Highland Magazine Winter 2017 Issue

The Magazine of Highland School | Winter 2017

Hands-On History with Modern Day Marco Polo READ MORE ON PAGE 22

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING IN THE LOWER SCHOOL COLLEGE TALK WITH RENEE NORDEN

www.highlandschool.org

Board of Trustees Mr. Mark Van de Water* P’13,’15,’18 Chairman Mrs. Jody Warfield* P’20 Vice Chair Mrs. Lesley Soltys* P’19,’21,’25 Treasurer Mrs. Heather Iasso* P’15,’18 Secretary

Mr. Fred Blackburn* P’17,’17,’21 Ms. Katherine Ellsworth P’18,’21,’24 At Highland School, our mission is to provide a demanding academic and co-curricular program

Mrs. Deanna Follin Mrs. Samantha Gravett P’16,’19

that develops the skills and character essential

Ms. Candice Hall ‘92

for students to meet the challenges of college

Mr. David Hartley P’17

and leadership in the twenty-first century.

Mr. Thomas “Ty” Moore Lawson P’19 Mr. Randy Minter P’16,’19

To carry out this mission, Highland School has assembled thoroughly modern facilities; a large, diverse, and 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. Kathy Morehouse P’20,’22,’24 Mrs. Vaughan Myers* GP’17 Ms. Diana Norris* P’26,’28 Mrs. Katrine Pendleton* P’14,’17 Mrs. Elizabeth “Libby” Robinson P’14,’17 Mrs. Wendy Rodgers P’17,’19,’21 Dr. Beejal Taylor P’25,’27 Dr. Laura Tremblay P’19,’21,’25,’27 Mr. Dave Turner* P’19,’23 Dr. George E. Wallace P’16,’19

Our Founders Ms. Dorothy Rust Ms. Lavinia Hamilton Mr. William A. Hazel Mr. Jay Keyser Mr. Lewis Pollard Mr. Paul Rice

Mr. Henry D. Berg P’08,’11,’13 Head of School Mrs. Kathy Thornhill P’14,’19,‘21 Parents Association President Mr. Marshall D. Doeller ‘67 P’97,’04, Trustee Emeritus Mr. Paul Rice P’04,’08, Trustee Emeritus *Indicates member of the Executive Committee

Table of Contents

Contents Letter from the Head of School

At Highland School, exploration and project-based learning go hand in hand.

Winter 2017

On the Cover: Jake Petronzio ‘24 shows off a replica of Marco Polo’s golden tablet.

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Highland Launches New Certificate Program Focused on Engineering

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Modern-Day Marco Polo Comes to Highland

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Over the past decade, Highland has added certificate programs focused on Leadership and Global Studies. Now, we’re turning our attention to Engineering.

Explorer-in-Residence program brought Denis Belliveau, a world traveler, photographer, and documentarian to campus to help students in all divisions see the world through a new lens.

Project-Based Learning in the Lower School

What do butterfly gardens, egg-laying chickens, and beautiful baby ducks have in common? All are making Highland’s Lower School a model for project-based learning.

College Talk with Renee Norden

In a school full of faculty and staff who have a lasting impact on the lives of students, none may be more impactful than Renee Norden, P’18,’20 Highland’s Director of College Counseling and Guidance.

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Departments News from Around Campus

Head of School Henry D. Berg Editor David Henrickson Writers and Contributors Marc J. Belanger Cathy Campbell Sarah Henry ‘12 Briar Leake Gary Leake Renee Norden Director of Advancement Marc J. Belanger Class Notes Coordinator Briar Leake Highland Magazine is produced by the Office of Advancement 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, email to dhenrickson@highlandschool.org, or call 540-878-2717.

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International Week

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Leadership Donor Event

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Second Grade Play

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In Memoriam: Kevin Helmick

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Alumni News & Notes

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Note: 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.

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 3

Introducing Highland School’s

Quae Vernant Crescent Legacy Society

Highland’s Quae Vernant Crescent Legacy Society embodies our school motto, which translates as “that which is growing yields increase.“ The Society recognizes individuals who have made planned gifts or chosen to include Highland School in their estate plans.

To learn more about planned giving and bequests, please contact Marc Belanger at mbelanger@highlandschool.org or 540-878-2777.

www.highlandschool.org/legacy

Letter from The Head of School

At Highland School, exploration and project-based learning go hand in hand The allure of exploration is as old as humankind. The mere term “explorer” invokes images of the intrepid venturing into the unknown in quest of discovery. The same fundamental forces that drew Marco Polo to undertake his extraordinary travels influence our students today. They want to know more, and it is the journey of exploration that often defines the modern learning experience. At Highland we are working to respond to the innate curiosity of our students as we develop the skill sets they will need in the modern world.

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

In this issue of the Highland Magazine, we take a closer look at an approach to learning which is taking hold because it resonates with current students and teachers – project based learning. At its epicenter, project-based learning is an experiential method where the learner and teacher determine the objectives, plan and research the topic, and reflect on what has been learned. Highland is recognized as a leader in experiential learning methodology and programming that employs this approach. One of the objectives in our new strategic plan is to expand our understanding and use of project-based applications.

This objective is not a response to a fad, rather a method to develop the skills our students need.

I love it when old world practice meets the modern day. I think of the myriad skills Marco Polo must have had to survive the enormous demands of his travels. It is an analogy for the preparation our students must have given the demands they will face.

Sincerely,

Henry D. Berg Head of School

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 5

News from Around Campus

Latest News

In November, Captain Kristen Griest, shown here with Highland parent Mark Morehouse, spoke to Upper School students in The Rice Theater about goal setting, perseverance, and careers in the United States Armed Forces.

Captain Kristen Griest Addresses Students

One of the first two women to complete the United States Army Ranger School, Captain Griest shared her experiences and insights on goal setting, perseverance, and competition

In November, upper school students gathered in The Rice Theater in the Highland Center for the Arts for their morning assembly. While topics and presenters often vary from week to week, this week’s gathering brought to campus a young Army officer who, in 2015, made history by graduating from the U.S. Army Ranger School.

Thanks to Highland parent Mark Morehouse P’20,’22,’24, who is also a graduate of the United States Military Academy, Army Captain Kristen Griest, who also became the first female infantry officer in the U.S. Army, shared

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her story and experiences with students. With an emphasis on setting lofty goals, perseverance, and the value of a competitive spirit, Captain Griest recounted her time at Ranger School and reflected on the successes and failures that have helped her achieve several historic goals.

Captain Griest, who served in Afghanistan as a Military Police Officer, described the path that originally took her to begin Ranger training in 2015 as part of the first class to include female candidates. She described some of the challenges she faced in the physically and mentally

highlandschool.org

News from Around Campus

demanding tasks and tests that are the backbone of the grueling 61-day training program. Sleep deprivation and intense physical activity create mental and psychological challenges that test the mettle of the candidates while sharpening their leadership skills under the most demanding circumstances.

Captain Griest described how her long-standing focus on training helped her turn perceived weaknesses into strengths.

She became a valuable asset for her team while gaining the confidence and skills needed to complete the mentally and physically grueling tests.

Special thanks to the Morehouse family and Major General Scott Miller who made arrangements for Captain Griest’s visit.

Highland Implements Indexed Tuition Program for 2017/2018 Academic Year Focus is on affordability by tailoring tuition to family’s circumstances Affordability continues to be one of the biggest challenges facing independent schools today. As a school rooted in community, Highland is always looking for ways to make its education affordable to bright students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. The goal is to ensure that every qualified candidate–from Kindergarten to Grade 12– has access to the Highland School experience. To help achieve this goal, Highland has implemented ‘Indexed Tuition’ for the 2017/2018 school year.

What is Indexed Tuition?

Indexed Tuition is a program already proven in Higher Education and being adopted by independent schools around the country. By presenting a range of costs that are customized to a family’s ability to contribute toward their child’s education, families more clearly understand the potential affordability of a Highland education.

The power of Indexed Tuition is that a family looking at Highland for the first time gets a better sense of their ability to afford our educational opportunity. Rather than seeing a set tuition, families who visit the website see a range of possible tuitions. In the end, Indexed Tuition is a renaming of the existing financial aid program. As before,

families who feel they can’t pay full tuition submit financial data to a third party provider, Secondary School Service (SSS). The school then makes a grant based on the SSS recommendation and other relevant factors.

Highland follows other independent schools who have also renamed their financial aid program “Indexed Tuition.”

It has been the experience of those schools that a clearer

“Highland is always looking for ways to make its education affordable to bright students from a range of economic backgrounds.”

- Donna Tomlinson, Director of Admissions understanding of expense leads to more inquiries, more applications, and ultimately more qualified students. For more information, please visit the Highland website at www.highlandschool.org/affording.

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 7

Spotlight on Academics

Tower Gardens Sprouting Up Around Campus Aeroponic gardens in science classrooms grow fresh vegetables and inspire young minds

There is a special glow emanating from three science classrooms at Highland these days thanks to a generous gift from Fred and Lauren Galati, P’20,’29. Students in all three divisions can now learn about the life cycle of plants using cutting-edge technology that increases yields, speeds growth, and uses only 10% of the water and space as traditional soil-based gardens.

“We want to inspire students to make healthy eating choices by showing them how easy it is to grow their own nutrient-rich food,” said Lauren Galati. “Our family is so happy to be part of the Highland community, and we are thrilled to share this incredible resource.”

Lower School Science Teacher Andrea McEvoy tends to the aeroponic garden in her classroom.

Tower gardens employ aeroponics—the same technology NASA uses—to grow plants with only water and nutrients. This system has been shown by researchers to make plants grow three times faster and produce 30% greater yields on average.

“My students love the new tower garden,” says lower school science teacher Andrea McEvoy. “It is a wonderful teaching tool incorporating visual, tactile, and conceptual elements—and we enjoy eating the fresh herbs and vegetables, too!”

‘Highland Heroes’ Support School, Gain Year-Round Visibility Annual corporate sponsorships raise over $60K from local and regional businesses For the first time ever, Highland School has welcomed annual corporate sponsorships through its new “Highland Hero” program—and offered exclusive benefits like the advertisements you see in this issue. Exceeding its initial revenue projections by 25%, the Highland Heroes have provided over $60,000 of corporate support from local and regional business to support our students and faculty.

“We are thrilled to be a leading sponsor of this important community resource,” said Mike Leake P’21, Regional President of Union Bank & Trust. “Highland is educating many of the future leaders of the Piedmont region, and often serves as a draw for potential professionals moving into the area.”

Several long-time sponsors requested this annual program, and it has been very well received. In addition to Union Bank & Trust, Highland Heroes include: American Automatic Sprinkler, Attotek, Fauquier Chamber of Commerce, Lynx

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Investment Advisory, Meridian Financial Partners, Moser Funeral Home, NVP Homes, Superior Paving, Temp-Power, The Fauquier Bank, and Warrenton Toyota Scion.

Corporate sponsorship puts a business front-and-center with more than 1,800 parents, grandparents, alumni, Trustees, and friends of Highland. Several of the benefits are available only to Highland Heroes, including advertising in this bi-annual magazine, placement on our website, and discounts on rentals of our state-of-the-art facilities for business meetings, group presentations, or receptions.

Integral to the conception and launch of this program were Jody Warfield P’20, Randy Minter P ‘16,’19, and Joy Willey P’14,’17. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Highland Hero, please contact Marc Belanger, Director of Advancement, at mbelanger@highlandschool.org or 540-878-2777.

highlandschool.org

Spotlight on Athletics

The boys varsity soccer team poses with their trophies, medals, and fans after repeating as VISAA Division II State Champions in Richmond.

Boys Varsity Soccer Team Repeats as State Champs

Dramatic final save and subsequent goal by senior leaders put Hawks ahead in overtime shoot out over Carlisle School in VISAA Division II title game in Richmond On Saturday, November 12, 2016, the boys varsity soccer team defeated Carlisle School 5-4 in overtime penalty kicks at Sports Backers Stadium in Richmond. It was the team’s second straight VISAA Division II state soccer title and the team’s fifth state title since 2002.

However, it may have been the team’s unlikeliest of victories. After posting a regular season record of 15-3-5, the team lost the Delaney Athletic Conference to rival Fredericksburg Academy 3-0 at home. With nearly a week to recover, the Hawks managed two harrowing one goal victories in the state quarterfinals 3-2 over Steward School at home and 1-0 over Trinity at Meadowview in the state semifinals to earn their return trip to the finals.

After playing to a contentious 0-0 draw in regulation, the teams advanced to two five minute overtime periods. With few real scoring opportunities on both sides, the teams settled in for penalty kicks. After jumping out to a two goal advantage on a bold save by senior goalkeeper Sawyer Long

‘17 and a dramatic miss by a Carlisle player, the Chiefs came storming back with two straight goals to tie the score.

Goalkeeper Long set the stage with a stunning save on what turned out to be Carlisle’s final shot of the night.

Senior defender Manti Batistas ‘17 sealed the victory with his final goal in a Highland School soccer jersey.

“This was how Manti deserves to go out, to get the glory,” coach Reynolds Oare ‘00 told the Fauquier Times. “He nailed the game winner in the state championship and he didn’t just make it, he drilled it.”

After the game-winning goal, players rushed Batistas and coaches embraced Long. The team spent the next half hour celebrating on the sidelines with coaches, teammates, and a large contingent of Highland fans who had traveled down to support the team. It turned out to be the perfect ending to Highland’s most unlikely of state titles.

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 9

Spotlight on Community

Belanger Joins Staff as Director of Advancement This past summer, Marc J. Belanger joined the administrative staff as the Director of Advancement. Previously, he worked for four years at The Williston Northampton School in Massachusetts where he served as their Leadership Gifts Officer. There, his responsibilities included major donor stewardship, relationship cultivation, and social media management. Marc brings with him nearly two decades of marketing experience in various settings, including Historic Deerfield, Merriam-Webster, and the Maritime Aquarium. He earned a B.S. in Marketing from Fairfield University and an M.F.A. in Architectural History form Savannah College of Art and Design.

Marc J. Belanger P’22,’25 joined the staff as Director of Advancement in summer of 2016

Marc and his wife, Jackie, have two sons, Julian and Forrester, in 4th and 7th grades at Highland. “We are thrilled to be here,” says Belanger. “We love living in the Piedmont and look forward to exploring every nook and cranny of Shenandoah National Park.”

Since coming on board in July, Belanger has already produced a strategic plan and has his sights set on the future. “I am inspired by Highland’s strong legacy of parent and alumni support,” he says. “The opportunity to build on this great foundation as we look to celebrate the School’s 90th anniversary in 2018 is very exciting.”

Highland Golf Tournament Turning 25 Record-breaking field of 104 golfers including parents, alumni, faculty, coaches, and supporters took to Fauquier Springs course on eve of the event’s 25th anniversary in 2017 The Highland Classic Golf Tournament hosted a recordbreaking field of 104 golfers last October, and is looking to top that in 2017. Fun contests, valuable prizes, and delicious food bolstered the spirits of our intrepid golfers who braved a cloudy day and a “spot of rain” at the Fauquier Springs Country Club.

“We are thrilled by the positive energy and enthusiasm that this event creates,” said Director of Special Events and Alumni Relations Briar Leake P’18. “The Highland Classic brings together a wonderful cross-section of parents, grandparents, alumni, business leaders and friends who all love and support Highland.”

Kicking off the day was the Ben Gravett Memorial Putting Contest, which was won by Ken Kramer, guest of Ken Huntsman P’03,‘09. The field included parents of 47 current

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students, parents of 20 alumni, ten alumni, and the entire baseball coaching staff. In addition, at least ten teams were sponsored by vendors and local businesses.

Special thanks to all the incredible sponsors of the event, including leadership VIP support from Union Bank & Trust and Pepsi. Other sponsors included Middleburg Bank, Akre Capital Management, The Wise Foundation, Superior Paving Corp., Baker Donelson, Sheetz, Strutter Turf, and Warrenton Toyota Scion.

Held annually since 1992, this signature fundraising and friend-raising event will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. Please be sure to save the date now and plan to join us for the festivities on September 29, 2017, at Fauquier Springs Country Club.

highlandschool.org

Spotlight on Athletics

Emy Ferrell‘17, Wofford College (womens lacrosse)

Timmy Stephan‘17, Rider University (baseball)

Jacob Zoeller ‘17, Emory & Henry College (baseball)

Josh Pittman ‘17, St. Bonaventure University (baseball)

Jack Silvernale ‘17, Randolph-Macon College (mens lacrosse)

Austin Day ‘17, Randolph-Macon College (mens lacrosse)

Six Student Athletes Commit to Play College Sports As many as 20 seniors will be representing Highland at NCAA athletic programs this fall

An important day in the lives of many of our student athletes comes along as they sit down with the traditional pen in hand and sign their letters of intent to play at the collegiate level. Many family members, students and faculty join each ceremony to witness the signings, which this year will total an historic number.

“We anticipate sending nearly one-third of our 60 seniors to play at the college level,” said Athletic Director Gary Leake, “In speaking to a great deal of college coaches, it seems that our student athletes are being considered a program match, not only because of their athletic success but classroom success as well. In addition, college coaches are recruiting student athletes that exhibit character and community leadership which is also a direct reflection of Highland’s philosophy.”

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 11

Spotlight on Academics

Highland Launches New Pre-Engineering Certificate for Upper School Students

By Elizabeth Kennedy, Upper School Science and Physics, Science Department Chair “Be Yourself at Highland.” It is more than a slogan we paint on our sign or feature on the banner of our website. It is what we want our students to be–artistically, athletically, and academically, by stretching spirit, body, and mind beyond what they may have thought possible. To achieve this, we provide a wide range of learning experiences to challenge and enable our students. To this variety, we have added a new certificate in Pre-Engineering.

the minimum necessary for graduation. Students will participate in a team-based engineering project to help them experience the engineering design process as they work with colleagues.

Highland’s Robotics Team–called Team RoboHawk–is an excellent place to find such an experience, but other options will also be provided via the Engineering Design course, which is one of the new courses beginning in the 2017-2018 school year.

New Multi-Year Certificate Program The Pre-Engineering Certificate is offered for Upper School students who are interested in preparing themselves to study engineering in college. The mission of this new Highland certificate program is to provide to students, through direct experience, projects, and academic study, an understanding of the nature of engineering as well as the specific academic preparation they will need to study engineering at the university level.

“Many of the Pre-Engineering Certificate requirements came as the result of interviews with Highland alumni currently enrolled in engineering programs around the country.”

- David Robertson, Upper School Science and Math

“The Pre-Engineering Certificate encourages students to see the world beyond Highland,” said David Robertson, Upper School Science and Math teacher and co-creator of the Pre-Engineering certificate program. “As a department, we’re always looking for ways not only to challenge our students, but to prepare them for the real-world demands they will face at the university level and beyond.

For participants, this certificate will give real perspective to their educational journey.“

Summer Coursework Adds to Experience In addition to coursework and the team-based project, Pre-Engineering students will undertake an individual engineering experience designed to expand their view of the opportunities that lie beyond the Highland campus. Students are encouraged to participate in one of a multitude of summer programs that are hosted by various engineering schools throughout the country.

From such an experience, students can expect to gain further insight into what engineering entails, and the implications of choosing an engineering major in college.

Individual and Group Projects Replicate Real-World Challenges Students will learn about the essentials of engineering through the coursework outlined in this new certificate, Additionally, they will be challenged to complete requirements beyond

“Many of the requirements of the Pre-Engineering Certificate came as the result of interviews with Highland alums currently enrolled in engineering programs around the country,” said Mr. Robertson. “These former students shared the opportunities and

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Spotlight on Academics

experiences they wished they had before starting college.”

the Pre-Engineering Certificate at graduation, acknowledging their effort and accomplishment.

Senior Capstone Project Finally, in the tradition of university engineering programs, the students’ experience at Highland culminates with the Senior Capstone Project.

The capstone project affords Pre-Engineering students the opportunity to forge an in-depth experience in a field of particular interest within engineering, while also demonstrating the breadth of skills and practices acquired throughout his or her Highland career.

“It is our hope,” Robertson said, “that the pursuit of the Pre-Engineering Certificate at Highland empowers students to become innovators.”

As in a professional engineering setting, PreEngineering students will present their capstone project to their peers and Highland faculty, in lieu of the Senior Project presented by other members of the graduating class.

Students who complete these requirements during their tenure in the Upper School will earn

For Highland students who may be interested in a future in engineering, a part of “being yourself at Highland” entails becoming educated about what engineering is and what is required of them to be successful in a university engineering program. We are proud and excited to offer this Highland Pre-Engineering Certificate to our students who see themselves as the next generation of engineers.

For more information on Highland’s new Pre-Engineering Certificate Program, please visit www.highlandschool.org/engineering. n

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 13

NE W !

INTRODUCING THE FIRST ANNUAL

A N D R E W P. W I N F R E E ‘ 9 9

SPORTING CLAYS EVENT TO BENEFIT HIGHLAND SCHOOL

MONDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2017 BULL RUN SHOOTING CENTER IN CENTREVILLE

JOIN US FOR A FUN DAY OF SPORTING CLAYS AND SHOTGUN GAMES! CATERED LUNCH INCLUDED. TOP SHOOTER PRIZE. RAFFLES AND GIVEAWAY ITEMS. RAIN OR SHINE. THE BULL RUN SHOOTING CENTER HAS SHOTGUNS AVAILABLE FOR RENT, AND AMMUNITION AND ACCESSORIES AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE.

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For information and reservations, please contact Briar Leake, Director of Special Events and Alumni Relations, at bleake@highlandschool.org or 540-878-2794

2020 “Forward Thinking” Strategic Plan Unveiled New five-year plan outlines ambitious goals focused on Highland’s core strengths: teaching and learning Centered on the most essential elements of a school—teaching and learning—Highland’s vision for the school’s future is outlined in the new “Forward Thinking” strategic plan. It also includes initiatives to deepen community culture and strengthen the critical infrastructure and financial resources needed to achieve these goals.

“Highland School is positioned at an exciting time in its history,” said Chair of Highland’s Board of Trustees, Mark Van de Water.

“We are firmly committed to providing our students with a rich and challenging experience in a supportive and nurturing environment.”

Increasing endowed support will be critical to empowering the school to be able to deepen and build on these strengths.

Other important elements of the plan include program development; operational efficiency and financial sustainability; communicating community values and philosophies; and ensuring talented students have access to a Highland education.

“Highland has established a regional reputation as the ‘best place to learn’ environment,” said Head of School Hank Berg. “We are unique among schools our size, providing both support for all kinds of learners and continuous development of teaching skills in our faculty.”

Developing a strategic plan is a collective endeavor, and Highland is grateful to all those who gave time and thought to this critical process; in particular, the Strategic Planning Committee of the Board and the School Committee for Strategic Planning for their sustained commitment. To determine the priorities for the next five years, these committees reviewed input from all constituencies including: the comprehensive survey of parents last fall; the report from the educators who comprised the VAIS Interim Accreditation Team; and the internal narrative report written by our faculty and staff.

Please take time to become familiar with the new Strategic Plan (it is available online at: highlandschool.org/strategic plan) and send in questions or comments. Together, we will continue to move Highland forward for the benefit of our students, our community, and our future.

The Strategic Planning Committee of the Board:

Fred Blackburn P’17,’17,’21 Ike Broaddus, P’08,’14, Chair Heather Iasso P’15,’18 Karen Flikeid P’18,’20 Diana Norris P’26,’28 Katrine Pendleton P’14,’17 Dr. Beejal Taylor P’25,’27 Dr. Laura Tremblay P’19,’21,’25,’27

The School Committee for Strategic Planning: Janie Banse Marc J. Belanger P’22,’25 Cassin Bertke Hank Berg P’08,’11,’13 Cathy Campbell P’08,’11,’13 David Henrickson P ‘21,’23 Matt Ormiston P ‘20,’22 Joy Willey P ‘14,’17

Thanks also to: Katherine Ellsworth P’18,’21,’24 Ty Lawson P’19 Jim Mitchell P’19,’20 Libby Robinson P’14,’17 George Wallace P ‘16,’19

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 15

THANKS TO OUR HIGHLAND HEROES FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT

JOIN HIGHLAND SCHOOL’S ANNUAL CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM Support Highland School and Your Business Goals Highland Heroes are businesses large and small who make an annual financial gift to Highland School. The benefits provided to Highland Heroes give your business maximum visibility among, and personal engagement with, a broad audience of the Piedmont region’s most involved families and community leaders.

Year-Round Visibility From placements in our bi-annual magazine and other publications, to signage at the school, to tickets to our Auction Gala, golf tournament and other events, your investment as a Highland Hero puts your business frontand-center with more than 1,800 parents and grandparents, alumni, current and former Trustees, and philanthropic supporters of Highland School–all with one annual, tax deductible commitment.

Titanium Sponsors

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Lynx Investment Advisory Meridian Financial Moser Funeral Home Superior Paving Bronze Sponsors

American Automatic Sprinkler Fauquier Bank Fauquier Chamber of Commerce NVP Inc. Temp-Power Inc. Warrenton Toyota Scion

Add Your Business to the List of Highland Heroes

To learn more about joining our Highland Heroes annual corporate sponsorship program please contact Marc Belanger at mbelanger@highlandschool.org or call 540-878-2777.

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Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 17

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In The Spotlight

2017 International Week Highlights Kenya, Milestone Year in Enkijape Partnership

This year’s International Week, which ran from January 18-27, put a spotlight on the 15th anniversary of Highland’s relationship with Enkijape School in Kenya. Over the course of the week, students in all divisions heard from Dr. George Wallace, P’16,’19, a conservationist and Highland board member, learned how to play the drums with renowned musician Darrell Rose, and perused an African market in the art gallery.

In every case, students were enthralled by their glimpses into the culture, history, and people of Kenya. Check out some of the images from around campus that week!

Dr. Ndunge Kiiti spoke to Upper School students about the social and economic importance of mobile money in Kenya.

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highlandschool.org

In the Spotlight

World-renowned percussionist and educator Darrell Rose performed at assembly.

Senior Annie Pendleton ‘17 shared her experiences at Enkijape School with faculty, classmates, and friends.

Dr. George Wallace P’16,’19, a conservationist with Rainforest Trust, spoke to students about his work in Kenya and visit to Enkijape School.

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 21

EXPLORER-In-RESIDENCE PROGRAM

MODERN-DAY MARCO POLO COMES TO HIGHLAND

BY CATHY CAMPBELL In the Fall, students in all divisions had the unique opportunity to spend several days with Denis Belliveau. In the early 1990’s, Mr. Belliveau and lifelong friend Francis O’Donnell spent two years on an ambitious attempt to follow in the footsteps of merchant and traveler Marco Polo.

“You’ll never get out alive,” said Barry Rubin, a distinguished Asia scholar at Columbia University. “There’s a civil war raging in Afghanistan! Even the kids carry guns.”

Rubin’s response was typical of many that Denis Belliveau and Frances O’Donnell received from the experts they spoke to about their wildly ambitious plan to retrace explorer Marco Polo’s entire route—a journey that would take them 25,000 miles through 20 countries and eight war zones.

TRIBUTE TO A HISTORIC JOURNEY

Born in Italy in 1254, Marco Polo was a Venetian merchant and explorer whose descriptions of China and the fabled Silk Road introduced Europeans to a culture previously unknown to them. It also served as a source of inspiration to future travelers, including

22 Highland Magazine

Explorer, documentary filmmaker, and artist Denis Belliveau used a variety of mediums and projects to share some of his experiences with students across all divisions.

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Explorer, artist, and educator Denis Belliveau came to Highland as part of his acclaimed ‘Explorer-in-Residence’ program.

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 23

Here, Mr. Belliveau holds a replica of the ‘golden tablet’ that granted Marco Polo free travel across a broad geographic area. Middle School students created their own tablets.

24 Highland Magazine

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Christopher Columbus. While there had been many modern-day attempts to retrace Marco Polo’s route, none had been successful. Yet Belliveau and O’Donnell–two buddies who’d met in art school–wanted to do it. And they wanted to do it by themselves, no crew, nonstop, and without resorting to using aircraft.

For over a year, they’d researched the route, charted maps, and studied every available version of The Travels of Marco Polo, the book that became their bible.

TWO-YEAR TREK FORMED FOUNDATION OF EXPLORER-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM

Bertke, with financial assistance from the Parents Association, the critically acclaimed program allowed students to relive a fabled journey, engage in lively give-and-take with Denis Belliveau, and participate in hands-on Marco Polo-themed activities across all divisions.

Upper School sophomores, all of whom study world history, were treated to “Friday Night at the Movies” featuring Belliveau’s Emmy award- winning documentary, In the Footsteps of Marco Polo. The following Monday, November 7th, was designated Sophomore World History

The story of their stunning adventures, which lasted two years, from 1993-1995, was the subject of the Explorer-in-Residence Program that came to Highland for three days last November. Organized by Assistant Head of School and Upper School Director Cassin

Francis O’Donnell and Denis Belliveau spent two years retracing the steps of famous merchant and adventurer Marco Polo

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 25

Day, featuring a question and answer session with Belliveau followed by a cartography workshop and discussion on the meaning of global citizenship. Building on map work done in history classes, Belliveau discussed the significance of the Spice Route (the sea route) and the Silk Road (the overland route) as conduits for the spread of knowledge between East and West.

Students researched aspects of trade and plotted trade routes on oversized maps.

INTEGRATED INTO ANNUAL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

On Tuesday, all upper school students, in addition to students from Foxcroft, Randolph Macon Academy, and Wakefield, assembled to hear Belliveau deliver the keynote address for Highland’s annual Leadership Conference (the theme, “Mastery: Leading Through

Throughout his visit, Belliveau captivated students with stories: contracting giardia in Bukhar, sharing mutton with Uzbeks, and traveling by camel through the Taklamakan in China, a desert the size of Germany whose shifting sands have engulfed whole towns and civilizations. He told of having a gun put to his head by an Afghan warlord and crossing into Iran as the first Americans in the country since 1979.

His overarching messages to students, however, had to do with the importance of careful research and travelling in a receptive frame of mind. “There’s a difference between a tourist and a traveler,” Belliveau noted, explaining that a traveler is a listener and learner first. “A traveler looks for conversations before photo opps.”

Belliveau believes strongly that most people are fundamentally good and that traveling is “the

Throughout his visit, Belliveau captivated students with stories: contracting giardia in Bukhar, sharing mutton with Uzbeks, and traveling by camel through the Taklamakan in China, a desert the size of Germany whose shifting sands have engulfed whole towns and civilizations.

Challenges”), which had been scheduled to coincide with the Explorer-in-Residence Program. In a full day that included lunch with Leadership students and Merit Scholars in Upper School, Belliveau also conducted a middle school workshop where students fashioned golden tablets out of polymer clay.

GOLDEN TABLET WAS PASSPORT

The golden tablets, he explained, were given to Marco Polo by Kubla Khan, functioning as 13th century diplomatic passports to allow safe passage through dangerous lands. For Belliveau and his friend O’Donnell, letters from a special contact addressed to various warlords were their own golden tablets and enabled them to travel through war-torn Afghanistan in relative safety. The last half of Tuesday was spent in Lower School, with an Explorer assembly that featured storytelling and artifacts, followed by a trebuchet building workshop which echoed Marco Polo’s own role in teaching the Mongols how to build and use catapults.

26 Highland Magazine

enemy of bigotry.” Importantly, Marco Polo “never planted an imperial flag or tried to convert people in his path.” Rather, he described in detail what and who he encountered, “without being too judgmental” in order to share a world outside his own.

CONNECTS TO GLOBAL STUDIES PROGRAM

The Explorer-in-Residence Program resonated with Classical Language Chair Ann Maclean, P ‘24,’27 who also heads Highland’s Global Studies Program: “This was a great way to expose students to the cultural enrichment that comes with exploring a world outside their own borders. Our Global Studies Certificate Program shares the same objective of getting students to engage in meaningful ways with the wider world.”

Says Belliveau, “A quest to retrace Polo’s path led us down our own and to a deeper understanding of the need for respect and compassion for others…We are one human race.” n

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In the Upper School, Mr. Belliveau focused on cartography. Students created their own maps and then finished them with symbols representing culture, trade, and language.

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 27

In the Spotlight

Leadership Donors Enjoy Eastwood Farm Event

In October, more than 50 of Highland’s leadership donors, made up of current and past parents, alumni, faculty, and Trustees came together for an exclusive event at Eastwood Farm in Warrenton. Graciously hosted by the Rodgers family, the event presented an opportunity to celebrate their connections to Highland, catch up with friends, and hear about the school’s new “Forward Thinking” strategic plan from Head of School Hank Berg. Thanks to everyone who attended this memorable event!

Reta Rodgers P’90GP’15,’15,’16,’17,’19,’21’,22, ’24,’25,’26,’26,’28 and the Rodgers family graciously hosted the event at Eastwood Farm.

Bonnie Dodson P’19, Tom Winfree P’91,’99 and Diane Hughes P’95,GP’21

Julia and Dave Turner P’19,P’23 enjoyed the afternoon gathering.

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Robin Minter P’16,’19, Belinda Justice P’19 and Samantha Gravett P’16,’19

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In the Spotlight

Sarah and Gavin Lubbe P’25,’27,’28 pose with Jody Warfield P’20.

Ellen and Andy Soyars, P’93,’97

Michelle Hughes P’21 enjoyed the afternoon with her parents Michael and Diane Hughes P’95, GP’21.

Katrine and Tripp Pendleton P’14,’17

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 29

At Highland, chickens are as much about learning as laying eggs and are part of a move toward more project-based learning in the Lower School.

30   Highland Magazine

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AN “EGGCELLENT” IDEA:

PROJECT-BASED LEARNING IN THE LOWER SCHOOL

BY CATHY CAMPBELL When students are “met where they are” and engaged by teachers who have the time, interest, and expertise to focus on each student and engage his or her intellectual and creative curiosity, then learning is meaningful. - Highland School Strategic Plan 2020 Which came first, the chickens or the eggs?

Actually, in the case of Highland’s Lower School it was the students, whose interest in feathered fowl provided the impetus for a chicken project, now in its second year. And the results are something to cluck about.

Project- based learning (PBL) has garnered much praise from education experts of late for its in-depth investigative approach that challenges students to apply skills across content areas and can be tailored to student interest. In a process that moves from inquiry and research to execution and presentation, students develop competencies for future learning, including how to formulate essential questions, conduct research independently and collaboratively, and then synthesize and evaluate those results.

For last year’s fourth graders excited about chickens, a guiding question was “How can

we raise chickens and help our community?”

Sustained inquiry ensued as students, with guidance from science teacher Claire Mello and librarian Jane Banse, asked myriad questions and researched all things chicken: their life cycle, predators, food and water requirements, maladies, and housing needs. Collaboration was facilitated by instruction using Google Classroom to share data.

STUDENTS SEEK OUT EXPERT ADVICE ON RAISING CHickens as Class Project

In addition to their own investigations, students interviewed two poultry experts to get information firsthand. One big decision involved what breed to select, with students debating but finally deciding on Cream Legbars, prized for their friendly disposition and dependable laying.

Eggs were ordered from Omega Hills Farm in Mississippi and incubated upon arrival.

Another challenge involved coop design.

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 31

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Formal project-based learning in the Lower School started with Monarch butterflies and the butterfly garden. Next came the chickens.

Next year? Let’s let the students decide!

In project-based learning, trial and error is a key component of the learning process.

Students wanted housing that was attractive, functional-- and spacious enough that no one would be tempted to fly the coop! Here they were guided by Pre-K to Grade 8 Academic Technology Coordinator Michele DanielShenk. After settling on a design and printing coop prototypes with the 3D printer, they then built the final version in MakerSpace which incorporated the best features of individual designs. Next, students welcomed Highland parent Florian Dengel to oversee construction.

school teachers, however, remain productive.

Last spring, Jane Banse, Michele-Daniel Shenk, and Claire Mello (now retired) showcased at the International Technology and Engineering Educators’ Conference. Their presentation, “Chicken to Egg: Merging Technology with

Hatching Day was a big event! And while there was still much tending to be done, ultimately students were rewarded with chicks whose pullets (young hens) laid eggs themselves. On November 18, 2016, students loaded eggs into recycled cartoons and donated them to the Fauquier Community Food Bank. The cycle was complete.

chicks whose pullets laid eggs themselves.

During the winter months, Highland hens are on hiatus from egg laying. Highland’s lower

Hatching Day was a big event! While there was still much tending to be done, ultimately students were rewarded with

Experiential Learning,” garnered high praise from conference participants. This past fall, Jane Banse, Mary Chrisinger, and Miriam Solms described the project at the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) Conference in Richmond.

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 33

IT ALL STARTED WITH A BUTTERFLY GARDEN

Project-Based Learning is not a new concept in Lower School. The Butterfly Garden, located in front of the Lower School, earned official designation by Monarch Watch as a Monarch Way Station. The project emanated from student interest in caterpillar-laden milkweed brought in by teacher Mary Chrisinger, and burgeoned when first graders in Mrs. Solms’s class wanted to learn more about butterflies.

(See “The Many Layers of Highland’s Butterfly Garden,” Highland Magazine Fall 2015) This past fall, Jane Banse, Mary Chrisinger and Miriam Solms presented that project, “Waiting for Wings: Monarch Conservation and Curriculum, “ at the VAIS Conference.

Lower School Director Lise Hicklin sees the potential for more project-based learning down

School teachers will read Chard’s writing as part of this year’s faculty summer reading.

TEACHERS SERVE AS INVESTIGATIVE GUIDES

In the PBL classroom, the teacher functions more as a “guide on the side” than a “sage on the stage,” but that doesn’t mean that teachers can sit back. When one considers the time required to develop a project, guide the students through a meaningful investigation, and assess and evaluate the success of the problem as well as student performance, it is abundantly clear that this approach demands a great deal from teachers, who also must work collaboratively across disciplines. But the learning rewards make it worthwhile. Indeed, Highland’s new Strategic Plan lists Expand Project and Inquiry-Based Learning as it’s first objective under its Learning Area of Focus.

Lower school director Lise Hicklin sees the potential for more project-based learning down the line. “Our students benefit tremendously from the real-life skills they gain in figuring things out in an investigation-based project. the line. “Our students benefit tremendously from the real-life skills they gain in figuring things out in an investigation-based project” says Hicklin. “At the end of the day, they have a richer understanding and true ownership of the learning process.”

In January, Hicklin and Banse travelled to Durham, North Carolina to visit The Duke School, a private Pre-K to Grade 8 school that incorporates designated project time into every grade’s academic schedule. The Duke School cites the work of Dr. Sylvia Chard, Professor Emeritus of Early Childhood Education at the University of Alberta, Canada, as someone whose work on the project approach has been widely influential. Hicklin expects that Lower

34 Highland Magazine

“Our teachers are a talented bunch who embrace innovation,” comments Hicklin. “If it’s good for the students, they are ready to step up. We’ve had great success so far, so it’s exciting to consider other project possibilities.

Investigating what’s next will be a wonderful project for us all!” n

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Spotlight on Academics

The Gift of Failure Encourages Parents to Embrace Challenges as Essential Book club for parents introduces educational concepts and offers opportunities for regular conversation Earlier this year, Middle School Director Matt Ormiston launched a new book club specifically for parents. The goal was to share impactful and educationally-focused titles with parents. Then, the group met every two weeks to discuss their responses in an informal setting.

The first selection was Jessica Lahey’s The Gift of Failure. Released in 2015, the book offers a clear assessment of the risks of shielding children– especially students in their Middle School years –from failure. The author takes a clear-eyed look at the value of struggling with everyday tasks including homework, report cards, social situations, and sports. She encourages parents in a practical way to allow their children the freedom of failure to help them build both ability and resilience.

“We’re always trying to share new ideas with our parents,” said Ormiston. “The book club has been a great way to introduce new titles and foster an ongoing discussion. I’m looking forward bringing new concepts to the group–and hearing their suggestions for other books to read as well.”

Learn more about Jessica Lahey and The Gift of Failure online at www.jessicalahey.com. Learn more about the book club by contacting Matt Ormiston at mormiston@highlandschool.org.

In The Spotlight

Second Graders Present ‘Hats’ in Arundel Gym The title of this year’s second grade class play “Hats,” might have given away its central theme, but there were still plenty of surprises packed into their performances. Great songs and rhymes were woven into a light-hearted play that encouraged the audience to find their own passions–and hats!

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In the Spotlight

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 37

Spotlight on Faculty

Renee Norden College Talk with

In a school full of faculty and staff who have a lasting impact on the lives of Upper School students, none may be more impactful than Highland’s Director of College Counseling and Guidance Renee Norden P’18,’20. Mrs. Norden brings a wealth of real-world experience, a genuine love for her students, and a willingness to travel to campuses around the country to help every student find the best fit for the next steps in their academic journey.

You bring a wide range of experiences to your roles at Highland. Tell us a little about yourself and how you got here.

Growing up, I never realized how the conversations my family had, around the dinner table or during the long summer trips in the car, would shape my life. With my father as an orthopedic surgeon and my mother as a substance abuse counselor, discussions usually gravitated to medicine and mental health. I thought everyone naturally knew the treatment difference between a sprain and a strain and the average onset age of symptoms for every mental health disorder.

It was through these experiences I discovered my love for all things health. I became an Emergency Medical Technician at age 15 and ran with a local volunteer rescue squad and also worked in the ICU of our local hospital.

My first foray into college counseling was my senior year of high school when our Guidance Counselor left in August and we were on our own. By working together, our class did an excellent job of guiding ourselves.

At The College of William and Mary, I was excited to explore psychology, biology, and government. While there, I worked in the Admissions Office, led an alcohol education group, ran with the local rescue squad and volunteered with a crisis hotline. It was after these experiences, that I decided working in mental health was my calling.

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While attending the University of Virginia, I worked part-time for Rappahannock Community Services Board (RRCSB), completed my Mental Health Counselor Internship there, and spent summers working as a counselor for North Carolina Outward Bound. I was also active with the American Cancer Society and Chaired the Fauquier Mental Health Board.

After receiving my Masters of Education degree in Counseling, I worked as an Emergency Mental Health Clinician for RRCSB. Helping individuals, families, hospital staff and law enforcement with mental health crises across five counties was very rewarding. My days were never the same and my hours a bit chaotic.

I was lucky when my first school counselor job found me. It was my perfect niche: A college prep high school with a new outdoor education program. At Notre Dame Academy, I was the Director of Guidance for seven years.

I also taught psychology and chaired their Adventure Bound program.

With the birth of my first child, I was fortunate to be able to be a stay-at-home mom. I did work part-time as an On Call Emergency Services Clinician and then as a Suicide Prevention Specialist during this time.

I was fortunate again when Highland found me. I love Highland School. I joined the faculty in 2005 and still revel in working with students so that they better know

highlandschool.org

For Highland’s Upper School students, Renee Norden as Director of College Counseling and Guidance, is one of Highland’s most influential faculty members.

Spotlight on Faculty

Each year, Mrs. Norden uses her connections to bring university admission officers to campus for a mini college fair for juniors.

Students have the unique opportunity to participate in several discussions and workshops over the course of the two-day event.

themselves, learn how to interact better with those around them find “best fit” colleges and universities, and make a smooth transition to higher education. I also love getting into the woods with my students on Field Studies.

There is nothing better than waking up under the tree canopy.

tours. By my Senior year, I continued to give tours and served on an Admission’s Committee.

I am also a Highland parent. Both my daughters started in the Lower School and are now in the Upper School. It continues to be a wonderful place for them to learn and mature.

After earning my Masters of Education (M.Ed.) in Counseling from the University of Virginia, I worked in counseling and emergency mental health until Notre Dame Academy reached out to me to fill their Director of Guidance position which included College Counseling.

I worked there for seven years. I returned to emergency mental health when my two daughters we young.

What influenced you to become a College Counselor?

What do you see as the main role of a College Counseling Office?

My first experience with college counseling was actually when I was a senior in high school. My school’s guidance counselor quit the second week of school so the class was basically on our own. While at William and Mary I worked in the Admission’s Office. I started as a freshman opening the mail and filing the application materials. I saw very neat/complete applications and some that seemed to be thrown together at the last moment. There was even a male applicant who included his twelve page modeling lookbook.

Sophomore year I continued to help in the office and give

The main role of the college counseling office is to guide students and their families through the college search application and selection process. This can be stressful but we try to minimize this as much as possible.

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How do you approach the college counseling program. Does it vary year to year?

For students, each year, our college counseling programs play an integral part in every student’s Upper School experience.

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Spotlight on Faculty

These carefully crafted programs are continuously refined and encourage students to stretch outside their comfort zones to find new interests, become more involved, take on leadership roles on campus and in the community, and become their own advocates.

In the college process, it is importance of fit in the college selection process. I also emphasize the negative impact the influence and control of others can have on a student’s application process.

What is innovative and new in the College Counseling office?

After a two year absence, ACT brought back its pretest.

It used to be called the PLAN. It has now been titled the PACT. We already administer the PSAT, the preliminary SAT to our juniors and sophomores.

The PACT allows our sophomores to gain a better gauge of how they will perform on the ACT. Our sophomores took this test last month.

What are the most important characteristic of a successful college counselor?

Calm, organized, accepting of each student’s personal journey through the process. The process is their process, not my own. One should be open to new schools and not caught up in the national rankings.

What are the factors that make Highland’s college counseling program successful?

We meet each student where they are in the search, application, and selection process. We work with them individually and in small groups to help them discover schools that are great “fits” for them and not just a laundry list of schools from some ranking website or magazine.

What is the relationship between students, parents and the College Counselor?

In fall of the junior year, we hold a Junior Night to kick off the college selection process. College admissions professionals from various colleges and universities speak on our panel to introduce our juniors and their families to the college search process. The panelist then give workshops to our juniors in areas of interest such as “Making the Most of your College Visit,” “The Essay,” “A

Mock Admissions” exercise, and an “Introduction to the College Software on Naviance.”

In the winter and early spring we meet individually with our juniors and their families. In this meeting we talk about the student’s interests, characteristics of colleges that interest them, the importance of fit, and other concerns they may have. We firmly believe that this is a student-led process. The student will be attending college so they must lead the search, identification, application and selection. Parents are there to provide support.

What technology or social media applications are useful in your job?

As a college counselor, we rely on some of the basics like email and texts-based communications–both with students and admissions teams at universities and colleges around the country. More specialized tools include the National Association for College Admission Counseling NACAC’s list serve and Naviance, a powerful college and career readiness solution that helps identify and align student strengths and interests to their post-secondary academic goals.

Tell me about one of your most satisfying college counseling experiences?

The most satisfying experience for me is all about fit. I love it when a student comes to me with a school I don’t really know a lot about. With the student, I learn more about it and why the student feels it is a good fit.

What is “fit”? It is a school that will allow the student to continue to grow as a student, community member, and individual to become more of the person they want to be.

It provides the optimal learning and growing environment including being a responsible financial fit.

How do our junior and senior internship programs tie into the college counseling effort?

The week-long junior internships, which occur in May of each year, provide an opportunity for our juniors to explore a potential career interest. I am just as happy when a junior returns and is still excited by the profession as I am when a student returns after having the worst experience and is no longer interested in the program.

Our three-week senior projects allow graduating seniors

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 41

Spotlight on Faculty

the opportunity to continue to explore careers or to organize an experience or project that they have always wanted to do. Any activity that helps a student learn more about themselves is a good thing.

What else do you blend into your daily routine?

Personal problem counseling, Governor’s School Application Process, working with teachers to benefit students, Lead Senior Class Sponsor, Member of the Student Support Team, Member of the Academic Committee, serve on the Administrative Team, Advisor to the Lunch and Learn Club, NCAA Eligibility Coordinator, Sophomore Retreat Presenter, Sophomore Field Studies Leader, Senior Field Studies Leader.

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What are some pieces of advice that you can offer for parents and students who have yet to begin the college search process?

Understand that the high school experience needs to be about embracing the high school experience. It is not just about the next step, where you go to college. The college focus should start in the Junior year. By casting the search net wide, students will have more of understanding of their own personal fit. It is not so much the name of the college but the fit of the colleges that make the difference.

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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 19-August 25, 2017 Outdoor Adventures • Athletics • Enrichment Driver’s Education • Academic Courses • Creative Arts

highlandsummer.org Extended Care Available Register online today at

Spotlight on Alumni

HIGHLAND SCHOOL CLASS REPRESENTATIVES

We need you! Highland will celebrate its 90th Anniversary next year. Have a story to share with your classmates, friends, and faculty? Contact your class representative or alumni@highlandschool.org.

1928-1997

2004

Class Representative Needed Interested? Contact alumni@highlandschool.org

Brooke Howard tbh@hhlawva.com

1998 Clarissa (Fleming) Fischer clarissamaefleming@gmail.com

1999 Strickland Payne jstrickland.payne@gmail.com

Jamie Gravett jamie@primetime-limos.com Brittany O’Bannon gburgff01@yahoo.com

2005 Ainsley Dickens ainsley.dickens@gmail.com

2000

Rachel (Shutt) Gravett rachel@primetime-limos.com

John O’Bannon gburgff01@yahoo.com

2006

Reynolds Oare roare@highlandschool.org Tiffany Beker Broadbent tiffany.l.beker@gmail.com

2001 Mark Miller markman130@gmail.com Dudley Payne dudleypayne@gmail.com Kate Roehr kateavril@gmail.com

2002 Tyler Ross tylerjamesross@gmail.com

2003 Caleigh Megless cmegless@gmail.com

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Paige (Statler) Wines paigeswines@gmail.com McClain (Bell) Herman mcclain.bell3@gmail.com

2007 Courtney Brewer brewer_c@lynchburg.edu

2008 Callie Broaddus callie.broaddus@gmail.com Lauren Keyser keyserlmk@gmail.com

2009 Molly Statler mstatler2@gmail.com

2010 Phoebe Krumich pkrumich@highlandschool.org

Brendon McCann brendonmccannjr@gmail.com

2011 Class Representative Needed Interested? Contact alumni@highlandschool.org

2012 Sarah Henry smh7tp@virginia.edu

2013 Lauren Frye lauren.frye@enmu.edu Simon Schwartz simon.am.schwartz@gmail.com Jess Shaw jcs8bs@virginia.edu

2014 Gus Moshos gusmoshos10@gmail.com Mimi Robinson mimisscene@yahoo.com

2015 Olivia “Liv” Bell oliviabell19@gmail.com John Bounds johnbounds0121@gmail.com

2016 Bailey Babcox bbabcox@highpoint.edu Rich Gerhardt gerhrj16@wfu.edu

highlandschool.org

In Remembrance

Highland Community Mourns Loss of Kevin Helmick Boys varsity lacrosse coach, school administrator, and teacher loses courageous battle against pancreatic cancer in July 2016

John Kevin Helmick, 46, of Culpeper, passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on Thursday, July 28, 2016. He was born November 11, 1969 on Ft. Eustis Army Base, Newport News, VA, and was the son of Cheryl Anne Helmick (née Babe) and John C. Helmick, Jr. Kevin is predeceased by his grandfather, John C. Helmick, Sr., grandmother, Virginia Helmick (née Skillman), and mother-in-law, Kathryn Burns.

As the son of an Army officer, Kevin moved several times growing up. His fondest memories were of the nine years he lived in Germany, including Stuttgart and Pirmasens.

In between tours in Germany, his family lived in Springfield, Virginia; he graduated from Lake Braddock High School, where he played lacrosse. Kevin went on to attend Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia, and played lacrosse there under Coach Doug Bartlett.

Kevin began his coaching career at the junior varsity level at Oakton High School, and then was hired as the head boys’ varsity coach at Chantilly High School. It was there he met his wife, Kristy, who was a teacher and athletic trainer at the

time. They were married in 1997.

In 2005, Kevin began coaching boys’ lacrosse at Highland School and he was hired full time in 2011 as the data systems manager. His teams earned nine DAC conference championships, eleven state final appearances, and the state title in 2009 and 2013.

Kevin’s passion for coaching and helping young men achieve their potential both on and off the field was second only to his love and dedication to his wife and three young daughters. Anyone who knew Kevin will tell you that his family was the center of his world, and he made sure they knew that every single day.

In addition to his parents, Kevin is survived by his wife of 18 years, Kristy M. Helmick; three daughters, twins, Afton and Rowan Helmick ‘26, and Paisley Helmick ‘32; brother, George Helmick of Glendale, California; sister, Margaret Anne Helmick of Centreville; grandparents, George A. Babe and Anna B. Babe of Williamsburg; father-in-law, Larry Cook of Manassas.

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 45

Spotlight on Alumni

Alumni News & Notes

Alumni Panel Visit Inspires Reflection

Sarah Henry ‘12 looks back on her time at Highland and its role in preparing her for college and beyond After returning to Highland for the Young Alumni Panel in January, I began to reflect further on the impact that my time at Highland had on my journey and development as a person. I attended Highland from 2001-2012, from half-way through first grade until graduation, so much of my brain actually physically developed during my time there.

After beginning my undergraduate career at the College of William and Mary, I began to grasp how powerful the opportunities afforded by Highland were—between the field experience in internship programs, team building and self-awareness gained through the experiential learning of hiking, canoeing, and backpacking, and the ability to flourish with the support of so many loving, intelligent faculty and staff.

I got to see what I was learning about in action—from plays, labs, or even the extreme of going to Egypt to see the Roman ruins we had been learning about in Latin.

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

Connect with alumni and friends at

facebook.com/HighlandHawksAlumni

46 Highland Magazine

Attending Highland allowed me to explore many parts of myself—from being the co-president and co-founder of Baking Club, to being on the Honor Council, to running (even if very slowly), to doing Raku firings with my ceramics class, going to Smithsonian museums to get inspired and learn further about the artists that came before us. For me, Highland stressed experiential growth above all, which is something that is still a substantial part of my personality. Much of what has driven me during my life is the idea that every day we grow a little more in some way. If we ever stop growing, then something is wrong and we need to look a little deeper and acknowledge that we can never know everything. Highland instilled this in me and my family at a very young age. This insatiable desire to learn more, to experience more, to really live, has been part of my core self for many years.

After graduating in May 2016, I began my graduate work at the University of Virginia’s Curry School of Education in Counselor Education, with the goal of becoming a school counselor. Learning more about educational systems and the effect it has on the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual health of students has been fascinating to me, especially when I look back on my education and the impact it had. Highland encouraged me to take healthy risks, to expand my comfort zone, and to look within for inspiration. The impact of a place cannot ever be truly measured, but looking at myself and my classmates, Highland had an amazing impact on our minds and our souls, and I’m grateful for the opportunity that Highland gave me to learn how to grow.

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Spotlight on Alumni

On Saturday, October 15, 2016, the Bell-Russo family gathered to celebrate the wedding of McLain Bell ‘06 to Tommy Herman. From left to right: Evan Bell ‘09, Olivia Bell ‘15, Jeff Bell, McClain Herman ‘06, Tommy Herman, Becky Russo, Nicolas Bell ‘05, and Annie Bell.

Congratulations to newlyweds Peter Paschailides (‘03) and Caitlin Gannon.

The couple were married August 13, 2016 in Sonoma, California.

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 47

Spotlight on Alumni

WANTED: CLASS REPRESENTATIVES! Interested in learning what your former classmates are doing? Interested in reconnecting? Consider volunteering to write your class’ “notes” for upcoming issues of Highland Magazine. We are currently in need of class representatives for all graduating years.

If you are interesting in becoming a class representative, please contact Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events Briar Leake, at bleake@highlandschool.org or call 540-878-2794.

SEND YOUR NEWS AND PHOTOS! Have you recently taken an interesting trip? Have you pursued a new interest? Getting married, had a child or moving to a new city? We want to share your news and photos in the Alumni News & Notes section in an upcoming issue of Highland Magazine.

Please send along photos with your news story that show you with your family, traveling the world, or spending time engaged in your favorite past time. If you are sending a digital file, please send it in .jpeg format at the highest possible resolution.

Please send all news and photos to your class representative or Briar Leake, Highland’s Director of Alumni Relations and Special Events, at bleake@ highlandschool.org or call Briar at 540-878-2794.

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION! We’d love to be able to contact you but many times, we learn that we do not have your current contact information.

Please take a few minutes to update your contract information at www.highlandschool.org/alumni. Or, send us a card with your latest contact information: Office of Alumni Relations attn: Briar Leake Highland School 597 Broadview Avenue Warrenton, Virginia 20186

Amy Taylor ‘00 Writes, Directs New Web Series Now on Amazon Prime Amy Taylor ‘00, who graduated from Hollins University and then earned a Masters in Fine Arts from Ohio University in 2012, recently released a multi-part web series that is now available through Amazon Prime.

“I’m very excited that the web series I wrote and directed is now available on Amazon Prime,” said Taylor. It’s called ‘Jess Archer Versus’ and follows teen detective Jess Archer as she helps out her fellow classmates who find themselves in hot water. I liked to describe it as Veronica Mars meets Scott Pilgrim.”

The fun series features six three to four minute videos and is based on a short film Taylor created for her thesis at Ohio University. To download the series, please go to https://www.amazon.com/The-Sad-Wookie/dp/ B01K8WYOKG/”

linkedin.com/company/ highland-school

go to www.facebook.com/ HighlandHawksAlumni

48 Highland Magazine

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Spotlight on Alumni

On Saturday, October 15, 2016 Charles McCormick married Ms. Courtney Beecher in Bald Head Island, North Carolina.

From left to right is Rachel Johnson, Joseph Johnson ‘09, Jodi, Charles McCormick ‘96, Courtney McCormick, Colton Beecher ‘29, Dale Johnson, and Lucas Johnson ‘18

Dr. Warren Mackie-Jenkins ‘07 Addresses Class of 2016, Families at Graduation

On Friday, June 10, 2016, newly-minted doctor of internal medicine Dr. Warren Mackie-Jenkins addressed Highland’s graduating class of 2016 in the Upper School Gym. Mackie-Jenkins reflected back on his time as a student and encouraged graduates to remember their successes at Highland as they begin the next steps in their own academic journeys.

“Today, I look into the audience at you graduates and I see myself. I was a Highland lifer, just as 13 of you are today,” Mackie-Jenkins reminisced. “I have been where you are in those very seats, marveling at the excitement of the future–of independence, challenge, self-discovery, COLLEGE!” Then, Mackie-Jenkins detailed the year he spent volunteering as a health teacher in Guatemala–an attempt to learn more about himself while making a difference in the lives of others. “This passion for service, discovery and connection with other people, which grew and developed during my college years, was ignited here at Highland,” Mackie-Jenkins concluded.

Winter 2017 Highland Magazine 49

Spotlight on Alumni

Hello Alumni Babies!

Paige Wines recently shared this great photo of four alumni and their own Young Hawks – all born in 2016!

“I am great friends with Rachel Gravett (Shutt, Jamie Gravett’s wife) of 2005, the wife of Steven Brown (wife is Roni) of 2004, and wife of Charlie Beaty (wife is Alicia) of 2004. We all had babies in 2016! Steven & Roni Brown’s baby (Evelyn) was born 4/1, Paige & Scott Wineses’ baby (Sophie) was born 5/31, Charlie & Alicia Beaty’s baby (Ella) was born on 6/16, and Jamie & Rachel Gravett’s baby (Trayce) was born on 11/1. Here is a photo of all mom’s at Alicia’s baby shower and Rachel’s baby shower.”

IN MEMORIAM Rebecca Black Thorsen ‘05 passed away on Saturday, October 29, 2016. She was 29 years old.

Born in Alexandria, Becca lived in Albuquerque, NM, Warrenton, and the Logan Circle neighborhood of Washington, D.C. She graduated from RandolphMacon College in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta.

Professionally, Becca served as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Thorsen Construction Co., Inc., where she was instrumental in building the company into an awardwinning general contracting firm. She also served as the CFO of BCS, where she successfully negotiated the sale of The Little Burro to over 500 Walmart stores.

Becca was the founder and Chief Creative Mind at PLUS PLUS, a fashion consulting and online rental company, where she advised clients on classic and authentic styles that communicated their distinct personalities.

She also served as co-chair of the Mid-Atlantic Makea-Wish Foundation and previously served as the chairwoman of Give Back Alexandria. In her final month, she earned a Certificate in The Women’s Leadership Program from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

She is survived by her parents, Robert and Sudie Thorsen P’05 of Warrenton, and siblings, Robert L. Thorsen of Washington, D.C., John and Kelly Thorsen of Arlington, James ‘04 and Krisztina Thorsen of Aldie, and Mollie R. Thorsen ‘09 of Alexandria.

50 Highland Magazine

Henry N. “Hal” Woolman IV, ‘73 passed away peacefully at home in The Plains on Tuesday, January. 24, 2017. He was 58 years old. Hal was born in Winchester, to Henry N. Woolman III and the late Barbara Jean Woolman.

Mr. Woolman was a man of Virginia and Fauquier County.

His easy-going accent and warm smile gave away his roots and his love for place, people and family. A man of field and stream, he passed on his appreciation of nature and traditions of hunting and fishing to his children and grandchildren through his videos of wildlife and game. Always respectful of the land and its resources, he understood the intimate relationships of animals by stalking bear and turkey with a camera in the remaining refuges of nature in the county and region. He treated all life with honor and care.

His love for the woods was born on the Bull Run and grew throughout his summers spent fishing and hiking in the Poconos with his grandparents and family. His formal studies included tours at Highland School, McDonough School and graduation from Fauquier High School. With a cup of coffee in his hand, he built or renovated many homes in the area, from the Bull Run to the Massanutten, with his strong arm and keen hammer. Whatever he touched, he left in a better and brighter state.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Carol E. Woolman; three children, Henry N. Woolman V and Stephanie Perkins of Marshall, Kathryn L. Woolman of Warrenton, and Daniel T. Woolman and wife Megan of Markham; two brothers, Michael T. Woolman of Manassas and Andrew P. Woolman and wife Angie of Albany, Calif., and four grandchildren, Gavin, Hudson, Avery and Kimber.

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From left to right, Manti Batistas ‘17, Seamus Robinson ‘17 and Ryan Rolle ‘19 played guitar for classmates, friends, and faculty in The Rice Theater.

Music Classes Hold Mini-Concert During Upper School Assembly

On Thursday, February 2, David Fatula’s Intermediate Guitar and Jazz Ensemble classes hosted a short concert in The Rice Theater. Each week, Upper School students meet in The Rice Theater for assembly. Assemblies run the gamut from student-led presentations to outside speakers and events. On this day, Mr. Fatula brought two of his music classes to the stage for a mini concert for classmates and faculty. Each class performed several songs they had been practicing since the beginning of the second semester. The students will play another mini concert again in March. Watch for more images and videos at www.facebook.com/HighlandSchool.