St. David’s
Volume I
fall 2015
Issue 1
magazine
Alumni Abroad
Teaching in the Far East
Literary Renaissance
Student and Faculty Authors Inspire
Service Opportunities and State Championships on the Satellite Fields
Kicking It up a Notch SAGE Dining Transforms the Midday Experience
c o n t e n t s FEA T U R E S
02 08 30 40
DINING DELIGHT The new dining service transforms the midday experience. Community building is fostered around healthy dining options.
MISSION/FIELDS Community outreach, student traditions, and state championships find a home at the new athletic fields.
THINK ABOUT IT Senior Seminar and the Chaplaincy Speaker Series host notable visitors and spur reflective, analytical thought.
ALUMNI ABROAD Three alumni come together again – as teachers in Shanghai, China and return with a renewed perspective.
On the Cover
From the second floor windows, overlooking the fields, Headmaster Kevin Lockerbie and Facilities Manager Dave Geesey review plans for the new Lower School expansion. The expansion will add more than 15,000 square feet of educational space, including classrooms and commons areas.
D E P A R T MEN T S 16
COMMUNITY PROFILE
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Board member Pamela Bunn reflects on 20 years of service on the board, paralleling 20 years of progress for St. David’s School.
Shawen Conway ’16 Darby Larson ’15 Kevin Lockerbie, Headmaster Jake Rodgers, Upper School English Faculty Scott Shaw, Upper School Principal Madi Vanarthos ’16
28
PAGE TURNERS
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LAYOUT/PHOTO EDITOR
36
Student and faculty authors spark a literary renaissance on campus. From professional journals to fulllength novels, these authors dare to inspire.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Prefects prepare for the school year with a leadership retreat. Prefects then meet the freshmen at their retreat in a mentoring role.
Jim Cianca, Director of Marketing & Communications
COPY EDITOR
Jake Rodgers, Upper School English Faculty
TECHNICAL EDITOR
Mary Dickerson, Communications Specialist
CONTRIBUTING DESIGNERS
44
LAST WORD
Renee Tooley, Creative Circle Stephen Keating, Keating Associates
Headmaster Kevin Lockerbie revels in the excitement of a mission that is enacted on campus every day.
St. David’s Magazine is a periodical publication of St. David’s School that highlights ways in which students, alumni, and faculty excel in the vital areas of faith, virtue, and knowledge.
Also Inside 18
ON THE WORLD STAGE TEDxStDavidsSchool
24
BEG, BORROW AND ACT A Glimpse Behind the Curtain
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 1
2 • FALL 2015
Seasoning with
Sage He was a radio talk show host. He owned and operated an awardwinning restaurant. He has been a
Chef Walter “I love what I do...” says Chef Walter Ellerbe with a broad, genuine smile, “and I love who I do it for!” Not only is he pouring his passion
guest star on television, competed in international culinary contests and even prepared a steak for a former president. His name is Walter Ellerbe. He is our new executive chef.
for food and love of people into
“We are very fortunate to partner with Chef Walter,” said
his new position as food service
Miriam Leshnock, the assistant head of school for finance
director for the SAGE Dining
and operations. St. David’s was able to bring him here from a
Service at St. David’s, but he also lent his expertise to the construction of the new kitchen itself, handpicking every appliance, tool, and utensil that was placed in the kitchen. Having recently been completed, the kitchen
prestigious boarding school in Virginia where he was known for cooking three creative, top-quality meals a day for 1,300 students. Ellerbe comes to St. David’s as part of the SAGE Dining initiative. “The school sought a way to provide healthy, reasonably priced meals that taste good,” said Leshnock. “This isn’t your normal cafeteria food!” Ellerbe agreed, “We aren’t the cafeteria! When we did the
was custom designed for its
demonstration for the administration and board, I was asked,
purpose. Chef Walter and his
‘Is this your catering menu?’ ‘No, this is everyday lunch,’ I
staff got the proverbial keys to
said.”
the kitchen just days prior to the
What distinguishes SAGE Dining is its commitment to
opening day of school, but the
quality. “There’s food — and then there’s good food,” said
team was ready for the hungry
Chef Walter. “Sometimes we use things that cost much more
crowd from day one.
than the average, but we want to give you good food.” ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 3
He explained, “We cook from scratch, so that we know everything that goes into the meal. And I add a few of my own personal touches. When I do chicken cacciatore, I take blood oranges...roll them, loosen up the oils, cut them in half, squeeze them out and throw them in the mix. There’s something about the citrus oil that comes in so well with the garlic mushrooms, spices and tomatoes.” Such talk about food is inevitable when spending time with Chef Walter; the love of quality, creative food is his passion. But this is only a part of what SAGE Dining brings to the school.
“FOOD IS SUCH A CRITICAL PART OF ANY COMMUNITY’S LIFE TOGETHER.” — HEADMASTER KEVIN LOCKERBIE Truman Southern, Joonie Easterling, Payne Matthews
“We’re building community,” said Headmaster Kevin Lockerbie, explaining the reason why the school brought SAGE Dining to campus. “We think that the initiative to provide quality food will also enhance the quality of our school culture. Food is such a critical part of any community’s life together.” Lockerbie envisions “...a dining hall where classroom debates are carried to the lunch table and faculty and students discuss ideas while breaking bread together.” Ellerbe knows how a lifetime of culinary training has prepared him to work in education, explaining, “What attracts me to St. David’s is the sense of community. 4 • FALL 2015
Not your traditional salad bar: juniors Megan Klinck and Emily Wilson join faculty members Dan Sturdevant and Jeremy Gardner while making selections from the “improvisations” bar. Featuring unique creations, the improv menu contains customized variations such as marinated mushrooms and onions, roasted peppers, couscous, and quinoa to make a delicious, healthy salad.
“THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN USING YOUR LOVE OF FOOD TO SHARE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS.” — CHEF WALTER ELLERBE On opening day, Chef Walter takes a moment to check with the students to see if their dining experience is going well. Chef Walter and his team have been focused on top quality food and connecting with the St. David’s community.
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 5
Starting with a medley of fresh, local vegetables, Brett Duckworth and Trey Jeutter head down the hot food line with enthusiasm.
I consider myself a teacher first, and I think that’s
formal training is from Johnson & Wales University.
why I’m drawn to this school. It’s amazing I get to do
He has also spent some time teaching the culinary arts.
this because I don’t think there’s anything better than us-
His other noteworthy accomplishments include his stint
ing your love of food to share in the lives of others.”
as executive chef at the Capitol City Chop House in
Ellerbe thinks food is at the core of community
Raleigh, where he prepared a steak for President Carter.
and, in keeping with that philosophy, he intends to use
He was also a host for a call-in radio talk show in the
the Lower School herb garden and a new garden at the
Norfolk, Virginia area. “The phones were busiest dur-
satellite fields to source vegetables and seasonings. His
ing the holidays with callers who wanted tips and advice
6 • FALL 2015
FROM FRESHLY PICKED VEGGIES SAUTEED IN OLIVE OIL, TO PORTOBELLO MUSHROOMS WITH ROASTED TOMATOES AND MOZZARELLA CHEESE, TO BUTTER-LEMON TILAPIA, DISHES ARE PREPARED FROM SCRATCH WITH FRESH INGREDIENTS SUCH AS LOCAL PRODUCE AND ON-SITE ROASTED MEATS. Improv Chef Wesley Gunter
ert Peppers Sous Chef Rob ol Scho ok r e Low rgy Co e & All Wims ya Sadi
for cooking a turkey.” Ellerbe has also competed in “hot box” cooking competitions sanctioned by the American
It’s not about one chef; it’s about your team.” Although he considers these experiences to have
Culinary Federation. He explained, “You prepare for
prepared him well for his career, it’s his love of cooking
these competitions months and months on end. You have
that shapes his calling: “As a former culinary instructor,
seven on your team. It’s like Top Chef on steroids. Rath-
I asked all my students an important question on the first
er than one hour of preparation, you have eight hours.
day of class, ‘If you had to do a job for the rest of your
And you’re not doing an individual meal, you’re doing
life and can never get paid to do that job, what would it
whole courses, platters, sculptures. It’s all presentation.
be? For me, that job is cooking.”
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 7
Mission . Field.
D
MORE THAN TURF, MORE THAN STANDS, MORE THAN FANS: THESE FIELDS ARE THE EMBODIMENT OF OUR MISSION Dreams.
Field of Dreams — that’s
what our satellite athletic complex has been affectionately called. In many respects, it has lived up to this nickname. The satellite fields became the place where our varsity soccer team realized the dream of winning a state championship, and where during Lower School field day, many of our elementary students realized every kid’s dream of dunking the principal in a tank of icy water. The fields have also become a place for community outreach as our faculty and students have partnered together to reach out to local children through soccer and tutoring programs to help them realize their dreams. It is true that our school is the people in whom our mission is embodied, and it is not the physical plant — the “bricks and mortar;” however, as we consider the ways in which the physical spaces of our campus help that mission spring to life, it seems appropriate to highlight three stories of how the fields have provided the opportunity to put our faith, virtue and knowledge into practice.
8 • FALL 2015
Streaking towards the goal, varsity lacrosse captain Lillian York ’18 eyes her next shot. Lillian and her teammates embodied the spirit of the satellite fields: new horizons, with excellence on display. Despite being the first year of the girls lacrosse program, over 40 players filled the rosters of three teams. The varsity team posted an impressive 9-3-1 record.
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 9
A
Seizing the Opportunity for Service By Shawen Conway ’16 and Jake Rodgers After returning from the Guatemala missions trip with St. David’s, I felt inspired to recreate similar experiences back home, and to reach out to communities outside of the “St. David’s bubble.” I did some research and connected with an organization called Neighbor-to-Neighbor (N2N), whose goal is to foster relationships and provide resources and guidance across diverse communities. With the help of one of its directors, Mr.
10 • FALL 2015
Leo Reich, Spanish teacher Mr. Paul Creel, and Mr. Jose Cornejo, varsity soccer coach, we created a plan for a “Soccer Festival,” in which children involved in N2N’s Latino branch would be welcomed to our school for a morning of soccer, snacks, and smiles. We navigated logistical obstacles like transportation and equipment. National Honor Society (NHS) advisor Mr. Philip Boyne and I worked together to recruit student volunteers through
the NHS, and Chaplain
along with Coach Cornejo
Dr. Todd von Helms co-
and N2N, put on a free
ordinated with Chuy’s in
soccer league for kids
North Hills to cater lunch.
who
The
morning
otherwise
can’t
was
afford to play. Coach
marked with a burst of
Cornejo has arranged for
warmth
sunshine.
a nutritionist to speak to
Student volunteers as-
the soccer players and
sembled early to set up
family members about
soccer fields, craft sta-
healthy food choices, and
tions, and water coolers.
the
The stress of planning did
meet at nearby Millbrook
not compare to the joy of
United Methodist Church
and
watching 50 smiling faces pile out of buses and vans and run towards the awaiting high schoolers. Bonds
A smiling winner gets affirmation and a soccer ball from varsity soccer player Chelsie China ’16. As a coach, Chelsie chooses one player each week to receive soccer-related prizes.
student
volunteers
to tutor participants in English on Mondays and Wednesdays. For Coach Cornejo, it
were established, strangers became friends, and
is all about serving others in the way he was
a community formed free of barriers or imag-
served. “I am an immigrant from Bogota, Co-
ined boundaries. The day was filled with mini
lombia,“ said Cornejo. “We came with noth-
soccer games, trick competitions, and a lunch
ing but a firm belief in God, hard work, and
time devotional. Our new friends left with full
respect for our fellow man. My father worked
bellies, new “soccer swag” — shoes, balls and
three jobs to put six kids through college.
“WHEN I DO THIS CLINIC I SEE MYSELF IN THOSE KIDS. WE HAD MENTORS; WE HAD PEOPLE WHO WANTED TO HELP US.”
— COACH JOSE CORNEJO
wristbands provided by Coach Cornejo, and smiles even bigger than when they arrived.
When I do this clinic I see myself in those kids. We had mentors; we had people
But the story continues. Coach Cornejo
who wanted to help us.” Cornejo went on to
was so inspired by the event that he contacted
explain that, like those who mentored him, he
Neighbor-to-Neighbor, armed with a desire to
uses the universal language of soccer to reach
do something and a terrific idea. “Soccer in this
these children.
country,” he explained, “is pay to play. It’s the
One of the best rewards, said Cornejo, is
only country I know of where this is the case, so
“what it does for my players. Nobody’s asking
I thought, wait a minute, we have this beautiful
me weekly how many service hours they’ve
facility on Yonkers Road. What if we created a
earned toward graduation. It’s about giving.
free soccer league? So I reached out.”
Giving is more than having, in my opinion. If
Every Saturday our varsity soccer players,
you can’t give, you don’t have anything.”
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 11
Pulling with all their might, Kailyn Woodall ’23 and Kenley Wood ’24 are doing their part to win points for their team. This was one of many games the students competed in during field day.
T
New Worlds at New Fields
12 • FALL 2015
The would-be firing squad of eager
for our kids because it gave our students
third graders armed with beanbags lined
the chance to have unabashed fun. There
up to dunk Lower School Principal
is so much room there. We can have our
Michael Noto into a tub of ice water.
kids spread out and they can scream their
This, according to Noto, “is one of those
heads off [without bothering the rest of the
childhood moments, where there’s no
school].”
better time in the world to be a kid.” He
Jenn Partenheimer, PE teacher and
further explained, “Lower School field
field day organizer, agreed: “Now that
day is magical.”
we have had it out at the satellite fields,
This annual Lower School tradition
I cannot picture it being held anywhere
has taken on a new flavor since it has
else. The parents were able to be more
moved to the satellite athletic complex.
involved and become part of the event.
According to Noto, hosting it off campus
Instead of sitting in the stands watching
is what “made the atmosphere magical
their children, they were out on the field
“IT’S ONE OF THOSE CHILDHOOD MOMENTS...WHERE THERE’S NO BETTER TIME IN THE WORLD TO BE A KID.” — LOWER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL MICHAEL NOTO
taking pictures and enjoying the fun that this event is all about!”
(appropriately named, according to Mr. Noto). “It’s an example of what it’s like to truly
Field day was organized around a water theme.
be a kid,” said Noto. “Field day magnifies
In addition to the dunk tank, it included a 60-
the contagious enthusiasm and creativity of
foot slip-n-slide that was designed by the fourth
childhood. I think the event will always be held at
grade class, a tug of war station and an obstacle
the athletic complex because we can do so much
course. Each activity station was organized
more out there.”
around educational themes. Students were taught
Partenheimer agreed: “The kids wait all year
about ocean ecology while moving from station
for this. It’s a special day for them! Seeing the joy
to station. The obstacle course was “The Great
on the students’ faces and having the opportunity
Barrier Reef,” the slip-n-slide was “The Tsunami,”
to enjoy the moment with them; that is what makes
and the dunk tank was the “Arctic Plunge”
all the hard work worth it!”
Taking the ocean ecology theme to heart, Sibley Hash ’23 douses herself to cool off during the high energy activities of Lower School field day.
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 13
C
Cinderella Story Is Catalyst for Community Building
Chests were painted, and the fans were screaming and storming the field in a dash to
hug the nearest soccer player. Not only did this scene appear in the sports section of The News & Observer on the day after the upset victory, but it was a catalyst for a continuation of community activity throughout the year at the satellite fields. Classes had been suspended on Friday afternoon in order to bus the Upper School to and from the state playoff game. Teachers volunteered to drive buses and to stay late to ensure that everyone had a ride back to campus. A student section emerged with face paint and choreographed cheers. The opportunity to watch their classmates compete for a state championship on their home field charged the atmosphere with intense anticipation. Consider the statistics. St. David’s began the year with a 3-9 record. On the other hand,
Out maneuvering the defender, Sarah Reynolds ’17 takes the ball upfield towards the goal. Not only did the boys soccer team triumph, the 14-1-1 varsity girls team found success at home, winning the state tournament quarterfinal game in front of a home crowd at the satellite fields.
“THIS EXCELLENT FACILITY HAS AN IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITY. IT GIVES PEOPLE SOMETHING TO RALLY AROUND AND IT HELPS MAKE ST. DAVID’S A PLACE WHERE OTHERS WANT TO SERVE AND JOIN WITH US IN THE WORK THAT WE’RE DOING.” 14 • FALL 2015
— SHERRY KAPELAR, ATHLETICS DIRECTOR
Jubilant fans storm the field to celebrate the upset semifinal win in the NCISAA state championships.
Fayetteville Academy was the tenth ranked high school
not only makes sense for the school’s long term financial
soccer team in the nation, while St. David’s had to pull
picture, it also builds a sense of pride and community. As
together a miraculous string of victories just to qualify for
Athletic Director Sherry Kapelar said, “This excellent
the state tournament. The Warriors had struggled early on to
facility has an impact on the community. It gives people
find chemistry and balance, and what’s more, Fayetteville
something to rally around, and it helps make St. David’s
had defeated them at the start of the season with a shut-
a place where others want to serve and join with us in the
out victory. So, when the students rushed the field as the
work that we’re doing.” The potential of the space is just
final horn sounded and the unlikely semi-final 3-1 upset
beginning to be realized. According to Kapelar, “It’s a place
became official, it was clear why. This year was special.
that our younger students will benefit from for their entire
The Warriors went on to win the state championship and
athletic and academic careers. It’s really great to think about
the school community got to experience one of the rare,
how the fields can impact their experience.”
sought after moments in the drama of competition: a Cinderella story.
Students first encounter the fields with Lower School field day, then they are given their first opportunity to
“This was magical. I have no other way to describe it,”
compete on them in Middle School interscholastic sports.
said Jose Cornejo, who has won four state championships
In the Upper School, the fields help make lasting memories
in his more than 20 years of coaching at St. David’s. “This
as our boys soccer team did while winning the state
was special for many reasons; we had a young, talented
championship. Alumni come back to the fields to watch a
team with incredible captains and senior leadership, and
girls lacrosse game, to coach a team, or to participate in an
the support from the students, faculty, and administration
alumni event.
was incredible.”
The satellite facility has become more than just a group
Having won the Wells Fargo Cup (for the winningest 2A
of fields; it’s a place for community. As the boys soccer team
athletic program in the state) for the fifth time in six years,
huddled together for one last time, having achieved what
the St. David’s athletic program reflects our commitment
every high school athlete aspires to, but few accomplish,
to mission. It also reflects a commitment to community.
Coach Cornejo looked at the players and said, “Anything is
Moving more of our teams onto our own fields, instead of
possible. Anything is possible! If you can do what you did
renting spaces all over the Triangle for practices and games,
this year, the sky’s the limit!” ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 15
Newly Retired Board Member Reflects on 20 Years of Service
I
t may be telling that our school’s mission statement originated around a humorous moment in Board Member Pamela Bunn’s home. The Board of Trustees met there for a retreat. Bunn recalls that it was a gorgeous day, several of the school parents had prepared food, and the board was deep in conversation
having just articulated the school’s future as being a thoroughly Christian institution equally committed to faith and academics. She had left her French doors open, and having heard a siren in the distance, she cringed a little, knowing what this meant. Suddenly, the lively debate and conversation halted as her golden retriever howled at
the siren, drowning out the discussion. The room burst into laughter, but the dog’s timing was impeccable. Enough debate; it was time to break for lunch, and from that moment on, St. David’s has clearly embraced a mission that values faith, virtue, and knowledge. This story illustrates much of Bunn’s legacy. She has not only opened
20 Years of Progress
2012-2015: 1995-96: St. Timothy’s-Hale campus on White Oak Road houses grades 6-12. Construction of 5th and 6th grade classrooms, which is now the humanities wing of the Upper School. Enrollment: 299
1996-97: First annual fund raises $35,237 towards the first computer lab. Enrollment: 387
16 • FALL 2015
Satellite fields purchased for athletics expansion. Growth continues with addition to Lower School building and conversion to commercial kitchen for onsite meal preparation for the first time. Current Enrollment: 627
1998-99: Carpe Futura campaign raises money to fund All Saints’ Chapel, the science and math wing to the Upper School, and the purchase of Lassiter House Enrollment: 407
2009-10: The “Together for Excellence” campaign brings dramatic change. New facilities include a new gym, performing arts center, dining hall and student commons. Enrollment: 624
Community Profile her home to the school community, but in so many ways she has sought to make St. David’s her home. She and her husband, Lee, have three children who attended the school: Guthrie ’02, Riley ’04, and Macon ’06. She has given freely of her time and resources — one of the smaller but meaningful examples being the William Blake prints that hang in the Welcome Center
year marked the highest percentage of participation from faculty, the board, and the parent community in the history of an annual fund that began with a few bags of M&M’s and a student telethon. Pamela Bunn deeply believes that St. David’s embodies a mission worth supporting. “The key to a healthy board is being unified around a vision. The trustees of St. David’s are committed to
I will miss the board members whom I deeply respect and love, and I will continue to support this great institution as it shines its light, through its students and graduates, faculty and staff, in the Raleigh community and beyond.” As Pamela Bunn officially retires from the Board of Trustees this year, she leaves a legacy of servant leadership that will be missed. Perhaps Board
conference room. She has, in her own words, tried to “serve for the good of the institution, which will be here long after I am gone,” even championing decisions that may not have been of particular benefit to her own family. This long-term perspective is not surprising from someone who has done a great deal to shape the vision of the school. The annual fund, for instance, began with Bunn’s initiative. Understanding that tuition alone never covers the expenses of an independent school, she and the first development director recruited the junior and senior classes to help. She described the annual fund’s inaugural year: “We had a parent who opened up her offices for an evening. We took students there and conducted a telethon where they called parents and asked if they would be willing to give to the annual fund. Our goal that year was a new bus. We had bags of candy and other prizes, and when we hit a certain number, we rang a bell. It was so much fun.” It should be noted that the legacy of collaboration continues. This past
a school where academics flow thoughtfully from pre-kindergarten through senior year, and teachers inspire children to learn. Our faculty know and love the Lord, and, while their main aim is to teach in their area of expertise, they are present as mentors and guides to the students.” Bunn believes that God has blessed St. David’s and has been faithful to provide through many seasons: “Even though we’ve had to make difficult decisions, God has provided the right people or strategy at the right time. God has known where we had weaknesses, where we needed to grow, and has always undertaken for our needs. “It has been a privilege to serve Him in this capacity here for 20 years. During my tenure, there have been five headmasters, the campus has changed significantly, and the number of students has doubled.
Chairman Joe Knott has said it best: “Her sweet spirit, keen intellect and deep understanding of the spiritual side of education have powerfully shaped, guided, and protected the mission of this school — a mission that is shaped a semester at a time.”
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 17
Nicole Stephenson ’16 delivers an impassioned speech entitled “Photography worth 1000 words.” Nicole and other students, as well as speakers from across the country, delivered inspirational talks to the student body and live-stream audience. The international TEDx organization describes these events as being “created in the spirit of TED’s mission, ‘ideas worth spreading.’ The TEDx program is designed to help communities, organizations and individuals to spark conversation and connection through local TED-like experiences. At TEDx events, a screening of TED Talks videos — or a combination of live presenters and TED Talks videos — sparks deep conversation and connections at the local level.”
18 • FALL 2015
MOVING MOUNTAINS: ST. DAVID’S ON THE WORLD STAGE After months of planning and preparation, St. David’s pulled off something remarkable: the school hosted a TEDx conference, featuring 19 speakers from all over the world, professionally produced, live streamed continuously for eight hours. And what’s perhaps most remarkable, it was organized and managed by students. With TEDx, St. David’s officially opened its doors to the world. By taking part in the international TED phenomenon, and by broadcasting the event online, the school became a forum for intellectual curiosity and the exchange of ideas. After such a rousing success, the students, faculty and administration agree: this has got to become a tradition.
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 19
Wearing the traditional clothing of her family’s heritage, Preeya Deol ’15 discusses the culture and lifestyle of the Punjab region of India as seen through her travels there. Each TEDx talk of 18 minutes or less is designed to spark depth of thought and discussion.
20 • FALL 2015
HOW TO RUN A TEDX EVENT
I
BY DARBY LARSON ’15, TEDX EVENT COORDINATOR t isn’t every Saturday that I wake up at 8:30 AM to
itself. It had its downs, like being rejected by multiple
a phone call about education reform. Dr. Bart Dan-
sponsors and working in the PAC until one in the morning
ielsen was eager to discuss his passion for his non-
the night before to ensure that the computer programs ran
profit, Environmentalists for Education Reform,
smoothly. And, true to a roller coaster, the end product
and his desire to be part of our TEDx event. Conversations and emails like this were frequent as the
was exhilarating — a day dedicated to sharing ideas and the chance to see my teachers and classmates inspired.
days grew longer in anticipation of our TEDx conference.
It was rewarding to watch hundreds of hours of plan-
This was the first event of its kind, not just for the school,
ning culminate in an almost flawless, eight hour, live-
but even for the Raleigh area. I’ll admit it was daunting to
streamed event. We had 19 speakers from all walks of life,
think that it was entrusted to me, a high school senior.
from 6th graders to CEO’s. Between live attendance in the
From scouring the Triangle for sponsorships and
Darby Larson ’15, event coordinator and conference host, welcomes the next presenter to the stage.
PAC and a remote closed circuit broadcast in the dining
Band Director Eric Terlizzi leads the St. David’s wind ensemble, one of the featured groups during the event.
Cal Madden ’21 presented Tutor Touch, his award-winning app that he produced through the Innovation Warriors program.
speakers to assembling a capable, creative team of mem-
hall, we had over 300 people in attendance locally. On-
bers from our school community, I learned quickly that
line, hundreds more tuned in to the live-stream and many
people would be at the center of this endeavor and that
hundreds more have viewed the YouTube videos posted
communication would be pivotal.
after the event.
It’s easy to get excited about an event like TEDx. It’s
At 10 AM on April 8, as Dr. Danielsen took the stage,
quite another thing to sift through the logistics of planning
the conversation over the phone that we had only a few
rehearsals, coordinating with dozens of people’s schedules
weeks prior had come off the drawing board and stepped
and buying 50 square feet of foam from Lowe’s to con-
into the real world. In fact, many similar conversations
struct TEDx signs.
were becoming reality. As I took it in, I was struck by
The entire process was a roller coaster. It had its ups, like receiving money from sponsors and emceeing the event
how persistence and a collaborative spirit can bring ideas to life.
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 21
D
WHAT TEDX TEACHES STUDENTS BY SCOTT SHAW, UPPER SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
uring a TED talk in 2010, author Steve Johnson
But some of the most memorable snapshots for me oc-
claimed, “Chance favors the connected mind.”
curred behind the scenes: listening to student “grips” care-
Johnson argued that many brilliant ideas are
fully bark out orders to change camera angles ensuring
not “light bulb” or “Eureka” moments. He
quality footage; watching the backstage crew welcoming
noted that several of the impactful designs and concepts from
and prepping speakers with smiles, cookies and water while
history show patterns of connected incubation periods in
skillfully wiring them for sound; and feeling the roar of the
which thinkers gathered in coffee houses or common spaces
crowd each time their beloved friend (Darby Larson, senior
openly to discuss problems and solutions. Some ideas not
extraordinaire, event coordinator, emcee, etc.) introduced
only need to percolate, but can also emerge from intentional,
the next guest.
albeit casual, conversation. Johnson’s talk challenges us to
St. David’s TEDx was successful because of purpose,
think about where good ideas come from. For me, profound
planning, and persistence. The event was extraordinary be-
discoveries at university were not limited to two-hour
cause the students took ownership of it. It was a collective
lectures in which I sat silently next to classmates, taking
experience where all could listen and think and question.
With four cameras, graphics, and live visuals, media production students James Nye ’16 and Raiford Garrabrant ’16 run the live streaming.
The Sweet Adelines, Upper School female a cappella singers, offer a musical interlude during the day, singing classic barbershop tunes.
Visiting speaker Jennifer Farmer tackles the topic of “Striking While the Iron is Hot”, highlighting how to use media to elevate one’s voice.
copious notes. For me, the most profound learning moments
The intent of our celebration of ideas was not to force audi-
occurred during heated debates, dynamic discussions and
ence acceptance or have them take extensive notes, rather,
group wondering. The same is true of my professional career.
it was to encourage the timeless art of thinking in a shared,
Without question, when individuals gather to connect via
connected space.
intentional dialogue and active listening, learning happens.
Aristotle said, “It is the mark of an educated mind
At St. David’s, students are encouraged to wrestle with
to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.” At
the truths of life, ask questions, think critically, tinker, and
St. David’s, we enthusiastically embrace our mission to
share ideas. The purpose of our TEDx event was to provide
challenge our students in the vital areas of faith, virtue, and
our students with both a platform for sharing their thoughts
knowledge. Along with this purpose, we seek to embolden
and an opportunity to listen to the ideas of others. The
young people to be intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually
confluence of voices from the event was extraordinary. The
curious and courageous. Events such as TEDx are threads
speakers came from all ages and backgrounds. They took
of the tapestry that helps us weave the concept of students
to the stage with vigor, inspiring others and capturing the
taking ownership of their learning with seeking to answer
essence of individual narrative.
how we can make a positive impact in the lives of others.
22 • FALL 2015
St. David’s Spanish teacher and jazz enthusiast Paul Creel built a case for how creative minds are first informed minds. Mr. Creel and fellow musician Keith Ganz brought the concepts alive through musical performances which illustrated the message of the talk.
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 23
A Glimpse Behind the Curtain
24 • FALL 2015
The theater may be one of the last barter economies in the modern world. “It’s common practice in this trade,” said David McClutchey, director of theater at St. David’s, “to barter for costumes, choreography, props, set designs — you name it.
No theater
company anywhere thrives without building relationships and networking; it’s part and parcel of being in this profession.” And few do it better than McClutchey. He has taught at St. David’s since 2012 and during that time has regularly exchanged acting and stage combat classes for costumes and props. “During the summer I usually teach an adult acting or stage combat class at [professional theater houses] because I want to keep a relationship in place that is mutually beneficial. The wooden ramps that were part of the set of The Little Prince are from Raleigh Little Theatre — the wood alone costs $500, and that’s money we can put back into our program and invest in our kids.”
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 25
Understanding lighting is critical to any actor’s success. Using smoke and lighting, Mr. McClutchey demonstrates for his Theater Arts class how actors need to understand where the light is on stage and how to use is, as well as how the set and lighting designers use light to communicate the story they are bringing to life on the stage.
In the local theater community, McClutchey is well
professional. Our truffula trees from that set have also
respected for his acting. He also has a great reputation for
traveled a lot. Last I heard, they were somewhere in
choreographing stage combat scenes. On more than a few
Virginia. It’s amazing that a set that was largely designed
occasions, he has leveraged this talent to help St. David’s
and built by our students has traveled the country.”
productions. He did combat choreography at the Temple
Some of our props are rented out as well. A very
Theatre some time ago and was able to call in a favor last
popular item for rent is the mask used in last spring’s
spring when set pieces and costumes were needed for the
production of Beauty and the Beast. The “beast mask”
student-run production of The Give and Take (written by
cost about $500 to make, and if you look at it closely,
Ellie Baker ’17; directed by Maggie Flaugher ’15). The
you’ll see why. The hairs are individually stitched. The
entire set was borrowed from the Temple Theatre. They
eyebrows are all sewn in by hand and the veins and other
lent it for free, because they too, understand that theater
details are hand-painted. Because of its quality, this mask
is a game of give and take.
has become a highly sought-after stage prop by both
McClutchey is quick to note that our theater
community and professional theaters. Each time it is
department gives a great deal. Reminiscing about the
rented out, McClutchey charges 20 percent of its original
Seussical set, he said, “The artwork for ‘The Cat and the
cost. It’s a standard practice in the industry, and it’s a
Hat box’ that Robin Lasher ’15 created for our production
good deal for St. David’s. Not only does the school have
of Seussical was so well done, that it has been used by
a useful prop for its own productions, but it also has a
at least eight other theater companies, both amateur and
small stream of income for buying new props.
26 • FALL 2015
Four Years Later... and Still Going Strong ► ► “Last I heard, they were somewhere in Virginia” said Theater Director David McClutchey, referring to the truffula trees built for Seussical the Musical. The whimsical set that students built for Seussical has been much loved and used since being disassembled on the St. David’s stage. The set is still circulating throughout the theater world, and tales of it wowing audiences still drift back to St. David’s from time to time.
◄ ◄ For every actor on the stage, there is a counterpart behind the curtain. From technical production of sound and light, to costume design, to building the set itself, the crew is made up of an unseen creative team that makes the on-stage magic possible.
According to Fine Arts Department Chair Cindy
▼ ▼ The Miracle Worker involved not only months of rehearsal on complex scenes and characters, it also required a dog handler to manage the canine actor. Every production involves assembling a team representing many different skills.
Darden, these are all the marks of a healthy theater program. She credits McClutchey for this success. She explained, “He is a gifted, collaborative teacher who embraces the creative spirit within each of his students. He is approachable and compassionate and makes theatre a fun place to be. The magic that he and our students create on stage is brought about by commitment and hard work.” McClutchey is quick to add that most of the giving that goes on behind the scenes for each production is done by our own school community: “The faculty and staff who give their time and talent, the students who bring their passion and commitment and give up so much time, the families who have consistently stepped to the plate to help these productions come together are all to be thanked. In a very real way, this program is a St. David’s community theater.” ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 27
Students and Faculty Take the Literary Scene by Storm
T
here is a flourishing literary culture at St. David’s. As part of the independent study program, 16 students have tackled the unique task of writing a work for publication. Works have
ranged from a novella about identity and time to a collection of travel fiction inspired by William Faulkner. This movement is profoundly studentdriven. J.B. Novak is one such student, whose work has been accepted by The American Library of Poetry’s student anthology, Eloquence. J.B. is currently writing a novella for his independent study that deals with the nature of happiness and the many ways we seek to attain it. There are also several authors among the ranks of the faculty. Hunter Whitworth ’06, Upper School English teacher, has had his work featured in three literary journals: Phantom Drift: A Journal of the New Fabulism, Unlikely Stories, and The Steel Toe Review. He has always been intrigued with idea that storytelling is a part of human nature. In his words, “For as long as people have existed, they’ve told stories. Even as oral tradition, stories are the way we’ve always confronted the things that concern us and will always concern us.” And so he writes stories “...about people trying to find things and confronting problems that don’t have easy solutions.”
28 • FALL 2015
Over There
By Sammie Osley ’18 They are sitting there. So I sit here. I see them and I watch them. I listen to their conversations, Because there and here are the same distance, Only longer by a letter. I don’t speak; they would hear me, but I can’t. Because they are over there and I’m here. To an outsider’s eye, we are all together. We are near. To an outsider, there is no there or here. To me, there and here defines my existence. To them, those people, over there, I am a mere physical distance, But I am an infinite distance of the mind. Those people over there are alone. They sit and speak of sentimentalities, As I become sentimental in this moment. Of the remembrance of being here rather than there.
While still a freshman, Sammie Osley had her poem, “Over There,” accepted by Eloquence, an anthology from The American Library of Poetry as part of its student poetry contest. Sammie said her grandfather used to read poetry with her. According to Sammie, she was always “...fascinated by the way that people could so precisely and carefully take words and give them meaning again by a comparison, or a story or an observation.”
Page Turners The Mirror and the Mage
By David Frauenfelder, Middle School Latin teacher and Classics Department chair Dr. David Frauenfelder has published three novels. The Mirror and the Mage, for readers ages 10 and above, is set in ancient Rome. It tells the story of 14-year-old Lucius who becomes a mage with mastery over spells that work only if the Latin grammar in them is correct. Frauenfelder, who is working on a sequel to The Mirror and the Mage, has also written two young adult novels: Skater in a Strange Land: A Fantasy Novel and The Skater and the Saint. These stories are part of a larger series called the Borschland Hockey Chronicles. “These novels have it all,” said Frauenfelder with a wry smile, “professional ice hockey, talking bears, mythical lands, intrigue and romance.”
The Give and Take/Lying in Wait
By Ellie Baker ’17
As a sophomore, Ellie Baker’s short story, “Lying In Wait” won the Raleigh Fine Arts Society’s Mildred Patton Dwyer Award. Her story was chosen from more than 600 submissions. In that same year, she spearheaded a production of her play, The Give and Take. It ran for a week in the PAC and was directed by classmate and actress Maggie Flaugher. Ellie thinks that one learns to be a better writer by becoming a better reader. In her words, “If you read a great author’s work and you feel embarrassed about trying to be an author yourself, you’re on the right track. Stay humble and keep reading. Also, editing is always your friend; pure composition is no good if it’s un-tempered. Good writing takes patience and consideration.”
Emily Bemily
Illustrated by Stephen Shingler, Upper School art teacher and 12th grade chair Stephen Shingler has illustrated two children’s books. Emily Bemily, written by Emily Schendel, is a picture book of a young girl’s adventures in New York City on a cold, snowy, winter day. Shingler also illustrated its follow-up: Emily Bemily: In Her Own Backyard. Emily, living in a New York City apartment, yearns for a backyard, and is reminded of the wonders available to her in Central Park. Shingler’s artwork has been showcased in numerous galleries. He has also illustrated the cover art for several student publications. Most recently, he designed the cover art for Carson Welch’s Of The Greenest Blue.
Of the Greenest Blue By Carson Welch ’15
Carson Welch published a collection of short stories and essays, Of The Greenest Blue. The explorative, moving, and quirky pieces reveal the nature of a true writer. He has also had two stories accepted by literary journals, one of which, a story entitled “Thoughts from a Parking Lot,” has been accepted for publication in The Steel Toe Review. Carson said, “Good fiction has the ability to alter, stimulate, question, expand, focus, and explore consciousness.” As he put it, “Fiction is about being human.”
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 29
LEARNING TO THINK
THE SENIOR SEMINAR AND THE
Cassidy Souter ’16 meets Senator Thom Tillis after an interactive Q&A between the juniors and seniors and the senator.
I
t looks and feels like a university course. Seniors meet in a lecture hall to hear
counter the most historically and culturally significant
from experts; they then move to a college
thinkers of the western world — Aristotle, Augustine,
seminar-style discussion in groups led by faculty. The
and Kant, to name a few.
seminar boasts a reading list that is conceptually rich
Yet the seminar is more than standard university
and deep. Seniors read Supreme Court decisions and en-
fare. It engages the civic and political life of North
30 • FALL 2015
journalists (for a full list of speakers, please visit the academics section of the school website). It is not an overstatement to suggest that in just a few years this course has hosted a list of public figures that rivals a decade’s worth of commencement speakers at a typical university. The impact that the course has on the profile of the school is secondary to its educational goals, according to Dr. Gil Greggs, senior seminar teacher
OUT LOUD
SHAPE OF THE MORAL LIFE
As part of a panel of journalists in the annual “Kelcey Carlson Symposium on Journalism and Ethics,” TV anchors Kelcey Carlson and Bill Leslie discuss ethical decision making with fellow anchor David Crabtree and News & Observer editor Richard Stradling.
and director of academic symposia. “The animating idea of the course is to bring in leaders in politics, academics, journalism and more to discuss the Carolina and beyond in a way that is truly
relevant issues in a framework where students
exceptional. In the past two years, the speakers
see that philosophy has enormous light to shed on
have included a US senator, two NC governors,
modern problems.”
two US congressmen, a Nobel laureate, and two
Dr. Greggs sees the course and the Speaker
university chancellors, along with a sampling of
Series associated with it as a way of giving graduates
prominent CEOs, attorneys, philanthropists and
a conceptual framework for clear thinking about
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 31
Lower School students get in on the action. It is not uncommon for many in the student body to also gain exposure to the community and national leaders that the Senior Seminar features throughout the year.
“IN JUST A FEW YEARS, THIS COURSE HAS HOSTED A LIST OF PUBLIC FIGURES THAT RIVALS A DECADE’S WORTH OF COMMENCEMENT SPEAKERS AT A TYPICAL UNIVERSITY.” the moral and political problems they’ll face in their
philosophically and theologically attuned to the issues
adult lives. “Philosophy,” he said, “is not an academic
of the day, the public square should also come to
exercise. It’s deep thinking about the burdens of
St. David’s. According to Greggs, this means two
everyday life — most of which are ethical and
things: the school should invite notable public figures
moral.” He further explained, “Life in a democracy
to speak to our students, but it also means that the
entails arguing about controversial issues. If we lose
seminar should be open to the whole community,
that ability, we lose the ability to sustain a healthy
not just the seniors. As Greggs explained, “Parents,
democratic republic.”
grandparents, friends of the school — all are invited
When Dr. Greggs inherited the seminar several
because when it comes to questions of justice, there’s
years ago, he had a vision in mind — just as St. David’s
a continuum of responsibility that extends right
should prepare its graduates to enter the public square
through the community of St. David’s and out of it.”
32 • FALL 2015
Nobel Prize Winner Oliver Smithies visits Senior Seminar not only to share his excitement about his life’s work, but also to wrestle with students on matters of deep importance, such as biomedical ethics and the responsibility that society holds in determining how groundbreaking discoveries like his should be used.
“If there’s a tag line for the course,” Greggs ex-
easy, summary solutions to moral or ethical problems
plained, “it’s ‘Learning to Think Out Loud.’ I want
and that being a thoughtful citizen and a faithful per-
them to get used to taking the risk of speaking up in a
son takes hard work — hard work which values excel-
large group. “Students quickly realize that there aren’t
lence and enriches our minds and our souls.”
Governor McCrory speaks to the press on the porch of the dining hall after engaging the Upper School student body in a discourse about navigating difficult political situations in an ethical manner. Former Governor Beverly Perdue also visited Senior Seminar.
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 33
FAITHFUL THINKING THE CHAPLAINCY SPEAKER SERIES
Dr. Mike Strauss works with his colleagues on the CERN atomic supercollider near Geneva, Switzerland and was one of the team of scientists who discovered the Higgs Boson “God particle.” Dr. Strauss came to St. David’s to talk about matters of faith and science and share how particle physics points towards the existence of God in the universe. Photo courtesy of 33rd Square
By Jake Rodgers, Upper School English faculty
I
t was a rare chance to interact with a Cambridge University professor and world-renowned poet. I’ll confess to being star struck on meeting some-
one whose work I have actually taught. It was surreal to find myself sitting with my students and colleagues in the chapel, listening to poet Malcolm Guite discuss the deep connection between theology and poetry. He made one of the most poignant cases I’ve heard for how beauty provides a window into God’s mind. As some-
Jed Makosco: Biophysicist, professor, Wake Forest University Mike Strauss: Particle physicist, professor, University of Oklahoma
one whose job (I keep reminding myself) is to gauge
lecture, I didn’t think much about God or poetry — but
how teenagers respond to ideas, it was great to see more
I want to thank you because you’ve made me think
than a few students leaning forward in the pews, hang-
deeply about both.”
ing on each phrase. Afterwards one student, whom I
In trying to tell the story of the Chaplaincy Speaker
knew to be a self-professed agnostic, approached Guite
Series and do justice to the vision that motivates it,
and said, “I’ll be honest, Dr. Guite, before hearing your
moments like these keep recurring to me. I think of
34 • FALL 2015
Malcolm Guite Photo courtesy of Lancia Smith
“A community that prays together should also think together.”
the crowded event in the theater where Dr. William “Billy” Abraham, a professor at Southern Methodist University and a philosophical theologian, discussed a cultural movement known as The New Atheism. The question and answer period spilled over for hours because no one wanted to leave. It’s hard to put words to it, but in retrospect it was a moment where every person present, believer and unbeliever alike, seemed provoked to a deeper kind of thoughtfulness. Our chaplain, Dr. Todd von Helms, started the series three years ago with that vision — a community of inquiring, thoughtful people gathering to fellowship around ideas and to see how the gospel informs every aspect of our lives. He believes this is the unique privilege of a Christian school, something to which we’re called. It’s a way to enrich the education of our community or, in his words, “to help us become Christian scholars who lead integrated lives within both the academy and the world by learning to articulate the faith in a way that is winsome and compelling.” He further explained, “We want to encourage Christians to consider their faith more deeply and to encourage non-believers to reconsider matters of faith.” It is a joy to see that vision enacted. When Mike Strauss,
Clockwise from top left:
Billy Abraham: Theologian, author, professor, Southern Methodist University Mike Licona: Author, historian, Evangelical Philosophical Society D. Michael Lindsay: Author, university president, Gordon College Grant Wacker: Author, historian, professor, Duke University
a physicist working on the CERN project in Switzerland,
students another space to step into the ideas and de-
spoke on how science points to the existence of a creator,
bates that shape our culture — without worrying about a
one student mentioned to a colleague that Strauss’ presen-
grade. But it also gives someone like me, so often caught
tation led her to realize there must be a Grand Designer. I
up with the responsibilities of work and family, a space
think it’s part of that design that a community that prays
to slow down and to think. Or put another way, it’s a
together should also think together.
chance for students to become adults, and for adults to
I’m grateful for the Speaker Series because it gives our
become students. ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 35
ge Armes, Shawen Braxton Montague, Milled ak, Nov . J.B is, Lew ilie Em
rtney Conway, Valerie Medlin, Cou
Reynolds, Madi Vanarthos
P I R T T C E F E A PR
T
By Madi Vanarthos ’16 he prefect board consists of eight senior
One of my favorite moments on the prefect trip was when
students who are passionate about their
I was sitting in the canoe in the middle of this stretch of
school and who are committed to serving
water. When I looked around I saw the lily pads dotted
the entire St. David’s community. Prefects
with flowers and bright green grass protruding from
are expected to function as servant leaders, humbly
the surface of the ripples. And then in this moment of
seeking to build up others and leading by example.
glory, I heard Valerie and Courtney singing, “Lean on
Madi Vanarthos, the spiritual life prefect, reflects on
Me” as they struggled to keep the canoe straight due to
the group’s summer trip to the Adirondacks, an annual
the wind. Both of them had smiles gleaming from their
tradition for this body of student leaders.
36 • FALL 2015
faces despite their challenges. J.B. and I started laughing and then joined the song. Soon everybody was singing. Our team was united from the beginning, and we could feel the togetherness throughout the trip. Whether it was portaging a canoe for two miles on our heads, or feeding ducks, or roasting marshmallows around the fire while free-style rapping, or strategizing for the upcoming year, or kissing the ground after a full day of rowing against the wind, or eating dry Ramen with peanut butter, we all worked together and shared countless moments of laughter. Of course, there were challenges, but everyone remained extremely positive and uplifting, which is what made the trip so amazing.
Before camping out under the stars, prefects Emilie Lewis, Braxton Montague, J.B. Novak, Valerie Medlin, and Milledge Armes roast some marshmallows and talk about the day. These senior student leaders spent time not only sharing such experiences but planning for the year.
Enjoying the mountaintop experience, Madi Vanarthos celebrates the prefects’ collective achievement of a long day’s hike.
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 37
Callie Oliveira, Jai Inder Sandhu, Sarah Dean Barbour
A F R E S H S TA R T
F
or most St. David’s freshmen, the transi-
for a weekend of games, reflection and class bonding.
tion from Middle School to Upper School
Krissie Barr, ninth grade chair and freshman retreat
is literally a walk across the parking lot.
coordinator, explained, “Much of what makes our
But the reality is so much more. The pas-
individual journey worthwhile is connected to who is
sage from adolescence to young adulthood begins in
beside us in this life, and for the next four years, these
the Upper School. To kick off the high school years, St.
students will be beside one another. Our purpose with
David’s freshmen “retreat” to an off-campus location
the freshman retreat is to free up our students to be
38 • FALL 2015
Hans Homeister, Banks Avram, Julian Cave, Miles Jones, Edward Adams, Matthew Haist, Wells Armes, Joshua Baucom Houston Walker
Hannah Rotman, Mary-Kate Stahl, Katherine Holderness, Scott Shaw
more of themselves by not taking themselves too
are some of the most formative — intellectually,
seriously. The hours of games played are designed
spiritually, and relationally,” she adds.
to disarm everyone and simply make the students
The retreat concluded with Dr. von Helms chal-
laugh with and enjoy one another in a team-building,
lenging the class as a whole to consider how their
unifying way.”
freshman year is a new beginning; a fresh start. The
“The advisors and prefects are always quick to
students are encouraged to think about who they are
demonstrate the games first so that the students see
now — their strengths, challenges, hopes, fears, de-
that it is perfectly good, safe, and hilarious to look
sires and goals for the next four years.
completely absurd with panty hose on your head or
Who do they want to become? Who do they
dancing about trying to shake ping pong balls out of
hope they will be by the time they enter into their
a tissue box that you have duct-taped to yourself,”
senior year and begin thinking about college and
laughed Barr. “The games are intended to build
life? They take part in a treasured freshman retreat
rapport within each advisory, as well as between
tradition: writing a “Letter to Self,” addressing these
the advisory and their advisor. The weekend bonds
important questions. The letters — which will be
and solidifies the class together right from the start
kept safe and returned to the students on their senior
of their ninth grade year. We take that seriously,
trip, right on the cusp of graduation — will offer a
especially since the next four years of their lives
look at how well their transition has unfolded.
Summer Ferrell, Pace Hurst
, , Mihdi Agbaw Grayson Deihl ridge Jacob Brecken ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 39
ADVENTURES ABROAD The Far East Beckons: Three Alumni Meet in China 40 • FALL 2015
F
orrest Brandt, Buck Tharrington and Remington Ivey (class of 2010) were in school together this past year. Not in Raleigh, though — in China. And they weren’t students, either. They were teachers.
Remington enjoys her first grade students during “sports day,” the Shanghai version of field day. Remington has decided that teaching is the career for her and is returning to school to get her masters degree in elementary education.
“Meeting up in Shanghai was sort of serendipitous,” Tharrington explained. “The organization we worked with runs a lot of schools all over China, yet somehow we wound up teaching at the same one.” Describing it as a happy coincidence, Tharrington and his former classmates, Ivey and Brandt, spent the past year in China teaching literature, history, Enjoying a light moment while visiting Thailand, Buck Tharrington, Remington Ivey, and Forrest Brandt visit an
math and language at an international school just outside of Shanghai. Each had recently graduated from college, and rather than leaping right into a career track, they decided to round out their education by teaching
elephant conservation refuge. They had
overseas. Brandt wanted the experience as a springboard for a career in
several opportunities to travel the Far
international business. Ivey saw it as an opportunity to have a semester
East while teaching in China.
abroad experience. Tharrington, an international relations major, thought it would be a chance to gain international experience before embarking on that career path. They never imagined they’d meet up together on the other side of the world. ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 41
◄ ◄ On a trip to Thailand, Forrest, Remington, and Buck take in traditional culture. ▼ ▼ Remington pauses during a hike on the Great Wall of China.
“The teaching was the hardest adjustment. It was exhausting. You never get comfortable because the work is never done.” – Forrest Brandt ’10 Learning to teach is its own adventure, Brandt noted;
Beyond teaching, there were plenty of other stories
“The teaching was the hardest adjustment. It was exhausting.
too. They rode on elephants through the jungle in Thailand.
You never get comfortable because the work is never done.
During a visit to Hong Kong, they were swept up in political
You’re always creating a discussion, grading, or making a
protests. Brandt explains, “CNN was everywhere. The people
lesson plan — but it’s worth it.” Not to mention that they
were protesting the way their government hand-picks elected
certainly got a lot of stories out of the experience.
officials. I saw fights break out on the subway between
Tharrington and Ivey agreed. Both recall the science fair
protesters and police. It was strange to be there during a
where elementary age students decided to ferment fruits as
historic moment.” They walked on the great wall of China.
an experiment. After the fair was over, Tharrington recalls
And Brandt, who played Division I baseball at Davidson, was
seeing the students selling the fermented beverage and
periodically hired by men’s softball leagues, traveling the
thinking, “No, this is not okay!” Ivey also remembers one of
country as a ringer, or “hired hand” (men’s softball is quite
her first grade students selling scorpions to her classmates.
popular in China).
42 • FALL 2015
While teaching in China, Remington, Buck, and Forrest took every opportunity they could to travel throughout China and the surrounding region, visiting historic and cultural sites in locales like Hong Kong, Mongolia, Thailand, and Japan.
Ivey was recently accepted to NC State’s graduate program in elementary education. She applied because her time in China convinced her that she’s called to teach. Ivey thinks everyone who is able to should have an experience like this. “Even if you’re not going to teach long term,” she explained, “If you’re able to adjust to a culture that is completely different from Raleigh, then this is a really rewarding experience!” Remington and her Chinese colleague, “Ms. Tracy” took their class on a field trip to a nearby botanical garden.
ST. DAVID’S MAGAZINE • 43
Last Word By Headmaster Kevin Lockerbie
In this inaugural edition
In my time at St. David’s, I have been
of St. David’s Magazine,
privileged to work with a courageous and
I am thrilled for you to
visionary Board of Trustees. One member in
have had an opportunity
particular has stood out. Her encouragement,
to learn about the many
her wisdom, her generosity and service to the
accomplishments of our
school for more than 20 years, her faithful
students, faculty, alumni,
prayers of support, and her wonderful smile
and board, and the tre-
and sense of humor have created a lasting and
mendous spirit, dedica-
sustaining model for us all. Pamela Bunn will
tion, passion and inspiration that is reflective
certainly be missed, but her indelible mark on
of our school community — not to mention,
this school and this headmaster will not be
the fabulous addition of SAGE Dining Ser-
forgotten. Thank you, Pamela (and Lee) Bunn
vices, under the creative direction of Chef
for your loyal service to St. David’s School!
Walter. I trust that you will enjoy reading St. David’s Magazine for years to come.
before to embark on fulfilling the next phase
As I begin my 10th year as head of this
of our strategic and campus master plan. The
wonderful school, I am grateful to so many for
Board of Trustees and the administrative team
the countless hours of volunteer service and
have been working for multiple years on the
support over the years. Truly, we are blessed
planning and development of these important
by a dedicated group of professional educators
facets of our school. We call them “The Three
who look to inspire our students, not only in
Pillars of Excellence: Academics, Facilities,
the classroom, but also on the fields and courts
and Financial Strength.” The Lower School
of play, on the stage, on mission trips, and be-
expansion is just the beginning of a series of
yond. Preparing boys and girls, young men
initiatives we trust will have a transformational
and women, “for college and life by challeng-
effect on campus life, enhancing our academic
ing them to excel in the vital areas of faith, vir-
and extracurricular programs. Stay tuned for
tue, and knowledge” encompasses a wealth of
more information as we seek to fulfill the
experiences that expand the mind, challenge
mission of our school on a daily basis. The best
fears and shape character, while developing
is yet to come!
in our students the willingness and desire to serve others in the global community.
44 • FALL 2015
Finally, St. David’s is poised as never
Parting Glance This issue’s “parting glance”: Running through the campus on a beautiful fall morning, Turnage Monk ’24 completes his final lap in the “Fit To Be a Warrior” 3K fun run.
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Faith Virtue Knowledge
A look at a Warrior win on the football field through the framing of the new Lower School expansion. 46 • FALL 2015