The Galax (Winter 2024 Issue)

the

galax a publication of christ school

winter 2024

Winter | 2024

Editor: Donna Wheeler P’21 Design: Steve Parker Design Editorial Contributions: Jameel Brenneman, Mary Dillon, Jeff Joyce, Graylyn Loomis ’10, Olga Mahoney P’20, Andrew Pearson, Wesley Shelmire, Mark Thompson P’22, P’24.

Photographic Contributions: Aidan Hjelsand, Jesse Kitt P’25, Graylyn Loomis ’10, Jack Lynch, Olga Mahoney P’20, Wesley Shelmire, John Warner, Donna Wheeler P’21.

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The magazine’s name, The Galax, honors a traditional school emblem, the galax plant, which is indigenous to our area of Western North Carolina. It was also the name of the first school paper, The Galax Leaf.

The Galax is published two times a year by the Christ School Advancement and Communications Offices: Kathryn J. Belk, Director of Advancement Services; Chris Childers, Director of Video Operations; Betsy Ellis P’24, Assistant Head for External Affairs; Jeff Joyce, Associate Director of Advancement; Graylyn Loomis ’10, Director of Communications; Andrew Pearson, Digital Content and Communications Specialist; Dan Stevenson ’72 P’15, Director of Alumni Affairs and Major Gift Officer; Eric Thorp ’01, Associate Director of External Affairs; Donna Wheeler P’21, Director of Publications.

Send submissions to: Galax Editor, Christ School, 500 Christ School Road, Arden, NC 28704 or call 828-684-6232, ext. 104. You can also submit information through our web page at www.christschool.org or to Donna Wheeler at dwheeler@christschool.org.

Christ School admits boys in grades eight through twelve based on academic ability, personal qualifications, and recommendations, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, or national and ethnic origin.

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Feature Story: The Center of Community: The Newly Renovated Patrick Beaver ’98 Student Center

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table of contents from the head 4 feature story 6 in & around yard a 12 the fourth pillar 25 beneath the angelus bell 26 young men of distinction 28 the great outdoors

under the lights 32

45 beyond the gate house 46 class notes 54

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ringing true & standing Still Fire, Friendship, and Fellowship

Educating, Growing, & Supporting the Next Generation of Boys 4

to a DESTINY of

from the head

When Christ School resumed classes in August for our 124th year, we did so with a renovated Patrick Beaver Student Center, new programs and classes supporting our students, upgrades in safety and infrastructure, and a first in recent history: all boarding beds were full, as we went on a boarding waiting list in midMay. Our high retention of returning students and continued increases in boarding and day applications demonstrate the quality of Christ School’s student experience.

The student experience, along with the strong brotherhood that unites us, was on full display during Alumni Weekend, which was combined this fall with Asheville School Weekend. We were delighted to welcome hundreds of alumni to campus in late September to enjoy the festive rivalry weekend.

Christ School’s spirit and passion animate and

energize our school, and they are especially high during Asheville School Week. The Long Green Line remains strong and committed.

Upon returning from Thanksgiving break, our faculty, staff, parents, and students, heard from Michael C. Reichert, PhD, a nationally recognized applied and research psychologist specializing in boys and men. Dr. Reichert is the founding director of the Center for the Study of Boys' and Girls' Lives at the University of Pennsylvania. His research is focused on relational learning. Since our founding, everything we do at Christ School has been centered around relationships between students and their teachers, advisors, coaches, dorm parents, and classmates. Amidst new and renovated facilities and programming, cultivating healthy relationships continues to be our mission, allowing us to educate, grow,

HIGH PROMISE and support the next generation of boys to destines of high promise.

In this issue of The Galax you will read more about the football team’s 12th straight victory over Asheville School. You will also read about the renovation to the Patrick Beaver Student Center and its significant impact on campus life. Additionally, you will find an article about how our boys engage with the history of Christ School and another article about how our Chapel Program, Service Learning opportunities, and international trips enrich our students.

I send best wishes to you and your families for joy in 2024. All of us at Christ School are deeply grateful for your commitment and dedication. We give thanks for your steadfast support. As you read and enjoy this issue of The Galax, think of what Noah Fleming ’24 shared in his senior speech:

“We are blessed to spend each day surrounded by people who want to make us better persons. That is not common in today’s world. We wake up, walk, talk, smell, and interact with different people from different backgrounds. We’re privileged to succeed, study, and play the sport we love. In my experience, it is easy to take these things for granted, to go through the day without giving a second thought to everything around us.” n

Sean K. Jenkins, PhD. Head of School

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— of community — When the Patrick Beaver Student Center was built in 1999, it was touted as a “first-class facility that will help meet the recreational needs of the students.” Upon its completion, Linda Cluxton P’06 wrote, “The Patrick Beaver Student Center has added a whole new dimension to the life of the boys at Christ School. It is a place for the boys to meet in the evenings and weekends – a place to play and form friendships over a game of pool or table tennis.” (Christ School Magazine, Winter 2001).

by Donna Wheeler P’21

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“We envisioned a space that, especially coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, brought our boys together for play, meaning, and belonging.” ­— Dr. Sean Jenkins

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Fast forward 23 years and the newly renovated Student Center is all of those things and so much more. Committed to making our student experience superior to any private boarding school in the area, Christ School has gone above and beyond to expand the Student Center into a multi-use facility, providing designated spaces for study, play, relaxation, and refreshment. It’s a place to host visitors and special events, to view football games and televised sports, to grab a slice of pizza and a soft drink or to let off steam playing ping pong, pool, foosball, shuffleboard, or any number of arcade or video games.

Although the Student Center reopened after a 15-month construction period in August 2023, the seeds were planted in early 2021, when our Head of School and his wife, Sean and Lawson Jenkins, newly arrived on campus and ready to make an impact, recognized that renovating the Student Center would significantly improve student life. Money raised by the 2022 school auction was then earmarked for the cause, and the generosity of our board, alumni, parents, and friends made the project possible. “Sean and I thought the Student Center would be a great first project,” said Lawson, “a place for the boys to hang out, get off their phones, spend time with their friends, and socialize face-to-face.” “We envisioned a space that, especially coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, brought our boys together for play, meaning, and belonging,” said Dr. Jenkins. “The renovation was a chance to showcase Christ School’s rich history, tradition, and school spirit.”

Student Involvement Students and faculty met with Alan McGuinn, lead architect with ARCA Design, and Director of Facilities Danny Elmer P’09, P’13 to brainstorm how to improve the space and make it more enticing for students. Students voiced the need for a comfortable place to study and relax, especially day students, who otherwise had limited places to spend free blocks and time before and after sports in the afternoon. They wanted it to be modern but comfortable, spacious but cozy, new but still honor the original Student Center which was made possible by the family of Patrick Beaver ’98. The renovation needed to stay true to Christ School’s brand (colors and logos) but also breathe some fresh air into the space

and, even better, if Christ School’s Four Pillars were tied into the design. “When we designed the space, we envisioned taking the same structure, the same bones, and creating many uses within it.” said Dr. Jenkins. As a result, the renovated space includes the following: •A large “great room” with foosball, shuffleboard, pool and ping pong tables • Seven smart, wall-mounted TVs •A snack bar and adjacent café with elevated tables for snacking and studying • An arcade with vintage gaming stations •A modern gaming room with state-of-the-art gaming systems and displays •A second-story study area that opens onto a balcony overlooking the football field •A n elevator that provides accessibility access to the second story •A custom shuffleboard with the Angelus logo gifted by Ned and Brooke Johnson P’24 • A state-of-the-art digital mailroom • A modern theater • Three offices and a Barbershop • A digital juke box and surround sound system

Making the Old New The original Student Center grew during the renovation to include a second-story porch or “Skybox” and the building now feels brighter, more colorful, and acoustically enhanced.

The Skybox provides a panoramic view of Richard Fayssoux Field and is an ideal spot for Advancement to host alumni and parent events.

The bookstore (formerly the “Jigger Shop”) remains where it always was and the barbershop has moved into the old student mailroom. The movie theater was gutted and furnished with luxurious loungers embroidered with the Christ School emblem.

Betsy Ellis P’24, Assistant Head of School for External Affairs, and Lawson used the construction period to research interior design options and to find all the elements that would modernize and improve the space. While they worked with a designer on décor and furnishings, they mostly trusted their own intuition of what boys want, based on their firsthand experience raising sons of their own. Lawson’s sons, Coleman and Jack are 12 and 9 and Betsy’s son, Ben, will graduate this spring. They found

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“It serves as an incredible recruiting tool for prospective students and their families. During home football games this season, the Student Center was packed with fans and students from both teams lining up for the snack bar, playing in the arcade, playing DJ on the juke box, or battling it out on the ping pong tables.” ­ — Dr. Sean Jenkins

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signs and chairs on Etsy and movie posters on eBay. Asheville Pinball Museum helped them locate and install games for the arcade. Clark Communications, a local graphic and printing company, created and installed a wrap of Christ School’s Four Pillars on the elevator shaft leading to the second floor. Clark Communications also printed a large version of a Christ School crest found in the 1947 yearbook on the wall of the main great hall. A wooden “Christ School” sign made by two students in the Class of 1966 hangs above the pool sticks.

Dabney Johnson W’21, Christ School’s archivist, located other historical items to display and Lawson created plaques to identify each of them.

Senior Patterson Dew found an old Christ School sign in the woods that now hangs above the digital juke box. The existing pool tables were resurfaced, and new ping pong tables replaced the old, sagging

ones. Christ School’s maintenance crew, Brian Willems, Reed Fornoff, Jacob Knapp, and Matt Knighton '87, worked tirelessly to ensure the renovated space was fully operational in time for the beginning of school in August. The renovated Patrick Beaver Student Center welcomes all kinds of visitors to campus: prospective families marvel at the space; when St. Mary’s students stay over in the gym on dance weekends, they have a great space to relax; and during football and basketball games, visitors enjoy the snack bar and lounging space during half time. “It serves as an incredible recruiting tool for prospective students and their families,” said Dr. Jenkins. “During home football games this season, the Student Center was packed with fans and students from both teams lining up for the snack bar, playing in the arcade, playing DJ on the juke box, or battling it out on the ping pong tables.”

“We also wanted it to be welcoming for faculty families and kids to help build a sense of community,” said Lawson. “The magic of the renovated Patrick Beaver Student Center,” said Dr. Jenkins, “is that all Greenies, including our students, faculty, and staff and their children and even summer campers, will find joy in the space for years to come.” On weekends and afternoons, it is not unusual to see the ever-expanding next generation of Greenies enjoying the many amenities.

The new mailroom has been a life-saver for Cissy Elmer P’09 P’13, Purchasing and Bookstore Manager, who contends with the vast amount of mail and packages that have become the norm in our Amazon-ordering age. Previously, she and her assistant, Lauryn Wooding, lugged hundreds of packages over to the mailroom across campus under ’38 House. Now they place them in secure

lockers and an email alerts recipients to pick up their package with a unique code. It’s modern and safer and we have Cissy to thank for doing the legwork and researching it.

The epic poem Beowulf celebrates a 6th century mead hall, or gathering place, Heorot, that kept the community safe from the threat of the monster Grendel. It was a place of refuge, relaxation and safety, a place where villagers could socialize, celebrate, and break bread together. Every successful boarding school, and especially a boys’ school, must honor this age-old concept of creating a welcoming community space. The Patrick Beaver Student Center meets and exceeds that concept, minus the monster, of course! As Danny Elmer said, “The remodeled space is the perfect place for students to gather, play, socialize, and just be boys.” n

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new faculty

12 Thomas Benton

Benton

Cain

True happiness for Thomas Benton entails his head in the stars or his kayak floating down a whitewater river.

The Hendersonville, NC, native joined the Math Department this year. His biggest passions are paddling local waters and scientific pursuits in the areas of astronomy and astrophysics.

Mr. Benton received his undergraduate degree in Physics with a minor in Mathematics from UNC - Asheville. While there, he received NC Space Grant funding for research in radio astronomy and for his work at UNCA’s Lookout Observatory. Mr. Benton later earned his master’s in the Optical Sciences from the University of Arizona.

He has taught in North Carolina and Arizona, most recently as a Math instructor at his hometown’s Hendersonville High School.

Mr. Benton has been an avid kayaker for nearly 20 years. When he is not at work or out on the water, Mr. Benton partakes in woodworking,

model-making, writing, and watching science fiction programming. He is married and has a young son.

Eric Cain Being active in nature is cathartic for Eric Cain, who expects to be smiling just as widely as the groups he leads in the Outdoor Program.

Coaching complements his new roles as a History instructor and Houseparent in South Carolina House.

Mr. Cain is a self-described lifelong learner who has taught at high schools in Georgia and North Carolina. Additionally, he has worked with educational/enrichment programs for students, such as the NC Governor’s School, and helped lead the Cothran Center for Vocational Reflection at his college alma mater of Furman University.

When he lived in Atlanta, Mr. Cain served as a youth minister and pastoral resident in a local congregation.

in & around yard a Mr. Cain holds master’s degrees from Wake Forest University (Arts in Education) and Mercer University (Divinity). He completed his undergraduate studies at Furman in 2004, majoring in History and Political Science with a concentration in Latin American Studies.

His hobbies include hiking (and many other outdoor activities), poetry, cooking, and traveling.

Stacy Graziosi Attentively meeting the needs of her students is the primary motivation for Stacy Graziosi P’25, a longtime educator at boarding schools.

She is a new addition to the Learning Resources Department and lives in South Carolina House with her husband, Math instructor Joseph Graziosi P’25. Their son is Elijah ’25.

Mrs. Graziosi was most recently at West Nottingham Academy in Colora, MD, as Director of the Chesapeake Learning Center and Coordinator of STEM Peer Tutoring. Mrs. Graziosi is entering her 15th year of teaching, including Math, English as a Second Language (ESL), Literature and Composition, and Health.

Mrs. Graziosi has also previously been an Assistant Athletic Director, campus blooddrive coordinator, and a dorm parent. Prior to teaching, her experience was that of a health educator, administrator, program director and counselor providing education and support services to those in need.

Mrs. Graziosi earned her BA in Social Services from the New York’s State University and her

master’s in Health Care Administration from Boston’s Simmons College.

Joseph Graziosi Joseph Graziosi P’25 knows that Math can be infinitely frustrating to the average student.

He never wants to see a Christ School boy give into their struggles, which is why his method of expediting confidence has worked so often over the course of a three-decade career in boarding schools.

Mr. Graziosi and his wife, new Learning Resources instructor Stacy Graziosi P’25, live in South Carolina House.

His previous position was Director of STEM/ Math and Science Department Chair at West Nottingham Academy in Maryland. There, he taught Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus, Finite Mathematics, and Quantitative Reasoning with Statistics. Mr. Graziosi said his approach to teaching involves uplifting students as they progress to more advanced levels. His personal mantra comes from the ancient Roman poet Virgil: “They are able who think they are able.”

Outside the classroom, Mr. Graziosi is an assistant coach with Greenie athletic teams. He has been part of more than 400 wins and 19 conference championships the past 10 years in lacrosse, soccer, and wrestling.

He holds a BA in Communications from Mount Union College and a master’s in Teaching and Learning from New York’s Oneida University. Mr. Graziosi is also an ardent musician.

NEWS FROM AROUND CAMPUS

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S. Graziosi

J. Graziosi

Erasto Hatchett

Hatchett

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Hoffman

King

Point guards are the glue that holds any good basketball team together.

Associate Director of Admissions Erasto Hatchett has always led from the front and will strengthen the Admissions Department with his depth of educational knowledge and experience.

Mr. Hatchett grew up playing basketball in one of the hotbeds for the sport (Lexington, KY) and was a point guard at the college level for Johnson C. Smith University. He knew then how to motivate and make teammates better, lessons which he carried into roles in administration, admissions, teaching, coaching, and as a case manager at schools in Charlotte and Raleigh the past 22 years.

Mr. Hatchett was most recently Athletic Director, head basketball coach, and a physical education teacher at Charlotte’s Northside Christian Academy from 2016 to 2022, and prior to that was Assistant Director of Admissions at Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh from 2010 to 2016.

In addition to his role in Admissions, Mr. Hatchett is an assistant coach for Greenie basketball. He has been married for 21 years to his wife, Tiffany, and they have two daughters, Aaliyah and Madison. Mr. Hatchett’s hobbies include basketball, naturally, as well as pickleball, table tennis and barbering.

Katharine Hoffman Katharine Hoffman has been an honorary Greenie for as long as she can remember.

“It is because of Christ School that I grew up having the neatness of my bed-making skills tested with the bounce of a quarter,” said Mrs. Hoffman, a new addition to the English Department.

Her father, Edward “Bru” Izard ’69, was the fourth boy in his family to attend Christ School and passed on much of its values.

Katharine has been involved in education since 2011, most recently as an Environmental Educator and Administrator at the Green River Preserve in Cedar Mountain, NC, and a substitute/after-school teacher in Asheville.

She is expected to complete her master’s in English Literature from the Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English in 2026 and graduated from Sewanee: The University of the South in 2011 with a BA in Theatre Arts and English with a minor in Shakespeare.

Mrs. Hoffman is married to Richard, a fellow teacher. The couple enjoy hiking and getting outside.

Elyse King Boys involved with the track & field program were overjoyed to hear that assistant coach Elyse King is now a full-time member of the faculty.

Ms. King has developed a good rapport with Christ School’s athletes the past two years. She will continue to coach and provide support as part of the Learning Resources Department.

Ms. King graduated from Elon University in 2021 with a BA in Public Health and minor in Coaching. She qualified academically three straight years for the Colonial Athletic Association Commissioner’s List.

Ms. King attended high school in the Asheville area at TC Roberson.

Faculty Development

Each year, Christ School provides activities and programs designed to assist faculty members in developing skills related to their teaching positions. These include skills related to the roles of teacher, educator, & leaders within our community.

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Jameel with Rana Nasser, who teaches Arabic at Cumberland International Early College in Fayetteville.

Jameel Brenneman World Language Chair, Jameel Brenneman, copresented with Rana Nasser, who teaches Arabic at Cumberland International Early College in Fayetteville, NC, at the FLANC (Foreign Language Association of NC) Conference in Winston-Salem in October. They spoke about two of their experiences: 1) using the Flip App for students from other schools to send video messages to each other, and 2) going to the University of Utah last February for the High School Arabic Debate Championship. They talked about the benefits of these experiences, how they can be improved, and how other languages could replicate these types of activities.

Eric Cain at Cape Lookout National Seashore during the William Friday Teachers Retreat in Beaufort, NC.

Three of Jim Cassarino's former Green Mountain College students suprise him at a music festival in Philadelphia.

Eric Cain

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Eric Cain was selected to attend the 2023 William Friday Teachers Retreat Beaufort, NC, in June. It was an opportunity to learn from scholars and practitioners from across the state, as well as connect with a wonderful group of educators.

In July, Eric attended the AP Economics Conference (AP Summer Institute) at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis for a week of learning from and sharing with teachers from around the world. The conference covered topics, resources, and ideas for AP Macroeconomic and AP Microeconomic courses. Eric learned much from various guest speakers and economists from the Federal Reserve Bank.

This summer, Eric also started a program connected with Harvard’s Case Method Project and the Case Method Institute. After completing the training/professional development in September, he became a Case Method Institute for Education and Democracy Partner Teacher. Eric writes: “I’ve already started using cases in my Honors US History courses this year and I’ve enjoyed the discussion and learning with my students. I look forward to getting feedback and helping to use this case study approach to best support my current students and students in my courses in the years ahead.”

Jim Cassarino In his fifth year as music director, James Cassarino is well known beyond the Christ School community as the leading American authority on Welsh traditional music, its culture, and Welsh immigration to America.

For 20 years until 2019, he served Green Mountain College in Vermont as professor of music and chair of the Visual and Performing Arts Department. In addition to lecturing in musicology, he directed the college choir which toured Wales every four years. Under his direction, the choir had the distinction of being the only collegiate choir in the US that sang in the Welsh language. He also served the college as the director of the Welsh Heritage Program and Archives.

In 2011 Jim earned the Professor of Philosophy degree – the Welsh equivalent of an American university PhD – from the University of Wales. His dissertation focused on Welsh hymnody and its related music. Through his scholarship, his work has been

cited in journals, dissertations, and by the BBC. For several years he had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the finest all-male choirs in Wales. In addition to directing them, he helped arrange several to perform in the US. These experiences made him a qualified candidate to revive the all-male Christ School Choir in 2019.

With the support of Christ School, Jim often travels to conduct Welsh Gymanfa Ganu (singing festivals) held throughout the US. He is also a popular speaker on Welsh hymnody for the North American Hymn Society and the American Guild of Organists. Several years ago, the Welsh American Foundation awarded him to the Order of Ivorites. This award recognizes individuals whose activities bring honor to the Welsh tradition and heritage, especially activities exemplifying the motto of the first Ivorites: Friendship, Love, and Truth.

Steven Kramer Over the summer, Steven Kramer, attended the AATSP (American Association of Teachers of Spanish & Portuguese) Conference in Salamanca, Spain. Steven writes: “I gained some new perspectives on being a Spanish teacher in the classroom as well as experiencing and hearing about new developments in the field of language acquisition and teaching. For example, during a faculty meeting, I presented to the faculty about what I learned about AI and its effects on the classroom. I also travelled to see my old host family in Trujillo, which is the village where I honed my Spanish skills.”

Steven Kramer in Salamanca, Spain.

West Bank to Jordan, an interesting experience which underlined the complicated diplomatic relations between Israel and Jordan. In Jordan, the highlights were Petra and a 4x4 ride in Wadi Rum’s pink desert sands. My tour of Egypt began at the Pyramids in Giza followed by an extensive cruise along the Nile River to see the Temples of Karnak and Luxor, visit the Valley of the Kings to admire the Tempe of Queen Hatshepsut (a woman I have admired since I learned about her in Middle School), and see Philae.

One morning, we left the boat at 3:00 a.m. to drive four hours to Abu Simbel, where we marveled at a beautiful temple built during the reign of Ramses II. One evening, as the sun was setting on the Nile, I got to steer a felucca sailing boat. Back in Cairo, I visited the most emblematic places of the city, including the Alabaster Mosque, the Egyptian Museum, and The Museum of Civilization with the Royal Mummies exhibit.

The culmination of my trip was a private visit to the new Grand Egyptian Museum which will open in 2024.”

Ken Tyburski Olga Mahoney Olga Mahoney P’20 spent a month traveling to Israel, Palestine, Jordan and Egypt. She writes: “This adventure has been on my bucket list for years as I have taught the history of these ancient civilizations in my AP World History Course. The trip was also part of my plan to visit 60 countries by the time I turn 60. I’m just seven countries shy of that goal now. My summer excursion began with a moving visit in the Holy Land where I traversed between Israel and Palestine to see Biblical sites, reflect on my spirituality, and learn about the history and current situation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through dual narrative tours of Hebron and Jerusalem.

Next, I went over the Jordan River at the King Hussein Bridge Border Crossing from the

Ken has been a competitive professional disc golfer since 2014, with 76 professional tournament wins. He is currently a part of the Tour Team for Discraft, who has been his sponsor since 2017.

Ken was recently honored with a place on the nine-member disc golf team representing the United States at The World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF)*, 2023 Pan American Team Disc Golf Championship (PATDGC). The competition took place in November at Langley Pond Disc Golf Park in Warrenville, SC. He played in individual and doubles format match play competition against players from Canada, Colombia, Mexico, and Panama. *The WFDF is the international sports federation responsible for world governance of flying disc (frisbee) sports, including Ultimate, Beach Ultimate, Disc Golf, Freestyle, Guts, and Individual events.

Ken Tyburski on the disc golf course.

Olga Mahoney visits the pyramids in Giza.

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As Christ School approaches its

125th year, it is essential to honor the history of its founders.

Exploring the Archives to Shed Ligh t on Christ School’s Beg innings

THE WETM ORE

by Grey Eden s

’25

“It’s Bo Time!” Dr. Simrill, my English teacher, shouted as we sped away from the miserable Bojangles drive-through employee three minutes before the restaurant closed for the night. Five Greenies and two faculty were headed to UNCChapel Hill to visit the Thomas C. Wetmore papers at the famed Wilson Library. In 1900, Rev. Wetmore founded Christ School, and these letters, mainly letters to his wife Susan B. Allan, could provide new insights into his character and to the founding of our school.

After a delicious breakfast at the farmhouse of John and Joanne Preyer P’28 on a calm and overcast morning, we made the short drive to the grand Wilson Library, built in 1929 and featuring a neoclassical design. In a reading room on the fourth floor, there was a cart with six boxes with over 950 items. Considering that most Greenies have never learned to write cursive, reading these handwritten documents proved an immediate challenge. One thing, however, was obvious in the letters: the Wetmore letters were filled with romance and Christ School began as a love story.

On postcards, Wetmore created his own language, a cipher, to allow privacy since postcards were not transported in envelopes.

Four Greenie alumni met us for lunch at the popular Chapel Hill restaurant, Sutton’s, and then joined us back in the archives. The third box revealed a 1901 letter from Rev. Wetmore to “my dear Christ School boys” that he wrote while fundraising in the North. After being “encouraged” and “delighted” by Mrs. Wetmore’s

reports, Father Wetmore shared these words: “It is your school, and I want to see each of you take an interest in it. Just so long as you try to help yourselves, we are going to try our best to help you.”

As the first people to read these letters in many decades, we essentially opened a time capsule of Christ School’s beginning. This trip was an impactful and successful experience because, not only was a piece of early Christ school history uncovered, but we are also helping future Greenies better understand our origins.

When I returned to campus, I spent a few hours a day sorting through the letters that we photographed and uploaded them to Christ School’s digital history collection. With the supervision of our archivist, Dabney Johnson, who is a granddaughter of legendary headmaster Mr. Dave, I have spent almost every afternoon working in the Archive Room to digitize early Christ School history, a collection that features items from the early 18th century to today. My goal with this project is to shed new light on the series of events that shaped the inception of Christ School and to inspire others in the community to pay attention to and prioritize our history. For starters, I believe it’s time to move the Archive Room, located in a small, musty, old room under ’38 House, into a larger, climate-controlled space.

We know that this is just the beginning, and that there is much more that will continue to be learned; it’s time to bring our past into the present, so that we can preserve it for the future. n

Top, left: Grey Edens ’25 spends many afternoons continuing his research in Christ School's Archive Room. Bottom: CS Students outside the Wilson Library.

in & around yard a NEWS FROM AROUND CAMPUS

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The Christmas Truce of 1914 Posters line the walls of Pingree Theater, one for every play that Mary Dillon has directed since 2001. Her 40th show was a timely holiday gift to the Christ School community the weekend before Christmas Break.

The Christ School play, presented midDecember in Pingree, was a collection of songs of the period and spoken word taken verbatim from historical documents, letters, diaries, and journals of German and British soldiers who served in the trenches during WWI. To honor them, the names of the men who experienced this “truce” were spoken aloud throughout the performance.

Because of the play’s focus on historical text and songs from 1914, this play lends itself to be staged as a “radio play.” So, it was set in a radio station near Christ School, broadcasting on Christmas Eve, 1944. In 1940’s style costumes with period Christmas music playing through an on-stage vintage radio, the actors brought to life the story as a memorial of the events of 1914.

Rehearsed outside of sports and classes, everyone – students and faculty – gave up their free time to make this show a beautiful tribute to one of the great lessons of history: that individuals can make a difference in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

The cast and crew of this poignant show moved audiences with their beautiful performances. Adding authenticity were the talents of the German ASSIST (American Secondary Schools for International Students and Teachers) students, Heinrich von Wasielewski ’25 and Jakob Jourdan ’26, to the cast playing German soldiers. One of the emotional highlights of show was Heinrich’s trumpet solo of “The Last Post.” A grandfather in the audience remarked after the show “it was the best rendition of the song I’ve ever heard.”

The marvelous ensemble cast also included Carter Compton ’24, Gavin Denton ’26, Eyob Gill ’24, Noah Hunt ’24, Rory Jennings ’28, Lansing Lewis ’25, and Brendan Regan ’24, with James Mennell ’24 as the “Voice of CSBN,” Noah Henthorn ’24 as the featured vocalist, and faculty cast members Peter Hartwig and Wesley Shelmire. Lighting design was by Michael Pollick ’26 with assistance from Stage Manager Thomas Cook ’26. Dr. James Cassarino was the Music Director and Mrs. Mary Dillon was the Production Director. n

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in & around yard a NEWS FROM AROUND CAMPUS

Above: The cast gathers around the piano to sing songs from the early 1900's. Below, left: The play befitted from the skilled leadership of Production Director Mary Dillon and Music Director Jim Cassarino. Right: Heinrick von Wasielewski ’25 plays a moving rendition of "The Last Post."

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

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Matt Cole (Science) and Ken Tyburski (Mathematics) led nine Greenies (Mason Atwater ’24, Carter Compton ’24, Truett Compton ’25, Mason Heth ’24, Serg Kitt ’25, Zachary Risinger ’25, Ethan Rose ’24, Luka Rose ’25, and Jack West ’25) to the Dominican Republic in May. While there, they served the batey community in La Romana.

A batey is a shanty-town where sugar cane cutters, called braceros, who are mostly Haitian immigrants, live and raise their families. The boys, with the adults, batey residents, and even some motivated young kids, moved a huge pile of gravel and rocks to work on leveling and filling a yard which will eventually serve the batey community. They also did some painting. One memorable afternoon, they had the opportunity to

play soccer against a local team; the Greenies were victorious, 4-3. Mr. Tyburski writes, “Our students were awesome with the kids from the batey, enjoying wheelbarrow and piggyback rides, laughter, and conversation.”

When they weren’t working, they spent time on the beach for sun, surf, and lots of Spikeball. Before they departed for home, the batey honored our group with the installation of a beautiful plaque commemorating their work. Christ School, in turn, gave the children soccer balls and Christ School shirts. “I hope future CS groups will continue the legacy of what we started,” says Mr. Tyburski.” He adds, “leaving the Dominican Republic was hard; we formed many bonds over our one short week, but that week opened doors, and not just for business, but friendship as well. I am hopeful they will remain open.” n

Left: Greenies move a pile of gravel to help the batey community. Above: Down time included Spikeball on the beach.

JORDAN

Jameel Brenneman (World Languages) and William Ballenger (History) along with nine Greenies (John Barton ’25, Thomas Bell ’24, Tyler Brouse ’25, Aidan Darr ’25, John Jaber ’25, Cole Lewis ’25, Evan Reich ’26, and Henry Stuart ’24) departed the day after graduation last May for Jordan. They began their trip floating in the Dead Sea, where they had dinner with alumnus Ron Brumley ’72, and then rode Jeeps and camels at Wadi Rum. Other adventures included boat rides, snorkeling in the Red Sea, hiking the ancient cities of Petra and Jerash, and getting some amazing food in Madaba (which also had ancient churches and mosaics) and the capital, Amman. The trip happened to coincide with the marriage of the son of King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein. Mr. Ballenger taught at King’s Academy in Jordan for five years before joining our faculty and was hired by the king himself.

“The boys were blown away by several of the places we visited,” said Mr. Brenneman. “Some talked about how the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth surrounded by mountains, seemed like being on another planet. Some marveled at the expanse of desert and rocks in Wadi Rum. And others enjoyed exploring and hiking among the old civilizations at Petra. For many, this was their first trip out of the country, and you could see their minds taking in the many ways cultures can be different than their own.” n

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in & around yard a NEWS FROM AROUND CAMPUS

Left: Students stand in front of the world-famous Treasury in Petra, capital city of the Nabatean civilization and one of the seven Modern Wonders of the World. Right: It's mud time at the leisurely Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth. Above: No trip to Jordan is complete without a camel ride in the vast desert landscape of Wadi Rum, one of Jordan's five UNESCO World Heritage sites.

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GREENIES

DAY OF

SERVICE [2023]

20

LOCATIONS

1

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DAY

Christ School’s Day of Service encourages students to participate in Service Learning all year long.

by Olga P. Mahoney P’20

Each fall our students and faculty dedicate one entire day to volunteering in our community. We gather in St. Joseph’s Chapel to begin our Day of Service in prayer.

We then load up buses that transport 350 Greenies to over 20 different locations with community partners around the Asheville area. While the logistics are challenging, it’s my favorite day of the year, because we get to see our students at their best – working together, engaged in the dignity of manual labor and in service to others.

The Service Learning program at Christ School tries to instill a habit of service beyond the 15 hours that are required of every student. The program intentionally plans high-quality opportunities to address the most pressing issues: food and housing insecurity, veterans’ issues, animal welfare, climate and environmental problems, and natural disaster relief. Students learn to serve through four strategies – awareness, service, advocacy, and philanthropy.

We are fortunate to be in the midst of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Asheville, and over the years we have built special partnerships with a variety of organizations in the area. Some of the projects on the Day of Service included: working at Pisgah Campground with Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway; serving a meal to veterans at the Veterans Restoration Quarters; removing invasive plant species with our partners at Asheville GreenWorks; farming with Root Cause Farm; organizing food pantries with MANNA FoodBank and Calvary; building with Habitat for Humanity; serving meals to the unhoused guests at Haywood Street Congregation; organizing space for coat and donation drives with Eblen Charities and Homeward Bound; cleaning, painting, sorting at various ABCCM Ministries; cleaning trails with Carolina Climber’s Coalition; setting up the corn maze for Eliada’s biggest fundraiser; helping our friends at Blue Ridge Humane and Asheville Humane Societies where they needed us and a new partnership with Deerfield Retirement community helping residents become more proficient with their phones.

The students gain a greater appreciation for the community around them while building empathy and making a difference. The day ends with a service at the Outdoor Chapel and students then spend time reflecting on their experience. Following are a few of their responses. n

What did you learn today?

Why is community service important?

“Little things matter a lot and you don’t need to spend a lot of money or time to make a difference.”

– Jack Dawson ’26

“To feel connected in a community, you must give as much as you receive.” – Ben Fedder ’24

“We need more people to put others above themselves and help out.” – Jack Greganti ’27 “Lots of people go to the clinic because they can't afford their health insurance or medications.”

– Henry Stuart ’24 “There are more women and children homeless than I realized.” – Jake Gravely ’24 “The people who work in these community organizations are great people who dedicate their time to helping others.” – Madden Collins ’25

“Because we should help out our brothers and sisters in Christ.” – Cam Walker ’27 “Because everywhere that we went today they said they can’t do it without volunteers.”

– Bradley Campbell ’24 “It’s a key component of the Christian faith and brightens the community up.”

– Easton Hoffert ’26 “It shows that we care and helps us live into our faith.” – Hardy Johnson ’24

the fourth pillar THE DIGNITY OF MANUAL LABOR

Greenies volunteered in 20 different locations with community partners around the Asheville area.

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the

good life!

At the center of our campus sits a house of worship, made of stone: St. Joseph’s Chapel. There we endeavor to offer Greenies a

spiritual richness that feels hard to come by these days. This year, as a way of presenting a vision of genuine spiritual vitality to a body of boys who come from all and no faiths, we have focused our attention on one broad theme: The Good Life.

by Peter Hartwig Director of Spiritual Life

Everything we did this fall goes back to that.

Every reflection, every performance, every action, no matter how rote, directs us back to the question: what does it mean to live a Good Life?

The weight of that question is something our boys realize more consciously as they mature.

They can sense the deepening deck of decisions they have to make and their often-indelible consequences. We intend Chapel to a be place where the Greenies can learn what it will take to look at themselves in the mirror after a lifetime of such decisions and say with utter conviction, “It was a good life.”

One thing it takes to have a Good Life, simply put, is good relationships. Famously, Harvard’s Study of Adult Development has confirmed this. Begun in 1938, the project has followed the lives of 724 men for almost eight decades. The study has taught us a great deal, but the main takeaway seems to be this: our relationships really, really matter. Rates of income, reported levels of satisfaction, longevity – the health and strength of our relationships seem to have nearly predictive impacts on all these disparate areas of life.

In other words, the Good Life is a life of genuine relationships.

This likely does not come as news. Alumni, you were formed by a place that for nearly a century and a quarter has built such vital relationships. Parents, you have likely trusted us with your boys not least because you recognized the unique closeness and warmth of the community here on campus. Greenies, you live this every day.

And anyway, anyone who has listened to the two-thousand-year-long tradition from which our school takes its spiritual bearings knows this. On the last night he spent alive, Jesus of Nazareth said this to his closest students: “I’m giving you a new commandment: love one another. Just like I’ve loved you, you have to love each other.”

(John 13:34) He knew that a Good Life was a life spent in love like His. Love, service, gratitude – these among others are the markers of the Good Life that our boys, we hope, see in Chapel every week. St. Joseph’s Chapel will continue to be a place where the Greenies are called to stand taller, look further, and serve lower. If you’d like to answer that call too, please, darken our door. n

beneath the angelus bell NEWS FROM ST. JOSEPH’S CHAPEL

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JOSHUA HARRISON ’24 YEAR: Senior HOMETOWN: Greenville, SC

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'24

YOUNG MEN OF DISTINCTION

“That guy is going to be President of the United States one day.” Those words were uttered quietly by an audience member leaving Pingree Auditorium in late September after hearing Joshua Harrison ’24 present to alumni, parents, and board members about his experience at Christ School. Safe to say, he makes an impression.

Joshua arrived at Christ School his sophomore year. “I was super nervous to move away from all my friends and the coaches I’d known in Greenville (SC),” says Joshua. "Coming to Christ School, starting to play a whole new sport, living in dorms... it was crazy to even think about doing those things at 16 years old, but it ended up being a great decision.”

Prior to arriving at Christ School, Joshua had played basketball exclusively; that all changed sophomore year. "I switched to football just to kind of give something else a try. I didn't want to graduate from high school and say I never tried it, and it ended up being awesome,” says Joshua.

“Now football is everything I do; I eat, sleep, and breathe football. I'll be playing football at Wake Forest, so it'll be kind of my job going forward.”

As one of four captains on the varsity football team this year, Joshua emerged as a leader. According to Head Coach, Chad Walker, “Joshua brought unfathomable enthusiasm and passion to his teammates and the culture of our program. His leadership qualities and ability to compete at a high level helped bring along several of his teammates on a daily basis and paved the way for more players to transition from basketball to football."

Joshua knows that the boys look up to him on and off the field and he recognizes and embraces the responsibility that places on him. “Being able to lead other people, make the right decisions, and have people follow my direction is my number one ability and something I am blessed with.” He also leads by example in the classroom, where his study habits and 4.5 GPA his junior year set a high bar for his fellow Greenies. Even during senior year, when complacency lurks around every corner, he has maintained straight As. In terms of the future, Joshua says " I always want to learn new things and become as wellrounded as possible. I want to learn how to invest and maybe even fly a plane one day,” says Joshua. He plans to study business or politics at Wake Forest.

Joshua lives into his favorite Bible verse, Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” “I always have that in the back of my mind,” says Joshua, “that God is with you through anything you do.”

That faith and his determination to “stay levelheaded – never get too high or too low in any situation” will serve him well as he continues the overwhelmingly positive trajectory of his life, whether he’s on the field, in the boardroom, or, as that alumnus whispered, in the Oval Office. n

The Murphy family moved to Asheville, NC, from Atlanta, GA, when Tony ’24 was entering the fourth grade. When it came time to find a high school, it was Tony who showed interest in Christ School. After some research, he asked his parents to attend the “Christmas in the Greenie Dome” basketball game. The slam dunks of the players and ensuing roars of the Greenie student section enthralled Tony, and the rest was history.

Underclassmen know Tony as an eloquent leader who often makes announcements in Assembly as the president of the Black Student Union, a Day Student Proctor, an Advancement Office Liaison, an Admission Office Liaison, or a College Guidance Liaison. This multi-faceted Greenie is seemingly involved in everything at Christ School and carries himself with a confidence and poise.

Surprisingly, this self-assured confidence wasn’t something he arrived with. “I think the biggest thing that people don't know about me is that it took a lot of time to grow into this role,” he says. "When I first got here, I was an introverted person. I wasn't great at talking to people, but now people know me as the guy who does all the tours and is comfortable talking to alumni.”

Tony attributes much of his confidence to the tone and atmosphere of Christ School. “Being in a place where everybody is secure in themselves,” says Tony, “I realized that this is somewhere that I can really be myself.” Tony also gained confidence by challenging himself, achieving goals, and then setting his sights on a new task. As his Greenie career draws to a close, Tony has his eyes set forward. “I have a high goal of going to Georgia Tech. I went on a visit there and it changed my whole thought process, but I’m also applying to Clemson, North Carolina State, and North Carolina A&T. Wherever I go, I want to major in computer science.” It was also just announced that Tony is a semi-finalist for the Morehead-Cain Scholarship at UNC-Chapel Hill.

Tony isn’t the only one in his family who bleeds green; his little brother, Myles, is in the Class of 2027, and his mother, Kim, as the Front Office Manager, is known for her cheerful voice that greets callers and her big smile and festive

outfits that brighten everyone’s days. Tony attributes his work ethic in part to a philosophy that his mom instilled within him. “When I was younger, my mom used to tell me that ‘closed mouths don't get fed.’ If you want something, you can't be afraid to go out and go get it.”

It is safe to say that Tony has “gotten it” here at Christ School. He has taken 11 AP classes, won numerous awards, captained the track team, participated in the Big Brother program, volunteered as a Peer Tutor, hosted a podcast, and volunteered dozens of hours in local community service.

Tony’s commitment to growth and taking advantage of every opportunity sets an example for every Greenie on Christ School’s campus to follow; he is truly an archetypal “Young Man of Distinction.” n

TONY MURPHY ’24 YEAR: Senior HOMETOWN: FLETCHER, NC

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On the coldest mornings, wettest afternoons, and darkest evenings, you will see a pack of dedicated Christ School runners traversing the campus. Setting the pace and leading the way is almost always Dawson Reeves ’24.

“Running is a mental game," says Dawson.

“It teaches you a lot about life and how to push yourself. In many ways, life is also about endurance. Like when you're having to do schoolwork that you just don't feel like doing.

Running gives you the power to push through things that either hurt or you don't feel like doing.”

Hailing from Canton, NC, Dawson prides himself on his gritty small-town mentality, something that he shared with a friend and legendary running partner, Rocky Hansen ’23.

“Rocky coined a phrase ‘country strength’ to describe us. We both come from small towns and

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running has taken us places that we never could have imagined going,” he says. Using that “country strength” to push through pain and challenge has opened countless doors for Dawson.

Next year, when Dawson attends Duke University on a running scholarship, he hopes to find a balance between academics and athletics. “They had everything I was looking for,” says Dawson. “I didn't want to just go to a college for running, for academics, or for any one aspect. I wanted pretty much everything I could get in a college and I want to do pretty much everything.”

Although cross country is primarily an individual sport, Dawson believes the team is what has pushed him to run his best. “You use the team’s goal to push yourself. You don’t think about your own time or finishing place; the team is the reason you’re there and it gives you a reason to fight."

Dawson demonstrates selflessness, both in crediting others – like his coach Randy Ashley – but also in his desire to see others succeed.

Concerning his brother and cross-country teammate, Dallas ’27, Dawson says, “I want him to beat my records; I want him to beat Rocky's records. Coach Ashley says records are meant to be broken and we want to keep that tradition of always getting faster in the program.”

Dawson embodies the concept of leading by example. Whether it’s his cross-country teammates or the boys who see his headlamp bobbing up and down during nighttime runs, those who watch Dawson Reeves know who to follow. n

DAWSON REEVES ’24 YEAR: Senior HOMETOWN: Canton, NC

A surefire way to put a smile on anyone’s face at Christ School is to mention George Robbins’ ’24 name. The senior from Brevard, NC, forges relationships with nearly everyone that he meets, and in turn, everyone seems to love George.

It’s no wonder he has this effect on others considering his personal philosophy: “Saint Thomas Aquinas said a variation of, ‘Every day I wake up and I spread my faith and the love that I have,’” says George. He engages in conversations that matter and absorbs wisdom from everyone around him. For instance, from a recent conversation with Erasto Hatchet, Associate Director of Admissions, Georges says, “I was speaking with Mr. Hatchet and the idea of connections and networking was brought up. He made this cool distinction that the connections you have should be based out of relationship and not transaction.”

George exemplifies his core tenants – relationships, gratitude, and faith – in every aspect of his life. As Prefect of Cuningham House, home to the youngest students at the school, George says, “It's such a blessing for me to be in there. I have this rare and awesome chance to help form the boys as they transition to the older dorms.”

Even outside of the classroom and dorm, relationships are central for George. “My main passion is soccer, but the primary reason that I enjoy it so much is the interaction that I have with everyone on the field and how I can just genuinely share love through the ball,” says George. “I want to play at the highest level I can, and the next step is college soccer, so I’m trying to get a roster spot everywhere that I'm applying. The dream scenario is to play four years domestically and then go to graduate school abroad in England or Scotland.”

George exudes a sense of gratitude when you speak with him. “I am so thankful for my mom and all that she sacrificed and all the support that she showed me,” says George. He explains that he is 50% Greek and that one of his most formative relationships is also the source of his gratitude. “I live with my grandmother, and in World War II, when she was four years old, she was living on the island of Crete. She and her family had to go to the

GEORGE ROBBINS ’24 YEAR: Senior HOMETOWN: Brevard, NC

mainland, to Athens, to try and reunite with her father, who was taken as a prisoner of war. For 17 days, they were on this small little fishing wooden kayak in the middle of the Aegean Sea when Nazis were bombing the area,” says George. “Living with her at my house and comparing her experiences to the simple struggles that I face today is humbling.

Her unyielding positivity makes me feel naive at times. If she can go through all of that and be here smiling, then I can recognize real struggles.”

George’s positivity can be seen in his ready smile and the way he is often seen dancing with his younger charges when the Christ School band plays in assembly. He attributes some of this sunny optimism to a theme he heard in a senior speech when he was an underclassman. “The speech was Grant Alderman’s, and his main message was, ‘Don't do it to prove your haters wrong. Do it to prove your supporters right,’” says George.

When you’re next on campus, listen for laughter and look out for smiling faces, at the center you will most likely find George Robbins and the joy he leaves in his wake. n

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MEN '24 D STINCTION YOUNG I

OF

— CROSS COUNTRY —

under the lights

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Coaches: Randy Ashley Carolyn Lowe-Thompson P’24, P’26 Mark Thompson P’24, P’26 Captains: Eyob Gill ’24 Luke Parrish ’24 Dawson Reeves ’24 Patrick Wang ’24 All-Conference: Eyob Gill ’24 Luke Parrish ’24 Dawson Reeves ’24 Dallas Reeves ’27 All-State: Eyob Gill ’24 Dawson Reeves ’24 Conference Runner of the Year: Dawson Reeves ’24

TALENTED, SEASONED RUNNERS With four of the top five being seniors, the 2023 Christ School cross country team was led by talented, seasoned runners with strong character.

Dawson Reeves ’24, Eyob Gill ’24, Luke Parrish ’24, and Patrick Wang ’24 pulled the team to strong finishes in the fall. The Greenies started the season finishing third at the Eye-Opener Invitational in Spartanburg, SC, then went on to win the Carolinas Athletic Association championship for the third year in a row.

Dawson, who has signed with Duke University,

was the CAA Runner of the Year and named the Western North Carolina Runner of the Year by the Asheville Citizen-Times. Eyob has signed with Howard University.

To cap off the season, the team finished third at the NCISAA 4-A state meet in Cary, just four points out of first place. Dawson (second place) and Eyob (third) placed in the top three individually. The underclassmen were led by Dallas Reeves ’27, Nate Wilberding ’25, and William Hughes ’25. n

Dawson Reeves ’24 and Eyob Gill ’24 lead the pack at the Carolinas Athletic Association Meet.

— FOOTBALL —

Coaches: Chad Walker Antonio Britto Dave Brunner Pat Dansdill Mike Freeman P’27 Alex Gray George Johnson Brad Lidberg Randy Lytle Captains: Kaden Brown ’24 Khalil Conley ’24 Joshua Harrison ’24 Cayden Jones ’24

GAINING MOMENTUM Battling back from early-season losses, the 2023 Christ School football team rallied to win four of its last five regular-season games and make the NCISAA Division I state semifinals, before losing to Rabun Gap (GA).

However, it was the 97th playing of “The Game” that sparked the Greenies. They came back from seven points down early on to beat rival Asheville School for a record-setting 12th time in a row, 20-7. They took that momentum into Western Football Conference play where they were 2-1 and sent the 17 seniors out on a high note by beating Cannon School, 34-21, on Senior Night. The final game of the 2023 season played at Fayssoux Field was

a NCISAA Division I quarterfinal matchup against longtime rival Charlotte Country Day. The Greenies jumped out to an early lead and dominated from start to finish, securing a trip to the state semifinals with a 46-0 shutout.

Award season showed the respect that the Greenies’ opponents had for them, when 12 players were selected to the all-conference team and three Greenies were selected for all-state.

Alabama recruit Cayden Jones ’24 racked up the honors in an unprecedented season being named to the Under Armor Next All-American Game as well as a finalist for the Dick Butkus Award (given to the top linebacker in the country). n

Mason Holtzclaw ’27 passed for more than 1,500 yards in his first season at quarterback for Christ School.

All-Conference: Sam Browder ’25 Kaden Brown ’24 Khalil Conley ’24 T.J. Hamilton ’24 Calvin Williams ’24 Jordan Edgecomb ’25 Cooper Perone ’25 Finley Sullivan ’25 Dawson Thompson ’25 Spencer Thompson ’26 Cash Freeman ’27 All-State: Khalil Conley ’24 Cayden Jones ’24 Under Armour Next All-American: Cayden Jones ’24 Conference Athlete of the Year: Cayden Jones ’24

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— SOCCER —

34

under the lights

EFFORT AND RESILIENCE Christ School soccer’s 2023 season ended in the quarterfinals of the NCISAA 4-A state playoffs, the team’s first trip back to that stage since 2017.

The Greenies (10-11-1) lost the game to No. 2 seed Durham Academy in penalty kicks after 110 minutes of regulation and overtime. The boys put themselves in the quarterfinals by beating Metrolina Christian, 3-0, in the first round of the playoffs and then going on the road to defeat Providence Day School in Charlotte, 3-2, in overtime.

Coach Guy Campbell ’00, P’24, P’26, P’28 feels that the players’ execution and effort in the playoffs gave them a chance to make program

history, but they came up just short of that.

Christ School has not advanced farther than the quarterfinal round since the 1980s.

“We can talk about the regular season and our record of 10-11-1 being disappointing. We won't shy away from it; instead, we’ll lean into it,” Coach Campbell said.

“The important thing for this group of players to remember is we used our regular season to prepare for the playoffs. We went into this season wanting to make program history and move into that elusive Final Four spot in the playoffs. We almost accomplished it.... we were very close. I will never forget the resilience this

Brendan Regan ’24 battles to win the ball back in key CAA conference game.

group of players showed that night (Providence Day School in Charlotte). We found ourselves down 0-2 with 30 minutes left in our season.

The rest is history. I am so proud of this group of players.”

The Greenies were led by 12 seniors: Bradley Campbell ’24, Brendan Regan ’24, Carter Compton ’24, Ethan Rose ‘24, George Robbins ’24, Jake Jarrett ’24, James Mennell ’24, Luke Garner ’24, Mason Atwater ’24, Patterson Dew ’24, Reeves Cates ’24, and Tyler Thompson ’24.

Newcomer Declan Szostczuk ’26 led the team

in goals (five) and eighth grader Dominic Rose ’28 led in assists (five).

Three different players were goalkeeper at some point – Collier Lilly ’25 and Heinrich von Wasielewski ’25 played the majority of the season in goal until Felix Huebner ’26 came back from injury.

“I can't say enough about Collier Lilly volunteering to jump in goal from Day 1 when Felix went down with a knee injury,” Coach Campbell said. “Collier did an amazing job for us and he deserves so much praise.” n Coaches: Guy Campbell ’00 Jeremy Jordan P’25 Matt Mennell P’24 Captains: Reeves Cates ’24 Brendan Regan ’24 George Robbins ’24 Ethan Rose ’24 All-Conference: Carter Compton ’24 Brendan Regan ’24 Truett Compton ’25 All-State: Truett Compton ’25 NC All-Region: Carter Compton ’24 James Mennell ’24 Brendan Regan ’24 Truett Compton ’25 Felix Huebner ’26

George Robbins ’24 dribbles with his head up, looking to spring our attack after gaining possession.

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The eagerly anticipated week began with Monday’s Senior Assembly in which the seniors did their best impressions of the faculty. On Tuesday, students woke up to a full-blown beach

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party on Yard A. Seniors, donning Hawaiian shirts and swimsuits, grilled burgers and “swam” in a hot tub in the back of a pickup truck. Each day of the week offered a new opportunity for students to demonstrate their Greenie spirit: Green Day, Jersey Day, Twin Day, and Anything but a Backpack Day. The energy was off the charts for the annual Senior-Faculty Basketball Game. Bragging rights for this year went to the Class of 2024 which rallied late to force overtime and then win, 69-63. Saturday’s win by Greenie football at Asheville School set the mood perfectly for visiting alumni who came to Asheville for Alumni Weekend and gathered with fellow classmates at various local watering holes after our victory.

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ASHEVILLE WEEK SCHOOL Sept. 25-30, 2023

MORE

TREASURED

MEMORIES were made at the Bonfire and a Friday Assembly Pep Rally.

WEEK

WHAT A IT WAS!

by Andrew Pearson

FOR A DOZEN REASONS, IT WAS

A SEPTEMBER TO REMEMBER

Based off this year’s give-and-take, changing the date of “The Game” does not appear to have softened the intensity of the Carolinas’ oldest high school football rivalry. Nor has itbyaffected the current balance of power which remains steadfastly green.

Andrew Pearson

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This fall was the first time in modern history that Christ School and Asheville School have played football in September. On the road, the previously winless Greenies scored 20 unanswered points, including 13 in the second half, to defeat the Blues for the 12th consecutive year, 20-7.

“I feel like this was our catapult moment for the rest of the season. We really needed to break out of our shells,” said Kaden Brown ’24, who did much of the rushing for Christ School (1-5) and was the first player to touch the Fayssoux-Arbogast Trophy afterwards.

“I didn’t get to play in this game last year (due to injury), so there was a lot of heart put into this one. A lot of heart went into this entire week.”

This year’s match was the 97th all-time meeting between Christ School and Asheville School, which were both founded in 1900. The Blues lead the series, 50-43-4, but the Greenies have won 20 of the 24 games in the 2000s. The Greenies’ current winning streak is a record for both sides of a rivalry that began in 1911. “The Game” has typically been played on the final Saturday of October.

There was a lot of pregame speculation and predictions, some of it in local media, that this was Asheville School’s year. The Blues were the defending NCISAA Division II state champions and seized a 7-0 lead at the 7:28 mark of the

second quarter. But then freshman quarterback Mason Holtzclaw ’27 and the Greenie offense got to work.

Facing fourth down from the Asheville School 23-yard line, Mason lofted a ball into the hands of T.J. Hamilton ’24 for a touchdown with 23.9 seconds to go until halftime. Spencer Thompson ’26 added the extra point and would go onto make field goals from 21 and 22 yards in the second half.

Alabama commit Cayden Jones ’24 bulled his way into the end zone for Christ School’s second touchdown on a 1-yard carry with 7:50 left in the game. Fellow senior Vincent Lytle ’24 made an interception early in the third quarter, the game's only turnover, to sway the momentum. Overall, Christ School's defense held Asheville School to single digits for the second year in a row.

Coach Chad Walker was proud of his team not only for that Saturday, but how resolute the players have been through a difficult earlyseason schedule. “I’m just really proud of them,” Coach Walker said with a pause to gather himself emotionally.

“They never stop fighting. They believe in each other. After the first five weeks, it’s great to get a win. Today we saw guys holding each other accountable in a positive way. There was no finger-pointing. We’re getting closer as a team

and we see that every day, but for these guys to continue to battle and fight, I’m just so proud of them. They don’t take a day off. They work hard every day and do what we ask them to do. They’ve never given up and now we’re trending in the right direction.”

Mason had another 100-yard game and was also proud to see how the team responded in his first Asheville School game.

“It’s a great feeling. Our guys on the line really fired off the ball and we were able to fix a lot of mistakes we made in the first half,” he said.

“We talked all week about the tradition and importance of this game. We’ve had that rough part of our season. We knew that to keep playing better, we just have to keep fighting harder no matter what.” n

THE 97TH MEETING OF

“ THE GAME ” 43

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GROWTH

by Wesley Shelmire

The Christ School Outdoor Program has grown by leaps and bounds since its conception in the 1980s. Legendary Christ School teacher Leigh Harris founded the program to introduce students to the wonders of nature in Western North Carolina. Initially, the program consisted of a couple of staff members and a rag-tag group of boys who took hiking and camping trips in nearby Pisgah National Forest. Later, with more instructors, climbing, mountain biking, fly fishing, whitewater kayaking, disc golf, and aviation were added to the disciplines available to students.

For many years, the Outdoor Program was interdisciplinary. Students dabbled in three or more disciplines per season. Since then, the program has evolved into a single-discipline approach where the boys choose a single discipline per season and focus on increasing skills development. This shift in approach means that students improve quickly and often gain attention from the community. In turn, even more students become excited to try new and exciting mountain sports and the cycle continues.

The program has grown significantly in recent years to include an average of 45 students per season with JV and Varsity teams in climbing, kayaking, and mountain biking. Most disciplines have also incorporated some form of competition to challenge the students and provide even more team camaraderie. Since switching to a single-discipline approach, the Outdoor Program athletes, and program itself, have seen incredible growth.

The future of the Outdoor Program is bright.

But ultimately, the program’s future is only as strong as its people and principles. At its core, the program sits on a foundation of safety; it aims to push athletes to their limits while keeping them within an acceptable range of risk. The boys learn to assess risk within group settings and, independently, make calculated decisions while testing their abilities. The success of the program is also due in large part to continued leadership from experienced and credentialed coaches like Les Thornbury, Jeff Joyce, Jack Lynch, Jimmy Ballantyne, and Ken Tyburski. With their help, and the support of the larger Christ School community, the Outdoor Program will continue to turn heads and carry out its mission “to produce outdoorsmen of good character, skilled in their craft, prepared for both achievement in sport and a lifetime of joyful recreation.” n

Left: Kayaker Landon Shulz ’26 takes a boof stroke on Section 9 of the French Broad River. Above, left: Climber Bowen Scheurer ’26 holds on tight as he ascends Rumbling Bald. Above, right: Mountain Biker Elliot Stay ’27 rides through a flowy section of trail at Dupont State Forest.

Outdoor Program Director and avid kayaker, Wesley Shelmire.

the great outdoors THE OUTDOOR PROGRAM

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Dear Greenies,

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beyond the gate house FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

The arrival of winter can be a challenging time at boarding school. Getting out of bed for breakfast and early classes is harder when the thermometer dips below freezing. While the boys (and faculty) lament the waning hours of daylight and chilly temperatures, winter offers a fresh start with a new semester and the hope of snowy adventures.

At Christ School, we also look forward to this season and new year as a chance to reflect on the past and set intentions and goals for the longer days that lay ahead.

The new year is a chance for many of us to consider improvements in our approach to health, relationships, spirituality, and how we care for what we hold dear. This year, as you sit down with your family and loved ones, we encourage to consider how you might help care for Christ School in 2024 and beyond. You can make a transformational impact on the school, the boys, and the future of the school.

An estate gift provides the opportunity to make a meaningful difference that ensures your generosity to Christ School endures, leaving a legacy that will serve future generations of young men. There are various ways to make a planned gift, including a bequest, charitable remainder trust, and/or an IRA beneficiary designation. We understand that everyone’s financial situation is unique, and we would be delighted to work with you and your financial advisor to explore the options that best align with your goals and values.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss an estate gift to Christ School, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at (828) 684-6232 ext. 115 or bellis@christschool.org. You can also reach out to Dan Stevenson, our Senior Planned Giving Director at (828) 684-6232 ext. 184 or dstevenson@christschool.org. Alternatively, you can visit christschool.giftlegacy.com for additional resources.

Thank you for your continued dedication to Christ School. Your past, present, and future support is instrumental in our success, and we are deeply grateful for your investment in this very special place.

Happy New Year and Go Green!

Betsy Ellis P’24 Assistant Head of School for External Affairs

The tradition of Give Now Go Green, Christ School’s Giving Day continues April 17. Join Greenies everywhere in supporting the boys and school, that means so much to us all. Stay tuned for ways you can make a difference.

DAY OF GIVING | APRIL 17, 2024 http://christschool.org/givenowgogreen

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ALUMNI WEEKEND

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to celebrate Christ School and

returned to campus for Alumni

our Long Green Line. Next year's

Weekend. For the first time ever, 2023 Alumni Weekend moved to the autumn to coincide with The

Alumni Weekend will take place September 27-29, 2024, and will again coincide with the Asheville School

Game vs. Asheville School. The move was a great success, as

Game. Mark your calendars and make sure to come back to

alumni, current students, and their families all joined together

celebrate Christ School’s 125th anniversary.

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Clockwise from Top Left: Alumni and friends gathered at Village Pub in Biltmore Village for a post-game gathering: Ed Robers ’61 and his wife, Pat; Andrew King ’19, Amy King P’19, and Andrew King ’82, P’19; John Beard ’84, P’18 and Sean Jenkins at the Patrick Beaver ’98 Student Center Dedication; Mat Taylor ’98 and Clefton Davidson ’98 reconnect at Beast and Barrels; Board members Blake Graeber P’16 and Mike Grace P’15; Jake Froelich ’13 and Denis de St. Aubin ’13; Board member Mark Whitney ’80, P’06, P’09 and Eric Thorp ’01.

Angelus Society Celebration JOIN FELLOW CHRIST SCHOOL ALUMNI AND PARENTS FOR THE ANNUAL

Saturday, April 20, 2024 | Biltmore Forest Country Club

Greenie spirits will be high, as we celebrate with cocktails, dining, and dancing the night away to this year’s fabulous band, Mo Money!

This is an invitation only event. To learn more about becoming a member of the Angelus Society, visit www.christschool.org/ giving/angelus-society or email Jeff Joyce at jjoyce@christschool.org.

WEEKEND April 19-20

FEATURING GRANDPARENTS DAY! Families and grandparents are invited to Christ School for a weekend with the boys.

Come and connect with families to see what makes your Greenie thrive. www.christschool.org/2024-family-weekend-schedule *Grandparents Day is Friday, April 19

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beyond the gate house FROM THE ADVANCEMENT OFFICE

Farewell — to two great — Greenies Certain families make such an impact that they become pillars within the Christ School community.

The Beard and Montgomery families are two such institutional pillars. Their families’ continued relationship with Christ School is a testament and credit to the steadfast commitment of Tom Beard ’51, P’84, GP’12, GP’18 and Walter Montgomery, Jr. ’47, P’93, P’96, P’98, GP’24, GP’25 and the lifetime of service these men devoted to their alma mater.

It is a legacy that continues in the buildings and scholarships that their generosity helped fund.

After graduating from Christ School in 1951, Thomas “Tom” created Beard Hardwoods, Inc. Tom remained connected to the school and served on the Board of Trustees from 1992 until 2001. His experience and love of Christ School led to his son, John Beard ’84, and grandsons

Thomas Beard ’12 and John Beard ’18 continuing the family tradition at Christ School.

Walter Montgomery, Jr. graduated in 1947 and became a titan in the Upstate South Carolina business community. Throughout his life he was an ardent supporter of the school.

He served on the Board of Trustees for over 50 years and sent his sons, Walter Montgomery IV ’93, William Montgomery ’96, and John Montgomery ’98 to become Greenies. Mr. Montgomery’s legacy also carried over to his grandsons James Lilly ’24 and Collier Lilly ’25.

Christ School celebrates the lives of Tom Beard and Walter Montgomery and expresses gratitude for everything they have done to strengthen the Long Green Line. n

Tom Beard ’51, P’84, GP’12, GP’18 (above) and Walter Montgomery ’47, P’93, P’96, P’98, GP ’24, GP ’25 (below) surrounded by family.

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1957

1967

Christine and Trip Brown ’57 met Tom Garden, former Director of Advancement at Christ School, for lunch in Stolz Hall after the Browns attended a Wednesday Eucharist Chapel service.

John Hine ’67 and Rob Hine ’07 both work in the oil and gas business and took time to snap a photo during a business meeting.

1965 54

Bob Reid ’65, Billy Peebles ’72, Lyston Peebles ’65, and Jack Simmons ’65 attended David McCullough’s ’45 funeral service on Christ School campus in early September.

1969

In August, the Class of 1969 had a mini gathering in Franklin, NC, with Dr. Jenkins and Dan Stevenson ’72, P’15 to honor this great group of men. Albert Morgan ’69, Tom Beck ’69, Adair Watters ’69, Don Caffery ’69, Rick Johnson ’69, Nace Few ’69, Peter Waters ’69, Bru Izard ’69, and Cameron Vaught ’69 were able to attend in person. Eight other Greenies joined through a Zoom call: Bob Giles ’69, Bert Roussel ’69, John Pharr ’69, Rusty Boylan ’69, Woody Claris ’69, Hardy Fowler ’69, Bill Henderson ’69, and Pinkney Mikell ’69.

1973

1975

Bruce Burris ’73, Chad Bennett ’99, and Robert Clawson ’88 met up and took a photo together in Charleston, SC.

Tom McCarty ’75 stopped by campus last July while his wife, Trude, played in a bridge tournament in Hendersonville, NC. Tom is a semi-retired lawyer and burgeoning playwright.

He and Trude live in Greensboro.

class notes NEWS FROM ALUMNI

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1981

1984

Anthony Coggiola ’81 has been a great supporter of the school over the years, and he spoke to the boys during an Assembly centered around Veterans Day in November.

Board of Trustees Chairman John Beard Sr. ’84, P’18, and John Beard Jr. ’18 got together with Joseph Coladonato ’20 and Henry Duggins ’20.

class notes NEWS FROM ALUMNI

1982

Steve Young ’82, Richard Mann ’82, Will Huffman ’82, Win Willingham ’82, Mark Whitney ’80, Andrew King ’82, Thomas Willingham ’10, Tom Willingham ’84, and John Ross ’82 all took a photo at the wedding of Win’s daughter, Lily, in July.

2007

David Gaines ’84, P’26 spoke to the student body during Asheville School Week about his experience winning The Game in 1982.

1994

Dean of Students Drew Hyche’s ’94 eyes lit up when he saw one of his classmates from the Class of 1994 for the first time in 30 years.

Keiichi Shinozaki ’94 went by “Kei” during his time at Christ School and is a veterinarian in Tokyo. He was visiting campus with his family because they are interested in possibly having his son, Naoto, become a Greenie.

William Wheeless ’07 stopped by campus with his girlfriend in early September and snapped a picture in the Greenie Dome.

2010

Lucas Troutman ’10 can now proudly wear the title of Hall of Famer. The Christ School alumnus was inducted by the Elon University Athletic Department this past fall.

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class notes

2011

2012

Vincent Draddy ’11 was greeted by Coach Parham P’13 and Coach Campbell ’00, P24, P’26, P’28 on a recent visit to campus.

Kyo Joon Koo ’12 was in the Asheville area in late August with his wife to celebrate their oneyear anniversary.

NEWS FROM ALUMNI

Rodric King ’11 stopped by campus to visit with the faculty and another familiar face from his time at Christ School Director of Communications, Graylyn Loomis ’10.

Tom Pritchard ’12, a Propulsion Structures Design Engineer for Boeing, spoke to Christ School’s Honors Engineering students this fall. Much of Thomas’ work is in Boeing’s commercial division, but he also talked about helping design new engines for the US military’s fleet of B-52 Stratofortress bombers.

Jeff Krieger’s ’12 marriage to Huda McGraw on Saturday, October 14, 2023, in Cary NC, was attended by a group of Greenies. Left to right: Eric Thorp ’01, Graylyn Loomis ’10, Thomas Beard ’12, Jeff Krieger ’12, Colin Allshouse ’09, Sam Elmer ’13, and Frank Lucius ’12.

2014 2015

David Ratte ’15 and his wife, Margo, welcomed a baby boy, Beaumont Eugene Ratte, to the world on June 27, 2023.

Matt Seely ’14, Marshall Ranson ’14, and Mark Pryor ’14 took a picture on Bourbon Street in New Orleans while celebrating Mark’s wedding.

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2017 Siler Sloan ’17 recently thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail. He left March 18, 2023, and finished September 28, 2023.

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class notes NEWS FROM ALUMNI

2018 Hunter Vines ’18 and Alex Byron ’18 stepped up to help coach Greenies Lacrosse at the Southeast Fall Showcase in Matthews, NC.

2019

Hank Pritchard ’19 caddied for Brenda Corrie Kuehn P’23 at Waverley Country Club in Portland, OR, during the US Senior Women’s Open Championship in August. Hank was a two-time all-conference golfer for the Greenies and recently graduated from Clemson University.

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2020 Henry Duggins ’20 and Joseph Coladonato ’20 took a photo together at this year’s Army-Navy football game in Foxborough, MA.

Jackson Bewley ’20 and Avery Kessler ’23 met up at an LSU-Auburn football game in Baton Rouge, LA.

Two members of the Class of 2020, Connor Booher ’20 and Miles Gardner ’20, stopped by campus this past August before returning to their respective colleges.

Jack Galbraith ’20 stopped by campus this winter after finishing up his exams at Wofford College. Jack is majoring in Biology and on track to graduate in the coming year.

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UNC-Chapel Hill students, Tobenna Okoli ’22, Ty Besses ’22, Thomas Doss ’20, Max Masiello ’20, Max Field ’20, Henry Nicholls ’23, and Matthew Sorrells ’23, joined head of school, Sean Jenkins, and Associate Director of Advancement Jeff Joyce at a Christ School gathering in Chapel Hill, NC, and shared their experiences as Greenies.

Navy Shuler ’20, Lex Long ’21, and Charlie Browder ’21 took a photo after a college football game between Tennessee and Virginia in Nashville in September.

2021

Mrs. Mahoney P’20 met up with three Greenies who are thriving at UNC-Chapel Hill: Tobenna Okoli ’22, Henry Nicholls ’23, and Tyler Bell ’21.

class notes NEWS FROM ALUMNI

Charlie Browder ’21 joined younger brother, Sam ’25, on the sidelines of Fayssoux Field in October.

Painter Richards-Baker ’21 and Brady Ioannidis ’22 were on opposing sides for the DartmouthPenn game in Philadelphia. Richard Lytle ’20 was a team manager for Dartmouth this past season.

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2022

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class notes

Morehead-Cain Scholar Ty Besses ’22 answered any questions that Tony Murphy ’24 had about potentially becoming a Tar Heel this past fall and the two friends grabbed a bite to eat on Franklin Street.

Henry Warner ’24, Davis Jones ’25, and Ambrose Ehlers ’24 visited Donavon Fitzgerald ’22 at Appalachian State University in early September.

NEWS FROM ALUMNI

Mrs. Mahoney P’20 was in Nashville for Fall Break and caught up with three Greenies who are finding success at Vanderbilt University: Sanford Gardner ’22 and Luke Gardner ’22 are pre-med students, while Aaron Chen ’20 is double-majoring in Music Performance (cello) and Business.

Greenie senior Tony Murphy ’24 met up with Webb Hughes ’22 while touring Clemson University and got some good firsthand information, as Webb is currently a student there.

2023

Jake Landis ’25 and his family were in Raleigh for an NC State-Clemson football game. Not only was it good to see a familiar face in Zack Myers ’23, but also cheer Zack, Aydan White ’20, and the rest of the Wolfpack to a 24-17 win.

Jack Shimer ’23 and Tom Tang ’23 met up at a Denison-Oberlin college football game in Ohio.

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