)
BOYS’ TENNIS
CISAA Player of the Year
Isaac Szilagyi
First Team All-Conference
Isaac Szilagyi
Second Team All-Conference
Cole Haigney
TRACK & FIELD
Second Team All-Conference
Amir Morocco – Triple Jump
Aaron Ward – Discus
VOLLEYBALL
CISAA Player of the Year
Arianna Lopez
First Team All-Conference
Maria Nix
Destiny Thomas
Second Team All-Conference
Lily Wittgraefe
WRESTLING
Second Team All-Conference
Brady Ravin
NCISAA 2023-2024 ALL-STATE ATHLETES
FALL / WINTER/ SPRING
BOYS’ BASKETBALL
Austin Swartz
Isaiah Henry
GIRLS’ BASKETBALL
Maya McCorkle
Kierra Morrow
Madison Drayton
CROSS COUNTRY
Alexander Friedli
Elise Wrenholt
BOYS’ GOLF
Aiden Clark
BOYS’ LACROSSE
Quinn Falasca
Cole Frood
Quinn Frood
Ben Maynor
Connor Nelson
Will Swartz
Brevin Wilson
GIRLS’ LACROSSE
London Barnhardt
SOFTBALL
Jolie Matthews
Layla Wagner
TENNIS
Isaac Szilagyi
VOLLEYBALL
Arianna Lopez
Maria Nix
Destiny Thomas
CANNON SCHOOL CORE VALUES
INTEGRITY
Knowing and doing what is right
Student Life Uncovered
In April the Cannon Board of Trustees and Interim Head of School Matt Gossage invited six seniors to their meeting for a panel discussion to share and reflect on their Upper School experiences.
These six students varied greatly by academic interests, achievements, athletics, and activities, but were equally passionate about sharing what moments inspired them during their years at Cannon. All highlighted faculty guidance and support as a constant for them in building a close-knit community. From winning championships to finding newfound confidence in academics, here’s what some of the students had to say:
TYLER MARTIN
Tyler Martin describes his experience as a panelist as useful for both the students and trustees to learn from each other. A talented basketball player, Tyler found himself sidelined by a back injury during the season. He credits unwavering support from Dean Williams and his teammates for keeping him on track and positive. “They were flexible in helping me recover and heal, while still keeping up with schoolwork,” Tyler says. “Support for athletes isn’t just for a season but year-round—and your team truly feels like a family.”
Class of 2024 graduation ceremony
WILLA NEEDHAM
TERI PRIDGEN
Track & Field standout Teri Pridgen relays that her most significant Upper School experience was receiving an Honor Sword her junior year. The Honor Sword is an award given by the student’s peers that recognizes integrity and leadership skills. “A lot of people think that winning state titles and championships in track would be the highlight of my high school career, but earning an Honor Sword was a truly meaningful moment for me,” she says. Teri came to Cannon in eighth grade and describes the transition as “a bit of a culture shock.” Taking a leadership role in Cannon’s Black Student Affinity Group and participating in other clubs helped her settle in. She credits faculty member Jenn Holston and Dean Chris Williams for supporting her when times got tough and reminding her to keep going. “I genuinely feel like everyone at Cannon really tries to make things better whenever there’s a concern,” she notes.
Willa Needham came to Cannon as a sophomore with a keen interest in music, having taken singing lessons from an early age. She found confidence through her arts journey at Cannon. Her band The Band Henna performed at school events and she learn to play guitar as part of the Modern Ensemble course. “As I got more involved with the arts, I started to advocate for myself more, even outside of music,” says Willa. Faculty members Brad Davis and Solomon Fleckman were instrumental in pushing her to think outside the box and explore new interests. “There’s definitely a feeling that everyone at Cannon looks out for you,” she notes. “It sounds cliched, but the teachers make you feel like part of a family, whether they taught you or not.”
Madison Bryan ’24 celebrating with Teri Pridgen ’24 during graduation.
CARTER HUFFMAN
Carter Huffman found serving as a student panelist to be beneficial to connecting with the Board of Trustees. He says they asked questions that proved very insightful— from asking about his greatest hardship (pandemic learning) to his most influential mentors (Coaches Danny Scurlock and Jamie Bolton). Carter worked under both coaches as a football manager and worked his way up to coaching roles. “Working together towards a common goal was an incredible personal opportunity for me in gaining leadership skills,” says Carter. “Collaborating directly with faculty makes Cannon feel like a true college prep experience.”
Fabio Hurtado adds, “It was powerful to see that kids felt free to discuss personal life stories and were vulnerable in sharing personal challenges outside of school during their Upper School years. Overall, there was an intimacy achieved between students and the Board of Trustees members that is rare to see.”
Fabio Hurtado during the Class of 2024 graduation ceremony.
CANNON SCHOOL CORE VALUES
Taking the time to care for others
Malia Allen ’38 during Teddy Bear Picnic 2024
A LETTER FROM Sarah Sooklal
Director of Community Engagement
As a five-year-old kindergartener, I took my first steps into the Cannon house on Union Street. I immediately beheld the mile-wide smile of my teacher Mrs. Gilbert. Her classroom, located in the downstairs portion of the house, was adorned with low bookshelves holding crayons. This school was in every sense a home.
The following year when we moved to the new campus, it was all about the energy of this new space. Walking up to the front of the campus and being greeted by the firm handshake of Mr. Snyder inside I felt seen. Starting the day with a school leader looking in your eyes and shaking your hand set the tone for the belongingness I would feel throughout the day.
When my family moved during first grade, I vividly remember my teacher Mrs. Brown sending me cards written by my classmates that cemented my Cannon connection. Years went by and eventually we returned to North Carolina. I finished a degree in education and found myself drawn back to classrooms and lifelong learning. However, I yearned for a community that encompassed my own values, not only within the classroom, but also in its daily operations.
Returning to Cannon years later as a substitute teacher, I got a taste of what it had to offer. What I found was similar to what I had left behind many years before, but also an evolution of the time, energy, and love that so many people had poured into the walls.
Today I find it a gift to be able to show up at this school each day. To walk through the doors Mr. Snyder welcomed me into as a young child holding my own children’s hands, one on each side. They get to enter and receive the joy, care, and love that Cannon brings to each child. I get the privilege to help advance our amazing community by engaging alumni, parents and students on campus and showcasing the difference they are making in a messy world.
The core values are the thread that weave together the fabric of the Cannon community and I see them present in every alumni I have the pleasure of meeting. Whether it is the passion that Hillary Gruce ’08 brings to every Alumni Board meeting or the courage I see in our Distinguished Alumni making a mark in their fields. The teamwork I see from alumni hosting affinity sports games remind me that the core values are at the forefront of who our graduates are. When students return to campus and reminisce with faculty members who made insurmountable impacts on their lives, they get to feel that connection.
Each day, I am so fortunate to see the smiling faces of teachers who deeply believe in the hope of our future generations and leadership who steer the ship, providing vast knowledge on curriculum, instruction, and belongingness.
“The core values are the thread that weave together the fabric of the Cannon community.”
— Sarah Sooklal
This is my thank you to the community for welcoming me back into this HOME, for shaking my hand and looking me in the eyes and giving me a place I belong. Whether we are here for a year or are celebrated as a “lifer,” Cannon always holds a special place in our hearts and life.
Sarah Sooklal
Sarah with Mrs. Carol Gilbert from Cabarrus Academy
Class Notes
2010
Carleigh Rose attended Meredith College after Cannon, studying psychology and dance. She currently lives in Raleigh with her golden retriever, Maggie, and her boyfriend. She has been with 42nd Street since 2013, starting off as host and server before moving up to management in 2019. She took over the Wine and Beverage program in 2022 and won the Wine Spectator Award in her first year as director. This year she snagged the award for the second straight year! She volunteers at the Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue in her spare time, which rescues, rehabs, and finds forever homes for dogs in need.
2011
Crystal Bennett Schiano graduated with her Doctorate in Nursing Practice and Master of Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University in May 2024.
2012
Kevin Ross welcomed a new daughter. Loretta Ann Ross aka “Lottie” was born at 1:42 PM on February 13, weighing in at 7lb, 15 oz and 22 inches long. She has a full head of hair courtesy of Kevin!
Mason McClanahan married Natalie Gill on January 13 in Cancun, Mexico. Cannon community members in attendance included: Mason’s sisters Katie McClanahan ’16 and Meghan McClanahan ’19, classmates Will Keenan and Matt Dockery ’12, as well as many Cannon School community members: Joy Pinto (former Registrar), Sue Ramsey (former English Dept.), Julia Dunn ’17, Trevor Fernald ’17, Brooke Wurzburger ’16, Haniya Mee (former College Counseling) and mother-ofthe-groom Kristin McClanahan (former College Counseling).
Vicky Bruce—A Cannon School alumna and Athletic Hall of Fame member has returned to Charlotte. Welcome home, Vicky! She’s making history signing with the newly formed USL Super League club Carolina Ascent. Let’s cheer her on as she continues to soar!
Rachel West married Andrew Hutson on June 17 in Concord. They met on Bumble and survived Rachel asking, “What’s your name again?” at the end of the first date (totally meant “last name”). Staff member Shelly Edwards attended the celebration!
Carleigh Rose
Cystal Bennett Schiano with her family at graduation.
Mason McClanahan and Natalie Gill
Vicky Bruce signed with Carolina Ascent
Rachel West and Andrew Hutson on their wedding day.
Welcoming Loretta Ann Ross into the world.
2015
Hannah Ventura recently got engaged to Bobby Golish— congratulations! The couple, who first crossed paths in Washington D.C. in 2020, recently celebrated their engagement. The proposal, as romantic as it was memorable, took place at the iconic Jefferson Memorial. Their celebrations were made even more special with the presence of siblings and fellow Cannon School alumni Tyler Ventura ’15, Cole Ventura ’19, and Gillian Ventura ’19. The Ventura’s adventurous brother, John ’19, currently serving in the Peace Corps in Costa Rica, sent his heartfelt wishes. Here’s to Hannah and Bobby, and a future filled with love and happiness!
Class Notes
Taylor Lumpkins has been nominated as the Canopy Realtor Association’s Rookie of the Year. This prestigious acknowledgment is the result of a highly selective process aimed at identifying a realtor who has truly excelled and outperformed in their first year. It’s an incredible honor, considering Canopy serves over 20,000 realtors, making this nomination particularly significant.
2018
2017
Catie Kuralt got engaged to Harrison Hart on Sunday, October 8. They had a wonderful engagement party in NYC with several Cannon School alumni in attendance!
Alec Easton attended Morehouse College as a psychology major. During his time at Morehouse, he engaged in research pertaining to substance abuse and mindfulness with the McNair Scholars Program. After graduating from Morehouse in 2022, he pursued a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling at the University of Georgia. While attending UGA, Alec provided counseling and mental health outreach services to college students and community members in Athens, Georgia along with survivors of sexual violence. Through his work at UGA, he cultivated an interest in working with queer clients of color as well as trauma survivors and intends to continue working with these populations in his future academic endeavors. Following the culmination of his Master’s program, Alec intends to pursue a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Missouri starting this Fall.
Hannah and Bobby
From left to right: Alli Kuralt ’17, Davis Combs ’16, Lauren Peace ’17, Sophie Jenike ’18, Catie Kuralt ’17, Ellen Gordon ’17, Raquel McLeod ’17, Kristen Stephens (current faculty), Caroline Stephens ’30, Alex Kuralt ’17
Taylor Lumpkins
Alec Easton
Class Notes
2018
Sarah Stamey met Frank eight years ago, at Frontier Ranch in Colorado, sparking a love story that’s taken them across continents. Their shared love for travel led them to reunite in Europe, where Frank, concluding his global expedition, found Sarah in Amsterdam. In the midst of Keukenhof Tulip Gardens’ beauty, Frank proposed, and Sarah said yes. Excited to begin their next chapter together, they look forward to a lifetime of adventures.
2020
Ava Cooksey graduated from Wake Forest University with a major in Economics and minor in entrepreneurship. After graduation, she is returning to the Charlotte area where she will be working full time as a credit analyst at Bank of America, specifically focusing on lending to power and utilities companies.
2021
Robert Burlington spent the semester in Buenos Aires studying abroad with Appalachian State University.
2022
Maddie Reiss is working as an account exec and content creator for PRISM—a studentrun faculty lead marketing firm on Virginia Tech’s campus. This summer Maddie worked as a brand marketing intern with Ann Taylor in New York City. She presented weekly on brand competitor analysis, assisted the marketing team on key initiatives and projects, as well as contributed to a collaborative project where she worked with other interns in various departments.
2019 and 2020
Anna Galloway is now the head intern at Block C Club at Clemson, where she has created an event from the ground up. Working with Clemson’s Hear Her Roar Campaign (a multi-million dollar campaign for women in athletics), she organized a photo shoot for all the women in athletics at Clemson. She loves being a part of women in athletics at Clemson. Additionally she has worked to create the letterman jacket ceremony for student athletes.
Harrison Burton ’19 and Jenna Petty ’20 began their love story in 2017, and now, nearly 7 years later, they’re saying ‘yes’ to forever! From high school sweethearts at Cannon to an engagement in Central Park, here's to endless love and new adventures ahead!
Sarah and Frank at the Keukenhof Tulip Gardens
Ava Cooksey
Robert Burlington
Maddie Reiss
Anna Galloway
Harrison and Jenna in Central Park
A Cannon education prepares our graduates for a world filled with possibilities and opportunities to serve others, while exploring their interests, and creating pathways where none existed.
Scan the QR code to see some of our Alumni in action.
Stay Engaged
Class Reunions
Join us on campus for class reunions for all alumni celebrating each class every five years.
Magazine Class Notes
Submit your life updates—including weddings, babies, job changes, and awards— to be featured in Cannon Magazine ’s latest issue.
Homecoming/ Alumni Weekend
Come cheer on the Cougars with friends and faculty!
Distinguished Alumni Awards & Athletic Hall of Fame
Celebrate your fellow alumni being honored with these awards.
Affinity Games
Come back to see teammates and enjoy scrimmages.
Campus
Drop-In Events
Visit campus for a casual drop-in event to catch up with beloved faculty and other alumni.
Alumni Snapshots
Let’s celebrate YOU! Submit an update to be featured on our social media.
Alumni Bridges Mentor Sign-up
Bridge the gap between past and present through mentorship.
On Saturday September, 23, 2023, we held our Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony.
This ceremony honors Cannon School alumni and faculty who have distinguished themselves through outstanding achievements in their profession, leadership to others, civic engagement and philanthropy, and the arts while exemplifying the Core Values of Cannon School.
Bethany Corbin ’ 08 joined us at Cannon during our annual Project Wrap-In, an event that she spearheaded as a student, where Danny Scurlock presented her with her award in front of the school community.
The 2023 Cannon School DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS
Distinguished Alumni Award
Eddie Alcorn ’04 Alumni Service Award
Monty Coggins
Distinguished Faculty Award
Justin Weaks ’08 Distinguished Alumni in the Arts
Hannah Yanetsko ’16 Young Alumni Award
Bethany Corbin ’08
Alumni Events
CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH PRIDE
We were honored to welcome back Distinguished Alumni in the Arts award winner Justin Weaks ’08, who shattered stereotypes and shared powerful insights with our upper school students. His journey in the theater world, holding three Helen Hayes Awards and five nominations, proves the power of authenticity and brilliance. Embracing the theme “African Americans and the Arts,” Justin’s success at the Tony Awardwinning Woolly Mammoth Theater Company is a testament to showcasing your true self. Here’s to breaking barriers and rewriting the narrative!
CLASS REUNIONS
Over the holidays, we welcomed back our alumni for their class reunions on campus. They enjoyed revisiting memories along with their handprints on the walls during a tour of the updated campus. The night concluded with an impromptu after party at Saeed’s!
THE ALUMNI JAZZ BAND NEVER DISAPPOINTS!
We loved having our annual holiday mingle with the jazz band over the winter break. Brad Davis brought the energy and everyone enjoyed catching up!
ALUMNI TRACK & FIELD CELEBRATE COACH DARREN BIEHLER
A special gathering for the annual alumni track & field meet also served as a celebration of Coach Darren Biehler’s incredible 10 years of dedication to Cannon School. We’re grateful for his immense contributions to our program and will miss him dearly. Special shout out to Cannon School
Athletic Hall of Fame member Bill Drake for joining us to send off Coach Biehler—having him back on campus is always a highlight!
ALUMNI BRUNCH
ALUMNI LACROSSE
Our lacrosse alumni laced up their cleats for a win against the varsity boys’ team. Jake Diehl’s baby cheered him on in the stands.
Each year we host an alumni brunch the day before commencement to welcome our seniors to becoming alumni. This year Trey Hoover ’06 and Hillary Gruce ’08, along with Director of Advancement Amy Hunt, spoke to the senior class to welcome them as alumni and educate them on alumni engagement and giving. Each senior wrote a thank you note to someone who impacted them during their time at Cannon.
Alumni Board Members
Shannon Ondecker ’03
Elizabeth Barnes ’04
Trey Hoover, III ’06
Dallas Disbro ’08
Virginia Ourisman ’08
Hillary Gruce ’08
Kathryne Joseph ’08
Curt Black ’09
Lauren Connors ’10
Ashley Rivenbark ’10
Hayden Keziah ’10
Carrie Allen ’11
Patrick Murphy ’11
Myles Martino ’13
Thomas Goode ’13
Hailey Foreman ’13
Brandon Wade ’15
Erin Mason ’16
Anne Earnshaw ’17
McKenna Koch ’20
Chandra Pridgen ’21
Joshua Reynolds ’21
Ryan Chen ’22
Santiago Castaneda ’24
The “Alumni Bridges” Program is a unique mentorship program connecting fellow alumni, as well as fostering mentorship of the senior class when navigating the college and career landscape. We believe in the power of community and shared experiences. Alumni provide career insights, college guidance, and essential life skills, supporting both each other and students. Join us in bridging the gap between past and present, paving the way for a brighter future through mentorship and mutual growth.
To find out more, scan the QR Code:
Fall Alumni Events
50th Reunion Brunch Cabarrus Academy
Classes of ’72, ’73, ’74
Friday, September 27, 2024
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Campbell Gallery
Homecoming Football Game
Friday, September 27, 2024
7:00 p.m.
Randy Marion Field
Reunion Weekend
Friday and Saturday, December 20-21, 2024
RSVP @ cannonschool.org/alumni
Friday, December 20, 2024
Alumni Swim Meet & Breakfast Campus Tours
Saturday, December 21, 2024
Class Reunion celebrating ’04, ’09, ’14, ’19 featuring the Alumni Jazz Band 7:00 p.m.
Cabarrus Brewing Co. Concord, NC
Connections Beyond the Classroom
(taoli man tianxia)
A Chinese expression describing a successful teacher whose students have scattered to all corners of the world.
Weimin capturing memories with his wife Mrs. Mari Yuan, Cécile, and Cécile’s husband, Alexis on top of a rocky knoll in Morocco.
Weimin Yuan, a former Chinese instructor at Cannon School, knows the joys of seeing students thrive beyond the classroom and in new world cultures. However, Yuan insists that his teaching journey enabled him to learn far more than he ever taught.
When Yuan first launched the Chinese language program at Cannon in 2005, he recalls some reservations on the feasibility of having a Chinese language program. Yuan worked on the proposals for some time before the program was approved. In the first year, there were only a dozen students brave or curious enough to take the course. Among them was Cécile Estebe ’09, a reserved and attentive student from France, who preferred to sit alone from most of her peers. It was over a three-week school trip to China in 2007 that Yuan fully took in Estebe’s eagerness to experience Chinese culture and learn its traditions. He continued to share cultural knowledge with her and advised her on college options during Estebe’s senior year.
While Estebe studied hospitality at Boston University, she continued to study Chinese and studied abroad at Fudan University in China. During this time, Yuan helped her secure an internship at the Ritz-Carlton in Shanghai, his hometown. Later that year when Yuan returned to visit family in Shanghai, he met up with Estebe for lunch at her new place of employment.
Upon graduation in 2014, Estebe accepted a job in the sales department at the newly opened Shangri-la Hotel in Paris, just steps away from the Eiffel Tower. Eager to repay her old teacher for his help, she invited Yuan and his wife Mrs. Mari Yuan to visit her and experience French culture. After an immersive week in Paris, the trio traveled to Burgundy to visit Estebe’s grandparents, giving Yuan a real taste of home life in France.
Today Estebe is married and lives in Morocco, but the friendship between student and teacher has continued to grow. Estebe and her husband work in the hotel industry, with Cécile being the General Manager of a resort in Dakhla, Morocco. Last year, Estebe once again invited Yuan and his wife to visit her overseas and experience a new world culture. Yuan notes that he and Estebe have now spent time with each other on four continents: North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa.
Although Yuan and Estebe are more than 50 years apart in age and hail from different parts of the world, they have stayed in each other’s lives for more than two decades since meeting at Cannon. In the process, Yuan says they helped each other to grow and expand into fuller and better human beings. “Isn’t that what education is all about?” Yuan notes. “After all, an aged teacher can still learn and benefit from his young student.”
and
a sunset on top of a rocky knoll in Morocco with Cécile and her husband Alexis.
Weimin and Mrs. Mari Yuan with Cécile exploring Moroccan culture.
(September 2023)
Cecile Estebe and Weimin Yuan at the Shangri-la Hotel in Paris (May 2014)
Above: Weimin
his wife Mrs. Mari Yuan watch
Below:
Corporate Partner Spotlight
Chris Nadeau knows a thing or two about partnerships.
As founder and CEO of Haversack, he is in the business of partnering with corporate clients to streamline shipping logistics.
Collaboration is the name of the game, according to Chris.
That’s why when Chris and his wife Natasha’s three children—Wyatt ’31, Simonne ’33, and Talya ’33—joined Cannon in 2020, it made sense for the Nadeau family to seek out partnership opportunities with their new school. Natasha quickly became involved with the Cannon Connections parent group and currently serves on their leadership board. Through Haversack, Chris became a Corporate Partner and a trusted advisor. Cannon’s Corporate Partnership program allows businesses to promote their causes while also supporting exceptional programs at school.
For Chris, the return on investment is more than just seeing his company logo displayed. “The ROI comes from the
“You get much more out than just what you put in,” Chris explains.
quality education my kids are getting,” says Chris. “It’s a slow burn, but the end result is seeing well-rounded kids and engaged learners.”
Chris sees potential for growth within the Corporate Partnership program. He’d love to see networking events and off-campus gatherings bring parents and community members together. He hopes more parents and business owners will seek out corporate partnerships, allowing Cannon to be nimble and responsive to changing needs and demands. “You get much more out than just what you put in,” Chris explains.
Cannon’s strength is built on the relationships fostered within our community. It is this culture of active engagement that fosters growth and development directly advancing the mission of Cannon School; nurturing relationships at the heart of learning and engaging the learner in a journey of growth.
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Classroom visits, student performances, and shared joy were on display as we welcomed guests to campus on Grandparents & Special Friends Day.
Winter and Spring Highlights
Celebrating creativity and community, Arts Jam showcased student performances, artworks, and hands-on activities this spring.
Pairing our youngest students with our oldest ones, the JrK/Senior Buddies program develops lifelong friendships within the Cannon community.
From the parade to the shoe kick competition, Olympic Day was filled with smiles, laughter, and a special sendoff as we bid happy retirement to its founder and beloved coach Judy Killam.
Our Middle School students embraced the cold to experience hot springs, Nordic culture and an unforgettable trip of learning in Iceland.
Along with our Upper School capstone project in India, international trips are back at Cannon in full swing.
The Upper School Student Council arranged for a truly inspiring fundraiser with students and faculty shaving their heads in honor of faculty member Wendy Benz. Proceeds went to St. Baldricks, a nonprofit that raises funds for childhood cancer.
From Lower to Upper School, students of all ages gathered in December to wrap and donate over 1,200 gifts to families in need as part of Project Wrap-In.
Every year, we all look forward to Yearbook distribution day. This year did not disappoint! Students received yearbooks and relived school memories captured in time at the annual Yearbook Release this May.
common ground
noun (U) a foundation of common interest or comprehension, as in a social relationship or a discussion.
When you look at the definition of “common ground”, you’re faced with multiple variations of the meaning. Mutual agreement. Common interests. Collective understanding. So what exactly does “common ground” mean to Cannon School?
We posed this question to a number of faculty and staff and ultimately, the common theme expressed was a shared commitment to ingraining Cannon’s core values into the classroom, daily interactions, and everyday activities.
Courage, Integrity, Passion, Respect, Teamwork, Kindness
Examples of this goal include teaching negotiation in the classroom, discussing difficult topics, and presenting the facts for learners to make up their own minds—all while weaving Cannon’s core values into the learning process. This approach is based on developing critical thinking skills from Lower school to Upper school, which not only provides students with a solid education, but also arms them with the skills needed to navigate complex environments, controversial topics, and life’s challenges beyond the classroom.
With a common thread of preparing students beyond academics, Upper School has character education at the heart of its teachings. This past year, the Upper School invited Dr. Michael Bitzer from Catawba College to speak to students about the polarization in American politics, with a specific emphasis on why polarization occurs in states like North Carolina. Dr. Bitzer offered students ways in which they could counter the trend to see others as political abstractions and instead, treat one another with respect. Last August, the Upper School community signed an inaugural Unity Pledge as part of a Unity Walk celebrating core values and the American tradition of walking to show unity and celebrate a cause. Upper School students and faculty will continue this tradition at the beginning of the new school year.
“Our core values are our North Star, both through everyday teachings and activities across campus.”
— Karin Cain, Board of Trustees
Among the strategies that Middle School uses to foster core values in the classroom is its annual “common read.” The common read is a book selected for its themes that prompt students to explore feelings, build a sense of community, and relate their emotions to others. Not only do common reads help students feel a part of a community, they also increase awareness of human differences and integrate social and academic experiences. “Our hope is that we are building empathy and understanding through literature,” says Carla Moyer, Head of Middle School.
Middle School advisory lessons also serve as our common ground through reiteration of core values and discussions of timely and relevant topics in developmentally appropriate ways. Topics range from how we treat one another to current events to how holidays and cultures are celebrated around the world. Lessons center around common themes for the entire middle school and are catered to the grade level of the students.
The Lower School uses a Responsive Classroom learning approach to build social and emotional awareness among young students. “We are very intentional in building a classroom culture centered around values and respectful interactions,” said Dr. Deanna Dobbins, Lower School Dean. A Responsive Classroom approach uses evidencebased practices designed to create safe, joyful, and engaging classrooms for both students and teachers. One of the main focuses in lower school is supporting critical thinking by supporting students on how to think, not what to think. Lower School begins each day with a morning meeting, allowing students to build connections with classmates by sharing ideas, answering questions, and listening to others.
To support the spirit of fostering Cannon’s core values, Cannon established a “Common Ground” event and workshops open to parents last year. This event—along with additional planned opportunities—will continue in 2024 and 2025 for parents and staff to explore the power of courageous engagement.
Special Thanks
A special thanks to members of the Cannon community for contributing time to the Cannon Magazine Winter 2023 / Spring 2024 edition.
Mike Drew Head of School
Claudia Velandia Director of Diversity, Belongingness and Engagement
Andy MacdonaldDirector of Theater Arts
Brad Davis Director of Upper School Band, Jazz & Music Tech
Fabio Hurtado Head of Upper School
Bill Diskin Director of Admission & Financial Aid
Nate Rogers Director of Teaching and Learning JrK - 12
Krista Johns Director of Visual Arts
Danny Scurlock Interim Director of Athletics
Deanna Dobbins Lower School Assistant Head of School
Carla Moyer Head of Middle School
Heidi Waibel Co-Director of College Counseling
Rob BurlingtonDirector of Music Arts
Craig Reynolds Assistant Athletic Director
Tyler Martin Class of 2024
Teri Pridgen Class of 2024
Willa Needham Class of 2024
Carter Huffman Class of 2024 Student Contributors
Cécile Estebe Class of 2009
Community Contributors
Jonathan Sims Director of Recruitment and Admissions at Davidson College
Weimin Yuan Former Chinese Instructor at Cannon
Chris Nadeau Haversack
The Maria DeHaas Learner Series
Save the Date Tuesday, October 15, 2024 7:00 p.m. presents Dr. Michael Bitzer
We welcome Dr. Michael Bitzer as our guest speaker for the 2024 Maria DeHaas Learner Series. A professor of History and Politics at Catawba College, Dr. Bitzer is also a cherished member of the Cannon community and former Cannon parent and board member.
Last spring, Cannon’s Upper School invited Dr. Bitzer to speak to students about the polarization in American politics, with a specific emphasis on why these political divisions occur in states like North Carolina. He offered students strategies to counter the trend of viewing others with differing ideas as adversaries and, instead, how to treat one another with respect.
In line with Cannon’s dedication to seeking common ground through our core values, we welcome Dr. Bitzer to engage with the Cannon community in understanding the complexities of the upcoming election season and discover ways in which we can all find common ground throughout the year.
