2017-18 Annual Report
The pages in this Annual Report showcase some of our 2,000+ 2000+ graduates graduatesand andstudents students exemplifying the GHCDS mission. They are reflective, creative, and compassionate. They are critical thinkers excelling in college. And they are empowered to better their island and the world. These pages also highlight the remarkable story of resilience and school community support in 2017-18. Thank you for being part of our GHCDS family.
Contents Better After Maria: Programs Our Impact 24 Better After Maria: Infrastructure Our Resources 46 Impact Our Progress 68 Our Resources Your Support 10 8 Your Support GHCDS Leadership
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GHCDSfrom Leadership Letters Head of School and Board Chair Letters from Head of School and Board Chairs GHS and CDS Reflections GHS and CDS Reflections Financials
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Financials Summary of Fundraising
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18 18 22
Summary of Fundraising Key Improvements
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Annual Fund Financial Aid
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Maria Relief Fund Annual Fund Alumni Annual Fund Black & Gold Gala Giving
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Our Future Parents’ Association
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Parents’ Association 46 Our Amazing Volunteers 43 Our Amazing Volunteers 47 Alumni 46 In Memoriam
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2018 GHCDS Class of 2017
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Ways to Give 52 Legacy 52 Ways to Give 53 Photo:Priscilla First graders Cover GHCDS Sharmouj students show and Ella off their Chewning grit 23discover days after the hurricanes joys of reading Irmainand theMaria. GHCDSPhotograph primary library by Nicole reading Canegata. room. Photograph by Lindsay Kammerzelt
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St. Croix
The 2017-18 school year was no ordinary year. On September 19, 2017, Category-5 Hurricane Maria hit St. hit Maria Croix, St. Croix, two weeks two after Category-5 weeks after Cat-5Irma Irmahad had passed just north. Despite no power, no connectivity, no cell reception, limited water, and a depleted staff, GHCDS re-opened nine days later, leading the St. Croix rebuilding efforts. But GHCDS did not want just to bounce back—the school was determined to be Better After Maria! (BAM!), and mounted a campaign to to demonstrate become even stronger how it was than even stronger before the storm. than before the storm. 31
BETTER AFTER MARIA! The more we invest in the professional development and coaching of our talented faculty, the more they can enhance student learning.
Independent School Management Training • Dawn Grey (upper school head) and Lea Wilson (upper school advisory coordinator) spent a week at Wilmington Friends School in Delaware with counterparts from top private schools around the country gaining tools, frameworks, and perspectives for strengthening the upper school.
Project Based Learning Intensive • The middle school team (Denise Blanchette, lower and middle school head; Mark Locher, MS technology; Amanda Beach; Tracy Cole; Jane Coles; and Kathleen Graham-Adams) spent a week at the Buck Institute learning best protocols and practices for designing effective, meaningful group project work.
Instructional Rounds • Teachers began observing colleagues using the Harvard Graduate School of Education’s protocol. Dr. Annaly Guerra (upper school curriculum and instruction coordinator) spearheaded these efforts.
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PROGRAMS Math Training – Bridges and College Prep Math (CPM) • K-5 faculty received summer training on campus for the new Bridges math curriculum and on-site coaching in the spring. They also hosted a morning Bridges Math Workshop for parents in April, which drew 100 K-5 parents. • Kate Baker (upper school), Tracy Cole (middle school), Sara Dykstra (sixth grade), and Pamela Holt (upper school)attended CPM training in Utah. A CPM coach also came and worked with middle and upper school math faculty last February.
Units of Study in Reading and Writing • Annaliese Cerni (kindergarten) and Sonya Sundaram (sixth grade) attended Columbia University’s prestigious program by Lucy Calkins with counterparts from around the world.
Antilles School Visit • Six team members (Wanda Bishop, librarian; Rita Bicette, nursery; Alma Castro-Nieves, registrar; Sasha Marohn, counselor; Linda Stamper-Keularts, director of advancement; and Kiomie Pedrini, associate director of advancement) visited counterparts at Antilles on St. Thomas to tour the school and exchange ideas.
AND MORE...
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BETTER AFTER MARIA! BETTER AFTER MARIA! The better the school’s infrastructure, the more time faculty and staff can focus on student learning.
Better Power • Expanded back-up power to 15 of 17 buildings (vs. 5 pre-Maria). • Tested, repaired, and labeled all 32 electrical panels around campus. • Installed e-gauges to track power consumption for all buildings and provide critical baseline info for decision-making.
No Floods or Leaks • Eliminated flooding in 1st-3rd, 4th, middle school, and administration building by adding gutters, downspouts, catch basins, swales, and trench drains.
Digitized alumni records • Scanned all GHCDS, GHS, and CDS transcripts for quicker service to alumni.
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INFRASTRUCTURE INFRASTRUCTURE Better Plumbing • Trenched and added 2” line from WAPA line directly to pump room. • Trenched and added 2” line from pump room directly to middle school bathrooms reducing clogs.
More Beautiful • Added national park-grade GHCDS info signs for outdoor art. • Repainted gym. • Painted upper school lockers. • Installed glass doors to library.
Lower Room Temperature (Room 9 Pilot) • In pilot project for other spaces, sealed up room, installed 4” insulation, and added industrial A/C unit to building.
VOIP phone system • Installed new voice-over internet protocol (VOIP) phones that are more functional, more reliable, and less expensive than old copperline phones.
AND MORE... 7
OUR IMPACT:
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WE HAVE A MAJOR IMPACT ON ST. CROIX & THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS
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OUR RESOURCES: How do our resources compare regionally and nationally? These charts and graphs provide important context for our financials. Three key points are:
•GHCDS currently spends slightly more per student than the average public school in the United States, less than our regional peers and the V.I. public schools, and significantly less than top stateside private schools.
•GHCDS’ assets (largely physical plant, furniture/fixtures/equipment, and endowment) are significantly less than those of our regional peers.
•One of the top 20 private schools in the U.S. is not even included in the graphs because its resources are astronomically greater.
*Based on 990’s from 2015 and 2016 as well as the U. S. Department of Education website.
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WE HAVE FEWER RESOURCES THAN OTHER SCHOOLS Spending ($) Per Student
Net Assets ($) Per Student
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YOUR SUPPORT:
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YOUR INVESTMENT IS CRITICAL FOR A WORLD-CLASS EDUCATION
THANK YOU! We are so grateful for your continued investment in our faculty and our school. Every gift, regardless of size, makes an impact! 13
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H. Scott H. Salinas, Scott Salinas, CDS ’93 CDS ‘93
Award winner and St. Croix Country Day 93’ Award winner School and alumnus, St. CroixH.Country Scott Salinas Day School began’93 his alumnus,music H. Scott career Salinas on our began small hisisland musicof career St. Croix, on our smallplaying island ofthe St.guitar Croix,since playing thethe young guitar agesince of the youngtwelve. age of twelve. Salinas has Salinas contributed has contributed towards towards an animpressive impressivevariety varietyof ofnotable notableprojects projectsincluding the including Academy theAward Academy nominated Award nominated documentary film “The documentary Square”, HBO and film Aaron “The Square”, Sorkin’sHBO smash andhit “The Newsroom”, Aaron Sorkin’s NBC’s spy smash thriller hit “The “Allegiance”, Newsroom”, and the wildlyNBC’s popular spy“Spider-Man thriller “Allegiance”, 3: The Video and the Game”. wildly After graduating popularfrom “Spider-Man Princeton 3:University, The Video Game”. where he studied classical After graduating and jazz music, from Princeton Scott continued University, his training at where Berklee he studied College classical of Music and withjazz a concentramusic, tion in scoring Scott for continued picture.his training at Berklee College of Music with a concentration in scorIn 2002, Scott ing for became picture. the Inyoungest 2002, Scott Grand became Prizethe recipient ofyoungest the TurnerGrand Classic Prize Movies recipient Young ofFilm the Turner Composers Competition, Classic Movies andYoung has since Filmcomposed Composers songs Comand original petition, scoresand for has dozens since ofcomposed feature films, songs video and games, commercials, original scores andfor high-profile dozens of feature television films, shows. Along videowith games, accolades commercials, such as and the prestigious high-profile Cannes Lion television and Clio shows. awards, Along Scott’s withaccomplishaccolades ments have such earned as thehim prestigious esteem and Cannes recognition Lion andas a highly versatile Clio awards, yet specialized Scott’s accomplishments talent. From composhave ing the brooding earned him hybrid esteem orchestral and recognition score to theasDara ren Aronofsky highly(Black versatile Swan, yetNoah) specialized produced talent. “Zipper”, From to his original composing song “Jamie the brooding Smiles” hybrid writtenorchestral for the cult comedy classic score to “Just theFriends” Darren Aronofsky (Ryan Reynolds (Blackand Swan, Anna Faris), Noah) to acting produced as the “Zipper”, instrumental to his original mouthpiece behind songthe “Jamie Old Spice Smiles” whistle, written Scott’s for the ability cult to create a meaningful comedy classic impact “Just forFriends” a wide spectrum (Ryan Reynis showcased olds through and Anna his work. Faris), to acting as the instrumental mouthpiece behind the Old Spice Most recently, whistle, Salinas Scott’s composed ability toacreate suspense a meaningdriven score to the fulOscar impact nominated, for a wide spectrum “Cartel Land” is showcased and the harrowing through soundtrack his work. “A Private War” starring Oscar Nominated Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl), in theaters this fall 2018. MostLook recently, out for Salinas his collaboration composed a suspense with Annie Lennox driven (Eurythmics) score to theon Oscar the soundtrack nominated,to “Car“A Private War” tel Land” also coming and theout harrowing this fall. soundtrack “A Private War” starring Oscar Nominated During hisRosamund time at Country Pike (Gone Day School, Girl), in Scott theaters remembers Mr. Guy thisRoth fall 2018. and the Lookout impactfor hehis had collaboraon his life: “He managed tion with to make Annie English Lennox class (Eurythmics) interestingon and the always challenged soundtrack usto to“A have Private a thoughtful War” alsopoint coming of view.” out this fall. for more info: Photo: H. Scott Salinas and Annie Lennox photohttps://www.hscottsalinas.com/ graphed at Variety’s Inaugural Music for Screens Summit. Photograph taken by Michael Buckner/Variety/Rex/ Shut. Photo: Scott Salinas in his studio , creating his next masterpiece. Photograph by TBD 13 15
OUR OURCORE CORE RESPECT
SCHOLARSHIP 2018-19 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Joseph Croney, Board Chair George Ashley, Vice Chair Cesar Guerra, Treasurer Ricky Evangelista, Secretary
Rhea Abramson James Benton Douglas Capdeville Nesha Christian-Hendrickson Michelle Dizon Honnie Edwards Gerry Groner John Harper Jed JohnHope Cathy Mares David Ridgway Kye Walker
Honorary Trustees Joan Darooge Imelda Dizon Toni Lyerly Jeffrey Prosser
Ex-Officio Trustees Susan Gibbons, Business Manager Kari Loya, Head of School Kathleen Graham-Adams, Faculty Rep. Robyn Falconer, P.A. President
School Leadership Kari Loya, Head of School Dawn Grey, Upper School Head Denise Blanchette, Lower & Middle School Head
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Photo: 2017-18 GHCDS Trustee Rhea Abramson, GHS ’92, gets to know Crystal Fahie ’18 at our annual Trustee Day. Photograph by Nicole Canegata.
VALUES VALUES INTEGRITY CITIZENSHIP 2017-18 BOARD OF TRUSTEES John Harper, Board Chair George Ashley, Co-Vice Chair James Benton, Co-Vice Chair, Treasurer Ricky Evangelista, Secretary Rhea Abramson Michael Bourque Nellon Bowry Douglas Capdeville Nesha Christian-Hendrickson Joseph Croney Michelle Dizon Honnie Edwards Gerry Groner Cesar Guerra Jed JohnHope Cathy Mares Laurence Richards David Ridgway Kye Walker
Honorary Trustees Joan Darooge Imelda Dizon Toni Lyerly Jeffrey Prosser
Ex-Officio Trustees Susan Gibbons, Business Manager Kari Loya, Head of School Kathleen Graham-Adams, Faculty Rep. Angel Tirado, P.A. President
School Leadership Kari Loya, Head of School Dawn Grey, Upper School Head Denise Blanchette, Lower & Middle School Head
Photo: GHCDS Trustee Cesar Guerra, CDS ’96, reminisces with his past advisees. Photograph by Kiomie Pedrini.
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Mission Statement Good Hope Country Day School cultivates reflective, creative, and compassionate students who are critical thinkers prepared to excel in college and empowered to better their island and the world.
Head of School Dear Parents, Alumni, and Friends: This year’s annual report celebrates some of our talented graduates who exemplify the GHCDS mission around the globe. They are setting an inspiring example for us all. Your generous contributions over the years have made their remarkable journeys possible—thank you for your support. This year’s annual report also celebrates our school’s recovery from last year’s hurricanes. It is fitting that I share once again the message I sent last December: Due to the two Cat-5 hurricanes, this year has presented extraordinary challenges. I never imagined that as head of school I would be providing tarps, generators, and laundry service to faculty members who would cry in gratitude. When Maria leveled St. Croix, we wondered if we would even still have a campus. As part of flood and leak mitigation work over the last year, we had replaced 10,000 screws this summer on our roofs, finishing the work just 24 hours before Maria struck. The photo below tells the story. The screws and flood mitigation work, a little luck, and our swift response to remove water from classrooms after the storm to prevent water damage and mold saved our campus. Thanks to the heroic efforts of many people, we inspired our island community by re-opening school just nine days after the eye of Maria passed, despite no power, no reception, no connectivity, limited water, and a depleted staff. Our enrollment dropped immediately from 361 to 250 students, and we projected a $1M economic hit to our $4.5M budget. Thanks to the largest gift in the school’s history, a 10x increase from just two years ago of contributions by trustees, and cash reserves from prudent financial management, we minimized staffing reductions to just 10% despite losing 31% of our enrollment. As we continue making small, daily gains to re-establish normalcy on campus, our enrollment has climbed back over 300, including a dozen transfers from other schools. Much financial uncertainty remains, and much repair work is still needed, but we are moving in the right direction. We didn’t just bounce back—we continued trying to build a world-class school for our students on St. Croix. BAM! As the opening pages show, we are Better After Maria! I am pleased to report that our September 2018 enrollment matches last year’s enrollment before the storms. Thank you for supporting this wonderful, resilient school community, and thank you in advance for your continued support as we shoot for the stars. Per aspera ad astra, Mr. Kari Loya, Head of School 18
Board Chairs Dear Parents, Alumni, and Friends: Last year’s annual report posed a central question: “Can you imagine St. Croix without Good Hope Country Day School?” At the time this was purely hypothetical and none of us could imagine life without Good Hope Country Day School. However, that all changed on September 19th when Hurricane Maria ravaged our island paradise leaving us to wonder about the safety of our community and to what extent our campus had survived. The emotional and physical outpouring that followed revealed the true character of our school and the love and dedication that we have for each other, our island, and our children. It is a tribute to the commitment and efforts of every part of our school community, led by Head of School Kari Loya, that the school reopened only nine days later. The recovery process has been long and ongoing due to the severity of the storm damage, wrecked island infrastructure, and the direct impact to individuals in our community. The immediate loss of over 100 students, whose families were forced to relocate (mostly temporarily), presented the most serious challenge to our school. But here again, the school came together. Through the support of so many members of our community and friends of the school no matter where they were in the world, we successfully finished the 2017-18 academic year in a stronger position than when it began. Thanks to students, faculty, staff, and parents for your perseverance and assistance in myriad ways. Thanks to friends of the school for so generously responding to requests for assistance. Thanks also to the members of the Board of Trustees who gave so readily of their time and resources to make sure Good Hope Country Day School continued to serve the St. Croix community. Finally, we must all show our sincere gratitude as we thank Kari Loya for his tireless and energetic leadership. Ultimately, the challenges presented by the storm have distilled our community into a highly-focused, committed team of individuals who will continue to support the growth and success of the institution. The opportunity to capture that energy is now as we seek ways to serve our students so they are empowered to better their island and the world. When trustees visit campus we are continually inspired by the dedication of our faculty and staff and impressed by the enthusiasm and curiosity of our students. Most of all we feel fortunate to have the opportunity to serve this amazing community. We stand committed to build on the successes of the 2017-18 school year and continue the positive momentum with a renewed pledge to our ambitious mission. Sincere thanks, John Harper Outgoing Chair, GHCDS Board of Trustees
Photo: Board of Trustees Outgoing Chair, John Harper collaborates with Incoming Chair, Joseph Croney, on how to advance the mission of GHCDS. Photograph by Kiomie Pedrini
Joseph Croney Incoming Chair, GHCDS Board of Trustees
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Jamil Jacobs-El, GHS ‘83 Jamil To grow up Jacobs-El, on St. Croix and GHS have the ’83opportu-
nity to study beside the sea was priceless for Dr. Jamil Jamil Jacobs-El, Jacobs-El. GHSHe ’83, thrived continues in thefollowing intimate environment his calling forthat helping wasothers supported and making by the top the notch a world faculty betterthat place. helped In theinspire last few hisyears, confi-Dr. dence to continually Jacobs-El has briefly left raisehis hismedical level ofpractice perfor- in mance not Chicago and only teaching in trackassignments and field butatinaall major of his academic trauma centerand in the professional Bronx to organize pursuits.medical and surgical missions to South American After graduating countries. He reflected, from Stanford “I have gained University a new with of way a Bachelor learning and of Science developed in Chemical some lifelong Engineering, Jamil friendships with would people spend along thethe next way”. seven Anyears in other added a combined bonus isMD/PhD that he has program, become with fluPhDininSpanish, ent Molecular frequently and Cellular acting Physiology as interpreter at University during these missions. of Illinois College of Medicine. Dr. Jacobs-El married another surgeon, and began Dr. Jacobs-El a subsequent recalled5fondly grueling hisyears childhood in internshipSt.and on Croix residency and theinpriceless orthopedic opportunity surgery, at the Johns Good Hope Hopkins School University to study beside School theofsea. MediThe cine in Baltimore, intimate environment MD. and His time top-notch at GHSfaculty and Stanfordhis boosted University confidence easily and prepared inspiredhim himfor to the mental excel in and athletics emotional (track maturity and field),toacademics, deal with the rigors and professional and built-in pursuits. hazing After forgraduating the surgery training from Stanford program. University with a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering, Jamil spent After his seven years specialty in a combined fellowship MD/PhD program program in Adult Reconstruction in Molecular and atCellular Cornell Physiology Weill Medical at the Center in NYC, he practiced University Of Illinois for College a period Of Medicine. in North He Carolina then began while a gruelling his wife attended five-year internship University of North and residency CarolinainMedical orthopedic School. surgery Currently, at the Dr. Jacobs-El Johns Hopkins practices University in Chicago School and ofteaches Medicine at a Bronx in Baltimore. major trauma center. In the last few years he has organized medical/surgical missions his After to South specialty American fellowship countries, program developing in lifelong Adult Reconstruction friends and a at new Cornell way of Weill learning. Medical Along the Center in New way,York he has City, become he practiced fluent medicine in Spanish,North in frequently Carolina acting while ashis interpreter wife, Neldy, during also these a surgeon, missions. attended the University of North Carolina Medical School. Jamil currently splits Jamil his time is currently between splitting Chicago and his time Newbetween York for Chicago work andand family. NewHe York and forNeldy workdream and family. of re- Dr. Jacobs-El turning toand St. Croix his wife, to open Neldy a dream breakfast/brunch of returning toand cafe St. letting Croix tothe open sunaand breakfast/brunch tradewinds be cafe and their dailyletting medicine. the sun and tradewinds be their daily medicine.
Photo: Jamil Jacobs-El on a medical/surgical missions trip in South American. Photograph by Photo: Jamil Jacobs-El on a medical/surgical TBD mission trip in South America. Photograph contributed by Dr. Jacobs-El. 18 20
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GHS Head of School History John Leyden 1967-1974 Barry Bunting 1974 -1984 Harry McKay 1984 -1986 Tanya Nichols 1986-2002 James Cantwell 2002-2003 James DiSebastian 2003-2004 Carole Everett 2004-2006 Michael Mongeau 2006-2009 Raquel Cedano 2009-2013
Reflections on The Good Hope School As told by Rhea A. Abramson, GHS ’92 and Current GHCDS Trustee
The fourteen years I spent at the Good Hope School from 1978-92, was the most important time in my life. The teachers, my fellow students, the campus, the curriculum and the extra-curricular activities shaped every aspect of the person I am today and made me incredibly well-rounded. I was challenged academically at every stage of my education by teachers who still stand out to me today: Agnes Verhoff, who recognized and nurtured my ability for public speaking; Luther Renee, who birthed my love of ancient civilizations; Martha Dumican, who taught me to love memorization and interpretation of poetry; Valerie Combie, who consistently raised my literary bar making me an even more voracious reader; and Laurie Schill, who made me love learning a language by exposing me to the sights, sounds, and tastes of French culture. I can still see myself in each of these classrooms being inspired by all the talented educators I was lucky enough to learn from. And those mentioned are only a few. GHS offered me a firm foundation in the arts through band, choir, and theatre. I grew politically with terms in our Student Government. Raising money for proms was my first endeavour raising money and learning group dynamics with financial stakes. That experience was invaluable in teaching me project management and fundraising skills. Alternatively, working each year on the Auction during high school built a foundation of philanthropy and impressed upon me how important it is to fundraise for causes greater than oneself. And what greater cause than helping others get a great education. I learned at GHS how to look at all walks of life with curiosity and compassion. I developed rich relationships with my fellow students. I learned how to conduct myself in an environment where the values of hard work, mutual respect, kindness, and excellence were demanded, practiced, and achieved. GHS made me into a worldly human, in the tiny microcosm of St. Croix. So worldly and so advanced that many of my professors commented I was miles ahead of my peers when I arrived at university. I am very proud of who I am today. I credit most of that pride with the fact that my foundational years were spent at GHS where my academic, creative, and people skills were mirrored, nurtured, and honed every day, under the arches, beside the ocean. 22
CDS Head of School History 1964-1969 Marshall Lovett 1969-1974 Thomas Radic 1974-1979 Dr. William deColigny 1979-1980 Kim Barton 1980-1997 Marge Boulanger 1997-2006 James Sadler 2006-2013 William Sinfield 2013-2015 William Sinfield (GHCDS) 2015- present Kari Loya (GHCDS)
Reflections on Country Day School As told by Leslie Carter-Highfield, CDS ’88
I remember my first day at Country Day School in the 9th Grade. I was nervous about not only beginning high school, but also attending a brand new school. I was struck with how welcoming and friendly everyone was. I felt right at home before Advisory even began. I loved being a Country Day student from that moment forward. My fondest memories are the friendships I formed and the love I had for my teachers. I felt cared for at Country Day, by the Administration, the teachers, and the custodial staff–everyone! Country Day School was my family. Barbara Hatch, John Hatch, Roger Summerhayes, Kathleen Washington, Betty Nielsen, Paul Draper, Ken Van Buren were the faculty and staff that I admired most. I loved attending their classes (even science – my most challenging class) because they were taught by such interesting people from a variety of fascinating backgrounds. I am so grateful for them! After graduating from Middlebury College, I became a boutique manager in Boston, a Dance instructor, the Christiansted Administrator (youngest person and first woman to be appointed to that position), Promotions & Events Coordinator at Sunny Isle Shopping Center, News Channel 8 Anchor, and Upper School Social Studies teacher at Country Day. Each experience was impactful and being a part of the Country Day faculty is at the top of my list. Today, I spend my time between my two great passions, theater and service/transformational work. Having spent most of my life involved in Community Theater as a performer (Island Center & CCT), I naturally transitioned my talent to the stage at The Delray Beach Playhouse in Florida. I also spend time every year in Lourdes, France doing service work at the Sanctuary and have recently become a member of the Hospitalite de Notre Dame de Lourdes, the international volunteer service organization that operates the sanctuary. (My students will remember that I started going to Lourdes with the Order of Malta). I am part of the management team at Gratitude Training, a Florida-based company that does transformational work. Being a part of Gratitude Training and teaching at Country Day have been by far my most rewarding career experiences because of the difference I was able to make in people’s lives. Growing up on St. Croix and attending Country Day instilled in me a love of culture, diversity, and a desire to learn and experience everything in this life. 23
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Chelcie Chelcie Goldman Goldman, Stanton, CDS ‘09 CDS ’09 Chelcie having teachers at CDS Chelcie,remembers CDS ’09, never forgot a key lesson take to help her learnDay andSchool: sucfromthe hertime teachers at Country it is okay to do things differently and ways learn ceed, especially in non-conventional in unconventional ways. which taught her that it’sThis okayformative to do things experience herexperiences to pursue occupational differently. led These led her to therapy as a career, and today Chelcie is follow the same path and pursue occupahelping dozens of students on St. Croix tional therapy as a career. find their own path forward. After After graduating graduating from from St. St. Croix Croix Country CounDay School in 2009, Chelcie spent five try Day School, Chelcie spent five years completing her combined Bachelor’s and years completing her combined BachMaster’s indegrees occupational therapy elor’s anddegrees Master’s in Occupaat Ithaca College. She completed her protional Therapy at Ithaca College. After gram, internships, and the National Board completing her program, internships and Certification examination, then decided the National Board examinato return to St. CroixCertification when she was offered tion, she was offered a position with Island a position with Island Therapy Solutions, Therapy Solutions in St. Croix whereon she where she now works with children all works with children on all aspects of funcaspects of functional therapy. Currently, the bulk of her case loadsometimes consists offind chiltional therapy. You can dren onat theGood Autism Spectrum. speChelcie Hope Country More Day School cifically, she works sensory processing, judging Science Faironand attending any attention, play skills, dressing skills, picky number of activities for her stepson, Grayeating/self-feeding and handwriting but son who attends second grade. is not limited to that. Chelcie shared, “My favorite part of the job is seeing the joy on a child’s face when they realize they have mastered a new or difficult skill. You can see it in their eyes how proud they are of themselves. It makes me feel blessed to be a part of their journey”. Chelcie can also be found at Good Hope Country Day School judging Science Fair and attending any school activities for her second grade stepson, Grayson. Photo: Chelcie Goldman in her functional therapy office at Island Therapy Solutions. Photograph by Kiomie Pedrini. Photo: Chelcie Goldman in her functional therapy office at Island Therapy Solutions. Photograph by Kiomie Pedrini 23 25
GHCDS FINANCIAL SUMMARY
REVENUES
2016-17
2017-18
Gross Tuition and Fees Less Student and Faculty Grants Net Tuition and Fees Auxiliary Services Rental Income Fundraising and Donations1 Interest and Other Income
5,097,103 968,513 4,128,590 67,715 6,370 437,803 161,650
5,065,875 988,025 4,077,850 51,839 21,500 875,047 11,222
Total Revenues
4,802,128
5,037,458
EXPENSES
2016-17
2017-18
Instructional2 General Administration Operating and Maintenance Auxiliary Services Development Expenses
2,598,290 1,242,606 734,959 43,015 145,248 4,764,118
2,656,371 1,245,089 897,776 34,988 135,512 4,969,736
38,010
67,722
Total Expenses Excess of Revenues over Expenses
1- The restricted $350K donation was carried forward to 2018-19 financials for accounting purposes. 2- Includes retirement, payroll taxes, and health insurance.
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GHCDS REVENUES 2017-18
Total Revenue: $5,037,458
GHCDS EXPENSES 2017-18
Total Expenses: $4,969,736
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Kai Nielsen, GHS Kai‘07 Nielsen, GHS ’07 Nielsen believes that has it to be Kai Nielsen believesKai that everyone has it everyone within then towithin be anthem agent of an agent of change: “We all have the tools to initiate change, change. “We all have toolsyou to want infatuate change, it’sorwhether it’sthe whether to invest in yourself not… it’syou whethwant to invest in yourself or not… it’sup whether you to waketowards up er you want to wake every day andwant do something those goals.towards I remember Larry Kupfer, past CEO of Hovensa every day and do something those goals. I remember Larry said to me, ‘Kai we all have 24 hours in a day, it is what Kupfers, past CEO of Hovensa said to me “Kai we all have 24 hours you in a choose to do with your hours that will separate you from the day, it is what you choose to dorely with hours willadvice. separate you rest.’ I always onyour my elders to that give me The advice from the rest.” I always that rely whaton I decide my elders to do with to give my time me advice. is what will The make advice the difference has always stuck with me.” that what I decide to do with my time is what will make the difference has always stuck with me.” from The Good Hope School in 2007, Kai was Graduating Graduating from The Good Hope School in 2007, Kai Nielsen notorinotorious for taking the unconventional route towas personal growth and learning: “My Good Hope ous for taking the unconventional route toeducation personalatgrowth andtaught learnme that everyone had something special to offer. I learned ing. “My education at Good Hope was grounded in the fact that evethat being a different, unconventional, and compassionate ryone had something special toisoffer. I learnedme that being a of different, human being what separated from many my peers as unconventional andancompassionate undergrad.” human being is what separated me from many of my peers as an undergrad.” Kai credits his enthusiasm and passion for learning to the Kai credits his enthusiasm and passion for learning to the many many educators that influenced him. The Good HopeeducaSchool tors that influencedprovided his education. educationWe you received The a college“The level education. had an entireat institution investing us. Mr. Washburn taught mean how to write; Good Hope School was a collegeinlevel education. We had entire instiMrs. Weis helped pay for my tuition; Jane Coles is the reason tution investing in us. I realized the importance of the investment in myI chose to pursue science; Miss Franks in the library fostered my life by these teachers. Mr. Washburn me how to write; Weis passion for research.taught Phyllis Biddle taught me to Mrs. search for helped pay for my tuition; creative Jane solutions Coles andistothe think reason outside I chose the box. to pursue I was able scito use that creativity to create solutions with confidence. Now to ence; Miss Franks in the library fostered my passion for research. Phyllis own a company that is bringing creative solutions to St. Croix Biddle taught me toissearch formost creative and to think outside what I am proudsolutions of as an alum.” the box. I was able to use that creativity to create solutions with configraduating from Lafayette creative College, with a BA in Endence. Now to own After a company that is bringing solutions to St. vironmental Law, Kai landed a prestigious position with Croix is what I am proud of as an alum.” Bloomberg Law, as a legal analyst. After leaving Bloomberg After graduating from College, withand a BA in Environmental Law,Lafayette Kai’s passion for St. Croix Environmental Science Law, Kai landed a prestigious led him to start position his ownwith company, Bloomberg VI Collaborative Law, as Solutions a legal LLC,Bloomberg a research development and agri-business management analyst. After leaving Law, Kai’s passion for St. Croix and Enfirm focused on community and economic development in vironmental sciencethe led himHis to company start hismanages own company VI Collaborative USVI. 220+ acres of farmland tied Solutions LLC, a research development and agri-business management to academic/workforce initiatives. “If you want, you have to work for progress. Before you can reap whatinyou sewn, firm focused on community and economic development thehave USVI. His you have to plant the seed. You have to be willing to go a few company manages 220+ acres of farmland tied to academic/workforce nights without a meal. In our fourth year with VI Collaborainitiatives. “If you want to have we progress, towhat workwefor progress. tive Solutions, are only you now have reaping have sewn.” Before you can reap what you have sewn, you have to plant the seed. You have to be willing to go a few nights without a meal. Now in the 4th year with VI Collaborative Solutions we are only now reaping what we have sewn.” Photo: Kai reflecting on life lessons on the Good Hope Photograph by Kiomie Pedrini campus. Photograph by Kiomie Pedrini.
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Kari Currence ’15 a senior at Columbia University, has found her last two years as a resident advisor
incredibly rewarding. Kari and her fellow residents even received an award for a resident advisor-sponsored program to commemorate Black History Month. Kari credits her close relationships with Good Hope Country Day School faculty and staff helping her navigate academic and personal demands to her own ability now to effectively support her residents. She can hardly believe the last four years have flown by with the manic pace of Columbia’s rigorous academic demands and the frenetic energy of New York City. Among her extracurricular activities, she is team manager and travels with the Columbia University fencing team. She is majoring in psychology with a visual arts concentration and hopes to attend graduate school in the fall of 2019.
SUMMARY OF FUNDRAISING 2017-18 The Annual Fund is the backbone of our fundraising efforts and the most efficient way for supporter dollars to benefit our students. We are grateful to the 148 donors who contributed to this year’s Annual Fund.
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Photo: Kari Currance shows her Lion pride at the 2018 Columbia Homecoming game against Dartmouth. Photograph by Sarah Marc.
Jordan Lake ’16 a junior at Howard University majoring in sports medicine, aspires to be a physiatrist
with his own practice one day. Jordan is bound to excel in this field considering he played all sports in high school and has a long tradition of service and care-giving. During his freshman year at Howard, Jordan organized a service group of HU students, Birds of Like Feathers, who do service trips to lend helping hands to different organizations during their school breaks. During their spring break they travelled to St. Croix and helped GHCDS, The Nature Conservancy, and Project Promise on various building and repair projects. Jordan and his group helped to repair the gymnasium floor, a place he spent countless hours in high school perfecting his jump shot to bring victories home to GHCDS. In addition to all of his service work during his breaks, he also serves as the Sergeant-at-Arms for the Society of Collegiate Black Men. Jordan says he learned the importance of buildings strong relationships and getting involved on campus from his time at GHCDS.
ANNUAL & MARIA RELIEF FUND GIVING 2017-18
Photo: Jordan Lake sits in front of the Howard University sign at the entrance to the DC campus. Photograph by Jalen Jean-Baptiste.
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In In2017-18, 2017-18, Good GoodHope Hope student studentbody body than$1 $1million million or ortuition tuition
Christopher Ashley ’17 completed his grueling plebe year at the United States Naval Academy learn-
ing to be a follower. Most of his time he was told what to do. This year as a third class Midshipmen (3/C), however, his role within the brigade is very different. He is now a mentor to a fourth class Midshipmen (a plebe) and was selected to be a training corporal for the fourth class Midshipmen. While he has been pushed to the extreme physically, academically, and emotionally, he is thankful that his time at GHCDS prepared him for the rigor: “GHCDS helped me think critically, creatively, independently, and globally. The altruistic nature of our community reinforced the importance of service and of giving back, which helped me integrate myself into the Academy and its surrounding community.” Chris is majoring in weapons, robotics, and control engineering. He hopes to participate in a service project to Uganda this summer and experience East African culture. He will also be participating in USNA PROTRAMID, which provides an introduction to aviation, surface warfare, submarine, and Marine Corps communities and helps Midshipmen make well-informed decisions about career options prior to receiving their service assignments.
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL AID Financial Aid Purpose:
Good Hope Country Day School provided nearly $600,000 in 2017-18 in financial aid to families who could not otherwise afford to send their children to the School. To qualify for financial aid, families must complete a financial aid application as well as provide a copy of their latest tax return.
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Photo: Christopher Ashley in his dress whites during Parents’ weekend at the US Naval Academy. Photograph by George Ashley.
48% 47%of ofthe the Country CountryDay Day received received more nearly ininfinancial financialaid aid remission. remission.
Azza Zakaria ’15 has been drawn to humanitarian work from an early age. Majoring in Public Policy
and minoring in Public Health at New York University, her move to New York has allowed her to work firsthand with people who need policy changes to better their lives. She has been interning with the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, where she helps resettle refugees and asylum seekers. She recalled working as a translator with a family from Pakistan as they recounted to her in Pashto the atrocities they’d faced and their hopes for a new life. Azza said, “As a member of a Pakistani family, I felt so close to all the pain and suffering they experienced. This is often the hardest part of what I do.” As part of her honors program, Azza is writing a thesis proposing the adoption of SB 674, the law passed in California in 2016, that seeks to reform the initial “certification of helpfulness” needed by an undocumented immigrant to file a U visa application in the state of New York. Despite the rigorous academics and intensely emotional work with HIAS, Azza still finds time to participate in Model United Nations at NYU. She credits GHCDS with developing her ability to balance all these demands. After NYU, Azza hopes to work with one of the sub agencies of the United Nations while applying to graduate programs.
TUITION REMISSION Tuition Remission Purpose:
Good Hope Country Day School provided nearly $400,000 in 2017-18 in tuition remission for faculty children. These funds help the School retain top teachers and strengthen the overall community. All faculty and staff are eligible to receive 100% tuition remission for their first child, then 50% for each additional child.
Photo: Azza Zacharia in Central Park in New York City. Photograph by Michelle Fong.
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Kasey Canton, CDS ’91 Dr. Canton, CDS ’91, recently demonstrated leadership in bettering the island of St. Croix when it was most needed. After the devastating Hurricane Maria, Dr. Canton and his team delivered hundreds of generators and chainsaws to residents while transporting pets and dozens of sick and elderly patients off island by small aircraft. Kasey reflected, “We made about six relief flights to Florida taking people out and bringing back supplies. The empathy shown by people on the mainland that found out what we were doing was heartening. They loaned us vehicles to procure generators, offered aviation fuel at cost, and I even had an Uber driver turn off the meter when she learned why we were in Florida. Disasters bring out the best and worst in people. Some of the worst was the snatch and grab of a running generator at our office - masked young men who came prepared with bolt cutters at 11 am! Also, we had a Nevada generator dealer defraud us of $50,000 in generators that were never delivered. But for every one of those discouraging experiences, there were a hundred small acts of generosity that kept our faith that we would recover stronger”. Dr. Canton credits his time at St. Croix Country Day School with instilling the grit required to persevere under difficult circumstances. After Hurricane Hugo in 1989, Country Day School’s administration and staff demonstrated stunning resolve in getting the school open and providing a sense of normalcy. That experience ingrained in him a sense of stubborn will to recover, rebuild, and excel whenever needed. This can-do spirit helped him excel at Cornell University and eventually at the Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine. Today, Dr. Canton and fellow alumna Dr. Ariel Baumann, GHS ’03, operate Progressive Veterinary Clinic, where they provide comprehensive veterinary care to many of our island animals.
Photo: Dr. Canton with one of his feline patients at Progressive Veterinary Hospital. Photograph by Kiomie Pedrini. 35
Our Our49 35leadership leadership represented represented annual annual
Elise Stamper ’17, a sophomore at Virginia Commonwealth University in pursuit of a mechanical en-
gineering degree, is thriving in the rigors of college life. Besides her honors engineering program, she has found time to join the VCU Formula SAE team—designing, building, and engineering a Formula One race car to compete in the 2018-19 SAE International Competition. She credits her ability to manage these demands while still achieving excellence to her academic and emotional preparation at GHCDS. Elise commented, “The supportive, hands-on teaching at GHCDS gave me the confidence to try something new like the VCU Formula SAE team”. She looks forward to bringing skills from these meaningful experiences back to St. Croix and making a difference on Island in the future.
ANNUAL FUND SUMMARY 2017-18 Unrestricted and Restricted
LEADERSHIP GIFTS
$25,000 + Bob Halk & Elizabeth Armstrong GHS’85 St. Croix Foundation for Community Development $10,000 - $24,999 Anonymous Chris Finch & Eleanor Hirsh Benjamin Gant Richard & Nancy Hasson Jamil Jacobs-El GHS’83 J. Benton Construction Stuart & Cheryl Lewis Toni Lyerly Margaritaville/Wyndham Educational Fund at CFVI Doug & Jeannine Schrock
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$5,000 - $9,999 Kasey Canton CDS ‘91 Kirk & Leah Chewning Jeffrey & Cynthia Crook Manuel Gutierrez CDS ‘82 John & Theresa Harper Kohl Foundation Limetree Bay Terminals, LLC Marshall & Sterling Insurance Peil Family Trust The Walker Wood Foundation $2,500 - $4,999 Cane Bay Partners Deepak GHS ‘88 & Viviana Bansal Jeffrey & Ileene Fisher Lee Rohn & Darryl Jackson
Photo: Elise Stamper takes a break from her studies to explore one of the many parks within walking distance of the VCU urban campus. Photograph by Lila Smith.
gifts giftstotaling totaling$157,560 $285,814 93% 96%of ofour ourtotal total giving. giving.
Marshall McCormick ’17 hit the ground running at Texas Tech University pursuing a degree in kinesi-
ology. Now a sophomore, he is tackling a full course load while participating in an intense athletic training internship with the athletic department, which keeps him in touch with the science and practice of kinesiology and allows him to maintain his own physical fitness. Marshall’s passion for athletics and sport physiology came as a result of his struggle with strength building and weight loss in his early high school career at GHCDS. Swimming and endurance training soon became part of his daily routine. He credits his confidence and can-do attitude to the enormous support and encouragement he received from his classmates, faculty, and staff at GHCDS. Marshall hopes to become an athletic trainer for a professional athletic team.
ANNUAL FUND SUMMARY 2017-18 Unrestricted and Restricted $1,000 - $2,499 Jim Arena Baker Magras Carl Beckstedt & Christine Pauly Discover Management Fund Mark & Julie Eckard Susan Gibbons Michelle Moore Shelley Rahe, CDS ’84 Team Consultants The Park School of Buffalo Ira Wagner Steve & Lindsy Wagner Winter Chernak (on behalf of Croney Family) Valance Co. VI Recycling, Inc. Under $999 Alexander Beauchamp, CDS ’96 Christopher Borton Brenda Cadette Elizabeth Cantrell
Sackett Cook Michelle Dizon, CDS ’84 Paul Enemark Paul & Giselle Evora, CDS ’90 Sara Graci, CDS ’96 Hurchell Greenaway, CDS ’92 Kathryn Groner, CDS ’01 Yvonne Hanschen Kelsey Hill Jessica Holt, CDS ’10 Lori Hylton Brown, CDS ’85 In Memory of Eric Ross, GHS ’84 In Memory of Dodson Bressi, GHS ’84 Retse Johnson Daniel, CDS ’99 Michelle King, CDS ’86 Cheryl Komlanc Mark & Bry Locher Kieran Locke, GHS ’02 Christopher Luricella Isulah Macedon, CDS ’99 Scott Matthews Kioshirah Pedrini, CDS ’93
Felice Quigley Charles Rehm Suga Savage Smith, GHS ’91 Stewart & Sarah Shelley Eileen Skeoch Hill, GHS ’95 Christina Smith, CDS ’07 Linda Stamper-Keularts Sterisil International Kenny Suh, GHS ’84 Debbie Sun, GHS ’90 Nancy Thatcher Britta Victor, CDS ’06 In Kind Rhea Abramson Anonymous Cane Bay Cares Joseph Croney James Adams Electrical, LLC JKC Communications The Buccaneer Hotel The Hamed Family Anderson Romaine Bob & Brandy White
Photo: Marshall McCormick poses in front of the athletic center at Texas Tech University, home of the Red Raiders. Photograph by Maddi Foster.
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GHCDS/CDS/GHS HURRICANE HUGO/MARIA VICTORS! Our Hugo-Maria warriors who have stared two devastating Cat-5s in the face and emerged victorious! This group of enterprising alumni and faculty have spearheaded a variety of relief efforts for St. Croix and the Virgin Islands after Hurricanes Hugo, Irma, and Maria.
MARIA RELIEF FUND GIFTS 2017-18 $25,000 + Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands Anonymous $10,000 - $24,999 George & Donna Ashley James Benton, CDS ’95 Cruzan Viril Birdsall Family Fund Cesar & Annaly Guerra, CDS ’96 & ’97 John & Theresa Harper David & Tammy Thompson
98% of the Maria Relief Funds are leadership level gifts!
$5,000 - $9,999 Rhea Abramson, GHS ’93 Patrica Bowling Michael & Emma Bourque William Clarkson Honnie Edwards/Calabash Real Estate Esterlyn’s House/ Emron & Ezmon Walwyn, CDS ’99 & ’03 Faile Foundation Gerry Groner & Lisa Yntema The Law Offices of Douglas L. Capdeville, P.C. $2,500 - $4,999 Kari Loya & Ximena Allub Joseph and Laura Croney Gary & Cathy Mares Orangewood Christian School David & Sue Ridgway $1,000 - $2,499 Bob’s Clam Hut Susan Gibbons Michelle Hutchins, CDS ’11 In honor of Dr. William & Margie deColigny Larry & Nataki Richards Sandra Robb Scott & Naomi Shibles, CDS ’92
Photo: GHCDS/CDS/GHS Hurricane Hugo/Maria Victors. Photograph by Nicole Canegata.
“HOW DO YOU SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE MARIA?”
“A great run of a unique theater production. These students rose to the challenge and presented an irreverent, funny, poignant picture of our post Maria life. With hosting exceptional audiences, being filmed for a Danish documentary, being photographed for a VI art project, having stateside supporters providing tickets for those less fortunate…I think we exceeded our expectations. A big thank you to everyone who came and enjoyed the show!” – director Michael Armendariz
Under $999 Francisca Alonso Justin Aronstein, CDS ’06 Diane & Julia Beresford, CDS ’01 Lora Bernat Susan Brothers Lori Hylton Brown, CDS ’85 Brendan Burns Nesha Christian Hendrickson, CDS ’00 Wylie Crowther Michelle Dizon, CDS ’84 R & E Ellis Jonathan Finder Maxwell Fletcher & Lynnie Bruce William & Melissa Gibbons, CDS ’11 & ’11 Cathy Grills Barbara Hancock Barbara Hatch Ellen Hillringhaus Barbara Huber Connelly David & Veronica James Jed JohnHope, GHS ’80 Cheryl Komlac Jeffrey Leyden, GHS ’80 George & Alisa Lovera Mary Mackay
Robert & Kathleen Mackay Mary Beth Metcalf Alexandra Morgan, CDS ’09 Andree Newport Laurie Nisonoff Donna Orem Matthew Patterson Cynthia Phillips Plymouth Rock Foundation for Megan Titzer Katherine Ratigan, CDS ’98 Joseph & Alison Rini Frank Rosemeier Catherine Roth, CDS ’06 Emily Sadler, CDS ’00 Alan Shaw Kenneth Suh, GHS ’84 Rebecca Swygert The Long Island School in Maine Meghan Titzer Janine Twoney C. John Uban Patrice Weddington, CDS ’83 April White Shelly Wolf Aaron Yuhas, CDS ’06
Photo: Cast and crew of “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” (Ethan Stamper not pictured here) Photograph by Misty Winter.
Audrey Irvine, CDS Jamil Jacobs-El, GHS’87 ‘83
To grow up on St. Croix and have the opportuAudrey Irvine, CDS ‘87 her dreams becoming a journalist benity to study beside thesays sea was pricelessoffor gan on St. Croix, where there were only three Dr. Jamil Jacobs-El. He thrived in the intimate television stations: ABC, CBS, and PBS.that In her sixth grade class at top St. Croix Country Day School, environment was supported by the she announced that she would one day be notch faculty that helped inspire his confi- the next Barbara Walters. Audrey since worked media industry for over 20 years at dence tohas continually raisein histhe level of perforsome of the biggest industry leaders, including mance not only in track and field but in all of CNN, ESPN and ABC News. Key coverage she helpedpursuits. produce of post-Hurricane Katrina his academic and professional even earned her a Peabody Award. After graduating from Stanford University Her proudest moment as ainjournalist, with a Bachelor of Science Chemicalthough, Engi- came in 2008 during the presidential election thanks to Mrs. Ann Nixon Cooper, the woman neering, Jamil would spend the next seven CNN introduced to the world. When Audrey years in a combined MD/PhD program, withmet the 106-year-old Mrs. Cooper, the woman that she had lived so long in order to vote PhD in Molecular andshared Cellular Physiology for a black man for president. Sensing that CNN needed to tell her at University of Illinois College of Medicine. story, Audreymarried had CNN anchorsurgeon, Don Lemon Dr. Jacobs-El another andinterview Mrs. Cooper, even accompanying her during early voting. Mrs. Cooper became part of began a subsequent 5 grueling years in internhistory newly-elected president Barack ship andwhen residency in orthopedic surgery, at Obama mentioned her in the final minute of his acceptance speech. the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. His time at GHS and Audrey started her journalism career at for thethe ABC News Southeast Stanford University easily prepared him Bureauand as an assignment editorto where mental emotional maturity deal she withwas involved in awardwinning coverage of the Oklahoma City bombing, the David Koresh the rigors and built-in hazing for the surgery standoffprogram. in Waco, Texas, and the Olympic Bombing at Centennial Park. training She then worked for six yearsprogram at ESPN as an assignment editor, where After his specialty fellowship in Adult she contributed to Emmy-award winning programs SportsCenter, Reconstruction at Cornell Weill Medical Center College Gameday, Countdown, including two Super in NYC, he practicedand for Sunday a periodNFL in North Bowls. Carolina while his wife attended University of North Carolina Medical School. Currently, Dr. In 2003, Audrey joined CNN asand a national Jacobs-El practices in Chicago teachesdesk at editor and has since though ranks.center. She brought thefew historic “Jena 6” story to the arisen Bronx majorthe trauma In the last national forefront including the march on Jena until Mychal Bell was years he has organized medical/surgical misreleased from American prison. In her currentdeveloping role at CNN as Senior Director sions to South countries, of Newsource Newsgathering, Audrey oversees the affiliate newslifelong friends and a new way of learning. gathering operation services over Along the way, he hasthat become fluent in 1,000 Span-domestic local stations, including Alaska, Canada, Hawaii, and Guam. With affiliate partners, ish, frequently acting as interpreter during this department these missions. services the coverage needs of all CNN platforms, programming, and partners. Jamil is currently splitting his time between Audrey says wasYork her CDS college Chicago and it New for work andcounselor, family. Dr.Mr. Ramsey, who showed her that envisioned in life was within reach Jacobs-El and hiseverything wife, Neldyshe dream of returnwith hard work and perseverance. Now overseeing her department of ing to St. Croix to open a breakfast/brunch 28 members, Audrey taps lessons from her cafe and letting the sun and tradewinds be days at CDS on inclusiveness, and she encourages everyone on her team “to embrace bringing their daily medicine. your whole self to everything you do”. Photo: Audrey Irvine headshot as Senior Director of Newsource Newsgathering. courtesy of Turner Brand Central Library. Photo: JamilPhotograph Jacobs-El on a medical/surgical missions trip in South American. Photograph by TBD 18 40
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We Weare arethrilled thrilled annual annualfund fund 70 70alumni alumni-GHS CLASS OF 1976-78 VISIT GHCDS! GHS alumni and their families visited the GHCDS campus! So many wonderful memories and stories were shared while reconnecting with each other, including GHCDS math teacher – Maurice Barrant, GHS ’83. Leslie Kay Hughes Gould (sister of Lisa Hughes) still wears Lisa’s GHS class ring to remember her sister and posted the following after their visit to campus. “Leaving St Croix… what a wonderful, perfect time we had… Celia Bou, Gregg Billman, Dania Douglas Billman, Sallie Bauckus Best, Kip Hurd, Jeffrey Stouffer, Ken Almon, Gar … what a joy it has been! Can’t wait to do it again!”
ALUMNI ANNUAL FUND GIFTS Rhea Abramson, GHS ’93 Justin Aronstein, CDS ’06 Deepak & Viviana Bansal, GHS ’88 Alexander Beauchamp, CDS ’96 James Benton, CDS ’95 Diane & Julia Beresford, CDS ’01 Brenda Cadette, GHS ’89 Sue Candiloro, CDS ’80 Kasey Canton, CDS ’91 Elizabeth Cantrell Nesha Christian Hendrickson, CDS ’00 Michelle Dizon, CDS ’84 Paul & Gisselle Evora, CDS ’90 Jeffrey & Ileene Fisher William & Melissa Gibbons, CDS ’11 Sara Graci, CDS ’96 Hurchell Greenaway, CDS ’92 Kathryn Groner, CDS ’01 Cesar, CDS ’96 & Annaly, CDS ’97 Guerra Manuel Gutierrez, CDS ’82 Barbara Hatch, CDS ’84 Ellen Hillringhaus, GHS ’83 Jessica Holt, CDS ’10 Nicole Hutchins, CDS ’06 Eric Hutchins, GHS ’81 Steve Hutchins, CDS ’01 Michelle Hutchins, CDS ’11 42 Photo: GHS ’76-78. Photograph by Kiomie Pedrini.
Lori Hylton Brown, CDS ’85 In memory of Dodson Bressi, GHS ’84 In honor of Dr. William & Margie deColigny In memory of Eric Ross, GHS ’84 Jamil Jacobs-El, GHS ’83 Jed Johnhope, GHS ’98 Retse Johnson-Daniel, CDS ’99 Michelle King, CDS ’86 Stuart Lewis Jeffrey Leyden, GHS ’80 Kieran Locke, GHS ’02 Isulah Macedon, CDS ’99 Alexandra Morgan, CDS ’09 Shelley Rahe, CDS ’84 Katherine Ratigan, CDS ’98 Isabella Rini, CDS ’16 Catherine Roth, CDS ’06 Emily Sadler, CDS ’00 Suga Savage Smith, GHS ’91 Naomi Shibles , CDS ’92 Eileen Skeoch Hill, GHS ’95 Christina Smith, CDS ’07 Kenneth Suh, GHS ’84 Debbie Sun, GHS ’90 Britta Victor, CDS ’06 Patrice Weddington, CDS ’83 Katie Wood, CDS ’06 Aaron Yuhas, CDS ’06
to tohave havereceived received gifts giftsfrom from Thank You !
Jonathan Thomas ’17 a sophomore at the United States Air Force Academy, is studying chemical engineering with hopes of becoming a combat rescue officer or pilot. Although not the typical college experience, the Academy offers unique, exciting opportunities, such as survival training and learning to fly a glider, that have been life-changing for Jonathan. He reflected, “The high standards at GHCDS prepared me to make it through the Academy’s course load as well as the rigor of military life.”
OUR FUTURE! Creating Comfort- Grade 4 • Fourth graders put together comfort packs to distribute as part of their community relief efforts after hurricane Maria.
Food Drive • Preschool and kindergarten students deliver their donations for the National Junior Honor Society Food Drive that will be donated to local food pantries. Thanks to the National Junior Honor Society and Ms. Beach for organizing this annual event. Photo: Jonathan Thomas in his dress blue uniform on acceptance day at the Air Force Academy. Photograph by Mary Thomas.
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BETTER AFTER MARIA! REFLECTIVE, CREATIVE, Heart of a Panther Award • Sydney Fleming received this award for the athlete that used her talent and skills to encourage the growth and character of each athlete she met on every court or field. She gave her heart to the Panthers, big and small, each day of her athletic career at GHCDS. The Panthers are stronger because she made a difference. Ruler Program (From Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence)
• Emotional intelligence is about what we do with our emotions. Students have been learning to use the RULER tools to develop their emotional intelligence. These skills help them understand and manage their feelings effectively, make better decisions, build healthy relationships, and become great learners. Overcoming Obstacles! • Upper School Psychology students: Queen Armantrading, Nayan Bansal, Wylie Crowther, Sophie Dean, Inari Encarnacion, Clara Killy, and Devon Smith created three short stories about children that overcame obstacles. They read their stories to students in Nursery through fourth grade classes.
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INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMPASSIONATE! Little Shop of Horrors • GHCDS’ cast and crew of 25 put on a student run-production of “Little Shop of Horrors,” a delectable sci-fi horror musical with an electrifying 1960s pop/rock score by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. Under the direction of Linda Garvin, the students overcame post- storm challenges to deliver an outstanding performance. 2018 Virgin Islands District Congressional Art Competition Winners! • Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett congratulated GHCDS students Jade Bryan and Ethan Stamper, the first and second place winners of the Congressional Art Competition. Jade piece will grace the halls of Congress, representing the Virgin Islands, for one year. Beach Clean-up at Salt River, Columbus Landing • Members of the National Honor Society spent part of the morning collecting trash at Salt River. Many bags of debris were taken to the Mon Bijou dump site. This represents just a small fraction of the 4000 community service hours performed by GHCDS students last year. 45
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION The Parents’ Association strives to create a stronger School community by involving and engaging parents in meaningful ways. We look forward to all parents in every grade volunteering their time and participating in PA events.
Every parent at Good Hope Country Day School is a member of the Parents’ Association.
2017-18 Parents’ Association Robyn Falconer, President Sarah Franks, Vice-President Carolyn Forno, Secretary Kelly Simon, Treasurer Perry Sheraw, Media Coordinator Julie Sommers, Volunteer Coordinator
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Join us for the following PA events:
•Back-to-School BBQ •Back-to-School Coffee & Registration •Talent Showcase and International Dinner •Dance Party for Parents •Halloween Tailgate and Bonfire •Father-Daughter Dance •Teacher Appreciation Week •Student Art Show Refreshments •BINGO (winter and spring) •Postage for alumni care packages
Top Photo: Parents’ Association Meeting. Top Photo: Parents’ Association volunteers welcome families back on the first day of registration. Bottom Photo: Parents’ Association volunteers cheer students on as they tackle ERB Bottom Photo: Parents’ Association Back to School BBQ. Photographs by Kiomietesting. Pedrini Photographs by Kiomie Pedrini.
Sarah Grey ’15 has never let the fact that she comes from a small island in the Caribbean stop her from reaching high to meet her goals, which included studying a semester abroad in Madrid, Spain. “GHCDS prepared me for the many stresses and challenges that I experienced in college,” she reflected. “I was able to balance academic, social, and emotional stress through the tools I learned at GHCDS.” Now a senior at Boston University, she is finishing strong with an undergraduate degree in behaviour and health. She also spearheaded a worship ministry on campus through the BU Inner Varsity Multiethnic Christian Fellowship Umoja Black Student Union. This has allowed her to remain committed to her faith and display her natural leadership skills. Sarah is currently applying to a number of doctoral occupational therapy programs around the country.
OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS!
Thank you to our many wonderful volunteers who gave the School their time and talent. All Campus Emma Bourque Boy Scout Troup 7227 Doug Capdeville Pam Colon Brian Daley Susan Diverio Robyn Falconer Chris Fletcher Sarah Franks Lindy Freeman Steve & Jeanne Garner Theresa Harper Christopher Howell Aaron Hutchins Lindsay Kammerzelt Wendy Minten Sara Punzenburger Julie Sommers Marcia Taylor Toby Tobias Sharon Turk The Buccaneer Hotel
After School Lisa Bass Laura Croney Dee Forno Malerie Gleason Aaron Hutchins Kathy Mackay Amanda Warehime Drama Michael Armendariz Elizabeth Armstrong Joseph Barnwell Denise Blanchette Nadia Bougouneau Mario Capriola Olga Capriola Lisa & John Coates JKC Communications Melanie Conhoff Dulcie & David Crowther Sophie Dean J’Had Ferris Jalen Frorup Valerie Geer Dawn Grey
Sherry Hotter Felix Lima & Crew Mary Ann Mahoney Cathy Mares Sasha Marohn Maria Mneimne Paradise Plumbing, Inc. Aldo & Kiomie Pedrini Linda Stamper-Keularts Rick Starr Angel & Jessica Tirado Joyce Wakefield Bob & Brandy White Lea Wilson PE Department Jessica Archambault Malerie Gleason Kelly Green Nancy Hasson Smokey Odom Buildings & Grounds Renee D’Adamo James Adams Jarred Dean Steve Garner
Photo:Wendy Sarah Minten, Grey walking beach inand Italy, a fun excursion while doing hertirelessly study abroad Photo: EmmaaBourque, Pam Turk, parent volunteers work to keepin Madrid, Spain. Photograph by Sharleen Cineas. the campus looking beautiful! Photograph by Nicole Canegata
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Sasha Brady, GHS ‘99 Sasha, GHS ’99, is truly andevastated ambassador St. to the world—she After Hurricane Hugo Croix, is passionate about building connections between immiCountry School’sAmericans administration and grants andDay native-born for mutual transformastaff demonstrated resolve in at World tion. For the past sevenstunning years, she has worked Relief, a non-profit in Chicago where she helps refugees and getting the school open and provided other immigrants find jobs to support themselves and their some sense of normalcy. families as they resettle in the United States. “One of the challenging aspects of my job is working to equip people withCanton Dr. tools so they believes don’tthat needexperience my help in the infuture. But that takes a lot of time and it can be tempting to choose grained in him a sense of stubborn willto efficiency over empowerment I can complete a job application recover, rebuild, and excel whenever cir-next thing. Or for someone very quickly and move on to the cumstances havetocalled This can-do I can take the time sit withfor thatit.person and go line by line together, so he or she will have more confidence spirit gave him the will and motivation to and skill in the future.” excel in college and earned him a place at
Cornell University and eventually to thewhich is Sasha is also very involved in her community, Cornell College comprised mostly of of foreign-born Veterinary Medicine. adults and their To- children. In 2010, started an after-school program that supports day, Dr.she Kasey Canton and fellow alumna kids and their families adjusting to U.S. schools. Part of Dr. Baumann Progressive thatAriel passion for socialoperate change came from her experience Veterinary where provide com-Sasha to with Mr. Eash,Clinic a Good Hopethey teacher who pushed become a better writer andcare realize her potential. prehensive veterinary to many of ourSasha also recalled Ms. Clemens, her 7th grade English teacher, who island animals. Fast forward twenty eight seemed “surprisingly cool and culturally aware.” years, and this same stubborn will and can-do After Good spirit Hope, would Sashamotivate attended Haverford Dr. Canton College outside Philadelphia, where she played varsity softball to aid dozens of people and patients after four years and majored in English with a Spanish minor. She Hurricane St. the Croix. Kaalso studiedMaria abroaddevastated in Sevilla, Spain fall of her junior sey and his team would deliver hundreds year. After graduation, she returned to St. Croix to trade stocks for a hedge fund for several while years before of generators and chainsaws trans-pursuing a master’s in intercultural at Wheaton portingdegree pets and dozens of studies sick and elderly College outside Chicago. off island by small aircraft. He credits his time at While sheSt. interacts Croix Country now with Day the world, School her with first magical explorations were St. Croix:to “I fondly remember a fifthinstilling the gritonrequired persevere grade field trip we took at night to see a turtle lay eggs at under difficult circumstances. Sandy Point. There were also the field trips walking through salt ponds and mangroves in which the thick mud stole some kids’ shoes right off their feet!”
Photo: Sasha with kids from her afterschool program . Photograph by Worldwith Reliefone staffof member. Photo: Dr. Canton his feline
patients at Progressive Veterinary Hospital. 42 48
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IN MEMORIAM
A Reflection On Phyllis Biddle by Laurie Schill
Where to begin to do justice to the great woman, artist, teacher, and friend that Phyllis Biddle was to so many of us? Looking back on when we first met upon her arrival to the Good Hope School campus, I remember asking myself in my head, “Is this lady for real?!!” My initial reaction was solely based on the fact that she simply exuded so much positivity and made me feel so genuinely good even though she didn’t really know me. It didn’t take me too long to realize that, yes, indeed she is so for real, and we are so blessed to have her among us. Back then, a mutual colleague even dubbed her name into what became a common expression: to get Biddled. If you arrived a couple minutes late, it was understood by all and accepted with a smile if you simply said, “I got Biddled”. This meant that you and Phyllis got into a conversation that was so compelling that it almost felt wrong to unglue yourself from it. A friend once described her as “the most ebullient personality of the U.S. Virgin Islas”. No one could argue the value of her laughter, her smile, her patience with all kinds of learners, and her vivacious concern for others and the world at large. What a dynamo when controversial issues came to the table! So many of us wish we could have elected her president. Instead of golfing when she had time off, she would have been painting, helping children with challenges find joy in art, and participating in a beach clean-up! Phyllis’s great artwork speaks for itself and I am glad to know it’s keeping her memory extra alive in so many places. Somehow more importantly though, I like to think that some of those amazing gifts that Phyllis had for making people feel good about themselves have rubbed off on the rest of us who’ve been fortunate enough to have been in her entourage. Let’s try to think of her a little bit every day to build on that PB positivity - just thinking of that I can just see her sparkling smile shine our way.
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OUR INSPIRATION CLASS OF 2018
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Ihab Idheileh ’15, a senior at Rider University, credits his ability to adapt quickly to college life and the
high demands of a double major in accounting and finance to his time at GHCDS. “I learned to prioritize and manage my time between all of my academic responsibilities and my athletic endeavours,” he says. “Falling behind was not an option.” Now, he finds balancing his coursework and responsibilities as President of the Rider University Club Soccer Team a breeze. Ihab is also comfortable in leadership roles, serving as Treasurer for the Club Sports Council, and sitting on the Advisory Board for Student Affairs and the Student Government Finance Board. He manages the budget for all three groups. Ihab is currently preparing for the CPA exam and is already being recruited by some of the top accounting firms in the tri-state area.
WAYS TO GIVE Below are numerous ways to contribute to Good Hope Country Day School and help us provide a world-class education. Cash All cash (including check and credit card) gifts are fully tax-deductible. To make a credit card gift online, go to http://ghcds.org/supportghcds/ways-to-give/ and click on the Donate button. Securities A gift of appreciated stock which has been held for more than one year allows you to avoid the capital gains tax on the appreciation. It also qualifies you for an income tax charitable deduction based on the fair-market value of the stock on the date you make the gift. For more details, download our Securities Transfer Form at http://ghcds. org/supportghcds/ways-to-give/ or contact Linda Stamper-Keularts, Director of Advancement, at lstamperkeularts@ghcds.org or 340.778.1974 ext. 2113.
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Photo: Ihab Idheileh driving home a goal for the Rider University Club Soccer team. Photograph by Rider University staff photographer.
Kira Griffith ’17 chose the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill after turning down Stanford,
WAYS TO GIVE
Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and other top universities—and she hasn’t hesitated since. After graduation, she attended UNC’s Chancellor’s Science Scholars Summer EXCELerator Program, an academic boot camp of classes, professional development workshops, and labs to help prepare her for the rigors of UNC. Now a sophomore, she is majoring in neuroscience with aspirations of becoming a physician scientist. After her freshman year at UNC, she completed a 10-week internship at the University of Toronto, where she studied the genetic underpinning of a rare neurodevelopmental disorder called Rett Syndrome. Her research yielded encouraging preliminary data that a new mitochondrial cocktail drug treatment may prevent the development of symptoms characteristic of this condition in female mice. These findings have enormous clinical implications. Kira will be presenting to scientists and physician researchers at two national scientific conferences this year.
WAYS TO GIVE Matching Gift Matching gifts are an easy way to increase the value of your contribution. If you and/or your spouse work for a company with a matching gift program, please obtain the necessary form from your personnel office and send it along with your gift to Good Hope Country Day School, Attn: Advancement Office. Make a Pledge Pledges can be fulfilled with one payment or multiple payments and simply need to be completed in full by June 30, 2019. Planned Gifts GHCDS is grateful to those who have the vision and generosity to include the School in their estate plans. Through planned giving, you and your family can make a significant gift to GHCDS while also benefitting your own financial and estate planning. For more information, please contact Linda Stamper-Keularts, Director of Advancement, at lstamperkeularts@ ghcds.org or 340.778.1974 ext. 2113.
Photo: Kira Griffith in front of the UNC Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower. Photograph by Bill Fuller.
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Concept, Content, andand Graphic Design & Layout: Concept, Content, Graphic Design: Linda Stamper-Keularts & Kiomie Pedrini Linda Stamper-Keularts & Kiomie Pedrini Photographs: Photographs: George Ashley Nicole Photography SharleenCanegata Cineas Jolynn Grace Lisa France Lindsay Kammerzelt Photography Michelle Fong Maddi Foster Kiomie Pedrini Bill Fuller Q Studio Jalen Jean-Baptiste Rick Starr Sarah Marc Nicole Canegata Photography Kiomie Pedrini Proof Readers and Editors: Lila Smith Alma Castro-Nieves Mary Thomas
Susan Gibbons Proofreaders and Editors: Cesar Guerra James Benton John Harper Alma Castro-Nieves Kari Loya Joseph Croney Kiomie Pedrini Honnie Edwards Stewart Shelley Susan Gibbons LindaGuerra Stamper-Keularts Cesar John Harper Nancy Thatcher Kari Loya Kiomie Printer:Pedrini Stewart Shelley Queen City Printers Inc. Linda Stamper-Keularts 701 Pine Street Nancy Thatcher
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Good Hope Country Day School Good Country Day School RR #1 Hope Box 6199 RR #1 Box St. 6199 Kingshill, Croix 00850 Kingshill, St. 340.778.1974 Croix 00850 340.778.1974 www.ghcds.org www.ghcds.org This Annual Report acknowledges all contributions This Report all contributions madeAnnual to Good Hopeacknowledges Country Day School between made Good School July 1, to 2017 andHope JuneCountry 30, 2018.Day If we havebetween omitted July 1, 2017 and June 30, 2018. If we have any names or contributions, please acceptomitted our any names orlet contributions, please accept our apology and us know by contacting apology and let us know by contacting lstamperkeularts@ghcds.org. lstamperkeularts@ghcds.org. Thank you for your support. Thank you for your support.