THE
GRAPEVINE A Magazine for Grymes Memorial School Alumni
The Adventurous Frederick Bacher ‘81 - Page 20 Grymes Alumni Feature Story
V O L U M E 7 SUMMER 2020
The Grapevine is published annually by Grymes Memorial School. NURTURING CHARACTER • BUILDING THINKERS • CULTIVATING CREATIVITY • FOSTERING COMMUNITY • LAUNCHING LEARNERS
Head of School Jonathan Brand Director of Development & Marketing India Hill ‘01 Director of Admissions & Communications Angie Olds Board of Trustees Maggie Bullard ’93, Madison (Chairman) Jennifer Hulsey, Woodberry Forest (Vice-Chairman) Aiden Burke ’84, Crozet (Secretary) Jim Collins, Somerset (Treasurer) Jalal Akhavein, Gordonsville Khalid Athar, Culpeper Pat Barnhardt, Charlottesville Tom Bond, Orange Grayson Butterfield ’84, Orange Kem Courtenay ’68, Orange Yancey Ford, Charlottesville Betty Long, Locust Dale John Reynolds, Orange Page Sullenberger, Orange Katharine McBride, South Carolina (Trustee Emerita) V.R. Shackelford, III, Orange (Trustee Emeritus) Anne Ueltschi, Charlottesville (Trustee Emerita) Grymes Memorial School PO Box 1160 13775 Spicers Mill Road Orange, VA 22960 Editors India Hill, Jonathan Brand Design Kevin Bowles
What’s
Inside Page 02 Message from the Head of School Page 03 - 12 Highlights & Happenings Page 13 - 16 Farewell, Class of 2020
Page 17 - 19
Welcome, Mrs. Keating, Mrs. Roberts and Ms. Aylor
Page 20 - 21
The Adventurous Frederick Bacher ‘81
Page 22 - 30
Alumni Spotlight
Page 31 - 32
Farewell, Laura Gay and Mrs. Campbell
Page 33
In Memoriam
On the Cover Frederick Bacher ‘81
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Message from the Head of School Dear Alumni and Friends, The Grymes alma mater speaks of the mountains sheltering our familiar halls and allowing childhood dreams to be nurtured. Anyone who has spent time on our campus knows Grymes to be a school where children can be children even as they grow and flourish as inquisitive, joyful learners. Although this past spring tested our school’s ability to carry out this mission, I am proud of the way our teachers, students, parents, and our entire community rallied together to meet the challenge of a global pandemic. For eleven weeks, as our campus was closed, remote learning became the emergency substitute for lively, engaging classrooms at Grymes. Faculty and students worked from home. We became adept using online learning platforms and participating in Google Meet discussions. All of us missed our friends and colleagues, and we were challenged to support one another despite the physical separation. The recent protests and civil unrest have reminded us of the importance of schools like Grymes. Now more than ever, our world needs people who have internalized our four pillars – honor, respect, responsibility, and kindness – and strive to live lives in service to others. You, our alumni, are part of the Grymes vanguard. You have left our familiar halls, where you learned that character means as much as academic preparation, and you have gone on to pursue your childhood dreams. We are proud of you. Your life paths have taken you far and wide, but you have a common bond through your time as Grymes Grizzlies. Our hope is that your experience at Grymes, whether a few years or decades ago, will continue to strengthen, nurture, and inspire you to overcome personal challenges and contribute to helping our country live up to its highest ideals. As always, please stay in touch and visit us when you are in the area. Go Grizzlies! Yours sincerely,
Jonathan Brand Head of School
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HIGHLIGHTS & HAPPENINGS The 2019-2020 school year started off in its traditional way: handshakes and hugs as students were dropped off by buses and cars at the front circle. Fall was happy, busy, and full with field trips, declamations, plays, music performances, assemblies, pep rallies, partner days, and so much more. Christmas came and went, and as we powered through the winter heading into March, no one could have anticipated the spring that was ahead. Teachers, administration, students, and parents were all challenged in new, unforeseen ways. Thanks to teamwork, loyalty, and dedication to the Grymes mission, we persevered together. We turned traditional events into virtual events. We remained connected and creative.
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The Woodberry Forest and Grymes Memorial School Book Club was resurrected by Mrs. Yauger and GMS parent Phoebe Warmack. 4
Owen in his traditional, “Dress Like a Teacher Day,” Mr. Barber attire.
HIGHLIGHTS & HAPPENINGS
A NEW GRYMES TRADITION! Innovation Celebration featuring student innovation projects, complimentary hot air balloon rides, and math, science, art and language activities.
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Congrats to Kailey Woodcock ‘20 and Mrs. Julie Yauger for their Writer’s Eye awards! Kailey won 1st place in her category for poetry, and Mrs. Yauger won 1st honorable mention in her category for prose.
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8th-grade girls attended a STEM competition at Foxcroft.
HIGHLIGHTS & HAPPENINGS
The entire Upper School ate lunch together - cafeteria style!
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We hosted our annual Talent Show in February.
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HIGHLIGHTS & HAPPENINGS Not even a pandemic could take away what makes Grymes special – our teachers, our families, our traditions, and the bonds that tie us together forever.
Teachers conducted live, virtual class meetings weekly to keep in touch with their students. Pictured here: Mrs. Slater reads the BFG by Roald Dahl to her second graders.
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RESPECT – the word of the year for the school. Student Leadership Committee (SLC) members donned their special T-shirts to remind everyone of this Grymes pillar during remote learning.
Mrs. Stakem provided virtual music lessons. 10
Mrs. Frantz offered virtual art lessons.
HIGHLIGHTS & HAPPENINGS
Mrs. Sherman prepared STEM activity bags for pick up on her porch!
Lucy (grade 4) with her STEM creation.
First grader Caton mails a letter to her pen pal.
Caroline Keating ‘20 enjoys a Cinco de Mayo cooking lesson provided virtually by Señora Handelsman. 11
Mrs. Johnson and son, David ‘20, enjoying their exercise and the Grizzly Remote Relay Challenge provided by Mrs. Tallman. Virtual Field Day 2020. (The Red team won!)
Asher and Ali pose with their GMS Virtual Bake Off Competition entry.
Remote learning can happen anywhere! 12
CLASS OF 2020 FAREWELL & WARM WISHES!
Class of 2020: (L to R standing) Caroline Keating, Kailey Woodcock, Larissa Foster, Julius Davis, Kurt Elias, John Huerta, (L to R seated) Amanda Dale, Madeleine Siebel, Will Faulconer, David Johnson, Parker Tallman
Graduation Award Winners Valedictorian Caroline Keating Salutatorian Amanda Dale Merrick Athletic Award Parker Tallman Merrick Athletic Award Amanda Dale Headmaster’s Award Kurt Elias
John Judson Browning Creativity Award Larissa Foster
Patriotism and Leadership Award David Johnson
Mary Anna Lawler Cooperative Spirit Award Caroline Keating
Julia Williams Community Service Award Kailey Woodcock
Hastings Integrity and Academic Excellence Award Amanda Dale
Tyler Scholarship, Integrity, Leadership Award Caroline Keating
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Caroline Keating ‘20 delivers her Valedictorian speech virtually for our pre-recorded Commencement Ceremony watch party.
2020 Commencement Ceremony live watch party. 14
Lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, a strong foundation of knowledge, and the courage to succeed were all common themes from our 8th graders when speaking about their journey at Grymes. Graduation Excerpts “Although we are not physically together today, Grymes creates and has created such strong bonds that something like this can still be celebrated whether we be apart or not...… Grymes truly enriched our childhood and prepared us for our lives ahead.” Amanda Dale ‘20 “Even though we are starting a new adventure, we will always be a part of the Grymes family...I do believe we have a bright future, both as a class and as individuals. My greatest hope is that we use this dark time to serve as a future reminder to cherish the small moments and memories of every ordinary day.” Caroline Keating ‘20 8th Grade Speeches
Instead of an in-person graduation ceremony, families took part in our first ever graduation car parade. Parents drove their graduates around the circle at Grymes where all of the faculty and staff cheered them on with noise makers, bubbles, and music. In addition, Mr. Brand and Mrs. Campbell passed out graduation boxes with student awards and diplomas.
“Normally, May is a big time in the life of an 8th grade student. Since I was in Junior Kindergarten, I have been looking forward to this spring. I was going to play soccer for my school, and we were going to have another winning season. I was going to face my fears one more time and be in a play, and I was going to be Puck. I was planning on watching the 7th grade girls do the May pole dance and savoring the relief that it was not me this year, and I was going to play in one final concert with Mrs. Stakem. Finally, I was going to give this speech to the whole school and watch the littles wiggle like I did when I was in their place on the bleachers. The moving up ceremony and the 8th grade speeches will have to be virtual this year, and the class trip never happened, but the real gifts of a Grymes education have always been intangible. I leave this school with everything I need - a meaningful education, good memories and great friends that I will never forget.” Madeleine Siebel ‘20 “Much like my first year of school I’m afraid - but this time I’m afraid of leaving Grymes. I will always remember the brick lower school, green Gardner Hall, and the little red schoolhouse . All of these places mark my growth, both intellectually and emotionally….although I feel sad that I will be leaving, I am at least ready for the next phase and cannot wait to experience what is to come next. Thank you Grymes. You have nurtured me, you have changed me; you have set me on the right path - and I shall never ever forget that.” John Huerta ‘20 15
David Johnson ‘20 shares his creative reflections on what Awards Day might have been like. “It’s Awards Day, the date is May 29, the year 2020, the place, DuPont Hall, Grymes Memorial School. A larger-than-usual crowd of parents, grandparents, and siblings perch on their uncomfortable metal chairs. The tiny drone of a teacher’s voice fills the auditorium. On the three sets of bleachers students are packed like sardines in a can. The younger students fidget energetically on their bleachers, eager to escape to the playground. Other teachers stand in the back, either relieved they are finished giving awards or sweating from both the heat and the idea of standing in front of the huge crowd. On the largest, and oldest of the bleachers, fifth graders sag foward with their elbows on their knees. The eighth graders lean against the hot wall, daydreaming of sleeping in or going on vacation. “...and this year’s Norfleet Upper School Reading Award goes to…” the teacher continues. Applause emanates from the crowd, while an ecstatic student rushes to the front. A photo is snapped and the moment is captured….” 16
WELCOME TO OUR NEW FACULTY MEMBERS
Welcome, Mrs. Keating Welcome to your new role, Kimber!
Kimber Keating is no stranger to Grymes. She is a Woodberry Forest resident and mother of three Grymes alumni, Maddy ‘16, Alexa ‘18 and Caroline ‘20. She is a product of private school education, having attended Pulaski Academy in Arkansas, where her mother was a teacher. Kimber graduated from Baylor University in 1996 and completed a master’s program from the University of Arkansas in 1997. As an undergraduate at Baylor, she worked at the Methodist Home for Children Day Treatment Center in Waco, Texas. After receiving her M.A. from UA, she accepted a position as housemother at St. Thomas Choir School in New York, supervising and caring for fifth through eighth-grade boys. She met Matthew Keating, a math teacher at St. Thomas Choir School, got married, and, in 2000, moved to Woodberry Forest School, where Matthew continued his career as a math instructor and Kimber worked as the registrar. After joining the staff at Madison Christian School, Kimber homeschooled her children, and in 2009, the family made the decision to send their girls to Grymes. Kimber became active in the Grymes community and joined the faculty in 2010, working in the Development Office, where she gained experience in fundraising and
implementing the school’s newly purchased database, Veracross. In 2011, Kimber took over the position as the school’s receptionist. Her friendly demeanor, willingness to help in any situation, and knowledge of “all things Grymes” was invaluable to the school community. In 2013, Kimber transitioned into being the Junior Kindergarten teacher and began her work transforming our early childhood program into the strong one that it is now. It is only natural that she now passes the baton to Emily Aylor ‘13, who has worked with Kimber off and on in the JK classroom for the past five years. You will be so missed in the JK room, Kimber, but we are thrilled to have you as our new Assistant Head of School!
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What is one of your biggest takeaways from your role as JK Lead Teacher that will help you as Assistant Head? I think that relationships are the foundation of learning. I also believe that parents and teachers and students working together produces the best possible learning outcome for students. I wanted our JK families to catch the vision of what makes Grymes so special, and in my new role, I can be part of new families at any grade level catching that vision. I love the traditions that unfold as you work your way up the long hall and over to Gardner Hall. In my role as JK Lead Teacher, I met the majority of prospective families as I did all assessments for incoming JK and K families. Welcoming our newest families to Grymes felt like a special privilege. It also kept me thinking about how to answer the question, “why Grymes?” For me, Grymes is more than a place to learn although that is the foundation of all we do. Grymes is a place to be known and appreciated for who you are. Grymes is a place where we strive to respect each other and treat one another with civility. Grymes is a place that treasures childhood and values play. Grymes is a community that works together to help children develop fully – socially/emotionally, academically, and physically. I love how often laughter fills our halls. I look forward to hearing the sounds of joyful learning in our buildings, again.
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What are you most looking forward to in your new role? I am most excited to get to be in and out of the classrooms at all grade levels. My first year in the classroom at Grymes was with the current 6th-grade class. I have a handprint quilt that they made me currently hanging on my office wall. I have always wanted to watch my colleagues in action in their spaces, and now I have the opportunity (and the responsibility) to make that part of my days. I also miss the families that have moved on from my class, and I have families that have joined our community after JK/K that I do not know as well, and I look forward to fostering those relationships. I am excited about the strides we’re taking in enhancing our curriculum to enrich the learning experience. I believe that, even in these challenging times of living in a pandemic, Grymes is a school that can grow stronger through our commitment to care for one another and to respect each other as we navigate school in a new way. This will be a challenging year and a busy year, but I look forward to that challenge and to supporting teachers, students, and families. I am so grateful to be a part of this community and honored to have the chance to be a part of the learning for each student throughout their time at Grymes.
Welcome, Mrs. Roberts Welcome back, Tina!
Tina is also no stranger to Grymes, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen her! Tina is the mother of two former Grymes students, Austin ‘06 and Morgan ’06. Not only was she a Grymes parent, she also worked as an aid in the Junior Kindergarten room for four years. She and former teacher Kellie Fisher initiated Ice Cream Fridays! Tina also helped with the annual auction and organized the Lower School Halloween party. Tina currently lives
in Madison and is a proud grandmother to her first grandson, Wyatt. “I can’t wait to be back as part of the Grymes team. It still touches me when children I had in Pre-K still come up to me and speak,” says Tina. Thank you for coming back, Tina. We are so glad you did!
Welcome, Ms. Aylor Emily Aylor ‘13 has come full circle - from a student in Junior-Kindergarten 17 years ago to our new lead teacher in Junior-Kindergarten Emily is ready for her new role.
After graduating from Grymes in 2003, Emily attended Madison County High School, where she was a student in the Blue Ridge Virtual Governor’s School. She attended Christopher Newport University and obtained her B.A. in Sociology with a minor in childhood studies. There she served as a Student Ambassador and volunteered at local elementary schools in Newport News.
Her experience at Grymes doesn’t stop at being a student. During her high school and college days she interned with Kimber Keating, our previous JK lead teacher, in the classroom as well as with the summer camp for many years. These experiences will greatly benefit Emily in her new role. Welcome back, Emily!
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THE ADVENTUROUS FREDERICK BACHER ‘81
58 PEAKS
Have you ever set your mind to a goal that you were determined to reach even if it took you 22 years? And what if this goal included climbing all of the 58 mountain peaks in Colorado above 14,000 feet in elevation? For Grymes alum Fred Bacher, this was his goal, and we are excited to announce that he has recently completed it. Congratulations, Fred! From speaking with Fred just briefly, you will learn that for him there is no mountain too high and no bicycle trail too challenging. The 58 mountains in Colorado above 14,000 feet are known as the “14ners.” Out of the 58 peaks, Fred climbed 90% of them on his own. Fred stated that this was “more out of convenience and efficiency than for the solo quest, although that part was amazing too!” Fred also commented, “One of the best aspects of this project was that it took me to the most remote nooks and crannies of this beautiful state of Colorado that I would not have otherwise seen.” After a 26-year career in the Organic Food industry, Fred decided to take a break from work and fulfill continued on next page
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another dream of his – an extensive bicycle tour. During the months of September and October of 2018 he rode his bicycle (self-supported) on the Highway 1 coastal highway from Vancouver, British Columbia, to the border of Mexico. This journey took him 59 days and amounted to 2,400 miles. As Fred described the experience, “It was such an amazing journey, and I feel so grateful to have been able to see the entirety of the west coast at that pace. The highlights were the Oregon Coast, the Red Woods and Big Sur, although the entire journey was just amazing.” Fred’s cycling tour was dedicated to the fight against Parkinson’s Disease: the David Phinney Foundation (DPF). As Fred explained, “Davis Phinney was an amazing cyclist and celebrated the most victories of any cyclist in American history. From the late 1970’s until his retirement from professional cycling in 1993, Davis achieved more wins – 328 victories in all – than any other U.S. cyclist. When he turned forty, he was diagnosed with early on-set Parkinson’s and started this amazing foundation focusing on education, research, and helping people with Parkinson’s “live well today.” Davis lives close-by in Boulder and I’ve gotten to know him. I created a little fundraiser as part of my ride... it certainly gave my ride so much more purpose and depth than just pedaling down the coast.”
“I have climbed high altitude mountains on a number of continents including in the following countries: U.S., Austria, Norway, Russia, Tanzania, Peru, Mexico, Ecuador and Argentina. Although climbing mountains is the driver to travel to many parts of the world, it is the people, cultures, and amazing landscapes that are the richest parts of these experiences.” - Fred Bacher
Fred now lives in Denver, Colorado, with his family and has many more adventures planned in the future. Thank you for sharing your stories with us, Fred!
Here Fred poses on the summit of the 20,000 foot peak of Tocllaraju in Peru. The hike was very technical and included several pitches of near vertical ice climbing. As Fred explained, “It was an incredibly tough and challenging 17-hour push to the summit and back to base camp with 6,000 total feet of vertical climbing over that period of time. We had climbed a 18,000 foot peak the same day that we started this climb that evening at 9:30 p.m. and returned to base camp at 2:30 p.m. the next day. It was an unbelievable 36 hours of exertion climbing both peaks.” - Fred Bacher
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Aiden Burke ‘84
Alumni Spotlight
Walker Somerville ‘01
Walker Somerville ‘01 – Walker lives in Honduras and runs “Camino Honduras,” a Central American ministry outreach program (www.caminohonduras.com). Walker works hard to help provide communities with proper housing and food. Check out his website to see some of the amazing projects he’s spearheaded. Walker has been married for four years, and a few years ago he and his wife extended their family with a baby girl.
Jenna Faulconer ‘14
Jenna Faulconer ‘14 just returned from six months in Australia, and she LOVED it. Check out the next Grapevine for all the exciting details from her adventures down under!
Judson Faulconer ‘17
Judson Faulconer ‘17 is a current senior at Woodberry Forest School. During his junior year Judson co-hosted WFSPN, Woodberry Forest School Production Network, where he livestreamed and narrated sporting events. When he is not studying or sportscasting, you can find Judson fishing with his friends and family. 22
Nia Dowling ‘18 and Cecilia Marshall ‘18
Nia Dowling ‘18 and Cecilia Marshall ‘18 attend Foxcroft School together.
Jack Stelter ‘16
Jack Stelter ‘16 recently graduated from Woodberry Forest School. During his senior year at Woodberry, Jack was captain of the Varsity Swim Team. He qualified for the state swim meet winning “Swimmer of the Meet.”
Stephanie Modena ’03 with her husband Elliott and daughter Ellie Rosemary.
Stephanie Modena ’03 is a Nurse Practitioner in Charlottesville, where she lives with her husband, Elliott, and dog, Kobe. In September of 2019, they welcomed their first child, Ellie Rosemary, into the world.
Jack Laub ‘05
Jack Laub ‘05 - Jack is an AmeriCorps VISTA member serving in the United Way of Weld County Program, an intermediary hub placing VISTAs at partner agencies throughout the community. Jack began his VISTA term at Foothills United Way and after a merger now serves at Mile High United Way. Although Mile High United Way is based in Denver, Jack continues to serve the same geographic area as Foothills United Way: Boulder and Broomfield Counties. The mission of Mile High United Way is to fight for the education, health, and financial stability for everyone in our community. Jack has supported the organization through volunteer recruitment and project placement, cultivating corporate volunteerism, and event planning. Jack’s love for music, particularly playing the mandolin, remains strong and if you head out to Boulder, CO, you may even be lucky enough to see him play a live show!
Former teachers Señor Laub and Mrs. Houston ventured out to Boulder, CO, to see Jack Laub ‘05 play music. Also in this photo - Brian Hong ‘06. 23
Tyler Houston ‘06
Tyler Houston ‘06 - Tyler teaches history at Fredericksburg Acadamy and goes to Switzerland each summer as the assistant coach for the Swiss National lacrosse team. In the summer of 2019 he got married to his girlfriend, Mary Rose, near Middleburg, VA. We were honored to have Tyler at Grymes for our last Alumni Day as our guest speaker!
Tommy Handelsman ‘17
Tommy Handelsman ‘17 – Tommy is in his senior year at Woodberry Forest School. Last year Tommy ran varsity indoor track, was a sportscaster for WFSPN, and played soccer. 24
Marina Akhavein’14, Alden Carter ‘14, Jack Stelter ‘16, and Jenna Faulconer ‘14
Marina Akhavein’14, Alden Carter ‘14, Jack Stelter ‘16, and Jenna Faulconer ‘14, at Marina’s farm in Gordonsville for a Boxing Day celebration.
We took a moment to ask Jonah a few questions about his days at Grymes. Q: What is your first memory at Grymes? A: First memory was the Writer’s Eye field trip. I touched a sculpture and got yelled at by the UVA staff, a little ironic since I’m applying early decision there. Q: What do you miss most about Grymes? Jonah Marshall ‘17
Jonah Marshall ‘17, a senior at Woodberry Forest School, plays varsity soccer and varsity lacrosse. The summer after his sophomore year he had the amazing opportunity to crew a 40m Westport yacht, named the SaraBeth, up the coast from Rhudee Inlet in VA Beach up to Portland, Maine. The journey took about a month. Jonah ate, slept, and lived on the boat in the crew quarters. More specifically he was “deckhand,” which meant he maintained, cleaned, and performed specialized and general maintenance on the exterior of the boat.
A: The thing I miss the most would have to be Mrs. Bost, she’s a rad lady; love her and miss her. She challenged me everyday to be the best version of myself possible.
Jonah is applying to the Naval Academy in Annapolis as well as UVA for ROTC, and he hopes to serve his country in the U.S. Navy.
Lizzy Collins ‘09
Lizzy Collins ‘09 with her dad, Jim Collins, in Russia. 25
Class of 2019 What are some of our most recent graduates up to? Special thanks to Sasha Kondakov ‘19, our class agent, for gathering all of this information! Josie Shields is attending St. Anne’s Belfield and enjoying everything they have to offer, including playing field hockey this past fall. Robbie Handelsman is thoroughly enjoying Woodberry Forest School. He played soccer in the fall and his team had 8 wins and 2 ties. In the winter he played basketball with 17 wins and 1 loss. Charlotte Gupton loves Tandem, and she participates in both track and cross country. She attends Tandem with fellow GMS alumna, Grace Wagner, whom she spends a lot of time with.
Josie Shields ‘19 and Gwynn Perdue ’17
Josie Shields ‘19 and Gwynn Perdue ‘17 at the St. Anne’s Belfield Fashion Runway show, a fundraiser for the school. This is Gwynn’s second time being a part of the show. All participants make their own wearable art individually by hand using recycled materials.
Grace Wagner is thriving at Tandem! Along with finding a passion for volleyball and ceramics, she has been cast in three plays and became the assistant stage manager for the spring musical. Maggie Johnson is enjoying her time at OCHS! She was on the varsity basketball team during winter sports. Aidan Stakem is at Woodberry Forest School and played a character alongside his mom in The Music Man in 2019. He and fellow Grymes classmate Avery attended the Woodberry semi-formal together as friends. Moseley Davidson is having an amazing time at Christ Church School. He has participated in sailing and oyster farming! Avery Deigl is enjoying Chatham Hall very much. She was on the varsity basketball team in the fall. Jordan Spencer is loving St. Anne’s Belfield! She has pursued her passions for both volleyball and singing. She was on STAB’s volleyball team and was a part of the school’s musical Chicago!
Jeanie Crane Middlemas ‘01
Jeanie Crane Middlemas ‘01 holds her first child, Rose, on one side and Melissa Merrigan Niland’s ‘01 son, E.J., on the other. The future Grymes Grizzlies haven’t become best friends quite yet. 26
Sasha Kondakov is loving St. Timothy’s. She is the class president and has done very well in horse shows, qualifying for Regionals and then advancing to zones and hopefully Nationals!
Jennie Hill Robinson ‘67 and Sterling Hill ‘99 Wyatt Alexander ‘12 and Colton Alexander ‘15
Wyatt Alexander '12 and Colton Alexander '15 pose next to a packed truck outside of their parents home in Michigan just before departing for Wyatt's move to Atlanta, where he will be working as a financial advisor. Wyatt just graduated from the University of Alabama.
Jennie Hill Robinson ‘67 with nephew Sterling Hill ‘99 and his fiancé during their visit to Virginia (from Oregon) for Christmas.
Melissa Merrigan Niland ‘01
Aidan Stakem ‘19
Melissa Merrigan Niland ‘01 with husband Charlie and their new addition to the world, Edward John (E.J.)
Aidan ‘19 and Tracey Stakem in The Music Man at Woodberry during the fall of 2019. 27
Margaret Wilson Hill ‘69
Margaret Wilson Hill ‘69 with former student Robbie Moss reuniting at fellow GMS alum Tyler Houston’s ‘06 wedding.
Brenden Stakem ‘14 and Aidan Stakem ‘19
Brenden Stakem ‘14 and Aidan Stakem ‘19 bake a cake to pass time during their extended spring break of 2020.
Daisy Collins ‘11 – Daisy worked for the International Rescue Committee in the summer of 2019. “I had no idea how many refugees there were in Charlottesville before I worked there,” states Daisy. Sam Stelter ‘17 - senior at Woodberry Forest School. In 2019 he qualified for the state swim meet. Avery Warner ‘11 graduated from UCONN in May 2019. Congrats, Avery! Rita Braswell is one of our most loyal volunteers at Grymes. We are so grateful for her service over the past few years! Rita now spends her time focusing on being a grandparent, and we wish her the best with that fun journey. Rita, you are always welcome back and thank you for enhancing our joyful learning program at Grymes! 28
John Pruitt ‘02 lives in Fredericksburg and is the successful business owner of Pruitt Contracting Company, Inc. John visited Grymes recently for the first time since he graduated 18 years ago!
Drew Stancill ‘04 with former Art teacher LeeAnne Houston
India Hill ‘01 with Jay Starling ‘94
India Hill ‘01 with Jay Starling ‘94 - Jay occasionally plays bluegrass at Peloton Station in Charlottesville when he’s not traveling for shows.
Drew Stancill ‘04 with former art teacher LeeAnne Houston at Tyler Houston’s ‘04 wedding in October 2019.
Mira Weaver ‘14 and Karrington Keaton ‘15
Tamira Weaver ‘14 - Mira is a rising junior at Liberty University studying elementary education. She has also started competing in pageants. In 2019 she won the title of Miss Gordonsville Flame, and in August of 2020 she won Miss Fauquier 2020, qualifying her to compete in Miss Virginia 2021. Congrats, Mira!
Sarah Soderbergh ‘05
Sarah Soderbergh ‘05 visited Virginia for Christmas with her beau all the way from their second home in Seattle, WA. 29
Alumni ranging from ‘16-’19 at the Woodberry Forest School semi-formal.
L to R - Sarah McClellan ’0, Sam McBride Hughes ’05, Zibby McBride Ford ’01 and Molly Seeley ‘05
Sam McBride Hughes ‘05 recently married Adam Hughes in a Celtic themed wedding. Molly Seeley ‘05 just recently had an album titled “Myth” released - you can find it on spotify, check it out! Congratulations, Molly! 30
BEST WISHES & THANK YOU!
Farewell, Laura! As a much-loved Junior Kindergarten assistant teacher, Laura Gay was an anchor of strength and support for our youngest students. She approached her work with creativity, a strong sense of fairness, and a deep understanding of what students need. Her genuine concern for children was evident in her every interaction with them. Laura always saw the best in others and knew how to help students become the best versions of themselves, and she was a great advocate for students in all grades. Laura taught yoga to our students and faculty, and her willingness to share her talents and interests made Grymes a better school. Although we will miss her, we are happy for her and her family as they embark on a new chapter in their lives. Laura, we hope you will stay in touch!
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Farewell, Mrs. Campbell Tamie Campbell, our talented and devoted Assistant Head over six years, retired at the end of the 20192020 academic year. Tamie was known for her unfailing kindness, cheerful outlook, can-do spirit, and efficient, no-nonsense approach to challenges. If there was a job to be done, she was quick to take it on and to do it well, and she approached her work with a genuine heart for others. Whether helping a colleague, tutoring a student, or talking to a parent, Tamie put people first. Her leadership ensured the smooth running of each day and positively impacted our curriculum and instruction. Through her actions it was easy to see that she lived out the idea that children deserve the best when they are learning to learn, for she always gave students her best. In maintaining our potted flowers, developing an outdoor learning grove, and creating the magnificent wildflower meadow behind the school, Tamie brightened our campus and left a legacy that the Grymes community will long enjoy. Tamie, congratulations on your retirement. Thank you for your service, and please do come back and visit us in the years ahead!
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In Memoriam Julia Hodges Williams (1943 - 2020) On Tuesday, May 19, 2020, beloved former Grymes faculty member Julia Hodges Williams passed away peacefully at Spring Arbor in Leesburg, Virginia, from complications from diabetes. My ten-year career at Grymes holds some of the best moments and memories of my life thus far. I was fortunate enough to experience these years and all of the Grymes traditions with classmates that quickly became my best friends. However, around the age of 10, as we grew and changed, there was friction with my friendships. My group of girlfriends and I were inseparable, but that did not mean we didn’t have our bad days or even weeks. The only saving grace was Mrs. Williams. During her 26 years at Grymes, Mrs. Williams wore many hats. What I remember her most for is her role as counselor. Her office was in a small room near the Upper School, and it was occupied by us for many hours throughout the span of Our condolences go out to our Upper School days. Her room was a safe space. It kept the petty the family members of the arguments from festering into lifelong grudges. It is because of Mrs. following: Williams that I have very fond memories of my time at Grymes and, in turn, my childhood. Allison, Neville 2020 (Villers) Amatt, Nicolle ‘93 2019 I recently learned that Mrs. Williams was responsible for many of Davis, Gordon 2020 the Grymes traditions I love and remember so well. She developed Faulconer, Dana 2020 the Giving Tree, the Chesapeake Bay trip, the 8th-grade bonding Fisher, Kellie * 2020 trip, Book-a-Thon, our Partner Program, and more. She was also Grady, Jean */** 2019 constantly spearheading community service efforts and teaching us how important those efforts were. For many years she and her Hayes, Logan ‘15 2020 husband, Peter, opened up their home to 7th graders for an overnight Irby, David 2020 camping trip on their property in Walkerton, VA. During this trip we Mollaian, Ruhi 2020 learned to canoe and took part in a community clean-up of the Moore, A. Preston * 2019 Mattaponi River. Mrs. Williams taught us to care for the environment Oliver, Richard 2020 too. Primiani, Peter * 2020 I will never forget Mrs. Williams and the impact she had on me and Thompson, Laura 2019 my career at Grymes Memorial School. To this day my girlfriends and Thornton, Ann 2020 I talk about how grateful we were to have an in-school counselor to Williams, Julia * 2020 help us work through even the silliest of fights. Because at that age, * Former Faculty they didn’t seem so silly, and she never made us feel that way. ** Former Trustee
The report for this list was finalized on July 15th, 2020. We sincerely apologize in advance if we missed one of your loved ones. Please let us know and we will update our database.
It is safe to say that Mrs. Williams had a positive impact on many people. She was always searching for ways to help the community, within or outside of Grymes. She will be missed. India Hill ’01 33
Class of 2016 Grymes alumni recognized at Woodberry graduation – Congratulations! Blythe Brewster The Talon Award (for outstanding leadership for her work on the student newspaper The Oracle) The Biology Award Blythe is starting at William & Mary this fall
Rhew Deigl The Robert F. Williams Memorial Medal (for distinguishing himself in English and creating writing) Rhew is headed to UVA this fall.
Jack Stelter MVP - Swimming Jack will attend the University of Tennessee for swimming.
We are proud of our Grymes alumni! Share your awards, accomplishments, or simply fun news with us anytime!
Grizzlies - Keep in Touch! Share YOUR story with us. Send YOUR updates to ihill@grymesschool.org or DM the Grymes instagram account @grymesmemorialschool 34
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