Perspectives
Running For Good Thought Leaders
Ready for Traditions Country Day READY
Our Mission
Through excellence in education, Charlotte Country Day School develops the potential of each student by fostering intellectual curiosity, principled character, ethical leadership, and a responsibility to serve.
Affirmation of Community
Charlotte Country Day School is committed to living as an authentic, inclusive community. Our pursuit of this commitment to community recognizes and affirms the richness brought by difference and discovered through commonality.
For more information about our Mission, Key Values, and Affirmation of Community, please visit charlottecountryday.org/mission
Perspectives
EDITOR
Lee-Anne Black
CONTRIBUTORS
Spencer Clair ’09
Shannon Drosky
Natalie Pruett
Kasey Short
PHOTOGRAPHY
Lee-Anne Black
Spencer Clair ’09
Shannon Drosky
Lisa Hernick
Lori Townsend Mahaffey
The Professional Photography Group
Olly Yung
DESIGN
Windtree Studios/Robert Locklear
Perspectives is published twice a year by the Marketing and Communications Office for alumni, parents, staff, and friends of Charlotte Country Day School. Please send questions, comments, or story ideas to lee-anne.black@charlottecountryday.org.
ADDRESS UPDATES:
Send address changes to updates@charlottecountryday.org.
ALUMNI:
Send address changes to alumnirelations@charlottecountryday.org.
CURRENT PARENTS:
Visit My Portal on BucsNet to update your profile.
PLEASE LET US KNOW IF: You received Perspectives addressed to someone who no longer maintains a permanent residence at your home. OR
You have multiple community members at the same address, but you would prefer to receive only one copy for your household.
Send requests to updates@charlottecountryday.org.
On the Cover
The All-School Convocation ceremony ends with the senior class president presenting an oak tree sapling to junior kindergarten and kindergarten representatives from the classes of 2037 and 2038. The sapling serves as a symbol of growth as our community nourishes and protects our students as they move through Country Day.
School Leadership
2024–25 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
OFFICERS:
William H. Zimmern ’95, Chair
Dr. Lauren I. Browne, Vice Chair
Ronald E. Eliasek Jr., Secretary-Treasurer
R. Glenn Sherrill Jr. ’89, Vice Chair
Andrew W. Tate, Vice Chair
Dr. Lisa Toppin, Vice Chair
MEMBERS:
Howard C. Bissell*
Samuel B. Bowles ’93
Luther J. Blythe Jr. ’96
Brian F. Chambers
Dr. Kandi Deitemeyer
Pontea F. Dixon
Samuel E. Farnham Sr.
Samuel B. Hood ’96
Shanon Jones
Dr. Tiffani M. Jones
Luis Lluberas
Su Ping Lu
Michael B. Maguire
Stanton D. McCullough
Kelly Walton Miller ’90
Sally Cannon Saussy ’67*
Ali Summerville
Jennifer Ward
Ann E. Willey
*Life trustee
2024-25 LEADERSHIP TEAM
David Mancos, Interim Head of School and Chief Financial Officer
Katharine Atkins, Director of Advancement
Shannon Drosky, Director of Marketing and Communications
Nancy Ehringhaus, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid
Nidhi McVicar, Head of Upper School
Bill Mulcahy, Head of Lower School
Warren Sepkowitz, Interim Assistant Head of School and Head of Middle School
Masanori Toguchi, Director of Athletics
Brian Wise, Director of Diversity Planning
Message from the Interim Head of School
AAS WE LOOK toward the completion of Charlotte Country Day School’s 83rd academic year, I am grateful for our school’s unwavering commitment to a Mission, Key Values, and an Affirmation of Community that bring our community together and propel us forward. These pillars serve as a compass, guiding our efforts, informing our decisions, and ensuring we stay true to the values we hold dear.
Over the course of my 27 years as part of the Leadership Team, I am proud to be part of an organization where students come first and community is paramount. I’ve had the privilege of working for role models like previous leaders Margaret Gragg Bissell and Mark Reed. And now, in my final months as your Interim Head of School, I couldn’t be more excited about welcoming our next great leader, Dr. Tara Christie Kinsey.
As you will read, starting on page 14, Dr. Kinsey is an experienced, seasoned school leader who is ready to build on our strengths and lead Country Day into the future. I’m extremely confident the school will be in good hands as we move into the next chapter in the life of Country Day.
I have always tried to do my very best every day to make a difference in the lives of our students and uphold the integrity of our school’s legacy.
In closing, I want to share that I am extremely appreciative of the tremendous support this community has shown me over the past several years. I am truly fortunate to work for a strong and decisive Board of Trustees, and bolstered by a tremendous Leadership Team, along with smart and hard-working faculty and staff, and dedicated and committed parents, alumni, and other friends of the school. I have always tried to do my very best every day to make a difference in the lives of our students and uphold the integrity of our school’s legacy. I hope you will remember me as a loyal servant of the school, as it has truly been a privilege and an honor to serve Charlotte Country Day School.
Respectfully,
David Mancos Interim Head of School and Chief Financial Officer
Al
Pearman and
The
Klein
Family Inducted into the Honorary Alumni Association
TTHANKS TO THE remarkable contributions of numerous individuals within our Country Day community, we stand as a beacon of educational excellence. The Honorary Alumni Association has served as a meaningful tribute to the parents, trustees, faculty, staff, and friends whose outstanding service and generous support have left an indelible mark. Each year, we gather to welcome new inductees, as well as acknowledge the Alumni of the Year (see page 43) and
present the David L. Hood Jr. Award for Volunteer Service. We are grateful to past leaders who founded the Honorary Alumni Association in conjunction with Country Day’s 40th anniversary, including the late James E. S. Hynes. We are truly grateful for the impact that he had on our school community as a former Board Chair, parent, and grandparent of Country Day graduates.
The
Klein Family— Honorary Alumni
The Klein Family has made a lasting impact on Country Day through their generosity and leadership. Fred and Gené Klein, along with their children, Fred Klein III ’92 and Amy Klein Aznar ’89, played a key role in the Forefront Campaign, leading to the
creation of the Klein Aquatic Center. This state-of-the-art facility supports student-athletes, including the 2024 and 2025 State Champion Girls’ Swim Team, and offers swimming programs promoting water safety for young children.
Amy and Fred III continue their
family’s legacy, serving on advisory boards and leading community initiatives. Fred III was instrumental in designing the Aquatic Center, and his wife, Megan, has held leadership roles in the Parents’ Association, serving on the Executive Committee in significant roles.
Through their vision and generosity, the Klein Family has shaped Country Day’s facilities, athletics, and student experience, ensuring a strong foundation for future generations.
“Fred and Gené clearly instilled a sense of service, philanthropy, and purpose in their family that has transcended to the rest of the family.”
–Katharine Atkins, Director of Advancement
In honoring them, Katharine Atkins, director of Advancement, said, “Fred and Gené clearly instilled a sense of service, philanthropy, and purpose in their family that has transcended to the rest of the family.”
Al Pearman— Honorary Alumnus
In his quiet and dedicated way, Al Pearman has shaped the Country Day community for over 35 years as an educator and coach. Currently a Lower School PE teacher and Varsity Track & Field head coach, Al has had a profound impact on the school’s physical education and athletics programs. He has coached numerous state championship-winning teams, including the 2024 Girls’ Track & Field team, and has served in various roles, from Admissions associate to PE teacher across all divisions, and football coach.
Al’s contributions have been widely recognized, earning him accolades such as the Faculty & Staff Exceptional Performance Award and the Carl Bolick Coaches Award. His teaching and coaching philosophy centers on collaboration, working with colleagues to create a comprehensive and supportive program for students.
Al’s influence extends beyond athletics. He is beloved by peers, students, and families, and is known for leading Lower School students
“The first thing I think about when I think about Al Pearman is what a man of character he is.”
–Logan Smith, Lower School PE teacher
in songs during the annual holiday visit to the Head of School’s house. Through his years of service, Al has
made a lasting impact, nurturing the physical and personal growth of Country Day’s students.
“The first thing I think about when I think about Al Pearman is what a man of character he is,” said Logan Smith, Lower School PE teacher. Coach Bob Witman, fellow Honorary Alumni Association inductee, added, “Al Pearman is one of the most dedicated professionals that I have known.”
David L. Hood Jr. Award for Volunteer Service: Parker
and Stephen Shuford
Parker and Stephen Shuford have been steadfast supporters of Country Day, demonstrating exceptional loyalty through their consistent giving and hands-on leadership. As dedicated members of the Loyal Giving and 1941 Societies, they have played a vital role in the success of the Country Day Fund (CDF), particularly as co-chairs during the 2019–20 campaign when they navigated the challenges of the global pandemic with humility and dedication.
Parker has also been a long-time volunteer with the Parents’ Association and Stephen served on the Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2023.
Interim Head of School David Mancos said, “I have been here for 26 years, and I’ve seen a lot of trustees and volunteers come and go, and they were among the best I have ever worked with.”
CELEBRATING STORIES AND SCIENCE:
Rajani LaRocca Inspires a Journey of Belonging and Discovery
By Kasey Short, Middle School Director of Studies
OON OCTOBER 23 and 24, we welcomed award-winning author and practicing physician Rajani LaRocca as our 2024 Diversity Guest Author. Through engaging presentations, storytelling, and hands-on science activities, Ms. LaRocca inspired students across all divisions to explore reading, writing, and scientific curiosity. Her visit fostered meaningful connections across our community, celebrating diversity and a love of learning.
Born in Bangalore, India, raised in Kentucky, and now living near Boston, Ms. LaRocca is a Harvard Medical
School graduate whose published work encompasses picture books, poetry, and middle-grade novels. Her books range in topic and include realistic fiction that reflects her culture, fantasy that explores real-world topics through magic, and nonfiction books that bring science to life.
During her two-day visit, Ms. LaRocca engaged with faculty and students in division-wide presentations, small group sessions, and meals. Her visit left students inspired to read, write, investigate, and explore while also encouraging them to reflect and
make connections to our world. Her talent, imagination, and expertise connected students across divisions and inspired a sense of community and belonging.
Ms. LaRocca’s visit to the Lower School was a unique learning opportunity. She shared her picture books and her experiences in India, emphasizing the wisdom we can gain from our elders for our early childhood students. With second-, third-, and fourth-grade students, she delved into her interest in biology and how it inspired her nonfiction picture books. Her ability to explain complex science in a way that engaged our young learners was truly inspiring and intellectually stimulating.
In anticipation of her visit, Middle School students and faculty engaged with her work through intentional advisory lessons, Language Arts curriculum, and summer reading of her book, Sona and the Golden Beasts. These shared experiences increased excitement leading up to Ms. LaRocca’s visit and allowed her to give our students a more meaningful and complex presentation. She shared how her own life inspired her fictional stories and made connections between the fantasy world she created and our world today.
In one interactive and fun presentation, Ms. LaRocca even conducted an experiment with fifth- and sixthgrade students, who extracted banana DNA in connection with her nonfiction picture book about DNA, The Secret Code Inside You.
Thank you to the Middle School South Asian Affinity Group and the International Parents Board for hosting lunches for our esteemed Diversity Guest Author. They provided a meaningful opportunity to enjoy a meal, have casual conversations, ask questions, and even get some autographs!
Fourth Grade Learns Wilderness Skills
TTHIS FALL, the entire fourth grade spent two days on our farm learning wilderness survival skills in preparation for their reading of Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, which is included in the second module of Wit & Wisdom, Lower School’s new literacy program. Wit & Wisdom is a comprehensive K–8 English language arts curriculum crafted to help students build the knowledge and skills they need to be successful readers, exceptional writers, and effective communicators.
“In this unit, the students are asked to craft a fictional adventure story where their character is faced with challenges in an extreme setting,” explains Lacey Ford Hester ’08, fourth-grade lead teacher and grade coordinator.
“What they learned over the two days will be invaluable for this work. On top of that, we all had FUN and learned some survival skills along the way!”
In conjunction with Director of Educational Programming Steve Wall, and Working Farm Manager Ewan
Macaulay, the fourth-grade teachers planned and prepared numerous activities as a way to introduce students to the concepts and build excitement for their literature lessons. Activities included:
• Fire-starting skills in partnership with the fire department
• Shelter building
• Fishing
• Plant identification, with help from Lower School science teacher Tom Fredenberg
• First aid, with help from Middle School nurse Wendy Barber
• Knot tying
• Backpack and trip planning
• Compass navigation, with help from Senior Park Ranger and Country Day parent Lance Wirsing
This is the kind of hands-on learning that cannot be replicated in the classroom, and the lessons will help students comprehend the themes of Hatchet even more deeply.
A diverse landscape, passionate and innovative teachers, and creative and skilled on-site staff all came together for this immersive learning opportunity on the farm. It was just one of many ways our unique farm property provides our students with hands-on lessons in agricultural education, ecology, biology, environmental science, and much more.
RED, WHITE, AND YOU!
Run For Good Supports Veterans Bridge Home
OON A PICTURESQUE fall day awash in vibrant color, community spirit, and support for our military veterans, hundreds of community members attended the Run For Good and All-School Picnic. This annual tradition, sponsored by the Parents’ Association, brings the community together for a good cause. In all, more than $21,000 was raised for Veterans Bridge Home, whose mission is to connect veterans and their families to the community.
Veterans Bridge Home was chosen as this year’s recipient in honor of Interim Head of School David Mancos, who served our country as a paratrooper with the U.S. Army and has held leadership positions at Country Day for more than 25 years. All JK through 12th grade students learned about Veterans Bridge Home in their advisories or classrooms.
Attendees surprised and honored David with a golf cart ride decorated in a patriotic theme,
along with a tribute from his longtime colleague Nancy Ehringhaus, director of Admissions and Financial Aid.
Nancy shared, “David’s love for our country, the discipline he learned in the Army, the loyalty and dedication to something bigger than himself, and the passion for serving others defines how he approaches all that he does.”
During the ceremony, Parents’ Association President Jamie Sumich presented a giant check to Steven Cole ’91, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and vice president of Advancement with Veterans Bridge Home. “We are so grateful for the immense support of over 600 participants and almost 200 virtual runners, along with volunteer
help from the cross-country team, and Country Day faculty and Upper School students,” said Jamie.
Steven, who served for more than 20 years after earning a BS in history from the United States Military Academy at West Point, shared, “I was humbled by the generosity from my fellow Country Day alumni and parents in their support of Veterans Bridge Home and our mission. I’m also grateful for the leadership of my fellow Army veteran David Mancos.”
Past recipients of the Run For Good proceeds include The Learning Collaborative, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Special Olympics, Roof Above, and OurBridge.
Notable Trends in College Applications
TTHE CLASS OF 2025 is seeing strong college outcomes, with rising admission percentages and a growing interest in large public universities, specialized programs, and highly selective institutions.
One key trend continues—the increasing number of seniors applying to major southeastern public universities. Over the past three years, applications to schools such as Clemson, Auburn, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Alabama have risen significantly. This reflects national trends, with more students drawn to large public universities due to increased athletic visibility (“ESPN schools”), experiential factors like Greek life and sports culture, and strong regional connections for many families. Notably, for the first time ever, Clemson has surpassed UNC Chapel Hill as the most applied to school among our seniors.
While final decisions are still pending, early results are promising:
Early Decision Success: 39% of the class applied Early Decision to 25 different colleges, with a strong 61% acceptance rate.
National Recognition: Two National Merit Semi-Finalists have advanced to Finalist standing.
UNC Chapel Hill: Early Action acceptances to UNC Chapel Hill have increased compared to last year, with more decisions still to come.
HBCU Growth: Applications to Historically Black Colleges and Universities have doubled in the past two years.
Expanding Interests and Unique Acceptances: More seniors are seeking niche programs, with acceptances to schools like Parsons Paris (fashion design), Baylor/Embry-Riddle (aeronautical studies), Barnard (women’s college), and West Point (military service).
Senior Lily Giardi was named to the Jefferson Scholars Program at the University of Virginia. Designed to attract outstanding undergraduate students, the highly selective scholarship will cover her entire cost of attendance for four years, plus supplemental enrichment experiences.
For those who know Lily, it’s not surprising why she stood out among her peers. Lily is a strong student, winning numerous academic awards in both the humanities and sciences and was named to the NC Governor’s School. She is a dedicated student-athlete on the cross-country and track and field teams, playing roles on two state championship and three state runners-up teams.
And she is a passionate leader. Lily founded and serves as president of the Female Athletes of Country Day Club, a place for girls to feel supported and celebrated. She also is president of the school’s Running Works Club and Spanish Club.
Lily’s academic advisor, Vicky Waldthausen ’08, says: “Lily makes learning look easy. It’s probably because she learns for the sake of learning, not for the sake of a letter that is all too often seen as the most important part of school. Lily is curious and interested in the world around her, and it shows in her consistent effort and desire to grow. She sees learning as a tool—a key— that will help her understand herself and the world she lives in.”
Lily Giardi Named a Jefferson Scholar
Aaron Cooper Shares How the Country Day Fund Shapes the Classroom Experience Every Day
You can make an impact by participating in Bucs Together Days of Giving, April 23–24
TTHE COUNTRY DAY FUND is the school’s number one fundraising priority each year because it provides critical, unrestricted support to our operating budget, impacting every student every day. Annual giving dollars allow our school to be nimble and responsive to changing needs and demands.
We are grateful to our parent community, who help get the momentum going every year by participating in the Fall in for the Country Day Fund drive at the start of the school year. Just before Thanksgiving break, we celebrated and showed our gratitude to Selwyn Society members at a reception at Charlotte Country Club.
At the reception, Middle School social studies teacher Aaron Cooper shared a powerful story about how philanthropy shapes the classroom experience every day. Here is an excerpt from his heartfelt comments:
“Tonight, I stand before you as the proud parent of two Country Day students. There are few things that I enjoy as much as walking my son, Asher, to the bus and my son, Bailey, to Rea Hall. Although it means we have to go our separate ways for the day, I know that, thanks to you, they are going to a place where they are cared for. A place where their curiosities can be unleashed. A place where they have opportunities to learn and grow
as people at a school that is without rival in this town and in this state.
“Everything you have helped to provide me as a teacher, I see impacting my own children. Studentcentered teachers in the room, students packed with wonder and curiosity, rooms filled with any tool needed to learn and to explore. I equate my sons attending Country Day to
winning the lottery. It gives both my boys a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with opportunities others can only dream of,
and honestly, of opportunities I never had. The part you’ve played in making this possible means more than you know.”
Finishing Strong with Bucs Together Days
All donors and volunteers play a crucial role in supporting our incredible educators and the students they inspire. Your gifts of time and treasure ensure that teachers like Mr. Cooper have the resources they need to continue making a difference in the lives of our students.
In April, it will be our alumni’s turn to come together to thank a teacher and support their alma mater. Thank you for answering the call!
u You can learn more at charlottecountryday.org/bucstogether.
“Bill,
we knew we would be impressed by the campus and the adults, which we were, but we were blown away by the students! They were amazing, and the kind of kids and young adults that we hope our daughters grow up to be!”
–Message to Head of Lower School Bill Mulcahy from prospective parents who attended an Admissions Open House.
WHEN I SEE THESE POSTS AND SOME OF MY STUDENTS FROM WAY LONG AGO, MY HEART IS FILLED WITH SO MUCH LOVE.
–Comment by Annie Cobb on an Instagram post about our annual Soup Bowl Making Event in support of VIA Charlotte (formerly Hospice & Palliative Care of Charlotte)
“THIS 1976 ALUM AND WNC RESIDENT SAYS THANK YOU”
–Comment by Barb Myerly Butler ’76 on an Instagram post about Upper School students helping kindergarten students make cards of support for Hurricane Helene relief packages.
Overheard
THE ONLY WAY TO HAVE A FRIEND IS TO BE ONE.
–Second
class.
“Spectacular! I’m always so proud to share with my friends the talent fostered at CCDS.”
–Comment by Janet Dickinson on a post about the mural junior Soraya Shah painted at the Middle School highlighting the cultures that sixth-grade students study in World
History.
grader Oliver Lluberas, a Keep the Quote winner in Gail Purdie and McRea Daniel Brakefield ’03’s
“Amazing!
Bravo to Luisa and Stéphane for putting this together for the community!”
–Comment by Katie Panduro on a post about Paella Feast, a lunchtime community event organized by Director of International Studies Stéphane Allagnon and Country Day parent Luisa Garcia-Pardo.
“Tom Collins, who brings his passion into the classroom, engages students, and makes learning challenging material fun!”
–Comment by Michelle Frenzel on her Country Day Fund online gift, made in honor of longtime science teacher Tom Collins.
“Glad Meghan Preslar visited the National Parks because she is a NATIONAL TREASURE!!!”
–Comment by Taryn Thompson on a post about summer faculty travel grants, which included fifth-grade math teacher Meghan Preslar who was awarded the Hunter Sabbatical and visited western parks. Country Day played a pivotal role in my college preparation journey, primarily through its exceptional faculty and unwavering academic support. I now find myself attending my dream institution with a strong sense of readiness to tackle any academic challenge.
–Quote from Allen Lewis ’22, a sophomore at Georgia Tech, in a story in Axios Charlotte about the qualities of Country Day’s Upper School.
“LOVE TO SEE THIS EVERY YEAR! TENDER THIS YEAR AS WE CELEBRATE OUR SENIOR GIRL!
–Comment by current grandparent and retired admissions officer Frances Hamilton on a video of the All-School Convocation procession.
Meet
Dr. Tara Christie Kinsey COUNTRY DAY’S NEXT HEAD of SCHOOL
By Lee-Anne Black, Editor
Anationally recognized leader in independent school education, Tara Christie Kinsey, PhD, will join Country Day in July as our next Head of School. As she completes her decade-long tenure leading The Hewitt School, a K–12 school for girls in New York City, she has also visited Country Day’s campuses multiple times during the 2024–25 school year. In addition to bearing joyful witness to some of our enduring traditions, Dr. Kinsey has been actively listening and learning as she engages with students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and school leaders past and present.
On one of her visits, we sat down with Dr. Kinsey to learn more about her background, vision, and leadership style. Read on to learn how she is ready to make an impact by amplifying Country Day’s strengths and leading our school into the future.
QHow did you come to education as a career choice?
AI am an educator because education changed my life. I attended a big public school where I had good grades and was a serious athlete. When I got to Princeton, even though I was working hard in my studies and on the softball field, I wasn’t sure that I belonged. A professor took me aside after a seminar discussion about the Irish playwright Samuel Beckett and said, “You’ve got something important to say about this author.” He gave me a stack of books written by Beckett and said, “Come back when you’ve read them all.” I never forgot that moment because I felt seen and valued and known for my unique abilities and desires. That one professor’s influence began my love of Irish literature. I ended up studying abroad on a scholarship at Trinity College in Dublin. That academic experience eventually led me to teach Irish Literature at the Peddie School and then pursue my PhD at Emory University. My love of scholarship, writing, and teaching began when a single teacher noticed me, affirmed my unique gifts, and set a high standard for me.
QIf we asked those you’ve worked with in the past, “What is Tara’s superpower?” what do you think they would say?
AOne of my favorite quotations is by the French philosopher Simone Weil, who said, “Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.” I think others would say that I pay very close attention and that I am fully present when I am with others. Even if I don’t ultimately agree with what they’re
Dr. Tara Christie Kinsey with her husband Matthew, daughter Charlotte (who will join the sophomore class), son Sam (who will be a freshman in college next year), and their lab Otis.
From the moment I stepped onto Country Day’s campus,
I felt warmly welcomed, intellectually engaged, and genuinely inspired to help unlock the extraordinary potential of a school that has a long history of groundbreaking firsts and is now poised to write its exciting next chapter. I am honored and delighted to become Country Day’s next head of school and to work alongside such extraordinarily talented, passionate, curious, committed, and kind members of this very special school community.”
Dr. Tara Christie Kinsey
Lifelong Educator
saying or want me to do, I think that people feel they are seen and heard. I believe that giving somebody your full presence is a gift, especially when we have so many technological distractions.
QWhat attracted you to Country Day?
AWhat first drew me to Country Day was the sense of opportunity: the opportunity to play a part in more students’ lives; the opportunity to put the school’s resources to highest and best use for our students, faculty, and staff; the opportunity to rally a passionate and dedicated school community around an inspiring educational vision for the future, a vision that honors our past while moving forward. I’ve had the honor of spending time with two longtime former Country Day heads
of school, Margaret Gragg Bissell and Mark Reed. I’m grateful for my discussions with them and others on how to build on the incredible legacy of leadership and forward thinking.
Country Day has a long track record of groundbreaking firsts. But what’s truly exciting to me about Country Day is that the more I get to understand who this school is and who we are, it’s very clear that it’s not just the first; it’s the best. We have extraordinary teachers, first-rate facilities, and an incredibly dedicated community with a great big heart. At the Selwyn Society Reception, I was in a room with over 400 dedicated volunteers and donors to this school. And the stories that they were telling me made it very clear that this is not just a school—it’s a community that creates experiences that last a lifetime.
Since 2015, Dr. Kinsey has served as the Head of School at The Hewitt School in New York City. Previously, she was Associate Dean of the College and Campus Life as well as Senior Associate Director of Capital Giving at Princeton University. In addition to teaching occasionally while at Hewitt, she previously taught and coached at The Peddie School at the independent school level and at Emory University, Georgetown University, Oxford University, and Princeton University at the college level.
With an AB in English from Princeton University and a PhD in English from Emory University, Dr. Kinsey is a skilled public speaker and writer and has published extensively on literature, leadership, and the value of athletics.
QCountry Day has a long history of forward thinking. What comes to mind when you think about that in the context of our next chapter?
AMy favorite part of my visits has been my time with the students. They’re ready and they’re looking to us to help them be ready for their future. I love that this is such a walkable campus, and I can bump into so many students just walking from one building to another. It keeps us honest when we’re talking with students and listening to them.
One of the things that I’m looking forward to is centering students’ voices in leadership decisions so that they’re a part of co-creating positive changes that impact them. Why is that important? Because the future of education is going to be about developing student voice and leadership. We must give students those experiences now to help them create the positive change they want to see, not only in school but in the larger community and the world.
I think we also need to address the fact that technology has dramatically changed the shape of the school day for students and teachers. We have work to do in terms of better understanding how to deliver smart, effective, and targeted use of technology while balancing the more important need to develop human connections and relationships that are deep and meaningful.
QWhat are you looking forward to in the months ahead?
AOn a personal level, I’m looking forward to making a smooth transition with my family. My husband, Matthew, and daughter, Charlotte, will be moving down to Charlotte with our lab Otis. Charlotte will be joining the Country Day community as a sophomore, while her older brother, Sam, begins his freshman year in college.
I’m also looking forward to getting to know the people here. I like to say, “People don’t care how much you know
French Fries: “I have never met a French Fry I didn’t love. I’ll eat any kind, but my favorite are the waffle fries from a place called The Committed Pig on the Jersey Shore.”
Live Music: “I love to sing, I like a lot of genres of music, and I’m looking forward to exploring what Charlotte and North Carolina have to offer.”
Long Walks: “A great morning includes a long walk with my husband Matthew and our black lab Otis. I also really like to run.”
until they know how much you care.” I’m really focused on understanding who people are, and what their hopes and dreams are, so that I can lead in a way that is resonant with this community.
Watching Soccer Games: “Both of my children play soccer, so we spend a lot of time cheering them on.”
Cooking: “I love to cook, but it’s mostly a weekend activity since weekdays are so busy with schoolrelated events.”
In the Hance Lower School Library, we strive to instill the joy and value of reading, provide access to diverse information and ideas, and equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to access, evaluate, and apply new learning in both personal and academic pursuits.
THOUGHT THOUGHT LEADERS LEADERS
By Lee-Anne Black, Editor
A Country Day education is about far more than gaining the practical skills needed to succeed as scholars. It’s also about developing thoughtful young adults who are curious, creative, talented, and ready to continue pursuing their diverse passions. When the time comes to graduate, our seniors possess the skills they need to succeed in college, and ultimately, in life. We asked a few members of the Class of 2025 to share their thoughts about their time at Country Day, their most meaningful extracurriculars, the people and programs that impacted them most, and what they are looking forward to in the future. Their Country Day experiences take various forms and paths, yet they all exemplify our goal to shape confident, healthy, well-rounded adults.
harles Michael Horton possesses a quiet maturity and a positive outlook, wrapped in a hard-working, entrepreneurial spirit. A member of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program, Charles Michael is passionate about basketball, history, and growing his car detailing business. Based on word of mouth, the undertaking has evolved from a neighborhood venture to a mobile detailing business focused on luxury cars. The business keeps him busy on weekends and helps him gain experience toward his goal of one day owning several businesses. In college, Charles Michael plans to major in business administration and management. And he’s focused on getting his real estate license so that by the spring of 2026 he can begin another business.
u Quiet Confidence
“I think my experiences at Country Day have given me a quiet confidence, an ability to communicate well with people at the next level in a professional way.”
u Putting in the Work
“Time management is the key to making the most of your Upper School years. By developing processes and managing my time, I’ve been able to put in the work in the classroom, on the basketball court, and in building my car detailing business. My dad calls me a grinder because I push myself to be successful. I’ve gone from Bs to As because I’m taking the time to meet with my teachers, to use my study time wisely. It’s all paying off and that feels pretty cool.”
IS GOING TO STOP ME EXCEPT MYSELF” NOBODY NOBODY
u Appreciation for the Process
“I am grateful to Coach (David) Carrier and the skills he has instilled in me over the past four years playing basketball. I won’t be playing basketball in college, but I have enjoyed every moment of the recruitment process—talking with coaches, working out with college teams, learning more about schools. Even though injuries impacted my ability to get an offer, I’m proud of the fact that I was good enough for coaches to come look. A small percentage of high school players are even considered for the next level, and Coach Carrier helped me get noticed.”
u Goal Setting
“I have a passion for entrepreneurship. With my car detailing business, I get to set my own goals and control my schedule. For me, it’s not necessarily about the money I earn, but also the connections I’m making and the interesting people I’m meeting, especially since my business has expanded to more high-end cars. I’ve learned that once I’ve put my mind to something, nobody is going to stop me except myself.”
u Best Foot Forward
“At Country Day, your teachers and coaches and advisors want you to be successful. They want to see you do well. That motivates me to put my best foot forward.”
u STEM Major
“Next year, at this time, I will be halfway through my first year at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. That would mean I’ll have a summer’s worth of military basic training under my belt and be fully immersed in the academic year’s daily routine of classes, athletics, duties, formations, and family-style meals! As of now, I plan to be a STEM major; I am particularly curious about a path in which I could study multiple overlapping branches of science, such as the engineering/psychology major offered at West Point.”
u Spreading Joy
“I have always loved working with kids. It brightens my day to help build kids’ fitness, confidence, respect, friendship, and joy through martial arts, because I am so grateful for the ways it has contributed to those aspects of my life.”
GOOD OF WHO I AM I OWE TO MYSELF” NOTHING NOTHING
u Trust, Camaraderie, Respect
“Through martial arts, I have learned that as soon as you put yourself in a combat training situation, there is immediately a base level of vulnerability and closeness with someone you may not be all that familiar with, yet you’re both agreeing to simultaneously attack and protect each other. The beauty is that this forcibly implements an immediate level of trust, camaraderie, and respect that I have never been able to cultivate so quickly and strongly in any other area of life.”
u Selfless Investment by Others
“I believe that nothing good of who I am I owe to myself. My character, values, education, skillset— any aspect of myself that is caring, curious, determined—is the product of time, effort, wisdom, and strength selflessly invested in me by others. As long as I can remember, I have known that I want to do something with my life to help others and serve something greater than myself, in order to honor and reflect those who are responsible for the good in me. Upon careful consideration and exploration, I believe that I can accomplish this through a career in the military.
dedicated, curious, and empathetic leader and learner, Lula Barber exemplifies a commitment to personal growth and improving the lives of instance, an Honors Physics course led to a summer internship and independent study researching laser technology. She undertook Wilderness Responder certification as a proactive approach to applying her knowledge in a real-world scenario. Outside of school, Lula is very involved in Young Life and WyldLife, as well as martial arts training. In addition to focusing on her own personal improvement, she is helping younger children as well by serving as a WyldLife leader and year-round martial arts teacher.
u Integrity and Honesty
To this day, whenever I need to make a decision, big or small, I think back to Lower School PE and Coach (Al) Pearman telling us, ‘Remember: integrity and honesty.’ It reminds me that honesty is important, but even more so it acts as the voice of self-accountability required for integrity.”
ile Collins-Friedland kind of teen you want to have in your class, on your team, in your club, in your advisory, in your friend group, in your life. Well-respected by her peers, she has served in student government every year since seventh grade, culminating with Senior Class president this year. In addition to creating a fun, welcoming environment for all, she has proven herself to be highly dependable. Nile also plays soccer year-round and is a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor, which brings her great joy. She is focused on college campuses that can give her the kind of experience she has had at Country Day, a place where she can form strong relationships and everyone is rooting for each other.
u A Welcoming Space
“When I was a freshman, the upperclassmen made Senate a welcoming space for me. When you’re a little freshman and a junior stops to say, ‘Hello,’ it just makes you feel special and seen. Through Senate, I’ve tried to give others that experience as well. I think the sense of community is one of the things that makes Country Day special.”
u No Regrets
“I got involved with student government in seventh grade with the thought process of ‘if you don’t like it, you never have to do it again.’ When I look back to my Middle School self, it was really scary to get in front of the entire grade and give a speech, but I also knew that I didn’t want to regret not putting myself out there. I would rather try and fail than not try at all.”
I WOULD RATHER THAN NOT TRY AT ALL” TRY AND FAIL TRY AND FAIL
u Learning About the World
“My favorite course has been AP Human Geography with Mrs. (Amber) Allensworth. We learned so much about how different countries progress and develop; it was a doorway into this realm that really interested me. I love meeting new people, talking to people, and learning about the world around me. I was also able to apply what I learned in the classroom to a school service experience in Ghana that really pushed me out of my comfort zone and broadened my perspectives. It’s made me realize I really want to study abroad in college.”
u A Feeling of Belonging
“As Senior Class president, I’m proud of the job I’ve done in creating a space where everyone feels like they belong. Right now, there are only three girls in student government, including me. I think I’ve done a good job of making sure everyone knows their ideas matter and their class trusts them to be a representative.”
u A Sport I Love
“I love the team dynamic of playing soccer, both on my club team and the Country Day team. I know everyone here so well, so club soccer allows me to have connections with people outside of school while playing a sport that I love.”
u A Bigger Purpose Than Yourself
“I’ve always seen movies, TV shows, and stories about people who have served our country and performed heroic acts. It sounds cliché but serving a bigger purpose than yourself is something that really appeals to me. My goal is to prepare myself for a career in the military through the ROTC scholarship I received to attend UNC Chapel Hill. I think I can carry the leadership skills forward that I have learned here at Country Day and make an impact on the next generation of young men and women.”
u Humbling Class
“My favorite classes have been AP European History and AP U.S. History with Ms. (Lyn) Tillett. She is tough, and the classes have definitely humbled me, because history is one of my better subjects. But she’s also there to support you and make you a better writer and a better student. If I get a C on an assignment in her class, it’s frustrating, but I also know the challenge is building character.”
I WANT TO LEAVE COUNTRY DAY THAN I FOUND IT” EVEN BETTER EVEN BETTER
u Hard Work, Teamwork, Accountability
“Playing all four years on the football team has helped build the leadership qualities I carry today. Hard work, teamwork, accountability. You can’t run a play without every single person on the field doing their part. As far as accountability, it goes both ways—there’s holding others accountable, but also being able to hold yourself accountable. When you’re in the wrong, it’s important to acknowledge that and learn from it. Being part of a team makes you hold yourself and others to a higher standard.”
u Everyone Can Feel Like They Belong
“Leadership isn’t about titles. What you do with the title and how you treat others is what’s most important in modeling good leadership. My goal has been to make everyone feel welcome for who they are. Overall, I think our school is a place where everyone can find the clubs, teams, and friend groups that are right for them and not be judged. Everyone can feel like they belong.”
Nolan Bates joined the Country Day community his freshman year, he was familiar with the school through his two older brothers who graduated in 2017 and 2020. In the four years since, his presence on the Upper School campus has been far-reaching and impactful. Over the past four years, he has played football, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, and run track, while excelling in Honors and AP courses. His engaging personality, genuine kindness, desire to succeed, and commitment to service have made him a well-respected classmate, team member, and friend to many.
Better Than I Found It
“Coming here in ninth grade, I struggled a little academically. The part that was easier was how welcoming this community felt. What sparked my interest in being Student Body president was the desire to give back to the community that made me feel so welcome. I want to leave Country Day better than I found it.”
tarting a new school as a junior can be daunting, but Graves is the kind of teen who embraces all that life has to offer. She loves biology and art, she runs indoor and outdoor track helping Country Day win a state championship last year, and serves as teen president of the Queen City Chapter—Jack and Jill of America, Inc. She also runs her own art business, OGG Creates, in which she uses a small ink pen and writes names, words, or dates repeatedly throughout the piece, to bring her custom portraits to life. The first piece she created was in 2020 to help raise money for her cousin who was in a serious car accident. She has also auctioned a custom creation to raise funds for Canopy Housing Foundation, as well as led a workshop on Living with Passion and Purpose during the Girls Lead 2 summer camp for middle school girls. See Olivia’s work at oggcreates.com or follow her on Instagram @oggcreates.
She is pictured with her piece titled “Self Love.”
u Collaboration Brings Out the Best
“Spirit Week is more than just a celebration—it’s an opportunity to tap into everyone’s unique skills and talents. This year, I took on a leadership role in painting the decorations. This experience showed me how collaborating with others can bring out the best in everyone and ultimately make us more successful.”
u Take Risks
“After two years at Country Day, I’ve realized that Upper School is all about growth—both in the classroom and outside of it. If you’re heading into Upper School, my biggest piece of advice is to take full advantage of everything this school has to offer, especially the things that push you outside of your comfort zone. Build strong relationships with your teachers, get involved in clubs and extracurriculars, and don’t be afraid to take risks.”
UPPER SCHOOL IS ALL ABOUT GROWTH” GROWTH”
u The Perfect Balance
u Passion with a Purpose
“My mission is to create meaningful and timeless memories for people. Art has allowed me to not only bring joy to families but has helped bring communities together for a greater cause. To me, OGG Creates doesn’t feel so much like a business, but more of a passion with a purpose. I get to do what I love and help others in the process. As I continue my business in college, I plan to use art as a way to further spread positivity to different communities and continue to create meaningful and timeless memories.”
“I have loved my Human Anatomy classes because they’re the perfect balance of hands-on learning and lectures. The dissection labs are definitely the highlight for me; it’s one thing to learn about the body from a textbook but actually seeing it up close and understanding how it all fits together is incredible.”
u A Welcoming Place
“When I started here as a junior, I was nervous and convinced I wouldn’t fit in with the established friend groups. Honestly, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Country Day is such a diverse and welcoming place that it’s nearly impossible not to find people you can connect with.”
u Curiosity
“The teachers I’ve had along the way have always been so helpful and supportive. liver Halverstam and David Stiefel are both thoughtful, focused, and caring young men. The friends both say they have benefited from being part of the Debate Team for four years, and they take on tech endeavors outside of school—Oliver created and manages the website for the Mecklenburg County Chapter of the NC Democratic Party Jewish Caucus; David, along with his father, developed and markets an athletics recruitment app called Academic Ballers. They also created the Upper School Shalom Club as a means for students to discuss issues of religious freedom and democratic values. They worked collaboratively with school administration to develop a mission that aligns with the goals of the Diversity Awareness Forum and were instrumental in educating the Country Day community about antisemitism. Shalom means peace.
u Right and Wrong
“Ever since I’ve been a little kid, I’ve been interested in the idea of right and wrong, the law, and the justice system. I hope to be a lawyer someday, and the Debate Club has given me an opportunity to develop my skills in research and articulation. It’s fun taking a position and defending it, especially
u Skills to Carry Forward
“Debate Club has helped me learn so many things that I can carry into the future—how to think on my feet, how to research credible sources, how to see multiple perspectives, and how to convey an argument succinctly. And the public speaking side taught me how to be more comfortable looking people in the eye, staying relaxed, and speaking in a steady voice.” –Oliver
SPEAK OUT SPEAK OUT WHEN YOU THINK SOMETHING IS IMPORTANT”
u You Can Do It
“Country Day has taught me resilience. My junior year, I didn’t make the Varsity Soccer team, which hurt at the time, but I put in the work and effort on the JV team and made varsity this year. The same goes for getting the Shalom Club approved—if you put your mind to something, you can do it.” –David
u Spreading Peace
“I am grateful to Mrs. (Becca) Stern, our Shalom Club advisor. She has really shown me how to speak out when you think something is important. It was a bit of a struggle to get the Shalom Club created to ensure we were focused on Judaism as a culture, and she helped us learn how to communicate our
“ Through Shalom Club, I felt we had a responsibility to take the initiative and educate students and teachers about the events taking place in the Middle East after the October 7 attack on Israel in an objective and fact-based manner. The goal of our club is to combat antisemitism and other forms of hate and spread peace. A lot of people showed up for our forum and it felt good to be so supported by the school community.” –David
u Drawn to Aviation
“I’ve always been drawn to aviation. I spent hours on a flight simulator at a friend’s house in Lower School. My passion deepened when I worked at a private airport for two summers, where I fueled and cleaned planes, booked lessons, and eventually began my own flight training. While earning my pilot’s license at age 17 required hours of studying and consistent practice, the training has never felt like work to me. A major unexpected bonus in aviation is community. I have developed some lasting friendships with amateur and professional pilots, including a captain at Southwest Airlines who’s been giving me lots of pointers in anticipation of my instrument check ride this July.”
u Tennis Legacy
“It is an incredible opportunity to be a part of the legacy of Country Day tennis that Coach (Calvin) Davis has been building. Coach Davis may be the only person at this school who is more competitive than I am! We almost took the state title in my ninth-grade year, and we have a deep, senior heavy team that will be grinding to make him proud this spring.”
u Singing Brings Unity and Freedom
THE BEST I HAVE TO OFFER” BRINGING OUT BRINGING OUT
“What I enjoy most about singing is the sense of unity and freedom I feel when I perform with others. When we began rehearsing our first piece, Abendlied, with VOCES8, I was shocked by how much sound the professional group could create with only eight singers. I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction singing as I experienced the power of music to unify singers across the world. Our group of 10 students dropped any preconceived notions of each other and laughed, sang, and became much closer to one another.”
u The Best I Have to Offer
“Prior to my sophomore year, I wasn’t so sure about my choral abilities or interests. But since Dr. (Robin) Garner arrived at Country Day in 2022, she has been a very instrumental mentor in my life. Not only has she encouraged me as a vocalist, but she has also given me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and to perform in front of hundreds of people with boldness and joy. I can’t say enough about Dr. Garner and how she has sparked a deep passion while bringing out the best I have to offer. I can’t wait to sing in college.”
enjamin Farnham is soaring in multiple ways—in the air, on the tennis courts, and when singing with others on stage. A talented bass, Benjamin has been a member of the Honors Chamber Choir since ninth grade earning several awards. In 2024, he traveled to London with Choral Director Dr. Robin Garner and 10 other choir members to train with VOCES8 and participate in an international choral festival at Cadogan Hall. He also plays Varsity Tennis and has spent more than 150 hours in the cockpit since earning his private pilot’s license in 2023. He plans to study business in college, at a school where he can be near an airport to continue his training, play club tennis, and sing in a vocal ensemble.
u Pushing to New Heights
“AP English 11 has been my favorite class so far because it reshaped my understanding of both literature and life, thanks to Dr. (Tim) Waples’ engaging teaching. Initially, I feared the class would be too difficult, but I ended up really connecting with Dr. Waples, and he pushed me to new heights in writing and self-reflection that I could never have imagined.”
hen Rachel Guffin is not at school you will most likely find her on the soccer field, running cross-country, or at Concord Regional Airport working on her private pilot’s license, which she hopes to complete by graduation. Playing for both the Country Day varsity team and the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club, Rachel is a leader on the field, serving as captain for her club team. In addition to athletics, strong academics, and a love for all things aviation, Rachel also makes time for community service, including volunteer work with community organizations like her church, Nourish Up, Young Life, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
u Pursuing My Passions
“I am looking forward to pursuing my passions at the next level. Next year, I will be attending Baylor University where my intended major is aviation sciences with a minor in religion. Through this program, I hope to work my way up to a commercial pilot’s license, as well as earn a certified flight instructor certification. With this, I will be able to work with the younger students within the program and enter the commercial aviation industry if I choose to do so. I also plan to be a part of Baylor’s Air Force ROTC program.”
u Bird’s-Eye View
“The thing I love most about aviation is the ability to see the world from a bird’s eye view. It truly is remarkable, and it really enhances gratitude for the world around us. The feeling of gliding just under the clouds, watching the ant-like cars on the highway below is irreplaceable.”
u Discipline and Perseverance
“While I only started cross-country to keep up my endurance for soccer, I think the experience really prepared me for the future. I have learned true discipline and perseverance, as well as teamwork. Even though it’s an individual sport, when it really gets tough, it’s the support and success of the team that keeps your legs going. The support we have for each other is what makes us so successful. This sport has taught me how to move through hard times and turn them into some of the most memorable.”
THE WORLD FROM A BIRD’S EYE VIEW” SEEING SEEING
u Aerospace Engineering
“I was able to take Honors Engineering this year in the Upper School, where my final project was building a glider plane. I hope to have more aerospace engineering opportunities in the future.”
u Family Ties
“I have always been interested in planes, but my true passion began around eighth grade. My grandfather on my dad’s side was a rocket scientist for NASA and helped with the Apollo missions, the moon buggy, and the Space Lab among numerous other projects. In addition, both of my grandfathers were private pilots, and even earned their glider licenses as well. They are what truly began my interest in aviation. I spent many years with them visiting the US Space and Rocket Center and building model aircraft. Once I was able to, I began flight lessons, which solidified my love for aviation.”
First Independent School in the Region –
On September 22, 1941, Country Day opens as the first independent school in the area with 18 students in a home on Morehead St.
Parents Council Created – Now known as the Parents' Association, this strong parent/school partnership began during the 1943-44 school year.
Lower School Student Plays – Since 1954, every Lower School student has participated in a production, upholding our longstanding tradition of school plays.
Celebrating Our ST RY
Cannon Campus Opened – In September 1960, the school relocates to its current Cannon Campus on Carmel Road, featuring six buildings.
First School in the Woods – Since 1966, School in the Woods has offered hands-on learning adventures for Middle School students.
Lower School Moving Up – In 1970, Lower School establishes a new tradition, which today is known as Fourth Grade Moving Up.
First
Computer Purchase – In 1974, our first computer cost $10,000 and was phone booth-sized. Today, our 1:1 initiative integrates technology seamlessly.
First International Studies Program in Charlotte – In 1988, we commit to promoting global mindedness through curriculum and student travel experiences.
1980
Merger with Carmel Academy – In 1980, we merge with Carmel Academy, enhancing the Middle School with skilled teachers at the Green Rea Road campus.
1988
COUNTRY DAY’S NEW HISTORY TIMELINE
This fall, we introduced a newly redesigned and updated website to highlight and celebrate our school’s history. Since our founding in 1941, Country Day has been a pioneer in education, shaping generations of students through innovative programs and a commitment to academic excellence.
We invite you to explore our history timeline to discover the key milestones, traditions, campus growth, and visionary moments that have defined our school and strengthened our community over the decades. We also want your feedback as we prepare to celebrate our 85th anniversary. After exploring the new website, let us know if you have memories, photos, or moments that should be part of our timeline. Visit charlottecountryday.org/about/history
1992 2015
First Gender-Specific Math Classes – In 1992, Middle School introduces genderspecific math classes to address diverse learning styles and stereotypes.
First High School BBBS Program –In 2002, Country Day pilots a high school mentoring program for Big Brothers Big Sisters that is still in existence today.
Klein Aquatic Center and Harris Performance Gym Open –New facilities serve students in meaningful ways and cement our position as a national leader
Four World Leaders Visited – In the mid-90s, Mikhail Gorbachev, Shimon Peres, Lech Walesa, and John Major visit campus to meet students and faculty.
First NC School to Visit Cuba – In 2015, Country Day becomes the state’s first school to send students to Cuba.
How Well Do You Know Country Day’s
History?
After visiting charlottecountryday.org/about/history, test your knowledge of Country Day’s history.
Need a little help?
Scan the QR code for the answer key.
ACROSS
2. Our founder
4. In 1980, we started yelling this
7. This rite of passage began in 1962
8. This nut is ours
9. Country Day______
11. World leader on campus DOWN
1. Outdoor learning lab
3. Historic visit to this island nation
5. Lower Schoolers love this sweet man
6. Our campus home since 1960
10. Conference that started in 2012
12. Brought Special Olympics to campus
Strengthening the Country Day ALUMNI NETWORK
A new year brings new opportunities, and 2025 is no exception. As the latest chapter in the story of our alumni community unfolds, we are excited to introduce a new way for Bucs to stay connected, both personally and professionally.
The Alumni Networking Initiative is designed to help alumni make meaningful connections, whether for career networking, mentorship, or simply rekindling friendships. Country Day has always been more than just a school—it’s a lifelong community of support and shared experiences. This initiative provides a structured way to tap into that powerful network, ensuring that alumni can easily find and connect with others who share their interests and professional goals.
Our young alumni have already demonstrated the strength of these connections. We closed out 2024 with our annual Home for the Holidays gathering and kicked off the new year by welcoming alumni panelists to both campuses for the Alumni College Forum and
Alumni Career Connections assemblies. Their enthusiasm and insights inspire current students and reinforce the lasting impact of the Country Day experience.
With the launch of an inquiry form, alumni can easily register with the Alumni Relations Office, making connections with our robust alumni community even more accessible and impactful. Led by Alumni Council President Hayes Ashcraft ’06 and Alumni Engagement Chair Sebastian Ekberg ’06, this initiative is just one of the many ways we strive to enhance the value of the Country Day alumni experience. For more information or to get involved, visit charlottecountryday.org/alumni/forms/network-inquiry.
ALUMNI THRIVE ON THE STRENGTH OF THEIR SHARED BOND. Whether through professional opportunities, personal connections, or community engagement, the Country Day network is an incredible force. Join us as we continue to grow, connect, and support each other—because once a Buc, you’re a #BucsForLife.
BUCS at the TOP
Alumni Achieving Excellence
>>> Success takes many forms, and Country Day alumni continue to make their mark on the world in extraordinary ways. From dominating the racetrack to advancing academic scholarship, our graduates are reaching new heights in their fields. This year, we celebrate two standout achievements: one alum making history as a two-time, back-to-back Daytona 500 champion and another earning the prestigious National Distinguished Dissertation Award for groundbreaking research. Their accomplishments reflect the drive, dedication, and excellence that define the Country Day spirit.
Dr.
Katharine Daniel ’12
, winner of the National Distinguished
Dissertation
Award from the Council of Graduate Schools
Excerpts from University of Virginia website article by Cindy Orange, MEd
Mathematical tools that help social scientists understand the factors that influence how human behavior changes over time are effective at accommodating a small number of variables; however, Katharine Daniel ’12, a recent graduate of UVA’s PhD program in psychology, envisioned a new way to explore the complexities of those behaviors that incorporates a greater number of variables. Her dissertation on the subject, “Problems with Switching: Investigating the Sequence of Emotion Regulation Strategy Choices in the Daily Lives of Socially Anxious People,” earned her the prestigious Distinguished Dissertation Award from the Council of Graduate Schools, an international organization focused on improving and advancing graduate education.
Her work uses advanced quantitative methods to explore questions about emotion regulation in daily life, focusing on how anxious individuals make use of a wide range of emotion regulation strategies over time. Traditional psychological research often focuses on understanding the effects for the
average person, which can overlook unique and situation-dependent effects. Katharine’s dissertation builds on conventional methods by developing new methods to analyze data that are specific to individuals and the context of their anxiety. Her work has the potential to offer new insights into where emotion regulations efforts go awry for people with anxiety disorders, which can inform personalized treatment recommendations.
“Dr. Daniel’s remarkable achievement highlights the transformative power of cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovative thinking in advancing knowledge,” said Christa Acampora, Buckner W. Clay Professor of Philosophy and dean of Arts & Sciences. “Her work not only underscores the importance of addressing complex human challenges, such as anxiety, but also demonstrates the impact of groundbreaking research originating in Arts & Sciences. We are deeply
proud to see our graduate programs attracting and producing scholars whose contributions have impacts far beyond UVA.”
“What’s exciting about this work is that because it’s so methodologically focused, the method itself has a wide variety of applications not just in mental health but in physical health, sociology, and other fields that are interested in how behaviors change over time,” Katharine said.
William Byron ’16 Wins
Back-to-Back
Daytona 500 Titles and is Named Country Day’s Alumni of the Year
William Byron ’16 has solidified his place among NASCAR’s elite, winning back-to-back Daytona 500 titles in 2024 and 2025. A NASCAR Cup Series driver for Hendrick Motorsports, he has ascended the professional ranks of auto racing more rapidly than anyone in recent history. He is in his sixth full season in NASCAR’s premier series and since entering NASCAR’s top three series, William has lived up to the huge expectations that come with taking over the iconic No. 24 for Hendrick Motorsports. His ability to perform on the big stage at a young age has made him one of NASCAR’s most popular rising stars.
While in Lower School at Country Day, William began following NASCAR and begged his father to take him to his first race at Martinsville Speedway in 2006. He soon became a regular on iRacing, an online racing simulator used by many professional drivers, and developed into a student of the sport. By his senior year, William was finding success in real cars having won NASCAR’s K&N Pro Series East as a rookie, managing classes at both Country Day and Liberty University (his first sponsor), and signing on to drive first for Kyle Busch Motorsports Truck team, then for Hendrick Motor Sports.
William went on to win the 2017 NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship. The following year, he was named the 2018 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year. In 2022, he solidified his status
as one of the sport’s top elite drivers, winning twice and becoming a Champion 4 contender. He had another victory at Circuit of the Americas, becoming the first repeat Cup Series winner for three consecutive seasons. His dominance continues today with victories in both the iconic 2024 and 2025 Daytona 500.
Off the racetrack, William is passionate about his family and friends, his faith, and giving back to his community. He earned the rank of Eagle Scout, received the Good Scout Award and has raised over $1,000,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Carolinas with his annual charity golf tournament, a cause dear to his heart from his days as a Country Day student mentor. William remains connected to his Country Day family by annually supporting Bucs Together Days of Giving, attending events, and connecting with his former teachers and coaches.
He humbly accepted the Alumnus of the Year Award at the Honorary Alumni Association event in February, where he thanked the Country Day community for instilling in him his work ethic, drive, values, and the importance of community. Tim Moxley, his former JV football coach, shared, “William embodies everything that Country Day is. He works incredibly hard; he is an incredibly likable person, generous, and genuine. I think he would have excelled at whatever he chose to do.”
Marshall Carlson ’92, president of Hendrick Companies, added, “He is only seven years into the Cup Series. He is the hardest-working driver I’ve ever been around in my career.”
Photo courtesy of Hendrick Motorsports.
2024–25 Alumni Council
The 2024–25 Alumni Council has been hard at work, bringing many meaningful events and engagement opportunities to our community this year. To learn more about the Alumni Council, visit charlottecountryday.org/alumni/alumni-council.
Executive Committee
President: Hayes Ashcraft ’06
President-Elect: Clary Hilliard Gray ’00
Past President: Lee Norelli Pedersen ’04
Secretary/Alumni Director: Drew Witman ’06
Standing Committee Chairs
Alumni Engagement: Sebastian Ekberg ’06
Alumni Events: Clary Hilliard Gray ’00
BIPOC: Earl McLaurin ’10
Bucs Together Days: Ike Belk ’04, Megan Schlernitzauer ’14
Faculty Representatives: Paulette Beatty, Patsy Ratterree, Brad Touma
Student Body Representatives: Nolan Bates ’25, Nile Collins-Friedland ’25
Student Engagement: Matt McLanahan ’01, Ivan Mothershead ’03
Young Alumni: Kendall Addison ’18, Connor Penegar ’16, Mattox Snow ’13
At-Large Members
Frank Adams ’06
Robbie Branstrom Adams ’06
Mary Claire Blanchat Anderson ’12
John Ash ’09
Zoe Cavalaris Belk ’06
Margaret Rose Black ’00
Leah Andress Brady ’08
Andrew Clementi ’07
Claude Close ’10
C.C. Davis ’99
Wake Hamilton ’11
James Howe ’12
Betsy Bryan Pitts Mandl ’09
Bess McLawhorn ’15
Derek Passenant ’11
Kellie Geisel Passenant ’13
Broadus Roberson ’18
Amanda Barnhardt Roth ’97
Sam Salvato ’10
Robert Shaw ’04
Rebecca Adams Starrs ’09
John Stevenson ’06
Walker Vann ’13
Rook Verdone ’10
Matt Walker ’04
Nancy Blue Weadon ’06
Caroline McGuire Winslett ’04
Anne Howard Dooley Wright ’08
MEMORIALS
As we become aware of the passing of our alumni, former faculty, and special friends, we continue to share tributes and memorials in our monthly Alumni Newsletter sent via e-mail. Our condolences and hearts remain with the family and friends of those listed below.*
Ann Alderks
Charles “Chuck” P. Bell ’73
Richard Bray ’64
Katherine M. Belk Cook
Carol Biggers Dabbs ’55
Rae Deicke
Leigh Dicks ’93
Troy Dyer ’90
Andrew Faris ’17
Gary Heeseman ’43
Jim Hynes
James E. Johnson III ’87
David Kinsey ’82
Heather J. McKee ’83
Our sincerest hope is to honor and remember the passing of alumni and former faculty respectfully and accurately. Kindly share updates to alumni@charlottecountryday.org. *As of March 5, 2025
A ROUND-UP OF FUN FACTS EVERY BUC MIGHT LIKE TO KNOW.
500
AA batteries and a student crew of five managed the wireless microphones during Bright Star rehearsals and performances.
3,000
socks and onesies were folded during the Holiday Farm Fest service project benefiting Baby Bundles.
1,300
meals were served to 435 employees during Bucs Bravo Week – a celebration of appreciation thanks to the Parents’ Association.
138
seniors submitted 1,165 applications to 224 colleges and universities last fall.
400
plates of chicken and vegetable paella served on the Quad to honor National Hispanic Heritage Month.
1440 Carmel Road
Charlotte, NC 28226-5096
charlottecountryday.org
