reunion profiles
Read more about Reunion online at www.wheelerschool.org/alumni
Emily Stone Cocroft ‘34 — Spirit Color: Gold I loved the Pageants out at the Farm, and the intricate costumes that were made for them. I enjoyed art with Miss Emerson, as I had more of a flair for art than athletics. I took that love of art with me when I left Wheeler and have made it a part, albeit small, of my life today. I really got to know Wheeler when my daughter Mary Cocroft Brown ’73 attended Wheeler. She too enjoyed the arts and went on to RISD. While my daughter was at Wheeler, I was President of the Alumni Association, and was its representative on the Board of Trustees. One of my favorite moments was handing Mary her Wheeler diploma. A wonderful honor. (Continued on page 43)
Nancy Haley Lyle ‘44 (“Hale”) — Spirit Color: Gold My favorite memories of Wheeler are my friends. A group of us started in the lower school and remained lifelong friends. Unfortunately, too many are no longer with us. I loved Field Day and on May 1st the May Breakfast and the May Pole, a wonderful way to start spring. Many teachers I do remember, especially Miss Pritchard in the lower school who greeted us each morning as we “curtsied” and said “good morning”. I am looking forward to our reunion and many returning from our class and also many others, always fun to catch up. Do try and come back and see the many changes. Wheeler is still a school we can be proud of. (Continued on page 43)
Caroline Van Santvoord Shipman ‘44 — Spirit Color: Purple Favorite memories: Field trips – Roller skating indoors, May 1st festival (May Pole); As seniors, singing Christmas carols in the halls in Hope Building. Path since Wheeler included: Received BA degree at University of Kentucky ‘48; Raised two children; Worked part time in a couple stores (gift & jewelry) when the children were juniors and seniors in high school; Moved to Schenectady NY – worked in a bank. Later we moved to Cleveland OH with G.E. Rented for a while then bought a home and have been here ever since. Both my husband and I are retired and enjoying life.
Louisa “Weeza” Tripp Knowles ‘49 — Spirit Color: Gold My favorite day as a Wheeler student was May Day, when we danced around the May Pole and ate strawberries and cream. Wheeler was such fun—all of it. I most enjoyed the sports that I was involved with; Hockey, Tennis, Basketball and Baseball. My favorite was playing left full back in hockey—today, my granddaughter plays the very same position. I adored the singing that we did every day at Wheeler assembly and that we learned the history of music and the old theatrical songs from Mr. Tinker. I continued to sing after Wheeler. I attended Garland School of Art after Wheeler. Travelled and lived everywhere: California, Connecticut, Omaha, South Carolina, England, Maryland, Hawaii and New Hampshire to name a few. What I treasure most are the true friends that I made at Wheeler, who I remain in touch with today. I keep happy and busy with my full family life. I hope all my classmates are well!
Natalie Flather Humphrey ‘54 — Spirit Color: Go Purple!
I have so many favorite memories, but morning assembly was a wonderful way to begin each day. We all participated and it was a very meaningful time. I also loved playing sports at Wheeler and took advantage of tennis, basketball, hockey and soccer. Looking forward to Reunion and seeing where the school is today and hearing all the exciting news from Wheeler and seeing all my classmates! I have been so blessed in my 72 years with an outstanding husband, great family, friends and community involvement. I still volunteer at the hospital, gallery, nature center and serve as a Stephen leader at our church. Mary C. Wheeler School prepared me well for my working years at our company and my community years. I have nothing but fond memories of my many years at the Wheeler School. Now & Then @ Wheeler