Latin Magazine Spring 2023

Spring 2023

The Magazine of Charlotte Latin School

What’s

2022–23

Inside 3 4 8 12 18 20 22 26 28 30 32 42 56

School Leadership Administrative Team

From the Head of School

Todd Ballaban, Head of Middle School

Lower School

Susan Carpenter, Director of Marketing and Communications

Charles D. Baldecchi, Head of School Joanne O. Beam, Director of Philanthropy

Learning the Finnish Way

David Gatoux, Director of Athletics James Huffaker, Chief Technology Officer

Middle School

Beth Lucas, Director of Human Resources

Inside Out Day

Mary Yorke Oates ’83, Director of Admissions Robert McArthur, Chief Financial and Operations Officer

Upper School

Erica Moore, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Modern Media

Mark Tayloe, Head of Lower School

Latin Arts

Sonja Taylor, Assistant Head for Academic Affairs

Latin Athletics

Board of Trustees

Lawrence Wall, Head of Upper School

Michael D. Freno, Chair

Focus on Faculty

Israel K. Gorelick (Rael), Vice Chair Phil C. Colaco, Treasurer

Latin Leads

Debbie S. Frail ’88, Secretary

Strategic Plan Update

Trustees

Leadership at Latin Coach Jerry Faulkner

Irm R. Bellavia John D. Comly Mary Katherine DuBose

In Memory of Founder Bob Knight

Adaora A. Eruchalu Paige K. Ford ’06 Donald S. Gately

Alumni News

Karim Lokas John T. McCoy

Class Notes

Kristin M. Middendorf

10 Questions Carol Webb-Gargagliano

Denny S. O’Leary ’90

Uma N. O’Brien Christian M. Robinson David A. Shuford Charles R. Thies ’90 Michelle A. Thornhill

Charlotte Latin School | Spring 2023 Editor

Contributors

Photography

Susan Carpenter Director of Marketing and Communications

April Baker Digital Media Manager

Rusty Williams

Designer Monty Todd Graphic Designer

Mary Yorke Oates ’83 Director of Admissions Meredith Kempert Nunn ’98 Alumni Relations Manager Sally Gray Smith ’82 Director of Alumni Relations

St. John Photography

Ex-Officio Chuck Baldecchi, Head of School Lauran Godwin, 2022–23 Parents’ Council President Effe Gibson ’10, 2022–23 Alumni Governing Board President

On the cover:

Led by Hawks Club teacher Tanya Rosario, this collaborative and inspiring art project represents all of our afterschool students.

Please send address corrections to: Office of Philanthropy Charlotte Latin School 9502 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28277 Or to cory.hardman@charlottelatin.org

Dear Charlotte Latin Community, Spring is in bloom at Charlotte Latin School.

As you step foot on campus, you can’t help but notice a buzzing of sight and sound. I think you’ll find this issue of LATIN Magazine to have a buzz of its own—full of exciting news and information—from strategic plan progression to a celebration of our faculty and staff, insight into our classrooms, alumni news, and much more.

I’m pleased to report on the progress being made with Latin Leads, our strategic plan for the next five years. In this issue, we’ll share an executive summary of progress to date as well as an overview of what’s on the horizon. You’ll find more on page 26. Be sure to look for similar strategic plan sections in upcoming magazine issues. We are committed to keeping you informed, not only of progress made but opportunities for your input and participation.

You may notice a few changes to the magazine with this issue. What’s new?

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Employee Spotlight. In this section, we shine the spotlight on our teachers. Find out why they teach and how they support our students and families.

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10 Questions for the CLS Community. Read more about the unique individuals of Charlotte Latin. You’ll be amazed at some of their hobbies, interests, and talents. I’m excited for you to learn more about these and other amazing people as we ask 10 questions.

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Division News, the Arts, and Athletics. Take a deeper dive into the ins and outs of our divisions and departments, from the academic day to the activities happening long after the bell rings.

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Leadership at Latin. Here we highlight leaders in our school community. We’ll illustrate what it means to lead at Latin, exploring stories and profiles of students, teachers, coaches, and others.

We are all charged to lead at Latin. These articles are meant to inspire and encourage the leader in each of us.

As you explore this spring magazine, I encourage you to scan the QR codes, listen to the podcasts, and watch the videos linked throughout. We’re increasing content while providing more dimension than ever before.

From print to digital, we hope to offer a vibrant picture of life at Latin—so much that you too will feel a buzz of excitement as you see, hear, and feel a part of this great community.

With gratitude for a job that I love,

Chuck Baldecchi Head of School

LATIN Magazine

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LOWER SCHOOL

Learning the Finnish Way Picture this—a simple classroom with tables, chairs, and little, if anything, on the walls. There is a teacher and there are children in the room who are engaged and working independently. They wear socks, slippers, or Crocs. (Shoes are removed when entering the building.) Snowsuits are lined up neatly on the floor. It is quiet and calm.

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Finlan nd This was a classroom observed by three of our Lower School teachers, Mary Ellen Reese, Meghan Rinehart, and Mary Strawderman. As professional development, they recently traveled to Finland to attend the LIFE2023 conference in Helsinki and Rovaniemi, along with more than 150 participants, including 52 other educators from 26 countries.

Back in the classroom, four-year-olds move to their neatly arranged snowsuits to dress for the requisite outdoor time (Finnish students are required to go outside for 15 minutes every hour, regardless of the weather). Without adult assistance, students don their own cold-weather gear, zipping zippers and buttoning buttons. They talk amongst themselves quietly and move to the outside door, where they replace their indoor shoes with boots and tidily align their shoes before heading out for fresh air.

Every student in the school is outside playing. There are two teachers outside with the children. There is order, not chaos. Inside, the teachers use the 15 minutes to talk, collaborate, and prepare.

“What really struck me was the simplicity, the calm,” said Reese. The conference was modeled after the typical Finnish school day. “There were short lessons, a speaker or discussion, or an invited guest,” Rinehart explained.

“Then we would go outside for a walk or a snowmobile ride. That is so much the Finnish way, being outside, out in the world, together. You can go to a conference in the U.S. and sit for four or five hours with your laptop. We never sat for longer than 45 minutes.”

The typical Finnish school day runs from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with a 15-minute break every hour. This varies by school, just as it does in the U.S., but it is, in fact, the shortest school day in the world. The youngest students go to school for 21 lessons each week.

The school day increases slightly in the middle and upper schools.

Finnish students lead the world in math scores, yet they only have math three times a week. Finnish writing and reading are the only classes held every day. Woodworking and home economics are also required. The rest of the subjects typically meet three times a week. Education and athletics are separate. Formal education happens at school, while sports programs are hosted through private clubs.

So how do they fit it all in? Rinehart said the children were incredibly independent, including the youngest students.

They’re focused on reading, writing, math, and being children. That’s where the simplicity of the Finnish system comes into play.

LATIN Magazine

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They’re focused on reading, writing, math, and being children. That’s where the simplicity of the Finnish system comes into play.

Students walk or bike to school by themselves in all weather. “We didn’t see a single parent in any of the schools we visited,” said Rinehart. “Children, including little ones, emerged from the woods or rode in on bikes, many wearing reflective vests. No parents walked their children to school.” When she asked an administrator what Finnish parent involvement was like, they answered that Finnish working life is very demanding and that the school would never expect their parents to be present during the work day. Children are trusted and given responsibility at a very early age.

The conference included numerous school and classroom visits, including hands-on learning activities.

Reese took P.E. and snowshoed up a mountain. Rinehart made a blueberry pie in home economics. (Finnish students learn how to forage for the berries in the woods.) “We had the opportunity to be the student,” said Strawderman. “I took woodworking and learned to whittle. I made a butter spoon using a knife, a burning tool for decoration, and a saw. Woodworking is part of Finnish culture and is taught to all students. Even small students use these tools.” Strawderman commented about the learning, “You could see them use their problem-solving skills to figure things out. They were learning so much more than woodworking.”

What did they take back from the conference and into their classrooms? A lot. “Right away, I started looking at the very start of the classroom day,” said Strawderman.

Before the conference, students came into my classroom and did paperwork first thing. I thought about the why.

‘Why am I doing it this way? Is there a better way to start the day?’ I thought about what students like to do when they first come to school: talk to each other.

With that in mind, students now start the day exploring bins that stimulate thinking and spur exploration and

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conversation. I can apply what I teach in the classroom to the morning’s exploration. It’s little tweaks of trying things like that that are happening.”

Strawderman also commented about how attending the conference has made her think about how she asks her students questions. “I’m now asking questions to bring about deeper thinking, like ‘How will that solve your problem? What is the strategy?’” She added that while those are things she’d asked in the past, she now adds questions like, “What do you think is working? How can you fix it?” Then she lets students know to keep working on things and she’ll check back in with them. “Instead of saying, ‘Get your personal dictionary,’ I’m working now to say, ‘What tools do you have to solve this yourself?’

It’s more the mindset of making sure I’m making them be the thinker.” Rinehart added: I think it’s important for teachers and families to understand that an experience like this allows us to immerse ourselves in the same ways that we ask of our students. We want our students out in the world experiencing everything and living. We keep talking about them having a global mindset and wanting them to be independent. When you have an opportunity to go out into the world and meet people who think differently and do things differently than you do, you are fostering those same qualities in yourself. I think there is tremendous value to that, especially for those of us who want to be catalysts for moving the school and the students forward.

“We laughed. We cried. We triumphed. We came back,” said Reese. “This was an amazing learning experience.

We realize it was a gift and an opportunity—and we soaked up every second of it.”

LATIN Magazine

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Inside Out Day Inside Out Day in Middle School is a first. “We knew we wanted to do something different for our seventh and eighth grade students on the day before Spring Break, and we knew we wanted to focus on stress management and emotional regulation. We didn’t want to call it a wellness day, and many of us have seen and loved the movie Inside Out, which is about the inner workings of the mind of a young girl whose world was changed by a family move. In the movie, you can see and hear the emotions that affect her thoughts and actions. We thought it was the perfect name for this special day,” said Sarah Kilby, Middle School Counselor.

The idea of Inside Out Day came about because a group of Middle School parents saw and assisted Upper School

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parents with the successful Launch program, designed to provide Upper School students with the tools and resources they need to understand their emotions, mitigate stress, and seek help when needed. They knew a similar need existed in Middle School and wondered how they might help bring this to that division.

That led them to a conversation with Middle School Counselor Sarah Kilby: might we bring an ageappropriate version of the Launch program to Middle School? What would this look like? Was the school interested in partnering with parents to make this happen? The answer was a resounding yes, and then the real work began.

The Rotations Yoga Students practiced yoga poses, flows, and breathwork, focusing on paying attention to one’s body and practicing proven ways to relax and calm oneself.

Collaborative Art Project In the art rotation, students decorated 4”square mirrors to visually represent gratitude. The intention is to install the finished artwork on campus for everyone to reflect on and enjoy.

Students also played oversized customized Jenga games with prompts about gratitude.

Hawks Quest Olympics Teams of students participated in a variety of mental and physical challenges requiring collaborative thinking, communication, strategy, and coordination. Teams worked for points to win a dress-down day. Upper School students and Hawks Quest teachers were there to assist.

Drum Circle Katie Kilroy, Assistant Director of Bands and Middle School Band Teacher, brought more than 60 drums and other instruments to the Belk Gym for students to make noise in a festive drum circle. Warming up, she led them in rhythmic clapping, stomping, and high-fiving for an energetic opening. This boisterous activity showed students that making and listening to music is self-soothing—and fun!

LATIN Magazine

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Insid The group of parents met with Kilby and Todd Ballaban, Head of Middle School, starting in late August last year. Meeting monthly, they spent hours thinking, talking, and planning, and Inside Out Day was born. “We knew we wanted to impart community, teamwork, resilience, and leadership through developmentally appropriate activities. Our goal was to look at the day holistically,” said a parent involved in the day’s planning. “We wanted to provide tools and build on some of our resources on campus like Hawks Quest.” A true collaboration between Latin’s educators and parents, both groups agreed they wanted the day to be fun for the students.

They also wanted a meaningful day of programming that introduced and reinforced life skills to handle emotions and understand how emotions affect behavior, giving students a toolbox to use when life gets challenging or uncomfortable.

The morning started with a donut wall (food was an important part of the day), a short clip of the Inside Out movie, and a non-traditional welcome from Latin’s

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own Kurt Coleman, who enthusiastically charged the students to “get up, wake up, and embrace the day.” Coleman and Launch’s Ed Williams talked to the students about life’s challenges, that it’s okay and normal to feel uncomfortable sometimes, and that everyone experiences discomfort. They emphasized that the goal of Inside Out Day was to give the students tools for self-calming and dealing with adversity. They asked students to be open to experiencing new thoughts and feelings as they moved through the day’s activities.

After a day of games, food, activities, music, relaxation, and fun, the seventh and eighth graders met in Thies Auditorium with a screening of, you guessed it, Inside Out. “What a super day it was,” said Ballaban.“It was an amazing partnership between the school and our parents. We couldn’t have done it without the incredible parent support and our super Middle School teachers.”

de Out Day Student Reviews

I really liked how it brought our community together. It taught us a lot from the activities we did and I really thought it was a good learning experience.

It was really cool.

It was great to have a day off of school and do fun activities.

Andrew Stravino Grade 8

Jordan Ramesh Grade 8

I liked the bucket drumming! It was pretty cool to hear how you can change a song by using simple tools.

Georgia Howard Grade 8

LATIN Magazine

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UPPER SCHOOL The Media Production and Management students contributed to the design and content of this article.

Modern Media Media Production and Management is a performing arts elective new to the Upper School Course Catalog this year, co-taught by April Baker, Digital Media Manager in the Marketing and Communications Office, and Ryan Maloney, Technical Director of Theatre. Collaboration between these two departments has allowed students exposure to a wide range of mediums and expertise. The course prepares students to produce creative work within practical and specific guidelines, like those they might encounter working at an advertising agency or in a television studio.

Classwork this year has included: •

Starting their own student-produced podcast, Chattin’ at Latin

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Producing music videos and other short video projects

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Critiquing the best and worst of the Super Bowl LXII commercials

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Interviewing teachers and students for film and podcasts

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Creating and executing advertising campaigns with time and budget contraints

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Recording their own sound effects, and more!

Learning to write their open-ended interview questions and facilitate interviews requries students to think about the experiences of people different than their own and to push through the discomfort of talking to strangers, in addition to the technical skills of recording, editing, and publishing an interview.

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I’ve gotten some really good hands-on camera experience in this class, using things like dollies, mics, drones, and fun lighting. We do all kinds of projects in class, so I’ve been able to get experience with marketing, filmmaking, abstract photography, and so much more.

– Claire Addison ’25

As a senior likely going into my college’s Communications school, I think it’s very useful to know how to produce audio content and visual media, so I have an idea of the process, equipment, people, time, and money that projects require. I honestly never thought I would be able to script, speak on, and edit the audio of my own podcast episode, but through this class, I was able to do that.

– Colman Freno ’23

Marketing and Advertising One unit in the Media Course involved studying the difference between marketing and advertising and learning why it’s important to be an educated consumer. After studying target markets, buyer motives, competitors, branding, and more, students designed their own advertising campaigns. Campaigns included video commercials for both traditional television and social media, a short audio-only ad, and a print advertisement.

See more from their advertising campaigns LATIN Magazine

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Photographers from left, clockwise: Drone photography by Allie Flett ’26, Myles Gathers ’26, Claire Addison ’25, Ronin King ’26, Na’il Diggs ’26

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I’ve had a really fun time in media this year. We’ve learned a lot of skills like Photoshop and marketing that I believe will be very useful to me.

– Ronin King ’26

See more student photography

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Media students practice long exposure photography, which requires planning, timing, and creativity.

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I’ve had a very fun time in class learning new things.

We’ve all tried new things in this class and found our own interests. My favorite thing in this class was flying drones.

– Na’il Diggs ’26

I feel like I’ve learned to do things I would never even imagined being able to do. To have worked with cameras and so much other equipment, my work has been able to go next level. One example of this is our podcast. It’s been awesome learning to use a sound board, while interviewing so many great people.

One of the best things I’ve learned is how to take photos.

I have learned many techniques and can use them whenever, whether I’m using a professional camera or

– Kate Warner ’26

my phone.

– Maxwell Williams ’26 One of my favorite skills I’ve learned in this class is Photoshop. Even though I may not be the best at it, I enjoyed learning how to make a GIF as well as our smaller projects with multiple pictures. I also love the hands-on exposure with cameras, especially our light writing project and doing product photography. As a senior who has been interested in marketing, I have liked running the Chattin’ at Latin Instagram and getting insight into marketing. ­­­– Anne Tate Tierney ’23

From the Screen Student projects included music videos, an episode of a reality dating show, commercials, interviews, and lots of bloopers. Students have worked with lighting, DSLR cameras, and professional quality software to plan, write, film, and edit their work.

See video projectsLATIN Magazine

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LATIN ARTS

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Visit facebook.com/charlottelatinarts

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LATIN ATHLETICS

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Visit clshawks.com

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FOCUS ON FACULTY

Isa Stokes

Director of Academic Transition and Student Success

Have you met Isa Stokes? He’s new to Latin this year and our first Director of Academic Transition and Student Success. His job is working with students new to Latin and new to independent schools to ensure their transition to life at Latin is positive and successful.

He also works with students new to Latin from other independent schools whose curriculum doesn’t exactly align with Latin’s. These students may need additional support in an academic area or social/emotional learning assistance. He covers it all, closely working with students—with even daily touchpoints—to ensure they get the comprehensive support they need to thrive here.

To understand Stokes’ passionate commitment to education, you must know his history. He grew up in inner-city Baltimore; he’s the first in his family to graduate from college, and he’s a committed lifelong learner currently working towards a Master’s degree in

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Talent & Organizational Development at the McColl School of Business at Queens University. As a youth, Stokes was selected to participate in a program for students to attend an independent school for high school—which led him to The Asheville School, a boarding school for grades 9–12 in Asheville, NC. The experience was life-changing. He saw first-hand the transformative potential of education, establishing a lifelong commitment to using his education for the betterment of others.

Stokes is Latin’s founding Director of Academic Transition and Student Success. As such, he is charged with designing a program structure to best support the successful transition and retention of students and their families. The structure must also support the many issues affecting comprehensive student well-being.

Currently, he works with 22 students, meeting with them frequently, even daily. “I think of myself as a bridge

Isa has the experience, education, and drive to make a difference in students’ lives. That’s crucial to the success of this exciting new program. We want all students at Latin to feel like this is their home, that they are seen and appreciated for who they are, and that they belong here. I look forward to working with him on this important initiative that is part of Latin Leads, our strategic plan.

– Chuck Baldecchi, Head of School

between Latin, the students with whom I work, and their parents. I’m here to make the transition easier,” said Stokes. “Working with parents to continue the support at home is an important part of the process.”

dreams, focus energy on what’s most important, and achieve balance in their lives. The Legend Planner has been so successful that other areas of the school are introducing it to their students.

How students are supported is wide-ranging and may include working on executive functioning skills, pacing, academic coaching, emotional support, and a bridge summer program in the future. “We work at a fast pace here at Latin,” said Stokes. “Many incoming students are not prepared for the pace.”

The highly collaborative position entails working with school leadership, colleagues, students, and their families to organize and implement missionaligned initiatives. Key internal partnerships include the Academic Leadership Team, Deans of Students, and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. As Stokes says, “Access alone is not enough. This work is an important part of Latin’s strategic plan. I’m grateful for the assistance and support of the many who work with me to ensure all of our students feel a sense of belonging at our amazing school.”

Students who aren’t new or in transition have also benefited from this new program, because, as he points out, “As a community we all are in transition, and the social emotional support is beneficial to all.”

A tool Stokes introduced is the Legend Planner (available on Amazon). Students use this to organize their Latin lives, set personal goals, articulate their

Read more about Isa Stokes

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FOCUS ON FACULTY

Mary Cerbie

Lower School Physical Education Teacher and Grade 7 Volleyball Assistant Coach

When asked about having the same job for 37 years, Cerbie’s boundless enthusiasm comes across clearly. “I’ve had the same job, and I still love it. So many extra things and surprises each year keep it fresh.”

A native Texan, Cerbie came to Latin in 1986 with her husband, who was offered a coaching position at Charlotte Country Day School. While still in Texas, a friend recommended her to Claudette Hall (former Head of Lower School) as someone she should hire. Cerbie then connected with a secretary of Dr. Fox’s (former Headmaster) who was visiting Texas. They had lunch together—and the next day, Dr. Fox offered her a job (which included coaching the Varsity Cheerleaders).

Thankfully, she accepted the offer and has been part of the Latin community ever since. Mary says: As cliché as it sounds, what I love most about my job really is the kids. Their sounds. Their laughter. They bare their souls to you and trust you unconditionally.

I also love the relationships I have formed with families, especially when it comes full circle and I’m teaching the children of past students. I can still see the parents in the eyes of the child. My plan every day is to make my class their favorite. I always want to give them a reason to smile.

Cerbie’s passion for teaching defines her work.“I believe movement is the very essence of being,” she said.

“Repetition and learning to move (disguised as play) is so important. They’re also, developmentally speaking, the foundation needed for a lifetime of success.”

Mark Tayloe, Head of Lower School, said, “Mary Cerbie is one of the most devoted and dedicated educators I have

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“My plan every day is to make my class their favorite.” ever known. I’m not sure the word ‘no’ is in her vocabulary.

First of all, she is a first-class educator. Her foundation in child development, especially in regard to gross motor benchmarks, has benefitted thousands of students over all these years. She understands that not every child loves or is good at PE, and she has worked so hard to develop a program in which all children, regardless of ability, can be successful.”

Now, onto Jeffrey, an orphan Muscovy duck brought to Latin by a family who raised him/ her in their bathtub after a coyote attack on his siblings. Jeffrey guarded Lake Latin against pesky geese

Reflecting on Cerbie’s impact at Latin, there are two other important things to mention, the Friendship Rock on the Lower School playground and Jeffrey, the duck.

(Cerbie is also proud of the Lower School treehouse and the turf field, coming to the playground this summer.)

You can read the rock story and its social and emotional learning significance in Under the Covered Walkways. It’s a wonderful story of teaching young children empathy and how to be a friend.

and came running for a treat when Cerbie parked her bus in the afternoon (bus driver is one of the many hats she’s worn at Latin). She fed him cat food, looked after him/her when hurt or sick, and connected with Carolina Waterfowl for vitamin B injections, who discovered he was actually a she.

Jeffrey lived a long duck life with the help of his friend, Mary.

About Jeffrey, Cerbie said, “He was not friendly at all unless you had food, and even then, he’d still try to bite you.” She then added, “Jeffrey was the best boy/girl duck ever!”

Jeffrey

Read more about the Friendship Rock

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STRATEGIC PLAN

Latin Leads Update

By Dr. Sonja Taylor, Assistant Head for Academic Affairs

Following the January 2023 launch of the Latin Leads strategic plan, the immediate focus has been on Goals 1, 3, and 4, with the formation of three task forces addressing the Portrait of a Latin Leader (Goal 1), Community Wellness (Goal 3), and Purpose and Belonging (Goal 4).

Work on Goal 2 will begin in the 2023–2024 school year.

Work on Goal 5 begins this spring.

Progress on Specific Goals

Goal 1: Portrait of a Latin Leader

Goal 3: Community Wellness

The Portrait of a Latin Leader (PLL) Task Force was organized in

The Wellness Task Force was organized in September

November 2022. (Leadership + Design is a consulting partner to

2022, and has met regularly since its inception. The task

complete this work.) The task force comprises faculty, staff, and

force has focused on Initiative 3.1, defining wellness.

administrators. The group held its initial meeting in December

The larger task force was subdivided into working

2022, which introduced model portraits and allowed for reflection

groups charged with exploring best practices in peer

on the meaning of leadership at Latin. Since that time, L+D has

and aspirational schools, in higher education, and in

held visioning sessions with the senior administration, faculty, and

corporate and non-profit entities. The working groups

staff (January 2023) and two follow-up working sessions with the

conducted interviews with representatives from each of the

task force members (January and February 2023). In March 2023, all

aforementioned entities and this data is being analyzed

employees were invited to explore progress and offer feedback on

to identify themes. To understand the current state of

the emerging attributes that have begun to shape the portrait. The

wellness at Latin, Middle and Upper School students, as

design team used this input to further refine the portrait and narrow

well as employees, recently participated in the Authentic

the list of attributes. During the April professional development day,

Connections survey (Initiative 3.2). The findings from

the L+D team led an all-employee session for cross-functional ideation

this survey coupled with the work of the task force will

and collaboration among faculty and staff where they discussed the

help us to identify appropriate responses to identified

characteristics that personify student leadership within and beyond the

wellness needs. The first phase of the Task Force’s work will

classroom. The portrait will be completed in June 2023.

conclude in Summer 2023.

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Goal 4: Purpose and Belonging The Purpose and Belonging Task Force held its first meeting in October 2022. This task force meets regularly and is focused on Initiative 4.2, Accountability and Reporting.

Similarly to the Wellness Task Force, some task force members have been interviewing peer and aspirational schools to learn more about the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) metrics that inform their goal-setting and measures of progress. Other task force members have been interviewing internal constituents about how DEI metrics are used in academic, operational, and advancement areas. This work is ongoing. Another essential part of Goal 4 is Isa Stokes’ work (Initiative 4.3). The most significant progress is that Stokes was hired. But more specifically, Stokes has been actively working with students and families to support their successful retention at Latin. Examples include partnerships with faculty to ensure students set and meet academic goals, assisting students with time management and self-advocacy strategies, and supporting new-toindependent school parents as they learn to navigate an unfamiliar setting.

Read more at charlottelatinleads.org

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LEADERSHIP AT LATIN

Leadership and Basketball

On Friday, February 3, in a ceremony honoring Coach Jerry Faulkner, the basketball floor in the Beck Student Activities Center’s Jones Arena was named “Faulkner Court.” The Hall of Fame former coach led the Hawks to five state titles during his tenure at Latin before retiring in 2007.

More than 50 basketball alumni joined Coach Faulkner on the floor during this special dedication. In an effort led

by Ed McMahan ’93 and John Harris ’97, this same group of alumni raised $740,000 in support of Sunny’s Legacy Endowment as a reflection of their love and gratitude for their coach. Helping to fund this endowment and its scholarship supporting students who would otherwise not be able to afford a Latin education was the perfect way to honor Coach Faulkner’s leadership.

“If all I teach you is how to put a ball into a net on one end of the court and to keep a guy from doing it at the other end, then I’m absolutely wasting your time.” And Coach Faulkner is not a man who takes the value of time lightly.

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When Faulkner joined Latin’s coaching staff, he intentionally set out to create a community environment.

“I didn’t want a team, I wanted a family. I wanted to teach lessons of life through basketball,” he says. Known for his life lessons with a firm emphasis on academics, Coach Faulkner has positively influenced countless studentathletes during his career, 23 years of which were spent at Charlotte Latin.

For Faulkner, it’s important that players know that the leaders on his team are not the shooters making the most baskets or scoring game-winning points in the last seconds on the clock. Faulkner shares a story of a state championship game his team won by a single point. While a particular player scored only two early-second-quarter points in the whole game, Faulkner was clear with his players that those two points were just as integral to their one-point victory as any other play in the game. “I always made sure they knew everything we did was about all of us.

If you missed a shot, that was us—we did that. If the team won a championship, we all did that, too,” he says. “There are different ways to lead. It’s not always the loudest guy in the room or the one with the most points.”

Respect, excellence, leadership. These Core Values of Latin’s all pair naturally with Faulkner’s coaching style.

His daughter and 1989 graduate Tara Faulkner McAlister says, “He never saw or thought of them as ‘players’ but as young men with whom he shared a love of a game with a ball and two nets. Basketball was just his tool to influence and support young men to grow up to be kind, respectful adults. I loved how my friends who played for him were better people because of him.”

When asked about his own role models and favorite leaders, Faulkner says he has always tried to read as much as he can by people from as many different areas as possible. While he worked closely with and deeply respected the leadership style of Coach Dean Smith (former longtime coach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), he is quick to add the caveat, “You can’t be anybody else. I can’t be Coach Smith and you can’t be me. You have to find your own way to lead, and you have to be yourself.”

Coach taught us as much about life as basketball. The importance of being on time, of working hard, of doing things the right way—these were all values instilled in us by him. As I’ve told Coach, I remember my one technical foul in my career just as clearly as I do our two state championships, and I think he would want it that way. It was important to me to honor Coach in the way we did— with his name on the court and the endowed scholarship—not only given all of the success he had in his career but because it means he will continue impacting so many lives in the future like he did with all of his players.

– Ed McMahan ’93

LATIN Magazine More pictures from the Faulkner Court Dedication

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IN MEMORY OF BOB KNIGHT We are deeply saddened by the death of Mr. Robert “Bob” Vernon Knight, Jr., a true visionary and the last surviving Founder of Charlotte Latin School. Bob, born on October 27, 1928, passed away on March 6, 2023, after a brief illness. He lived a full life dedicated to his faith, his family, and his incredible commitment to service. The ultimate gentleman, he was known for his gracious and thoughtful demeanor. As Charlotte Latin’s longest-living founder, Bob’s gifts, wisdom, and dedication to the school spanned six decades. From the earliest discussions around creating a new independent school in the late 1960s to a birthday celebration on campus last fall, his enthusiasm for the school never wavered. He remained an engaged supporter of all things Latin for more than sixty years.

In the Eastover neighborhood, Bob and his wife, Betsy Knott Knight, lived across the street from Frank and Janet Thies. These four felt strongly that Charlotte was ready for another independent school. Together, they engaged many friends and neighbors in initial conversations, and ultimately, those conversations led to planning sessions to open a new school in Charlotte. Bob and Betsy’s energy and dedication, along with the other Founders—Carol Belk, Patrick Calhoun, Tom Creasy, Jr., Alan Dickson, Cam and Catherine Faison, John Pender, Howard Pitt, and John Stedman—were critical to launching Latin. The Founders were keen businessmen and women and were determined to run a break-even operation, to hire the best teachers, and to pay these employees well.

The Founders understood that to attract teachers to a brand new school, investing in the faculty through desirable salaries and benefits would be critical—a progressive thought at the time and one that has enabled Charlotte Latin to be a leader in compensation among independent schools nationwide. The Founders studied financial models of the best schools in the country and established a shared vision of prudent fiscal leadership. They would pay their teachers well, without being cavalier in spending school resources.

Without any significant funding available, the group secured a bank loan with more than 700 pledge cards of potential tuition payments. When funding fell through, Bob and the other founders used their own good credit records to continue construction. Before Charlotte Latin hired a business officer, Bob became the first official “keeper of the balanced books,” working nights and weekends to help establish and balance the school’s

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By Mary Yorke Oates ’83

“The bricks and mortar are

impressive, but it is the hard work of many, many families for many, many years that created it.

It is exciting to see the fruits of everyone’s labor.”

— Bob Knight

accounts. Bob served as the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees for many terms and was an active member of the Board of Visitors until his death. In 2018, the KnightDickson Library was named in honor of both the Knight and Dickson families for their generosity and commitment to the school.

Knight’s love and dedication to Latin were evident through the decades, shepherding Heads of School, Trustees, employees, students, and parents through incredible growth and expansion. Bob witnessed every building project from the Middle School to The Nest and the Inlustrate Orbem Building to the changes on the Howard Levine Athletics Campus. During his years of service to the school, Bob saw countless campus improvements, including multiple land purchases, the conversion of the library into the cafeteria, the growth of the bus fleet, the creation of financial aid services, and the introduction of the school’s annual fund, the Latin Fund. He was delighted with the growth of the music department and rarely missed a musical. He, and the other founders, believed all students should be leaders, and he was especially pleased with the school’s continued focus on leadership today. He marveled at the growth of opportunities for all children and parents, and he never failed to thank those working hard to make it happen every time he came to campus. It is no understatement to credit Bob Knight’s sharp pencil, open mind, and sustained support of the school as one of the key reasons Latin’s operations and balanced ledger are still successful today. Bob’s legacy lives on through the thousands of students whose lives have been positively impacted by the educational opportunities he helped create.

Bob was preceded in death by his first wife and Latin Founder, Betsy Knott Knight, in 1979, and his second wife, Barbara Fehr McManeus, in 2019. Bob is survived

by his daughter, Ruth Knight Gammon ’77, and her husband, Chris Gammon, of Charlotte, as well as his son, John Knight ’74, and his wife, Denise Knight, of New York, NY. In addition, Bob is survived by his greatest source of pride, his four granddaughters: Sydnor Gammon ’07 of Charlottesville, VA; Betsy Gammon ’10 MD of Nashville, TN; Julia Knight of New York, NY; and Helen Knight, MD and her husband Zach Baca of Boston, MA. Also left to cherish Bob’s memory are Barbara’s children—Marcia Teal, Rob McManeus, Cammie Stadler, and Marc McManeus.

Lawrence Wall, Bob Knight, and Chuck Baldecchi

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Knight and offer our gratitude for his love and support for the Charlotte Latin School community.

Mr. Knight celebrates his 94th birthday at Charlotte Latin

Ruth Knight Gammon ’77, Nancy Lea Williams ’80, Mary Yorke Oates ’83, and Bob Knight

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ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS OF 2021 SEND-OFF

Class of 2021 rockin’ out.

2022 Legacy Hawks

LEGACY HAWKS – CLASS OF 2022 When Hawks have Hawks, the torch of the Latin tradition is passed to the next generation. Of the 139 members of the Class of 2022 who graduated on May 22, twenty-two were Legacy Hawks. Of that twenty, three are what we call “double-legacy” in that both mom and dad are Latin alumni!

Congratulations to Brian Anderson ’88 and his son, Ben (University of Oklahoma), Katie Browne Beam ’93 and her daughter, Molly (University of Mississippi), Heidi Layton ’89 and Chris Berger ’89 and their daughter, Molly (University of Tennessee), Candy Everett Bing ’91 and her daughter, Amelia (Texas Christian University), Grey Timberlake ’89 and Robbie Brownlow ’90 and their daughter, Jane (University of Georgia), Amy Fennebresque Burleson ’92 and her son, William (gap year), Greg Hinrichs ’89 and his daughter, Sarah (Belmont University), Michael Hinshaw ’86 and his

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daughter, Eliza (Wake Forest University), John Linker ’93 and his daughter, Cam (Smith College), Anna Simpson ’94 and Ed McMahan ’93 and their daughter, Lily (The New School), Bill Medearis ’76 and his son, Cole (East Carolina University), Andy Mermans ’89 and his son, Walker (Tulane University), Bruce Morrill ’86 and his son, J.B. (University of Kentucky), Denny Smith O’Leary ’90 and her son, Christopher (Wofford College), Beth Anderson Pence ’89 and her son, John (University of Richmond), Anna Litaker Reimers ’90 and her son, Owen (North Carolina State University), Janet Miller Rogers ’84 and her daughter, Anna (Virginia Tech), Bill Simerville ’84 and his son, Jackson (University of Georgia), Charles Thrift ’89 and his son, Wilson (Auburn University) and Derek Thompson ’92 and his son, Davis (Virginia Tech).

Go Hawks!

ALUMNI EVENTS AND HAPPENINGS Bring the Heat Alumnae Games August 6, 2022

Our first-ever alumnae field hockey and volleyball games took place on a steamy summer morning, bringing alumnae from as far away as Washington, DC. Turning into a family reunion of sorts, the icing on the cake was two alumni wins—giving the Bring the Heat cup to the alumnae, at least until next summer’s games!

Elizabeth Barnhardt Kirkland ‘04 and husband Jonathon Kirkland ‘02 with sons, David ‘34 and Jennings

Alumnae and Varsity Volleyball Hawks

Lauren Langley ‘20 with the Bring the Heat cup

Becky Green High ‘10, McCallie Jones Winstead ‘10, and Caroline Rand ‘10

Alumnae field hockey Hawks

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ALUMNI NEWS

HAWKS TAKE A BITE OUT OF THE BIG APPLE September brought a long-awaited trip to New York City, as the Alumni Relations office, accompanied by Head of School Chuck Baldecchi and Upper School faculty member Chris Downing, spent a fun few days in the Big Apple. From attending a storytelling show headlining Will Clegg ’98 in the East Village, to hosting more than 100 Latin alumni and New York Giants fans on a Saturday afternoon in Greenwich Village, to having a Hawks fan section at the MetLife Stadium cheering on a Daniel Jones ’15 and Giants (vs Panthers) win, it was an all-around great re-entry into life Out of the Blue.

Chip Griffin ‘15, Chuck Baldecchi, and Perry Zollicoffer ‘15

Chiege Okwara P ‘08 ‘09 ‘12 ‘15, Kathy Ibach Horvath ‘78 P ‘13 ‘15, Avery Horvath ‘15, Carrie Mittl ‘15, and Amma Okwara ‘12

Julia Cantalupo ‘16, Sarah Jordan ‘16, Elizabeth Lang ‘16 and Emma Saba ‘16

Liz Asti ‘96 and Will Clegg ‘98

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Fans of the Hawks, Panthers, and Giants

Director of Alumni Relations Sally Gray Smith ‘82, Compie Newman ‘78 P ‘16 and Chris Canty ‘00 James Gallagher ‘05, and Lyde Spann Uffleman ‘94

ALUMNI NEWS

CHARLOTTE LATIN SCHOOL ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME On Thursday, October 13, the Charlotte Latin Athletic Hall of Fame inducted four members—Chris Canty ’00, Eve Davis ’13, Ellen Grigg ’07, and John Grigg ’79—to the 2022 Athletic Hall of Fame Class in a special dinner and ceremony at Quail Hollow Club. Read more about our inductees and also view portions of the Hall of Fame presentations (including Shirley Canty, who accepted on behalf of her son, Chris) at www.charlottelatin.org/alumni/recognitions.

On Friday night, October 14, at the Homecoming Varsity Football game against Rabun Gap, these special members of the Latin community were recognized before kickoff both on the field and in a special unveiling of the Hall of Fame plaque.

Orchestrated by the Office of Alumni Relations, the Athletics Department, and the Booster Club, the CLS Athletic Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have contributed to the Latin community through their athletic participation and high achievements.

Class of 2022 with Chuck Baldecchi and Director of Athletics David Gatoux

Liza Price McNair ‘09, Emma Price ‘13, Eve Davis ‘13 and Leah Davis Befield ‘07

Hall of Fame members Larry McNulty and Malai Walker Moorman ‘08

Marcus Mills ‘01 and Tonya Phifer ‘97

Hall of Fame members Scot Robison ‘07, Ellen Grigg ‘07, Steve Howard, John Grigg ‘79 and Pender Murphy ‘77 .

Michael Meyer ‘83, Shep Robinson ‘81, Bob Riley and Suzy Dunaway Riley ‘79

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ALUMNI NEWS

AT LONG LAST, REUNION WEEKEND 2023

Class of 1987

Laura Austin Clark ‘87, Syd Geissinger Lubkin ‘87, Brandon Levine ‘87, and JJ Levine ‘87

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Class of 1982

Mike Jackson ‘02, Beth Cropper Jackson ‘02, and Ruth Van Dyke Wyatt ‘02

Paul Rutter ‘77 and Chuck Baldecchi

Jennifer Andresen Lamba ‘02, Blair Shwedo ‘02 and Beau Schwab ‘02

Allison Copeland Williams ‘77, Elen Try Bennett ‘77, Ken Gwynn ‘77 and Kent Pharr Burke ‘77

Anne Marshall Sykes ‘77 and Katherine Price Goodman ‘77

JP McBryde ‘82, Sally Gray Smith ‘82, David Snider ‘82, Jamie Kiser ‘82, and John Clark ‘82

Brandon Chin ‘02, Chris Downing and Caroline Chin

ALUMNI NEWS

Mark Lea ‘82, Kathy Evans Dockery ‘82, Chris Nesbit ‘82, and Melissa Beard Workman ‘82

Class of 1977

Class of 2002

Meredith Parnell Daniels ‘02, Audrey Brown Dickison ‘02 and John Wyatt

Class of 1997

Eli Collins ‘97 and Carter Robinson ‘97

Class of 2007

Kirby and David Sheridan ‘77, Carol Lomax Fortenberry ‘77 and Ruth Knight Gammon ‘77

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ALUMNI NEWS

TRUE BLUE ALUMNI GATHERING Ruth Van Dyke Wyatt ‘02 and her husband, John, graciously hosted our first True Blue Giving Society cocktail reception over Thanksgiving weekend. Launched in 2022, the True Blue Giving Society recognizes our leadership alumni donors from all class years. To learn more about True Blue, please contact Director of Alumni Relations Sally Gray Smith ‘82 at sally.smith@charlottelatin.org.

True Blue Alumni

Drew Hubbard ‘05, Nate and Paige Ford Schwartzbauer ‘06, and Jamie Esposito Hubbard ‘06

Martha Owen, JP Tsahakis ‘01, and Libby Cathcart

Jon Gilmartin ‘12, James McLelland ‘17, and Ryan Carter ‘12

Ann Louise Seaton Keeley ‘11, Conor Keeley ‘11, Richard Harris, Andrew Gibson ‘09, and Effe Ghartey-Tagoe Gibson ‘10

BOOK DISCUSSIONS Alumni and Parents of Alumni have enjoyed two book discussions this year. On October 19, Upper School English teacher Maria Klein led a passionate group gathered in a packed room at Charlotte Country Club in discussions on The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Then on January 25, Maria and another lively group of Hawks were joined by author Carolyn Klimas Prusa ‘95 who shared insights and answered questions on her first published novel, None of This Would Have Happened if Prince Were Alive.

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Anne Schleusner P ‘19 ‘22, Fran Redic P ‘17 ‘20 and Cameron Holtz P ‘16 ‘19 ‘22

Elizabeth Moody ‘96, Amy Hawfield Jones ‘92, Ken Collins, and Elizabeth Moore Filpi ‘96

Debbie Whelchel P ‘03 ‘08, Sara Whelchel ‘08, Grey Timberlake Brownlow ‘89, and Marty Brownlow P ‘88 ‘90 ‘94 GP ‘20 ‘22

Megan Lew Myers ‘96, Carolyn Klimas Prusa ‘95, and Peggy Kane Thies ‘96

Devon Chandler Newton ‘00 and Maria Klein

ALUMNI NEWS

HAWKS HOLIDAY HUSTLE 5K A frigid morning brought only hard-core Hawks out for our 2nd annual Hawks Holiday Hustle. Congrats to Jack Ratterree ’16 and Marion Donald ‘20 who took 1st place honors. Donuts and coffee from DonutILoveYou provided warmth and comfort!

Harrison Klingman ‘22, Worth Hinshaw ‘20, Ethan Zhang ‘19, and Connor Sweet ‘19

Jack Ratterree ‘16, Lea Kokenes ‘15, Rachel Kokenes ‘10, Sarah Whitmore ‘13, and Madison Jaulin ‘14

Eleanor ‘25, Carl ‘88, Edward ‘28, Mayes ‘23, and Carrie Fisher

ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAME Following the Holiday Hustle 5K on December 23, Coach Chris Berger ’89 hosted the annual Holiday Hoops alumni basketball game in none other than Belk Gym. No injuries were reported!

Jack Felkner ‘18, John Beecy ‘19, Bennett Smith ‘18, and Will Hull ‘18 Basketball alumni

Jaylen Jones ‘22, Nick Levy ‘24, Sean Rose ‘23, Daniel Haughton ‘20 and Tyler Hendley ‘23

Grayson Foster ‘12, Joe Baynard ‘14, Rusty Reigel ‘14

Joey Holder ‘93 and Brian Richards ‘96

and Tommy Whitmore ‘14

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ALUMNI NEWS

5 AND 10 YEAR REUNIONS Latin’s Classes of 2017 and 2012 decked the halls at their 5-year and 10-year reunions on the night of December 23.

Gathering at Devil’s Logic and Giddy Goat Coffee Roasters, these Hawks loved flying together with their former classmates.

Woody Lay ‘12, Jack Olmstead ‘12, Robby Lucas ‘12, and Hank Sprow ‘12

Class of 2017

Sarah Neeley ‘17, Mac Craig ‘17, Will Gardner ‘17 and Matthew McCall ‘17 Class of 2012

Corbett Foster ‘17, Cede Littlejohn ‘17, Chuck Baldecchi, and Caroline Swimmer ‘17 Carson Clough ‘12, Grayson Foster ‘12, and Will Branner ‘12

Mia Kane ‘12, Amma Okwara ‘12, and Garland Austin Almquist ‘12 Left: Libby Lamb ‘12 and David Belk ‘12

100 DAYS AND COUNTING

Bella White ‘17, Ken Collins and Ansley Cowan ‘17

100 days ‘til graduation is worth celebrating! Add in Valentine’s Day and that’s a call for chicken minis. On the morning of February 14, seniors were greeted in the senior parking lot by the alumni office and Chick-fil-a—the countdown is officially on.

Ellie Chai ‘23 and Emily Hidell ‘23

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Ryan Manuel ‘23, Graham Smith ‘23, and Dylan Long ‘23

Hampton House ‘23 and Jada Greene ‘23

Esrom Ghirmay ‘23

ALUMNI NEWS

YOUNG ALUMNI HOLIDAY PARTY Andy Henson ‘98’s Angry Ale’s has been home to the annual Young Alumni Holiday Party since 2007! After missing a few years due to Covid, Hawks were happy to gather once again, keeping our December 26 tradition alive.

Kaelin Bush ‘16, Claire Lucas ‘16, Olivia Sprow ‘16 and Emma Lee ‘16

Raymon Wang ‘16, Jessie Zeng ‘18, Lily Zheng ‘18, Moon Cheong ‘17

Richard Harris, Connor Cantalupo ‘19, Taylor Pearce ‘19, and Kase Mermans ‘19

Sebastian Nabatoff ‘15, Toby Okwara ‘15, Alex Demas ‘15, and Gray Smith ‘15

Emily Zuehlke Heuser ‘09 and Andrew Zuehlke ‘13

Ruthie Jones ‘19, Kevens Grammont ‘19, Lark Chadd ‘19, and Caroline Juckett ‘19

Coleman Evans ‘16 and Kanyon Tuttle ‘15

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CLASS NOTES

If you have a class note to share or are interested in being a Class Agent, please contact Meredith in the Office of Alumni Relations, meredith.nunn@charlottelatin.org.

Class of 1977 Paul Rutter was recently in Amsterdam and visited the Vermeer exhibit at the Rijksmuseum. He also traveled to Leiden for more genealogy research of original docs with a professor at the University of Leiden who is an expert on the American pilgrims. Paul will head back to Europe to Kosovo this October as he has accepted a position with the Peace Corps in the Community Economic Development sector as a Community Organizational Development Volunteer.

He will officially retire from the University of Mount Olive in June where he is the executive director for strategic partnerships.

Paul Rutter ’77 at the Vermeer Exhibit.

Class of 1979 Hawks reunited at the wedding of Reaves Robinson Thompson’s ‘79 son, Alex, in Greenville, SC on August 20, 2022. The many Hawks in attendance included Elizabeth Booth ‘85 and Scott Bivens ‘85, Shep Robinson ‘81 Liza Robinson Williams ‘12,

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Hawks celebrated the wedding of Alex Thompson, son of Reaves Robinson Thompson ’79, in August.

John Robinson ‘14, Paul Taylor ‘09, Flora Robinson Warbington ‘85, Ashley Evans Stewart ‘80, Reaves Robinson Thompson, Susan Knott Floyd, Linda Willis Lynch, Mary Janet Thies Hawkins, and Virginia Smith and Doug Ellison.

Class of 1982

Class of 1980 Birds of a feather flock together! Ed Fox ran into former students and ultimate frisbee players, Patrick Hard ‘97 and Rhett Nichols ‘97, at the National Ultimate Championship at Beach Nationals in Virginia Beach this summer. Ed and his team HURT finished 2nd in the Great Grand Masters Division while Patrick and Rhett won a(nother) National Ultimate Championship.

Ed runs a small farm in Chattanooga, TN where he wrangles goats, donkeys, chickens, and guinea hens.

And, of course, plays as much Ultimate as possible all over the world.

Elizabeth Medearis Myers ’80 celebrated her 60th birthday with her daughter, E.C. Myers ’16, in Massa Lubrense, Italy

Ed Fox ’80 with Patrick Hard ’97 and Rhett Nichols ’97 at the National Ultimate Championship at Beach Nationals in Virginia Beach.

Elizabeth Medearis Myers celebrated her 60th birthday in Italy with her daughter, E.C. Myers ‘16. The highlight of their trip was a local farm tour in which Elizabeth and E.C. toured the lemon orchard and saw how limoncello is made. Their day concluded with a stint in the dairy operation where the traveling duo learned how to make mozzarella cheese!

Lee Bailey and Billy Tourtellot were back on campus for the Jerry Faulkner Court dedication in February.

Lee’s father, Mike Bailey, is a former Charlotte Latin basketball coach. Lee and his wife, Pam, live in Indian Trail, NC. Billy Tourtellot lives with his wife, Jeanne, in Weddington, NC. Billy and Jeanne enjoy traveling to see their children who live everywhere from Park City, UT, to Raleigh, Boone, and New York City, NY.

Lee Bailey ’82, Sally Gray Smith ’82, and Billy Tourtellot ’82, caught up with each other at the Faulkner Court dedication in February.

CLASS NOTES

A vascular surgeon by day, Ray Workman’s hands play a critical role in his work. Over the course of his medical career, he has served as a general surgeon in the U.S. Army, Chief of Vascular Surgery at William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso, TX to most recently, a vein specialist for Novant Health. Beyond the operating room, Ray relies on his hands to fulfill a tradition that is no cake walk. For the past 25 years, Ray has baked almost every Southern Living cake featured in the December issue. Since taking on this project in 1997, Ray has endured easy cakes, time consuming cakes, frustrating cakes, and a complicated three layer chocolate cake with pecan-praline filling and a ring of oversized angel-shaped cookies.

High-five to the chef!

hours on the road, took 967 photos, and visited 7 major cities during their road trip extravaganza. Highlights of their trip included visits to Monticello, VA, Hyde Park, NY, Quechee, VT, Montréal, QC, and Philadelphia, PA. Kenna’s children are also Latin alumni— Sarah ‘16 and Matthew ‘18 Jordan.

Class of 1988 Mary Bradley Thigpen, Debbie McMahan Frail, Bobbi Ewing Sharret tand Joy O’Keefe Dickerson took a trip to New York City in December which included ice skating in Rockefeller Center.

Mary Bradley Thigpen ’88, Debbie McMahan Frail ’88, Bobbi Ewing Sharrett ’88, and Joy O’Keefe Dickerson ’88 in Rockefeller Center in December.

Class of 1989 Congratulations to Jim Rash who played Robert in the Universal Pictures romantic comedy Bros. Bros is the first romantic comedy from a major studio about two gay men maybe, possibly, probably, stumbling towards love. Jim also starred in the NBC comedy series ‘Community’ and won the Academy Award for cowriting ‘The Descendants’. Jim lives in Los Angeles, CA. The Jordan Family — Kenna Cloninger ’85, Phillip, Sarah ’16 and Matthew ’18, hit the road this summer traveling over 2,000 miles.

Alumnae from the Class of 1985 continued their tradition of gathering together over the holidays in Charlotte, NC. Way to go, y’all!

Jim Rash ’89 starred as Robert in Universal Pictures romantic comedy Bros.

(Jim is pictured right under the heart in the billboard).

Ray Workman ’82 has baked almost every Southern Living cake featured in the December issue. This year’s cake was a red velvet cake with cheesecake custard.

Class of 1985 Road trip! Kenna Cloninger Jordan and her family drove 2,042 miles up and down the east coast, spent a total of 34

Hawks from the Class of 1985 enjoyed catching up in December in Charlotte, NC.

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 1990

Class of 1995

Congratulations to Scott Hollenbeck who was named Chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Virginia. Scott was previously at Duke University/Duke Health and served as Vice Chief of Research for the Division of Plastic, Maxillofacial, and Oral Surgery, director of The Human Fresh Tissue Lab, director of Breast Reconstruction, and director of the world-renowned Duke Flap Course, which teaches reconstructive surgery techniques to plastic surgeons from around the world.

Congratulations to Kendall Booe Burgess who recently started her new role for Major League Baseball (MLB) as Vice President of Operations of Local Media.

Prior to working for MLB, Kendall worked at Fox Sports South for almost 25 years.

Scott Hollenbeck ’90 is now Chair of The Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Virginia.

John Cattie ’93, McNeill Wester ’93, Brad Huffstetler ’93, Doug Lowry ’93 and Currie Gilbert ’93 gathered together over the holidays at Selwyn Pub in Charlotte, NC.

and speaker, experienced in all components of MSA law and procedure.

Class of 1994 Hayes Swinney Alger moved back to Teton Valley, ID, in the summer of 2021 with her husband, Ryan, 12-year-old son, Findley, and their dog, Moose. She has been the Executive Director of Mountain Roots Education since March 2022, providing farm and garden education programs to local elementary students, maintaining school gardens, and hosting sustainable living workshops for the local community.

A new dawn of brain tracking and hacking is coming.

Will you be prepared for what comes next?

Nita Farahany tackles and addresses this question in her new book The Battle for Your Brain. Nita offers a path forward to navigate the complex legal and ethical dilemmas that will fundamentally impact our freedom to understand, shape, and define ourselves.

Nita is the Robinson O. Everett Distinguished Law & Philosophy at Duke Law School. She lives in Durham, NC with her family.

Class of 1993 Brad Huffstetler has been living in Grand Cayman for the past 4 years where he sells real estate. Coach Lee Horton and his wife, Mercedes, visited Brad after Coach Horton’s retirement.

John Cattie is the Managing Member of Cattie & Gonzalez, PLLC. The firm’s latest project involves minimizing liens and protecting future Medicare benefits for victims of toxic water consumed while stationed at Camp Lejeune. John is a nationally known author

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Hayes Swinney Alger ’94 is the Executive Director of Mountain Roots Education in Teton Valley, ID.

Nita Farahany ’94 recently released her new book The Battle for Your Brain on March 14, 2023.

Kendall Booe Burgess ’95 works for Major League Baseball as VP of Operations for Local Media. She lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband, Ben, two children, Dylan and Mason, and their dog, Buddy.

Congratulations to Carolyn Klimas Prusa on the release of her first novel None of This Would Have Happened if Prince Were Alive. The story follows Ramona through the forty-eight hours after her life has been upended by the discovery of her husband’s affair and an approaching category four hurricane. Carolyn appeared in Charlotte in November for a book signing at Park Road Books and participated in a book discussion with Maria Klein, other Latin alumni and parents of alumni, in January at Charlotte Country Club.

Carolyn Klimas Prusa ’95 at her book signing for None of This Would Have Happened if Prince Were Alive at Park Road Books with some of her biggest Hawk fans!

CLASS NOTES

Class of 1996

Class of 1998

Ken Leonczyk and his wife, Louise, and their daughter, Margaret Kathleen, moved back to Charlotte in January. They love their new neighborhood - Plaza Midwood - and are thrilled to be back around family and old friends. Ken continues to serve as Optum’s VP of Market Solution Strategy.

When he’s not on the road or in the air traveling, Ken is excited to find some good cycling routes in the Charlotte area.

Congratulations to Talia Caligiuri Fann and her husband, Alan, on the arrival of their son, William Cooper. Will was born on June 12, 2022, and joins big brothers Austin and Lucas.

Pearce Hayes and his wife, Sarah, welcomed Eleanor Burns on February 14, 2023.

Eleanor joins big brother, John Pearce, and big sister, Mary. Pearce and his family live in Charlotte, NC where Pearce owns Hayes Contracting, LLC, which offers both residential and commercial remodeling.

perfectionism that led her to doubt her talents early in her career. “I embraced my own unique voice, gave myself a little grace, and followed where my creativity led (which basically meant letting my inner floral-loving-colorclashing-nostalgic-self have at it on a canvas)(in a semicontrolled way of course).”

Jen is the Director of Design for creative agency, Baldwin& and lives in Raleigh, NC with her husband, Nick, and children, Cole and Laney.

Eleanor Burns, daughter of Pearce ’98 and Sarah Hayes, with her siblings, John Pearce and Mary.

Will Cooper is the son of Talia Caligiuri ’98 and Alan Fann.

Margaret Kathleen is the daughter of Ken ’96 and Louise Leonczyk.

Class of 1997 Dave Powell is now an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School where he teaches advanced real estate transactions during the fall term. Dave is also a partner at King & Spalding in the Charlotte and New York offices. In addition, he is the handyman for the interior design business, Casa Powell LLC, started by his wife, Meredith. Meredith and Dave live in Charlotte, NC, with their three children.

Dave Powell ’97 is an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School. He lives in Charlotte, NC with his family.

Congratulations to Melissa Schreier Guarnaccia who recently opened an outpatient counseling practice, Teletherapy of the Carolinas, LLC. Melissa specializes in providing therapy to teens and adults who are seeking help related to anxiety, depression, life transitions and parenting. Prior to opening her own practice, she worked as a counselor at Charlotte Preparatory School, as well as spent nine years as an outpatient therapist with Atrium.

Melissa lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband, Adam ‘97, and their two sons, Colin and Gray.

Melissa Schreier Guarnaccia ’98 with her family in Lake Como, Italy.

Congratulations to Lori Voci-Sohm who opened Avi Aesthetics, a medical grade skin care treatment specializing in anti-aging located in the Ballantyne area in Charlotte, NC. Lori lives in Charlotte with her husband, Ross, and their two children, Avery and Levi.

Jen Matthews had a solo art show “Room to Grow” at Charlotte Russell Contemporary in Raleigh, NC in September.

Class of 1999 Congratulations to Amy Voci Smith and her husband, Evan, who welcomed Palmer Elaine on March 9, 2022.

Palmer joins big brother Porter. Amy and Evan live in Charlotte, NC, where Amy is a Breast Surgical Oncologist for Atrium Health.

Lori Voci-Sohm ’98 opened Avi Aesthetics, a medical grade skin care treatment center, in Charlotte, NC.

Kudos to Jen Orr Matthews on her solo art show “Room to Grow’’ at Charlotte Russell Contemporary in Raleigh, NC in September Titled “Room to Grow”,Jen claims her work in this particular show represented the personal growth she experienced when she let go of the

Palmer Elaine is the daughter of Amy Voci ’99 and Evan Smith.

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 2000 Congratulations to Matt “Smokey” Cloud who won Motion Picture Sound Editors (MPSE) Golden Reels for his work on Stranger Things and PREY. Smokey is an Assistant Sound Editor for Pacific Standard Sound. He lives in California with his wife, Alyssa, and daughter, Isabel.

includes a village green, tree house mezzanine, and an integrated food truck stall. Come check it out if you are in Charlotte!

Hawks from Class of 2001 spread some holiday cheer together in December of 2022.

Brooke LaFaso Thorne ’00 with her family at their newly opened taproom, Open Tap, located in Charlotte, NC.

Class of 2001 Matt “Smokey” Cloud ’00 and his wife, Alyssa, at the Motion Picture Sound Editors (MSPE) Golden Reels Awards.

Nichelle Wynn Sublett and her husband, Harold, welcomed their daughter, Siena Wynn, on June 22, 2022. Siena is the couple’s second miracle baby, born via IVF. Siena weighed 8 lbs and was 20 and 3/6 inches long. Big brother, Hudson, loves playing with his baby sister and teaching her all about life.

Siena Wynn is the daughter of Nichelle Wynn ’00 and Harold Sublett.

Congratulations to Brooke LaFaso Thorne and her husband, Scott, who recently opened Open Tap - a selfpour beer craft beer taproom located in South Charlotte.

Open Tap is a kid friendly, multi-level space that

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Ashley Moody Sigmon and her good friend and Latin parent, Leigh Young, learned how to play mahjong together and caught the mahjong bug. In 2022, the duo started their own business, Mahj In the City, to teach others to play. Mahjong is a fun tile-based game and social work-out for your brain.

The game has become so popular in Charlotte among all generations that Ashely and Leigh are now expanding their reach into cities beyond Charlotte! Mahj In the City offers a range of learning options from monthly inhome group classes to private parties in boutiques to dropin learn to play events. There are lots of opportunities for all to catch some mahj love!

Check out @mahjinthecity on Instagram to learn more.

Brian Kennelly, Will Chapman, Brick Bryant, Justin Hannonm and Reed Gaskin , J.P. Tsahakis, Peyton Gallagher, Matthew Rankin, Tommy Poulos, Andrew Schaeffer, and Lee Sigmon gathered together in Charlotte, NC on December 23, 2022. Their mini reunion has become an annual tradition.

Congratulations to Mia Sable who wrote the theme song, “Are You Coming Out Tonight”, for the Bravo TV show Southern Hospitality.

Southern Hospitality is a spinoff of Southern Charm, which Mia also wrote the theme song for.

Class of 2002 Alec Smith and his partner, Mike, recently surprised Mike’s parents by taking them on a week-long cruise through the Caribbean to celebrate a 70th birthday.

The highlight of the trip was joining a former colleague in Grand Cayman for an oceanside lunch. Alec and Mike live in Manhattan, NY where Alex works for Wells Fargo supporting Corporate & Investment Banking regulatory initiatives.

Mia Sable ’02 wrote the theme song, “Are You Coming Out Tonight”, for the Bravo TV show Southern Hospitality.

Class of 2003 Congratulations to Elizabeth Doughton ‘04 and Charles Hodges who welcomed John Doughton on September 9, 2022. John joins big sister Clementine is loving her new role as big sister. The Hodges family lives where Charles is Founder and Executive Creative Director of Arts & Letters Creative Co..

Alec Smith ’02 and his partner, Mike, on their week-long cruise through the Caribbean.

Ashley Moody Sigmon ’01 and Leigh Young started Mahj in the City to teach others how to play mahjong.

John Doughton is the son of Elizabeth Doughton ’04 and Charles Hodges.

CLASS NOTES Harshada Rajani received Atrium Health’s Source of Hope award by Carolinas Rehabilitation for her “continued selfless contribution to the survivors of catastrophic injury and vision to inspire hope to thrive and to win”. After suffering a stroke in her brainstem in 2008, Harshada found a new passion, advocating for others living with disabilities through her writing and the We Win foundation. The We Win foundation helps people living with neurological injuries afford the rehabilitation services that are critical to improving their quality of life. At Carolinas Rehabilitation alone, 118 patients have received We Win therapy grants.

as a planning commissioner for the City of Charlotte.

Clayton Sealey ’03

Kate Anderson ’05 and Elyssa Samsel co-wrote the music and lyrics to Between the Lines which is based on the novel written by Jodi Picolut and Samantha van Leer.

Elizabeth Tomlinson Boone, Sterling Masters Deeney, Mary Holland Rankin Griffin, Ellen Kane Mark, Katie Moody and Kim Limentani Strickland enjoyed catching-up over dinner and drinks in Charlotte, NC.

Class of 2004 Lizz Clegg Gregg and husband, Duane, welcomed Elizabeth “Elise” Anne on February 23, 2023. Big siblings, Amelia and William, are over the moon! The family of 5 lives in Charlotte.

Harshada Rajani ’03 received Atrium Health’s Source of Hope award.

Clayton Sealey moved back to Charlotte from NYC in 2020 and now resides in the NoDa neighborhood with his wife, Candace, and his miniature poodle Bob Ross. A life-long Charlottean and a passionate supporter of the arts and cultural scene in Charlotte, Clay graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design and is the Senior Director of Marketing for the Mint Museum. Clayton serves on the boards of the Noda Neighborhood Development Association, The Charlotte Council for Creatives and

Congratulations to Lizzie Hibberd Elder and her husband James who welcomed their son, William James Elder, on March 3, 2023.

After a short stay in the NICU, the Elders are happy to all be home. The family lives in Tuscaloosa, AL.

Lizz Clegg Gregg ’04 and husband, Duane, welcomed Elizabeth “Elise” Anne on February 23, 2023.

William James Elder is the son of Lizzie Hibberd ‘04 and James Elder.

Class of 2005 Congratulations to Kate Anderson and Elyssa Samsel who co-wrote the music and lyrics to Between the Lines which opened offBroadway at the Tony Kiser Theater in June of 2022.

Between the Lines is based on the novel written by Jodi Picolut and her daughter, Samantha van Leer, and tells the story of fifteen-yearold Delilah, a bookworm and loner, who falls in love with a character from a favorite childhood book.

Class of 2003 Hawks enjoyed gathering this past summer in Charlotte, NC.

Kudos to Laura Manns who took part in this year’s Macy’s Christmas window display. Laura covered 3D printed forms with faux fur and accessorized them (13 in total!). The cute animals were on display through the new year and were enjoyed by many. Laura is an Emmy nominated puppet and prop builder and just wrapped on season 54 of Sesame Street.

Laura lives in Brooklyn, NY.

Laura Manns ’05 helped create Macy’s Christmas window display in Manhattan, NY.

Congratulations to Meredith Trusty Riggins and her husband, Tyler, who welcomed twins Sloane Leighton and Ward Stanley on July 22, 2022. Big sister Coco is enjoying being a big sister and is in the Butterfly classroom at The Nest at Charlotte Latin. When not chasing her kids around, Meredith is an Operations LATIN Magazine

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CLASS NOTES Manager with Laurel Wealth Advisors, LLC and paints murals as a hobby. Follow her along on instagram @ meredithrigginsdesigns.

Kudos to Ehimere Etomi who received his Masters of Business Administration from Vanderbilt University in May of 2022. After graduating, Ehimere returned to Charlotte, NC where he works for PricewaterhouseCoopers as a consultant in healthcare.

Patterson Maker and Graham Miller, and big brother, Franklin, welcomed Ollie Graham on February 7, 2023. Ollie is the beloved cousin of five Lower School Hawks and nephew to three proud alumni; Katie Miller Iams ‘01, Hobbs Maker ‘10 and Hunter Miller ‘03.

Meredith Trusty ’05 and Tyler Riggins with their children, Ward, Coco and Sloane.

Class of 2006

The Holt siblings and their mom, Leigh Ann, vacationed in Orlando, FL, at Walt Disney World in February. The “core four” enjoyed celebrating Leigh’s 60th birthday with just the “big” kids.

Leigh Ann Holt and her children, Morgan Holt Johnson ’09, Christa Holt Clark ’06, and Win Holt ’12, celebrated Leigh Ann’s birthday in Orlando, FL.

Class of 2007 Tracy Snell Bajan and her husband, David, welcomed their son, Benjamin, on September 4, 2022. Benjamin joins proud siblings, Charlie and Maggie.

Sydnor Gammon ’07 is Partner and Vice President of Business Development at WillowTree in Charlottesville, VA.

Ehimere Etomi ’07 recently returned to Charlotte NC and works for PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Sydnor Gammon recently joined WillowTree, a digital product company, as Partner and Vice President of Business Development, to focus on growing their healthcare business. Sydnor relocated to Virginia to work with the WillowTree leadership team in their Charlottesville headquarters.

Ryan Marklewitz teaches eighth grade science at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac, Maryland and is also the head coach for the varsity cross country and varsity swim and dive teams. Ryan was recently featured in The Washington Post which ran a story about the swim team holding its winter practices outdoors.

“For five seasons, the Lions have braved the outdoors during the winter swim season. Rain, sleet, snow or shine, Coach Ryan

Marklewitz’s team jumps in an 82-degree outdoor pool for practice every weekday — as long as the wind chill outside the pool is above 25 degrees.” Brrr!

Ryan and his wife, Meghan, live in Reston, VA. When not teaching and coaching, they love domestic and international travel.

Ryan Marklewitz ’07 is the head coach for varsity cross country and varsity swim and dive teams at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Potomac, MD.

Cecily Shaw McNeill lives in Southern Pines, NC with her husband, Tim, and her two children, Wills and Frazier. Cecily works for Olmsted Village Company — a commercial real estate development company that designs, builds, leases, and manages properties in the heart of Pinehurst, NC.

Cecily Shaw McNeill ’07 lives in Pinehurst, NC. with her family.

Benjamin Bajan is the son of Tracy Snell ’07 and David Bajan.

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Ollie Graham Miller is the son of Patterson ’07 and Graham ’07 Miller. Ollie joins big brother Franklin.

Congratulations to Molly McCrory Schultz and her husband, Scott, who welcomed twins, Sarah “Sally” Lyndon and Douglas Scott III “Tripp,” on May 3,

CLASS NOTES

2022. The twins join their furry big sister retriever Charlotte. The Schultz family lives in Columbia, SC.

Congratulations to Lisa Atlas Candon and her husband, Jim, who welcomed their son, James, on November 20, 2022. James joins proud big sister Caroline.

The Candons live in Charlotte, NC, where they are both dentists.

Sally and Tripp Schultz, twins of Molly McCrory ’07 and Scott Schultz, were born on May 3, 2022.

Congratulations to Julie Webster Mon and her husband, Dyfrig, who welcomed their daughter, Madelyn Grace, on May 25, 2022. Big brother Will loves having a little sister!

The Mon family lives outside of Philadelphia, PA.

Madelyn and Will are the children of Julie Webster ’07 and Dyfrig Mon.

Class of 2008

Claire Litaker ’08 and Drew Patterson with their children Lehman and Link.

James is the son of Lisa Atlas ’08 and Jim Candon.

Congratulations to Claire Litaker Patterson and her husband, Drew, who welcomed Eleanor Link on August 30, 2022. Link joins big brother Lehman. The Patterson family lives in Charlotte, NC where Claire owns and operates her interior design business, Claire Patterson Interiors.

Congratulations to Jaime Todd Satterfield and her husband, Brad, who welcomed Sara “Sally” Falls on November 9, 2022. The Satterfield family lives in Greenville, SC with big sister Addison and their dog, Wilson.

Logan Blough and his wife, Lucy, welcomed George Lee Blough on June 24, 2022.

George’s big brother, William, is enjoying his new role!

George Lee is the son of Logan ’08 and Lucy Blough.

Congratulations to Malai Walker Moorman on her new role as head coach of Charlotte Latin’s Track and Field program. Malai was a three-sport athlete at Latin, competing in volleyball, basketball and track. She earned a scholarship to UNC-Chapel Hill for her sprinting abilities and returned to campus in 2013 to coach Varsity Track and Field athletes. Malai was inducted into the Charlotte Latin School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. Outside of coaching, Malai currently works in corporate risk as a testing officer for Wells Fargo Bank. She has more than ten years of testing, monitoring and risk management experience in the financial services industry.

Malai Walker Moorman ’08 with her husband, Brock, and their daughter, Maya. Malai is the new head coach of Charlotte Latin’s Track and Field program.

Class of 2009 Congratulations to Liza Price McNair and her husband, Ryan, who welcomed Andrew Price on January 30th, 2033.

Andrew weighed 7 lbs 6 oz and was 20 inches long.

Big sister Avery is loving her role! The McNairs live in Charlotte, NC. Sally Falls is the daughter of Jamie Todd ’08 and Brad Satterfield.

Liza Price ’09 and Ryan McNair with their children, Andrew and Avery.

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CLASS NOTES

Hawks celebrate the wedding of Thomas ’10 and Lexi Ashcraft on November 7, 2020. (from left to right- Sarah Wells ’06, Scott McGinnis ’11, Sam Myers ’10, Becky Greene High ‘10, Michael Tomlin ’10, Thomas Ashcraft ‘10, Lexi Stafford Ashcraft, Benjamin Ashcraft ‘08; Paul Paschal ’10, Will McGinnis ‘10 and Chase Carbone ’10. Not pictured: Mark Ashcraft ’06 and Davis Austin ’10.)

Class of 2010 Congratulations to Thomas Ashcraft and Lexi Stafford who were married on November 7, 2020 at the Separk Mansion in Gastonia, NC . The Ashcrafts live in Charlotte, NC where Thomas is a Vice President at RCN Capital.

Editor’s Note: We make mistakes. Thomas and Lexi’s happy announcement was lost in our last Class Notes shuffle. Our sincerest apologies to the newly(ish)weds!

Congratulations to Robert Jones and his wife, Caroline,

on Father’s Day!) Fletcher weighed 7 lbs 14 oz and loves New York life, often zipping around the Jones’ apartment with their 3 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Poppy.

Mary Kate McAlister and Marshall Sykes were married on February 19, 2022 at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC. The bridal party included Mary Kate’s brothers, Mark ‘13 and Rob ‘08 McAlister, cousin, Lacy McAlister ‘10, and Carter Grantham ‘10. Both the bride and groom are Latin legacies.

Mary Kate is the daughter of Mark McAlister ‘80, and Marshall is the son of Anne Marshall Sykes ‘77.

Lots of Hawks were in attendance!

Class of 2011

Fletcher Thomas is the son of Robert ’10 and Caroline Jones.

who welcomed Fletcher Thomas on June 19, 2022.

(A perfectly timed arrival

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Ann Louise Seaton and Conor Keely have recently moved back to Charlotte from Jacksonville, FL. They are excited to be back and are living in Plaza Midwood with their Bichon-Poodle mix Beau. Conor works as a podiatrist for Foot & Ankle Associates, which has offices in University, Concord, and

Mary Kate McAlister ’10 and Marshall Sykes ’10 were married on February 19, 2022.

Mooresville while operating at Novant, Atrium, and Lake Norman Regional Medical Center. Ann Louise works as a product manager for Florida Blue where she is helping design a conversational AI chatbot.

Will Branner ’12 is part of the ensemble in Broadway’s “Back to the Future”.

After 6+ years of software development at Snapchat, Brian Mittl put his keyboard away and set out for a journey across Southeast Asia with his partner, Laura.

They have traveled through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam thus far and have many more countries to go. Happy trails!

Anne Louise Seaton ’11 and Conor ’11 Keely have recently moved back to Charlotte from Jacksonville, FL.

Class of 2012 Bravo to Will Branner who will be part of the ensemble in the musical adaptation of “Back to the Future”. Performances of the Broadway musical begin on June 30, 2023 at Winter Garden Theatre in NY. Will just recently wrapped his role as Hades in Mythic, which featured the classic story of Hades and Persephone albeit with a pop twist!

Brian Mittl ’12 recently set out on a Southeast Asia journey.

CLASS NOTES

Congratulations to Meagan and Harris Oates who welcomed their daughter, Marion Martha, on November 30, 2022. Marion is already being spoiled by her proud grandmother Mary Yorke Robison Oates ‘83.

In his 1st season as varsity head coach for Charlotte Latin’s boys’ and girl’s swimming programs, Michael Chadwick ’13 helped lead the boys’ swimming program to its fourth consecutive NCISAA Division State Title

Class of 2013

Marion Martha Oates is the daughter of Meagan and Harris Oates ’12.

Congratulations to Kathryn Watts and Marshall Burlingame who were married on December 10, 2022 in Georgetown, SC. Several Hawks were in the wedding party including Mary Corbin Burlingame ‘14, Hannah Burlingame ‘17, Ashley Wannamaker Jordi, Tyler Cooney Armstrong, Drew Papadopulous, Tommy Litaker ‘11 and James Thorp ‘13. The Burlingames live in Charlotte, NC where Kathryn is an Associate at McKinsey & Company and Marshall is Assistant Vice President at AB Private Credit Investors.

Kathryn Watts ’12 and Marshall Burlingame ’12 were married on December 10, 2022 in Georgetown, SC.

Congratulations to Michael Chadwick, who was recently named the varsity head coach of Charlotte Latin’s boys’ and girls’ swimming programs. Michael took over for Patty Waldron, who coached him throughout his high school years and immediately thought of him as a candidate to be her successor. “Hiring Michael is a gold medal choice for the swim program,” said Waldron. Michael competed for the University of Missouri and the US National Team, eventually earning five medals at the Pan American Games and 11 medals at the World Championships for the United States. Now retired from professional swimming, Michael has returned to Charlotte with his wife, Cassi, and young son, Grayson, and works as the middle and high school

student director for Moments of Hope Church. In his first season, Michael helped lead the boys’ swimming program to its fourth consecutive NCISAA Division State Title and the girls’ to 3rd place.

Welcome home, Michael!

Congratulations to Kelly Breeney and Nick Boyd ‘14 who tied the knot in Banner Elk, NC on August 13, 2022. Julia Barry ‘13, Will Boyd ‘16, Collin Breeney ‘09, Jaclyn Burton, Cari Breeney Croom ‘10, Will Fuller, Rostan McBryde ‘14, John McGinnis ‘14, Catherine Gore Rossitch and Meggie Trusty ‘09 were

Hawks from Classes of 2013 and 2014 celebrate the marriage of Kelly Breeney ’13 and Nick Boyd ’14. Following their wedding, The Boyds traveled around the world.

members of the wedding party. Nick’s father, Bob Boyd ‘84, uncle, Andy Boyd ‘91, and cousins, Ben Boyd ‘09 and Caroline Boyd ‘12, were also in attendance.

Following their nuptials, Kelly and Nick resigned from their jobs and headed east to travel the world.

They explored 31 cities across Europe and Northern Africa and concluded their travels through Israel and Japan before returning back home to Charlotte.

In spring of 2022, Barbara Anne “BA’’ Thomas attended Joshua Tree Highlands Artist residency for 6 weeks. While there, she selected objects and furniture from the artist cottage and set them up in still life arrangements in various sites around the Joshua Tree region to use as her guide. After her residency, BA strung together a story with all of her material to frame her experience in the desert in her new book, Tableau Vivant. The book includes pictures of her paintings, photography, and a sketchbook filled with her writing and drawings.

Tableau Vivant is available on Artsuite.com. BA’s art is currently be shown in New York City at DIMIN’s “Cycles”.

BA Thomas ’13 attended Joshua Tree Highlands Artist residency and recently released her new book Tableau Vivant, which frames her 6 week experience in the desert. BA’s art is currently being shown at DIMIN art gallery in New York City.

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CLASS NOTES

Class of 2014 Congratulations to UNCChapel Hill medical student, Alison Bonner, who matched with her first choice in Emergency Medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/ Columbia & Cornell in New York. Given that New York is known as the city that never sleeps, Alison will get lots of hands-on experience working in the ER there!

University and lives in the Music City, Nashville, TN.

Nikki Sanz ’14 founded Giggs - the first and only social networking and job posting platform for the touring industry.

Class of 2015

Alison Bonner ’14 on Match Day on March 17, 2023.

After being on tour with Eric Church, George Strait, Weezer, and staffing other tours, Nikki Sanz saw a huge need in the music industry to find gigs easier. She recognized a void in there not being a centralized job board or ability to connect with other music industry professionals. In July of 2022, Nikki started Giggs - the first and only social networking and job posting platform for the touring industry. (Think: LinkedIn for the music industry) Giggs brings qualified touring professionals and employers together on one platform to make the music industry more efficient.

Nikki’s mission of Giggs is to make the typically ‘word of mouth’ industry thrive online. Giggs is currently in Beta testing and planning on launching later this Spring.

Nikki graduated from Elon

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Congratulations to Ryan Gardner, who is currently serving as Stage Manager for the US Tour of Les Miserables. Ryan fell in love with Les Miserables at an early age. “I saw the show come through Charlotte [in 2013], and it’s a dream to be able to work on this.”

Ryan is a former Blumenthal Performing Arts Intern and graduate of Boston College.

Ryan Gardner ’15 and Gray Smith ’15 after the Les Miserables show in Nashville, TN. Ryan is the Stage Manager for the US Tour.

Congratulations to Daniel Jones, New York Giants quarterback, who became the 1st quarterback in playoff history to total at least 300 passing yards, 70 rushing yards and two passing touchdowns in a game. Daniel recently re-

Daniel Jones ’15, quarterback for the NY Giants, returned to Patten Stadium in November.

signed with the New York Giants for another 4 years.

Class of 2016 Emma Saba is a collaborative faculty pianist for Steinhardt School of Music and Performing Arts at New York University. Emma received her Bachelor of Music from Furman University and her Masters of Music from New York University. She will begin working on her Doctor of Musical Arts this fall.

Hunter Sheridan ’16 in front of his new home in Madison Park in Charlotte, NC.

Congratulations to Hunter Willis, who married her college sweetheart, Aaron Roach, on June 22, 2022 at Rock Bottom Pond in Ridgeway, SC. Grace Morris ‘16, Emily Padgett ’16 and Charlie Willis ‘14, were members of the wedding party. Hunter is the daughter of Donna Roberson ‘82 and Chuck Willis ‘81.

Emma Saba ’16 is a collaborative faculty pianist at New York University.

Congratulations to Hunter Sheridan, who recently purchased a home in the Madison Park neighborhood in Charlotte, NC. The purchase was made even more special in that his mom, Mary Sheridan, was his realtor!

Hunter is an Investment Associate at HF Capital.

Hunter Willis ’16 married Aaron Roach on June 22, 2022 in Ridgeway, SC.

CLASS NOTES

Class of 2017 Olivia Fox lives in Virginia Beach, VA where she teaches 7th – 9th grade art at Norfolk Academy. Along with teaching 145 students, Olivia is the assistant coach for the junior varsity volleyball, varsity girls’ basketball, and varsity softball teams, pulling from her experiences as an athlete at Latin and on the women’s basketball team at Sewanee. Shifting from being a first grade Teaching Associate last year into the middle school art position has opened many professional doors for Olivia to act as a consultant and painter on a few mural projects in Virginia Beach and create commissioned watercolor paintings.

Madeline and James reside in Charlotte, NC.

Chapel Hill pursuing her Masters in Public Health.

James McLelland ’17 married Madeline Mahanes on October 15, 2022 in Charlotte, NC.

Luke Tillitski ’19 and Hannah Barnes ‘19 at Luke’s performance with The SOB’s at Latta Park in Charlotte, NC.

Class of 2018

Congratulations to Amy Dragelin, who was named to the College Sports Communications (CSC) Academic All-District Team.

Amy was one of seven student-athletes from the University of North CarolinaChapel Hill swimming and diving recognized with this honor. Amy also received the Athletic Director’s Scholar Athlete. Amy is majoring in journalism with an emphasis on advertising and public relations.

Congratulations to Ellie Perrigo, who works for Super Bowl Champions LVII Kansas City Chiefs as the Arrowhead Events Assistant. During her time with the Chiefs, Ellie has also contributed to the “football side” of the franchise in both the Player Personnel and Player Engagement departments.

In the future, Ellie hopes to spend more time on the “football side” of the NFL.

Olivia Fox ’17 is a middle school art teacher at Norfolk Academy in Norfolk, VA. In her free time, Olivia helps paint murals and creates watercolor paintings.

Congratulations to James McLelland and Madeline Diane Mahanes, who were married on Saturday, October 15, 2022. The ceremony took place at Myers Park United Methodist Church with a reception held at Foundation for the Carolinas. Following their wedding, they honeymooned in St. Lucia.

James is an HR Technology Program Manager for Veritas Prime and Madeline is a Pediatric Hematology & Oncology Nurse at Levine Children’s Hospital.

Ellie Perrigo ’18 works for Super Bowl Champions LVII Kansas City Chiefs as the Arrowhead Events Assistant.

Class of 2019 Hannah Barnes graduated from Cornell last May with a degree in Social and Personality Psychology.

She is currently at UNC-

Amy Dragelin ’19 was named to the CSC Academic All-District Team for the 2021-2022 swim season. She was also recognized as the Athletic Director’s Scholar Athlete.

Bravo to Arella Flur, who recently joined the Hamilton Musical Team as a CRM & Data/Analytics Coordinator where she oversees and executes audience messaging driven by data analytics. Arella was the 2019

Blumey Awards Best Actress Winner and is currently on track to graduate from Northwestern University this spring. Arella is currently studying Theatre, Theatre Management, Business Institutions, and Integrated Marketing Communications.

Arella Flur ’19 recently joined the Hamilton Musical Team as a CRM & Data/Analytics Coordinator.

Congrats to Ruthie Jones, Duke University women’s soccer goalie, who was selected as a 2023 WeaverJames-Corrigan-Swofford and Jim and Pat Thacker postgraduate scholarship recipient. The WeaverJames-Corrigan-Swofford and Jim and Pat Thacker postgraduate scholarships are awarded to selected student-athletes who intend to pursue a graduate degree following completion of their undergraduate requirements.

Honorees have performed with distinction in both the classroom and their respective sport, while demonstrating exemplary conduct in the community.

Ruthie Jones ’19 was selected as a Weaver-James-Corrigan-Swofford and Jim and Pat Thacker postgraduate scholarship recipient.

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CLASS NOTES

Luke Tillitski, a member of Yale’s Society of Orpheus and Bacchus (SOBs), was recently back in Charlotte to perform at Latta Park. Luke is a junior at Yale University majoring in English. Upon graduating, Luke hopes to pursue a PhD in English or enter the publishing field.

Editor’s Note: Luke took a leave of absence during the 2020-21 school year to work for the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services’ COVID Policy Response Team and coached debate for Taipei American School.

On a mission to inspire creating nutritious, mouthwatering meals that make individuals genuinely feel good, Megan Tomlin created “Good Mood Food”. Through social media outlets and a weekly newsletter, Megan shares ideas, tips, and recipes that subscribers can easily recreate at home.

Megan is a dietetics student pursuing a master’s degree in nutrition and a Registered Dietitian title at University of Georgia. To learn more, check out @gooodmoodfoood on Instagram.

Megan Tomlin ’19 recently created Good Mood Food to inspire creating healthy meals and boost moods.

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Olivia Aldrige ’20 is a senior at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where she is earning her BFA in Musical Theatre with a Minor in Business.

Sara Kenefick ’20 and retired teacher, CW Stacks, celebrate her back-toback Gymnastics Conference East championship.

Class of 2020 Latin thespians got a treat when Olivia Aldridge came back to campus in January to work with drama classes on preparing for auditions and with middle schoolers on Newsies! rehearsals. Olivia is a senior at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where she is earning her BFA in Musical Theatre with a Minor in Business. After graduation, Olivia plans to audition for many productions in hopes of booking professional work. Looking even further out, Olivia hopes to earn her master’s which will lead into teaching. Kudos, Olivia!

Congratulations to Sara Kenefick and the University of Pennsylvania women’s gymnastics team who defended their Gymnastics Conference East championship in March in Williamsburg, VA. Sara also had a special visitor, former teacher and Williamsburg resident, CW Stacks, attend her meet.

Editor’s Note: Sara Kenefick also competes for the Quakers, but was out due to injury.

Class of 2021 Kudos to Pheriby Bryan who is transforming her undergraduate research into art. Pheriby received the Rhodes Grant for choreography and research and is creating a 20 minute long piece that combines her research with an inspiring dance performance. According to Pheriby, “my piece is inspired by William Burleson’s ‘22 journal Semicolon and my research of suicide in young people.

I began my research by interviewing Elon therapists, speaking to students and also learning about the journey of Heather Bonner’s Mission 34 project in response to the death of her son.”

Eight dancers will tell the stories that she has learned throughout her research, continuing to save lives through artistic expression while memorializing those we have lost. Pheriby is a dance performance and choreography major at Elon University.

Pheriby Bryan ’21 received a Rhodes Grant and is working on her research project that combines meticulous research with an inspiring dance performance.

Kudos to Katie Chai who is featured in The Daily Tar Heel for her involvement at Carolina Adapts Toys for Children, known as “CATCH.” CATCH is a service-based club at UNC-Chapel Hill that modifies toys for kids with disabilities to “catch” the kids who fall through the cracks of mainstream toy design. Katie also serves as the public relations chairperson for the group.

Katie is a sophomore at UNC-Chapel Hill where she is a computer science and biostatistics major.

Katie Chai ’21 participates in CATCH - a service-based club at UNC-Chapel Hill.

CLASS NOTES

Congratulations to Andrew Cowan and Hope Gottschling ’24 on becoming published authors/ illustrators. Andrew and Hope’s book, Tommy La Tuba Timida, was one of eleven selected for publishing from roughly 100 submissions.

Students from approximately 300 schools around the world were given the opportunity to submit manuscripts and illustrations of original bilingual children’s books through a program organized by the Global Education Benchmark Group (GEBG), a non-profit association of schools with global education programs, in partnership with Creo En Ti Media. A special thanks to faculty members, Kelly Willis (Global Studies), Gretchan Frederick (Upper School Spanish), Kaila Gottschling (Visual Arts), and Meghan Rinehart (Library), who collaborated to bring the program to CLS’ AP Spanish students.

Request access to this private Charlotte Latin School Alumni group on LinkedIn and start connecting with 1200+ of your fellow Hawks.

Kennon Acks ’22, a freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill, is a member of the Carolina Cheerleading team.

team. Kennon cheered at Carolina’s home football games and women’s basketball games. Keep an eye out for him this fall!

Kudos to Kate McCracken who performed as Juliet in Shakespeare’s R&J - a contemporary adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. Kate is a freshman at Northwestern University. Prior to heading to college, Kate won Best Actress last spring at the Blumey Awards for her performance in Bright Star.

Congratulations to Washington & Lee basketball player, Mary Schleusner, who was named the D3hoops.com National Rookie of the Year. Mary is the first player in W&L’s program history to receive a national major award.

Her other postseason awards include D3hoops. com Region 6 co-Rookie of the Year, ODAC Rookie of the Year and ODAC Defensive Player of the Year.

Mary Schleusner ’22 was named coRookie of the Year by D3hoops.com Region 6.

In Memoriam William “Billy” Poston III ‘99 August 31, 2022

Newton “Park” Hoey Jr ‘77

Tommy La Tuba Timida, a bilingual children’s book, is written by Andrew Cowan ’21 and illustrated by Hope Gottschling ’24.

March 4, 2023

Grace McKay Roakes ‘84

Class of 2022 Congratulations to University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill freshman, Kennon Acks, who was a member of the Carolina Cheerleading

Northwestern Hawks, Arella Flur ’19 and Ryan Beam ’22, cheered on Kate McCracken ’22 in her closing performance as Juliet in Shakespeare’s R&J.

March 26, 2023

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10 QUESTIONS

Carol Webb-Gargagliano

Mathematics Chair, Upper School Mathematics Teacher

1

What brought you to Charlotte Latin School?

How long have you been here?

4

I was a young teacher ready to give up on the profession when my friend, Jeff Knull, encouraged me to check out Charlotte Latin.

He told me that Ken Collins would be at this math conference in Charleston that I was attending. While I was there, I pretended to bump into Ken, and he says he pretended to bump into me, but however it happened, we connected about my coming to Latin. I soon interviewed with Dr. Fox and joined the faculty in 1995. Everyone acted like the school was so lucky to have me—families had me over for dinner, and colleagues and administrators welcomed me with open arms—but I always knew that I was the lucky one, and I can’t imagine having spent my career anywhere else.

2 3

What do you do at Charlotte Latin School?

I teach math in the Upper School at Charlotte Latin.

I’ve taught just about everything from Algebra I to

Calculus, and I’ve been the department chair since 2012.

Have you always loved math?

I would not say that math was my passion as a young student, though I always preferred doing math problems to writing papers. When I look back, I can recall a couple of teachers and a specific college professor who made a point of encouraging me to continue studying math, so maybe they saw something that I didn’t.

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What’s changed in teaching math today compared to when you went to school?

Hand-held graphing calculators and easy access to computers changed everything about teaching math. When I was in school, one had to rely heavily on their imagination to visualize everything from function behavior to volumes of revolution. I can remember cutting pieces of paper and taping them to my pencil, and spinning it around to try to see what was going on in three dimensions. Now I press a button, and the students can see it clearly. I think technology has made higher-level mathematics accessible to a wider variety of students.

5

What are you most excited about teaching?

I really love teaching Calculus.

For me, that was when it felt like so many of the pieces came together.

It all seems to flow so easily into the next idea, and I love being able to show that to students.

If you could have three people (dead or alive) join you for a dinner party, who would they be and why?

8

James Taylor because I have loved him and his music for as long as I can remember.

Leonhard Euler because he was such a prolific mathematician, and I’d love to hear him as a teacher.

6

Why is math important to learn?

My father because he was the kindest and strongest person I ever knew, and I miss him every day.

Math is important to learn for practical reasons if you are going into a field that requires math, but even if you won’t use higher-level math every day, most everyone needs to have problem-solving skills, and math is ultimately about solving problems.

I also believe that there is a great deal of value in just learning for the joy of learning.

Education is not just about life skills. Math, literature, science, art, history, music, language, all of it—it’s about expanding our minds and learning to think in different ways, and opening ourselves up to new things.

7

What’s your favorite movie, and why?

I don’t know if I have a favorite movie. I rarely watch the same movie twice, but I would watch just about anything with Robert De Niro, especially Godfather II.

9

What do you want people to know about you?

I want the people in my life to know how grateful I am for them. I am not an eloquent writer or speaker, so I never feel like I have conveyed my gratitude in a way that really expresses how deeply I feel it.

10

What can you do that others might not know about?

I can rap all 14 and a half minutes of “Rapper’s Delight” (or at least I used to be able to—I haven’t done it in a long time).

LATIN Magazine

57

2023

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