CANNON THE MAGAZINE OF CANNON SCHOOL
WINTER/SPRING 2020
Letter from the Head of School Dear Cannon Family, Thank you for making time for these pages to learn more about Cannon School’s past, present and future. As we know, this year marks our 50th anniversary as a school community. It is impossible to separate those two concepts—school and community—at Cannon. As descriptions of place, each of them, in connection with one another, is made fuller. They are inextricably linked through our history as the defining elements that have drawn so many people to our doors, whether those were the doors of Cabarrus Academy at 65 Union Street or the Snyder Building at 5801 Poplar Tent. While so many of us can cherish the physical welcome felt upon walking those steps beneath the original cupola or the ascent on Education Way, we also know that these are feelings not just of place, but of people. A beckoning to join together with those in whom we recognize a shared commitment to one another’s unique life journeys. Perhaps that was the teacher who nurtured our sense of belonging in a new place, or the friend who challenged us to see a different point of view. Maybe it was the coach who engaged our desire to improve, or the new student who proved our values have human currency in all walks of life. Over the years, when people have come together in our places, they have done so with purpose. Our purpose in so many ways, from 1969 to now, has changed little. Our purpose was found in community, borne from a context of challenge and deep wonder about our future, when people came together to emphatically say, “We can do better.” While each period in our societal history stands alone and comparison fraught with fallacy, a demand for leadership and desire for justice remains. It is in this climate that our purpose and educational response recognizes its roots, if not its assurance, in community. What awesome responsibility we have each accepted in coming together at Cannon School. In the coming fifty years, may our commitment to the growth of our community and education of our students only become more passionate and purposeful. Warmly,
G. Christopher Jones Head of School
EDITOR Amy Reiss Associate Director of Marketing and Communications
CANNON MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2020 Cannon Magazine is published semiannually by the Office of Advancement. Send address changes to rriemersma@cannonschool.org.
EDITORIAL STAFF Beth Levanti Director of Marketing and Communications CONTRIBUTORS Sydney Ross Carla Moyer
ADMINISTRATION HEAD OF SCHOOL G. Christopher Jones INTERIM HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL/ DIRECTOR OF STUDIES Fabio A. Hurtado HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL Carla M. Moyer HEAD OF UPPER SCHOOL Debra Otey DIRECTOR OF ADMISSION William Diskin DIRECTOR OF ADVANCEMENT Todd W. Hartung Jr.
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS FOR SAFETY AND GENERAL OVERSIGHT Russ Campbell DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE Whit G. Brown DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING Dr. Beth Wilner DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL TECHNOLOGY Bill Donovan
Contents
4
Celebrating 50 Years! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The Way We Were . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Once a Student, Now a Teacher . . . . . . 12 Did You Know? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Remembering John Riley . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 The Big Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
18
Reliving Our Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Cannon Couples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
COVER: Fifty years ago, the doors to Cabarrus Academy opened at 65 Union Street North in downtown Concord. We’ve enjoyed five decades of amazing memories, as both Cabarrus Academy and Cannon School.
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Celebrating 50 Years! Cannon Through the Last Half-Century Smack dab in the middle of Union Street, steps away from the bustle of downtown Concord, sits a grand white house. It was built in 1905 in the Queen Anne style, spans nearly 10,000 square feet, and features distinct turrets and a dramatic cupola. 65 Union Street North once belonged to J.W. Cannon, founder of the Cannon Manufacturing Company—but back in 1968, it had been sitting vacant for years. At that same time, a group of local parents had come together to discuss the possibility of opening a new school. There seemed to be enough interest, so the committee set their sights on a location. Jane Liles approached J.W. Cannon’s son, Charles, about the possibility of using the house on Union Street as the site for the school. And the rest, as they say, is history. From our roots as Cabarrus Academy on Union Street to our current 65-acre campus on Poplar Tent Road, Cannon School has experienced change and growth few could have imagined back in 1969. Read on to learn about the timeline of the last fifty years. 4 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2020
1970
1969
Cabarrus Academy opens its doors at 65 Union Street North on September 10, 1969. There are 89 students enrolled in the school, and Herbert Buttrick is the Headmaster.
1971
The Cannon Foundation deeds the house at 65 Union Street North to the school following Charles Cannon’s death.
1972
The first Cabarrus Academy senior class graduates eleven students; welcomes second Headmaster John Hughes.
1975
1976
Kindergarten is added.
Cabarrus Academy eliminates Upper School; Walter Blanchard is named third Headmaster.
1980 1986
The Board votes to drop seventh and eighth grades, making the Academy K-6.
1984
Cabarrus Academy achieves its first accreditation.
1981
Charles Elbot is named as the Academy’s fourth Headmaster.
1994
The school moves from Union Street to its present site at the Craig Acres campus on Poplar Tent Road.
1988
Richard Snyder is named the fifth Headmaster.
1992
In the midst of growth, the school buys 65 acres for a future building site.
1990
1998
The school changes its name from Cabarrus Academy to Cannon School and welcomes Upper School students for the first time in decades.
Winter/Spring 2020 | CANNON | 5
2008
Cannon is invited to join the Charlotte Independent Schools Athletic Association; adopts “Go Beyond” as its motto.
2006
Matthew Gossage is named Cannon’s sixth Head of School
2000
2005
The Outback is built.
2002
Cannon graduates its first senior class, consisting of fourteen students.
2007
Cannon adopts the educational philosophy of “Adaptive Expertise.” 6 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2020
2018
Doors open to the new Middle School addition and The Mill @ Cannon thanks to the $4.8 million Imagine Tomorrow Campaign.
2010 2014
Construction is completed on the Cindric Performing Arts Center, Andrews Strength and Conditioning Center, the Randy Marion Family Field House, Bryant Central Green, and enhanced coaches’ offices and locker spaces—all part of the Building Bright Futures Campaign, which raised more than $7.4 million.
2019
Cannon School welcomes seventh Head of School Christopher Jones and celebrates a half century of growth and progress. Winter/Spring 2020 | CANNON | 7
The Way We Were
Cherished Memories from Our Early Days The photos may have faded but the stories remain vivid, according to the many alumni who shared memories of their early days at Cabarrus Academy and Cannon School. Read on to learn about the cherished traditions and experiences that live in the hearts of those who attended.
Stephanie Sloop Attended Cabarrus Academy 1969-1972 “As the 1972 graduating class from Cabarrus Academy, we shared many special ‘firsts.’ But what I remember most about the days in the house were the friendships. We knew everyone in the lower grades, we met students from other towns, and we formed bonds with faculty members that exist to this day. Lockers in coat closets, lunch off-campus, parking your car across from the school and just walking across the street, your history class taking a field trip to register to vote, capping ceremony at one of the student’s homes, and a vivid memory of walking out the front door of Cabarrus Academy wearing bell bottoms thinking these were the best days ever! And I was correct.” 8 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2020
Susan Simpson Attended Cabarrus Academy 1973-1979 “My favorite memories were walking downtown to a grill for lunch every day, fun projects in Mrs. Woodard’s art class and recess in the backyard. We also walked to the Boys and Girls Club for PE as well as Pancake Day during school. Performing a clogging routine at the Strawberry Festival and painting Halloween pictures on Ben Mynatt’s car dealership windows were also very memorable.”
Jeremy Hundley Attended Cabarrus Academy from 1985-1991 “My favorite memories are of the annual field days. I remember setting records in the sixth grade! My son, Cannon (Class of ’30) is a student there now, and I love that he can experience some of the same traditions that I did. There are just a lot of connections, and it’s pretty special that he can attend the same school as I did all those years ago.” Winter/Spring 2020 | CANNON | 9
Sarah Brown Attended Cabarrus Academy/Cannon School from 1989-2003 (A Lifer!) “I was in Ms. Brown’s first grade class in the Cabarrus Academy house on Union Street. Mr. Snyder’s office was (I believe) on the first floor on the right after you walked in the front door. I always loved how Mr. Snyder would shake everyone’s hand on the way into school every morning. That gesture made him very approachable and friendly. One day I had a very loose tooth I was nervous about losing. Ms. Brown sent me to his office and he talked with me for a minute and calmed me down, got a tissue and gripped my tooth, counted to three and gently squeezed. It came out so easily and I was so excited! He put it in one of those little orange treasure boxes we used to get and sent me back to class. I thought I was so cool that the principal pulled my loose tooth! I love how personally involved he was with all his students and I will remember that forever.”
Allegra Haritan Attended Cannon School from 1998-2008 “I met my best friend, Emily Ranson, in Ms. Abernathy’s second grade class. Seventeen years later we are still best friends and she was Maid of Honor in my wedding!”
10 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2020
I was in second grade when we were asked to draw and color what we envisioned for the new school on Poplar Tent. I remember some of us drew pools with slides, as the staff of Cabarrus Academy made it an exciting journey for us to be a part of and look forward to. I remember getting a little sand shovel at the ground breaking and as much as we didn’t understand what we were a part of then, we can all look back and be proud that we were included in such a monumental moment for the history of the school and community.
Kristen Harris Adamczuk Attended Cabarrus Academy from 1990-1995 “Some of the best childhood memories I have were made at Cabarrus Academy (kindergarten through third grade) at the historic Union Street home. Strawberry Festivals on the front porch, walking to the library, going to the basement for art class and to get our class milk at lunch time. Eating lunch in the classroom (sometimes from area restaurants), taking a bus to the Boys and Girls Club for gym, and of course…wondering why there was a bathtub in my school’s bathroom and who used it?
I remember that when I was probably in third grade, we lined up across the soccer field and picked up any rocks we found as they finalized the creation of the soccer/field day field. Though it was small, those of us who did that can literally say we had a helping hand in forming the school. I was in the fourth grade as the first school year started at the new school, and I can still remember putting our thumb prints on a paper that would be put into the time capsule (which was opened and revealed in November). These among many other memories made our childhoods unique and make us proud to say ‘I went to Cannon when it was Cabarrus Academy.’” Winter/Spring 2020 | CANNON | 11
Once a Student, Now a Teacher Meet Four Alumni Who Now Work as Faculty at Cannon School
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Winter/Spring 2020 | CANNON | 13
Marie Morgann
Sally Trufant attended Cabarrus Academy for fifth through eighth grade, 1974-1978. She returned to Cannon to be a first-grade assistant teacher. This is her eleventh year in the classroom.
What are your favorite memories from your days at Cabarrus Academy? I have lots of fun memories, but some of the more unique ones are of having art and music in the basement. My art class was held in the boiler room with a cement floor and open duct work. My music room had orange shag carpet on top of the cement floor, and we used upside-down milk crates as chairs. Oh, and we had a bathtub in our bathroom! What drove you to come back to teach at Cannon? My son, Rob, was in second grade and my daughter, Sara, was in kindergarten. I was ready to teach again after staying at home with them and wanted to be with them at Cannon. What do you enjoy most about being part of the Cannon community? The Cannon community is like family. We support each other, celebrate each other, and love each other. We truly nurture relationships and genuinely connect with our students and each other. Your son, Rob, is a senior and your daughter, Sara, is a sophomore. What has been the most enjoyable aspect of watching them grow at Cannon? The best part of watching my children go through Cannon has been learning that each division knows their age group so well and has met the unique needs of their developmental stages.
“We support each other, celebrate each other, and love each other.� 14 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2020
attended Cabarrus Academy from 1990 to 1997, when she graduated as an eighth grader. Marie is in her fourteenth year of teaching at Cannon, and her ninth serving as the department chair of Middle School World Languages. Her first five years she taught French and Spanish to third through eighth graders. The last nine, she has taught French and Spanish to fifth through eighth graders.
What are your favorite memories from your days at Cabarrus Academy? My favorite memories are of assemblies in the large center foyer in the house on Union Street, performing at the Strawberry Festival for my family followed by delicious homemade pound cake and hand-cut strawberries, walking downtown to the library with my classmates for special events, learning Latin with Mrs. Peg Morrison, and the excitement of moving to the new building on Poplar Tent Road. What drove you to come back and teach at Cannon? I was invited to come teach at Cannon Middle School by my own former Head of Middle School, Nalta Massey. I fell in love with teaching the children of Cannon School. What else would you like to share about your days at Cabarrus Academy? I often talk about the feeling of closeness, caretaking, and love my sister and I received from the teachers and administrators. I was fostered in all my pursuits and passions, and I was treated with so much kindness and personal attention. I have and will always benefit from the relationships I created here. Even when my sister started her musical career as a young teenager, she continued attending Cannon School for private classes and tutoring. My sweet mother was PAT President for two years in a row, including our first year in the new building. From 1990 to the present, there has only been a few short months when the Morgann family has not been on campus! We love it.
Kelvin Drakeford attended Cannon School from 2006-2008, his junior and senior years. Kelvin returned to Cannon in 2012 as the Head Coach of the JV men’s basketball team and assistant varsity coach. In 2013-2014, he worked as a teacher’s assistant in the Lower School in addition to his coaching duties. Since 2015, he has been a Lower School PE teacher. He is also currently the Director of Women’s Basketball/Varsity Women’s Basketball Head Coach.
What are your favorite memories from your days at Cannon School? A few of my favorite memories from those days include the junior class trip to Boston. With me being a new student, it was an opportunity to bond with classmates and really build relationships. Another memory I enjoyed was convincing Mr. Gossage to perform the “Soulja Boy Dance” on the first day of school assembly my senior year. What drove you to come back to teach at Cannon? I simply wanted to give back to Cannon School everything they gave me. My experience as a student at Cannon was exceptional. If I can help make a student’s experience here as special as mine...then I’ve completed my job. What do you enjoy most about being part of the Cannon community?
Your son, KJ, is in kindergarten here at Cannon. What has been the most enjoyable aspect of having him here? The most enjoyable aspect of having KJ at Cannon is the fact that I get to see and teach him every day. It’s one thing to see your child after work, but I get to see him during work! KJ truly adores his teachers at Cannon.
Kevin Ross
came to Cannon School in 2003 for fifth grade and graduated in 2012. He is in his fourth year of teaching Upper School history. This year, he has split his time between teaching and the guidance counseling office.
Do you have a favorite memory from your days as a student? Making music with my best friends in Mr. Davis’s Jazz Combo. I learned nearly everything I needed to know in that class. What drove you to come back to teach at Cannon? The relationships I had with my teachers here, specifically Brad Davis and Sherry Harley. (Today, Kevin teaches on the same Upper School history team as Ms. Harley.) What do you enjoy most about being part of the Cannon community? Well…I met my wife here! (For more on that, turn to page 30!)
I love being able to build relationships with families and students. I enjoy being able to pour the knowledge that I have gained into my students and my players.
“I love being able to build relationships with families and students. I enjoy being able to pour the knowledge that I have gained into my students and my players.” Winter/Spring 2020 | CANNON | 15
Did You Know?
Cannon School Fun Facts You don’t get to be fifty years old without accumulating some stories!
While the first headmaster, Herbert Buttrick, was interviewing for the job, he stayed at the home of Buddy Hilbish and his family. Unfortunately for him,
the Hilbish’s PET
ALLIGATOR
escaped confinement during his visit, and Buttrick found the creature
Annual tuition when the doors to Cabarrus Academy opened on September 10, 1969
slithering down the hall.
Kindergarten (called pre-school): $350 First and second grade: $500 Third through sixth grade: $675
Said alligator moved into the science lab
Seventh through tenth grade: $750
at 65 Union Street, where he met a sad demise when a smoldering cigarette fell into an open filing cabinet, resulting in
The speed limit on Education Way is 19 miles an hour because Headmaster Dick Snyder’s favorite football player was Johnny Unitas. Unitas’s jersey number?
A FIRE that destroyed most of the school records, caused a power outage, and froze the pipes.
OUR ORIGINAL MASCOT WAS A
OF COURSE. 16 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2020
ROAD RUNNER
Tracy Wade
FIELD DAY
is the only teacher currently at Cannon School who also taught in the house on 65 Union Street.
at Cabarrus Academy used to take place each year on the front lawn of the Liles family home.
Cannon School began running white buses in 2010. The first bus we ran from the Union Street site was also painted red and white. Our JrK driver’s license test,
TEDDY BEAR PICNIC,
Gold and Maroon Day, and Grandparents Day all date back to our time at Cabarrus Academy.
The arch that tops the entryway of the Richard Snyder Building was modeled after the arch over the door at 65 Union Street.
Margaret Cannon West grew up in the house on 65 Union Street. Later, she worked at Cabarrus Academy as the Director of Development and had her office in her childhood bedroom.
In the original house at 65 Union Street,
The first playground on our Poplar Tent site was built by a dedicated group of parents. It was dubbed
“FORT CABARRUS.”
THE KITCHEN BECAME THE SCIENCE LAB
and the below-stairs laundry room was for art. Students used the downtown Concord library, just a few doors down, for book-checkout (as well
The auxiliary gym is often called “The Blue Gym” because the floor used to be a blue sport court.
as large assemblies) and the Boys and Girls Club down the street for PE.
Teacher, Colleague, Friend – Remembering John Riley
Photo by Christiana Holyer
On October 2, 2019, John Riley—beloved eighth-grade science teacher, coach, colleague, and friend— passed away after a yearlong battle with cancer. John’s kind demeanor, patient approach, and passion for teaching and learning had an enormous impact on our entire community. Head of Middle School Carla Moyer started working with John the day he stepped foot on Cannon’s campus, back in 2002. Below, she reflects on a life well-lived—and the incredible legacy that John leaves behind.
When I was having a tough day or week, I knew that the Diet Coke that appeared on my desk “anonymously” came from John Riley. Sometimes it was a whole case if things were really bad. John was a lot of things to us. He was a science nerd. I’ve never met anyone more interested in following weather 18 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2020
patterns. In fact, he was our “go to” in-house weatherman for predictions on field trips and advisory games. He shared this passion with students during his annual weather unit. John created hands-on and interesting projects for students and instilled a love of science and a willingness to take risks with science tools and equipment. He created his own textbook, his balloon and bridge projects are remembered
long after graduation, and the annual “build” in eighth grade was always a highlight for us all. Finally, the Science Olympiad program in both the Middle and Upper Schools is a testament to John’s passion and dedication. He singlehandedly ran the program for years. He gave up lunch periods, time after school, and time on weekends to ensure kids had opportunities to “do science.” He led many creek clean-ups, taking us all through the muddy Coddle Creek in waders and old tennis shoes. He was also recognized for his work for the Trout in the Classroom program. Our fish population at Cannon enabled several other schools to participate in the release program—talk about giving back! I can’t think of any other teacher who has made more of an impact on the science program in the history of Cannon than John. His coaching style was always one of encouragement and autonomy for students. John was passionate about serving in the athletic arena at Cannon. He coached tennis, he drove teams everywhere, he announced football and basketball, and he always made sure he acknowledged the VIP’s in the house—our alumni! Often, John was accompanied by his dear friend and colleague, Mike Hoffman. It was a great pleasure and privilege of the school to be able to name the Boswell Gym court as Hoffman-Riley Court in January 2019. His service to the athletic world is unparalleled at Cannon, and his pride for the Cougars was evident in all that he did.
edges Yankee always appreciated that, as John had a way of making you feel taken care of without being patronizing or condescending. From the day Kathie and John sat in my office in October 2018 and shared the news that he had been diagnosed with cancer, they were a beacon of faith, love, and joy. Yes, joy. How could someone going through this be so joyful? How could someone so sick make us all laugh, cry, and be grateful? John managed to do that. He continued to talk about this as a blessing, and he used the word “fortunate” more times than I could count.
“He put people before program, put students before curriculum, and put friendships at the center of his collegial relationships.”
While John never shied away from sharing his thoughts or feelings in a professional manner, it was done respectfully and thoughtfully. He put people before program, put students before curriculum, and put friendships at the center of his collegial relationships. John knew how to separate the daily challenges from the truly important life challenges, and he was there for all of us. He was the quintessential gentleman—always holding doors, always polite, and always treating women as a good southern gentleman should do. This rough-around-the-
Fortunate. I consider US fortunate. We got to know John in a different way. In general, John was a very private person who loved deeply. But throughout his ordeal, we got to see him bare his soul in an assembly to Middle Schoolers about words to use more often. We got to learn more about his hopes and dreams for his son and his wife. We got to meet more of John’s family members. We got to see him inspire our entire student body with his courageous battle. We got to see him cry tears of joy at the Hoffman Riley Court dedication as he listened to a former student speak about what he has meant to others. We got to tell him how wonderful he is in a way we hadn’t before. And through it all, he continued to ask and care about our lives and our families. WE are the fortunate ones.
John was the only one to ever call me “Boss.” If you knew John, it is a term that lets you know that he respects the “office,” so to speak. I don’t love the term “boss” and almost never use it to refer to myself, but from John, it felt like an endearment. I sure will miss hearing, “Boss—any comments, cuss words, or complaints?” as he peeked his head around the corner, maybe with an offering of a Diet Coke. John, I have lots of comments, but I have no cuss words, and no complaints. You were the “real deal,” and you will be so missed. Winter/Spring 2020 | CANNON | 19
The Big Picture
20 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2020
Winter’s Morning Call it the calm before the storm. Our own Leigh Northrup captured this drone shot of campus on a chilly January morning, just as students were rolling in to start the day. Winter/Spring 2020 | CANNON | 21
News Cannon Launches First Literary Arts Magazine This past fall Cannon School launched The Ink, an 80-page, full-color celebration of creativity in our community. Showcasing the very best of Cannon students’ work in poetry, short fiction, essays, photography, art, design, and performance, The Ink is a beautiful testament to our Upper School students’ talents and gifts. Many thanks to Mrs. Melanie Coughlin, Mrs. Ellen Loflin, Mr. Nate Rogers, and Mr. Richard Smith for their tireless efforts to bring The Ink to fruition! Interested in owning a copy of your own? Visit www.cannonschool.org/ink.
CANNON THEATER COMPANY EARNS ACCOLADES Cannon Theater Company deserves a standing ovation after an amazing performance at the North Carolina Theater Conference earlier this fall. Their production of An Incomplete History of Theater earned awards for “Excellence in Collaborative Playwriting” for the full cast and “Excellence in Stage Management” for Vibha Maheswaran ’20. The second production, Wake Up Call, earned “Excellence in Execution of Style,” and Faith Carpenter ’23 took home an “Excellence in Design and Production” award for her work as deck carpenter for both shows. Bravo!
A strong Cannon Fund enhances educational opportunities for our students today but also protects and increases the value of a Cannon degree in the future. Haven’t made your gift yet? Do so today by visiting www.cannonschool.org/cannonfund, or mail the enclosed envelope with your contribution! 22 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2020
News FIVE MINUTES WITH
CHARLES WITHERSPOON
DIRECTOR OF SAFETY AND SECURITY Before the start of the school year, Cannon School welcomed its first-ever Director of Safety and Security, Mr. Charles Witherspoon. Charles came to Cannon with thirty years of military, law enforcement, and independent security consulting experience, as well as a long history of volunteering as an advocate and mentor for at-risk youth. Mr. Witherspoon has been busy refining our safety and security protocols, as well as designing a comprehensive program for faculty, staff, and students. We caught up with Mr. Witherspoon to learn more. What have you enjoyed most about working at Cannon? Relationships are paramount for me in my personal and professional life, so hanging out with all the students, faculty, and staff and getting to know them and allowing them to get to know me have been my most enjoyable moments. What does a typical day look like for you? I begin my day anywhere from 6:30-7:00 a.m. and end my day anywhere from 4:00-9:00 p.m., depending on the after school events that are taking place. Once I arrive, I have a few safety security checks I run through to ensure the school is safe. Then I hit the hallways to nurture and motivate the students, and stick my head in classrooms to be seen by faculty. There are also meetings and supporting leadership with making decisions around safety and security. What is something we may not know about you? 1. When I was a young boy, I wanted to be like James Bond 007. 2. I like skydiving because I remind fear, I am in charge. 3. My favorite food is Italian. 4. I like to write about my life experiences. 5. I enjoy being around people who can make me laugh. 6. I enjoy motivating people to be GREAT!
MINUTES
Winter/Spring 2020 | CANNON | 23
News Lower School Students Enjoy Touch-a-Truck Event Our Lower School students enjoyed a fun Touch-a-Truck event, in which the Concord Police Department, Concord Fire Department, Cabarrus County Sheriff ’s Department, and the NC State Highway Patrol came to campus so students could check out patrol cars, motorcycles, rescue and bomb squad vehicles. The Carolina Highway Patrol even landed a helicopter on the front field!
Girls’ Golf – State Champs! They’re number #1! Congratulations to our girls’ varsity golf team, who won the 2019 NCISAA state championship by forty-six strokes! Amanda Sambach ’21 earned medalist honors and Sophie Holland ’20 finished in second place. This is the eighth state championship for girls’ golf !
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
The Cannon School Golf Tournament is Coming!
Cannon School Golf Tournament Friday, March 27 Cabarrus Country Club Concord, North Carolina Register at www.cannonschool.org/golf
24 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2020
News
1,200+ GIFTS DONATED AT PROJECT WRAP-IN On December 13, Cannon School students from Junior Kindergarten – grade 12 donated and wrapped over 1,200 presents for children in need as part of our twelfth annual Project Wrap-In. This school-wide service project is one of our favorite traditions for a reason – it marries Cannon’s core values, enthusiasm for community service, and holiday spirit. This year’s beneficiaries included: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cabarrus County, the Ronald McDonald House of Charlotte, Cooperative Christian Ministries, Church of God Children’s Home, Hospitality House of Charlotte, Jeff Gordon Children’s Foundation, Hemby Children’s Hospital, and Young Lives. Winter/Spring 2020 | CANNON | 25
Reliving Our Memories Opening the Time Capsule from 1994
On Tuesday, November 26, hundreds of people gathered around the front entrance to the Richard H. Snyder Building to witness an event out of the ordinary. For twenty-five years, a package, no bigger than a large mailing envelope, had been nestled behind the cornerstone of the building, waiting to be reopened in the year 2019. This small time capsule held the memories of all the students attending what was then Cabarrus Academy in 1994 — the year that also honors the school’s move to Poplar Tent Road and its 25th anniversary.
Sydney Ross
The short ceremony brought back prominent figures like Richard Snyder, former Headmaster, who joined current Head of School Christopher Jones in the reveal of the time capsule memorabilia. These included the fingerprints of every student that year and a video of a day in the life of Cabarrus Academy.
As the event ended and the time capsule items were placed on the tables for everyone to view, a few individuals stood out of the crowd and made a beeline for the tables. Immediately, a frantic search began out of pure excitement. Sarah Brown Rosen ’03, Elizabeth Anne Dover ’03 and Kristen Adamczuk were scouring the papers to find their fingerprints from 1994. Watching this moment unfold, you could see each of them reliving the day these small works of art were created during their fourth-grade classes as they searched to remember their teacher’s name and the location of their print. Upon finding the mark they left behind, memories started flooding the air with conversations about attending school at the house on Union Street. When speaking with Sarah, she was excited to see Mr. Snyder again stating, “I went to Cannon for fourteen years. I was amazed he remembered my name today. I shouldn’t have been surprised, but it has been sixteen years since I graduated. He knew every student’s name and shook our hands every morning.” It’s been fifty years of Cannon School, and for those earlier years, Cabarrus Academy, which means fifty years of memories. This event brought to life just a handful. As the Manager of Alumni and Alumni Parent Relations, celebrating this milestone year has brought nothing but unique opportunities to dive into our school’s history and connect with alumni across the years. It’s each individual and each moment that makes up the identity and history of Cannon School. Sydney Ross Manager of Alumni and Alumni Parent Relations alumni@cannonschool.org
Head of School Christopher Jones with former Headmaster Richard Snyder sharing memorabilia from 1994.
26 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2020
Alumnae Sarah Brown Rosen ’03, Kristen Adamczuk, and Elizabeth Anne Dover ’03 with their fourth grade fingerprints from the 1994 time capsule.
Event attendees looking through the memorabilia from the 1994 time capsule.
Alumni Events Alumni Soccer: Such a great turnout for this year’s Alumni vs. Varsity Soccer game. With eighteen alumni and over fifty spectators, it was quite the game! The varsity team held strong but ultimately, it was an alumni win.
NYC Flashback: Wonderful evening in NYC, giving alumni living in the city the opportunity to reconnect. Pictured left to right: Alex Segura, Associate Director of College Counseling, Mason McClanahan ’12, Barclay Sparrow ’13, Madeline Hurley Jones ’11, Austin Larkin ’13, Caroline Johnson ’12, and Sydney Ross, Manager of Alumni and Alumni Parent Relations. Homecoming: Great turnout by alumni at this year’s Homecoming game: (back row, left to right): Ben Campbell ’15, Chris Gaskin ’15, Mohit Bajaj ’15, Joe-Joe Vaccaro ’15, Hillary Gruce, ’08, Joe Russel ’17, Brandon Wade ’15, (front row) Lara Little ’91, Jane Campbell ’12, Rachel West ’12, Leah Sussewell ’17
Alumni Night - Basketball: Thanks to all the alumni who came out to support the Cannon basketball teams as they took on Cardinal Newman School. Pictured left to right: Myles Martino ’13, Myles Grier ’13, Chis Gaskin ’15, Kamil Manzoor ’14, Ben Campbell ’15, Nathan Smith ’16, and Dante Lowe ’15.
Alumni Swim Meet: Alumni returned for a morning of fun relay races against the current varsity AquaCougs followed by breakfast back at Cannon School.
Upcoming Events: Flashback March 11 - Raleigh
Flashback April 30 - Charlotte
Flashback April 28 - Washington DC
Flashback March 12 - Chapel Hill
Strawberry Festival and Arts Jam
Alumni Lacrosse Game May 17
April 18
For more information, check out alumni.cannonschool.org/events or contact alumni@cannonschool.org Winter/Spring 2020 | CANNON | 27
Cannon Couples Love is in the air! Sure, our students spend a lot of time studying for tests and writing papers, but many also started dating while at Cannon School and turned those relationships into lifelong love stories. Read on to meet five of our Cannon couples who met in our hallowed hallways! Robert Adams ’07 & Chelsea Foxx ’10 As is the case with many high school relationships, Robert and Chelsea’s started with…a snarky comment. “I was looking for a printer and Robert happened to be walking by on his way to soccer practice,” said Chelsea. “I asked him where the second-floor printer was located, and he looked at me and very sarcastically said ‘...on the second floor?’ I felt like such an idiot for asking a cute senior this question!” At that time, neither Robert nor Chelsea ever would have dreamt that their banter would mark the beginning of a relationship that led to marriage, multiple military assignments, and a baby named Eli (who, according to Chelsea, looks just like his daddy). The pair got engaged in 2013 and married in Charleston, South Carolina in 2015. After Robert graduated from Campbell University’s medical school in 2017, the two were sent to San Antonio, Texas, for his first military assignment, and they are now stationed in North Dakota. Robert, an officer with the United States Air Force, is a physician for B-52 bomber pilots, and Chelsea is an RN in labor and delivery with goals of becoming a licensed nurse practitioner. Robert just returned from a six-month deployment overseas and has accepted an emergency physician position in Virginia so the family will be moving in June. In addition, baby #2 is due this March! “It’s been a crazy ride,” said Chelsea, “but we’ve been enjoying it all along the way.” 28 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2020
Cannon Couples
Katie Wiebusch Grissom ’09 and Kyle Grissom ’08 Katie still remembers the first time she heard her future husband Kyle’s name—when her sister Sarah came home from school and told her he’d spoken at a Middle School assembly. “I had no clue he was even on the planet before then, which is funny because Cannon is so small,” she said. But things shifted quickly after that. “Kyle never went to Cannon basketball games, but one night he showed up and stood next to me the entire game without saying a word. Talk about awkward! At the end of the game he asked me out to dinner, and the rest is history.” Katie and Kyle went to college in different states, but they stayed together and became engaged atop Grandfather Mountain years later—the same spot her parents were engaged. They married in Uptown Charlotte in January 2016. Today they live in Dilworth with their dog, Scholes. The nature of their careers have caused them to be apart from one another throughout much of their relationship—Katie is a Director at Asana Partners, a real estate private equity firm and recently graduated with her MBA from University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, and Kyle started his own small real estate investment firm and owns/operates commercial real estate in the Carolinas—but they handle it in stride. “We always say it’s pretty neat that after being together for twelve plus years, we still get to miss each other,” said Katie. Winter/Spring 2020 | CANNON | 29
Cannon Couples Victoria Ghahhari ’11 and Ryan Creuzberger ’12 Although Victoria and Ryan met the first day of school, her senior year and his junior, it took a whole year for Ryan to ask her out. Ryan was new to North Carolina and Cannon, and the pair shared two classes together—pre-calculus and AP Statistics. Their friendship grew throughout the year, but Ryan didn’t ask Victoria out until…the day of her graduation. “Great timing!” she said. “I never thought it would work out because I was moving six hours away for college in just a few months. But all it took was one short summer, and here we are ten years later!” Ryan and Victoria live in South Carolina now, but often return to North Carolina to visit their families. While home this past Thanksgiving, Ryan asked her if they wanted to take their dog, Ruby, for a walk around Cannon’s campus. After taking a lap around Bryant Central Green, Ryan threw Ruby a tennis ball, and the pooch promptly returned the toy to Victoria. Stamped on it were the words, “Will you marry my daddy?” The two are now busy planning their wedding, set for next October.
Kevin Ross ’12 and Erin (Banks) Ross Kevin didn’t meet his future wife Erin while he was a student at Cannon, but rather when he was a teacher—and so was she. Erin came to Cannon in August 2017 after moving to the area from New York, and they met at a faculty meeting where Kevin was giving advice to the newest cohort of teachers. That fall, Erin coached the cheer team and Kevin worked as the assistant strength coach, so their paths crossed often. After two months of “cautious flirting,” Kevin asked Erin to brunch. “Brunch turned into lunch, and we talked until the restaurant closed. Seated next to us was a woman who asked how long we’d been together. After hesitantly looking at each other, Kevin replied ‘a couple hours!’” The two dated for two years and were engaged in September 2018, when Kevin got down on one knee under a Japanese maple tree in a nearby botanical garden. They were married on November 9 (a day before their shared birthday!) and look forward to many adventures together as husband and wife! 30 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2020
Cannon Couples Bri Wyatt ’12 and Zack Tysinger ’12 Bri and Zack met their freshman year at Cannon, but it wasn’t exactly love at first sight. “We started as friends, but then we kind of became enemies!” said Bri. The reason? Zack told Bri he liked her, but at the time, she didn’t feel the same way. The rejection stung, and Zack didn’t exactly treat her nicely afterwards. Somehow Bri still scored an invitation to his sixteenth birthday party the following year—which is where they clicked. “We both thought it would last a week, but we haven’t looked back since!” she said. The two, who have been together for ten years, feel that they really grew up together. “We always say we’ve dated three different people for three different phases in our lives—high school, college, and adulting,” said Bri. “We have been through a lot together and our bond runs very deep. Who we were when we were sixteen is very different than who we are now. We’re proud of how we have grown both individually and as a couple over the years.” The two were engaged in Canada—where Bri is from originally—this past June. “We knew for a few years we were going to take a trip to Banff and Lake Louise, and Zack says he knew for all those years that’s where he was going to propose. One gorgeous morning on Lake Louise, we went on a sunrise canoe at about 5:30 a.m. and he proposed! We joke now because he proposed in the middle of a freezing lake on a tippy canoe— probably wasn’t the smartest idea! But it was so amazing.”
Winter/Spring 2020 | CANNON | 31
Class Notes This fall, a group of alumni and friends completed their sixth relay race together - Top of Zion Relay, a 195-mile run through three national parks in Utah at elevations topping out around 9700 feet - finishing 3rd overall. Alumni runners included Eddie Alcorn ’04, Daniel Brown ’08, Savannah Sipperly ’09, Miles Brown ’10, Cameron Cook ’11, Eden Sipperly ’11, Shelby Sipperly ’11, and retired teacher Monty Coggins.
Anthony Oddo
Anthony Oddo was named a finalist for the Barbara Rosser Hyde Alumni Leadership Award by Teach For America Memphis for his work in bridging the gap between healthcare and education. In Memphis, he has created opportunities for teachers to spend time in the clinic and hospital while also bringing physicians to the classroom and athletic event sidelines to promote awareness and insight into the various aspects of pediatric health.
2008 B1- Cameron Cook ’11, B3- Savannah Sipperly ’09, B4- Eden Sipperly ’11, B5- Shelby Sipperly ’11, B7- Daniel Brown ‘08, B8- Miles Brown ’10, F1 - Eddie Alcorn ’04, F2- Monty Coggins
2004
Kelsey Willoughby Hartmann married Jeff Hartmann on October 26, 2019 in Maiden, NC. Katie ’08 and Patrick Joseph ’07, Virginia Goode Ourisman ’08, Julia Simonini ’08, Allison Jarrett ’08, and Tom Regnery ’07 attended. Kelsey and Jeff currently live in Coral Gables, Florida and enjoyed spending the holidays with loved ones in the Sunshine State.
Meredith Berry Letendre and family welcomed their new son, William John Letendre, to the world on October 21, 2019 weighing in at 9 lbs. 6 oz. and 22 inches long.
2007 Will Sherrill and Rob Vendley both ran the full Charlotte Marathon on Saturday, November 16. In addition, Rob earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Georgia this past May. Will Sherrill and Rob Vendley
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Kelsey Willoughby Hartmann’s wedding at the Historic Providence Cotton Mill in Maiden, NC
Class Notes 2010
Rianna Das Kelsey Ross and Matthew Bostwick
Kelsey Ross married Matthew Bostwick in Marfa, Texas in September. In attendance were several Cannon alumni, including Jessica Robbins ’08, Kathryn DeSutter ’09, and Tal Jacobs ’08, as well as current Cannon teachers Kevin Ross ’12 and wife, Erin Ross. Kelsey works as a landscape and urban designer and Matt is the vice president of product development at a tech firm. They live in Austin with their two dogs and four chickens.
2009 Jess Ekstrom released her second book, Chasing the Brightside, published by Harper Collins. The book’s theme is based on Jess’s optimism and how this mindset has helped her overcome challenges in her life as she worked towards being a young entrepreneur.
Rianna Das is recently engaged to fiancé, Carter, and they are planning a wedding for November 2020. Rianna also accepted a new role as a sixthgrade science teacher at Quail Hollow Middle School. She always thinks of the engaging lessons of Mr. Coggins and tries to channel that energy in her own classroom now!
2011 Alaina Altumra received her M.S. in Health and International Development from the London School of Economics and accepted a Senior Associates position with Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc., a Clinton Foundation initiative. In this role, Alaina is a part of the Advanced HIV Disease Team and works to help save the lives of millions of people living with HIV/AIDS in the developing world by dramatically scaling up antiretroviral treatment. Alaina is also recently engaged to fiancé Fitz Powers and they are ecstatic to tie the knot in 2021.
2012 Vicky Bruce finished her most recent professional soccer season with Morön BK, in Skogsvallen, Sweden after completing her previous contract with Apollon Ladies in Cyprus.
Jessica Ekstrom
Michael Lloyd and his wife, Ally, are expecting their first child, a baby boy, due May 25, 2020. JoLee Moon
Bekah Eyre and her husband, Kento, recently moved to Okinawa, Japan, with the Marine Corps and welcomed their first baby, JoLee Moon, on July 10.
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Class Notes 2012 Tim Gruber completed a Fulbright Grant to Malaysia in November. He will be running the Boston Marathon on April 20 and would love to see fellow Cannon alumni in the Boston area! In September, Caroline Johnson got engaged to her fiance, Jonathon, in front of the Statue of Liberty.
Caroline Johnson
Mason McClanahan performing at Pianos in Lower East Side, NYC
McKenzie Moyer
This past November, Mason McClanahan published his first solo album, Waiting All Day, on all music platforms. As a Cannon student, Mason had the opportunity to learn guitar in Mr. Davis’s Jazz Combo. You can learn more about the album on his Instagram: @mason_mcclanahan McKenzie Moyer graduated this December from Arizona State University with a Masters in Exercise and Wellness. She is in her fourth year of teaching Chemistry, Biology, Anatomy, and Wellness at ASU Preparatory Academy Poly High School in Mesa, Arizona where she has coached cross country, basketball, track, and golf.
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Eric Rossitch moved to Seattle over the summer to pursue a Master of Communication degree in Digital Media while also working as a Production Assistant for the local NFL team – the Seattle Seahawks. He’s always been intrigued by the idea of capturing life’s moments, telling stories, and Eric Rossitch the influence they can have. With his degree, he’s hoping to spark change, thought, and emotion in people by harnessing the power of visual media and storytelling.
2013 Austin Larkin took home the award for Outstanding Lead Performance in New York City’s Fresh Fruit Festival for his role in Head First this past fall. Myles Martino earned his real estate license in October of this year and is currently with Wilkinson ERA.
Austin Larkin
Myles Martino
2015 For the next two years, Tyler Ventura will be working at a boarding school for underprivileged youth within Kyivska Oblast, Ukraine as a Peace Corps volunteer. He works with kids ages 9 through 17 in both English language and physical education by organizing different clubs and camps. As the only native English speaker around, he also assists the English teaching staff with their classes whenever possible.
Class Notes Will Gordon began his professional golf career this summer at the GolfBC Championship in Kelowna, BC, Canada and is part of the Mackenzie Tour in Canada. In addition, he has signed on to be part of the TravisMathew Team.
2016 In August, Davis Nelson summited Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania during an 8-day climb.
Davis Nelson
Over the summer, Aspen Stevanovski had the pleasure of researching and studying African carnivores in Tanzania for a month. She was able to interview the
Class Reunions
Maasai people, help the Tarangire Lion Project track lions with radio technology, conduct carnivore surveys in the Serengeti and four other parks, and perform community service by building predator-proof livestock enclosures for at-risk homesteads.
Aspen Stevanovski
2017
Matt Chaiken completed Basic Camp for the US Military. His graduation was held at Fort Knox after 30 days of intense tactical training.
Matt Chaiken ’17 at Basic Camp graduation with sister, Emma Chaiken ’16, on left.
Alumni from the classes of 2004, 2009, and 2014 enjoyed their 5, 10, and 15 year reunions at Heist Brewery and Barrel Arts in December.
Class of 2014 attendees: Caroline Turner, Alex Dahan, Sophie Bitar, Nicole Voulgaropoulos and Daniel Wyatt
Class of 2004 attendees: Eddie Alcorn and Naomi Bailey
Class of 2009 attendees: Farrah Yaghi, Shelby Borowicz, Molly Pedemonte, Whitney Harriss, Jennifer Dunn, Allain Andry, Curt Black, Justin Bitar, Alex Bruce, Ben Shafran, Kim Kleimeier, Will Kerr, Tyler Webb, Justin Ringuette, Nathan Haselden, Meredith Frazier, Scott Griffin, and Luke Carnes Winter/Spring 2020 | CANNON | 35
50th Anniversary Festival with the return of the
Strawberry Festival and Arts Jam Saturday, April 18 3:00 - 8:00 p.m. Bryant Central Green, Cannon School For our 50th anniversary finale event, we’re bringing back two beloved traditions from Cabarrus Academy’s and Cannon School’s history—The Strawberry Festival and Arts Jam! Imagine fun for the whole family with food trucks, strawberry shortcake, festival games, arts activities, scavenger hunts, athletic exhibitions, arts exhibitions, and live music and theater performances by Cannon’s student-artists.