List of 20 news stories.

  • Henry Chambers, professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, presented “Virginia Before the Revolution: Oak Experience Week” on Feb. 23, 2026 to students in grades 9-11. His address connected directly to Virginia 250, the statewide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

    Oak Experience Week Launches with a Look Back at Virginia’s Revolutionary Roots—and a Challenge to Lead Today

    Oak Experience Week began with a powerful call to reflection and action as students in grades 9–11 explored Virginia’s past and considered their role in shaping the future.

    Head of School Scott Kennedy reminded students that growth happens everywhere.
    “Learning doesn’t happen just in the classroom,” Kennedy said.

    With those words, the tone for the week was set and keynote speaker Henry Chambers, professor at the University of Richmond School of Law, presented “Virginia Before the Revolution: Oak Experience Week.” His address connected directly to Virginia 250, the statewide commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

    Chambers invited students to think critically about the historical forces that shaped Virginia — from the aftermath of the French and Indian War and restrictions on westward expansion beyond the Appalachian Mountains, to Lord Dunmore’s Proclamation, the leadership of George Washington and the Continental Army, and evolving debates about liberty and integration.

    “We have different ways of thinking about problems and how we solve them,” Chambers told students. “Remember, we all learn from one another.”

    Marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, he challenged students to reconsider its principles in a modern context. When is breaking away justified? What does it mean for change to be “deserved”? How have those arguments echoed through history?

    “On this 250th anniversary of the document, we have a chance to think about it again — and you have a chance to give heft to it,” he said.

    From History to Action: Project Citizen

    Following the keynote, students met with a representative from Project Citizen, a nationally recognized civic education program that empowers young people to identify real-world problems and develop policy-based solutions.

    Beginning Wednesday, students will work in teams to:
    • Identify a problem within the school community
    • Research the issue from multiple perspectives
    • Develop a practical, principle-based solution
    • Pitch their proposal to school administrators later in the week
    The connection between Virginia 250 and Project Citizen is intentional. As students examine the ideals outlined in the Declaration of Independence—equality, justice, representation and responsibility—they are also being asked to apply those principles in their own community.

    Oak Experience Week is more than a study of history. It is an opportunity for students to practice civic leadership—to thoughtfully analyze problems, collaborate across perspectives, and propose solutions grounded in enduring democratic values.

    Two hundred fifty years after the founding document that shaped our nation, our students are being challenged to ask: How do we live out those principles today?
  • Middle school officially installed its second-semester Student Government Association (SGA) members during a special ceremony recognizing student leadership and responsibility.

    Middle School Installs Second-Semester SGA Leaders; Launches Spring Service Initiative

    Yesterday, our middle school officially installed its second-semester Student Government Association (SGA) members during a special ceremony recognizing student leadership and responsibility.

    President: Anthony P.
    Vice President: Kate V.
    Historian: Addison E.
    Seventh Grade Representative: Rhiannon M.
    Sixth Grade Representative: Emmalyn P.

    Each of these students earned the trust of their classmates through nominations, speeches, and a formal vote. As newly installed leaders, they now carry the responsibility of representing their peers and helping guide the middle school community with integrity and purpose.

    Following the installation, students heard from Martin Thomas, who spoke on behalf of the Peter Decker Children's Charity and our Middle School Oakreach Club. The Oakreach Club, a student-led community service organization, selected the Peter Decker Children’s Charity as the focus of its upcoming middle school donation drive.

    Mr. Thomas, who serves on the charity’s board, shared the background and mission of the organization, helping students better understand the impact of their upcoming efforts. By learning about the charity’s purpose before launching their fundraiser activities in March, students were able to see firsthand how service and leadership go hand in hand.

    Way to go, Oaks—your leadership and commitment to integrity are setting the tone for a strong and service-minded semester ahead!
     
  • Remembering Coach Rufus Outland

    It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of a former faculty member and cherished member of our school community, Rufus Outland. Coach Outland’s impact on Norfolk Collegiate is immeasurable, and his legacy of mentorship, leadership and care for students was felt across generations of student-athletes. 
     
    Coach Outland joined the faculty in 1994 as a physical education teacher and coach. During his 13-year tenure, he coached all levels of the boys’ and girls’ basketball program to a combined record of 115–45. Known for his high expectations and genuine care for every student-athlete, he built programs defined not only by competitive success but also by character, teamwork and respect.
     
    Coach Outland also led our tennis program with equal dedication. Under his leadership, Collegiate’s tennis teams achieved a remarkable 100–35 record and captured the Division II 2007 Virginia Independent School state championship. His commitment to excellence and his ability to inspire confidence in student-athletes elevated every team and every student with which he worked.
     
    Coach Outland’s presence extended far beyond the courts. He was an avid supporter of our students and attended countless athletic events even after he retired in 2007. He was a trusted mentor, a colleague and a friend whose wisdom and humility enriched our entire school community. Students remember him for his encouragement and belief in their potential; colleagues remember his professionalism, kindness and unwavering commitment to the school. 
     
    Coach O gave decades of quiet service and did so with such grace and character that his positive influence is remembered with true fondness whenever his former students and players gather together. There are always shared stories about Coach O from the gymnasium, drivers education class or practice court. 
     
    A funeral will be held on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 11 a.m. at Grove Park Baptist Church, 1400 Rodman Ave., Portsmouth and a visitation and lunch will follow in the social hall. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the establishment of the “Coach Rufus P. Outland Memorial Fund” c/o The Southeast Virginia Community Foundation, 1435 Crossways Blvd., Suite 303, Chesapeake, VA 23320. Please keep his children—Perry, Wendy and Cindy—along with their families in your thoughts and prayers.
     
  • Congratulations to our 2026 Blue Crab Bowl Team — Alexa B., Christian F., Charlotte H., Sanaa C. and Jeremie L.— on placing 4th in Virginia at the 28th Annual Blue Crab Bowl!

    Collegiate’s Blue Crab Bowl Team Earns Fourth Place in Statewide Ocean Sciences Competition

    Congratulations to our 2026 Blue Crab Bowl Team — Alexa B. '26, Christian F. '26, Charlotte H. '26, Sanaa C. '26, and Jeremie L. '27 — on an impressive fourth-place finish among 12 teams from across Virginia.

    The 28th Annual Blue Crab Bowl, held Feb. 7, 2026, in Gloucester, is one of 25 regional competitions in the nationwide National Ocean Sciences Bowl (NOSB). Hosted in person by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, the Blue Crab Bowl challenges students with rigorous questions about marine science and the world’s oceans.

    Collegiate advanced to the trophy round after winning three of their first four matches under the guidance of the team's captain Alexa. Highlights included a decisive victory over 12-time champion and archrival Catholic High School, and a thrilling last-second win against perennial powerhouse Seton School. The team’s knowledge, quick thinking and collaboration were on full display throughout the competition.

     
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  • Norfolk Collegiate’s upper school History students welcomed Rabbi Michael Panitz for a thought-provoking presentation in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Feb. 3, 2026. Several students engaged Rabbi Panitz in thoughtful questions, continuing the dialogue and reflection inspired by his visit.

    Rabbi Panitz Speaks with Upper School History Students on Holocaust Remembrance

    Norfolk Collegiate’s upper school History students welcomed Rabbi Michael Panitz for a thought-provoking presentation in recognition of International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Feb. 3, 2026. Rabbi Panitz, a theologian, rabbi at Temple Israel, and history professor at Old Dominion University and Virginia Wesleyan University, had originally been scheduled to speak on January 27—the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp by Soviet troops in 1945.

    Centered around his guiding message, “Our mandate is to understand the inexplicable, to honor the victims and to prevent future horrors,” Rabbi Panitz challenged students to consider the historical context and lasting impact of the Holocaust. He emphasized that while massacres have occurred throughout history, “but the Holocaust was different. We have to understand how the Holocaust went beyond its deep roots and what happened more recently because of it,” Panitz said. “People fight hard over what they think is the right order of society,” he noted, which is essential to ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.

     
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  • From left to right: Norfolk Collegiate's 2026 middle school Spelling Bee winners Avery B. ’30, Garrett B. ’31 and Emmalyn P. ’32.

    Middle Schoolers Shine at Annual Spelling Bee

    This year’s Middle School Spelling Bee was one for the record books. A total of 49 students took the stage—marking the largest turnout in more than a decade—and faced off in an impressive eight rounds, spelling over 100 words before a champion emerged.

    After a nail-biting final round, Emmalyn P. ’32 claimed first-place honors by correctly spelling the winning word, “Nehru.” Garrett B. ’31 earned second place, followed by Avery B. ’30 in third, rounding out a strong showing by all finalists.

    Moderated by Amy Cushman, the competition challenged students with a wide-ranging and sophisticated word list, including “chartreuse,” “galleon,” “chignon” and “archipelago.” Demonstrating both poise and preparation, students thoughtfully requested definitions and sentence usage before confidently spelling each word.

    With her victory, Emmalyn now advances to represent Norfolk Collegiate at the TowneBank Regional Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 7. We wish her the best of luck as she takes the next step—congratulations to all of our spellers for an outstanding competition!
  • Competing against students from Cape Henry Collegiate School, Norfolk Academy, The Williams School and Virginia Beach Friends School, Norfolk Collegiate's Seventh and Eighth Grade Forensics Team showcased their talents across multiple categories—including storytelling, poetry, prose, speech and original oratory—and earned second place overall in the Robert S. Sargeant Forensics Tournament on Dec. 12, 2025..

    Middle School Forensics Team Shines at Robert S. Sargeant Tournament

    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!
  • 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.

    Students Place at Virginia Model United Nations Conference

    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.
  • 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®.

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

    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.
  • 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.

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

    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.”

     
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  • Alejandro Prince brought a powerful challenge to Norfolk Collegiate’s middle school students at the 2025 Middle School Belonging Conference: understanding the world begins with understanding yourself.

    Middle Schoolers Take Center Stage at Belonging Conference

    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 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, Noah A. ’32, 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.

    Middle School Robotics Team Wins First Place at LEGO Robotics Qualifier

    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

    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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  • Alumnus Sid Dobrin '85 has become one of the world’s most sought-after academic experts on Generative AI and will be speaking on the subject at Norfolk Collegiate. 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.

    Collegiate Welcomes Alumnus Sid Dobrin ’85 for Special AI Lecture

    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

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  • Cmdr. Robinson speaks with a student about the U.S. Naval Academy following the Middle & Upper School Veterans Day Program. The student was asking Cmdr. Robinson for advice about the process for attending the Naval Academy, which she would like to attend and Robinson is an alumnus.

    Norfolk Collegiate Honors Veterans Day with Reflection and Gratitude

    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!

    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.
     
     
    Let’s bring the Oak energy to every game this winter!
  • Middle and Upper School Spanish Teacher Ivonne Marie Otero, who is originally from Puerto Rico, delivered a powerful and heartfelt message to students in grades 6–12 about the importance of being authentic during Norfolk Collegiate's 2025 Convocation.

    Otero Inspires Students to Embrace Their Unique Selves

    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.
  • Bridgette W. ’29 was selected and performed in the 2025 American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) National Honor Choir in Dallas, Texas—an extraordinary honor earned by only 300 students nationwide.

    Norfolk Collegiate Student Performs with 2025 ACDA National Honor Choir

    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 recently published his first book,

    Thomas Chatman '19 Publishes Book, "Quotesciptions"

    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 '08 was named Collegiate's new associate director of admissions & family engagement. She previously served as the school's associate director of alumni, family & community engagement. In her new role, Cayte will focus on admissions for pre-K3 through grade 8, while continuing to successfully lead the school's Parent Ambassador program.

    Cayte Brown Named Associate Director of Admissions & Family Engagement

    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.
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    Sara Steil 

    Director of Communications and Marketing
    Virginia Wesleyan University
We're always looking to highlight the amazing things that are Oaks, past and present, are doing.
  • Are you doing something for the community?
  • Is there a class activity that we should know about?
  • Do you know an alumni we should showcase?
Please share your tips, ideas and newsworthy items with us!

Share Your Story Now

Middle/Upper School Campus

Lower School Campus