2025 SOAR

SPRING 2025

The Magazine of Summit School

A Library That Inspires

Seeding Possibilities Campaign

History Comes Alive

BREAKING NEWS! see page 8 D N OU R G

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Content 4

A Library That Inspires

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History Comes Alive

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Seeding Possibilities Campaign

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Around Campus

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Echoes

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Covering Miles While Making

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Reunions

Marathon Memories

20 Alum Spotlight 24 Class Notes 27 Memorials 28 Connections and Celebrations

SOAR

Spring 2025

Summit School’s Soar is published biannually for alums, parents, grandparents, past parents, and friends by Summit School.

Editor: Sarah McAuley, Director of Communications Writing: Tom Gething, Julie Giljames, Betsy McNeer, Margaret Turner ’93 Design: One Hero Creative, Inc. Photography: Sally Gupton, Amy Morrow, Clare Quadland Summit School admits students of any race, religion, color, and national or ethnic origin.

2100 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27106 336.722.2777 | summitschool.com

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Dear Summit Community, Summit is thriving. This issue of SOAR reflects that fact and reveals the reasons behind it.

Summit’s past, present, and future are embodied in people who want learning to last a lifetime. The stories that follow feature teachers, students, alums, parents, and grandparents who make the most of Summit’s roots to extend our reach. At Summit, we possess the vision, daring, and dedication to transform dreams into reality: • On May 10, 2025, Summit will launch the public phase of our $17 million Seeding Possibilities Campaign, supporting faculty excellence, constructing the SEED Center (Science, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, & Design), making the Summit experience possible for families, and delivering on our strategic priorities. (p.9) • “Summit’s libraries remain steadfast in their mission to nurture a love of reading while adapting to the evolving needs of students and educators.” (p.5) • “The Third and Fourth Grade Colonial Williamsburg Trip, which happened between July 18-20, 2024, represents a first for Summit in that it takes many of the qualities and strengths that underpin our commitment to signature events for more than half a century and extends it in a way that is almost certainly unique.” (p.6)

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• “Stay curious and creative. Explore new ideas through drawing, writing, or problem-solving…. Every idea you create is a step toward telling a more powerful and impactful story.”

(Aleisha Patton ’14, p.20) • “Take advantage of the time you have at Summit, try new things, and enjoy it.” (Shaffer Broughton ’24, p.22) Thank you for your unwavering support of our “Dream School,” expressed in your fidelity to the past, your commitment to the present, and your vision for the future.

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Onward and upward,

Michael Ebeling Head of School

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Library

The Heart of Summit,

A Library That Inspires Since its opening in 1998, Summit’s library has been a cornerstone of learning, imagination, and community. What began with Kindergarteners cutting the ribbon on the first day has now evolved into an expansive, dynamic space serving students from the youngest Eaglets to Ninth Graders. Under the thoughtful guidance of Julie Giljames and Betsy McNeer, the library continues to cultivate a lifelong love of reading while empowering students to become confident and independent users of information and media.

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A Space for Every Learner The Lower School Library, serving EagletsThird Grades, welcomes its young readers with immersive experiences designed to spark curiosity. Hanging seasonal decorations, interactive puzzle tables, and cozy reading nooks invite students to engage with literature in meaningful ways. Lower School Librarian Julie Giljames has built upon the work of her predecessor, Jane Jester, ensuring the collection remains relevant and reflective of Summit’s diverse community.

For the youngest visitors, the library is an evolving landscape of discovery. Giljames has spent years observing how children interact with books, shaping an environment where every student can find their perfect story.

To make browsing more intuitive, the fiction section will soon be genrefied, making it easier for students to locate books that match their interests. Engaging programs such as the Genre Café, book tastings (small samplings of different genres), and student book recommendations further encourage children to explore new literary worlds.

Meanwhile, the Upper School Library, serving Fourth-Ninth Grades, offers a vibrant space where students and teachers collaborate, read, craft, and explore digital resources. Comfortable seating areas, crafting stations, and puzzle corners foster both independent and social learning. Upper School Librarian Betsy McNeer, following in the footsteps of her talented predecessors Eileen Frost and Kathy Pounds, begins each scheduled class with a read-aloud session, using projected text to encourage engagement. Her approach to teaching blends literature with hands-on creative projects, reinforcing lessons through artistic expression and interdisciplinary learning.

Inspiring Learning Beyond Books At Summit, the library is more than just shelves of books; it is a hub of experiential learning. In the Upper School Library, McNeer integrates bookbinding and art into literacy and history lessons. Fourth and Fifth Graders sew pamphlet journals for poetry and math practice, while Sixth Graders take bookbinding further by transforming repurposed hardcover books into beautifully bound personal stories. These projects, made possible by a grant from the Lovett Foundation, teach students both craftsmanship and the value of upcycling materials.

Lower school students also engage in unique literary experiences. First Graders explore the power of illustrations through their own Illustrator Portfolios and participate in a Mock Caldecott award, learning to analyze and appreciate artistic details in picture books.

Third Graders, guided by a writer-in-residence and the BookBreak author-in-residence program, craft their own stories for publication in the annual Super Summit Stories. This year’s proceeds from the book sales support local non-profit, A Bed and a Book, reinforcing Summit’s commitment to community service.

Building Community Through Books Giljames and McNeer understand that libraries are not just for individual reading but for community-building as well. For lower school students, Giljames created Bedtime Stories at Night, where families gather in pajamas to listen to guest readers share stories in the screening room. Inspired by the enthusiasm of older students, Fifth Graders now serve as storytellers, fostering leadership and a love of reading among their younger peers. This

initiative gave rise to The Bookends, a club for these book-loving Fifth Graders who assist in library projects, celebrate literary events, and mentor younger students.

To support teachers, Giljames curated a 15-category collection of picture books addressing social-emotional learning (SEL) topics such as making friends and building confidence. These books are also included in the “You’ve Been Booked” program, where themed book bags are delivered to classrooms. Additionally, BookBreak provides short, virtual author visits, enriching the classroom experience with fresh perspectives on storytelling.

A Library for the Future Summit’s libraries remain steadfast in their mission to nurture a love of reading while adapting to the evolving needs of students and educators. Whether it’s through interactive book displays, creative literacy projects, or leadership opportunities for students, the library continues to be a place of inspiration and belonging.

As students weave through the vividly marked shelves, find joy in a perfectly chosen book, or create something entirely new, the library stands as a testament to the power of stories—both those we read and those we create together.

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3rd/4th Grade

History Comes Alive!

3rd and 4th Graders Journey to Colonial Williamsburg At Summit School, educators have a long tradition of developing unique educational experiences that allow students to collaborate with the wider community. The first-ever Third and Fourth Grade Colonial Williamsburg Trip, which happened between July 18-20, 2024, is an example of Summit’s innovation at its finest. It is the product of inspiration, imagination, and a whole lot of hard work.

The genesis of this optional Colonial Williamsburg Trip originated in the development of a new social studies curriculum, work that began in 2022 and continues to this day. One major change was a realignment of the topics students study from First Grade to Fifth Grade. During five years of study, students follow the history of the

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United States in chronological order. Through handpicked historical narratives, our students follow the winding history of the nation, learning about significant events and moments across more than two centuries. Colonial America is a third grade unit of study, closely followed by the study of the American Revolution in Fourth Grade. Starting with the story of the Lost Colony, third grade students study the development of the early colonies, including Jamestown, and finish with George Washington’s rise to prominence and the French and Indian War around 1763.

While developing these units, the third grade team wondered how it would be possible to bring this period of American life into greater focus and give students an opportunity to turn the classroom into a vivid and transformative experience. Led by Jess Alfaro, a third grade lead teacher, and her assistant teacher, Betsy Hill, the team identified Colonial Williamsburg and the Jamestown Settlement as the perfect opportunity to give students and their families a slice of living history.

Colonial Williamsburg offers experiential history in the most complete way. As the biggest living history museum in the nation. Among the riches on display is a lovingly restored and preserved village with almost 90 buildings, including fine homes, a church, courthouse, Capitol, armory, and windmill.

Preparations began in the summer of 2023, almost a year before the first-ever trip. Alfaro and Hill undertook an exploratory visit to identify the most appropriate and valuable experiences, including the wildly popular Junior Ghost Walk, while also making initial contacts with possible accommodations and potential restaurants. On their return, the team put together a firm itinerary, which was then shared with families at the start of the school year.

spend time getting to know each other and strengthen their bond as a community. So great was the success that Summit is offering this trip again in July 2025.

The Colonial Williamsburg Trip represents a first for Summit in that it takes many of the qualities and strengths that underpin our commitment to signature events for more than half a century and extends it in a way that is almost certainly unique. It represents one more aspect of the school’s commitment to education reformer, John Dewey’s ambitious vision. A huge thank you to all the families who joined in on this adventure, all the faculty and administration who worked so diligently to make a leap of imagination into a reality, and mostly to Jess Alfaro and Betsy Hill, without whom none of this would have been possible.

“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.” –John Dewey

The teachers originally estimated there might be interest from a small number of families. So it was with both surprise and excitement how popular this potential trip was with families. In the end, over 100 people connected to the Summit community, went along for the adventure, including a few grandparents and a new-to-Summit family beginning enrollment in the Fall of 2025. An adventure that not only allowed our students to demonstrate their historical knowledge to their families but also allowed families to

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Seeding Possibilities

What an exciting time for Summit School!

On May 10, 2025, Summit launched the public phase of the Seeding Possibilities Campaign—a $17 million effort to enhance the school’s educational environment and ensure students and faculty can develop their highest potential.

Our last capital campaign—more than fifteen years ago— transformed our campus with the addition of the Dining Hall, First, Second & Third Grade Building, Arts & Technology wing, and Athletic Center.

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The Seeding Possibilities Campaign’s key priorities are to: construct the SEED (Science, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, and Design) Center; invest in teachers and students by growing our endowments for professional development and financial aid; and ensure ongoing annual operating resources to fund our strategic priorities and The Summit Fund.

Our success to date is largely due to our campaign co-chairs, Alyson and Ben Baker ’89, and Libby Whitaker Kelly ’91 and Jonathan Kelly, along with our campaign cabinet of parents, alums, past parents, grandparents, and friends, working hard to ensure this campaign’s success. We are grateful for their unwavering support and devotion of time and resources.

With an $8 million dollar fundraising goal, the aging Upper School science building will be replaced with the SEED Center—a 10,000-square-foot space for collaborative, interdisciplinary learning. Designed to support Summit’s

expanding SEED curriculum, the new facility will feature adaptable classrooms and flexible spaces that encourage innovation, teamwork, and hands-on exploration. The SEED Center will also feature four outdoor classrooms and a greenhouse to be used by students from all divisions and grade levels.

This dynamic environment will enable students and teachers to connect more deeply and share resources seamlessly—all under one roof.

A dedicated group of faculty and staff—alongside members of the Facilities Committee, chaired by current parent William Woltz—have thoughtfully guided the design of the SEED Center. We are deeply grateful for their expertise, vision, and the collective energy invested to ensure this state-of-the-art facility will serve Summit students and teachers for generations to come.

Special thanks to Little Architecture of Charlotte for bringing the vision of the SEED Center to life through their thoughtful and inspiring design, and to our general contractor, BLUM Construction, who will turn that vision into reality. Contractors will break ground on the new facility in June 2025 with an anticipated completion date of August 2026.

The Seeding Possibilities Campaign will also raise $1 million for the Center for Excellence and Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CEI) Endowment that supports the professional growth of teachers. The CEI is a beacon for high-quality professional development, both for Summit teachers and for prospective educators from around the world. The additional investment in the 9

CEI Endowment enables Summit to continue to attract, hire, retain, and develop exceptional educators; support faculty programs with monetary awards and professional study opportunities; and provide enrichment experiences for teachers to further cultivate and employ thoughtprovoking ideas.

Another priority of the campaign is to raise $1 million for Summit’s Financial Aid Endowment. Summit is committed to providing an education to those who may not be able to afford the full tuition investment, evidenced by the Board of Trustees’ allocation of 10% of gross tuition revenue for need-based financial aid. Last year, Summit awarded $1.8 million to families needing financial assistance, making financial aid accessible to a broader range of families. By raising an additional $1 million in endowed funds, Summit will strengthen the endowment for financial aid support, alleviating strain on the operating budget. Financial assistance is available for all divisions of Summit.

The final campaign priority will raise $7 million for ongoing operational support. Of that total, $4.5 million will grow The Summit Fund, which helps cover the gap between

Campaign Leadership Honorary Cabinet Sandra Adams Marie Flow Arcuri ’77 and Guy Arcuri Suzanne and Bud Baker Patty and Malcolm Brown Mary Louise and John Burress Jennifer and Austin Byrne Joyce and Ben Carson Susan and Mark Conger

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tuition and the actual cost of running the school. Like other independent schools, Summit relies on annual donations to support its programs. Even families paying full tuition benefit from about $2,300 in support each year thanks to gifts to The Summit Fund. The remaining $2.5 million will fund key strategic goals set by the Board of Trustees. These include projects like building a new lower school playground, creating a long-term comprehensive campus master plan, strengthening our curriculum grounded in research and academic rigor, and establishing a reputation as the preferred employer in order to attract and retain top talent.

We are deeply grateful to those who have already made generous campaign commitments and look forward to sharing more with our entire Summit community to inspire participation from all families. Summit is a dynamic school today, committed always to being the innovative school for tomorrow. During the summer, there will be many opportunities to learn more about the campaign, see the renderings up close, and ask questions.

Alyson and Ben Baker ’89, Co-Chairs | Libby Whitaker Kelly ’91 and Jonathan Kelly, Co-Chairs

Terrie Allen Davis ’60 and John Davis Marian Millaway Douglas ’69 and Jim Douglas Robbin and Don Flow Ann and Borden Hanes ’60 Laura Hearn Liz and Stan Kelly Bingle Lewis Janice and Charlie Lovett ’77 Betty Sutton Betty and John Whitaker ’52

Campaign Cabinet Laura and Jeff Allen Catherine and William Allen Joan Balderamos* Charlotte Chandler Broughton ’87 and David Broughton Kathleen Cannon Marina and Wesley Davis ’87 Hunter and Sandlin Douglas ’94

Meghan and Eric Flow ’01 Shelley and David Holden ’92 Ben and Leah King * Kay D. King * Elisabeth and Peter Lovett ’85 Forrest Stephens Lucas ’95 Carrie and Richard Malloy Heather and Rick Maloy Pam and Mark Oliver * Kelly and Matt Penley * Stacy and Matt Petronzio Jill and Michael Rogers Emily Brown Rostlund ’97 and Olle Rostlund * Lorre and Jim Ruffin ’77 Fowler and John Ruffin ’74 * Sarah and Coleman Team

Donor List Anonymous (6) Sandra and Fred Adams* Martha Albertson Laura and Jeff Allen Catherine and William Allen Cinda and duWayne Amen Marie Flow Arcuri ’77 and Guy Arcuri Zack Bacon Alyson and Ben Baker ’89 Zanne and Bud Baker Marilyn and Robert Beach The Berti Foundation Ashley Newcomb Birkins ’00 and Kurt Birkins Jennie Davis Blair ’86 and Jake Blair Dianne Neal-Blixt and Chuck Blixt Kristie and Jonathan Blanco ’88 Wendy and Michael Brenner ’63 Charlotte Chandler Broughton ’87 and David Broughton Patty and Malcolm Brown Amanda and Joe Budd ’77 Mary Louise and John Burress Yara and Marshall Bush Missy and Archer Butler ’93 Ellon Butler Jennifer and Austin Byrne Kathleen and Craig Cannon Sara and Drew Cannon ’91 Nancy and Tom Cannon Capital Development Services Joyce and Ben Carson Winborne and Chan Chandler Melissa Combes Susan and Mark Conger Julia Cullinan ’14 Anna Reilly and Matt Cullinan Walker Cullinan ’11 Mary Lawrence and John Currie Terrie Allen Davis ’60 and John Davis

Marina and Wesley Davis ’87 Allison Perkins and Cliff Dossel Gaines and Dixon Douglas ’99 Marian Millaway Douglas ’69 and Jim Douglas Hunter and Sandlin Douglas ’94 Sarah and Wilson Douglas ’04 Lauren and Jim Dunn Liz and Michael Ebeling Lynn Brenner Eisenberg ’61 and Barry Eisenberg Ellie and Stuart Fine Robbin and Don Flow Meghan and Eric Flow ’01 Ragan and Dara Folan Gene Foster Sheila and John Fox* Paul Fulton Shon and Christopher Gilmore Leesa Lybrook Goodson ’71 and Tom Goodson Karen and Bo Gray ’84* Lindsay Beach Grdina ’00 and John Grdina Frank Gristina ’87 Jennifer Eisenberg Grosswald ’85 and Paul Grosswald Ritu and Ben Hagan Ann and Borden Hanes ’60 John Wesley and Anna Hodgin Hanes Foundation Laura Hearn Sue and Doug Henderson Shelley and David Holden ’92 Betsy Sutton Hoppe ’74 Jennifer and Jon Hudson Ruby and Ron Hutton Robbie and Dave Irvin ’54 Kelly Newcomb Johnson ’92 and Brad Johnson Rachel Neely Johnson ’99 and Mark Johnson Chris Jones ’80 Libby Whitaker Kelly ’91 and Jonathan Kelly Liz and Stan Kelly Leah Sieren King and Ben King Kay D. Burress King ’83 Leigh and Andy Koman Bingle Lewis Janice and Charlie Lovett ’77 Elisabeth and Peter Lovett ’85 The Lovett Foundation Forrest Stephens Lucas ’95 Carrie and Richard Malloy Maloy Family Foundation Susan and John Mann Mary Allen Mann Martin ’61 and Jim Martin Carolyn McCall Brooke and Matt McChesney ’93 Katherine Memory

Ann and Bob Merkel Kate and Joe Michalek Anna and John Munroe ’96 Joyce Riddle Neely Kathy and Danny Newcomb Jane and Sam Ogburn Vera Luther and Chris Ohl Pam and Mark Oliver * Nancy and Ernie Osborn Ellen Carswell Parsley ’63 and Bill Parsley Tate Foster ’90 and Joe Partsch Grace Cullinan Patiño ’08 Glenna Burress Patton ’79 Courtney and Mark Penley Kelly and Matt Penley * Stacy and Matt Petronzio The Pfefferkorn Foundation London Lake Pickett ’75 and Skip Pickett Karen and Stan Pigman Karen and Tom Pranikoff Len Neely Pruden ’92 and Matt Pruden Melissa Blake and Jonathan Rivas Jack Roemer Jill and Michael Rogers Emily Brown Rostlund ’97 and Olle Rostlund * Fowler and John Ruffin ’74 * Smith Self Joan Balderamos * and Ben Shively Christine and Bain Storch Barbour Strickland ’67 Jean Olive and Allston Stubbs Betty P. Sutton Cindy and Jack Sutton ’71 Virginia and Jim Sutton ’81 Megan and Anthony Tang Beth Whitaker Tate ’94 and Edward Tate Sarah and Coleman Team Marybeth and Chad Terry Margaret Driscoll Townsend ’78 and David Townsend Julie Clinard Townsend ’73 and Thatcher Townsend ’73 Amy and Hayes Wauford ’98 John Whitaker Jr. ’52 and Betty Whitaker John C. Whitaker III ’94 Liz and Taylor Williams ’02 Emily and Van Williamson Patty and Bill Wilson ’69 Lara and Fletcher Wilson ’86 Mary Lou and Peter Wilson Frankie and Vernon Winters Katie and William Woltz

*Advisory Member *Deceased updated as of 4/11/2025

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Around Campus

Be sure to follow us on @summitschoolws

@summitschool

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Echoes

Dear Summit

Alum Community

As it was when we were students, the alum community is engaged, active, and vibrant—recent examples include: Several reunions were held in the fall; see pages 16-19 for photos and event descriptions.

Want to know more about next steps when students leave Summit? Enjoy the “Where Are They Now” article on page 30 highlighting the class of 2021.

Please take a moment to nominate an alum for the inaugural Alum of the Year award. The application deadline is July 1 and the award recipient will be announced on September 19. Contact alums@summitmail.org or scan the QR code on page 23 to access the form.

Classes of 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015—Save the Date, Founders Week 2025. Celebrate your class reunion on Friday, September 19, 6:00 pm at Summit. Details, including additional weekend events, and invitation to follow.

The Alumni Council continues to provide Summit with leadership and support for all alumni activities. If you have an idea or question, please contact me at racheljoyce@gmail.com.

Rachel Neely Johnson ’99

Alumni Council President 2025-2026

I thoroughly enjoy serving as the Summit liaison for alum engagement. What a gift to witness firsthand the excitement of connecting alums to the campus. I extend a sincere thanks to the Alumni Council which provides leadership for many of our activities.

Whether you attended Summit in its earliest days or in the more recent decades, you are invited to campus. If you are interested in a tour, having lunch in our Dining Hall, attending a sporting event, observing expert educators, or engaging with students, please reach out to me. There are also opportunities to connect with Summit via virtual formats—don’t allow distance to separate you.

If you would like to learn more about opportunities for alums or want to get involved, please contact me at alums@summitmail.org.

Sarah Dalrymple

Director of Alumni and Community Engagement

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Dalton Holmes ’74, Rusty Doggett ’74, Sarah Dalrymple, Bill Toole ’74, and Penn Shore ’74 at a Raleigh area reunion.

Chicago resident William Hanson ’12 is a regular on the city’s scenic lakefront path, often commuting approximately 10 miles each way between his downtown residence to the University of Chicago’s Hyde Park campus, where he is pursuing his MBA degree.

Hanson covers the miles on the lakefront path using his manual wheelchair, propelled by his arms. He learned how to operate the wheelchair at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in 2019, during two months of intensive rehabilitation and inpatient care following a spinal cord injury (SCI) that left him paralyzed from the chest down.

“Before my accident, I did a lot of team sports. When I decided to go back to grad school at the University of Chicago after my recovery, taking the lakefront path was a good avenue for me to get exercise while using my wheelchair,” he said.

After more than five years post-injury—and after becoming accustomed to the mileage on the lakefront path—Hanson participated in the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon last fall as part of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab marathon team.

William’s Story:

Covering Miles while Making Marathon Memories reprint with permission from Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

Though there are racing wheelchairs designed for longdistance races, he participated using the same wheelchair he uses on a daily basis. His tires can take wear and tear for up to 500 miles, so he was set for the race’s 26.2 miles and aimed to complete it in 5 to 5-1/2 hours.

To prepare for the marathon, Hanson ate healthy foods, weight trained with higher reps and lower weights for his upper body strength, and listened to audiobooks when training at long distances.

Hanson did not participate in the marathon alone. His sister, Isabel ’13; his brother, Davis ’18; and three friends, were also on the marathon team to raise funds for Shirley Ryan AbilityLab—and to say thank you for the “lifechanging care and research the hospital conducts every day.”

“Shirley Ryan AbilityLab has a hugely special place in my heart,” said Isabel. “I was able to stay in Shirley Ryan AbilityLab with William while he was an inpatient following his SCI, and the experience there was indescribable.

The people, the care they give, the facilities, the equipment, the opportunities, the community—it is an unbelievable place that I think every member of our family is eternally grateful for.”

“Shirley Ryan AbilityLab was instrumental in my rehabilitation following the injury. To give back to this empowering institution filled with countless passionate people, we are participating in the ’24 Chicago Marathon,” said William.

editor’s note and update: Since the article was published by the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Hanson and his family reported that they raised $15,000 and the team completed the event between 4:30 and 5:00.

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Reunions

Classes of 2013-2018

November 2024

1. Emma Stuart Satterfield ’18, Amelia Sturkie ’18, McLean Turner ’18, Bo Dalrymple ’18, Mercer Sullivan ’18, Isabella Garner ’18, McCray White ’18, Grace Wilson ’18, Millie Murphy ’18, and Henderson Holder ’18 2. Amy Lawrence, faculty, and Courtney Rhoades ’14 3. Elizabeth Rief, faculty, and Peter Stratta ’14 4. Ellie Kangur ’13, Graham Troxell ’13, Jeff Turner, faculty, and Salem Turner ’18 5. Lesley Leonard and Cindy Kluttz, staff, with Lynn Kluttz ’17 6. Katie Dalrymple ’15, Fleet Wilson ’15, Peter Stratta ’14, Courtney Rhoades ’14, and Davis Huff ’15

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Classes of 2019-2024

December 2024

7. Angelina Paparoupas ’22, Rebekah Self ’22, and Joanna Holden ’22 8. Ollie Andree Bowen ’24 and Elizabeth Rief, faculty 9. Charlotte Henshaw ’23, Yianni Skoteiniadis ’23, Lily Webster ’23, Tucker Verheyen ’23, and Ethan Ahn ’23 10. Emma Tuttle ’24, Ellie Hatch ’23, and Charlotte Alley ’24 11. Taylor Hinshaw ’24, Maggie Carroll ’24, Mary-Dell Currie ’24, Libby Holden ’24, and Anna Claire Wenker ’24 12. Michael Ebeling, staff, Gray Cartwright ’22, Jacob Leonard ’22, and Mac Semans ’22

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Regional Reunions

WINSTON-SALEM

October 2024

1. Rachel Neely Johnson ’99, Joyce Neely, and Len Neely Pruden ’92 2. Allison Goodson, Will Goodson ’98, Amy Wauford, Ben Alsup ’98, Bridget Alsup ’98, and Hayes Wauford ’98 3. Ben Baker ’89 and Martha Benbow ’90 4. Mary Craig Wilson Tennille ’94, Jason Marley, and Elizabeth Blanco Marley ’94 5. Richard Brenner ’78, Walker Avant ’93, Sarah Dalrymple, Meredith Jarvis Gale ’95, and Chip Shealy ’91 6. Libby Fulton ’12, Peter Milner ’88, and Elizabeth Moore ’14 7. Lisa Bland Finkelstein ’78 and Malcolm Lewis ’77 8. Ann Ward Spence ’78 and Mary Pleasants Bossong ’83 9. back: Susan Lloyd-Graham ’66, Safia Mohamoud ’96, Heidi Hatfield ’74, Thatcher Townsend ’15, Banks Pickett ’14, John Perkinson ’74, and David Gorelick ’08 – front: Turner Malmo ’14, Yasmin Horner ’16, Hadley Bassett ’16, Gigi Perkinson Hershey ’79, Hannah Brenner ’12, and Anne Weir ’66 10. John Perkinson ’74, Gigi Perkinson Hershey ’79, and Heidi Hatfield ’74

Look for upcoming events:

summitschool.com/our-community/alums 18

CHARLESTON

October 2024

RALEIGH

December 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C.

October 2024

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Alum Spotlight

Alums Share

Insights Into Their Success “Every idea you create is a step toward telling a more powerful and impactful story.”

Describe a favorite Summit teacher, curriculum event/ project or special memory that resonates with you: My favorite teacher would have to be Mrs. Lin. She ignited my passion for the Chinese language and culture, which led me to travel to China twice and earn my bachelor’s degree in Chinese. Her influence extended beyond the classroom, and today, I continue to engage with Chinese media, staying connected to the culture she taught me to appreciate.

If a student wants to enter your field or area of study, how do they ‘get there’:

Aleisha Patton ’14 Aleisha Patton ’14 is a Design and Communication Specialist at the Walt Disney Company and is pursuing an MBA at Purdue Global. After Summit, Patton attended Salem Academy. She then received an M.A. in Strategic Design from Furman University in collaboration with Miami Ad School of Ideas and a B.A. in Communications and Chinese studies from Furman University.

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To begin a career in design and communication, start by obtaining a degree in graphic design, marketing, or a related field. Familiarize yourself with essential tools such as Adobe Creative Suite. It’s necessary to build a strong portfolio, gain experience through internships or freelance work, and develop skills in storytelling and branding. In addition, networking, staying updated on industry trends, and being open to growth opportunities are essential for success.

What advice would you give to Summit students or to your younger self?

Stay curious and creative. Explore new ideas through drawing, writing, or problem-solving. Pay attention to how colors, words, and designs shape your stories. Remember, failure is part of the process; it helps you grow and refine your narrative. Embrace challenges, keep experimenting, and focus on clear communication. Every idea you create is a step toward telling a more powerful and impactful story.

After Summit, Isaac Merkel ’21, attended Forsyth Country Day School. Currently, he is a freshman at Tulane University.

As part of the Altman Program in International Studies and Business, he is pursuing dual degrees in Finance and Asian Studies. This summer, he will participate in a fully-funded study abroad experience in Vietnam.

“Cherish every moment and opportunity that Summit offers.”

Describe a favorite Summit teacher, curriculum event/project or special memory that resonates with you: Mrs. Dai sparked my curiosity for Asian culture through her engaging lessons.

Our 2019 class trip to China, where we explored cities and applied our Chinese in real-life settings, deepened my love for the language and inspired me to continue my learning in college.

Isaac Merkel ’21

If a student wants to enter your field or area of study, how do they ‘get there’?

Although I am early in my college journey, my classes and extracurriculars have helped me refine my academic interests. Now, I can focus on pursuing my degrees and exploring a potential career in consulting.

What advice would you give to Summit students or to your younger self?

Cherish every moment and opportunity that Summit offers. It is a special community that will always be a part of you.

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Alum Spotlight

Shaffer Broughton ’24 is a sophomore at Woodberry Forest School. At Summit, Broughton played basketball, tennis, and soccer. In addition, he honed his interest in photography and videography. Last year, he was hired

by Summit to photograph alum events and create video footage for the communications department.

Describe a favorite Summit teacher, curriculum event/ project or special memory that resonates with you: I would say the memories that resonate with me the most are those that were made on our class trips to Charleston, SC and Washington, D.C.

If a student wants to enter your field or area of study, how do they ‘get there’?

Get as much practice as possible, whether that’s videoing middle school and high school sports events, or even just taking pictures of landscapes. Also make sure you’re able to enjoy it.

What advice would you give to Summit students or to your younger self?

Shaffer Broughton ’24

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I would tell Summit students to take advantage of their time as much as possible. As you get into high school, your free time becomes very limited, so take advantage of the time you have at Summit, try new things, and enjoy it.

Nominations are now being accepted to recognize Summit’s inaugural Alum of the Year award which will be announced during Founders Week, September 2025.

We will recognize a Summit alum who has made an impact in their community—this nominee has demonstrated extraordinary service to their field, humanity, or society.

Deadline to submit: July 1, 2025 * Self-nominations are accepted.

Scan the QR code to submit your application.

Please contact Sarah Dalrymple, Director of Alumni Engagement, for more information at sarahd@summitmail.org.

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Class Notes

Class Notes 1978

Cedric Bright

Cedric Bright was celebrated by the Old North State Medical Society (ONSMS), as part of Black History 2025.

ONSMS was formed in 1887 to further the interests of African American physicians and support the interests of minority physicians.

A physician and patient advocate, he is the former Associate Dean for Admissions, former Professor of Internal Medicine, and the former interim Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion at the Brody School of Medicine in Greenville NC. Previously, he served as the Associated Dean of Inclusive Excellence, the Director of the Office Special Programs and an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Department of Medical Education at the UNC School of Medicine.

He served as the 112th President of the National Medical Association from 2011 to 2012 during which time he advocated in the White House for health equity, increased diversity in clinical trials, and increasing the pipeline of students of color into health careers.

Bright was previously an Associate Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine and Community and Family Medicine at Duke University and a staff physician at the VA Medical Center in Durham, North Carolina. He started his career as a Clinical instructor at Brown University as the site director of the Notre Dame Ambulatory Center. Dr. Bright has served as a mentor for premedical and medical students and was featured in a YOUtube video developed

by Diverse Medicine Inc. entitled “Black Male in a White Coat.” He was featured in the AAMC publication Altering the Course; Black Males in Medicine. He has spoken at

the Congressional Black Caucus Health brain trust on topics related to Veterans health, disparities within the VA system, and how to strengthen the pipeline of black males.

In 2019, Dr. Bright was inducted into the Order of the Golden Fleece, the highest honor bestowed to UNC Alumni. He was elected for AOA at UNC as an alumnus and delivered the 2020 commencement keynote for the 2020 class at UNC SOM and the class of 2024 at the Brody SOM. He serves on the roundtable of Black Men and Women in STEM for National Academy of Science, Engineering and Math and has presented numerous grand rounds on the impact of Covid-19 on the black community.

Dr. Bright is a fellow of the American College of Physicians since 2012 and serves as a board member for the National Medical Fellowships Inc., the American Medical Association Foundation, and the Episcopal High School boards. He served as the chair for the Boys and Girls Club of Durham and Orange Counties and the Lincoln Community Health Center. He is a member of Sigma Pi Phi and the Omega Psi Phi fraternities.

He is a dedicated clinician, community servant leader, husband, and father, as well as a mentor to many.

1981

1986

Jeff Roquemore lives in Brentwood, TN with his family.

As his daughter graduates high school this year, he has reminisced about his Summit days and teachers that influenced his academic career including: Sandra Adams, Bill Carr, and John Seymour.

Dack Stackhouse, a language arts teacher at Summit, recently completed a bike ride to raise awareness and funds for Cystic Fibrosis.

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1994 Robert Gorrell recently concluded a 20 year career at UNC-Greensboro and began working at UNCChapel Hill where he serves as Identity and Access Management Architect.

1995 Bill Stevens built a new recording studio, Ovation Sound, in downtown Winston-Salem and teaches an after school program there.

2005 Dixon Pitt was named a 2024 Leadership Award honoree by Greater WinstonSalem Inc.’s Winston under 40 Program.

2008 Paul DeForest said, “I’ve reconnected with my love of making pottery that I first discovered in Ms. Eure’s class many years ago at Summit. After being on ceramics class waitlists for years in multiple different cities, I finally got into a wheel throwing class at Sawtooth in the fall of 2023. It is something I continue to do as often as I can, and it frequently brings back fond memories of my time at Summit. It really is such an amazing school and I feel so much gratitude for being exposed to things like pottery at such an early age.”

Collier Wimmer Riggins married in June of 2024 and currently lives in Goldsboro, NC. Collier dual-hats careers as a manager on the Deloitte Global communications team and as a CEO of a company in the equestrian world.

2009

Kirstin Brown Morman writes, “I’m an HR professional for an international staffing company based in Florida, where I lived for the past eight years after graduating from UNC-Greensboro. My husband, Steve, and I got married on the beach at Singer Island, FL. I’ve moved back to North Carolina to be closer to family in Raleigh.

Steve and I are excited to start this next chapter here!”

2011 Brennen Carr has joined The Phoenix Club of Nashville. The Phoenix Club partners with outstanding nonprofits to support under-served youth across Middle Tennessee, both by volunteering and funding through a venture philanthropy model.

2012 Mary Alexander Benson creates nature-inspired oil paintings “filled with joyful colors.” Benson lives and works in Charlotte, NC. Check out her work at marybensonart.com.

2013 After graduating from Clemson University and then working as a dental assistant, Graham Troxell has enrolled in dental school at UNC-Chapel Hill.

2015 Ash Huggins works at the Political, Security, and Development section at the European Union Delegation to the United States. Huggins lives and works in Washington, D.C.

John Mann lives and works in Seattle, WA. While visiting family recently, he stopped by the campus and was able to visit some of his favorite classrooms. Thadeus Stone, a beloved security guard, showed him around!

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SOAR

Class Notes

2016

2022

Sammy Gray works as an Estimator at Salem Sports Events, a company in Winston-Salem. He typically estimates projects for the PGA Tour but earlier this spring, he was involved in estimating the new science building for the Summit campus (see article p. 8). Gray said, “It was a pretty cool full circle moment and I thought of how grateful I am for the guidance and support [from Summit] to help me land where I am.”

Sidney Baird, Max Dresel, and Mac Semans competed in the Wilmington, NC marathon this past February and reported these times: Baird-4:08, Dresel-3:54, and Semans-4:23

2017 Nathaniel Carson works for Moriarty and Associates in Washington, DC. Last fall, Carson coached at Summit and helped the varsity boys soccer team secure a conference championship.

William Tuohy was awarded his Eagle Scout. For his project, Tuohy repurposed wood from the old Senior Services building and built planters for the new building.

This project was to honor his grandfather who had Alzheimer’s disease.

Caroline Hoyle received her white coat and has started clinical rotations in Physical Therapy School.

Hoyle studies at George Washington University.

2018 Chloe Spieler graduates from Savannah College of Art and Design this spring with an MFA in furniture design and a minor in interior design. While there she has made many different furniture pieces focusing on woodworking, metalworking, and upholstery.

Congratulations to Lilly Zaks who has been named a Morehead-Cain Scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill. Zaks plans to study Business and Global Studies while continuing to pursue her love of Spanish which she fostered at Summit.

Have news to share?

summitschool.com/alumupdates 26

In Memoriam those we have lost since April 1, 2024

Alumni/ae Betty Myers Howell ’42 Juliette Revelle Moore ’45 Cissie Darr Roth ’49 Alex Galloway ’50 E. Lawrence Davis III ’53 Martha Anne Waggoner ’58 Gwynne Myers Nicholaides ’60

Kathryn Glenn Allred ’69 Rosalind Willis ’70 William Graham ’74 Chip Neal ’80 Sally Sheppard Clark ’84 Bo Gray ’84 Kenny Sommerkamp ’85

Former Faculty Maureen Barber Mary Kerr Connie Moore Sylvia Tribby

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Connections and Celebrations Faculty and staff love to connect with alums—both on and off campus!

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1. Bennett Jones ’08 2. Carrie Fulton Schrum ’10 3. Bobby Mittelstadt ’03, Lee Mittelstadt ’72, and Jeff Turner, Director of Co-Curricular Programs 4. Sarah Dalrymple, Director of Alumni Engagement, and Zach Brown ’16 5. Laura Terry ’24 with lower school Triad students 6. Tori Huggins ’15 with basketball players 7. Katie Janeway Christman ’02 8. Collier Wimmer Riggins ’08 9. Thomas Wild (far right) with Upper School math students 10. Lizzie White Gaiennie ’09 11. Lisa Buschek, Director of Triad, and Hunter Peterson ’87 12. Kirstin Brown Morman ’09 13. Wade Turner ’19 (second from left) with Innovation and Entrepreneurship students

We want to hear from you, and so do your classmates!

Send updates and high-resolution photographs about employment, weddings, births, high school and college graduations, honors and activities, and new contact information to alums@summmitmail.org or by scanning the QR code:

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Where are they

NOW?

Sienna Alday

Williams College

Hope Allen

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Sam Alverson

Forsyth Technical College

Hayden Austin

University of South Carolina

Rhodes Baker

Wake Forest University

Will Bland

NC State University

Sven Bornemann

Lynn University

Katelyn Branch

UNC-Wilmington

Lealand Oakes

Elon University

Caroline Bridges

Sewanee University

Emma Peterson

University of Minnesota

Duncan Brown

UNC-Chapel Hill

Abby Petros

Wofford College

Holden Caldwell

Appalachian State University

Jack Pfefferkorn

UNC-Chapel Hill

Davis Lauren Campbell

University of South Carolina

Chloe Phelps

UNC-Chapel Hill

Audrey Cannon

UNC-Chapel Hill

Eliza Price

UNC-Chapel Hill

Nell Chandler

University of Mississippi

Elizabeth Richards

Yale University

Ashling Clauset

UNC-Wilmington

Charlotte Richter

Furman University

Hudson Daniel

UNC-Chapel Hill

Ashley Russ

UNC-Chapel Hill

Tyler Davis

UNC-Greensboro

Effie Sabean

Wake Forest University

Kristiana DeNeui

Palm Beach Atlantic University

Ryan Shugart

Chapman University

Caroline Dunnagan

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Luke Sidden

Clemson University

Sasha Emmerich

Emory University

Sydney Simmons

University of Pennsylvania

Vivi Finch

Wake Forest University

Victoria Simos

East Carolina University

Landon Fitzgerald

Tyler Junior College

Victoria Stabolitis

UNC-Chapel Hill

Quinn Fitzgerald

University of Mississippi

Carley Stewart

UNC-Wilmington

Devon French

NC State University

Sarah Thomason

Gus Giegengack

NC State University

Savannah College of Art & Design

Elizabeth Googe

University of Georgia

Molly Thompson

Clemson University

Martha Greco

Princeton University

Sophia Thompson

High Point University

Clara Hudson

Wake Forest University

Frances Turner

University of Georgia

Louise King

Fairfield University

Ollie Turner

University of Colorado Boulder

Wesley Koewing

UNC-Charlotte

Annabella Veneziano

Wake Forest University

Caroline Kunkle

Roanoke College

Katherine Walter

Wofford College

May Lewis

Wake Forest University

Lily Weeks

Wofford College

Ally MacCorkle

NC State University

Milo Whitley

Davidson College

Paul McManus

Gap Year

Owen Wisenbaker

Appalachian State University

Class of 2021

Mary Douglas Mendenhall Furman University Isaac Merkel

Tulane University

Jake Michalek

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

Cooper Mihalko

Barton College

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If we have inadvertently omitted your name, please contact Sarah Dalrymple, Director of Alumni Engagement, alums@summitmail.org.

The Power of

Annual Giving Every year, hundreds of donors make gifts to The Summit Fund, the annual fundraising campaign that supports the school’s operating needs. These gifts—whether they are $20, $100, $500, or higher—reflect a deep belief in the power of a Summit education.

Meredith McCullough Welch ’88 has been making an annual gift to Summit School for 27 years in a row and shared the following about why making this annual donation is important to her: “Summit remains a very important part of my life. As a former student, Summit was integral in giving me a foundation of curiosity and love of learning. I treasure friendships with faculty and staff from my early years and also have lifelong friends from my time there.

To learn more about The Summit Fund and to make your gift, visit summitschool.com/give or scan this QR code.

“Summit also gave my children, Caroline ’14, Edwin ’17, and Henry ’19, these same gifts. I had the pleasure of teaching my three children’s ninth grade classes. Those years were incredibly special to me.

“The opportunities Summit affords its students are priceless. When touring for JrK, envisioning our three children taking advantage of all the school offers was exciting. My husband Win and I smiled thinking of each child immersing herself/himself in the facets of school that stood out: the arts, athletics, field trip experiences, opportunities to serve others and of course, the classroom experience. I knew that my time as a student was precious, and I could not wait for Caroline, Edwin, and Henry to benefit from their Summit years.

“As a former Summit ninth grade teacher, I saw firsthand how monetary gifts impacted all we could provide our students. Access to technology, interactive educational experiences, and investment in the faculty positively influence each person on the Summit campus. The whole grade trip at the start of the year created a closeness and trust among students and teachers, reestablishing relationships and promoting growth from the get go.

Additionally, traveling to Costa Rica brought my biology class to life. What we learned in North Carolina became real as we experienced the biodiversity and culture of the country. Giving provides those opportunities for all students.

“I feel that my relationships from Summit are some of my strongest.

People care, and when you have caring individuals working, learning, relating together, you have a special bond. The opportunities Summit provides its students and staff create an environment that is truly the best!”

Meredith McCullough Welch ’88 Parent of Caroline ’14, Edwin ’17, and Henry ’19 Consecutive years of giving: 27

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NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Winston-Salem, N.C. Permit No. 89

2100 Reynolda Road Winston-Salem, NC 27106-5115 summitschool.com

Save the Date 2025 FOUNDERS WEEK

SEPT 15–21

Class Reunions on Friday, September 19 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015 Class of 2004 at fall 2024 reunion.

Stay Connected

with Summit School Visit us at summitschool.com/alums

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