YEAR IN REVIEW 20222021
STEWARDSCHOOL.ORG SOCIAL MEDIA youtube.com/thestewardschoolrvainstagram.com/thestewardschoolfacebook.com/thestewardschool View past issues of The Colonnade, Crossroads, and Year in Review at issuu.com/thestewardschool
Year in Review | 3 4 Steward News 20 Upper School Recognition 22 Middle School Recognition 24 Lower School Recognition 26 Steward Arts 32 Steward Athletics 38 Faculty and Staff Recognition 42 Alumni 50 Volunteer Appreciation 54 Snapshots CONTENTSSECTIONS A Letter From the Head of School Dan Frank on the joy of community Steward50 and Compass 2022 Collaboration makes for a bright future A Culture of Generosity Spartan pride enriches the Steward experience Class of 2022 Shining a spotlight on some of our superlative seniors 12754 MISSION | Prepare our students for college and for life in a community defined by robust academics, inspiration, engagement, and care
STEWARD ADMINISTRATIONNEWS
DAN FRANK, HEAD OF SCHOOL
The of Community
Lisa Dwelle, Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations Adam Seldis, Director of Upper School Susan Atkinson, Director of Middle School
PUBLICATION
Aaron Earley-Ledesma, Kelly Frankenburg, Wendell Powell Photography, Trip Wells, Sarah Ferguson, Stewart Bearden '26, Ada Long '25, Kamran Mohanty '26, Sabina Mohanty '23, Meghan Rotter '23, Charlie Ventura '23, Hank Wang '23, Chase Wingfield '23, Lily Wood '22, Gabe Zepeda '28, Rafi Zepeda '26, Contributing Photographers
Ingrid Moore, Director of Lower School STAFF
Lisa Dwelle, Contributing Editor Kate Carpenter, Designer Carley Hamilton, Contributing Designer Aaron Earley-Ledesma, Photo Editor
Kathryn DiPasqua, Sydney Smith, Rachel Williard, Editors
Dear Steward Community, Looking back at the 2021-22 school year by the numbers… It was our 49th year as a school; we are excited to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2022-23. We wrapped up the Steward50 capital campaign, during which more than 750 donors gave more than $11 million, which will forever positively impact the school’s future. More than 50 volunteers supported the Wecampaign.welcomed our largest-ever number of students, a purposefully sized school of about 700 bright young minds and spirits. We navigated the COVID-19 pandemic for a third year, an experience that has both challenged and brought us together as a community. We made significant progress with our Compass 2022 strategic plan, including activating three major new initiatives: The Center for Engagement, Restorative Practices, and the Leadership Program, and continuing our work with important programs like the Entrepreneurship Program, Visiting Innovators, service learning, and more. Of course, not everything can be quantified. As Spartans, we engage with both our heads and our hearts. When I think about the school year that has closed, I think first about the gift of in-person school and in-person events. One person by one person by one person; student, teacher, coach, family, coming together to make us whole and better. There is joy to be found as you flip through this magazine, remembering the experiences that made up our year together. Thank you for being a part of our story.
Joy
Kathryn DiPasqua, Aaron Earley-Ledesma, Jenni Booker Baker, Dan Frank, Sydney Smith, Rachel Williard, Contributing Writers
Dan Frank, Head of School
The Steward School admits students without regard to race, religion, color, ethnic or national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status, military status, pregnancy, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of these protected characteristics in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other schooladministered programs.
B&B Printing
– JAY POLING, former chair of the Board of Trustees and alumni parent From our Whenleaders:westarted planning the capital campaign, which we named Steward50 in honor of the school’s 50th anniversary, we wanted to make sure the focus went beyond improvements to the facilities. We also wanted to grow our endowment to ensure that future generations could enjoy the Steward experience.”
STEWARD NEWS Year in Review | 5
– JEFFREY SPROULL ’26 In our students’ words: BECAUSE OF YOUR GIFT... We’ve had more opportunities for real-world learning.”
I have come to understand that building a healthy community takes work and is worth it.”
I was able to come to school and be with my friends during the pandemic.”
To see the community come together with energy and emotion around our mission was one of the most powerful moments I’ve had at Steward. For all those who helped, thank you so much.”
– HENRY BEARDEN ’24
Celebrating the Success of Steward50 and Compass 2022
Five years ago, the Steward community embarked on a new strategic plan and a capital campaign. Now, we celebrate the success of both. Compass 2022, our strategic plan, and Steward50, our capital campaign, are foundational to the spirit of our community today and in the future. The campaign closed in June with more than $11 million raised by more than 50 volunteers through the generosity of 750 donors. The school will embark on a new strategic planning process in the fall of 2022 while continuing to activate Compass 2022. In a video shared in May, students, teachers, staff, volunteers, alumni, and leaders celebrated the real and essential ways that Steward50 and Compass 2022 have impacted life on campus. Here, we are sharing some meaningful quotes from the video. Thank you to all who have given their time, treasure, and talent to Steward50 and Compass 2022; this has been a true community collaboration.
– KATHERINE ROMERO ’23 I’ve been learning more about nature, in nature.”
– FAISAL QURESHI ’92, Steward50 co-chair
– JORDYN ADKINS ’25 I understand that my voice, and all of our voices, matter.” – ADA LONG ’25 Scan this QR code to watch the video.
– BROOKS HEIDLER ’35 I’ve learned how to be an effective leader now and for the world ahead in Steward’s Leadership program.”
Sparty Hats and Confetti: Celebrating 50 Years of Steward
6 | Year in Review
October 14-16: Homecoming Weekend with Trucks and Shucks, SpartaFest, Class Reunions, Alumni Brunch, Alumni Art Show, and Archive Display
April 27: Spring Social MARK
CALENDARYOUR
September 9: Fall Social with Time Capsule Celebration
Alumni Nights at theatre performances and athletic competitions throughout the year - stay tuned for dates! are collecting one-minute video remembrances from Spartans of all ages. We’ll share them on a special page of our website and on social media throughout the year. If you’d like to participate (and we hope you will!), email marketing@stewardschool.org for more information. at the Photo Archive
October 26: Spartan Golf Classic
We
Upcoming
The Steward School will celebrate our 50th anniversary this school year. We hope you will join us for a year of festive celebrations and blue-and-gold remembrances. Whether you’re new to Steward this year or remember the school’s earliest days, this anniversary is one for all of us to enjoy! We’ll not only enjoy special 50th celebrations at our school events, but we are also excited to welcome back some community favorites that we enjoyed before the pandemic.
STORY.SHAREYOUR A Sneak Peek
January 26: Fine Arts Hall of Fame
March 18: 50th Anniversary Gala and Auction
Energage, which conducts workplace surveys, invited 1,141 companies in the Richmond region to participate in the program this year, and the firm surveyed 118 of those businesses or organizations.
Steward Named Among Richmond ,s Top Workplaces
Look for more details about philanthropy at Steward in our new annual report, coming out this fall.
We often speak about building a culture of philanthropy at Steward, and this year we made that phrase even more meaningful with an updated sentiment: building a culture of generosity While philanthropy can be defined in many ways, it is our vibrant culture of generosity that continues to sustain our ability to offer excellence inside and outside the classroom. Even more so, this generosity clearly demonstrates who we are and what we believe in as a community: We believe in individuality, doing what is right, and giving of oneself. We believe in community, we believe in helping every student attain their personal best, and we believe in honoring our story past, present, and future.
Your continued generosity signifies a powerful vote of confidence in our school and community and makes it possible for us to fulfill our mission. Thank you, Steward community!
We look forward to what next year has in store for all of us as we prepare to officially celebrate Steward’s 50th anniversary. Be on the lookout in the fall for more detailed information about philanthropy at Steward in a special Annual Report publication. In the meantime, if you would like to learn more about Steward’s giving programs and make a gift, please visit stewardschool.org/give.
• Surpassing our Annual Fund goal of $285,000 • Closing out the five-year Steward50 capital campaign and raising $11M for endowment, capital improvements, and the Annual Fund
• Hosting gatherings focused on stewardship and gratitude with major donors, long-term donors, parents, grandparents, alumni, faculty/staff, friends and, of course, our students
The generosity from the Steward community this year reached pre-pandemic heights, demonstrating that we were once again on the right path, bringing people back together and providing opportunities to support the school through time, talent, and treasure. The highlights of our year included:
In March, the Richmond Times-Dispatch named Steward one of the area’s best places to work for the seventh consecutive year. In a letter to the Steward community, Head of School Dan Frank wrote, “While the Times-Dispatch may be the publisher of the list, the accomplishment belongs to every person reading this e-mail: parent, student, grandparent, volunteer, faculty, or staff.
Together, we have created a community in which our faculty and staff can find fulfilling purpose, opportunities to grow, and caring relationships.”
Year in Review | 7
• Working alongside amazing and dedicated volunteer groups, including the Parents Association, The Spartan Club, ArtLink, the Spirit Committee, and the Alumni Association, who gave back to the school in so many ways
A Culture of Generosity
The Impact Scholars program provides $10,000 merit scholarships for tuition in Upper School to two outstanding current eighth-grade students. Scholars are chosen based on character and leadership, as well as community service, academic excellence, and extracurriculars, and automatically are offered spots in Steward’s Leadership program.
“I look forward to finding my path at Steward academically and artistically,” said Natalia. “And I want to honor Debbie Robson’s legacy by spreading joy and kindness around the Steward community.”
Remarkable Students, Future Leaders
RAFI ZEPEDA “When I found out the news [about being named an Impact Scholar], it felt incredible,” said Rafi, who plays soccer for Steward, sings in the school choir, volunteers, and has performed in Steward theatre productions and for the Richmond Ballet.
STEWARD NEWS 8 | Year in Review
2022 Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship Winner Announced
BRENNAN ZIDE Described by a Steward faculty member as “an all-around dynamic young man,” Brennan is a member of the Student Council Association and often speaks to visiting students as an ambassador for Steward. A dedicated member of the varsity golf team, he makes time to participate in community-service projects such as a youth golf academy. “Leadership is important to me,” he said. “I am looking forward to making an impact on Richmond and fixing global issues as well.”
On April 2, members of the Steward community gathered to celebrate Ms. Robson’s legacy and welcome Natalia. Head of School Dan Frank spoke about the effect that Ms. Robson had on all who knew her, and Associate Director of Admissions Beth Farmer-Smith read aloud a touching letter from Kip Robson, Ms. Robson’s son. Natalia, who participated in Steward’s Latino Education Advancement Program, previously attended Saint Bridget Catholic School, where she was on the Honor Roll and served on the yearbook staff. Natalia’s interests include Irish dancing, volleyball, piano, swimming, tennis, and photography.
The Steward School community will welcome a new Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship recipient in fall 2022: Natalia Jimenez ’26. The scholarship honors Debbie Robson, beloved associate head of school for community advancement, who passed away in 2014. The scholarship provides four years of full Upper School tuition for a rising ninth-grader who is new to Steward. Recipients are chosen on the basis of academic distinction and extracurricular involvement.
The Leadership Program is a natural fit for Rafi, who was described by a Middle School teacher as “a remarkable young woman who embraces opportunity and community” and who respects different perspectives.
Steward’s 2022-23 Impact Scholars are Rafi Zepeda ’26 and Brennan Zide ’26.
“It was helpful for students to see the challenges that a small business can face,” said Ms. Freed. “When 900 bikes were suddenly delivered to Pello, the company had a new problem: how to let people know that bikes were once again available.”
At Saxon, the team of Henry Bearden ’23, Wil Berling ’23, and Gates Fox ’23 suggested that the store hold a “shoe art” contest and have area students submit shoe-related artwork for an instore gallery. Customers could then vote for their favorite piece (and receive a discount on shoes), and the artist with the most votes would win a prize. Saxon owner Gary Weiner and his team loved the idea.
FROM PITCH TO PROJECT TO INTERNSHIP
“Our group thought of questions we might be asked to ensure we were prepared during our pitch,” said Gates, who also gained an internship at Saxon as a result of her enthusiasm for the company. “My favorite aspect of the Entrepreneurship Program is the opportunity to participate in a dynamic, immersive learning environment.”
In the spring, the program welcomed Dr. Kerstin Soderlund, associate dean for student and external affairs for University of Richmond’s Jepson School of Leadership Studies program. She facilitated a workshop in which students completed a self-assessment to better understand how they approach conflict. “This helped them see that there are multiple conflict styles and analyze how their own style might affect others,” said Ms. McGehee.
The students in Steward’s Entrepreneurship Program apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations. During the 2021-22 school year, these budding entrepreneurs, led by advisor Melissa Freed, pitched their unique ideas to local businesses Saxon Shoes and Pello Bikes.
ROLLING WITH IT Entrepreneurship students learned that, at the height of the pandemic, customer demand for bikes was so high that Pello Bikes found it impossible to keep the store stocked.
The cohort also participated in a panel discussion on campus with Head of School Dan Frank and Steward’s division directors, who shared their leadership philosophies and offered advice. Sienna Rankins ’25, who joined the program last fall, has enjoyed learning about the finer points of leadership.
“I have found myself putting my new skills to use outside of the program, such as when I'm working on group projects and there is a conflict,” she noted.
Students’ pitches centered on improving Pello’s social media presence. Ms. Freed noted, “Students who participate regularly in the program can earn a special endorsement on their Steward diploma.” Steward’s Leadership Program, which launched in 2021, is thriving. This hands-on program is tailor-made for select Upper Schoolers who want to be top-notch leaders. The 18 students in the program, led by Upper School Social Studies Teacher Eliza McGehee, explore their personal leadership styles and discover the importance of ethical, empathetic leadership.
Leading the Way Pitch Perfect Young entrepreneurs put theory into practice
10 | Year in Review STEWARD NEWS
Junior Kindergartners got a bird’s-eye view into the lives of our feathered friends through role-playing, observation, and sketching.
4 Paper, colored markers, and a spray bottle filled with water helped illustrate to students in Middle School Science Teacher Claire Bailey’s class that human behavior is essential to a healthy watershed.
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Upper School Global Studies students were treated to a cooking demonstration by Chef Shola Walker that highlighted the deep connections that food has to history, culture, and family.
Upper School Science Teacher Kristen Householder brought science into focus when she taught third-graders about the wonders of using microscopes.
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Middle School students in Social Studies Teacher Susan Welk’s class made dioramas.
CLASSROOM
HAPPENINGS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
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7 At Steward’s fourth-annual Model United Nations Conference, students took on the roles of delegates and created innovative solutions to complex world problems.
Middle and Upper Schoolers created their own video game during Game Jam. They worked alongside a local game designer to create the narrative, characters, art, sound effects, and programming.
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9 Eleventh-graders in Science Teacher Laura Akesson’s Biomedical Design course built games whose themes centered on a geneediting technology known as CRISPR, which has the potential to treat or cure diseases.
At the Grade 5 Science Fair, students shared their observations, hypotheses, analyses, and conclusions.
This fall, Steward will welcome a new Dean.InnovationBryanLab
STEPPING INTO MATH
In April, The Steward School welcomed Ava Rajappa, the founder of Art Love, a non-profit that assembles donated art supplies and gives them to children in need. Middle School Science Teacher Mike Mailey, a member of Steward’s Bryan Innovation Lab team, met Ava last summer and was impressed by her enthusiasm and dedication to community service. To date, Art Love has donated more than 4,600 art kits.
GAME JAM Middle and Upper School students created their very own video game when they participated in Game Jam. Over the course of a week, game jammers used game-creation engines and worked alongside a local game designer to create narrative, characters, art, sound effects, and Atprogramming.theculmination, the Lab buzzed with excitement as gamers proudly showed off the results of their hard work.
With our 2021-22 schoolwide theme of “play,” students have had opportunities galore to create, innovate, and yes, play! Two April play-centric events, facilitated by Bryan Innovation Lab Program Coordinator Megan Young, showcased Steward’s commitment to exploring new ways of learning.
STEWARD NEWS Year in Review | 11
“It was so cool to see students with similar interests collaborate and share ideas and resources,” said Ms. Young. “They brought such a breadth of knowledge and skills specific to the gaming world.”
Ava talked to Lower School students about the inspiration behind Art Love; spoke to Middle Schoolers about her experience of founding a non-profit; and met with Upper Schoolers who are members of Steward's Leadership and Entrepreneurship programs. Inspired by Ava’s visit, Mr. Mailey, along with Bryan Innovation Lab Program Coordinator Megan Young, worked with Lower School students to ideate and prototype kits in the spirit of Art Love. Putting the Heart in Art
KovachBrad , leadpreviouslywhohelpedtheMcCainRavenel Center at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Va., will bring creativity, energy, and expertise to Steward. At Episcopal, Mr. Kovach created experiential and service-learning opportunities for students as well as programmatic connections within the community. At Steward, he’ll do similar work, this time on the JK-Grade 12 level. He’ll work closely with Megan Young, Bryan Innovation Lab program coordinator, and the Bryan Innovation Lab divisional “Myliaisons.background is in teaching science,” he said, “and a lot of people think of the Bryan Innovation Lab as a science place. That’s true, but it’s so much more than that. We’ll find ways to connect through the arts, literature, history, and more. My goal is to support the faculty in bringing learning to life in hands-on ways. The Bryan Innovation Lab is for inspiring students, teachers, and the Richmond community.”
New Dean of the InnovationBryanLab
Game On: Discovery and Imagination, Steward Style
Visiting Innovator Greg Trefry is an experiential game designer and co-founder of the game studio Gigantic Mechanic, which explores new ways to bring engaging experiences to students. Mr. Trefry showcased his interactive game How Many Zombies is Too Many Zombies? Students used mathematical modeling to simulate a “zombie outbreak.” Mr. Trefry also shared how he co-founded Gigantic Mechanic. His advice to students: “Always remember to follow the fun.”
Congratulations to Our Graduates! Garrett Ashworth Roman Barshow Ethan Benson Will Bishop Elle AnneBlangyMarshall Both Eitan DiegoJakeWillEvanEthanGraceJasonDavidBurtonCantorCantorComptonDoddDymonEllesFaulknerFierro Lucia LillyHarperLaurenAlainaJamaWillJamisonColinCarterDanielErichCamZoeVictorFoglerFoxFrankGregoryHazeltonHeitmanHoppHudsonHullHumphreysIbrahimJeffersonJohnsonJonesJordan Erin TheoGrayDinariErickNickHarrisonWitRyanEthanAmyAlexOwenZoëJabriannaLangenburgLaraMacgillMarceyMeakerMertzMitchellMonroeMooreMortonNelsonNiyonkuruNolandPattersonPatterson Jake DominicReidAubreyWillowCassidySamiChloeAndrewLiamJaydenTuckerRubyEthanRyanPildisPooleReedRiversRobertsSatterSavageSchmeerSchneiderShumateSnowSolomonStallardStanleyStansley McRae Stuckey Sarah LilyGarrettAnnabelGradyNancyJoeAidanNaylaDemingThompsonTracyTurpinTyndallVargasWalkerWalshWangWarmanWood
The Dixon Award
Zoë Macgill
Alaina Jefferson Owen Marcey
Lilly Jordan The Brantley Blair Scott Leadership Award
Amy Mertz, Owen Marcey, Zoë Macgill, Willow Solomon, and Cam Gregory
The B. Lee Healey Award
Graduation Speakers
AWARDSRECOGNITIONSPECIAL
The Carolyn R. Brandt Alumni Award
Lucia Fogler
The Carolyn R. Brandt Scholarship Award
The
AWARDSGRADUATION
The Faculty Award
Erin Langenburg
The Mission Award
Owen Marcey and Erin Langenburg
CLASS OF 2022 SPOTLIGHT Year in Review | 13
The Ian M. Coddington Award
Junior Marshals Henry Bearden and Hank Wang Presentation of the Class of 2022 Gift to the School Grady Walsh, senior class president, presented Head of School Dan Frank with the class gift: new umbrellas, tables, and chairs for the Upper School patio.
Chase Wingfield
Will Bishop
The Michelle AndersonHaigler Performing Arts Award
David Cantor, Chloe Schneider, Dinari Noland, Will Elles, and Elle Blangy
The Janet L. Rice Spartan Club Scholarship
The K-12 "Lifer" Award
Eitan Burton, Will Elles, Daniel Heitman, Carter Hopp, Alaina Jefferson, Amy Mertz, and Lily Wood
Steward School’s Graduation Highlights
Alaina Jefferson MAJOR AWARDS
The application process was competitive, he shared. Thirty people are accepted for each location. “In my application essay, I wrote about traveling in Israel, which taught me an understanding of cultural differences and flexibility with changing plans,” David said.
In tenth grade, a Minimester internship with Netflix opened Diego Fierro’s eyes to his interest in filmmaking; an internship with Steward’s marketing office confirmed his love for the art. He plans to become a professional filmmaker, most likely in documentaries or dramas. Studying at EICAR, the International Film and Television School, in Paris will propel his career aspirations.
The College of William & Mary/University of St Andrews
“I’ve always wanted to live in London since visiting in eighth grade,” he said. “And, I want to have a career in the branding and fashion industry. I applied to five schools in London, and Greenwich is known for its business programs. I plan to study marketing there. I feel well prepared after my classes at Steward.”
David Cantor has been practicing for his collegiate plans since eighth grade when he joined Steward’s Model UN Club. He’ll major in international relations as part of a joint degree program between The College of William & Mary and the University of St Andrews in Scotland. He’ll spend two years at each university, work with each school’s career counseling office, and earn diplomas from both.
LUCIA FOGLER University of Virginia/U.S. State Department’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y)
VICTOR FOX Auburn University
DAVID CANTOR
Lucia, a Debbie Robson Merit Scholar at Steward, said: “Taking Spanish at Steward fostered my love of languages, and participating in Model UN made me realize I wanted to go into international relations. In my program, I’ll take language classes in the morning and participate in cultural experiences in the afternoon. On the weekends, I’ll live with a host family. It’s beyond my comfort zone, and I’m excited about that.”
University of Greenwich Will Bishop was named “Best Dressed” in the senior class, so it’s no surprise that his future plans include the fashion industry. He’ll be in the heart of the British style scene while studying at the University of Greenwich in London.
DIEGO FIERRO International Film and Television School, Paris
“I love filmmaking because of the creativity and freedom of expression,” Diego said. “This program was a reach for me. Only 100 people are accepted every year, and many of them are adults. I am most interested in the program itself, but getting to live in Paris is an upside.”
Before Lucia Fogler heads to the University of Virginia, she’ll spend a school year studying Mandarin in Taiwan. Participating in person in the U.S. Department of State’s highly competitive National Security Language Initiative for Youth is a dream COVID has deferred for the past few years, and she’s thrilled for the opportunity to immerse herself in the culture.
14 | Year in Review CLASS OF 2022 SPOTLIGHT WILL BISHOP
Although Erick Niyonkuru and Jama Ibrahim have different reasons for picking the University of Mary Washington, many steps on their path toward matriculation have been in tandem. Both young men started their early lives as immigrants to Richmond after escaping wars in Kenya (Erick) and Somalia (Jama). Both found their way to Steward in ninth grade, attracted by the small classes, caring community, and opportunities for extracurricular activities. And Erick and Jama found those things appealing about Mary Washington too. Jama plans to major in business marketing and hopes to become an entrepreneur. Erick is excited about UMW’s computer science major, an interest he has already begun to explore through summer camps and Steward’s robotics program. Both agree that their backgrounds have taught them independence and responsibility, two qualities that will serve them well in the future.
ALAINA JEFFERSON Vanderbilt University
In her future studies and medical career, Alaina will continue with her focus on giving back. She plans to study neuroscience at Vanderbilt University, a prestigious program at a university with one of the lowest acceptance rates nationwide (about six percent). She has her eye on practicing medicine as well as continuing the research. She began her research during a 2021 internship with the Wester Lab at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, resulting in a published paper. Alaina credits a middle school science camp at Virginia Commonwealth University as well as Upper School Science Teacher Kristen Householder’s knowledge and enthusiasm with inspiring her plans.
ZOE FRANK Bucknell University
CLASS OF 2022 SPOTLIGHT Year in Review | 15
“One reason I chose Auburn is that it’s close to NASA’s Huntsville, Alabama, location, but I’m still debating my exact plans,” Victor shared. “I’m interested in NASA, but I like the idea of a generalized engineering degree that gives me flexibility. Maybe I’ll try for SpaceX or maybe a Formula 1 team.”
Zoe Frank has long loved being a coxswain, a role that directs and encourages a team of rowers, but she’s only recently fallen in love with Bucknell University, her chosen college home. She’s been recruited as a coxswain on their rowing team and plans to major in management and organization in the business school. “It’s a beautiful small school with a supportive community. We heard ‘we’re a family’ on every college tour, but at Bucknell, I believed it. It reminds me of Steward,” she Theresaid.are about 70 collegiate rowing teams nationwide, and each one can recruit two coxswains a year, making Zoe one of only about 150 recruits nationwide. “I love being a part of a rowing team, and I’m so excited to continue to compete in college,” Zoe said.
Adults frequently advise high school graduates to “reach for the stars” upon graduation. For Victor Fox, that’s not a metaphor or hyperbole.
“Being a Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship winner has emphasized the importance of community involvement and giving back in my life,” Alaina Jefferson shared. “If there’s a volunteer opportunity, I want to help.”
Victor, who has attended NASA’s space camp since middle school, plans to study mechanical engineering at Auburn University with an eye on a potential career as an aerospace engineer.
JAMA IBRAHIM AND ERICK NIYONKURU University of Mary Washington
16 | Year in Review CLASS OF 2022 SPOTLIGHT
“When I first started at Steward, the combination of school and sports was hard,” Nick said. “But my teachers and coaches helped me develop a schedule, learn the importance of taking breaks, and understand that you don’t have to be perfect.”
The 71 Members of the Earned more than $9.5 MILLION IN SCHOLARSHIPSMERIT from all the schools to which they were accepted Will attend 43 COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIESDIFFERENT next year in 16 states, Washington, D.C., Scotland, France, England, and Taiwan Were accepted into 133 DIFFERENT COLLEGES and universities in 29 states, Washington, D.C., and four countries Took 177 AP EXAMS in 15 subject areas Were admitted to COMPETITIVE DIRECTADMISSION PROGRAMS , including instrumental music, vocal music, songwriting, visual arts, business administration, economics, international business, finance, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, international relations, and neuroscience Made 368 APPLICATIONSEARLY (early action and early decision) and submitted 115 regular decision applications
It’s rare for a collegiate basketball player also to earn a full academic scholarship, but that’s exactly what Nick Nelson has accomplished. The all-star guard will play Division III ball at Kenyon College, where he’ll major in scientific computing. Math is his favorite subject, an excellent start for a future computer scientist.
ANNABEL WANG University of California, Berkeley
Annabel, who moved to Richmond in sixth grade to attend Steward, finished her first novel in 2021. Her murder mystery was written in English, which was ideal preparation for her chosen college path: studying English literature at Berkeley.
Annabel was also offered spots in the Echols Scholars Program at the University of Virginia and the James Monroe Scholar Program at The College of William & Mary but chose Berkeley for the quality of the program as well as the school’s size and diversity. “I’m interested in social justice,” Annabel shared. “We read a lot of books in my AP classes about topics like gender equity and racial justice, which inspired me to want to write books that advocate for a social or moral issue.”
CLASS OF 2022
Zoë, a frequent live performer on stages around Virginia, describes her genre as “Indie acoustic rock pop-ish.” She said: “Nashville is a city of music, not just a city of honky-tonks. I’m excited to experiment with different styles and genres of music to hone my craft.”
NICK NELSON Kenyon College
ZOË MACGILL Lipscomb University
“I used to think there was nothing left to learn once you reached a certain point with your songwriting,” Zoë Macgill said. “Then I discovered Lipscomb University’s commercial music program during a spontaneous trip my family took to Nashville in 2017. I was immediately hooked. This is what I’ve always wanted to do.” In her program, she will have the opportunity to connect with seasoned music industry veterans.
When Annabel Wang was a fourth-grader in Hong Kong, she kept a notebook of her stories in her school desk and dreamed of becoming an author.
Garrett Ashworth
"I joined cross country because, frankly, I knew I would need P.E. credits in high school, and I chose cross country over other sports because it's not a team sport so it must be easier, right? Wrong. Even though I describe cross country as pain, much like the Five Guys burger that gave me a cramp in one race, it was worth it. The experiences with friends I gained during the seasons made cross country worthwhile."
Nayla Turpin
"Being a picky eater has given me many uncomfortable memories that have shaped me into the person I am today. It has also helped me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. This special characteristic of mine taught me how to say “no.” Being the “buttered noodle” girl at restaurants shaped me into the independent and unique person that I am today. I hope that my story helps you to appreciate the things about yourself that may be different from other people. Chances are, you have learned a lot from those experiences too."
Jake Pildis
Deming Tracy
Harrison Morton
"For my entire life, movies have always been extremely important to me. I can turn on any Indiana Jones movie and have a good time, no matter what mindset I’m in. It also means a lot to me because my dad introduced it to my brother and me, so it is something cool that we share with each other. I know that I have my differences with my family, but having a shared experience and being able to recite references to this movie to each other is an important bond."
CLASS OF 2022 SPOTLIGHT Year in Review | 17
"I’ve always thought about having a large family in the future. However, after working for the past four years [in summer jobs] with local retirees and energetic second graders, I find myself rethinking this idea. Working at these two extreme jobs over the years has given me perspective, laughs, and patience. Even though the age spans can be up to 90 years, I’ve found that the needs of both groups are almost exactly the same … both groups have helped me understand how we all need others at times."
"People constantly think I’m much younger than I am. And I know, I know, I’m gonna be soooo thankful for it when I’m older. While that's probably true, it gets annoying right now. Do you have any idea how hard it is to find a pair of size 5 heels before homecoming? But hey, when I’m in a large crowd I can always just hop on someone's shoulders. Not to mention all the money I save by buying kids' shoes, children’s tickets, and eating off the kids' menu. I didn't always appreciate being the shortest growing up, but come to think of it … 4’11” is actually pretty awesome."
"My theatre tech projects, while obviously flawed, taught me a lot about myself. I now know that I will choose the most peculiar solution to my problems regardless of the efficacy, but I also now know how to push through. Because even though I was almost never successful the first time, I got there most of the time. I have learned skills I’ll take with me to college and through the rest of my life."
Nancy Walker
WORDS OF WISDOM
Fordham University Franklin
Rider RochesterRoanokeUniversityCollegeInstitute of Rose-HulmanRollinsTechnologyCollegeInstitute of Technology Saint Francis University Saint Joseph's University Seton Hall University Sewanee: The University of the South Shenandoah University Stevens Institute of Technology Stevenson University SUNY at Binghamton SUNY at Fredonia Sweet Briar College Temple University (2) Texas Christian University Towson University Union UniversityCollegeofAlabama in Huntsville University of Arizona University of California (Berkeley) University of California University(Irvine) of California (San UniversityDiego) of Central Florida University of Colorado UniversityBoulder of Delaware University of Georgia University of Greenwich University(England) of Kentucky University of Mary Washington (4) University of Maryland (Baltimore County) University of Maryland (College
Clemson
THE CLASS OF Farewell to
RadfordCharlotteQueensLondonQueenPennsylvaniaOldTheUniversitySoutheasternOhioStateUniversityDominionUniversityStateUniversityMaryUniversityofUniversityofUniversity
The Catholic University of America Champlain College Christopher Newport University (3)
The University of Alabama American Musical & Dramatic Academy American University
Randolph College Randolph-Macon College
University
The American University of AppalachianParis State University
University of Richmond University of Rochester University of South Carolina University of South Florida University of St Andrews The(Scotland)University of Tampa The University of Tennessee University(4) of Utah University of Vermont University of Virginia (3) Vanderbilt University Virginia VirginiaUniversityCommonwealthMilitaryInstitute
Virginia Tech (4) Virginia Wesleyan University Wagner College Warren Wilson College West Virginia University The College of William & Mary (7) Wingate University Wofford InstituteWorcesterCollegePolytechnic
France,Washington,nextcolleges/universitiesdifferentyearin16states,D.C.,Scotland,England,andTaiwan.Onthispage,youwillfindalistofallthecollegeacceptancesStewardstudentsearnedthisyear.Boldedschoolsindicatewhereourgraduateswillattend,andnumbersindicatehowmanystudentswillattendthesameschool.We’reconfidenttheseSpartanswillleaveanindeliblemarkonthesecommunities,justastheyhaveonours. 2022
East Carolina
Florida Gulf Coast
The 71 members of The Steward School’s Class of 2022 are destined for great things, capping off their impressive Upper School careers with a very successful college application season. By the time College Declaration Day rolled around on April 29, the seniors had made plans to attend 43
Eastern College University & Marshall College Furman University George Mason University
UniversityWilmingtonUniversityatUniversityatUniversityUniversityUniversityUniversityUniversityPark)ofMiamiofMississippiofNebraskaofNewEnglandofNorthCarolinaAshevilleofNorthCarolinaGreensboroofNorthCarolinaofPittsburgh
18 | Year in Review CLASS OF 2022 SPOTLIGHT
The George Washington University
EckerdUniversityMennoniteCollege EICAR, Paris Elon EmoryUniversity&Henry College Ferrum College Flagler
Arizona State University Auburn University Belmont BridgewaterUniversityCollege Bucknell University
DrexelDickinsonDePaulDenisonCUNYCollegeCUNYColumbiaCollegeCoastalClevelandUniversityStateUniversityCarolinaUniversityofCharlestonCollege(Chicago)BernardM.BaruchHunterCollegeUniversityUniversityCollegeUniversity
Hampden-Sydney College Hampton University High Point University Hollins University Indiana University Ithaca College James Madison University Juniata(10) College Kenyon College Lehigh University Liberty University Lipscomb LongwoodUniversityUniversity Louisiana State University Loyola University Maryland Marymount University Mercer University Miami University (Oxford) Morehouse College New River Community College North Carolina State University Northeastern University Nova
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
CLASS OF 2022 SPOTLIGHT Year in Review | 19
Hudson
Jefferson
Rugene
Juniors: Marcus Andriano, Mikal Banks, Wil Berling, Zamiyah Burton, Amelia Callis, Blakely Cummings, Anza Fierro, Gates Fox, Mollye Goldberg, Kate Harrison, Kyla Johnson, Michael Lewis, Sabina Mohanty, Meghan Rotter, Kamryn Shamus, Amelia Thompson, Bella Topich, and Adhya Yaratha
SPECIAL RECOGNITION SCHOOL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
Wang
AND
The Math: Annabel Science: Alaina Social Studies: Colin World Languages: Wit Moore Performing Arts: Evan Dymon
William and Mary Leadership Award Hayden Ashworth The UVA Jefferson Book Award Mikal Banks The West Point Leadership Award Gates Fox The University of Rochester Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award Blakely Cummings The University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology Charlie Ventura The University of Rochester Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award Emory Sproull Senior Project of the Year Award Ethan Reed Harvard Prize Book Award Bella Topich DEPARTMENT BOOK AWARDS English: Theo Patterson
Nayla Turpin
20 | Year in Review UPPER SCHOOL RECOGNITION LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE AWARDS The Nolde Scholarship Katherine Romero The Richmond Alumnae Panhellenic Association Award Adhya Yaratha The Alumni Association Scholarship Zamiyah Burton The Faculty ABCD Award Eliza McGehee The Student ABCD Award Jason Cantor The University of Rochester Eastman Young Leaders Award Sabina Mohanty ATHLETIC AWARDS The Janet L. Rice Spartan Club Scholarship Erin Langenburg and Owen Marcey The Ray Tate Student-Athlete Scholarship Erin Langenburg and Wit Moore The Richmond Times-Dispatch/Sports Backers Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award Erin Langenburg and Wit Moore The SPC James Vawter Buis, USA, Athletic Scholarship Award Will Elles FINE ARTS AWARDS Fine Arts Award Hayden Ashworth Michelle Anderson-Haigler Performing Arts Award Zoë Macgill ACADEMIC RECOGNITION AWARDS The Entrepreneurship Endorsement Graduate Jason Cantor Top of the Class Award Alaina Jefferson and Amy Mertz
Sophomores: Logan Amey, Lilly Caldwell, Ashley Compton, Rally Costen, Grace Virginia Deal, Olivia Fahrenkrog, Jack Herron, Emma Herzog, Laura Luzzatto, Connor Murray, Grace Nouri, Ian O’Hallaron, Charlotte Olexy, Bailey Owens, Zak Qureshi, Ana Reveles Leon, Jackson Rhamy, Sydney Rife, and Mike Van Horn
Freshmen: Meira Boyle, Anna Carpinelli,
The Seaton Paulette Visual Arts Book Award:
Admissions Ambassadors
Seniors: Elle Blangy, David Cantor, Grace Compton, Lucia Fogler, Alaina Jefferson, Harper Jones, Erin Langenburg, Wit Moore, Theo Patterson, Sami Shumate, and Annabel Wang
Freshmen: Howard Aderhold, Brian Archer, Bella Benson, Ella Bingham, Meira Boyle, Lina Dawson, Taylor Derwin, Caroline Everett, Justin Fratkin, Sadie Goldberg, Katherine Green, Nathan Gu, Meg Harrison, Thatcher Hartman, Jay Kim, Joey Magnano, Lauren Meaker, Nels Moore, Shreya Natarajan, Xavier Nelson, Rhys Newton, Caden Proctor, Erin Shaia, Morgan Shigley, Morgan Smartt, Annie Taylor, Sarah Vermaaten, Kaylyn Whiteside, and Spencer Wingfield
Freshmen: Grayson Burke, Brynn Cason, Charlie Cram, Luke Eiben, Jacob Gallagher, Emerson Iwashyna, Ada Long, and Sienna Rankins
Sophomores:
Seniors: Erin Langenburg, Amy Mertz, and Annabel Wang Juniors: Henry Bearden, Curtis Blair III, Gates Fox, Jack Jordan, Connor Robbins, Emory Sproull, Amelia Thompson, Bella Topich, Hank Wang, and Adhya Yaratha Sophomores: Feryaal Abbasi, Logan Amey, Cameron Berryman, Alejandra Blasco, Rally Costen, Claire Heaton, Laura Luzzatto, Ian O'Hallaron, Charlotte Olexy, Jackson Rhamy, and Sydney Rife
Honor Roll
Juniors: Hayden Ashworth, Mikal Banks, Thomas Berling, Tom Berling, Wil Berling, Ellie Brumagin, Elizabeth Burmeister, Zamiyah Burton, Pierce Caldwell, Amelia Ann Callis, Blakely Cummings, Anza Fierro, Mollye Goldberg, Kate Harrison, Callan Hartman, Peter Hass, Kyla Johnson, Adam Koder, Nathan Kumper, Michael Lewis, Tommy Magnano, Rowan McMillan, Sabina Mohanty, Mike Moore, Zach Pasternak, Sam Roberson, Meghan Rotter, Kamryn Shamus, Michael Shamus, Te’ven Smith, Terrell White, and Chip Williford
Caroline Everett, Sadie Goldberg, Nathan Gu, Meg Harrison, Shreya Natarajan, Braylan Rice, Morgan Shigley, Maya Trepp, Sarah Vermaaten, and Kaylyn Whiteside Student Council Association
Erin Langenburg, president; Jack Jordan, vice president; Colin Hudson, Sabina Mohanty, Olivia Fahrenkrog, Zeke Hudson, and Shreya Natarajan, representatives Hugh O’Brian Youth Ambassadors Rally Costen, Grace Virginia Deal, and Max Magrill
Grady Walsh, president; Sami Shumate, vice president; Grace Compton, treasurer; and Elle Blangy, historian Juniors: Hank Wang, president; Jayden Ayers, vice president; Wil Berling, Amelia Callis, and Caitlin Groome, officers
Jason Cantor, president
Seniors: Jason Cantor, Lucia Folger, Erin Langenburg, and Erick Niynokuru
Freshmen: Sadie Goldberg, president; Maya Trepp, vice president; Morgan Smartt, Shreya Natarajan, and Meg Harrison, officers at large Honor Council
By earning an A- or above in each class in every marking period, the following students were named to the Headmaster’s List.
UPPER SCHOOL RECOGNITION Year in Review | 21
Sophomores:
ACADEMIC AWARDS
By earning a B- or above in each class in every marking period, the following students were named to the Honor Roll.
Seniors: Garrett Ashworth, Will Bishop, Elle Blangy, Eitan Burton, David Cantor, Evan Dymon, Will Elles, Lucia Fogler, Victor Fox, Zoe Frank, Cam Gregory, Colin Hudson, Jamison Hull, Will Humphreys, Alaina Jefferson, Harper Jones, Jabrianna Lara, Zoë Macgill, Ryan Monroe, Wit Moore, Harrison Morton, Nick Nelson, Erick Niyonkuru, Theo Patterson, Ethan Reed, Tucker Roberts, Chloe Schneider, Sami Shumate, Willow Solomon, Aubrey Stallard, McRae Stuckey, Deming Tracy, and Lily Wood
Sophomores: Emma Herzog, president; Ana Reveles Leon, vice president; Charlotte Olexy, secretary; Rally Coston, treasurer; and Ashley Compton, historian
Class
Seniors:Officers
Representatives: Seniors: Lucia Fogler, Dinari Noland, Erick Niyonkuru, and Sami Shumate Juniors: Mikal Banks, Gates Fox, Kate Harrison, Amelia Thompson, and Adhya Yaratha Feryaal Abassi, Emma Herzog, Stella McDonald, and Charlotte Olexy Student Life Committee
Juniors: Sabina Mohanty, Zach Pasternak, Austin Rose, Meghan Rotter, and Charlie Ventura Feryaal Abbasi, Grace Virginia Deal, Zeke Hudson, Charlotte Olexy, Zak Qureshi, Kate Reed, and Adhya Yaratha
Headmaster’s List
Sophomores: Avi Burton, Lilly Caldwell, Caitlin Calkins, Ashley Compton, Leo Coogan, Matthew Cooke, Beth Cram, Bryson Creager, Khanh Dang, Grace Virginia Deal, Ethan Dumeer, Katherine Elles, Olivia Fahrenkrog, Elise Gresham, Emma Herzog, Sandy Kuhn, Ana Reveles Leon, Max Magrill, Connor Murray, Grace Nouri, Bailey Owens, Kate Reed, Coleman Smithers, Mary Walker, Tori West, and Allie Witdoeckt
Nadine Odibo (president); Jeffrey Sproull (vice president); and AJ Bucco and Brennan Zide (eighthgrade representatives)
OUTSTANDING PROGRESS AWARD
Rafi Zepeda
STUDENT COUNCIL ASSOCIATION
OFFICERS FOR 2022-23 Kaitlyn Freed (president), Pearce Campell (officer), and Henry Pietrantoni (officer)
Eighth Grade: Abby Calkins, Dante Castle, Sanai Green, Audrey Gunderson, James Heaton, Theo Hirsch, Turner Hurst, Tommy Inge, Burke Jennette, Lila Rose Katz, Kenya Martin, Oliver McGregor, Kamran Mohanty, Caleb Morrison, Nadine Odibo, Clay Pruitt, Julia Rhamy, Wyatt Roberts, Linkin Rose, Darryn Rubin, Ella Grace Saunders, Madelyn Shawn, Madeleine Smith, Jordan Solomon, Jess Taylor, Molly Timmerman, Laney Vanderbeck, Avery VanHimbergen, Lee Woodrum, Micah Yoon, and Brennan Zide
By earning an A- or above in each class during the first three marking periods, the following students were named to the Headmaster’s List.
The following awards were announced during the Middle School Recognition Ceremony on June 3.
HEADMASTER’S LIST
22 | Year in Review
STUDENT COUNCIL ASSOCIATION
THE STEWARD AWARD
Welcome: Nadine Odibo
Eighth Grade: Gabby Acquaro, Anthony Bucco, Paul Gresock, Sadie Heyman, Kyri Knudson, Gabby Marshall, Sophia Schaffernoth, Jeffrey Sproull, Christian Vanderbeck, and Rafi Zepeda
HONOR ROLL
By earning a B- or above in each class during the first three marking periods, the following students were named to the Honor Roll.
STUDENT SPEAKERS AT MIDDLE SCHOOL RECOGNITION CEREMONY
Eighth Grade: Wyatt Roberts and Avery VanHimbergen
Seventh Grade: Shem Abel and Sarah Grace Groves
Opening student remarks: Kamran Mohanty and Jeffrey Sproull Closing student remarks: Gabby Marshall and Rafi Zepeda
Sixth Grade: Henry Pietrantoni and Kate Gresock
MIDDLE
SCHOOL RECOGNITION
MIDDLE SCHOOL RECOGNITION Year in Review | 23
Parker Bowlin, Laurel Kauffman, Graylen Rambo, and Brady Webb
Robert Alexander Grade 5
Faith Akinfolajimi, Charlotte Berry, C.J. Brown, Jacob Campbell, Porter Cram, Madelyn Gunderson, Ian Joyner, Lucie Langley, and William McCann
Faith Akinfolajimi, C.J. Brown, Porter Cram, and Tori Scarpa Program Speakers
Recognition and Awards
The awards were announced during the Lower School Ceremony on June 3.
Faith Akinfolajimi, Tylan Bell, Charlotte Berry, C.J. Brown, Roby Fisher, Liam Fogler, Kara Freed, Sam Herron, Ian Joyner, Lucie Langley, Amory Meyer, Declan Mullis, Layton Pray, Tori Scarpa, Matthew Spitzer, Wysdom Walker, and Kaitlynd Spangler
Community Stewards/Bryan Lab Ambassadors
following
Mrs. Bailey's class: Jackson Kerr Mr. Coles' class: Holden Teague Mrs. Oliff's class: Jacob Campbell Grade 4 Ms. Goodpasture's class: Robert Alexander Mrs. Kauffman’s class: Tabbi Akinfolajimi Mr. Tickle's class: Laurel Kauffman Grade 3
24 | Year in Review LOWER SCHOOL RECOGNITION THE LINDA DUNVILLE AWARD Kara Freed CERTIFICATES OF EXCELLENCE Art: Wysdom Walker Spanish: Tori Scarpa Physical Education/Sportsmanship: Madelyn Gunderson Music: Mila Hirsch Theatre: Porter Cram Library: C.J. Brown Kudos to the following Spartans for sharing their time, talent, and spirit with us! SPELLING BEE WINNERS Spelling Bee Winner:
Mrs. Hayes' class: Evangeline King Mrs. Lenhart's class: Davis Reynolds Mrs. Minster’s class: Mekhi Love Spirit Leaders Faith Akinfolajimi, Jacob Campbell, Madelyn Gunderson, Sam Herron, Ian Joyner, Tori Scarpa, Emerson Sherman, Kaitlynd Spangler, Giselle Sujanani, and Ann Carter Vinson
Admissions Panelists
Recognition Ceremony Marshals
LOWER SCHOOL RECOGNITION Year in Review | 25
ADYHA YARATHA ’23 I AM A SPARTAN: Adyha Yaratha ’23 has been dancing with the Richmond Ballet since she was three years old, but this was a unique year for the 16-year-old ballerina. She won the starring role of Clara in “The Nutcracker” as part of the annual joint performance of the professional company and student dancers.
Photo credit for all photos: Sarah Ferguson
26 | Year in Review STEWARD ARTS
This is the eighth time I have performed in “The Nutcracker,” and it’s my favorite time of the year. For my family and me, it’s not Christmas without it. I love the atmosphere backstage, being at rehearsals, and the feeling of being on stage. What did it mean to you to perform the part of Clara? I remember watching other Claras when I was a little girl, learning from them, and feeling really inspired by them. It was so meaningful for me to dance this role, knowing other little girls were watching and learning from me. What advice would you give those girls? Find the joy in dancing. You can always push yourself, but the only way to really improve is to find the joy while you’re working hard at it. That’s the most fulfilling thing. What was the audition and rehearsal process like? Auditions were in September, and we started rehearsing in October. Because vaccinations hadn’t been approved for people under 12 yet, nearly everyone in the ensemble had to be 12 and older, with just a few exceptions for parts that had to be younger children. Between class and rehearsals, I was dancing 15 to 20 hours a week last fall. How did you juggle school and rehearsals? I had to be very careful not to let anything pile up. I couldn’t procrastinate. I got my homework done as soon as I could to spend the rest of the weekend dancing. What do you love about dancing? I love the feeling of freedom you have when you’re on stage. You can express yourself and make it your own, even with a well-known role like Clara. It’s a lot of responsibility but it’s also the best part you get to make it what you want it to be.
Have you been in “The Nutcracker” before?
Schoolwide Art Exhibit Returns to Downtown Richmond
“We chose ‘Playful Expressions’ as the show’s title because children’s art is usually very playful,” shared Lynn Zinder, Lower School visual arts teacher. “Art is a way that our students love to express themselves.”
STEWARD ARTS Year in Review | 27
For the first time in several years, a schoolwide visual art exhibition returned this spring. “Playful Expressions” was on display at the Truist Bank Building downtown from April 4-28, featuring more than 400 pieces from students JK-Grade 12.
The exhibit included work from all visual arts students, including photography. Middle and Upper School students chose which piece they wanted to show. In the Lower School, each grade level displayed a specific project. Pieces included photography, painting, weavings, multi-media pieces, digital art, and more. “This was the first time I had a piece displayed in a big exhibit,” said Annabel Wang ’22, whose selection depicted an uncertain bride. “I had a summer internship at an art gallery in China when I was 14. I was the person telling people about the artists’ paintings and this time I was the one with the art on the wall. This exhibit was more meaningful to me because of that experience; I feel both strange and proud.”
Claire Bates ’27 chose a leaf print. “Art is a good way to express yourself,” she said. “It’s a way to connect with your friends – they help me decide what to draw and they can also see what I’m interested in based on what I choose. I liked seeing my art on the wall, and I also liked seeing everyone else’s.”
Sejal Vaywala, Upper School visual arts teacher, concurred: “Playful is not just about the subjects but also how the students go about making art. Our students spend time exploring, learning, and playing with the properties of each material. This helps them decide how to use the material to express their ideas.”
The entire Steward community was invited to attend an opening reception, and the exhibit was also open to the public for the duration. The school received several inquiries from individuals working in the Truist building complimenting and inquiring about purchasing the art.
The Year in Theatre
Ms. Sanford concurred: “It’s important for students to find a place where they can be themselves and they are truly accepted. For our theatre students, that place is rehearsal after school. I’m thankful for the school’s commitment to the arts, which enabled us to have a successful season.”
Zoë Magill ’22 agreed: “We have come so far from doing virtual productions and come back to what’s really at the heart of the theatre. It was rewarding and triumphant to be able to put on a show of 'Seussical’s' caliber again.”
28 | Year in Review STEWARD ARTS
Although the cast, crew, and directors made the most of the opportunity, pandemic-related restrictions somewhat limited the actors’ ability to communicate and connect. That felt true through “All Together Now” in November and “Side by Side by Sondheim” in February. Then came “Seussical.” The Dr. Seuss-based musical ran for three nights in April to a full theatre audience. The costumes sparkled, the notes soared, the audience’s laughs were big, and the actors’ smiles at curtain call even bigger.
“It ended up being a really beautiful experience,” said Chloe Schneider ‘22, describing the year in theatre at TheSteward.theatre season kicked off in October with “The Giver,” a quiet show based on Lois Lowery’s award-winning novel.
While “Seussical” was a jubilant end to the year, Performing Arts Department Chair Craig Smith shared, “For the students, this whole year has been really joyful. They are so happy to simply be together, on and off stage. They feel a sense of community back. That feels true for me too.”
Four-show season highlights Steward theatre’s dedication to performing arts and community
“Opening night was exhilarating,” said Susan Sanford, Middle and Upper School teacher and the show’s director.
STEWARD ARTS Year in Review | 29
“It is the way it should be,” said John McAlister, Middle and Upper School instrumental music teacher. “A concert should be in a concert hall. I’m thrilled, and the students are as well.”
Choir and Band Concerts Return to the Robins Theatre
For the first time since the winter of 2019, the band and choir both held concerts in the Lora M. Robins Theatre this May.
Both Mr. McAlister and Heidi Taylor, Middle and Upper School choral music teacher, developed their setlists with the theatre setting in mind. Mrs. Taylor included a series of choreographed show choir songs from the movie “La La Land.” She believes this was the first time ever the Steward choir performed as a show choir – fitting for their return to the Thetheatre.approximately 40 members of the choir, including soloists Nancy Walker ’22 and Zamiyah Burton ’23, also performed six other pieces. They closed the show with two emotional pieces: “Nothing Without You” and “The Storm is Passing “BothOver.”pieces were an homage to the pandemic experiences of the past few years,” Mrs. Taylor said. “‘Nothing Without You’ recognizes that it’s the people in our lives that make us who we are. The whole audience clapped along with ‘The Storm is Passing Over.’”
The band, which is composed of approximately 60 students, wowed audiences with three jazz pieces and six concert band pieces. A special highlight was a duet between the two graduating seniors, Aubrey Stallard on oboe and Tucker Roberts on trumpet, in the song “I Dreamed a Dream.” Mr. McAlister arranged the duet, which was a solo in the original score. The band also performed this song at graduation.
JAYDEN SATTER School: Wagner College Program: Vocal PerformanceMusic
It's music to our ears! At the Music in the Parks competition on April 29, the Middle School Chorus won first place in their division and the Upper School Chorus won first place in their division as well as First Overall High School Choir. The competition was at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. Both groups are under the direction of Middle School/Upper School
Lipscomb University Program: Songwriting School:SOLOMONWILLOW
Choral Teacher Heidi Taylor
30 | Year in Review STEWARD ARTS SENIOR ARTS COLLEGE COMMITMENTS Congratulations to our District Choir, Orchestra, and Band honorees listed below, as well as Zamiyah Burton ’23 who was selected as an alternate for All-State Choir. The District Band Concert was held February 5 at Atlee High School, and the Central Regional Orchestra Concert was held January 29 at Matoaca High School. District Choir performed at Deep Run High School on February 12. Choir Upper School John Babik ’24 Zamiyah Burton ’23 Stella McDonald ’24 Connor Murray ’24 Charlotte Olexy ’24 Gates Orgain ’24 Sydney Rife ’24 Middle School Jordan Solomon ’26 Rafi Zepeda ’26 Audrey Gunderson ’26 James Heaton ’26 Band Ethan Dumeer ’24 Aubrey Stallard ’22 Orchestra Ella Bingham ’25 District Choir, Band, Orchestraand
ZOË School:MACGILL
Warren Wilson College Program: Music AUBREY STALLARD School: James UniversityMadisonSchool of Music Program: Instrumental (Performance)Music
ANNE MARSHALL School:BOTH University Tennessee,ofKnoxville Program: Visual Art DIEGO FIERRO School: EICAR, InternationalThe Film & Television School, Paris Program: Filmmaking
Choral Students Excel at Spring Competition
Creativity in the Arts Award: Anne Marshall Both
Outstanding Dedication to Theatre: Evan Dymon, Colin Hudson, Zoë Macgill, Jayden Satter, Willow Solomon, Jake Pildis, Jason Cantor, David Cantor, Chloe Schneider, Aidan Tyndall, Theo Patterson, and Nancy Walker
PERFORMING ARTS Michelle Anderson-Haigler Music Scholarship: Zoë Macgill Performing Arts Book Award: Evan Dymon
Outstanding Achievement in Acting: Jordan Solomon, Nora Iwashyna, Emily Stefanick, Kaitlyn Freed, Claire Stuckey, Meira Boyle, Elise Gresham, Alex Chapman, Blakely Cummings, and Hayden Ashworth
VISUAL ARTS Most Promising Newcomer: Morgan Smartt Art Engagement Award: Sophia McCarthy
Renaissance Artist Award: Logan Amey and Kate Reed
Unsung Hero: Erich Hazelton
Outstanding Achievement in Technical Theatre: Sarah Vermaaten and Zeke Hudson
Most Improved Artist: Nate Kumper
Most Distinguished Artist: Emma Herzog, Bella Topich, and Annabel Wang
Commitment to the Arts Award: Erin Langenburg
STEWARD ARTS Year in Review | 31 Fine Arts Award: Hayden Ashworth
Outstanding Newcomer: Charlie Cram, Wyatt Roberts, Henry Pietrantoni, Rafi Zepeda, Ainsley Bowlin, and Abbey Pray
MostCHORUSAccomplished Seventh-Grade Chorus Student: Jennifer Lujan Seventh-Grade Leadership Choral Award: Sachi Davis and Brooks Johnson Most Improved Seventh-Grade Chorus Students: Ainsley Bowlin and Kiri Yoo Most Accomplished Eighth-Grade Chorus Students: Jordan Solomon, Audrey Gunderson, Rafi Zepeda, and James Heaton Eighth-Grade Leadership Choral Award: Molly Timmerman Most Improved Eighth-Grade Student: Lin Ogilvie Upper School Chorus Director’s Award: Nancy Walker Most Accomplished Upper School Chorus Students: Zamiyah Burton Leadership Award: Connor Murray Most Improved Upper School Chorus Student: Gates Orgain
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Fifth-GradeTHEATRE Theatre Award: Porter Cram
Fifth Grade Music Award: Mila Hirsh Most Improved Seventh-Grade Instrumentalist: Jillian Fratkin Most Accomplished Seventh-Grade Instrumentalist: Lucky Moore Most Accomplished Eighth-Grade Instrumentalist: Jeffrey Sproull Most Improved Eighth-Grade Instrumentalist: Theo Hirsch Most Accomplished Freshman: Ella Bingham Musical Leadership Award: Ethan Dumeer Musical Leadership Award: Nathan Gu Most Improved Instrumental Jazz Soloist: Luke Eiben Multi-Instrumentalist Musicianship Award: Ian O’Hallaron Senior Award: Tucker Roberts Most Accomplished Instrumentalist Award: Aubrey Stallard
Most Original Artist: Nayla Turpin Fifth Grade Art Award: Wysdom Walker Best Overall Artist Award: Julia Rhamy Best in Medium: Colored Pencils: Henry Pietrantoni Memory Maker Award: Tommy Pace Most Enthusiastic Artist Award: Connor Papas Most Promising Newcomer Award: Shem Abel Expressive Artist Award: Finleigh Hart Patriotic Artist Award: Oliver McGregor Dedicated Artist Award: Mickella Ferrer Perseverance Award: Clay Pruitt Artistic Commitment Award: Sarah Grace Groves Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Gold Key Award: Maddie Hayden Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Silver Key Award, Honorable Mention: Bella Topich Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Honorable Mention: Emma Herzog, Anne Marshall Both Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, Honorable Mention, Most Promising Artist: Annabel Wang AchievementsOutstanding by Steward's Young Artists
On the sidelines, cheering students and families also make a difference. Senior class president Grady Walsh '22 and student section leader Owen Marcey '22 rallied students to as many games as possible this year. The dynamic duo spread the word on Instagram and encouraged students to participate in white-out, camouflage, and neon
With 40 teams in 12 sports and 15 state championships in the school's history, Director of Athletics Bruce Secrest shares that Steward's caring community is central to its success.
There was a tremendous sense of pride in Steward's Varsity Gym during the fourth quarter of the TCIS girls basketball quarterfinal game. The Spartans were winning 44-13, and every player was jumping with excitement as they watched Sabina Mohanty '23 sink a three-pointer. They were celebrating her, not their impending win.
"Inights.wanted Steward to have an electric environment at every game," Grady said. "Every person from the cheerleaders and the front line of the student section to the Middle Schoolers and parents deserves credit for bringing that energy to games."
Despite all the successes, Spartans appreciate that losses are part of the process that leads to success.
"Every time I took a shot, our team stood up, ready to scream when the ball went in, or cheer me on even if it didn't," said Sabina. "It was definitely one of the riskier shots I took this season, so having it go in was amazing, but the reactions from my teammates were even better."
For the Love of the Team
32 | Year in Review STEWARD ATHLETICS
It is in these defining moments you begin to understand that, for the Steward Spartans, it's not about winning — it's for the love of the team.
It's not just Upper School athletes who learn these values. Kara Bacile, the assistant director of athletics and head coach of girls varsity basketball, shared, "We're lucky to be at a place where this lesson begins to unfold in our Middle School athletics program and really grows as the students progress into the high school sports arena."
"I first realized that it wasn’t all about winning when, in my freshman year, we lost in the first round of states for soccer," said Wit Moore '22. "Although heartbreaking, my coaches and teammates were all incredibly proud of what we had accomplished. From then on I knew to put my teammates first, winning "Thosesecond."defeats make the bonds within the team stronger," said Andy Orgain '24, who plays lacrosse and volleyball. "That's when you find yourself cheering louder than ever, running faster than you thought you could, and gaining friendships that last."
Coach Bacile said, "When you have a place like Steward where you can look into the stands and see your teachers, classmates, friends, and family, that's the beauty of school sports. That's when you understand that you're playing for something bigger than yourself."
"We aren't all about the wins and the losses,” Coach Secrest said. “That doesn't mean we're not competitive. We are. It starts with having really good people who care about the kids, invest in our community, and really put in the work to help improve our student-athletes."
STEWARD ATHLETICS Year in Review | 33
34 | Year in Review STEWARD ATHLETICS
ZOE School:FRANKBucknell University Sport: Rowing CAM School:GREGORY St. Francis University Sport: Basketball DANIEL HEITMAN School: The Catholic University of America Sport: Basketball LAUREN JOHNSON School: Randolph College Sport: Volleyball
COMMITMENTS
The College of William & Mary Sport: Swimming RYAN School:MONROE Christopher Newport University Sport: Tennis NICK School:NELSON Kenyon College Sport: Basketball
Through dedication, spirit, and athleticism, the girls swim and dive team was named 2022 VISAA D-II State Champions. These athletes, who practice at the NOVA Aquatics Center, are led by Coach Eric Hopp At the meet, Erin Langenburg ’22 placed second in the 200 individual medley, setting a new school record at 2:05.07 and third in the 100 butterfly and earning All-State in both events. Erin’s efforts also earned 33 points for the team. Allie Witdoeckt ’24 placed fourth in the 100 butterfly and second in the 500 freestyle, earning All-State in the 500 and garnering 32 points for the team. Ashley Compton ’24 went to finals in the 200 freestyle and 100 back backstroke, scoring additional points for the team. The relay of Erin, Allie, Ashley, and Bailey Owens ’24 finished fourth in the 4x50 free relay (30 pts.) and fifth in the 4x100 free relay (28 pts.). In all, the Steward team earned an impressive 130 points, with the second Division II school coming in at 71 points. Best wishes to Erin, who will swim for William & Mary next We'reyear! so proud of these Spartans for their amazing seasons, and we look forward to continuing our championship-winning streak next year!
HARPER JONES School: Mercer University Sport: Lacrosse LILLY School:JORDAN Sewanee: The University of the South Sport: Lacrosse ERIN School:LANGENBURG
DiveSwimforChampionshipStateGirlsandTeam
SENIOR ATHLETE COLLEGE
SCHOOL AWARDS
The James Vauter Buis ’92 Athletic Scholarship Winner: Will Elles
The Richmond Times-Dispatch Male ScholarAthlete Award Winner: Wit Moore
Boys Basketball: Curtis Blair III (first-team), Cam Gregory (second-team)
Boys Baseball: Michael Lewis (second-team) Girls Lacrosse: Harper Jones (first-team) Boys Soccer: Sam Roberson (first-team) Boys Tennis: Ryan Monroe (first-team)
Girls Soccer: Erin Shaia (second-team allconference), TEAM, Betty Jean Riddick Sportsmanship Award
Boys Cross Country: Nathan Gu Girls Tennis: Nayla Turpin (first-team)
Girls Lacrosse: Harper Jones (first-team all-conference), Gates Fox (second-team all-conference), Lilly Jordan (second-team all-conference), TEAM, Betty Jean Riddick Sportsmanship Award
The Ray Tate Spartan Club Scholarship: Wit Moore and Erin Langenburg
TheGregorySteward
Boys Basketball: Curtis Blair III (first-team), Cam Gregory (second-team)
TCIS ALL-CONFERENCE AWARDS
ALL-STATE AWARDS
Boys Soccer: Sam Roberson (first-team; co-player of the year), Henry Bearden (first-team), Wit Moore (second-team)
Boys Cross Country: Nathan Gu (all-conference)
The Steward School 110% Award Winner: Cam
Baseball: Michael Lewis (first-team all-state), Andrew Schmeer (second-team all-state) Boys Lacrosse: Will Elles (first-team all-state) Boys Tennis: Ryan Monroe (first-team all-state, player of the year)
Boys Soccer: Wit Moore (first-team allconference), Sam Roberson (first-team allconference), Henry Bearden (second-team Girlsall-conference)Tennis:Nayla Turpin (first-team singles), Lilly Caldwell and Nayla Turpin (first-team doubles) Girls Volleyball: Kyla Johnson (second-team allBoysconference)Basketball: Curtis Blair III (first-team allconference - all-tournament team, TCIS Player of the Year), Cam Gregory (first-team all-conference, tournament MVP), Sam Roberson (all-tournament Girlsteam)Basketball: Sanai Green (first-team allconference - all-tournament team), Gates Fox (first-team all-conference), Tori West (secondteam Baseball:all-conference)MichaelLewis (first-team all-conference), Andrew Schmeer (second-team all-conference), TEAM, Betty Jean Riddick Sportsmanship Award
Golf: Roman Barshow (all-conference), Ian O’Hallaron (all-conference), Brennan Zide (allBoysconference)Tennis: Ryan Monroe (TCIS Player of the Year, all-tournament team, TCIS Tournament MVP; firstteam all-conference singles Pearce Caldwell and Ryan Monroe (first-team all-conference doubles)
The Janet L. Rice Spartan Club Scholarship Award Winners: Erin Langenburg and Owen Marcey
ALL-METRO AWARDS
Girls Basketball: Sanai Green (first-team), Gates Fox Girls(second-team)Swimming:Erin Langenburg (all-state, 200 IM; all-state,100 butterfly), Allie Witdoeckt (allstate, 100 butterfly; all-state, 500 freestyle) Golf: Ian O’Hallaron (first-team all-state, medalist, player of the year)
STEWARD ATHLETICS Year in Review | 35
School Janet Rice Coaches Award Winner: Grace Compton
The Richmond Times-Dispatch Female ScholarAthlete Award Winner: Erin Langenburg
Outstanding Achievements by Steward’s Student-Athletes
Varsity Boys Basketball MVP: Curtis Blair III Outstanding
MiddleBASEBALLSchool Baseball Co-MVP: Brooks Johnson Co-MVP: Connor Papas Coaches Award: Noah Moore Varsity Baseball “Without” Award: Owen Marcey MVP: Michael Lewis Silent Assassin Award: Andrew Schmeer
Varsity Girls Basketball Most Improved: Alaina Jefferson Outstanding Offensive Player: Sanai Green Most Valuable Player: Gates Fox
Offensive Player: Cam Gregory Outstanding Defensive Player: Nick Nelson
CROSS COUNTRY
MiddleBASKETBALLSchool Boys Basketball Blue Most Improved: Andrew Gamache Best Defensive Player: Hunter Killian Best Offensive Player: Collin Olexy Middle School Boys Basketball Gold Offensive MVP: Callen Tyson Defensive MVP: Miles Harris Best All-Around: Korel Kobak Middle School Boys Basketball White MVP: Evan Wittie Coaches Award: Ryan Marshall Most Improved: Nik Johnson Middle School Boys Basketball Spartans Steph Curry Award: Carson King
Most Promising Newcomer: Ta’kiya Dickerson
Middle School Girls Cross Country MVP: Cece Lentz Most Improved: Caroline Kim Coaches Award: Kate Gresock Varsity Boys Cross Country MVP: Nathan Gu Most Improved: Jackson Rhamy Coaches Award: Thatcher Hartman
VarsityCHEERLEADINGCheerleading Golden Megaphone Award: Alejandra Blasco Spirit Award: Sydney Rife
Middle School Boys Cross Country MVP: Paul Gresock 110% Award: Brooks Johnson Coaches Award: Henry Pietratoni
Varsity Girls Cross Country MVP: Ana Reveles Leon 110% Award: Meghan Rotter Coaches Award: Morgan Shigley
MiddleDIVINGSchool Dive Most Improved: Charlie Bernier Varsity Diving Coaches Award: Nancy Walker
36 | Year in Review STEWARD ATHLETICS TEAM AWARDS
Chairman of the Boards: Eli Maitland
All Defense: Izzie Aspero JV Boys Basketball Most Improved: Jacob Gallagher Most Valuable: Xavier Nelson Spartan Spirit: Wesley Walsh Best Teammate: Davonte Hines
Most Valuable Defender: Connor Papas Middle School Girls Basketball Blue Offensive MVP: Audra Scholtz Defensive MVP: Jillian Haar Most Improved: Hanna Qureshi Middle School Girls Basketball Gold Spartan Award: Mïla René 110% Award: Naomie Crosby
Varsity Girls Soccer Most Valuable Attacking Player: Erin Shaia Most Valuable Defensive Player: Lilly Caldwell Spartan Award: Laura Luzzatto
Good Plays Queen: Jennifer Lujan Leadership Queen: Rafi Zepeda Serving Queen: Ellie Kersey Middle School Volleyball Gold Good Plays Queen: Izzie Aspero Leadership Queen: Scottie Seay Serving Queen: Kayla Galpern JV Volleyball Most Improved: Katherine Green Most Consistent: Greenlee Murray Best Spartan Teammate: Lauren Meaker Varsity Volleyball Spartan Teammate 100%: Katherine Romero Most Improved: Ellie Brumagin Most Valuable Player: Elle Blangy
MiddleTENNISSchool Tennis (fall) MVP: Anne Soden Henceroth Most Improved: Korel Kobak Middle School Tennis (spring) Most Improved: Shem Abel MVP: Ollie Lentz MVP: Pearce Campbell Varsity Boys Tennis MVP: Ryan Monroe Coaches Award: Nathan Gu and Justin Fratkin Varsity Girls Tennis Most Improved: Gabby Marshall Leadership Award: Amy Mertz and Nayla Turpin Coaches Award: Lilly Caldwell
MiddleVOLLEYBALLSchool
MiddleSOCCERSchool Boys Soccer Most Valuable Defensive Player: Owen Proffitt Most Valuable Attacking Player: Connor Papas Spartan Award: Linkin Rose Middle School Girls Soccer Spartan Award: Annika Yaratha 110% Award: Naomie Crosby Defensive MVP: Rafi Zepeda JV Boys Soccer “Achilles” Award: Gates Orgain Offensive MVP: Joey Magnano Most Improved: Zac Qureshi Varsity Boys Soccer Leadership Award: Sam Roberson, Henry Bearden, and Wit Moore
Volleyball Blue
Career High Point Award: Erin Langenburg Season High Point Award: Emory Sproull
MiddleLACROSSESchool Boys Lacrosse Offensive MVP: Caleb Morrison Spartan Award: Burke Jennette Defensive MVP: Clay Pruitt Middle School Girls Lacrosse Best on Offense: Nadine Odibo Best on Defense: Greenlee Murray Most Improved: Kenzie Marchant Varsity Boys Lacrosse Impact Award: Ethan Benson MVP: Will OutstandingEllesDefensive Player: Cole Tyler Varsity Girls Lacrosse MVP: Harper Jones Coaches Award: Elle Blangy Most Improved: Alejandra Blasco
VarsitySWIMMINGSwimming
STEWARD ATHLETICS Year in Review | 37 JVGOLFGolf MVP: Joey Magnano Varsity Golf Most Valuable Player: Ian O'Hallaron Most Improved Player: Ethan Mitchell Rookie of the Year: Brennan Zide
World Spanish-LanguageTeacherLanguagesAuthorof Book
Upper AwardCramerReceivesFreedDeanCurriculumSchoolMelissa
“Melissa has sought out and formed relationships with organizations across the city and worked intimately with the kids to get them prepared,” he said. “I’ve been to all of the final pitches, and it’s incredible to watch our kids confidently pitch, answer questions, and sometimes go toe to toe with the CEOs. Thank you, Melissa, for seeing and meeting the kids’ needs in the classroom, in their personal lives, and in their futures.”
Headdevelopment.ofSchool
38 | Year in Review FACULTY & STAFF RECOGNITION
Ms. Freed “has managed to pull off more areas of excellence than I’ve ever dreamed of attempting,” shared Mr. Frank. “She is an outstanding daughter, wife, mother, dancer, violinist, librarian, teacher, intrepid ‘entrepreneurist,’ and dean.” He continued, “[Her] work ethic is incomparable; she steps in to help everyone; she wants the kids to have spirit and opportunities. She loves — breathes — Steward and is always thinking about it, imagining its future, and her and her family’s life in the school.”
Upper School World Languages Teacher Drew Forlano is the author of “Los ojos de Goya” (“The Eyes of Goya”). The Spanish-language book tells the story of two best friends on a 24-hour chase through the streets of Spain to unravel a mystery tied to Francisco de Goya’s art and the terrors of the Spanish Inquisition. He has also published an accompanying student workbook of activities. “I started to write this book two years ago for my level-three Spanish students who were at home for distance learning,” said Mr. Forlano. “I pulled on my experiences living in Seville and Madrid for over seven years to set the scene for this young adult thriller. I wanted to write a book with a suspenseful storyline that still let students explore Spanish culture.” Mr. Forlano worked with Lily Chan, a freelance illustrator based in Hawaii, to create the illustrations, and his good friend Cito Lozano Ballesteros, who is from Seville, helped with cultural and language edits. “I also had some wonderful feedback from my Spanish colleagues here at Steward that helped make the book even better,” he said.
At the 2022 Board, Faculty, and Staff Awards ceremony, Upper School Curriculum Dean Melissa Freed received the fourteenth-annual Paul R. Cramer Award. This award is given in memory of the former Steward headmaster to a faculty member who best embraces the characteristics of balance, perspective, and humor. Ms. Freed also received a grant to use toward professional
Dan Frank spoke about Ms. Freed’s love for her family and friends, her dedication to all things Steward, and her quick wit.
Mr. Frank also cited Ms. Freed’s work as Steward’s Entrepreneurship Program faculty sponsor.
These faculty and staff members were honored for their years of service at The Steward School.
30 YEARS: Leslie Kovach
RECOGNITIONPEERAWARDS
At the end of each school year, faculty and staff are asked to nominate co-workers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty throughout the school year. Congratulations to the following award recipients!
For the past three years, Middle School science teacher Claire Bailey’s sixth-grade students have raised brook trout in the classroom, a six-month project that culminates with a spring release into the South River in Waynesboro, Va.
5 YEARS: Karen Ashworth, Claire Bailey, John Dacey, Ryan Gallagher, Rebecca Heck, Mary Hopkins, Khadijah Luqman, Lisa Moore, Emily Oliff, Betsy Orgain, Nan Semmelman, Leda Spencer, Samson Trinh, and Sejal Vaywala
The project began with receiving 200 eggs from the Department of Wildlife Resources in September.
FACULTY & STAFF RECOGNITION Year in Review | 39 FAREWELLS MOVING ON:
Kate Boyles, Jenn Downey, Lisa Hand, Rebecca Harris, José Reyes López, Mike Mailey, Josep Masip, Diana Niemas, Chris Petrie, Samson Trinh, Sejal Vaywala, Susan Welk, and Jennifer Wilkerson
Brook trout are considered both a threatened species and an indicator species. If they can thrive in a river or stream, then that water is considered safe.
The students nurtured the trout through their developmental stages: egg, alevin, fry, and juvenile, all the while keeping observational journals and running daily water-quality checks of temperature, pH, nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia levels. In early May, the students carefully released 50 two-inch juvenile trout to become part of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed ecosystem.
CAROLYN R. BRANDT
Stephanie Bowlin, Craig Redmond Cilley, Garrett Compton, Sarah Dwelle, Amy Harris, Mary Hopkins, Katy Koppanyi, Cheryl Lafferty, Janel Nellen, Emily Oliff, Chris Petrie, Ann Robbins, and Jentae Scott-Mayo
Caring for Ecosystems in Sixth-Grade Science
Through months of caring for the trout and their inclass ecosystem (a 60-gallon temperature-controlled fish tank), the students learn about the mutualistic relationships between species as well as sustainability and care for the environment, especially clean water.
“The project flows seamlessly with my curriculum,” Mrs. Bailey shared, smiling at the river-related pun.
RETIREMENT: Katherine Goodpasture, Cindy Grissom, and Chris Lundberg
10 YEARS: Laura Akesson, Jennifer Blanco, Barbara Coates, Dena Dickson, Christen Fratter, Heather Jeter, Corbin Orgain, and EJ Watkins
20 YEARS: John McAlister, Martha Romero, Craig Smith, and Martha Villavicencio
15 YEARS: Dan Frank and Sydney Smith
SERVICE AWARDS
"I value life-long learning and am grateful for the opportunity to work with the talented poets in VCU's creative writing program and grow as a writer myself," Ms. Conley said.
Laura Akesson Named Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow Scan this QR code to learn more about the program.
Ms. Akesson had learned about the AEF Program several years ago and was fascinated by the idea that teachers could have a voice at the table on a national level. Following an intense six-month application process, Ms. Akesson was chosen alongside 14 other educators for this national She’llprogram.take a one-year leave of absence from Steward to participate, bringing expertise garnered from 22 total years of teaching at Steward, Henrico County Public Schools, VCU, and Zurich International School, as well as leading Science Overdrive, her science education non-profit company. She’ll live in Washington, D.C. for the 2022-23 school year, working directly on STEM resources and programs with the Department of Energy alongside the other Fellows embedded in other federal agencies or U.S. Congressional offices.
“I’m excited to learn and make an impact,” said Laura Akesson, Upper School science teacher, Bryan Innovation Lab liaison, and newly named 2022-23 Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow (AEF). “I love teaching not only because I get to share my excitement for science, but for the ability to create opportunities where students realize their great capabilities and potential. The chance to do this on the national level is both daunting and exciting.”
“I now feel comfortable in the role of leader on this topic,” he shared. “I’m grateful for how far we’ve come at Steward. We used to talk about things on the surface, but now we dive into it and are making things happen. We are focused on better understanding one another. Inclusion lifts everybody up.”
& STAFF RECOGNITION
Fifth-grade teacher Ron Coles has been involved with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives throughout his 17-year tenure at Steward, most recently as the current co-chair of the Diversity & Inclusion Council. That work led him to complete Cornell University’s certificate program on this topic. The six-week program required about 15 hours of work per week and focused on four topics: improving engagement, counteracting unconscious bias, diversity and inclusion at work, and fostering an inclusive climate.
Ron Coles Certified by Cornell University in Diversity and Inclusion
40 | Year in Review
toCongratulationsJessicaConley
This is true in the classroom as well as among colleagues and on the D&I Council.
The AEF Program provides a unique opportunity for accomplished K-12 STEM educators to apply their extensive classroom knowledge and experiences to inform federal STEM education efforts, according to a press release.
Congratulations to Upper School English Teacher Jessica Conley, who recently earned her M.F.A. in poetry.
Since completing the program, Mr. Coles said he’s “more likely to encourage people to consider what they can do to make things more inclusive and then use their voice to speak up.”
FACULTY
– ADAM SELDIS, Director of the Upper School CHRIS LUNDBERG Upper School Science Teacher 14 years at Steward
Melanie has not only been instrumental in promoting Spanish language use at Steward but also in founding and sustaining the LEAP program. LEAP has positively impacted hundreds of students’ academics and improved their families’ lives, potentially for generations to come; Melanie was their champion and inspiration throughout!”
Cindy believed, as Pablo Picasso said, that every child is an artist. She believed it even if the students did not believe it about themselves at first. I could go on and on about the magic that occurred in Cindy’s art room, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the joyful dedication she brought to every endeavor at Steward, from Whirled Peace Days to school plays, field trips, and art exhibits.”
– DAN FRANK, Head of School MELANIE RODRIGUEZ Founder of the Latino Education and Advancement Program (LEAP) and retired Spanish Teacher 32 years at Steward
Katherine embodies the ethic of care at Steward. She is a constant advocate for her students, a steadfast and enthusiastic champion of her colleagues, and an invested and dedicated friend to us all. Katherine doesn’t just love children; she discovers their unique gifts and strengths and then holds them up for everyone to love.”
– SUSAN ATKINSON, Director of the Middle School CINDY GRISSOM Lower and Middle School Art Teacher 22 years at Steward
FACULTY & STAFF RECOGNITION Year in Review | 41
A beloved teacher of physics, anatomy, and seminars, as well as a baseball coach, arguably Chris’ most lasting contribution to Steward will be how instrumental he was in the creation of the Bryan Innovation Lab, as both a physical and curriculum space. Much of what we all benefit from with the BIL today was the result of Chris’ blood, sweat, tears, creativity, and perseverance in those early days.”
– INGRID MOORE, Director of the Lower School KATHERINE GOODPASTURE 4th Grade Teacher 26 years at Steward
Things are rocking and rolling for Steward’s Alumni Board. As the school approaches its 50th anniversary, we are proud to say that alumni programming is thriving. In the 2021-22 year, there were numerous events and opportunities: Trucks and Shucks, Alumni Brunch (brand new), the second-annual Alumni Inspiration Day (see pages 44-45), the launch of an alumni book club, an alumni appreciation social for the classes of 197799 (brand new), the Alumni Association Scholarship for a rising senior, Summer of Suds socials, Thanksgiving social, Young Alumni Winter Social (brand new), and the Alumni Achievement Award, to name a few.
The Alumni Engagement Team is happy to announce a new team member: Emma Krusz started at Steward in July, and she brings lots of energy to the role. She will work with alumni efforts fulltime to facilitate continued growth for the program. Ms. Krusz comes to Steward from Business Management Research Associates, Inc. in Manassas, and she will be part of the Alumni Engagement Team, along with Director of Development
Welcome New Alumni MembersBoard1 2 3
Jenni Booker Baker and Special Projects Coordinator Sydney Smith
The Alumni Board is expanding and reorganizing itself to include specific committees: Stewardship, Fundraising, Events, Nominating, and Young Alumni. Alums are invited to be committee members without the commitment of full-time board work. We welcome your input! To get involved, please contact alumni@stewardschool.org.
New Team Member Three new Spartans were nominated to join the Alumni Board for the 2022-23 year. Please welcome 1 Susan Mire ’14, 2 Chloe Staples ’14, and 3 Michael Stein ’20 to the Alumni Board. We send our thanks to Allison Carpenter ’11, who has completed her term.
The Alumni Board is Expanding ... and planning!toalumniStewardareinvitedbeapartofthe
42 | Year in Review ALUMNI
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT TEAM & BOARD
Year in Review | 43 ALUMNI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLASS AGENTS Class agents serve as the main point of contact between the school and individual classes. 1981 Denise Featherston Dietz and Robert Dietz 1984 Mary Hollis Jupe 1989 Bill Kane 1992 Jimmy Benson 1995 Susanne Reynolds Kain 1997 Paul Douglas 1998 Catherine Woody Graves 2001 Corbin Brierre Ryland 2002 Laura Weisiger 2005 Meg White Montgomery 2006 Ayers Gilman Dawes 2007 Mary Warden Good 2009 Veronica Tharp Harless 2012 Harrison Mire 2013 Omid Mahban 2014 Chloe Staples 2017 Landon Smith 2019 Kerrington Martin 2020 Bri and Danielle David 2021 Mara Beck 2022 Elle Blangy * Classes in bold will be celebrating a reunion during the 2022-23 year. If your class is not currently represented, please alumni@stewardschool.orgcontact to learn more about serving as a class agent. ALUMNI ON CAMPUS
ZACH BARNARD ’12
Occupation: Operations Manager, Paisley & Jade Presentation
Title: Managing a Multifaceted Small Business “Managing the day-to-day operations of a small business requires one to wear many hats. If you’re into constant wardrobe changes, then this is the job for you!”
Occupation: President, Hanover Landscapes Presentation Title: Entrepreneurship: Building a Reputable Business from the Ground Up “There are risks and costs to action, but they are far less than the longrange risks of comfortable inaction.”
SARAH AUSTEN HOLZGREFE ’13
JAMIE ADAMS ’09
SEAN HIGHFILL ’15
44 | Year in Review ALUMNI
This special day was created to strengthen the connection between our graduating seniors and successful alumni, who met in small groups to talk about career fields.
Occupation: Zach Barnard Art Presentation Title: ArtWORKs: Following Your Passion “Art is hard, and it takes work. That’s why it’s called 'artwork.' But there is nothing like it when you work hard doing what you love. It’s the most fulfilling career someone can strive to have.”
INSPIRATIONALUMNIDAY
Occupation: Sarah Austen Yoga Presentation Title: Exist, for Real: An Exploration of Meditation, Yoga, and “ToEntrepreneurshipbefullyalivein our lives, we must learn to exist with our present experience with as much openness, curiosity, and kindness as we can. We can build strength and flexibility in our physical and emotional spheres and create meaningful work through self-reflective practices like yoga and meditation. The most important work we can do for ourselves and the wider community is to tend to our own body, mind, and purpose.”
Occupation: Board Certified Pelvic Health Physical Therapist, VCU Health Presentation Title: Urine Luck: Physical Therapy for Pelvic Health “The field of physical therapy is vast and wide and includes many specialty areas. It is a rewarding career for anyone looking to improve patients' quality of life on a daily basis.”
MELISSA (BECK) WISEMAN ’01
Occupation: Critical Care Nurse, Bon Secours Mercy Health, St. Mary’s Hospital ICU Presentation Title: The Art of “CaringNursing for people in their most vulnerable state is a privilege and a serious responsibility. In nursing, there are endless opportunities to touch the lives of people in need on a daily basis.”
MARY STUART MCINTYRE ’10
Year in Review | 45 ALUMNI COLDON MARTIN ’07
HAILEY-MARIE RAGAN ’14
MEGHAN (HAJEK) SWENCK ’98
“DigitalNavigationmarketing is a great field to grow your analytical and creative skills. The most important thing is to pursue something that interests and challenges you.”
JOHN ORGAIN ’18 Occupation: Firefighter/EMT, Goochland County Fire Rescue Presentation Title: The Fire Service: A Career and Volunteer Opportunity for Young Adults “A career in fire and EMS is a blue-collar job with white-collar expectations. You get down and dirty for the citizens you serve. You are there for them. As Chief Enoch Hord said, ‘This job owes you nothing, and you owe it everything.’”
Occupation: Creative Director, Southeastern Institute of Research Presentation Title: Defining Professional Creativity in Video
Occupation: Certified Child Life Specialist, Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU Presentation Title: Playing with a Purpose: Your Dream Career Might Actually Exist
“As a first-generation college student, I am always grateful whenever I am presented with the opportunity to connect with students and speak with them about topics that I wish I had when matriculating into college.”
“It’sProductionamatter of judgment and discernment, having a vision as well as a plan, making particular choices for particular reasons, and letting those choices guide how a scene is shot.”
RYAN ODIBO ’18 Occupation: Graduate Student, Harvard Presentation Title: Ryan's Declassified College Survival Guide
“Every emotionally tough moment of this career is so beyond worth it because you know you’re helping a child and family cope with some of the most difficult moments they will ever face. However, it is incredibly important to take care of yourself after work and find self-care habits that work for you.”
JACK TREPP ’15
Occupation: Product Manager (Digital Marketing), Red Ventures Presentation Title: Digital Marketing & Recent Post-College Life
Occupation: Sr. Studio Artist, The Martin Agency Presentation Title: Ad Life: Because Math Isn't for Everyone
The focus of Ms. Wiseman’s presentation was on the creative process, work/life balance being a challenge, and the casual yet highstakes nature of working for a big advertising agency.
46 | Year in Review ALUMNI
Carlin Benson ‘27, son of Steward attendee Matt Benson Hanna Qureshi ‘27 and Zak Qureshi ‘24, children of Faisal Qureshi ‘92 Noah Benson ‘26 and Bella Benson ‘25, children of Jimmy Benson ‘92 Kamran Mohanty ‘26 and Sabina Mohanty ‘23, children of Shahwar Qureshi ‘90 Luke Gallagher ‘26 and Jacob Gallagher ‘25, children of Leslie Muldowney Gallagher ‘90 Dixon Mescall ‘24, son of Delaney Turnage Mescall ‘92 Connor Murray ‘24, son of Kate Porter Murray ‘92 Ava Burress ‘24. daughter of Steward attendee Daphne Bickel Burress Anthony Douglas ‘23, son of Paul Douglas ‘97 Belle Teller ‘23, stepdaughter of Steward attendee Ross Amyx
Ethan Benson ‘22, son of Jimmy Benson ‘92 Ryan Monroe ‘22, son of Suzanne Rahal Monroe ‘85 Lilly Jordan ‘22, daughter of Steward attendee Anne Larus Jordan
OFGENERATIONSSPARTANS
fall, SpartansofsocommunityourStewardorwhosestudents,”classwelcomesStewardourbiggesteverof“legacystudentsparentsattendedgraduatedfromaswell.AsSpartanalumnigrows,willthenumberfamilieswhoareforlife!
Frances Harless ‘36, daughter of Veronica Tharp Harless ‘09 Helen Izac ‘35 and Marshall Izac ‘34, children of Cynthia Johns Izac ‘01 Tayloe Orgain ‘36, Henry Orgain ‘34, Andy Orgain ‘25, and Gates Orgain ‘24, children of Corbin Adamson Orgain ‘96 and Frazer Orgain ‘95 Lucas Wiseman ‘35 and Izzie Aspero ‘28, children of Melissa Beck Wiseman ‘01 Greenlee Graves ‘34, daughter of Catherine Woody Graves '98 and Adam Graves ‘98 Livvie Montgomery ‘34, daughter of Meg White Montgomery ‘05 Jax Phillips ‘34, son of Steward attendee Shara Buxton Phillips Quincy Sullivan ‘34, son of Steward attendee Dave “Sully” Sullivan Campbell Hrabak ‘34, Sam Hrabak ‘32, and Mary-Kate Hrabak ‘31, children of Kendall Tate Hrabak ‘04 Will Steele '33, son of Taylor Steele Stella‘85 Overman ‘32 and Ava Overman ‘31, daughters of Brittney Bertozzi '05 Mila Hirsch ‘29 and Theo Hirsch ‘26, children of Steward attendee Meggie Tronfeld Hirsch
NEWEST GRADUATES:LEGACY
This
The next time you’re on campus, stop by the Athletic Center and take a look at the Wall of Fame, which was recently updated by Chase Wingfield ’23. Go Spartans!
CAMERON SCALES ’08:
• played tennis, basketball, and field hockey
• lettered in varsity basketball for three years, helped lead the 2003-04 Spartans to a VISAA Division III State Championship, and was named Tournament MVP
• served as captain of the field hockey team for the 1991 and 1992 seasons and led the team to regular-season and tournament championship titles
• played baseball from Grades 8-12 and helped build the program into one of the toughest teams in the state
JT WAUFORD ’09:
Five outstanding alumni were inducted into Steward’s Hall of Fame on April 28. Congratulations to Jamie Brock ’93 (field hockey), Adam Lonon ’06 (basketball), Mary Harvard Nolde ’93 (field hockey), Cameron Scales ’08 (baseball), and JT Wauford ’09 (baseball).
• currently serves as associate athletic director and girls basketball program head at Trinity Episcopal School
• is a dedicated member of Steward’s Board of Trustees
• played tennis, basketball, and field hockey
• was named to the VCC All-Conference and VISAA All-State teams multiple times for baseball
• received multiple All-Conference and All-Team recognitions
Game Changers Something to Brag About
The Wall of Fame in the Athletic Center boasts photos of 66 Steward alumni who currently compete or have competed in sports at college.
MARY HARVARD NOLDE ’93:
• scored the most goals of the season for the field hockey team when she was a senior
Not pictured: Jamie Brock
ALUMNI
• was a member of Steward’s first baseball team and lettered in varsity baseball and varsity basketball
JAMIE BROCK ’93:
“We want to recognize the athletes who excelled at their sport at Steward and went on to compete at the next level,” noted Kara Bacile, assistant director of athletics. “The Wall of Fame serves as an inspiration to current student-athletes who aspire to achieve the same goal.”
ADAM LONON ’06:
• earned the Richmond Times-Dispatch ScholarAthlete Award
• played D1 baseball and graduated from The George Washington University
• received the Athletic Department’s 110% Award
• is currently an associate lawyer with Haynes and Boone, LLP
1
An early ’80s reunion was held in May: (front row) Mary Hollis Jupe ’84, Marge Hassan Cramer (former staff), Paul Cramer ’81, Susan Cramer Twining ’84; (back row) Denise Featherston Dietz ’81, Robert Dietz ’81, and Susan Hudgins Franz ’81. Denise reports: “We had so much fun sharing old memories of our time together at Steward. Susan (Hudgins), Robert, and I started at Steward when the school first opened at Derbyshire Baptist Church!”
14 Taylor Karmolinski ’11 married Matt Lazzati on May 20, 2022.
10 Madison Ellis Ellington ’09 welcomed a baby girl, Mackenzie “Mac,” on March 18, 2022.
8 M’Lissa Levitt Marcuson ’06 and her husband welcomed a baby girl, Raegan, in January 2022.
4 Jeremy Karmolinski ’04 lives in Venice Beach, Calif., where he works remotely for Silicon Valley-based Guidewire Software as a product manager for claims applications. In his job, he is responsible for delivering modern core claims functionality in the cloud that leverages digital channels, embedded analytics, and an evolving ecosystem of partners to help P&C insurers offer better customer experiences while reducing costs.
10 7 Class Notes 6 1 2 9 5 8 1112 3 4 13
Ellie Bryan ’09 lives in Boulder, where she started her own speech pathology practice, Flatirons Speech Therapy. 9 Austin Carpenter ’09 and his wife welcomed baby girl Collins Ann, 7 lbs., 12 oz, 21 inches, on March 1, 2022.
2 Catherine Woody Graves ’98 and Adam Graves ’98 welcomed a son, Stryker Dax, in May 2021. His proud big sister, Greenlee, is a current student in the Class of 2034.
5 Austin Carter Hyatt ’05 and her husband, Rob, welcomed baby Madeline “Maddie” Jane on November 27, 2021.
13 Blair Oliff Scallion ’10 and her husband welcomed a baby boy, Graham George, on March 8, 2022.
3 Ashlee Healey Kurfees ’01 and her husband, Nick, welcomed a baby boy, Lawson Cottingham, on December 24, 2021. He weighed 6 lbs., 9 oz. and was 19.5 inches long. Mike Edwards ’03 is working at St. Catherine’s School as the assistant director of athletics.
6 Sarah Newcomb ’05 married William Kitchin on June 26, 2021 at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens. Blair Sutton ’05 was a bridesmaid. Sarah and William live in Norfolk, where Sarah is a teacher at Saint Patrick Catholic School. James Schreiber ’05 and wife, Ashley Lauren, welcomed a son, Whitacre “Whit” James, on July 22, 2021. He joins big sister Welles.
48 | Year in Review 48 | The Colonnade
7 Jessica Powell Sexton ’05 and her husband, Kyle, had a baby boy, Kayden, in September. He joins sister Charlie Wray. Shortly after his arrival, Jessica started a new job at Covetrus.
Ayers Gilman Dawes ’06 and her husband, Adam Dawes ’07, are expecting their first baby (a girl!) in November.
11 Hillary Lane ’10 married Christine Ramirez on February 26, 2022 in Newport News at their local church in a small ceremony. Photo courtesy of Lily and Lime Photography. Amanda Kern Mitchell ’10 and her husband are expecting a baby later this year.
12 Mary Stuart McIntyre ’10 and her mom, Dr. Kelly Stuart, were featured on the front page of the Richmond TimesDispatch Mother’s Day edition in an article about the mother-daughter duo, who both work in healthcare.
24 Anna Pastore ’21 was named Second Team All-Conference in singles and doubles tennis for the North Coast Atlantic Conference; she plays for Oberlin College. Drew Thompson ’21 split his summer between doing economics research for one of his W&L professors, who is studying how military bases influenced integration and school quality in the 1960s South; and participating in the six-week Virginia Program at Oxford, which featured courses on Renaissance English history and literature. Do you have a announcement?life Scan here and submit a class note!
21 14 17 16 18 24 15 19 22 20 23
19 Nic Enright ’15 was featured in the Richmond Times-Dispatch in May, when his team, the Akron RubberDucks, was in town to play Richmond’s Flying Squirrels. He is now playing for the Columbus Clippers, the Triple A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians.
15 Logan Pryor ’12 earned his MBA from William & Mary in 2022 and accepted a position with HMY Yacht Sales.
20 Kellie Fonville ’17 graduated from VCU in May 2022 with a B.S. in criminal justice and a minor in psychology; and a B.A. in homeland security and emergency preparedness.
17 Ann Marchetti Keller ’13 and her husband, Micah, welcomed baby Virginia Millner “Millie” on March 16, 2022. Michael Cevallos ’14 graduated from Harvard School of Dental Medicine in May and will be doing a general practice residency at Newark Beth Israel Hospital.
18 David Cross ’15 married Anna Beth Mann in Birmingham, Alabama on October 17, 2021. Mark Leopold '15 was a groomsman. David and his wife live in Raleigh, N.C., where he works in commercial real estate.
21 Tucker Diveley ’17 graduated from the University of Vermont in May 2022 with a degree in environmental science, and he plans to pursue a career in natural resource management.
22 Bryce Brown ’17 is engaged to Baylee Kittrell, and they plan to get married next year on the northwest coast of California. Bryce is a technician I (firefighter/EMT) for Prince William Department of Fire & Rescue, where he’s been for four years; he is currently assigned to Station 11 in Manassas, Virginia and plans to become a paramedic. Ryan Odibo ’18 will attend Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education for his M.Ed. in the 2022-23 year. Starting in fall 2023, he will be a Lawrence K. Williams Fellow at Cornell’s ILR Graduate Program for a master’s degree in industrial and labor relations with a concentration in dispute resolution.
23 Evelyn Dumeer ’19 was cast in the Virginia Rep production of “Mamma Mia!” during summer 2022. She was a member of the female ensemble and as an understudy for the role of Sophie made her debut as the lead in July.
16 Carlos Cevallos ’13 graduated from UVA School of Medicine and will be doing an emergency medicine residency at Cooper University Hospital.
Sachin Sanjay ’20 is a math and computer science major at Duke. He is part of the university’s student-run venture capital fund and club tennis team. Sonali Sanjay ’20 plans to major in statistics and finance at Duke and is interested in entrepreneurship/venture capital. She was elected class president for the second year and has become the student director at Audacity Labs, a nonprofit that teaches entrepreneurship to high schoolers.
To learn more about the Parents Association, visit the Sparticipation page on Steward’s website. The incoming PA officers for the 2022-2023 term are president Kristen McGregor, mother of Oliver ’26; vice president Alden Rice, mother of Braylan ‘25; treasurer Jen Vermaaten, mother of Sarah ‘25; and secretary Miranda Reynolds, mother of Davis ‘31 and Campbell ‘33. If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Amy Sherman in Steward’s Development office at amy. sherman@stewardschool.org.
Mrs. Magrill explained that all Steward parents are members of the Parents Association (PA), and their support is integral to the Steward community. The group’s leadership is working hard to dispel the myth that in order to be active in the PA, you have to be “all in.”
SpartaFest, a full day of games, activities, and community fun, will be back this October for the first time since 2019. Volunteers can help with plans or spend just a few hours on-site that day. The same is true for the auction that will support the 50th-anniversary gala coming up in March.
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VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
Parents Association
Each year, the group coordinates community events like the Gala and Auction, Ice Cream Socials, and Bingo, as well as the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week and Parent Speaker Series. Their annual fundraising reached a recordhigh this year of nearly $100,000, which funds community needs from playground equipment to science labs to signage. The group also makes an annual leadership gift to the school’s annual fund.
“Our number one goal is to serve as a community builder,” shared Kimberlee Magrill, who wrapped up her second year as the Parents Association president in 2021-22 and is the mother of Max ’24 and Jack ’26. “We are a network helping to bring people in, especially new families, and a stopping place to connect.”
Volunteer options are both big and small,andon-campusat-home.
50 Year in Review
“For the past several years, we have focused on creating volunteer opportunities that can be done at home, on your own time, in as much or as little time as you have to give,” Mrs. Magrill said. “There is plenty to do on campus, but there are so many ways to help beyond that. The most important thing is that everyone can find their place.”
Beyond events, volunteers can prep surprises for Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week, help plan a Spirit Night at a local restaurant, or volunteer in the classroom.
The Spartan Club members are not only fundraisers, volunteers, and sideline cheerers; they’re problem-solvers.
“We work hard to support all teams and ages as equally as possible,” said Chuck Wingfield, father of Chase ’23, Spencer ’25, and Mason ’31 and the current president of the Spartan Club. “Teams’ needs are different every year, but we try to keep things balanced in the long run.”
Year in
The Club is not only a way to support athletic success at Steward but also a way to connect to the Steward community, Mr. Wingfield explained. “We have about 65 member families and will be thrilled to welcome more this coming school year, but you don’t need to be a member to volunteer. You can help out at the concession stand or volunteer for the golf tournament.”
In the 2021-22 school year, the Club raised about $50,000 through membership dues, the concession stand, and the Spartan Golf Classic, its annual tournament. The Golf Classic, which will be in its 19th year, attracts more than 100 participants every fall; the whole community is invited to participate. Funds raised during the tournament go to support the Club’s activities throughout the year, including awarding the Ray Tate Student-Athlete Scholarships.
The group, which supports Steward athletics, maintains an open dialogue with the school’s athletic department. When a need arises, the Spartan Club answers the call for support.
Review | 51
The 2021-22 officers will remain in place during the 2022-23 school year: Gerald Walsh, vice president and father of Grady ‘22 and Wesley ‘24; Mike Proctor, treasurer and father of Caden ‘25 and Gavin ‘28, and Golf Tournament co-chairs Kellie Fox, mother of Victor '22 and Gates ‘23, and Bobbie Fass, mother of Grace '21 and Isaac ‘23. The group is happy to welcome new members.
The Spartan Club
Supportingchanging”throughathletics“game-giftsofequipment,time,andenthusiasm
In the past few school years, the Club has purchased livestreaming equipment to make both indoor and outdoor games accessible to viewers off-campus, a much-appreciated gift during a time of COVID-related restrictions on spectators. They also support Hudl, a subscription service the coaches use to review game films. They purchased lacrosse helmets, weight room equipment, E-Z UP tents for the cross country team, a setting machine for volleyball, and more.
To join the Spartan Club, visit the Athletics section of Steward’s website. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Amy Sherman in the Development Office at amy.sherman@ stewardschool.org.
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
The Spirit Committee is a dedicated group of parent volunteers, students, faculty, and administrators who lead pep rallies and parades, coordinate spirit T-shirts and on-the-fence messages, decorate lockers for athletes and performers, and shower students with spirited surprises throughout the year.
“More than any one event, though, spirit at Steward is the culture at Steward,” said Colleen Carpinelli, co-chair of the Spirit Committee and mother of Anna ’25. “When you talk to students, they’re not sure which school pride events come from the Spirit Committee and which traditions originated elsewhere. I love that. School spirit should surround us.”
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
Every family is assigned to either the Blue or Gold team when their first child starts at Steward. Student spirit shirts indicate your family’s color, Mrs. Carpinelli said.
To learn more about the Spirit Committee, visit the Sparticipation page on the Steward website. “We have a super fun group of volunteers who are full of Spartan spirit,” Mrs. Carpinelli said. “Join us!”
“We’re going to help with SpartaFest, and we plan to bring back Dinner and a Show this fall,” she said excitedly. “ArtLink is a really fun and vibrant Visitgroup.”the Sparticipation page of Steward’s website to learn more about ArtLink. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Amy Sherman in the Development office at amy.sherman@ stewardschool.org.
As president of ArtLink, Anne Williford connects art enthusiasts with fun ways to support Steward’s visual and performing arts programs by lending a hand. Parent-volunteers help as ushers and costume design assistants, sell concessions and flowers, hang artwork — even give stage cues to performers in the choir. And now that pandemic restrictions have eased, Ms. Williford (mother of Chip ’23) is more excited than ever to welcome
52 | Year in Review
The group, whose volunteers are nicknamed the “Magic Makers,” is intentional about finding natural ways to integrate Blue and Gold pride into daily life at Steward. This year especially, they’ve focused on utilizing student input about everything from the spring pep parade (which celebrates the seniors while students, faculty, and staff cheer along the Colonnade) to plans for the coming year. “Prior to COVID, the Spirit Committee also coordinated friendly competitions between the Blue and Gold teams,” shared Carley Hamilton, co-chair of the committee and mother of Richmond ’30 and Phillip ’32. “In 2020, the committee decided to put competition aside temporarily to focus on one ‘Spartan Strong’ community. Now that life is slowly returning to normal, we are planning to bring back the Blue and Gold teams. The competition will be fierce but friendly. It’s all about building school spirit.”
Spirit Committee Putting Pep in Every Spartan Step ArtLink Be a Part of Spartan Art!
“Wevolunteers.cangive teachers one less thing to do,” she said, noting that volunteers can help out on campus or at home. “We are always keeping an eye out for opportunities that can be done in bitesize, on your own timetable,” she said. ArtLink is primed for lots of art-centric activities in the coming school year, including partnering with the school on the Arts Hall of Fame.
The School is
Now, we would like to take the opportunity to welcome Tanya Cummings, Krista Jones, and Greg Trepp to the 2022-23 Board of Trustees.
Steward
Ms. Cummings started her career as a high school English teacher in CityLynchburgSchools, following her graduation from Virginia Tech. She then transitioned to Capital One focusing on Project Management, Human Resources, and Change Management. Ms. Cummings later co-founded Momentum Resources in 2007, which connected job seekers with meaningful and flexible professional work opportunities. Momentum was sold in 2016 to Vaco. She now enjoys supporting the RVA start-up community with consulting, mentoring, and angel investing. She’s currently leading a real estate development project in Scott’s Addition. She served on the Steward Board of Trustees from 20132019, fulfilling the roles of secretary and vice-chair. She also chaired the Governance Committee and served on other committees, including Executive, Personnel, Capital Campaign, Strategic Plan, and Head of School Search. Ms. Cummings is married to Brad Cummings and is the proud mother of Kennon ’21 and Blakely ’23, Steward Lifers.
Three New Board Members
Mr. Trepp is the president and chief
BrandsHamiltonofficerexecutiveatBeachHolding Company, a leading provider of retail and commercial small appliances. Mr. Trepp joined Hamilton Beach Brands in 1996 as director of marketing. Prior to Hamilton Beach Brands, Mr. Trepp held various marketing positions at Pepperidge Farm, Inc, and before that worked at the advertising firm Young & Rubicam. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Richmond and an MBA from the University of Connecticut. Mr. Trepp and his wife, Ann-Marie Trepp, have four children: Jack ’15, Sam ’15, Meg ’16, and Maya ’25
CUMMINGSTANYA
Ms. Jones is a real estate and timber investor with more than 20 years experience.of Ms. Jones is also vice president of J. E. Jones Lumber Company. After experiencing the planting and growth process of timber firsthand, Ms. Jones is exploring carbon markets for timber to satisfy the corporate demand for ESG investment. Ms. Jones and her husband, John Jones, are the very proud parents of Stefan ’29. As a graduate of a private school herself, she appreciates and understands the synchronization of educators, administrators, staff, and families. Ms. Jones enjoys spending time with her family at the beach, camping and canoeing on the North Anna River, hiking, and gardening on their farm in upper Hanover County.
GREG TREPP
pleased to announce the new members of the Board of Trustees for the 2022-23 schoolyear!
KRISTA C. JONES
VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION Year in Review | 53
Thank you to the 2021-22 Board of Trustees for their leadership and engagement. We especially want to thank the trustees who are completing their terms of service: Dan Caldwell, Amy Humphreys, Lee Kilduff, Kevin Parris, Clay Reynolds, and Paul Yoon. They will be greatly missed, but we are fortunate to continue to count them as a part of the Steward family.
WELCOMESSTEWARD
54 | Year in Review SNAPSHOTS Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week Gala
SNAPSHOTS Year in Review | 55 Bingo Winter Spirit Week
56 | Year in Review SNAPSHOTS Grandparents Days
SNAPSHOTS Year in Review | 57 Retirement Celebration Spring Ice SocialCream
58 | Year in Review SNAPSHOTS Field Day Spring Spirit Week
SNAPSHOTS Year in Review | 59 Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast Beach Day
60 | Year in Review SNAPSHOTS Alumni Social ’77 – ’99 Celebrating Steward50 and Compass 2022
SNAPSHOTS Year in Review | 61 WHY DO OUR FAMILIES CHOOSE STEWARD? 4.49 – Steward Parent
Three Exciting Ways to Commemorate and Honor 50 Years of Steward
Join the Annual Fund Founder’s Society
Invest in the Future
Join the Heritage Society, our planned giving society. Work with our development team and provide a planned gift that accomplishes your personal and philanthropic goals.
Leave a Legacy with a Lasting Impact
By creating or contributing to an endowment, you provide essential funding in perpetuity to the people, programs, and places that shape Steward now and in the future.
When you make a gift of $1,000 or more to the Annual Fund, you join our leadership giving program and become a valuable partner for the Steward community.
11600 Gayton Road Richmond, Virginia www.stewardschool.org23238 Non-Profit Org. U.S. PermitRichmond,PAIDPostageVANo.320
