St. Andrew's 2026 Spring Magazine

SPRING 2026

Table of Contents

SPRING 2026

Editor Richard Coco

Designers

Nancy Schwartz

Kelly Sullivan

Photographers

Andrea Joseph Photography

Freed Photography

Joy Asico-Smith

Stone Photography

2025-2026 BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Chair Kellie Bickenbach

Vice Chair

Thomas Taylor ‘00

Treasurer Dinkar Bhatia

Secretary Alfredo Antezana

Kara Arundel

John Asadoorian

Joe Delogu

Catherine Emmerson

Sandy Horowitz

Anthony Izzo, III

Kelly Green Kahn

Sheila Maith

Sara O’Keefe

Katherine Sacksteder

Frederick Scarboro

Reg Seeto

Mary Wang

Rhonda Williams

EX-OFFICIO

Head of School

Robert Kosasky

Alumni Council President

Emily Williams ‘02

Parents Association President Loryn Blum

Bishop’s Representative

Rev. Michele Hagans

22 Commencement Speaker

Ryan Hathaway ‘04, an environmental and climate justice leader, will give the commencement speech in June at Washington National Cathedral.

24

Alumni Reflection

Pamela Kim ’24 reflects on how the habits and values she built at St. Andrew’s prepared her to thrive at Yale University.

26 Why St. Andrew’s

Veteran faculty and staff reflect on the relationships, purpose, and connections that have kept them in the community for decades.

St. Andrew’s is

St. Andrew’s does not discriminate in the administration of admission, financial aid or loan practices, educational or other school-sponsored programs and activities, or in the hiring or terms of employment of faculty and staff, except that the Chaplain shall be a

of the Episcopal Church. The mission of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School is to know and inspire each child in an inclusive community dedicated to exceptional teaching, learning, and service.

of the

Cover photo by Andrea Joseph Photography

Veteran colleagues drive our school forward with their growth and spirit

Dear Friends,

In many workplaces, 20 years of service marks the opportunity to retire and think about what’s passed. At St. Andrew’s, 20 years of service means you have dozens of equally long-tenured colleagues who love coming to work and growing with you.

This spring magazine celebrates our 26 current colleagues (a record number that will grow even larger in the coming years) who have served St. Andrew’s for 20 years or longer. As you read through their reflections, I hope you sense the following shared attitudes and themes:

Deep care for students and for learning: We ask every prospective teacher and staff member two essential questions in interviews: “Why do you hope to join St. Andrew’s?” and “How do you hope to grow over the next five years and beyond?” We hire educators who embrace our highly relational, growth-minded St. Andrew’s culture and dedicate themselves to student learning and growth. Amid a broader societal decline in institutional trust, we value adults who want a long-term professional home that will support and inspire them to get better every year.

Clear purpose and enduring joy in their work and their colleagues: Long-tenured faculty and staff set the tone for their school community. My veteran colleagues exude joy and satisfaction, helped by a clear and visible purpose: their students. And over the years, deep relationships among colleagues cross over departments and divisions on our close-knit campus, reinforcing our sense of shared purpose, high standards, and mutual support. Those relationships in turn reinforce institutional trust, understanding, and growth.

An eagerness to mentor the next “great generation” of faculty and staff: St. Andrew’s leans into the connection and potential of our intergenerational workforce. With a 95% annual faculty and staff retention rate, veteran leaders rightly view younger colleagues as St. Andrew’s future, and we are proud to mentor our broadly diverse and talented long-term successors. True mentorship is a classic “win-win” activity, deepening wisdom and learning across generations.

Pride in, and devotion to, St. Andrew’s growth and spirit: At many schools, veteran faculty and staff view institutional change as a personal or cultural loss. At St. Andrew’s, our ability to grow in size, resources, and reputation while keeping our soul and culture intact has made our growth exciting and rewarding. Our school’s successes have reinforced the personal dedication and professional agility of our long-term leaders. Our love and appreciation for St. Andrew’s – its history, accomplishments, and potential – continue to uplift us and drive our school forward.

Whether your family are new or longstanding Lions, I hope this magazine conveys the legacy and pride of the educators who have built our student-centered and growth-minded culture. Most importantly, I also hope you see our enduring belief that St. Andrew’s full promise is still unfolding.

Faithfully,

Robert Head of School

The quality and care of faculty is one of St. Andrew’s greatest strengths

As a parent of two daughters who have grown up at St. Andrew’s over the past eight years, I have had the privilege of seeing the School through both a personal and a governance lens. From the earliest days in the classroom to the milestones that come with each new division, what has stood out most consistently is the quality and character of our faculty and staff. They know our children well, they challenge them thoughtfully, and they care for them in ways that extend far beyond the academic experience.

This issue of the magazine celebrates members of our community who have dedicated more than 20 years to St. Andrew’s. Their stories reflect something we see every day as parents and trustees alike. This is not simply a place of employment, but a professional home built on shared purpose, deep relationships, and a commitment to shaping young people with both rigor and heart.

The continuity they provide is one of the School’s greatest strengths, and it is felt in every classroom, on every field, and across the life of the community.

The Board has remained focused on ensuring that professional growth and compensation for our teachers and staff reflects both the value of their work and the realities of an evolving economic environment. During a period marked by inflationary pressure and broader uncertainty, we have worked to maintain salaries that keep pace with, and in many cases exceed, changes in the cost of living. This has been a deliberate and sustained priority. Ensuring that our faculty and staff are fairly and competitively compensated is essential not only to honoring their contributions, but also to sustaining the excellence and continuity of our community.

This work is part of a broader commitment to disciplined financial planning that

[St. Andrew’s] is not simply a place of employment, but a professional home built on shared purpose, deep relationships, and a commitment to shaping young people with both rigor and heart.

positions the School for long-term strength while remaining true to our mission.

Balancing these priorities requires care, rigor, and a long-term perspective, and I am grateful for the partnership of my fellow trustees and the leadership team in advancing this work.

As I conclude my time as Board Chair, I am delighted that veteran trustee Alfredo Antezana, P ’25 ’29 will step into the Chair role, beginning in May. I am also excited to share that our long-term Head of School Robert Kosasky has agreed to extend his headship through June 2030. St. Andrew’s has gained so much from Robert’s vision and guidance during his 24 years (and counting!) as Head of School.

It has been a privilege to serve this community as Board Chair, and to support a school that has given so much to my own family and to so many others.

Kellie Bickenbach, P ’26 ’28 Chair, Board of Trustees

School News

Five New Endowed Funds Established

In the past 12 months, five longtime teachers and administrators were recognized by current parents, alumni, and parents of alumni with endowments named in their honor. In the summer of 2025, we announced both the Jordan Love Endowment and the Lorraine Martinez Hanley Endowment. The Jordan Love Endowment will support Lower School Faculty Professional Development and was established by Zhiping Liu and Mary Wang P’33 ’35. The Lorraine Martinez Hanley Endowment will provide a full need-based scholarship for a Latino student and was established by an anonymous family.

This winter, the Sung Hee Kim Endowment was created, also by an

anonymous family. The Endowment supports faculty professional development that fosters inspirational teaching and student engagement. This spring, two more endowments were established. The first was the Gary Wyatt Endowment, created by Tim Finn ’96, which will support faculty and staff professional development. The second and the most recent is the Ritchie Porter Endowment, created by the Allender Family – Pat, Debbie, and John ('04) Allender – to support the dramatic arts.

These honors are a tribute to both the exceptional teaching provided by St. Andrew’s faculty and the philanthropic vision and generosity of the St. Andrew’s community. Thank you to those who made these gifts and lifted up these career educators.

Students Honored with Seal of Biliteracy

This spring, 16 Upper School students were honored with the Seal of Biliteracy for proficiency in two or more languages, one of them being English. Students needed to score a 4 or a 5 on an AP Language exam or an I5 or above on the ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) exam.

This year’s recipients of the Seal of Biliteracy were Ruth Amha ’26 (Spanish), Sasha Barnes ’26 (French), Lucas Chao ’26 (French), Piper Long ’26 (Latin), Maahi Narula ’26 (French), Nuri Park ’26 (French), Nicole Pathak ’26 (Spanish), Alice Xiao ’26 (Spanish), Yara Bradosti ’27 (Spanish), Isabella Langevin ’27 (Spanish), Siena Propst ’27 (German), Sofia Valencia ’27 (Spanish), Feynman Cai ’28 (Latin), Alexa Karen ’28 (Spanish), Dylan Rhein ’28 (French), and Savio Rinaldi ’28 (Spanish and German). Congratulations to all of this year’s student linguists.

St. Andrew’s Players Present …

It was a mysterious and hilarious year for the St. Andrew’s Players. In the fall, Upper School students staged a production of “Murder on the Orient Express,” Ken Ludwig’s adaptation of the Agatha Christie classic. The whodunit kept audiences guessing until the very end as Hercule Poirot solved what he considered the greatest case of his career.

In the winter, the Players wowed audiences with the musical comedy “Something Rotten!” The 2015 Broadway show tells the story of the Bottom brothers, who are overshadowed by William Shakespeare. They consult a soothsayer to find out the future of theater only to learn it’s musicals.

This May, Middle School students will have their turn on the stage in MacDonald Hall as their third trimester class will culminate in a production of “Shrek Jr.” with performances on the evening of May 15 and afternoon of May 16.

Cum Laude Holds 40th Annual Induction Ceremony

St. Andrew’s began inducting students into the Cum Laude Society in 1987 and this spring, another nine seniors and 10 juniors were selected for this prestigious honor based on academic achievement and qualities of good character, honor, and integrity.

From the Class of 2026, Eliad Adu (Maryland), Joshua Babby (Wake Forest), Lucas Chao (New York University), Dustin Cheng (Michigan), Adam Grumet (Wesleyan), Sophie Li (Smith), Nuri Park (University of Southern California), Maahi Narula (Boston University), and Avi Tewari (Maryland) were inducted. Aarian Arora, Raudean Barati, Matthew Boylen, Sinjin Bromer, Lucas Chen, Tolly Gershberg, James Huang, Isabella Langevin, Connor Shreck, and Andrew Warmenhoven were inducted for the Class of 2027

They were inducted by members of the faculty who earned the honor themselves as students as well as current St. Andrew’s students who were inducted last year, including Carmen Ashworth (Cornell), Maya Chandra (Rice), Jack Harlan (UCLA), Kamil Owoyemi (Emory), Nicole Pathak (Loyola University - MD), Greg Wayne (Washington University), Vince Wayne (Vanderbilt), and Alice Xiao (M.I.T).

National Merit Finalists Announced

Congratulations to five members of the Class of 2026 who were named National Merit Finalists – an exceptional achievement that places them among the top students in the nation! Those five students are Carmen Ashworth, Maya Chandra, Kamil Owoyemi, Greg Wayne, and Vince Wayne. This distinction reflects a highly rigorous process. Of the approximately 1.3 million students who meet eligibility requirements, only about 15,00016,000 nationwide advance to Finalist standing after demonstrating outstanding academic performance, strong SAT/ACT scores, a written essay, and school endorsement.

Partnership With The Children’s Education Initiative

Earlier this year, St. Andrew’s announced a partnership with The Children’s Education Initiative (TCEI), a San Diego-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of education for socioeconomically disadvantaged children. This partnership saw TCEI award a $1.63 million multi-year grant that will allow St. Andrew’s to fully fund two additional students from kindergarten through eighth grade, beginning with the 2026-2027 school year. In addition to tuition, the grant will also support all auxiliary and ancillary programs, uniforms, books, technology, transportation, and any required tutoring. In applying for the grant, St. Andrew’s has committed to continue this level of financial support for those students for ninth through twelfth grade.

When seeking potential partners, TCEI looks for schools that demonstrate a strong commitment to increasing access for groups that are often underrepresented in independent school education. With its long-standing commitment to diversity and a robust financial aid program, St. Andrew’s was a natural fit to partner with TCEI.

Since its inception, St. Andrew’s has been committed to providing exceptional teaching and learning to a diverse group of students. This partnership with TCEI reflects the joint commitment and shared dedication to socioeconomic diversity and the impact of an independent school education in shaping future leaders.

Artists of the Future

It was once again a spectacular year for the arts in the Lower School. From Grandparents Day to Holiday Shows to World Language Festival, our youngest students took the stage multiple times throughout the year to showcase their performance skills. In the spring, both the fourth-grade and the fifth-grade put on their own musicals, with fifth-graders taking the stage in MacDonald Hall.

Lower School visual artists also had a chance to display their work throughout the year, culminating in May’s Night at the Museum. Students acted as docent for parents and gave tours throughout the Lower School with stops along the way to showcase student artwork.

Award-Winning Art On Display

This spring has been a season of recognition for Upper School visual artists. Three students were honored in the annual Friends of the Yellow Barn High School Show, while a fourth won an award at the Independent School Art Competition at Stone Ridge.

Anna J. Cerveny ’26 had her award-winning piece, “Hope” displayed with more than 200 works at the Independent School Art Competition. At the Yellow Barn High School Show, Katie Smith ‘26, Sofia Caicedo 26, and Vince Wayne ‘26 had their work displayed at Gallery B. Featured works included “Navy Yard – Ballpark Station” by Smith, “The Chair of Life” by Caicedo, and “Pass it On” by Wayne.

St. Andrew’s Hosts SAIL Summit

St. Andrew’s hosted the Student AI Learning (SAIL) Summit in midApril, welcoming nearly 100 high school students from across the region, including Sidwell Friends, Gonzaga, Indian Creek, Georgetown Day, Holton-Arms, and Sandy Spring. Designed as a student-led conference, the SAIL Summit explored how artificial intelligence is shaping education, creativity, and society. The day featured student-run workshops, collaborative “unconference” sessions (where participants create the agenda on the spot), and a keynote address from Roxie Hill, Global Director of Partnerships and Global Alliances at Microsoft.

St. Andrew’s students also took the lead as speakers and facilitators, showcasing their insight and leadership throughout the event. In addition, The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning (CTTL) hosted a concurrent session for adult participants.

29th Annual Oral History Project

For generations, the Oral History Project has been a hallmark of the 11thgrade experience at St. Andrew’s. The four-month project is one of the most challenging learning experiences for every Upper School student. Eleventh graders select a topic, interview someone who serves as a primary source on the subject, and writes a 10-page context paper, in addition to transcribing the interview, which then gets added to the largest pre-collegiate oral history archive in the United States that is housed in the Dreyfuss Library at St. Andrew’s.

Now in its 29th year, the Oral History Project has 1,917 archived interviews, including those conducted with Supreme Court Justices, Olympians, and astronauts. Seven students from the Class of 2027 – Lukas Anderson, Spencer Berrent, Lauren Chappell, Tolly Gershberg, Arad Mehrabian, Davidson Miner, and Ava Scafide – shared excerpts of their interviews and takeaways from the experience.

Upper School Neuroscience Students Design Lower School Lessons

A new elective at St. Andrew’s is Neuroscience, open to students in 11th and 12th graders. A predominately project-based course, the class ranged from exploring the neuron on the cellular level to techniques used in neuroscience research. This spring, those students took on the role of teachers during Brain Awareness Week. They led hands-on lessons in the Lower School D!Lab, guiding K-2 students through interactive activities the Upper Schoolers designed to explore the senses. The lesson brought learning to life as Lower School students discovered how their brains help them see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.

Student Voices on National Podcast

Sam Colvin ‘26 and Marin Rosenthal ‘26 are just two of The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning student research fellows and academy interns. In those roles, they are often asked about their own learning as well as what a teacher can do to make learning easier and more engaging. This spring, the pair shared their student perspectives on the nationally recognized “What School Could Be” podcast. The episode featured the soon-to-be-graduates reflecting on their St. Andrew’s experience while offering their insights into what school could be. Check out the podcast episode titled “Plain-Spoken Thoughts on Transforming Teaching and Learning from Sam and Marin” on Spotify and Apple podcasts.

Women’s Empowerment Conference

In early March, students in grades 8-12 who chose to participate gathered in the Student Center for the annual Women’s Empowerment Conference. This year’s theme - Mind, Body, and Power - focused on supporting mental health, wellness, and resilience. The day featured an inspiring talk from guest speaker Nat Bullock, an engagement manager at Vibrant Emotional Health, a student leadership panel, and an energizing kickboxing session. Students also rotated through hands-on activities including canvas art, service projects supporting YoungHearts, a nonprofit founded by a St. Andrew’s student that works with schools in rural Colombia, and meditation yoga. It was a meaningful day of reflection, connection, and empowerment.

World’s Fair In AP European History Classroom

In the spring, AP European History students transformed their classroom into a lively “World’s Fair,” presenting projects on the explosion of ideas, discoveries, and movements that helped shape the late 19th century. Students explored groundbreaking scientific advances from figures such as Marie and Pierre Curie, Nikola Tesla, Gregor Mendel, Max Planck, and Albert Einstein, alongside influential philosophical ideas from thinkers including Soren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, and others. The fair also highlighted major cultural and political movements of the era, including Impressionism, Naturalism in literature, and late 19th-century Feminism. This was St. Andrew’s Fourth Annual AP European History World’s Fair, and it offered students a dynamic way to bring history to life while sharing the ideas that helped shape the modern world.

Teaching The Teachers

Lower School Science Teacher Tia Henteleff, author of “As We Begin: Dispositions of Mind, Learning, and the Brain in Early Childhood,” delivered the keynote address in November at the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal Schools Association (MAESA) Early Childhood Educators Conference. Henteleff, who is also the Lower School Research Lead for The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning, delivered a research-informed presentation on teaching and learning during the early years, with a focus on the cultivation of care, curiosity, and creativity to educators from Episcopal schools from across the Mid-Atlantic region.

Congressional Award Gold Medal Recipient

Congratulations to Liam Riley ’26 on earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal, the highest honor presented to youth by the United States Congress. This prestigious award recognizes sustained dedication across four areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and Expedition/ Exploration. Created in 1979, the Congressional Award Gold Medal honors young people who demonstrate longterm commitment to personal growth and civic engagement. Liam completed more than 400 hours of community service, including more than 200 hours with the So What Else Food Rescue Bank in North Bethesda, and led his Eagle Scout project to design, build, and install new signage at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington, D.C. For personal development, Liam earned the rank of Eagle Scout, completed 31 merit badges, and helped design, build, and fly a drone for the UAS4STEM national competition. He also committed to physical fitness training for scouting adventures and athletics, including golf and skiing. To fulfill the expedition/exploration requirement, Liam completed a nine-day, 75-mile backpacking trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico during a 21-day cross-country journey.

Student And Teacher

Present At Foreign Language Conference

Sophomore Grant Conley ’28 and Spanish teacher Daphne Clyburn copresented at the Greater Washington Association of Teachers of Foreign Language (GWATFL) Fall Conference, modeling a true partnership between student and teacher. Their session explored how rethinking homework through the lenses of accessibility, efficiency, and engagement can reduce barriers for students and support deeper learning. Grant and Ms. Clyburn also shared practical strategies educators can apply immediately in their own classrooms.

Great Works Project

Now in its 13th year, the Great Works Project is the signature academic program of sophomore year at St. Andrew’s. The project asks students in every English class to select a work of literature that they believe is a great work, and make a compelling argument for why it should be included in the 10th-grade curriculum. Through three-minute speeches, students make the case to their classmates for why their book should win. Voted on by their peers, the winners of each class compete against each other in front of a panel of former Great Works winners. At the beginning of March, the winners were announced. Congratulations to Kate Bickenbach ’28 (Mikhail Bulgakov’s “The Master and Margarita”) and Zelie Isaro Mwumvaneza ’28 (Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”). Their books will be taught in the third trimester in Honors English 10 (“The Master and Margarita”) and English 10 (“To Kill a Mockingbird”).

Composting Takes Root At St. Andrew’s

What began in the 2024-2025 school year as a student-driven idea from Kamil Owoyemi ’26 has grown into a schoolwide commitment to sustainability with a composting program that encompasses nearly all of campus. With the help of faculty advisor Chuck James and a group of Upper School students helped kick off composting at Upper School lunches in December followed by Middle School lunch composting in February. Composting in the Lower School is scheduled to begin next year. Thanks to our vendor, Veterans Composting, our compost will help enrich local soil and support farms that donate fresh produce to community meal programs.

Students Recognized for Achievement on National Latin Exam

Every year, more than 100,000 Latin students from all 50 states, D.C., and 26 other countries take part in the National Latin Exam. This year, 19 St. Andrew’s students were recognized for their achievements on the test. Congratulations to the following students who were recognized for their achievements:

In Latin 1A, Daniel L. ‘32 earned Gold Summa Cum Laude and Anna F. ‘32 was awarded Magna Cum Laude. In Latin 1, Harper Price ‘29 earned Cum Laude, Evie Marvin ‘29 was

World Kindness Day

Every November, preschool students celebrate World Kindness Day by spreading joy throughout the school! This year, they traveled around campus sharing cookies, flowers, and snacks with students, teachers, and staff — each child eager for a turn to brighten someone’s day. Judging by the smiles of everyone who received a treat, they were certainly successful in their mission to spread kindness and joy throughout our community!

awarded Magna Cum Laude, and Chelsea Lin ‘29 earned Silver Maxima Cum Laude. In Latin 2, Angelina Chen ‘28 earned Cum Laude; Reese Hinkle ‘28, Gracie Jacobs ‘28, and Ella Riesner ‘28 were awarded Magna Cum Laude; Izzy Levine ‘28 earned Silver Maxima Cum Laude; and Lila Jones ‘27, Jeffrey McGuire ‘29, and Savio Rinaldi ‘28 earned Gold Summa Cum Laude. In Latin 3, Colin Bamford ‘28 was awarded Magna Cum Laude. In Latin 4 – Advanced Latin Prose, Austin Love ‘26 earned Cum Laude, Feynman Cai ‘28 was awarded Magna Cum Laude, Sinjin Bromer ‘27 earned Silver Maxima Cum Laude, and Andrew Warmenhoven ‘27 earned Gold Summa Cum Laude.

Kindergarten Students Visit Butler’s Orchard

Kindergarten students visiting Butler’s Orchard in the days leading up to Halloween has been a Lower School tradition dating back more than a decade. In recent years, the tradition has evolved with fifth-grade students joining them on the trip to help them pick pumpkins, model leadership, and perhaps most importantly, enjoy some time outside of the classroom. Judging from the smiles, the hay ride was a big hit!

Family Heritage Festival

The diversity of the St. Andrew’s community was celebrated this fall as families from all three divisions came together for Family Heritage Festival. More than 32 cultures were represented at the all-school event highlighting the richness of our school community. Hundreds of students and families participated by sharing music, food, and clothing representative of their heritage.

Young Alumni Day

In January, we welcomed collegeage alumni back to St. Andrew’s for Young Alumni Day, a day filled with connection, mentorship, and community.

The day featured thoughtful conversations during a faculty roundtable; our first-ever Career Pathway Fair, where alumni professionals shared insights on turning academic interests into careers; and a panel and advice expo that helped current seniors prepare for life after St. Andrew’s with guidance from those who were recently in their shoes.

News from the DEB Office

Hispanic Heritage Month

During Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), the DEB Office collaborated with the Latinx Club to host several events, including reading sessions for Lower School students, affinity lunches, fundraising in partnership with the Students of Color Association, and an all-school assembly with guest author Alyssa Reynoso Morris. Morris shared her journey as an Afro-Latina author and the impact her identity has had on her work. She also held a reading session for kindergarten and first-grade students.

Solidarity Week

In late October, the St. Andrew’s community joined schools nationwide in celebrating Solidarity Week – a time to reflect on what it means to stand together in allyship, dignity, and respect for all.

Upper School students in the Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) hosted events across campus and visited Lower School classrooms to read stories that celebrate inclusivity and allyship. In the Middle School, the Rainbow Alliance led activities that inspired belonging and affirmed that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and supported. In the Lower School, students stitched together a beautiful community quilt inspired by the LGBTQ+ flag with each piece symbolizing unity, love, and inclusion. They also gathered for a Solidarity Assembly with Mr. Gary Mayes, who shared a powerful message on how love makes a family.

Women’s History Month

In honor of Women’s History Month, the DEB Office hosted its annual Wom*n’s Empowerment Conference for students in grades 8–12 who identify with the pronouns she/her/they/them. This year’s theme was “Mind, Body, and Power: Supporting Mental Health, Wellness, and Resilience.” The conference focused on women’s health and included a service component supporting El Higuerón School in Caldas, Colombia.

On Thursday, October 30, the entire community wore purple - the color of spirit on the LGBTQ+ flag - to show solidarity with our LGBTQ+ students and families. In June, students will also have the opportunity to celebrate PRIDE Month as a community.

Middle School students also held a DEB assembly honoring Women’s History Month with keynote speaker Little Bacon Bear, a well-known DJ and radio host for 93.9 and DC United. She shared her journey to becoming a DJ and spoke about the challenges and opportunities of working as a woman in the music and radio industry. Students later participated in a music-themed trivia game highlighting songs created by women.

Black History Month

The Black Student Alliance honored Black History Month 2026 with weekly presentations focused on the theme “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” Upper School students presented during morning meetings throughout the month, educating the community about the achievements and contributions of influential Black figures in American society. Students in grades K–12 gathered in Lions Court for an assembly honoring Black History Month. The program featured a musical performance by Cameron Best ’26, who sang Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.” Members of the Bowie State University Choir, led by music director Professor Felder, also performed gospel selections rooted in the African American tradition, including “This Little Light of Mine,” which had the entire community singing along.

Featured speaker Keyonna Jones, a multidisciplinary artist, community advocate, and muralist from Southeast Washington, D.C., shared insights about her work with the Congress Heights Arts and Cultural Center, a nonprofit dedicated to exposing, inspiring, and educating youth and adults about arts and cultural opportunities in Wards 7 and 8.

Native American Heritage Month

Lower School students (K–5) welcomed Miss Chief Rocka, a member of the Frog Lake First Nation from Treaty 6 Territory (Edmonton, Alberta) and an internationally recognized artist in November. She introduced students to the vibrant world of Native American dance through storytelling, tradition, and rhythm. Through her artistry and teaching, she uplifts Indigenous voices and inspires future generations to celebrate culture, resilience, and identity. During the assembly, she performed the Jingle Dress Dance, Fancy Shawl Dance, and Traditional Hoop Dance, and invited students to learn some of the movements, creating a powerful and memorable experience.

News from The CTTL

CTTL Releases Science of Learning and AI Position Paper

In the spring of 2026, The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning released its position paper, “The Thinking Problem: A Science of Learning Solution for AI in School”. Written by The CTTL’s Dreyfuss Family Head of Research, Dr. Ian Kelleher, the piece has garnered significant attention from teachers, school leaders, and policymakers and has positioned St. Andrew’s as a thought leader in applying what we know about how the brain learns to better understand educational technologies and AI.

CTTL Celebrates 15 Years

What started as a handshake between Mr. Kosasky and Mr. Whitman in the spring of 2011 has led to The Center for Transformative Teaching and Learning becoming an internationally recognized leader in applying the science of learning to how teachers teach and students learn. During the 2025-2026 school year, the CTTL supported 100% of St. Andrew’s PS-12th-grade faculty training and ongoing professional learning in the science of learning. The CTTL has also presented, in person and virtually, to public, charter, private, and international school educators in Canada, Australia, France, Poland, and Hungary, and at conferences and schools across 18 states.

St. Andrew’s Classrooms Feature Research-Informed Door Signs

The doors of St. Andrew's classrooms look unlike those in most other schools. Walk the halls, and you will notice that each teacher displays a research-informed door sign, first created in September and revisited throughout the year. Each teacher draws on their training in the science of learning and their expertise in grade level or subject area to determine a research-informed focus for the school year.

News from the Athletics Department

Signing Day

This spring, St. Andrew’s held its annual Signing Day ceremony for student-athletes who will compete in college next year. A total of 10 St. Andrew’s seniors will play Division I, II or III NCAA sports next year with an 11th competing internationally. The players represent seven different sports showing the breadth of St. Andrew’s athletes.

The 11 student-athletes are: Emma Antonetti (soccer, Catholic University of America), Karon Bailey (basketball, Mercy University), Kendyl Barrett (basketball, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth), Alex Chalmers (baseball, Grinnell College), Chrissy Graves (soccer, Butler University), Steven Huan (basketball, University of Maryland, Baltimore County - not pictured), Piper Long (swimming, Macalester College), Julian Shaw (soccer, Washington & Jefferson College), Piers Shortell (rowing, University of St Andrews - not pictured), AB Tsai-Turton (basketball, University of Mary Washington), and Alice Xiao (swimming, Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Congratulations, and good luck next year!

Junior Heading to U-17 World Cup

There have been plenty of headlines about the FIFA Men’s World Cup which kicks off in North America this summer but for junior players, the big event doesn’t happen until this fall – and a St. Andrew’s student will take part. Lukas Anderson ‘27 is part of the Jamaican U-17 men’s team that qualified for the U-17 World Cup in Qatar in November.

Anderson is a forward and attacking midfielder on the team that went 3-0 in February at the CONCACAF Men’s U-17 Qualifiers. Jamaica opened the qualifier with a 3-0 win over Aruba – with Anderson playing the entire second half –followed by a 12-0 win over the Cayman Islands and completing the tournament run with a 3-1 win over Canada. With 18 goals in the Qualifiers, Jamaica set the record for most goals scored by a Caribbean national team in the qualifying tournament. The draw for the tournament will take place on May 21 and games will be played November 19 through December 13.

Co-Chairs:

Grazie! La Dolce Vita Gala Raises $449,000 for Financial Aid

This year’s Fund-a-Scholar Gala was an evening filled with celebration, style, and the joyful spirit of La Dolce Vita.

Thank you to the more than 370 parents, alumni, faculty, and staff who came together in support of financial aid, contributing to a net total of $449,000 for the Fund-a-Scholar Program, the most successful on-campus Gala in St. Andrew’s history! Because of this extraordinary support, more students will have access to a St. Andrew’s education, and every classroom will be enriched by a broader range of perspectives and experiences.

Thank you to our co-chairs Kristin Cecchi and Marielle Shortell, and a special thank you to all of our corporate sponsors — especially Boland, Nomad Event Systems, and Capricorn Creative — for their generous support!

Gala

Kristin Cecchi and Marielle Shortell

Fund-a-Scholar Speaker: Joy Reeves ‘18

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Global Learning in Action: Middle School Students Journey to Europe

BY ASHLEY CAREY ’01

This year’s Middle School Spring Break trip took 19 students on an unforgettable journey across Germany and Switzerland. Students spent the week exploring, discovering, and experiencing new cultures together. From learning about the Holocaust at Dachau, to touring a Cold War-era bunker beneath Geneva, to walking through a glacial cave and across the highest suspension bridge in Europe atop Mount Titlis, the trip combined history, culture, and the natural beauty of central Europe. Did we forget to mention a chocolate-making experience as well?

Reflecting on the experience, Trip Leader Jen Mathiak shared, “The interactive experience at CERN — especially working together on the particle accelerator simulator — was a standout highlight,” said Jen Mathiak, Middle School science teacher and trip leader. “The guided tour of the United Nations Geneva headquarters, originally home to the League of Nations, was equally memorable, as students observed proceedings from the gallery and saw the process come to life.”

“(The trip was) a great way to build relationships with classmates and experience different cultures outside the classroom,” said Olivia T. ‘30, who also went on the Middle School trip to Ireland in 2024.

Ezra S. ‘30, who also went on the 2024 trip echoed that sentiment. “(It’s) the best way to make education fun.”

Left: On Palm Sunday, students visited Freiburg Cathedral in Germany. The cathedral, which was completed in the Middle Ages, features stunning Gothic architecture.

Trying local flavors is part of the experience! In Switzerland, that meant chocolate, cheese, and a fondue dinner complete with a friendly “best cheese pull” competition.

Above: Students at CERN, the world’s largest particle physics lab and home to The Large Hadron Collider. Students were able to play and learn while engaging with the interactive stations at CERN.

Right: Students took in Switzerland’s stunning alpine landscape after touring the Grimselwelt Underground Hydroelectric Power Plant.

The tour of Switzerland ended in Geneva where the students took a water taxi across Lac Léman, also known as Lake Geneva, to take in the sites of the city and the Swiss Alps.

CAMPUS CORNERSTONE

Historic Kiplinger House Restored for Modern Era

BY RICHARD COCO

When St. Andrew’s purchased its current campus in the mid-1990s, it purchased mostly empty land with just three buildings. A gym, which became an integral part of the footprint for the Student Center; an athletics center, which became an Intermediate School in 2012 before morphing into the beautiful and bright Lower School in 2019; and Kiplinger House.

The oldest building at 8804 Postoak Road waited patiently for the care and attention it deserved and it finally received it. In February of 2026, after an 11-month renovation, it reopened. With that project complete, every building on the campus has either been constructed or renovated in the past 10 years.

Originally built in 1810 and expanded upon in the 1930s, more than 2100-square-feet were added to the building but that barely scratches the surface of the project. Centuries of harsh D.C. winters and steamy swamp-like summers caused degradation to the bricks and cement originally used to construct the building and its addition. In order to ensure the long-term health of the structure, roughly 6,300-square-feet out of the newly finished 9,400-square-foot facility had to be added, gutted, rebuilt, or heavily modified.

The upgraded Kiplinger House does more than just bring significant enhancements to the long-term structural integrity of the building, ensuring its safety and durability for the school’s next 50 years, and beyond, it also upgraded its ADA accessibility, with improved access to the first and second floors with the installation of a new elevator. Kiplinger Dining Room

More than 2,100 square feet of additional office space was added to the back of the house through modules built off site. A new outdoor patio leads off Kiplinger Dining Room.

was greatly expanded with beautiful glass doors that open out onto stairs and the future home of a patio that will be host to parent, alumni, and trustee gatherings.

The renovation also brings with it a brand new home for the school store, with more shopping space and an opportunity for greater inventory. All of this while delivering new, modern spaces for the Admission, Advancement, and Business Offices.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

Read more about the history of Kiplinger House on page 72.

The second floor foyer includes framed drawings of the historic house from 1998.

The school store is larger, and now features more inventory than before.

The expanded Kiplinger Dining Room can now accommodate larger groups for meetings, and opens to a back patio and terrace.

Some offices feature large windows that look over Bruder Garden.

The Admission reception area is ready to welcome prospective families this fall.

COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

RYAN HATHAWAY ‘04

Ryan Hathaway ’04 returns as commencement speaker, encouraging graduates to choose impact, service, and purpose over competition and convention.

BY RICHARD COCO

A lot has changed in the 22 years since Ryan Hathaway ’04 graduated from St. Andrew’s. Smartphones, social media, the demise of Blockbuster and the rise of Netflix, not to mention the geopolitical and cultural landscapes and touchstones. One thing that has remained the same is St. Andrew’s graduation at Washington National Cathedral. When the Class of 2026 holds its commencement on June 5, Hathaway, who has built a career in environmental justice, will take the stage as the speaker and likely present a different type of address than the one he heard when he received his diploma back during George W. Bush’s first term.

“I don’t want to stand up there and give a speech about being on the cusp of something new or at the end of something, telling them they have to go figure out who they are and that failure is normal. This generation, they probably heard that in middle school or elementary school,” Hathaway said. “I just want to share with them that the world isn’t always what you see on the news. There are the Mr. Rogers and Steve Irwins and Bob Rosses of the world who just go out there and try to make the world a better place. They don’t have to be intimidated or doubt themselves if that’s what they want to do. You can still go out there and try to teach and coach and do things to make other people’s lives better, and you can make a living doing

Alumni, Join Us at Graduation!

Each June, we invite our alumni to attend Commencement. This year’s ceremony takes place at 10 a.m., Friday, June 5, at Washington National Cathedral. Alumni are invited to participate in graduation by processing down the aisle wearing distinguished alumni gowns. If you would like to participate, email alumni@saes.org.

that. You don’t have to grind it out and try to get some super successful, competitive position, because in the end, if it’s all competition, it’s not going to be worth much.” Hathaway, who earned a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Conservation from the University of Delaware and a Master’s degree from Virginia Tech in Natural Resources Management and Policy, has been working to make the world a better place for nearly two decades. As an undergraduate student, he founded an NGO to provide funding to improve ecotourism’s use of recycling in Antarctica. While working on his Master’s, he began working at the Bureau of Land Management before moving to the U.S. Department of the Interior. He eventually became Director for Environmental Justice and Executive Director of the White House Interagency Council on Environmental Justice, a position he was in until February of 2025. He is currently Director for Environmental and Climate Justice at Lawyers for Good Government, a non-profit that has

a network of more than 125,000 pro bono attorneys across the 50 states.

“I know a lot of ways in which the federal government should be working, so a lot of what we are doing is helping small community organizations get access to free attorneys with specialties on federal grants and the like,” Hathaway said. “We have about $140 billion worth of grants that were questionably, if not illegally, canceled for community groups. We have been working to make sure the community groups know of all the administrative processes and when it’s good to file a lawsuit as well. So far to date, I think we have gotten $2.9 billion in 15 states. That’s billions of dollars back to communities that have a lot of industrial pollution in them to allow them to put up protections and air sensors.”

When Hathaway gives his speech on

June 5, one person who won’t be present that he wishes could be is Stone Weeks ’03. Weeks, and his brother Holt, died in a highway accident in 2009. “He was a mentor and a good friend, and he looked out for me and helped me get adjusted to a new school,” Hathaway said. “I would like him to see this, because he knew me in high school and college and I’d love him to see that I got my act together enough to work on charitable things for a living. I think he would be happy with that, and happy to have me coming back to St. Andrew’s in a more serious capacity.”

Former teachers who made a difference for Hathaway who will be in attendance include Christina Chalmers, Alex Haight, Dresden Koons, and Gregg Ponitch.

“Hopefully they will (leave graduation) knowing that they very much mattered in the course of my life.”

“[Stone Weeks] was a mentor and a good friend, and he looked out for me and helped me get adjusted to a new school. I’d love him to see that I got my act together enough to work on charitable things for a living. I think he would be happy with that, and happy to have me coming back to St. Andrew’s in a more serious capacity.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF RYAN HATHAWAY

ALUMNI REFLECTION

GROWING UP BETWEEN CLASSES

Pamela Kim ’24 reflects on how the habits and values she built at St. Andrew’s prepared her to thrive at Yale University.

BY PAMELA KIM ’24

During one of my first in-person advisory group meetings at St. Andrew’s, I remember a lesson that has stayed with me throughout the past five years. My advisor, Mr. Stanger, introduced what was called the “bricks lesson,” emphasizing the importance of diligence, attention to detail, and consistent effort in building a strong foundation when pursuing any personal endeavor. At the time, I understood the message only in theory, something that I nodded along to without fully grasping the idea. It was not until years later, as I completed my first year of college at Yale, that I realized I had been laying those bricks all along, and how deeply those principles would shape my growth beyond high school.

During late-night debrief sessions in my college dorm, I often find myself missing high school in ways that my college friends do not quite understand. I miss the dozens of hours spent studying and silently laughing with friends in the library, the predictability and excitement of attending soccer and softball practices after school, and the ease of stopping by my teachers’ offices for extra guidance. What I appreciate most however, is not just the familiarity of those routines, but the way the routines quietly shaped the skills of managing responsibil-

ity without realizing it. Only after leaving St. Andrew’s, I realized how this structure was never meant to confine me to act or approach school a certain way. Rather, it was meant to prepare me. These lessons provided me with a strong and withstanding foundation that I continue to rely on throughout my college career.

High school provided a structured environment that played a crucial role in developing my ability to manage time efficiently and independently. Weekly emails from Ms. Cobb outlining schedules, special events, and important deadlines helped me learn how to organize my responsibilities efficiently throughout the week and shaped how I approached scheduling club meetings and events. At the time, I relied heavily on that predictability. However in college, where the structure is far less explicit, no one reminded me when to start assignments or how to balance my week. Yet instead of feeling overwhelmed, I was able to naturally recreate and apply those same organizational systems I once depended on. Now, I rely on tools like Google Calendar to organize my coursework, commitments, and personal time, not because I am required to, but because I understand my own limits and how I work best. This transition revealed that what once felt like an external structure that guided me during high school quietly became an internal discipline that I was able to master and utilize with confidence over time.

Another element that I reflected on is the transition that involved my academic

relationships. At St. Andrew's, building connections with teachers was encouraged and normalized. It always felt natural asking questions, seeking feedback, and spending time in teachers’ offices, as it was regarded as a sign of effort and expected steps of the learning process. When I arrived at college, particularly in large lecture-based STEM courses, fostering relationships with professors in college felt far more intimidating and daunting. My experience of getting to know teachers at St. Andrew’s allowed me to develop more confidence and find more comfort in reaching out to my professors at Yale. Attending office hours and engaging with professors no longer felt intimidating; instead, it became essential, and now I view it as a gift, a privilege that not all students have access to. This brick of structured teacher support was placed with much consideration and detail, allowing me to advocate for my own learning even after high school.

My involvement in extracurriculars followed a similar, if not more developed, pattern of growth. Making time

to participate in sports, clubs, and student organizations such as the Student Government Association, Asian Student Union, Pre-Medicine Club, and Students of Color Association taught me how to balance multiple commitments within a structured schedule. This positive experience of growing and making connections through extracurricular activities caused me to develop a similar enthusiasm in college that initially led me to overcommit. I signed up for a very wide range of activities, from sport-related clubs such as archery, taekwondo, boxing, and fishing, to pre-professional organizations, as well as affinity-related clubs. I initially believed that my involvement alone could bring more fulfillment. However, over time, I learned how to evaluate my priorities more intentionally, as I did during high school. The structure that I once relied on taught me a lesson on not only how to say yes, but eventually understanding when it is the right time to say no. Learning to narrow my commitments was not a failure of my ambition, but a sign of growing my self-awareness and priorities.

Perhaps, the most meaningful lesson I carried forward from high school was resilience. Whether it was returning to competitive soccer after time away from the pandemic, founding the first Asian-affinity organization, or struggling academically during demanding exam periods, I became familiar with discomfort early on in my high school career. One particularly challenging soccer season stands out to me… After an embarrassing scrimmage to start off my sophomore soccer season (I missed a pass from our own defender and generously assisted the other team with a goal), I questioned my abilities and place on my team. However, through persistence and determination, I was able to improve significantly and later get recognized as the Most Improved Player. This experience reshaped how I approached setbacks, allowing me to adjust, seek out, and trust the process. These setbacks were not only challenges, they were also significant lessons that were critical in making a difference in my work ethic.

Looking back, I realize that the most valuable lessons I learned at St. Andrew’s were never taught explicitly; instead, they were embedded in our own personal experiences navigating school. The structure that once guided my days became my self-discipline, and I have been able to navigate college with much more confidence. Like the bricks from that early advisory lesson, each experience laid a foundation that I did not fully recognize at the time. Now, standing on that foundation, I understand that independence is not gained overnight; it is something that can only be built brick by brick. Lastly, once built strong and high enough, we can enjoy the shade and shelter it provides, decorating and coloring with our diverse emotions and experiences.

Now, to all of the graduating seniors I had the opportunity to meet during Young Alumni Day, find confidence in the endurance and efforts you stacked throughout high school, as they are lifelong lessons that you will find comfort in.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAMELA KIM

“Over the years, this community helped shape me as much as I hope I helped shape my students. For that, I will always be deeply grateful.”

“Being in the classroom is absolutely the favorite part of my job. Seeing the ‘aha’ moment in class never gets old.”

“I love spending time planning hands-on activities that spark exploration and wonder in my young students. I am incredibly grateful to be doing a job that I love so much.”

JOHN MCMILLEN, 38 YEARS OF SERVICE

CHANTAL CASSAN, 26 YEARS OF SERVICE

MARGY HEMMIG, 22 YEARS OF SERVICE

Why St. Andrew’s?

Veteran faculty and staff reflect on the relationships, purpose, and connections that have kept them in the community for decades.

Everywhere you look at St. Andrew’s, you will find an adult that has dedicated their professional lives to the school. In the 2025-2026 school year, 26 members of the faculty, staff, and administration are in their 20th year or longer. They represent all divisions, all departments, and encompass the totality of school life.

These heroes — and make no mistake, they are heroes — have had yearbooks dedicated to them, endowments named in their honor, and been recipients of the Finneran Faculty Award, the highest honor the school bestows on its teachers. They have inspired a generation of learners, and in some cases, two generations of learners.

On the following pages, you will read in their own words the reason they have stayed so long at St. Andrew’s. Some came

after careers outside of teaching or at other schools. Some left for adventures elsewhere only to return. And some, like Tracey Goodrich, now in her 40th year, interviewed right out of college and hasn’t considered leaving a single moment in those four decades. Not included in this list of 26 educators are an additional 15 who spent more than 25 years at St. Andrew’s but have since retired. Many of those 15 are still seen on campus regularly as substitute teachers, or to fill in when a teacher is on maternity leave. Because for them, St. Andrew’s is a part of their DNA.

We frequently ask our students and families what made them decide to come, and stay, at St. Andrew’s. On the next 26 pages, you will hear from long-serving faculty and staff their answer to the question, “Why St. Andrew’s?”

Tracey Goodrich

Upper School Math and Arts Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

I truly grew up here. St. Andrew’s has been my “home away from home” since the very beginning of my adult life. I moved to Maryland the summer after graduating college, and this is where I learned to live independently and launched my teaching career. This community quickly became my family and my circle of closest friends. From the start, I knew I was in a place where I could not only grow as an educator but also authentically share my dual passions for art and mathematics.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

Without a doubt, my favorite part of my role is the deep relationships I form with my students. These bonds truly last a lifetime; I love attending alumni events and seeing how my former students have thrived. In fact, I’ve reached the wonderful “full-circle” milestone of teaching the children of students I taught many years ago!

Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s long term?

It might sound remarkable, but I knew I wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s the very day I interviewed. The moment I witnessed the environment and the genuine relationships between the students and teachers, I could see myself here forever.

Was there a teacher or administrator that was a mentor to you at St. Andrew’s and what did you learn from them?

While I learned a tremendous amount from “the greats” John Holden and Joanne Beach, my daily practice was shaped by two specific mentors: Gary Wyatt in Art and Mary Eileen Stevens in Math. Gary was instrumental in my development, guiding me through curriculum design, classroom organization, and the nuances of discipline. Simultaneously, Mary Eileen welcomed me into the math department and pushed me to grow in confidence.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

My message to the next generation of teachers is this: let your students see your genuine love for your subject matter and your own continued joy in learning!

YEARS OF SERVICE

John McMillen

Upper School Math Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

St. Andrew’s has given me so many opportunities to try out new things, to attend amazing PD workshops, and to grow at a teacher and coach. I’ve had (and continue to have) the chance to work with great colleagues and I enjoy the exchange of ideas that is a regular part of the Math Department.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

Being in the classroom is absolutely the favorite part of my job. Seeing the “aha” moment in class never gets old; that said, helping a struggling student is also quite rewarding.

Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s long term?

I left St. Andrew’s in 1998 and worked for three years at a school in Connecticut. When we made the decision to come back to the DC area, I was really hoping something could work out so that I could come back to St. Andrew’s. When that opportunity came I knew I was in for the “long haul.”

Was there a teacher or administrator that was a mentor to you at St. Andrew’s and what did you learn from them?

There have been many...I learned so much about administration from Joanne Beach and John Holden. Dorothy Prats, Irene Walsh, and Kurt Sinclair (there were many more) were amazing role models and colleagues.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

Give teaching a few years...the first couple of years are a lot! St. Andrew’s offers many opportunities for professional development and further education; if you have the time and interest, take advantage of them. St. Andrew’s has given me so much over the years and I feel certain that it can be a great place to work for years to come.

David Brown

Associate Head of School

Why St. Andrew’s?

I have the opportunity to work with a great group of colleagues who are growing and learning and expecting me to be better every day. Being a teacher is harder than ever but having passionate colleagues who share the work make it enjoyable every day.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

In my role as a math teacher, I love working with students to see them, not only enhance their knowledge of mathematics, but increase their confidence and perseverance. In my administrative role, I love attracting and retaining new colleagues for our school.

Was there a teacher or administrator that was a mentor to you at St. Andrew’s and what did you learn from them?

Joanne Beach and John Holden were integral in my formative years at St. Andrew’s. Joanne showed me how to use care and empathy to build strong relationships while John shared his passion for systems thinking to enable all of us to succeed in the many facets of the independent school environment.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

There are three important criteria when considering staying with an organization. The first is to find a place with a mission that aligns with your beliefs. You’re going to put in the hours, so make sure the work has meaning. You’ll never regret the time you spend helping students master a concept, develop a skill, or learn a sport. Second, find a place where everyone belongs, and we celebrate differences. It is so easy to define groups by who we are not. Instead, find a place where there is agreement that we are different, and that our differences make us stronger, better, more resilient, and able to have meaningful conversations without thinking “they” don’t belong. Finally, find a place that challenges you to be your best - where you never feel like coasting because you know your colleagues wouldn’t accept it, and your students deserve your best effort. St. Andrew’s is that place for me, and I hope it becomes that place for each new teacher at St. Andrew’s.

Ginger Cobb

Head of Upper School

Why St. Andrew’s?

When I first arrived at St. Andrew’s straight from college, I came with enthusiasm, idealism, and a desire to make a difference in students’ lives. But what I didn’t expect was to fall in love with a place. From those early days, I was struck by something profound: the genuine commitment of both students and faculty to build a caring and kind community.

Over my 33 years, St. Andrew’s has transformed in remarkable ways. Yet through all this change, something essential has remained constant: the character of this place as a caring and nurturing community. That core identity, the one I fell in love with as a young teacher, has endured. This is no small feat. It’s a testament to the vision of our founders and leaders, and to every student, teacher, and family who has chosen to be part of this community and chose to protect what makes it special.

There’s a reason families choose St. Andrew’s. There’s a reason faculty and administrators like me choose to stay here, year after year, decade after decade. It’s the relationships. It’s the intentional culture of kindness. It’s the belief that education is about forming whole people, not just filling minds with information.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

My favorite thing about my role at St. Andrew’s is the meaningful relationships I build with students. Whether that be as an academic dean, service learning teacher, or mentor. It could be facilitating important conversations about personal growth, or guiding students through academic challenges. I value the opportunity to support their development both inside and outside the classroom. In return I, too, have grown as an educator from these relationships. Upper School students bring intellectual energy, thoughtful perspectives, and genuine interest to their learning.

Alex Haight

Upper School History Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

I love what I do and I love who I do it with. I enjoy teaching and the ever changing challenges that it brings. But I also appreciate the thoughtful and compassionate community created by both colleagues and students. I am amazed every day by the number of students that say “Thank you” as they leave class, even after tests, and the hard work and sense of humor of fellow teachers. It makes coming to work each day a joy and a place to call home.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

Getting into debates with students about Howard Zinn, the Atomic Bomb, Andrew Carnegie, Huey Long, the Black Freedom Struggle, really any topic that might engage students and lead to a deeper discussion.

Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s long term?

I started at St. Andrew’s part-time in 1996 as the assistant varsity soccer coach with a friend I had known for years, Charlie Malcolm. The team went undefeated that first year and it brought out a real passion for not only coaching soccer, but coaching soccer at St. Andrew’s. I was hired full time the next fall. A few years later Coach Malcolm moved closer to home in Massachusetts and I was named head coach, and that was the moment I knew I wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s long term. The privilege of being the head coach of the boy’s varsity soccer team, in addition to teaching really interesting history classes to really interesting students, allowed me to combine two passions and made St. Andrew’s the place I wanted to be.

Glenn Whitman

Dreyfuss Family Director, The Center for Transformative Teaching & Learning; Upper School History Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

First and foremost, because I love to be at a school that expects its teachers to know and inspire each student. Also, the chance to work with dedicated colleagues who challenge each other to improve their craft as teachers in a joyful way and for all the right reasons: to impact the lives of their students.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

Walking the hallways and popping into classes in each division to watch my colleagues teach and ask their students to think hard. I also like roaming the Student Center and engaging students who, at any given moment, might be studying or watching a video of their recent soccer game. But my happy place is each year’s Oral History Night and seeing the primary source documents that junior year history students produce (and Mr. Ponitch’s end-ofevening video). That will never get old.

Was there a teacher or administrator that was a mentor to you at St. Andrew’s and what did you learn from them?

In my initial interview at St. Andrew’s in the spring of 1997 John Holden said something along the lines that, “You are expected to be a better teacher in June than you were in September.” I liked the challenge and signed on to teach history and coach the girls’ varsity soccer team at St. Andrew’s (and canceled my interview at a rival school). David Brown was my official first-year mentor during the 1997-1998 school year, and we have always found time to talk about teaching and learning while checking in on each other’s kids.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

Recognize that at St. Andrew’s each class, practice, advisor period, and engagement with a student is an opportunity to transform their life. Don’t waste them. Take advantage of the chance to share your ideas and creativity as well as the school’s commitment to supporting your professional learning through the pathways, summer grants, and graduate work.

Anne Macdonell

Dreyfuss Family Head Librarian; Academic Technology Coordinator

Why St. Andrew’s?

When I think of St. Andrew’s, I think of relationships. With faculty over the years who have become friends, with students who have inspired me, with mentors who have trusted me. There is an openness of spirit in St. Andrew’s -- a willingness to engage, to try, to laugh, and to work together. As faculty, we like each other and students feel that. That engenders trust and encourages all of us to be genuinely ourselves and give that extra effort when it’s needed.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

My favorite thing about my role here is that it is ever-changing and adapting to the needs of our students, teachers, and the larger community. Consequently, at this point, I have three roles - Dreyfuss Family librarian (essentially head librarian), Academic Tech Coordinator, and Archivist, and in each role, I have been consistently supported by the school in new initiatives and growth. We have seen immense change in the digital education world and it’s been exciting to bring the best of those effective tools to our classes. Giving life to the new Lower School library and adding two librarians as colleagues have also been my very favorite things!

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

I would say ‘dream big’ for your future at St. Andrew’s, find mentors, ask lots of questions, and seek and be open to advice because, at this school, it is now a priority to support faculty development and growth. Don’t be afraid to have frank conversations but also keep an open mind.

David Brandt

Upper School History Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

I am now in my 26th year at St. Andrew’s, having also taught for six years at the Hun School of Princeton in the 1990s. Thirty-two years into my teaching career, I always feel very fortunate to have landed at St. Andrew’s. Having arrived at St. Andrew’s in 2000, I have witnessed the school grow from a new campus with a bit of an alternative vibe to one that has added multiple new facilities and gained a reputation as one of the most progressive, cutting edge schools in the Washington, D.C. area, if not the country. Through it all, I have always felt supported by the administration and its putting a premium on professional development and getting better at my teaching with each successive year. I have also appreciated the great autonomy and opportunity to teach new courses in the classroom, and loved working with sincerely friendly students who have found their place academically and extra-curricularly at their own pace in a safe and supportive environment. Equally important is the collegiality of the faculty. My colleagues are, without question, some of the smartest, most passionate, and funniest people I know. All of these things have made going to work on a daily basis something to look forward to rather than a chore or simply “a job”.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

I really love my interaction with students, whether they be freshmen or seniors. It’s a great privilege on a daily basis to have the opportunity to teach subject matter that I am passionate about as well as helping students develop their research, writing, and critical thinking skills. My favorite moments have been teaching senior electives like A History of Non-Violent Resistance, The Counterculture of the 1960s, or The U.S. After 9/11 and “The War On Terror” where I can see seniors who I had as freshmen having matured into young adults who are mature, critical thinkers capable of debating serious issues and writing about them in a scholarly way.

Chantal Cassan

Middle and Upper School Language Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

Because it was a place where I felt supported and trusted, a place where I was able to grow and develop as a teacher. I will always cherish the freedom I was given in my classroom—the trust to choose the approaches and strategies that I believed would best help my students grow in French and Spanish.

That freedom meant a great deal to me, but what made it truly special was the support that came with it. When a teacher wants to try new ideas, explore different ways of teaching, and continually improve, encouragement and trust make all the difference. At St. Andrew’s, I felt both.

Over the years, this community helped shape me as much as I hope I helped shape my students. For that, I will always be deeply grateful.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

I began my journey at St. Andrew’s primarily as an Upper School teacher, and over the years I gradually found my way to the Middle School, with a brief but wonderful time in the Lower School as well—an experience I truly enjoyed. Teaching in the Middle School has been especially meaningful to me. There is something wonderful about witnessing that moment when a new language suddenly becomes a tool for communication rather than just a subject to study. Their curiosity, their enthusiasm, and their willingness to try—even when it is not perfect— are what I most look forward to each day.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

Reach out to your colleagues. They will inspire you, just as you will inspire them. Teaching can sometimes feel like a solitary endeavor, but it should never be one. The conversations in the hallway, the shared ideas, the encouragement during difficult moments—these are what sustain us. Your colleagues are the greatest source of support you will ever have. Cherish those relationships, learn from one another, and grow together.

Gregg Ponitch

Upper School Math Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

I often say that St. Andrew’s feels like my home away from home. I don’t have much to compare it to, but I truly can’t picture myself teaching anywhere else. When I walk around campus, I feel comfortable and at ease. The students and my colleagues create a welcoming environment, and it’s a positive place to be almost all the time.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

Definitely the teaching. I love the “aha” moments, the daily interactions with students, and seeing their growth from year to year. Because I work closely with seniors, it’s especially rewarding to be part of their transition from high school to college.

Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s long term and can you tell me about it?

I think it was after my fourth year, when I had taught, coached, and advised students, and began teaching higher levels of math. I started working with many students from 9th through 12th grade, which gave me the chance to see their full growth. That’s when I realized St. Andrew’s was the place where I felt comfortable and where I could truly make a difference with the kind of students I wanted to work with.

Ritchie Porter

Performing Arts Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

The supportive working environment as St. Andrew’s has provided me with great structure while still allowing for growth, autonomy and creativity. I’ve also built lifelong friendships here among the amazing faculty.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

I love nurturing the talents and passions of our students, and helping them with their self-discovery as they explore who they are and who they want to be.

Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s long term?

I remember my first End-of-Year faculty party which was actually at McCormick and Schmick’s in Bethesda. The camaraderie was so genuine, and the love that the faculty and staff had for each other was undeniable. And afterwards Alaster MacDonald took many of us out drinking at the Barking Dog.

Was there a teacher or administrator that was a mentor to you at St. Andrew’s and what did you learn from them?

John Holden, our former Associate Head of School, taught me the importance of never losing perspective. To be fair and not to sweat the small stuff. And as he often said, “Family first.”

Long time music and choral teacher Roy Barber taught me the importance of helping all our students find their “voice.” He was truly inspirational with his positivity and belief in others. Early on he encouraged me to do difficult musicals, shows I wasn’t even sure I could pull off. He was a magician as far as getting everyone to reach down deep and do their best work.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

Don’t sweat the small stuff. And know that St. Andrew’s is a place where you can grow professionally and always feel like someone is looking out for you. And if you stick around long enough you just might meet your future spouse.

Sean Hurney

Head Certified Athletic Trainer

Why St. Andrew’s?

The people at St. Andrew’s have great compassion and genuinely care for one another. It really is a true community. It feels like a family. From faculty, staff, students, to the parents. It is not just some private school. It has a real identity. It’s a joy coming to campus everyday.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

I get to help people in a stressful, anxious and sometimes scary moment of their day and help support and guide them through it, ease their fears and hopefully make them feel better and stronger. I feel like I make a difference and an impact every day that I am here.

Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s long term?

I started at St. Andrew’s part time. I really thought this was going to be a stepping stone advancing towards another job somewhere else. St. Andrew’s keep asking how can we help and support you. What do you need. That goes a long way in feeling cared for. Then I met my wife here and my kids go here so I am not going anywhere.

Was there a teacher or administrator that was a mentor to you at St. Andrew’s and what did you learn from them?

Al Hightower and Susan Murray at St. Andrew’s were major mentors. Al helped with the communication piece of talking with coaches and parents, daily routines, expectations of the job. Susan helped with the medical side, emergency situations, creating policies and procedures etc. Outside of St. Andrew’s, Dr. Sanders and Dr. Demorest got me to where I am today as an Athletic Trainer. I owe my career to all 4 of them. Things would look differently if I had not met them.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

It’s ok to make mistakes. Learn from them. Ask the tough and difficult questions. Sometimes you have to ask the uncomfortable questions or the ones that will require further conversations to get things done or get things changed. They should make St. Andrew’s their long term home because they should trust the people that work around them. The employees care about you and are like family. They will be at your side during the easy times and will help you get through the tough times.

Ian Kelleher

Dreyfuss Family Chair for Research; Upper School Science Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

I get to work with amazing colleagues who are always there for each other. I get to work with amazing students in a place that values being a good person above everything else

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

As the Dreyfuss Family Chair of Research, I get to be a neuro-nerd, using insights from the learning sciences to help teachers teach and students learn

Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s long term and can you tell me about it?

Meeting John Holden in person, spending the morning with him, and understanding that this was a person who really valued students and both set a high bar for his teachers and also really cared for them. He was an astonishing educator and I quickly thought, yes, I would like to work at a place that he built.

Was there a teacher or administrator that was a mentor to you at St. Andrew’s and what did you learn from them?

Kurt, Phyllis, and Irene mentored me more than they will every know. The incredible trinity of St. Andrew’s science -- so much brilliance and wisdom. I learnt from them what it really meant to be a good colleague.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

It is easy to take it for granted that you with so many lovely people who will always be there for you, and in a place that truly wants you to stay and grow.

YEARS OF SERVICE

Robert Kosasky

Head of School

Why St. Andrew’s?

St. Andrew’s has a singular combination of a joyful, collaborative culture and a growth-minded spirit. I love the people, the learning, and the challenges I have experienced here for 24 years (and counting). St. Andrew’s and I have grown up together, and I couldn’t be more grateful and proud.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

My role is filled with vision, growth, opportunities, and relationships. St. Andrew’s gives me a clear sense of purpose and community every day and over time. This institution has given me tremendous trust and opportunities, and it has deserved my long-term commitment in return. Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s long term and can you tell me about it?

I have had so many of those moments. Some were filled with joy, like acquiring our Lower School in 2008, founding the CTTL in 2011, or cutting the ribbons on our Student Center and new Lower School building in 2016 and 2019. Others were filled with a determination to protect the school and our people during crises like the Great Recession and the pandemic. Over time the school’s history, and unfolding story have become a deeply meaningful part of my life. This has always been more than a job for me.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

There is a rare spirit in this place. St. Andrew’s is worth your career-long commitment, because it will invest long-term in you personally and professionally. You will grow more, learn more, and laugh more here than you expect, and you see the purpose and impact of your effort every day. And like my generation has, you will leave St. Andrew’s even better than you found it.

Jose Rivera

Operations Team

Why St. Andrew’s?

I was working at Episcopal Church of our Savior in Silver Spring and the priest was familiar with St. Andrew’s. He encouraged me to apply and offered me moral support. When I came to St. Andrew’s, I was ready and willing to learn new things. That really appealed to me. The chance to learn and master all the different machines I was taught to operate. It was an opportunity to look toward the future.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

My role is designed to allow for me to continue learning. To pick up those things I hadn’t learned yet, and to foster a sense of community — a community that feels like family. I really enjoy the professional development seminars as well.

I also really appreciate the dynamic of mutual support; specifically the fact that even if you make mistakes, your supervisor understands that you are still in the process of learning. That’s exactly how it is at St. Andrew’s. The School always allows me to help my coworkers after my own responsibilities are complete.

Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s long term?

When my two daughters started studying at St. Andrew’s, I knew that I wanted to keep my job here for many years. As immigrants in this country, when we find stable employment — and when we see that stability — we approach our work with a long-term mindset.

Lauren Cook

Upper School Arts Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

The people: my students (I’ve taught in all three divisions), my colleagues on the faculty and staff, and the families.

The intention and willingness to grow pervades this place, from the youngest student guided by caring teachers to St. Andrew’s as an institution in the education sector, motivated by our foresightful leadership and interest in lifting the field. Before coming here I’d been part of a variety of organizations across the public, private and nonprofit sectors, but never one so growth oriented for everyone involved. Having a world-class research and training arm is but one way I see this manifested. I feel very lucky to have been part of St. Andrew’s.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

I view my role as a teacher as having several huge obligations. The first is to be a trustworthy partner in my students’ journeys as learners. To have such privileged access to the mental and emotional lives of these young people makes me feel both challenged and humbled. I must create both a safe classroom environment and individual relationships of trust for these kids to fly with their art. I don’t always succeed 100%, but when I do it feels so great, because they really do take off creatively, and what they produce is unfailingly inspiring to me, in every class, every year.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

One piece of advice I would share with younger teachers is the following: As you push off on a life of teaching – for being a teacher isn’t a job, but a way of life, an adage I learned from a former faculty colleague at St. Andrew’s, the venerable Chuck Jones –keep in mind that if you stay curious, your interests and concerns will change over time. I found great people at St. Andrew’s to walk with on each phase of my growth as a teacher. Someone here is asking themselves the same questions you will be asking yourself in the months and years ahead. Find them. Nothing thrives in a vacuum. You will be surprised and enriched by how many colleagues want to hear what you are thinking, and have something to share that will help you. People here are curious. Share your curiosity!

YEARS OF SERVICE

Margy Hemmig

Preschool Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

As a research-informed school, I am grateful that I have the autonomy to design a developmentally appropriate program that prioritizes play and gives my students meaningful opportunities to explore, learn, and grow. St. Andrew’s strong commitment to professional development has provided me with valuable opportunities to grow and to deepen my understanding of how young children develop and learn.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

My students! Preschoolers are naturally wired for curiosity, and I love spending time designing my classroom and planning hands-on activities that spark exploration and wonder in my young students. It is such a joyful place to work, and I am incredibly grateful to be doing a job that I love so much.

Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s long term?

Taking on the role of preschool curriculum coordinator truly strengthened my connection with St. Andrew’s. It provided opportunities for me to learn more about our school, engage in a variety of experiences, and connect with colleagues outside of the Lower School division. It helped give me a true sense of belonging.

Was there a teacher or administrator that was a mentor to you at St. Andrew’s and what did you learn from them?

Not long after St. Francis was acquired by St. Andrew’s, we had an interim Head of Lower School named Mary Jane Puckett. She was the first Head who genuinely recognized and valued my work, and her encouragement gave me the confidence to trust my approach in the classroom. I learned so much from her during her short time at St. Andrew’s.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

Get to know the people outside your division and find ways to collaborate with them. There are so many exceptional teachers to learn from at St. Andrew’s!

Dresden Koons

Upper School English Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

I began teaching, coaching, and advising at St. Andrew’s in the fall of 1999. I had just turned 24, and I thought this would be a oneyear sabbatical from a doctoral program in English in order to ensure that I liked the teaching aspects of earning a PhD. Flash forward 26+ years, and I am still here, doing what I quickly came to love in 1999: teaching high school English.

St. Andrew’s is also home for my family. At some point all 4 of my children have attended St. Andrew’s; I am the parent of a 2025 graduate and 2034 graduate in the future. Wearing dual hats as educator and parent has amplified my commitment to our school, as I have witnessed first-hand the curiosity, passion, and joy that St. Andrew cultivates and celebrates in my own children.

St. Andrew’s is not my “home away from home.” It is simply my home.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

This is a difficult question for me to answer, as I have had so many roles over my 20+ year career here. My favorite thing about being English Department Chair was my responsibility to advocate for and cultivate collaboration among my stellar colleagues. My favorite thing about being Associate Diversity Director was my responsibility to center marginalized voices and narratives in our community. My favorite thing about being Head of Lower School was my responsibility to our youngest students and their families and my responsibility to affirm the tremendous work of our teachers in joining the ethos of two educational spaces. And, for the past 9 years, I have returned to doing what’s really my favorite thing: teaching and learning alongside my students.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

As Henri Nouwen asserts, “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” St. Andrew’s is a place where we can “choose joy and keep choosing it,” always and in all ways.

Christina Chalmers

Upper School English Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

St. Andrew’s has invested its resources in retaining a teacher like me by signaling in gestures big and small that I am valued and appreciated. There is so much creativity in designing and implementing English courses, and St. Andrew’s has not only given me the space for this professional growth but also encouraged it. Having taught nearly every grade-level English course from 6-12 over my career, I appreciated the numerous opportunities to teach electives that aligned closely with my interests and passions. I look back at those courses and realize how much I relished the challenges I faced in creating engaging, rigorous lessons that truly had an impact on how my students saw the world and themselves. This is what drew me, but the collaborative, talented, and brilliant colleagues who push me to do better and be better are why I have stayed.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

That’s an easy question to answer: the students. To be able to impart a bit of knowledge and joy of learning to a new generation is a gratifying experience - and those interactions with my students also taught me about myself along the way. Teaching is a humbling experience – I am often reminded that I don’t always have the answer; as I get older, I can appreciate that gift more than in my early years. Finally, there has not been one day when a student hasn’t made me laugh. Walking into a space that brings that joy is unique.

Was there a teacher or administrator that was a mentor to you at St. Andrew’s and what did you learn from them?

Two mentors entered my life at just the right time to support me. Barbara Thompson had been a veteran teacher at the start of my career who modeled teaching practices that consistently placed the students at the center. Her demonstration of compassion and emotional intelligence helped me understand the complexities of truly meeting the students’ needs. Chuck Jones was the Head of the English department for many years at the start of my career. He set the bar high for professionalism and mastery of content. I worked tirelessly to meet his expectations.

Morgan Evans

Upper School English Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

I think that the overall level of passion and dedication among my colleagues is inspiring. They are also collaborative and friendly: the teaching environment comes with high expectations but also with warmth.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

Getting to see students light up when they learn to read a difficult text or craft an essay. It is a gift to be able to see students get passionate about ideas and language.

Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s long term?

This question brings to mind a collage of moments, and they all involve students chatting with teachers. Whether in the writing center, in the hallway between classes, or on the quad, you can walk around St. Andrew’s and see teachers and students having great conversations. Some of these are about specific assignments of course, but in many cases, you can see students who are just excited to talk with their teachers about a poem or a piece of history or a fun math puzzle, or just life in general. I like having these conversations with students myself, but seeing the way my colleagues interact with students makes St. Andrew’s a place that I want to be everyday.

Was there a teacher or administrator that was a mentor to you at St. Andrew’s and what did you learn from them?

When I was first here, Dresden Koons was a fantastic role model for me. Not only was she a knowledgeable and passionate teacher, she also modeled energy and gratitude for the job. Her love of exploring books with students was (and is) unparalleled. She used to come in the writing center and randomly proclaim, “Isn’t it amazing that we get paid to discuss literature with students?” She was right.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

I think the balance of challenge and support is incredible overall. You will be inspired (and humbled) by the great teaching around you, but you will never feel like you can’t make any mistakes or that you are on an island. Also, while there may be some healthy cathartic grumbling during busy times, there is almost no true “burn out”: the faculty energize and motivate each other here.

Randy Tajan

Assistant Head of the Upper School

Why St. Andrew’s?

The people are the most important reason. I work with colleagues who are genuinely supportive; they share ideas freely, celebrate successes, and step in when things get tough. That kind of camaraderie makes each day richer and keeps the work sustainable over the long haul.

Our students are another big reason. They care about learning and about one another in ways that are both humbling and energizing. Watching students take risks, help a classmate, or return to a challenge with renewed effort reminds me why I work here.

St. Andrew’s also emphasizes continual professional development. The culture of ongoing education, through workshops, mentorship, and the newlyintroduced Pathways, keeps my practice fresh and motivates me to explore new methods for the benefit of our students.

Finally, this community has been there for me during challenging personal family moments. That support made a profound difference and showed me that this place is more than a workplace. It is my family away from home.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

One of my favorite things about my role as an Academic Dean is that I get to walk alongside students and their families through the Upper School journey, from a ninth grader finding their footing to a senior preparing to go to college. Being part of that growth, watching confidence and curiosity develop, and helping guide decisions along the way is incredibly rewarding.

Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s long term?

During my first nine years at St. Andrew’s, I was the Director of College Counseling. I loved the exciting and meaningful work of supporting students through college search and application process. Eventually, I wanted to explore other areas of the school and gain new insights into school leadership.

That opportunity came when I became an Acting Academic Dean while John Holden was Acting Head of School during Robert’s sabbatical. In this role, I learned more about academic administration and connected with our students, families, and faculty in a new way. St. Andrew’s trust in my abilities and support for my professional growth was one of the reasons why I wanted to stay long term.

Paul Ternes

Middle and Upper School Math Teacher; Head of the Math Department

Why St. Andrew’s?

The people! It is a joy to show up everyday and work with colleagues who care deeply about their profession. We all care a lot and that makes working at St. Andrew’s so much fun.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

I wear a lot of hats at St. Andrew’s and I love all of them. It is so fun to start my day off interacting with my colleagues in the math resource room, teach seniors in AP Computer Science A, and then get outside and work with budding middle school athletes during spring track.

Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s long term?

The first day of faculty meetings, every year, is a moment when I am reminded why St. Andrew’s is such a great place. The energy, warmth, and enthusiasm is palpable and fills me with excitement for the new school year.

Was there a teacher or administrator that was a mentor to you at St. Andrew’s and what did you learn from them?

During my first year, I taught Algebra II/ Trig with Dorothy Prats who was a legend. Her enthusiasm about the material and the art of teaching was so inspiring. She was always looking for new projects and engaging ways to teach complex ideas to her students. There are hundreds of others but working with Dorothy was a pretty great way to start at St. Andrew’s.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

It is all about connection. St. Andrew’s is a wonderful community and there are so many ways to find yourself here. Lean into your roles and explore other areas other school life.

Irina Varamesova

Preschool Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

I joined St. Andrew’s when the Lower School was at the Potomac Village campus. What appealed to me back then was the strong sense of community, the camaraderie that permeated the campus: I had wonderful colleagues whom I could rely on during my first years, our leadership was supportive and proactive, and the parents were strongly engaged in the life of the school. As we moved to the Postoak Campus, that appeal has grown in more ways than one. I love our campus, with its beautiful fields, buildings and modern facilities. I feel heard and seen by our leadership. It is truly a two-way conversation that I have with them. My colleagues are just wonderful and I feel blessed to work with them every day. I continue to be amazed by how engaged our parent community is, from the thoughtful conversations we have about their children all the way to the incredible support they provide to our school in the form of volunteering, donations, active governance, and so on.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

I love interacting with my students. In my case, these are very young children who are having their first experience in a regular group setting outside of their homes and I feel very fortunate to be their first mentor during their learning journey. Given the small class size, I am able to interact with each child in depth, and knowing that their experience during the year they are with me will shape most of their lives as learners gives me tremendous satisfaction.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

Focus on the things that make you happy and be willing to listen and learn as those elements will carry you throughout your career and life journey. What makes St. Andrew’s extremely unique and valuable in this context is that here, the young teacher can absolutely trust their colleagues and leaders to guide them through their early years. During my 20+ years at St. Andrew’s, I have seen many young teachers arrive and grow tremendously in a short period of time and develop as wonderful teachers thanks to the incredible environment we have here.

Scott Corkran

Middle and Upper School History Teacher; Head of the History Department

Why St. Andrew’s?

My first days at St. Andrew’s were as a longterm substitute, and I immediately sensed something here was different from the other schools where I had worked: the students and teachers were happy. That feeling of warmth and positivity has never gone away. I’ve made this my home because working with our students brings that feeling to the fore. It is incredibly rewarding. At the same time, it’s my colleagues who have made St. Andrew’s my professional home for two decades. The support, friendship, and inspiration they provide have always made me feel part of a team. They have been a joy to work with and learn from, and their collective commitment to excellence has been inspiring.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

I enjoy the range of interactions I experience in my current roles. I love being in the classroom, and teaching in the eighth and twelfth grades allows me to engage with learners at two capstone moments in their academic careers. When I get to teach history to a middle schooler and then have them again as a senior in AP Economics, it’s thrilling to see how much they’ve grown. As a class dean, I love how I move with students through sixth, seventh, and eighth grades as they grow and develop before entering high school. I tell the kids my role as dean is to be their biggest cheerleader.

Was there a teacher or administrator that was a mentor to you at St. Andrew’s and what did you learn from them?

Deidra Henderson, our Assistant Head of the Middle School, is a daily inspiration. With students and staff alike, she is unwaveringly kind and compassionate. From her, I am learning how to treat every interaction, every discussion, every decision with consistent care, forethought, empathy, and grace. I have learned so much from her, and she remains my role model for the kind of educator and leader I want to be.

Joseph Phelan

Director of Operations

Why St. Andrew’s?

My passion for construction began early in life, inspired by my uncle’s construction company. Before coming to St. Andrew’s, I managed large-scale international distribution projects in the for-profit sector. Transitioning to a non-profit educational environment was a profound shift that gave my work an entirely new meaning. Instead of building for a bottom line, I found myself deeply rooted in a philosophy of building for the future — creating spaces where our students, faculty, and staff can learn, grow, and thrive.

I consider it a tremendous honor to serve as the project executive for our modern-day campus. Whenever I step out of my office and walk the grounds, I am humbled to see the physical evolution of this school and to know I was entrusted to help shape it. It is deeply rewarding to help guide Master Planning and to work for a school that genuinely practices the innovation it teaches.

Yet, building the campus is only half of the equation; running it, the physical plant/operational perspective, provides a beautiful and necessary balance. As Director of Operations, I find the daily stewardship of the school to be equally as exciting as the large-scale projects.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

Beyond the projects and operations, St. Andrew’s has been a true home to me. I am incredibly fortunate to be in a role I absolutely love, working alongside my best friend, and supported by a community that champions lifelong learning.

Serving this school and helping to build and sustain its future has been the privilege of my career, and that shared sense of purpose is what keeps me here year after year.

I take great pride in serving as an ambassador for St. Andrew’s on the operational side. In this capacity, I have the distinct privilege of interfacing with State and Montgomery County officials, neighborhood groups, architects, engineers, and our trustees. But most importantly, I get to connect daily with our wonderful school community.

Susheela Robinson

Upper School English Teacher

Why St. Andrew’s?

St. Andrew’s has offered me a professionally challenging environment and a collaborative space in which to grow as a teacher. I have been blessed by relationships with students and colleagues that daily spark a fire in me to continue learning and to offer my energy and creativity to those with whom I work. While I have taught at three other independent schools, St. Andrew’s has been the greatest catalyst in my pursuit of excellence, and I am grateful for 20 years here— years in which I have been both known and inspired, and have had the privilege of knowing and inspiring others.

What is your favorite thing about your role at St. Andrew’s?

Aside from the joy of working with incredible students and colleagues, I am so proud of the Great Works Project and the Seniors’ Last Stand; I love the process, watching the students express themselves and excel, and working collaboratively with the English Department.

Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to stay at St. Andrew’s long term?

There was no moment that I knew I wanted to stay, but I know I would be proud to make it to 25 years and to have my picture hang by so many amazing people who gave of themselves to make St. Andrew’s great.

What advice would you give to a younger teacher still in their first few years at St. Andrew’s about why they should make it their long-term home?

You can grow at St. Andrew’s and the school will grow with you. Because it is a “young” school, it’s not so set in its ways, and teachers can find what works for them, try new things, and make a lasting impact on a school that values its faculty and staff through all the stages of their professional lives.

A Letter from the Alumni Council President

Dear Lions!

As I sit down to write this letter, I find myself reflecting on just how much talent, generosity, and spirit exists within our St. Andrew’s community. From the class notes filling these pages to the growing number of alumni stepping up in new and meaningful ways, it is a privilege to serve as your Alumni Council President.

One of the most exciting developments this year has been the expansion of our alumni professional network on LinkedIn. The Alumni Council has worked hard to build out this presence as a living resource: a place where alumni at every stage of their career can connect, seek advice, explore opportunities, and support one another. Whether you are a recent graduate navigating your first job search or a seasoned professional with decades of experience to share, I encourage you to join and engage with our growing online community. The more voices we add, the more valuable it becomes for everyone, especially the young alumni just finding their footing.

We are also proud to celebrate a meaningful trend in alumni giving: an increasing number of endowments are being created and named in honor of current and former faculty. These gifts are a testament to the profound and lasting impact our teachers have had on our lives. For so many of us, it was a particular teacher who challenged us, believed in us, or simply saw something in us we hadn’t yet seen in ourselves, who helped shape who we became. Named endowments ensure that their legacies endure and that future students will benefit from the same quality of educators who defined the St. Andrew’s experience for us.

This past October, the Alumni Council gathered at Homecoming for our fall meeting, and it was a wonderful reminder of why this community is so special.

SAVE THE DATE

Homecoming & Reunion will take place October 16-17, 2026. We will celebrate alumni in milestone years ending in 1s and 6s

Are you interested in helping us get a head start on planning? Please reach out to alumni@saes.org if you are interested in planning your class reunion.

Reconnecting with fellow alumni, hearing directly from school leadership, and thinking together about the future of our school made for a meaningful and energizing day. For those who joined us, you also had the chance to witness something exciting firsthand: a hard-hat tour ahead of the reopening of Kiplinger House. The newly reimagined space is stunning and has maintained the historical footprint of the building tying the campus back to its roots. Save the date for Homecoming & Reunion (October 16-17, 2026) to see it for yourself!

As always, there are countless ways to stay connected to St. Andrew’s beyond Homecoming. Keep an eye on the monthly alumni newsletter for upcoming regional events, and do not hesitate to reach out if you are interested in getting more involved with the Alumni Council’s work. This community is only as strong as the people who show up for it — and I have never been more proud of how many of you do.

With gratitude,

Emily (Clark) Williams ’02 President, Alumni Council

Alumni Class Notes

New email, phone number or mailing address? Submit your updated information here: www.saes.org/classnotes.

1984

It has been a long time since Daniel Kolb sent a note. He and his wife live in Westchester and he is a partner at one of the large financial law firms (Ropes and Gray) working in the corporate and tax areas. He is enjoying his practice. He and his wife have three children, Daniel, Matthew and Robert (ages 21, 19 and 13). While his children are older now, he had the pleasure of coaching more than 20 little league teams and was president of his town’s little league for several years. In the winter he also skis with his youngest almost every weekend (often to Killington). In terms of hobbies, he has continued to travel extensively overseas. He very much enjoyed visiting the old campus two years ago.

John Lennon and his wife both turn 60 this year and with the pending graduation of their youngest, Whitley, from North Carolina State (best school ever!) they are looking forward to being true empty nesters. Lots of travel planned for this year.

1985

After 23 years as the CEO for the Boys & Girls Clubs in South Carolina, Carter Clark has accepted a new role as Head of Strategy and Business Development for The Blue Door Academy with Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In this role, he will be working with communities across the country to expand reach to quality and affordable out of school time programming for working families.

Neil Kaplan was sorry to miss his 40th Reunion this year, as he and his wife, Faith, were in the midst of a 24-day adventure across Asia — their first trip to the continent and an unforgettable experience. Their travels included stops in Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kagoshima, Japan; Taipei, Taiwan; Hong Kong; and

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1986

Brad Bennett recently welcomed home his 18-year-old twin daughters for their first spring break as they are freshmen at Howard University (Breanna) and Penn State University (Brooke). While they were home in Montgomery, Alabama, they spoke at the Women in Training, 85

Singapore, filled with incredible sights, memorable moments, and plenty of jet lag. Neil and Faith celebrated a major milestone on July 30, marking their 25th wedding anniversary. Neil continues to work as a self-employed financial advisor with KIS Financial, LLC. While they don’t have children, they love traveling by land and sea and cherish time at home with their two beloved Shih Tzus, Diva and Tessie, who may not be quite as enthusiastic about their adventures away.

The Class of 1985 celebrated their 40th reunion this past October.

40 Please contact Jen Mohr if you would like to join the reunion committee.

Neil Kaplan and his wife, Faith, enjoyed a 24day adventure across Asia.

Brad Bennett’s 18-year-old twin daughters spoke at the Women in Training brunch.

Inc. (WIT), 5th Annual Mother-Daughter Brunch about girls’ empowerment. Women in Training is a nonprofit that Breanna and Brooke co-founded in 2019, when they were 12 years old. WIT provides menstrual products, menstrual education and leadership development to girls in the Montgomery area.

1987

Chris Adams continues to live in Bethesda, Maryland, and enjoys his work purchasing ships for the U.S. Navy. Recently, he and his wife had the opportunity to reconnect with former St. Andrew’s history teacher Warren Marcus, who gave them a tour of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Chris was grateful for the chance to see Warren again and to continue learning from him more than 30 years later.

Lee Howard retired last August after a career as a network engineer specializing in internet protocols, followed by five years working with a company focused on selling IPv4 addresses. Although his work was based in New York City, Lee continued living in Arlington, Virginia, and even purchased a sailboat to serve as his “piedà-mer” in the city. Last April, he spent a week sailing it down to Irvington, Virginia. He celebrated his retirement with friends,

including classmate Will Lehrfeld. From late January through the end of March, Lee has been in Buenos Aires studying Spanish – creating his own version of the semester abroad he never had in college.

1988

After 20+ years as an accountant, Paul Downey is enjoying his new career as a Special Ed Algebra 1 teacher at Fairfax County Public Schools. The teachers from St. Andrew’s inspired him to make the change.

Andrew Wayne writes that he will be at the St. Andrew’s graduation ceremony in June to celebrate the graduation of his twins. Greg and Vince both started St. Andrew’s in the sixth grade, just before COVID. “They have had a great experience at St. Andrew’s, thanks to the strong faculty and overall leadership — It’s been a great school for them.”

1989

It was a great year to be a hockey player and fan! Last March Kiki Weingarten Condon’s women’s team, the Icebreakers, were the tournament champions! And in September she was fortunate to see and spend time with the Stanley Cup.

The Class of 1990 celebrated their 35th reunion this past October.

Kiki Weingarten Condon was fortunate to see and spend time with the Stanley Cup.

Chris Adams had an opportunity to meet up with former history teacher Warren Marcus.

1991

Stacy Hough Smith had a great time connecting recently with Warren Marcus!

After 27 years as a practicing attorney, Irene Kieser Smith decided to fulfill a lifetime dream of writing children’s books and moving to Puerto Rico! Her first book “DoDo D Dragon and Takeshido Neko Learn Aunt Hazel’s 5th Rule of Magic “ (available on line via major retailers and IrenieJDontplay.com) was published in the late 2025. She was very grateful to get her first customer review on Amazon from St. Andrew’s very own Warren Marcus! Look for her next book in the Summer of 2026!! Any alumni visiting PR please reach out. I would be honored to welcome my fellow Lions in La Isla de Encanta.

1992

Niki Barbery-Bleyleben wears different work-hats depending on the day but currently is focused mostly on film. She founded a production company based in Spain, with intention of co-producing films with the Americas, and has various film projects in development. She was recently the associate producer for a Brazilian film called “The Blue Trail,” directed by Gabriel Mascaro, which won the Grand Jury prize at the Berlinale before continuing on the festival circuit. It will have its theatrical release in the US in the Spring of 2026! “Please keep an eye out for it and keep cinema culture alive by going to see it in a theatre!”

1993

Dan Evans is now living in San Diego doing part-time private practice and parttime work as a therapist and consultant on an NIH-funded research project testing a brief psychotherapy for cancer survivors. He has also started a couple of other side projects, including developing an evidence-based app that uses AI to track progress, provide support, and promote consolidation of gains between therapy

sessions. Any time left over he spends kayaking in the ocean, learning to surf, or hiking around this beautiful city.

1994

Stacey Alfandre continues to love living in Durango, Colorado. She’s excited to get her garden started and jump in the camper with her pup and partner to explore even more of the Southwest. Stacey has worked for Conservation Legacy for almost 10 years. The non-profit focuses on engaging youth and veterans in the stewardship of our public and private lands. Stacey feels lucky to be able to combine her personal values with her professional work. She’s connected with Alex Tansor a few times over the years as he travels through Durango and wants to give a huge shout out THANK YOU to Ben Hanslin for hooking a friend up at Ellis Island.

1995

Jennie Powell Norton moved from D.C. about four years ago and is living in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband and 8-year-old son.

Sam Speier recently collaborated with Lindsay Scherr Burgess ’00 to incorporate a beautiful greenscape design into her pool deck. Even her dog, James, has been enjoying Lindsay’s artwork!

Alan Critchell, Willy Walsh, Geoff Quintiere, and Mike King had a great time connecting together in Darien, CT.

Stacy Hough Smith had a great time connecting recently with Warren Marcus!

35 Please contact Jen Mohr if you would like to join the reunion committee.

Niki Barbery-Bleyleben founded a production company based in Spain, with intention of co-producing films with the Americas, and has various film projects in development.

Sam Speier recently collaborated with Lindsay Scherr Burgess ’00 to incorporate a greenscape design into her pool deck.

1996

Jessica North Macie is looking forward to the reunion for the class of ‘96 in October 2026. Jessica has spent the last year calling, emailing, texting classmates ahead of the reunion. If you haven’t heard from Jessica, please reach out. She is genuinely interested in connecting with you and hopes to be in touch soon!

Hallie Sherard is excited to share that she recently got married and also launched her consultancy, The Partnership Studio, which focuses on outsourced business development and client engagement strategy for firms across the built environment. An exciting time of building both a life and a business.

Tim Finn unveiled a project a decadeplus in the making. He reunited his favorite writer/artist creative team in comics, Larry Hama and M.D. Bright, and managed, art directed, and edited their 100-page comic book story, The Center Holds. Finn signed a deal with Boom Studios to publish this superhero saga as a four-issue miniseries followed by a graphic novel collection of the serial. Additionally, Finn is executive producing a feature-length documentary, “Animation Mavericks: The Forgotten Story of UPA,” which was announced in Variety.

1999

Michael Stevens is running a small Cybersecurity business. He enjoyed coming to campus to speak at the Upper School Science and Technology panel.

Melissa Levin and her family recently moved to the Bay Area. She is a creative director working with clients in arts & culture and hospitality.

2000

Andrew Carey, Seth Mandell, Phil Danker, John Fetter, and Paul Galvin (not pictured) reunited for their 25th

reunion during Homecoming weekend. Andrew and his family recently moved back to the Washington, D.C., area after living in Colorado for 12 years and hosted the reunion at their home. Seth and his wife, Maggie, and Phil and his husband, Jason, traveled from Denver. Paul and his wife, Sam, traveled from Chicago, while John came from Bozeman, Montana. The group has been friends since middle school and spent the weekend celebrating the milestone together.

Lindsay Scherr Burgess is the founder and “Moss Boss” of @greenwallscapes, a West Palm Beach-based studio that creates preserved moss walls, logos, and largescale art installations for clients across the country. Over the past decade, what began as a creative experiment inspired by a Pinterest post and Etsy shop has grown into a thriving business across North America.

2001

After relocating to the Washington, D.C., area following 12 years in Colorado, Andrew Carey ’00 and Ashley (Ehrenreich) Carey’s children began their journey at St. Andrew’s last fall. Clark ’35 is in third grade, and Poppy ’37 is in first grade. They love their new school, friends, and community. For Andrew and Ashley, it’s a special full-circle moment to watch their children follow in their footsteps.

The Class of 1995 celebrated their 30th reunion this past October.

30 Please contact Jen Mohr if you would like to join the reunion committee.

Hallie Sherard recently got married and also launched her consultancy, The Partnership Studio.

Tim Finn’s 100-page comic book story, The Center Holds.

25 Please contact Jen Mohr if you would like to join the reunion committee.

Alex Matlack and Mike Stevens spoke at the Upper School Science and Technology Panel in December.

2002

Emily Williams and Allison O’Flinn texted through the Chicago Cubs playoff run. Emily is a lifelong Cubs fan and Alison lives in Chicago and attended many of the games at Wrigley Field.

Starting in January, Emily Williams began a new professional role as Associate Vice President of Alumni Engagement at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut. It’s an exciting time to join the Trinity community with a new college president and several other key leadership roles joining senior staff. She is currently splitting her time between Connecticut and Massachusetts but looks forward to moving more permanently to the Hartford area this summer. She would love to connect with St. Andrew’s alums who live in Greater Hartford or are also Trinity alums!

2003

Marian Goddard Carpenter started a new job this school year as an Upper School Learning Specialist at Landon School. She’s enjoying supporting students with learning plans, teaching high school English, and leading the Upper School faculty in developing a comprehensive writing curriculum.

The Class of 2000 celebrated their 25th reunion this past October.

Lindsay Scherr Burgess is the founder and “Moss Boss” of @greenwallscapes, a West Palm Beach-based studio.

Andrew Carey, Seth Mandell, Phil Danker, John Fetter, and Paul Galvin (not pictured) reunited for their 25th reunion during Homecoming weekend.

Andrew Carey and Ashley (Ehrenreich) Carey’s children began their journey at St. Andrew’s last fall.

Alex Matlack and Mike Stevens spoke at the Upper School Science and Technology Panel.

Jacqueline Westley and her husband, Ryan, welcomed a baby girl, Sloane, last spring. Sloane is active, curious, and already has six teeth. They live in Palisades in D.C.

Sarah Taylor Bower helped Fran Downey ’04 purchase her first home in Takoma Park, Maryland. Sarah and Fran met at St. Andrew’s in seventh grade, and were Upper School varsity lacrosse team captains together. More than 20 years later, they ran into each other at Butler’s Orchard with their kids. A tap on the shoulder led to “Hey! I need a realtor!”… and the rest is history. From winning lacrosse games to “winning” Fran’s first home and shutting down the open house, Sarah and Fran have come full circle! Congratulations to Fran and her family on the purchase of their new home. If you’re thinking about buying or selling, Sarah would love to help any current, past, or future Lions make their next move! sarah. bower@compass.com @sarahbowerhomes

2004

Thomas Cross is working in Washington, D.C. in commercial real estate. He is living in Potomac with his wife and three children - Clifton (9), Sawyer (7) and Palmer (4).

Claire Levinson and her husband, Paddy Cullen, were married in 2025 and welcomed their first child, Charlotte, on January 26, 2026. Claire works in Clinical Innovation at Humana. They live in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

2005

Madeline (Wallace) O’Brien and Ashley (Ehrenreich) Carey ’01 traveled together in January with Alumni Director, Jen Mohr, to attend a conference in Seattle.

2006

After two years working for USAID in Tanzania, Elise Langs, her husband and their two boys moved to Valencia, Spain. They are enjoying the Spanish lifestyle, exploring the country and making new friends.

2007

Alex Azzara Joyce married Mike Joyce in May 2024, and this past spring they happily welcomed their son, Teddy.

Sarah Taylor Bower helped Fran Downey ’04 purchase her first home. Sarah and Fran met at St. Andrew’s in seventh grade, and were Upper School varsity lacrosse team captains together.

Claire Levinson and her husband, Paddy Cullen, were married in 2025 and welcomed their first child, Charlotte, on January 26, 2026.

The Class of 2005 celebrated their 20th reunion this past October.

Madeline (Wallace) O’Brien and Ashley (Ehrenreich) Carey ‘01 traveled together in January with Alumni Director, Jen Mohr, to attend a conference in Seattle.

20 Please contact Jen Mohr if you would like to join the reunion committee.

2008

Andy Brown, owner of Andy’s Pizza, continues to grow his successful business, recently opening his 14th location. He also enjoyed returning to campus this year to visit Gregg Ponitch’s entrepreneurship class, where he spoke with students about his journey as a business owner and shared insights from his experience in the industry.

Bryn Seabrook was recently promoted to Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering and Society at the University of Virginia. She is leading a number of initiatives within the engineering school, including projects related to AI and undergraduate education. Bryn is particularly proud of her work on the Engineering Character Strength Initiative (ECSI), which was awarded by Wake Forest University’s Program for Leadership and Character and supported by the Lilly Endowment Inc. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Bryn also honored her long-time St. Andrew’s friend, Kimi Hugli ’08, by serving as her Matron of Honor.

Sisters Abbey Eddy and Madeline O’Brien ’05 kids’ matched in lion’s pride gear this fall. Pictured are Charlotte O’Brien (3), Gust Eddy (4), Webster Eddy (1) and Parker O’Brien (5).

Leili Doerr Riegel welcomed her first child, Sebastien Philip Riegel, with her husband, Paul, on February 4, 2026!

2009

Neha Shastry married her husband James Nelson this past Fall in London. Zach Atchinson and Marta Marino were in attendance.

Dominique Samuels recently started a job at Washington Adventist University.

2010

Andrea Itua recently moved back to the area, five minutes away from St. Andrew’s! Reminiscing on the good times. She also

recently had a baby, the biggest blessing to her and her husband.

Tom Belikove and Riley Newland were married near Leesburg, Virginia, on October 14, 2023. Among the wedding party were Leroy Howard ’09 (Best Man), Alex Facciobene ’10, Ben Yeo ’10, and John Gill ’10. Attendees included several other friends from the Class of 2010.

Tom and Riley reside in the Petworth neighborhood of Washington, D.C., with their dog, Camden. Tom is Senior Director, Corporate Strategy, at Oscar Health, based in New York.

Neha Shastry married her husband, James Nelson, this past Fall in London. Zach Atchinson and Marta Marino were in attendance.

Alex Azzara Joyce happily welcomed a son, Teddy, this year.

Sisters Abbey Eddy ‘08 and Madeline O’Brien ‘05 kids matched in lion’s pride gear this fall.

Nikki Azzara recently moved back to Bethesda after spending seven years in Denver. She’s thrilled to be home and closer to family — especially her new nephew, Teddy (son of Alex Azzara Joyce ’07). During the second trimester of the 2025-2026 school year, Nikki returned to St. Andrew’s to co-teach the Principles of Entrepreneurship course with Gregg Ponitch.

Elliott Silverman and his wife Emily welcomed their second child, McLean Rose Silverman, into the world on September 6th, 2025.

2011

Caroline Mack and her husband Peter live in Aspen, Colorado where they each run their own businesses. Caroline is building a design software startup called Spline, a platform for teams to create interactive digital experiences across 2D, 3D, and using AI. It’s been a fun and fast-changing space to build a company in. They’re also looking forward to welcoming a baby girl to their family in April which will be an exciting new adventure for them this year. Hope to reconnect with you in the fall for our 15th reunion!

2012

Gabby Solamon connected with classmates from the class of 2012. This was a wonderful experience! Thank you St. Andrew’s for the fond memories!

A St. Andrew’s baby! Rebecca (Davis) Goodrich and Hunter Goodrich welcomed their first baby, Daisy Collins Goodrich, on September 20, 2025! The grandchild of the school’s beloved, Tracey Goodrich!

Zack Horowitz is thrilled to share the arrival of his first-born Grant Michael Horowitz on February 9. Mom and baby are healthy and doing great, and they are soaking up every moment as a new family of three.

The Class of 2010 celebrated their 15th reunion this past October.

Nikki Azzara returned to St. Andrew’s to co-teach the Principles of Entrepreneurship course with Gregg Ponitch.

Elliott Silverman and his wife Emily welcomed their second child, McLean Rose Silverman, into the world on September 6th, 2025.

15 Please contact Jen Mohr if you would like to join the reunion committee.

Tom Belikove and Riley Newland were married near Leesburg, Virginia, on October 14, 2023.

Delonte Egwuatu recently completed his master’s degree in Teaching and Learning the Spanish Language and Its Culture from the Center for Modern Languages at the Universidad de Granada. With his final thesis grade and transcript now in hand, he is thrilled to celebrate the accomplishment. Delonte has also accepted a new role as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Chadwick School in Palos Verdes, California, and is looking forward to his upcoming move to the Los Angeles area.

2013

Over the summer, Katie Chaires, her husband Harrison, and son Warren (1) moved back East to Virginia Beach. They are excited to be closer to family and look forward to spending more time on campus in 2026!

Lars Sorenson lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, Sophie, their daughter, Ulla, and their dog, Stella.

Cheyenne Smith and her husband, Dallas, welcomed their second son, Hudson, in October. He’s pictured here being held by his big brother, August who just turned two in February.

Robert Blume is engaged to Sierra. He proposed in Killarney National Park while the couple was traveling in Ireland. They are planning to be married in December 2026 in the California–Nevada area. Robert is currently working as a pilot and flight engineer at NASA and is living in San Francisco, California. He recently returned to campus and enjoyed catching up with several of his former teachers.

2014

Brian Bies is Head of Author Development at Manuscripts, a B-Corp publisher that has launched more than 2,500 authors and 400 award winners. He’s currently in the Executive MBA program at NYU Stern.

In 2025, Ethan Lockshin became engaged to his fiancée, Sofie Rosenberg,

Rebecca (Davis) Goodrich and Hunter Goodrich welcomed their first baby, Daisy Collins Goodrich 20, 2025!

Delonte Egwuatu recently completed his master’s degree from the Center for Modern Languages at the Universidad de Granada.

13 13

Cheyenne Smith and her husband, Dallas, welcomed their second son, Hudson.

an OB-GYN surgeon. They currently reside in Denver and plan to relocate to the Northeast in the near future, with Boston or Greenwich, Connecticut as likely destinations. Over the past several years, Ethan has worked in the artificial intelligence space, most recently at Groq, where he focused on selling computer infrastructure, including semiconductor chips and large language models. Following NVIDIA’s strategic agreement with Groq, he transitioned to NVIDIA, where he now works in business development. In this role, he helps companies leverage NVIDIA’s NeoCloud Partner Network, collaborating with

Lars Sorenson lives in Pennsylvania with his wife, Sophie, their daughter, Ulla, and their dog, Stella.

Robert Blume recently returned to campus and enjoyed catching up Mr. James and Ms. Cobb.

partners such as CoreWeave, Crusoe, and Lambda. In his spare time, he is the host of TechFitTalks (14K followers) where he interviews business leaders. Guests include the Chairman of BCG, Founder of CrowdStrike, CPO of GitLab, CRO of ZoomInfo, Matt McIlwain of Madrona Ventures, President of Rogo, and CEO of Pure Storage. He would love to connect on LinkedIn with the alumni network.

Michael McMillen married Jenn Heleneck on September 13, 2025, in Ronkonkoma, New York. He was thrilled to celebrate the occasion surrounded by many of his St. Andrew’s classmates. His sister, Molly McMillen ’19, was also part of the wedding. Michael and Jenn are now settling into their new home on Long Island.

Claudia Hessen got married in July of 2025 and she and her husband purchased their first home together in Arlington, Massachusetts!

Andrew Davis married his wife, Katie, in September 2025 in Walla Walla, Washington surrounded by St. Andrew’s friends. Fellow classmates, Ethan Lockshin, Danny Terman, and William Duvall were by his side as groomsmen and brother-in-law Hunter Goodrich ’12 served as Officiant (and brother-in-law)!

2015

Marcus Adkison serves as the National Assistant Basketball Coach at Bethel BETHE1 Academy. In addition to his coaching role, he works as an PE Teacher/ AVID Resource Specialist for Centre Ridge Elementary School, where he teaches kids to stay physically fit and to become better students/individuals in and outside of the classroom.

Ian Decker is a health writer at the Lupus Foundation of America, where he develops and manages content to educate, inform, and empower people living with lupus. His work supports the organization’s mission to improve quality of life through research, awareness, and advocacy. Ian currently lives in Seattle, Washington and has spent the last few months exploring the outdoors and getting to know the city’s unique neighborhoods, parks, and coffee spots.

Caroline Linder loved connecting with everyone at homecoming and seeing how beautiful and innovative the campus has become!

Mackenzie Kynoch has always enjoyed a physical challenge, like hiking the Appalachian Trail. With her brother, Cole, competing in triathlons, she decided to

Claudia Hessen got married in July of 2025 and her husband and she purchased their first home together in Arlington, Massachusetts.

The Class of 2015 celebrated their 10th reunion this past October.

Andrew Davis married his wife, Katie, in September 2025 in Walla Walla, Washington.

try her hand at the event herself. In her first-ever half ironman triathlon, she did so well, she qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Championships in Marbella, Spain.

Zsari Delaney is currently living in Dallas, TX. She received her BS in TV and Radio from Ithaca College and MS in Marketing from American University. She founded a business called Vision 127 Creative Co, which is a creative experience company blending entertainment events, community exploration with our social club The Multipassionate Collaborative and party event rentals!

Cam Mitchell started working with his former drama teacher, Ritchie Porter. He is bringing what he has learned as a professional actor back to St. Andrew’s and is loving every minute of it.

Jarena Harmon is teaching lower school math and technology as well as coaching high school soccer at a pair of New York City independent schools. She is a certified Speech Pathologist.

Liz Naab is currently working and living in Charlotte, NC.

Christine Sim recently bought a home in Montgomery County with her husband.

2016

On August 9, 2025, Cat Wagner Sammak married her husband, Hayden, in the stunning setting of Montana. The newlyweds are also thrilled to be expecting their first baby this summer.

2017

Justin Harmon is performing locally. Earlier in the year, he performed in the musical “Urinetown” produced by Rockville Musical Theatre.

2018

Joy Reeves coordinates environmental advocacy campaigns for the Rachel Carson Council, where she was recently promoted to Director of Policy and Strategic Development. In June, she and her husband Max got married in Waterford, CT, in a seaside wedding. Gretchen Hundertmark ‘18 served as her maid of honor! Joy and Max live in northwest Washington, DC.

Megan Reilly completed her Taiko drumming fellowship at the Taiko Center of the Pacific in Honolulu, culminating in Kenny Endo’s 50th anniversary concert.

Lily Velazco recently moved to Daejeon, South Korea to embark on a one-year adventure teaching English to Elementary students in Korea through the EPIK program.

10 Please contact Jen Mohr if you would like to join the reunion committee.

Zsari Delaney founded Vision 127 Creative Co, which is a creative experience company.

Mackenzie Kynoch’s first ever ironman triathlon.

Cat Wagner Sammak married her husband, Hayden, in the stunning setting of Montana.

2019

Juan Molina got married this past summer to a beautiful Argentinian.

Tony Diallo earned his master’s degree in international business this past fall from the University of Nottingham. During his time there, he was also a Lacrosse Sports Scholar. Tony is currently working full-time in the UK as a Digital Marketing Executive for Adtrak. In addition, he proudly represents Jamaica on the Senior Men’s National Team.

After graduating from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Engineering, Joseph Ward began his career as an engineer at Lockheed Martin. He now lives in the DMV area and works as a Senior Consultant at Booz Allen Hamilton.

On May 10, 2025, Brittany Robinson graduated with a Master of Arts in Teaching from American University in Washington, D.C. She is currently in her second year of teaching in Dallas, Texas, through City Teaching Alliance — a teacher preparation program dedicated to developing equity-focused, culturally responsive educators serving in underserved urban schools.

2020

This past fall, Coby Kapner started working as an Analyst at C Street Advisory

Group, a Communications firm that helps navigate clients through restructurings and transactions. Coby loves living in NYC and constantly sees St. Andrew’s alumni around.

Theo Camille (Millie) Burden will be finishing up her Pre-Doc this summer at Columbia University before moving to London in September to start the dual Masters Program with the London School of Economics and Columbia University. If anyone is in London, feel free to contact her.

David Greenberg recently earned his master’s degree in Business Management from the University of Maryland Robert H. Smith School of Business. Following graduation, he joined Jeffrey Pine Consulting, an M&A and strategy advisory firm, where he works with family- and founder-owned companies, guiding them through each stage of the business lifecycle.

2021

Jules Delogu is spending time in Nantucket working at the local museum, where she is learning to lead educational tours for visiting students. It has been an exciting and enriching experience.

On May 10, 2025, Brittany Robinson graduated with a Master of Arts in Teaching from American University in Washington, D.C.

Many St. Andrew’s classmates and teachers attended Juan Molina’s wedding.

Joy Reeves and her husband Max got married in Waterford, CT, in a seaside wedding. 5 Please contact Jen Mohr if you would like to join the reunion committee.

Caroline Olin recently graduated from the University of Tennessee with a major in Therapeutic Recreation. She just received her CTRS certification and is working in life enrichment with Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. She recently moved back to the D.C. area.

2022

Katia Atiyah will graduate magna cum laude from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business with a major in business entrepreneurship and a minor in painting from the Roski School of Art and Design. She will join Hillstone Restaurant Group as a manager in Los Angeles later this summer.

Alex Blass is graduating from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Computer Science and will join PwC as an AI engineering associate.

Alexandra Cannon is a senior at Clemson majoring in Psychology. She celebrated at the Clemson Ring Ceremony this year, a tradition where students earn a ring at the start of senior year.

Isabella Dodro will graduate with honors from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. Her degree is in early elementary education and French. Isabella will continue her education this fall at American University, where she will study educational policy.

Clare Gamma is graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism. She has accepted a position with the Hillstone Group as a restaurant manager at their Park Avenue location in Manhattan.

Julian Haas was elected to Phi Beta Kappa at Wesleyan and will graduate with a triple major in economics, math, and data science. After graduation, he will be a research analyst in the Research and Statistics Group at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York.

Alexandra (Sasha) James finished her Bachelor’s Degree at UCLA a year early in environmental science with a minor in

The Class of 2020 celebrated their 5th reunion this past October.

Katia Atiyah will graduate magna cum laude from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business.

Isabella Dodro will graduate with honors from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro.

Alexandra Cannon received her ring at the Clemson Ring Ceremony.

Clare Gamma has accepted a position with the Hillstone Group as a restaurant manager at their Park Avenue location in Manhattan.

environmental systems & society. She will complete her Master’s Degree in social sciences in June.

Will Kaine is graduating from Colby with dual majors in biology and philosophy. This winter, he was a fellow with a bipartisan legal analysis group in the Maine Legislature. On weekends, he plays bass in a band. He will attend Georgetown Law this fall.

Kieran Lamb spent his junior year abroad in Peru. He is graduating from Dickinson College this spring with a major in environmental science.

Joe Masters accepted a job offer postgrad to return to NYC at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). He will begin working in the Entry Level Training program, otherwise known as the mailroom.

Ally Mitchell will be starting her Marketing Internship with WhitingTurner Contracting Company this June, and she expects to finish her studies at UMD Smith School of Business, December 2026.

Alex Scarboro has designed his own custom major at Franklin & Marshall, combining studio art with business, organizations, and society. The decision came from his innate love for architecture and art. Last summer, he completed an internship with a small, high-end home construction company in Washington, D.C., Ley Ltd. When not in the classroom, Alex also represents Franklin & Marshall as a sprinter on the track and field team.

CJ Schlegel will graduate in mid-June from the University of Denver with a real estate major and a concentration in construction management. He will start a job as a project engineer at Clark Builders Group in September.

Katie Skinner will graduate in May from Bucknell University with a double major in chemistry and studio art and a minor in classics and ancient Mediterranean studies. Last summer, she served as an intern in the conservation lab for the Naval History and Heritage Command Underwater Archaeology.

Julian Haas was elected to Phi Beta Kappa at Wesleyan and will graduate with a triple major in economics, math, and data science.

Kieran Lamb spent his junior year abroad in Peru. He is graduating from Dickinson College this spring with a major in environmental science.

Will Kaine plays bass in a band. He will attend Georgetown Law this fall.

Alexandra (Sasha) James finished her Bachelor’s Degree at UCLA a year early

Alex Scarboro has designed his own custom major at Franklin and Marshall, combining studio art with business, organizations, and society.

Katie plans to pursue a career in the conservation of art and artifacts.

Berke Tuncer is graduating from the University of Miami with a Bachelor’s Degree in biochemistry. He will begin dental school at New York University this fall.

Anthony Wallace is in Ithaca College’s Athletic Training master’s program while also competing on the women’s wrestling team and leading a club for Equity and Inclusion in Athletic Training. Anthony is working with two research groups studying the validity of jump measurement devices and balance in post-op ACL patients and this summer, will be interning with the Orioles sports medicine team!

2023

Kai Gibson was a proud Jordan Ambassador this past Fall at Howard University. She represented them at panels and events during Howard’s Homecoming weekend.

Kelsey Ansary is on a team representing SMU in the National Student Advertising Competition, a competition hosted by the American Advertising Federation. The team is competing against 2,500 other students to come up with a global campaign for the NFL, and her job is the strategy for the team’s media plan. This was an opportunity Kelsey had to apply for, and now is excited to announce that she is representing SMU in this national competition.

Jalen Best had his first art exhibit with MONAD in Brooklyn, NYC.

Tinoda Matsatsa continues to run, and break records, at Georgetown University! In January of 2026, he clocked an incredible 1:45.12 at the Penn State National Open, marking the fastest time in Georgetown history and the third fastest in NCAA history! In January of 2025, he set a new NCAA indoor 1,000-meter record of 2:16.84 to win the Nittany Lion Challenge, breaking his own previous record of 2:18.05!

Kai Gibson was a proud Jordan Ambassador this past Fall at Howard University.

Jalen Best had his first art exhibit with MONAD in Brooklyn, NYC.

Tinoda Matsatsa continues to run, and break records, at Georgetown University.

Katie Skinner will graduate in May from Bucknell University.

Celeste Mondragon is a junior at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business exploring the intersection of sustainability, creativity, and community. She is leading a national recycling behavioral change initiative, co-founded Solace, a creative collective supporting emerging artists through immersive events, and will study abroad at Bocconi University in Milan this fall.

2024

Nariah Goldman is a sophomore at American University, studying in the Kogod School of Business. She was awarded Patriot League Rookie of the Week when she scored her first collegiate goal freshman year, appearing in all but one game. She had an outstanding sophomore soccer season, appearing in all 17 games, starting in eight, and scoring two goals while making a big impact on the team. Nariah is also a two-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll member and was just named to the Kogod School of Business Dean’s List.

2025

Ashley Antezana has been inducted into the Dickinson Honors Society while also keeping her busy schedule with Dance and Theater.

Kata Buttrey is enjoying playing Division I lacrosse at George Mason University.

Lily Bakri is enjoying playing club soccer at Penn State University.

Kata Buttrey is enjoying her freshman year at George Mason University. She is especially enjoying playing Division I lacrosse.

Kosette Koons-Perdikis is a freshman on the women’s soccer team at Duke University and is pursuing a pre-medical

track with a prospective major in philosophy. She is a member of CAPE, a mentorship program for female studentathletes that offers clinical shadowing and exposure to medical careers. She has also volunteered with Duke’s Puppy Kindergarten, which partners with the Canine Cognition Center to study canine cognition and service animal behavior. In addition, she is a member of Delta Delta Delta (TriDelta).

Nariah Goldman was awarded Patriot League Rookie of the Week when she scored her first collegiate goal freshman year, appearing in all but one game.

Lily Bakri is enjoying playing club soccer at Penn State University.

Kosette Koons-Perdikis is a freshman on the women’s soccer team at Duke University.

In Memoriam

Lindsay Abromaitis-Smith

Class of 1999

Lindsay Abromaitis-Smith died Nov. 1, 2025, at her home in New Jersey. She lived with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) for 13 years and ultimately chose to end her life on her terms through Compassionate Endings, a medical practice in New Jersey specializing in medical aid in dying. Lindsay started at St. Andrew’s in Middle School, and as a student was involved in theater. She played Puck in “A Midsummer Night's Dream,” and The Player in “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.”

After graduation, Lindsay attended Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she discovered puppetry and storytelling. When ALS eventually stilled her hands, Lindsay began painting and drawing with her feet, and she released a book of poetry and prose.

Lindsay is survived by her mother, Karin; father, Dexter; step-mom, Lisie; half sister, Shay, and many other friends and family members. Friends are encouraged to visit Lindsay’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

Robin Briggs

Class of 1995

Robin Briggs died Nov. 16, 2024. Robin attended St. Andrew’s all four years of Upper School, and was a member of the Varsity Cross Country team his senior year.

A funeral service for Robin was held in Falls Church, Va. in November.

Mason Levin

Class of 2021

Mason Levin died June 29, 2025. He attended St. Andrew’s during his junior and senior years, and was a member of the varsity baseball team.

He is survived by his parents, Denise Mills and Jay Levin; brother, Corey; stepfather, David; grandparents Daniel and Diane Bonbrisco; and step-grandmother Patricia Bonbrisco.

Cynthia Mathieson

Class of 2003

Cynthia Mathieson died Dec. 6, 2025, in Honolulu. Cynthia spent both her Middle and Upper School years at St. Andrew’s.

After graduation, Cynthia earned her undergraduate degree from Tulane University. She later settled in Hawaii with her husband, Tim.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Stone and Holt Weeks Foundation, an organization that Cynthia cared deeply about.

Janet Montgomery

Class of 1982

Janet Montgomery died Dec. 26, 2025, in Vermont. Janet was one of the members of the first graduating class at St. Andrew’s in 1982.

After graduation, she attended Macalester College, then went on to receive a master’s from New York University. She worked for many years as a Faculty Assistant in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Harvard University.

She is survived by her husband, Nelson; mother, Terry; sister, Ellyn; and stepchildren, Nelson Jr. and his wife, Tiffany; Celia and Cliff LeGrand; and Nelson's siblings.

The Jess Borg Society

If you have decided to include St. Andrew’s in your estate plans, we would like to show you our appreciation by including you as a member of The Jess Borg Society, an honorary designation named for our founding Head of School. Members are invited to the annual spring Lions Pride dinner with the Head of School and Chair of the Board, and are recognized in school publications.

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Office of Planned Giving 301.983.4725

jessborgsociety@saes.org

The History of Kiplinger House

Kiplinger House is believed to be one of the oldest houses still standing in the Potomac area, likely built around 1810.

The house is thought to have been built by Thomas Clagett, the patriarch of one of the original families to settle in the Potomac area. He inherited the land from his father, which he and his family farmed until he sold the house and a surrounding tract of land in November 1856.

The new owner, Lewis Kengla of Georgetown, was a farmer. He died in 1869, but the land remained in his family until all 10 of his children reached the age of 21, when it was sold by a courtappointed trustee.

In the notice of sale, the land surrounding the house was described as consisting of 200 acres of “cleared, farmable land,” with improvements that consisted of a “large and well built brick dwelling house,” a stable and outbuildings, fruit orchards, and a well near the house, the last of which can still be seen today in Bruder Garden.

The house and farm had five owners over nearly 60 years, from 1880 to 1937. Richard and Elizabeth LaGarde purchased the property, known as Highlandstone Farm, in November 1937, and lived in the house, through the 1950s.

Barbara LaGarde, Richard and Elizabeth’s granddaughter, recalled in a 2018 oral history how her grandparents raised black angus cattle on the fields where students now play soccer and lacrosse.

In the 1960s, as acres of Potomac farmland became residential communities, the purpose of the home and surrounding land transformed from farming to education.

KIPLINGER HOUSE

In 1963, Harker Preparatory School was founded by John E. Kieffer, who served as the school’s headmaster until he retired in 1984. Kiplinger House, then known as the “Manor House” and the attached “garages” served as the classrooms, kitchen, and offices for the small school. The school struggled with enrollment in the 1980s, and in 1992, the school officially closed.

St. Andrew’s purchased the Postoak Campus in 1994, and today, Kiplinger House remains home to the Admission, Business, and Advancement Offices, and the School Store.

Barbara LaGarde (right) with her mother at Highlandstone Farm in the early 1940s.

The first soccer team at Harker Preparatory School in 1963.

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