highlander winter 2014
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HIGHL NDERA PUBLICATION FOR THE ST. ANDREW’S COMMUNITY
winter 2014
OUR ISLAND IDENTITYFOUNDER’S DAY
FALL ACADEMIC HONORS
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Mark Toth
FROM OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL www.saintschool.com
Mark
What makes us unique from all the other private and public schools in town?
One differentiator is our Island Identity. Our proximity to the salt marshes, beach, barrier islands and rivers, provides a distinct addition to our traditional classrooms. Whether studying sea life on Tybee Island or searching in the marsh areas for palm fronds to complete an art project, our students are directly engaged in learning.
Teachers and staff at St. Andrew’s are continuously searching for ways to provide the most relevant opportunities for our students. We are not teaching about the environment. We are getting our hands dirty in the on-campus garden, harvesting basil, cabbage and lettuce. We are not lecturing to our students on sea life. We are stomping through the Atlantic Ocean pulling nets through the waves to identify and observe each catch.
These examples are just a few of the ways that we are increasing our relevancy in the region and celebrating who and what we are on Wilmington Island.
Please enjoy this latest edition of the Highlander. You
showcase our Island Identity. There is a reason we have been selected as one of the most challenging schools in the nation two years in a row. We are truly one-of-a-kind in and out of the classroom.
Here’s to 2014,
MISSION
VISION
St. Andrew’s, an independent college preparatory school dedicated to personalized student development, strives to develop engaged, well-rounded individuals by inspiring a passion for knowledge, a commitment to personal integrity and a deepened social consciousness within a supportive educational community.
TAG LINE Tradition + InnovationA Perfect Balance
St. Andrew’s is an independent International Baccalaureate World School committed to being a leader in 21st Century Teaching and Learning, which includes a curricular focus on creativity, communication, critical thinking, collaboration, and character.
ON THE COVER • some of our Student Ambassadors
3winter 2014
FOUNDER’S DAY
Almost 40 years ago a group of teachers, parents and church members at the small Independent Presbyterian Day School began to dream of a bigger school where the children could go all the way from Kindergarten through high school. The dream grew and grew until they decided to take action.
Land was purchased. Plans drawn. Buildings constructed. As with most dreams, things did not go as planned. The work took much
up their vehicles and moved desks, chairs, books and more. The school didn’t look like it does now -- it was only Bell Hall and Compton
But the dream was alive and growing.
That is the beginning that we are here to remember today. Soon the seniors will plant a tree as has been done in the past. The hope is that planting the tree will help anchor the Class of 2014 to the school. I doubt that one act will do that but it is a symbol of our history.
At St. Andrew’s, we are not afraid of change but hold traditions dear. I hope each of you will come back to check on those trees. When you do, what will you see? The same dream of the founders? Mostly, yes, because we have become all they envisioned and more. We are still small where everyone knows each other and everyone counts for who they are. We are still sending well prepared students to college. We are still encouraging students to do their best and to set high goals for themselves and their communities. We are still dreaming big dreams.
The founders would be proud!Lisa Cooper Blackburn ’86 with her sons
Dale Holloway ’82 with his children
Jo Lamas, former Lower School Head and Teacher, gave the Founder’s Day address this past November. Below is a portion of her thoughtful words to the entire student body.
Jo Lamas, Mark Weeks ’84 & Kelley Waldron celebrate Founder’s Day
LEGACY LIONS & ALUM PARENTS read more about our Legacy Lions on page 15
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Rachel Wollenburg ’22, Dianne Lee and Anna Wollenburg ’22 on campus
St. Andrew’s is special. As a parent and educator here for over twenty years, I believe that to be true now more
than ever. Our school has many wonderful qualities, but let me share a few observations about our singular identity from my perspective in the Lower School.
When considering the characteristics that make St. Andrew’s unique, let us not overlook the obvious. Ours is an island school, and that alone separates us physically, if not symbolically, from most other schools. How many campuses have a tidal creek running through them for study as an extension of the classroom? Not many, I’ll venture.
something at which to marvel: an egret or heron feeding
the shrill cry of an osprey overhead, or even the changing creek levels and velocity. These are not small things. (As a
her hometown, I can say that these things never fail to thrill.)
students saw an egret on a branch outside our classroom window. The egret, he was convinced, was somehow caught
had read just such a story earlier this year, so it seemed a reasonable assumption. Students rushed to the windows amid pleas of “We’ve got to save him!” After a bit of calming followed by observation and research, we came
an attempt to build a cushion of air as insulation against
an hour later. Such is a teachable moment in our island classroom.
Our spacious, canopied campus is open and inviting. Recent improvements such as our bridges, lower school entrance,
Thrive Café and outreach programs like the Tybee Beach sweep contribute mightily to our “sense of place” and belonging. So, too, does the rich culture and storied history of the Savannah area, from the original Guale inhabitants to the diverse, thriving city we live in today. I have traveled the country extensively, and I can attest that few other places in America offer such a smorgasbord for the senses. This is a special place, indeed.
Wendell Berry, noted author and bioregionalist claims, “If you don’t know where you are, you don’t know who you are.” I believe that knowing where we are does matter. The more we learn about our special island
identity, the more likely we will seek to embrace, sustain, and protect it. By strengthening our connection to where we live, work, and play, we reinforce our connections with one another. In today’s often harried world, that is still something to value.
Our Island Classroom BY DIANNE LEE
THE REAL WORLD
5winter 2014
HIGHLAND SOCIETY
We recently held a Thank You Social for members of the HIGHLAND SOCIETY, our most generous and committed donors.
Andy Powers
AnonymousChatham Oral SurgeryHoward Family Dental
Sea Island BankSoutheast Medical
The Kennnickell Group
SAVE THE DATE
29TH ANNUALLIVE AUCTION & GALA
MARCH 8 SAV GOLF CLUB
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saintschool.com
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NUMBERS$6,610Dollars raised and donated to
-mester of the 2013-14 academic year
1,326Weekly Reach on Facebook
60+Open House for Admission
run with the LIONS5K Trail Run
3.29.14
SAS CampusKid Run (Age 10 & under) • 8 a.m.
5K Run • 8:15 a.m.
5K Walk • 9:30 a.m.
online registration is available at
7winter 2014
FRIDAY NIGHT FRENZYScenes from campus during a Friday Night Basketball game
1. Isabel Lanier ’24 2. Queen Mariel Colon-Leyva ’14
Hall ’15, Laura Khalidi ’15, Dylan Hix ’14, Camille Wixon
Grandparents &
Middle and Upper School
Monday, February 248:30 a.m.Skinner Hall on Main Campus
If you plan to attend, please contact Scott Searcy at 912.897.4941, x. 307 or [email protected]
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CHEERLEADINGEllie DONOHUE
Most Improved Player Georgina QINRookie of the Year Marie SOLITARIOCoaches Award Deana DABITScholar Athlete Kate FERENCSIK
CROSS COUNTRY BOYSGlen CLARK
Most Improved Player John ASHTONCoaches Award Zack CHOUScholar Athlete Zack CHOU
CROSS COUNTRY GIRLSRebecca SUH
Rookie of the Year Lindsey BERKMANScholar Athlete Camille WIXONAll-State Victoria MCLAREN
FOOTBALLWright WALLACE
Most Improved Player Tyler FIELDSCoaches Award Logan SIMSRookie of the Year Malcolm WILLIAMS-GREENScholar Athlete Michael HALL
Wright WALLACE
VOLLEYBALLDominique DESAUTELS
Most Improved Player Bailey ADAMS & Morgan BENNETCoaches Award Mariel COLON-LEYVA & Ansley CONNORScholar Athlete Mariel COLON-LEYVA1st Team All-Region Bailey ADAMS2nd Team All-Region Morgan BENNET2nd Team All-Region Ansley CONNOR
ATHLETIC AWARDS
AWARDSNightDominique Desautels ’14, Mariel Colon-Leyva ’14, Ansley Connor ’14,
Howard McLaren
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9winter 2014
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Ashley Cunningham ’21 5. Mrs. Keyser
study in the garden
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Phoebe Mayo Corinne Standing
Mia Wylly
Aryaman AroraWill AshtonAinsley Barlow
Denton Lord Lucy Marsden Sydney Orr Sam Perkins
Brooke Avino
Mikaela Barlow
Will Cohn
Sara Cordasco
Peggy Fan Isaac Grenchik
Taylor Hauft Kathryn Hoersting Leila Khalidi Olivia King Lilly McIncrow Isabelle Powers
Regan Sadowski Baird Thoni
Alex Awad Clay Bush Grace Collins
Gena Hill
Robby Livingston Anna Lord
Riley Stillwagon Claire Turner
Kelly AdamsLindsey Berkman
Ben Mayo Oliver McCammon Marie Solitario Reed Wixon
Kate Ferencsik
Madison Mermelstein Georgia Miller Sam Powers Rebecca Suh Caleb Tymchyshyn
Hadley Gordon Michael Hall Hope Housman
Camille Wixon
Bailey AdamsMariel Colon-Leyva Dominique Desautels
Ben AndrewsSumter Archer Ben Bingley Andrea Carson Ben Coe Ashley Cunningham
Will Livingston Christian Oelschig Samuel Rolland-Mills
Avery Whipple
Tyler AwadBrendan Conn
Makenzie Leblond Harrison Soldan Keyonna Williams
Anna Steele Avery Cameron BlandMorgan Dewberry
Molly HughesBen HurfordPiper LanierMadelyn Laning Cage Lee Lauren MacMahon Alex Marinelli Marissa Meyers
Katie Cohn Claire Davis Garrett FloydChase Harper Reid O’Brien Lizzie Ryan
Benjamin Spadaro Caison Winslow
Cooper Hall Katherine Hurford Ashlin Leblond Merideth Rasplicka
Morgan FollakTaven Leblond Melanie Ourhaan Brighton Sandt Grace Turner Maddie Walsh Brea Yates
Morgan Bennet Daniel Chisner Tyler Fields Whitney Hall Laura Khalidi
Charles Perrie Matty Powers Morgan Randolph
Hunter Youmans
Andrew AdamsSiria Cruz Amaya
Pavle Ilic
Rachel Smith
TOP Class fall semesterof the
11winter 2014
ours gnHere is a collection of
signs around campus this semester.
These hand created works of art are
representative of who and what we are at
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We know that those closest to St. Andrew’s School are the best representatives for spreading good news. Here are three TALKING POINTS to share with others when you are out and about.
Talking
Points!
Saturday, March 8 • Savannah Golf ClubProceeds go directly into the classroom
Plans are moving forward to renovate 2,000 square feet of existing space in the Lower
St. Andrew’s is 1 of only 2 independent International Baccalaureate World Schools in Georgia
13winter 2014
2014Monday 18
Tuesday 19 LS Drop-In, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday 20 First Day of Classes!Thursday 28
(Childcare provided)
Monday 1
Monday 8
Thursday 11
Friday 10
Wednesday 22
Monday 3
Pre K - 5K 11:30 a.m., 1st - 12th 11:45 a.m.Tuesday 25
Monday 15 - Friday 19
Friday 19
(Pre K - 5K 11:30 a.m., 1st - 8th 11:45 a.m.)
2015Wednesday 1 - Friday 2
Monday 5 School ResumesMonday 12 Reenrollment Contracts IssuedMonday 19
Sunday 25 All-School Open HouseFriday 30 Reenrollment Contracts Due
Monday 23
MARCHMonday 2
Friday 13
Spring Break
Monday 23 School Resumes
APRILThursday 2
Friday 3
MAYMonday 25
Friday 29
(Pre K - 5K 11:30 a.m., 1st-8th 11:45 a.m.)
Friday 3
2014
-15
ACAD
EMIC
CAL
END
AR
LS Lower School, Pre K - Grade 4 MS Middle School, Grades 5 - 8
+ Sundowners Childcare Available until 4:30 p.m.
updated 1.14
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ALUMNISome of our youngest alums were on campus over their winter break to chat with the Class of 2014. This annual
get to hear the real deal on college life from St. Andrew’s alums who were in their shoes a few years ago. Thanks to our alumni panel.
Rollins College
Minor • Political Science
Hampden-Sydney CollegeMajor • International Relations
pictured left to right
BLAST Check out these old pics. Recognize anyone? See yourself ? Go to the alumni facebook page at Saint Andrew’s Alum.
Post some of your own photos from SAS on our page. We want to hear from you.
from the
PA S T
15winter 2014
After some thought, input from other graduates of St. Andrew’s
anticipating your future.
Why is the ring important? Your class ring is a mark of distinction, pride and prestige. While you are at St. Andrew’s, the ring should face you to remind you of the pride you have for your school. When you graduate, the ring faces away from you to remind everyone else of your accomplishments.
The Past. Why is today important? The friends you make in high school might become scattered by geography, but they will stick with you for a lifetime. Two of my best friends are St. Andrew’s alums.
The Future. It will be here before you know it. The high standard of education that you are receiving at St. Andrew’s will give you a head start on the next page of your life. Seize this day. You are fortunate to be right here right now.
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail.
Jeanette Tuten Carson ’80
Dale Holloway ’82Thomas Huncke
Fran Gnann Huncke ’83
Lisa Blackburn Cooper ’88
CLASS TRADITION
current senior to present them with their ring. Continuing another tradition, our most recent distinguished alum recipient gave the address to the Class of 2015. Below is a
Class.
ring from her sister, Carolyn ’05 2. Lauren Chisner ’11 gives ring to her brother, Daniel 3. Olivia Wilkins receives ring from her aunt, Laurie Graham
5. Sam Dabit ’12 gives ring to his brother,
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IONS
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ALUMNI
CARRYING
ON THE
TRADITION
saintschool.com
How did St. Andrew’s help prepare you for Yale?What I loved about St. Andrew’s was the small, supportive community. I knew all the students and teachers and was able to form strong relationships. When I arrived at Yale, I realized that relationship building and collaborating with others was the key to success at that level too.
How did you end up as a political reporter for the Washington Post?
here ever since.
Are there any past assignments that are highlights for you?
The second event was the mass shooting in 2011 that wounded Representative Gabrielle Giffords and killed a federal judge. The assignment was particularly challenging because it was a human drama, with a 9-year-old girl among those killed, but also a political story. My responsibilities ranged from writing pieces that captured the emotion and scale of the tragedy, including writing about young Christina Taylor Green’s funeral and President Obama’s eulogy at the Tucson memorial service, to political stories that explained Giffords’s career in Congress and the unique politics of her district, which sits along Arizona’s border with Mexico.
What makes a good journalist?A good journalist should be objective, curious, open minded and able to synthesize a great deal of information.
What does a typical day look like at The Washington Post?
St. Andrew’s Alum ’02The Washington Post since graduating from Yale
questions and his responses.
Q & A
SAVE THE DATEGraduation2014
17winter 2014
GAME ROSTER 12.29.14NAME CLASS Preston White 2002
Davy Clay 2004
Bubby Pavlo 2008
Dexter Fritts 2010
Megan Meyers 2011
annu
al A
LUM
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ASKE
TBAL
L
The alumni team came prepared to play vs. Varsity game takes place sometime
want you to be here this year - men and
Jeff Smith, Davy Clay, Preston White & Jules Victor
Jim Kingston & Jon Hope
Thanks to all who joined us on the court and in the stands!
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CLASS Hey AlumsWe want to hear from you! Please send any and all news to [email protected]
NEWS’04 has started a
responsibility to become more transparent and to ensure that they understand and comply with
ensuring the “gold standard” that complies completely with current governance regulations.
a compliant compensation process in place for
912-201-3725, or visit their website at
’08 Bubby Pavlo is living and working
for the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) which is the world’s largest private,
and a global leader in the study of the ocean.
’09
’09 graduated from the
He is traveling and working on his father’s senatorial campaign.
JAY PHILIP HELMREICH 15, 2013. He was a member of the 2009
the ages of 12 and 17 with joint pain over 80% of his body since
increase awareness and early recognition of this serious disease by all health care providers, so that other children might not have to suffer
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation
Lockbox #1352P.O. Box 8500Philadelphia, PA 19178
19winter 2014
Highlander is a quarterly publication. We welcome class news, photographs,
parents and friends.
Please send them to Scott Searcy at:
Karen Helmly Oelschig ’84 • PresidentGary Conleay ’99Katie Hardie Conleay ’99Kim Poythress Garcia ’81Dale Holloway ’82Liz Skinner Kehoe ’88
We are looking for new alumni board members. If you would like to serve your alma mater in this capacity, please contact Karen at [email protected]
If your child no longer lives at your address, please notify us at [email protected] or
address.
Want to plan a reunion for your class? We can help. Contact Scott Searcy to get an updated class
pieces. We can also help with mailings, emails and other correspondence to get the ball rolling.
THE CLASS OF 2014Please be a part of this year’s welcome committee.
luncheon prior to graduation. It is a small gesture with a large impact! Contact Karen Oelschig if you would like to be a part of the alumni group at this annual event.
ALUMNI 411
@Savannah_SAS@SALionFootball
saint andrew’s alumni
BLOGsaintschool.wordpress.com
Follow, Find or Friend US
U.S. POSTAGEPAIDSAVANNAH, GA601 Penn Waller Rd.
Savannah, GA 31410 saintschool.com
UPS
TRADITION + INNOVATION A PERFECT BALANCE
Members from theCLASS OF 2026