Molly
Matt James
Julia Connolly
Director of Finance
Nancy Coughlin
Director of Lower School
Calah Ronzheimer
Director of Marketing
Regina Ruisi
Director of Middle School
Dr Morgan James
Director of Spiritual Life
Kirk Ronzheimer
Director of Upper School
Ryan Seeger
Director of Technology
Bobbi Jo Kelly
Twenty years--wow! It's amazing to think that in the fall of 2006 The Epiphany School of Global Studies began. We started with 92 students and 13 staff in that first year, serving grades six through ten. Now, Epiphany has grown to 498 students, spanning Kindergarten through Seniors! This school year also marks the first group of students who have spent their entire educational careers at Epiphany Nine intrepid seniors started at Epiphany thirteen years ago! Way to go, Jack, Cadence, Logan, Anna Katherine, Ben, Ava, Wood, Mason, and Caroline! We are excited to celebrate all of the seniors in the class of 2026 this coming June.
This year, we celebrate the year with the ministry of Joy! When I have spoken with students about the importance of Joy, one of my messages has centered on the difference between happiness and joy. One is temporary and fleeting, while the other lasts and remains in our minds and souls. This idea surfaces in many articles in this issue of The Path We chose to focus this issue on the impact of the military on the Epiphany community. We see how parents of Epiphany students have served our nation. Moreover, we see how Epiphany graduates have served in the military We are so proud of these individuals, who sacrificed much to defend our country and the freedoms we enjoy One common theme in the articles demonstrates how the lessons alumni learned at Epiphany continue to serve them after they graduated. The core values of Respect,
Responsibility, Service, and Integrity resonate with these individuals today, and Epiphany planted those seeds many years ago. It is reassuring that the seeds of these core values reappear in the lives of Epiphany graduates once they leave our hallways. These values are like joy, in that they stay steadfast in our hearts and minds, not fading like momentary moments
I hope you enjoy reading in this edition of our magazine about the connection between the military and Epiphany. The communities of New Bern and Eastern North Carolina benefit in immeasurable ways from the military's presence. Epiphany is no different. As the son of a career US Navy officer, I am grateful for those who have been in the military. Thank you to all who have served our country Perhaps one day, other "Little Falcons" will follow this pathway of service. Perhaps they will soar to new heights in mind, body, and spirit just like these graduates. Whatever the future holds for our students, we remain excited to celebrate another year at Epiphany, our twentieth year. Thank you for being a part of our journey Enjoy The Path!
Peace,
David Wang Head of School
Asst Head of School Director of Global Education
g Matt James
Morgan James
Bobbi Jo Kelly
Kimberly Kelly
Ashley Kenner
Mark Krcmar
We are glad you are here!
Traditions, joy, and growth continue on both of Epiphany’s campuses!
Hudson ‘26 was awarded the Martha Hall Jenkins Award, paying for gallery space to display her art at the Community Artists Gallery & Studios throughout the fall.
We kicked off the school year with our traditional Odyssey Days, including our Day of Faith through service. Click here for a video about our sixth graders’ experience featured on WCTI.
This group of Juniors was Epiphany’s first “Little Buddies” in our buddy program. Now “Big Buddies,” they bring the program full circle.
Band students had an instrumental music workshop with Nancy Dimock, principal oboist for the Boston Ballet Orchestra and Carolina Chamber Music Festival.
Monster Mash is always a highlight at the Lower School!
A group of Middle School students traveled to Yellowstone National Park over Enrichment Week. Upper School students had the opportunity to travel to Zambia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe for Enrichment Week.
Team Orange wins the Steeplechase trophy for the first time!
Epiphany Varsity Women’s Tennis finished as NCISAA 2A State Runners-Up and Coastal Plains Independent Conference Champions. At the end of the regular season, they were named Number 1 in the 252 area code and 22nd in the state among all schools (public and private)!
Both men’s and women’s Epiphany Cross Country teams finished sixth in the state.
JESSICAMILLS
My name is Jessica Mills, and I am excited to serve as your Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) President this year I am a proud mom of a fourth, seventh, and eighth grader here at Epiphany. I am grateful for the opportunities to volunteer and support our school community through the events hosted by the PTO.
We just celebrated our annual Falcon Fest in October. If you missed it, this experience is a beloved event each fall with bounce houses, bingo, various games, fairy hair, and everyone’s favorite – cake walk! It is a great opportunity to come out, fellowship with other Epiphany families, and get to know the teachers and leadership team. The event was a huge success, and we are so thankful for all the volunteers who helped organize, set up, supervise games, donate cakes, and more. It was truly uplifting to see everyone come together to celebrate and connect as a school family.
Other events our organization hosts throughout the year to further create community within our school while generating connection between our families and the educator community are the Feast of Epiphany and Lower School skate nights.
One of the roles of PTO is distributing funds to staff through our mini-grant program We meet monthly to review the requests and provide opportunities to enrich student experiences on both campuses. We would love for you to join us each month during our meetings to help allocate these funds to staff and students.
As parents of Epiphany students, we are all part of the Parent Teacher Organization. Events like Falcon Fest offer a wonderful opportunity to get involved, connect with other families, and strengthen our vibrant school community.
Thanks so much for your wonderful support it really means a lot to all of us! I’m excited to see you at our upcoming events.
Warm Regards, Jessica Mills PTO President
he day started out like any other random Tuesday in the life of a newly married, young professional in Houston, Texas. Working on the Asset Optimization Desk in the Energy Trading Department of Koch Industries, I was up early and to the office before most people. We had to be ready for the opening bell in New York, and there was at least an hour of prep work to accomplish before the market opened. Little did I know, events were in progress that would change the course of my life forever.
The first airplane had already hit when I got to my desk that morning. Back then, cell phones were fairly new, and they certainly didn’t include a streaming news service. We got our news primarily from the television, and on
the trading floor, they were numerous and running all day. The coverage was somewhat vague, but I remember thinking it strange that an airplane had accidentally run into the World Trade Center on such a clear, beautiful day. We had an intercom system on our office phones that patched us directly to our counterparts on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), where we traded natural gas futures. A few of us gathered around the microphone and asked if they knew what was happening. Our counterpart traders worked down the street about a block away from the World Trade Center, but there wasn’t a whole lot of clarity or understanding until we looked up just in time to see the second plane impact the South Tower. Even with my limited knowledge of national security
at the time, it was evident that we had just been attacked. My head immediately went to that article I had just read about Osama Bin Laden and a terrorist group called Al Qaeda.
The chaos of the morning seemed to escalate by the minute, and it culminated in the most horrific televised display any of us had ever seen before. After the towers fell, we were all told to leave our building and go home to family. My wife, Kenzie, worked in the tallest building in Houston, and she was evacuated relatively quickly, but not soon enough for me! I remember feeling stunned, helpless, sad, and then extremely angry I had been called to serve before, but this time was different in so many ways.
Kenzie had been with me through this time when we dated back in college I was finishing up my “career” as a baseball player, fully aware that the Big Leagues weren’t knocking down my door I had shoulder surgery after my sophomore year for rotator cuff issues that pretty much sealed the deal. However, I hung on to the dream through countless hours of rehab and focused work. I loved it: the challenge, the obstacle, the teamwork, the physicality, the mission. This sport was something that the business school, from which I graduated, never did for me. I did, however, love history, and I was a voracious consumer of all things military. My heroes, as a boy and even today, were men like my grandfather, citizen soldiers of World War II who answered the call, fought
insurmountable odds, and built this country out of the ashes of the Great Depression and post-war debris. I envied men of strength, courage, action, and character, and to me, this description perfectly encapsulated the persona of a United States Marine Corps officer. And as I struggled to envision my life after college and baseball, it hit me like a metaphorical sledgehammer. That’s it! That’s what I wanted to do. I had a plan. Join the Marine Corps as an infantry officer. Serve four years and test my mettle. Further hone my leadership skills and earn credibility, and then, I’d be ready for business school and the world of high finance!
Kenzie smiled and, with encouragement, wished me the best of luck She was an independent and enterprising young woman and didn’t quite get the angle, but she was happy for me. We’d stay in touch and see where the years led us, but it was fairly explicit that the military life was not what she was after! I could certainly appreciate that. This quality was one of the things I admired about her so much. She was her own woman and certainly didn’t need me to define her identity. She was an optimist and a doer. And while we didn’t know it then, in the years to come, this persona would be the difference maker for her and our family to be.
So that was that. I charged off to start the somewhat nebulous and daunting process of figuring out how to make this desire happen. Becoming a United States Marine Corps (USMC) officer is
not a walk in the park, and it was a steep learning curve, both physical and emotional And despite some serious misgivings from family and friends, I remained undeterred and eventually was awarded a contract to attend a 10week job interview at Marine Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, Virginia, with a report date of June 6, 1999. That was three days after I was supposed to graduate! I guess backpacking in Europe would have to wait I didn’t care I was fired up, and I could not have been more excited about the challenge that lay ahead.
Fate, however, had a different plan. My senior season was going great. I was hitting like crazy and playing some of the best baseball of my life. My parents even asked me what I would do if the unexpected were to happen, and one of those scouts actually offered me a shot. Truthfully, I don’t know what I would have done, but I was so passionate about earning the title of Marine that I couldn’t see anything else. My contemporaries in the business school were all strategizing about how to get hired by global investment firms and were fully consumed with interviews every week. I remember feeling sorry for them as I basked in the glow of meaningful purpose and directional certainty. That is, until April 20, 1999, six weeks prior to graduation and OCS, when it was revealed that plans had changed.
Remember that shoulder injury? Well, that had required a major medical evaluation and waiver to get past the review board. I had slipped past ‘em
once, but knew this time was now going to be a long shot. While diving back into first base on a pick-off play, I successfully re-injured my “waivered” shoulder I was able to finish the season, but it was apparent that something was very wrong I couldn’t do pull-ups. The pain was acute, and it would not go away This pain was a problem. I couldn’t keep it from the powers that be any longer, and within a couple of days, after another medical evaluation and a fairly succinct phone call, I was advised that my slot and contract had been revoked. They also informed me that I had everyone’s best wishes for a great life, wherever that should take me. I was crushed…and unemployed.
With a bum shoulder and a bruised ego, I graduated and limped back home to Texas, attempting to piece together some sort of meaningful plan. Fate delivered me, begrudgingly, to that trading desk but sprinkled in a silver lining to ease the blow. I wasn’t the Marine I thought I was going to be, but it was apparent that I couldn’t live without that girl. We got married in May of 2001, moved out of my death trap rental house, and we spent the summer soaking up the sun in married bliss Life was good But on the morning of September 11, 2001, four short months after our wedding, everything changed, and some serious decisions had to be made
For the past two years, I had struggled with my professional trajectory and was generally unhappy with what I was doing. We batted around a number of different ideas, but nothing seemed to light a fire. Now, in the backdrop of the recent attack on our country, that question that we thought had been put to bed stood over us like an ominous cloud. Do I try again? Rather, do WE try
again? It was not an easy question and one that we deliberated over for the next few months This time was different. It wasn’t just about me anymore…and this time, we were actually going to war. Without going into exhaustive detail, the decision was made and
the die was cast. For multiple reasons, I sought and won an aviation contract that would guarantee me a shot at naval flight school. But first, I had to make it through the crucible of Marine Officer training that would take place over the next year plus. To say that we were upending our lives would be an understatement. Everything was about to change. And it did.
We moved seven times in the first five years of marriage Kenzie had four different jobs, and we became relocation “experts ” The only consistency was change, and we learned to adapt to the uncertainty of what was coming next. Officer Candidates School and The Basic School in Quantico Aviation Pre-Flight Indoctrination in Pensacola Primary Flight Training in Corpus Christi. Advanced Jet Training in Kingsville. And, finally, AV-8B Harrier training and my first fleet squadron in Cherry Point. Our ability to pack and unpack household goods was unparalleled. Kenzie’s rule was that we did not go to bed until every box was unpacked and everything was in its
place Come hell or high water, that house was going to be a home in the morning!
If past experience was any indication of future performance, we anticipated our stop in eastern North Carolina to be brief, maybe three to four years. We’d do our time, move where we had to, and eventually migrate back to Texas. But as our family grew, we both became conscious of the value of stability, and I did everything I could to keep the family in one place. The nature of the military is highly transient. We change “jobs” and duty stations every three or so years; moving becomes a way of life. Some people thrive in this environment and welcome the change of scenery. The Hall family, however, valued roots, and so we did everything we could to make it so. Between Cherry Point and Camp Lejeune, I was able to move back and forth between the two in order to satisfy the necessary professional “churn.” Our family grew, and so did our connection with the community and our neighbors. It was apparent that a deeper bond was forming and that we would be hard-pressed to find a better place to raise kids. As my career advanced, however, the ability to stay in one place would become next to impossible. So, when the day of decision came in the Fall of 2014, we took the off-ramp to leave Active Duty, doubled down on New Bern, and decided to “plant the flag” for good. New Bern was to be our home.
We had made it As anticipated, the road was long and difficult, but more scenic than we could have ever
imagined We met people who would become lifelong friends, lived in places we never knew existed, and had shared experiences that grew us in ways we never thought possible Conversely, we suffered loss, endured long separation, and fought the constant uncertainty and risk inherent in the profession of arms The only consistency was the rock of the foundation that persisted at home With grit, tenacity, and undying optimism, Kenzie’s “make it happen” approach to everything kept us on the rails. However, there was another component to our success that couldn’t be ignored: our community, made up of New Bern and the unbelievable gift of Epiphany.
Many others have walked this path and will continue to do so in service to our country. Our story is not unique or special, but I share it because it highlights an important theme in my life, one that I value deeply. The word that comes to mind and resonates fully is Teamwork. I have been blessed to be a part of some remarkable teams, some big and some small. The size doesn’t matter. What matters is the commitment to each other and to a defined/shared goal. Moreover, it’s a commitment to service and excellence in the task and purpose to which you have undertaken. And when you find
that kind of team, and are lucky enough to be invited to play, commit wholeheartedly, and there’s no end to what you can achieve. There is an old African proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” Looking back on our journey, much of our family’s success can be attributed to recognizing and partnering with great teams of service. And so it is with our decision to make New Bern and Epiphany our home. We have been given an opportunity to share in something special, and we have chosen to be a part of a committed team. We choose to go together.
rowing up in a military family means growing up in motion. My dad’s career took us across states and time zones, teaching me very early on how to adapt, how to pack up and move forward, and how to make the best of every situation. I was born in San Diego, but we quickly moved across the country from Colorado to North Carolina. My dad was enlisted and served twenty years in the United States Marine Corps as a flight equipment technician. Needless to say, the first fifteen years of my life were surrounded by jets, bases, and Marines.
For as long as I can remember, I looked up to my dad and his job. I didn’t want to follow in his footsteps per se, but I had a deep admiration for those who served our country. Admittedly, when he decided to retire, I was relieved.
Initially, I didn’t think much about how it would impact my life. I only figured the most significant change would be no more deployments. However, I soon realized that the military was an essential part of who I am. While my day-to-day life didn’t change drastically, I noticed how much I missed certain aspects of active duty life.
Being immersed in military life from such a young age shaped how I see the world. I watched my dad work tirelessly, always focused on the next thing: inspections, deployments, and supervising new Marines. I learned that serving in the military is about commitment, responsibility, and showing up for something larger than yourself. I also saw the challenges that come with military life, including
frequent moves, long deployments, and the sacrifices that families make alongside their service members Those experiences taught me resilience, empathy, and adaptability, which are lessons I carry with me every day.
As I grew older, my fascination with flight and the military evolved into a clear goal: to serve as a Naval officer and eventually become a Naval aviator. I learned about the United States Naval Academy through a friend, and quickly realized that it was my dream college. I toured the Academy during my sophomore year and loved every minute of it. Before then, I had toured several colleges and was unsure of where I wanted to go and what I wanted to do. After visiting the Naval Academy, I realized that it was my top college choice, surpassing every other option I had considered.
The summer before my junior year, I applied and was accepted to the Naval Academy’s Summer STEM program, where we worked in classrooms on
Computer Science, Engineering, Coding, and Mathematics. I met many people with whom I am still in contact today This program provided valuable insight into the academic paths that could be pursued depending on one's major. We stayed in Bancroft Hall, ate in King Hall, and toured other campus facilities. I was also lucky enough to be invited to Candidate Visit Weekend, a four-daylong experience where I shadowed a Midshipman doing PT, classes, and getting to know what life looks like as a Mid, more specifically as a freshman. These opportunities reinforced my ambition and desire to serve in the military.
I hope to receive an appointment to the United States Naval Academy; it has been my goal for my whole high school career. More than a school, the Academy represents the values I hold dear: discipline, resilience, leadership, and service. Growing up surrounded by jets shaped not just my childhood, it is also who I want to become.
ooking back nearly twelve years to the “ancient” graduating class of 2014, I can now see with clarity that my time at Epiphany was a period of building foundations. These were not just academic or social foundations, but moral and spiritual ones as well. Only with time and perspective have I come to fully appreciate how closely those early lessons aligned with the school’s core values of respect, responsibility, service, and integrity. I like to think that these principles have guided the trajectory of my life since leaving Epiphany through the United States Naval Academy, active-duty service, and into the next chapters of my journey.
Yet, when the seas were roughest, (both figuratively and literally) it was another, unspoken foundation from Epiphany that truly carried me my faith. The spiritual roots cultivated in Friday Chapel services, morning class prayers, and Love in Action projects provided strength I did not know I possessed. It took years, two deployments, and 620 days at sea within a two-year span to understand a simple truth that every person faces challenges he cannot carry alone. Only when you encounter your own cross do you truly understand that Jesus will be there to lift it with you.
My years at the United States Naval Academy were filled with rigorous
“Faith, I’ve learned, is a living part of who we are. It ebbs and flows with life’s seasons, yet it is always within reach when we call upon it.”
coursework, collegiate athletics, and military training. What was often missing, however, was a focus on faith. A typical day consisted of formations, demanding classes, several hours of sailing practice, a late meal, and long evenings studying in Nimitz Library. During this time, I adopted the Naval Academy’s core values of honor, courage, and commitment, adding them to those instilled at Epiphany While these virtues were tested and strengthened daily, my faith remained relatively dormant as I learned to navigate life independently for the first time. Faith, I’ve learned, is a living part of who we are It ebbs and flows with life’s seasons, yet it is always within reach when ll i
After gradu to my first Philippine Ticonderoga missile crui in Mayport Ensign, my qualify as a Officer a process inv of ship syst and warfa served Communica leading a di sailors and line-of-sigh
and digital communication systems aboard. It was a period of excitement, growth, and constant challenge
In June 2020, the Philippine Sea deployed independently to the Middle East We were sent “alone and unafraid” to support freedom of navigation in a region marked by instability, including several Iranian hijackings near the Strait of Hormuz. Our mission was dynamic, ranging from drug interdiction and joint exercises with regional navies to escorting merchant vessels and even rescuing shipwrecked refugees in the Mediterranean. Despite the operational dangers, the greatest challenge was isolation. As a COVID-deployed ship, we quarantined for weeks before departure and were prohibited from any port visits during the ten-month deployment.
“The phrase “God never gives us more than we can handle” is often misunderstood; it does not mean we can handle ever ything, but rather that we are never without God’s strength to carr y what we cannot.”
Life onboard with 350 sailors confined within the ship’s steel walls required daily resilience. Together we celebrated birthdays, holidays, and milestones far from home. As a division officer, I often stood before my sailors, reassuring them through multiple extensions that we would soon see our families again. The leadership of our captain and the camaraderie among the crew were indispensable. During this time, I practiced service and integrity daily but still relied primarily on my own strength rather than my faith
Soon after returning, I received orders to my next ship the USS Spruance, based in San Diego Learning that I would deploy again for another eight months to the South China Sea was devastating. My resilience had carried me far, but early into that deployment, the pace became overwhelming. It was
then that I met Chaplain Ron Wade, whose guidance reignited my spiritual life. With his encouragement, I began reading Scripture daily and found renewed strength in the familiar passages of Christ’s life that had once inspired me at Epiphany.
I vividly remember sitting in the ship’s chapel during a Sunday service, realizing that I could not endure this deployment on my own In that moment, one that must be personally experienced to be understood, I felt the tangible presence of Jesus beside me. The phrase “God never gives us more than we can handle” is often misunderstood; it does not mean we can handle everything, but rather that we are never without God’s strength to carry what we cannot.
Now, nearly two years removed from active duty, life has become easier, but I strive to remember my faith as fervently in peace as I did in hardship. Over my service, I spent 620 days deployed from August 2020 to August 2022, exceeding the Navy’s two-year operational limit by 220 days in support of mission requirements. Those days away from family, friends, and home taught me more about faith, endurance, and grace than any textbook or training ever could.
To the students at Epiphany, I offer this encouragement keep your faith and your relationship with Jesus at the forefront of your life. Prioritize it alongside your studies and ambitions. Your faith will sustain you in times of trial and guide you in times of joy. It is never farther away than a prayer, a conversation, or a quiet moment in chapel.
God bless.
eceiving my acceptance letter into West Point and serving my country was a long-time dream of mine, but I owe much of my success to the culture of service that Epiphany fostered. Service takes many forms, and the spirit of giving back that I experienced at Epiphany deeply influenced my military career, from my days as a student to leading a platoon of soldiers. My education at West Point continued to shape me into a leader of character, but that journey began much earlier, with the values I learned from my teachers and classmates in New Bern.
My four years at West Point and my
Army career since have certainly brought their share of challenges. Yet through every difficult moment, the foundation of values and the sense of service I developed at Epiphany and strengthened at West Point have given me a solid foundation to stand and lead on.
The road to West Point was not an easy one The support of my friends and teachers at Epiphany was instrumental in helping me reach that goal, especially when things didn’t go as planned: I was denied admission the first year I applied – a tough blow to my confidence and clarity on what path I would be taking
BY: TRISTAN STEWART ‘16
importantly, I learned what it means to truly commit to a goal Failure, I discovered, can be one of our greatest teachers. How we respond to setbacks defines the kind of people we become. I also learned not to rush the process. When we don’t meet our goals on our preferred timeline, it’s easy to feel like we’ve fallen short. But looking back, I’m grateful for that detour, the relationships I built, and the lessons I learned along the way.
Challenges still arise daily, both in the Army and in everyday life, but each experience – whether a success or setback – has helped shape who I am today. To current Epiphany students dreaming up and wanting to pursue their own academic, professional, and personal goals, I’ll leave you with this truth: failure is inevitable, but it is never final. The path to success might not look exactly how you expect it to, but if you stay persistent, remain flexible, and keep your values at the center of what you do, good things will follow. Above all, continue to serve others in a way that is meaningful to you. That, more than anything, will guide you wherever life leads.
hen I applied for the United States Naval Academy in the summer of 2016 before my senior year, I knew 100% it was where I wanted to go for college, but I truly had no idea how far it would take me beyond those four years. Once I got into the Naval Academy, I had three main goals: surviving Calc 3, getting my 5k time down, and becoming a pilot. Having survived Calc 3 and now deployed on the USS Gerald R. Ford, I have two different goals: still trying to get my 5k run time down and pushing
myself to become a better MH-60S pilot every day. All running jokes aside, earning my aviator wings of gold to become a helicopter pilot for the US Navy has been the hardest but most rewarding journey, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Every Naval Aviator’s journey starts with commissioning through some Officer program, whether it is the Naval Academy, Merchant Marine Academy, ROTC, or OCS. I’m a little biased, but I
I still have to show some school pride and say that my route was the best (Go Navy, Beat Army!) The Naval Academy introduced me to Aviators from every platform whether it be pointy nosed jet, helicopters, or the big wings like P-8s and started to turn the wheels in my own head of what I wanted to fly one day. Second class year (junior year), I took the required ASTB, which is a combination of multiple choice questions and a hands-on controls portion. It doesn’t sound like a beast,
but you can only take it three times total and your score will reflect if you can be a Pilot, Naval Flight Officer, or neither at all. Aviator hopefuls go through an interview process with their mentor, and then ultimately it’s out of your hands completely until Service Selection in November of your Firstie year (senior year) where on the same day every single Firstie finds out their Service Selection Assignment. Opportunities other than Pilot include Naval Flight Officer, Surface Warfare
Officer, Marine Air or Marine Ground, Submarines, and Special Warfare like SEALs or EODs. As a relieved Firstie who got my first choice to become a Pilot, it felt like the hard part was over, but in reality I hadn’t even gotten started.
Following Commissioning, all Aviators start their journey in the beautiful white sandy beaches of Pensacola, Florida, where they learn the basics of flight and finish by passing a check ride in a Cessna. In between, you earn the right to finally be able to wear the luxurious flight suit decked out with funny patches, feeling like you’re the coolest person in the room. Fun fact, you’re not, and you will get humbled every single day for the next three years without fail. It’s safe to say I learned more after graduating college than I think I did in college. Immediately after finishing this first stage, I moved to Corpus Christi, Texas, to start the next stage, called Primary. In Primary, you fly the T-6B, learning aerobatics, emergency procedures, and ultimately get to solo the aircraft. In that moment, I realized that I really do love aviation, but didn’t really like flying by myself because of how much I love to talk, and I set my eyes on the helicopter route
Each aircraft has its own manual, per se, which is called the NATOPS, and as an Aviator, it is your job to “know the contents thoroughly,” as stated on the first page. I felt like I never had enough time or brain capacity to memorize over 1,100 pages or emergency procedures, system diagrams,
schematics, and general physics. For all my teachers and friends who knew me, I was not a “STEM girl”; I was more of a political science or literature type I spent at least six to eight hours a day studying on top of briefing and flying my gradecards for another eight to twelve hours a day As if things couldn’t get any harder, right before Primary my dad passed away, leaving me to wonder if I could honestly handle everything being thrown at me. I think it is important to acknowledge how important it is to ask for help and to be able to push yourself past your own prescribed limits of what you think you can do; what you are capable of is so much farther than what you think you can handle. I was struggling in Primary and relied heavily on my mentors and friends to study with, vent with, and
laugh about botched flights with. It took me longer than I like to admit to ask for help, but when I did, sharing the yoke of my burden changed my entire flight school experience.
Flight School, like every other challenge in life, is very much personal but so much more shared. Our procedures are written in blood and there is nothing more dangerous than someone who won’t admit they don’t know what they are doing. Everyone has to put in their individual work every day but by talking with others, asking questions, and acknowledging what you need to work on is how Aviators truly become masters of their aircraft. Even Blue Angels, the best of the best in the world, have hours of debriefs after each flight, pointing out every mistake so that they can learn as a team and be better, safer, more technical aviators. I
Initially I was surprised by how many others felt exactly how I felt, but gradually it made more sense when I realized we were all type A, perfectionist types who accepted nothing but perfect and struggled when we couldn’t meet that mark. All throughout Flight School, I was pushed by my peers and instructors to become better mentally, physically, and morally, and I will always be grateful for that awful first year that taught me who I was.
Following Primary, I selected helicopters as my platform and moved back to Milton, Florida, for the next act of Flight School: Advanced. Every platform has a different location for advanced and I was ecstatic to go back to Florida where the majority of my friends were as they elected to have less moves and stay in one command for
their trainings. After the gauntlet that was Primary for me, Advanced was much easier, but that was probably due to the fact that I had better study habits, more flight experience, a bigger risk bubble, and a more intense drive. As we like to say, “Things don’t become easier; you just get better at doing hard things.” Advanced finished before I had even realized it started, and I winged October 13, 2023. In typical Navy fashion, I packed up and moved the next week to Norfolk, Virginia, for the FRS (Fleet Replacement Squadron) or the Rag, if you’re familiar to learn how to fly a real gray fleet aircraft; the MH60 Sierra.
I was getting better at doing hard things, and after finishing the FRS at HSC-2, I fleeted up to join HSC-9 in their 2024 pre-deployment cycle and absolutely love being a part of the Trident family If you’ve been keeping track, I Commissioned in May 2021, winged in 2023, but only joined my fleet squadron in October 2024 so this process took a little over three years from start to finish. Graduating from the Naval Academy as an Aviator you owe a minimum of eight years, but you
don’t start “paying back” until you wing. I’m almost five years into my Naval Career and have only really done two years of my contract This sequence might seem weird to include, but my point is that, as fun as it is to fly a twohour bag, there is so much work and training that goes into even a tenminute flight, and you have to want every single second of it Earning your wings is a massive point of pride, and it creates a family across platforms,
ranches, and decades out of shared experiences I think every Aviator will agree that not every day is going to be easy or glamorous, but it’s always worth it because of how much you love flying. There is no way Aviators would make it through all of flight school, and some don’t, without actually loving our jobs
All the long days and hard nights have gotten me to where I am today, and all my training has come together for my
first deployment. I’m currently deployed (and writing this article) on the USS Gerald R. Ford. My days always start with a cup or two or three of coffee and a solid workout. Then I start the rest: studying, a pre-flight brief, a 3-5 hour flight, debrief, more studying, and I always find time to get some food. Let me be the first to tell you, life on the carrier is not glamorous in the slightest, but even after four months, there are still moments where I audibly say, “Okay, that was pretty cool.” It’s
hard to believe that four years ago I had barely started this journey, and now I’m in charge of a 23,000 lb aircraft and the well-being of all the crew members within it. It was not an easy journey, and I didn’t love every part of the process, but it has changed me for the better. My outlook on dynamic problems has changed completely; I’ve learned how to fail and learn from it. Most importantly, the one trait that has led me to the most success as an Officer and as a Pilot is to be comfortable
Aviation to pursue it It’s an amazing community filled with people who will challenge you, push you to further goals, and be by your side for every failure and success.
To this day, I still call my aviation mentor Dave Schnorenberg every time I
have a rough flight, amazing flight, or just want to talk to someone else who gets it. He still gives me the best advice, and I’m only lucky enough to receive it because one day in 2022, I failed a flight, and even though I was embarrassed, I was brave enough to call and ask for help.
LT Anna Walker HSC-9 Operations Team
here are few questions I’ve been asked more often in life than some version of “Why the Naval Academy?” I have fashioned many answers depending on the sincerity of the person asking, but none more true than this answer: to give back to the country that gave my family everything.
My mother immigrated to the United States from the Philippines as a young woman and overcame tremendous hardship to achieve the life she has now. My father grew up working on other people’s farms to provide for his family until he earned the opportunity to be the first in his family to attend college. In their own ways, both of the people who raised me achieved the American Dream, and I was fortunate enough to witness it firsthand. My older sister, too, provided me with guidance and support. Once I realized this fact, I began to see every challenge as an opportunity, and every opportunity as icing on the cake.
If I were to spill all my memories from Epiphany onto the kitchen counter and sort them by emotion, the “embarrassment” jar would probably be the most full. This thought is likely a result of the persisting psychological effects of missed wide-open layups, awkward interactions with girls, multiple failed Senate elections, and some truly questionable fashion choices. Though at the time I wished those moments had never happened, I know now they were necessary in building the courage to fail. I rarely missed an opportunity to make a fool of myself in those early years.
During my time as “DJ” at many a school dance, I witnessed ballets of missteps and dance moves unworthy of daylight. However, those are the moments I remember most fondly when people simply put themselves out there or asked someone “out of their league” to dance. I think the middle schoolers' lack of fear of embarrassment (as opposed to the high schoolers') was what made their dances great. My biggest piece of advice to anyone still at Epiphany is this one: dance at every dance to the best of your ability especially if you dance horribly.
Eighth grade at Epiphany marked the beginning of who I consider myself to be today. I can remember two canon events that thoroughly changed the trajectory of my life.
The first happened at the North Carolina State Track and Field Championship during my eighth-grade year. I had narrowly qualified for the 300m. At the time, our track team was talented with senior long-distance runners whom I regarded highly. I remember sitting in a circle on the field within the track, waiting for the conclusion of the awards ceremony, when the senior guys on the team embraced how talented and how much potential another young member of the team had. Though it seems silly now, I remember feeling left out of the quick exchange of praise. However, minutes later, Coach Juan came to my side and told me privately that he believed I was “wired for greatness” on this team and congratulating me for qualifying. Though it may seem small, that moment
The second event occurred during my freshman year trip to Costa Rica. I was on a bus beside Mrs. DeCamp when she turned and looked at me and said, “You know, I think you would make a great Park Scholar.” She was referring to NC State’s premier full-ride scholarship something I had never imagined for myself.
I never did become a state champion or earn the Park Scholarship. However, I worked with those goals in mind, which in turn made the Naval Academy a viable reality. From that, I learned two lessons: hard work is never wasted, and you can change someone’s life for the better in fewer than twelve words. There is never a moment too small to make a positive impact.
The most fulfilling period of my life came when I served as the company training officer during my senior year at the Academy—a chance to be the “Coach Juan” or “Mrs. DeCamp” in someone else’s life. As the Training Officer (“Train-O”), I was responsible for developing our freshmen our plebes into upstanding future officers. In truth, my main method of doing so, the way I knew best, was through physical training In a practical yet unrelenting way I wanted to show my people that they were capable of much more than they might have
ever believed. I showed my belief in their abilities sometimes with words, but more often with the enforcement of high standards. Consequently, this practice also held me to a higher standard than I thought I was capable of.
In my circles, there’s a very popular expression that says, “It is better to be a warrior in a garden than to be a gardener in a war.” I believe this statement to be true, of course, but I think this truth undermines the importance of being a gardener. Life, through mind, body, and spirit, needs watering and tending. I don’t think anyone can fully conquer an enemy until they have conquered themselves, just as you can’t win the war for your heart until you win the battle in your mind. This thought was one of the several messages I tried to instill in my plebes, and one I have to constantly
hold near in my own life. Life can be boring during periods of transformation, like a plant still unsprouted underground. However, that is the time when you become everything you were meant to be. Though I should add that boredom, much like embarrassment, is a choice.
Upon graduating from the Academy, I earned a master’s in electrical engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School, and I am now in the initial stages of flight school. Though I cherish these opportunities, I yearn for my next chance to make a positive impact on those placed in my care. I am grateful that the military has afforded me the leadership experiences I have had and yet to hold.
Sydney Herron, Class of 2012, is going to be the new Program Manager for Orange County Animal Services in Chapel Hill. She spent the past three years building up the programming for adoptable dogs and cats at Burlington Animal Services, and she’s excited to be able to help expand the programs in Orange County.
She said Yes!
Maggie Frye ‘17 got engaged on May 20,2025
Pablo Fulbrook ‘17 is currently a Tour Actor/Director on the Missoula Children’s Theatre Red Truck national tour. He travels around the country bringing week-long theatre camps to kids all over the nation!
Ashton Smith ‘17 recently returned from the Philippines, where she served with the Peace Corps. She visited Epiphany in October and delivered a Chapel message to our Middle and Upper School students on the joy of serving others. Pictured on the right with Mrs. Fitz, also a former member of the Peace Corps, and Mr. Laforteza, who is from the Philippines.
This school year, our theme of JOY reminds us that true joy is found when we live out our mission: to love God and our neighbor as ourselves. It is with this spirit of gratitude and excitement that we share news of the wonderful growth and expansion taking place at Epiphany in the upcoming years.
We are thrilled to announce plans to begin a brand-new Transitional Kindergarten program that could be available as soon as the fall of 2027. This exciting addition allows us to serve families from the very beginning of their child’s educational journey, setting a strong foundation in faith, learning, and community We are working on the creation of a dedicated classroom on the Henderson Campus as well as the development of a highquality curriculum experience. Our timeline allows us to adequately research best practices for Transitional Kindergarten and provide interested families with the answers they need
Additionally, our Trent Campus is preparing for exciting improvements that will better serve our growing community as well Plans are underway
to expand parking and improve traffic flow, creating a safer and more convenient experience for families. We are also shifting the location of the soccer field to make room for new facilities, including a future concession stand with restrooms that will enhance Falcon athletics and provide more parking for campus events
Finally, along with these facility upgrades, we are proud to announce a new partnership with our local sheriff’s office to strengthen oncampus security, ensuring a safe and nurturing environment for every student. Deputies for Craven County will be on campus on designated days to provide visibility and safety.
All of these initiatives flow from our mission and vision Anchored in the commandment to love God and our neighbor as ourselves, Epiphany calls our students to live with respect, responsibility, service, and integrity. As we continue to pioneer our unique program of global studies, we remain committed to uncovering the gifts of each student, preparing them with the knowledge and experiences to succeed in the future.
The expansion of programs and facilities is about far more than
buildings. It is about shaping the hearts and minds of our students, creating space for discovery, and cultivating joy as they uncover their unique gifts for the journey ahead. We’re proud to foster a community where students, faculty, and staff live out our core values of respect, responsibility, service, and integrity, and where each member of the Epiphany family can flourish.
As a Board, we are deeply committed to intentional prayer for our school community students, teachers, and parents alike and we invite you to join us. Together, we are writing the next chapter of Epiphany’s story, and we are deeply grateful for your prayers, your partnership, and your unwavering support.
With gratitude and joy,
The Board of Trustees
The 2024–2025 fiscal year, which concluded on June 30, 2025, was an exceptional one for The Epiphany School of Global Studies We experienced a modest but meaningful increase in enrollment from the previous year and are thrilled to welcome more than 490 students in grades K–12. The continued expansion of the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship has played a significant role in supporting this stability, helping us keep a high level of enrollment while making an Epiphany education more accessible to families across our community. For the year ended June 30, 2025, approximately 72% of our students received an Opportunity Scholarship award. This past year also brought exciting improvements to our campus In September 2024, we added a brand-new Blue Bird activity bus to our transportation fleet, enhancing our ability to support athletics, field trips, and other school activities. In addition, we upgraded the entire 5th Grade Annex with new flooring, creating an even more welcoming and engaging learning environment for our students.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the families, friends, and supporters of The Epiphany School of Global Studies Your commitment and generosity continue to make our mission possible, and your partnership helped make this year such a tremendous success. Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to attracting and retaining exceptional educators by offering competitive salaries and comprehensive compensation packages. Our goal is to ensure that we continue to bring the finest faculty and staff to Eastern North Carolina professionals who inspire, challenge, and guide our students every day
A special thank you to Willow Holdings, Inc. and Nicholas Sparks for their generous contribution to our Global Program, allowing Epiphany to offer special travel opportunities to our students.*
$5,001 to $10,000
The Cushman Fund, through the NC Community Foundation
$2,000 to $5,000
John Hawkins
Clinton and Carolyn Massey
Dan and Ashley Murphy
Evan and Blythe Restelli
Catherine Sparks and Slade Trabucco
$1,000 to $1,999
David and Linda Bullock, In Honor of Peyton, Davis & Emma Hall
John Eric Chrise
Daniel and Bobbi Jo Kelly
Edmund and Holly Knott
John Robert and Alison Mattocks
Pate-McClintic Foundation, with appreciation for the recommendation of Gary and Caroline Flannery
Mike and Joan McDonald, In Honor of Jake and Sam McDonald
Joseph Osenni and Angela Park
Tommaso & Ellen Serra
Chris and Kathryn Taylor
Dean and Jill Thompson
David and Amy Wang
Gene and Marguerite Witter
$500 to $999
Reneè Carroll
Maria Galloway, includes a matching gift from her employer, IAT Insurance Group, Inc.
Patrick and McKenzie Hall
Drew and Margaret Keasler
Jim and Cheryl McKee, In Honor of Warren and Jackson Horney
Sean Milburn
Tom and Greta Mitchell
Paula's Italian Restaurant
Kirby and Laura Smith
$250 to $499
Steve and Christi Bunting
Brian and Christine Ferrell
Charles and Patricia Hughes
Brandon and Shaina Spears
Anonymous
$100 to $249
Kay Austin
James R Copland III
Ken and Gayle Daras
David and Cheryl Foreman, In Honor of Jessie Kent
Ken and Anita Gray
Jeffrey and Sandra Haddock
Patrick and Kate Horney
Don and Paula Jessup
John and Lorraine Miller, In Honor of Henry & Eleanor Miller
Minges Bottling Group
Michael Raines and Allison Mitchell
The music education at Epiphany became a bit more streamlined with the purchase of Music Stands, a Rolling Transport, and Soundproofing Panels.
Adding a Mackie Thump 118S 1,400watt 18-inch Powered Subwoofer, Student Senate Dances just became more fun and inviting!
$1,000 to $5,000 Epiphany PTO
Ken and Anita Gray
Beth Walker
$500 to $999 Tripp and Sarah Carroll Joseph Osenni and Angela Park
$20 to $499 Renewed Wellness Counseling Will and Hannah Finn Christine Zellers
To support students in need, there are scholarship opportunities provided to Epiphany, including:
The Rural School Alliance (RSA) Scholarships provided by Nicholas Sparks through Willow Holdings, Inc.
The Falcon Scholarship awarded by John Robert and Alison Mattocks
This year, there was also an Anonymous Hardship Scholarship donated to one of our families.
Thank you to the above donors for your dedication to ensuring those who would otherwise be unable to attend Epiphany come and receive the gift of education that will last a lifetime!
The Dr. Dwight Carlblom Endowment Fund will build a legacy for The Epiphany School of Global Studies. Established as a scholarship fund for students in need, the endowment will support children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend Epiphany. This long-term investment ensures the school reaches more students and creates economic diversity in our student body.
$1,000 to $2,500
David and Linda Bullock, In Honor of Peyton, Davis, & Emma Hall
John Robert and Alison Mattocks
Catherine Sparks and Slade Trabucco, In Memory of Trawick “Buzzy” Stubbs Jr.
$500 to $999
Drew and Margaret Keasler
Jerry Simmons
$20 to $499
JT and Karen Ellenberger
Daniel and Bobbi Jo Kelly
Aung Myo and Mar Bee
Ernest Walker
2 0 2 5 G a l a a n d A u c t i o n
On March 22, 2025, the Trent Campus was transformed into an Italian escape for Epiphany’s largest fundraiser of the year our Annual Gala and Auction: Celebrating Italy. Guests were greeted by a warm Tuscan palette of champagne ivory, soft coppery terracotta, and tantalizing peach, brought to life by breathtaking floral arrangements and wine-inspired centerpieces designed by Alison Mattocks. The evening was serenaded by the captivating sounds of live opera from vocalist Steven Williamson and pianist Kiersten Long, adding a touch of la dolce vita to the night.
Guests indulged in a delectable culinary experience courtesy of il Cigno Italiano, featuring a custom pasta bar and elegant desserts, while Sassy Spirits delighted with signature cocktails
including, Limoncello Spritz, Aperol or Campari, Limoncello Martini, and Negroni. From the first sip to the last bite, the evening was a feast for the senses delizioso!
Grazie! The Gala and Auction raised over $215,000 in net profit for the Epiphany Fund, which provides critical, flexible support for academics, cocurricular programs, faculty development, and the daily upkeep of our campuses, ensuring every student receives an exceptional Epiphany education. Grazie mille to our generous sponsors and donors, whose philanthropy made the evening possible, especially:
Donors and Paddle Raisers: Catherine Sparks & Slade Trabucco, Anonymous Donor, Ben & Allison Bunting, Trey &
Lucy Doak, Lee & Dana Hiner, Dan & Ashley Murphy, and John Robert & Alison Mattocks
Platinum Sponsors: Murphy Matza Wealth Management and Rankin & Fiume Orthodontics
Gold Sponsors: Emerson House Interiors, Juris Link, John Staton & Cara Hamm, and Wildauer, Copland & Phelps Families
Adding to the excitement were our live and silent auctions. Auctioneer, Luke Proctor, inspired spirited competition as guests eagerly bid on extraordinary experiences, including a week-long trip to Tuscany, Italy, a Venetian glass sailboat brought back from the Epiphany Family Trip to Italy, and Enrichment Week at the Salty Pelican in Emerald Isle from Matthew and Nicole Levine, and more! The silent auction featured teacher experiences, Lower School student art, Middle and Upper
School family-created baskets, and treasures from New Bern and surrounding local communities, from an autographed helmet from Truist Wealth – Sports and Entertainment to a OneWeek Starter Camp at Camp Seagull or Seafarer. Truly, c’era qualcosa per tutti there was something for everyone!
A heartfelt grazie to the incredible Gala Committee, whose creativity, energy, and dedication brought warmth and heart to the night:
Stacy Rhinehart & Mike Wildauer, CoChairs,
Bradley Wenner, Stage Coordinator and sixth through eighth grades Basket Coordinator
Decoration Team: Alison Mattocks
Cynthia Midgette
Marianne Moore
Auction Team:
Amy Mills, Auction Coordinator
Kim Barrett
Jessica Bentacourt
Sarah Pajaro
Stephanie Pinero
Dax Jennings, K-5th Grade Project Coordinator
Cindy Brougher, 9th through 12th Basket Coordinator
Julia Connolly, Director of Development
David Wang, Head of School
Dare Oliver, Director of Marketing
McKenzie Hall, Board Trustee
This event would not have been possible without the countless volunteer hours and dedication of the Gala Committee! Grazie! Thank you!
Finally, a heartfelt grazie di cuore to all our families and community friends who attended. Your support made the night a resounding success and helps our students uncover their gifts for the journey.
Looking ahead, mark your calendars for Epiphany’s Gala & Auction: Roaring Into The '20s, celebrating our 20th Anniversary on Saturday, March 21, 2026! Get dolled up and spiffy for a night of jazzy décor, a swell meal from The Chelsea, and plenty of swanky entertainment. Join us for a memorable evening of community, camaraderie, and celebration of The Epiphany School of Global Studies truly the Cat’s Meow of Eastern North Carolina.
Thank you to all the others who made the 2025 Gala and Auction: Celebrating Italy a success!
Thank you to all of those who made a gift or raised their paddle during the Live Auction Appeal:
$15,000 to $20,000
Catherine Sparks and Slade Trabucco
Anonymous
$7,500 to $10,000
Ben and Allison Bunting
Trey and Lucy Doak
Lee and Dana Hiner
Dan and Ashley Murphy
$5,000 to $7,499
John Robert and Alison Mattocks
$2,500 to $4,999
Ken and Anita Gray
Landon Sparks
$1,000 to $2,499
Steve and Christi Bunting
Clifford and Darlene Clark
James and Tahira Copland
Walter and Amy Mills
Peter and Sarah Moeller
Anthony and Annie O’Brien
Baird “Trey” and Lindsey Paschal III
Beth Walker
Reed and Cailin Whitsett
$500 to $999
Brian and Julia Connolly
Patricia Connolly
Ed & Mary Koffenberger
Scott and Taylor McClellan
Benjamin and Natalie Shelton
Tim and Kendal Wilson
$499 to $100
Steven and Laura-Jean Bell
Brent and Diep Deacon
Alan and Tammy Ferebee
Tracy Moebius
Allen and Stacy Rhinehart
John Staton and Cara Hamm
Thank you to the faculty and staff, individuals, community members, and businesses who graciously gave their resources to support Epiphany’s Gala and Auction:
A Dog's Dream
Aegean Med Spa
Allie Cline Photography
Animal Hospital of New Bern
Baldree's Tire and Service
Baxter's 1892
Baxter's Family Eye Care
Beary the Hatchet
Beauty Bar by Heather
Sabrina Bengel
Bern City Cigars
Cristian Bilbao Herrara and Adriana
Sanchez
Bill's Pet Shop
Black Cat Shoppe
Brad Poirier Photography
Todd Bradley
Brew H2ouse
BSH Home Appliances Corporation
Liliana Campos
Canophera Dog Toys
Carolina Bagel Co. & Deli
Carolina Creations
Nohora Cepeda
Joan Charland
Coastal Sole
Coastal United Soccer Association
Matthew and Jessica Conard
Cork Wine Bar & Bistro
Lissette Corona
Cottonwood Farm
Ruth Cresenzo
Crystal Coast Boat Charters and Rentals
Debra Davis
Miguel Delima and Paola Forigua
Down East Dance
Andrew and April Durning
ECU Athletics Ticket Office
Emerson House Interiors, LLC
Envee Spa
Esthetics
Expressions in Clay
Alan and Tammy Ferebee
Hannah Finn
Front Street Pediatric Dentistry
Fruits of Her Hand Goat Milk Soap
Ivy Garris
Lynn Gaskins
Joseph Geiger
Glow Aesthetics Boutique
Kristi Gollish
Grant's Menswear
Scott and Anne Griggs
Jeffrey and Sandra Haddock
Harbour Pointe Golf Club
Craig Hearne
Hearne's Fine Jewelry
Heron Hospitality
Emilio Iacch
il Cigno Italiano/Pelican Shoal, LLC
It's Sew You Embroidery & Monogramming
New Bern Auto Group
New Bern Civic Theatre
Jane's Embroidery Jewelry & More
Judy Felkamp Pottery
Kim Kelly
Ashley Kenner
Le Petit Bisou
Matthew and Nicole Levine
Locked In Athletics
Kierston Long
Ana Lopez
Lula Balou
Made in NC & Galley Stores
Mayte Sweets
Michelle Salsman Photography
Timothy and Cynthia Midgette
Walter and Amy Mills
Daniel and Maryanne Moore
Morehead City Country Club
Greg and Kelli Muse
National League of Junior Cotillions-
New Bern Chapter
Nautical Wheelers
New Bern Family Eye Care
New Bern Golf & Country Club
New Bern Golf & Country Club, Tennis
New Bern Golf & Country Club, Golf Shop
New Bern Gymnastics
New Bern Historical Society
New Bern Southpaws Baseball
Joseph Alec and Tammi Newton
Organized by Anne Marie
Overman Capital Management, LLC
Sarah Pajaro
Pampered Chef by Dawn Ferreira
Passionate Paws Co: Pet Grooming, Care Services, & Products
Paula's Italian Restaurant
Peacock's Plume
Pelican's SnoBalls of New Bern
Precision Moulding & Woodworks, Inc.
Jessica Phelps
Paula Purves
Oscar Quiros and Vanessa Soto
Rankin and Fiume Orthodontics
Kevin Reese
Sierra Reilly
Rescue the Party Rentals
Rinnova Spa & Wellness Center
River Landing
Calah Ronzheimer
Russell Family Dentistry
Savages Wood-Burning Pizzeria
Scout and Cellar Wine By Dana Hiner
Serving for a Cause
David Siler
Small Batch Specialty Gifts
Snap Dragon
Malin Soreff
Sugar Bees Bloomery
SunBern NC
Surf Wind & Fire
Sweet Bee's Bakery
Sylvan Learning Center
Taberna Country Club
Take Two
Small Batch Specialty Gifts
Snap Dragon
Truist Wealth - Sports and Entertainment
Tryon Palace Foundation
Darlene Verspoor
Britt and Lydia Warren
Katherinne Wawrzonek
Mary Angela Webb
Bradley Wenner and Andrea Terry
Whistle Express Car Wash
Cailin Whitsett
Cynthia Williams
Jason Willis Wine and Design
World Leadership School
YMCA Camps Sea Gull and YMCA
Camp Seafarer
Dan Murphy - Cha
Cathy Sparks
Isa Gratacos
Ken Gray
McKenzie Hall
Kate Horney
John Hawkins
Peter Moeller
Joe Osenni
Reid Parker
Beth Walker
Editor: Molly Ostmann
On the Cover: Robbie LaGuardia
Contributors:
Patrick Hall - Parent 23, 25, 28
Cadence Crowe ‘26
Robbie LaGuardia ‘14
Tristan Stewart ‘16
Anna Walker ‘17
Joe Chrise ‘20