Spring 2021 Latin Magazine

A Year of

Hope

LATIN

MAGAZINE

Spring 2021

Charlotte Latin School

What’s

Inside

06

Lower School Assistant Teachers

In this atypical year, when asked to take the lead, jump they did — right in front of their own classrooms.

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09

Tribute to Doc Collins Generations have had the great honor of experiencing both his wisdom and his brilliance.

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Vision2020 Update

Alumni Features

The Vision2020 campaign has been Charlotte Latin’s most ambitious and successful campaign to date.

Celebrating International Women’s Day and Alumni Living and Working Abroad.

On the cover: In order to have in-person school for all Lower School students, the classrooms had to be split into separate learning spaces. This kindergarten class switches learning spaces each day and safely high-fives one another along the way.

Thanks to Mrs. Dannemann for sharing the photo.

2020-21

School Leadership ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Charles D. Baldecchi, Head of School Todd Ballaban, Head of Middle School Joanne Beam, Director of Development Susan Carpenter, Director of Marketing and Communications Bill Freitas, Chief Technology Officer David Gatoux, Director of Athletics Fletcher H. Gregory III, Associate Head and Chief Financial Officer Beth Lucas, Director of Human Resources Mary Yorke Oates ’83, Director of Admissions Latoya Pousa, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Mark Tayloe, Head of Lower School Sonja L. Taylor, Assistant Head of School for K–12 Curriculum and Instruction, Equity, and Strategic Initiatives Lawrence Wall, Head of Upper School

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Denny S. O’Leary ’90, Chair Michael D. Freno, Vice Chair R. Mitchell Wickham ’87, Treasurer Joycelyn C. Lavelle, Secretary William C. Adams (Clay) Irm R. Bellavia Phil C. Colaco John D. Comly Lynn G. Crutchfield Mary Katherine Dubose Adaora A. Eruchalu Debbie S. Frail ’88 Donald S. Gately Israel K. Gorelick (Rael) Jonathan S. Halkyard Courtney P. Hyder Joy M. Kenefick Karim Lokas John T. McCoy A. Coy Monk IV John G. Norman Robert A. Schleusner III Thad M. Sharrett ’89 Walker C. Simmons

EX-OFFICIO Charles D. Baldecchi, Head of School Fletcher H. Gregory III, Associate Head and Chief Financial Officer Tara Livingston, Parents’ Council President Patterson Maker Miller ’07, Alumni Governing Board President

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Middle School Revue 2021 featured songs and choreography from the Broadway hit productions Wicked, Matilda, and Mamma Mia!

MAGAZINE

LATIN Charlotte Latin School • Spring 2021

EDITOR

Courtney Oates Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications and Head Storyteller

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Susan Carpenter Director of Marketing and Communications

DESIGNER

Tori Belle-Miller Graphic Designer

CONTRIBUTORS

Joanne Beam Director of Development Sally Gray Smith ’82 Director of Alumni Relations Paige Nurkin ’20

Published

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

Please send address corrections to: Development Office Charlotte Latin School 9502 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28277

Or by email to vernette.rucker@charlottelatin.org

Photography by

Marketing & Communications, St. John Photography, and Rusty Williams Photography in this publication was taken both before and after March 2020.

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Forever

Latin

A Letter from Head of School Chuck Baldecchi 4

Dear Charlotte Latin Community, As I write this, I’m wondering about what it will be like when you read this six weeks from now. I can pretty reliably predict that we’ll have glorious Carolina weather, and as for COVID, I’m cautiously optimistic. It’s been a l-o-n-g, cold, wet, COVID winter, and like you, I’m longing to return to “regular” life at Latin. When you read this, we’ll be nearly at the end of the school year, in the midst of the whirlwind of culminating activities, including moving up ceremonies, concerts, prom, senior supper, the Hawkspys, and graduation.

I look forward to coming together to mark these important milestones and transitions and celebrate your students’ accomplishments. I look forward to saying, “We made it!”

The COVID pandemic has made us rethink and rework almost every aspect of our day-to-day lives and operations. We have learned that we can have meaningful discussions remotely, that we can work and learn successfully just about anywhere. We have all become experts in Google Classroom, Zoom, Google Meet, Swivl, and other technologies we had only ever heard about before the pandemic. My Administrative Team and I have begun talking about the things we learned during COVID that we want to keep. Yes, some good things have come out of our topsy-turvy 2020–21 school year.

While much changed, many things stayed the same, like much of LATIN Magazine. We have refreshed the design a bit, but the content is ever-Latin. In this issue, we celebrate the outstanding efforts made by our Lower School Assistant Teachers. We very literally could not have had Lower School without this wonderful group of teachers stepping up to take on classes of their own. This issue also spotlights the progress of the Vision2020 campaign as we enter the final stage of this ambitious undertaking — success is in sight! These are two aspects of our school that made in-person school possible and for which I am grateful.

We also honor Doc Collins and his 50 years of teaching at Latin. This magazine tribute is but one of numerous other celebratory events to express our deep gratitude for Doc’s unwavering commitment to and support of our school.

Read about our amazing Alumni, and be sure to mark your calendars for an exciting Reunion Weekend in November with a huge on-campus celebration in the Beck Student Activities Center. Stay tuned for more details to come.

There’s so much to celebrate and look forward to this spring. Happy reading.

Forever forward. Forever Latin.

Charles D. Baldecchi Head of School

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LOWER SCHOOL ASSISTANT TEACHERS

Teaching in Tandem Lower School Assistant Teachers Step Up in a Big Way As administrators, ed tech genii, nurses, and logistics teams braced for the opening of the school year in a pandemic, hoping against all odds that they could successfully bring all Lower School students to campus, they did so with the knowledge that an outstanding corps of skilled teachers — a group including both Lead Teachers and Assistant Teachers — was 100% ready, willing, and able.

Assistant Teachers in a typical year, explains Assistant Head of Lower School Andria Quintero, divide their time among organizational duties, grading papers, leading small groups of students, and “jumping in to take the lead whenever they are called upon.”

In this atypical year, when asked to take the lead, jump they did — right in front of their own classrooms.

And PRESTO! The difference between the traditional roles of “Lead” and “Assistant” positions quickly became mere semantics. And school happened.

The Assistant Teachers did not flinch when asked to make such a dramatic pivot. “Assuming responsibility for their own classrooms and delivering instruction were not in their job descriptions, though almost all of our Assistant Teachers have strong teaching experience,” said Head of Lower School Mark Tayloe. “They have all delivered with such willingness, a can-do attitude, and a joyful spirit.”

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Kindergarten teachers are committed to seeing each child every day so the students switch rooms. Mid-day they line up in each classroom and take a "field trip" to their other classroom, safely high-fiving each other as they pass their fellow classmates with hands on paint sticks.

ASSISTANT TEACHERS Debi Berry Cathy Conner Tasha Cooper Kristen Cornelison Beth Dunn Jaime Flett Catherine Gore Lin Hansbrough Lynn Hellmuth Laurie Knauth Heather Knull Sara Lahmann Jennifer Landry Stacy Little Sally Parsley

“

Caroline Plyler Virginia Schneidt Lynn Hellmuth leads her Grade 1 cohort in the Lower School Library, another creative use of space on campus.

Marcy Schwindt Avery Teichman Sue Tenkin

Virginia is not my assistant, she is my counterpart.”

Yvonne Turner

― Liz Dannemann, Kindergarten Teacher

In Kindergarten, Liz Dannemann and Virginia Schneidt teach in tandem. Mrs. Schneidt leads half of the class in a Hawks’ Club room while Mrs. Dannemann teaches the other half in her classroom. “Virginia is not my assistant, she is my counterpart. I know she’s got it covered and I don’t have to worry,” says Mrs. Dannemann. “We could not have in-person school this year without our Assistant Teachers!”

At the other end of the Lower School, the fourth-grade team of Beth Eastridge (Lead Teacher), Amy Ballaban (LT), and Beth Dunn (AT) is a well-oiled machine. “An Assistant Teacher tends to know the flow and go with the flow,” says Mrs. Eastridge.

“This year, we often have to adjust that flow. If we try something new and it’s not working, we fix it together. This has been a new normal that, while not easy, is fluid, supportive, and fun.”

Many of our top-notch Assistant Teachers were new to Latin this year (signing contracts in early spring 2020 before the shutdown). That timing was serendipitous as the positivity and excitement they exude are contagious and energizing. They said yes without blinking an eye, and went from support roles with a small group focus to handling literally every piece of Continued on next page.

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Yvonne Turner (above), new to Latin this year, works with her third-grade students while Sally Parsley (left), teaches kindergarten students in her Hawks’ Club classroom.

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“

What makes the Lower School such a special community is the quality of people we have in every single role.”

― Mark Tayloe, Head of Lower School

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the curriculum. First-grade Assistant

Together, 48 skilled and caring

Teacher Sara Lahmann, new to Latin

humans, Lead Teachers and Assistant

this year, describes her experience,

Teachers, teamed up this year and

“I love being able to come to work

became master facilitators who made

safely and hearing children’s a-ha

school possible. “We are certainly

moments and infectious laughter

proud of our strong curriculum and

every day. I feel supported,

overall program,” said Mr. Tayloe,

encouraged, and equipped to teach

“but what makes the Lower School

our first-grade cohorts in my own

such a special community is the quality

classroom this year. I’m thankful to

of people we have in every single role.

be a part of Charlotte Latin and I

We are blessed to have this wonderful

will never forget my first year here.”

group of Assistant Teachers.”

Brilliance

Celebrating Dr. Kenneth Collins in his Retirement After teaching, coaching, and inspiring thousands of Hawks for five decades, Doc Collins retires from his tenure in room 311 this spring, placing his velvet tam, swim goggles, umbrella, Chick-fil-A cup, and TI-Nspire graphing calculator on the proverbial shelf. Generations have had the great honor of experiencing both his wisdom and his brilliance. And while these attributes are most often associated with intellect — obvious in Doc’s case — if you know him, you know that his brilliance has more than one meaning. Doc C, the gentleman, is brilliant. He exudes a great brightness and luster, a luminance that shines far and reaches many. Before he is a complex calculus connoisseur, he is simply a people person, engaging with everyone he meets with a genuine zeal to know them. Some perspectives: The thing about Dr. C is that his teaching of math, the equations, and the insanity of calculus only disguised the brilliance of his much bigger teaching — that life is about passion and commitment, about doing something to the best of your abilities and taking pride in that.

I have huge respect for his love of the process and the care he has had for each individual student over the many years.

– JP McBryde ’82 At our meets, he goes from lane to lane giving each swimmer final specific advice before a race knowing exactly what each swimmer needs to focus on. He once said he would let me teach calculus if I beat another Latin swimmer (the state champion in 100 Breast). We knew I might not win this bet, but he inspired me to give my best and not give up.

– Kieran Amin ’21 Administration, staff, and faculty have learned from Ken what it truly means to love our school and that emotion has guided every decision he has made on its behalf. It is evident in his actions and his words that Ken always has the best interest of the students, teachers, and families at heart. Every member of this community benefits from his wise counsel and his selfless acts and words.

– Jeff Knull, Upper School Math When I was in third grade, I played chess during break time and my teacher, Mrs. Reese, took notice. During lunch one day, she created an opportunity for me to play with Dr. Collins. He was very good and I think he beat me. I was only a little kid, but he made me feel like a friend and encouraged me to keep playing.

– Andrew Chen ’25 Ken cares about this school and its people maybe more than anyone I have ever met. He is my touchstone and is never too busy to talk to me. Even after 26 years, I still ask him how to do my job, but never once has he stepped in unless I asked first. My sense is that he set the standards for college prep in the Math Department and maybe the entire Upper School.

Doc’s mantra is that if you believe you can do hard things, then you are not afraid to try hard things. Keep shining, Doc! – Carol Webb-Gargagliano, Math Department Chair If you would like to honor Dr. Collins with a remembrance and message or with a gift to the Ken Collins Lower School Scholarship Fund, please contact Sally Gray Smith '82, Director of Alumni Relations, at sally.smith@charlottelatin.org.

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VISION2020 CAMPAIGN UPDATE

Philanthropy at Latin

From the Director of Development

Philanthropy is a journey. We learn and grow as we find ways to give of our time, talent, and treasure. My personal philanthropy journey with Charlotte Latin began when I served as campaign counsel for the Foundation for the Future Campaign (2005–2007). Little did I know how this experience would shape my future at Charlotte Latin.

Joanne O’Brien Beam P ‘22 Director of Development

In 2009, when our son Ryan enrolled in Kindergarten, my husband Steve and I made our New Family gift and graciously said “yes” to being New Family volunteers. As they say, the rest is history. In the years since, I have served as a New Family Campaign, Latin Fund, and Vision2020 volunteer, a Trustee, and a Booster Club Board member. As a family, philanthropic support of Latin is easy because what Latin has given us cannot be measured.

I am grateful that the administration has entrusted me with stewarding philanthropy at the school. The generosity of the Latin community is extraordinary and can be seen in significant ways: active parent volunteers, after class hours that teachers spend with students, support of the Latin Fund, alumni who love this school, and exemplary Vision2020 stretch gifts. Thank you for your generosity.

The Vision2020 campaign has been Charlotte Latin’s most ambitious and successful campaign to date. Your investment will transform our campus with new learning, collaborative and wellness spaces, endow scholarships and invest in our faculty, and impact the Latin community through Latin Fund resources. There is still time to invest in Charlotte Latin with a gift to the campaign. If you wish to participate, please reach out to me.

I look forward to our journey together to support the Latin mission.

Gifts-In-Kind • Donation of goods or services rather than funds • Opportunities through parent organizations/annual events

The Latin Fund • The Latin community is encouraged to give each year • Funds 3% of the annual budget, providing for priority needs not covered by tuition • Boosted by gifts on FLY DAY, Latin’s annual giving day challenge

Special Interest Giving • Restricted funds directed by the donor to specific areas of school life • Support through parent organization membership/event fees • Donations at annual or biennial school events, such as Celebrate Latin

Capital Campaigns • Latin’s strategic plan drives fundraising priorities • Focused on facility and endowment needs • The Vision2020 campaign is in its final year with a goal of $30 million

Planned Giving • Commonly donated through a living will or trust • A planned gift sustains long-term financial stability

Philanthropy at Charlotte Latin School 10

Wellness in the Middle School As the world surpasses the one-year mark of pandemic life, we have encountered both bright spots as well as challenges. One such challenge is that of increased screen time. Whether working or learning from home, we are in front of a screen — a lot.

Head of Middle School Todd Ballaban and the P.E. team wanted to get ahead of this expected screen time challenge. Over the summer of 2020, they established Wellness Breaks — a time for Middle School students to unwind and burn off energy in the morning and the afternoon. Every three weeks, students choose from a wellness menu including options like strength training, Hawks Quest, yoga, bocce ball, cornhole, juggling, fencing, or archery. Each Wellness Break includes a blend of ages and genders, a mix of friends and coaches, and an opportunity for the Middle School to find a sense of community in these COVID times.

“

Our wellness breaks have been one of the best parts of this new learning schedule. Not only are they a great way to get away from the classroom and the screen, but when I did strength training with Coach Paige, I also developed healthy new skills that I can use on the field and in my own personal training. I hope this is a part of COVID that stays.”

― Sydney Query ’25

Head Strength Coach David Paige’s goal is to make physical activity safe, fun, and accessible to all Latin students. The Strength Center, dedicated by the Anderson/Middendorf family, is a strategic priority of the Vision2020 campaign and serves as a welcoming space. Students learn to properly use the equipment, building a level of comfort and confidence when weight training.

The addition of the Strength Center enables students to learn proper form and gain confidence. Middle School students use the space during Wellness Breaks, a wonderful addition during COVID, and Upper School students like Anya Amin ’23 use the space before and after school and during free periods.

Latin’s vast campus is a canvas for these wellness opportunities. Whether students are unwinding on the trails surrounding the Howard Levine Athletic Campus or learning skills in the Strength Center, taking a break for physical activity and choosing to put the screen aside will have lifelong benefits.

Volunteer Opportunities • Builds community spirit through donations of time and talent • Opportunities available in a variety of campus departments and parent organizations

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• Service days that impact the greater Charlotte community

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ALUMNI FEATURE

Alumni Celebrate International Women’s Day International Women’s Day, held on March 8, marked a day of celebration and advocacy for women’s rights. There have been some pretty awesome women who have walked the halls of Latin over the past 50 years. Sally Gray Smith ’82 and the Alumni office highlighted five such alumnae, one from each decade, asking how women can seek out and celebrate women’s achievements.

Brooks Holland Haislip ’94 Motivational Life and Wellness Coach Charlotte, North Carolina Brooks Haislip is your guide for a connected life. Her toolkit includes mindfulness, meditation, leadership development, motivational speaking, yoga, breath work, simple wellness, and intuitive guidance. She is a Simple Wellness Coach and has created what she calls “Inspired Mindfulness” and “Awakened Leadership” as her pathways in supporting others to “wake up, slow down, and connect” (her personal anthem) to their most vibrant lives.

How can men get more involved in women’s rights?

The most effective place for men to make a difference is by holding space in their most intimate and immediate worlds, both at home and in the workplace. A colleague of mine, Steve Strothers with Peaceful Men, explains that “‘Holding Space’ is to be with someone without judgment; to donate your ears and heart without wanting or expecting anything in return.”

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Trust yourself and take good care of yourself the whole way. Life can be really sad and hard and also full of bliss.

Stay brave and keep showing up with your big heart. As Brené Brown says, “The brokenhearted are the bravest among us. They had the courage to love.” Feel it all, but don't get stuck in it. ”There is always light, if only we are brave enough to see it. If only we are brave enough to be it.“ Thank you, Amanda Gorman.

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Cannon Clough ’14 Professional Soccer Player and Barista Queensland, Australia Cannon Clough graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill and now lives and plays soccer professionally in Queensland, Australia. In addition to working part-time in a boutique coffee shop (making specialty coffee), Cannon has recently started studying again. When not on the field, studying, or working, you can usually find her in the ocean with friends or petting cute pups.

How can women better enable one another instead of competing with one another?

I personally think that competing with each other is one of the best ways we can enable each other. We make each other better by challenging each other, particularly in the realm of sport. During my time at Chapel Hill, I had the opportunity to play for legend Anson Dorrance who adopted the competitive cauldron.

Some younger Hawks (Mary Elliot McCabe ’18 and Claudia Dickey ’18) and I have been involved with this program, and I can guarantee we have all gained and grown from it.

Everything we do is scored, recorded, and posted publicly for everyone to see. In doing this, we demand the absolute best out of each other day-in and day-out. The result is that we are then able to showcase one another and celebrate the girls who are the best in their category. These girls are then able to help others they go up against in order to assist them in achieving greatness in this area as well.

Maggie Savage ’05 Global Director of Private Sector Scale, EYElliance Durham, North Carolina Maggie is the Global Director of Private Sector Scale at EYElliance, a multi-sector coalition working to increase access to eyeglasses globally. She works with entrepreneurs, development finance institutions, and impact investors to build a regional optical sector in Latin America that reaches low-income populations with affordable solutions. She previously worked for the Clinton Health Access Initiative launching its assistive technology program and supporting the development of a health insurance scheme for the government of Ethiopia. Maggie graduated from the London School of Economics and Duke University and now lives in Durham, North Carolina.

Name a female role model?

Sidonie Uwimpuhwe, the Rwandan Country Director for the Clinton Health Access Initiative, was an energetic leader who pushed everyone around her to take big and bold action for those whom we serve. I look to emulate Sidonie’s optimism and confidence coupled with humility; she loved her country and worked tirelessly for the women of Rwanda.

Name a female role model at Latin?

At Latin, we were fortunate to be taught by incredible educators who challenged our understanding of the world around us. No one did that better than Ms. Glenn. She pushed me to take big and bold action and to imagine the world as it could be. I learned from her a way of studying history to understand the why and how of events happening around us and to use that to question the narrative, advocate for policy change, and push the status quo. I wouldn’t be doing the work that I do had I not experienced Ms. Glenn’s classes, framing, and encouragement along the way.

Susan Fitzgibbon Shumaker ’77 President, Cone Health Foundation Greensboro, North Carolina Susan Fitzgibbon Shumaker, RN, MHA, FACHE, has served as president of Cone Health Foundation since 2009. Susan earned a Master of Health Administration and Bachelor of

Science in Nursing from Duke University and has more than 35 years of experience in healthcare leadership. Susan served as president of Annie Penn Hospital in Reidsville, North Carolina, for 20 years and led the merger of Annie Penn into Cone Health in 2001. Susan hung up her nursing hat in 1984 to pursue healthcare administration, but in 2015 renewed her nursing commitment by completing an extensive nurse refresher course in order to volunteer with marginalized populations.

Name a female role model at Latin?

While at Latin, Bev Cuthbertson Earle (a member of NC Tennis Hall of Fame and CLS Athletic Hall of Fame) was our remarkable, no-nonsense tennis coach. She was so invested in each member of our tennis team and taught us many life skills, in addition to developing many topranked tennis players in North Carolina. She had no tolerance for poor sportsmanship or not being a fullycommitted member of the team. She also taught us about conditioning ourselves as athletes with strength training and running. Bev made me strive to be a better human!

Tshneka Tate ’88 Sports and Entertainment Attorney Chicago, Illinois Tshneka Tate is a veteran sports and entertainment attorney. She was Vice President and Senior Assistant General Counsel at NASCAR in Charlotte and more recently was the General Counsel at The Big Ten Conference in Chicago, Illinois. After 19 years at NASCAR, Tshneka traveled worldwide to the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver, Patagonia, Botswana, South Africa, Ghana, and Senegal. Tshneka earned her B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and her J.D. from the Florida State University College of Law. What advice do you give women in a male-dominated industry?

Remember that you are supposed to be there just as much as the men are. Be confident in knowing you are intended to be there because your experience, your knowledge, your intelligence got you there. Assert yourself, relying on that confidence. And every chance you have, bring in or help elevate other women in that industry, and push for others to do the same — make it a standard practice.

See the full interviews on www.charlottelatin.org/alumni/iwd2021.

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ALUMNI FEATURE

Alumni Speaker Series Preparing Students for a Global Community On February 23, the Alumni Governing Board in partnership with Kelly Willis and Nidhie Dhiman in the Global Studies Department, and former Study Abroad director and faculty member Heidi Carpenter, presented Alumni Living Abroad, the inaugural Alumni Speaker Series panel. We checked in with former Hawks to learn more about their journeys overseas. The interactive panel was offered via Zoom to Upper School students as well as alumni and faculty/staff. It featured alumni living and working in the United Kingdom, Queensland, Australia, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Berlin, who share with us how Latin prepared them for living in a global community.

I took courses taught by teachers like Mr. Che and Ms. McQuaid, where students were immersed in thinking and learning about cultures, countries, and histories beyond our borders. Without a doubt, my eight years at Latin developed my confidence and curiosity and contributed to my seeking opportunities abroad.

Laura Van Dyke Pitale ’99 Math Teacher, Tokyo Laura currently lives in Tokyo, Japan, and works at the American School in Japan as a high school mathematics teacher. She made her way to Tokyo two years ago after living and working at American Schools in Poland, India, and Taiwan.

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Nnenna Okwara ’09 Senior Software Engineer, Berlin Nnenna Okwara has been in Berlin, Germany, since December 2019. She works as a software engineer for Amazon, which is the same company she worked for in the U.S. Nnenna ultimately chose Berlin as it best fit the following criteria: Mainland Europe, Non-English speaking, centrally-located, and a good job market.

A Transformative Experience Paige Nurkin ’20

I went to South Africa and attended St. Anne’s Diocesan College for six weeks during the summer before my senior year, and it was one of the best experiences of my life. Living with a host family allowed me to truly be immersed in the culture and lifestyle of the country in a way that a family vacation or mission trip cannot. It allowed me to build genuine and meaningful connections, making friendships that transcend continents and time zones. One of the most interesting things was going to school in an environment where World, South African, and American History were not taught through an American perspective. Through this, I was able to drastically expand my worldview and see many historical events and relevant social issues in a new way, ultimately allowing me to be more open minded and receptive to different opinions.

Also, my time in South Africa brought me out of my comfort zone and made me become comfortable being uncomfortable. Going to a foreign country for a long period of time without family or friends in itself is not the most common or familiar situation, and automatically caused me to be more confident and independent. But the outings and activities organized by the school and my host family helped push me further outside my known experiences. In particular, one activity organized by the school was swimming with sharks. As someone who is not a fan of the ocean, mainly because of sharks, this was very much an experience that forced me to face a fear, but also an experience I knew I could not pass up. Despite being terrified as I floated in the water, sharks swimming by and nearly brushing against me, it was an exceptional and unique adventure. I never thought I would see sharks so up close in their natural environment. It was only by facing my fears and discomfort that I was able to experience this. Since this occasion I have been more and more willing in my daily life to do things I wouldn’t normally do, or things that initially appear scary and intimidating.

I would not exchange my time in South Africa for anything. Especially going through a senior year and a freshman year of college impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic which made so many experiences unavailable, I am so glad I took advantage of this opportunity when I had the chance. My time in South Africa allowed me to grow as a person and I hope to be able to continue to travel and experience other countries and cultures in a similar way in college and beyond to expand my worldview and global experiences.

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Latin sparked my initial interest in learning about other cultures. For my International Day project in Middle School, I was assigned Malaysia, which became one of the major reasons I traveled there in 2017. I also took advantage of a trip to England in Middle School and a trip to France in Upper School. These trips and the ones I took after graduation helped shape my dream of living abroad.

It is quite humbling living in a place where you do not speak the language. Even in Berlin where you can

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“get by” without German, there are many things that would be easier if I were conversational. I’m really grateful for this experience as it gives me newfound respect for people who immigrate to other countries not knowing the language and with many fewer resources than I. It has also challenged me to put myself in uncomfortable positions where I am not able to express myself as well as I could in English.

Continued on next page.

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Preston Turk ’11 Category Manager, Hong Kong Preston is a category manager with KW-Commerce Asia in Hong Kong, focused on consumer electronics for the U.S. market. An active member of the Innovation & Technology Committee at the American Chamber of Commerce and a Northeastern Alumni Community Leader, Preston is enthusiastic about startups, international business, hiking, and running.

Latin’s summer travel and exchange programs with Mrs. Carpenter and Ms. Glenn exposed me to others with different backgrounds. These experiences helped cultivate an

interest in and curiosity for what is outside of the “known” and how people might be experiencing things, and to note the similarities and differences.

firm, where she helps large, global technology companies with strategic reputation challenges. Rachel and her family love living in London and also try to travel as much as they can.

My history classes with Mr. Downing and Ms. Glenn, among others, made me aware that change is a constant instead of an exception. This continues to be an area of interest for me today and the driving force behind my desire to learn how things work in different areas of the world.

I spent 11 years at Latin and learned so much from so many different teachers and coaches during that time. Latin helped me develop problem-solving skills and creativity, and increase my self-confidence. All of these things provide an excellent foundation for living abroad.

Unexpectedly, my five years of German with Dr. Bean prepared me for my job now! KW-Commerce is a Berlin-based company, so there is a significant amount of German being spoken in the Asia office. It's been fun to use what I've learned in a place I never expected to.

Rachel Yarmey Bremer ’98 Communications, London Rachel has been living in northwest London with her husband Ric since 2007. They have two children, James (11) and Anne (8). Rachel is currently a partner at a communications advisory

In Memoriam

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Pam Franklin Former Middle School Language Arts Teacher April 29, 2020

Ngaio Carlisle Former Field Hockey, Track Coach, and P.E. Teacher December 11, 2020

Rand Frattini Former Upper School History Teacher and Theater Director November 29, 2020

Yelena Brikina, DDS Wife of Prashant Rao ’95 Mother of Jacqueline ’26 and Maya December 25, 2020

Kent McRae Truslow ’74 January 5, 2021 Youming (Chuck) Che Former International Studies Teacher January 14, 2021

W H E N

H A W K S

COME HOME REUNION WEEKEND

NOVEMBER 6 2021

We are pleased to announce

Reunion Weekend Saturday, November 6, 2021 for the Classes of 1976 1986

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1980

1990

2000

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1981

1991

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1985

1995

2001

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2005

2010

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2011

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1996

2006

Including: Dedications of the McIntosh Leadership Center and Alumni Way, Lunch, Campus Tours, Saturday Night Celebration in the Beck Student Activities Center Details to follow.

Contact Director of Alumni Relations Sally Gray Smith ’82 with questions.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT #3031 CHARLOTTE, NC

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

CHARLOTTE LATIN

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU

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