Highland Magazine - Spring 2016

The Magazine of Highland School | Spring 2016 Issue

ALUMNI TEACHERS CONNECT HIGHLAND’S PAST TO ITS FUTURE MORE ON PAGE 36

Twenty Years in the Upper School with Athletic Director Gary Leake Alumni Reflect on Highland’s Role in Shaping their College and Professional Experiences A Few Minutes with Claire Mello

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HIGHLAND SCHOOL Be

yourself at Highland

Board of Trustees Mr. Tim Dunn* Chairman Mr. Mark Van de Water* Vice Chair Mrs. Jody Warfield* Treasurer Mrs. Heather Iasso* Secretary

Mr. Fred Blackburn Mr. Ike Broaddus* At Highland School, our mission is to provide a demanding academic and co-curricular program

Mr. Richard Chadwell Mrs. Karen Flikeid

that develops the skills and character essential

Mrs. Deanna Follin

for students to meet the challenges of college

Mrs. Samantha Gravett

and leadership in the twenty-first century.

Mr. David Hartley Mr. Randy Minter

To carry out this mission, Highland School has assembled

Mrs. Kathy Morehouse

thoroughly modern facilities, a large, diverse, and

Mrs. Olympia Moshos

highly qualified staff, a student body ready to meet the challenges, and an academic philosophy and strategy that make maximum use of these resources.

Mrs. Vaughan Myers Ms. Diana Norris* Mrs. Katrine Pendleton Mrs. Wendy Rodgers Mrs. Lesley Soltys* Dr. Beejal Taylor Mr. Dave Turner* Mr. Henry D. Berg Head of School Dr. Laura Tremblay Parents Association President Mr. Marshall D. Doeller (8th, ‘67), Trustee Emeritus Mr. William A. Hazel Sr., Trustee Emeritus Mr. Paul Rice, Trustee Emeritus *Indicates member of the Executive Committee

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Table of Contents

Spring 2016

Contents Head of School Henry D. Berg

Editor David Henrickson

Phoebe Krumich ‘10 sees ‘Brigadoon’ from a new point of view on page 14 On the cover: Reynolds Oare ‘00 is one of three alumni teachers in the Middle School who help connect Highland’s past with its future. In this picture, Reynolds is wearing a HelmickStrong shirt for long-time lacrosse coach Kevin Helmick, who is battling pancreatic cancer. More HelmickStrong images on page 46.

Letter from the Head of School

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Our alumni embody the spirit of a Highland School education through their everyday successes. We feature some of their stories in this issue.

Alum Phoebe Krumich Takes on New Role in ‘Brigadoon’

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Alumni Teach in Middle School

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Three alumni help connect the history and legacy of Highland to today’s students and programs. Lindsey Dengel 8th ‘89, Lindsay Ward 8th ‘97, and Reynolds Oare ‘00 reflect on their time as students and their roles as teachers in the Middle School.

Upper School English teacher and Highland grad Phoebe Krumich ‘10 takes on a new role – and her old self – as part of this year’s spring musical.

Alumni Reflections

A Few Minutes with Claire Mello 20

Departments

News from Around Campus

5

Middle School Science Fair

12

Images from First Grade Play

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‘The Little Mermaid’ Gallery

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Lower School science teacher Claire Mello is retiring from teaching at the end of this year. We asked her to reflect on seventeen years at Highland.

Twenty Years of Gary Leake

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Athletic Director Gary Leake came when the Upper School opened twenty years ago in the fall of 1996.

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Six recent alums reflect on how their time at Highland School has shaped their life in college and beyond.

Writers and Contributors Lindsey Dengel 8th ‘89 Sarah Glier ‘12 Phoebe Krumich ‘10 Briar Leake Mark Miller ‘01 Reynolds Oare ‘00 Aria Pahari ‘13 Tyler Ross ‘02 Simon Schwartz ‘02 MC Treuting ‘15 Lindsay Ward 8th ‘97 Design & Photography David Henrickson Class Notes Coordinator Briar Leake Highland Magazine is produced by the Office of Communications for alumni, parents and friends of Highland School. Letters and comments are welcome. Please send inquiries to: Director of Communications, Highland School, 597 Broadview Avenue, Warrenton, VA 20186, e-mail to dhenrickson@highlandschool.org, or telephone 540-878-2717

facebook.com/HighlandSchool

Highland School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational, employment, or admission policies, its scholarship, athletic and other school-administered programs.

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Letter from The Head of School

Through their successes, our alumni embody the spirit of a Highland education

Hank Berg, who has served as Highland’s Head of School since 2005, has overseen an expansion in both facilities and curriculum.

My wife Cathy and I are both graduates of independent schools, National Cathedral School and St. Stephen’s School, respectively, and we consider this education among our most

I am, of course, always delighted by our alumni who have returned to Highland to teach and coach. It is a wonderful “full circle” that allows them to work alongside colleagues who taught

important life experiences. Although it has been decades since graduation, we remain in regular contact with many classmates and even teachers.

them and give back to their school.

To have friends who are part of one’s maturation, weddings, births, losses and hardships is a life blessing and not the norm for many people. Independent schools, with their smaller class size and emphasis on community, are particularly fertile ground for growing friendships; every year, we graduate seniors into a growing group of alumni who, with their Highland education in common, go on to do interesting and important things.

This issue is devoted to the experiences of some of our alumni, as they are in many ways the clearest example of outcomes for a school.

What kind of people are they? To what cause do they commit their lives? These outcomes are not just measured by the accomplishments of our most distinguished graduates, but equally by the accomplishments of students across the spectrum of interests and abilities.

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“I am, of course, always delighted by our alumni who have returned to Highland to teach and coach.”

The investment of an independent school education pays dividends for a lifetime. In fact, many benefits are not immediately known, but rather revealed over time. We are fortunate at Highland School to be involved in such an investment in our young people. We all benefit.

Sincerely,

Henry D. Berg Head of School

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Latest News

News from Around Campus

Gary Leake poses with his award as top Athletic Director in Virginia with Dick Kemper, Executive Director of VISAA, and Head of School Hank Berg.

Leake Receives Athletic Director of the Year Award Recognized by Virginia Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association as top Athletic Director among all independent schools in Virginia In between coaching basketball, substituting as a Middle School referee, emceeing Spirit Week festivities, handing out state championship honors, coordinating college signings, and tackling the overall job of Highland’s Athletic Director, Gary Leake was named the Virginia Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (VIAAA) Independent School Athletic Administrator of the Year Award for 2016.

“While I am indebted to Gary for the work he has done at Highland,” said Head of School Hank Berg, “it is because of his contributions to the Delaney Athletic Conference and, thereby to the state, that I believe he deserves this recognition. All of us in the league have seen his care in meeting the disparity of needs among this group of schools that has resulted in better programs for our students.”

On Friday, April 15, Leake, Highland’s Athletic Director for nearly two decades, traveled to Richmond to accept the award at the 2016 VIAAA State Conference.

“I am incredibly honored to have been chosen for this award,” Leake said. “It is both humbling and rewarding to have been chosen by a group of my peers to join this impressive list of winners. I am thankful for all of the amazing coaches and superior student athletes I have had the good fortune to work with over the years who have helped make this possible.”

Recognized for his impact on student athletes all over Virginia Mike Costello, Athletic Director at Wakefield Country Day School, nominated Leake for this award.

“Gary’s service to the Delaney Athletic Conference, Highland School and the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association shows his commitment to our profession and to student athletes. That is why I nominated him for this award.

I am keenly aware as a past winner of this award how it can validate the many hours of effort to promote athletics and to provide opportunities for student athletes. I am delighted that yet another quality administrator in the DAC has won the VIAAA Athletic Director of the Year Award.”

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News from Around Campus

Highland Auction a Rousing Success

‘Beach Ball’ brings summer theme to the Upper School gym on cold spring day.

Thanks to generous support of Highland community, the event raised over $248,000 Thanks to everyone who supported this year’s ‘Beach Ball’ themed Highland Auction. Held in a beautifully transormed Upper School gym on Saturday, April 9, 2016, Highland families, friends, alumni, faculty, and staff came together for the annual event that raises money to support our programming and benefit our students.

In keeping with the event’s beach theme, casual attire – including flip flops and some zinc oxide – was the norm.

The evening’s activities centered around a high-energy live auction, a full slate of great silent auction items, and a Paddleraiser presentation to benefit faculty fellowships led

by Highland Artistic Director Michael Hughes.

Popular live auction items at this year’s event included unique experiential dinners hosted at local wineries and private homes, an African safari experience, and the always-

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popular “Head of Middle School for a Day” package. Silent auction items included unique gift packages created by parents and students in each of the Lower and Middle School grades, great trips, and unique local products and services.

Thank you to our sponsors and to everyone who attended the event and supported the 2016 Beach Ball. You helped make this year’s Auction a huge success and such a fun night!

We’d like to thank this year’s Beach Ball sponsors including Moser Funeral Home (Randy & Robin Minter), Union Bank & Trust, The Dunn/Stofan Family, Pepsi-Cola Bottling of Central Virginia, Dr. and Mrs. Tom Myers, Warrenton Toyota Scion, BB&T, Yount, Hyde & Barbour, Lynx Investment Services, Akre Capital Management, American Automated Sprinkler Company, EMO Insurance Agency, and Central Elevator Inspection Services II.

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News from Around Campus

New Summer Programs Offer Range of Camps Newly revamped summer camp program offers academics, arts, and athletics camps for students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade Highland School is launching newly expanded summer camps, classes and programs for 2016. With camps starting June 20 and running through August 23, we will be offering a wide range of engaging activities including outdoor adventure camps, pre-school camps, character/genre themed camps, enrichment camps, creative arts camps and academic classes.

Programs for students from Pre-K to Grade 12 From our Pre-Kindergarten camps to college-preparation programs for rising seniors, Highland’s new summer

camp programs offer something for everyone. And remember, our camps are not limited to Highland students.

Coordinate with all your friends and neighbors for a funfilled summer at Highland! Full-day and half-day options are available.

Questions? Please feel free to contact Summer Programs Director Maureen Sidor with any questions you have about Highland’s new summer programs at 540-270-7092 or send email to summerprograms@highlandschool.org.

Highland Hosts Kenyan Teacher for Month of April

Graduate of Enkijape School earns first scholarship from Highland community to work with students, teachers During the month of April, students in each division visited with Jeremiah Solonka Nyenge. The first recipient of the Highland School Scholarship, Jeremiah used his scholarship, which honors the eighth grade student with the highest GPA at Enkijape School, to attend four years of high school in Kenya. Then, with the support of several Highland families, he continued to college where he earned a degree in Education with Mathematics and Business.

Math teacher and entrepreneur Jeremiah currently teaches math and business at a secondary school in Kenya. He has also started his own business setting up small computer networks and offering software training to high school graduates preparing to enter college.

Jeremiah’s future goals include wanting to return to the United States to obtain his Masters Degree.

During the entire month of April, Jeremiah visited Highland while being hosted by several of our families.

While at school, he assisted with math lessons and tutoring in Statistics and Calculus, and guest lectured in various humanities and elective classes in all divisions.

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Spotlight on Academics

Upper School Faculty Completes Mental Health First Aid Training

Thanks to the efforts of Renee Norden, Director of College Counseling, Highland joins international initiative to increase mental health literacy among educational professionals Earlier this year, the Upper School faculty completed training in Youth Mental Health First Aid to improve mental health literacy – helping them identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness. The Middle School faculty will complete the course in June.

“I am thrilled to bring Youth Mental Health First Aid to our Highland community,” said Renee Norden, Highland’s Director of College Counseling. “This important educational effort goes a lot further than emergency intervention; it really helps people understand the shroud of fear and misjudgment facing individuals and families who experience mental illnesses and addiction. It will help rid this area of the associated stigma and move more people toward recovery.”

What is Mental Health First Aid? Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in

crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.

Courses offered worldwide Mental Health First Aid originated in 2001 in Australia under the direction of founders Betty Kitchener and Tony Jorm. To date, this course has been offered in twenty other countries worldwide, including Hong Kong, Scotland, England, Canada, Finland, and Singapore.

For more information about Highland’s mental health first aid training or to participate in a Youth Mental Health First Aid training class yourself, please contact Renee Norden at rnorden@highlandschool.org.

Six Highland Juniors Chosen for Governor’s Schools Highly competitive program gives gifted students access to college-level learning in summer

Highland School is proud to announce that six students have been selected for Virginia’s Summer Residential Governor’s Schools. These highly competitive month-long classes provide gifted high school juniors and seniors with intensive educational experiences in visual and performing arts; humanities; mathematics, science, and technology; or through mentorships in marine science, medicine and health sciences, or engineering.

Each Summer Residential Governor’s School focuses on one specific area of interest. Students live on a college or university campus for up to four weeks. During this time, students are involved in classroom and laboratory work, field studies, research, individual and group projects and performances, and seminars with noted scholars, visiting artists, and other professionals. In some cases, students

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work side-by-side with research scientists, physicians, and a variety of other professionals. A director and a studentlife staff provide supervision of students 24 hours a day throughout the program. Highland students selected for this year’s Governor’s School programs are: n Mallory Bryan – one of only 20 students selected for

Medicine & Health Sciences n Ryan Weber – Humanities n Cecilia Zugel – Voice & Visual Performing Arts n Savarna Pahari – Spanish n Catherine Whitehead – Latin n Preston Mulford – Agriculture

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Spotlight on Athletics

Boys Varsity Basketball Team Wins DAC Regular Season Title and Championship Team finishes undefeated 12-0 in Delaney Athletic Conference play and caps off season with their third conference tournament victory since 2008 The boys varsity basketball team capped a perfect run through regular season play in the Delaney Athletic Conference (DAC) with a convincing 73-62 victory over visiting Fredericksburg Academy. In the 20th year of Highland’s varsity basketball program, this marked only the program’s third DAC tournament title (2008, 2014, and 2016).

DAC Player of the Year, Mark Terrell (16 points) and junior Anthony Martinez, who scored 12 points – all in the second half of the game.

“Wil carried us early on,” Brooks Mays told the Fauquier Times after the game. “It feels awesome. This justifies all the hard work we put in. This always felt like our year.”

Played in front of a supportive home crowd on Saturday, February 27 in the Upper School gym, the Hawks soared to an early lead behind 16 first-quarter points by senior Wil Rasmussen and never slowed down against their small but quick opponents.

In addition to Mays’ DAC Player of the Year honors, both Rasmussen and Terrell were named to the All-DAC team after the finals. Freshman Darret Justice was recognized as a second team All-DAC player for his standout season with the team.

In addition to Rasmussen’s 21 first-half points, the team was led by seniors Brooks Mays (13 points) who was also named

With their tournament victories, the Hawks finished 14-0 against DAC opponents and 20-8 overall.

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Spotlight on Faculty

Highland Swimmers Bring Home Strong Finishes at DAC Championships, State Meets Teams tally best finish at State meet with second place finish for girls, sixth place for boys This February, Highland’s boys and girls swim teams had a big two weeks. On February 13, the teams participated in the end-of-season Delaney Athletic Conference (DAC) championships hosted by Saint Michael the Archangel High School in Fredericksburg. A record eight Highland swimmers qualified to swim at the VISAA state meet.

VISAA State Championship Meet From February 18-20, eight Highland swimmers with qualifying times attended the three-day 2016 VISAA State Swimming and Diving Championship at the Christiansburg Aquatic Center in Christiansburg.

Delaney Athletic Conference Championships The meet was a success for Highland swimmers as the boys team, led by senior Caleb McGuire ‘16, finished in fifth place overall. This represented an improvement of three spots from last year’s DAC championships The girls team, led by senior Reni Moshos ‘16, finished fourth overall moving up one spot from the 2015 season.

On Thursday, the environment in the aquatic center was electric. The teams fed off that energy to turn many of their best times of the season. As the first day results were tabulated, the boys team was in twentieth place overall and the girls were in 14th place. The girls 200 Medley Relay team of Reni Moshos, Georgia Scarborough, Brooke Landers ‘19 and Carolyn Treuting ‘18 dropped a massive 5.80 seconds off their previous best time.

Additionally, Caleb McGuire qualified for states in the 100 Freestyle and Georgia Scarborough ‘18 qualified for states in the 50 Freestyle bonus event. Reni Moshos was named female swimmer of the meet. Congratulations to all Highland swimmers for all their efforts and successes!

That same day, the boys 200 Medley Relay team of Preston Mulford ‘17, Caleb McGuire, Cameron Smith ‘18 and Evan Crowne ‘20 dropped 2.10 seconds off their previous best time.

Reni Moshos was the first place qualifier in the 200 Individual Medley and came back for the main event that night to take

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Spotlight on Community the gold medal in VISAA record breaking time. She broke her own state record from last year and swam her fastest time ever at 1:59.82. Reni is one of only a few 17 year-old swimmers to break the two minute mark in that event.

Day 2 of the VISAA State Championships The second day of the State competition continued on with the same energy and great results for Highland’s swimmers.

Senior Reni Moshos completed her high school career with another state title and another state record – for a total of six state titles in her five years as a varsity swimmer (Moshos swam the varsity team as an 8th grader). This time, Reni captured the 100 backstroke in VISAA record time.

The girls relay team of Reni Moshos, Carolyn Treuting, Georgia Scarborough, and Brooke Landers out swam expectations by dropping nearly five seconds and made it back to finals where they scored a much-needed two points for the team’s overall score.

Those two point from the relay team along with Reni’s two first place finishes earned Highland a total of 42 points for the meet.

That total earned the Hawks a hard-fought runner up spot in the Division II competition. Overall, Highland’s girls team finished 15 out of 36 teams.

Highland’s boys team also shined during the day by swimming personal best times in every event. Senior Caleb McGuire swam a best time by dropping 1.34 seconds in his individual 100 Freestyle event. Cameron Smith swam another best time in the 100 Back and then came back in the finals to drop more time finally finishing in 12th place overall, earning another 5 points for the boys. The 400 Freestyle Relay team of Cameron Smith, Evan Crowne, Preston Mulford and Caleb McGuire had the swim of the meet for the Hawks and dropped an amazing 11.83 seconds and coming in 17th place overall. Special thanks to Highland’s swim team coaches Rich Landers and Ross Malinow, who compiled the results for this report.

Hannah Smith ‘12 Addresses All School Gathering Brown University Senior reflects on role Highland played in preparing her for academic success On Friday, January 8, Highland alumna Hannah Smith returned to campus to address an audience of students, faculty, parents, and trustees at the annual All School Gathering. This event, which brings together all students from all three divisions, is the traditional start of the second semester of the academic year.

“At Brown, I have used skills I learned from my independent studies and Highland’s small class size every day,” Smith reflected in her remarks.

“I am comfortable speaking up in meetings with my thesis advisors and in class. By founding the poetry slam, I learned how to organize events and pursue often difficult projects.”

“When I went to Brown… I was unsure if I was prepared for a top tier university,” continued Smith. “I carried with me an intense love for writing and reading and, without even thinking of my classes as work, I found I was receiving high grades.

Highland had taught me how to write, a skill I take with me, and that I believe is indispensable in any field.”

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In The Spotlight

Middle School Science Fair Sends Six to Regional Event Earlier this year, eighth grade students presented the findings from their science fair projects to faculty, students, and parents in the Johnson Academic Media Center. From this event, six students advanced to represent Highland School at the Fauquier County Regional Science and Engineering Fair held Saturday, March 12 at Fauquier High School.

Highland placed five students among the top finishers in the event. Luke Warfield ‘20 won the U.S. Office of Naval Research Award. Max Morehouse ‘20 won a certificate of Merit from the Virginia Dental Association. Three students, Bate Yung ‘20, Matthew Heller ‘20, and Morgan Malinow ‘20, advanced to the next level of competition, which will be held in October.

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In the Spotlight

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A NEW POIN CONSIDERING ‘BRIGADOON’ FROM

BY PHOEBE KRUMICH ‘10

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INT OF VIEW Spring 2016 Highland Magazine 15

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YOUNG ALUM REFLECTS ON NEW ROLE IN MUSICAL As a graduate of the class of 2010 and a new English teacher at Highland, I often feel as though I can see multiple dimensions of the Upper School playing out ALL at once.

Though it is interesting to examine my Highland dimensions beside each other, I had no trouble keeping them separate until I walked through the green room on my way to assume my new role as assistant director of this year’s spring musical ‘Brigadoon.’ Entering the familiar room, I was almost surprised not to see a Laimbeer or a Berg, a Cummins or a Mackie-Jenkins. Was Alex Harris around to run lines with me? Would Emily Dods remind me of the dance steps?

Transitioning from Phoebe to Ms. Krumich

Walking through a room filled with students who now call me “Ms. Krumich” alongside pictures of myself as a high schooler, the boundaries of my carefully separated Highland experiences became less distinct. I couldn’t decide whether it was strange that all of these new theater enthusiasts were in the green room, or that I was there.

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As a student, my involvement with the Highland Players helped me find my place at Highland. But in the early days of rehearsals for Brigadoon, I felt unnervingly aware of myself as both insider and outsider.

AUDITIONS OFFER CHANCE TO TEST NEW ROLE

Hopefully the students who auditioned didn’t notice, but while they recited monologues and sang without an accompanist, I tried out a new role, too. I played the part of someone named Ms. Johnson, another English teacher who used to sit next to Mr. and Mrs. Hughes during auditions and rehearsals. She was the only person I had ever seen in the role of assistant director, and she played her part admirably.

So, as Rich Gerhardt became Tommy Albright and Cece Zugel became Fiona MacLaren, I tried to become Ms. Johnson. I sat

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In her first year as a teacher in Highland’s Upper School, Phoebe Krumich ‘10 enjoyed taking on a new role in this year’s spring musical ‘Brigadoon’

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where she sat and scribbled notes as she had, but it wasn’t until I began working one-on-one with students that I began to bring my own personality to the role.

CONFIDENCE GROWS WITH PRACTICE

Running lines with Caleb Beverstock, singing along with Will Jarvis, and reblocking scenes with Cece and Rich, I realized that, though I could not replicate the soft-spoken expertise of Ms. Johnson, I could impact the success of the show by helping the actors become their own versions of the parts they played.

As they gained confidence, the cast of Brigadoon showed me how effective, even necessary, it is to play to your own strengths rather than the strengths with which someone else has found success. As Rich gained confidence as leading man Tommy Albright and Josh Sabol became the thickaccented, acrobatic Harry Beaton, I became comfortable as Ms. Krumich, assistant director of a Highland musical.

IN A WORD, PALIMPSEST

My English III students know that I like to attempt one-word movie and theater reviews. While I am still too emotionally involved in Brigadoon to come up with an objective appraisal of the production, my one-word review for the overall experience is “palimpsest,” which is a manuscript

whose writings have been removed to allow for new writing.

This word came to me in an email from Mr. Nett, another of my former English teachers, and it has been stuck in my mind ever since.

The Highland Performing Arts Center is a palimpsest because former generations of Highland Players have been erased, to be rewritten and revised by current Highland Players, and this is a beautiful thing. Our marks may still be visible in the marginalia and in the impressions we left, but the page is wiped clean again so that an entirely new cast of characters can make their mark.

WHILE SLATE IS CONSTANTLY WIPED CLEAN, OLD CONNECTIONS REMAIN

Some of the new markings retrace or resemble old ones—in my mind Mallory Bryan plays the part of her sister Caitlin, for example, as well as her part in the play—but nevertheless they are new markings, with entirely new meanings.

During Brigadoon, there weren’t any Laimbeers or Bergs in the green room, but there were some in the audience. And though I didn’t wear a costume, Anita Brinson and Lee Ann McVane did braid my hair before the show. I am grateful to Mr. Hughes and to the cast and crew of Brigadoon for giving me this opportunity to blend my Highland dimensions and to help a new generation of Highland Players fill their roles. n

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Spotlight on Faculty

A Few Minutes with

Claire Mello Since arriving at Highland School in 1999, Claire Mello has made a lasting impression across all three divisions. Her work on implementing hands-on and inquiry-based learning as the head of the science department pales only in comparison to the groundwork she set by starting the school’s first robotics teams in 2008. Claire is retiring this spring after 17 years at Highland.

Legend has it you came to Highland after your son, Jake, saw an ad for a scholarship opportunity back in 1999. After originally starting as a volunteer, did you think you’d stay this long?

Before moving to Virginia in 1996, we lived just outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico. We lived there for nine years and built a house, a blacksmith shop, and a farm. My husband Frank and I home schooled our three children and spent many happy times outdoors camping, hiking, and skiing. We loved everything about New Mexico, except the huge distances we had to travel to visit family. So, when Frank was assigned to a new position at the Pentagon, we decided to make the move to Virginia permanent.

One day while at his grandparents’ house, our son Jake saw an advertisement for the Founder’s Scholarship at Highland and asked if he could apply. He won, enrolled, and loved it.

He was adamant that we should consider sending Caroline to Highland instead of the local middle school, so we did.

I began volunteering at Highland in the library and then as a substitute. Ann Powers was instrumental in convincing me to enroll our youngest daughter, Sarah, and to apply for a job at Highland. Debbie Megless and I both applied for the same administrative job, but David Plank saw I had a degree in Human Biology and asked me to teach science instead, so it worked out very well for both of us! At the time, I didn’t think I’d be embarking on such a long and fulfilling career with Highland.

What grades have you taught?

I taught science to grades one to five for many years. When we moved to the new Lower School, I added the Kindergarten classes and no longer taught the fifth graders.

This year, for the first time, I’ve also been teaching two

elementary math classes. Along the way, I have served as the Science Department Chair, a bus driver, and a robotics coach.

You’ve been involved with the Highland community in so many ways – as a parent, as a teacher, as an academic leader – what do you hope your legacy will be?

I hope that my legacy will be in all the things I’ve helped to start at Highland. These include inquiry-based learning, active science classes, robotics teams in all divisions, chicken farming, sustainable practices such as composting, engineering design, project-based learning, the MakerSpace in the Lower School and woodworking.

During my years at Highland I tried to bring many inquiryand project-based experiences to both my classes and the science department as a whole. We adopted the FOSS curriculum for students up to eighth grade and the hands-on science classes we teach now are very different from the textbased experience students had during my first few years.

In recent years, I have emphasized the integration of STEM and Engineering Design activities in science classes. I hope I will leave a legacy of teaching students to ask questions, investigate possibilities, and “do” science in an active and engaging way. I also hope I have influenced teachers to continue to learn about new ways of teaching and to try new methods. I would like to be remembered for keeping current with new programs and ideas and having the courage to take the leap and dedicate the time and energy necessary to bring exciting educational opportunities to Highland.

Together with Michele Daniel-Shenk and other Lower School teachers, I was instrumental in creating our MakerSpace, bringing in new technology such as 3D printers, woodworking

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instruction and techniques, STEAM nights for Lower School families, and the inclusion of robotics into both curricular and after school programs.

What have you learned in your time at Highland?

I have learned that the students I teach are by far my most important source of inspiration and innovation. My teaching methods and ideas have evolved as I tried new ways to best reach each style of learner in my classes. I’ve also learned how important and valuable being a member of the Highland community is, and how much we come to mean to each other.

What were your favorite moments?

My favorite moments are always the “ah-ha moments.” I think of those as the moment when you see the light bulb click on as a student connects new ideas to previous knowledge. Those have always been my favorite times. I also really enjoy field studies such as the mitten tree trips and Fauquier County Conservation Field Days. There have been many very proud moments when the LEGO and robotics teams I’ve coached won awards, were chosen to play on an alliance, or qualified to compete at the next level. One team even won a coveted trophy made of LEGO’s at the VirginiaDC Championship tournament.

What have been your greatest accomplishments during your time at Highland School?

Starting the robotics program at Highland is by far my greatest accomplishment. I’ve founded and coached Highland teams for the Junior FIRST® LEGO League, FIRST® LEGO League, FIRST® Tech Challenge, and FIRST® Robotics Competitions levels of FIRST® robotics providing many students with an amazing STEM (Science+Technology+Engineering+Math), project-based learning experience. I think the excitement and success of the robotics program has significantly changed the culture at Highland, and it is gratifying to see what an impact my decision to say yes to an experimental team has made.

Seven years ago I was approached by a parent whose son had heard of FIRST® LEGO League and wanted to form a team at school. I researched it, took classes in programming and coaching, and organized the first sign-ups for what I thought would be one team. Within a week, 38 students in grades 4-8 had signed up and I began recruiting coaches, mentors, and Upper School students to help. I can’t bear to see students who want to participate turned down, so I’ve been coaching multiple teams each year since then.

Partway through the first season my two Upper School

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mentors, Zach Dennis and Will Elswick, began telling me about the FRC program for Upper School students and asking for my help in forming a team for them to play on. At the LEGO Expo that year, a parent asked me what came next for the program, and I told her about the high school program. She graciously donated enough money to pay for the first year’s registration and robot kit, we got permission from Mr. Berg, and signed our team up on the last possible day, right before their season started. I coached the Upper School team for three years, with vast help from the engineers and other mentors I was able to recruit, and am so pleased to watch how the program has grown and improved since I was at the helm! I also started the Junior FIRST® LEGO League program for students in grades 1-3 and coached at that level.

The other project I’ll most likely be remembered for is hatching and raising countless batches of baby chicks in my classroom, and finally for helping the current fourth grade class design and build (with much help from Mr. Dengel) a permanent coop for the lower school garden. I hope that by including gardening, soil science, composting, vermicomposting, woodworking, and chicken farming in the culture of the lower school that Highland students will both understand the importance of being good environmental stewards and have the tools they need to start similar sustainable projects at home or wherever life takes them.

What does retirement hold for you?

I’m looking forward to spending more time with our new grandson, visiting my parents, working on our farm, Waterford Run Farm and Forge, helping with Caroline’s market garden and Jake’s hops fields, and being able to travel with Frank when he’s at the nou Systems office in Huntsville, Alabama. You may also see me back at Highland as a substitute teacher occasionally!

Anything else?

I’m so glad that Jake read that newspaper advertisement that brought our family to Highland almost 20 years ago.

The school community helped my family raise three wonderful and successful children, allowed me to teach my favorite subject for 17 years, made it possible for me to continue learning through conferences and workshops, allowed me to bring new ideas to my classroom and the school, and most importantly has been a source of wonderful friendships over the years. I will miss the daily excitement of the classroom and robotics practices and the camaraderie of my colleagues, but I plan to continue to be part of the extended Highland community. n

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Highland School

Check out our

NEW

summer programs!

Open to any student from Pre-K2 to Grade 12 Camps run from June 20-August 24, 2016 Outdoor Adventures • Athletics • Enrichment Driver’s Education • Academic Courses • Creative Arts Extended Care Available

highlandsummer.org Register online today at

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In the Spotlight

First Graders Present Production of ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’

Did you know Jack and the Beanstalk was a musical?

In the hands of our ultra-talented first graders, anything is possible as the students sang and joked their way through the classic English fairy tale.

Like all of our Lower School plays, this one was full of surprises, including a beanstalk that actually grew on stage, a giant with really big feet, and a little goose who produced a gift-wrapped golden egg.

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TWENTY YEARS AT HIGHLAND GARY LEAKE WITH

ARTICLE BY

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BRIAR LEAKE

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In 1996, Gary Leake came to Highland School to interview for the school’s Athletic Director position. Highland was then just expanding to include an Upper School. With only two hallways, one gym and two athletic fields, it was Gary’s responsibility to build an athletic program that would fit the rapidly changing needs of students, administrators and Highland families.

“In the Spring of 1996, Coach Leake met with my Dad and me in the Middle School gym and convinced me that becoming a member of the first freshman class of the Highland Upper School was the right move for me,” said Middle School Athletic Director and Varsity Soccer Coach Reynolds Oare ’00. “Throughout the next four years, I developed a very close relationship with him and could not have asked for a better overall high school experience.”

“Coach Leake took a school of 34 students in 1996 and rapidly transformed it into a DAC and VISAA Division II powerhouse,” Oare continued. “He has always had the student-athletes’ best interests at heart, and has been supportive of his coaches. He is an upstanding administrator, a fantastic coach, and an even better mentor.”

Prior to coming to Highland, Gary was the Athletic Director at The New Day High School in Dumfries and coached both basketball and baseball at Osbourn Park High School in Manassas. When he came to Highland, he recalls, “I immediately felt comfortable and excited about the possibility of building a program from the ground up. When I started 20 years ago, the school didn’t even have a mascot and that became my first task. After many discussions with students, teachers, administrators, and parents, we were able to narrow

our choices to Hawks, Hornets and Celtics. In a relatively close vote, Hawks edged out Hornets to become the school’s mascot. I really feel that it was at this point that a new sense of “community” was established for Highland, especially since the local media ran with the tagline, “Another Bird Lands in Warrenton.” With the Fauquier Falcons, Liberty Eagles and Wakefield Owls, Highland Hawks was the perfect choice.”

Under Leake’s leadership, Highland quickly become a force in the Delaney Athletic Conference As a member of the Delaney Athletic Conference (DAC), Highland’s athletic program has been consistently ranked near the top in most of the conference’s sports. As the athletic program gained momentum heading into the early 2000’s, success in the DAC directly contributed to accomplishments in state and invitational tournaments.

On average annually, Highland’s program produces 50 all conference athletes, ten athletes who commit to collegiate programs, ten all state athletes and five coaches of the year.

Though there is not an annual sports requirement, over 81% of students participate in the athletic program.

“We are not a win at all costs school, but have developed a method that emphasizes the quality of the experience over the quantity of wins and losses,” said Leake. “I truly believe

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Coach Leake is proud to host student’s signing ceremonies. Gary joined James and Olympia Moshos at the signing event for their daughter ,Reni, who will attend UNC this fall.

that, through participation, Highland’s student athletes have the opportunity to gain life-long lessons in areas including self-discipline, work ethic, character, time management, commitment and personal training habits.”

The DAC was officially formed in 1984 and at that time the conference included only five schools. When Gary joined Highland in the spring of 1996, Highland was granted a Junior Varsity-only membership for the fall of that year.

“With a total Upper School enrollment of 34, our student athletes participated in JV volleyball, soccer, basketball and baseball. In the summer of 1998, Highland was granted full membership for varsity sports beginning the fall of 1998. At this time, Highland became the conference’s 8th member,” said Leake. Over the past 18 years of full varsity membership, the conference now has 13 schools and offers two separate divisions so schools may select the division that best fits their program goals and enrollment.

Leake excelled at sports in high school and college From the court at Rappahannock High School, where he still holds several records, to the field at Shepherd College, Gary absorbed many life lessons that he knows have helped him build such a successful program. He graduated from Shepherd in 1985, where he was an All-Conference baseball player for the Rams. Within his long career in school athletics, Gary has coached seven different sports in both public and

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private school systems. He has served as Athletic Director at Highland since 1996. Gary has held an administrative position with the Delaney Athletic Conference for 14 years, the past nine as the league’s president. He represents both Highland School and the DAC on the executive boards with Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) and Virginia Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (VIAAA) and holds a membership for National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) as well. He is also the founder of the state’s coed golf tournament and serves on several state committees. In addition, he maintains a tremendous rapport with students, parents, alumni and friends of Highland School.

“I feel that my biggest accomplishment while at Highland is the development of an overall school spirit that not only supports our mascot and athletics but directly assists with a vibe that has been established that just makes Highland a “feel good” place,” Leake reflected.

Parents appreciate Leake’s many roles Jeff Bell and Becky Russo, whose four children graduated from Highland, have engaged on some level with Gary for nearly his entire tenure beginning with their oldest son and ending with their youngest daughter and two children in between. “All four of our children played multiple sports most of their years at Highland through twelfth grade,

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so we got to know Gary very well. Gary is all about the Highland students, equally from the less athletic, reluctant participants to the Highland athlete heading to play a sport at the highest NCAA level in college. He loves and engages with the students at a genuine, respectful and substantive level, caring not only about their athletic accomplishments, but encouraging them unconditionally and knowing what is going on in their lives,” said Becky Russo.

Pawling. “To me, Coach Leake is synonymous with Highland athletics and the school in a larger sense. In looking back on my experiences as a student, I will never forget his sage advice, his open and engaging demeanor and his demonstrated passion for the school, students and faculty,” he reflected.

Nicolas, their oldest son who played lacrosse at Brown University, now is the Head Lacrosse coach at Trinity-

“In my time here, we have played in 32 state finals in eight different sports. Like all schools, we are not perfect and have

Berg draws inspiration from Leake’s role in balancing winning with participation Highland Head of School Hank Berg knows that Leake has “We also always appreciated the respectful and positive been instrumental in building an athletic program that way Gary interacts with and welcomes the opposing teams, balances success on the field with student participation. their fans and families, from effectively controlling sensitive “Gary has built our program into one of the most opposing and home fan interactions to interacting positively competitive Division II programs in the state,” said Head with them after disappointing losses,” ” Russo continued. “I of School Hank Berg. “He has done this in a way that has guess that should be a given for an Athletic Director, but he balanced the quality of the experience with competitiveness was a great example in that regard to the parents.” for boy’s and girl’s programs.”

Jodi Johnson reflects on Leake’s impact on the Highland community Former trustee, current parent and grandparent, and super-volunteer recognizes Leake’s role beyond athletics

“During his two decades at Highland, Gary’s impact, accomplishments, and influences are many. He is dedicated to improving and expanding the program every year,” said Jodi Johnson, current parent, parent of alumni, grandparent, former Trustee and so much more at Highland School. “He ensures all Highland students have the opportunity to be part of a team to develop the skills and attributes that come from fair play, teamwork, and competition. These skills are critical to success in their lives as the next generation of leadership in our communities and our nation.”

“While there are so many specific programs I could address, I wanted to mention three that come to mind that demonstrate Gary’s commitment to the School and the student athletes,” Johnson continued. “The Young Hawks program, which Gary founded in 2008, provides an opportunity for young athletes to learn the rules of a particular sport, focus on early skills development, and develop and demonstrate good sportsmanship. Young Hawks helps players gain valuable experience while

having fun. The cost to participate is minimal thereby allowing all who want to play the chance to do so. He further engages Upper School students as mentor coaches for the young teams, spending quality time with them himself to ensure they are developing and demonstrating the core qualities of the program.”

Gary also expanded the 2016-2017 basketball program to include two junior varsity teams to accommodate the significant interest of Highland student athletes.

Watching him communicate the importance of the 3-E’s (Effort, Execution and Enthusiasm) – both on the court and in life created yet another opportunity to see why those young athletes loved playing for him and gave him their all every day.”

“Finally, Gary’s dream of implementing the Highland Hall of Fame has been realized! This inspirational hallway ensures all student athletes recognize the value of hard work, playing with integrity, and being a part of the Highland Athletic Program created opportunity for so many beyond Highland’s hallways.”

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had our share of issues to solve, but Gary’s approach is one that emphasizes sportsmanship and respecting the game.”

Delaney Athletic Conference and, thereby to the state, that I believe he deserves this recognition. All of us in the league have seen his care in meeting the disparity of needs among this group of schools that has resulted in better programs for our students.”

“I have watched him coach boys, girls, and the coaches themselves,’” Berg continued. “Gary is also the first athletic director I have worked with who developed deep relationships with nearby public school directors. We “I am incredibly honored to have been chosen for this award,” schedule each other and even share facilities on occasion.

Leake said. “It is both humbling and rewarding to have been While this is not specifically our mission as an independent chosen by a group of my peers to join this impressive list of school, we know this kind of healthy interaction benefits the winners. I am thankful for all of the amazing coaches and way we are perceived by the public.” superior student athletes I have had the good fortune to work with over the years who have helped make this possible.”

Coach Leake builds and maintains strong bonds with students, parents, and alumni Mike Costello, Athletic Director at Wakefield Country Day Senior Reni Moshos, who is heading to UNC in the fall as School, nominated Leake for this award. “Gary’s service to one of their top recruited swimmers, remembers the “good the Delaney Athletic Conference, Highland School and the luck” and “go get ‘em” texts from Coach Leake over the years Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association shows his as she swam her way to five state championships and multiple commitment to our profession and to student athletes. That record-breaking swims. “Coach Leake supported me from is why I nominated him for this award. I am keenly aware as a the very beginning, cheering me on, celebrating my victories past winner of this award how it can validate the many hours and encouraging me to do my best always. I want to thank of effort to promote athletics and to provide opportunities him for everything he did to make my swimming career at for student athletes. I am delighted that yet another quality Highland so special.” administrator in the DAC has won the VIAAA Athletic Director of the Year Award.”

James and Olympia Moshos, parents of Reni (‘16) and Gus (’14), sum up their nearly two decade experience at Highland “In the world of independent schools, it is rare for the Athletic and with Coach Leake this way: “Gary, your support and Director and the Chief Academic Officer to work so closely guidance in Gus’ and Reni’s lives over the last 16 years at together,” said Assistant Head of School and Upper School Highland have been instrumental in developing them into the Director Cassin Bertke. “It is possible at Highland because amazing and successful young adults they are today. You were Gary recognizes that academics must always come first, much more than a teacher and a coach – you became family and he sends a clear message to our athletes about the over the years. Whenever they needed help or advice, they importance of scholarship and sportsmanship in the world would always turn to you. When we think of Highland and of athletics. I feel lucky to work with such a dedicated and what it represents to our family, we think of your outstanding well-grounded colleague, and I cannot imagine anyone more character and the examples you set for Gus and Reni, and for deserving of this recognition.” all the students of Highland.”

At the end of the day, Coach Leake says “for the past 30 Recently recognized as the 2016 years, I have had no regrets choosing education as a career VIAAA Athletic Director of the Year path. It is so rewarding to see a student athlete enter the In between coaching basketball, substituting as a Middle program and to be able to watch their development and School referee, emceeing Spirit Week, handing out state maturation as they participate in athletics. Equally as championship honors, coordinating college signings, and rewarding is to have so many alums return to the school tackling the overall job of Highland School’s Athletic and to have them share memories and successes that they Director for two decades, Leake was also recently named have benefited from as a result of participating in our the VIAAA (Virginia Interscholastic Athletic Administrators athletic program. We have always emphasized the quality Association) Independent School Athletic Administrator of of the experience and the focus on character development the Year Award for 2016. as key traits for success not only at this level, but in life as well. I’ve had the pleasure of working with great coaches, “While I am indebted to Gary for the work he has done at colleagues and administrators and I attribute the success of Highland,” said Berg, “it is because of his contributions to the the “team” to the strength of the members.” n

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ALUMNI TEACHERS CONNECT HIGHLAND’S PAST TO ITS FUTURE

Highland alumni make their mark every day across campus. From coaching varsity teams to managing the school’s biggest fundraising events, graduates returning to share their expertise with current students offer invaluable connections between Highland’s past and its future.

Nowhere is this connection between Highland’s past and future more apparent than in the Middle School. Currently, three alumni teachers work with students in the classroom, gym, and sports fields every day. Lindsey Lawrence Dengel, 8th grade graduate in ‘89, teaches art, wellness and French.

Lindsay Soyars Ward, 8th grade graduate in ‘97, teaches core and accelerated math and Reynolds Oare ‘00 is Middle School Athletic Director and Highland’s Assistant Athletic Director.

“One of the core beliefs we talk about in Highland’s philosophy statement is that the student-teacher relationship is essential

to the learning experience,” said Middle School Director Matt Ormiston. “Our alumni faculty play such a huge role in the development of our students. They truly understand from personal experience the importance of this relationship and how vital it is to the Highland education. They also understand first-hand how much time and effort go into making these relationships work.”

In the classroom, Lindsay Ward and Lindsey Dengel know from their own experiences as Highland students what it means to connect with students in a real and meaningful

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how much you know until they know how much you care’ is a truism. They learned this when they were students here. They can see how all the time and effort and personal connections helped them. As a result, they are in a unique position to do the same for our current students. They also understand how things like personal responsibility and accountability and character fit into the Highland mission.”

Lindsay Ward Returns to Focus on Math After graduating as an 8th grader in 1997, Lindsay Soyars Ward left the comforts of Highland School to attend Episcopal High School, a boarding high school located in Alexandria. Highland’s Upper School had just opened and Ward’s decision was influenced by the very small size of Highland’s first classes made up entirely of freshmen and sophomores.

“I wanted a more traditional high school experience,” Ward said of her decision. “Although I left after eighth grade, I always stayed connected to Highland through friends and family.”

Lindsay Soyars Ward ‘97 returned to Highland to explore her passion for math education. She seeks to inspire her students every day in the same way her teachers inspired her.

way. “They go above and beyond in all the ways that help our kids succeed,” Ormiston continued. “If that means meeting with students during recess, at lunch, or after school, they’re happy to do it. Lindsey and Lindsay know the time spent working one-on-one with students is vital to helping them gain the confidence they need to ask questions and be willing to take academic risks.”

Both teachers understand that truly connecting with students means also spending time with them outside of the classroom as coaches, during field studies, or at social events like fun nights and dances.

“Lindsay and Lindsey get the fact that to be successful with Middle School students, the expression ‘they don’t care

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After high school, Ward graduated from University of Richmond and then earned a Masters in Education with a focus on Math Specialization from the University of Virginia.

Then, she returned to Fauquier County to teach second grade at PB Smith Elementary School, located off Dumfries Road. After working at PB Smith for three years, Ward moved to the newly constructed Greenville Elementary, which opened in 2008.

“I knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was in second grade, so it’s interesting that I wound up teaching second grade. Lise Hicklin was my teacher in second grade and I was inspired by her love of teaching and the deep connections she formed – and maintained – with her students,” said Ward.

In 2012, Ward joined the faculty of Highland’s Middle School to renew her focus on her work as a math specialist.

“Born and raised in Warrenton, I was thrilled to be back teaching where l first had the dream of becoming a teacher,” Ward stated.

“While I loved teaching elementary school and never thought I would leave, now I can’t imagine being anywhere but with these fun, energetic, and challenging middle schoolers,” said Ward. “I love the challenge of finding and creating lessons that keep my students engaged and invested in the material while simultaneously helping them survive the world of middle school.”

Since returning to Highland, Ward’s impact has extended throughout the campus. She worked with Nancy Scheffel,

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Highland’s Math Department Chair, to create a more thorough math curriculum for Middle School students.

She was also involved in implementing ‘Singapore Math’, a program of mathematics instruction that emphasizes mastery as opposed to memorization, in the Lower School.

Connecting Inside, Outside the Classroom Ward participates in a variety of activities outside of the classroom because it helps build and maintain a connection with her students. “There’s a culture of involvement that permeates everyone in the Middle School. Once you’ve been here for a while, you see the impact the connection has on the students and the school.”

Ward currently coaches middle school field hockey, middle school tennis, and helps out as an assistant with the middle school girls basketball team.

“As an alum, I can say to the kids that, when I had Mrs. Roach or Mr. Ferguson, I had the same challenges,” Ms. Ward said. “I think this helps them understand that everyone has difficulties and it isn’t always easy – just like it’s not always easy for them.”

Lindsey Dengel Learned from Mentors Lindsey Lawrence Dengel graduated from Highland School as an 8th grader in 1989. After graduation, she attended high school at Flint Hill. During her senior year, Dengel came back to Highland for a month-long internship shadowing Karen Stinnett as, of all things, an assistant art teacher in the

Middle School. “It was a perfect introduction to teaching for me. She was the only art teacher I ever had at Highland.”

Upon graduation from Flint Hill, Dengel attended the University of North Carolina. After college, Dengel worked for ten years as a graphic designer at the Fauquier Citizen, a locally owned weekly newspaper serving Fauquier County.

When the owner sold the paper, Dengel sought out teaching opportunities at Highland – due largely to the impact her teachers had on her as a student.

Dr. John Harmon was head of the Middle School at that time and hired Dengel for her first teaching position – as a teaching assistant for middle school art.

“In 2006, I started as an assistant to Alice Laimbeer,” Dengel said. “Although I didn’t have any professional experience as a teacher, she served as a role model and mentor to me – and still does. I loved the opportunity to watch her teach, see all the interesting ideas she comes up with, and model her teaching style.”

While the campus has grown and the buildings have changed, the philosophy of connecting with students on a personal level has stayed exactly the same as when Dengel was a student.

“When I was a student at Highland, the school was much smaller, the community surrounding the school was much smaller,” Dengel said. “Highland carries that tradition of a

Lindsey Lawrence Dengel ‘89 shares her love for Highland with current students in the classroom and on the playing field.

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Reynolds Oare ‘00 brings his experiences as a Highland alum to help him engage with current Middle School students. “He uses sports as a tool to help kids grow in all the ways that matter.”

small town community school forward – even to this day as the town and surrounding area has expanded and the school has grown, Highland is still at the heart of the community and a community school at heart.”

Although the Middle School was completely renovated in 2012, Dengel’s art room feels just like it did when she was a student. “While the buildings and campus have changed, the experience of the students has stayed the same,” reflected Dengel. “As a teacher, you make a point to get to know the students. I want to do for my students what my teachers did for me.”

Now, Dengel has her own children at Highland, currently in first and third grades. They benefit from the opportunities that Lindsey had as a student at Highland.

Reynolds Oare’s Impact on Students, Athletes “Reynolds understands how important sports and the extra-curriculars are to our program,” said Middle School Director Matt Ormiston. “He knows from his experiences as a student that we are educating the whole child and thus

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can do an incredible job of balancing sports with things like character development and leadership.”

“He draws on his personal experiences here at Highland to work with our Blue/Gold captains and does a fabulous job of connecting with kids and focusing on what truly matters,” Ormiston said. “He uses sports as a tool to help kids grow in all the ways that matter. Yes, our teams want to win and work hard at it, but that isn’t their sole focus and Reynolds has learned that from his time as a Highland student.”

Oare understands from his own experiences at Highland that sports and extra-curricular activities are essential to educating the whole child. As a Highland “Lifer” who attended since Pre-Kindergarten, Oare finished eighth grade just as the Upper School was opening in the fall of 1996. He thought seriously about attending Fauquier High School – mainly for the wide range of athletic opportunities that would open up.

“Gary Leake, who had just taken the athletic director job at the time, talked me into staying on to join Highland’s first freshman class,” Oare said. “He met with my dad and me in the

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middle school gym. We played a game of horse and he quickly destroyed me. By the end of that meeting, I was convinced.” (check out a picture of Reynolds Oare in the team picture from Highland’s first basketball team on page 28 – ed.)

Although the shortest kid in his eighth grade class, athletics had always been his focus. Despite multiple surgeries in high school to help correct an issue with his hips, Oare remained focused on sports – and played a key part of Highland’s growing athletic successes.

“Our soccer team had a great season my senior year,” Oare remembered. “We lost one game and tied Fredericksburg Christian, which was a huge disappointment for us. If we had won either of those two games, we would have made it into the state tournament for the first time ever.”

boys varsity soccer teams, chose the latter.

“I was not interested in coaching at all at that point,” said Oare. “After finishing my Masters program, I interned with the Colonial Athletics Association (CAA) and focused entirely on management and sports marketing. It was a year after George Mason’s trip to the Final Four of the NCAA basketball tournament so it was a very exciting time to be involved with the league.”

In 2008, Oare’s connection with Gary Leake brought him back to Highland. “Gary created an internship specifically for me that included assisting the head physical education teacher and coaching a middle school sports team every season.”

After the 2008/2009 school year, the Middle School Athletic Completed Masters with Director, Donald O’Meara, left, creating an opening for Oare Focus on Sports Management to move to Highland full-time. That was also the second year Oare graduated from Highland in 2000 and then attended for Middle School Director Matt Ormiston. the University of North Carolina and Mary Washington where he graduated in 2005. From there, he earned a “Our alumni teachers of Lindsay Ward, Lindsey Dengel, and Masters degree in Sports Management from Virginia Reynolds Oare all bring with them a unique connection Commonwealth University. When presented with the option to who we were, who we are and who we need to be,” said of choosing the coaching track or the management track, Ormiston. “Their connection to and passion for Highland is Oare, who is now the head coach for Highland’s girls and a huge part of our success and growth.” n

Highland Alum?

Share Your Stories with Classmates and Friends Celebrating a special event? Want to connect with classmates, friends, and faculty?

Send stories to alumni@highlandschool.org and we’ll include your update in an upcoming issue.

Have you signed up for the Highland School Alumni Facebook page yet? Check it out at facebook.com/HighlandHawksAlumni

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go to www.facebook.com/ HighlandHawksAlumni go to www.linkedin.com and search for ‘Highland School Alumni’ to join group

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In the Spotlight

Middle School Students Present Little Mermaid Jr. In May, Middle School students put on three fantastic and enjoyable performances of Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid Jr.’ Every show, as Sebastian the Crab might say, went swimmingly.

Held in The Rice Theater, fantastic costumes, dramatic lighting and dynamic set design set the stage for the story of Ariel and Prince Eric. But it was the great singing by many of the young cast members, made up of students in 5th through 8th grades, that brought the show to life. For more images from these memorable performances, visit facebook.com/HighlandSchool.

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TWENTY

FOR

TWENTY

In this photo from the 1996 yearbook, Highland faculty celebrate the opening of the Upper School with a ribbon cutting ceremony in the breezeway

Honorary Gift Club Levels Founders Circle

$25,000 and above

Help Us Celebrate 20 Years of Highland’s Upper School

Trustees Council

$10,000 – $24,999

“This year’s Highland character theme is Gratitude, which

Hamilton-Rust Circle

$5,000 – $9,999

seems fitting for the 20th anniversary of the Upper School’s

1928 Society

$2,500 – $4,999

first year in 1996-1997. As alumni, Highland has benefitted all

Head of School Club

$1,000 – $2,499

Blue/Gold Club

$500 – $999

Friend of Highland

$250 – $499

Supporter

up to $249

of us in some way. I am honored to contribute to the Highland Annual Fund in gratitude for the school’s growth and its support ­of my own. A gift of $20 for the Upper School’s 20th year is a simple but significant way to give back.” ~ Phoebe Krumich ’10, Upper School English Faculty

Visit highlandschool.org/gratitude to make your tax-deductible gift before June 30, or to share your own Highland story of gratitude.

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In this issue, alumni reflect on the impact Highland School has on their time in college, in their professional careers and on their personal lives. Have a story you’d like to share? Send it to Briar Leake at bleake@highandschool.org

Committed to Writing By Aria Pahari ‘13 I committed myself to writing when I was in the fourth grade. I bought my first journal - a neon green, pocket-sized notebook from CVS, where I would write about my day as often as I could. Alongside journaling, I somehow found myself writing poetry starting in middle school, and began to engage in both forms, filling up several notebooks in the process.

Throughout high school, I not only wrote privately, but also occasionally in the Highland Herald. The annual upper school poetry slams and short story contests were also a way for me to channel my creative writing into public forums. I even helped organize the slam during my senior year.

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With college on the horizon, I intended to foster the momentum gained at Highland by continuing to share my writing whenever the opportunity arose. As a junior at Mount Holyoke College, I can confirm that I have kept up this commitment.

at Highland for my entire K-12 education was inevitably formative in fostering this lifelong passion. The accelerated reading competitions and plentiful libraries of my lower school classrooms encouraged a love for novels that inspired me to write narratives of my own.

Not only do I continue to journal and write poetry on my own time, but I also write and edit weekly for the Mount Holyoke chapter of The Odyssey Online, as well as submit my poems to intercollegiate magazines and competitions.

Emphasis on Writing at Highland Set the Stage From middle to upper school, I recall the consistent prioritization my teachers placed upon creative writing. Not only did we write analytical papers in class about the books we read, but we also channeled that knowledge into short stories and poems

Nominated for Poetry Contest Last fall, judges from the English department at Mount Holyoke nominated me to the Five College PoetryFest, in which Umass Amherst, Hampshire, Smith, Mount Holyoke, and Amherst colleges each selected two poets to present their work at a reading.

As I reminisce on my relationship with writing thus far, my attendance

This careful, holistic approach to curriculum building is why I credit the Highland Language Arts and English faculty for my sustained commitment to writing and my goal to remain steadfast to the promises I make to myself concerning this treasured craft.

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Spotlight on Alumni

Fearless. Resilient. Curious.

By Sarah Glier ‘12 In Moments of Doubt, I Remember my Highland Family As a woman entering the world of science and medicine, I am not only a minority, but inherently my opinions are valued less than those of my male colleagues. I have experienced this bias countless times from male research faculty, Teaching Assistants, and my peers.

These moments made me doubt my work, my thoughts, and the core principles of the profession I aspire to pursue. Science is about the contributions you make to the Fearless. Resilient. Curious.

These are the traits that Highland nurtured in me. I would not be the person I am today without the values and ideals I learned from my friends, coaches, and teachers at Highland. At every turn, I find myself referencing experiences from high school and using them to guide the decisions I make at University of Virginia.

Personal Connection with Teachers is Everything When the teachers know your name, it’s hard to sit back and ride out a lesson in blissful daydreams. Highland faculty pushed me through this hurdle and challenged me to voice my opinions in class. They advocated for me to ask questions, stand my ground and then they faded into the background when I gained my own voice. They encouraged me to take risks, fail, and challenge myself. I cannot underscore the importance of the confidence that I found at Highland.

atmosphere that surrounds them and takes advantage of every opportunity that this school has to offer. The years may seem long— trust me, I spent thirteen of them there—but time soars rapidly. With full disclosure of my bias as an alumna, I know that there is simply no other school comparable to Highland. The transition from a small private school to a large public university seemed daunting and insurmountable, but they prepared me for all of the challenges I would face as an undergraduate. As I transition from my last year at UVA

“Whenever I find myself slipping into these thoughts or I am told that “a lab is no place for a woman,” I remember my Highland family and I stand my ground.” field and the limitless questions and ideas that you bring to the table.

Science shouldn’t care who you are, where you come from, or what your gender is. Whenever I find myself slipping into these thoughts or I am told that “a lab is no place for a woman,” I remember my Highland family and I stand my ground. I learned not to let anyone rob me of my creativity, imagination, and curiosity. Highland prepared me to be a leader and break through the barriers that an outdated generation imposes upon me.

into a dual MD/PhD program at Washington University in St. Louis, I will carry my experiences and my friendships from Highland with me. I am tremendously grateful for my (short) time spent as a Hawk, but even more appreciative of the community and support I still receive years later.

I hope that every student at Highland revels in the incredible

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Spotlight on Alumni

Go Ahead. Spread Yourself Thin

By MC Treuting ‘15

once telling me “You can’t”.

I remembered when I was first accepted into Highland as a sixth grader. I had never felt more proud about anything else in the world, when I opened the huge envelope from Highland.

I shared that same excitement when I received my acceptance letter from my number one school, Wilkes University. It was like Christmas morning, except it was in the parking lot of Highland after cross country practice. I loved my many years at Highland, and wouldn’t trade any of the memories I made. I was happy there, just like I am now at Wilkes.

I remembered being so afraid to walk into my English teacher and cross country coach, Mr. Ross’, classroom to tell him that I needed an extension on a paper and I would be missing cross country practice for play practice that day. He just smiled at me and said, “All right MC, when do you want your paper due.” I was taught, but also allowed and supported, to be diverse and explore all possibilities. This has stuck with me into my college experience.

Be Ready to Try Everything While at Highland, I was given the opportunity to try everything – from being a three sport athlete, to participating in all the plays and musicals, and being the president of many clubs. As my mother liked to put it, “I was always spreading myself thin.”

And Learn to Manage Your Time Coming into college, I was already a member of the Wilkes Women’s soccer team, had a guaranteed seat in the Passan School of Nursing, and was one of the first students to be a part of the inaugural Honors Program. I am always doing something. I knew how to manage my time right from the start, something that I learned to do last year in senior study hall when I had the opportunity to watch Netflix instead of doing homework, which on the occasion I fell victim to.

My time at Highland was very well spent, I brag about it all the time to my friends and classmates here at Wilkes, who had over four hundred students in each grade. Being a small school, Highland supported each of my many endeavors, never

I could go on and tell you about how I joined the first swim team at Wilkes, or how I was chosen to become a student ambassador for the admissions program, or my recent induction into the National Society of Leadership and Success;

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however, I truly would not be able to have done all these things without the lessons I learned at Highland.

We sometimes do not realize how lucky we are to be given the experiences that Highland offers with the eclectic variety of activities from athletics, clubs, and the arts. My one piece of advice is to learn what you love to do now. Try and figure out what your passion is, even if it is everything. Do things because it brings you joy, not because you feel like you have to. Experimenting with different activities will allow your transition into college to be smooth, you will have an idea of what clubs, groups, or classes you want to join.

In all, spread yourself thin – do something you never thought you could do. Because I was able to sing and act on stage, I feel comfortable standing in front of a group of prospective students and telling them about how wonderful Wilkes is. Playing three sports at Highland prepared me for the two year long sports I play at Wilkes.

And finally, being the leader of the many clubs I was in allowed for me to now continue to participate in everything I love to do.

Easy Transition to College My transition into college was made easier by the lessons I learned at Highland. By becoming an active member of Highland’s community, I learned about the things that brought me joy – and then followed my passions right on into college.

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Spotlight on Alumni

Highland is Part of My Family

By Mark Miller ‘01 Highland School has been a part of my life for almost 30 years – and for the record, I’m a young 33! I started in kindergarten in 1988 and graduated from the newly built high school in 2001. At the time I thought my days of having Highland in my life were over. I was 18, headed off to college, and then who knew.

I had the feeling that going back to Highland over breaks would make me look like I was hanging on to my glory days. I certainly wasn’t going to “grow up” and move back to Warrenton. However, that is exactly what happened and I could not ask for anything more.

I stayed relatively close to home for college as I attended the University of Virginia. I found myself excelling in smaller classes but getting lost in the crowd of 300+ student intro classes held in large auditoriums.

It was a transition to go from the warm embrace of Highland to a new school for the first time in my life. I was used to knowing everyone everywhere I went.

instilled in me at Highland helped me to rise to the challenge after I was willing to accept it.

Following graduation from UVA, I bounced around northern Virginia for a couple years. Arlington and Alexandria have so much to offer young professionals it is the area that so many friends migrated toward. I went as far north as Fairfax County, but quickly found myself settling in Haymarket. That is when I officially re-engaged with Highland.

It’s Good to Come Back I had been back from time to time, but still felt that I must look like a “hanger on”. I helped with the soccer teams on occasion, but still made myself scarce. I slowly began to realize, however, that coming back to Highland wasn’t something to shy away from, but something to embrace. I have spent the last four years as an assistant coach for the boys’ and girls’ Varsity soccer teams. It has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

In looking back now as a husband, At Highland, a Big Fish father, and Warrenton resident, in a Little Pond I see just how this school has At Highland, I had been a big fish shaped my entire life. I got married in a little pond. I thought I could last May and my groomsmen conquer the world just by being weren’t my fraternity brothers or me. After all, I had been the head business associates, they were all prefect, won the Austin Poole Award, my best friends from Highland: earned the Headmaster’s Award, Reynolds Oare ‘00, Mitch Rodia and gave a speech at graduation. It ‘01, Will Dempsey ‘01 and Jake turned out that I was joining nearly Kay 8th grade ‘97. My ushers 4,000 other first year students who were: Highland graduate Andrew were at least as accomplished. It Farrar and faculty members took some time to acclimate and for Ronnie Ross and Jake Schectman. my ego to shrink back to a healthy A whole host of other Highland size. I truly believe the confidence alumni were in attendance.

Following the birth of my daughter, Blakely, in March, my family was showered with love from the entire Highland community. I could not be more grateful. The thought of my children attending Highland still seems foreign to me only because I can’t believe how the time has passed. I remember learning at some point while in the old Chilton Building that my classmate, Katie Doeller, was a legacy. Her dad had attended Highland and now she was, too. I can’t believe that is a real possibility for my own daughter.

She would even be classmates with my best friend’s son, Noah Oare. That just makes me smile.

We Really Are a Family Lastly, I realize now as former players return to visit over their breaks from college that the last thing I think of them is as a “hanger on”. Highland is a family and what kind of family member never comes to visit? So, to the soon-to-be alums and all current alumni – come on back. We’d love to see you and hear about what you’ve been up to.

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Growing Up – But Not Growing Old – Right, Coach Leake? By Tyler Ross ‘02 Highland’s Upper School was in its infancy at the time of my admission.

The buildings were limited to only the pair of hallways that still surround the gym. The lower school improvements were merely a twinkle in the eye of Highland’s leaders.

My graduating class had 33 students.

The class before me was in the 20’s and the class before that the teens.

We were, to a degree, guinea pigs in an experiment: some of us got the blue pill, some of us the gold one.

It was an interesting and exciting time to be a student at Highland.

First of Four Ross Children to Graduate from Highland It wasn’t only standing in the delivery room as the high school was born that gives me a unique perspective. I was the first of four Ross children to attend Highland, with the youngest of us wrapping up her tenure now…imagine, a Ross has been at Highland every year since 1996! I was the student-athlete, then the graduate, then spectator to my sisters’ games, plays and assemblies.

I have coached in the middle school and high school and have served as president of the Alumni Council.

It has been fifteen years since I thought I was too cool for school, taking long off-campus lunches or ditching classes to, of all things, go fishing with my buddies. I’m older now than almost all of the teachers I had when I was a student at Highland (Except Gary Leake… did you hear he’s been at Highland 20 years?!? He could dunk when I started school there!) Now, I’m sitting on multiple boards and

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committees in the area, I have a real estate company, I am married and have two kids and dutifully pay a mortgage every month – that’s right, a mortgage! Though my behavior often contradicts, on paper I am officially an adult with accumulated wisdom to share.

for nothing if there’s no pursuit, no first step toward achieving them. Highland provides the opportunities and encouragement to explore and pursue and to be original, to take the fear of the unknown and embrace it as part of the fun and the journey.

“It’s easy to dream, to have ideas, to set goals.

But it’s all for nothing if there’s no pursuit, no first step toward achieving them.”

The Highland experience certainly shaped much of who I am. It has been influential in my trajectory as a college student, an earner, a friend, citizen, husband and father. There’s too much to list, but my highest appreciation to Highland is due to it’s teachers and staff – both past and present.

Faculty Genuinely Cares About Students’ Wellbeing I am not aware of another assembly of people who more genuinely nurture creativity and encourage exploration and curiosity. They not only offered permission, but support, to pursue ideas and goals. They were there to celebrate success and help identify that not reaching your goal isn’t a failure, but a learning experience.

More Than Teachers, Friends I’ve the good fortune to call many of Highland’s teachers and staff my friends and I can say that they impress me wildly. So often the topic of conversation is Highland: a student, a program, personal philosophies on teaching or education…whatever it is, they invariably speak with gusto and enthusiasm and genuine interest.

What I feel is the most lasting impression Highland had on me survives and thrives today thanks to the teachers and staff.

If not for them, the confidence with which I pursue my goals, the ability to embrace a bump in the road, the expectation I have to reach and exceed my ambitions, may not be what I am very pleased it is today.

Nike’s slogan of “Just do it.”, as simple as it is, profoundly describes the lesson: It’s easy to dream, to have ideas, set goals, but it’s all

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Spotlight on Alumni

From Warrenton to New York City

By Simon Schwartz ‘12

I hate change. In the 14 years before college I never changed schools and never really even considered the possibility. Fortunately for me, my parents picked a real winner when they plopped me into Pre-K at the old Chilton Building in the Fall of 1998. I enjoyed my time at Highland immensely. I still consider it a second home, and my friends and teachers will always be like extended family.

Still Connected from NYC It’s been three years since I graduated but I still follow Highland sports (shout-out to the varsity soccer boys winning states!), love to hear about the musicals, and try to catch up with faculty whenever I’m home. You see, Highland School – the community, what you learn and experience, the very feel of the place – it all kind of sticks with you. I’m grateful it does, because by the time I was forced to make the change to college, I did so with the full and happy confidence that Highland instilled in me.

And thank god it did! New York City, where I attend college, is not a place for those who lack confidence. The city rises into the sky and expands seemingly from horizon to horizon, packed to the brim with exciting lights and sounds, people who never sleep, and rats in the subway (they’re always there, trust me, I got lost on the subway countless times my freshman year).

It’s a city inhabited by a single mass, with a million separate faces, none of which you’ll ever encounter more than once and

none of which will ever recognize you. Yet buried in that mass are the most AMAZING opportunities, and attending Columbia has allowed me to sample some of the best.

Home Away from Home I’ve spent a happy three years in the wood-paneled classrooms of Columbia studying a combination of philosophy and archaeology, with a smattering of statistics mixed in. It’s an eclectic mix, and I’m sure my broad interests and my confidence to indulge in them academically - as opposed to so many of my classmates who enter college “heads down” on finance and emerge four years later, poised to besiege Wall Street - are both Highland’s doing.

While my academic experience at Columbia have been supremely enjoyable, my extra-curricular activities have been fundamentally life-changing. As a freshman, I found out about a CU student

group called CORE, or the Columbia Organization of Rising Entrepreneurs – just a haughty way of saying “the entrepreneurship society on campus.” CORE’s mission is to inspire, educate, and launch entrepreneurship at Columbia and in New York. As a kid who was vastly out of his rural comfort zone, with no clear concept of what he wanted to do, the idea of spending time with a group of students who were self-starters bent on trailblazing their own path instead of fitting into one was really appealing.

Current President of CORE I joined in the spring of 2014 and in the spring of 2015, the group was silly enough to elect me President as a sophomore. Admittedly, I had no idea what I was doing. But over the course of the last year, I’ve grown exponentially and learned just as much. Through CORE, I’ve been responsible for coordinating events for hundreds of individuals, I’ve gotten to work side by side with

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Spotlight on Alumni

some of the coolest people and startup companies in New York, and last fall, some friends and I began to run “Almaworks” (the name is derived from the Alma Mater statue at the center of CU’s campus): a tech accelerator for startups coming out of the Columbia Community.

To date, companies that have come out of our accelerator are “disrupting” (startup lingo for creating something new) a myriad of different markets from healthcare to object recognition computer software to New York City nightlife. All together, they’ve raised

upwards of four million dollars in funding for their endeavors.

Never a Dull Moment So there’s never a dull moment!

And while I’m not sure if I could have scripted any of it when I graduated high school, Highland’s fingerprints are all over any success I could be said to have. Highland’s commitment to providing a powerful communal aspect to its education was always something I appreciated, but it wasn’t until I came to college and compared lower, middle, and high school stories with my friends that I realized

the full extent of the environment I had. To have grown-up and learned in such a caring environment, where all aspects of one’s character are stimulated, as opposed to solely academics, has been an incredibly powerful advantage.

Graduating Highland with the knowledge that, for upwards of a decade, the entire school had cultivated me with my best interests at heart gave me all the confidence I needed to succeed. Just not quite enough to master the subway system. n

Highland is HelmickStrong! Kevin Helmick, Highland’s Database Manager and boys lacrosse coach,

is battling pancreatic cancer. To show our support, friends, family, and students are showing up around campus in purple ‘HelmickStrong’ shirts. Post your own images on Facebook and Twitter at #HelmickStrong!

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News & Notes from Highland Alumni

Alumni News & Notes of 2010, started as a Research Analyst and worked her way up through several management positions before accepting the new role. “It has been a joy to help shape certain aspects of the company - from new client dedication, to diversity across our organization, to the development of the Future Leaders Programme,” said Mrs. Pais. “I am honored every day to be here and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity.” Michelle currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and her black Labrador retriever, Porter.

Warren Mackie-Jenkins ‘07 recently wrote about his time in Guatemala. “I spent six weeks down there living in the same place I lived for eight months before I started medical school. Back then I was volunteering as a youth health educator, and this time when I returned I was working as a clinician, treating adults and children (but mainly school children). It was a really fun and challenging time; we worked with very limited resources in remote communities without water, healthy food, doctors... etc. I worked with mobile clinic teams as well as helped plan the first Preventative Health Fair in the Valley where our clinic was located. Truly an amazing experience.”

Mark Miller ‘01 and his wife Blair welcomed daughter Blakely Ann into the Highland community on March 20, 2016. “I have been a part of the Highland community since 1988 when I started kindergarten in the Chilton Building,” Mark said via email. “To be welcoming my daughter into the world with excitement from all of you so many years later is surreal. Thank you for caring so much about the newest member of the gang!”

Carter Hodgkin 8th ‘66, an artist based in New York, was recently recognized for her work on an elaborate glass mosaic project commissioned by Neiman Marcus for a retail store in Beverly Hills, California. “Art and science unite in Electromagnetic Division,” Ms. Hodgkin said. “Thousands of tiny colorful glass tiles form lines and coils which burst forth from the central locus of a curved wall.”

The ornate mosaic covers 190 square feet and is made of 30,162 tiles. Each tile represents a pixel from the artist’s original design. For images, visit www.carterhodgkin.com.

Michelle Perry Pais ‘01 was recently appointed Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of Prospect 33, a global consulting firm with headquarters in New York and Warrenton. She has been with the company since February

IN MEMORIUM Ben Soyars III 8th ‘93 passed away on Saturday, April 30, 2016, while living in Las Vegas, Nevada.

He was the son of Benjamin A. “Andy” Soyars Jr. and Ellen H. Soyars of Warrenton; brother of Lindsay Soyars Ward and her husband, Casey, and uncle of Catherine Finley Ward. He also leaves behind his longtime love, Charity Elam, and her daughter Wynnter of Richmond.

Born Oct. 10, 1978, Mr. Soyars grew up in Warrenton and attended Highland School before leaving for prep school and college. He then moved to Arizona to attend flight school. Ever since boyhood, he had a passion for flying. Mr. Soyars was a highly accomplished pilot and instructor, logging more than 9,000 hours in various types of planes, from small aerobatic aircraft to corporate jets.

He will be remembered by many for his bright smile, his quick wit and his engaging personality.

Connect with alumni and friends at

facebook.com/HighlandHawksAlumni

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HIGHLAND SCHOOL 597 Broadview Avenue Warrenton, VA 20186

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Warrenton, VA Permit No. 96

www.facebook.com/HighlandSchool

www.youtube.com/highlandwarrenton

Fourth Graders Show Off Ribbons, School Spirit at Field Day

This year’s Blue/Gold Field Day, on Thursday, May 12, was held on an overcast day. But the weather didn’t stop the students from having a great time, winning a few ribbons, and showing off their school spirit. When the dust settled and scores were tabulated from the seven field events – as well as other fun events held throughout the day including the traditional ‘Spirit of the Hawk’ and a banner design contest – the blue team came out on top. They scored a total of 849 points to 792 for the gold team. The blue team also won the year-long competition. For more images from the day’s events, please visit www.facebook.com/HighlandSchool.

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