A newsletter for the families, alumni, and friends of Westchester Country Day School Spring/Summer 2011

Learn More. Become More.

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Board of Trustees2011-2012

Caren C. York, President

John D. Bryson, Vice President

Lorraine Ledford, Secretary

Douglas R. Muir, Treasurer

Sandra P. Adams

Michael R. Beaver

Karen L. Boggis

Larry E. (J.R.) Brown

Bernard Chinnasami

David F. Couch

René M. Folk

Lydia P. Goho

Suzanne W. Griffith

A. B. Henley

Carol (Gay) James (WAPA President)

Terrance Johns

Brian D. Keefe

Jackie King

Jed Macosko

Jeffrey L. McDowell

Diane L. Nulty (Booster Co-President)

Lee B. Nunn

Coleman Team (Alumni President)

John T. (Tim) Terrell

Cobb Atkinson (ex officio, Head of School)

Contents

Spring/Summer 2011

3 A message from Head of School Cobb Atkinson

4 Class of 2011

5 College Acceptances

6 Academic Recognition

7 Faculty Recognition

8 Artistic Excellence

10 Athletic Excellence

12 Alumni News

14 From the Development Office

Wildcat Paws is published twice yearly byWestchester Country Day School2045 N. Old Greensboro RoadHigh Point, North Carolina 27265

336.869.2128 | www.westchestercds.org

For questions or comments, please contact Mary Ann Smith,

Director of Communications & Marketing, 336.822.4084

On the CoverBack row, from left: Lasse Palomaki,

Ben Bruggeworth, Bailey Gilliam, and Donnie Sellers. Front row,

Katarina Terentieva and Daphne Foster.

3From the Head of School

Dear Westchester Friends,

For those of us who work in independent schools, summer is always a time of great anticipation, for we love the beginning of a school year and the rich opportunities that it offers. We have an exciting year ahead of us at Westchester for many reasons, but the three-day reaccreditation visit scheduled for March is a particularly important moment in the life of our school.

In our larger institutional community–the community of independent schools throughout the region and the country–quality control is maintained through the process of accreditation. In order for WCDS to continue to grant credits, issue diplomas, and maintain our good standing with other schools, colleges, and universities, we must remain accredited with two organizations: the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).

Like other high-quality independent schools in our region, Westchester holds dual accreditation with SAIS-SACS and is required to be visited by a team of independent school leaders from around the southeast once every five years. At its worst, accreditation can become an act of bureaucratic compliance, with checklists, committees, and little or no impact on the school under review. For us, and for SAIS-SACS, accreditation is instead a powerful opportunity for institutional reflection, visioning, and momentum.

The peer review team that will come to campus in March will have two broad tasks to complete. First they will evaluate our school in light of five broad standards of excellence: Purpose and Direction, Governance and Leadership, Teaching and Assessing for Learning, Resources and Support Systems, and Using Results for Continuous Improvement. A number of specific indicators accompany each standard, and a committee led by Betty Flythe will be undertaking our school’s standards review in the coming months and preparing a report to be submitted to the visiting team this winter in advance of their visit. Westchester is one of two schools in the southeast piloting a new, more rigorous standards review process to be unveiled throughout the southeast in the fall of 2012. Under Betty’s leadership, we will all have a clear sense of where our strengths and challenges lie relative to these five broad areas of our school.

A clear sense of direction, articulated plans for the progress to be made, and a definition of the metrics to be employed to evaluate our efforts are also required elements of our reaccreditation process. To this end, the visiting team is charged with confirming that we are deliberately engaged in the ongoing work of reflection, planning, and evaluation. To document this, we will submit to them a Self-Study Report that will outline our school’s vision for the future. This report requires that we answer four essential questions about Westchester Country Day School:

• Profile: Where is the school now? • Vision: Where does the school want to go? • Plan: What is the school’s plan to get there? • Results: How will the school know when it has arrived?

In preparation for this work, this past school year the Board of Trustees identified three strategic initiatives for the coming few years around which we will build our Self-Study Report:

• Visibility: Through a variety of efforts designed to solidify the school’s reputation as a center for moral, academic, artistic, and athletic excellence, we hope to grow the school’s visibility in the Triad by attracting members of our regional community to campus. Allison Albert will head up this effort.

• Financial Sustainability: A committee of staff and trustees led by Wade Shigo and Doug Muir will be looking with fresh eyes at the school’s finances to guarantee the long-term sustainability of our important work.

• 21st Century Program Development: This committee, under the leadership of Blair Hawley, will look broadly at our K-12 program in light of the challenges that the new century will bring. Her committee will consider teaching and learning, technology integration, and the arts as essential components of their work.

The work ahead of us offers powerful opportunities to reflect, dream, and plan for the future, and we should all be excited to build momentum toward these important goals for our school. Over the course of my career, I have on several occasions served as a member of a SAIS-SACS visiting team, and in recent years I have served as a visiting team chair. Based on my experience, I can assure you that this visit and the work that we undertake to prepare for it will be informative, invigorating, clarifying, and full of positive energy and honest, substantive reflection. We have a lot to look forward to.

Finally, I invite any of you who is interested in this process or who has ideas to share about our goals, our school, and the bright future that we all embrace for it to reach out to me. I would love to talk with you about Westchester and to work with you to make our strong school even stronger in the years to come. Send me a quick email or give me a call on campus if you want to chat.

Cobb AtkinsonHead of School

Photo by Photo Innovations

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Class of 2011 Marks 40th Commencement

Westchester held its 40th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 28,

2011. The 40 graduates have been accepted to 49 different colleges and universities and have been offered more than $2.1 million in academic scholarship money.

Valedictorian Jessica Grzyb was the recipient of the Peter M. Cowen Outstanding Senior Award, which is given to the senior chosen by the Westchester faculty, administration, and staff who best exemplifies the qualities of character, integrity, citizenship, leadership and scholarship. Jessica was also named the Charles R. Westgate Scholar in Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, one of only two students in the country to receive this four-year, full tuition award.

Salutatorian Jay Kennedy was chosen as recipient of the Herman W. Bernard Trinity Scholarship to Duke University, a four-year award that covers tuition, fees, room, and board as well as stipends for summer study.

All told, sixteen of the forty members of the class of 2011 were granted academic scholarships in recognition of their academic performance and potential. In addition, five students from this year’s class have been offered athletic scholarships for next year, taking the total number of students offered non-need based awards to twenty, half of the class.

In her speech to the class during commencement, Jessica (right) remembered something special about each of the 40 members of the class as she recounted their journey toward graduation and urged them "to go out into the world and change it for the better.”

During the luncheon the previous day, many of the 15 "lifers" - students who have attended WCDS since kindergarten - made a special acknowledgement of their kindergarten teacher Sue Horney, who had them all as five-year-olds.

In our unique commencement tradition, each graduate selected a faculty member to speak on his or her behalf during the ceremony.

Co-presidents of the class Logan Icenhour and Devin McLemore presented Mr. Atkinson with a check for $1,500 to be used for an outdoor classroom near the nature trail.

On the next page is a list of colleges and universities to which the Class of 2011 was accepted. The colleges which students plan to attend are noted in italics.

Class of 2011

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Kate AverettUNC Asheville

Deuce BelloBaylor University

Aaron CaffeyBarton CollegeHampden-Sydney CollegeUniversity of AlabamaUniversity of Mississippi

Josh CraycroftHampden-Sydney College

Dalya DuMariehElon UniversityNC State UniversityUNC Chapel HillUNC WilmingtonWake Forest University

Gasser ElsayedNC State UniversityUniversity of GeorgiaUNC Chapel HillUNC CharlotteUniversity of South Carolina

Trigg FarissHampden-Sydney CollegeWofford College

Sam FishmanAppalachian State UniversityUNC GreensboroUNC Wilmington

Kathryn FryeElon UniversityFurman UniversityNC State UniversityUNC Chapel HillWake Forest UniversityWashington and Lee University

Dylan GaffneyFurman UniversityGeorgetown UniversityUNC Chapel HillUniversity of Virginia

Whitley GlossonMeredith CollegeSweet Briar College

Adam GohoClemson UniversityFurman UniversityNC State UniversityUniversity of GeorgiaUNC Chapel HillWake Forest University

Jessica GrzybCornell UniversityDuke UniversityJohns Hopkins UniversityNC State UniversityUniversity of Virginia

Molly HarrisCollege of CharlestonUniversity of South CarolinaUniversity of the South (Sewanee)

Terrence HearstBarton CollegeGuilford CollegeHampden-Sydney CollegeMars Hill CollegeWinston-Salem State University

Heleana HendersonIthaca CollegeUNC CharlotteUNC Greensboro

John HunnicuttCoastal Carolina UniversityEast Carolina University

Logan IcenhourNC State UniversityUniversity of GeorgiaUNC Chapel HillUniversity of South Carolina

Ryan JonesCatawba CollegeLiberty University

Jay KennedyDavidson CollegeDuke UniversityGeorgetown UniversityHarvard UniversityNC State UniversityUNC Chapel Hill

Chris KimseyHigh Point UniversitySchool of the Museum of Fine Arts

Grace LeeNew York UniversityNC State UniversityUNC Chapel Hill

Sarah LindnerNC State UniversityUNC Chapel HillUniversity of the South (Sewanee)

Wil McBrideAppalachian State UniversityUNC Charlotte Devin McLemoreAppalachian State UniversityMars Hill CollegePfeiffer UniversityWestern Carolina UniversityWinston-Salem State University

Quincy MillerBaylor University

Cole MorgensternCaldwell Community CollegeGuilford College

Ike NwamuCleveland State University

Kevin PermenterNC State UniversityUniversity of Alabama

Abby ProctonMeredith CollegeNC State UniversityUniversity of GeorgiaVirginia Tech

Mary RaganEast Carolina UniversityUNC Charlotte

Molly RaganEast Carolina UniversityUNC Charlotte

Beverley ReynoldsIthaca CollegeLa Sierra University

Matthew ScheppmannCape Fear Community CollegeCoastal Carolina UniversityEast Carolina UniversityUNC Charlotte

Trey ShoafGuilford College

Robyn TerrellClemson UniversityGeorgia Institute of TechnologyNC State UniversityUniversity of GeorgiaUNC Chapel Hill

Carson ThornCollege of CharlestonUniversity of AlabamaUniversity of South CarolinaUniversity of the South (Sewanee)

Michael TufanoBarton College Cape Fear Community CollegeCoastal Carolina UniversityEast Carolina UniversityGreensboro College

Morgan VanceAppalachian State UniversityEast Carolina UniversityHigh Point UniversityNC State UniversityUNC CharlotteUNC Greensboro

Rede WilsonNC State UniversityUniversity of South Carolina

College Acceptances

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2010-2011 Academic Award Winners

Upper School AwardsSuzi Holliman Award

Sarah Lindner

Good Citizenship AwardSarah Catto

Westchester CupAdam Goho

Ninth Grade Top Scholar Andrew Foreman

10th Grade Top Scholar Avery Goho

11th Grade Top ScholarBrian Ball

12th Grade Top Scholar (Valedictorian)Jessica Grzyb

SalutatorianJay Kennedy

Senior Speech AwardJessica Grzyb

Vijaya Kumar Chemistry AwardMcKelvey Bump

Student Government AwardJessica Grzyb, Jay Kennedy

Departmental AwardsArt

Chris Kimsey, Abby Procton

DramaRyan Jones

English

Grace Lee

FrenchLuke Vandeplancke

Health & Physical EducationCatherine York

HistoryRobyn Terrell

MathJessica Grzyb

Music

Kathryn Frye

ScienceJessica Grzyb

SpanishDylan Gaffney

YearbookWhitley Glosson

Certificates of MeritArt

Cameron Ball Robyn Terrell Mike Tufano

DramaKathryn Frye

Sean Ormond Beverley Reynolds

EnglishCaroline Muir Robyn Terrell

Health & Physical EducationHunter Heinbach

Anna Hood Courtney Spencer

MathThomas Freund Catherine York

MusicGeorge Heath John Hunnicutt

Beverley Reynolds

ScienceAvery Goho

Logan Icenhour Jay Kennedy

SpanishAvery Goho Grace Lee

Kennedy Thompson

Additional AwardsBausch and Lomb Award

Kristen McDowell

Peters Family ScholarshipMcKelvey Bump

Hollins University Book Award

Avery Goho

Salem Book AwardCaroline Muir

Student HumanitarianJessica Grzyb

Syngenta Science AwardLogan Icenhour

Mary and Elliott Wood Foundation Scholar

Jessica Grzyb

Middle School AwardsScott Patterson Award

Kess Hendrix Andrew Rowley

Emma Padgett AwardDavid Cowan Kayla Watson

Freddie Kirkman AwardDaniel Ayodele Kaitlyn Shapiro

Sixth Grade Top Scholar Adam ChinnasamiRyota Goto - Silver Eliza Fisher - Bronze

Seventh Grade Top ScholarJack Crouse

Carter Gay - Silver Casey Crouse - Bronze

Eighth Grade Top ScholarKess Hendrix

David Cowan - Silver Kayla Watson - Bronze

ArtKayla Watson

Drama

Stephanie Thomas

MusicKess Hendrix

Certificates of MeritArt

Emily Bunch Casey Crouse

Terra Johns

DramaCalen Epting Paige Hetley Kamari Purvis

Music Emily Bunch Eliza Fisher

Sarah Wahid

Additional AwardsTeen Leadership High Point

Paige Hetley

Duke TIPJosh Evans Carter Gay

Sarah Wahid

Academic Recognition

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Upper School art teacher Ann Parks (left) was the 2011 recipient of the T. Austin Finch Chair of Distinguished Teaching Award, established to recognize

outstanding classroom teaching and commitment to the school's mission. This lifelong learner and extraordinary teacher seeks to inspire learning in each student while supporting and encouraging academic excellence and extracurricular pursuits. The recipient is appointed as chair for one academic year and will retain the title of “Finch Distinguished Teacher” throughout his/her career. Mrs. Parks has been teaching Westchester's artists since 1995 and spends a tremendous amount of time assisting with theater productions as well as teaching a humanities course with Mr. French.

Upper School math teacher and college placement advisor Betty Flythe was this year's winner of the T. Austin Finch Master Teacher Award, recognizing a teacher who shows interest in and enthusiasm for professional growth, outstanding performance, and committed involvement as

a member of the Westchester community. The recipient is recognized for his/her commitment to reach each student in and out of the classroom and to create a learning environment that promotes high levels of learning, while respecting the diversity of all students. Mrs. Flythe has exemplifi ed this commitment in her 21 years at WCDS through her dedication to ensuring that each senior fi nds the perfect fi t for his or her college experience.

Lower School Teachers Recognized

Kindergarten teacher Sue Horney (left) was the recipient of this year's Class of 2005 Faculty

Award, established to recognize a member of the faculty who, during the course of the year, has taken time to give of himself or herself in a special way. Mrs. Horney is a beloved fi xture at Westchester who has been guiding and nurturing our youngest Wildcats since 1990.

Fifth grade teacher Vicki Sloop received the 2011 Teacher of the Year Award, presented each year by the Westchester All Parents' Association to a teacher

who has exhibited outstanding skill in the classroom and a deep concern for the welfare of the students. In her speech recognizing Mrs. Sloop, WAPA President Lorraine Ledford gathered quotes from parents who described Mrs. Sloop as: "inventive, creative, interesting, enthusiastic, engaging, and diverse in her teaching."

Finch Awards Honor Upper School Veterans

Faculty Recognition

WAPA Continues

Longevity Awards Tradition

Last year Westchester's All Parents' Association launched longevity awards to honor our faculty's

commitment to WCDS. This year's recipients were:

5 Years: Margee Bauer, Jason Felten, Betsy Kraus, Chelsea Poling, Deb Tuggle, and Christina Weiss

10 Years: Gardner Barrier

15 Years: Sue Brown and Barb Stinson

Departing faculty Carol Carlson, Pat Kahny, and Anne Michel also received recognition for their time with the Westchester family.

WAPA also awarded the Margaret Kemper Bonney Volunteer Service Award to parents Rick and Linda Forester who have donated countless hours creating videos of our productions and concerts.

A WAPA Special Recognition Award was given to outgoing WAPA president Lorraine Ledford, who is a dedicated volunteer and WCDS parent.

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Westchester students are fortunate to have a plethora of opportunities in the arts.

Our theater program continues to fl ourish with students of all ages appearing on stage. In March students in Middle and Upper School performed Guys and Dolls, while students in Grades K-8 put on Disney's 101 Dalmatians Kids in May. The 2011 All-School Musical, Wizard Of Oz will be on stage November 11 - 13 - be sure to mark your calendars now!

Lower School students strutted their stuff in the Talent Show in February, complete with singing, dancing, hula hooping, and performing comedy. The Middle and Upper School talent show was also a wonderful showcase, with dancing, singing, instrumentalists, and a rock band to close the show.

In music, the Lower School grades split their spring concerts with K-2 performing one evening and grades 3-5 on another evening. This year's concerts had the special addition of our violin troupe, guitarists, and Westchester dancers. The violinists, guitarists, and dancers also put on two recitals this year - a fi rst for WCDS!

Fine Arts Spring Forward

The Middle and Upper School spring concert was very well attended and included live accompaniment from Patrick Williford, Andrew Foreman, Jack Crouse, and Jaime English.

Chamber Singers performed the WCDS alma mater at the Upper School awards assembly, while the senior members of Chamber Singers performed a moving song at the graduation luncheon, and the Upper School choirs performed beautifully at graduation.

Upper School music teacher Jaime English has recorded an original song that was played during the graduation luncheon, which she made available for download to students and parents via her webpage.

Footnotes, our chorus for students in grades 3-5, performed for residents of Stratford and Pennybyrn retirement homes, sang the national anthem for the varsity girls' homecoming basketball game and WCDS 5K, and traveled to Carowinds for a performance.

Spring was a wonderful time to showcase the visual arts at Westchester

Cruella De Vil and her cohorts, Jasper and Horace, are under attack by the puppies in the production of Disney's 101 Dalmatians Kids. The show featured more than 40 students in grades K-8, including rising seventh graders Kamari Purvis (left) as Jasper, Stephanie Thomas as Cruella, and rising fi fth grader Tanner Harron as Horace.

Artistic Excellence

An African mask created by a seventh grader in Mrs. Weiss's class.

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as we shared our efforts with our community of parents, grandparents and friends. Artwork from students in all grades graced the tables and displays at the end-of-year Celebration of the Arts event, while the Advanced Placement portfolios were presented via our new televisions in the cafetorium. At Grandparents' Day, visitors were able to view art from every grade in the library “gallery.” Student shows for each division were also held at the Theatre Art Gallery in High Point, complete with opening celebrations. The Lower School show, which opened June 23, featured the following young artists: Carson Boyette, Emmy Weiland, Ava Tuggle, Zach Beale, Erik Bauer, Allyson Chiu, Luke Evans, Ihsan Tonuzi, Aidan Lim, Rayha Haque, and Stuart Nunn. (Middle and Upper School students whose work was exhibited at TAG were featured in the winter issue.)

In the previous edition of Westchester Today, the importance of “seeing” in our visual arts program was emphasized. Other “C”-ings that are at the core of our studies are: creating, collaborating within our community, and celebrating our world’s cultures. The arts allow our students to envision a world that is new and innovative rather than accepting one “as is.” Valuing varied perspectives and diverse cultures enriches our experiences and fuels our creative imaginations. By taking our own personal and community identities and expanding them to include traditions from throughout the world, we grow in our understanding both artistically and personally.

Examples of these studies can be found throughout our curriculum. Second grade students created their own charcoal cave drawings—while in their own "caves" under the art room tables—replicating the imagined experience of the prehistoric caves of Lascaux in France. Seventh grade students studied African culture and created highly textured tribal masks using repouse. Upper School students utilized designs from world cultures in their study of art history. In AP Studio Art, Abby Procton’s graphic design based on Native American patterning made it into her final portfolio.

This summer’s art camp focused on world cultures as 26 students created artwork from around the globe, including Aboriginal clay designs from Australia, Japanese kimonos, and Oaxacan animals from Mexico. These lessons encourage personal expression as well as a respect for the cultures that originated the art forms.

As we look to the new school year, the visual arts will play an important role in our understanding of community and celebrating our place in the world.

Above, Ms. Barb Stinson (left) and Mrs. Debby Noyes took the stage for a fun rendition of Leader of the Pack for the Celebration of the Arts event.

Artistic Excellence

Top right, rising senior Sean Ormond (left) and recent graduate Ryan Jones in Guys and Dolls.

Top left, recent graduate Abby Procton's graphic design based on Native American patterning for her AP art portfolio.

10 Athletic Excellence

Wildcat NationWESTCHESTER BOASTS FOUR STATE TITLES IN 2010-2011 - A FIRST-EVER FEAT FOR OUR SCHOOL

What a year for Westchester athletics- four state championships, incredible team memories, and unbelievable individual achievements!

Our last edition of Wildcat Paws came out just prior to the end of the winter season, so just in case you missed it, here are a number of highlights from the month of February: the Varsity Boys’ Basketball team won its conference championship and went on to win the state championship in Asheville. Ike Nwamu and Deuce Bello collected many individual accolades along with this wonderful team accomplishment. Deuce was named AP All-State, All-Northwest, All-Area, NCISAA All-State, and TAC All-Conference Player of the Year. Ike was named NCISAA All-State, TAC All-Conference, and All-Area honorable mention. Winning the 2A NCISAA State Championship was a wonderful exclamation point as two great high school careers came to an end for these hard-working student-athletes. Deuce will attend Baylor University next fall with teammate Quincy Miller, and Ike will be heading to Cleveland State. All three of these very talented young men were nominated for the McDonald’s All-American Team, and received full scholarships.

The Varsity Boys’ and Girls’ Swim teams had a very competitive year, both finishing third in the conference. Christian James, Logan Icenhour, Avery Goho, and Abby Procton were named to the All-Conference Team.

The Varsity Girls’ Basketball team finished with a very

respectable .500 record and was led by eighth grader Keniece Purvis who was named All-Conference and All-Area Honorable Mention.

The spring of 2011 may go down as one of the best seasons in Westchester athletic history. Two teams won state championships, and one fought extremely hard before losing in the state semi-finals. The Varsity Golf team won back-to-back state championships in dramatic fashion at the Talamore Golf Club in Pinehurst. As if 36 holes weren’t enough to crown a champion, the tournament went down to a playoff hole against Arendell-Parrott, where three Wildcats (Thomas Walsh, Grey York, and Hardin Councill) birdied the 37th hole to retain the championship. Junior Jonathan DiIanni won the individual state championship and was named the NCISAA 2-A state player of the year and to the TAC All-Conference team. Eighth grader Thomas Walsh was named Conference Player of the Year as well as being named to the All-State team. Seventh grader Hardin Councill and sophomore Greg Mauldin were also named to the TAC All-Conference Team.

The Varsity Boys’ Track team accomplished more in one season than it had in its previous years of existence. The team destroyed its competition in the TAC Conference meet and the boys went on to win their first state championship in school history. Junior George Freiberger accomplished a feat that is truly remarkable, winning four individual state championships at one state meet. He was awarded first place in the 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles, long jump, and the

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The following students were recognized during the annual athletic banquet:

BOYS’ VARSITY CROSS COUNTRYMVP – Chris AndersonWILDCAT – Aaron CaffeyCOACHES’ – Luke Vandeplancke

GIRLS’ VARSITY CROSS COUNTRYMVP – Avery GohoWILDCAT – Carson ThornCOACHES’ – Mary Marshall Fariss

BOYS’ VARSITY SOCCERMVP – THE TEAMWILDCAT – Gasser Elsayed, Dylan Gaffney, Adam GohoCOACHES’ – Matt Crooker, Tyler Thompson, Lasse Palomaki

GIRLS’ VARSITY TENNISMVP – Katie RiceWILDCAT – Kristen McDowellCOACHES’ – Taylor Freeman, Erica Sawyer

GIRLS’ VARSITY VOLLEYBALLMVP – Jessi Stockinger, Whitley GlossonWILDCAT – Molly HarrisCOACHES’ – Morgan Vance

BOYS’ VARSITY BASKETBALLMVP – Deuce Bello, Ike NwamuWILDCAT – CJ PlummerCOACHES’ – Keemon Ingram

GIRLS’ VARSITY BASKETBALLMVP – Keniece PurvisWILDCAT – Meghan IngramCOACHES’ – Leigh Tyson

VARSITY CHEERLEADINGSPIRIT – Molly Harris, Sarah LindnerWILDCAT – Molly RaganCOACHES’ – Rachel Nulty

BOYS’ VARSITY SWIMMINGMVP – Christian JamesWILDCAT – Ben BruggeworthCOACHES’ – Jack Crouse

GIRLS’ VARSITY SWIMMINGMVP – Avery GohoWILDCAT – Claire Councill COACHES’ – Mary Kate Farris

BOYS’ VARSITY BASEBALLMVP – Devin McLemoreWILDCAT – Terrence Hearst, Mike TufanoCOACHES’ – Sam Fishman

VARSITY GOLFMVP – THE TEAMWILDCAT – Jonathan DiIanni, Thomas WalshCOACHES’ – Logan Icenhour

BOYS’ VARSITY TENNISMVP – Carter GayWILDCAT – Lowie VandeplanckeCOACHES’ – George Heath

GIRLS’ VARSITY SOCCERMVP – Rachel Nulty WILDCAT – Meghan IngramCOACHES’ – Jessica Grzyb, Robyn Terrell

BOYS’ VARSITY TRACKMVP – George Freiberger, Kevin PermenterWILDCAT – Adam GohoCOACHES’ – Chris Anderson

GIRLS’ VARSITY TRACKMVP – Whitley Glosson, Olivia GreesonWILDCAT – Leigh TysonCOACHES’ – Kayla Watson

BRUCE E. HATHAWAY, JR. SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDFEMALE – Katie RiceMALE – Adam Goho

FEMALE SCHOLAR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Avery GohoMALE SCHOLAR ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Logan Icenhour

FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – Whitley Glosson, Carson ThornMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR – George Freiberger

SPECIAL RECOGNITION – David Smith

Athletic Excellence

triple jump and was named to the All-Area Team. Two relay teams also won state championships - the 4 x 400 relay team of Adam Goho, Jeff Green, Walker Rose, and Kevin Permenter, and the 4 x 800 relay team of Goho, Green, Rose, and Chris Anderson.

George Freiberger (long jump, triple jump, 110 hurdles, and 300 hurdles), Will Thomas (pole vault), Kevin Permenter (100M, 200M, 400M), Chris Anderson (1600M and 3200M), and Walker Rose (800M) also won individual All-Conference honors. Senior Kevin Permenter was awarded a scholarship to NC State and will be running for the Wolfpack next year.

The Varsity Girls’ Track team finished second at the conference championship, and three runners won 1st place at the Championship. Senior Whitley Glosson won the shot put, eighth grader, Kayla Watson won the high jump, and sophomore Olivia Greeson won the long jump and the 200M.

The Varsity Boys’ Baseball team swept through the conference at 8-0 and went on to win its second straight conference tournament championship. Unfortunately the team went on to lose to eventual state champion Southlake Christian in the semifinals in Rocky Mount, but is positioned to make a run in the years to come. Seniors Devin McLemore and Terrence Hearst were named to the All-State team.

The Varsity Girls’ Soccer and Varsity Boys’ Tennis teams had great seasons and are reloading for the future. Junior Rachel Nulty and sophomore Meghan Ingram were named to the All-Conference Team for Girls’ Soccer, and seventh grader Carter Gay made the All-Conference Team for Boys’ Tennis.

All of our returning athletes are working hard this summer to accomplish more next year. We wish all of our graduates who will be performing at the next level all of the best. We look forward to seeing everyone back at Westchester for the Alumni Soccer Game at 7:00 on Friday, August 12. We will be awarding state championship rings and will have a special dedication on this festive night!

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Rustin Thomas, '06, has joined the Westchester faculty as a Lower and Upper School Spanish teacher. Señor Thomas, as he is lovingly called

by his pupils, has quickly become a beloved teacher, especially among Lower Schoolers, with whom he is often seen sitting at lunch.

"It has been somewhat surreal to realize that I am back at Westchester as a teacher," Thomas said. "When I first started as a substitute, it was still awkward for me to go into the teachers' lounge - I felt as if I was still a student and that I was somewhere that I wasn't supposed to be! However, everyone (faculty, staff, students, parents) has been incredibly kind and supportive since I started, and that really helped make the transition an easy one."

In addition to his teaching duties, Thomas will be an assistant Varsity Boys' Soccer coach this year, a role that he fits right into considering that he was a member of Westchester's first state championship soccer team his junior year here, which he counts among his fondest memories as a lifer at Westchester.

"I also loved the trip we took in fifth grade to the Outer Banks, as well as reciting all of the presidents in Mrs. Knight's class. When I was inducted into the National Honor Society was a special moment for me. And even though I was only in music for one year, I really enjoyed being in the Ensemble and always supported my friends and classmates in their concerts and productions. I really enjoyed the time I spent with the friends I made along the way during my thirteen years at Westchester."

It's easy for Thomas to remember the good old days now that he is back home again!

"It is very rewarding to be back at Westchester as a teacher and a coach, and I could not be happier."

Alumnus Joins Faculty

Greg York Receives 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award

Greg York '81 was the recipient of the 2011 Distinguished Alumni

Award during the school’s 40th graduation ceremony on May 28, 2011.

"It is an honor to be recognized by an institution that has meant so much to my family and me," said York. "As a student, an alumnus, and a parent, I have always been proud of my association with Westchester."

York served on the WCDS Board of Trustees from 1997 – 2005 and was the first alumnus to chair the board. He was Chair of Leadership Gifts of the Roots and Wings Capital Campaign from 2003-2008, and received the school’s Margaret Kemper Bonney Volunteer Service Award in 2005. He is a founding member of the Westchester Alumni Council and continues to serve on that board. As a Westchester student, York was the recipient of the Bruce E. Hathaway Sportsmanship Award in 1980. He is also active in the community, serving on the Boards of High Point Bank, High Point Regional Hospital, Boys and Girls Club of High Point, and the United Way of Greater High Point.

He is an assistant coach with Piedmont Soccer Alliance and assistant scout master, Troop 4. York is president of Vann York Auto Group in High Point.

Alumni Giving HitsAll-Time High

Thanks to a $15,000 dollar-for-dollar match from alumnus Rick Wilson, '80, our alumni Wildcats stepped

up and donated a total of well over $30,000 toward this year's Annual Fund campaign!

Thank you to everyone who made this the biggest year in alumni giving ever! Please keep WCDS in your plans for the 2011-2012 year as well!

Alumni News

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Second-Generation Wildcats!1978 - Claire Councill, rising 11, Hardin Councill, rising 8, and Jack Councill, rising 4, children of Moore Councill

1980 - Anna Hood, rising 10, daughter of Taylor Hood Rede Wilson, Class of 2011, son of Rick Wilson

1981 - Sarah Lindner, Class of 2011, Edward Lindner, rising 6, children of Doug LindnerMattie Strickland, rising 12, daughter of Amy Thomas Grey York, rising 12, Catherine York, rising 10, Charles York, rising 7, children of Greg York

1985 - Cameron White, rising 10, son of Kim Wall White-Brown Will Davis, rising 12, son of Cres WilsonJohn Yocum, rising 1, son of Elizabeth Johnson Yocum

1986 - Chase Sheffield, rising 8, Lilly Sheffield, rising 5, children of Elizabeth Wood Sheffield

1987 - Lauren Griffith, rising 7, Caroline Griffith, rising 1, daughters of Suzanne Wood Griffith

1990 - Ella Timberlake, rising 2, daughter of Ashley Phelps Timberlake

Jack Foster, rising 5, Lucy Foster, rising 3, children of John Foster

Smith Foster, rising 6, son of Charles Foster

Elizabeth Ragsdale, rising 4, Lucy Ragsdale, rising 2, daughters of Will Ragsdale

Class Notes1999Will Brinson married Ann Kathryn Wilkinson on June 11, 2011.

2003Lindsey Finch married Theodore Jennings Williams on May 7, 2011.

2004 Cristina Qubein married Stephen Cole Buckfelder on June 4, 2011.

2006Michael Williford (left) and his brother Patrick, a rising junior at WCDS, ran the Myrtle Beach Half-Marathon in February in honor of cancer patients and their families and wore names of the patients and loved ones on their shirts.

2008Sarai Pegram was the recipient of a Frances L. Phillips Travel Scholarship at UNC-Chapel Hill, which provides an opportunity for engaging in international travel experiences. She is researching green initiatives and sustainability programs that are being enacted in cities across Europe.

2009April Bryant was awarded an internship at Phar Point Research in Wilmington, a drug development service for the biotechnology industry. She is studying statistics, economics, and criminal justice at UNC-Wilmington.

2010Taylor Christiansen was selected for the National Society of Collegiate Scholars at Auburn University.

In MemoriumTaylor Kirkman, '86, passed away June 17.

Visit www.westchestercds.org and sign in to WestNet Community to submit your Class Note!

Reunion Weekend Westchester Alumni of all ages came "home" in May for Reunion Weekend. Alums enjoyed mingling during the All-Alumni Cocktail Party, followed by individual class dinners for the years '76, '81, '86, '91, '96, '01, and '06.

Alumni News

14

Spring Auction Success!

Innovative ideas abounded at the 2011 Blue and White Gala, including the event moving

to the spring for the fi rst time in its 28-year history. And even though a power outage due to a heavy spring storm almost derailed the April 16 event, the lights came back on and the evening went off without a hitch!

In addition to its spring date, another innovative feature at this year's event was the use of BidPal bidding devices, which work much like an iPhone for an interactive, fun experience for guests. The devices allowed attendees to "watch" items, alerted bidders to when they were outbid, and included photos and descriptions of all silent items in the palms of our guests' hands.

This year the fund-a-need offi cially became "Chuck's Fund" in honor of the late Chuck Hamblet, WCDS's Head of School from 2006-2009. His wife Carol, who attended the Gala, explained that it was Chuck’s belief that the Head of School should have access to

discretionary funds to address needs at WCDS for which there is no budgeted account. Gifts to this fund create a resource for the Head of School to use, and we're pleased to announce that this year the fund raised over $60,000!

Additional new features included a very successful Lower School wine cellar, to which parents of Lower School students were asked to donate for a total of more than 100 bottles; a variety of great door prizes including an iPad2; a flight from the WCDS blimp; and the "Best of Live" raffle, the winner of which could pick any live item as their prize.

Mingled in with the new ideas were many old favorites including the tuition, cash, or prize raffle, the sale of treasure box keys for a mystery piece of jewelry, alumni emcees Libby Ragan and Neill Sherron, a seated dinner, and lots of dancing!

Under the direction of auction chair India Miller, the Finch Center was transformed for the black-tie optional event, which was attended by more than 200 Westchester Country Day School parents and friends.

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our diamond sponsors: Dance South Performing Arts, IH Caffey Distributing, and a Long-Standing Friend of Westchester; and Sapphire Sponsors: Blue Ridge Companies, Larry Brown Insurance, Carolina Anesthesiology, Central Carolina Air Conditioning, Emerywood Hematology/Oncology, High Point Bank, McDonald's of High Point, and Sir Speedy Printing and Marketing Services.

Be sure to mark your calendar now for next year's Blue and White Gala, May 5, 2012!

Above, auction chair India Miller congratulates Alex Lim, who selected a piano as his prize for winning the "Best of Live" raffl e. Grand Raffl e winners were Iv and Leslie Culp.

Below, the Finch Center was transformed for this year's Blue and White Gala, which was attended by more than 200 Westchester parents and friends.

From the Development Offi ce

15

A favorite day for students and families alike, Grandparents' Day was held in May with more than 200 in attendance. Events included performances by many of our talented students, "Art in the Park," an exhibition of student artwork, lunch, and classroom visits. At left, fi rst grader Charlotte Martin shares a book and card with her grandmothers.

With the help of our many generous supporters, we are pleased to announce that the 2010-2011 Annual Fund was a

success!

Many thanks to everyone who helped with this year's efforts, including parent chairs A.B. and Grace Henley, grandparent chair Kay Wall, and the many other class champions and student phone-a-thoners!

We also want to thank all of our donors whose support helps us continue our mission of instilling moral, academic, artistic, and athletic excellence in each and every one of our students! Be on the lookout this fall for information about our Honor Roll of Donors publication, which includes the names of all of our supporters.

Please take a moment to look at the chart to the right for a glimpse of how your support directly benefi ts the students at WCDS. The fact is your generosity makes the Westchester mission a reality.

The 2011-2012 Annual Fund will kick off soon, so please keep Westchester in your giving plans for the next school year. Feel free to contact the Development Offi ce with any questions or visit our website to make a gift or pledge at any time!

By the NumbersBoard of Trustees - 100%

Faculty - 99%Current Parents - 57%

What this means....

$25 buys one case of Buffalo bites or accessories for school plays.

$50 fi lls a bus with gas for a fi eld trip or purchases supplies for a Lower School science project.

$100 buys two guitars for music class.

$250 provides a virtual learning lab for an Upper School biology class or helps send a

tuition assistant student on a class trip.

$500 buys an iPad for a faculty member or a wireless microphone for a theater production.

$1,000 sends 10 faculty members to an NAIS conference for professional development.

From the Development Offi ce

Grandparents'Day

Non-Profit OrganizationUS Postage

PAIDHigh Point, NCPermit No. 147

2045 N. Old Greensboro RoadHigh Point, NC 27265

www.westchestercds.org

Mission Statement

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

Coming Soon..August 12 - Alumni Soccer Game

August 24 - First Day of School

October 7 - WAC Golf Tournament

November 11 - 13 - All-School Production

December 2 - Guitar, Piano, Violin Recital

December 5 - Holiday Concert, Grades 6 - 12

December 15 - Holiday Concert, Grades K - 5

December 23 - Alumni Party

Visit www.westchestercds.org for a complete calendar including athletic events!