LATIN Magazine - Special Edition 2019

Meet Chuck Baldecchi Charlotte Latin’s New Head of School

MAGAZINE

LATIN Special Edition 2019 • Charlotte Latin School

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Thad M. Sharrett ’89, Chair Denny S. O’Leary ’90, Vice Chair Joycelyn C. Lavelle, Secretary R. Mitchell Wickham ’87, Treasurer William C. Adams Lynn G. Crutchfield Mary Katherine Dubose Adaora A. Eruchalu Debbie S. Frail ’88 Mike D. Freno Rael K. Gorelick Jonathan S. Halkyard Courtney P. Hyder Joy M. Kenefick Eric J. Lloyd Karim Lokas John T. McCoy A. Coy Monk IV John G. Norman Robert A. Schleusner III Walker C. Simmons

EX-OFFICIO

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM

Charles D. Baldecchi Head of School

LATIN

MAGAZINE

2019–2020 SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

Charlotte Latin School • Special Edition 2019

Fredrik Akerblom Director of Development Todd Ballaban Head of Middle School Susan Carpenter Director of Marketing and Communications Rod Chamberlain Associate Head for Academic Affairs Bill Freitas Chief Technology Officer David Gatoux Director of Athletics Fletcher H. Gregory III Associate Head and Chief Financial Officer Beth Lucas Director of Human Resources

Charles D. Baldecchi Head of School

Mary Yorke Oates ’83 Director of Admissions

Fletcher H. Gregory III Associate Head and Chief Financial Officer

Mark Tayloe Head of Lower School

Lisa Hill Parents’ Council President

Sonja L. Taylor Director of Diversity and Inclusion

Christine 'Chrissy' Lucas ’04 Alumni Governing Board President

Lawrence Wall Head of Upper School

EDITOR Courtney Oates Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications ASSOCIATE EDITOR Susan Carpenter Director of Marketing and Communications DESIGNER Tori Belle-Miller Graphic Designer CONTRIBUTORS Lucy Anderson 50th Anniversary Committee The Baldecchi Family Erin Baldecchi Bella Baldecchi ’21 Alex Baldecchi ’23 Cade Baldecchi ’25 Martha Owen 50th Anniversary Committee

ALUMNI GOVERNING BOARD OFFICERS

Christine 'Chrissy' Lucas ’04, President Michael Parks ’07, Past President

PARENTS’ COUNCIL OFFICERS

Lisa Hill, President Tara Livingston, First Vice President Katharine Cowan, Second Vice President Karen Cotchett, Treasurer Kim Hanson, Assistant Treasurer Kristin Middendorf, Secretary

BOOSTER CLUB BOARD

Kendria Sweet, President Kristin Middendorf, President-Elect Susan Calton, Treasurer Blair Donald, Secretary

LATIN ARTS ASSOCIATION BOARD

Gigi Egge, President Vivi Bechtler-Smith, First Vice President Jan Johnson, Second Vice President Liz Tarumianz, Secretary Leslie Wickham, Treasurer Aileen Boltz, Membership Lori Samii, Publicity Harriet Stamatakos, Friends of Creative Writing Gina Lawrence, Friends of Music Jennifer Youse, Friends of Theater Kathleen Holtzman, Friends of Visual Arts

At-large Representatives Shannon Acks Renee Hobart Abbe McCracken Sally Roper Nancy Stenersen Erin Stubbs Elissa Vona Alexa Warner Wendy Wasko

Mary Yorke Robison Oates ’83 Director of Admissions Donna Roberson Willis ’82 50th Anniversary Committee

Published August 2019

by Charlotte Latin School for students, alumni, parents, grandparents, employees and friends of the school.

Please send address corrections to: Development Office Charlotte Latin School 9502 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28277 Or by email to vrucker@charlottelatin.org Photography by Rusty Williams Send Class Notes information to: Sally Gray Smith ’82 at 704.846.7253 ssmith@charlottelatin.org

WHAT’S

INSIDE Meet Our Head of School

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A Letter from the Head of School

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Connect with Chuck

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Meet the Baldecchi Family

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Words of Wisdom for the New Guy

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Since You Asked Q&A with Mr. Baldecchi

Forever Forward. Forever Latin.

Celebrating 50 Years

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50th Anniversary Events

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Latin Translations

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The First Decade

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The Mathematics of History A Conversation with Ken Collins

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A Letter from Victor E Hawk

MEET OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL

THE COMMUNITY THAT IS

CHARLOTTE LATIN Dear Latin Community, I am so very grateful for the founding of Charlotte Latin School.

Fifty years ago families came together to start a community — a community in which their children would learn, grow and mature into young adults. None of those families had any idea what Latin would become in the future, but I am certain they dreamed and hoped it would be alive and healthy in 2019. What I do know is that parents, alumni and students helped build and make Latin what it is today — through hard work and determination, mistakes and corrections, high expectations and high standards, love and care.

Charlotte Latin School is thriving not only because of the founding families, but also because of the students and families who came after them. They all believed in this school and its mission. I am humbled by the trust placed in me to steward this great school into the future. I have an awesome responsibility to the past leadership of Ned Fox and Arch McIntosh, and to faculty like Emilie Williams, Coach Bob Patten, Martha Owen, Ceres Vandiver and numerous others who committed their lives to educating Latin’s students.

During my interview process, I was attracted to the community that is Charlotte Latin. When the search committee and the faculty and staff advisory committee talked about the school, their love for Latin and the community was clear. They shared powerful stories of students whose lives had been changed by teachers, but also stories of teachers whose lives were changed by students. I am proud to join the Charlotte Latin community and continue its commitment to excellence.

The Baldecchi family is “all in” at Charlotte Latin. This summer, Erin and I moved our family into our home and Bella ’21, Alex ’23 and Cade ’25 are excited to come to Latin this fall. Even our chocolate lab, Ida, and dachshund, Frodo, are getting used to their new environs.

In this special edition of LATIN Magazine, you will read about the exciting year ahead that celebrates, marks and honors our 50th Anniversary. There’s an article featuring Ken Collins’ reflections on his years at Latin and an overview of the many events planned to celebrate this year as a school community.

What an exciting time it is to be at Charlotte Latin School. Remember, Latin is here at this moment because of you — past and present trustees, alumni, faculty, parents and students — who have helped build this remarkable school. This is a year to reflect on the amazing work you all have done.

Happy Golden Anniversary,

Charles D. Baldecchi Head of School

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LATIN Magazine • Special Edition 2019

Et harum remqui re, ne aut et fugitem poreic tent fuga. Fuga.

Nam etur, quiscium nam assumque paribusam, illum iliquiam, untibus ut

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LATIN Magazine • Special Edition 2019

MEET OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL

CONNECT WITH CHUCK There will be numerous opportunities throughout the school year for everyone in the Latin community to meet and talk with Chuck.

“ I want to spend

the year listening, observing and experiencing the rhythm of the school year, as well as getting to know the students, faculty and staff, and our parents.” ――Chuck Baldecchi

Wondering what Chuck did before Latin? Do you want to watch the “Meet Chuck Baldecchi” video again? You can read all about him and get this info on charlottelatin.org/head.

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“I’m a people person. Talking with people feeds my soul and gives me insight and understanding into school culture.”

GET TO KNOW OUR NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL THROUGH:

GRADE LEVEL PARENT MEETINGS

MORNING GREETING

Kicking off the new school year are our grade level parent meetings. Chuck will speak to parents at every meeting and be available to chat beforehand.

Chuck brings a tradition of greeting students and parents at morning drop-off from The Lexington School to Latin. You will find him at the Library or Raintree carpool lines on most mornings.

MONTHLY MESSAGE

MONTHLY PARENTS’ COUNCIL MEETINGS

Chuck will send a monthly Head of School message to the Latin community on a wide range of topics including notable events, thoughts on curriculum, pedagogy and life skills, athletics, school accomplishments and personal discoveries.

Chuck will address the Parents’ Council and meeting attendees (all current parents are members of the Parents’ Council and meetings are open to everyone) at each month’s meeting.

FIRESIDE CHATS VIDEOS

SUGGESTED READING LIST

Okay, there may not be an actual fireplace in these videos, but Chuck will informally talk about important and timely topics relating to education and Charlotte Latin School.

An avid reader, Chuck will share a reading list for parents, faculty and staff on the school website.

SOCIAL MEDIA SENIOR LUNCHES The McIntosh tradition of lunching with every senior in the Head’s Conference Room will continue under Chuck’s tenure.

Chuck is an active Twitter user (tweeter). He frequently tweets articles of interest on education and parenting.

We have a Chuck Baldecchi Instagram feed to capture visuals of his first year as Head of School.

Follow him on both @Baldecchi.

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Meet the

BALDECCHI FAMILY

From left to right: Alex ’23, Frodo (dachshund), Erin, Cade ’25, Chuck, Ida (chocolate lab) and Bella ’21 Baldecchi.

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WHAT VALUE DO YOU ADMIRE MOST ABOUT CHUCK/YOUR DAD? Alex: His life lessons Bella: His humor Cade: He puts family first Erin: He values family, community and honesty most and lives those values FAVORITE SPORT TO WATCH? All: Lacrosse!

FAVORITE HEALTHY FOOD/JUNK FOOD? Alex: Raw veggies/Reese’s Bella: Avocado/Salt and vinegar chips Cade: Broccoli/Kit Kat Erin: Avocado/Chocolate FAVORITE BOOK/AUTHOR? Alex: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand Bella: The Thing About Jellyfish by Ali Benjamin Cade: Spirit Animals series Erin: A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving FAVORITE SUBJECT IN SCHOOL? Alex: Science Bella: Spanish Cade: Science DO YOU LOVE OR HATE ROLLER COASTERS? Alex: Love Bella: Love Cade: Love Erin: Used to love — not so much anymore FAVORITE FAMILY TRADITION? All: Sherwood Forest! Sherwood Forest is a community outside of Annapolis, Maryland.

Chuck grew up going there in the summers.

His family has been a part of Sherwood for five generations. It is on the Severn River which leads to the Chesapeake Bay. The kids go to camp there all summer; Bella was a counselor there this summer. Chuck loves to sail and tries to get out on the water as often as possible. We all love it there!

Alex ’23, Frodo (dachshund), Erin, Cade ’25, Chuck, Ida (chocolate lab) and Bella ’21 Baldecchi.

Photo credit: Lindsay Milward

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Words of Wisdom for the

NEW GUY Henry Graham

Will Patti Ryan Burrell

“Be fun, but not too fun. Still be a little strict.” – Sia Gullapalli

Lower School students Ryan Burrell, Sophie Edwards, Henry Graham, Sia Gullapalli, Will Patti, Penn Siegel, Cam Thomas and James White share the following sage advice for Mr. Baldecchi gleaned from their years of experience and love for their school.

Dear Mr. Baldecchi, Visit the 5th grade because they are leaders. • If you get it wrong, it’s ok. Just try again. • Being a head of school is hard; get to bed at 8:45 p.m. • The best day of the school year is Lower School Field Day. • Get to know campus so you don’t get lost. • If you need help with kids’ names, ask Mr. Tayloe for help. • Get to know the Kindergartners ‘cause you’ll still know them when they are seniors.

• With the covered walkways, you will always find your way and stay dry. (But bring an umbrella just in case.) • You can really trust everyone here. You can leave your things on your desk and they will be ok. • The basketball court is the best part of the playground. • Be willing to ask for a helping hand. And lend one. • Reward good work. • If someone is sad, help them out. • Greet kids at bus and carpool. Just saying hi is a really great way to start someone’s day.

• Ask lots of questions. • When you have visitors, make it fun and let them know you are their friends. • Shake people’s hand. • Be open to suggestions. • Be a listener. • Be very friendly, more than is even necessary. • If you have free time, play soccer with the kids. • Be fun, but not too fun. Still be a little strict. • Don’t act like you’re new. • Hire good substitute teachers. • Make eye contact. • Oh, and if it snows, always cancel. It will make us like you even better. We kids need time to actually play!

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GETTING TO KNOW CHUCK

SINCE YOU ASKED

Q

Q&A WITH MR. BALDECCHI

Stephen Kim ’21 What is the best part of being a Head of School?

Everything! When I was in college, I went back and forth with wanting to go into venture capitalism or teaching. Being a Head of School is the perfect synthesis of the two. You invest in young human beings who have great potential, and you get to help guide, mold and develop them into talented, curious, ethical, young people who are ready to take on the world.

Jocquin Fuller (Upper School Band) Where do you see Charlotte Latin in 50 years?

It is hard to predict how schools will evolve and grow through the years. The campus of Charlotte Latin School looks so different than it did in 1970 or 1995. The constant though is community.

That has to remain in order for the school to exist and flourish in the future. It is what attracted me to this school.

There is a lot of discussion and debate about the future of education. I believe great schools will be about the experience and the learning community. Education — both academics and character formation — is enhanced by human interaction with others. We need community, conversation and teachers to take advantage of teachable moments. Character traits like honesty, work ethic, teamwork, curiosity and kindness require honing from expert educators who care, as well as fellow classmates who help model, motivate and move others to become their best selves. I see Latin continuing to strive toward excellence and working diligently to be the best example of a learning community — an educational experience unlike any other.

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Stuart Bonner (Upper School English) What about the state of North Carolina are you most looking forward to experiencing?

I recall my fourth grade year at Vance Academy in Henderson, NC, where I studied North Carolina history — “From Manteo to Murphy.” I love the hollers of Robbinsville, where my wife, Erin, grew up, to the beaches of Nags Head where I spent time with my childhood friends during the weekends. I can’t wait to be back “in the valley of humility (North Carolina) between the two mountains of conceit (Richmond and Charleston)*.” I will love being back in a state where barbeque is a noun and not a verb! Just for the record, Skippers BBQ in Henderson is the finest in the state.

Everything else is just trying to copy the best. *Mary Van Landingham, 1900

Stephanie Caddell ’20 If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

I love to travel and have been to India, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and all over the United States. Of the current places I have traveled, I am going to embrace my Italian heritage and say Tuscany — just stunning countryside, beautiful historical cities, fantastic food and genuine, warm people. The Baldecchis are from a little city in Tuscany named Montecatini Alto; I highly recommend it. If we are talking about traveling someplace new, I would love to visit Japan. If we are getting very adventurous, I would love to sail around the world; I think it would be the ultimate challenge!

Lane Tayloe ’20 What activities were you involved in in high school?

I went to Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA. I was a Monitor my senior year (which is a senior leadership position that is similar to a Head Resident in college), an editor and writer for the school newspaper and literary magazine and a waiter. Being a waiter was a nice way to earn money, but more importantly you became quite close to the boys on your team. (There were two teams of waiters and approximately 20 boys on each team.)

My senior year I became Head Waiter of one of the two teams.

My fondest memories though were being Head Cheerleader my senior year. Being a cheerleader at Episcopal is a little different than a cheerleader in college or other high schools.

We were in charge of motivating the student body to cheer on the school’s team, especially during the football season.

We would lead chants at pep rallies and games. No cartwheels or flips, but much spirit!

Julia Walthall-Eisman (Middle School Ed. Tech) How do you feel about technology integration in the 21st-Century classroom?

I think it needs to be a thoughtful balance.

I believe in making sure our students know how to use the latest technologies, especially when it comes to specific areas like coding, app design, engineering or media editing. That being said, I think we all spend too much time on screens today. There is research that shows a negative correlation between number of hours on a screen and one’s happiness.

A good school makes a point to provide those tools while at the same time teaching its students self-regulation and limiting screen time.

Ivy Monk ’24 Did you play any sports growing up? Do you like to play sports now?

Absolutely, when I was in elementary school, soccer was my passion, and I played quite a bit on my school and rec teams. Spending my summers in Maryland gave me a passion and love for lacrosse. During my eighth grade year, Brine Lacrosse

outfitted NCISAA schools with equipment if they started a lacrosse program.

I remember that year well as I got to play varsity as an eighth grade student. When I went to Episcopal High School, that love for lacrosse continued, but let’s just say the competition was at a different level. The highlight of my senior year was defeating a big rival school for the first time in school history.

Today, I love to sail. I have a Herreschoff 12.5, and any day with a breeze during the summer you can find me on it. There is something about harnessing the power of the wind to propel you forward. It is incredibly exhilarating. On board is my quiet place where I get to think about the problems of the world and find novel solutions. If only life could be as easy as it is on a sailboat!

Kallaway Tuttle ’17 How do you plan to cultivate relationships with the school’s alumni base?

I plan to be present. Trust and respect are built through time spent together — listening to alumni and learning about their Latin experience. While I wasn’t present for their school days at Latin, I will develop an understanding with each story I hear from various students, parents and teachers in that class. It takes time, but I think it is time well spent, gaining a full understanding of Charlotte Latin School through its stories from the past.

“ I PLAN TO BE PRESENT. – Mr. B 11

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I am very excited about my first year coinciding with Latin’s 50th. This year-long celebration will bring me in contact with generations and decades of Latin students, parents and faculty.

What an awesome opportunity to get to know the school and its alumni.

FOREVER FORWARD. FOREVER LATIN.

FOREVER FORWARD. FORWARD LATIN. 1970 – 2020

Celebrating

years

During the 2019-20 school year, Charlotte Latin School will mark 50 years of promoting leadership, excellence, responsibility and “Honor Above All” in the daily lives of Hawks all over the world.

Join us in celebrating everything that makes Latin special as we look ahead to the next 50 years.

August 12, 2019

November 11–14, 2019

Back to School Celebration for faculty and staff

Book Fair

September 9, 2019

January 25, 2020

Founders’ Day

Celebrate Latin

September 22, 2019

February 8, 2020

Les Misérables in Concert, Alumni Performance

Learn@Latin

September 27, 2019 Touchdown Tailgate

November 9, 2019

Spring 2020 Latin Day of Service Learning

May 9, 2020 May Day Play Day

50th Anniversary Oyster Roast

latin50.com With the many engagement opportunities coming throughout the 50th year, we want to be able to reach you via email! Please send your email address to Sally Gray Smith ’82, Director of Alumni Relations, at ssmith@charlottelatin.org.

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Fifty years of educational excellence is a remarkable milestone. Anniversaries mark the passage of time; Latin’s 50th anniversary is the perfect opportunity to reflect on all the ways that not only our school and campus have grown over the years, but also the way the world has changed in that time.

Think of everything this community has faced together over fifty years — ups and downs, children and grandchildren, campus changes, program improvements, enrollment growth and so much more.

As our school community reminisces about our past, we can see that the future is indeed bright.

We invite you to read ahead, travel down memory lane and celebrate our special school.

FOREVER FORWARD. FOREVER LATIN.

The following is a reprint of the preface of Latin Translations, published in 2001 as the school welcomed Arch N. McIntosh, Jr. as Headmaster. The book, written by Mary Yorke Oates ’83, illustrates and celebrates the school’s history up to that point.

Copies are available by contacting Loretta Tuttle at ltuttle@charlottelatin,org, or you may view the book online at charlottelatin.org/latintranslations.

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n 1973, Eastover neighborhood still seemed sleepy and old-fashioned; it had not yet become the rebuilt enclave of wealth and opulence. People endured tiny bathrooms and wet basements. It was desirable because of its tree-lined streets and paved sidewalks, a sort of safe place to raise a family. It was also desirable because of its close proximity to uptown Charlotte. Charlotte, even then, was a bank­ing town.

Conversations at the end of the driveway were commonplace, and people were “neighborly” to one another: they were kind; they spoke pleasantries; they delivered your paper if it landed in their yard. Like most of the neighborhood children, I played outside until dinnertime, and I roamed as far as the side­walk took me, yet still in range of my mother’s voice. I often pedaled past Mr. Knight and Mr. Thies, two of Latin’s founding board members, and I, of course, spoke to them.

They were extraordinary to me in the way all grown men were. They were simply grown. I remember quite vividly the overgrown hedge beyond Mr. Knight’s driveway because you had to duck if you rode your bicycle under it, and I also remem­ber a low brick wall across the street. I often walked the wall imagining I was Nadia Comaneci, the ten­-year-old Olympic gymnast, dipping my feet and balancing on one leg.

On a daring day, I might have even cartwheeled off it. It wasn’t a tall wall. It was just the right height for sitting.

I didn’t know that Mr. Knight and Mr. Thies sat on that wall and discussed at length the curriculum prob­lems in public school and the frustrations they felt. I also didn’t know they sat on that wall and discussed the importance of a challenging curriculum, the need for phonics-based reading instruction, or how to go about starting an independent school. But they had. They had sat on the wall many times and not just during integration and busing. They had sat there years before, as early as the mid 1960s, because they strongly believed in traditional education and because they had high expectations. Hardly elitist, they wanted children to benefit from the no-frills, hit-the-books basics that they had known as boys. To them, the youth didn’t seem to have an appreciation for Western Civilization and all that had come before; they wanted their children to learn and to feel a sense of responsibility as leaders.

By 1973, Latin was three years old. The first graduates would march in May of 1974, when enrollment had reached 764 students, in grades one through twelve. And while so much had been accomplished, the pio­neers — the founders and the families who followed them — knew the road was far from paved. Funding was a continuing problem and resources were hard to come by. In the public schools, things weren’t much better, as the climate in Charlotte was volatile. Outside the two square miles where I lived, the education­al storm was far from calm, and every child in my neighborhood was in a different school. Some of us remained in public schools, but year after year those numbers were dropping, and familiar faces were dis­appearing each September. To some, it seemed Latin was just an alternative to busing, perhaps even a place to avoid the outside turmoil of society. Vietnam, Roe v. Wade, and citywide integration must have seemed heady at best, especially to a population of conservative bankers. Maybe to some, sending their kids to a school in the woods might shelter them just a little bit longer, keep them younger, more innocent. Maybe some simply wanted a guarantee that the classroom would still be a place of higher learning, where the child’s ability was understood and challenged.

But to others, especially those founding mothers and fathers, Latin was not an alternative. It was an oppor­tunity to teach children to be citizens, to be leaders, and to be challenged, nurtured, and embraced. So the people came. And the people defined, and still define Charlotte Latin. The people and the stories, the ones that started in Cameron Faison’s garage playroom and continue, explain Charlotte Latin. And through these stories, the history begins. The story of how a campus, so carefully and thoughtfully built, and a school, so carefully and thoughtfully developed, emerged from a mound of red Carolina clay. Thirty­-one years later, a school that started with two buildings on a muddy tract of land has evolved into a cam­pus to rival any small liberal arts college. I think it interesting that the climate at Latin today is so similar to the neighborhood where I grew up — a sort of safe place to turn cartwheels and roam a little further than you should. It, like Mr. Knight and Mr. Thies, is neighborly. The venerable old wall where Mr. Knight and Mr. Thies sat is still there, but interestingly enough (quite like Harvard, Princeton, and Yale) it now is cov­ered with ivy.

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CHARLOTTE LATIN SCHOOL “

Curriculum would be geared toward the college-bound youngster of ‘average and above-average capabilities.’ ” – The Charlotte News

1970

Charlotte Latin School Opens Its Doors

Parents’ Council is Formed Parents have always been the engine behind Latin.

Every parent is a member of the Parents’ Council which is led by an elected Board. It was created to support the students, teachers and staff of Charlotte Latin School through community, financial and social activities. May Day Play Day was a crowning achievement of the Council’s first year and became an annual favorite. Parents’ Council is still one of the best ways to become involved at Latin.

What began as a serious conversation between two gentlemen over a fence eventually expanded miles out Providence Road. The school was to be structured as a private, integrated, college preparatory institution and provide a classical education. CLS opened its doors with 425 students enrolled in grades 1-9. The campus consisted of only two buildings and financial restraints limited the school’s athletic program to basketball, cross country, swimming, tennis, golf, soccer, track and cheerleading.

1970 First Grandparents’ Day Celebration A tradition for Lower School students, this musical revue is an annual event.

Grandparents are sent invitations to attend the spring showcase featuring their students in songs, dances and costumed performances.

1971-1972

1973-1974 First Graduation Class

1971

38 seniors graduated that spring with all the pomp and pride due such an accomplishment.

1974

The HAWK EYE Latin’s first issue of The Hawk Eye, our student newspaper, is published.

First State Championship Tennis legend, Bev Culbertson, who coached tennis at Latin, led the boys’ team to Latin’s first-ever state championship.

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THE FIRST DECADE Fox's First Year Dr. Edward J. Fox, Jr. begins his first year as Headmaster.

First Morehead Schlolar

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SACS Accreditation Latin receives accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

1976

1977

I remember distinctly the first day that I arrived on campus to head Charlotte Latin, in August 1976. I had never before seen so many parents at a school being so helpful.”

– Dr. Edward J. Fox, Jr.

1975-1976

1974

Beth Schofield Miller ’77 is named Latin’s first Morehead Scholar.

1976

1977

1977

To see more of each of Latin’s five decades of excellence, please visit latin50.com/history

Cum Laude The school is awarded its Cum Laude charter, making it the youngest school in the nation to be so honored.

First Football Team Latin fields first football team in Fall 1974 under the direction of Coach Bob Patten.

Welcome Kindergarten Kindergarten is added to Latin’s Lower School for the 1977-78 year, making the Class of 1990 the first class to go all the way through K-12.

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FOREVER FORWARD. FOREVER LATIN. 50TH ANNIVERSARY

“

The students I taught at the beginning of my career had a lasting impact.”

Dr. Ken Collins has worked in education for more than 54 years, most of those in the Upper School math department at Charlotte Latin School. Enjoy a glimpse of our school’s history through his lens.

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THE MATHEMATICS of HISTORY A CONVERSATION WITH DR. KEN COLLINS ON THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF CHARLOTTE LATIN SCHOOL

First, Doc, thank you for your 1 billion, 482 million, 192 thousand seconds of service to CLS… Time flies when you’re having fun.

The school has seen many generations come of age. Has any one group of students had a more powerful impact on you as a teacher, or even on the school?

The students I taught at the beginning of my career had a lasting impact. I was in the process of becoming a teacher, and in many ways I shared that process with my early students.

For Latin, those were the students who first graduated, who established the school’s reputation and who helped Latin grow as an educational institution. They are now strong supporters via the Alumni Association, often sending their children to Latin.

What would you value as the school’s proudest moment/accomplishment in its 50 years?

There have been infinite milestones and proud moments.

The Class of 1991 built the school’s first Habitat for Humanity house. That was a proud moment — a solid example of service to the community — which promoted the growth of the service program we know at Latin today. Former librarian and alumni parent, Judy Kennedy, and I were fortunate to be the faculty advisors to that class. The work we did each weekend left a lasting impression on all of us. I still keep a photo (below) of that class and the Habitat family taken in front of the completed house.

What has changed exponentially at the school during your 48 years?

You have taught the children of students you taught. Talk to us about this correlation.

Students often have a different set of talents and aptitudes than their parents. However, the family and moral values that our alumni and their children share are often highly correlated.

The Class of 1991 built the school’s first Habitat for Humanity house.

Calculus can be defined as the “mathematical study of continual change” which seems, too, a great definition of teaching. What has your study of continual change taught you about the school’s strengths and also its weaknesses?

We live in a changing environment. Understanding the causes of change, the implications of change and how to best adapt to them is an essential part of our education. Latin is fortunate to have had trustees, heads of school, division heads, faculty and staff who recognized the need for change. They based said changes on sound principles and the needs of our students.

They invested in people and programs that supported students’ academic, social, physical, cultural and personal needs for growth. I am confident that current and future leaders of Latin will build upon this foundation.

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The size of the school, the scope of its curriculum, extracurricular activities, athletics, service and academic achievement have grown enormously. A precalculus student, however, would let you know that the growth is logistic rather than exponential. The environment in which our current students are growing up is very different from that of just a few years ago. These changes — including social media, social norms, climate issues, the internet and the challenges of obtaining accurate information — make it both challenging and critical that we provide a sound education.

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FOREVER FORWARD. FOREVER LATIN.

You have invested your life here and want to care for that investment for generations to come. How do you see that the school has taken care to do that with our new Head of School?

I was fortunate to serve on the faculty/staff advisory committee for our new Head of School. Our entire group was impressed with Chuck; he exhibits the fine qualities necessary to successfully lead Latin into its next 50 years. He is sensible and cares for people. Chuck has a clear vision, and he understands students. I believe that Latin is in very good hands!

What is it about the school — its 50 years and its people — that keeps you here?

I have worked with several educational institutions over the past 54 years. Latin has provided its faculty a wonderful environment to work with students and teach and grow together. There is a high degree of academic freedom coupled with immense responsibility. People are expected and trusted to do the best that they can in a supportive environment. Latin has a generous support system for faculty and staff, including a wide range of benefits, an extensive professional development program and support for teachers to grow and take risks that can benefit our students. Together the Board and administration cultivate an environment that emphasizes the importance of all people — an ideal school for those of us fortunate enough to teach here.

Both of our children (Eli ’95 and Erin ’97) are Latin lifers, and the experiences they had at Latin serve as the basis for the success they enjoy today.

What does “Forever Forward. Forever Latin.” mean to you?

Latin has achieved exceptional growth over the past half century.

I believe that will continue to be true in the future, and I am grateful that I have been graced with a small part in that success.

Latin is a venerable institution — a regional and national educational leader. As our school grows, our responsibilities to our students, families and community will also increase. When Latin reaches the century mark, I believe we will stand proud of the successes that are the goals and expectations we have today.

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LATIN Magazine • Special Edition 2019

“

A priority in year one is getting to know Latin parents,” said Chuck Baldecchi when asked what was important.”

DOC, HOW DO YOU THINK CLS IS DOING IN ITS ANNIVERSARY YEAR? On your 50th birthday, you definitely notice wrinkles that you didn’t think were there the day before.

Thanks to the planning and support of our Board, Founders, school leaders as well as the tireless efforts or our facilities staff, Latin is operating better than ever.

When you are 50, you can look at your accomplishments, set new goals and start planning for the “second half.”

Latin continues to set new goals and plan for the future. This is a continuous and collaborative effort. It is one of the reasons we have achieved many of the goals we have established for the school.

At 50, it is time to get serious about developing healthy routines that will keep you active in 10, 20 and 30 years.

Wellness programs are an important part of the Latin environment. We have always recognized the importance of Physical Education and participation in a well-run athletics program, emphasizing positive team and personal behavior. There has been an increase in a wide range of wellness programs for faculty and staff that encourages positive holistic health. I am also proud of the support system for students to help them deal with the increasing challenges of the world in which they live.

At 50, we really do know more than we did at ages 20, 30 and 40. It is something to be proud of.

Latin has grown and learned from experience. We owe much to our Founders and early leaders and have built on their successes to become the school we are today.

Age 50, you are more appreciative of those who are in their 60s, 70s and 80s. You can only hope to be doing as well as they are doing when you reach those numbers.

Latin is planning for the future and investing in both the facilities and the people who will help the school achieve its goals as it matures. Successful growth requires effective planning and developing the resources to support the goals of our plans. We are fortunate to have the leadership that allows us to grow successfully.

Special Edition 2019 • LATIN Magazine

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FOREVER FORWARD. FOREVER LATIN.

A letter from Victor E Hawk OUR FAITHFUL, FEATHERED MASCOT

“I FEEL AWED AND FORTUNATE EVERY DAY TO HAVE SHARED SO MUCH WITH YOU OVER THE LAST FIFTY YEARS...”

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LATIN Magazine • Special Edition 2019

Dear Charlotte Latin School, It’s no exaggeration at all to say that for the last half century I’ve had a bird’s eye view of you. Fifty years ago, you came to my part of the world, a place that apparently appealed to few human beings at the time — apart from a few exceptional, very wise, courageous, generous humans who were committed to providing an excellent college preparatory education for young people. These remarkable, dedicated humans that you call your Founders pooled their ideas and their resources, and on September 9, 1970, I had more human company than I’d ever had before. And you had a beautiful setting for a new school that would arguably become the most highly-regarded school in the area.

As I survey the campus today, I see change, but much of what I saw and sensed in those early days has remained constant throughout the years — starting with mud and construction, that were then and are now signs of progress and success. The campus itself has expanded from the original 50 leased acres to 128 fully-owned, contiguous acres. Although there are more buildings than in 1970, the respect for my habitat has remained a constant that has never wavered. There are more, many more, meaningful attributes that were intrinsic to this unique place then and that continue now to keep the school vibrant, strong and sought-after by families who valued the Core Values of honor, respect, personal responsibility, leadership, excellence and moral courage and who continue to honor and seek these values today.

As I think about it, we have a lot in common. The adults — mothers and fathers, teachers and administrators — nurture, teach and protect our young, but also encourage them to become all they are meant to be. Young humans, like young chicks, are given what they need to rise to a challenge, to fledge and finally to take wing and soar. And eventually, parents are left with the ultimate sign of their success — an empty nest!

I have also noticed something that I admire so much — your responsible fiscal stewardship. Without this important kind of vigilance, Charlotte Latin School, the home I’ve shared with you for the last half century, might never have been founded, might never have grown and might never be thriving as vibrantly as it does today.

I am often thought of in terms of athletics; I’ve relished that! (GO HAWKS!) But what I have seen consistently since the very first day permeated every aspect of Charlotte Latin School and does so today: strength and courage in the effort and attempt, humility and restraint in victories and triumphs, and grace and determination in facing challenges and disappointments.

I could go on and on but will close by telling you how honored I am to be a constant myself and to have been chosen to represent Latin and some of the school’s most notable constants that characterize your school family and community: the humility and nobility of your leadership and your energetic commitment to meeting your goals and fulfilling your promise. I feel awed and fortunate every day to have shared so much with you over the last fifty years and can’t wait to see how awesome the next fifty will be.

Happy Birthday! Together, we soar.

Your faithful, feathered mascot, Victor E Hawk

VICTOR PENNED THIS LETTER WITH THE AID OF LUCY ANDERSON,

MARTHA OWEN AND DONNA ROBERSON WILLIS ’82

What we have, we owe to many. At this pivotal moment in Charlotte Latin School’s history, it will take the dedicated participation of every community member in order to realize the full scope of the Vision2020 campaign. It is up to each of us to give back to the school that has given us so much, so that our students, school and legacy can all thrive ahead for another 50 years. Give today at: clsthriveahead.org 24

LATIN Magazine • Special Edition 2019

THANK YOU TO OUR MAY DAY PLAY DAY 2019 SPONSORS Midway Field Sponsor Sellers Orthodontics

Raffle Sponsor

The Newton Family

Ringmaster Sponsors

Hull & Chandler, P.A. Ilios Noche & Big View Diner Providence Dentistry

High Flying Acrobat Sponsors

3 Fish, Inc. Carolinas Center for Oral and Facial Surgery Dickens Mitchener: Missy Highsmith, Kathy Lancaster, Andi Morgan, Catherine Pappas HM Properties: Meg Wilkinson Hull and Coleman Orthodontics Middleton Meyers Mockaitis Orthodontics SilverRock Wealth Partners Spangler Restoration

Lion Tamer Sponsors

Adams Beverages Capishe Charlotte Skin & Laser Dilworth Facial Plastic Surgery Eastover Pediatric Dentistry Layton Dentistry Lincoln Harris Little Novant Health Carmel OBGYN: Dr. Rina Roginsky O’Leary Group Waste Systems Southeast Psych Terrific Talkers

Staff T-Shirt Sponsor

KFC & Taco Bell /Fulenwider Enterprises, Inc.

Wristband Sponsor Hume Dentistry

In-Kind Contributors

The Valentine Family Your Event Source CocaCola Bottling Purple Promise Charlotte Latin Summer Day Camps

CLS Core Values HONOR ABOVE ALL Charlotte Latin embraces the development of personal honor as a lifelong pursuit in the building of character. Adherence to the Honor Code is required from all members of the school community. We honor one another and our personal gifts and accomplishments.

COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE The quest for excellence that has characterized Charlotte Latin since its founding extends to all aspects of school life, and is viewed as the effort to do one’s best and to seek to improve continually. This quest embodies the boundless spirit that characterizes our school community, and it is grounded in our commitment to create an exceptional environment for teaching and learning.

LEADERSHIP Charlotte Latin encourages the development of leadership as a lifelong characteristic of our students and adheres to the concept of service to others (servant leadership) as the ideal model that best meets the needs of our school community, our nation and the world.

RESPECT FOR ONESELF AND OTHERS Respect is the foundation of the Charlotte Latin School community. We celebrate differences that include diverse people, cultures and perspectives.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY Each person at Charlotte Latin is accountable for his or her actions. We all share responsibility for the welfare of the greater school community.

MORAL COURAGE Charlotte Latin leads by example and our members are willing to do what is right and true through the courage of their convictions in spite of possible consequences or the opinions of others. Morally courageous people are willing to admit their mistakes, to address injustice and to uphold the principle of “Honor Above All.”

CLS Beliefs Everyone can learn and is encouraged to learn through as many opportunities as the school can provide.

Honor is one of the most fundamental values, and upholding the Honor Code is a valued tradition.

All students have unique talents and capabilities and have something to give to the community.

Faculty and staff are always encouraged to continue their studies and their professional growth with the aid of staff development funds.

Parents are an active and important part of the life of the school.

All students will act in a manner consistent with the customs and courtesies of the school and the school community.

The school continues to review and update its programs in all areas.

Teachers interact with students in a way that develops healthy relationships in a professional manner.

The general campus — through its gardens, its statuary, and its buildings — promotes an atmosphere of peace and harmony.

The leadership of the school shall be carried out in an atmosphere that encourages and supports these beliefs.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT #3031 CHARLOTTE, NC

9502 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28277-8695 704.846.1100 www.charlottelatin.org

SAVE THE DATE

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2019 6:30 P.M. • CHARLOTTE LATIN SCHOOL

Oyster Roast

Live music by the Blue Dogs • Drinks • Oysters • Fellowship