MISSION | Prepare our students for college and for life in a community defined by robust academics, inspiration, engagement, and care.
Dear Spartan Community,
Our community is one of intention. We deliberately define and act on our shared values. This is both one of the hardest and one of the most important things we do together. Values are not merely ideals or words on paper; to be real, they must reflect the way we live and interact.
As you read through the pages of this magazine, I hope you’ll see what I see: Spartans living our values every day.
Read about academic achievement on page 20 in a spotlight on our recent graduates’ impressive college plans. Our college counseling team has always focused on “right fit” schools, and we’re proud to share that, once again, nearly all of our graduates are headed to one of their top-choice colleges this fall.
Care & respect is highlighted on pages 12-13, where we feature student-led symposia (Beloved Community and the Women’s Empowerment Conference) as well as programming from the Center for Engagement, such as the Warm Wishes Drive (our schoolwide service project) and wellness-focused initiatives.
Civil discourse was a throughline for much of the school year, and you can read more about it in several places, including the strategic plan update on page 6 and the faculty professional development article on page 41.
ADMINISTRATION
Dan Frank, Head of School
Lisa Dwelle, Associate Head of School for Finance and Operations
Bobby Pollicino, Director of Upper School
Susan Atkinson, Director of Middle School
Becky Groves, Director of Lower School
PUBLICATION STAFF
Kathryn DiPasqua, Rachel Williard, Editors
Lisa Dwelle, Sydney Smith, Contributing Editors
Sarah Barton, Designer
Carley Hamilton, Contributing Designer
Kelly Frankenburg, Jason Harris, Photo Editors
A favorite former tradition was revived this year when the Art Walk highlighted the individuality of students across all three divisions. The Arts section highlights our musicians, thespians, photographers, painters, and creative students of every type, starting on page 32.
At Steward, we often discuss that we don’t know exactly what jobs our students will hold in their future careers, but we do know the skills they’ll need. Therefore, we prize innovation in our programming to help develop skills like communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Learn the latest with our Entrepreneurship Studies and Leadership Programs on page 11.
It’s hard to narrow down an example of our final value: inspiration Was it most inspiring to watch the basketball, baseball, tennis, cross country, swimming, and golf teams advance through the state tournaments (page 37)? Seeing the Lower Schoolers bravely dance and sing through the Winter Program (page 32)? Hearing from bestselling author R.J. Palacio (page 10)? Keep reading and you’ll see that inspiration is everywhere at Steward.
Thank you for being a part of our community and helping us inspire the future.
Kathryn DiPasqua, Dan Frank, Meredith Harris, Amy Sherman, Sydney Smith, Rachel Williard, Contributing Writers
Kelly Frankenburg, Jason Harris, Alyssa McDaniel, Wendell Powell Photography, Paul Gresock ’26, Dylan Griffin ’26, Yuna Harris ’32, Ada Long ’25, Kamran Mohanty ’26, Caleb Morrison ’26, Morgan Smartt ’25, Contributing Photographers
Total Printing
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.
DAN FRANK, HEAD OF SCHOOL
CORE VALUES
ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
CARE AND RESPECT
CIVIL DISCOURSE
INDIVIDUALITY
INNOVATION
INSPIRATION
In the 2024-25 school year, Steward introduced six core values as part of our strategic plan, Compass 2028. The values were de ned with input from many members of our community and will live as part of our school canon into the future.
Though this speci c list is new, the values themselves are not. For more than 50 years, we have lived with these priorities at the forefront. Whether you speak to a member of the Class of 1977, 2038, or anywhere in between, you’ll hear common refrains.
Abiding values are essential to the health of a community. They bind us together, give us a common language, and make clear our priorities. They help others know us as Spartans and help us know ourselves.
COMPASS 2028
In the second year of our strategic plan, Compass 2028, we made exciting progress in each of our focus areas. Read on to learn what’s happened and what’s coming next.
INNOVATION IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
Offer new ways for students to develop, demonstrate, and be assessed on their learning
Student reflections are now integrated into each Upper School class.
Middle Schoolers are leading their parent-teacher conferences.
Cross-divisional faculty and administrators evaluated our student assessment methods and are now considering the merits of alternatives or additions.
Expand our Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Service Learning Programs
More parents and alumni participated in the Entrepreneurship Program in the 2024-25 school year, and the Middle School program now includes a culminating Market Day.
The Leadership Program has grown; 81 Upper Schoolers were either participating in or had completed the program in the 2024-25 school year. That’s about 30 percent of our Upper School students! Additionally, partnerships with Virginia Tech and the University of Richmond have deepened.
The Service Learning Program expanded its scope with the schoolwide Warm Wishes drive.
Expand the Bryan Innovation Lab program and Impact
A standard schedule for exciting Visiting Innovators (like 2024-25 innovator Michael Tennant, founder of Curiosity Lab) is under development.
The Nature Play School program continues to engage both young Spartans and the local community.
Across campus, all of our classrooms now offer recycling, and composting opportunities are also available, all thanks to our Bryan Lab team!
Leveraging technology: augmented reality/virtual reality, artificial intelligence, media literacy, and computer science
All Upper School faculty were asked to create at least two lessons that integrated AI in the 2024-25 school year.
We started the Steward AI Leaders (SAIL) group, which includes faculty members from all divisions, to identify and streamline the way AI is used, monitored, and evaluated in our classrooms.
OPTIMIZING HOLISTIC, WHOLE - PERSON EXPERIENCES
Ensure our campus aligns with and enhances our mission and values
We have begun an audit of cultural use of time, which will include academic courses, co-curricular programming, and special events. It will lead to a prioritization recommendation.
Following the audit, school leaders will evaluate the bell and marking period schedules to identify potential changes to benefit our community.
Schoolwide themes are being chosen earlier to allow for greater curriculum integration. This already happened with the 2025-26 Nature theme.
Leveraging our humanity: The Center for Civil Discourse and Discernment
Head of School Dan Frank wrote a white paper about Civil Discourse at Steward. Civil discourse is also one of our six newly named Core Values.
A committee is completing an analysis of civil discourse norms on campus and working on recommendations for enhancing these skills among both students and adults. Simultaneously, faculty members are completing trainings about Restorative Practices and Crucial Learning (based on the book “Crucial Conversations”).
Care and Balance: Health and well-being
The Center for Engagement regularly shares helpful resources with parents via email. Keep an eye out for this information in your inbox!
Students in Grades 6-12 completed a survey about mental health, school life, and engagement, which will inform school programming choices.
We have a goal of training all faculty in Youth Mental Health First Aid, and approximately 50% have already been certified.
BUILDING AND ENGAGING THE COMMUNITY
Core Values: Define, integrate, and measure those values that matter most to the Steward community
Our six core values (academic achievement, care & respect, civil discourse, individuality, innovation, and inspiration) were announced last fall and the definitions were shared in early 2025. Flip to the final page of the magazine to read “I Am a Spartan,” Steward’s version of a portrait of a graduate.
Stakeholder partnerships and participation
Family engagement is core to our Steward community, and, therefore, programming has been altered to enable additional connection, such as new opportunities for parent campus visits and adjusted event times.
We love reconnecting with our alumni and are excited that attendance at alumni events has increased by 50% in the past three years!
Ecosystem of partnership: Opportunities with and for the external community
In January, we offered the third-annual Beloved Community RVA, a half-day conference open to the community. This successful event for more than 150 people included student-led symposia and a national-level speaker, Freedom Rider Joan Mulholland.
In April, a trio of Upper School leadership students hosted a successful Women’s Empowerment Conference.
In May, area schools joined us to welcome R.J. Palacio, author of the bestselling book “Wonder,” to campus.
Steward Named Top Workplace And Top School
In the 2024-25 school year, Steward was recognized by several local media outlets for its excellent faculty and staff, caring community, engaging extracurriculars, and top-notch academics. For the 10th year in a row, we were named a Top Workplace by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. Additionally:
• The April 2025 issue of Virginia Living magazine included Steward as one of its Best Schools for the 11th time in recent years.
• Our Clips for Cancer event garnered media coverage on NBC Channel 12, ABC Channel 8, and the website Macaroni Kid.
• Steward was named one of the best private schools in the Richmond area by Richmond magazine in its “Best of 2024” issue.
• Steward was ranked #1 by Niche in the 2024 Best K-12 Private Schools and Best Private High Schools in the Richmond area categories. We were also ranked the #1 Best College Prep Private High School.
2016-2025
It takes a village to support Steward! We are very grateful to those who give volunteer hours, nancial support, and assistance to help our community. Your continued generosity signi es a powerful vote of con dence in our school as we deliver mission-driven programming.
SENIOR PARENT LEGACY GIFT
The Class of 2025 parents raised $40,000 for the purchase of four new golf carts, which will be used on campus every day by the maintenance team.
GIVING GAMES
This year’s Giving Games was pure magic: 268 donors gave over $117,000! Giving Games is a one-week, participationfocused campaign that raises awareness about the impact of the Annual Fund.
The Alumni Association successfully completed raising $100,000 to endow a scholarship that will provide support for the children and grandchildren of alumni. Scholarships will be awarded beginning in the 2026-27 school year.
MAJOR EVENTS
Signature fundraising events hosted by the Alumni Association, Spartan Club, and Parents Association:
• Trucks and Shucks raised over $29,000 and had its largest alumni attendance ever.
• The 20th anniversary Ray Tate Spartan Golf Classic raised $83,000.
• The disco-themed Gala and Auction raised more than $220,000.
ank you to our incredible donors and stew-pendous volunteers! Look for these gi s and more in the 2024-25 Annual Report, which will be available this fall.
ALUMNI LEGACY SCHOLARSHIP
2025 Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship Recipient
Congratulations to Sydney Duda ’29, the 2025 Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship recipient. The scholarship honors Debbie Robson, associate head of school for community advancement, who died in 2014. A beloved member of the Steward community, Ms. Robson was known for her generous heart. This scholarship provides four years of full Upper School tuition for a rising ninth grader who is new to Steward. Recipients are chosen for their academic distinction, outstanding character, and extracurricular involvement.
Sydney, who attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, has a wide range of interests, including art, sports, choir, space exploration, Spanish, art, engineering, and community service. Asked what she most looks forward to as a Spartan, she said, “I look forward to participating in Steward’s extensive art program. I’d also like to try the pickleball club!”
In April, a brunch was held on campus to welcome Sydney, honor previous Robson Scholars, and celebrate Ms. Robson’s legacy.
Scan the QR code to watch a video of the 2025 Robson Scholar.
Scan the QR code to watch a video of the Impact Scholars.
Impact Scholars Announced
Congratulations to the 2025-26 Impact Scholars, Faith Akinfolajimi ’29 and Holden Teague ’29. The Impact Scholars program provides $10,000 merit scholarships for tuition ($2,500 per year) in Upper School to two outstanding current Steward eighth-grade students. Recipients are chosen based on character, leadership, community service, academic excellence, and extracurriculars, and are offered spots in our Leadership Program.
Faith, a scholar and leader, shares her talent on the field hockey and lacrosse fields, lends her voice to the chorus, and has participated in theatre productions.
In a letter of reference, one of Faith’s teachers noted, “She is an effervescent leader in the Middle School community. She is kind, conscientious, empathetic, hardworking, and determined.”
Holden is passionate about academics, music, golf, serving others, and life as a Spartan. He is also a talented cellist and is keenly interested in aerospace engineering. One of Holden’s teachers praised his well-rounded character.
“Whether it is creative or analytical writing, sharing perspectives about a text, or being an all-around engaged student, he is all of that and more,” wrote his teacher.
A Day of Wonder
In May, bestselling author R.J. Palacio visited Steward and spent time with Spartans in all divisions. Ms. Palacio is the author of “Wonder,” a story that illustrates the importance of kindness. Middle/Upper School Librarian Crystal Hamlin and Lower School Librarian Carlee Smith spent more than a year planning the visit, which was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Wheless Family Stewardship Fund. It was a “Wonder”-filled day!
Ms. Palacio chatted with Spartans about the writing life and the inspiration behind “Wonder.” She emphasized the importance of being kind in all situations (“You never know how something you say today can affect someone years later,” she noted, encouraging students to always lead with empathy and compassion.). Students from three local schools joined Spartans to listen
to Ms. Palacio’s keynote. The author also met with Leadership Program students and signed LOTS of books!
In the months leading up to the visit, students engaged in programming inspired by “Wonder,” including videos, podcasts, and art projects. In February, a schoolwide art exhibit was on display in the Carolyn R. Brandt gallery, and Steward welcomed the community to a screening of the movie “Wonder,” starring Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson.
The Wheless Family Stewardship Fund, launched in 2012 by Mark and Barbara Wheless (grandparents to Jacob Campbell ’29), supports initiatives that relate to one or more of the four life essentials that help communities flourish: meaningful work, community interaction, healthy family practices, and spiritual formation.
Entrepreneurship Education in Every Division Mission-driven program o ers hands-on learning opportunities
Entrepreneurship is one of the hallmarks of the Steward experience and embodies the school’s core values of academic achievement, individuality, innovation, and inspiration.
Entrepreneurship programming starts in Lower School when all fourth graders participate in Mini-Economy Market Day. The event caps off weeks of lessons that encourage students to think strategically about finance and entrepreneurship. After studying the basics of microeconomics, students design, manufacture, and plan the sales of their very own products.
In Middle School, students can join the Entrepreneurship Club, which meets monthly to learn about product demand, pricing, and marketing. The club hosts an annual spring Market Day.
The pop-up shop showcased our young
entrepreneurs’ ingenuity and business savvy. Buyers (Middle School students and faculty) were dazzled when they saw the variety of handmade products available for purchase: baked goods, locker accessories, personalized tote bags, and scented candles.
As students move into the Upper School, they can join the Entrepreneurship Studies Program, which includes academic studies, hands-on learning, and skill building, as well as the possibility of earning a unique credential that will prepare them both for their college applications and their future careers. Students who earn enough credentials will graduate with a diploma endorsement in entrepreneurship.
This year, the Upper School program launched a successful partnership with Junior Achievement of Central Virginia and also offered the opportunity to earn program credits for internships during Minimester.
Leadership Program Deepens University Partnerships
The Leadership Studies program completed its fourth year during the 2024-25 school year, meaning students in all Upper School grades had either completed or were participating in the program. Twenty-one students graduated with a credential in May, with nearly 60 other Upper School students still participating.
Steward’s Leadership Program combines hands-on learning with academic studies, enabling participants to become effective, empathetic leaders. The program focuses on group dynamics, conflict resolution, global engagement, and social justice.
The program’s university partnerships deepened this year. As they have done for several years, first-year students participated in an ethics workshop at the University of Richmond led by students in the Jepson School of Leadership. Additionally, Dr. Austin Council, collegiate assistant professor of leadership at Virginia Tech, led workshops for students both at Steward and during an overnight campus visit to Blacksburg. A grant from the Wheless Family Stewardship Fund supports the work with Virginia Tech.
“These partnerships enable students to envision their own leadership
development beyond Steward’s campus,” said Eliza McGehee, program coordinator. Scottie O’Neill, assistant program coordinator, added: “Our work with university students and professors expands the students’ view of leadership because they see so many people practicing leadership at different levels and in different ways.”
Scan the QR code to learn more about the Leadership Program.
Kenya Martin ’26 attended the overnight trip to Virginia Tech. She shared, “The exercises we did on the trip made me learn new ways of thinking. This helped my leadership skills develop and flourish while also letting me think creatively.”
Champions of Play Award
“When we incorporate play in teaching, it takes the pressure off and allows students to take risks and make mistakes,” said Upper School World Languages Teacher Julia Tompkins, who was awarded Steward’s 2025 Ingrid Moore Champions of Play award for a project inspired by a game show.
“I had been watching ‘The Floor’ — a fast-paced trivia show played on a life-sized game board — and I decided to use that format with my students to review our first-semester material,” explained Ms. Tompkins. “We were able to quickly review in a fun way and dive straight back into learning new material.”
The Champions of Play Award is given annually to a faculty member who has incorporated play in a project, installation, or course. The award honors the legacy of Lower School Director Ingrid Moore, who died
in 2023. Mrs. Moore was a committed educator who believed in the transformative power of play.
Ms. Tompkins, who received the award at the Board, Faculty, and Staff Awards presentation, said, “I was pleased to be recognized for this award because it makes me feel truly seen for my strengths in teaching. I feel fortunate to be part of a school that values play, creativity, and community.”
Spartans Take the Lead
Student-led symposia are part of Steward’s strategic plan, Compass 2028. Spartans shine when taking on leadership roles! In January, Steward welcomed Middle and Upper School students to Beloved Community RVA, a conference honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Keynote speaker Joan Trumpauer Mulholland shared her experiences as a Civil Rights activist; her son, filmmaker Loki Mulholland, joined her.
The event included student-led affinity spaces: small gatherings where students could discuss difficult topics and broaden their perspectives. “These spaces are essential for creating a safe,
inclusive environment,” said Jaeda Cranford ’26. The students were supported by Tiffany Goodman, former coordinator of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and Trevor Smith, Upper School humanities teacher.
In April, faculty and Middle and Upper School students were invited to a Women’s Empowerment Conference, organized by Gracie Hayden ’27, Ellie Kersey ’27, and Claire Stuckey ’27 as their secondyear Leadership Program project. Mr. Smith and Upper School Social Studies Teacher Eliza McGehee (coordinator of the Leadership Program), facilitated the conference.
A panel discussion featuring four professional women was followed by student-led workshops: “Identifying GenderRelated Stereotypes,” facilitated by Claire, “Accessible Gender Equality,” led by Gracie, and “Gender Equality Advocacy,” facilitated by Ellie.
The Center for Engagement Cares for Spartans
WARM WISHES DRIVE
A partnership with Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU paved the way for Spartans to make authentic connections toward a common purpose. The Warm Wishes drive was facilitated by Coordinator of Service Learning and Engagement Alexa Bolt in collaboration with the Middle School Student Council Association. Over several weeks, students in all divisions, plus faculty and staff, collected items (including books, toys, and art supplies) for activity kits that were assembled on campus and delivered to children being treated at Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU. In all, Steward donated 240 activity kits to the hospital!
WELLNESS MONTH
In February, Steward recognized Wellness Month under the leadership of Health & Wellness Coordinator Catherine Graves ’98. Lower, Middle, and Upper School students, plus faculty and staff, focused on different areas of wellness throughout the month with a variety of activities.
e Center for Engagement was formed in 2021 with the mission of positively impacting both the individual and community through intentional experiences and practices that increase empathy, responsibility, and purpose. e Center includes school counseling, service learning, health & wellness, and community inclusion programming. ese initiatives are central to our strategic plan, Compass 2028. e 2024-25 school year was lled with enriching programming and events thanks to this hardworking team.
Each week included Mindful Monday, Talk it Out Tuesday (dialogue prompts), Wellness Wednesday, Thoughtful Thursday (acts of kindness or gratitude), and Healthy Habits Friday. Tips were also sent home to parents.
YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID
Mental Health First Aid training teaches participants to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental illness or substance use disorder. Faculty and staff learn the crucial skills of connecting with professional help and resources when students are experiencing mental health challenges. School Counselor Jentae Scott-Mayo has led the program’s implementation at Steward. In just two years, nearly 50% of faculty and staff have completed training in the program that advises adults on caring for youth. Building on this momentum, we are expanding the program to include Teen Mental Health First Aid, which teaches teens how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in their friends and peers.
BELOVED COMMUNITY
The Center for Engagement team, specifically Tiffany Goodman, former coordinator of diversity, equity, and inclusion, supported the Beloved Community conference described on page 12.
WELCOMING ALEJANDRO PRINCE
Alejandro Prince joins Steward as our coordinator of community inclusion. Mr. Prince was most recently the director of educational programs at the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities. He has also worked as a teacher and community organizer domestically and abroad. He holds a B.A. in biblical studies from Azusa Pacific University and a master’s degree in theological studies from Vanderbilt University.
Visiting Innovator
In March, Steward welcomed Visiting Innovator Michael Tennant, creator of the “Actually Curious” card game and author of “The Power of Empathy.” This schoolwide event aligned with Steward’s strategic plan initiative to reinvigorate the Visiting Innovators program. In keynote addresses for Middle and Upper Schoolers, Mr. Tennant shared the inspiration behind “Actually Curious” and the importance of compassion and empathy.
“You can hone your connection to your emotions so that they become your superpower!” said Mr. Tennant, who invited students to join him in playing “Actually Curious” with prompts such as Who is someone who shaped who you are today, and why?
DESIGN THINKING
After the keynotes, students and faculty gathered in small groups throughout campus to play “Actually Curious” and
engage in design thinking sessions. They began with empathy interviews: great practice for improving dialogue skills. These skills align with Steward’s core values of care & respect, civil discourse, and individuality.
LOWER SCHOOL
Young Spartans met with Mr. Tennant in the Bryan Innovation Lab to play “Actually Curious” and chat about the connection between good listening skills and empathy. Lower Schoolers couldn’t wait to share their ideas when Mr. Tennant asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
MAKE AND TAKE
A public after-school Make and Take event in the Bryan Innovation Lab capped off the day. Families played “Actually Curious,” created their very own “Actually Curious” cards, and delighted in a buildyour-own snack bar.
Meredith Harris Appointed Director of Development
This summer, Meredith Harris began a role at Steward that was both new and not-so-new to her. As she begins her fifth school year, she moves from the assistant director role to the director of development after spending the past year as interim director.
To Mrs. Harris, however, the title before her name is less notable than the work she loves to do.
“We have such a strong sense of community, and I feel privileged to be a part of that,” Mrs. Harris said. “People are the heart of Steward, and development work is all about caring for people. Together, we can sustain and enhance our school to best fulfill our mission and values.”
Mrs. Harris’ appointment to the Development Office’s lead role followed a nationwide search. “It led us to the very best conclusion: Our new director was already sitting at the desk,” Head of School Dan Frank shared in the announcement earlier this year. “Meredith’s work is excellent, her metrics are
Clips for Cancer Inspires Richmond Community
Scan the QR code to watch and read the local media coverage.
strong, her team leadership is spot on, her vision and goal setting are mature and ambitious, and her love of the community — and our love of her — is evident in everything she does.” To congratulate Mrs. Harris or discuss engagement and annual or planned giving, please reach out to her at meredith.harris@ stewardschool.org.
Steward’s 10th commemoration of Clips for Cancer was filled with emotion and Spartan spirit. On February 21, 20 volunteers of all ages had their hair cut or their heads shaved. Funds raised during the event benefited ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation and the donated locks were given to Planet Hair, which makes wigs for children undergoing
chemotherapy. The Upper School Cancer Awareness Club plans the event with faculty support.
Every year, Spartans cheer for this event and give generously. This year, more than $5,000 was raised. Also special this year: the local Richmond community’s recognition of this incredible event. Clips for Cancer was
featured on WRIC-8 News, the Macaroni Kid website, and in WWBT-12’s March 11 Acts of Kindness feature. The news coverage led to additional awareness of the challenges of childhood cancer and a generous donation from NBC 12, as shared by Upper School teacher Jen Maitland, who is the club’s faculty sponsor.
Spartners of All Ages
Everywhere you look, Spartans are teaming up! Here’s just a sampling:
Our Buddy Program pairs junior kindergarten and kindergarten students with senior students at Convocation. The buddies also team up at school events throughout the year. Some buddies keep in touch well beyond their years at Steward!
The Book Buddy project brings together Middle Schoolers with their Lower School friends through the joy of reading. Middle School students and Lower Schoolers in grades JK-3 meet for cozy reading sessions.
Students in grades 6-11 who complete Spartan Counselor Apprentice training serve as helpful stewards in our Summer Experience camp program. They sharpen their leadership skills and assist instructors as needed.
Spartans in grades 10-12 can work in our AfterSchool Care program. They engage students through play and assist with homework. These hardworking students learn valuable skills, including time management and effective communication.
When students team up onstage, they delight audiences with theatre, choir, and band performances. In the spring, Spartans of all ages charmed the community when they took to the stage to present the musical “Oliver!”
Steward Earns AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award
We are proud that Steward earned the College Board AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science A (CSA). Steward was one of only about 1,000 schools nationwide to achieve this recognition. Award contenders must either have reached 50 percent or higher female representation in one of the two AP computer science courses or have achieved a percentage of female computer science exam takers that meets or exceeds that of the school’s female population. Steward was one of only 237 recognized for improving female representation in AP CSA.
Director of Upper School Bobby Pollicino said, “We’re honored that Steward earned this national distinction and look forward to seeing these young women and others achieve success in computer science education and careers.”
CLASSROOM HAPPENINGS: SPARTAN LIFE
1 Grade 8 English Teacher Danny Spiziri led a field trip to Washington, D.C., where students retraced the steps of those who participated in the 1963 March on Washington and recited quotes made famous during that period. Scan this QR code to read more and watch a video.
2 Fifth graders read “Peak,” learned the stop-and-jot notetaking technique to keep up with the story, and scaled new heights through a climbing lesson.
3 Upper Schoolers taught by Mathematics Teacher Jen Maitland gained a deeper understanding of quadratic equations by making connections between math and everyday items.
4 Meteors, stomp rockets, and enthusiastic sixth graders made for an unforgettable lesson on collaboration in Middle School Social Studies Teacher Craig Redmond-Cilley’s class. His students learned about the value of teamwork during a unit on government (and they had a blast).
5 Second graders learned about the fascinating world of birds through lessons that blended science, engineering, and technology.
6 Upper School economics students took a field trip to the Junior Achievement Finance Park, where they participated in a simulation that helped them learn the finer points of budgeting.
CLASS OF 2025 SPOTLIGHT
Class of 2025
GRADUATION AWARDS
Junior Marshals
Jeffery Sproull
Rafi Zepeda
Presentation of the Class of 2025 Gift to the School
Luke Eiben
Graduation Speaker
Xavier Nelson
Graduation Reader
Julia Leonard
Baccalaureate Speaker
Marc-Michel René
Baccalaureate Reader
Pedro Lujan
The “Lifers” Award
Jordyn Adkins
Luke Eiben
Justin Fratkin
Parish Freeman
Sadie Goldberg
Ben Jones
Bella Liesfeld
Lauren Meaker
Shreya Natarajan
Andy Orgain
Caden Proctor
Maya Trepp
The Dixon Award
Nathan Gu
Celebrating the
CLASS OF 2025
The 69 students in the Class of 2025 are headed to 37 different colleges and universities this fall. Here, we celebrate the impressive and diverse plans and accomplishments of our recent graduates.
HOWARD ADERHOLD AND HAYS ADERHOLD
Virginia Tech
The Aderhold brothers, Hays and Howard, have many things in common, including a shared plan to help run their family farm as adults after earning degrees in agribusiness. However, as they started their college search process, they were open to the possibility of matriculating to separate universities. They soon realized that Virginia Tech was the best option for both twins, as it was close to home and offered their intended major. “We didn’t plan it, but we’re happy to do it,” Hays said. A longtime gymnast, Hays also earned a spot on the Tech cheerleading squad.
Their older brother previously earned an agribusiness degree at Tech and is currently helping run the farm, which grows corn, wheat, soybeans, hay, and straw on 2,000 acres in northwestern Hanover County. “In agribusiness, you learn about taxes, contracting, and other useful business tactics,” Howard shared. “It’s a business degree with an agricultural mindset. We’ll have hands-on work on farms near Blacksburg as well as classroom work.”
ELLA BINGHAM
Grinnell College
Competitive roller skating has taken Ella Bingham to many places in her life, including the national championships. Now, it’s also taking her to college. A few years ago, while traveling to attend a competition, Ella and her mom stopped in at Grinnell College in Iowa. Ella was sold.
“I was interested in the open curriculum, which means you don’t have to take gen eds,” Ella said. “I can avoid areas I’m not interested in. I plan to focus on four types of classes: linguistics, music, costuming, and natural sciences.” Ella also hopes to play the viola in Grinnell’s orchestra.
She started at Steward in the ninth grade, and said, “The academic options here helped me prepare for Grinnell, especially the English and science classes, but really, all of them equally. It’s been important to receive individual attention and experience greater expectations from my teachers.”
LUKE EIBEN
Georgia Tech
“Remember your values and pay less attention to what other people are recommending for you.” That was the advice Heather Jeter, director of College Counseling, gave Luke Eiben as he was making his final college choice. Luke ultimately chose Georgia Tech after receiving several impressive acceptances, including Virginia Tech, Clemson, and UVA. He plans to major in civil engineering.
“I think that, at Georgia Tech, nearly the entire population will be super-driven, focused people like me,” Luke said. “They’ll be people who want to have the science conversations that many other people don’t want to engage in. Also, I’m excited to live somewhere new that is also an easy flight home to visit my family.”
Luke plans to explore a lifelong interest with his engineering degree. “I’m interested in transforming the world of electricity and power,” he said. “There’s so much to be done and that’s exciting for the future.”
LAUREN MEAKER
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
“I started my senior year knowing where I wanted to apply, but not where I wanted to go,” explained Julia Leonard, who plans to double major in political science and psychology at the University of North Carolina in the fall.
“The College Counseling Office held my hand throughout every step. Mrs. Jeter helped me with scholarship opportunities and still had meetings with me this spring about things like rooming and scholarships. I don’t know how I would have done it without them. They took all the stress out of it.”
Following the upheaval of starting a new school for her senior year this past year, Julia was grateful for the support during the college application process. Though she spent only one year at Steward, she shared that the Upper School community has been welcoming.
“I’ve been blessed to get to know all types of people in this diverse community,” Julia said.
“Everyone respects other people’s differences and gets along.” She plans to carry this spirit of gratitude and love with her as part of the Campus Christian Ministry at Chapel Hill.
Syracuse University
As an architecture major at Syracuse University, Lauren Meaker will learn to combine her two passions: art and helping people. “Art can impact the world, convey emotions, and tell the story of people through visuals,” Lauren said. “I love that architecture still does that but in the form of buildings. If I’m building something to help a community with, say, water, I can build something that matches their environment, tells their story, and also helps solve their problem. I can help with larger issues while also having an artistic outlet.”
Lauren was a lifer at Steward, becoming a Spartan in kindergarten. Starting at Syracuse will be a big change, but “Steward has set me up for a new environment,” she said. “It’s taught me what I need to know. Like Steward, the Syracuse system is very supportive. The architecture major is a minicommunity.”
XAVIER NELSON
Rochester Institute of Technology
Xavier Nelson was a Debbie Robson Merit Scholar at Steward, and, when he matriculates to the Rochester Institute of Technology, he will become a Presidential Scholar there. For both schools, he has earned their highest academic honor and significant merit scholarships. He also is a recruited athlete at RIT following four years on Steward’s basketball team, including two years as captain.
Xavier plans to major in civil engineering. “My interest in engineering started with LEGO and has grown through the years,” he said. “I joined the National Society of Black Engineers in sixth grade and interned twice with Bryon Jefferson [parent of Robson Scholar Alaina Jefferson ’22] at 3DI Digital Design Group, learning about architecture during Minimester. The college process has allowed me to understand that engineering, specifically civil engineering, was my passion all along. I’ll focus on construction management.”
TIANA SCOTT
Virginia State Tiana Scott’s story is about connection: finding connection with her teachers when she started at Steward in sixth grade, connecting with her peers through both art and basketball, and, soon, connecting with a new community when she starts college at Virginia State University, an HBCU (historically black college and university). Tiana will attend with a full merit scholarship, which she earned through academics and community service.
She plans to major in studio art, a passion she says not only offers a creative escape but also a way to communicate and connect. “A lot of my art focuses on mental health, so people who are struggling feel like, ‘oh, I can relate to this,’” Tiana said. “The message is to be yourself and don’t be afraid to reach out to others.”
Tiana is grateful for the support Kristin Snellings, her AP Art teacher, and Melissa Calkins, her college counselor, provided this year. Their connection, she said, included regular check-ins and caring conversations, lessons that she will carry with her to VSU.
JULIA LEONARD
CLASS OF 2025 SPOTLIGHT
MORGAN SMARTT
VCUarts
“I am passionate about creative expression,” shares Morgan Smartt. That drive will serve Morgan well as a student at VCUarts this fall. “I knew I wanted to go to a school that focused purely on the arts so that I would be surrounded by people who are interested in the things I’m interested in.”
VCUarts is a top national program, according to the U.S. News & World Report rankings. Morgan feels well-prepared after four years at Steward and extracurricular projects, such as their short film “Enough,” which won second place in a national film festival this year. “From my classes, especially AP Art, I’m used to rigorous requirements and schedules,” Morgan said. “I used many of the same pieces in my VCUarts application and AP Art portfolio.” Morgan added that their work with Upper School teachers Stephanie Arnold and Peter Hurley also helped them learn to express themselves in writing, which was helpful in applying for college.
DONOVAN RICHARDSON
University of Richmond
Many seniors look forward to a relaxed summer after graduation, but not Donovan Richardson. As a Division I basketball player, he became a Richmond Spider soon after graduation. This dedicated student-athlete wasn’t worried, though: “Steward and Richmond are both smaller private schools, so I think it will be a smooth transition,” he said. “I’m prepared to have relationships with professors, coaches, and academic advisors in college because that’s what I’m used to here.” He noted both his AP Calculus teacher Todd Serr and Upper School Dean of Student Support Paul Harris as strong influences during his years at Steward.
A standout scholar, Donovan is looking forward to exploring the options at the noted liberal arts institution. “I see myself finding myself there,” he said. “I do not have to declare my major until my sophomore year, so I will be able to explore, try new things, go down different paths, and see what appeals to me.”
e 69 Members of the
CLASS OF 2025
Earned over $9 MILLION IN MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS from all the schools to which they were accepted
Will attend 37 DIFFERENT COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES next year in 14 states and Washington, D.C.
Were accepted into 111 DIFFERENT COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES in 29 states and Washington, D.C.
Took 210 AP EXAMS in 14 subject areas
Were admitted to COMPETITIVE DIRECT-ADMISSION PROGRAMS , including: agricultural management, construction management, business administration, accounting, economics, international business, finance, kinesiology, architecture, marketing, visual art, psychology, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, computer science, and international relations
Made 290 EARLY APPLICATIONS (early action and early decision) and submitted 132 REGULAR DECISION APPLICATIONS
97% will attend a top-choice college or university
Words of Wisdom
From our Graduates’
Senior Speeches
1 “For as long as I can remember, my parents have planned our yearly family trips in an effort to expose my brother and me to different cultures, landscapes, and experiences to hopefully foster a love of learning and new things. While this, naturally, has led us to some undesirable situations, the trips we have been on have also brought us to powerful moments of bonding as well as times of personal growth and self-realization, causing me to become who I am today.”
Grayson Burke
4 “From the moment I could walk, my parents stressed to me the importance of adventure and spontaneity. Whether skiing in the mountains, exploring new places, or desperately trying to keep up with my older sister, Mollye, I grew up embracing challenges with a fearless attitude. My family loved to joke that my only weakness was my complete and utter disregard for caution and impulsive characteristics. Skiing was where this trait shone brightest.”
Sadie Goldberg
2 “Have you ever had someone in your life who makes you feel like you can achieve anything? Someone who pushes you to wake up and be the best version of yourself? Well, for me, that person is my little brother … Even though my brother is only nine, you’d think he is a 40-year-old man who’s lived about nine lives when you hear him talk. This kid has advice to give in every situation. That advice might not be good, but I guess it’s worth a try.”
Kiya Dickerson
5 “When my dad was a kid, he moved to Belgium with his family. Now, I could tell you all about everything he did when he lived there, including only packing matchbox cars instead of clothes when he went on vacation to Mont Saint Michel, but to me, the most important thing was what he brought back: books. Throughout my life, I’ve loved stories, but the best thing I’ve gotten out of them is my connection with my dad. Every story I’ve read, watched, and heard with and from him throughout my life has helped make my relationship with him the most meaningful and important one I have.”
Nels Moore
3 “Tennis is the most mental sport I know. It is crucial to keep your emotions in check, or else you will end up like me in some of the stories I am about to share with you. It is so easy to get frustrated, annoyed, or even furious when playing because of how consistent you have to be and how important each and every point is. Because of this, tennis has taught me how important it is to know your strengths and not get frustrated by your weaknesses. Instead, it is vital that you reflect and learn from your weaknesses so that you can turn them into strengths.”
Justin Fratkin
6 “Have you ever found your sacred sanctuary — a place where you can forget about life for a while and be at peace? My sanctuary isn’t typical; it isn’t just a quiet spot or a scenic retreat — it’s an old rescue station … As an EMT, I have learned countless lessons, and by the end of this speech, I hope you’ll agree that finding your sanctuary is one of the most important life lessons.”
Matthew Ruiz
CLASS OF 2025 SPOTLIGHT
American University
Appalachian State University
Arizona State University
Auburn University
Campbell University
Catholic University of America
Christopher Newport University (4)
Clark University
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
Colgate University
College of Charleston
College of William & Mary (4)
Colorado School of Mines
Colorado State University
Coppin State University
Davidson College
DeSales University
East Carolina University
Elon University (4)
Emory & Henry College
Florida State University
Fordham University
Gardner-Webb University
George Mason University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Grinnell College
Hampden-Sydney College (2)
Hampton University
High Point University
Hollins University
Indiana University (Bloomington)
James Madison University
Kent State University
Le Moyne College
Lehigh University
Liberty University
Longwood University (6)
Louisiana State University
Loyola University Maryland
Mary Baldwin University
Marymount Manhattan College
McDaniel College
Miami University (Oxford)
Mississippi State University
Morgan State University
Norfolk State University
North Carolina A&T
State University
North Carolina
Central University
North Carolina State University
Northeastern University
Old Dominion University
Penn State University (University Park)
Radford University
Randolph College
THE CLASS OF Farewell to
2025
The 69 members of The Steward School’s Class of 2025 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 May 1, the seniors had made plans to attend 37 different colleges/universities next year in 14 states and Washington, D.C..
On this page, you will find a list of all the college acceptances Steward students earned this year. Bolded schools indicate where our graduates will attend, and numbers indicate how many students will attend the same school. We’re confident these Spartans will leave an indelible mark on these communities, just as they have on ours.
Randolph-Macon College
Roanoke College
Rochester Institute of Technology
Rollins College
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Shaw University
St. Thomas Aquinas College
Syracuse University (2)
The University of Alabama
The University of Tampa
The University of Tennessee (Knoxville)
The University of Texas at Arlington
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
Towson University
University of Arizona
University of California, Davis
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Delaware
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Kentucky
University of Lynchburg
University of Mary Washington
University of Maryland (College Park)
University of Massachusetts (Amherst)
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Mississippi
University of New Haven
University of North Carolina — Wilmington
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of Pittsburgh (2)
University of Richmond
University of South Carolina
University of Vermont
University of Virginia (4)
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin
Vassar College
Villanova University
Virginia Commonwealth University (4)
VCUarts (2)
Virginia Tech (9)
Virginia State University
Virginia Union University
Virginia Wesleyan University
Washington College
Washington & Lee University
Wesleyan University
West Virginia University
Wofford College
Xavier University
Not pictured: Ryan Pakutka
UPPER SCHOOL RECOGNITION
LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE AWARDS
The Nolde Scholarship
Caleb Morrison
The Richmond Alumnae Panhellenic Association Award
Molly Timmerman
The Alumni Association Scholarship
Ella Grace Saunders
The Faculty
ABCD Award
Todd Serr
The Student ABCD Award
Maya Trepp
The University of Rochester Eastman
Young Leaders Award
Gabby Marshall
Order of the Shield
Braylan Rice and Maya Trepp
ATHLETIC AWARDS
The Janet L. Rice Spartan Club Scholarship
Anna Carpinelli and Nathan Gu
The Ray Tate StudentAthlete Scholarship
Brian Archer and Sadie Goldberg
The SPC James Vawter Buis, USA, Athletic Scholarship Award
Freshmen: Ava Becker, Zara Borgard, Kate Bradley, Andy Coy,
Naomie Crosby, Juliet Forlano, Kayla Galpern, Hope Garnett, Kate Gresock, Ellie Hirsch, Reese Jones, Caroline Kim, Cece Lentz, Julia Murray, Jack Niemas, Henry Pietrantoni, Sofia Ruffin, Piper Seeley, Emily Stafanick, Annie Topich, Lexi Turner, and Gabe Zepeda
STUDENT COUNCIL ASSOCIATION
Representatives: AJ Bucco, Anna Carpinelli, Layla Dwelle, Heath Engel, Caroline Everett, Gabby Marshall, Kenya Martin, Ellie Massino, Greenlee Murray, Nadine Odibo, Ty Rhyne, Braylan Rice, Mohsin Shah, Claire Stuckey, Molly Timmerman, Maya Trepp, and Campbell Vautrin
STUDENT LIFE COMMITTEE
Seniors: Brynn Cason, Lina Dawson, Shreya Natarajan, Braylan Rice, and Sarah Vermaaten
Juniors: Audrey Gunderson, Kenya Martin, Kyri Knudson, Julia Rhamy, and Hadley Trivas
Sophomores: Emory Burns and Claire Stuckey
Freshmen: Layla Dwelle, Juliet Forlano, Ellie Massino, and Henry Pietrantoni
CLASS OFFICERS
Seniors: Luke Eiben, president; Anna Carpinelli, vice president; Braylan Rice, secretary; Pedro Lujan, treasurer; Morgan Shigley, historian
Juniors: Nadine Odibo, president; James Heaton, vice president; Raiden Liesfeld, Gabby Marshall, Molly Timmerman, and Campbell Vautrin, officers at large
Sophomores: Annika Yaratha, president; Shem Abel, vice president; Emory Burns, Gracie Hayden, Reid Lower, and Jennifer Lujan, officers at large
Freshmen: Juliet Forlano, president; Henry Pietrantoni, vice president; Cece Lentz, Sofia Ruffin, and Piper Seeley, officers at large
HONOR COUNCIL
Nathan Gu, president; Kyri Knudson, vice president; Ryan Tyndall, senior class representative; Kamran
Mohanty, junior class representative; Owen Engel and Kaitlyn Freed, sophomore class representatives; and Sofia Ruffin, freshmen class representative
HUGH O’BRIAN YOUTH AMBASSADORS
Gabby Marshall and Kamran Mohanty
ACADEMIC AWARDS
HEAD OF SCHOOL’S LIST
By earning an A- or above in each semester, the following students were named to the Head of School’s List.
Seniors: Brynn Cason, Shehryar Chaudhry, Luke Eiben, Jacob Gallagher, Nathan Gu, Julia Leonard, Pedro Lujan, Sienna Rankins, Donovan Richardson, Morgan Smartt, and Annalee Taylor
Juniors: Joey Burmeister, Maya Deasy, Iris English, Lila Katz, Kyri Knudson, Raiden Liesfeld, Lilly Thoman, Molly Timmerman, Thu Tran, Christian Vanderbeck, Avery VanHimbergen, and Joseph Wentzel
Freshmen: Noah Bender, Zara Borgard, Kate Bradley, Naomie Crosby, Layla Dwelle, Juliet Forlano, Andrew Gamache, Kate Gresock, Elijah Kauffman, Caitlin Lentz, Sophia Massino, Henry Pietrantoni, Owen Proffitt, Piper Seeley, Anna Topich, Lexi Turner, and Braeden Zehfuss
HONOR ROLL
By earning a B- or above in each semester, the following students were named to the Honor Roll.
Seniors: Hays Aderhold, Howard Aderhold, Jordyn Adkins, Brian Archer, Ella Bingham, Meira Boyle, Grayson Burke, Anna Carpinelli, Jay Damodar, Lina Dawson, Caroline Everett, Justin Fratkin, Sadie Goldberg, Kate Green, Meg Harrison, Thatcher Hartman, Henry Hubbard, Emerson
Iwashyna, Lauren Meaker, Nels Moore, Shreya Natarajan, Rhys Newton, Andy Orgain, Braylan Rice, Matthew Ruiz, Tiana Scott, Morgan Shigley, Sarah Vermaaten, and Kaylyn Whiteside
Juniors: AJ Bucco, Mia Burruss, Dante Castle, Gabby Garner, Paul Gresock, Dylan Griffin, Audrey Gunderson, James Heaton, Turner Hurst, Tommy Inge, Natalia JimenezHernandez, Gabby Marshall, Kamran Mohanty, Caleb Morrison, Nadine Odibo, Lin Ogilvie, Emerson Pollicino, Julia Rhamy, Linkin Rose, Ella Grace Saunders, Peyton Seeley, Madelyn Shawn, Jack Sherman, Madeleine Smith, Jordan Solomon, Jeffrey Sproull, Tucker Sprouse, Hadley Trivas, Laney Vanderbeck, Campbell Vautrin, Tommy Wang, Camden Welch, Lila Wittersheim, Lee Woodrum, Rafi Zepeda, and Brennan Zide
Sophomores: Shem
Abel, Fara Alasi, Claire Bates, Ainsley Bowlin,
Henry Burke, Emory Burns, Karsen Creager, Dana Dougherty, Emily Forbes, Kaitlyn Freed, Sarah Grace Groves, Maddie Hayden, Anne Soden Henceroth, Oliver Jimenez, Brooks Johnson, Hunter Killian, Carson King, Javi Lara, Ellie Lavis, Jennifer Lujan, Eli Maitland, Kaylee Morgan, Lourdes Olivencia, Hanna Qureshi, Ty Rhyne, Eli Rockwell, Mohsin Shah, Braden Smith, and Mercedes Torres
Freshmen: Daniya Armstead, Ava Becker, Krista Copeland, Bryce Courville, Andy Coy, Kayla Galpern, Hope Garnett, Sasha Hanley, Harrison Hazelgrove, John Hetherington, Ellie Hirsch, Reese Jones, Caroline Kim, Presley Letellier, Drew Mack, Ryan Marshall, Ava McMullen, Finn Meadows, Gordon Miller, Julia Murray, Jack Niemas, Collin Olexy, Avery Peterson, Gavin Proctor, Sofia Ruffin, Emily Stefanick, Drew Strong, Drew Swift, Callen Tyson, Jack Weldon, London Wright, and Gabriel Zepeda
Steward celebrated a Donning of the Kente ceremony, which honors the academic achievement, cultural heritage, and community strength of graduating Black seniors. This group of 17 includes lifers; students with outstanding academic, athletic, or artistic accomplishments; class and club leaders; entrepreneurs; and students who have given hundreds of hours of service to both the Steward and their communities. Honored students included: Jordyn Adkins, Vanessa Crews, Preston Day, Kiya Dickerson, Parish Freeman IV, Háli Harris, Davonte Hines, Ava Johnson, Xavier Nelson, Sienna Rankins, Marc-Michel Rene, Donovan Richardson, Tiana Scott, Morgan Shigley, Gavin Thomas, Maya Trepp, and LJ Vaughan III
MIDDLE SCHOOL RECOGNITION
The following awards were announced during the End-of-Year Assembly on May 28 and the Grade 8 Recognition Ceremony on May 30.
THE STEWARD AWARD
Davis Wert
THE ROBUST ACADEMICS AWARD
Claire Sandine
THE INSPIRATION AWARD
Mila Hirsch
THE ENGAGEMENT & SERVICE AWARD
Madelyn Gunderson
THE PEER ADVOCACY AWARD
Faith Akinfolajimi
2025 -26 IMPACT SCHOLARS
Faith Akinfolajimi and Holden Teague
STUDENT SPEAKERS AT GRADE 8 RECOGNITION CEREMONY
Opening student remarks: Porter Cram and Kara Freed
Closing student remarks: Faith Akinfolajimi and Holden Teague
Presentation of class gift: Mila Hirsch
STUDENT MARSHALS FOR GRADE 8 RECOGNITION ASSEMBLY
Tabbi Akinfolajimi and Colton Rhyne
GRADE 8 HEAD OF SCHOOL’S LIST
By earning an A- or above in each class during the first three marking periods, the following students were named to the Head of School’s List.
Erik Avram, Sara Carter, Cooper Druff, Claire Durr, Madelyn Gunderson, George Guthrie, Mila Hirsch, Jackson Kerr, Colman Lord, Zee Mehta, Carrigan Parsley, Claire Sandine, Sydnee Stewart, Holden Teague, and Davis Wert
GRADE 8 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.
Cooper Adams, Faith Akinfolajimi, Marita Allen, Jacob Campbell, Porter Cram, Roby Fisher, Kara Freed, Naim Giron-Luqman, Rose Harbach, Ethan Herndon, Sam Herron, Aaliyah Ladak, Lucie Langley, Brooks Lee, Whit Lyszyk, William McCann, Declan Mullis, Andi Kate Reynolds, Myles Russell, Kaitlynd Spangler, Matthew Spitzer, Caroline Tribble, Wysdom Walker, and Emma Wang
ADMISSIONS AMBASSADORS
Faith Akinfolajimi, Tabbi Akinfolajimi, Grant Boss, Porter Cram, Amari Davis, Maya Farzad, Eliza Fromer, Oliver Gladstone, Madelyn Griffin, Madelyn Gunderson, Harper Heck, Caroline Hewit, Emilia Ianetta, Ian Joyner, Graylen Kafantaris Rambo, Lilly Kersey, Ria Maxfield, Saryn Milesh, Finley Oliff, Andi Kate Reynolds, Colton Rhyne, Maggie Shelton, Cam Turner, Wysdom Walker, and Brady Webb
LOWER SCHOOL RECOGNITION
The following awards were announced during the Lower School Recognition and Awards Ceremony on May 30.
THE LINDA DUNVILLE AWARD
Ana Hunte
CERTIFICATES OF EXCELLENCE
Art: Yuna Harris
Spanish: Sam Hrabak
Physical Education/Sportsmanship: Asher Solodar
Music: Whitten Broocker
Theatre: Campbell Vorenberg
Library: Taylor Garrett
LOWER SCHOOL MARSHALS
Talia Adkins
Emily Spiziri-McCandless
Weezie Tate
Henry Will
Kudos to the following Spartans for sharing their time, talent, and spirit with us!
SPELLING BEE WINNERS
The Steward School Spelling Bee
Winner: Ana Hunte
GRADE 5:
Mrs. Bailey’s class: Whitten Broocker
Mr. Coles’ class: Wilson Rock
Mrs. Oliff’s class: Ana Hunte
GRADE 4:
Mrs. Kauffman’s class: Tucker Moore
Ms. Pumphrey’s class: Leven Winebrenner
Mrs. Silver’s class: King Daniels
GRADE 3:
Mrs. Houston’s class: Bella Knighton
Mr. Routzahn’s class: Cathy Zhang
Ms. Zehfuss’ class: Juliet Harris
SPIRIT LEADERS
Maddie Baron, Whitten Broocker, Emmett Browning, Lucas Cameron, Cambridge Charles, Taylor Garrett, Mackenzie Griffin, Phillip Hamilton, Ana Hunte, Sam Hrabak, Edison Kovach, Layton LeCompte, Avalyn Ligon, Benjamin Nelimark, Tripp Oliff, Charlotte Parsley, Alina Rana, Carter Reid, Elena Roemmich, Asher Solodar, Nora Tompkins, Campbell Vorenberg, Harper Wilkinson, and Susan Wilkinson
Stuart Allen, Emmett Browning, Patrick Bulger, Cambridge Charles, Archer Gorbutt, Elias Humes, Edison Kovach, Graham Mikita, Cam Mootz, Benjamin Nelimark, Carter Reid, Elena Roemmich, Aubrey Shawn, Nora Tompkins, Misha Umar, Avery Vorenberg, Barron Watts, and Harper Wilkinson
PROGRAM SPEAKERS
Veterans Day Program Carter Reid, Campbell Vorenberg, and Lawson Winebrenner
Thanksgiving Program Asher Solodar
Winter Program Alina Rana and Elena Roemmich
Grandparents Day Program Lucas Cameron, Yuna Harris, Tripp Oliff, and Susan Wilkinson
Fifth Grade Recognition Tripp Oliff and Susan Wilkinson
JUNIOR KINDERGARTEN HELPERS
Stuart Allen, Maddie Baron, Whitten Broocker, Yuna Harris, Sam Hrabak, Elias Humes, Ana Hunte, Layton LeCompte, Avalyn Ligon, Cameron McKenna, Cam Mootz, Benjamin Nelimark, Tripp Oliff, Stella Overman, Charlotte Parsley, Alina Rana, Wilson Rock, Nora Tompkins, and Misha Umar
LIBRARY HELPERS
Stuart Allen, Whitten Broocker, Emmett Browning, Lucas Cameron, Taylor Garrett, Phillip Hamilton, Ana Hunte, Archer Gorbutt, Mackenzie Griffin, Elias Humes, Edison Kovach, Layton LeCompte, Avalyn Ligon, Cameron McKenna, Graham Mikita, Cam Mootz, Benjamin Nelimark, Jack Nelimark, Stella Overman, Charlotte Parsley, Kerem Pence, Wilson Rock, Aubrey Shawn, Avery Vorenberg, Barron Watts, Harper Wilkinson, and Susan Wilkinson
A Palette of Creativity
In March, a campus-wide art walk showcased one-of-a-kind artworks created by Spartans in all divisions. In the Carolyn R. Brandt Art Gallery, and in art rooms and hallways, visitors were captivated by student-created masterpieces, including ceramics, photography, sketches, and paintings. ArtLink volunteers helped direct visitors and served refreshments.
Visual Arts Teachers Abby Klein, Kristin Snellings, and Emily Wolfe, along with Upper School Photography Teacher Collin Ward, organized the event. Ms. Snellings said, “Art is incredibly enriching to the Steward experience and offers students the opportunity to discover new forms of expression. It was tremendously fulfilling to host the Art Walk and watch students proudly display their works.”
Scan the QR code to see photos from the Art Walk.
Lower School Winter Program Marks 40th Anniversary
In 1985, iconic Head of School Paul Cramer told his newly hired music teacher, Bonnie Anderson, that “A singing school is a happy school.” Mrs. Anderson, who taught at Steward for more than 30 years, took Mr. Cramer’s wise words to heart. She created the Lower School Winter Program, and it has been a cherished Steward tradition for the past 40 years.
The Lower School music teachers develop an original program of music and choreography, which comes to life with support from the Lower School faculty as well as a dedicated team of creative parent and grandparent costume committee volunteers. The program is always performed twice — on Thursday night and Friday morning — to a packed and festive audience. The students rehearse for weeks in advance. This year’s title was “I Need a Winter Break!”
Sandy Dacus, Lower School music teacher and director of the Winter Program, explained, “There aren’t any programs out there that accommodate junior kindergarten through fifth grade, so what I end up having to do is taking an idea, maybe taking
some things from other musicals, but also putting in our own songs and then finding tracks to go with those songs, and then writing a script. Then we work on choreography.”
Becky Groves, Lower School director, shared, “These programs are a joy to watch, but they’re so much more than that. Our students learn confidence, poise, and teamwork, and that practice makes — not perfect — but better. These are invaluable life lessons our students will carry with them for the rest of their lives.”
Watch a video celebrating this cherished Steward tradition.
Stage Presence
Steward’s theatre department wowed audiences with its 202425 performances! Top-notch acting, dancing, and singing, along with inspired costumes and set designs, elicited rave reviews from theatergoers. In the fall, audiences were charmed by “Arsenic and Old Lace,” directed by Lower School Theatre and Upper School Acting Teacher Craig Smith
The winter play, “Spamalot,” a hilarious musical based on the film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail,” garnered lots
of smiles and laughter. Middle School Theatre/Upper School
Public Speaking Teacher Susan Sanford directed “Spamalot.”
“I loved seeing our students fully embrace this quirky, off-the-wall musical,” said Ms. Sanford. “Our set designers, actors, and costume designers were all in, and the result was an energetic production that thrilled and delighted.”
In April, a cast of more than 60 Spartans from all divisions had the audience singing along to “Oliver!”
“‘Oliver!’ showcased the talents of a large ensemble cast,” said Mr. Smith, who directed and had a role in the play. “I am proud of our Spartans, who worked tirelessly during many weeks of rehearsals. The set and costumes were superb, and it was gratifying to see the audience captivated by this tale of hardship, redemption, and kindness.”
District Choir, Band, and Orchestra
DISTRICT CHOIR
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Cooper Adams ’29
Faith Akinfolajimi ’29
Tabbi Akinfolajimi ’30
Greta Craig ’30
Roby Fisher ’29
Madelyn Gunderson ’29
Juliana Hamlin ’30
Eliot Harris ’29
Mila Hirsch ’29
Shalini Mason ’29
Zee Mehta ’29
Carrigan Parsley ’29
UPPER SCHOOL
Noah Bender ’28
Juliet Forlano ’28
James Heaton ’26
Jennifer Lujan ’27
Dylan Olexy ’27
Henry Pietrantoni ’28
Jordan Solomon ’26
Emily Stefanick ’28
Lexi Turner ’28
Rafi Zepeda ’26
DISTRICT BAND
Porter Cram ’29
Theo Hirsch ’26
REGIONAL ORCHESTRA
George Guthrie ’29
SENIOR ARTS COLLEGE COMMITMENTS
ELLA BINGHAM
School: Grinnell College Program: Arts & Sciences
Spartans Shine at All-Virginia Choir
In 2023, Jordan Solomon ’26 and Charlotte Olexy ’24 sang across the stage from one another as Morticia and Gomez Addams in Steward’s production of “The Addams Family.” This past spring, the two Spartans were reunited at the All-Virginia Chorus event.
This is the second time Jordan and Charlotte have performed together at this prestigious event. Hundreds audition for these roles and only two singers per voice part, per district, are selected. Charlotte now sings with the University of Virginia’s internationally performing USingers, while Jordan most recently performed on the Steward stage as Sir Dennis Galahad in “Spamalot.”
Upper School Band Takes the Show on the Road
This school year, Middle and Upper School Instrumental Music Teacher
John McAlister and his band students had the opportunity to perform off campus three times.
“We performed at the University of Richmond basketball game as the pep band, at the Trinity Jazz Festival as the jazz band, and, finally, at the Kings Dominion Festival of Music as the concert band,” said Mr. McAlister.
Alto saxophone player Jeffrey Sproull ’26 shared: “I think our time playing off campus has been an enriching experience for us both through the professional feedback we received, but also through the opportunity of getting out of school and having fun. It is nice to play in a different environment, and in front of different people, and I believe that these experiences have made us a better band as a whole.”
MIERA BOYLE
School: VCUarts Program: Musical Theatre
ADA LONG School: Davidson College Program: Film and Media Studies
LAUREN MEAKER
School: Syracuse University Program: Architecture
ANDY ORGAIN
School: Longwood University Program: Studio Art
TIANA SCOTT
School: Virginia State University Program: Studio Art
MORGAN SMARTT School: VCUarts Program: Visual Art
Outstanding Achievements by Steward’s Young Artists
Fine Arts Award: Morgan Smartt
PERFORMING ARTS
Michelle Anderson-Haigler
Music Scholarship: Julia Leonard
Performing Arts Book Award: Meira Boyle
CHORUS
Grade 5 Music Award: Whitten Broocker
Most Accomplished Grade 7
Chorus Student: Tabbi Akinfolajimi
Grade 7 Leadership Choral Award: Finley Oliff
Grade 7 Choral Conduct Award: Colton Rhyne
Grade 7 Chorus Progress Award: Lucas Shawn
Most Accomplished Grade 8
Chorus Student: Mila Hirsch
Grade 8 Leadership Choral Award: Davis Wert
Grade 8 Choral Conduct Award: Madelyn Gunderson
Choral Progress Award Grade 8 Students: Eliot Harris and Carrigan Parsley
Upper School Choral Director’s Award: Rafi Zepeda
Most Accomplished Upper School Chorus Student: Jordan Solomon
Senior Recognition Award: Julia Leonard
Upper School Choral Student Progress Award: Tommy Wang
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Most Improved Grade 7 Instrumentalist: Gray Bernier
Most Accomplished Grade 7 Instrumentalist: Parker Bowlin
Most Improved Grade 8 Instrumentalist: Naim Giron-Luqman
Most Accomplished Grade 8 Instrumentalist: George Guthrie
Most Accomplished Grade 8 Instrumental Jazz Soloist Award: Porter Cram
Most Accomplished Freshman: Finn Meadows
Most Accomplished Upper School Instrumentalist Award: Ella Bingham
Most Accomplished Upper School Instrumental Jazz Soloist Award: Emerson Iwashyna
Musical Leadership Award: Luke Eiben
Musical Leadership Award: Nathan Gu
Senior Award: Marc-Michel Rene
Senior Award: Gray Tindell
Most Improved Upper School Instrumentalist Award: Theo Hirsch
THEATRE
Grade 5 Theatre Award: Campbell Vorenberg
Outstanding Newcomer: Shehryar Chaudry, Greta Craig, Gavin Gardner, Ella Houston, Colman Lord, Pedro Lujan, Lucky Moore, Sydnee Stewart, and Lexi Turner
Outstanding Achievement in Acting: Emory Burns, Jordan Solomon, Lee Woodrum, and Rafi Zepeda
Outstanding Achievement in Technical Theatre: Riley Carter, Kayla Galpern, Christian Vanderbeck, and Camden Welch
Outstanding Achievement in Acting: Iris English and Wyatt Roberts
Outstanding Achievement in Theatre: Luke Eiben and Lauren Meaker
Outstanding Dedication to Theatre: Meira Boyle, Grayson Burke, Charlie Cram, Ada Long, Andy Orgain, Braylan Rice, and Sarah Vermaaten
VISUAL ARTS
Grade 5 Art Award: Yuna Harris
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Most Improved Artist: Wes Herron, Jackson Kerr, Kaitlynd Spangler, and Liam Turner
Dedication to the Arts: Aaliyah Ladak, Scarlett Marshall, Fiona Simmons, and Landon Vassas
UPPER SCHOOL
Outstanding Freshman Artist: Kate Gresock and Braeden Zehfuss
Perseverance Award: Salem Torres
Most Improved Artist: Azaria Wilkins-Newton
Excellence in Ceramics: Addi Flota
Dedication to the Arts: Claire Dougherty
Scholastic Art & Writing Awards Gold Key Award: Morgan Smartt
Scholastic Art & Writing
Honorable Mention: Julia Rhamy
SENIOR ATHLETE COLLEGE COMMITMENTS
BRIAN ARCHER
School: The George Washington University Sport: Baseball
HAYS ADERHOLD
School: Virginia Tech Sport: Cheerleading
ANNA CARPINELLI
School: Gardner-Webb University Sport: Lacrosse
LINA DAWSON
School: Clark University Sport: Swimming
CAYDEN DIATELEVI
School: Christopher Newport University Sport: Baseball
HÁLI HARRIS
School: Emory & Henry University Sport: Basketball
AVA JOHNSON
School: Le Moyne College Sport: Basketball
XAVIER NELSON
School: Rochester Institute of Technology Sport: Basketball
DONOVAN RICHARDSON
School: University of Richmond Sport: Basketball
BEN VAUGHN
School: Washington College Sport: Basketball
LJ VAUGHAN
School: DeSales University Sport: Basketball
STEWARD’S LARGEST CLASS OF ATHLETIC COMMITMENTS
At Steward’s annual athletics signing ceremonies, 11 athletes, along with their proud families, coaches, and teachers, celebrated with photos and lots of Spartan pride. Assistant Director of Athletics Kara Bacile said, “This was Steward’s largest class of athletic signees in the school’s history, and we are proud of our athletes’ dedication and hard work. We can’t wait to celebrate their college successes!”
STATE TOURNAMENTS
During the 2024-25 school year, six Steward teams qualified and competed in VISAA state tournaments. The varsity baseball team finished as VISAA DII state runner-up after a magical run to the state championship game! Seventeen Spartan athletes from 11 sports earned All-State recognition over the course of the year.
MAJOR LEAGUER
Congratulations to baseball player Nic Enright ’15, who made his Major League debut with the Cleveland Guardians in May. The former Virginia Tech pitcher made his first appearance as the Guardians’ relief pitcher against the Detroit Tigers. While at Steward, Mr. Enright was named the Gatorade Virginia Baseball Player of the Year — the first and only Steward athlete to achieve this honor.
TCIS PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Steward is proud to have three student-athletes named TCIS Player of the Year! Congratulations to Brian Archer ’25 (baseball), Emma Wang ’29 (tennis), and Tommy Wang ’26 (tennis).
BETTY JEAN RIDDICK SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS
This award is given to a team in each sport in the TCIS Conference that displays the best sportsmanship on and off the field of play as voted on by the coaches of the league. Congratulations to the varsity girls volleyball team, varsity boys lacrosse team, and varsity girls lacrosse team.
Outstanding Achievements by Steward’s Student-Athletes
ALL- METRO AWARDS
Boys Basketball: Donovan Richardson (second-team), Xavier Nelson (honorable mention)
Golf: Luke Eiben (all-conference), Madeleine Smith (all-conference)
Boys Lacrosse: Betty Jean Riddick Sportsmanship Award
Girls Lacrosse: Anna Carpinelli (second-team), Betty Jean Riddick Sportsmanship Award
Girls Soccer: Mila Rene (first-team), Hanna Qureshi (first-team), Madelyn Shawn (second-team)
Boys Tennis: Tommy Wang (Player of the Year, first-team singles), Braylan Rice (second-team singles), Tommy Wang and Nathan Gu (first-team doubles), Justin Fratkin and Ollie Lentz (second-team doubles)
Girls Tennis: Emma Wang (Player of the Year, Tournament MVP, first-team singles), Anne Soden Henceroth (second-team singles), Emma Wang and Anne Soden Henceroth (first-team doubles)
Girls Volleyball: Lucie Tindell (second-team), Betty Jean Riddick Sportsmanship Award
SCHOOL AWARDS
The Ray Tate Spartan Club Scholarship: Brian Archer and Sadie Goldberg
The Steward School 110% Award Winner: Brian Archer
The Steward School Janet Rice Coaches Award Winner: Tiana Scott
The James Vauter Buis ’92 Athletic Scholarship Winner: Xavier Nelson
The Janet L. Rice Spartan Club Scholarship Award Winners: Anna Carpinelli and Nathan Gu
TEAM AWARDS
BASEBALL
JV BASEBALL
MVP: Hunter Killian
Coaches Award: Owen Proffitt
Coaches Award: Ryan Marshall
VARSITY BASEBALL
Most Outstanding Season: Brian Archer
BASKETBALL
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS
BASKETBALL BLUE
Spartan Award: Ethan Smartt
Coaches Award: Cooper Thompson
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS
BASKETBALL GOLD
MVP: Lucas Shawn
Most Improved: Whit Lyszyk
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS
BASKETBALL WHITE
MVP: Brady Webb
Effort Award: Simon Cole
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS
BASKETBALL GRAY
MVP: Fopé Alasi
Coaches Award: Colman Lord
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS
BASKETBALL SPARTANS
MVP: Jeremiah Jones
Defensive MVP: Jack Chalifoux
MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS
BASKETBALL GOLD
Coaches Award: Ryland Winston
Coaches Award: Maggie LaRoach
MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS
BASKETBALL WHITE
Puppy Dog Energy: Ellie Houston
Most Valuable Player: Claire Sandine
Most Improved Player: Cora Sandine
JV BOYS BASKETBALL
Spartan Award: Evan Wittie
Coaches Award: Nate Jennings
Most Improved: Oliver Jimenez
JV GIRLS BASKETBALL
Coaches Award: Piper Seeley
Coaches Award: Finley Oliff
Leadership Award: Jillian Haar
VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL
Offensive MVP: Donovan Richardson
The Triple Threat Award: Xavier Nelson
Spartan Award: LJ Vaughan
VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL
Most Improved: Brooklyn Kavanaugh
Ultimate Spartan: Tiana Scott
Hypeman of the Year: Avery Peterson
CHEERLEADING
VARSITY CHEERLEADING
MVP: Kate Green
Rising Star: Stella Cole
CROSS COUNTRY
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS
CROSS COUNTRY
MVP: Parker Bowlin
Spartan: Whit Lyszyk
Most Improved: George Guthrie
MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS
CROSS COUNTRY
MVP: Lochy Voeks
Spartan: Arwen Wolmuth
Most Improved: Emilia Ianetta
VARSITY BOYS CROSS COUNTRY
MVP: Nathan Gu
Spartan: Jack Weldon
Most Improved: Sidney Hetherington
VARSITY GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY
MVP: Meg Harrison
Spartan: Karsen Creager
Most Improved: Caroline Kim
FIELD HOCKEY
MIDDLE SCHOOL FIELD HOCKEY
MVP Award: Wysdom Walker
Coaches Award: Sara Carter
Spartan Award: Claire Durr
VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY
MVP Offense: Sadie Goldberg
MVP Defense: Gracie Hayden
Coaches Award: Campbell Vautrin
GOLF
VARSITY GOLF
Co-MVP: Brennan Zide
Co-MVP: Madeleine Smith
Rookie of the Year: Sidney Hetherington
LACROSSE
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS LACROSSE
Offensive MVP: Roby Fisher
Defensive MVP: Jack Chalifoux
Spartan Award: Reuben Browning
MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS LACROSSE
MVP: Claire Sandine
Offensive MVP: Kara Freed
Defensive MVP: Carrigan Parsley
VARSITY BOYS LACROSSE
Outstanding Offensive Player: Caleb Morrison
Outstanding Defensive Player: Paul Gresock
MVP: Linkin Rose
VARSITY GIRLS LACROSSE
Most Improved Player: Parker Yocom
Rookie of the Year: Andy Coy
Spartan Award: Nadine Odibo
SOCCER
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS
SOCCER BLUE
Leading Scorer: Carson Houston
Outstanding Goalkeeper: Henry Watrous
Most Improved: Ty Nguyen
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS
SOCCER GOLD
Most Valuable Defensive Player: Gavin Shepley
Most Valuable Attacking Player: Landon Vassas
Spartan Award: Holden Teague
MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS SOCCER
Offensive MVP: Mary-Kate Hrabak
Defensive MVP: Madelyn Gunderson
Most Improved: Juliana Hamlin
JV BOYS SOCCER
Spartan Award: Callen Tyson
Most Improved: Ryan Marshall
MVP: Ollie Lentz
VARSITY BOYS SOCCER
Attacking MVP: Nels Moore
Defensive MVP: Lucky Moore
ETG - Embrace the Grind Award: Paul Gresock
VARSITY GIRLS SOCCER
Most Valuable Attacking Player: Hanna Qureshi
Most Valuable Defensive Player: Brynn Cason
Spartan Award: Karsen Creager
SWIMMING
VARSITY BOYS SWIMMING
MVP: Jeffrey Sproull
Most Improved: Justin Fratkin
Heart & Hustle: Jay Damodar
VARSITY GIRLS SWIMMING
MVP: Lina Dawson
Most Improved: Annie Topich
Hardest Worker: Julia Rhamy
TENNIS
MIDDLE SCHOOL TENNIS
MVP: Grant Boss
Most Improved: Eliza Fromer
Positivity Award: Zee Mehta
MVP: Grant Boss
Most Improved: Raegan Wert
VARSITY BOYS TENNIS
MVP: Tommy Wang
Most Improved: Ollie Lentz
VARSITY GIRLS TENNIS
MVP: Emma Wang
Leadership Award: Kaylyn Whiteside and Caroline Everett
VOLLEYBALL
MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL BLUE
Best Server: Kayla Galpern
Best All Around: Brooke Frankenburg
Most Spirited: Finley Oliff
MIDDLE SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL GOLD
Coaches Award: Eliza Fromer
Most Improved: Maya Farzad
JV GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
Most Improved: Kate Bradley
MVP All Around Player: Zara Borgard
MVP Setting: Scottie Seay
VARSITY GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
MVP: Lucie Tindell
Most Improved: Juliet Stein
Spartan Award: Kate Green
Katy Koppanyi Receives 2025 Cramer Award
The seventeenth annual Paul R. Cramer Award was presented to Junior Kindergarten Teacher Katy Koppanyi at the 2025 Board, Faculty, and Staff Awards presentation. The award is given in memory of the former Steward head of school to a faculty member who epitomizes the characteristics of balance, perspective, and humor. Mrs. Koppanyi received a grant to use toward professional development as part of the award.
“Watching Katy with the kids at the Bryan Innovation Lab or on the Lower School carpool island might look like ‘just play,’ but it’s
profoundly more,” said Head of School Dan Frank as the audience viewed photos of Mrs. Koppanyi throughout the years on a large screen. “She intentionally demonstrates the importance of student choice, joy, and wonder, empowering them and nurturing their growth and development.”
Reflecting on Mrs. Koppanyi’s deep ties to the Steward community, Mr. Frank said, “Her cup is filled by making connections. She asks questions, listens intently, and genuinely cares about the answers. She is compassionate, thoughtful, and joyful.”
Connections and Care Spark in the Lower School Library
Lower School Librarian Carlee Smith “is always thinking about ways to engage the kids in the library in fun and inventive ways,” said Becky Groves, director of Lower School. “From author visits galore to potatoes decorated like book characters to reptile stations on Earth Day, Mrs. Smith brings stories off the page and into children’s real-world experiences. Those hands-on projects help our students stay enthusiastic about reading.”
Her care for her students’ love of reading is just one reason Mrs. Smith was named Lower School
Teacher of the Year; she cares for the whole Steward community.
This spring, Mrs. Smith partnered with the Center for Engagement to present “Once Upon a Tough Topic,” which equipped parents with ideas and tools they can use in challenging situations. “This was an opportunity for Lower School parents to think about the library as a family resource and learn about the terrific picture books we have at Steward on difficult topics such as grief, divorce, depression, and illness,” Mrs. Smith said. “These books can be a tremendous help for parents when talking to their young Spartans.”
Strengthening Student Leaders
In addition to his work as an Upper School humanities teacher, Trevor Smith also guides student-led symposia, an initiative of the Compass 2028 strategic plan. He was instrumental in facilitating the Beloved Community Conference (in recognition of Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and the Women’s Empowerment Conference in April. Together, these two conferences enriched the Steward experience for hundreds of students and adults.
Mr. Smith also serves as the Upper School faculty liaison to the Diversity & Inclusion Council, a role that also keeps him connected to students.
“Mr. Smith strikes the right balance between leadership and support that enables our students to succeed,” said Bobby Pollicino, director of Upper School. “He cheers them on when they’re headed in the right direction and points out stumbling blocks before they become obstacles.”
Faculty Focus on Civil Discourse Training
During the 2023-24 school year, the strategic plan committee on Civil Discourse read “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When the Stakes Are High.” That small group found so much value in the book that they recommended it as an option for the summer faculty reading.
“That larger group also found the book to be incredibly useful,” explained Eliza McGehee, Upper School teacher and the Civil Discourse committee lead. “Therefore, the school has now engaged with the book’s corresponding training organization, Crucial Learning, to take a trainthe-trainer approach to bring ‘Crucial Conversations’ principles to our entire faculty and staff.”
Head of School Dan Frank added: “Once trained, faculty members will not only be empowered to use those principles in their daily lives, but they will also be able to integrate them into their classrooms. Civil Discourse is one of our core values as a school, and ensuring these skills among our community members is vitally important.”
Crucial Learning preparation began over the summer with Middle School English Teacher
Danny Spiziri, Junior Kindergarten Teacher Robbin Hataway, Upper School Math Teacher
Karen Hudson, and School Nurse Kendall Hrabak ’04 becoming the first faculty members trained in both the methodology and as trainers. Their sessions for additional faculty members will start this fall. The training is made possible by gifts from the members of the school’s Foundation Board of Directors.
Crucial Learning joins other professional development and programmatic approaches the school has implemented in support of Civil Discourse, including Restorative Practices, as well as two large on-campus sessions: the first with educator Pascal Losambe in advance of the 2024 election and the second with Carpenter Consulting titled “Navigating Difficult Conversations.” In addition, a small group of faculty attended the NAIS/Close Up Foundation’s conference on Civil Discourse in summer 2024.
BARBARA FILLER
Upper School Math Teacher and Bryan Innovation Lab Liaison | Retiring after 14 years of service
“For the past 14 years at Steward, you have set the bar for anyone wanting to know what fair, consistent, high expectations look like. You have seen this school through growing pains, originally working with Carolyn Brandt to create the Upper School schedule by hand. But even as growth has necessitated change, your belief in teaching students not only math – especially statistics – but also how to hold themselves responsible for learning and
accountable to commitments has stayed the same. And on a noteworthy point, generation a er generation of students come back to say thank you. And they don’t just drop by – they stay and chat away! Your humor, creativity, pride in the details, and lived belief that they are capable of acting like adults keep them coming back.”
MARTHA VILLAVICENCIO
Housekeeping Supervisor | Retiring after 23 years of service
“‘Afoot and light-hearted I take to the open road/Healthy, free, the world before me.’ ese are the opening lines to Walt Whitman’s poem, ‘Song of the Open Road.’ Embodying Whitman’s belief in the power of selfdetermination, Martha did not simply wish for a better life; she worked for it. She le behind her homeland and family, worked tirelessly, learned a new language, built a career, became a citizen of her adopted country, forged long-lasting friendships, and, most recently, married the love of her life. And now she is ready to return to the open road, to continue her journey of self-discovery and to enjoy the fruits of her labor. For as Whitman says: ‘We
must not stop here/However sweet these laid-up stores … However welcome the hospitality that surrounds us we are permitted to receive it but a little while.’ We have had the privilege of being the recipients of Martha’s hospitality for the past 23 years. So today, I celebrate my friend. I celebrate all that she has accomplished and all that she has meant to this institution, but above all, I celebrate her journey. Wherever your travels carry you, Martha, carry us with you.”
CHAD MONTGOMERY Director of Plant Operations
Encouraging Lifelong Learning
“Kadie Parsley is a lifelong teacher and learner,” said Susan Atkinson, director of Middle School. “At the Virginia Association of Independent Schools conference, she presented to a packed house about neurodiversity. This is just one example of the many ways she encourages professional development in the Richmond educational community and at Steward.”
Dr. Parsley is the dean of student support in the Middle School. In addition to her well-received conference presentation, she also attended several other conferences this school year and presented her
takeaways to the Middle School faculty for continuing education. The conferences helped Dr. Parsley and her colleagues better understand how to facilitate success for a diverse array of learners. “Her approach of continuous improvement leads to a better teacher and student experience,” said Mrs. Atkinson.
Dr. Parsley also serves as a Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer for Steward and other area schools. Read more about this program on page 13 in the spotlight on the Center for Engagement.
KAREN HUDSON Upper School Math Teacher
CAROLYN R. BRANDT PEER RECOGNITION AWARDS
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 winners!
Susan Atkinson, Ben Brown, Ryan Burgess, Beth Farmer-Smith ’09, Barbara Filler, Melissa Freed, Ryan Gallagher, Crystal Hamlin, Jason Harris, Chad Healey ’00, Kristen Householder, Grace Macleay, Jessica McKenna, Gardner Mundy, Janel Nellen, Sean O’Reilly, Betsy Orgain, Erin Roukous, Elizabeth Simpson, Megan Young, Emma Zehfuss ’17
SERVICE AWARDS
FAREWELLS
MOVING ON:
Claire Bailey, Nancy Coles, Shannon Elsea, Bobbie Fass, Tiffany Goodman, Jenny Haar, Paul Harris, Emma Krusz, Betsy Orgain, Erin Roukous, Aly Verlander
RETIRING:
Barbara Filler and Martha Villavicencio
These faculty and staff members are recognized for their milestone years of service at The Steward School.
10 YEARS: Melissa Freed, Kris Marchant, Lisa Moore, Diana Niemas, Claudia Ramirez-Freytes, Susan Sanford, and Rachel Williard
15 YEARS: Chris Madigan and Mark Roberts
20 YEARS: Suzanne Casey and Catherine Hathaway
25 YEARS: Tara Hasenstab and Sabra Willhite
30 YEARS: Todd Serr
Alumni on Campus
YOUNG ALUMNI SOCIAL
1 We loved seeing smiling faces at this annual January event tied in with a varsity basketball game! Special thanks to the volunteers who served as our host committee: Elle Blangy ’22, Rally Costen ’24, Alex Eiben ’21, Grace Inge ’21, and faculty members Jim Haske and Todd Serr
ALUMNI INSPIRATION DAY
2 3 6 The fifth annual Alumni Inspiration Day in January was a full morning: a career fair with alumni and parents, 12 themed breakout sessions with small groups of seniors, and a Q&A panel. Special thanks to the many volunteers who were involved in this day: Cameron Bachman ’15, Harry Baron ’01, Kevin Cameron ’15, Lauren Cantor ’18, Paul Cantor, Jenn Cantrell, David Carl ’13, Aaron Chupp, Emma Connelly ’20, Adam Dawes ’07, Jeremy Fass, Ben Fox ’15, Andrew Gary ’12, Mary Warden Good ’07, Kathryn Hambrick, Rebecca Heck, Greg Holzgrefe, Sarah Austen Holzgrefe ’13, Kendall Tate Hrabak ’04, Lindsey Jennings ’04, Deborah Jonas, Lindsey Lubin ’14, Davis Mohr ’17, Morgan Van Davelaar Mohr ’17, Frazer Orgain ’95, Rachel Ragan ’16, Corbin Brierre Ryland ’01, Amanda Shepley, Sarah Shimer ’12, Tom Stack ’16, Taryne Turner, Gerald Walsh, Emma Zehfuss ’17 and Virginia Villani Zwiren ’15
ALUMNI DECADES SOCIAL
4 5 In March, alumni from the classes of 2000-2020 were invited to a “Make and Take” social in the Bryan Innovation Lab. In addition to visiting with faculty (current and retired), they could take part in activities: decorating tea towels and tote bags, sampling cocktails and mocktails, making savory s’mores on tabletop firepits, and playing in the makerspace. Special thanks to the host
committee for this unique event: Helen Russell Farmer ’16, Will Farmer ’15, Elliot French ’20, Laura Weisiger Leech ’02, Kaitlin Meyer Levin ’07, Corbin Brierre Ryland ’01, and J.T. Wauford ’09
PANELS FOR THE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM IN THE UPPER SCHOOL
7 Alumni and parents served as excellent panelists for the Leadership Program during second-semester sessions; the topics included entrepreneurship, marketing and communications, and STEM/IT. Thanks to these volunteers for sharing their wisdom with Upper School students: Laura Akesson, Ellie Caplice, Brian Corcoran, Bradley de Wet ’06, Tucker Diveley ’17, Katie Lee, Laura Weisiger Leech ’02, Coldon Martin ’07, and Brian McGehee ’97.
CAMPUS VISITORS
8 Alumni Board member Kam Smith ’16 sent video greetings in May for the Donning of the Kente Ceremony, which honored the 17 students of color in the graduating class.
9 Dorothy Spencer Suskind ’92 visited campus twice as part of the Middle School Speaker Series to present to students and faculty on the topic of belonging.
10 Mark Tharp ’13 was the featured Veterans Day speaker in November for the Upper and Lower School assemblies. His wife, Allison Mitchell Tharp ’15, and their son accompanied him.
POPSICLES ON THE PLAYGROUND
11 A fun, early summer afternoon on the Lower School playground! Alumni brought their families for a few hours of playtime and popsicles.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President:
Mary Harvard Nolde ’93
Vice President:
Meg White Montgomery ’05
Secretary: Harry Baron ’01
Treasurer: James Schreiber ’05
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
2024 -25 BOARD AND CLASS AGENTS
The Alumni Association Board and class agents serve as lead volunteers for Steward’s alumni program.
MEMBERS-AT-LARGE
Zach Barnard ’12
Liz DeLaney ’08
Mary Martha DeLaney ’08
Will Farmer ’15
Braeden Glancy ’15
Kiera Hintz ’13
Delaney Turnage Mescall ’92
Harrison Mire ’12
Susan Mire ’14
Kemis Noble Rawls ’08
Kam Smith ’16
Chloe Staples ’14
Michael Stein ’20
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CLASS AGENTS
Class agents serve as the main point of contact between Steward and individual classes. They help update contact information, share class notes, promote alumni events, and organize reunions. Thank you to our class agents!
1981 Denise Featherston Dietz and Robert Dietz
1984 Mary Hollis Lewis Jupe
1989 Bill Kane
1990 Shahwar Qureshi Mohanty
1992 Jimmy Benson
1995 Susanne Reynolds Kain
1997 Paul Douglas
1998 Catherine Woody Graves
2000 Stewart Felvey and Chad Healey
2001 Corbin Brierre Ryland
2002 Laura Weisiger Leech
2004 Kendall Tate Hrabak
2005 Meg White Montgomery and James Schreiber
2007 Mary Warden Good
New Alumni Association Board Members Spotlight
The Alumni Association will welcome four new members to the Alumni Association Board for the 202526 year: Taylor Brewer ’02, Andrew Caldwell ’13, Laura Weisiger Leech ’02, and Frazer Orgain ’95.
Recognition of Alumni Association Board Members
We extend our gratitude to four members of the Alumni Association Board who completed their final terms of service (six years) this summer. Heartfelt thanks to Liz DeLaney ’08, Mary Martha DeLaney ’08, Mary Harvard Nolde ’93, and Kemis Noble Rawls ’08. We also thank Zach Barnard ’12, Kiera Hintz ’13, and Harrison Mire ’12, who are rolling off after four years of service.
2008 Liz DeLaney
2009 Veronica Tharp Harless
2010 Blair Oliff Scallion and Samantha Bisger Stephano
2012 Harrison Mire
2013 Omid Mahban
2014 Chloe Staples
2015 Braeden Glancy
2017 Landon Smith
2019 Kerrington Martin
2020 Bri David and Olivia Koerner
2021 Mara Beck
2022 Elle Blangy
2023 Sabina Mohanty
2024 Rally Costen
2025 Anna Carpinelli and Morgan Shigley
Classes in bold will celebrate a reunion during the 2025-26 academic year during Homecoming Weekend (October 10-11). If your class is not currently represented, please contact alumni@stewardschool.org to learn more about serving as a class agent!
CONTINUING
THE TRADITION: STEWARD LEGACIES
2025 -26 LEGACY STUDENTS
Mark Harless ’39 and Frances Harless ’36, children of Veronica Tharp Harless ’09
Lena Smith ’38, daughter of Beth Farmer-Smith ’09
Finley Kurfees ’37, daughter of Ashlee Healey Kurfees ’01
Eliza Levin ’37, daughter of Kaitlin Meyer Levin ’07
Rivers Montgomery ’37 and Livvie Montgomery ’34, children of
Meg White Montgomery ’05
Ella Rhodes ’37, daughter of Glenn Rhodes ’11
Tayloe Orgain ’36 and Henry Orgain ’34, children of Corbin Adamson Orgain ’96 and Frazer Orgain ’95
is fall, Steward will welcome four new legacy students to our growing list of families with multiple generations of Spartans. Students whose parents or grandparents graduated from Steward are considered legacies. As our alumni community grows, so will the number of families who are Spartans for life!
Helen Izac ’36, daughter of Cynthia Johns Izac ’01
Lucas Wiseman ’35, son of Melissa Beck Wiseman ’01
Greenlee Graves ’34, daughter of Catherine Woody Graves ’98 and Adam Graves ’98
Campbell Hrabak ’34, Sam Hrabak ’32, and Mary-Kate Hrabak ’31, children of Kendall Tate Hrabak ’04
Enzo Aliberti ’33, son of Rob Aliberti ’98
Cooper Ryland ’33, son of Corbin Brierre Ryland ’01
Will Steele ’33, son of Taylor Steele IV ’85
Maddie Baron ’32, daughter of Caitlin Rossmoore Baron ’01 and Harry Baron ’01
Luke McGehee ’32, son of Brian McGehee ’97
Stella Overman ’32 and Ava Overman ’31, daughters of Brittney Bertozzi ’05
Hanna Qureshi ’27, daughter of Faisal Qureshi ’92
Luke Gallagher ’26, son of Leslie Muldowney Gallagher ’90
Kamran Mohanty ’26, son of Shahwar Qureshi Mohanty ’90
NEWEST LEGACY GRADUATES
Jacob Gallagher ’25, son of Leslie Muldowney Gallagher ’90
Andy Orgain ’25, daughter of Corbin Adamson Orgain ’96 and Frazer Orgain ’95
STEWARD FAMILY CONNECTIONS
Cali Garvey ’39, niece of Cameron Jarvandi ’20 and daughter of Steward attendee Sarah Jarvandi
Pheona Blumberg ’38, daughter of Steward attendee Jessica Blumberg
Levi Huff ’38 and Lucy Huff ’36, nephew and niece of Claire Stout ’10
Jax Phillips ’34, son of Steward attendee Shara Buxton Phillips
Quincy Sullivan ’34, son of Steward attendee Dave Sullivan
Claire DeFrancisco ’32, niece of Richard Wheeler ’06
Mila Hirsch ’29 and Theo Hirsch ’26, children of Steward attendee Meggie Tronfeld Hirsch
Robson Scholars: Where Are
They Now?
In 2015, the Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship was established to honor the passing of Steward’s cherished associate head of school, Debbie Robson. e new scholar, an incoming student, is welcomed into a small fraternity of students and alumni who share this prestigious role. In honor of the tenth anniversary of the scholarship, here’s a look at what these alumni are up to.
1 Aayush Lalwaney ’19 lives in New York City, where he plans to pursue a marketing career. He recently worked at the General Services Administration in an early career rotational program in the Federal Acquisition Services division.
2 Morgan King ’19 lives in Washington, D.C., and works as an international trade paralegal at a law firm.
3 After graduating cum laude from the University of Michigan in 2024, Matthew Cantor ’20 was commissioned as a 2LT in the US Army and was the Honor Graduate from his Basic Officer Leaders Course. He’s serving as the 2nd Platoon Leader for the 55th Military Police Company, 94th Military Police Battalion, stationed at Camp Casey, South Korea.
4 In 2024, Sonali Sanjay ’20 graduated with a degree in statistics from Duke, where she helped run the university’s venture accelerator program, served as class president for three years, co-founded a competitive South Asian a capella team, and built a startup. She now lives in Durham and works as an investment associate at Primordial Ventures.
5 Jack Morgan ’21 graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2025 with a major in marketing and a concentration in sales. He was involved with Virginia Tech Athletics, VT PRISM, and the Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team. He now lives in Charlotte and works with Daimler Truck North America.
6 Nicole Odibo ’21 graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2025 and is now attending the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, pursuing an M.P.H. in population and family health with a certificate in global health.
7 Following her Steward graduation, Lucia Fogler ’22 took a gap year in Taiwan with the NSLI-Y program through the State Department. She’s now starting her third year at UVA, pursuing a major in public policy and global security through the Batten School, plus a minor in Chinese language. In the summer of 2025, she was an intern at the National Security Data & Policy Institute.
8 Alaina Jefferson ’22 is beginning her fourth year at Vanderbilt University, studying neuroscience and Spanish. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in public health and hopes to work at the intersection of neuroscience and women’s health.
9 Bella Topich ’23 is in her third year at the College of William & Mary, where she’s an art student pursuing a degree in marketing.
10 Ana Reveles Leon ’24 is in her second year at Harvard University, where she plans to concentrate in mechanical engineering, computer science, and economics. This summer, she worked at UCLA’s Global Health Institute, conducting research focused on healthcare access in underrepresented communities.
Are You Listening?
In its first year, the Steward Alumni Podcast brought pieces of the school’s history to life, and more importantly, allowed Steward to shine a spotlight on exceptional people and unique experiences. With one episode released each month, the podcast had almost 700 downloads in its first nine months.
In each episode, host Harry Baron ’01 blends interesting questions with humor for excellent
SEASON 1
conversations with alumni and faculty, both retired and current. After a year in the studio, Mr. Baron said, “There are so many things I love about doing the Steward Alumni Podcast, but one of the most meaningful has been the chance to sit down with some of the true legends of our community. These are people who have impacted thousands of lives, including my own. Getting the opportunity to ask them questions,
EPISODE 1: Host Harry Baron ’01, Alumni Board President Mary Harvard Nolde ‘93, and Sydney Smith (podcast producer)
EPISODE 4: Steward legends Carolyn Brandt, Lee Healey, and Rugene Paulette
hear their stories, and just connect in an intimate, conversational setting has been incredibly special. I think a lot of our alumni would agree, if you could sit down with some of the people we’ve interviewed for 30 to 60 minutes, uninterrupted, it would be a moment to remember.”
Episodes are available on Apple Podcasts and the Steward website. Season 2 is underway – stay tuned!
EPISODE 2: Danny Welsch ’03 (recipient of the 2024 Alumni Achievement Award)
EPISODE 5: Dinari Noland ’22 (host of the “Young Bouls” podcast) and Upper School Technology Facilitator Erin Springfield
EPISODE 7: “The Stewlywed Game” — recorded on stage at the annual Board, Faculty, Staff Program. Three Steward couples (John Keefe ’15 and Ally Dods Keefe ’16, Frazer Orgain ’95 and Corbin Adamson Orgain ’96, Graham Hickerson ’89 and former staff member Barbara Werderman Hickerson), each of whom met at the school, plus guest host Jimmy Benson ’92
EPISODE 9: Director of College Counseling
Heather Jeter and Braeden Glancy ’15, administrative assistant in the College Counseling Office
EPISODE 10: Retired teacher Ian Coddington
EPISODE 3: The history of Trucks and Shucks, the Alumni Association’s annual fundraiser, with guests from the 2024 event: Sara Rossmoore McDermott ’98, Molly Sauer ’01, Jenn Gray ’02, and Michael Stein ’20
EPISODE 6: Lindsey Lubin ’14 and Sarah Shimer ’12 (Both were on campus for Alumni Inspiration Day 2025.)
EPISODE 8: Adam Lonon ’06 (athletic director and varsity girls basketball coach at Trinity Episcopal School)
EPISODE 11: Corbin Ryland ’01 and her son, incoming student Cooper Brierre Ryland ’33, with guest co-host Maddie Baron ’32 (legacy families)
1 7 9 10
Sara Rossmoore McDermott ’98 was named Henrico County Public Schools’ 2025 Teacher of the Year for the Brookland District.
Lyne Minardi Doetzer ’03 and her husband own Restaurant Adarra, which was recently named number four on the Richmond Times-Dispatch’s “Top 100” list of restaurants for 2025. Adarra reopened in the former Mamma Zu space in the Oregon Hill area of downtown Richmond in late 2024.
1 Jeremy Karmolinski ’04 and Taylor Karmolinski Lazzati ’11 were attendants at the wedding of their mom, longtime Lower School Teacher Kathy Karmolinski, on May 2, 2025.
2 Monica Casper ’07 moved back to Richmond after being in the Virginia Beach area for several years. She has a seven-year-old daughter, Emilia. Monica currently works at the Supreme Court of Virginia as a grants
specialist and is active in Daughters of the American Revolution.
3 4 At an event celebrating the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association, there was a Steward reunion: (picture 1) Sam Keller ’09, former faculty members Stefanie Trickler Sheldon and Jane Tuohey-Keller, former Director of Upper School and coach Butch Keller, former Athletic Director Janet Rice, and former students Micah Keller and Matt Deacon; (picture 2) Coach Keller and Ms. Rice with Adam Lonon ’06
5 6 Allison Carpenter ’11 married Will Sydnor on August 3, 2024, and the couple lives in Williamsburg. Steward alumni in attendance at the wedding were Austin Carpenter
’09, Amy Lane ’11, and Mike Sydnor ’83. The couple welcomed a baby girl, Waverly Gale, on May 7, 2025, weighing 6 pounds, 2 ounces.
7 Stuart Good Hayhurst ’11 and her husband, Drew, welcomed baby Willa on February 26, 2025.
8 Kate Farmer Walker ’12 welcomed baby Leo Loving on April 19, 2025.
9 Preston Huennekens ’12 and his wife, Rachel, welcomed a baby boy, Stewart Rawls, on July 11, 2024. Preston graduated from law school at the University of Kentucky on May 9, 2025, and is a clerk for Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky.
Want to connect with more of your classmates and fellow alumni? Join the 200+ alumni on Steward’s Almabase platform to catch up and network! 5 3 2 4
13 Sean Highfill ’15 and Liza Highfill ’17 welcomed a son, William “Ramsey,” on February 13, 2025. 8
10 Natalie Bendheim ’14 lives in Los Angeles and is an actress, writer, and producer, and has done work in film, television, theatre, and voiceover. She’s also the co-founder of a production company, Neighborhood Entertainment.
11 Hailey-Marie Ragan Henegan ’14 and her husband, Kurt, welcomed baby Sterling Thomas on March 28, 2025.
Nic Enright ’15 pitched his first Major League Baseball game for the Cleveland Guardians against the Detroit Tigers on May 25, 2025. He threw two scoreless innings and struck out three.
12 Matthew Gelber ’15 and Mary Madison Gelber ’16 welcomed baby Benjamin (8 pounds, 7 ounces) on February 26, 2025.
14 Peter Orgain ’18 married Madison Taylor on November 30, 2024. They were junior year prom dates who were introduced to each other by Alex Fabiato ’19, who was a groomsman in the wedding. Sam Barden ’18 and Blake Hollier ’18 were also groomsmen, and John Orgain ’18 was his brother’s best man.
15 Reese Richardson ’20 married John Backo on April 5, 2025, in Goochland; they met as students at Christopher Newport University and were engaged a year and a half later.
Libey Eynan ’21 graduated from Muhlenberg College on May 18, 2025, with a double major in psychology and public health.
Harrison Gelber ’21 graduated from Furman University with a Bachelor of Music in music education
(instrumental), summa cum laude
In January 2025, he performed his senior percussion recital (available on YouTube) as a requirement for his degree. In the fall of 2025, he will pursue a Master of Music in percussion performance at Colorado State University, where he also accepted a graduate teaching assistantship.
Anna Pastore ’21 graduated from Oberlin College, and Mary Pastore ’21 graduated from Bryn Mawr College in May 2025.
Zach Rosenthal ’21 was accepted into the MBA program at Roanoke College.
16 Drew Thompson ’21 graduated summa cum laude from Washington & Lee University on May 29, 2025, with a degree in economics and history and a minor in mathematics. He was Phi Beta Kappa, editor-in-chief of The
W&L Spectator, student director of the W&L Writing Center, a member of the Williams Investment Society, and a brother in Lambda Chi Alpha. He now lives in Charlotte, NC, working as an economic analyst for Wells Fargo Corporate and Investment Banking. Drew and his Steward classmate Jack Morgan ’21 are roommates in Charlotte! (For more about Jack’s plans, check out page 48.)
Jake Pildis ’22 is a senior at CNU, where he is president of the Delta Upsilon International chapter and an investment team analyst for the Captains’ Educational Enrichment Fund.
17 18 Lilly Caldwell ’24 ran into familiar Steward faces during her freshman year at Wake Forest University: Jessica Jordan ’18 (a WF alum) and Efton Reid ’20, a WF senior on the basketball team.
Memorials
Parker Alan Dillard, stepfather of Noah Lacy ’19, November 10, 2023
Louise Kallman, stepmother of Lee Kallman ’91 and Monica Moehring ’93, April 3, 2025
Robert Dennis Malarkey, father of Michael Malarkey ’93, January 12, 2025
Philip Christopher Pieters, father of Kelsea Pieters ’09, Chloe Pieters ’12, and Jackson Pieters ’15, May 24, 2025
James David Rose Jr., father of Jamie Rose ’01 and former student Andrew Rose, Dec. 10, 2024
Courtney Robertson Campbell Spencer, mother of Dorothy Suskind ’92, Dec. 22, 2024
David Delmege Trimble, director of athletics and Upper School history teacher in the 1970s, March 5, 2025
Larry Twining, husband of Susan Cramer Twining ’84, father of Abbey Twining ’13 and Mason Twining ’18, and Steward Strength and Conditioning Coach Chad Twining, June 14, 2025
Sheila Smith Wiggins, English teacher in the 1980s and parent of former students, December 23, 2024
Hali Yun ’08, March 13, 2025
The information on these pages has been submitted, listed publicly, or is printed with permission from the family. Please contact the Development Office at alumni@ stewardschool.org or (804) 740-3394 if you have information to share. HAVE NEWS TO SHARE? Send it our way, and we’ll include it in the next magazine. alumni@stewardschool.org
We Love our Parents Association Volunteers!
Fun fact: Every Steward parent is a member of the Parents Association! Betsy Kersey, PA president (and parent of Ellie ’27 and Lilly ’30), said, “Volunteering with the PA is a terrific way for parents to connect, exchange ideas, and be active members of our school community. I encourage all parents to get involved!”
PA members team up to raise funds and build community that benefit all aspects of the school through events such as the Gala and Auction, Fall and Spring Socials, Bingo, and SpartaFest. Funds raised throughout the year support an annual gift to the school.
In 2024-25, the PA raised over $220,000 at the Gala! This year’s gifts from the PA helped fund a variety of items to enhance the school experience: new furniture for Waddell Terrace, sound baffling for the BlackBox Theatre, a bandsaw for theatre tech, a choral bandshell for performances, a format printer, and pottery wheels. Money raised by the PA also helps this hardworking group host events throughout the year.
Parents Association volunteers can also show their blue-and-gold pride by preparing surprises for Faculty and Staff Appreciation Week and helping plan Shop and Share events.
Good Sports: The Spartan Club
You’ve likely seen Spartan Club volunteers at the concession stand during games and tournaments. But did you know this hardworking group works most of their magic behind the scenes? The Spartan Club is composed of more than 50 families; members pay annual dues and are invited to volunteer. Their work includes managing an annual golf tournament, concessions, membership, and special events sub-committees.
In the 2024-25 school year, the Spartan Club provided funding for:
➤ AirCAT volleyball training machine
➤ field tarp for water remediation on the baseball field
➤ lawn mower for fields
➤ new chairs for the gym
➤ equipment for our athletics trainer
➤ weight room equipment
➤ a pilot leadership-building workshop for the varsity girls basketball team
➤ Hudl video sports analysis membership
➤ coach appreciation gifts
We are grateful to our outgoing Spartan Club officers: Chuck Wingfield (president; father of Chase ’23, Spencer ’25, and Mason ’31), Gerald
Scan this QR code to learn more.
Scan the QR to learn more about the Spartan Club.
Walsh (vice president; father of Grady ’22 and Wesley ’24), Nichole Jenkins (secretary; mother of Savannah ’27); and Mike Proctor (treasurer; father of Caden ’25 and Gavin ’28). We are especially grateful to Mr. Wingfield, whose seven-year tenure as president of the Spartan Club is unparalleled!
We’ve Got Spirit … Yes, We Do!
Blue-and-gold sparkle … you feel it everywhere on campus. That’s in large part due to our hardworking Spirit Committee members, who are champions of school pride. Co-chairs Colleen Carpinelli (Spartan Shop manager and parent of Anna ’25) and Carley Hamilton (assistant director of marketing and communications and parent of Richmond ’30 and Phillip ’32) encourage all members of the Steward community to “sparticipate” in events, don their blue or gold team shirts, and support school events.
Alyssa Kovach (Middle School world languages teacher and mother of Lincoln ’35, Penn ’33, and Edison ’32) and Abby Klein (Lower/Middle School visual arts teacher and mother of Stella ’35) co-lead the Middle School squad, now in its second year. “It’s a wonderfully boisterous bunch, with about 25 members,” said Ms. Kovach. “This energetic group greets Spartans on pep rally days during carpool, decked out in blue and gold and pumping up the music to set the tone for a spirited day!”
Art Enthusiasts
Steward’s ArtLink volunteers champion our student artists and arts faculty. This school year, they organized all three Dinner and Show events, hosted receptions at band and choir concerts and theatre performances, funded and ran the all-school Art Walk’s glorious snack spread, and even lent a hand backstage
during this spring’s “Oliver!” production. They deserve a standing ovation!
Volunteers don’t need to be artists themselves. “This is a great opportunity for anyone who appreciates the arts,” said outgoing ArtLink Chair Jen Vermaaten (mother of Sarah ’25). “The ArtLink committee
The Annual Fund Committee
sponsors pumpkins sales and decorating at SpartaFest and provides behind-the-scenes help for a variety of artcentric happenings. This is a wonderful way to meet other Spartan parents, support the school, and get a glimpse into what students in all divisions experience thanks to Steward’s multi-faceted arts program.”
A group of dedicated parents, alumni, alumni parents, grandparents, and faculty and staff team up to make the Annual Fund committee an integral part of our school. As philanthropic ambassadors, these hardworking volunteers raise awareness about the fund’s role.
Did you know? The Annual Fund fills the gap between tuition and what it costs to educate a Spartan. Your support of the Fund enhances these immediate needs:
➤ academics
➤ professional development
➤ Variable Tuition and scholarships
➤ fine and performing arts
➤ athletics
➤ technology
During the 2024-25 academic year, the 17 members of the Annual Fund committee wrote personalized letters to community members and made phone calls asking for support. They also played a critical role in our annual participation challenge campaign, Giving Games, which was — abracadabra!
— filled with surprises. In short, these steadfast Spartans exemplify what Steward does best: They make meaningful connections, inspire, and are committed to making the school experience better than ever.
STEWARD WELCOMES
New Board Members
Thank you to the 2024-25 Board of Trustees who have completed their terms of service: David Fratkin, Lisa Landry, Susan Twining ‘84, and Matt Williams. We welcome Jennifer Hunte, Bryon Jefferson, Mark Morton, Shiv Patel, and Chuck Wingfield to the 2025-26 Board of Trustees.
MARK MORTON
With a career spanning executive roles in business strategy, IT services, and operational management, Mr. Morton excels at fostering innovation. The founder of Morton Consulting, he leads a managed services provider that partners with businesses to optimize technology solutions. The father of Cash ’37, Beckett ’37, and Sloane ’39, he is dedicated to advancing initiatives that enrich the learning environment.
JENNIFER HUNTE
Ms. Hunte, senior director in US Card at Capital One, has over 10 years of experience leading a team and managing core collections and recoveries process and risk. Before joining Capital One, she spent several years in investment consulting, managing investment portfolios for large endowments. Ms. Hunte earned B.A. degrees in economics and French from Boston College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She and her husband, Barry, are the parents of Ana ’32
SHIV PATEL
Mr. Patel has 16 years of experience in small to medium-sized enterprises, specializing in finance, operations, accounting, IT, and human resources. He founded Heas Energy, where he serves as president; the company supplies fuel and operates Express Lane Markets. Mr. Patel earned an MBA from Virginia Commonwealth University and a bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting from Indiana University. He is the father of Emery ’35 and Ava ’37; his wife, Hitesha, serves on various Steward committees.
BRYON JEFFERSON
Mr. Jefferson, who earned a BArch degree from Hampton University, has over 25 years of experience as an architectural design professional. He is a co-founder and owner of 3DI Digital Design Group, which specializes in architectural conceptual design and 3D visualization. He serves on Steward’s Building and Grounds Committee and has been involved with the design and development of several campus projects, including the Bryan Innovation Lab. Mr. Jefferson and his wife, Cynthia, have two daughters: Alaina ’22, and Alyssa.
CHUCK WINGFIELD
Mr. Wingfield is an IT professional with a career spanning over 30 years in the investment management industry. He is a senior lead application strategist for Allspring Global Investments, where he oversees application development and support for the firm’s accounting and client reporting functions. Mr. Wingfield holds a B.A. in English and history from Virginia Tech and a post-baccalaureate certificate in information systems from VCU. He and his wife, Julia, are the parents of Chase ’23, Spencer ’25, and Mason ’31
Bingo
LS Grandparents Day
Spring Ice Cream Social & Book Fair
Spring Spirit Week
Field Day
Volunteer
Appreciation Breakfast
Beach Day
Trustee Social
I Am a Spartan.
Spartans prioritize ACADEMIC
ACHIEVEMENT
.
I engage in the educational process, celebrate accomplishments, and remember that there are as many ways to learn as there are people. Knowledge is one of my most powerful tools.
Spartans show CARE AND RESPECT.
I demonstrate the power of kindness and empathy by thinking carefully about the impact of my words and actions on all members of my community.
Spartans engage in CIVIL
DISCOURSE
.
I have respectful dialogue with my fellow community members, remembering that understanding different perspectives leads to growth. I will honor the thoughts and opinions of others by speaking and listening with care.
I embrace my individuality with confidence and honesty. I recognize that valuing my individuality goes hand in hand with treating others with dignity.
Spartans INNOVATE
.
I understand that today’s classroom is my opportunity to prepare for tomorrow’s world, and I welcome an atmosphere of creative exploration and critical thinking.
Spartans inspire and Spartans are
INSPIRED
.
I believe that inspiration is the life of our school and sparks positive change in each of us. This happens within and beyond the classroom, through relationships forged in class, clubs, teams, casts, and other collaborations.
SPARTICIPATION FAIR
Learn about all the ways to volunteer at Steward, including ArtLink, Spirit Committee, Parents Association, Spartan Club, and more on Sept. 3, 8:15-9 a.m.
FALL SOCIAL
Engage with the community at the Parents Association’s welcome event on Sept. 5, 3:30-6 p.m.
HOMECOMING WEEKEND
Join us for Trucks and Shucks hosted by the Alumni Association on Oct. 10, 7-10 p.m. & SpartaFest hosted by the Parents Association on Oct. 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
RAY TATE SPARTAN GOLF CLASSIC
Connect with Steward families and sports fans at the Spartan Club’s tournament on Oct. 27.
CONNECT WITH US
Share your interests by completing the Volunteer Interest Form on our website or emailing Development Associate Amy Sherman at Amy.Sherman@stewardschool.org
