Issuu

summer 2026

A World of Learning Empowering students to think boldly and lead with purpose in an ever-changing world.

a look inside Preparing for the Future, Beyond Borders, Building Community, A Legacy of Creativity, and more!

Contents 1

HEADlines

The latest from Head of School Dr. Glyn Cowlishaw

of the Curve 2 Ahead Thoughtfully preparing students for an AI-powered future

Ideas into Action

How PD’s newest diploma empowers student entrepreneurs

Beyond Borders

How global learning shapes globally minded citizens

Cross-Divisional Learning

22 Building connections across the TK–12 community

Cultural Connections

28 Celebrating the traditions that make us who we are

34 PROVIDENCE DAY SCHOOL Glyn Cowlishaw, Ed.D. Head of School Michael Magno, Ed.D. Associate Head of School Michele Duncan Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement

Tyrone Jean Assistant Head of School for Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Lisa Knight Assistant Head of School for Admissions and Enrollment Management Kristen Kral Assistant Head of School for Finance & Risk Management Todd Swartz Assistant Head of School for Human Resources and Operations

PROVIDENCE DAY MAGAZINE EDITORIAL STAFF Billy Faires Director of Strategic Marketing and Communications

Megan Nurkin Managing Editor Scott Stimeare Creative Services Director Caroline Willingham Digital Media Specialist Tatum Boggs Web Content Manager

CONTRIBUTORS Mike McCarn Photography

On the Cover

A Year of Excellence

30 A look back at an exceptional year A Lasting Legacy

46 Celebrating alumni and traditions that continue to inspire

Celebrating the Class of 2026

Class Notes

From cultural celebrations and entrepreneurial thinking to hands-on learning and realworld experiences, this issue highlights how a Providence Day education empowers students to learn, lead and make an impact.

A year of milestones and memories

Updates on alumni near and far

Providence Day Magazine is published by the PD Strategic Marketing and Communications Office. The written and visual content of this magazine is protected by copyright. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of Providence Day School.

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU AND PD Gift planning is the art of designing your charitable gift so that you realize your philanthropic objectives while minimizing your after-tax costs. In addition to fulfilling your philanthropic goals, you can generally expect some or all of the following benefits depending on the kind of property you contribute and the type of arrangement you select: Income-tax savings Avoidance of long-term capital-gains tax Stream of income for life Increased cash flow Reduced costs and time in estate settlement

For more information about creating your own gift plans contact Michele Duncan, Assistant Head of School for Institutional Advancement, at (704) 887-6038 or michele.duncan@providenceday.org.

HEADLINES

A word from our Head of School, Dr. Glyn Cowlishaw

DEAR PROVIDENCE DAY SCHOOL COMMUNITY, Last January, when I announced my plan to retire in the summer of 2027, a lot of people asked me how I was feeling. Here’s the honest answer: excited. Genuinely, unreservedly excited. Excited to retire, yes, but just as excited for everything that comes before it. Because this year feels like an incredible opportunity to appreciate all that this community has built together while also helping prepare it for what comes next. When I reflect on my time at Providence Day, what rises first is not a single moment but a mosaic of them. Students leaning into big ideas with confidence. Faculty turning curiosity into something real. Families showing up with unwavering belief in what this place makes possible. Alumni staying connected to a place they still call home. And underneath all of it, an extraordinary range of cultures, perspectives, and experiences that make Providence Day unlike anywhere else I’ve been. We’ve always been a school that moves forward with intention and heart, and I’ve been honored to be part of that momentum for more than two decades. What excites me most is that the momentum here isn’t slowing down—it’s accelerating. We’ve launched the Diploma of Entrepreneurial Studies, and we’re leading in AI in ways that would have seemed like science fiction when I started. We’re deepening our commitment to global education by bringing diverse perspectives into daily campus life and encouraging students, faculty, and staff to explore the world with curiosity and confidence. Every bit of it is rooted in preparing students for a world that’s changing quickly and demanding more of them than ever before. This magazine captures a lot of that story—the accomplishments, the range of voices, and the spirit of a community that keeps challenging itself to grow. I hope you feel that energy on every page. It is also a year of transition in the very best sense. I could not be more confident in Michael Magno as he steps into this role. He has been part of this community for more than 20 years. He built IDEAS@PD from a vision into a destination and shepherded Auerbach Hall from a dream into one of the most beautiful Lower School buildings you’ll ever see. He leads with steadiness, imagination, and a genuine love for this place. He knows PD not because he studied it, but because he helped shape it. And that is what makes this transition feel so right. We are not pausing to figure out who we are or where we’re headed. We already know. For one full school year, Providence Day essentially will have two heads of school working side by side, fully invested in this community and in its future. That kind of continuity is rare, and it says something important about PD. We do things thoughtfully. We do them intentionally. And students remain at the center of every decision we make. I am deeply grateful for the journey so far, and genuinely energized for what comes next. Let’s have a great year together. Go Chargers!

Dr. Glyn Cowlishaw

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Ahead of the Curve How Providence Day is Leading The Way on AI in Education

rtificial intelligence moved from distant buzzword to classroom reality almost overnight. For many schools, the first instinct was to figure out the rules before figuring out the tool. Providence Day took a different approach. When Director of Digital Integration and Innovation Matt Scully gathered academic leaders during the 2023–24 school year to discuss AI, he didn’t arrive with answers. He arrived with questions. “What is it? What can it do for you?” Scully recalls asking department chairs, division heads, and grade-level leaders as they experimented together with early generative AI tools. The goal wasn’t to produce a rulebook. It was to understand the technology before deciding how to use it. That deliberate start helped shape Providence Day’s longterm approach. Rather than building rigid policies around tools that were changing rapidly, the school developed a set of guiding principles focused on intentional and responsible use. “We’ve created a position,” Scully explains. “Our five guiding statements are a position. And because we have a solid position, we can modify policy anytime we want to address new things that are coming out.”

Digital Wellness Guide

Scan here for tools and guidance to help PD families navigate technology at home.

Building the Framework In year two, those principles became practice. Supported through The Alumni Association Endowment Fund for Major Resource Development, Scully, the EDTech Team, and a faculty task force developed PD’s AI Guidebook, a resource designed to help teachers responsibly integrate generative AI into their classrooms. “The proposal included a collaboration of faculty and staff who would develop a product specific to our organization’s strategic framework of leading the education field,” says Associate Head of School for Academic Affairs Dr. Michael Magno, who will become Head of School in 2027.

Powered by Alumni Support The development of PD’s AI Guidebook was funded through the Providence Day Alumni Endowment Fund for the Major Resource Development Grant Program. Established through proceeds from the annual PDGA Alumni Spring Classic Golf Tournament, the fund supports innovative faculty and staff projects that enhance teaching and learning across the school.

At the center of that work is Flint AI, a personalized learning platform now used with students in grades 4–12. Teachers who implement Flint first complete professional development training and work alongside the EDTech Team to ensure the tool is being used thoughtfully and intentionally. And while the technology may be new, the goal is not. Providence Day classrooms have always challenged students to think critically, revise their ideas, and engage deeply with material. AI, in this context, is not meant to replace that work, but to support it.

What It Looks Like in Practice The way AI appears in classrooms varies widely by subject and grade level. In Ashley Kummer’s Middle School history classes, AI often appears outside direct instruction through what she calls “study buddies,” AI-powered review tools built from class notes and study guides. Students can use them independently to review material, practice writing responses, and receive immediate feedback. “It provides additional content review, multiple choice practice, and gives students immediate feedback on their writing anytime they’d like,” Kummer says. “It has been specifically helpful for students with busy schedules.” She has also used Flint to make historical content more interactive. During a unit on the Gilded Age, students developed their own questions and posed them to AI versions of Carnegie, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and Morgan. “It pushed their thinking in a really engaging way,” she says. In Kinga Zay’s Upper School World Language classes, AI-powered activities typically appear in short, focused bursts throughout a lesson. Students practice vocabulary and grammar through personalized interactions while Zay monitors participation and feedback in real time. “Students interact with it in ways that feel personalized,” she says. “It’s especially effective for vocabulary and grammar practice, and it gives them an honest reality check of what they actually understand.” Across classrooms, the goal remains consistent: personalized support that still requires students to do the thinking. Scully compares it to strength training. “If I go to the weight room with a buddy and say, ‘Lift some weights for me to make me stronger,’ that’s just not going to happen,” he says. “But if my buddy points me to the machines and I’m actually lifting the weights, now I’m getting stronger in a really thoughtful way.”

PD'S

Guiding Principles for AI

These principles were developed by Providence Day's academic leadership team and continue to anchor the school's approach to artificial intelligence. 1. AI should always have a human touch. 2. AI tools should always be used with clear intention and guidance. 3. The products of AI tools must always be reviewed and evaluated. 4. AI tools should always be used in ethical ways—and never let efficiency interfere with the intent of the experience. 5. AI should never degrade or impede learning.

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Ahead of the Curve cont. For teachers, AI also creates opportunities to adapt instruction more efficiently. A single activity can quickly be differentiated into multiple versions tailored to different skill levels or learning needs, while the teacher continues guiding the learning experience itself. Kummer is direct with students about the technology’s limitations. “AI is an efficiency tool. It does not take the place of critical thinking,” she says. “I stress to students that I’ve caught errors in AI, and I was able to identify them because I had prior knowledge, and I did not allow it to think for me.”

Learning Beyond the Classroom Some of AI’s biggest benefits happen outside the classroom. Tomarra Londeree, PD’s Director of Modern Learning, regularly sees students using AI at night to review material, quiz themselves, and receive immediate feedback when teachers are unavailable. “It feels like there’s a teacher there helping them,” she says. “And then the next day, the real conversation happens in class.”

One parent recently shared that her Middle School son, who had struggled in science, used AI to prepare for a test and earned his first A. “She felt like the tool gave him support she couldn’t provide at home,” Londeree says.

Accountability and AI Literacy With that access comes accountability. Providence Day uses oversight systems that allow the EDTech team to monitor inappropriate interactions and follow up quickly when concerns arise. But the school’s broader focus is less about catching students and more about helping them develop good judgment. When misuse happens, those moments often become opportunities for conversation rather than punishment. “You can ask, ‘Why did you feel like you needed to use AI that way?’” Londeree says. “I’d rather students make mistakes here, where we can talk about it, before they’re out in the world.” For Scully, AI literacy starts long before students ever enter a Middle or Upper School classroom. It begins the first time a child asks Alexa a question and assumes the answer must be correct.

“Most of us as adults are learning this right alongside our kids,” he says. “But we can model the behavior—wonder out loud with them, check another source, let them see you question what the machine tells you.” That habit of questioning is ultimately what Providence Day hopes students carry forward. The tools will continue to change. The ability to think critically about them matters far more.

Looking Ahead What's being built at Providence Day isn't a policy or a platform, but a culture. One where teachers are honest about what they're still figuring out, students are learning that the most important question isn't what AI can do for them but what they can do with it, and the adults are modeling exactly the kind of critical thinking they're asking of their students. That culture started with Scully asking the right questions before most schools knew what to ask. Three years in, teachers are redesigning lessons, students are getting stronger, and the school is helping peers across the country find their footing, too. The work continues and so does the learning, for everyone in the building.

Above: Matt Scully and team gather for a photo at the ATLIS convention. Right: Matt Scully leads exercise with 5th grade class.

At the center of the approach is a simple question: Are students using AI to support their thinking, or to avoid it?

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

A New Kind of Diploma

Built Around Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Real-world Learning

t Providence Day, students don’t have to wait until college or even graduation to pursue ambitious ideas and bring them to life. Increasingly, they are already designing apps, developing independent projects, pursuing internships, and exploring opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. What they've lacked until now is a formal way to support, connect, and expand that work. That's where Providence Day's new Diploma in Entrepreneurial Studies comes in. It's one of the first high school diplomas in the country designed specifically around entrepreneurship and innovation. The diploma is intended for students who learn by creating, testing, and doing—those who move fluidly between ideas and execution—whether that shows up in technology, the arts, science, athletics, or independent ventures that don’t fit neatly into one category. “It’s really about students taking ownership of ideas and learning how to bring them to life,” said Dr. Ryan Welsh, PD’s Chief Design Strategist and director of the program. “We wanted

to create something that supports that process in a more intentional and sustained way.”

One of the First of Its Kind The DES is housed within the Moritz Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, made possible through the generosity of the Moritz family, whose support helped bring the program to life with both speed and practical grounding.

“The rapid development of this diploma would not have been possible without the Moritz family giving so generously of their time, treasure, and talent,” Welsh said. “David Moritz’s experience with entrepreneurship helped ensure this stayed rooted in real-world application.” The program represents a broader shift in how to prepare students for the future, not as a fixed destination, but as an evolving set of skills and mindsets.

Building the Moritz Department for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Learning

Built on Momentum The DES grew directly out of IDE A S@PD —In novat ion, Desig n, Entrepreneurship, Analytics, and Sustainability—a program that has steadily expanded as student interest deepened and projects became more ambitious. Faculty noticed a consistent pattern: students were already pursuing meaningful work outside of school while seeking more ways to connect that work to their learning inside it. “We kept hearing about amazing projects and ventures our students were developing outside of school,” Welsh said. “We wanted to find a way for students to cultivate their passions and curiosities within the context of organized, supported learning.” The diploma formalizes that momentum, creating a pathway that connects coursework, mentorship, and hands-on experience.

For entrepreneur and PD parent David Moritz, the inspiration behind Providence Day’s new Diploma in Entrepreneurial Studies (DES) came from a simple observation: there is no shortage of ideas. What’s often missing are the people who know how to turn those ideas into something sustainable and effective. That belief helped shape the creation of the Moritz Department for Innovative and Entrepreneurial Learning, established through a $580,000 commitment from Moritz and his family as part of Providence Day’s 2030 & Beyond campaign. The department encompasses both the IDEAS@PD program and the new DES, giving students opportunities to connect classroom learning with practical, real-world application. Moritz, founder and CEO of Society Awards, the company behind awards for organizations including the Golden Globes, Emmys, and YouTube Creator Awards, believes schools are uniquely positioned to teach the kinds of operational, communication, and problem-solving skills often overlooked even in higher education business programs. “There’s a whole world of opportunity,” he says, “especially for people who understand how to build and run things well.” After moving to Charlotte in 2021, Moritz and his family quickly found a home at Providence Day, and a school he believes is willing to continuously evolve alongside its students. “I believe in what they’re doing,” he says. “There’s real innovation happening, and how can you not get excited about it?”

Meeting Students Where They Are The DES is intentionally broad in who it serves. It is not limited to a single type of student or a single definition of entrepreneurship. Instead, it is designed for students across disciplines who want to move ideas forward in tangible ways. To earn the diploma, students complete coursework in entrepreneurship, finance, and IDEAS electives alongside internships and co-curricular experiences shaped by their individual interests. That structure is intentional. Rather than separating classroom learning from real-world application, the DES is designed to move constantly between the two. “We believe learning about something as routine as a spreadsheet becomes much more meaningful if you need it to support a real project,” Welsh said. “That back-and-forth between academic learning and applied work is where growth happens.”

Finance teacher Brian Li poses with one of his guest speakers, who shared her experience as a forensic accountant with students.

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

A New Kind of Diploma cont. That philosophy ref lects a broader culture of entrepreneurship already taking shape across Providence Day. Through events like the Marketplace at Fall Fest and the Winter Market, students from TK through 12th grades have opportunities to showcase and sell their work directly to the community. For many, this is often their first experience developing products, interacting with customers, and bringing ideas to life.

and how financial decisions align with long-term goals. That combination helps students evaluate opportunities and build work that can last.”` PD also draws on its broader community of parents, alumni, and professionals who serve as mentors, guest speakers, and internship hosts, extending learning beyond campus and into real-world environments. The result is a credential shaped not only by coursework, but by experience, relationships, and application.

A Mindset, Not Just a Program At its core, the DES is designed to cultivate a mindset: initiative, adaptability, collaboration, and comfort with uncertainty. In a rapidly changing world, the goal is not to predict what students will need years from now, but to equip them with the ability to learn, adjust, and create in real time. “We want graduates who pursue questions and ideas that matter to them,” Welsh said, “with skills that allow them to build meaning and purpose while positively impacting the communities they’ll touch after graduation.”

What Comes Next For school leadership, the DES represents more than a new academic pathway. It is a signal of how learning itself can evolve within the school. “We are an organization designed for learning,” said Associate Head of School Dr. Michael Magno, who will become Head of School in 2027. “The Diploma in Entrepreneurial Studies reflects how Providence Day is leading the education field. We’re launching this because our students are ready for it—and because the world they’re stepping into demands it. We’ll learn and adapt as we go, keeping student outcomes at the center.” The Diploma in Entrepreneurial Studies is built on a simple premise: students shouldn’t have to wait for opportunity to find them. Middle and Upper School teacher Brian Li, who will teach finance within the program, sees that connection as essential. “Entrepreneurship thrives on creativity and bold ideas, and financial education provides the foundation that helps those ideas grow into sustainable ventures,” he said. “In the diploma program, students will explore how money moves through a business while also learning about investing, asset classes,

They should be supported in building, testing, and pursuing ideas now—while they are still learning, still experimenting, still shaping what comes next. And in many cases, they already are. The DES gives that work a name, a structure, and a pathway forward.

Robotics advisor and IDEAS faculty Travis White (far right) poses with members of the Upper School robotics team outside of Bank of America Stadium.

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Student Entrepreneurs in Action Rohin Narang ’26 Rohin Narang ’26 is the co-founder of Sliced, a baking startup he launched with his sister in 2020. What began as a small, casual menu of homemade baked goods has grown into a thriving business offering more than 30 seasonal items. As the business has expanded, so has Rohin’s understanding of what it takes to run and sustain a small enterprise. With encouragement from faculty, he has built confidence as a young entrepreneur. This fall he will attend UNC-Chapel Hill, where he hopes to apply these experiences to future ventures and his career.

Rajan Khiani ’30 and Neel Tripathy ’30 As vegetarians, Rajan Khiani ’30 and Neel Tripathy ’30 knew the frustration firsthand: finding balanced, proteinrich meals that actually fit their lives wasn't easy. So in eigth grade they decided to solve it. BiteRight, their mealplanning and nutrition app, uses personal inputs and USDA guidelines to generate customized meal plans for students and families with dietary restrictions. Built in partnership with PD's FLIK dining team, tested by hundreds of users, and recognized with a national STEM-In-Action Grant, BiteRight is no longer just a school project—it's a working product with real users and a roadmap for what's next.

Kinsey Burns ’27 For Kinsey Burns ’27, theatre has always been a passion. Her Capstone project takes that passion somewhere new—behind the curtain and into the business of making a production actually happen. Through Global Online Academy's Arts Entrepreneurship course, she is building a complete production proposal from the ground up: timelines, budgets, hiring plans, and the infrastructure that holds it all together. She is learning what it takes to bring a production to life not just artistically, but as a business. PD faculty connected her with a New York City theatre manager along the way, bringing real industry perspective to work that is already pointing toward her future in theatre management.

Isha Dwivedy ’27 After pursuing an internship at Adrina Farms, a local vertical hydroponic farm, Isha Dwivedy ’27 spent a summer there contributing to everything from seeding and nutrient mixing to packaging produce for local restaurants and markets. The experience deepened her understanding of sustainable agriculture and reinforced something she already believed: that precision, adaptability, and environmental responsibility aren't separate values, they're the foundation of good work. As a leader in PD’s Sustainability Club, she has continued building on that interest through campus initiatives and community partnerships, while also helping organize this year’s Women’s Leadership Conference, which connected students with female entrepreneurs and business leaders from across Charlotte.

Ella Nelson ’27 For Ella Nelson ’27, the path into entrepreneurship has been practical from the start. What began as a casual clothing resale project with friends has grown into an intentional venture in buying, renting, and reselling—and along the way, she's developed a genuine interest in how everyday ideas can evolve into real business opportunities. Through DECA, she has added competitive business experience to that foundation, while AP Macroeconomics and Broadcast Journalism have sharpened her understanding of markets and communication. She hopes to one day start her own company, and she's already well on her way.

Amelia Cruciana ’30 Growing up around cybersecurity, Amelia Cruciana ’30 has spent the past several years interning at her family’s company, Corporate Information Technologies, where she began by helping with accounting and billing before moving into more advanced cybersecurity work. This spring, she copresented a session at BSides San Francisco, a national cybersecurity conference, focused on applying cybersecurity principles to social media and early-stage businesses. She is now preparing to present at additional conferences, including DEF CON. Through engineering courses and the IDEAS @PD, she has continued developing her interest in cyber and hopes to pursue the field through the Air Force Academy.

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Student Entrepreneurs in Action

From School Servers to Silicon Valley

or Aidan Denier Shain ’26, curiosity has always had a natural next step: build something and see what happens. The details get technical quickly, but the short version is this: he’s been doing exactly that—launching products and building companies—since seventh grade. And he's gotten pretty good at it. It started with Barkle, a social media platform he and a friend built and released to fellow Providence Day middle schoolers during a school dance. By the end of the night, 80 students had signed up and the server had crashed under the weight of it. Aidan fixed it before morning. He was 14. The whole experience—the chaos, the scramble, the unexpected success—turned out to be the best classroom he'd ever been in. There were stumbles along the way, and he's refreshingly honest about them. An earlier attempt at a game server hosting business never got off the ground. The first version of Barkle accidentally violated its own software license—something Aidan didn't know was possible until it was. "I was just a seventh grader," he says with a laugh. He rebuilt it anyway, fixed the license, and kept going. That willingness to fail, learn, and move forward faster is the throughline of everything Aidan has built. Today he leads his own software company Avunite, and its flagship product Campra—a social platform designed specifically for high school campuses. Providence Day was the first school to sign on. Other area schools are in conversations. His longer-term vision stretches further still: he wants Campra to connect students across the Round Square global school network, turning it from a campus tool into something much bigger. PD has been a genuine partner in getting him there. Faculty helped him sharpen his business plan. He's met with two members of the Board of Trustees, who are connecting him with mentors and investors. Middle and Upper School Finance teacher Brian Li has been a steady guide since middle school, and Upper School Math teacher Justin Gammell has helped him think through how to structure the business for outside funding. "Without PD's help," Aiden says, "I wouldn't have gotten this far on my own." Then there's Rabbit—and this is where the story gets even more exciting. Rabbit makes small, pocket-sized AI devices, and when they released a major update last year, Aidan immediately started building apps for it in his spare time. He built something clever enough that the company's

engineering team spent three days in internal meetings talking about it. The CEO sent Aidan a friend request on Discord. That message became a call, and the call became an internship offer. By the time Aidan started in the spring of his senior year, he had already led the development of one of Rabbit's newest features, a meeting recorder that ships on the device itself. Aidan graduated from PD in May and is taking a gap year to focus on Avunite and Rabbit, where he’s been offered a full-time engineer position. He seems energized rather than overwhelmed by all of it. He's also the kind of student who helped inspire PD's new Diploma in Entrepreneurial Studies. Having attended Providence Day since kindergarten, he sees the diploma as exactly the structured path that would have helped him and will now help others. "More students will be able to build companies that have meaningful impacts on the world," he says. "I'm very happy PD is introducing this." His advice to anyone who'll listen: fail fast and fail often. Don't let the fear of getting it wrong slow you down, because getting it wrong, quickly, is often how you get it right.

Fall Fest

Upc yc ling T-shir t Pumpk in R

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PRESENTING PARTNER

Thank you!

The Providence Day Parents' Association is grateful to Hendrick Luxury Group for being our 2025–2026 Presenting Partner, and for helping us live our mission of social responsibility through activities during Fall Fest, Winter Market, Recyclery/ Upper School Mountain Biking Club bike drive, greenway clean up, thrifting drive, E-waste drives and more.

Jessica Williams and Kelsey Knutson lead their 12th-grade Advanced Global Leadership class in an Ethics Forum.

A World of Learning, Woven Into Every Division

or Providence Day, global education is a philosophy woven throughout the student experience from the earliest grades onward, one that recently earned national recognition through an endorsement from the Institute for Global Learning.

Granted to only a small number of schools worldwide, the endorsement recognizes Providence Day’s sustained commitment to preparing students to engage thoughtfully and confidently in an interconnected world. More importantly, it affirms the intentional way that work unfolds across every division of the school. That process begins early. In Lower School, students build global awareness through experiences rooted in curiosity, storytelling, and connection. Programs like “worldwide show and tell” connect PD classrooms with students around the

globe, giving young learners the opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and hear perspectives from peers in countries such as Brazil and Canada. By Middle School, students begin stepping into more active leadership roles through Round Square dialogues and conferences. Students help shape discussion themes, facilitate breakout conversations, and engage with peers from around the world on topics that matter to them personally. In Upper School, those experiences deepen into student-led facilitation, exchanges, intercultural dialogue, and advanced pathways such as the Global Studies Diploma. Throughout the process, the emphasis remains not simply on participation, but on growth. That same commitment extends beyond students to faculty and staff, who engage in global learning through professional

The 2025 GEC Uruguay cohort: • Jessica Williams • Meg Filoon • Ashley Liberto • Paul Burnam • Keith Pochick • Andrea Villegas • Shavonn Perkins • Thamar Lebrón Fernández • Caroline Marks

A Journey Together In the summer of 2025, nine Providence Day educators traveled to Uruguay together as part of Providence Day’s first-ever all-division Global Educator Certificate experience. Rooted in PD’s Strategic Framework around health and well-being and innovative faculty professional development, the program was designed to bring together educators who might not otherwise share space or experiences in their day-today routines, and to place them in an environment where connection, reflection, and growth could happen naturally. Uruguay became the backdrop for all of it. As participants navigated a new country and new culture together, they also began seeing themselves, and one another, differently.

“The goal is not simply exposure,” said Jessica Williams, Director of Global Programs. “It’s creating an environment where global understanding becomes part of the air students breathe.”

development, conference participation, and classroom practice that continuously brings international perspectives into teaching and school life. “Building intercultural competence is a lifelong process,” said Jessica Williams, Director of Global Programs. That philosophy is central to Providence Day’s approach. “Our idea isn’t just to offer a bunch of activities,” Williams said. “It’s about beginning to understand yourself, and beginning to understand how that may be similar or different from other people and other ways of doing and being around the world.”

“The trip was impactful,” says Upper School teacher Thamar Lebrón Fernández, now PD’s Dean of Academic Affairs. “The experience…was an opportunity to reflect on myself as an individual and as a teacher. The connections across divisions created a sense of belonging and community.” Lower School teacher Shavonn Perkins sees the connection between her own growth and her impact in the classroom. “As an educator, having access to other countries makes you better at your job,” she says. “Being able to speak from personal experience is very different than teaching from a textbook or showing someone else’s video of an adventure.” Middle School teacher Keith Pochick found himself learning as much from his colleagues as from the experience itself. “I learned things from everyone who was there,” he says. “And I look forward to collaborating with them more because of the connections we made.” What emerged from the trip was more than professional development or international travel. It was a shared experience that blurred the lines between divisions, strengthened relationships across campus, and challenged educators to think more deeply about themselves, their students, and the world around them.

Scan to watch the story of the 2025 GEC Uruguay trip

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Snapshots of Global Learning Across Divisions

Middle School Round Square Conference | Germany Six Middle School students traveled to Germany for a Round Square conference focused on democracy and self-determination, connecting with peers from around the world while exploring new cultures, perspectives, and environments through immersive travel and homestays.

Upper School Round Square Conference South Africa Upper School students traveled to South Africa for an international Round Square conference centered on leadership, cultural exchange, and global dialogue, gaining firsthand experience collaborating with peers from around the world.

Global Studies Diploma Students in the Global Studies Diploma program explore complex international issues through ethics forums, leadership training, and independent research projects designed to strengthen intercultural understanding and global perspective.

FreshMUN | Ninth Grade Global Civics As part of the ninthgrade Global Civics curriculum, students participate in FreshMUN, a Model UN-style conference where they debate global issues, represent assigned countries, and build skills in diplomacy, collaboration, and public speaking.

TK Goes Global Providence Day’s youngest students begin exploring global cultures in TK through a fourweek immersive unit on language, travel, and traditions, culminating in a student-led celebration for families and friends.

Kindergarten Canada Unit Kindergarten students explore Canada through hands-on lessons about geography, wildlife, cities, and traditions, culminating in a themed “VIA Rail” experience where students celebrate their learning through music, dress, and imaginative travel.

Mid-Autumn Festival Across Divisions Students across divisions celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival, with Lower School Chinese classes, exploring the holiday's traditions through mooncakes and tea. Upper School students in the Asian American and Pacific Islander affinity group gathered for trivia, treats, and community celebration.

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The World as a Classroom When the School Invested in Sixth Grade Math Teacher Michelle Garrity's Growth, It Sent Her Halfway Around the World—and Changed Her Life

hen Michelle Garrity ’04 first sat down with Director of Global Programs Jessica Williams to plan her Global Educator Certificate trip, her instinct was to think like a math teacher. Greece made sense: ancient geometry, the roots of Western mathematics. But Williams gently redirected her. The question wasn’t what connected to the curriculum, it was what Garrity wanted to learn. That is how, in the summer of 2025, Garrity found herself on a beach in Busan, South Korea. Garrity is a sixth-grade math teacher, field hockey coach, and Providence Day alum. She is also a Korean adoptee, born in Busan and brought to America at four months old. She had never been back.

The trip, made possible through PD’s GEC program, was part professional development, part personal pilgrimage. “All these questions were going through my head,” Garrity recalls. “Am I related to that person over there? Could I have walked these streets if I’d never been adopted? What would my life have been like?” She pauses. “And then they just faded away. There was this intense gratitude–for my parents, my family, my colleagues, my community—for where I am today.”

Asking the Right Question The GEC is built on a simple premise: when teachers grow as people, students feel it. The program funds international travel for faculty and staff, asking them not just to see the world but to

bring it back into their classrooms, relationships, and sense of self. “[Williams] said, ‘What do you mean it’s not connected to your content?’” Garrity recalls. “She basically said that learning more about your background and identity is going to help your students, your athletes, your community.”

“One of the greatest gifts we can give one another is to listen,” says Williams. “If a GEC candidate feels pigeonholed in how they connect their discipline and their wholeness, it is time to deepen the conversation. The world is our teacher, and educators are humans. How might we bridge the two in a way that benefits our community?” Made Possible By Endowment Support Garrity also received the Pam Wilson Endowed Teacher Enrichment Award to help fund the trip. Wilson was her math teacher when she started at PD in the sixth grade. Now, Garrity holds that same role, and Wilson’s legacy helped send her on one of the most meaningful experiences of her life.

Scan here to learn more about Michelle Garrity's GEC trip to Korea.

“She was one of the first people on campus to make me feel welcome,” Garrity says. “And now her legacy helped me get here.”

The program took Garrity across South Korea—Seoul, Busan, and beyond— alongside educators and professionals from Australia, Germany, Canada, and Britain.

Busan, and a Beach The most powerful stop was Busan. With a Korean-speaking guide, she located the Seoul neighborhood where her foster family had lived. She wasn’t searching for biological family—she just wanted to see the place she was from. “I recently asked a group of students how many were born somewhere they’ve never visited,” she says. “That was it for me. I just wanted to see where I was born.” What she found was a city she immediately loved, where skyscrapers meet the coastline and the beach begins just across the street. Sitting there, the questions that had followed her all week quieted into stillness. There was one more layer. The day she shared her story with PD faculty and staff fell on August 13, the anniversary of her arrival in the United States as an infant. Her “gotcha day.” That evening, she called her mom. “She said, ‘Happy gotcha day.’ And I said, ‘Guess how I spent my day.’”

What She Brought Back This is what Providence Day’s global philosophy is built for: not just the journey outward, but the journey forward. For Garrity, the return has been quietly transformative. She has visited second-grade classrooms to share her story. Students have opened up about adoption. Colleagues have shared personal experiences she didn’t expect. The trip didn’t just change her, it rippled outward.

Providence Day has long believed that a globally minded school is shaped not just by where its students go, but by who is teaching them when they come back. Michelle Garrity went to Busan last summer. She came home to Charlotte. And her students are better for both.

“Knowing that part of my identity, I feel more confident in who I am,” she says. “And that has made me a better teacher.” She also spoke at PD’s Clock Tower Reception, an annual donor recognition event held in April, where she shared reflections from her experience with the PD community. “I’m a part of this community for a reason,” she adds. “And the fact that this school supports the growth of the whole individual— not just academically, but as a person—is something I don’t take for granted.”

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

In Her Words A Journey Between Charlotte and Johannesburg Written by By Charlotte Doucleff ’27

ast spring, I was given the opportunity to participate in an exchange through Round Square with a student from Dainfern College in Johannesburg, South Africa. My exchange student, Keanda, first stayed with me and my family for three weeks in late March, and then I stayed with her and her family for three weeks in June. Since I had moved to Charlotte last year, when Keanda came to visit I got to explore new parts of the area at the same time as her. For example, we went to a Hornets game, the White Water Center and Camp North End. Through showing her around, I discovered more of Charlotte that I wouldn’t have otherwise. On the other hand, when I went to stay with Keanda I learned how to better advocate for myself. I was far from my family and several time zones ahead, so I had to fend for myself and ask for what I needed. Additionally, I grew my social skills. Since the exchange was only three weeks long, I had to push myself to talk to new

people in order to foster connection in such a short amount of time. I was able to successfully connect with a lot of Keanda’s friends and other students, many of whom I still keep in contact with today. Finally, I became more adaptable because I was in a place I wasn’t used to and had to acclimate into a new environment. Moreover, I learned a lot about daily life as a student attending Dainfern. I went to school with Keanda, and took a range of classes such as Business and Zulu. I experienced wearing a uniform, and being a part of a school house. I also got to participate in the inter-house dance competition, practicing every day after school and then performing for the rest of the school. Finally, I attended school events like their annual fashion show, and helped fundraise for their senior dance. Overall, I would recommend this experience to students considering it because you get to gain independence, meet new people and learn about how life is lived in a new area of the world.

ANNUAL FUND

FAMILY OF FUNDS

PD’s Greatest Need

Faculty Support & Professional Development

Student Financial Assistance

Student Innovation

Health & Wellness

Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging

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The Annual Fund helps elevate every PD student’s experience from great to exceptional. Each year, gifts from the Charger community support our mission of inspiring and equipping tomorrow’s leaders while reflecting donors’ individual philanthropic priorities. Learn more and make your gift at providenceday.org/annualfund.

Scan the QR code to visit www.providenceday.org/annualfund, and learn more about how to make your gift today!

The Annual Fund Family of Funds supports our students and faculty in the current academic year through the school’s operating budget. Should designated contributions exceed a designation’s budgeted need, the school will direct contributions to the area of greatest need.

Each year, PD seniors celebrate their upcoming graduation with the Senior Walk, a parade through campus cheered on by students, faculty, and staff from all divisions.

More Than Hallway High-Fives: How PD Brings Divisions Together

ne of the advantages of a TK–12 campus is what happens when students from different divisions simply share the same space–the high-fives in the hallway, the cheers at a game, the smile from an older student who remembers being in your shoes. At Providence Day, those moments don't happen by chance. They're built into the school year through intentional cross-divisional programming that gives students across Lower, Middle, and Upper School the chance to learn from, mentor, and celebrate one another. "Older students step so naturally into these mentorship roles,” says Upper School Dean Andrea Gowin. “And it’s so special to watch younger students gain confidence from being seen and supported by peers they look up to.” Across these experiences, a consistent pattern emerges—students are learning with one another, not just alongside one another. And in doing so, they are helping to shape a community where connection across ages is part of everyday life.

Cookies, Books & Hot Chocolate The annual Hot Chocolate event got a cozy upgrade this year with a pajama theme—first graders arrived with a favorite book and a stuffed animal, ninth graders helped them build the perfect cup, and the pairs settled in to read together.

Reading & Performing Together What better way to practice projecting your voice than performing for an audience of Kindergartners? Sixth-grade theater students put together original puppet shows during library time, working on accents and stage presence while their younger audience giggled and cheered. Loud, silly, and effective for everyone involved.

Music Mentorship Throughout the school year, Upper School orchestra students spent their morning break mentoring Middle School peers one on one, many of whom were preparing for regional auditions. Upper School band students have done the same. The relationships run deep: one mentor even showed up to his mentee's audition just to cheer him on. As the orchestra teachers noted, these connections have strengthened not just individual skills, but the broader music community at PD.

Learning Side by Side Cross-divisional programming isn't only about play. Upper School Latin students visited a Middle School anatomy class to connect mythology with medical terminology, then challenged them to a trivia game for good measure. Upper School leaders taught fifth graders strategies for courageous conversations. Middle School's "Vibe Check" club led TK students through a drawing and gratitude activity. In each case, older students took their role seriously, and younger students rose to meet them.

Outside & Growing Together Some moments are big and structured. Others involve chalk, popsicles, and Duck, Duck, Goose. Twelfth graders headed outside with Kindergartners for an afternoon of unscripted fun, while International Dot Day brought Kindergartners into the IDEASxChange for a scavenger hunt with Middle School Entrepreneurship students, built around the message at the heart of The Dot: be brave, and make your mark.

Kindness in Action Eleventh graders and third graders wrote notes of appreciation to faculty and staff together, and Lower and Upper School students joined forces to write Veterans Day cards honoring those who served. When older students are given the chance to model generosity, they show up—and younger students carry it forward.

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Michael Magno Named Next Head of School

arlier this year, the Providence Day Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Michael Magno as Head of School, effective July 2027.

Magno, who has been part of the PD community for more than two decades, serves as Associate Head of School and has been a driving force behind some of the school's most significant recent initiatives. He led the vision, design, and construction of Auerbach Hall, PD's new Lower School building, and as Chief Academic Officer spearheaded the development of IDEAS@PD—the innovative program encompassing financial literacy, entrepreneurship, competitive robotics and drone teams, and PD's esports program. "Michael is a respected leader who embodies the heart and spirit of Providence Day," said Board Chair Jim Ratchford. "His experience, integrity, and long-standing

dedication to our community make him the ideal person to lead us into the future." Magno expressed equal enthusiasm for the role. "I have seen firsthand the power of our mission and the extraordinary commitment of our faculty, staff, students, trustees, and families," he said. "I'm deeply honored to build on what makes PD a school that is nationally recognized for innovation and educational excellence, while helping guide the school thoughtfully and confidently into its next chapter." Magno will succeed Dr. Glyn Cowlishaw, who retires at the close of the 2026–27 school year following 15 years of transformative leadership. Dr. Cowlishaw will continue in an advisory capacity after his retirement. "Glyn has led with vision, authenticity, and care," Ratchford said, "ensuring that our students, faculty, and families thrive."

A Record Year for the Gil Murdock Turkey Trot

hen the 18th annual Gil Murdock Turkey Trot wrapped up in November, the numbers told a remarkable story: 27,070 items donated. The previous record was 4,400. The event, held in memory of Gil Murdock, Providence Day's first athletic director, has long been one of the school's signature service events. But this year was different. Second Harvest needed not one truck but two to haul away the food donations. A separate van carried diapers and wipes to Bright Blessings. Pick-up crews, organizers said, had never seen anything like it. The surge in giving came at a critical moment. "This year brought a heightened need across the greater Charlotte area, as many families have been affected by reductions to SNAP benefits," said Kristie Oglesby, Health and PE Department Chair. "Our PD community responded in a remarkable way to help close that gap."

Behind the record haul was a reimagined approach. A formal planning committee set a goal of 12,000 items and rallied students, families, staff, and alumni alike. By day four, they'd already collected more than 12,900 items. Then, in the final 36 hours, totals more than doubled. Families arrived with cars packed full. Groups made impromptu Costco runs. Eighth-grade PE students volunteered their class time to help sort and haul. "Students were excited," Oglesby said. "The response was extraordinary." For those involved, the event was about more than the numbers. "Families who don't have much get to feel appreciated, especially around the holidays," said eighthgrader Lawson Currier. "It also inspires others to help." As PD's largest annual donation drive, the Gil Murdock Turkey Trot continues to embody the school's spirit of service, generosity, and community—and this year, that spirit showed up in record-breaking fashion.

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Bringing Learning to Life Professionals Who Extend Classroom Learning

cardiologist with a live ultrasound. A pediatric surgeon with tools from the operating room. A beekeeper with a hive full of insight. At Providence Day, learning regularly extends beyond the classroom as professionals across disciplines bring their work directly to students. Throughout the year, students across divisions engage with visiting experts whose careers give real-world context to academic concepts, from medicine and finance to engineering, construction, and environmental science. These experiences do more than enrich curriculum; they create opportunities for students to connect theory with practice, ask meaningful questions, and begin to see how classroom learning translates into lived work.

In Bonnie Wright’s eighth-grade science classes, Providence Day parent Dr. Param Vidwan, Chief of Interventional Cardiology at Novant Health, guided students through the structure and function of the heart using real-time ultrasound imaging. Students examined stents and valve models, practiced threading a stent through a simulated vessel, and perhaps most memorably, watched their own hearts beating on an iPad-connected ultrasound device. He also introduced the role of artificial intelligence in cardiovascular care, encouraging students to think about the future of medicine. In the Middle School Amazing Human Body anatomy class, Dr. Scannell, a PD parent and pediatric orthopedic surgeon, brought the operating room into focus. Students explored spine deformities and scoliosis treatment, tried on surgical gear, and handled real tools used in orthopedic procedures. In Upper School finance classes, students regularly engage with visiting guest speakers from across the financial and business world, gaining real-world insight into leadership, decision-making, and industry practice. Among recent visitors was Bank of America Chief Operations Executive Tom Scrivener, who spoke with students as part of this broader series of professional guest lectures that enrich the curriculum and connect classroom learning to real-world experience. Third graders studying plants and pollination learned directly from PD parent and alumni Jen Dyer ’92 and her daughter Ivy Greer ’26, who demonstrated beekeeping practices, explained honey production, and introduced students to full beekeeping suits as they explored the role of pollinators in ecosystems. In another visit, a member of Edison Foard, the construction company behind Auerbach Hall, read to Kindergartners about “Lane the Loader,” connecting early learners to careers in construction across the Carolinas.

PD parent and Chief of Interventional Cardiology at Novant Health, Dr. Param Vidwan, shows eighth-grade students some of the technology he uses in the hospital.

Bank of America's Chief Operations Executive speaks to an Upper School Finance class about budgeting and personal finance.

Taken together, these moments reflect a clear throughline: at Providence Day, the world beyond campus is a regular presence in the learning experience.

A team of Upper School students, led by IDEAS faculty Todd Johnson, competed for the third year in a row in the Whitewater Center's Build Your Own Boat competition.

PD's Mystery Machine Wins Build Your Own Boat Contest

very year, the U.S. National Whitewater Center hosts one of Charlotte’s most creative competitions: Build Your Own Boat, where teams design and construct homemade vessels—then put them to the test on Class II–IV rapids. This fall, Providence Day’s Upper School team didn’t just survive the course—they won, taking home the Overall Winner award in the School Division with their fully sustainable, biodegradable Mystery Machine. The project was months in the making. Students logged hundreds of hours designing, building, and decorating their vessel, with sustainability as a non-negotiable constraint. Every material had to be biodegradable. Every design decision had to hold up in rapids. Kaylin Deprey ’27 described jumping into the chaos: “I’m friends with a few people on the crew, and they told me, ‘We’re building a boat.’ I thought that was crazy, so I

wanted in!” She started by cutting foam and cardboard, then helped assemble the vessel. Returning student Stephen Prakash ’27 highlighted the team’s twist: “Last year our boats just sat around after the race. This time, we used biodegradable resin, foam, and even cotton T-shirts. As soon as we finished, the boat dissolved in the water.” A large community turnout added to the excitement of the event. “It was super crowded,” Kaylin said. “There was so much community—it made winning even sweeter.” The Build Your Own Boat experience blends creativity, engineering, and environmental design in a real-world challenge, with race day serving as the ultimate test. For these Upper Schoolers, turning an idea into a seaworthy—and sustainable—Mystery Machine was a triumph in every sense.

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

A local dance group performs at the Cultural Connections Lunar New Year celebration in February.

Cultural Connections Celebrating the Traditions That Make Us Who We Are

n a beautiful evening last September, Providence Day families stepped into the Levine Academic Center and found themselves immersed in Hispanic and Latinx culture. Stations around the room were filled with artifacts, crafts, and food. Upper School students Diego Monino ’27 and Necali Nazemi ’28 led a presentation for the crowd, and by the end of the night, the room had transformed into a dance floor. More than 250 people attended— the largest Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in school history. The event marked the opening night of Cultural Connections, a series of community celebrations that would go on to draw record attendance throughout the year. Each year, Cultural Connections, organized by the Parents' Association

in partnership with the Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB), brings together students, families, faculty, and staff to celebrate traditions from around the world. The events are designed not only for families who observe these holidays, but also for anyone curious to learn. This year, the PD community showed up in the highest numbers yet, drawn by celebrations of Lunar New Year, Eid al-Fitr, Black History Month, and more. "Each celebration felt like a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with old friends and build new connections for everyone in attendance,” said parent volunteer Chara O’Neale, who helped organize this year’s Cultural Connections events. The Diwali celebration in October brought more than 500 attendees

together for an evening of food, music, and cultural exploration. New to the Cultural Connections lineup this year, a Friday night Shabbat dinner in January drew more than 350 attendees. The record turnout and growing enthusiasm is perhaps no surprise. The PD community includes families who have relocated from other countries, parents raising multicultural children, and students who move between cultures and languages as a matter of daily life. Cultural Connections grew out of that reality, offering a space where those experiences aren't just acknowledged but celebrated. It’s also a chance to celebrate the community as a whole while recognizing and uplifting individuals within it—and to reflect the genuine curiosity and care students and families have for cultures and traditions that may be new to them.

Below and Right: PD community members gather to share a meal and fellowship at the first Cultural Connections Shabbat Dinner.

The Diwali celebration in October brought families together for an evening of food, music, and cultural exploration.

"These events create space for people to share who they are, which leads to a greater sense of belonging," said Tyrone Jean, Assistant Head of School for Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. "They give students and families a chance to experience traditions they may not encounter otherwise, while affirming the identities of those who celebrate them."

Cultural Connections is one part of a larger effort—through affinity groups, year-round programming, and a deep institutional commitment to equity and belonging—to make Providence Day a place where every student sees themselves reflected in the community around them.

Bottom Left: Members of the Upper School Black Student Union present at the Black History Month Celebration. Bottom Middle and Right: Attendees of the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration embrace traditions from their cultures.

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Academic Highlights National Recognition

STEM Handouts

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

Top 1% in the Nation

Providence Day students earned a record number of honors in the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Senior Eleanor Zhang ’26 received a National Silver Medal for her short story, while Chelsea Zhang ’30, Gabriel Jorge ’27, Kira Probst ’28, KatieMae Sweeney ’27, Sarah Yao ’29, and Emery Boonshaft ’27 earned Regional Gold Keys and advanced to national judging.

Competing in the nationally recognized Mathematical Association of America AMC math contests, Alan Dai ’29 earned a score of 130.5, placing him in the top 1% nationally. Justin Wang ’27, Ethan Yuan ’30, and Calvin Xu ’29 also received honorable mention recognition.

A Carson Scholar Samarth Kasaraneni ’27 was named a 2026 Carson Scholars Fund Carson Scholar, recognized for academic excellence, leadership, and service. He was honored at the organization's 30th Annual Maryland Awards Banquet.

In its first year, Providence Day’s Technology Student Association chapter captured a state championship in Structural Engineering and Design, with Connor Cui ’28 and William Oliphant ’28 earning first place and qualifying for nationals. Students also medaled regionally in Board Game Design, Music Production, and Data Science & Analysis.

DAR Essay Winner

Science Olympiad Medals

Sophia McRae ’26 was named the winner of the regional Good Citizens Essay Contest sponsored by the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her essay reflected on freedom, patriotism, military service, and civic responsibility, earning her recognition in Halifax, Virginia, and a college scholarship award.

The Upper School Science Olympiad team earned medals in seven events at the Charlotte Regional competition. Highlights included second place in Astronomy for Sam Xiao ’27, fourth place in Designer Genes for Sam Xiao ’27 and Angela Li ’27, and fifth place in Anatomy & Physiology for Jamie Liu ’28 and Wes Kropf ’26.

Engineering Success

Future Health Leaders Students representing HOSA-Future Health Professionals excelled at regional and state competitions. Sarah Yao ’29 earned first place regionally and third place at states in World Health Disparities, while Sofia Hsu ’28 captured a regional title in Phlebotomy.

Leadership & Student Life Student Government Builds Community This year, Student Government Association hosted division-wide movie nights for the first time, featuring screenings of "A Quiet Place" during Homecoming Week and "Black Panther" during Black History Month in partnership with the Black Student Union. Debate Team Providence Day’s Debate Club sent five competitors to the Laird Lewis Tournament at Myers Park High School, where KatieMae Sweeney ’27 advanced to the quarterfinals. Students also organized an in-house debate tournament for peers this spring. Faith in Action The Fellowship of Christian Athletes hosted its first-ever Fields of Faith event, featuring student testimonies and keynote speaker Ken Carrick, a parent of PD alumni and former volunteer football coach. Global & Cultural Connections Providence Day’s German Club celebrated culture through events including Oktoberfest, Carnival, and Soccer is Life. The Hispanic/Latinx Affinity Group visited Mint Museum for the “Collidoscope: de la Torre Brothers Retro-Perspective” exhibit and hosted a Lunch & Learn on cultural pride through art with Upper School teacher Felipe Maldonado.

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Academic Highlights Cont. Service and Impact A Community of Service Upper School students devoted time and talent to causes across Charlotte and beyond. Members of the National Art Honor Society created handmade ceramic bowls for Soup on Sunday, benefiting hospice and palliative care patients, while the Black Student Union assembled more than 60 coloring kits for children at Levine Children's Hospital. Students and faculty also participated in creek cleanups, packed hygiene kits for Bright Blessings, and volunteered with Charlotte Animal Care & Control. Play4Kay Night The Upper School girls basketball team hosted a Play4Kay Night to raise awareness and support for women’s cancer initiatives, combining athletics with advocacy and community engagement.

Diplomacy & Public Speaking Model UN Excellence Providence Day delegates earned numerous Best Delegate and Outstanding Delegate honors at Charlotte Model United Nations and Chapel Hill Model United Nations. Best Delegate winners included Siddhi Uppuluri ’28, Rohan Khiani ’28, Stephen Prakash ’27, James Moore ’27, Kia Tadesse ’27, Jackson Awender ’28, Tomiwa Onafuwa ’27, and Gabriel Jorge ’27. Outstanding Delegate honors went to Jackson Awender 28’, LJ Dawkins ’27, Julia Danile ’27, James Moore ’27, Scarlett Henderson ’28, and Trayi Yada ’27. DECA Makes History At the DECA International Career Development Conference in Atlanta, Kira Probst ’28, Maggie Li ’28, and Milan Mishra ’28 placed third in the world in Buying and Merchandising Operations, earning DECA’s coveted glass trophy awarded to top international finalists. The achievement capped a historic season for Providence Day’s DECA chapter, which sent eight students to the International Career Development Conference for the first time in school history.

Fifth Grade Highlights Science Olympiad Success Eleven fifth graders helped lead the school to a third-place overall finish at the Mecklenburg County Regional Science Olympiad Tournament. Competing against 14 schools, the team earned 18 medals across 15 events. Battle of the Books Champions The fifth grade Battle of the Books team captured the district championship in Asheville before finishing fourth at the regional competition after a year of dedicated preparation and teamwork. Math Olympiad Honors The fifth grade Math Olympiad team earned both a High Achievement Award and a Meritorious Award this year. Five students also placed in the top 10 percent globally in competition standings.

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PD Varsity Football's Perfect Run to the State Title

he Providence Day Varsity Football team capped off a historic season by winning the NCISAA state championship and completing the first undefeated season in program history. The Chargers finished 13–0, a milestone year defined by consistency, depth, and dominance on both sides of the ball. Under head coach Chad Grier, Providence Day powered through a demanding schedule without a loss, including a decisive victory over Charlotte Christian in the state final to secure the title.

Standout performances included quarterback Zaid Lott ’26, who set a school record for single-game touchdowns with four passing and four rushing scores, and Hudson Clavin ’26 who earned Charlotte Touchdown Club Student-Athlete of the Year honors. On special teams, kicker Jacob Baggett ’26 set a state record with 90 touchbacks, the highest total in North Carolina across both public and private schools. The result is a season that will be remembered not just for a state title, but for a first in program history: perfection.

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Girls Varsity Swim Team Claims First State Championship

he Providence Day Varsity Girls Swim team made program history this season, capturing its first NCISAA state championship.

The Chargers delivered a dominant performance at the state meet, powered by strong relay swims and depth across the roster. Leading the way was Annie Shall ’28, who set new school records in both the 100-meter breaststroke and the 200 individual medley, anchoring a standout performance for the Chargers in the pool. Her efforts helped set the tone for a team-wide push toward the title.

Adding to the milestone season, head coach Kristina Bond was named Charlotte Observer Girls Swimming Coach of the Year, recognizing her leadership in guiding the program to its first state championship. The win marks a defining moment for Providence Day swimming, one built on depth, consistency, and breakthrough performances on the state’s biggest stage.

College Commitments & Signing Day Milestones Throughout the year, Providence Day hosted multiple signing days honoring student-athletes continuing their athletic careers in college. This year also marked a milestone moment for the Chargers program with the school’s first all-girls signing day, reflecting the growing strength, visibility, and success of girls athletics across the Chargers program. Mikaela Arey – Emory University

Aidan Gallos – Tufts College

Quinten McRay – University of Richmond

Jacob Baggett – University of Michigan

Tina Garofoli – Miami of Ohio University

Julia O’Malley – Johns Hopkins University

Zetta Grace Bartee – Auburn University

Abby Goldean – Southern Methodist University

Brendan Ravin – Davidson College

Bridget Brewster – Hamilton College

Matthew Hankins – Wingate University

Katelyn Ramsden – University of Chicago

DC Carr – Wingate University

Deuce Haynes – Morehouse College

Aidan Scruitsky – Hampden-Sydney College

Thomas Daly – Denison University

Ethan He – Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Chloe Scofield – Presbyterian College

Raj Das – Emory University

Evelyn Hee – Emory University

Gordon Sellars – Clemson University

Leo Delaney – Clemson University

Carter Martin – Jacksonville University

Will Wagner – Denison University

Marc Franko – Denison University

Jaida McClure – Appalachian State University

Rachel Lyons – Kenyon College

Austen Graziano – Belmont Abbey College

Devin McElroy – Miami of Ohio University

Zaid Lott – Syracuse University

William McDermott – Stevenson University

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Athletics Highlights

1 Boys Basketball

6 Girls Soccer

Boys basketball reached the NCISA A state championship final, finishing as state runner-up while continuing a consistent run of postseason success. Several seniors closed their careers with milestone scoring achievements and collegiate commitments across multiple divisions.

Girls soccer continued its dynasty with a third consecutive NCISAA state championship and fourth title in five years, reinforcing one of the strongest sustained runs in program history. Abby Goldean ’26 led the way as Conference Player of the Year.

2 Girls Basketball

7 Boys Swimming

Girls basketball advanced to the NCISAA state championship for a record 22nd appearance, the most in state history, adding another chapter to one of the program’s most consistent traditions of excellence.

Boys swimming earned the program’s first conference championship title, marking a major milestone and signaling continued growth and depth within the program.

3 Girls Golf

8 Track and Field

Girls golf captured a conference championship and finished as NCISAA state runner-up, highlighted by Conference Player of the Year honors for Chloe Scofield ’26. The Chargers combined consistent scoring and strong postseason performances to secure one of the program's most successful seasons in recent years.

Track and Field athletes delivered one of the strongest seasons in program history, earning multiple conference and state titles across jumps, sprints, and throws. Raj Das ’26 highlighted the group with conference, indoor, and state championships in shot put, while Evelyn Hee ’26 and Emma Adams ’29 both earned state runner-up finishes in multiple events.

4 Girls Lacrosse

9 Wrestling

Girls lacrosse repeated as NCISAA state champions, continuing a dominant stretch for the program. Bridget Brewster ’26 anchored the defense in goal, setting school records for both single-season and career saves.

Kate Hayes ’27 became the first female All-American wrestler in school history, marking a milestone moment for the program and for girls wrestling at Providence Day.

5 Softball

10 Volleyball

Rachel Lyons ’26 set a new school record with 806 career strikeouts, anchoring the program throughout a standout pitching career.

Volleyball saw record-breaking individual performances, with Ella Buelow ’26 setting the school record for career assists and Austen Graziano ’26 setting the record for career kills.

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Arts Highlights Visual Arts Scholastic Art Recognition Ten Providence Day students earned recognition in the Scholastic Art Awards for work spanning photography, painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Chelsea Zhang ’30 received a Gold Key for her painting Sunrise on the Shore, while Silver Key winners included Bridget Brewster ’26, Cate Brower ’29, Ava Fischer ’29, and Camryn Lozier ’28. Gold and Silver Key works were exhibited at Mint Museum Uptown. Honorable Mention awards were earned by Robert Durkin ’29, Natalie Fu ’26, Bridget Brewster ’26, and Waverley Heffernan ’28 for work spanning multiple artistic mediums. Record National Art Honor Society Cohort Providence Day inducted 60 students into the National Art Honor Society this year, marking the largest cohort in program history. Congressional Art Competition Honors Paige Johnson ’26 earned second place in the North Carolina Congressional Art Competition sponsored by U.S. Representative Alma Adams (NC-12).

Performing Arts A Year of Superior Performances Providence Day musicians earned Superior ratings across band, chorus, and orchestra performances this year, including honors at the Carowinds Festival of Music and statewide Music Performance Assessments. The Upper School Band, Upper School Chorus, and multiple middle school ensembles all received Superior ratings in adjudicated performances. All-State Musician Louis Krivitsky ’27 was selected for the North Carolina All-State Band after earning All-District recognition alongside Ella Kovic ’30, Sydney McNeal ’30, Bennett Stevens ’30, and Anton Guevara ’27. Dozens of additional students were selected for prestigious North Carolina Association of Independent Schools Honors Bands. Selected Among the Region’s Best Voices Providence Day chorus students earned places in elite regional and statewide ensembles, including the North Carolina Honors Chorus and the American Choral Directors Association Southern Region Honor Choir in Memphis. Ford Bobick ’31, Ellie Picard ’30, Jake Tucker ’30, Charlie Zolak ’28, and Presley Fink ’28 were selected to perform alongside top young vocalists from 13 states. Regional & State Orchestra Honors Providence Day orchestra students earned extensive regional and statewide recognition, with 13 middle school musicians selected for Junior Western Region Orchestra and five Upper School musicians named to Senior Western Region Orchestra. Nate Dyer ’27 and Edward Liu ’29 were also selected for the 2026 North Carolina All-State Honors Orchestra. Student Composers Take the Stage Student musicians continued to expand PD’s creative culture through original compositions premiered in concert this year. Charlie DeLucia ’32 debuted "Jolly Rancher Waltz" at the Orchestra Winter Concert, while Isla Reid ’28 premiered "Verso La Quiete" (Toward Stillness) and Owen Moore premiered "With the Wind" during the Spring Concert. Owen Gerena ’28 also composed a work performed by the Jazz Ensemble at the Upper School Band Concert. Theatre Program Earns State Recognition Providence Day theatre students received multiple honors at the North Carolina Theatre Conference High School Play Festival in Reidsville, including awards for Community Engagement, Excellence in Ensemble Acting, Costume Design, and Set Design. At the Blumenthal Performing Arts High School Musical Theater Awards, Rowan Barwick ’27 was recognized among the top six finalists for Best Supporting Actress, while April Liu ’26 was honored for Student Set Design.

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Faculty and Staff Leadership Presenting on the National Stage Members of Providence Day’s Upper School History Department presented at the National Council for History Education Conference in Montgomery, Alabama in March. Dean of Academic Affairs, and Upper School History Department Chair Thamar Lebrón Fernández, along with Upper School History teachers Ted Dickson and Marcus Smith, Ted Dickson, and Marcus Smith led sessions focused on innovative approaches to history instruction and student engagement.

Advancing Women in Leadership Claudia Cruz, Assistant to the Head of School, participated in the NCAIS Women in Leadership Conference at Trinity Episcopal School in March, joining educators from across the region for conversations on leadership development and mentorship in independent schools.

Leading Conversations in Educational Technology In April, Providence Day contributed to national conversations on educational technology at the ATLIS Annual Conference in Columbus, Ohio. PD's Chief Design Strategist and Director of Diploma in Entrepreneurial Studies Ryan Welsh, Director of Modern Learning Tomarra

Dr. Glyn Cowlishaw and fellow school leaders, visiting Romania for the Global Connections Seminar

Londeree, and Director of Digital Integration and Innovation Matt Scully, represented the school in sessions exploring emerging trends in innovation and institutional technology.

Global Learning in Action As part of ongoing professional growth, Providence Day leadership continues to engage in national and international learning experiences that strengthen the school community. Head of School Dr. Glyn Cowlishaw participated in the Global Connections Seminar in Romania, joining school leaders from around the world to visit schools and historical sites while exploring strategies to better support diverse learning communities.

Advancing Leadership Through Research Associate Head of School Dr. Michael Magno, who will before Head of School in 2027, Michael Magno reached a significant milestone in his Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program at Vanderbilt University by presenting his capstone project alongside members of his cohort. His research focused on applying evidence-based strategies to help schools build supportive and student-centered environments, closely aligned with Providence Day’s mission and values.

Providence Day Retirees

Anita McLeod: 53 Years After an extraordinary 53-year career at Providence Day, Anita McLeod leaves behind a legacy that has shaped generations of young writers and helped define the Lower School experience. A founder of the Lower School writing program, Anita has spent more than half a century helping students find their voice, build confidence, and discover the joy of writing. Her impact extends well beyond the classroom. A beloved presence on campus, Anita is known for her unmistakable style, her early-morning energy, and the steady warmth she brings to every interaction. Colleagues, students, and families alike have long been greeted by her signature smile and encouragement, setting a tone of joy that has become part of the school’s fabric.

Jeff Appel: 15 Years This June, Jeff Appel closed a 15-year chapter at Providence Day—one defined by growth, generosity, and lasting impact. As Associate Head of School for Institutional Advancement and a member of the school's senior leadership team, Jeff has shaped not only the direction of PD's philanthropic future but the very culture of giving that runs through this community today. Under his guidance, the school's endowment grew sixfold, and Charging Forward, the most successful capital campaign in school history, raised more than $27.8 million and brought the DeMayo Gateway Center, the Levine Academic Center, and a twostory parking deck to campus. The total raised during Jeff’s tenure at Providence Day totals more than $65 million. Those milestones are remarkable on their own, but they are part of a career that spans more than 39 years and more than $150 million raised across independent schools and higher education institutions up and down the East Coast. Jeff has always believed that philanthropy is about more than dollars. As he once put it, Providence Day's culture of giving has been part of this community for more than 50 years, and his work here has honored that legacy while building toward the future. He leaves behind a school that is stronger, better resourced, and more generously supported than ever before.

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Built to Fly How Providence Day Alum Max Owens ’22 Turned a High School Passion Project Into a Company and Sold it at 22

ax Owens ’22 was nine years old when his family moved from London to Charlotte.

One of the first things he noticed at his new school was a room full of machines he had never seen before. The laser cutters and 3D printers in Providence Day’s Maker Space seemed, in his words, like magic: the idea that you could hold something in your head, spend a few days designing it on a computer, and then hold it in your hands. He was transfixed.

He is 22 now, and has just sold his first company. The company is MAVRIK, an aerospace startup he founded at 15 that builds lowcost heavy-lift drones for defense and disaster relief applications. The buyer was HavocAI. While the details of what comes next are still under wraps, Owens and his team are staying on, building, as always, toward something bigger. On its own, the arc of the story is remarkable: a teenager builds a passenger drone in a garage, wins an Army contract against established

defense contractors, and sells a company at 22. But for anyone who has walked the halls of Providence Day, the story starts earlier—and closer to home.

The Maker Space When Owens arrived at PD in fourth grade, he was already the kind of kid who wanted to know how things worked. The Maker Space accelerated everything. He started using the school’s 3D printers, then wanted access to them on weekends and evenings when school was closed. So he built his own from scratch. By middle school, his bedroom

had become its own maker space: 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC routers—all designed and built by hand. He could make whatever he wanted, whenever he wanted. From there, it was a natural progression to remote-controlled planes, then drones, then, at age 15, the idea that changed everything. “I had this crazy idea to scale up all the small drones that I had been working on and build something I could sit inside of and use to move around or commute, ” Owens says. He quickly realized that building the idea would require something beyond engineering: convincing people to believe in it. He designed the vehicle in CAD, built the fuselage from offthe-shelf parts, and showed up with something people could see and touch. A faculty mentor at the time helped him think through next steps and connected him with families in the PD community willing to support the project. He raised $30,000, then spent another year building and programming the vehicle from the ground up. He named the vehicle Nomad. And the company, MAVRIK.

Two PD Kids Owens also credits much of MAVRIK’s growth to the people who supported him, including Providence Day classmate and longtime friend Rishi Mannava ’22. The two became best friends at PD, and Mannava was involved in the project from the early years. When Owens raised venture capital and moved the operation to Long Beach, Mannava left Penn State to join him. Eventually Mannava became MAVRIK’s COO, helping manage the operations, finances, and logistics that allowed the company to scale. “We really love thinking through ideas together,” Owens says. “Getting

really excited about all the things we can build.”

Shortly after, HavocAI made an offer to buy the company. The team said yes.

The Flight

What He’d Tell You

It took three years from concept to completion. In the summer of 2022, with friends and family gathered in his parents’ backyard—his parents, he notes, were pretty nervous—Owens climbed into Nomad and lifted off.

Owens is careful not to make his story sound easier than it was. His advice to students with big, impractical-sounding ideas is simple: be relentlessly optimistic, find a mentor, and sit with hard problems long enough to solve them.

The next day, he left for Cornell.

“It’s super rare that you are the only person who’s ever had this problem,” he says. “There’s always a solution.”

“It was almost a perfect way to end my high school career,” he says. “To end this minimum viable product phase.” At Cornell, he threw himself into market research and began fundraising in earnest. A PD alum connected him to someone who could get him in front of Sam Altman—this was before ChatGPT, before Altman became a household name—and Altman, to his credit, took the call. He passed on buying the vehicle but connected Owens with his first venture capitalist. That introduction led to more. The day before his junior-year classes began at Cornell, an investor called with a $1 million investment offer. Instead of returning to campus, Owens made the decision to pursue MAVRIK full time.

Long Beach

After years of building machines, raising money, and leading teams, he says the most surprising lesson has been the one that had nothing to do with technology. “It’s all about people,” he says. “The most difficult things you do will always involve people. Learning how to listen, value different opinions, and understand different perspectives. That’s one of the most important things.” He’s 22. He’s already sold his first company. And Nomad, his original passenger drone, is waiting in his parents’ garage in Charlotte—eleven feet of fuselage and ambition—for whatever comes next.

In January 2025, Owens and six teammates, including Mannava, moved into a house in Long Beach and got to work. Within months, they had gone from a whiteboard to a working prototype of HATCHET, their heavy-lift cargo drone designed to complete 85% of traditional helicopter missions at a fraction of the cost. They were selected to compete in the Army’s X-Tech Overwatch competition, going head-tohead against 39 companies— many of them large, established defense contractors—and won. The prize was a $2 million Army contract.

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Arts Honors Guild

Providence Day Launches Inaugural Faculty and Alumni Arts Honors Guild

or decades, the arts have been woven into the fabric of life at Providence Day—in rehearsal halls and studios, on stages, behind canvases, under spotlight cues, and in the countless moments where students discovered confidence through creativity. During the 2025 Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Providence Day paused to honor that legacy in a new and lasting way. At the inaugural Providence Day Arts Honors Guild induction ceremony, alumni, former faculty, families, and friends gathered to celebrate artists and educators whose influence helped shape the school's visual and performing arts programs across generations. The ceremony carried the warmth and spirit of a reunion. Stories were shared across graduating classes and artistic disciplines, former teachers reconnected with students, and alumni reflected on the experiences that first sparked their creative ambitions. Together, the inductees represented the full breadth of PD's arts tradition—performers, visual artists, educators, and mentors whose work continues to inspire long after their time on campus.

Created to recognize former students and retired faculty for outstanding contributions to the arts at PD and beyond, the Guild reflects a core belief that artistic expression is not an extracurricular addition to a student's experience, but an essential part of it. Honorees are selected not only for artistic accomplishment, but for leadership, integrity, citizenship, and the impact they made within the school community. Presented by Visual Arts Department Chair Lindsey Woog and Performing Arts Department Chair and Director of Bands Dr. Michael Hough, in collaboration with the PD Alumni Association, the Guild was created not simply to preserve history, but to place examples of creative courage and dedication in front of current students. In honoring those who helped build the arts at Providence Day, the school celebrated the enduring power of creativity to shape community, open doors, and leave a lasting mark.

“It means everything to me that many former students are contributing to the creative side of life. Being recognized by the Arts Honors Guild gives me pride knowing my career made a positive impact.” - Chris Wallace

Inductees to the Faculty and Alumni Arts Honors Guild were celebrated at a ceremony during Homecoming Weekend in October.

Inductees Chris Wallace For 20 years, Chris Wallace helped shape the artistic identity of Providence Day, building not only a strong visual arts curriculum, but a culture that encouraged students to see creativity as both discipline and discovery. During his time at PD, he launched the Faculty/Alumni Art Show, expanded opportunities for students through the Visiting Artists program, and left a visible imprint on campus through his own artwork, which continues to inspire students and faculty alike. Former students still speak of Wallace as a teacher who challenged them to experiment boldly, think critically, and trust their artistic instincts. Today, Wallace spends much of his time painting and sculpting in his studio for exhibitions, while also presenting art history lectures throughout the region.

Shelley Miracle Wilfong ’97 Shelley Miracle Wilfong ’97 is an abstract resin artist whose vibrant, layered work combines bold color with dynamic threedimensional techniques. As a student at Providence Day, Wilfong immersed herself in the visual arts program, where she developed the spirit of experimentation and creative risk-taking that continues to define her work today. An engaged alumna, Wilfong has remained closely connected to the school community through the Alumni Art Show and her past service on the Board of Alumni, continuing to invest in the creative culture that helped shape her own artistic path.

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Arts Honors Guild cont.

Dr. Mahari Conston Freeman ’12 Mahari Freeman ’12 has built an accomplished career as a performer, educator, and arts leader. After earning degrees in vocal performance from UNC Chapel Hill, the University of Michigan, and the University of South Carolina, Freeman has performed with ensembles including the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra and North Carolina Baroque Orchestra. A former Providence Day faculty member and current Board of Alumni member, she now serves as Chair of the Music Department at Central Piedmont Community College while continuing to perform professionally.

Doug Henry During his 20 years at Providence Day, Doug Henry inspired generations of student musicians while building a band program rooted in discipline, collaboration, and performance excellence. A saxophonist, clarinetist, and flutist, Henry has performed alongside legendary artists including Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Tony Bennett, and The Temptations throughout a professional career spanning decades. Even in retirement, he continues to perform, most recently touring with the famed Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.

Cast and Crew of Little Shop of Horrors (2015) Providence Day’s 2015 production of Little Shop of Horrors marked a defining moment in the school’s Performing Arts history. The production became the first at PD ever to receive Blumey Award nominations, earning recognition for Best Costume Creation, Best Overall Direction, and the Wells Fargo Best Musical Award. Presented by Blumenthal Performing Arts, the Blumeys celebrate excellence in high school musical theatre across the Charlotte area, recognizing outstanding achievement in performance, direction, and design. Student performer Thomas Laub was also named one of the top six finalists for Best Actor for his portrayal of Seymour, and the cast had the opportunity to perform live during the Blumey Awards ceremony, a milestone moment for the program. Little Shop of Horrors represented the creativity, collaboration, and ambition that continue to define theatre at Providence Day, leaving a lasting legacy for students, faculty, and alumni alike.

Honoring the Influence That Lasts

mong the inaugural members of the Arts Honors Guild are former visual arts teacher Chris Wallace and alumna Shelley Miracle Wilfong ’97—mentor and former student, now honored together. For Wilfong, the connection stretches back to her earliest days at Providence Day, where she quickly immersed herself in the visual arts program after arriving in fifth grade. “From the time I could hold a crayon, I was drawn to art,” she said. “When people asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always the same: an artist.” By high school, Wilfong was taking every art class available, even advocating alongside classmates for additional offerings. She credits Providence Day, and particularly Wallace’s classroom, with giving her the freedom to experiment creatively and discover her artistic voice. “He had a wonderful way of pushing us to experiment, encouraging us to try new ideas and use different mediums in unexpected ways,” recalled Wilfong. Wallace remembers Wilfong as a standout student whose curiosity, creativity, and work ethic distinguished her early on. “What Shelley brought to the classroom—strong interest, ability, and work ethic—was truly remarkable and exemplary for others,” he said. “Right away, Shelley’s innate sense of composition was noticeable.” But the lessons Wilfong carried forward extended far beyond technique. As a self-described perfectionist, she remembers Wallace encouraging students to embrace process, experimentation, and even failure as part of creativity. “Instead of pushing for flawless results, he encouraged exploration and process,” she said. “He helped me understand that perfection isn’t always the goal, that it’s okay to experiment, make mistakes, and keep going.” One assignment—designing a personal artistic signature— remains part of her life today. The “SAM” logo she created in Wallace’s class still appears on her artwork decades later. She also recalls the impact of watching Wallace bring his own works-in-progress into the classroom, offering students a rare glimpse into the life of a working artist.

“It showed me that real art wasn’t just about technical skill,” Wilfong said. “It was about having the courage to experiment and go for it.” Today, Wilfong is an accomplished abstract resin artist known for vibrant, layered work that reflects the same spirit of bold experimentation first nurtured at PD. Wallace, meanwhile, continues to paint, sculpt, and lecture in retirement while reflecting proudly on former students who pursued creative careers of their own. “It means everything to me that many former students are contributing to the creative side of life,” he said. Their shared induction into the inaugural Arts Honors Guild feels fitting, not only as a celebration of artistic achievement, but as a reminder of the lasting relationships formed through the arts at Providence Day.

PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

SCAN ME TO LEARN MORE

Save-the-Date! FRIDAY, September 25 Alumni Zone BBQ, Campus Tours, & Varsity Football vs. Cannon

SATURDAY, September 26 On-Campus Activities, & Reunions for Class Years ending in 1's and 6's

Weekend 2025

SCAN QR CODE To Register & Learn More

More details provided through #AlwaysACharger e-newsletters, social media, and PD Connect at Alumni. ProvidenceDay.org. Questions? Contact Lucy Adkins at 704-887-6001 or lucy.adkins@providenceday.org.

Senior Year

Senior Venture (early August)

Highlights & Traditions Senior Sunrise (first day of school)

Senior Flag Raising

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Senior Year

Homecoming (September/October)

Highlights & Traditions Faculty vs. Senior Games (basketball)

Senior Fun Day at the Whitewater Center

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Senior Sunset

Senior Walk Through Campus

Senior Year Highlights & Traditions

Bus Photo Day

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Class Notes Updates on Alumni Near & Far 1976

1981

1989

Class Reunion! Save the date for your 50th PD reunion on September 26, 2026. We hope to see you there!

Class Reunion! Save the date for your 45th PD reunion on September 26, 2026. We hope to see you there!

David King ’89 joined the Board of Alumni in August 2025.

1979

1982

Scott Fitzgerald ’79 1 is now the Vice President of Sales for Digital Joy - a software technology company that serves Media, FinTech, Government, and Education. Digital Joy was just named Start-Up of the Year in the media industry by IAMT. Since graduating from PD in 1979 and Wake Forest University in 1983, Scott has had a career in television broadcasting in news and sports, including three Emmy wins and ten Emmy nominations.

Lee Ann Brown ’82 continues to publish her poetry, as well as supporting and promoting the poetry of others through her independent press, Tender Buttons Press, and through a living room literary, theater, and music series at Torn Page in New York City, and as a professor of English at St. John's University, where she has been for over 25 years. Recent publications include poems in the Spring 2026 issue of Ploughshares. She was the 2027-2028 Judith E. Wilson Poetry Fellow at Corpus Christi College at the University of Cambridge, and would love to be in touch with former classmates. Feel free to contact Lee Ann through her press address, TenderButtonsPress@ gmail.com

2 1980 After retiring from International Paper in 2021 following a 29-year career, Paul King ’80 earned a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary in 2024. He was ordained as a Minister of Word and Sacrament in the Presbyterian Church and became Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Greenville, Mississippi, in July 2025.

News

1986 Class Reunion! Save the date for your 40th PD reunion on September 26, 2026. We hope to see you there!

1991 Class Reunion! Save the date for your 35th PD reunion on September 26, 2026. We hope to see you there! Cyndi Carsten Grant ’91 has joined Birches Health as Vice President of Clinical, where she leads clinical strategy and program development. Her career has focused on building and scaling behavioral health programs across health systems and startups. Birches Health is a national behavioral health provider focused on treating gambling, digital, and other behavioral addictions.

1996 Class Reunion! Save the date for your 30th PD reunion on September 26, 2026. We hope to see you there!

Chinyere Harris ’96 recently earned her Doctorate in Curriculum and Teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. Her dissertation explores how young women of color navigate curriculum and media in elite independent schools, with a particular focus on joy, agency, refusal, and meaning-making. She also serves as Executive Director of SapieNova Company LLC, where she designs and leads curriculum innovation and professional learning experiences that support schools and organizations in creating rigorous, joyful, and equity-centered learning environments across local and global contexts.

2000 Ryan Carson ’00 has recently completed his project, The Story of God, which is a Bible Overview that includes a workbook, an online course, and other resources. He and his wife, Bethany Chadwick Carson ’04, along with their 5 children, are working hard to get this great resource into Christian schools, homeschool coops, churches, camps and retreat centers, missions organizations, and colleges. To learn more, visit www.glorydays.life

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PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Class Notes Updates on Alumni Near & Far 2001

2006

Class Reunion! Save the date for your 25th PD reunion on September 26, 2026. We hope to see you there!

Class Reunion! Save the date for your 20th PD reunion on September 26, 2026. We hope to see you there!

exposure litigation. Outside of his legal practice, Ehsan is the founder of the record label Melodize and enjoys DJing at venues across New York City.

2003

2007

2009

Sarah Mercer Miller ’03 recently celebrated the publication of her first book, The Teacher’s Year: A Weekly Guide to the Heart of the Craft, published by Routledge in June. Drawing on 18 years of classroom experience, the book offers a week-by-week guide through the school year for both new and veteran educators. Sarah credits the outstanding teachers she had at Providence Day with helping shape her teaching philosophy and professional practice, and she is excited to share this resource with educators of all kinds.

Dr. Aashish Jay Kumar is proud to announce that his private practice, Spine & Pain Specialists of the Carolinas in Ballantyne, is celebrating its fourth anniversary this June. Since opening the doors in 2022, the practice has seen significant growth and remains dedicated to providing interventional pain and spine care to the Charlotte community. Dr. Kumar continues to enjoy serving his hometown and looks forward to further expanding the practice's reach and impact in the years to come.

Dan Smith ’09 recently joined Trane Technologies as PR Manager for the company’s commercial HVAC business. He’s still exploring the possibility of alumni discounts on heating and air!

2008

2011

2004

Ehsan Akbari ’08, serves as Senior Counsel at Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman, where he focuses on the defense of New York Labor Law, professional liability, and premises liability matters. He has extensive experience representing owners, developers, general contractors, and corporations throughout New York State in high-

Class Reunion! Save the date for your 15th PD reunion on September 26, 2026. We hope to see you there!

Ferren Gipson ’04 completed her PhD in the History of Art & Archaeology at SOAS, University of London. In September 2026, her fourth book on this topic will be published.

News cont.

2010 After four years in investment banking, Allie Ruark ’10 returned to the world of consulting with Huron Consulting Group, where she is a Director in the Strategy & Operations group within the Higher Education practice.

In December 2025, Alex Richards Spence ’11 made a career change and started a position at True Homes as the Program Manager of Land in the Raleigh division. She focuses on bringing residential communities to life through

acquisition, due diligence, permitting, entitlement, and horizontal development.

2013 Captain Kendall Hughes ’13 recently completed command of a U.S. Army artillery battery overseas in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. He will begin the Master of Business Administration program at Vanderbilt University this fall.

2014 Since graduating from Providence Day, Ellie Dunlap ’14 earned a degree in Sports Psychology from the University of Colorado. She is now based in Austin, Texas, where she serves as Head of Athletes for North America and Europe at LSKD, an Australianbased fitness apparel company. In this leadership role, Ellie oversees and strategically manages the company’s roster of community, professional, and elite athletes. She is also engaged to Jake, a former U.S. Navy helicopter pilot who now works in defense technology for an Austin-based company.

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Class Notes Updates on Alumni Near & Far 2015 Dr. Navin Balaji ’15 graduated from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2025. During medical school, he took two gap years as a consultant at Mckinsey & Co in NYC. After returning to Miller for his MS4 year, he matched into the Radiation Oncology residency program at UMiami and started his residency in July 2025. Emma Burri ’15 started at a new job at Paul Hastings, LLP, in Washington, D.C., where she focused on patent litigation and appellate practice. Emma also joined the Board of Alumni in August 2025!

Alexandra Halberstadt ’15 graduated with her PhD in clinical psychology from the Pennsylvania State University. She is starting work as a postdoctoral fellow at BASE Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Charlotte. She will start seeing clients in Charlotte in September!

Frances Koback ’15 graduated from Dartmouth Medical School and will be heading to Boston to begin an orthopedic surgery residency at Harvard.

Nathaniel Ruark ’15 has started a new career as a Deputy District Attorney with the District Attorney's office for the Colorado Fourth Judicial District. Centered around Colorado Springs, the Fourth Judicial District is the largest and busiest judicial district in the state.

2016 Class Reunion! Save the date for your 10th PD reunion on September 26, 2026. We hope to see you there! Hailey Valeriano ’16 graduated from Chamberlain University’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Program in December of 2025.

2018 Billy Cohen ’18 received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Rush University Medical College on May 2, 2026. He will begin a Cardiothoracic Surgery Residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham this July.

News cont.

Camden Nelson ’18 graduated from Temple University’s medical school on May 8 and will start her residency at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in Pediatric Neurology. Following her graduation, she married Cam Polo on May 24 in Kennebunkport, Maine.

2019 Fontini Pappas ’19 recently moved from New York City to London to pursue a graduate degree at the London School of Economics and Political Science. She is currently enrolled in the MSc Media and Communications (Data & Society) program and expects to graduate in December 2026. Tyler Sherrill ’19 graduated from Elon University School of Law in December 2025 and earned his MBA from Elon University in May 2026. He is now an Attorney at Ward Black Law in Greensboro, NC.

2020 Nandita Balaji ’20 graduated with honors with a double major in Neuroscience and Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University. She started her MD/MBA program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 2025. Carter Blessing ’20 accepted a seat in the Class of 2029 at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Louisa Bynum ’20 joined the Board of Alumni in August 2025. She is entering her third year in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Most recently, Louisa coauthored and published a literature review examining the relationship between sarcopenic obesity and mobility in older adults.

Joseph Geller ’20, better known at PD as JD Geller, graduated Magna Cum Laude from NC State University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and a minor in Biomanufacturing on May 9, 2026.

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PROVIDENCE DAY Magazine

Class Notes Updates on Alumni Near & Far 2021 Class Reunion! Save the date for your 5th PD reunion on September 26, 2026. We hope to see you there! After graduating magna cum laude from Centre College with a double major in physics and math, Field Crumley ’21 has joined the physics program at Virginia Tech, where he will pursue a PhD, researching topics in nonequilibrium statistical mechanics by applying tools often found in the study of magnetic structures and chemical reactions to simple ecosystem models.

Kennedy Jones ’21 recently signed her first professional soccer contract with FC Slovácko in the Czech Republic. The milestone follows her graduation from Elon University in May, where she earned a degree in Business Analytics and graduated summa cum laude. While at Elon, Kennedy also completed minors in Computer Science, Cybersecurity Management, and Data Science.

Theo Katz ’21 recently began a post-graduate marketing internship as a Here4Good fellow in Tel Aviv, Israel. He has since accepted a full-time position with the organization as a Junior Content Writer. Theo is grateful for the opportunity to live and work in Tel Aviv and is enjoying the professional experiences, personal growth, and meaningful memories he has gained through this new chapter.

2022 Donovan Atwell ’22 transferred to Texas Tech University in his senior year to play on the men’s basketball team. While at Texas Tech, he broke the record for most three pointers made in one season at 130 and landed 2nd in the NCAA for three pointers made. In May, Donovan graduated from Texas Tech University as a student athlete with a BS in Applied Personal Finance.

News cont.

Andrew Thomas ’22 graduated Summa Cum Laude from NC State University on May 9, 2026, with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

2023 Lauren Wood ’23 graduated Summa Cum Laude from the TCU Neeley School of Business. She completed her Bachelor of Business Administration in three years, with a concentration in Finance with Real Estate.

2024 Mhakai White ’24 is a rising junior at Hampton University and has been accepted into the prestigious ARCHES program at Georgetown University School of Medicine for the summer. The program admits only 24 students to this six-week fellowship and provides participants with hands-on research experience, physician shadowing opportunities, and community engagement initiatives throughout the Washington, D.C. area.

2025 Clark Neace ’25 earned NCAA Women’s Swimming Second-Team All-America honors as a standout freshman at the University of Georgia, highlighted by her performance in the 1650yard freestyle. She was also named to the All-SEC Freshman Team, recognizing an impressive debut season with the Bulldogs.

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Class Notes Updates on Alumni Near & Far 2003

2009

2010

Kelly Dyer Nunn ’03 and her husband, Michael, had a baby girl, Mary Rutledge “Merritt” Nunn, on February 10, 2026, weighing 6 lbs and measuring 18 3/4”. She joins big brother Reynolds (2).

Jessie Ferguson Chadwick ’09, her husband, David, welcomed Price Robert Chadwick on January 30, 2026. He joins brothers Banner (7), Charlie (6), and Truett (3)

Kaitlin Laxer Danze ’10 and her husband, Adam, welcomed Vivian Rose Danze on January 23, 2026.

Drew Wozniak ’03 and his wife, Cristina, welcomed their second child, Charlotte, on April 1, 2026. Teddy (3) is a proud big brother!

2006 Brittney Leeolou Antonacci ’06 and her husband, Ryan, welcomed daughter Sloane Dee in January 2025. Sloane joins big brother Beckett (3).

2008 Johanna Huddle Scogin ’08 and her husband, Rob, welcomed a baby girl, Maggie, to their family in August of 2025.

Will Munce ’08 and his wife, Hannah, welcomed a baby boy, McCoy Wynn Munce, on May 16, 2026. He joins his big sister, Townes, and his big brother, Tiller.

Births

Nick De May ’09 and his 5 wife, Kelly, welcomed Sofia Joan De May at 1:17 am on April 21, 2026, weighing 8lbs 6oz. Christian Rautenstrauch ’09 and his wife, Maddy, welcomed their second child, Quinn Patricia Rautenstrauch, on May 5, 2026, joining big brother Casey (3). Christian and his family now live in Atlanta, GA.

Jocelyn Ruark ’09, welcomed her first child, Elsie Agnes Ruark, to the world on June 25, 2025.

Kimberly McAllister Vawter ’10 and her husband, Matt, welcomed their first child, Penelope, on August 16, 2025.

2011 Will Walton ’11 and his

10 wife, Elin, welcomed their daughter, Oliver Parker Walton, to the world on March 9, 2026.

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Class Notes Updates on Alumni Near & Far 2012 Sarah Moore Kearney ’12 and her husband, Ian, welcomed a baby girl named Norah Elizabeth Kearney on September 12, 2025.

2013 Alec Haber ’13 and his wife, Lindsey, welcomed a son, Henry, on December 9, 2025.

Devin Redmond ’13 and his wife, Caroline, welcomed their son Brooks Chu Redmond to the world on November 26, 2025. Robby Rucho ’13 and his wife, Caitlin, welcomed Robert "Bo" Anthony Rucho III on March 17, 2026.

2014 Mallory Toth Hiatt ’14 and her husband, Chris, welcomed their daughter, Bennett Marie Hiatt, on October 14, 2025.

Morgan Mosack Jaulin ’14 and her husband, Madison, welcomed William Glenn Jaulin to the world on September 3, 2025.

Births cont.

Charlotte Downing Roberts ’14 and her husband, Clayton, welcomed a daughter, Taylor Elizabeth Roberts, to the world on March 3, 2026.

Carly Rainsford Sensing ’14 and her husband, Joseph, welcomed a baby girl, Lilith Rain Sensing, on February 15th, weighing in at 5 lbs 14 oz, 17 inches long.

2015 Brittany Halberstadt Hoffman ’15 and her husband, Daniel, welcomed their first child on February 25, 2026. Harrison Lawrence Hoffman was born weighing 8 lbs and measuring 20 inches. Both parents are looking forward to sharing their love of theater, and Daniel can’t wait to take Harrison on the disc golf course!

Ross Vandemore ’15 and Lauren Brown Vandemore ’15 welcomed their first child, Henry, on April 22, 2026.

2016 Sarah Kathryn Clark ’16 and her husband, Dominick Mortarotti, welcomed their daughter Allison Anne on December 25, 2025.

Kyra Swartz Ganezer ’16 and

10 her husband, Josh, welcomed Phoebe Ema to the family on June 9, 2025. Her big sister, Ashlie (3), is excited to have a baby to play with and cuddle.

2018 Jacob Swartz ’18 and his wife, Gisselle, welcomed Shiloh Esther Swartz on September 8th, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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Class Notes Updates on Alumni Near & Far 1990 Dee Deatherage ’90 married David Guy on August 16, 2025. Along with her brother, Dwayne Deatherage ’89, Dee and David celebrated with Mark Adkinson ’90, Allison Washam Porter ’90, Kara Ruth Killough ’90, Catherine Harvey ’89, Christy Dunn ’89, and Leah Ramseur Collins ’89.

2009 Mallory Huffstetler ’09 married Carter Hopkins on April 10, 2026, in Charleston, South Carolina.

Coleman Russell ’09 married Emily Lewis on January 17, 2026, at the Morehead Inn in Charlotte, NC. Saxby Morehead ’09 and Kevin Sherrill ’09 were in attendance and helped celebrate this special day.

Marriages & Engagements

Caroline Wallace ’09 married her wife, Karlie Cotney, on April 18, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

2010 Anna Bobrow ’10 is engaged to Brian Astrove and will marry in October 2026 in Washington, DC.

2012 Sarah McKinney ’12 celebrated her marriage to Tyler Robbins on a beautiful spring day in Franklin, Tennessee, in April 2026. The day would not have been the same if it weren't for her PDS Class of 2012 friends who traveled near and far to be there. Sarah and Tyler will continue to live in Nashville with their two dogs, Howie and Eddie, as they start this new chapter of life as newlyweds.

2013 Coleman Bumgardner ’13 married Tori Hester on March 28, 2026, at Vesuvius Vineyards in Iron Station, North Carolina. The couple celebrated their special day surrounded by family and friends and are excited to begin this new chapter together.

Rachel Murray ’13 married Zach Hollister on May 9, 2026, at The Morehead Inn in Charlotte, NC. PD Alum and Rachel’s best friend, Jessie Penner ’13, was there to celebrate her wedding.

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Class Notes Updates on Alumni Near & Far 2013 cont.

2015

2017

Raven Richardson ’13 married Alex Cazorla ’13 on January 31, 2026, at The Dunlin in John's Island, SC. Their wedding was planned by Marian Barrett Versalko '10 and was attended by Rose Richardson Skibek ’09 Claire Richardson ’12, Johnson Richardson ’06, Peyton Montgomery Halls ’13, Kelsey Peterson ’13, Caroline Baron ’13, Emma Vogel ’13, Mollie Sandler ’13, Lauren Vandemore ’13, Alec Haber ’13, Robby Rucho ’13, Steve Onak ’13, Matt Onak ’10, Tom Onak ’11, Bennett Marcotte ’13, Devin Redmond ’13, Tim Abrams ’13, Braxton Mosack ’13, Natalie Swimmer ’13, Conor Reen ’10, and Sean Reen ’05.

Courtney Joyner ’15 is engaged to Matthew Shawd of Eden Prairie, MN. They are to be married in the spring of 2027.

Ben Ferris ’17 married Martha Sikes on St. Simons Island in Georgia. Kase Diehl ’17, Jonathon Hoppe ’16, and Max Lahn ’17 served as Groomsmen. Kyle Wood ’18, Matt Kahl ’17, and Madi Young ’17 also attended.

Sarah Whelan ’13 married Tim Caradonna at the VanLandingham Estate in Charlotte on October 12, 2025. Many Charger sightings on the dance floor!

Marriages & Engagements cont.

Mairead McConnell ’15 married Michael Mauro on June 1, 2025, in a joy-filled ceremony surrounded by friends and family in Belleville, NJ.

2016 Isabel Ghica Day ’16 married Captain Liam Day, USMC, on March 9, 2024, in Huntersville, NC. Emily Lynch ’16 was a bridesmaid.

Submit a Class Note: Weddings, births, promotions, anniversaries, retirements, or awards... Let us know about your major life events! Send them to Lucy Adkins at lucy.adkins@providenceday.org.

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