Alumni News

Student-Produced "Into the Woods" Hits the Stage April 14-16

3/23/2023

Norfolk Collegiate is proud to present Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s “Into the Woods” at 7 p.m. on April 14 and April 15 and at 3 p.m. on April 16. The student-produced, student-teched production is musically sophisticated and weaves fairytales together for a twisted adventure.

“Being a part of the cast is hard work. We're memorizing lines, music, choreography, blocking and more while making sure to keep up with school and extracurriculars,” said Alexa B. ’26. “Luckily my class, Theatrical Production, revolves around our musical. We're responsible for designing and building the set pieces.”

Alumnae Speak to Students about Using Their Voices for Change

1/27/2023

On Jan. 13, 2023, the upper school welcomed alumnae Dr. Taraneh Azar '85 and Afsaneh "Affie" Azar Ambrose ’88. The sisters emigrated to the United States from Iran following the Iranian Revolution and spoke to students about using their voices to change the world.

“We reached out to open up a topic of understanding,” said Head of School Scott Kennedy in his opening remarks. “One of the key parts of the school’s philosophy is to make sure you have an understanding of global events. Having an understanding and appreciation of the complexity of what happens around the world makes you better global citizens, which is something that we strive to do.”

The program came to life after Ava M. ’26, an upper school student, saw images of Iranian women and the men supporting them being mistreated for voicing their opposition to the Iranian government’s oppression. The student approached David Buckingham, interim upper school dean, and asked if there was something that she could do at the school. They joined forces with Dr. Nefertiti Makeda, Collegiate’s director of diversity and inclusion, and together, they were able to bring Dr. Azar and Ms. Ambrose to campus.

Theodore "Ted" Forté

1/26/2023

Dr. Theodore “Ted” Forté passed away on Jan. 23, 2023, following an extended illness. Ted was a gifted educator who was instrumental in building Carolton Oaks School into the Norfolk Collegiate we know today.

Foremost an instructor of music and physical education, Ted’s legacy far exceeds the classroom. During his time at Carolton Oaks (1958-1965), he was instrumental in the growth and development of the student experience, having instituted the first homecoming, holiday dance, field day and extracurriculars. Ted coached basketball, started the junior varsity team and launched the tennis and baseball programs. In 1960, he unveiled the school’s alma mater, and in 1962 he became the first director of student activities. He also served as a guidance counselor for the school’s first graduating class. All of this while teaching music and physical education.

Ted went on to work in Norfolk Public Schools and later became an educational consultant and coach. He was also involved in Old Dominion University's Teacher Preparation Program. In addition to working with generations of students and teachers, Ted used his musical talents to serve as the organist and choir director of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Norfolk.

Ted is survived by his sister, Mary Josephine Powers of Moss Point, Mississippi; his daughter, Alexandria Forte-Nijssen; and granddaughter, Alexandra Elizabeth White ’11, her husband Robert Adam White; and "adopted" daughter Mary Nolte Ruffin (Louis).

Please keep Ted’s family in your thoughts and prayers during the very difficult days ahead.

Julian de Nijs ’09

1/23/2023

Shoutout to Julian de Nijs ’09 on his venture, Da Boon.

A startup entrepreneur, Julian is focusing his passions on his startup, Da Boon, which designs and manufactures original dog supplies. With two products on the market–a reflective dog collar (pictured) and dog leash (pictured second) –and seven in the works, Julian is staying busy working to ensure our furry family members have quality products.

Learn more about Da Boon at da-boon.com.

Way to go, Julian! We’re excited to see your company expand!

David Kirkland '10

1/18/2023

Congratulations, David '10 and Courtney Kirkland on their newest addition to their family…and the Collegiate family, daughter Maddie.

Do you have life updates to share? Email Cayte Brown '08, associate director of alumni, family & community relations at cbrown@norfolkcollegiate.org, and let her know!

Congrats, David and Courtney!

Allison Casper ’19

1/18/2023

Congratulations, Allison Casper ’19!

Allison was recently nominated as an IFDA Rising Star. The nomination is awarded to a student in each interior design department throughout the Carolinas whom the faculty feels exemplifies outstanding achievement within their program. While at the ceremony, Allison had the opportunity to display selected works and connect with professionals in the industry.

Way to go, Allison!

Bailey Jones '16

1/18/2023

Bailey Jones '16 was recently honored as a 2022 SOFT ERA Award winner from The Society of Forensics Toxicology. Bailey gave a platform presentation on the research she conducted as part of her master's thesis, "Developing a Unified Method for the Analysis of Five Ethanol Metabolites: EtG. Et5, GTOL, 5-HTOL and 5-HIAA using UPLC-MS/MS," in forensic science and technology.

Bailey graduated in May from Virginia Commonwealth University and now works in Washington, D.C., as a forensic chemist.

Way to go, Bailey!

Cate Curtis Whiteside ’09

1/18/2023

Congratulations, Cate Curtis Whiteside ’09! She recently graduated from physician assistant school at Thomas Jefferson University and will officially begin her career at Sentara in the coming months!

Way to go, Cate!

Emily Miller '11

1/18/2023

Congratulations, Emily Miller '11! She was named Teacher of the Year for the 2023-24 school year at Coleman Place Elementary in Norfolk.

Way to go, Emily!

Haley Bartel ’18

1/18/2023

Congratulations, Haley Bartel ’18! She recently landed a gig as a digital producer for US News and World Report! She also celebrated another milestone graduating from The New School in New York City this spring.

Way to go, Haley!

Henry Meredith '11

1/18/2023

Congratulations, Henry Meredith '11!

Henry was recently promoted to associate producer at Epic Games, where he continues to work on the video game, "Fortnite." He and his wife Meghan are also enjoying living in Raleigh!

Way to go, Henry!

Houston Wilson ’12

1/18/2023

Congratulations, Houston Wilson ’12!

He recently started a new position as director of recruiting and scouting at CP3 Rising Stars National Camp & National Combine. He also works as a recruiting Analyst for Rivals.com.

Way to go, Houston!

Madison Doyle ’17

1/18/2023

Shoutout to Madison Doyle ’17 who’s growing her hands-on experience in the Big Apple working in production at CBS! For the past year, she has been working in news and entertainment. She recently wrapped up production on the Grammy Awards in Las Vegas, the Tony Awards in New York, and just field produced the Red Carpet Pre-Show for the MTV VMA’s in Newark. This year she’s focusing on growing her hands-on experiences in live television.

Way to go, Madison!

Megan Silverman '19

1/18/2023

Congratulations, Megan Silverman '19. She recently was honored with the 2022 John Bateman Award at The University of Georgia’s (UGA) Greek Life Awards.

The John Bateman Award recognizes outstanding dedication and commitment to building a strong Greek community through relationship building and using strong relationships to advance the positive impact fraternities and sororities have at UGA and beyond.

Congratulations, Megan!

Melinda Marcus Vooss '87

1/18/2023

It is with a heavy heart that I share Melinda Marcus Vooss ’87 passed away early Sunday, Oct. 23, surrounded by her family following a battle with cancer. Melinda wore several hats as part of our community—she was an active alumna of the Class of 1987, mother to Zoey ’16 and Maxwell ’19, and beloved lower school art teacher from 2009 to 2020.

Mitchell Maguire '19

1/18/2023

Shoutout to Mitchell Maguire '19! Mitchell was featured in September's Tidewater Family Plus article, "The Magic of Theatre," which featured local performers who are working to bring the magic of theater to children in the 757.

“Theater, in general, has taught me good social skills, and performing has instilled confidence, taught me to talk in front of people,” he said in the article.

Mitchell, who's currently a senior at Coastal Carolina University and majoring in musical theater, hopes to become a director/choreographer. We have no doubt his talents will take him there!

Way to go, Mitchell!

Reid Wilkinson '16

1/18/2023

Congratulations, Reid Wilkinson '16! He was recently honored with the 2022 Student of the Year Award by the Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants. Reid is a member of the Class of 2024 at Eastern Virginia Medical School.

Way to go, Reid!

Don Chapman '72

1/17/2023

Don Côqayohômuwôk Morgan Chapman II passed away following a battle with cancer. Don was an active alumnus of the Class of 1972, a devoted husband and father and a talented singer and musician. He was a proud member of The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut and an expert on Indian Country economic development and indigenous culture.