FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
Dear Charleston Day School Families,
This issue of The Gateway takes on the daunting task of assigning value to the CDS experience. Families make significant sacrifices to enroll their children at CDS and the articles you will enjoy here address aspects of, for lack of a better term, “return on investment” for a Charleston Day experience. The challenge of this assignment lies in the work that a school does: channeling the growth of emerging human beings. The “value” can be measured in some tangible ways, but the outcomes are, by definition, varied and distinct for each student and alumni. That said, we see some patterns that this magazine will dig into.
“I am meeting more and more successful, deeply interesting people whose CDS and high school experience are long in the past, and they still credit Charleston Day with building the most essential part of their foundation as learners and people.”
The goals of the faculty, staff, and Board of Trustees are bold and broad. We are guided by a mission that strives for excellence in scholarship, integrity, respect, and responsibility. We apply those expectations to fiveyear-olds, and we ask the same of students going through the throes of preadolescence. Certainly, the way each Scorpion experiences our expectations looks and feels different in each year they are with us.
Our forever challenge is delivering a comprehensive education that pulls each student towards positive academic and character growth every day–but in an imperfect world, there will be moments where that growth surges forward and moments where it lags. We need to temper our expectations and remember that education is a “long game” where stumbles can be the best teacher. That said, we see our formula working year after year, generation after generation. It sure does feel like we are winning that long game.
Our established record of admitting 97% of our eighth graders to their first-choice school is an impressive metric by any standard. As I have gotten to know this community, I am meeting more and more successful, deeply interesting people whose CDS and high school experience are long in the past, and they still credit Charleston Day with building the most essential part of their foundation as learners and people. At the other end of the continuum, interest in our school is at historic highs. Read on for some of the reasons why. If you are curious about how CDS, and most independent schools, manage finances, we have an “explainer” in this issue. We highlight a long tradition that asks fifth graders to prepare and deliver speeches, growing that signature CDS confidence. We look to the future we aim to build with the Fielding renovation, and we see how many graduates parlay their CDS skills to squeeze learning out of study abroad.
Each member of our community might arrive at a slightly different definition of what defines the goodness of Charleston Day, but time has proven that our formula works and is predictive of holding its value for years to come.
With Appreciation,
Jon Meredith Head of School
The Value of a Charleston Day School Education
A Foundation that Lasts
An education at Charleston Day School extends far beyond the years students spend on campus. As graduates move on to high school, college, and eventually their careers, many discover that the lessons learned in grades K–8 continue to shape how they think, communicate, and approach challenges. Charleston Day’s focus has always been to prepare students not just academically, but as confident, capable individuals ready to thrive in the next stage of their education.
Again and again, alumni report that they feel well prepared when they enter high school. They are comfortable speaking in front of their peers, tackling complex assignments, managing their time, and navigating new environments. These strengths are not accidental. They are the result of a deliberate focus on building foundational skills that help students succeed wherever they go next.
Communication and Public Speaking
One of the hallmarks of a Charleston Day education is the emphasis on clear communication and confident public speaking. Beginning in kindergarten, students are purposefully encouraged to share their ideas and speak in front of an audience.
These experiences build confidence at an early age. By the time CDS graduates enter high school, many are already comfortable presenting projects, participating in discussions, and advocating for their ideas. Administrators at receiving high schools often note that Charleston Day alumni stand out for their ability to articulate their thoughts clearly and engage thoughtfully with their peers. Learning to communicate effectively is a skill that extends far beyond the classroom. Whether presenting a research project, leading a team, or interviewing for college admission, the confidence to speak clearly and thoughtfully is a lifelong advantage.
Adaptability and Problem Solving
The world students will inherit requires the ability to think critically and adapt quickly. At Charleston Day, students are encouraged to ask questions, analyze problems, and approach challenges from multiple perspectives.
“Every year, administrators from secondary schools where our graduates attend reach out to me to share stories about the many ways CDS students contribute meaningfully to the school community and to remark on the confidence they display in their classes.”
- Andy Willits, eighth grade teacher and Director of High School Placement
Eighth graders manage the concession stand during the basketball season.
Mary Lynn Morrison speaks with a judge during the 2026 sixth grade science fair.
Across subjects students learn that mistakes are part of the learning process. They are encouraged to develop resilience and the confidence to try new strategies when something does not work the first time. Just ask our sixth grade science fair participants!
“Science fair projects rarely work perfectly the first time. What impressed me most about our sixth graders was their willingness to adjust, try again, and learn from what didn’t work. Those moments of setback often turned into the most meaningful discoveries,” noted Meghan Fisher, sixth grade science teacher. A key focus of the science fair experience is analyzing a failed experiment and adjusting.
This mindset becomes particularly valuable in high school where academic expectations increase, and students encounter new opportunities and challenges. Charleston Day alumni often report that they feel comfortable stepping into unfamiliar situations because they have already developed the ability to think independently and solve problems creatively.
Independence and Self-Direction
Another lasting benefit of a Charleston Day education is the development of independence and strong organizational habits. Beginning in the younger grades and continuing through middle school, students learn how to manage assignments, plan ahead, and take responsibility for their work.
By the time they graduate from eighth grade, CDS students are accustomed to balancing multiple subjects, long-term projects, extracurricular activities, and leadership roles. These experiences help them enter high school with strong study habits and the ability to manage their time effectively.
Perhaps most importantly, Charleston Day students learn to take ownership of their learning. They become self-directed learners who are motivated not just by grades, but by curiosity and a desire to grow.
The value of a Charleston Day education is reflected in the confidence, curiosity, and character of its graduates. The skills developed during these formative K–8 years–communication, adaptability, and independence–continue to guide students as they succeed in high school, pursue higher education, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
High School Data
*Accepted into IB program, on waitlist for non-James Island residency school lottery
BOARDING SCHOOL ACCEPTANCE RATES
BOARDING SCHOOL SAMPLE LIST: Andover, Asheville School, Avon Old Farms, Baylor, Berkshire, Blair Academy, Choate Rosemary Hall, Christ School, Deerfield Academy, Episcopal High School, Exeter, Foxcroft, Hill School, Hotchkiss, Lawrenceville, McCallie, Middlesex, Phillips Exeter, Salisbury, St. Andrew’s, St. George’s, St. Mary’s, St. Paul’s, Taft, Westminster, Woodberry Forest
*Final 2026 acceptance results were not available at the time of publication.
THE DOTTIE RHETT SPEECH CONTEST
A Tradition that Endures
At Charleston Day School, traditions play an important role in shaping confident and capable students. One of the school’s most meaningful and longstanding traditions is the Dottie Rhett Speech Contest, an event that highlights the importance of communication and honors the legacy of a beloved educator.
Dottie Rhett was known for her dedication to students and her belief that young people should have the confidence to express their ideas clearly and thoughtfully. Her legacy lives on through this annual fifth-grade tradition, which challenges students to write, memorize, and deliver an original speech in front of their classmates and the school community.
“It᾽s not just about public speaking. It's about expressing ideas meaningfully and carrying those skills forward in life.”
-Marianne
Clare '86 Associate Head of School and former participant in the Dottie Rhett Speech Contest
There are so many layers to preparing for the speech contest. The contest requires students to think critically about a topic and organize their ideas. Once students have completed the actual speech writing, they turn their attention to practicing various speech techniques, including slowing down, enunciating certain words, adding expression, and maintaining a steady posture. Throughout the whole process, the young presenters hone valuable skills such as crafting persuasive arguments, speaking with clarity, and managing the nerves that often accompany standing at a podium. These skills serve students well for future interviews, group presentations, and interacting with colleagues at a professional level.
While the contest recognizes outstanding speeches, the greatest value lies in the experience itself. Every fifth grader participates, gaining confidence and learning that their voice matters.
The Dottie Rhett Speech Contest reflects Charleston Day’s commitment to developing strong communicators. For many students, the speech process becomes a significant school experience and a core memory that prepares them for future presentations, leadership opportunities, and the moments when speaking with confidence truly matters.
Frederick organizes sub-topics to help guide his research about the making of
Eloise and Claire record each other presenting their speeches in order to review their performance and make final improvements with their delivery.
the Harry Potter movies.
The group of six finalists and two announcers pose for a photo.
John receives a handshake from Mr. Meredith and applause from our guest judges after receiving first place in this year's
John Cotton, First Place
Animal Adaptations
Claire Fisher, Second Place
What Do We Really Know about Dinosaurs?
Amelia Allan, Third Place
The Great Pyramid of Giza Eloise Bergaz
The Bond Between Horses and Humans
Charlotte Dawson
Cursed Objects: Fact or Fiction?
Hillyer Loehr
The First Daylight Bombings
Announcers:
Mary Madison Lansing and Jack Redding
Earlier this fall, Mr. Meredith stepped off campus to meet Reverend Rhett for lunch with longtime CDS friends, Barbara Dotterer (L) and Hopie and Tee Parker (R). Reverend Rhett, Dottie Rhett’s husband, continues to stay involved with CDS and the speech contest, often attending the annual event.
Finalists, announcers, speech judges, and Dr. Rhett gather at the conclusion of the contest.
contest.
A School-Wide Community Service Project
At Charleston Day School, community service is not simply an activity, it is a core part of the school’s mission. From the earliest grades, students learn that being part of a community also means caring for it. Through hands-on service projects and student-led initiatives, Charleston Day encourages students to look beyond themselves and to recognize the needs of others.
Projects like this help children understand that service is not just about giving. It’s about empathy, responsibility, and leadership.
Souper Bowl of Caring
For the second year in a row, CDS participated in the Souper Bowl of Caring, a nationwide movement that encourages young people to fight hunger in their communities. Through our partnership with ABCNews4 and the Lowcountry Food Bank, the Charleston Day Student Council led the charge and organized a school-wide cereal food drive that brought students, families, and faculty together for a shared cause.
The school community collected an impressive 504 boxes of cereal. The boxes served a dual purpose: they were donated to support local food assistance efforts, and they also became part of a memorable school event, a giant domino run that extended down the entire Founders’ Wing and ended in the center of the gym. Carefully arranged by students, the cereal boxes toppled one by one in a cascading display that symbolized how small actions can create a powerful ripple effect.
While the domino run was exciting to watch, the deeper lesson was more meaningful. Students saw firsthand how collective effort can make a real difference for families in need. Projects like this help children understand that service is not just about giving. It’s about empathy, responsibility, leadership, and participation.
Charleston Day continues to emphasize that our students have an obligation to contribute positively to the communities that support them. By encouraging students to participate in service from a young age, the school helps cultivate compassionate citizens who understand the importance of helping others.
Mr. Meredith, eighth grade Student Council President, Kathleen Lynn, and seventh grade Student Council Representative, Henry Dollens, filmed segments for the Channel 4 Lowcountry Live lifestyle show as part of the Souper Bowl of Caring sponsorship. Their presentation skills were on point as they spoke eloquently about the cereal drive project and ways young people can contribute to community efforts.
Fifteen second-seventh graders participated in a Service Learning Day with Charleston Parks Conservancy. They cleaned up debris and planted bulbs!
The fruits of their labor begin to sprout just in time for spring break.
On campus, students in every grade level had multiple opportunities this fall to engage in initiatives that connected to organizations in the Charleston area and beyond.
• Treats for Troops candy collection
• Thanksgiving food drive for Lowcountry Food Bank (708 lbs. of food provided 590 meals)
• Third grade read-a-thon benefitting ten local charities
• Fourth grade clothing donation drive for Memminger
• CDS Service Learning Day with Charleston Parks Conservancy at Colonial Lake
In addition to projects we coordinate at school, students are encouraged to participate in offcampus service activities each semester.
During the fall semester, students in grades 4-8 reported over 430 hours of community service outside of school hours to Ms. Lindsay Morris, our community service coordinator.
Students collect cereal boxes during morning carpool.
A reporter from Channel 4 visits campus the morning of February 4th to talk to students and film the cereal box domino run.
Students in all grades work together in Bigs/Littles pairs to set up the cereal boxes at the final leg of the run in the CDS gym.
Students wait patiently for the first box to be tipped over.
CAMPUS CANDIDS
1. Holly poses with Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Smith to celebrate the 100th day of school in first grade.
2. Seventh grade presents the dramatic reading of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, a CDS middle school tradition.
3. Second graders were ready for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade after learning all about the history of the giant balloons.
4. Louise shares details about the history of Georgia during the fourth grade State Wax Museum event.
5. Lila Belle stays active on the kindergarten playground.
6. Hartwell, Anderson, and Mateo worked with kindergartener, Harriett, to build a tower as tall as she is.
7. Walker casts his vote during our monthly “imposter” food challenge sponsored by Flik, CDS’ dining service partner. Applewood bacon beat out the eggplant substitute. We love how the program encourages students to try new foods.
8. Fifth graders, Jack and Catherine, worked together to design a city that uses renewable energy sources as part of the science curriculum on renewable and non-renewable energy.
9. In January, third graders reflected on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s many contributions to promote peace.
10. Miss Garden and Ms. Mohr attended the SAIS conference with Mr. Wascom (not pictured). Their focus for the professional development opportunity was to gather more insight and ideas about independent school curriculum.
CHARLESTON DAY SCHOOL
We are the Champions (again)!
Volleyball and Basketball Success
Charleston Day is on a roll! This year, we can boast three volleyball championship teams and two basketball championship teams.
In the fall, our fifth, sixth, and seventh grade girls volleyball teams earned the B West and East Division Champion titles in the Lowcountry Volleyball League. This winter, the fifth/sixth grade girls and sixth grade boys basketball teams clenched the Trident League Championship titles for their divisions. Our fourth grade girls team in the St. Joe’s League went undefeated. And, our seventh grade girls basketball team received the Academic Team Cup, which is given to the team with the highest academic average.
“When the fans show up for games, there is a different energy in the gym. It gives confidence to our teams and demonstrates how we live our school culture.”
- Coach Andrew Mann
Beyond the trophies, these championship seasons illustrate the broader value of athletics at Charleston Day School. Participation in sports encourages students to develop confidence, discipline, and sportsmanship. Coaches work closely with student-athletes to emphasize character and resilience while fostering a love of the game.
Fan support is another important aspect of the team experience at CDS. Fans help transform a game or match into a true community event, and our supporters fill the stands each week to cheer on the players! Their presence reminded studentathletes that they represent something larger than themselves. They represent our whole school community
This year’s championship teams highlight the best of CDS athletics: students who compete with determination, support one another, and celebrate success as a community. Their achievements add another proud chapter to Charleston Day School’s long tradition of excellence in both academics and athletics.
ALUMNI ABROAD
After traveling “Around the World” via their imagination in the second grade, these Charleston Day School alumni are now experiencing incredible adventures in real life! What is one thing all our travelers had in common? An excitement to engage with the world beyond the classroom.
Mary Blake Hand ‘19
Madrid, Spain
One Highlight:
Camping in the Moroccan Sahara and witnessing the sun setting and rising over the dunes.
Connection to CDS:
Isabelle Boulware ‘16 is living in Oxfordshire, England, pursuing her passion in agronomy, specifically soil health.
Charlie Hastings ‘17 attended and graduated from Trinity University in Dublin, Ireland, and is over there now working as editor of the University Times, the broadsheet student newspaper.
For one weekend, I stayed with one of my best friends from Charleston Day, Georgie Collins, who was studying in Paris. Having first visited the city together on the CDS Europe trip in 2019, returning years later felt like a true full-circle moment. It made me realize how much I value my Charleston Day network and the lifelong friendships it built.
Julianna ‘15 and Lisee Skoglund ‘19 visited Peru in December and climbed to Machu Picchu. Lisee is currently studying in Lisbon, Portugal.
Pierson Tobin ‘19
Santiago, Chile
One Highlight:
I arrived in Santiago in time for the inauguration of the new Chilean president this winter.
Connection to CDS: I am using my Spanish that I started studying in the fifth grade at CDS.
Mattie Hood ‘19
Innsbruck, Austria
One Highlight: I went wake surfing in an Alpine lake in Interlaken!
Connection to CDS: CDS encouraged me to speak up for myself. Getting sick and needing to navigate a pharmacy abroad was definitely intimidating at first, but it ultimately highlighted the importance of self-advocacy and the ability to be direct about what you need, especially in an unfamiliar environment! I also relied on the French I started learning at CDS. It helped me recognize signs and directions in Switzerland, which was especially helpful in such a small town like Interlaken.
Gates McCants ‘21
Milan, Italy
One Highlight:
Traveling to places outside of Milan. I had a wonderful time in Switzerland.
Connection to CDS:
My roommate and I spent weekends navigating the train systems and discovering other cities and countries during our time in Italy. We used many skills taught at CDS like organization, self reliance, and budgeting.
Henry and Thomas Hastings ‘20 organized a five-week trip through Asia on a journey that took them through five countries.
Griffin Stiegman ‘19 Lisbon, Portugal
One Highlight:
One of my favorite moments abroad was riding camels and 4-wheelers across the Merzouga Desert in Morocco.
Connection to CDS:
It was really cool to see the history that I learned at CDS when I visited Italy. From the ancient history in Rome to the Renaissance artwork and architecture in Florence, I remembered studying these times and places in different classes at Charleston Day.
Kyoto, Japan, London, England and Athens, Greece
One Highlight:
Visiting three countries and experiencing six weeks of study in each one through Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE.) CIEE is the oldest and largest nonprofit, nongovernmental study abroad and intercultural exchange organization in the United States, designed to help people gain knowledge, skills, and understanding for living in a globally diverse world.
Connection to CDS: Learning about history and culture and exploring far off places such as Mt. Fuji, Prague, and the Greek Isles. All places I read about through the years in different classes at CDS.
Sydney, Australia
One Highlight: We attended the Australian Open in Melbourne!
Connection to CDS:
Although Alex attends UC, Boulder and I attend the University of SC, we both applied and were accepted to study at the University of New South Wales for the spring semester of 2026. It’s been pretty amazing to have this experience with a friend you made at Charleston Day in the first grade.
Darren McCants ‘19 (and Alex Fowler ‘19)
Janie Rowe ‘19
The Financial Model for Charleston Day School
By Jon Meredith, Head of School
Like most independent schools, Charleston Day School carefully balances revenue from tuition and philanthropy to deliver a comprehensive educational experience that extends far beyond the classroom. We created a simplified primer about our financial model to help our community better understand the expenses and revenues at CDS.
Inputs to the Budget
Our budget is relatively simple, mainly relying on tuition and charitable giving for revenue. Tuition provides the foundation of the school’s annual operating budget. The Board of Trustees sets tuition annually, considering cost of living increases and programmatic needs of the school. We have a small income stream from auxiliary programs like Extended Day. However, tuition and auxiliary income alone do not fully cover the cost of educating each student. Philanthropic support from parents, alumni, grandparents, and friends helps bridge this gap and enables the school to offer the exceptional opportunities that define a Charleston Day education.
Expenses
Our most significant expense, by far, is the faculty and staff. It is essential that CDS hires and retains the very best education professionals possible. The market for top teachers and staff is competitive; candidates are discerning, and pay and benefits matter. We strive to offer robust professional development for faculty, as well. We also manage a significant and complex physical plant. Upkeep is expensive! We hire security services from the Charleston police department and invest in
Charleston Day School
other essential security measures. Other operational costs include technology devices for students, textbooks, classroom materials, fine arts supplies, our food service, and athletic programs.
A Comprehensive Model
We make a deliberate decision to provide the full Charleston Day experience for all students, without asking for “a la carte” payments. Tuition covers extracurricular opportunities and many of the signature CDS experiences that bring learning beyond the classroom, including overnight trips in the upper grades, an important part of CDS’s experiential learning program. By building these elements into the school’s budget, Charleston Day ensures that every student can fully participate in the life of the school.
The Role of Philanthropy
There are three primary ways philanthropy benefits our school:
Gateway Giving
“Gateway Giving” is the name of Charleston Day School’s annual fund and the easiest way to support the school. Gifts to Gateway Giving go directly toward our operating budget, providing flexible funding that supports the school’s highest priorities each year. We depend on these dollars to fund professional development for teachers, plan technology upgrades, and improve campus facilities. Gateway Giving is an essential, evergreen facet of our financial model.
The Fielding Property Project
At this stage in CDS’ history, our first priority must be to make the renovated Fielding building a successful, integrated part of CDS life.
The Fielding property offers an exciting opportunity for Charleston Day School to carefully expand and improve its historic downtown campus. As student needs change, space for learning, collaboration, and community gathering becomes more necessary. Gifts to the Fielding Property project are used to cover the costs of acquiring the building and neighboring space, as well as renovating the historic structure.
The Endowment
The Charleston Day School Endowment is carefully invested with a goal of achieving steady growth. The principal of the endowment remains intact, providing long-term financial support for the school. Unrestricted gifts make up the majority of our endowment and give the school flexibility to support strategic priorities and programs year after year. Restricted endowment gifts are donor-designated for specific purposes. A thoughtful balance between restricted and unrestricted giving ensures CDS can honor a donor’s intention while maintaining the financial flexibility needed to thrive in an ever-changing, educational landscape.
Families make significant sacrifices to send their children to Charleston Day School. We consider it one of our utmost obligations to carefully steward our resources. Thank you for trusting us with your children, the tuition you pay to send them here, and your gifts that enable us to keep CDS special.
Building Room for the Future
We are pleased to share a progress update about the Fielding Property Project. We are in the early stages of the renovation of the historic Fielding building, which is our first phase of construction on the Fielding property. As the School shared in the fall, we engaged e.e. fava architects to develop a plan for that building.
Eddie Fava and his team have done masterful work, balancing our need to convert a 1791 building into usable space while honoring our commitment to respecting the legacy of the Fielding family and the role its business had in the Charleston community. We received a green light from the Board of Architectural Review on February 26, 2026, and are in the pre-construction stage of the renovation to the historic Fielding house. We have engaged with Willis Hagood Construction and are delighted to know a CDS graduate and parent, Andrew Hagood ‘99, will be directing that work.
The renovated Fielding building will be the first physical manifestation of the next chapter of the history of CDS. The building will serve a variety of purposes, and while we will make firm decisions about all the uses of the building in the coming months, we have given careful thought to ways a beautifully restored historic home can enhance the CDS experience.
For questions about the Fielding Property Project, contact
Chris Tobin, Director of Advancement chris.tobin@charlestonday.org
Jon Meredith, Head of School jon.meredith@charlestonday.org
Current image of the historic Fielding building and a preliminary rendering of the renovation plan
CHARLESTON DAY SCHOOL
Grandfriends Day 2026
A Grand Day to be with Grandparents and Special Friends
Charleston Day School welcomed more than 260 grandparents and special friends to campus this winter to celebrate Grandfriends Day 2026, a beloved tradition that highlights the joy of learning and the strength of the CDS community. The event invited guests to experience a morning in the life of a Charleston Day student.
Each grade level followed a special schedule designed to give Grandfriends a well-rounded look at the Charleston Day experience. Friends spent time in homerooms, visited special area classes such as science, art, or the library, attended performances, and our seventh and eighth grade grand guests participated in spirited games of Bingo! One lucky eighthgrade guest left with reserved front row seats to CDS Graduation in May.
The event filled our downtown campus with laughter, memories, and rich connections to our extended CDS family.
Fifth grade performs for their grandfriends.
Seventh graders bring their grandfriends to history class.
Ella poses at the photo wall with her grandmother.
Grandfriends gather for snack, pictures, and play.
Journey holds her grandfather close.
Atticus walks with his mother and grandmother to the next activity.
BEYOND THE GATES Alumni News
Class of 1969
Jane Hirsch brought her dog, Keeper, to campus as part of her work with therapy dogs. Jane and other Alliance of Therapy Dog members visit many venues like hospitals, airports, and schools to help people feel less anxious in situations where they might be nervous.
Class of 1990
Andy Parker celebrated his 50th birthday with a slew of CDS family. The picture includes eight alums, two current students, and one past CDS staff member!
Class of 1995
Leize Gaillard is in her thirteenth year as a full time REALTOR with William Means Real Estate, representing both Buyers and Sellers across the Charleston area. In 2025, Leize also launched Lindy Heirloom, an independent brand specializing in the hand-fabrication of Cotillion and other special occasion dresses for older children and young teens.
Class of 2000
Ruthie Ravenel and family welcomed Casey Mazyck Ravenel Welch born on October 16, 2025!
Class of 2001
Deacon Michael Tracy will be ordained to the priesthood in June 2026. Recently, he had the high honor and privilege to serve as attending deacon to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in October at Canonization Mass in St. Peter's Square in Vatican City (photo credit goes to Vatican Media).
Andrew and Catherine Tew welcomed Marguerite Robinson Tew on April 11, 2025. They are currently living in New York City.
Class of 2004
Richard Marks and his wife, Alex Goldstein, welcomed Maeve Victoria Marks on February 16, 2025. Baby Maeve is also granddaughter to Ms. Margi, our wonderful school receptionist!
Class of 2006
Eliza Tew married James Hatem on December 13, 2025 at the Legare Waring House in Charleston, South Carolina. They were married beneath the Avenue of Oaks before celebrating with family and friends. The couple now resides in Nashville, TN.
Class of 2009
Katherine Ham returned to CDS this winter to help coach the girls fifth/sixth grade basketball team who won their division (see p. 9 for more details). When she is not coaching CDS Scorpions, Katherine is a Software Engineer for the Walt Disney Company but is mostly working on ESPN properties right now.
Class of 2010
Congratulations to Fleetwood Brown for matching to Walter Reed Medical Center in oral and maxillofacial surgery after finishing at MUSC. Fleetwood stopped by CDS earlier this year and shared a little about dental school with his former teachers, Mrs. Hawkins and Ms. Clare.
Alexandra Kerrison started as an attorney at Parker Poe, Adams, & Bernstein, LLP here in Charleston.
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Class of 2012
Mena Kerrison started her ophthalmology residency at UVA.
Class of 2015
Back in December, Campbell Parker stopped by campus for a quick visit. In addition to saying hello to former teachers like Mme. Morin and Ms. Ladue, Campbell let us know that she is living in Charleston and working at Raymond James and Parker Capital Management with operations, investment management, and financial planning as a focus.
Class of 2017
Class of 2022
Jackson Fisher recently received Charleston Community Sailing’s Merrythought Trophy. Recipients of this award display superior character, sportsmanship, and love of the sport. Well deserved, Jackson!
Faculty & Staff
Former Head of School and Olympics enthusiast, Brendan O'Shea, was on special assignment with NBC in Connecticut working as a researcher this February for the winter Olympic Games.
Manning Unger graduated from Rice University* last spring and is working as a software engineer back here in Charleston. *Please note this corrected college information. We apologize for the misprint in the Fall 2025 Gateway issue.
Congratulations to Gigi Wallace who welcomed a new addition to her family. Agnes, the golden retriever, joined Coach Wallace’s home in early March.
CELEBRATE CDS
WALK-A-THON AND GIVING DAY
Celebrate A Scorpion Day and school walk-a-thon is back and quickly becoming a new CDS tradition! Please mark Friday, May 1 for our second annual Celebrate a Scorpion Day — an exciting event open to the entire Charleston Day community, including students, alumni, parents, grandparents, friends, faculty, and staff!
Students will enjoy a day filled with Red and Blue spirit, pictures, games, and our main event, grade level walk-a-thons! Scorpions across the country can participate online with a gift to champion our walkers!
Save the date now and let your Scorpion pride shine on May 1 when we come together for a day of fun and CDS pride on the beautiful Fielding greenspace.
Any gifts made between now and May 1 will count toward Celebrate a Scorpion Day's goals. Be sure your contact information is up to date and follow us on social media to stay in the loop on all the day's festivities.
Go CDS!
Contact Mary Baarcke in the Office of Advancement with any questions or to make a gift. mary.baarcke@charlestonday.org 843-266-9798.
START GIVING NOW!
While our Giving Day is officially Friday, May 1, any gifts received now until the end of the day, May 1, will be included in our goal.
LORETTA YOUNG MEMORIAL Alumni Basketball Game
Meet us in the CDS gym for our third annual Loretta Young Alumni Memorial Basketball game on Tuesday, May 26, from 6:00 to 7:00 pm!
Use the QR code to RSVP for this special alumni gathering in honor of longtime CDS employee and friend, Loretta Young, and be on the lookout for emails and social media announcements closer to the date.
Interested in attending the basketball game? Submit your information, so we can email you updates and share the form link with CDS friends!
Miss Loretta loved to socialize at the basketball games! Check out alums who were back on campus catching up with old friends at the 2025 alumni game.
CAMPUS CANDIDS
1. Third grader, Mullins, sits with his class during a field trip to the Powder Magazine as part of third grade’s focus on South Carolina history.
First graders are taking a break from throwing the football during recess time at Fielding.
Fourth graders don masks and line the Founders’ Wing hallway during the annual CDS Mardi Gras parade.
2. Our newly added cheer team practices their routines after school.
3. Delta and Gabby learn to play Mahjong during elective class time.
4. Mrs. Baker and Ms. Bomar pose with their first graders during Read Across America week.
5.
6.
Thank you, Parents’ Council
Parent Power at CDS
The Charleston Day community deeply appreciates the dedication of the Parents’ Council volunteers. Their willingness to give their time and talents reflects a shared commitment to the school’s mission.
During the 2025–2026 school year, the Parents’ Council organized and supported several key projects and events that enriched campus life. From coordinating the Scorpion’s Den and spirit wear sales to assisting with school traditions and faculty appreciation efforts, their work helped create memorable experiences for students and teachers alike. Parents also contributed their time to support school events, provided hospitality, and helped ensure that programs ran smoothly.
Spirit Store!
Don't forget to shop the Scorpion Spirit Store! With both adult and youth sizes, there is a little something for every Scorp in your life.
*Hoodies, socks, car stickers, stationery, shirts, and more are available for purchase in the spririt cart on campus.
Scan the QR Code to order online and Items will be shipped to your home.
Nicole Nevill and Meg Stokenberry, Spirit Day Committee Chairs, organize a special visit from the Dynamo Dogs for the spirit day assembly in February.
Mary Katherine Henderson and Claire Loehr man the prize table at Family Bingo Night.
Leslie Chapman and Claire Byrd speak at a morning Parents’ Council meeting in the Commons. Meetings are open to all parents in the CDS community.
Several parent volunteers shuttle guests from the parking garage to campus on Grandfriends Day.
Bequests and other planned gifts have a lasting impact on Charleston Day and serve as a continuing source of support. The correct plan balances what you wish to accomplish for yourself, your family and your charitable interests in your overall estate and financial plans. There are innovative and creative ways to include Charleston Day School in your plan. To learn more about giving strategies that allow you to make a meaningful charitable gift, please contact the Advancement Office at 843.266.9798 or Mary.Baarcke@charlestonday.org.
Upcoming 2026 Dates to Remember
May
May
May
May
May
May
