List of 20 news stories.

• 

  Middle School Forensics Team Shines at Robert S. Sargeant Tournament

  1/9/2026
  Congratulations to our exceptional Seventh and Eighth Grade Forensics Team on their impressive performance at the Robert S. Sargeant Forensics Tournament, hosted by Norfolk Academy on Dec. 12, 2025.
  
  

  Competing against students from Cape Henry Collegiate School, Norfolk Academy, The Williams School, and Virginia Beach Friends School, the team showcased their talents across multiple categories—including storytelling, poetry, prose, speech, and original oratory—and earned second place overall in the competition.
  
  

  Individual honors were awarded to the following Oaks:

  • Zoe F. ’31 – first place, Coed Speech
  • Bradley L. ’31 – first place, Boys Prose
  • Sophia C. ’30 – second place, Original Oratory
  • Addison E. ’31 – third place, Original Oratory
  • Parker S. ’30 – third place, Coed Speech
  • Robert W. ’31 – third place, Boys Storytelling
  • Molly M. ’31 – Recipient of the prestigious Robert S. Sargeant Team Award

  This outstanding showing reflects the team’s hard work, creativity, and confidence as communicators. Congratulations to all of our forensics students and coaches on a job exceptionally well done!
• 

  Students Place at Virginia Model United Nations Conference

  1/9/2026
  Eighteen students represented our school at Virginia Model United Nations (UN), hosted at the University of Virginia, where they participated in a wide range of dynamic and thought-provoking committees.
  
  

  From a historically grounded 1773 House of Lords, to General Assembly discussions on global food scarcity, to a fully fictional committee inspired by Fallout: New Vegas, students tackled complex issues, debated thoughtfully, and embodied their assigned roles with confidence and creativity.
  
  

  “All students learned new skills, proved themselves to be braver than they knew, and impressed me beyond measure,” said Advisor and History Teacher Dr. Jenna Ross. “We had two awards, given to Emma G. '27 and Aubrey M. '27, both for poised portrayals of their assigned roles.”
  
  

  Before the conference, students enhanced their experience with an experiential learning visit to Monticello, enjoying lunch at the historic Michie Tavern and exploring Thomas Jefferson’s home. While initially hesitant, students quickly embraced the opportunity—bringing classroom learning from U.S. History and AP U.S. History to life through discussion, diplomacy, and debate.
  
  

  The trip proved to be both academically enriching and personally rewarding, leaving students more confident, curious and inspired.
• 

  Maddie G. ’27 Wins Again at Annual Bra-ha-ha® Art Competition

  1/8/2026
  Creativity, compassion and community impact came together once again for Maddie G. ’27, who earned first place for the second consecutive year at Chesapeake Regional Hospital’s Bra-ha-ha®, a fundraising event that celebrates breast cancer survivorship through art.

  
  Last year, Maddie won top honors in the “Best School Entry (14 and Above)” category for her piece "Breast Cancer Succs." This year, she repeated the achievement with a striking new design titled "Blooming Shrooms and Healing Boobs"—an imaginative work inspired by her love of mushrooms.

  
  “Mushrooms show up in a lot of my art,” Maddie shared. “So this year, I decided to incorporate them into my bra design.”

  
  Her choice was more than aesthetic. Maddie explained that mushrooms symbolize strength and hope emerging from unexpected places—an idea that resonated deeply with the mission of Bra-ha-ha®.

  
  “Mushrooms grow in decomposing places,” she said. “Even when something is rotted or breaking down, mushrooms flourish. They come in all kinds of colors and shapes, and they’re beautiful. For that reason, I think mushrooms are a great representation of finding hope in unexpected places.”

  
  Maddie’s creative process evolved as she worked. While her initial idea was to turn the cups into mushroom tops, she realized she could push her creativity further. With encouragement and brainstorming support from her mom, she landed on a final design—much of it developed intuitively along the way.

  
  Balancing the project with school, swim and other commitments proved challenging.
  
  “The hardest part was finding time to work on it,” Maddie said. “Luckily, I had my mom to help with ideas and supplies, and I worked on it little by little.”

  
  Maddie’s connection to Bra-ha-ha® began long before she entered the competition herself. Growing up, she watched her mom and aunt create pieces for the event—and even modeled their finished designs. When she was finally old enough to participate, she jumped at the opportunity.

  
  “I signed up for the cause and because I love art,” she said. “I thought it would be a fun project.” Winning, especially for the second year in a row, came as a surprise. “It was honestly shocking,” Maddie shared. “I signed up for the same reasons as last year—for the cause and for fun.”

  
  Through her work, Maddie hopes to inspire others to see community service in a new light.
  
  “There are many opportunities out there to help,” she said. “This one was fun for me, and it helped others at the same time. I want people to see that there are more ways to help the community than they might think.”

  
  Her advice to fellow students? “Go for it. Art is very expressive, and when it comes to making a difference, expression is a great way to help.”

  
  The Bra-ha-ha® entries were unveiled at the annual Bra-ha-ha® Awards Show and Auction, which serves as a tribute to those affected by breast cancer. According to the Bra-ha-ha® website, proceeds from the campaign help provide free mammograms and related breast health services to eligible uninsured and underinsured community members, as well as support advanced technology at Chesapeake Regional Breast Care.

  
  Congratulations to Maddie on another meaningful—and beautifully creative—achievement.
• 

  Preparing for an AI-First Future—With Safety at the Core

  12/5/2025
  For nearly 80 years, Norfolk Collegiate has been a forward-thinking school rooted in innovation. Today, that mindset is shaping how the school approaches one of the most urgent shifts in modern education: artificial intelligence.
  
  

  As generative AI reshapes every sector, schools around the country are rewriting policies, rethinking assessments and reevaluating what teaching and learning look like in an AI-first world.
  
  

  Norfolk Collegiate is choosing to lean in.
  
  

  Start With Concepts, Then Tools

  In December 2025, Dr. Sid Dobrin ’85, a leading national voice on generative AI and a Collegiate alumnus, returned to campus for two days of workshops and discussions with students, faculty, administrators and families.
  
  

  “I intend to provoke you. I don’t make promises or predictions,” Dr. Dobrin told faculty and staff. “When we’re introducing AI to students, it’s about slow scaffolding concepts… and it requires human expertise. That’s why you start in upper elementary.”
  
  

   
  Read More
• 

  Middle Schoolers Take Center Stage at Belonging Conference

  12/4/2025
  Alejandro Prince brought a powerful challenge to Norfolk Collegiate’s middle school students: understanding the world begins with understanding yourself.

  
  “When we’re talking about the long game, one of the most important things to do is to self-reflect and understand yourself,” he shared during his keynote address.

  
  Prince connected personal identity with community, offering students a grounded and reassuring definition of belonging: “Belonging is the positive connection with a group that develops from knowing you are cared for, supported, and safe—and that you can be yourself,” he said.

  
  That message became a central theme for the day, reinforcing engaged citizenship, one of the important values of Norfolk Collegiate's Portrait of an Oak.

  
  “I can’t know that I belong until the person who least belongs knows that they belong and are cared for,” he added—introducing a sense of shared responsibility and collective care.

   
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• 

  Middle School Robotics Team Wins First Place at LEGO Robotics Qualifier

  11/26/2025
  Norfolk Collegiate is proud to announce that the Middle School Robotics Team took first place at the LEGO Robotics Qualifying Tournament on Nov. 15, 2025. Team members Declan W. ’30, Sadie Z. ’30, Giovanni S. '30, Noah B. ’31, Hugo H. ’32 and Gideon H. ’32 impressed judges with their engineering skills, problem-solving and teamwork, earning them a spot at the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) State Championship at James Madison University (JMU) this January.
  
  

  “I was really excited when they announced our team had won,” said Sadie Z. 
  
  

  Coach Skip Morrow is especially proud of the team's history. “This is their seventh trip to the state tournament in seven years,” said Morrow. “I’m certain the team will represent Norfolk Collegiate in the best possible way this year.”

  
  How the Competition Works

  Each season, FIRST LEGO League presents teams with a global theme. This year’s challenge, UNEARTHED, invites students to explore archaeology and use lessons from the past to shape ideas for the future.

  To meet the challenge, teams design, build and program LEGO robots capable of completing a series of missions on a themed game board. These missions simulate real archaeological tasks—from uncovering artifacts and restoring structures to navigating historical sites. Teams must also develop and present a complementary research project that demonstrates creativity, innovation and a clear connection to the season’s theme.
  
  

  What’s Next

  With regionals behind them, the team is now preparing for the state tournament at JMU, where they will compete against top-performing teams from across Virginia and Washington, D.C. 
  
  

  “Now, we’ll be working the next few weeks on refining our robot to work out some of the issues we had during the challenge,” said Gideon. His teammate, Hugo, agreed. In the weeks ahead, they will refine their robot, address bugs encountered during the qualifying round and continue strengthening their project presentation.
  
  

  Their dedication, curiosity and collaboration have driven them this far, and the entire Oak community is excited to cheer them on as they represent Norfolk Collegiate at the state level.
  
  

  If you haven’t seen them in action, you’re missing out—they’re a remarkable example of hands-on learning, innovation and student leadership in STEM.

  
  
  

• Oaks Celebrate a Standout Fall Athletic Season

  11/25/2025
  From August through November 2025, 179 middle and upper school student-athletes proudly donned their uniforms, took to the courts and fields, and represented Norfolk Collegiate across six sports and 17 teams during a highly competitive and spirited fall season.

  Our Oaks delivered outstanding performances, including:

  • A TCIS runner-up finish in sailing
  • TCIS quarterfinal appearances in field hockey and volleyball
  • A TCIS semifinal and VISAA state finalist finish in boys soccer
  • Numerous individual athlete recognitions at the conference level, with state accolades still to come

  “Community spirit is present in a variety of spaces. If a community moment arises, we're going to grab it. Those moments make us stronger,” said Scott Kennedy, head of school.
  
  

  On Nov. 12, 2025, coaches gathered to honor the student-athletes who exemplified leadership, dedication, and excellence throughout the fall season.
  
  

  
  
  
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• 

  Collegiate Welcomes Alumnus Sid Dobrin ’85 for Special AI Lecture

  11/15/2025
  Norfolk Collegiate is proud to welcome back alumnus Sid Dobrin ’85 for an engaging and timely discussion titled “Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Education: What We All Need to Know.”
  
  This important conversation will explore how rapidly evolving AI technologies are shaping classrooms, learning, and the broader educational landscape. Students, families, educators and community members are invited to join us for an evening of insight and forward-looking dialogue with one of the nation’s leading voices in the field.
  
  Tuesday, Dec. 2
  6:30-8 p.m.
  Hackney Theater, Meredith Center for the Arts
  
  

  Please RSVP to development@norfolkcollegiate.org.
  
  
  Read More
• 

  Norfolk Collegiate Honors Veterans Day with Reflection and Gratitude

  11/11/2025
  On Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, Norfolk Collegiate’s middle and upper school students gathered for the annual Veterans Day Program — a cherished tradition that invites reflection, gratitude and understanding of the many ways service shapes our community.

  
  This year’s keynote speaker was current parent Commander Aaron Robinson, who serves as a Risk Assurance Assessor for Commander, Naval Safety Command, in Norfolk. Cmdr. Robinson graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy and was later designated a Naval Aviator. In 2021, he earned his master’s degree from the United States War College along with a graduate certificate in Ethics and Emerging Military Technology. He and his wife, Cmdr. Mary Robinson, are the proud parents of four Oaks — Wallace ’32, Mary Alice ’33, Evelyn ’38 and Anne ’40.

  
  Cmdr. Robinson spoke about the meaning of Veterans Day, the desire to serve, and the profound sense of community that defines Norfolk Collegiate. Head of School Scott Kennedy noted that 23% of Norfolk Collegiate families are currently serving on active duty, and Cmdr. Robinson expanded on that, noting that it creates a school environment enriched by the experiences of active duty members, veterans and allies.

  
  “Many of your peers, however, may not know someone who has served or is serving,” he shared. “This affords Norfolk Collegiate a unique perspective.”

  
  Reflecting on the origins of Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, Cmdr. Robinson described how people came together around a common cause — united in honoring service and sacrifice.

  
  “That same understanding of purpose guides people today to enlist,” he said. “We are united around a shared vision — a vision that exists in our community and in our schools.”

  
  Cmdr. Robinson tied his remarks to Norfolk Collegiate’s Portrait of an Oak, encouraging students to consider how their own actions reflect the qualities the Portrait celebrates — compassion, leadership and community.

  
  “Norfolk Collegiate is an example of this thriving,” he said. “You have welcomed military families into this community, and I have seen this firsthand with my children. The culture of this school is why so many military families have gravitated here.”

  
  He closed by challenging students to recognize the impact of their everyday choices.

  
  “Think about the myriad ways you support military families,” Cmdr. Robinson urged. “These acts of choosing to support the community have profound impacts on those around you. One act of kindness can encourage another act of kindness.”

  
  Through his words, students were reminded that the spirit of service extends beyond military duty — it lives in every act of empathy, leadership and unity that defines what it means to be an Oak.

• Stock Up on Your Winter Fan Gear!

  11/5/2025
  Winter sports are here, and it’s time to stock up on your team gear!

   

  Our winter team stores are open through Nov. 17, and anyone can order — players, families and fans alike.

   

  Click below to shop your favorite team’s store through BSN. Orders will ship to the school for pickup.

   

  Basketball

  Cheerleading

  Swimming

  Wrestling

   

  Let’s bring the Oak energy to every game this winter!
• 

  Otero Inspires Students to Embrace Their Unique Selves

  8/27/2025
  Our middle and upper school community gathered yesterday for Convocation, a tradition that marks the start of a new school year with inspiration and reflection.
  
  

  Head of School Scott Kennedy opened the program by encouraging students to look beyond their day-to-day routines and recognize the bigger picture. “Today you will hear about the importance of understanding that there’s a world outside of Collegiate and Granby Street and the importance of connecting and being who you want to be,” Kennedy said as he introduced this year’s speaker.
  
  

  Middle and Upper School Spanish Teacher Ivonne Marie Otero, who is originally from Puerto Rico, then delivered a powerful and heartfelt message to students in grades 6–12 about the importance of being authentic.
  
  

  “Be authentic to yourself. Being a community-minded citizen isn’t about being perfect; it’s about showing up and being willing to learn,” Otero said. She reflected on what she observed during last year’s Upper School Club Fair, sharing how impressed she was by students’ creativity and individuality. “You were true to yourself, showing your uniqueness in your offerings,” she told them.
  
  

  Encouraging students to lean into their strengths, she reminded them: “Always be yourself. Everybody else has already been taken.” Otero also challenged students to take risks and grow: “Choose one thing outside your comfort zone. What’s one thing about you that makes you proud? Hold onto that. In life, not everything will come easy, but it will help you grow. Be an engaged and community-minded citizen.”
  
  

  In closing, Otero tied her message to the school’s values, urging students to embody the Portrait of an Oak in all they do. “This year, I challenge you to live out being a Portrait of an Oak in everything you do. Be like the Oak. Even when storms come, bend, don’t break.”
  
  

  Her words set a meaningful tone for the year ahead, inspiring students to celebrate their uniqueness, embrace challenges, and grow stronger together as a community.
• 

  Norfolk Collegiate Student Performs with 2025 ACDA National Honor Choir

  7/24/2025
  We’re thrilled to celebrate Bridgette W. ’29 being selected and performing in the 2025 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Honor Choir in Dallas, Texas—an extraordinary honor earned by only 300 students nationwide.
  
  

  More than 5,000 middle and high school students from across the country auditioned for the prestigious ensemble. Bridgette’s acceptance was the result of a blind audition process, where she submitted recordings of “Danny Boy” and “Measure Me Sky.”
  
  

  “I chose Danny Boy because I felt it really showed off my voice,” Bridgette said. “And we actually ended up performing 'Measure Me Sky,' so that was really special!”
  
  

  She found out she’d been selected in a moment she’ll never forget.
  
  

  “It was kinda funny actually—I was waiting for the house to open for 'Mean Girls' at Chrysler Hall when I got the email from my choral director, Mr. Pinto. I was so ecstatic we booked plane tickets right there in the theater lobby!”
  
  

  Bridgette’s performance took place on March 22 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, widely considered one of the best concert halls in the world, thanks to its stunning design and acoustics. It was the culmination of five intense days of rehearsals with fellow singers, composers and conductors during the ACDA National Conference—the country’s largest gathering of choral professionals, with nearly 6,000 attendees.
  
  

  “I was definitely nervous before the trip—memorizing seven songs in one month was a challenge—but once I got to Dallas, my nerves calmed down. Texas was beautiful, and the hotel was amazing. Everything we needed—rehearsal space, meals, even auditions—was in the same building.”
  
  

  Bridgette’s favorite part? The sense of connection and shared passion.
  
  

  “There’s something so beautiful about people from all over coming together to sing the same music. We all had different voices, but when we sang together, it felt like one sound. I almost cried after the performance—it was just so emotional to see how much work everyone put in.”
  
  

  Beyond the music, the trip sparked new goals.
  
  

  “I’m already planning to audition for regionals in Ohio. I’ve never done anything on the national level before, other than the Virginia International Tattoo, so this opened a whole new world for me.”
  
  

  Bridgette credits her passion for singing—and the joy it brings her—with fueling the experience.
  
  

  “I sing everywhere—in the shower, by myself, with other people. To have all of that come together in one week was incredible.”
  
  

  We couldn’t be prouder of Bridgette for representing Norfolk Collegiate with such heart, talent and poise. Her journey is a powerful reminder of where courage and creativity can lead—and how music has the power to bring people together from across the country and around the world. 
• 

  Thomas Chatman '19 Publishes Book, "Quotesciptions"

  7/16/2025
  Congratulations, Thomas Chatman III ’19, on the release of his new book, "Quotescriptions!"

   

  Co-authored with his father, Dr. Thomas Chatman, "Quotescriptions" is a thoughtful collection of quotes, reflections, and hard-earned wisdom designed to guide you through change, fostering growth and discovering purpose. Topics range from discipline and resilience to relationship building and more.

   

  You can find "Quotescriptions" now on Amazon.

   

  Congratulations, Thomas, on achieving this incredible milestone and sharing your journey with the world! We can't wait to see what's next!
• 

  Cayte Brown Named Associate Director of Admissions & Family Engagement

  7/11/2025
  Please join us in congratulating Cayte Brown '08 on her new role as associate director of admissions & family engagement at Norfolk Collegiate!

   

  Previously our associate director of alumni, family & community engagement, Cayte will now focus on admissions for pre-K3 through grade 8, while continuing to successfully lead our Parent Ambassador program, as she has for the past five years.

   

  We’re so excited for Cayte in this next chapter! 

   

  Alumni—we still want to hear from you! Send your updates to Stacy Nixon at snixon@norfolkcollegiate.org.
• 

  Katie Sullivan ’21 Awarded Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship

  6/25/2025
  Katie Sullivan ’21 has been awarded a prestigious Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship and will spend the 2025–26 academic year in Taitung, Taiwan—a place that first captured her heart during a 2023 study abroad experience through ROTC’s Project Global Officer.

   

  A Chinese and international affairs double major from Norfolk, Va., Katie is passionate about language, culture, and service. In Taiwan, she hopes to connect with students in one of the country’s most rural and indigenous regions, start an extracurricular like Girls on the Run, and maybe even learn to surf 🌊.

   

  “To be in a foreign country for 11 months — to have that opportunity — is an incredible privilege, but my number one priority will be the kids and giving them the best experience possible,” Sullivan said.

   

  We’re proud to call her an Oak and Wofford’s 21st Fulbright recipient! Way to go, Katie!

• Summer Strength and Conditioning Returns This June

  5/29/2025
  Get ready to gear up for the upcoming school year—summer strength and conditioning is back! Under the leadership of Coaches Louis Mineor and Matt Talley, this program is designed to build athletic performance, foster team camaraderie and prepare student-athletes of all levels for fall sports.

  • Program Details
  • Dates: Monday, June 9–Thursday, July 31 (There will be no training sessions on June 19 and July 3)
  • Days: Monday through Thursday
  • Locations: Weight room, turf fields and middle school gym
  • Session Times:
    • 9–10 a.m. | Middle school athletes, families, and faculty
    • 10–11 a.m. | Varsity/JV athletes and young alumni

  We encourage all eligible participants to take advantage of this great opportunity to stay active, build strength and connect with our athletic community. We’d love to see you there!
  
  

  
  Mark Your Calendar: Important Fall Athletic Dates

  As summer winds down, fall sports will ramp up. Here are the key start dates for tryouts and practices across all levels:

  • Varsity Sports Begin: Aug. 11
  • Junior Varsity Sports Begin: Aug. 18
  • Middle School Sports Begin: Aug. 25

  Sports included: Girls tennis, girls field hockey, boys soccer, co-ed sailing, co-ed cross country, and girls volleyball. More detailed information—including specific practice times, locations, and coach contact details—will be shared later this summer.
  
  Questions? Contact Coach Jon Hall at jhall@norfolkcollegiate.org.
• 

  Remembering Mrs. Betty Jones: Beloved Teacher, Director of College Counseling

  5/28/2025
  It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the passing of a long-time and cherished member of the Norfolk Collegiate community, Mrs. Betty Jones, who passed away last week.
  
  

  Mrs. Jones served our school with distinction from 1975 until her retirement in 2010, impacting generations of students and families through her roles as a teacher and, most notably, as director of college counseling. Her work laid the foundation for our current college counseling program, and her influence continues to shape our approach today.
  
  

  While the tools and timelines in the college admissions process have evolved over the years, our philosophy has remained grounded in Mrs. Jones' belief in helping students find the “right fit.” She eloquently and consistently emphasized the importance of students taking ownership of their journey—an approach that remains central to our mission.
  
  

  Mrs. Jones' impact extended well beyond the walls of her office. She played an integral role in leading curriculum development, teacher task forces, strategic planning efforts, and successful accreditation processes. Her quiet strength and dedication to excellence helped shape much of the school's work during her tenure.

  
  Beyond our campus, Mrs. Jones was a respected leader in the broader college counseling community. She was honored with the Richard L. Apperson Award by the Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admissions Counseling (PCACAC), which recognizes extraordinary service to students, the profession and the association itself.
  
  

  After retiring, Mrs. Jones and her husband, Bill, continued their commitment to education by sponsoring the Jones Speaker Series, which brought authors, scientists, historians and musicians to campus, reflecting her belief in the essential role of the humanities in a well-rounded education.
  
  

  Please join us in keeping Bill, and their sons, Bruce ’87 and Brad ’89, in your thoughts and prayers during this time. A private family service was held earlier this week, and a memorial service will be planned for later this summer. We will share details with our community once they are available.

  
  Mrs. Jones leaves behind a legacy of compassion, excellence and service that will continue to inspire generations of Oaks to come. She will be deeply missed.
• 

  Ari Goldman '16 Works to Improve Wave Dynamics in Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines

  4/2/2025
  A huge shoutout to Ari Goldman '16, photographed on the left! The aerospace engineering Ph.D. student at Auburn University is making waves—literally—in the world of rocket science! He's working in the Combustion Physics Lab under Dr. David Scarbrough, photographed on the right, researching wave dynamics in Rotating Detonation Rocket Engines (RDREs)—a next-gen propulsion system that could slash the size, weight and cost of future space launch vehicles.

   

  Why RDREs?

  • Uses detonation instead of constant-pressure combustion for better efficiency.
  • 50%-70% smaller than traditional rocket engines while delivering similar thrust.
  • Detonation waves race through the engine at 4,000-6,000 ft/sec, boosting power.
  • NASA is exploring its potential for higher specific impulse—a game-changer for spaceflight! 

   

  Goldman’s focus?

  He's studying how fast these detonation waves move, how many can exist at once, and how to control them for maximum efficiency. His work with the MARLEN engine—a record-setting RDRE—has helped double the highest chamber pressure ever achieved in an RDRE! 

   

  With over 100 successful test fires, Goldman and his team are shaping the future of compact, high-powered rocket engines. The sky isn't the limit—it’s just the beginning! 

   

  "This has been an incredible program to be a part of," Goldman said in an article for Auburn University. "It’s been amazing to contribute to the design, study the problem, collaborate with experts at Marshall, and bring that knowledge back to Auburn."

   

  Way to go, Ari! We're so excited to see what happens next! Click here to read more about Ari's work.
• 

  Olympic Gold Medalist LaShawn Merritt Inspires Students Through "Merritt Mindset"

  2/25/2025
  “Connect. Care. Thrive.” LaShawn Merritt, a Portsmouth native and three-time Olympic gold medalist, kicked off LEAP Term by inspiring students through his Merritt Mindset. Following his inspirational remarks, Merritt worked with students in the Watt-Baker Gymnasium through a series of interactive workshops entitled the “Merritt Mindset.”

  
  

  This year’s LEAP Term will see students engaging in a week full of guest speakers, interactive workshops, and off-campus experiences highlighting the importance of connection, caring for one another, ourselves and our communities, and learning to thrive through challenges and successes.

  
  

  Having Merritt kick off the week with his Merritt Mindset where he stresses the importance of being “connected, caring and building relationships” if you want to become a champion was the perfect start to an engaging week for freshmen, sophomores and juniors. 

  
  

  “My core values guided my success,” said Merritt, who holds three gold medals and 13 championships. However, “my success came in my preparation.”  

  
  

   
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• 

  Oaks Take Home Second Place Overall, Several Honors In Forensics Tournament

  12/13/2024
  Shoutout to Bea '29, Samuel '29, Blake '29, Eli '29, Tallulah '30, Eliza '29, Mya '29 and Sadie '30! These talented Oaks comprise our Grades 7 & 8 Forensics Team and all of their hard work and practice paid off when they competed in the Robert S. Sergeant Forensics Tournament hosted by the Friends School at the Museum of Contemporary Arts on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024.

   

  The team competed in storytelling, poetry, prose, speech and oratory and placed second overall in the competition with individual awards going to the following Oaks:

  • Bea placed second in girls poetry for "Goldilocks and the Three Bears"

  • Samuel placed second in boys storytelling for "Hooray for Wodney Wat"

  • Blake placed second in boys poetry for "King Hugo's Huge Ego"

  • Eli placed second in boys prose for "The Lightning Thief"

  • Tallulah placed third place in coed speech for Tina Fey's Commencement Speech

  • Eliza placed first in coed original oratory for "I Almost Quit Forensics"

  • Mya placed third in girls poetry for "Giraffes Can't Dance"

  • Sadie was awarded the Robert S. Sargeant Award

   

  Way to go, Oaks!