Wildcat Paws 2023

A publication for families, alumni and friends of Westchester Country Day School

Discover

What's Within

Board of Trustees 2023-2024 Tom Van Dessel, President Jenny Varner, Vice President Jamie Collins, Secretary Braden Covington, Treasurer Laurie Briggs, Past Board Chair Matt Altamura Jay Brinson '94 Kristin Sams Crowe '01 Tasha Dial Tara Elliott Kristy Barnes Le Doug Muir Matt Nowell Priya Paruchuri Jackie Tyson Mary Keever, ex officio Interim Head of School

2022-2023 Laurie Briggs, President Tom Van Dessel, Vice President David Cecil, Secretary Braden Covington, Treasurer Jamie Collins '90, Past Board Chair On the Cover: The merging of excellence in both the arts and athletics is depicted beautifully in this imagery created for the school website, westchestercds.org. WCDS students have the opportunity to pursue the arts and athletics simultaneously. Photo by Interactive Schools.

Above: Dr. Diana García leads Upper School students Hannah Melgar, Anna Beth Merritt, and Nati Roberts in an advanced Spanish review activity. Photo by Liz Grogan Photography.

WCDS Mission Westchester Country Day School seeks to educate each child toward moral, academic, artistic, and athletic excellence in a nurturing, family environment where students, teachers, and parents support one another. By respecting the student and honoring learning, Westchester aims to cultivate informed citizens who are ready for a rapidly changing world and to graduate students who view the pursuit and wise use of knowledge as a lifelong joy.

WILDCAT PAWS is published by: Westchester Country Day School 2045 N. Old Greensboro Road High Point, NC 27265 336.869.2128 www.westchestercds.org For questions or comments, contact Laurie Beck Hogan ’02, director of communications and marketing, at 336.822.4084.

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C O N N EC T westchestercds.org/news facebook.com/westchestercds twitter.com/westchestercds instagram.com/westchestercds youtube.com/user/westchestercds linkedin.com/school/westchestercds

Matt Altamura Jay Brinson '94 Kristin Sams Crowe '01 Will Davis '12 Tasha Dial Tara Elliott Maggie Kendrick Kristy Barnes Le Doug Muir Matt Nowell Priya Paruchuri Eddie Pearson '89 Jackie Tyson Jenny Varner Ashley Williams Cobb Atkinson, ex officio Head of School

CONTENTS The Class of 2023

Graduates earn $2+ million in scholarships.

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8

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Each Child, Every Day

For Westchester's longest-serving head of school, the learning environment and student experience are essential for graduates to achieve success and pursue knowledge as a lifelong joy.

Students conduct marine biology research on the N.C. coast.

SECTION S 4

Headlines

6

News Briefs

8

Moral Excellence

12

Academic Excellence

18

Artistic Excellence

20

Athletic Excellence

22

Faculty News

24

Alumni News & Events

27

Giving Impact Report

26

#WCDSGives Parents and students find ways to serve the school and community.

ONLINE Check your inbox and visit the school website to stay up to date on the latest news and events. Send an email to registrar@westchestercds.org to update your email or mailing address.

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HEADlines Middle and Upper School students meet regularly in advisory groups as an additional layer of support in the student experience.

Faculty advisors discuss topics with their groups that support moral and academic growth for future success as students look forward to Upper School and then college. Mary Keever is pictured in the middle of her 2022-2023 advisory group of sixth through eighth graders.

Stepping Forward with Confidence

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Mary Keever Interim Head of School twitter.com/WCDS_Head

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estchester ended the 20222023 school year with many successes, including the graduation of yet another incredible senior class.

It takes bravery for our graduating seniors to put themselves out there in their college applications. It can be daunting to move in a new direction, especially for those who have been around since kindergarten! Yet year after year, our seniors are courageous in taking the next step.

As we pursue our future as a school, I want us to be just as courageous as these Westchester graduates. We do not have to worry because even without a crystal ball, we can forsee quite a bit of the future. Because we are guided by our school's mission, we already know that our programs will emphasize moral, academic, artistic and athletic excellence. We also know that values

such as honor, respect, responsibility, service and community will continue to inform the manner in which we teach, learn and care for one another.

This is what it means to be a Wildcat, and it's what we hold in high esteem as a school.

In spring 2023, we successfully completed reaccreditation through SAIS. Through reaccreditation, the faculty identified two areas for growth as we continue to improve in pursuit of academic excellence. Our first goal is to better serve the neurodiversity of the student body. Students have different learning strengths and weaknesses, and as a faculty, we want classrooms to be more inclusive of individual learning needs. Some schools, including Westchester, have traditionally addressed learning differences in separate programs where students are "pulled out" of the classroom.

WCDS Introduces Wellness Plan With this new goal, Westchester is introducing an inclusion model that builds time into the school day for faculty to meet all students where they are in their learning. This is allowing us to provide academic support services to students with documented learning needs without their having to miss an enrichment class or activity. It also allows students at all stages in their learning to have time to slow down and work on a particular skill they need to master or to speed ahead and dive deeper into mastery. Last year, we piloted this model with third graders, and we have expanded the pilot in Lower School to grades 1-5 this year.

The second goal is to cultivate curiosity in all of our students as they grow to become lifelong learners. To achieve this we are dedicated to incorporating the design thinking process and the scientific method across the curriculum and throughout all grade levels by creating cross-discipline connections. Westchester has been integrating art, music and movement into math, science and social studies lessons for many years, and students are successfully involved in projects and clubs that require these skills, such as robotics and Odyssey of the Mind, but this goal is intended to take our commitment a step further. By integrating science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) throughout courses of study in ways that are meaningful for each division, students will become even more comfortable and confident in using problem-solving methods to tackle a variety of projects.

The Board of Trustees is supporting us in these academic goals and is also engaging in a strategic planning initiative that will inform additional school goals for the future. Strategic planning will ensure that we are focused and unified as we grow in the future, and growth is the trend we are currently following. We welcomed 460 students on the first day of school for the 2023-2024 school year, a 20-year high. As we make improvements to the campus grounds, much work was done this summer to update buildings with new paint, floors and roofs. We also reconfigured the driveways into campus to improve safety and prepare for the opening of a new playground and expanded outdoor recreational spaces coming soon.

As I get used to my new routine in the role of interim head of school, I am fully aware of what it feels like to embrace change and navigate the unknowns of a new year. But the unknown is where possibility glitters. As I shared on the first day of school at convocation, if you don't take the risk, you are taking away the opportunity to transform.

I look forward to working together with each of you this year to make an effort to make our worlds a little bigger and persevere. Together, we can embrace the unknown where possibility glitters!

WCDS will be highlighting wellness throughout the school year while providing educational programs to benefit parents, students, faculty and staff.

Mary Keever, interim head of school, introduced a wellness plan as one of her goals for the school year.

Faculty were observing differences in the social and emotional wellness of students following the pandemic.

"We are navigating life with some challenges that didn't exist before," said Keever. "For two to three years, families experienced uncertainty and challenges to their well-established daily routines and social interactions. Children sensed the tension and stress in the adults around them. This has impacted the social-emotional development of students."

For students, the wellness plan includes guidance and character development lessons and activities, grade-based health and wellness lessons, and student clubs bringing awareness to mental health. Teachers are also adopting practices in their classrooms to help students with resilience.

The school is also hosting a parent education series, including book clubs and expert speakers, to help parents support their children in growing academically and socially. Topics include technology, social media and supporting learning at home.

With gratitude, Visit westchestercds.org for events and updates.

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News Briefs AP Honor Roll WCDS received Platinum recognition, the highest honor, on College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) Honor Roll for 2023.

Choice Awards WCDS received recognition in 2023 from community choice awards competitions.

FINALIST Favorite Summer Camp and Favorite Independent/ Private School

WINNER Best Private School

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WCDS Achieves Reaccreditation WCDS renewed its accreditation with SAIS in spring 2023. Reaccreditation takes place every five years and includes periodic reporting to SAIS with progress on school goals.

The school met quality and compliance standards, presented long-range goals for continuous improvement and hosted a team of educators from schools across the Southeast for a site visit. The team commended WCDS's academics, environment for learning and teacher quality in its report to SAIS: “Committed to being a small school, WCDS intentionally builds a strong sense of community with students, families, faculty and staff. The school creates a plethora of opportunities for students that far exceed what larger schools can do. WCDS is able to accomplish this breadth of the program because of the fully engaged faculty and staff who are determined to prepare 100 percent of their students for acceptance to college by educating the whole child – body, mind and heart.”

The school’s self-study process included planning and input from the administrative team and Board of Trustees, stakeholder feedback and research by two faculty learning teams. Faculty identified two academic goals to pursue — one to develop a new model for student academic support and another to enhance the integration of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) across the curriculum.

Goals for Academic Excellence Academic Support

STEAM Curriculum

WCDS is piloting an academic support inclusion model in the Lower School that builds time into the schedule for students to receive support and enrichment.

Students needing academic support get services without missing activities or being "pulled out" of enrichment classes.

The curriculum has encouraged crosscurricular connections between the arts and sciences for some time. This goal will introduce the applications of design thinking and the scientific method to further develop problem-solving skills in all students.

SOAR TIME: In grades 1-5, teachers and academic support specialists lead students in individualized activities. Students with documented learning needs get one-on-one, specialized support while all students are working at their own pace.

WILDCAT DESIGN PROCESS: Students will be learning the essential steps to design thinking.

The process of Asking, Exploring, Planning, Creating, Testing and Improving will be applied to projects in all subject areas.

Campus Gets New Playground, Carpool Loop

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estchester students will have new outdoor spaces to explore. A new playground and recreational space is opening in fall 2023. The school also reconfigured its driveways and opened a carpool loop on Wildcat Trail, and will add covered walkways.

These projects are a part of the Westchester Forward campaign, a multi-year investment in the school’s facilities and programs. The current projects were supported by $1.7 million from the Earl and Kathryn Congdon Family Foundation.

"Our campus has 53 acres of outdoor space to be used to help our students develop ‘a sound mind in a sound body,’ as our school motto says. We are incredibly grateful to the Congdon Foundation for supporting us in creating an active and nurturing learning environment for our students," said Cobb Atkinson, past head of school, in his announcement of the projects.

WCDS faculty researched and planned the spaces to include features that develop motor and social skills.

“Children need unstructured play time to support their developing

brains,” said Blair Hawley, head of Lower School.

“These outdoor spaces will provide endless possibilities of ways to play and will encourage students to run, jump, slide, skip, swing, balance, climb, socialize, pretend, ride and explore their creativity. Active children become active adults, which is so important for long-term health and happiness.”

The project CAMPUS CHANGES: A rendering of the playrgound project included closing shows a variety of features made for active and pretend the school's play. In addition to the playground equipment, the space carpool entrance includes a gaga ball pit and turf field. The campus map shows the locations of new recreational areas and the redesign of on Cascade Drive, Wildcat Trail, which now ends in a carpool loop around the a recommendation flagpole in front of the Finch Center. made for school Another recreational space with a safety. The new basketball court, turf field and gaga playground is located in place of the pit will be added near Kester Hall and carpool circle next to Smith Hall Phillips Hall in summer 2024. and the library.

Tech Labs Level Up for Esports

U

pper School students have a space to engage in esports, competitive multiplayer video gaming, which is gaining popularity throughout the world.

One of the technology labs in Phillips Hall was outfitted with specialized equipment for gaming. The lab includes six gaming computers with 34-inch monitors equipped with the refresh rate and resolution to support fast-paced games, as well as wireless keyboards, mice and headsets. The lab also includes LED lighting, a SMART Interactive television, gaming desks and chairs, and a seating area for hosting small groups of spectators, students, or meeting participants. The lab also includes space for robotics.

Westchester is among the first schools to participate in organized esports competition within the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association (NCISAA).

ROCKET LEAGUE: A team of three Upper School students, coached by math teacher Andy DiMattia, represented WCDS in playing the multiplayer soccer-style game Rocket League against other independent schools in spring 2023.

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“Each Child, Every Day”

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MORAL EXCELLENCE

Westchester Honors Longest-Serving Head of School Cobb Atkinson

C

obb Atkinson remembers his first trip to Westchester in 2009.

On that spring morning, as the quiet, country roads led him to campus, he wondered about what he would possibly find at a school tucked away in Davidson County, North Carolina.

As many visitors likely observe, Westchester is a place that is not hard to drive by without realizing what is there, but he soon discovered a hidden gem of a school with a culture of excellence and an emphasis on community.

Thirteen years later, after becoming the longest-serving head since the school’s founding in 1967, Atkinson stepped down from leadership at the conclusion of the 2022-2023 school year due to health challenges.

“This school is extraordinary in so many ways, and it has been my greatest professional privilege to have served as the head of school for this long,” said Atkinson in his final email message to parents and faculty.

“My heart is full of many emotions right now, but gratitude is the most powerful one, along with a deep love for this place.”

During his tenure, Atkinson was deeply committed to the Westchester mission and led with its ideals top of mind. He spoke of the school’s pillars and explained eloquently the symbiotic balance of students, teachers and parents supporting one another.

He understood what a difference “respecting the student and honoring learning” can make. For him, the learning environment and student experience are essential to the success of Westchester graduates.

“Here, students are known and cared for by their teachers, coaches, school leaders, and one another,” he wrote in a welcome message for the school website. “This warm, challenging, and nurturing environment allows students to grapple with difficult academic topics, take intellectual risks, and discover all of the courage and potential that they possess for learning, leadership, service, and life.”

Atkinson came to Westchester from Georgia after holding positions as head of school, academic dean, English department chair and teacher.

Under his leadership, Westchester continued its tradition of academic excellence while producing impressive graduating classes with 100% college acceptance and millions of dollars in scholarship offers each year.

THROUGH THE YEARS: On the previous page, Seth Gerardo, class of 2032, thanks Mr. Atkinson for sharing ice pop treats with students. At the top, Atkinson is pictured early in his time as head of school opening doors in carpool with retired faculty member Mrs. Pat Sams. In the middle, this selfie appears in the 2015 edition of the Banyan yearbook. On the bottom, pre-K students greet Atkinson with a group hug in the hallway.

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MR. ATKINSON DAY: WCDS declared May 15, 2023, as Mr. Atkinson Day. Above, Atkinson is pictured with Middle and Upper School students following an ultimate frisbee game. In the middle, the Upper School Contemporary Music band, Kitchen Sync, performed a few favorite songs. On the right, Atkinson joined pre-K students for naptime at the end of the day.

Emphasizing an “Each Child, Every Day” approach to learning, Atkinson led new technology initiatives, upgrades to the school’s athletic and arts facilities, the celebration of the school’s 50th anniversary, and the construction of the Wilson Student Center.

In his last three years, Atkinson ushered the school through the COVID-19 pandemic, only closing the school buildings for remote learning during the fourth quarter in spring 2020 and reopening the following August.

“It has been my greatest honor to work alongside the most dedicated and innovative faculty and staff any head could ever hope for, to teach such inquisitive and passionate students, and to partner with such a supportive and engaged parent and alumni community and Board of Trustees."

Over the course of 13 years, he oversaw three successful reaccreditation cycles with the school's accrediting organization, SAIS. For most of the time, Atkinson was joined on campus daily by his children – Jamie ’21 and Mallory, class of 2024 – and wife Raegan, who has served as director of college guidance since 2014. Raegan will conclude her service in the role at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

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FOUR WILDCATS: The Atkinson family – Cobb, Mallory, Jamie and Raegan – are pictured at Jamie's graduation from WCDS in 2021.

Westchester celebrated Mr. Cobb Atkinson's contributions and longevity of service by holding special events and recognitions for him and his family throughout the concluding months of the school year.

Festivities included a barbecue dinner with bluegrass music attended by faculty, staff and trustees and a breakfast reception in the library that welcomed dozens of current and past parents, alumni, faculty and friends of the school.

May 15 was deemed “Mr. Atkinson Day,” when students in grades pre-K through 12 presented special programs, activities and gifts throughout the day. Special presentations were made during the end-of-year award ceremonies too.

SCHOOL-WIDE CELEBRATIONS: On the left, Mrs. Jackie Argo, assistant to the head of school and registrar, who has worked with Atkinson throughout his tenure, coordinated many of the events and made sure he was on time for all of the festivities on Mr. Atkinson Day. In the middle, Colton Runyan, class of 2028, and his classmates organized a series of activities showing off their drone piloting and 3D printing skills. On the right, Mr. Adam Schwartz, director of athletics, presents a custom Wildcats jersey to Atkinson during the athletic awards ceremony.

Mary Keever Named Interim Head of School Westchester welcomed Mrs. Mary Keever, a long-time faculty member and administrator, into a new role of interim head of school in July 2023. She will serve in the interim role during a two-year search for the next head of school.

Keever came to Westchester in 1999 as a language arts and literature teacher. She continued teaching while serving as head of Middle School from 2012 to 2023.

She also coordinated the school's reaccreditation with SAIS in 2017. In addition to her years of experience, her credentials include a Bachelor of Arts in English from Wofford College, a Master of Education in reading from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and certifications as an N.C. Certified Teacher of English and Reading Specialist and in Secondary School Education.

She and her husband, Wes, are High Point residents.

Their daughters, Dory ’21, and Abby, class of 2024, attended Westchester from kindergarten.

“When I look toward the future, I am filled with gratitude for the position our Wildcat Nation holds,” she said in a message to the school community after accepting the leadership role. "We have a strong academic curriculum, quality athletic, arts and extracurricular programs, the best faculty team you could find anywhere, and supportive families that partner with us in preparing their children for each next step. Even in recent years when schools faced the challenges of the pandemic, at Westchester, we worked together to think creatively, collaborate flexibly, and educate patiently … I am filled with exhilaration for this new endeavor.”

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The Class of 2023 Westchester Country Day School celebrated its 52nd graduation ceremony on June 3, 2023, for a class of 24 graduates who achieved 100 percent college acceptance and $2+ million in scholarships.

The ceremony included several traditions unique to the school’s recognition of graduates, including a bagpipe processional into Wesley Memorial Church in High Point. As the graduates came forward to receive their diplomas, faculty members gave tribute speeches about each graduate, offering insight into their individual personalities and highlighting their growth as students.

Left: Grayson Boyette and Mr. Frank Morelli share a handshake following his tribute. Center: Mr. Adam Schwartz highlights Bo Brigman's years at WCDS as "Bo Time," a nod to his favorite restaurant. Right: Mrs. Kim Van Dessel shares fun accessories with Lucy Larkin Heard.

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2023 Graduates

FIRSTS AND LASTS: The Class of 2023 is pictured above after convocation on their last first day of school at Westchester. On the opposite page, Anna Beth Merritt smiles to her family as she takes the last steps of Upper School and the first steps toward the future.

Among this class, four of the graduates signed to play collegiate athletics.

Eight members of the class were invited to participate in selective honors programs at colleges and universities. Every member of the class took at least one Advanced Placement (AP) course, and 14 were AP Scholars who achieved high scores on the national exams they took for these college-level courses.

VALEDICTORIAN: Ali Schwartz is attending the University of Virginia, where she received the Jefferson Scholarship and plans to study biology and psychology.

SALUTATORIAN: Ruhan Upadhyaya is attending North Carolina State University, where he plans to study horticulture.

Madalyn Sage Adams Connor Christian Apple Cleveland Gordon Armentrout Grayson Lee Boyette Robert Thomasson Brigman Zane Shore Dinkins Emma Ilene Engle Elizabeth Rose Foster Caroline Elise Anderson Griffith Caleb Michael Hammond Lucy Larkin Rose Heard Cruz Alexander Hesling Bryce Elliott Hooker Jacob Sawyer Johnson Quinto Keomalaythong Dru Elizabeth Lassiter Skylar Reese Manning Madeline Blake McWhorter Anna Elizabeth Merritt Natalie Caroline Roberts Aliana Grace Schwartz Sofie Caroline Marie Stofferis Jiayuan Tian Ruhan Upadhyaya

“This is our finish line. For nine of us, this race began 13 years ago on our brightly colored carpet squares in Mrs. Horney’s classroom. Whether you have been at Westchester in this race for three or 13 years, today is a milestone, a finish line. Today is the day that we bid farewell to the place that laid the foundation for who we will be and what we will become, and we say goodbye to the people who shaped us.”

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— Ali Schwartz '23, valedictorian Visit westchestercds.org on the web to view a full list of scholarships and college acceptances.

JUNIOR MARSHALS: Isabella Reid, Lyndon Briggs, Ava Klein, Maggie O'Keeffe and Mallory Atkinson, students in the class of 2024, led the graduates in the processional.

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Pace Setters

Three Class of 2023 graduates, who all happen to be runners, pursue moral, academic, artistic and athletic excellence.

Cleveland Armentrout, Cruz Hesling and Ali Schwartz are school record holders in cross country and track who proved to be incredibly fast runners, consistently finishing at the top. They also seemingly sprinted toward academic achievements, pursued creative outlets and balanced it all as leaders and role models by putting in the hard work success takes. Their determination and next steps indicate that they are approaching their goals as a marathon, not a sprint. They are committed to the kind of lifelong growth toward excellence that Westchester seeks to instill within each student and graduate. Pass the finish line, then look forward to the next race, and keep learning and growing.

Cleveland Armentrout United States Air Force Academy

Ali Schwartz Jefferson Scholar at UVA

Cruz Hesling NCAA D1 Track/Cross Country

Cleveland is an exceptional example of what it means to be a studentathlete. He was recognized as Scholar Athlete of the Year for how he excelled in science and math in the classroom while also exhibiting great leadership on the soccer field, where he earned all-conference honors. He was even better on the track, where he received all-state recognition in three events as a senior, claimed school records for the 100 meters and 200 meters, and was named MVP. In addition to his academic and athletic achievements, Cleveland received recognition from his teachers and peers for being an exemplary model of character. His classmates selected him to represent the school as the DAR Good Citizen, and the faculty selected him as the recipient of the Westchester Cup. He is now pursuing the goal of becoming a pilot for the U.S. Air Force as he studies aeronautical engineering at the U.S. Air Force Academy, one of the most selective universities in the world.

Ali maximized her WCDS years, culminating with valedictorian and MVP honors. She excelled in her academics while serving as student government president. She pursued her goals as a three-season athlete, earning senior year MVP honors in cross country, basketball, and track and was named Athlete of the Year.

She holds the school's 2-mile record and achieved all-conference and allstate honors. Ali found an outlet for creativity in Odyssey of the Mind.

She reached the World Finals with her team as a junior and volunteered to coach as a senior. Her race continues as she pursues her love of the sciences and a possible career in medicine at the University of Virginia, where she received a Jefferson Scholarship, one of the nation's most prestigious merit scholarships. She is also an Echols Scholar, affording her academic freedom in selecting classes, and a member of the College of Science Scholars, enabling her to collaborate with faculty on research.

Cruz knows there are no shortcuts in the path to success. Pushing himself daily — including early-morning runs in the dark with the headlights of his mom's vehicle lighting the way — resulted in him becoming one of the greatest Wildcat runners.

He was MVP of the cross country and track teams, a two-time state champion in cross country, state champion in track, all-conference and all-state, and school record holder for the 5000 meters and 2 mile. He was recognized as Athlete of the Year and selected as the student speaker for the athletic awards ceremony. An AP Scholar, Cruz was a strong student and also cultivated artistic skills in both design and music. He was the recipient of the Art Award and had his work displayed in public art shows.

Cruz is attending the University of North Carolina Charlotte on multiple merit scholarships and an athletic scholarship to run NCAA Division I cross country and track. He plans to study engineering.

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Upper School Peter M. Cowen Outstanding Senior Award Aliana Schwartz Good Citizenship Award Ruhan Upadhyaya Suzi Holliman Humanitarian Award Dru Lassiter Valedictorian Aliana Schwartz Salutatorian Ruhan Upadhyaya Westchester Cup Cleveland Armentrout Student Government Award Aliana Schwartz

Commencement Marshals Mallory Atkinson Lyndon Briggs Ava Klein Maggie O'Keeffe Isabella Reid Art Award Cruz Hesling Art Certificate Cassie Woodall, Katherine Walter, Abby Williamson, Cooper Singer English Award Aliana Schwartz English Certificate Annita Keomalaythong, Lucie Corrigan, Kirian Veach, Isabella Reid, Cooper Singer

AP Recognition

Science Award Cleveland Armentrout, Aliana Schwartz

The College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding college-level achievement through their performance on AP exams, which are scored on a scale of 1 to 5.

Science Certificates Hadley Briggs, Jameson Calfee, Avary Herman, Isabella Reid, Cooper Singer Spanish Award Isabella Reid Spanish Certificate Selah Goins, Chloe Denmark, Covington Hauser

Caroline Griffith Caleb Hammond Lucy Larkin Heard Cruz Hesling Dru Lassiter Madeline McWhorter Anna Beth Merritt

Theatre Award Maggie O'Keeffe Theatre Certificates Hadley Briggs, Liv Mueller, Emma Engle, Cooper Singer

Social Studies Award Caroline Griffith

DAR Good Citizen Cleveland Armentrout

Social Studies Certificates Caleb Winstead, Claire Neal, Ben Daniel, Avary Herman, Cooper Singer, Isabella Reid

Summer Ventures in Science and Mathematics Isabella Reid

Rothrock Scholarship Mallory Atkinson, Davis Beck

Mandarin Award Grayson Boyette, Cooper Singer

Middle School

Mock Trial Recognition Isabella Reid

Mandarin Certificates Lyndon Briggs, Claire Neal

International Student Recognition Jack Tian

Math Award Cleveland Armentrout

Emma Padgett Award Garrett Le, Maggie Mercadante, Pallavi Paruchuri

Math Certificate Sutton Scott, Maggie O'Keeffe, Aliana Schwartz

Scott Patterson Award Joseph Brinson, Coleman Schwartz

Music Award Caroline Griffith

Student Government Coleman Schwartz

Music Certificate Madalyn Adams, Lyndon Briggs, Mallory Atkinson

Rothrock Scholarship Emma Leonard

Vijaya Kumar Chemistry Award Maggie O'Keeffe Peters Family Scholarship Ava Klein

9th Grade Distinguished Scholar Avary Herman 10th Grade Distinguished Scholar Cooper Singer 11th Grade Distinguished Scholar Isabella Reid

AP Scholars received scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams:

AP Scholars with Honor received an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on four or more exams: Connor Apple Grayson Boyette

Freddie Kirkman Award Helen Clodfelter, Panos Livanis, Clinton Wagoner

AP Scholars with Distinction received an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken and scores of 3 or higher on five or more exams: Cleveland Armentrout Emma Engle Ali Schwartz Sofie Stofferis Ruhan Upadhyaya

PSAT Recognition Cleveland Armentrout received a Letter of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program.

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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

Academic Awards | 2022-2023

Upper School students in the Advanced Marine Biology class took a five-day trip to Wilmington, North Carolina, to conduct research and explore the coastal environment. They were accompanied by faculty members Mr. Dean Stern and Mrs. Jackie Argo.

Learning By Doing Students take a trip to the North Carolina coast to conduct research projects for their marine biology class.

T

he Westchester classroom is an active and collaborative environment. Students sit at their desks sometimes, but often they are up moving around, pushing the desks together to discuss with a group, getting out of their seats to reenact a story or event, or gathering materials needed to create or experiment hands on.

This is especially true for the students taking the marine biology course with Mr. Dean Stern, an Upper School biology teacher at WCDS since 2018. Stern regularly involves his students in labs and dissections, testing and visualizing the scientific concepts taught in the course material and making them tangible. Doing makes learning real.

Stern offered the marine biology class for the first time this past year. This advanced course covered invertebrate and vertebrate zoology, ocean ecology and the atmospheric dynamics of Earth and ocean.

It also involved students in developing an independent research project. Students created their hypotheses and methods throughout the year and then carried out their

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research during a five-day trip to Wilmington, North Carolina, in April.

“The preparation required them not only to do all the necessary background research derived from peer-reviewed sources and design the methods but also to budget and order the necessary materials,” said Stern.

The students spent the first day on a 70-foot offshore research vessel with researchers from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, familiarizing themselves with new oceanographic and biological research methods and collecting vertebrate specimens. Later in the day, they analyzed their results and dissected their specimens in the UNCW Marine Quest Lab. The day ended with a tour of the UNCW Marine Biotechnology Laboratories, where marine research is applied to medical fields. They also visited the deep sea drone and submersibles lab.

The next two days were spent in the field at Middle Sound near Figure Eight Island conducting experiments on a full range of marine science topics applicable to the animal and plant-life found on the N.C. coast.

They rounded out the trip with a visit to the N.C. Aquarium before returning home for analysis and final conclusions.

For Maggie O’Keeffe, class of 2024, the hands-on research was a perfect mix of academics and fun.

“I never saw myself doing any type of field research, but as soon as my experiment began, I realized that studying the native Eastern oysters and utilizing the scientific method for research interested me," she said.

"This type of research is truly the reason I want to pursue a career in the sciences.”

Sofie Stofferis '23 enjoyed learning new concepts on the research vessel and exploring the sound.

"I was able to hold a small squid and watch its chromatophores open and close as it moved. Watching the squid swim and adapt to its environment is an experience I will never forget," she said. "I took full advantage of this opportunity, spending every possible moment outside, exploring the islands in the sound, collecting seaweed to study under a microscope and swimming in the sound with other students."

IN THE FIELD: On the left, Bryce Hooker '23 and Cassie Woodall, class of 2025, observe fiddler crabs for their research projects. In the middle, Sofie Stofferis '23 collects soil samples to test for bacteria. On the right, biology teacher Mr. Dean Stern helps Lucy Larkin Heard '23 measure Eastern oysters on the piling. Below, students collect vertebrate specimens for analysis on UNCW's offshore research vessel.

Research Designed by WCDS Students • • • • • • •

Feeding habits of Eastern oysters relative to pH or the presence of phytoplankton in the habitat Biodiversity of marsh grasses and flowering plants based on salinity Burrowing habits of Atlantic mud crabs and sand fiddlers Defense mechanisms of fiddler crabs Oyster age and size by proximity to the sea floor The effect of tides on the behavior of marsh periwinkles in cordgrass habitats Trends in the amount and type of bacteria present in sand and soil at various depths and temperatures

It's C-Time!

B

uild the tallest tower you can with just a stack of note cards and tape. Work together to get your teammates through an obstacle course. Lower School students get the chance to try these challenges and other creative problem-solving activities several Fridays a year during C-Time. Students are grouped together in multigrade groups to learn how to work together, communicate with one another, think critically and create something new.

Some of the activities prompt students to build structures out of various materials, while others have them participating in creative movement.

HANDS-ON: Mrs. Blair Hawley, head of Lower School, on left, leads a group of K-2 students in making a marble maze. While the activity uses simple materials — tape, paper strips and a paper plate — students put their creativity and fine motor skills to work. On the right, Jack Gavitt, class of 2035, and Aedan Dinan, class of 2033, although separated by age, work together to build a structure with gum drops and toothpicks.

Each C-Time, students rotate to a different activity that helps build upon the 7Cs of the WCDS curriculum. C-Time encourages students to try different skills and

come up with original ideas, and it helps them get to know students and teachers from other grades.

WESTCHESTERCDS.ORG | 17

ARTISTIC EXCELLENCE

ON STAGE

T

he performing arts have been an important part of school life at Westchester for many decades and have made a lasting impact on hundreds of participants through the years.

No matter how large or small, there is a part available for everyone, and participation is encouraged. Whether a kindergartner or a senior, it's never too early or too late to get involved. Westchester stages three productions each year, providing opportunities for students across

Performing arts opportunities help students learn valuable skills

grade levels to act, sing and dance or explore the behindthe-scenes action of production.

Last year, the all-school show was "Disney's Moana Jr." based on the popular animated film. The school also presented a Black Box Theatre show, a collection of skits and music by Upper School students, and the K-8 musical, "Magic Tree House: Pirates Past Noon" based on the children's book series by Mary Pope Osborne.

At the top, the cast of "Moana Jr." performs on the Rives Hall stage. On the bottom, from left, Emma Engle '23 and Caroline Griffith '23 star in the roles of Moana and Maui; Engle joins Lyndon Briggs, class of 2024, in a Black Box Theatre skit; and Pallavi Paruchuri and Maggie Mercadante, both class of 2027, climb the treehouse in their roles as Annie and Jack in "Pirates Past Noon."

18 | WILDCAT PAWS

ArtsFest, and All-School Celebraton of the Arts Families and friends enjoy the outdoor music concerts and art exhibits featuring students of all grades pre-K-12 at ArtsFest each April. This program serves as the spring concerts and culminating art showcase for music and art classes. This has become an annual event and also features art booths led by Upper School art club, as well as food vendors that are connected with the Westchester community.

ArtsFest shows off a year's worth of musical and artistic development for Westchester students, who are encouraged to pursue artistic excellence in addition to academics, character and athletics. Active participation in the performing and visual arts encourages confidence, self-expression and a growth mindset, while also helping students become more comfortable communicating with a large audience.

ART IS EVERYWHERE: On the left, families of pre-K students capture the moment as students perform on the outdoor stage at ArtsFest. In the middle, Lower School students sing songs with the theme "Colorful Creativity." On the right, Reagan Beck, class of 2036, finds her ladybug art "planted" among the bulbs.

TAG, You're It! Students of All Ages Featured in Public Art Shows Artwork by dozens of Westchester students was on display in the Elementary, Middle and High School Art Shows held at TAG, The Art Gallery at Congdon Yards.

TAG is a nonprofit that provides visual art exhibits and educational experiences for the enrichment of the High Point community.

Exhibits are free and

open to the public year-round, including events that showcase local student and teacher talent. Work by the following students was selected for the school shows: Lower School David Parks, Miller Heald, Coraleigh Byrne, Adysen Hobbs, Johanna English, Pearl Caddy, Finch Lambeth Middle School Evans Elliott, Gabe Guzman, Ava Kiger, Jacqueline Le, Brooke Lloyd, Alyssa Tager, Brooklyn Uber,

Anderson Carter, Helen Clodfelter, Brooks Covington, Emma Hunsberger, Martha-Anne Johrendt, Maggie Mercadante, Pallavi Paruchuri, Elin Prifti, Emory Smith, Skylar Townsend, Sam Van Dessel, Clinton Wagoner Upper School Selah Goins, Mary Frances Collins, Chase Hesling, Claire Neal, Cooper Singer, Cassie Woodall, Ava Klein, Lizzie Marsh, Katherine Walter, Abby Williamson, Liza Foster, Cruz Hesling

Top: Mary Frances Collins and Claire Neal, both class of 2025, with their art.

Bottom: Lower School art. Background: Zentangle by Alyssa Tager, class of 2029.

WESTCHESTERCDS.ORG | 19

ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE

Athletic Awards | 2022-2023 Academic All Conference The following students maintained a minimum 3.5 GPA and participated in at least two varsity sports this year:

Varsity Boys Cross Country MVP – Cruz Hesling Wildcat – Chris Smith Coach’s – Chase Sutton

Varsity Cheerleading MVP – Dru Lassiter Wildcat – Kirian Veach Coach’s – Avary Herman

Grade 7: Quinten Stofferis, Addy Grace Winstead

Varsity Girls Cross Country MVP – Ali Schwartz Wildcat – Addy Grace Winstead Coach’s – Eleanor Clark, Chloe Denmark

Varsity Baseball MVP – Josh Hammond Wildcat – Bryce Hooker, Tate Vogler Coach’s – Caleb Hammond, Jacob Johnson

Grade 8: Maren Harris Grade 9: Hadley Briggs, Sam Carey, Eleanor Clark, Neal Clinard, Chloe Denmark, Avary Herman, Annita Keomalaythong, Reeves Lavelle, Lucy Mercadante, Ashlyn Rives, Chris Smith, Lukas Stofferis, Chase Sutton, Jaben Tomes, Brooklyn Vogler, Beck Wilson, Caleb Winstead Grade 10: Ava Apple, Thomas Brinson, Natalie Chrisman, Mary Frances Collins, Jackson Hedrick, Chase Hesling, Ava Hoffman, Claire Neal, Nolan Patterson, Sutton Scott, Natalie Seperteladze, Elizabeth Shoaf, Elliott Smith, Mac Timberlake, Gram Tucker, Kirian Veach, Daniel Volynets, Zayne Williamson

Varsity Girls Golf MVP – Madi Dial Wildcat – Mary Frances Collins, Abby Keever Coach’s – Maggie O'Keeffe, Elizabeth Shoaf Varsity Boys Soccer MVP – Bo Brigman, Ben Van Dessel Wildcat – Cleveland Armentrout, Will Rives “Squad”– Quinto Keomalaythong Varsity Girls Tennis MVP – Helen Clodfelter Wildcat – Lucy Larkin Heard Coach’s – Natalie Chrisman

Grade 11: Mallory Atkinson, Davis Beck, Emilie Carey, Carson Daniel, Covington Hauser, Abby Keever, Ava Klein, Isabella Reid, Jaden Richardson, Will Rives, Jalen Umstead, Abby Williamson

Varsity Girls Volleyball MVP – Anna Beth Merritt Wildcat – Lauren Cockrum, Covington Hauser Coach’s – Cassie Woodall, Nati Roberts

Grade 12: Cleveland Armentrout, Caroline Griffith, Lucy Larkin Heard, Cruz Hesling, Dru Lassiter, Anna Beth Merritt, Ali Schwartz

Varsity Boys Basketball MVP – Zane Dinkins, MJ Edwards Wildcat – Jalen Umstead, Josh Bayne

Bruce E. Hathaway, Jr. Sportsmanship Award Caroline Griffith, Quinto Keomalaythong Scholar Athlete of the Year Cleveland Armentrout, Lucy Larkin Heard Athlete of the Year Cruz Hesling, Anna Beth Merritt, Ali Schwartz Iron Cat Award Anna Beth Merritt, Ali Schwartz Special Recognition Cobb Atkinson, Chris Green

20 | WILDCAT PAWS

Varsity Girls Basketball MVP – Ali Schwartz Wildcat – Ava Klein Coach’s – Covington Hauser, Anna Beth Merritt Varsity Boys Swimming MVP – Ben Hunsberger Wildcat – Davis Williams Coach’s – Ruhan Upadhyaya Varsity Girls Swimming MVP – Liza Foster Wildcat – Mallory Atkinson Coach’s – Skylar Manning, Sofie Stofferis

Varsity Boys Golf MVP – Jackson Hedrick Wildcat – Mac Timberlake Coach's – Thomas Brinson Varsity Boys Tennis MVP – Max Verellen Wildcat – Aidan Apple Coach's – Josiah Tomes Varsity Girls Soccer MVP – Lucy Larkin Heard, Anna Beth Merritt Wildcat – Emma Engle Coach's – Covington Hauser Varsity Boys Track MVP – Cleveland Armentrout, Cruz Hesling Wildcat – Connor Apple, Daniel Volynets Coach's – Zayne Williamson Varsity Girls Track MVP – Claire Neal, Ali Schwartz Wildcat – Eleanor Clark, Addy Grace Winstead Coach's – Mary Frances Collins, Sutton Scott Middle School Athletes of the Year Whit Hauser, Coleman Schwartz, Helen Clodfelter, Maddie Taylor Middle School "Schwartzmanship" Awards Joseph Brinson, Ben Covington, Brooks Covington, Charlotte Porter, Emory Smith

Go, Cats!

🐾

College Athletic Signing Four seniors announced plans for college athletics. Caleb Hammond '23 is attending High Point University for NCAA Division I Baseball. Cruz Hesling is attending the University of North Carolina Charlotte for NCAA Division I Track and Cross Country. Bryce Hooker is attending Tallahassee Community College for National Junior College Athletic Association Baseball. Dru Lassiter is attending Queens University of Charlotte for NCAA Division I Cheerleading.

Athletic Shorts

Team Highlights

State Championships in XC and Track The Varsity Girls Golf team won the PTAC Conference Championship behind medalist and Conference Player of the Year Madi Dial, class of 2025.

Cruz Hesling, senior, won his second individual cross country state championship.

Connor Apple, senior, won his second track state championship in pole vaulting.

Medara Patron won the track state championship in the 300 meter hurdles as a seventh grader.

The Varsity Baseball team played in the NCISAA 3A championship at Truist Point. Coach Rob Woodall was named Coach of the Year.

Who Is An Iron Cat? Westchester student-athletes who participate on school teams for all three seasons and all four years in the Upper School are recognized as Iron Cats. The 2023 recipients, Ali Schwartz and Anna Beth Merritt, were teammates in basketball while Ali ran cross country and track and Anna Beth played volleyball and soccer.

The Middle School Boys Golf team won the PTAC Conference Championship behind medalist Joseph Brinson, class of 2027.

WESTCHESTERCDS.ORG | 21

Faculty News New Leaders Step Up Several WCDS faculty and staff members assumed new leadership roles in 2023.

Emma Ruggery is the new head of Middle School.

She was previously a Middle School science teacher and served as assistant head of Middle School last year.

Middle School history teacher Vanessa Sullens is the assistant head of Middle School.

Upper School English teacher Allison Albert is beginning a new role as director of academic affairs as she continues teaching and shadows the director of college guidance role, which she will move into in the summer of 2024.

Upper School counselor Heather Singer is also serving as director of wellness.

Kindergarten teacher Emily Mercadante is the assistant head of Lower School.

22 | WILDCAT PAWS

Sullens Named DAR Teacher of the Year Vanessa Sullens, Middle School history and literature teacher, was named American History Teacher of the Year by the Alexander Martin Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Sullens came to WCDS two years ago after many years of experience as a master teacher. Her teaching is a mix of energy, creativity, warmth and rigor that helps her connect with students and engage them in active participation, according to Mr. Cobb Atkinson, former head of school, who recommended her for the award.

“She builds her class activities with students as the central focus and offers wonderful opportunities for them to engage with the material, contribute to the discussion, and, most importantly, grapple with the challenging issues we encounter when we look back on our country’s past."

Schwartz Receives NCISAA Award Athletic Director Adam Schwartz received the Chuck Carter Athletic Cup from the North Carolina Independent Schools Athletic Association. The award is presented to long-serving athletic directors who embody the association’s values. It is named in honor of Chuck Carter, a former NCISAA executive director and 2010 Hall of Fame member.

“This is a team award,” said Schwartz. “I love all the people I work with at WCDS. I’m proud of our coaches and student-athletes, and I’m thankful to the faculty for all they do in and out of the classroom to help the athletic program be successful.”

Schwartz has been a Wildcat since 2000 and has held various roles.

He became director of athletics in 2011 and coaches Varsity Boys Soccer and Varsity Boys Golf. He has led these teams to three state soccer championships and five golf team championships and received multiple coaching awards.

Schwartz’s contributions include a commitment to academics resulting in consistently high numbers of student-athletes being named Academic All-Conference. With the Booster Club, he has helped build a culture of sportsmanship and a positive atmosphere at games and events. He has also worked with faculty colleagues to encourage student participation in both athletics and the arts and make opportunities available for students with a range of experience and skill levels to participate.

Wildcats Retire

T

he Westchester community celebrated the retirement of two long-time Lower School teachers, Mrs. Debbie Christiansen and Ms. Rhonda Hunt, with well-wishes, gifts of student artwork, songs and greetings from past parents and alumni far and wide in May 2023.

Christiansen taught at WCDS for 23 years, first in kindergarten and then pre-K. She was instrumental in the development and addition of the pre-K program in 2011 and served as assistant head of Lower School in the past year. Hunt was a fourth grade teacher at WCDS for a total of 20 years, with additional years served as an educator in other schools.

Both Christiansen and Hunt have alumni children — Taylor Christiansen '10, Sarah Kate Christiansen Young '13, Anna VanLandingham Kusterer '02, and Blair VanLandingham Metcalf '00.

PHOTO FINISH: At top, Lower School teachers Rhonda Hunt and Debbie Christiansen retired in May 2023 after 20+ years at WCDS. Their families joined them at the Fifth Grade Step-Up, where they were recognized for their outstanding contributions as educators. In the middle, Hunt and Mrs. Jane Driver, her long-time fourth-grade partner, are surrounded by their students on the last day of school. In the final photo, Christiansen finishes the W-Day 5K. She and her husband, Jeff, were honored at the 2023 race for their support of the event through the years.

Faculty Awards The following faculty members were recognized for their outstanding service to Westchester. Mrs. Tracy Gill was named WAPA Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Kim Van Dessel received the Class of 2005 Award. Mrs. Vanessa Sullens was named T. Austin Finch Distinguished Teacher. Mr. Frank Morelli was named T. Austin Finch Master Teacher.

WESTCHESTERCDS.ORG | 23

Alumni News Basketball Standouts Inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame

ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE: Jan East Glover, mother of Robert East '75, Steve Grimm '80 and Deuce Bello '11 received recognition at Homecoming for their induction into the Westchester Athletic Hall of Fame. East, pictured on the right, was honored posthumously.

D

euce Bello '11, Steve Grimm '80 and Robert East '75 joined a growing honor roll of alumni, coaches and friends in the Westchester Athletic Hall of Fame. They were recognized at Homecoming for their significant contributions to athletic excellence through achievements and exemplary sportsmanship.

Bello was a four-year letter winner playing for Coach Pat Kahny from 2008-2011. He was a member of the 2011 State Championship team, Team Most Valuable Player and Conference Player of the Year. He played college basketball at Baylor University, the University of Missouri and East Tennessee State University. His professional basketball career included playing for Randers Cimbria (Basketligaen League - Denmark), AL Ahly (FIBA African League Egyptian), and AS Sale (FIBA African League - Moroccan).

He lives in Houston, Texas, with his family and works as an entrepreneur in the fashion industry and a software developer in the information technology sector.

Grimm was a team leader and basketball MVP. He was named First Team All-Conference and First Team

All-District and received an all-state honorable mention.

He broke the school’s scoring record twice, once in 1979 (40 points) and again in 1980 (45 points) during his last home game. After Westchester, Grimm played tennis at Greensboro College, where he was the No. 1 player and helped his team win a team championship. In 2008, he was inducted into the Greensboro College Hall of Fame.

Following a career in the financial planning business, he is currently semi-retired and living in Todd, NC. Robert East was a standout player from the school’s earliest teams. His basketball highlights include leading Westchester to a 1972 victory over Forsyth Country Day School with 22 points. In 1973, the Boys Varsity Basketball team closed its regular season with a 12-0 conference record. In 1974, East received the Wildcat Award for his good sportsmanship and team leadership. After Westchester, East attended Catawba College, then worked in the automotive supply industry as an operations manager. He died in an accident in October 2000. His mother, Jan East Glover of High Point, accepted the award on his behalf.

S AV E T H E D AT E : M AY 1 0 - 1 1 , 2024

Alumni

W E EK E N D

!

Let's Celebrate 24 | WILDCAT PAWS

Class of 1974

Jack Merritt '21, Henry Scott '22, Maggie Berry '22 and Lily Wilson '22, all students at North Carolina State University, enjoyed cafeteria lunch favorites with other recent graduates before returning to college.

Golden Reunion

A

lumni Carl Samet and David Bernstein from the class of 1973 returned to the Westchester campus to celebrate their 50th reunion during the school's Alumni Weekend celebrations in May. "Returning to Westchester after 50 years was an incredibly sentimental experience," said Samet. "The campus has transformed, yet the essence and spirit that made it feel like home all those years ago are still very much alive."

Part of a small class of six graduates, Samet and Bernstein were hosted for a breakfast reception by 1972 graduates Kim Setliff, Morris Miller and Jimmy Johnson. Most of their time was spent catching up with one another and sharing memories of classmates, teachers and athletic games. They also toured the campus and volunteered as guest readers in Lower School classrooms.

"The minute I set foot on campus, it felt like I had never left," said Bernstein, who made his first visit to the school since he graduated. "The memories came rushing back, and I was instantly transported to a time when we were young, filled with dreams, and supported by a tight-knit community."

Left: Rachel Musser '21, Jamie Atkinson '21, Mikey Schwartz '21 and Sophia Singer '22 volunteer at an Odyssey of the Mind tournament. Right: Laura Folk '16, a dental student at ECU School of Dental Medicine, was the graduation luncheon speaker.

Alumni, family and friends representing several decades of Wildcats came together at Plank Street Tavern in High Point for a Thanksgiving Eve gathering.

Top: Graduates from the classes of 1972 and 1973 share memories during a breakfast reception. Left: Carl Samet '73 and David Bernstein '73 stand in front of the Wilson Center, which replaced the Cats' Den in 2020. Right: Bernstein reads a book to a kindergarten class.

Claire Councill '13, left, and Anna Hustralid Jarrell '01 shared about their careers as guest speakers during Upper School community meetings.

WESTCHESTERCDS.ORG | 25

WCDS Gives

Students decorated hanging hearts for Cancer GPS patients during a C.A.R.E.S. Crews service project supported by WAPA volunteers.

Wildcats have a lot to share with Westchester and the community

E

very year, Westchester involves all grades in service to others through the C.A.R.E.S. Crews program, which gets students working together with their classmates and buddies from another grade on a handson project. C.A.R.E.S. stands for compassion, awareness, responsibility, empathy and service.

For one project, students donated thousands of pairs of new socks, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, gloves and other personal items, which they assembled into care packages distributed to men, women and children experiencing homelessness. In total, 487 care packages were prepared during the school-wide service activity.

Buddies Austin WIlliams and Beecher Heald select items to add to a care package.

WAPA volunteers Jamie Lynn Cumby and Tara Elliott deliver coffee treats to faculty and staff for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Parent Volunteers Recognized Parents Kelli McDowell and Elizabeth Caddy received recognition at the end-of-year award ceremonies for their involvement in the arts.

McDowell was thanked for her service as Friends of the Fine Arts president, and Caddy received the Margaret Kemper Bonney Volunteer Award for being an active volunteer and lending her talents to creating costumes for the theatre productions.

26 | WILDCAT PAWS

Students also collected canned goods for the United Way's annual CANpaign food drive, and they donated loose change for the school's Change for Change initiative. These projects and more help students learn that when everyone gives even just a little, they can make a big difference.

2023 IMPACT REPORT

What You

LOVE

about Westchester The numbers only tell part of the story about the impact of your giving.

The rest of the story is on display in the photos and narratives of school life, as well as in every hallway, classroom, studio, stage, court and field throughout the Westchester campus. Further still, take a look across the country at college campuses, businesses and organizations where WCDS alumni are serving and leading. Join us in celebrating the way your financial support leads to lifelong learning and the pursuit of excellence.

100%

2022-2023 Giving Snapshot* Annual Fund Unrestricted ($145,392)

Annual Fund Restricted ($50,898)

Chuck's Fund ($172,581)

*Gifts to Westchester Forward will be published in a separate document at its conclusion.

Westchester is proud that the Annual Fund receives 100% participation support from the faculty, staff and Board of Trustees.

WESTCHESTERCDS.ORG | 27

IMPACT REPORT 2023

Westchester Country Day School Annual Fund Donors Mens Sana in Corpore Sano Society $50,000+ Anonymous Leadership Society $25,000 – $49,999 The McMichael Family Foundation Mr. and Mrs. Paul H. Brigman III Mr. and Mrs. William C. Heard III Head of School Society $10,000 - $24,999 Mr. and Mrs. William C. Lowe Jr. 1967 Founders’ Society $5,000 – $9,999 Mrs. Cres Wilson Calabrese '85 and Mr. James M. Calabrese Mr. James H. Collins '90 and Mrs. Alison Collins Mr. Jason Nikouyeh '99 and Mrs. Rebecca Nikouyeh Wildcat Society $2,500 – $4,999 Mrs. Lauren Rice Heald '02 and Mr. Matthew Heald Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan J. McDowell Mr. Matt H. Nowell Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Michael E. O'Keeffe Mr. Scott N. Philbrook and Mrs. Emily L. Spivey Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy F. Williams Trustees’ Society $1,000 – $2,499 Anonymous Mr. and Mrs. Michael Beaver Mr. Joe M. Brinson III '94 and Mrs. Claire Brinson Mr. and Mrs. Joe Mills Brinson Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey A. Carr Ms. Amanda Covington Mr. and Mrs. Marc Engle Mr. Justin S. Finch '06 and Mrs. Allison Finch Mr. Chad Habeeb '02 Mrs. Kathryn Congdon Harrell '04 and Mr. Christopher M. Harrell Mr. and Mrs. Brian Hunsberger Mr. and Mrs. Dillon Kiger Mr. and Mrs. Ernest T. Koontz Drs. Tri and Kristy Le Drs. Vamsee and Priya Paruchuri Dr. and Mrs. Sam Shaker Mr. and Mrs. Casper H. Timberlake Jr.

28 | WILDCAT PAWS

Mr. and Mrs. Stuart A. Todd Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Van Dessel Mr. Braxton Wall '03 and Mrs. Katherine Wall Blue and White Club $500 – $999 Mr. and Mrs. Cobb Atkinson Mr. Jeremy Autry B & H Heating and Air Conditioning Mr. Shelton Beck and Mrs. Shannon Todd Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Blair Mr. and Mrs. Dan Briggs Mr. Edward Caddy Ms. Bright Carter Mr. and Mrs. David Cecil Mr. Wayne Coleman Colonial Pipeline Company Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Covington Mr. Tom Craycroft Drs. Daniel and Regina Eberli Mr. Robert L. Hutchens II '76 and Mrs. Shelley M. Hutchens Mrs. Monte Ingold Mr. and Mrs. Shannon Kendrick Mrs. Elizabeth Padgett Kremer '97 and Mr. Paul Kremer Dr. Barbara Leonard and Mr. Charles Hobart Leonard Mr. and Mrs. Scott Martin Mr. and Mrs. Brian Meixner Drs. Michael and Brooke Mueller Mr. and Mrs. Jason Nall Ms. Marilyn Congdon Nowell '01 Ms. Debby Noyes Piedmont Chemical Industries LLC Mr. and Mrs. David Rowe Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Ruggery Jr. Mrs. Deena Qubein Samuel '01 and Dr. Bradley A. Samuel Mr. and Mrs. James D. Scott Mr. and Mrs. Erik M. Singer Mr. and Mrs. Mark Smith Mr. and Mrs. Mark S. Smith Mrs. Judy Stout Mr. Bryan Tucker Mr. and Mrs. Royster M. Tucker III Mr. and Mrs. Alan Turner Mr. and Mrs. Nihar Upadhyaya Mr. and Mrs. James B. Varner Dr. and Mrs. Thomas R. Walsh Dr. Jim Walter Westchester Club $250 – $499 Mr. and Mrs Keith Albert American Online Giving Mr. and Mrs. Craig Argo Mr. David Bernstein

Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Christiansen Mrs. Kristin Sams Crowe '01 and Mr. John W. Crowe Mr. and Mrs. Gene Denmark Drs. Dekarlos and Tasha Dial Ms. Lynn Dodge Mrs. Mary Beth Farris Mr. David M. Guffey '98 and Mrs. Dawn C. Guffey Mr. and Mrs. Lee C. Hawley Mr. and Mrs. Steve Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Craig Ingold Mr. and Mrs. Phillip T. Johnson Mr. and Mrs. Wesley R. Keever Ms. Brooke Kirby Mr. and Mrs. Johannes Klein Miss Nancy Martin Ms. Deane McDowell Mr. and Mrs. Colin D. Merritt Mr. and Mrs. Greg Moye Ms. Charlotte Newman Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Nixon Mr. and Mrs. James C. Reid Ms. Debb Saie Mr. and Mrs. Adam J. Schwartz Mrs. Elizabeth Wood Sheffield '86 and Mr. Charles B. Sheffield Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Roger Thompson Mrs. Ashley Phelps Timberlake '90 and Mr. Daniel R. Timberlake The Honorable Newell Clark Mr. and Mrs. Paul Williams Mr. and Mrs. Travis S. Wilson Ms. Gloria Wilson Family Club Up to $249 Mr. and Mrs. Jim Adams Mr. and Mrs. John Albert Mr. and Mrs. Matthew F. Altamura Mr. and Mrs. Joe Andrews Mr. and Mrs. Terry Andrews Mr. and Mrs. Allen W. Andrews Mr. and Mrs. Jon Ashley Mr. and Mrs. Lars Astrom Mr. and Mrs. Lee S. Averett III Mrs. Wilma Bailess Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin C. Bailess Mrs. Lisa Ball Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Bayne Dr. and Mrs. J. Michael Beck Mr. Fletcher Bingham '05 Mr. and Mrs. William Blanchard Mr. and Mrs. Larry Bowman Mr. and Mrs. John Boxman Dr. Mark Braun and Mrs. Lisa Meyer-Braun Mr. and Mrs. David Breece Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth R. Brinkman Jr.

IMPACT REPORT 2023 Ms. Francine Byrd Mrs. Cristina Qubein Buckfelder '04 and Mr. Stephen C. Buckfelder Mr. Joseph Burris Mr. and Mrs. Richard Caddy Mr. and Mrs. Michael Caputa Mr. and Mrs. Jason Carey Ms. Lindsey Carroll Mr. and Mrs. David Carter Mrs. Linda Chafin Mr. and Mrs. Jack Chandler Mr. and Mrs. Robert Chapman Mrs. Geralyn Cheverie Mr. Dwon Clifton '00 and Mrs. Lucinda Clifton Miss Christiana Conrad '09 Mr. and Mrs. Greg Conrad Mr. and Mrs. David Covington Mr. and Mrs. Tommy Cranford Mr. and Mrs. Marsena Davis Mr. Andy DiMattia Mrs. Beverly Dinkins Mr. and Mrs. Bob Dowling Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Driver Ms. Becca Dunn Mrs. Joyce Conner Eary Mrs. Ann Easter Mr. and Mrs. JJ Eftink Mr. and Mrs. Austin Elliott Mr. Kirk Epting Mr. and Mrs. Gart Evans Mr. and Mrs. William S. Fagg Mrs. Suzie Farabow Dr. and Mrs. Thomas G. Folk Ms. Daphne Foster '14 Ms. Alex Frye Mr. and Mrs. David Fulton Ms. Diana Garcia Mr. and Mrs. Phil George Mr. Efrain Gerardo and Mrs. Atalia Cardenas Mr. and Mrs. David Gibbs Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Gill Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Hammond Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Harris Mrs. Emily Haught Mr. and Mrs. Dan Hauser Mrs. Susan Heard Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Herman Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Heybrock Ms. Kelly Hobbs Mr. and Mrs. Luke Hobbs Mrs. Laurie Beck Hogan '02 and Mr. Andrew Hogan Ms. Yawei Huang Mr. and Mrs. John Hughes Ms. Rhonda Hunt Miss Mary L. Huntley Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Jennings Mr. and Mrs. Dylon Jennings Mr. and Mrs. David Johnstone Ms. Elizabeth Schlaeppi Johrendt '01 Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Jones Mr. Ray Jones

Mrs. Fred Jones Mrs. Gayle Kearns Mr. and Mrs. James R. Keever Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Ledford Mr. and Mrs. Ricky Lee Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Linn Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Lloyd Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ludwig Mr. and Mrs. Xi Luo Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Lynch Mrs. Mary Lyon Mr. and Mrs. Corey Mackall Mr. and Mrs. Michael K. Marsh Mrs. Jan Martiniuk Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth W. McAllister Ms. Ellen McEnaney Mr. and Mrs. David Mercadante Dr. Michele Jedlica and Mr. Ken Mickey Mr. and Mrs. Chris Moore Mr. Frank Morelli Mr. Martin Noah Mr. and Mrs. Matt Nowell Mr. and Mrs. Amy Oldham Mr. and Mrs. Brook Patterson Mr. Eddie Pearson '89 Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Pendley Mrs. Vivian Penry Mr. and Mrs. Derek Perkins Mr. and Mrs. Don Phelps Mrs. Maureen Pinson Mr. Dickie Price Mr. and Mrs. Ben Prifti Mr. and Mrs. John Ratterree Ms. Emma Ruggery Mr. and Mrs. W. Fred Sams Mr. and Mrs. Nick Santomieri Mrs. Ann Scott Ms. Marla Seelig Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Seip-Bayes Mr. Charles B. Sheffield III '16 Ms. Lilly Sheffield '19 Mr. Paul Siceloff Dr. and Mrs. Lyle Smith Mr. and Mrs. Sterling Smith Mr. and Mrs. Clif Smith Mr. and Mrs Stanley L. Spangle Mr. and Mrs. Steve A. Spillers Ms. Susan Stack Mr. and Mrs. Jason Staton Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Stephenson Mr. and Mrs. Dwight Story Mr. and Mrs. Scott Sullens Ms. Susan Sumpter Mr. Mike Sumpter and Mrs. Sarah Craven Mr. and Mrs. David G. Swaim Mr. Brad Swillen Mr. Jim Tennant Mr. and Mrs. Pete Thompson Mr. and Mrs. Arnold J. Tomes Mr. and Mrs. Greg T. Tuggle Miss Ella Timberlake '22 Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Tyson Mr. and Mrs. Lucas J. Vermeer

Mr. Eduard Volynets and Mrs. Irina Maltseva Mr. Jason D. Walker '02 Mr. and Mrs. Bryan Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Eric Welder Mr. and Mrs. Phillip M. Winstead Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Marc Winstead Ms. Darlene Wyatt Mrs. Kathryn Yarbrough Mr. and Mrs. Randall Yates

Special Gifts Chuck’s Fund Mr. and Mrs. Craig A. Adolff Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Altamura Mr. and Mrs. Allen Anderws Mr. and Mrs. Craig Argo Mr. and Mrs. Cobb Atkinson Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Bailess Mr. and Mrs. Michael Beaver Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Blair Mr. and Mrs. Dan Briggs Mr. and Mrs. Paul H. Brigman III Mr. and Mrs. Joe Mills Brinson Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Christiansen Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Clinard Dr. Christine Clodfelter Mr. and Mrs. Brent Cockrum Mr. James H. Collins '90 and Mrs. Alison Collins Mr. David S. Congdon '74 and Mrs. Helen Congdon Mr. and Mrs. Greg Conrad Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Covington Mrs. Kristin Sams Crowe '01 and Mr. John W. Crowe Mrs. Karen Davis Mr. Will Davis '12 and Mrs. Lauren Davis Drs. Dekarlos and Tasha Dial Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Donley Mr. and Mrs. Josh English Mr. and Mrs. William S. Fagg Mr. and Mrs. Tyler Forrest Mr. and Mrs. Marshall Gaster Mr. and Mrs. Michael Goldman Mrs. Carol Hamblet Mrs. Kathryn Congdon Harrell '04 and Mr. Chris Harrell Mr. and Mrs. Lee Hawley Mrs. Lauren Rice Heald '02 and Mr. Matthew Heald Mr. and Mrs. Shane Hoffman Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Holdson Ms. Kali Hollingsworth Mr. and Mrs. Brian P. Hunsberger Mr. and Mrs. Craig Ingold Ms. Elizabeth Schlaeppi Johrendt '01 Mrs. Molly Harris Keenan '11 and Mr. Matthew Keenan Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Keever Mr. and Mrs. Shannon K. Kendrick

WESTCHESTERCDS.ORG | 29

IMPACT REPORT 2023 Mr. and Mrs. Johannes W. Klein Mr. Amit Kohhar Mr. and Mrs. Ryan P. Lavelle Drs. Tri and Kristy Le Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Ledford Mr. and Mrs. J.R. Lloyd Mr. and Mrs. William L. Lowe Jr. Mrs. Emily Burris McCrary '04 and Mr. Troy McCrary Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan J. McDowell Mr. and Mrs. Colin D Merritt Dr. Michele Jedlica and Mr. Ken Mickey Mr. and Mrs. Robert Moosman Drs. Michael and Brooke Mueller Mr. and Mrs. Douglas R. Muir Mrs. Robyn Terrell Naron '11 and Mr. Sidney Naron The Honorable Clark Newell Ms. Charlotte Newman Drs. Trey and Jennifer Newsome Mr. and Mrs. Tjai Nielsen Ms. Debby Noyes Dr. and Mrs. Michael E. O'Keeffe Mr. and Mrs. Brook Patterson Mr. and Mrs. Mark A. Penley Mr. Scott Philbrook and Mrs. Emily Spivey Mr. and Mrs. Jason Pittman Mr. and Mrs. W. David Privette Mr. and Mrs. Ruben Qualls Ms. Lily Ragan '09 Ms. Mary Ragan '11 Ms. Molly Ragan '11 Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Raper Mr. and Mrs. Paul R. Riggan Mr. and Mrs. David S. Rowe Mr. Alex Runyan and Mrs. Brandi Crumley Mr. and Mrs. William A. Russell Mr. and Mrs. W. Fred Sams Mr. and Mrs. Adam J. Schwartz Mr. and Mrs. James D. Scott Mr. and Mrs. Ryan Seip-Bayes Mrs. Elizabeth Wood Sheffield '86 and Mr. Charles B. Sheffield Jr.

Mr. and Mrs. Erik M. Singer Mr. and Mrs. Mark Smith Mr. Logan Smith and Ms. Katlyn Haney Mr. and Mrs. David Smith Mr. and Mrs. Matthew L. Soule Mr. Mark Stanback and Mrs. Michelle Elliott-Stanback Mr. and Mrs. Scott Sullens Mr. Steven Taylor and Dr. Gretchen Velazquez Mr. and Mrs. Paul Thomas Mrs. Ashley Phelps Timberlake '90 and Mr. Daniel Timberlake Mr. and Mrs. Melvin G. Todd Mr. and Mrs. Royster M. Tucker III Mr. and Mrs. Alan Turner Mr. and Mrs. Thomas J. Van Dessel Mr. and Mrs. James B. Varner Sr. Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy F. Williams Mr. and Mrs. Heath Williamson Ms. Gloria Wilson Mr. Gregory V. York '81 and Mrs. Caren C. York Mr. and Mrs. Allen S. Young Mr. and Mrs. Seth M. Yowell Auction 2022 Sponsors Presenting Bill & Suzanne Lowe Family Foundation Gold Beau ’13 and Ginny ’17 Mr. David S. Congdon ’74 and Mrs. Helen Congdon Friends of Westchester Silver B & H Heating and Air Conditioning Breece Enterprises Garret, Walker, Aycoth & Altamura LLP Harriss and Covington Hosiery Mills High Point Jewelers & Fine Gifts Pinnacle Financial Partners

Memorial Gifts Mr. and Mrs. Jack Chandler in memory of Gloria Wilson Ms. Geralyn Cheverie in memory of Thomas E. Cheverie Mr. Wayne Coleman in memory of Gloria Wilson Mr. and Mrs. David Covington in memory of Gloria Wilson Ms. Becca Dunn in memory of Gloria Wilson Mrs. Suzie Farabow in memory of Gloria Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Phil George in memory of Gloria Wilson Mrs. Emily Haught in memory of Andrea Meredith Ms. Rhonda Hunt in memory of Gloria Wilson Miss Mary L. Huntley in memory of Gloria Wilson Dr. Michele Jedlica and Mr. Ken Mickey in memory of Sarah & Samual Mickey Jones & Peacock Insurance in memory of Gloria Wilson Mrs. Gayle Kearns in memory of Gloria Wilson Mr. and Mrs. James R. Keever Sr. in memory of Gloria Wilson Ms. Brooke Kirby in memory of Gloria Wilson

30 | WILDCAT PAWS

Bronze Davis Furniture Madison Goldman-Rogers ’09, Daniel Goldman ’12 & Chase Portaro ’20 Homelegance Hot Shots Distributing Inc. US Foods Vann York Auto Group Wildcat Patron G.W. Smith Lumber MMC2 Mr. and Mrs. Royster M. Tucker III Southern First Bank Angela Tomes Selling Homes W-Day 5K 2023 Sponsors Presenting Blue Rock Pizza and Tap Gold B & H Heating and Air Conditioning Davis Furniture Silver Ketterer, Inc. Poettker USA Colonial LLC The Ragan Girls Other Sponsors Ultra-Mek, Inc. Bill & Suzanne Lowe Family Foundation Hot Shots Distributing Inc. Carolina Red Cafe Sir Speedy Printing Westchester Booster Club Westchester All Parents Association (WAPA) US Foods Pizza Vino

Mrs. Elizabeth Padgett Kremer '97 and Mr. Paul Kremer in memory of Everett Benton Padgett Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Michael D. Ledford in memory of Gloria Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth W. McAllister in memory of Gloria Wilson Ms. Vivian Penry in memory of Gloria Wilson Mr. Scott Philbrook and Mrs. Emily Spivey in memory of Nancy Spivey Ms. Lillian G. Ragan '09 in memory of Hobey Ragan Mrs. Elizabeth Wood Sheffield '86 and Mr. Charles B. Sheffield Jr. in memory of Gloria Wilson Dr. and Mrs. Lyle Smith in memory of Gloria Wilson Mr. and Mrs. Steve Spillers in memory of Gloria Wilson Ms. Judy Stout in memory of Gloria Wilson Mr. Brad Swillen in memory of Gloria Wilson Mr. Jim Tennant in memory of Kitsy Tennant Mr. and Mrs. Royster M. Tucker III in memory of Gloria Wilson Ms. Gloria Wilson in memory of Bill Collins Ms. Gloria Wilson in memory of Ginny Hutchins Honeycutt

SCRAPBOOK 1. Students try their hand at Chinese calligraphy during the Mandarin department's Lunar New Year Celebration.

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2. The student section at Kennedy Field cheers the soccer team on during BlueWhite Day.

3. Montgomery Ann Cumby, class of 2033, and her grandmother enjoy Grandparents and Special Friends Day together.

4. The Upper School Odyssey of the Mind team traveled to Michigan State University for the World Finals, where they finished 13th.

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4 5. Jonah Keshguerian '22 and Olivia Beaver '22 crowned 2023 Homecoming honorees Cleveland Armentrout, Caroline Griffith, Dru Lassiter and Cruz Hesling, who were selected by their classmates as exemplary representatives for moral, academic, artisitic and athletic excellence.

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6. The Global Studies class learned about Holi and held its own festival of colors.

WESTCHESTERCDS.ORG | 31

Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID High Point, NC Permit No. 147

2045 N. Old Greensboro Road High Point, NC 27265 www.westchestercds.org

Wildcat Trail

Is Calling and I Must Go! You're invited to join us for the following special events: Homecoming January 5, 2024 Grandparents and Special Friends Day March 22, 2024 ArtsFest April 25, 2024 Alumni Weekend May 10-11, 2024 W-Day 5K May 11, 2024 Graduation June 1, 2024 32 | WILDCAT PAWS