CANNON THE MAGAZINE OF CANNON SCHOOL
WINTER/SPRING 2021
Letter from the Head of School Leading by Example
Dear Cannon, It seems almost perilous to introduce this volume of Cannon Magazine. Given its theme is “Leading by Example,” my inclination is to let the stories of our alumni, students, and educators speak for themselves. As you read about how our Cannon people have contributed to our school community and their larger communities, I hope you are inspired by the impact they are having on their worlds. It is telling that we have so many of these stories to share with you. It is that much more impressive these are but a handful of the many ways our people are stepping in and stepping up to the challenges of our times. These are transformational examples of the values we hold dear and the adaptive expertise habits we develop and promote in our classrooms, hallways, offices, stages, studios, courts, and playing fields. At this shared and consequential moment, it is reassuring to see living examples of leadership and reminds us of our commitments to one another as a community— a community I lead with the team shown on this page. As our students have shown us a way, those on Cannon’s Leadership Team have also lit a path forward in our response to this global health crisis and stewarding Cannon’s future well beyond it. Warmly,
G. Christopher Jones Head of School
EDITOR
ADMINISTRATION
Amy Reiss Associate Director of Marketing and Communications
HEAD OF SCHOOL G. Christopher Jones
EDITORIAL STAFF
CANNON MAGAZINE WINTER/SPRING 2021 Cannon Magazine is published semiannually by the Office of Advancement. Send address changes to rriemersma@cannonschool.org.
Beth Levanti Director of Marketing and Communications CONTRIBUTORS Sydney Ross
HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL Dr. Regina Nixon 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.
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS Katie LaRue DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE Whit G. Brown DIRECTOR OF COLLEGE COUNSELING Dr. Beth Wilner DIRECTOR OF INSTITUTIONAL TECHNOLOGY Bill Donovan DIRECTOR OF STUDIES Fabio A. Hurtado
Contents
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Leading by Example. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 The Big Picture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Cannon Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Athletics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Alumni . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Leadership in Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
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27
Class Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Cover: Mrs. Jenn Brooks, Lower School Learning Specialist, greets Giavanna Moore ’29 with the new, COVID-friendly greeting method—an elbow bump. Photo by Amy Reiss. Additional photography by Rob Walley, Sr.
Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 3
Leading by Example How Our Community Has Stepped Up as Leaders in a Year of Unpredictability and Strife In a year of a global pandemic, social unrest, political divisiveness, changes in learning environments—and even murder hornets—it’s hard to imagine how ANYONE could emerge on the other side as not just a survivor…but a leader. However, that was exactly the case with multiple members of our community over the past year, with both students and teachers stepping up in impressive ways. Whether it was an effort to redeem an unfair social condition or using the quarantine time to chart a course for a new business, our Cougars refused to sit on their laurels as the world (crazily) spun on its axis. Read on to meet some of these impressive people and learn how each one is leading by example.
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Deven Dighe ’22 (above) and Chase Hensley ’23 (left)
These Mentors Have It Down to a Science How Deven Dighe ’22 and Chase Hensley ’23 are Leading the Next Generation of Brainy Yaks When Chase Hensley ’23 was selected as a Brainy Yak in the fifth grade, he was tasked with a less than glamorous job. The Yaks were creating a sound diffuser made of K-Cups, and Chase’s job…was to dumpster dive for the coffee filters so the group had enough to create the project.
to help them work it out,” he said. When asked if that was stressful, Deven’s nonchalant response? “The stress is fun.”
Chase has come a long way from those days back in 2015. Now a sophomore, he and Deven Dighe ’22 are both in the Upper School, but they have spent the last two years helping the Middle School robotics team, the Brainy Yaks.
Chase says he has enjoyed mentoring the younger kids because they had become friends during their time on the team together. He also learned a lesson heralded by teachers everywhere.
According to Brainy Yaks advisor Mr. Leigh Northrup, Deven and Chase were natural choices to stay on with the program after they graduated Middle School. “They were both all-stars during their time in Yaks,” he said.
“Middle Schoolers are hard to teach,” he said. “They can be really silly.” (Editor’s Note – Chase stated he has decided he could never be a Middle School teacher.)
Deven and Chase worked with the Yaks by helping them program robots and create an innovation project each year. Deven mentored the Brainy Yaks during their run for a world championship back in 2019, when they spent close to a year researching how to prevent circadian rhythm disruptions in astronauts on the International Space Station. The work the Yaks presented at regional and state competitions, as well as points earned for building and executing a robot run, earned them a spot on the international stage. Deven joined the Yaks for the worlds event in West Virginia. “At the last minute, their code stopped working, and so I had
“It’s rewarding to watch these kids grow up, knowing they are getting prepared to go on to Upper School robotics,” he said.
“It can be crazy and fun, but in order for them to learn something, they need to be focused, and you can walk alongside them,” Chase said. Mr. Northrup sings the boys’ praises and feels their leadership has contributed greatly to the team’s growth. “They are not just supporting younger students but teaching those same students how to be amazing leaders and mentors themselves,” Mr. Northrup said. “Deven and Chase have set a new bar for how to support Cannon School programs and what mentorship means in our community.” Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 5
Planting SEEDS of Change Dean Michelle Zelaya and Mrs. Stephanie Ranson pilot an innovative new program at Cannon collectively, in the context of each participant’s intersecting identities. “In my experience, I’ve found that people are really hungry for conversations that help them understand these big topics around equity and inclusion, but they reported that they weren't getting what they need from traditional diversity training,” said Mrs. Ranson.
Mrs. Stephanie Ranson and Dean Michelle Zelaya lead the Leadership Team through a SEED exercise.
We all learned it in kindergarten science class—plant a seed in a cup of soil, care for it—in a few weeks, you’ll have a plant. That lesson also applies to other areas of life, as some Cannon faculty and staff members learned when they participated in the SEED project. SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) partners with schools, organizations, and communities to develop leaders who guide their peers in conversational communities to drive personal, organizational, and societal change toward social justice. The program came to Cannon via Dean Michelle Zelaya, Upper School Associate Dean of Students and Equity and Belonginess Coordinator, and Mrs. Stephanie Ranson, Middle School Teacher and Service Learning Coordinator. Both have been interested and involved with equity and inclusion work for many years, leading multiple initiatives in the arena. The two had heard about SEED through teachers from other schools, and after a rigorous application process, headed out to California in 2019 to attend a New Leaders Week.
“SEED offers something very unique. It doesn't prescribe the answers. It’s not a quick fix. But it offers possibilities of ground up change.” Mrs. Kathy Olson, Assistant to the Head of Middle School, was a Cohort One participant. “Our time together provided an opportunity to truly listen, to fully share, and to shed light on our different experiences and perspectives,” she said. “There was laughter, and there were tears. There was a depth of conversation that forged a level of respect and trust that was most unexpected.” “We were a group of Lower, Middle, and Upper School teachers and staff; we became a SEED family. The SEED foundation of respect and trust is what we need to flourish as a community,” Mrs. Olson continued. Lower School teacher Miss Megan Kelly concurred. “Participating in the SEED program enabled me to reflect on my own personal bias, relationships, and true understanding of the world around me,” she said. “I appreciate all that the SEED program has done for me and the educational opportunity it provides. I continue to utilize the skills and knowledge I gained every day,” said Miss Kelly.
Dean Zelaya was quick to point out that the week was intense. “This was not Diversity 101; it was a 500-level course,” she said.
The feedback from other members of the first cohort was also overwhelmingly positive. “We now have a slew of teachers, staff members, and administrators who are looking at the world through a different lens,” said Mrs. Ranson. “They’re thinking about how they can reach their students better and seeing them as individuals.”
After finishing their training, Dean Zelaya and Mrs. Ranson returned to Cannon and designed a curriculum for fifteen faculty and staff members in the first SEED project cohort at the end of 2019. The ten-week program’s unique methodology involved personal reflection and testimony, listening to others' voices, and learning experientially and
“SEED is more than just professional development; it’s personal work,” said Dean Zelaya. “The stories we are sharing are important to have, so that we can better understand each other. The more we understand each other, the better our relationships will be—including the ones we have with our students.”
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Unity Through Understanding Blair Henderson ’26 Starts a Middle School Affinity Group When Blair Henderson ’26 came to Cannon in the fall of 2019, she knew early on that she would love to create a space where students of color could gather and share. With the help of Middle School Teacher Mrs. Stephanie Ranson, Blair did just that—and has been leading the group, even virtually, ever since. Q: I understand that you were new to Cannon last year. When you came here, why did you think it was important to create an affinity group? A: It was important to me because at my old school, it was a space for students of color to come and feel a sense of community and belonging. I was new, so I thought that was a great way for me to make new friends and have a group of people to support me. Q: Walk us through the process of getting the group started. A: It just started out with me talking to Mrs. Ranson about my old school and how we did things differently there. I told her about my affinity group and asked if we had one. She said, “No, but we can start one.” At first, I was a little scared because I was new, so I did not know what to expect. Q: What does a typical meeting look like? A: This year, it has been a little harder to get together on Zoom during COVID, so usually on a Friday we will get together during our lunch break and the group leaders will have a topic for us to talk about. The space is very inviting, and we usually share stories and talk through stuff. It’s been a challenge this year because we all have different schedules and sometimes it is hard to coordinate a time. Q: What have been the rewards of starting a group like this one? A: Some rewards are my friendship with the people in the group. We have created such a close bond; I think because we all have something in common to relate to. Q: What else do you hope to accomplish with an initiative like this? A: A bond with other people so we can have a sense of community. Blair says they would love if other Middle School students would get involved. For more information, you can email her at bhenderson@cannonschool.org. Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 7
Caring for Kids with Cancer Izzie Gosling's Work with the Pinky Swear Foundation Many of our Cougars didn’t necessarily set out to lead, but rather to serve others…and wound up becoming an inspiration along the way. Izzie Gosling ’21 is a perfect example of taking a cause that hit close to home and creating a movement with far-reaching effects. Read on to learn how her work with the Pinky Swear Foundation has helped benefit children with cancer, as well as inspire others to follow her lead. Q: How and when did you become involved with the Pinky Swear Foundation? A: I have been working with the Pinky Swear Foundation (PSF) since I was 12 years old. (Izzie is a now a senior.) My soccer coach’s son was diagnosed with cancer, and the entire soccer club rallied together to support his family. It was incredibly difficult watching Dalton and his family struggle 8 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2021
emotionally and financially, so after learning that PSF was helping to cover their costs, I knew wanted to make a greater contribution to the cause and get more directly involved. Q: What have been some of your tasks/accomplishments with the organization thus far? A: For the past five years I have served as a member of the PSF Youth Leadership Council (YLC), which organizes and volunteers at fundraising events, plans parties for the families the foundation supports, and raises awareness in various ways. Last year I started a Pinky Swear Club here at Cannon, which has held food/supply drives, fundraising events, and made cards for cancer patients. I have also been working with executive members of the foundation to improve the
effectiveness of the YLC and establish a mentorship program within the council. Finally, this summer I took several shaving cream pies to the face to help launch a virtual fundraising campaign, #CancerIsMessy, in lieu of the usual events like the annual triathlon that weren’t possible due to COVID-19. Q: What has involvment with PSF taught you about leadership? A: Being involved with Pinky Swear has taught me that being a leader means creating opportunities for others to demonstrate leadership and take on those roles. This year I took on the job of helping to plan the monthly YLC meetings and to transition them from being adultled to member-led, with each member leading a different segment of the meeting. I, along with the two other seniors, introduced this idea by leading the first meeting, and then passed on our roles to other members to lead the next meeting. It was far more rewarding seeing the member I had passed on my role to present in the next meeting than doing it myself. I want to leave the YLC confident in the contribution I have made, and I think I have done that by preparing the younger members to take on bigger leadership roles. Overall, it has taught me that the best leaders will mentor even better ones to fill their shoes, and that there is always something to learn from others. Q: What’s an important lesson you’ve learned from your involvement with Pinky Swear?
A: An important To me, the purpose lesson I have learned of leading by is the importance of reflection as a leader. example is to make One fundraiser I have it easier for others held every year since I started high school is to follow you in a a dress down day for positive direction, National Pinky Swear Day. Each year has and there is no been more successful doubt about the than the last because I reflected on the influence that weaknesses of the peers have on event and how it could be improved. More one another. importantly, I learned that reflection is even more effective when done with a team who might be able to see things from a different perspective than you in order to have more success in the future. As I reflect on my work with PSF, I have also learned the importance of resilience and being committed if you really want to make a change or see an idea come to fruition. Turning ideas into real events is one of the greatest challenges for the YLC, but it has taught me not to give up when faced with minor setbacks and that if you are really dedicated, you can make it happen. Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your work with the Pinky Swear Foundation? A: The motto of the PSF YLC is “Kids Helping Kids,” and I think that is a perfect reflection of the idea of leading by example. To me, the purpose of leading by example is to make it easier for others to follow you in a positive direction, and there is no doubt about the influence that peers have on one another. My work with Pinky Swear has given me the reward of being a role model to younger YLC members and learning from other leaders, while giving back to families and their children who are facing extreme challenges. I continue working with Pinky Swear because I have seen the incredible impact that even the smallest gesture can have on those who are enduring difficult times, and that no act of kindness is too small. Interested in learning more about the Pinky Swear Foundation or helping out? Visit www.pinkyswear.org, or email Izzie at igosling@cannonschool.org. Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 9
Going for Goal: How Some Resourceful Students Jump-Started Cannon’s Girls Lacrosse Program Sometimes the word “no” is just a jumping-off point. Such was the case for Morgan Stilphen ’20. Back when she was a sophomore at Cannon, she set about trying to start a girls lacrosse program. She arranged an interest meeting in which dozens of girls attended. But ultimately, the time wasn’t right—not enough resources, and the fear that it would pull athletes from other sports. Morgan tried again junior year. Same answer. But the third time, when Morgan was a senior, was a different story. The elimination of the JV girls’ soccer team freed up athletes, and Morgan and Kate Nelson ’20 decided to try a different approach—form a club team. (A club sport is a registered student organization intended to promote interest.) When they talked to Dean Michelle Zelaya about the possibility, she informed them that two other girls—Alivia Calabrase ’21 and Bella Edmondson ’21—had approached her with the same idea. And so it began. The girls set up a booth during club fair in the fall, and to their delight, dozens of girls were interested. They ordered uniforms and arranged practices with the help of parents Mrs. Brenda Wilson, Mrs. Heather Brown, and Mrs. Wendy Benz. But as is the case with any fledgling program, there were plenty of challenges—such as finding practice space. With so many spring teams, the girls often practiced at Dorton Park or on the tennis courts. Just as the club team was hitting its groove…along came COVID to end the fun. And while that might have been the
ending of one chapter, it became the beginning of another. In the fall of 2020, Alivia and Bella—now seniors— approached the new Director of Athletics, Ms. Katie LaRue, asking about the possibility of offering girls lacrosse at the varsity level. Ms. LaRue had already had two visitors asking the same question—Addison Maynor and Maggie Murphy, both ’27. “There had been growing interest in girls lacrosse within the Cannon community,” said Ms. LaRue. Finally, it was the right time to add the sport to the list of spring offerings at the Middle School and varsity level. “Based on the passion and teamwork demonstrated by these young women, as well as Cannon’s research to ensure a new team will be sustainable, this is an exciting opportunity for our female student-athletes, their families, and our school,” said Ms. LaRue. The team will begin play this spring. So, how did it feel for the girls who worked so hard to start the program? “It’s amazing that all of our hard work and planning is becoming a reality,” said Bella. “When we were putting the club together last year, we thought an NCISAA team might be a possibility down the road, but we’re so excited that it’s going to happen while we’re here, as seniors.” “We’ve worked hard and invested our time on behalf of the girls here now, and the girls who will be the sport’s future,” said Alivia. “It feels so great that we are giving younger girls an opportunity to play this sport and be successful.” Morgan—who has graduated and is now away at college— was overjoyed when she heard the news. Even though she won’t get a chance to play as a Cougar, she is proud to have helped set the path for the program. “We were able to work with the girls, encourage and teach them the importance of women’s sports, and the value of that is beyond measure,” she said.
Girls lacrosse will begin playing at the Middle School and varsity level this spring. 10 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2021
“I never really realized how much this club meant to some of the girls that played. I was at dinner one night and two parents approached me about how much the club meant to their daughter and how it helped her tremendously with confidence and friendships. I never would have known the impact the club had on her in such a short amount time if her parents hadn’t told me. Which shows how inclusive and fun these girls are!”
Politically Correct Orietta Grady ’29 and Brooks Daviet ’29 Represent Lower School on Student Council We the People! Back on Election Day in November, Lower School students seized the opportunity to “go to the polls” (in this case, voting booths), and select two fourth graders to represent them on the Lower School Student Council. Candidates had given speeches as to why they would be the best choice for change. The winners? President Orietta Grady and Vice President Brooks Daviet. Here’s what they had to say about serving other students. Q: Why did you want to run for Student Council? A (Orietta): I had always wanted to be part of Student Council. I thought it would be fun to participate, and I was glad to have the chance to make our school a better place. A (Brooks): I wanted to represent Lower School and be a good example for others. Q: What do you hope to accomplish as a representative on Student Council? A (Orietta): One thing I really want to accomplish during this school year is to bring back cookie day. A lot of kids have asked me to help bring it back and I would like to do so. I also want to make a school garden where we can plant fruits and veggies to help people in need. Many friends in the Lower School wanted to do this last year. I will need a lot of help from students, teachers and parents to make this wish come true. A (Brooks): I’d like for us to have better equipment at recess. And I just want to be a voice that can represent other Lower School students. Q: You recently participated in the interview process when we were hiring a new Head of Safety and Security. What was that like? A (Orietta): It felt good to be doing something that will affect the whole school. It was fun to hang out with friends and get to know other kids in other grades. I liked hearing about the security officers’ lives and experiences. I learned about their job and how they would protect us and do anything to keep us safe. A (Brooks): It was pretty cool meeting kids from other grades and interviewing the candidates. I felt like we had a hand in something big, and that we were making a difference. Q: What do you think makes a good leader? A (Orietta): I think a good leader is someone who involves their community and doesn't make decisions alone. They follow their core values and try to make good changes. A (Brooks): A leader models what is right, like how to walk in the hallways or how to pick up trash that gets left behind. They show integrity in everything they do. Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 11
The Busy Busby Sisters Set a Gold Standard with Buzbeads Back at the beginning of quarantine, it seemed like everyone was picking up a hobby—knitting, baking, photography. The Busby sisters, Emily ’22, Kathryn ’24, and Brooke ’27, were no exception and decided to try something new as well—jewelry making. After multiple YouTube tutorials, how-to articles, and many long hours, they wound up with bracelets, necklaces, and something especially sparkly—a thriving new business called “Buzbeads.” The Busbys weren’t necessarily well-versed in the art of jewelry making before the pandemic (although Brooke credits the bus rides to Adventure Camp for sparking her early endeavors in paracord bracelet making), but it seemed like a good way to pass the long hours of quarantine. “Making jewelry was a fun project and a great creative outlet during the days we spent at home together,” said Kathryn. The girls decided to take their hobby a step further and create a business called—what else?—Buzbeads. That’s when the real “work” began.
Getting Started “The main challenge we faced in the beginning was learning how to run a business,” said Emily. “We had the passion for the products we were creating, but we didn’t know how to go about the logistics of launching a company. It took a lot of research.” “There’s definitely a learning curve when it comes to business, from learning about taxes, the different vendor platforms like Etsy and Shopify, shipping, creating inventory, etc. We had no clue what we were doing,” Emily continued. The girls learned the same way all entrepreneurs do—on their feet. “We’ve learned so much along the way!” Emily said. “Buzbeads has been a window into the real world of what it might be like to run a bigger business. It’s taught me how to build a strong bond with customers, be true to my word, build trust, and learn to accept feedback to improve.”
Social in a Time of Distancing Buzbeads quickly took off, thanks in large part to a strong social media presence the girls built. They quickly curated a gorgeous Instagram account, amassing over 2,000 followers. 12 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2021
“In a world where social media is popular, having an online presence is important! It’s so fun to be creative on our platform, engage with our followers, and meet new people,” said Brooke. “Getting better at marketing and using Instagram to share our products is a big part of helping to grow our business,” said Kathryn. “Throughout the past few months, we have learned so much about taking pictures, using social media to engage new followers, interacting with other brands through giveaways, and getting guidance and advice from more experienced small businesses owners. Without learning along the way, Buzbeads would not be at the point that it is now. I am excited to keep improving in the world of marketing and social media!”
All in the Family Undoubtedly, everyone wound up spending more time with their families throughout the pandemic. So, in a time of intense “togetherness,” how did the Busby girls navigate working with each other as well? “Working together as siblings can be both a blessing and a curse,” said Emily. “It definitely works to our advantage most of the time, since we’re generally on the same wavelength when it comes to business decisions. While we get along well, like any siblings, we don’t always agree—we make lots of compromises!” “I feel like when you’re working with someone closely, there can be hesitation to give your true opinions because you don’t want to hurt their feelings. Working with my siblings is different, though, because we know each other’s personalities and won’t take things the wrong way. We’re able to lay everything out on the table and work together well. Running a sister-owned company has brought us closer together and allowed us to bond on a deeper level through this pandemic and I am so grateful for that!”
Giving Back The Busby girls always knew they wanted Buzbeads to serve more than just themselves, so last fall they decided to donate $1 from each sale to a monthly rotating charity which they found deserving. Recipients have included More Love Letters, an organization that allows people around the world to send handwritten letters to those who are in need of some extra love and support, the Humane Society of Charlotte, and the National Alliance on Mental Illness, where financial contributions went toward supporting individuals and families affected by mental illnesses through providing advocacy, education, and awareness to the public.
“We all agreed that it was the right thing to do and that it felt nice to support our favorite charities,” said Brooke.
Leadership Lessons Each of the Busby girls has taken away different lessons in leadership based on the Buzbeads experience. “I have learned the importance of being accountable for the tasks and commitments that I take on and how being responsible for my own actions affects my sisters and our business,” said Kathryn. Brooke said she’s learned that when you work together, you can accomplish more than what you could on your own, as well as the importance of leaning on each other to help get things done on time. Emily reflected on the lesson leadership always teaches… dealing with the fact that not every effort is a roaring success from the get-go. “I’ve discovered that it’s important for my sisters and me to take personal responsibility for every failure in our business, not just our successes. As entrepreneurs, we’re constantly reflecting on our decisions and identifying what went well and what could be improved upon for next time. We look at everything as an opportunity for growth, which I think is a crucial aspect of leadership.” Emily also feels that the Cannon experience has helped with their business success. “I have learned so much about leadership and executive functioning skills at Cannon, from advisory activities in Middle School to Dean Booker’s Leadership Lunches and many Student Life lessons. We feel like our experiences at Cannon have prepared us well to launch a business and stay on top of all of the details required to maintain it.”
Parting Thoughts All three Busbys agree—taking a quarantine project and making it a thriving business has been an experience like no other, and each is grateful for the journey and the people who have supported them along the way. Emily left the following advice for other young entrepreneurs: “If you’re wanting to embark on an entrepreneurial journey, remember that growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone and try new things! I’ve learned that you can’t overthink— take calculated risks and put yourself out there. Even if you aren’t totally prepared (we definitely weren’t!), go for it and dive in!”
You can learn more about Buzbeads on their website, www.buzbeads.com, or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/buzbeads. Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 13
In Remembrance of a Friend Four Girls Help Change a Young Boy’s Life In rural Eastern North Carolina, a young boy named Amos throws a stick to his dog, HONOR. Amos and HONOR may look like any other child and pet duo, but there is more there than first meets the eye. Amos is a child with special needs, and HONOR is his reliable service dog, there to provide both comfort and support. The scene, in part, is thanks to an initiative led by four of our Upper School students—Caroline Bentley, Sarah Frances Combs, Ainsley Edmiston, and Nadia Ristich, all ’23. The four girls led a Pura Vida bracelet sale in honor of their dear friend and fellow Cannon classmate, Claire Miley, who died in July of 2019.
meltdowns, and plays chase with his young charge. The proceeds the girls raised have helped offset some of the costs associated with care and the thousands of hours of training. “We are so thankful for the generosity of others to support this amazing organization that has been such a gift to us,” said Adrian. “Much good has been bequeathed upon our family and paws4people and we are very grateful.” “This was a project we were all passionate about,” said Caroline. “We wanted to do the best job possible, and I truly believed we accomplished that. I’m proud of us.”
“We wanted to do something to remember Claire,” said Nadia. With the help of Claire’s mother, Allison Miley, the girls decided to design Pura Vida bracelets with different colored strands that symbolized a memory of Claire. “It was a way to continue to show Claire love,” said Ainsley. The girls ordered the bracelets in March—just as COVID hit. The project had to be put on the back burner until the fall, and the new hybrid learning model proved to be a challenging situation to navigate as the four girls tried to plan logistics. “Caroline, Ainsley, and Sarah are all in the same last name group. I’m the only one who’s not,” said Nadia. “So it was hard. There were a lot of Zoom calls and texts and group chats to make sure we were all on the same page.”
The girls model the Pura Vida bracelets they created in Claire’s memory.
“We wound up figuring out the best way to communicate and move forward, but COVID was definitely a roadblock,” said Sarah. Since we are all existing during a time period that makes it hard to be together, the girls stretched their creative muscles and took to social media to sell bracelets. In a very short amount of time, they had bypassed their GoFundMe goal of $5,000. The money they raised was donated to a cause that Claire had held close to her heart—paws4people, an organization that pairs assistance dogs with people with physical, emotional, neurological, and psychiatric disabilities. Mrs. Miley helped decide the destination of proceeds based on Claire’s love for their rescue dog, Stella. That’s where Amos and HONOR entered the picture. Amos is the son of Adrian Wood, a popular writer known for her blog, “Tales of an Educated Debutante.” Adrian has shared many stories about Amos, who is never far from HONOR, his service dog from paws4people. This full-of-life golden retriever accompanies Amos to doctor’s appointments, calms 14 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2021
(l-r) Sarah Frances Combs, Ainsley Edmiston, Caroline Bentley, and Nadia Ristich
Up to the Task Maya Goldsberry ’22 Reflects on Her Work with the Task Force to Confront Racism, Prejudice, and Bias Over the summer, Cannon formed a task force with the purpose of creating a path of action to confront racism, prejudice, and bias. Task force members met several times to deliver a set of potential school-wide projects and initiatives in three specific areas: • Improving Cannon's ability to develop all learners' positive self-identities and ensuring that Cannon is a place where they find a real sense of belonging. • Engaging in and confronting issues of inequity, inequality, racism, prejudice, and bias within our area communities. • Building a systematic capacity for reflective and generative dialogue in our school, our communities, and our world. Maya Goldsberry ’22 was asked to be the student representative on the task force. Over the years, Maya has helped lead the Middle School “Let’s Talk Tuesday” affinity group, worked with the Black Student Affinity Group, and has been part of the Peer Support Team. Maya also helped organize and lead a peace march of 1,000 people—including many Cannon students and faculty—through the town of Davidson last summer. We sat down with her to ask some questions. Q: Why did you feel it was important to get involved with the task force? A: I had begun finding my voice with matters of inequality and inclusion, but I still needed to learn a proper way to enact change in my community. With this task force, I had the opportunity to work with adults and learn from them. Q: Can you tell us a little bit about the process and how you contributed? A: I was presented with this opportunity by Dean Tom Booker. (I had worked with him earlier in the summer as well.) I honestly didn’t know what to expect. First, we met to go over the task force’s purpose and planned when we could meet and how often. Mr. Horace Bryan (task force chair, parent, and former Trustee) assured us that no idea was too big. The purpose of this group was to present big ideas to the Board to improve Cannon life. He also gave us goals to keep in mind about belongingness.
At the next meeting, we discussed our ideas. Mr. Bryan had us fill out templates (they consisted of what the idea was, funding for the idea, and who would be involved.) For the next few meetings, we presented our ideas to the rest of the group. I had to work outside of the general meetings with other people to combine our ideas and make them stronger. From there, we chose the best ideas to present to the Board of Cannon. Q: What did you learn from this experience, as well as organizing the march last summer? A: I learned how to work with people and reach out for help. As I said, we had to work with other people to combine our ideas to create a strong one. Also, over the summer, I worked with many different Davidson churches, businesses, friends, and emergency staff to have the march be successful. The march also taught me how to work with people to successfully achieve the same goal! Q: Why do you feel it is important for other students to stand up for what they believe in? A: It’s important for us to learn how to work on these situations and stand up for what we believe in now, because soon we won’t have the option to not. Soon, we will be the ones in charge of leading tasks forces, offices, businesses, or projects. Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 15
Lifer Lessons in Leadership Evan Essex ’21 Sets an Example Evan Essex ’21 is set to graduate this spring, leaving the hallowed hallways of Cannon—and a long legacy of leadership. From serving as Head Boy for House Integritas to helping others on the Peer Support Team, Evan is someone who models our Cougar core values. Q: You applied and were selected as Head Boy of House Integritas. What made you want to get involved with House Leadership? A: I always viewed myself as a leader amongst my peers in team sports, however during my sophomore year at Cannon, I suffered an ACL injury. After surgery, I knew that sports weren’t an option until I recovered, so I refocused my talents on interests outside of football and wrestling. At that time the current Head Boy, a senior at Cannon and a close friend of mine, showed me the ropes of being a student leader. This inspired me to throw my hat into the ring for the Head Boy. At the time I didn’t think I had a chance, but I put in the extra effort and refocused my energies to achieve this goal. Q: Wrangling that many Upper Schoolers can’t be easy. What has House taught you about leadership? A: House Leadership has taught me that having a calm and collected approach to handling differing opinions has proved to be very effective. Being able to understand where someone is coming from intellectually and emotionally and responding to that makes finding solutions easier. Being able to collaborate with students together as a whole and understanding where the issues are brings better outcomes and actually solves the problem without creating a new one. Q: You are also involved with Peer Support Team. How did you get involved and why? 16 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2021
A: I am a naturally good listener and approach situations with empathy. I have also helped my friends with problems or just allowed them to vent their frustrations to me as a form of “free counseling” and by just being their friend. I knew that once I made the team that I would be given the opportunity to spread positivity and help my peers through problems around stress and other issues. Q: What have you learned from that experience? A: The Peer Support Team has taught me how to recognize the issue of toxic relationships amongst teenagers that can be found in simple friendships as well as romantic relationships. I was surprised at how much stress, negativity, and emotional drain is caused by this situation. I also became a better friend, and I found myself being able to move through different social circles with ease. Q: As a senior, what else have you learned about leadership from your years at Cannon? A: Being a part of these leadership groups has given me the courage to try to stand out amongst my peers, and the transition from being only an athlete to a student leader gave me immediate recognition from faculty and administration. I was surprised by how easily I fit into this new role. At a time when I thought my “athletic career” was over, I had to reinvent myself, and the struggle to do so has been very rewarding. Cannon provides many avenues to be successful. Although I couldn’t succeed on the field, I am glad that I could be accepted as a student leader. Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add? A: I’d like to personally give thanks to many members of the Cannon faculty. My advisor, Mr. Smith, constantly supported me through any decisions I made during my time in the Upper School. He was one of the first people to recognize my leadership abilities and urged me to pursue either Student Council or House Leadership. I would also like to thank Mrs. Hoffman; she helped me become a better Peer Support member over the past two years by giving me the opportunity to utilize my strengths through empathy by giving school presentations and by leading group meetings. Finally, I would like to thank Dean Booker for being so reassuring and supportive of my role as Head Boy this year. It has given me a lot of confidence which will help me transition into college.
One Smart Cookie Riley Glenn ’30 Bakes up a Business When you ask Riley Glenn how she got her baking business started, she will smile and say, “Well…it all started with my Grammy.” “Grammy” is Riley’s grandmother, and the two started baking together when Riley was just a toddler. Early on they used box mixes, but as Riley grew older, she graduated to making cakes and cookies from scratch. She and Grammy started delivering goodies to friends—maybe someone who was recuperating from a surgery or laid up with an illness. The idea for a business came about when Riley was at a neighbor’s graduation party. One of the guests had heard that Riley baked and offered to pay her to bake a cake for him. “That kind of freaked me out because I had never had anyone offer to buy a cake from me,” she said. But when she realized how much she enjoyed it—and how she could make some spending money— she decided to start researching how to start her own baking business. Her first stop—her friend India’s house. India was a fellow culinary artist, and the two decided to team up to create their own baking business, The Little Bakery. The first step? Marketing! Riley and India went doorto-door through their neighborhood, bearing cake samples and a menu with their information. Soon they were dishing out desserts for dozens of neighbors and pocketing profits along the way. “We got to know a lot of people this way, which was really nice,” Riley said. There were definitely some stressful times along the way for the third-grader. “There was a time I was like, ‘whoops, I’m overbooked here,’ and the customer had to come over and get the order.” (Usually The Little Bakery uses DoorDash for deliveries.) But through experience, Riley learned how to balance her time so both she and her customers are happy. Even with her new business booming, Riley still finds time to bake with her beloved Grammy. And no one will be surprised when she shares what she thinks is the best part of the whole gig—“licking the spoon!” Interested in learning more about Riley’s business or ordering from her? Email her at thelittlebakery.nc@gmail.com. Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 17
Seeing Opportunity, Supplying Hope Jahnavi Duggal ’21 Creates a School Supply Donation Program that has Stood the Test of Time Sometimes, the smallest of observations can yield huge impacts. Such was the case for Jahnavi Duggal ’21. During her early years in the Middle School, she would watch as classmates cleaned out their lockers on the last day of school. “My parents always told me to bring my supplies home so I could sort through it all and see what could be reused. However, I noticed this wasn’t always the case for my classmates,” said Jahnavi. “I saw many things, such as unopened packs of paper, gently used markers, and locker shelves being thrown away. By sixth grade, I decided to find a way to stop this from happening.” The result was an annual school supply drive. All the new and gently used items collected were donated to Classroom Central, an organization that distributes the supplies to kids and teachers in need. One of the biggest challenges Jahnavi faced early on was figuring out where to donate. “When I decided to do the
supply drive, it was late April, which only gave me a few weeks before the end of the school year. I spent about a week searching, but I couldn’t find what I was looking for: an organization that donated to schools specifically in our community,” she said. “As I began to worry about the time crunch, Mrs. Stephanie Ranson, my history teacher at the time, approached me saying she had heard about my project and had a few suggestions. Working together, we were able to find the organization, Classroom Central, and even figure out many of the logistics of the drive.” Jahnavi has been able to see how her efforts have benefited others each year, when she and her family spend the day loading the boxes of items and making multiple trips to drop it off at Classroom Central. “The most rewarding aspect has been seeing the positive impact this project has had on the Cannon community,” she said. “Also, by reducing this wastage, I was helping protect the environment,” she said. “When I first did the drive in sixth grade, so many staff members came up to me saying how much they loved the idea, and many also had questions,” Jahnavi continued. “As I continued this project, students and teachers began saving their supplies for donation, and increasingly more items were collected each year. Teachers would even contact me personally throughout the year if they had items to donate. Everyone’s enthusiasm and curiosity are what inspire me to continue this every year.” The process has also taught her about leadership. “I have learned that a leader needs to know when to delegate and when to accept help,” she said. “Each year, it has been my responsibility to organize the drive, but I wouldn’t have been able to do so without the amazing support of Cannon’s staff. It’s my job to contact Cannon’s division heads and get permission for the drive, however, they make sure the teachers and students are notified and ready with their supplies. I am so grateful for everyone who made this project possible.”
Interested in donating supplies to the cause? Contact Jahnavi at jduggal@cannonschool.org. 18 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2021
Branching Out Nick Cherry ’27 Goes Out on a Limb with his Wood Chopping Business Lumberjack isn’t necessarily a moniker often heard in association with our students—but you could use it to describe Nick Cherry ’27! Nick has his own wood-chopping business, and what started as a small business has grown “tree-mendously” over the years. Q: How did you get started with your wood-chopping business? A: My wood chopping business, Big Nick’s Wood Shack, started when I was eight years old. I chop and sell wood from our farm, and we deliver truckloads of wood (about 2/3 of a cord). The business started one day when my dad came in and said to research firewood and how to split it. I have been chopping wood for about six years, but only selling it for about four. Q: Your family also owns the Treesort, a private farm with rentable treehouses. Do you sell wood to people renting there? What about other folks? A: We sell to anyone who wants good quality wood. We deliver to anyone who is no more than three hours away. I split wood about once or twice a week and we deliver about three times a week. Q: What has this business taught you in regard to hard work and making customers happy? A: My business has definitely taught me the importance of work ethic and to make sure my wood is dry for the
customer. I give my dad a bunch of credit for this because he has taught me all I know. It has also taught me that I need to work hard and always make sure that I am on top of things. Q: You recently hosted a Winterfest at the Treesort, which included a Young Entrepreneur’s Fair. Can you share a bit about that experience? A: My dad and I had been to a mini entrepreneur fair at someone’s house, and we thought, “We can do that.” We thought tying it into Winterfest (a weekend in which the community was invited to tour the treehouses on property) was a good idea. We advertised on Facebook and Instagram, and it just started going from there. We had about fifty kids who came out to sell their stuff, and it was awesome to see. Q: What has your business taught you about leadership? A: My dad has taught me a lot, and I’ve learned that if you want to be your own boss and be successful, you really have to work. Q: What is advice you would give other young entrepreneurs? A: There are a lot of times when I don’t want to go and chop wood. My advice is, sometimes you don’t want to do something, but don’t quit. Keep on going, even when you’re tired. Eventually it will work out. Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 19
The Write Stuff Sarah Leonard ’23 “Books” a Q&A with Famous Author When Sarah Leonard '23 started a creative writing club at Cannon earlier this year, she spent most of her time getting the fledgling organization off the ground - recruiting members and leading meetings. Sarah was invested in the grueling aspects of getting together a passionate group of writers who could learn from one another - all while plugging through a global pandemic.
This “tale” actually started a couple years back, when Sarah was finishing Middle School. “The creative writing club came about because I had taken creative writing as my arts elective in seventh and eighth grade and found my writing skills as well as my creativity improve and grow exponentially during this time. I really began to love writing and I credit my creative writing teachers, Ms. Bethany Campbell and Mr. Fabio Hurtado, for instilling that in me,” she said. “When I transitioned to Upper School, I was eager to select creative writing as my art because I wanted to continue to build upon my developing skills from those Middle School writing classes. I realized while filling out my course selections for ninth grade that creative writing was no longer an arts elective, and I was saddened that I could no longer have a selective part of the school day devoted specifically to writing,” Sarah said.
Sarah Leonard (above) and Brit Bennett (left)
Sarah already wrote for Upper School newspaper The Cusp but was passionate about exploring other forms of written expression. “The summer before my sophomore year, I decided to send out a poll to all Cannon Upper School students just to see if anyone else would be interested in a club geared towards creative writing,” she said. Twenty-five students responded positively, and the Creative Writing Club was born.
"My thought process was, 'Why not just send her a message to tell her about the club and attempt to persuade her to speak?' My message included details about the club, and some persuasive writing skills about trying to convince her that 'speaking to the next generation of writers was an amazing way to use her influence.' The next day I saw a message from her assistant in my inbox, and I was both surprised and very grateful that Ms. Bennett would be willing to speak with us."
Sarah knew she wanted to invite authors to speak, in hopes that club members could better understand the writing process. "One day, I was exploring the website of Brit Bennett, NYT best selling author who happened to write one of my favorite fiction books, The Vanishing Half, and I saw an option to write her via a messaging box," said Sarah.
Brit Bennett—whose critically acclaimed novel The Vanishing Half has spent, at press time, thirty-eight weeks on the NYT bestseller's list hardcover fiction—joined, via Zoom, a group of Cannon Upper School writers from the Creative Writing Club, The Cusp, and lit magazine The Ink. Sarah led the interview with thoughtful questions about the writing
20 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2021
Author Pic by Emma Trim
Sarah never dreamed that the very first author she invited to speak would be a literary darling with a current #1 New York Times bestseller. But that's exactly what happened when she reached out to Brit Bennett.
process, where Brit procured story ideas, and how to bounce back from rejection. Sarah quickly discovered that a lot had to happen before the interview to even make it happen. "I learned about how many logistics go into planning an event such as this, and how many e-mails, scheduling, and conversations go back and forth to set up a seemingly simple conversation. I also learned that you should take action on your goals and give your far-fetched ideas a shot because they might work out, and if they don’t, you will likely learn something in the process," she said. The day of the actual interview, Sarah was joined, via Zoom, by a select group of passionate student writers and Brit herself. “I didn’t go into the interview with many expectations of how it would go, but I was definitely pleasantly surprised at how well it went,” said Sarah. “I was not expecting Ms. Bennett to be so down to earth and authentic with each of her answers. I think I expected the interview to be a bit more rigid than it was, but it turned out that everything she said was very genuine and the interview flowed nicely, which was a relief !” Creative Writing Club advisor Mr. Richard Smith concurs, and credited Sarah with the success. “The meeting went
spectacularly well. Sarah was poised, professional, and prepared. She ran the entire meeting. She listened carefully and adjusted her questions in response to Brit Bennett’s answers. She sounded like a seasoned journalist, asked insightful questions, and provided the basis for twenty-nine minutes that the young writers in the room will remember for a long time. I don’t say this lightly: it was extraordinary.” Sarah believes the entire process, from starting the club to the meeting with Brit, taught her about what it truly means to lead. “Being a leader takes confidence in your ideas and enough belief in what it is that you are working on or leading to give you the motivation to move forward,” she said. “You also have to be humble enough to accept failure, whether that is an activity that wasn’t well received, having nobody show up to one of your club meetings, or getting told honest feedback by someone. Part of being humble is also being able to accept help, a crucial aspect of leadership. Ksenya Englesby ‘22, Taylor Geist ’21 (who help lead the creative writing club) and Mr. Smith contribute in many valuable ways to lead the club in the right direction.” Sarah is currently in the process of reaching out to other authors, and hopes to set up more conversations with authors throughout the year and the rest of her time at Cannon.
Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 21
The Big Picture If there is anything we have learned in the past year, it is that there is beauty to be found in an “ordinary day.” February 17, 2021, proved to be just that. Here, we document the hours and activities of our Cougars.
8:11 a.m.
Ben Childress ’22 heads into the Upper School building to start the day.
9:44 a.m.
11:53 a.m.
11:02 a.m.
Administrative Assistant Mrs. Suzanne Howard gets ready to open the door for the daily FedEx delivery.
Cam Abaqueta ’22 takes a ping-pong break during lunch with his advisory in The Mill.
Belle Holloway and Ava Cardwell, both ’25, have a laugh with friends during a socially-distanced outdoor lunch.
3:03 p.m.
12:10 p.m.
Middle Schoolers trade end-of-day stories as they wait for their parents in afternoon car line.
3:08 p.m. 22 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2021
Emmi Wheeler ’31 eagerly shows of her white board answer to Mrs. Sabrina Amann’s question, “What two words make up the word ‘you’re?’”
Mrs. Danielle Robinson walks Dane Lotti ’33 to his car.
10:19 a.m.
Joshua Vining ’27 helps lead Mrs. Stephanie Ranson’s advisory to victory during the Middle School’s Advisory Games Remote Control Derby.
38-degree temps won’t stop Sadie Downs ’33 from getting in a little jump rope time at recess.
10:34 a.m.
1:48 p.m. Mritsa Muthukumaran ’32 counts out pennies and dimes during a math lesson with Miss Molly Kennedy.
4:48 p.m.
3:58 p.m. Monique Moore ’22 gets ready for the upcoming track season during workouts in Andrews Strength and Conditioning Center.
4:12 p.m.
End of the day—headed home, and already looking forward to what tomorrow will hold.
Coach Will Sinden works on a drill with varsity tennis players Arnie Yerra and Jibraan Syed, both ’23. Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 23
News CANNON THEATER COMPANY PRESENTS THE SOUND OF MUSIC As we always say—the show must go on! This year, instead of mounting a live musical, a team of fifty Cannon Theater Company cast and crew members have rehearsed and filmed a video production of The Sound Of Music. Green screen technology, the pre-recording of songs in a distanced environment, and a constantly evolving production process have been some of the new challenges the troupe has encountered in bringing this beautiful musical to life on screen. Based on the 1949 memoir The Story of the Trapp Family Singers by Maria von Trapp, this most beloved of musicals is about a young Austrian Megyn Diehl ’21 plays Maria in “The Sound of Music.” The performance was postulant in Salzburg, Austria, in 1938 who is sent shot in front of a green screen and edited in post to look like it actually takes place in the Austrian hills! to the villa of a retired naval officer and widower to be governess to his seven children. As the family faces increasing pressure to fall in line with the rapidly growing presence and authority of the Nazi party, they discover love and music as the secret to survival. During this time of distance, our hope is that the power of music and storytelling will deepen our community’s sense of interconnectedness, even as we eagerly await returning to the irreplaceable experience of live performance. As of press time, a streaming date had not been announced, but visit www.cannonschool.org/arts/theater to get all the latest info!
Celebrating Three Generations of JrK/Senior Buddies What a treat to have Virginia Goode Ourisman ’08 return to campus last fall and visit with her JrK buddy, Charlotte Davis ’21—now a senior! Charlotte and Virginia were members of the inaugural class of JrK/Senior Buddies back in 2007. In addition, Virginia had the chance to meet her “grand buddy,” Harmony Currence ’34. We love the fact that even after so many years, our buddies are still connected!
24 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2021
News Cannon’s Strategic Design In the coming months, and even years, Cannon School will unveil, develop, and live out our new Strategic Design. Now, depending on how many years you have been part of our Cannon community, you may have heard us talk about traditional, five-year strategic plans before. But our Strategic Design is different. It is dynamic, ongoing, and responsive to the realities and opportunities of today and tomorrow. It invites everyone, across the organization, to contribute to our school’s success. Not fixed in or fixated on a five-year period of time, our Strategic Design will allow us to teach, learn, live, and work together as adaptive experts. At Cannon, our new Strategic Design will engage everyone—that’s every division, department, team, and individual—in understanding and pursuing our future together as a school. We cannot wait to share more! In the meantime, we invite you to get acquainted with this high-level overview and begin to see yourself in the new design: •
•
• •
Cannon’s Strategic Design is two years in the making. It began with our 2018-2019 All-School Self-Study Survey (an important part of our re-accreditation process). The survey asked parents, students, faculty, staff, trustees, alumni, and alumni parents about their Cannon experiences. Approved by the Board of Trustees in October, the Strategic Design was crafted by school leaders, faculty, and staff, and informed by data and insights from our entire school community. You will always hear us talk about Cannon’s mission, vision, and core values in the same breath as the Strategic Drivers. Together, they help us answer why we exist, how we behave, where we are going, and how we will succeed. Within the Strategic Design, Cannon School commits to the five Strategic Drivers listed here. As we speak, Cannon is busy forming multiple task forces to bring the Strategic Design to life. The task forces will discover and recommend projects and initiatives organized around our five Strategic Drivers in service of Cannon’s vision and aligned with our mission.
MISSION
Cannon School nurtures relationships at the heart of learning and engages the learner in a journey of growth. CORE VALUES
Courage Integrity Passion
Respect Teamwork Kindness
VISION
Cannon School envisions a world of wholehearted and adaptive contributors. S T R AT E G I C D R I V E R S
Cannon School commits to: COMMUNITY
Belongingness, Engagement, and Access STUDENTS
Developing Critical and Confident Learners EDUCATORS
Distinctive, Personalized Professional Growth Programs WELLNESS
Structures that Promote a Culture of Health and Balance SUSTAINABILITY
Mission-Responsive Resources and Partnerships
Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 25
Beginning March 22 through June 30, we invite you to take part in “100 Days, 100 Ways We Love Cannon School.” During this time, we are calling on our entire community to give back and help us reach our Cannon Fund goal of $600,000. We will share stories of why we love Cannon, as well as have a day of giving. Here are examples of your Cannon Fund dollars at work:
TECHNOLOGY MAGNUS APP
ZOOM LICENSES
SWIVL
FOR ALL CLASSROOMS
FURNITURE NEW FURNITURE &
DESK SHIELDS
FACILITIES
PPE FACE MASKS, FACE SHIELDS, AND GLOVES
EXTRA COSTS RELATED TO
CLEANING
HVAC SYSTEM Increased expenses TO HEAT AND COOL our facilities along with UPGRADED AIR FILTERS and THERMOMETERS
INFRASTRUCTURE & SUBSCRIPTION TO
LIVESTREAM SPORTING EVENTS
FINANCIAL AID 26 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2021
Make your gift today by visiting www.cannonschool.org/cannonfund
ACADEMICS + ARTS + ATHLETICS + FACULTY PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT + ALUMNI PROGRAMMING
The Cannon Fund
Cannon Athletics Although it wasn’t always easy, we managed to continue athletic contests throughout the fall and winter. Here are a few highlights, courtesy of photographer Rob Walley.
Courtney Nix ’23 goes for the kill. Courtney, along with Taylor Geist ’21 and Meghan Schreck ’22, were named CISAA 1st Team All-Conference. Meghan was also the CISAA Player of the Year! Victor Lopez ’24 looks to pin an opponent.
Brayson Wilson ’23 heads downfield during a game against Metrolina Christian.
Despite the heat, Drake Griffith ’21 manages a smile and thumbs up at a cross-country race.
DJ Nix ’22 looks for a teammate at a game against Covenant Day.
The Class of ’21 girls basketball players celebrate on Senior Night. Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 27
A Warriors Awakening: Young Cabarrus private-school team wins first conference title, wants more BY C. JEMAL HORTON, INDEPENDENT TRIBUNE CONCORD – As the 2020 high school football season dawned for the Cabarrus Warriors, first-year coach Jamie Bolton had a good feeling about his inexperienced team. But what the underclassmen-laden Warriors did this year surprised even the optimistic Bolton. After a victory over High Point Christian, the Warriors clinched the N.C. Independent Schools Athletic Association Piedmont Conference championship. This is no small feat for the program featuring players from Cannon School and Concord Academy. It’s the first title for the Warriors, who are in their second year as a combined team, while neither Cannon nor Concord Academy has ever won a conference football crown.
and then a rout of Covenant Day (31-3), both in home games at Randy Marion Field. The Warriors sustained a mighty blow when they went down to Georgia’s Rabun Gap Nacoochee, minus five starters, and came back with a 49-0 defeat. But they bounced back impressively against Indian Trail Metrolina Christian the following week, taking a 24-21 victory. “I thought that was one of the biggest games of the year to see where we were because we’re a young team,” Bolton said. “I wanted to see how we matched up against some good competition. It took both sides of the ball and special teams to win that one, but our guys put the Rabun Gap game behind them and played well.”
“It’s been a wild run,” said Bolton, a Gastonia native. “It’s been fantastic.”
On Oct. 30, the Warriors had to face High Point Christian – which, like Cabarrus, was 2-0 in conference play—in a game that would decide the Piedmont Conference title. And they answered the call.
Cabarrus set the tone this year when it opened with a comefrom-behind victory over North Raleigh Christian (21-14)
In a hard-fought contest that saw the pendulum of momentum swing back and forth, the Warriors rebounded
28 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2021
with a narrow 28-27 win over High Point Christian. The game featured a pair of rushing scores by freshman Will Jones and an interception return for a touchdown by junior defensive lineman Ashton Cunningham. In addition, freshman quarterback Tyler Green hit senior Zach Kellman for a touchdown.
followed by Kellman (17 for 255 with a touchdown), Jones (15 for 142) and Gavin Powell (14 for 141 and a touchdown).
The Warriors’ coach beamed with pride after his team secured its first conference crown.
Defensively, Jack Schultz leads the Warriors with 32 tackles, including seven for loss, and is tied for the team high with six sacks. Myles Stradford has three sacks, while Cunningham, Randy Marion III and Jackson Scurlock have registered two sacks apiece.
“They’ve never been in this position before,” Bolton said of his players. “Before we played High Point, they’d never competed for a conference title, but they showed up.”
Cunningham, Joshua Reid, Gavin Powell and Eli Snodgrass all have an interception, while Frood (three), Dickens (three) and Powell lead the team in deflected passes.
One thing that’s been evident about the 2020 Warriors is that they aren’t afraid of tough circumstances. It’s a characteristic Bolton said he noticed as the players convened in the preseason, not long after he arrived from a successful stint as an offensive assistant at much bigger public-school programs in South Carolina.
It’s all been a recipe for a conference title, and Bolton hopes it could lead to something more once the postseason begins.
Still, Bolton has been amazed by what he’s seen take place within his still-new program. “I’ve never been around a group like this before,” the coach said. “We’ve got a lot of freshman that are resilient; they play very hard. We’re also starting four sophomores, and those guys have stepped up each and every time and played hard and made some big plays.” “Our receiver, Max Riley, had 146 yards off seven catches against Metrolina—as a freshman. We’ve had several guys step up like that. Tyler has been very consistent. Will Jones has got six touchdowns on the ground.” Bolton said there’s a reason the team is ahead of schedule with its goals, and it isn’t just about football.
“I can’t speak enough to the resilience of our football team,” Bolton said. “There have been some ups and downs. We’ve won some games that were tough and still put ourselves in a position to be conference champion, so I’m really excited about our young football team.”
CONGRATULATIONS Coach Jamie Bolton! Piedmont Athletic Conference Coach of the Year 2020 Record (5-3) (4-0) 2020 PAC Conference Champions NCISAA Division II State Semifinals
“It’s a testament to not only our freshmen but also to our leadership from our seniors,” Bolton said. “Michael Dickens, Zach Kellman – those seniors are very good leaders for our young group. And the way those groups have merged this year, I think, is kind of the story of our team. The older guys have kind of taken our younger guys under their wings and provided that leadership we’ve needed down the stretch.” Myriad Warriors have played key roles for the team. Green is among the state leaders as a quarterback, passing for 1,124 yards and six touchdowns, while Jones has been a workhorse at running back and linebacker. Riley leads the team with 20 catches for 342 yards and two touchdowns, Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 29
Leaders Making History The Story of Two Treasured Traditions
Cannon has many treasured traditions that students look forward to each year, as well as memories our alumni look back on fondly. While I watched our Project Wrap-In come to life for the fourteenth year amidst the crazy uncertainty of a pandemic, I felt it was a moment of hope. It made me reflect on two of our cherished traditions and the alumni who put their leadership skills to the test to make their ideas a reality—Project Wrap-In and Cannon Runs for Cancer Research, more commonly known as the CR2 Run.
Sydney Ross
In 2006 Bethany Corbin ’08 had just moved to Concord and was amazed by the school’s commitment to family and community. She wanted to create a school-wide project united around these values. With a small idea and a big goal, Project Wrap-In was brought to life. Each student was called upon to bring in a gift for someone less fortunate, and the community dedicated a morning to wrap the presents—together.
“Given all of the logistics to make this event a success, I could not have done it alone. I relied on my friends and the faculty members to help and support me. Without their encouragement and guidance, the event would likely still remain a broad idea without implementation,” Bethany stated while reflecting on that first year. This year Project Wrap-In donated well over a thousand presents to numerous organizations supporting children in our community. Bethany remarked, “Project Wrap-In continues to serve as a reminder to me that even the smallest of ideas can have a large impact on the community and the lives of others. Seeing its success has given me the confidence to pursue other goals and initiatives, no matter how small they may seem at the time.” Another tradition, Cannon Runs for Cancer Research, came to life out of the hard work of Stephanie Schauder ’11 and Tim Gruber ’12. When Stephanie was seventeen, her father passed away from pancreatic cancer, and became her inspiration for the creation of the CR2 run. With the encouragement and support of Tim, the first official run became a reality on November 12, 2010, when more than 250 friends joined them as they ran fourteen miles from then-Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville to Cannon School. Reminiscing about the experience, Tim stated, “That was a day that makes my heart so happy to think back on it. I think of the support and camaraderie that was overflowing from everyone - teachers, students, and community members.” Personally, I cannot wait to see all the amazing feats of our students and alumni for years to come, and admire the advice shared by Stephanie: “Follow your passion and dream big. There is nothing that can't be done, no idea too crazy. Going through that experience of seeing a rough idea turn into a major event really empowered me and broadened my horizons to what is possible. Being young is really a great asset; you can be extremely passionate about your beliefs and just naive enough to believe that your crazy ideas are possible. In that sense, I never want to grow up.”
Bethany Corbin ’08 (bottom center) with friends, faculty, and nonprofit representatives at Cannon’s first Project Wrap-In in 2006. 30 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2021
Tim Gruber ’12 and Stephanie Schauder ’11 talk with local news stations about Cannon Runs for Cancer Research.
Tim and Stephanie lead a group of runners back to Cannon School, escorted by state troopers.
Leadership in Action
Alumni Athletes Bring Their Skills Back to the Game Our alumni gained many different skills during their time at Cannon, whether that be in the classroom, taking a leadership role within the House System or another organization on campus, or on the athletic field. Several of our alumni have come back to campus to coach on the same fields where they once competed as Cougars. We had the chance to interview some of these upstanding alumni to learn more about their motivation behind returning to campus and the skills they’ve gained.
Myles Martino ’13 Assistant JV Football Coach
been coached like this.’ So, I really just honed in on that and thought about how every player is going to be different, and every player is an individual. I really wanted to make sure that every kid got the individualized attention they needed. One of the things I did at the beginning of the season was ask each one where they wanted to be at the end of the season. With taking that time, I was able to identify some of the goals they wanted to achieve, hold them accountable, and partner with them to help them get there. That was something that I believe they felt was genuine and really helped both of us establish a connection.”
Kelvin Drakeford ’08 Head Varsity Girls Basketball Coach Myles Martino ’13 (middle) discusses game plays with Coach Danny Scurlock and Coach Chris Williams
The football program started in 2010 and you played on the inaugural team. What kind of leadership lessons did you learn at Cannon as a student-athlete? “I feel like servant leadership is something that I was able to take away from my time at Cannon. As far as being able to be the captain for the football team, I didn’t hold that lightly. I believe I took that and transferred it into everything I was doing, as far as the way I was talking to people or how I could help someone. Of course, the honor code was a big thing while I was at Cannon and still is - having that initiative and being able to speak up to make a change was something that I was able to take away from my time at Cannon.” How have you translated your experiences as a student and transferred it to a coaching role? “Of course, when you’re a kid and being coached, you really don’t have the hindsight to look back and think, ‘I wish I would have done this differently,’ or ‘I wish I would have
Kelvin Drakeford ’08 checking the scoreboard during a game this past season
How has your experience been back as a coach at Cannon? “I think from a personal standpoint, this is home for me, so I take a lot of pride in our program. When the girls put on a Cannon uniform, I let them know that this is special. I really do take a lot of pride in it, and people have been very supportive of it, and our program has really been growing.” Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 31
What has been your favorite part about coaching at Cannon? “Probably seeing (the girls) growth from when I first started with them to when they graduate. This year will be my first group of girls to graduate that I spent all four years with, from the time they were freshman to seniors. I have coached five out of the eight seniors all four years. Seeing where they were as freshmen to where they are now, how they’ve improved, and how they have become young, independent women speaking their mind with no problem.”
Paul Anderson ’13 and Trevor McWilliams ’13 Assistant Varsity Lacrosse Coaches What made you two decide to come back and coach at Cannon? “Sports had a huge impact on both of us during our time at Cannon, so when we got the call from Coach Schattner asking us to be assistant coaches for the lacrosse team, we were excited to come back.”
Trevor McWilliams ’13 and Paul Anderson ’13
“Coach Schattner and our JV coaches made a big difference for both of us while we were at Cannon. We wanted to emulate that for the current student-athletes. We felt like we could work well with the coaches and relate to the players because we are all close in age. We saw this opportunity as our way to give back to Cannon and help create the same experience and impact for the current students.”
THANK YOU, ALUMNI BOARD! Our Alumni Board always does so much to elevate the Alumni Association programming, especially during such a unique year we have just experienced. Thank you to every member for their time and insight to make this year the best it could have been.
ALUMNI BOARD MEMBERS 2020-2021: President: Hillary Gruce '08 Vice President: Jane Campbell '12 Hailey Foreman '13
Isabelle Powell '08
Declan Hurley '20
Ashley Rivenbark '10
Erin Mason '16
Brandon Wade ’15
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Class Notes 2003 Jamey Falkenbury was named the Director of Government and Community Affairs in the NC Department of Public Instruction by State Superintendent Catherine Truitt. Jamey spent the last four years as the Director of Innovation and Communications for the office of Lt. Governor Dan Forest.
WGC FedEx St. Jude Invitational. He is excited to be a short drive from Charlotte and plans to come home often!
2008
Jamey Falkenbury
2005 Cali Leach got engaged on Christmas Eve and is planning to get married May 8, 2021 in Charlotte. Alex Cruz, Morgan Cruz and Shelby Regnery, also from the Class of 2005, will be a part of her wedding.
Cali Leach
2007 Dr. Megan MazzarellaFudge is currently living in Virginia Beach with her husband, Jeff, a Lieutenant in the US Navy. She is working as a full-time general dentist. They also welcomed their first child, Everett Dyre Fudge, on January 26, 2021. Anthony Oddo and his wife recently moved to Charleston, SC, where he joined Mount Pleasant Pediatrics, one of the oldest practices in Charleston, as a private practice general pediatrician. Anthony did return to Memphis to continue volunteering as a medical doctor for the PGA at the
Kelvin Drakeford joined the Board of Directors for Dream on 3 in June 2020. A few of his duties include interpreting the organization's work and values to the community, representing the organization, and acting as a spokesperson. DO3 stands on the core values of authenticity, teamwork, innovation, community, and stewardship. Kelvin’s primary goal with the Board is to continue to be an advocate for DO3, ultimately spreading his and the organization’s love for helping others. Jessie Robbins recently accepted the position of Vice President of Structured Finance and Tax Equity with Generate Capital, a diversified infrastructure company with operations in power, transportation, and waste/waste sectors. She will work with the Capital Markets team raising project financing across Generate's portfolio of decentralized and decarbonized assets. Jessie will continue living in Washington, D.C.
Jessie Robbins
2010 Megan Mazzarella-Fudge’s son, Everett
Anthony Oddo and his wife, Betsy
Ashley Rivenbark was selected as a speaker for the TEDxUNCCharlotte. While the conference was originally scheduled for the spring, Ashley was able to virtually share her speech on the role of inclusion in innovation this past September. To watch her speech, Inclusive Thinking: Rewiring Your Brain for Greater Innovation, visit TED.com. Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 33
Class Notes School advanced math classes, Mr. Brandon Herder's AP Biology class, and Mr. Danny Scurlock's Calculus class. Outside of work, Bradley is passionate about protecting the environment and advocates policies to address climate change. He enjoys hiking and camping, especially in Olympic and Mount Rainier National Parks.
2011 In 2019, Patrick Murphy became the Head Chef and Owner at Heirloom Restaurant. He is excited to announce that Heirloom will move to its new location in Belmont, NC in 2021. Follow them on Instagram at @heirloomrestnc for more information. In May 2020, Andrew Powell received his DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) from Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. In the summer of 2020, he moved back to North Carolina where he is beginning his career as a dentist working at the Mountain Area Health Education Center in Asheville.
Myles Martino started a new role at The Vanguard Group in October as a Client Representative. He continues to work in real estate with Wilkinson ERA. Heirloom Restaurant
Dr. Andrew Powell, DMD
Sarah Wiebusch Rideout and her husband, Zachary, welcomed their son, Anson Stone, on January 18 and are “absolutely smitten!”
2013 Bradley Barnhart received his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University in Palo Alto spring quarter 2020. He is now working at Amazon Web Services in Seattle as a Software Development Engineer, building systems that make databases more performant and reliable. He attributes much of his inspiration to pursue a career in STEM to Cannon School teachers and their courses, specifically Mrs. Kristen Stephens' Middle 34 | CANNON | Winter/Spring 2021
Zachary Rideout, Anson Rideout, Sarah Wiebusch Rideout
Katie Parenica and Trevor McWilliams celebrated their engagement this fall! The two first met while in 7th grade at Cannon School, having dated for a few years while at Cannon and then again after college graduation. On October 16, 2020, Dominick Vaccaro got engaged to his fiancée Haley McCurdy, who he met while attending NC State for his master's degree in accounting in 2017. He proposed at Moses Cone Memorial Park off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Boone, NC.
2014 Angela Poffenbaugh started a new job at WRCB Channel 3 Eyewitness News in Chattanooga, TN, following her two years as a weekday morning anchor in Wisconsin.
2015 Bradley Barnhardt
A photo of Jaillin Johnson was recently featured on Apple’s social media platforms for their “Hometown Series,” centered on different stories from cities across the country,
Katie Parenica and Trevor McWilliams
Dominick Vaccaro
Angela Poffenbaugh
Class Notes 2018
highlighting black photographers. Their first post showed a view of Charlotte, NC with Jaillin modeling for photographer Lauren Woods, professionally known as Portrait Mami. Andrew Nielsen graduated from Marine Corps Officer Candidates School in Quantico, Virginia and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in November 2020. He is currently attending the six-month basic officer course at The Basic School, also located in Quantico, Virginia. After The Basic School, he will report to flight school in Pensacola, Florida to pursue a career as a Marine Corps Naval Aviator.
Jaillin Johnson
Meredith Haddock played a critical role in High Point University’s election night broadcast via HPU All Access. For the first two hours of the evening, she interviewed campus representatives from HPU College Democrats and HPU College Republicans. After that, she was part of the research team making sure their campus was up to date with states being called, as well as governor and senate updates with North Carolina.
Meredith Haddock
2019 Andrew Nielsen
Bradford Schlosser graduated from Wake Forest University with a B.A. in history and economics. In 2021, he is starting with Capgemini in Atlanta, working with the insights and data team. He looks forward to connecting with any alumni in the Atlanta area!
2017 Austin Cindric and his No. 22 NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Ford Mustang team recorded a career best of six victories, 19 topfive finishes and 26 top-10 results. The peak of Austin’s 2020 season came in July when he seized an Austin Cindric impressive five wins in six races, and his team to become the second driver in NXS history to do so. Austin also produced a career-best of 947 laps led and won 11 stages, as he was named the NXS Regular Season Champion. Making his 100th NXS career start, Cindric dominated the championship to claim his eighth series victory and his first NASCAR Xfinity Series championship at Phoenix Raceway.
Lydia Pinto was crowned Miss ECU 2020 at Eastern Carolina University this past fall. Her platform was advocating for all people, no matter their differing abilities. She is dedicating her year to bringing awareness and education, while making every person with a different ability feel loved and valued.
Lydia Pinto
Alex Reulbach is an avid scuba diver, photographer, and wildlife enthusiast. Wanting to share his passion for marine life and scuba diving with others, he realized his photography could be the perfect vehicle to introduce people to the underwater world. He created a website (alexreulbach.com) to share his scuba diving photos with people around the globe. Recognizing the many dangers marine habitats face today due to global warming and the climate crisis, he also realized his website could be an influential tool for marine conservation.
Winter/Spring 2021 | CANNON | 35
Calvin Gets a New Look! Our beloved mascot, Calvin the Cougar, got a bit of a makeover this year with a new costume. Here, he models his new look with the help of Gaurav Katireddy ’31. So just who IS the person underneath the Calvin mask? We’ll never tell!