Class Notes

Updates on Alumni Near & Far

News

1979

Class Reunion! Save the date for your PD reunion on September 21, 2024. We hope to see you there!

Walter Bridgeman has been selected as a member of the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Visitors. During his four-year term, Walter will serve as an ambassador of UNC and provide his professional experience as CEO of Hempstead Capital, LLC, to help UNC better serve communities.

After three decades in television news, Scott Fitzgerald has become the Director of Sales in North America for Octopus News, a broadcast software technology group. Scott has won three Emmys for outstanding TV news production and worked at NBC News and CBS Sports during his career with stops in San Diego, Seattle, Miami, Nevada, and Houston.

Kim Godwin Leazer was nominated for the inaugural list of the top 50 most influential women globally in the Office Product International Industry. Kim serves as the CEO of FSIoffice, one the largest independent office suppliers in the US.

1984

Class Reunion! Save the date for your PD reunion on September 21, 2024. We hope to see you there!

1988

Effective in January 2023, Leigh Dyer became the Executive Director of GreenHill Center for NC Art, a nonprofit devoted to presenting, promoting, and advocating for the visual art and artists of North Carolina.

1989

Class Reunion! Save the date for your PD reunion on September 21, 2024. We hope to see you there!

Dwayne Deatherage joined the Providence Day Board of Alumni in August 2023.

1994

Class Reunion! Save the date for your PD reunion on September 21, 2024. We hope to see you there!

1999

Class Reunion! Save the date for your PD reunion on September 21, 2024. We hope to see you there!

2001

Ward Childress, business analyst at Ben Mynatt Family of Dealerships, served as the Cabarrus Chamber’s Board Chair from 2022-23. Since he joined the Board in 2017, Ward has served as Advocacy Committee chair, helped guide budgets and the current strategic plan, and sponsored and attended networking events, ribbon cuttings, and other forums and meetings.

2002

Traci Cherry Cockerham joined the Providence Day Board of Alumni in August 2023. Traci is Vice President at Carolina Made.

Adam York has been admitted to the partnership at Deloitte. Adam has been with Deloitte for over 11 years, where he focuses on helping the firm's largest retail clients improve growth; develop, implement, and operate omnichannel digital solutions; and design and implement store operations best practices to improve customer experiences.

2004

Class Reunion! Save the date for your PD reunion on September 21, 2024. We hope to see you there!

2005

Beth Leazer Freeman has been named to Office Product International's 40 under 40 most influential leader list. Beth is the Executive Vice President of FSIoffice, and has had a broad impact on the dealership through her efforts in sales, marketing, and procurement while also being the driving force behind comprehensively modernizing the family business.

Ben Shaul joined the Providence Day Board of Alumni in August 2023. Ben and his wife, Nicole, welcomed their second son, Maverick, on January 25, 2023.

2007

Christopher Herrin started a new position as Director of Product Management with Saviynt, managing a cybersecurity product line that enables privileged remote access for highly regulated industries.

2008

The Washington Post published photography by Nate Brown in the article In Taiwan, Finding Solace – and Identity– in Traditional Healing. This summer, he will be returning to Taiwan to facilitate a workshop for Indigenous Taiwanese youth on story-telling and developing agency in your own narrative.

2009

Class Reunion! Save the date for your PD reunion on September 21, 2024. We hope to see you there!

2010

Tyler Brown and Nate Brown ’08 completed the New Zealand “Coast to Coast” race, which consists of 140 kilometers of biking, 70 kilometers of kayaking down the Waimakariri river and 30 kilometers of running over the Goats Pass Mountain Trail. Tyler and Nate conquered the notoriously rough terrain in two days.

Kaitlin Laxer Danze joined the Providence Day Board of Alumni in August 2023. Kaitlin and her husband, Adam, recently opened Providence Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics on Providence Road.

With less than 4% of competitors advancing to the championship tournament, Paul Fitzgerald secured a tee time at the 123rd United States Amateur Golf Championship in August 2023.

2011

David Bailey started a new position as a Multi-Location Strategy supervisor at Vert Digital in Bozeman, Montana. This will be David's fifth year working for Vert Digital.

2012

Tommy O'Gorman completed his pediatric residency in Chicago and will continue his medical education with a fellowship in pediatric critical care.

2014

Class Reunion! Save the date for your PD reunion on September 21, 2024. We hope to see you there!

2015

Tyler Hawk, alongside the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and the Lost Bayou Ramblers, took home the 2024 Grammy Award for Best Regional Roots Music Album.

Mary Riolo received her J.D., magna cum laude with honors from the University of South Carolina School of Law in May 2022. She is currently working in the Intellectual Property Litigation Group at Alston & Bird in Charlotte, NC. Mary utilizes her background in electrical engineering to assist her clients in various complex intellectual property disputes.

2017

Lauryn Harper is the Co-Founder and COO of Hey Eldy, an online platform whose mission is to enhance generation-to-generation connections by providing a user-friendly, community-based online learning platform. They empower seniors, affectionately known as “Eldys” to navigate technology, evolving societal norms, and shifting cultural dynamics with confidence. Hey Eldy redefines aging narratives in a welcoming and judgment-free digital space, fostering connections and understanding across generations.

Manny Riolo graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in May 2021 and received his Pilot Wings in October 2022. He completed his pilot training in March 2023 and is flying the C-5M, Super Galaxy.

2019

Class Reunion! Save the date for your PD reunion on September 21, 2024. We hope to see you there!

Ryan Fessler set the new program record for the Wake Forest University Men's soccer team for career appearances by a freshman, surpassing the previous records set in 2007. During his three years at Wake Forest, he has accomplished the Academic Honor Roll every year and received the All-ACC Academic Team Selection in 2022.

Obi Oriaku released his first song, "Overthinkin." You can stream his single on all platforms now!

2020

Chloe Ayscue and her team at Samford University received the 2022 Best in Class Montgomery Biscuits Baseball Marketing Strategy Award. As a Sports Administration and Marketing major, she led her team to create a marketing plan worthy of execution at a home game for the Biscuits.

Kaila Dawkins worked at Nike Air Manufacturing Innovation (Air MI) as an Industrial Engineering intern throughout the summer of 2023. Through this program, she characterized and quantified waste— including motion, inventory, and defects—on the manufacturing floor; conducted five sets of test runs across multiple product lines with a focus on safety, comfort, and usability; and recommended four future impactful projects using quantitative (cost) & qualitative (observation) analyses. Kaila will be graduating from North Carolina A&T in May, where she will receive a B.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering and plans to enroll in a Ph.D. program afterward.

Maddie Henderson, current Chapel Hill senior, interned at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, DC in the summer of 2023. During her internship, she published her work in the Smithsonian Voices about the Indian boarding school era and how forced assimilation has affected the dissemination of cultural practices generations later.

Kevin Kaspar was included in Forbes 30 under 30 Chicago for his work on InfernoGuard, an early-stage startup company providing prompt wildfire monitoring solutions uniquely customized for large-scale landowners. Kevin, alongside Shreya Bhasin, Zoe Sherman, and Nandita Balaji, created InfernoGuard while students at PD. Kevin will be graduating from Northwestern in May.

Births

2003

Drew Wozniak and wife Cristina welcomed a son, Theodore "Teddy" Carl Wozniak, II, on November 9, 2022.

2004

Jill Ingram and wife Maggie welcomed a son, Redding J. AustinIngram, on February 16, 2024. Their daughter, Collins, is excited to be a big sister!

Amanda Golmont Schneider and husband Philip welcomed a son, Colemon John Schneider, on July 20, 2023.

Katie Walters Tucker and husband Austin Tucker welcomed a daughter, Charlotte Gayle, on October 10, 2023. Their son Miles is a proud big brother.

2006

Katie Zweng Masciangelo and husband Patrick welcomed a son, Thomas "Tommy" Masciangelo, on October 5, 2023. His big sister, Izzy, is thrilled to have a little brother!

2007

Ashley Berman Ahearn and husband Briggs welcomed twins, Ella Mason and Mia Elisabeth, on January 6, 2024. Their big sister, Olivia, couldn't be more excited!

2008

Alessandra Di Iorio Stringfield and husband Wes welcomed a son, Scott “Scottie” Philip Stringfield, on January 16, 2023.

Erin Brown Yablonski and husband Jim welcomed a daughter, Carter Frances Yablonski, on January 17, 2023. She joined her brother, Abbott, who loves being a big brother!

2009

Olivia Hostetter Callese and husband Tyler welcomed a daughter, Bennett Piper Callese, on September 12, 2023.

Christian Rautenstrauch and wife Maddy welcomed a son, Casey James Rautenstrauch, on May 16, 2023. Christian started a new position as Senior Manager of Public Policy for The Coca-Cola Company in May 2023.

Maggie Ruff Brydon and husband Drew welcomed a son, Harvey Edward Brydon, on Thanksgiving Day, November 23, 2023.

Kirby Montgomery Strickland and husband Blake welcomed a daughter, Smith Montgomery Strickland, to the world on February 16, 2023, joining her big brother Coleman. Kirby is a Senior Product Marketing Manager for IBM Security.

2010

Tori Furr Buening and husband Matthew welcomed a son, Robert "Ro" Matthew Buening, on April 7, 2023.

Michael Greshko and wife Jaclyn welcomed a son, Andrew Roeing Greshko, on April 8, 2023.

Lucy Stickler Singletary and husband William welcomed Elliot "Eli" Parker Singletary on July 22, 2023. Lucy is currently the Upper School Science Department Chair at Providence Day.

Marian Barrett Versalko and husband Luke welcomed a daughter, Lena Rae Versalko, on October 17, 2023. Marian and her family live in Charleson, SC where she owns and runs Marian Frances Events, a boutique wedding and event planning company.

Mary Wallace and husband Peter welcomed a daughter, Saskia Marie Brock, on July 2, 2023.

2011

Lauren Burgess and husband Wesley welcomed a daughter, Parker Louise Roten, on January 2, 2024.

Camilla Paramore Cannon and husband Wes welcomed a son, Banks Everett Cannon, on October 17, 2023. Camilla currently lives in Waxhaw, NC, and works for Caterpillar.

2012

Austin Brown Martin and husband Daniel welcomed their second child, a daughter, Annie Blaire Martin, on November 20, 2023. She joins her brother, DJ (Daniel Robert Martin, Jr.), to complete their family.

Dacia Thompson welcomed twin daughters, McKayla and Maddison, on June 3, 2023.

Marriages & Engagements

2009

Nick De May got engaged to Kelly MacDevette on October 26, 2023 in Jackson, WY. They plan to marry this October in Asheville, NC.

Chris Ohl married Cameron Bailey Ohl on July 15, 2023, in Winston-Salem, NC. Chris and Cameron currently live in Charlotte, where Chris is a Senior Associate at PwC.

2010

Kimberly McAllister Vawter married Matt Vawter on May 13, 2023, at The Ivy Place in Charlotte, NC. PD alumni, families, and faculty & staff in attendance included Dr. Ryan Welsh, who read an original poem for the occasion at the ceremony; former Spanish Teacher Colleen Gibson Coffeen, who read Biblical scripture at the ceremony; Liz and Todd Swartz, Smita Sawyer, Kelsey Sneed, Julie Cannon Bowen, Mary Virginia Hahn Rockwell, Allie Ruark, Jay and Jessica Wardlaw, and Karen and Jeff Lapiana. The Charger mascot made a surprise appearance on the dance floor during the reception!

Carlisa Warner Wu married Sam Wu on April 8, 2023, in Charlotte, NC. PD Alumni in attendance included Jen Shambo Schmidt ’94, Jennifer Montague Gould ’96, Charlene Warner Oldfield ’03, and Jasmine Robbins.

2011

PJ Heacock got engaged to Jessica Campbell on December 9, 2023 in Cold Spring, NY.

Drew Vandemore got engaged to Micayla Stanley and will be married in October 2024. Drew is a Manager at PwC, where he focuses on Treasury & Working Capital projects to resolve complex business issues.

2012

Emily Stewart Carney married Grant Carney on May 20, 2023, in Charlotte, NC. Emily lives in Charlotte and works as a law clerk for Judge David Keesler at the US District Court.

Chelsea Hawk married Michael Burgess ’15 on November 22, 2023, in Charlotte, NC. PD Alumni in attendance included Ryan Connor ’15, Ross Vandemore ’15, Alex Cantrell ’15, Tyler Hawk ’15, Meg Mischinski, Sophie Hawk ’25, Nathan Hawk ’20, Lauren Burgess ’11, Paul Johnson ’20, and Harry Murrell ’11. Chelsea and Michael currently live in Austin, TX, where Chelsea works in tech and Michael teaches.

Natalie Jones Kohn married Lennox Kohn on November 17, 2023, in Kiawah Island. PD alumni in attendance included Caroline James Coffin ’11, Anna Chapman, and Hillary Jones Ash ’09.

2013

Shana Thomas and Landon Rudd were married on October 14, 2023, in Charleston, SC.

2014

Tori Cassell married Ross Caldwell on September 9, 2023, in Charleston, SC. Tori lives in Charlotte and works for Wells Fargo in Wealth Management.

Keyla Cueto got engaged to Austin Whittington. The couple will marry in September 2024 in Gastonia.

Charlotte Downing got engaged to Clayton Roberts and will be getting married on April 27 on Figure Eight Island. Charlotte recently received her Master’s of Education from Vanderbilt University.

Jimmy Messmer married Manisha Mishra on June 24, 2023, at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC. The couple pledged their vows at both a morning Hindu ceremony and an evening ring exchange. PD students and alumni who attended included Best Man Peter Messmer ’07, Eli Barr, Arthur Linne, Alessandro Claybrook ’32, and Ring Bearer Nino Claybrook ’35. Jimmy and Manisha reside in Fuquay-Varina, NC, where Jimmy works as a software engineer for Ridgeline, Inc., and Manisha attends medical school at Campbell University.

Morgan Mosack Jaulin married Madison Jaulin in April 2024 in Charlotte, NC. Guests in attendance included Charlie Willen, Caroline James CarterHirt, Tori Cassell, Ellie Dunlap, Tomas Hilliard-Arce, Marcos Alberto, John Velardo, Corey Michocki, Addi Berry, Kelsey Peterson ’13, Lee Taylor, David Russell, and Dan Dudley.

2015

Emma Brown married Ross Vandemore on October 28, 2023, in Charleston, SC. The wedding party included Drew Vandemore ’11, Lauren Vandemore ’13, and Ryan Connor.

2016

Isabel Ghica got engaged to 1st Lieutenant Liam Day of the United States Marine Corps on January 15, 2023, in Torrey Pines-La Jolla, California. Isabel is a Project Executive for Tanner Pharma Group.

2017

Abbie Cochell got engaged to Brett Manning on Oak Island in July 2023. They plan to marry in Charlotte in August 2024.

Jill Jacobson got engaged to Michael Yamnitsky in December in Grand Teton National Park. They plan to marry in Jackson Hole, WY, in the winter of 2026.