List of 20 news stories.
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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 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 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. -
Katie Sullivan ’21 Awarded Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship
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
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 DatesAs 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
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
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"
Read More“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.” -
Oaks Take Home Second Place Overall, Several Honors In Forensics Tournament
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 AwardWay to go, Oaks! -
Donate Items to ForKids Toy Drive through Dec. 12, 2024
One way our students serve society is by serving their community, and this holiday season our Student Council Association and Student Government Associations are hosting a ForKids toy drive to benefit local homeless families in need.Last year, thousands of children enjoyed a brighter holiday through this organization, and this year, our students hope to do the same by stuffing the Oak Mobile with donations from Norfolk Collegiate!ForKids Volunteer Coordinator Jennifer DesRoches recently spoke to middle school students about the organization's mission and how students can help other students and families in the 757.ForKids' mission is to break the cycle of homelessness and poverty for families and children in Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore.
"What could you do and how could you be a part of our mission, even if you don’t have a driver's license," DesRoches asked students. You can volunteer. Host a toy drive. Help clean our rooms between guests. Talk about ForKids with other people and help educate them, for example.If you would like to help by donating to their efforts, please send new, unwrapped toys in with your student or drop them off at our upper school or lower school entrances now through Thursday, Dec. 12. Click here for a list of requested items. -
Cmdrs. Andersons Speak to Middle, Upper School Students, Faculty about Their Military Journeys
Current parents Commanders Veronica and Robert Anderson, U.S. Navy, spoke to students, faculty, staff and families about their journeys from being midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy to commissioned officers during this year’s Middle and Upper School Veteran Days Program on Nov. 8, 2024. They spoke about their inspirations in joining the service and what it’s like serving as married spouses in today’s Armed Forces.Following their graduation from the Naval Academy, both attended flight training and became unrestricted Naval aviators whose careers have taken them around the world.When it came time to choose aviation, Veronica also selected helicopters. After sticking through fixed-wing aircrafts during her schooling, she realized they were not for her, so she selected helicopters and has been happy with her decision.“I ultimately chose helicopters because of their missions to help people,” said Robert of his decision to fly helicopters over fixed-wing aircrafts.As for their careers, they, too, have been fulfilled.“I fell in love with the challenge of the military and the daily topics and opportunities to find new solutions to challenges, " said Robert.“My current role has my squadron deployed 365 days a year,” said Veronica. “We deploy in small detachments all over the world.” What she loves the most about her job is the connections she has made with the people she has met over her career.“I’ve also learned the longer you stay in the military, the more opportunities you’re afforded,” said Veronica “…and some of my proudest moments have come from the military.”Robert agreed. Being a military family comes with challenges, especially when you are apart.“We take the opportunity to enjoy the small moments and the large moments. Celebrating the small moments really help with us being apart as a military family.”“For those military kids, we couldn’t do it without your support,” said Veronica.“We love being a part of the Collegiate family,” Robert said. The Andersons are parents to Robert, Class of 2035. -
Lego Robotics Team Conducting High-Resolution Survey of Norfolk Creek with ODU’s Help
Norfolk Collegiate First LEGO League Robotics team spent the last two weekends collecting and analyzing data for their regional competition and it’s bringing together Old Dominion University’s Institute for Coastal Adaptation and Resilience (ICAR) and private citizens to make it come to fruition.This year’s theme is SUBMERGED and it challenges students to solve a problem related to ocean exploration. The team of sixth and seventh graders competes on Nov. 16 against other schools in Hampton Roads.They are working with ODU’s ICAR to help map a creek and then present their map to the judges as data that can help us better understand how creeks contribute to tidal flooding. Using ICAR’s BlueBoats, which are compact hydrographic survey boats, students mapped a creek in the Riverpoint neighborhood just before high tide on Oct. 20, and last weekend they worked with ICAR to learn how to process their data and turn it into the map with the help of John Klinck from ODU’s Oceanography department and Dan Perez, a PhD student at ODU.In addition to the data collection and coding, students are also working on coding in Python for their robotics portion of the challenge. -
Maddie G. '27 Wins First Place in "Best School Entry (14 and Above) in Bra-ha-Ha
As long as Maddie G. ’27 can recall, she remembers watching her mother and aunt craft brassieres for Chesapeake Regional Hospital’s Bra-ha-ha®, a fundraising event that celebrates breast cancer survivorship and artistry. Using a bra as a canvas, Maddie crafted the “Breast Cancer Succs” and won first place in the “Best School Entry (14 and Above).”“My mom and aunt did it all the time when I was younger, and I loved modeling when I was younger,” said Maddie.Her creation, “Breast Cancer Succs,” was a canvas of succulents.“I have a weird obsession with plants. I have like 20-something plants at my house,” said Maddie. “When I originally started on the bra, I thought about a wintery theme and then one day I thought about the succulent and thought breast cancer sucks and that was it!”However, winning first place was a surprise.“Winning first place during my first time was surprising,” said Maddie. “I would recommend people get more involved with something, especially something crafty. I happened to find something that could help people.”As for her mom, she’s super proud of Maddie.“Maddie loves a challenge,” said mom Laurie Carpenter. “People tend to learn quickly about the athletic side of Maddie and her competitive nature. That also extends to the arts. I love that she is this full, well-rounded person with artistic outlets. She has enjoyed taking creative challenges head-on and entering these artistic exhibits like art shows and the Bra-Ha-Ha.”The Bra-ha-ha entries were unveiled at the annual Bra-ha-ha® Awards Show and Auction, which serves as a fun tribute to those affected by breast cancer, according to the Bra-ha-ha® website. Proceeds from The Bra-ha-ha® campaign help provide free mammograms and related breast health services to eligible uninsured and underinsured community members, and advanced technology at Chesapeake Regional Breast Care. -
Order Your Winter Team Fan Gear, Lululemon Gear Now Through Nov. 14
We are opening our winter sports team stores today through Nov. 13 and it's open to anyone to order not only those with students playing on the teams. These team stores below will be ordered directly through our partner BSN and shipped to the school for pickup.For holiday gifting, we have an exclusive opportunity to order Norfolk Collegiate fan gear through a partnership with Lululemon. These orders will be shipped directly to you in time for the holidays for your favorite Oak fan! Those items can be found here and the shop closes on Nov. 14! Don't wait to order before this specialty item store closes for the year! -
Ella '28 Volunteers with Post Hurricane-Helene Efforts in North Carolina
Shoutout to Ella H. '28, who, along with her mother, Sarah, volunteered in North Carolina post-Hurricane Helene. Before leaving, Ella reached out to her friends and classmates, Sophia '28, Corinne '28, and Laci '28, and asked if they would be donate teen supplies for others in need.Here's what Ella said about the experience."Our family spent a lot of time in western North Carolina on vacation. When I first saw the news reports, I was heartbroken. Our family was displaced by a flood a few years ago. It wasn’t nearly as bad, but I remember how hard it was to leave our home. The people in North Carolina lost everything in a matter of hours. Horrible."While there, Ella volunteered with debris cleanup, packing out for a family whose home was destroyed, organized donations at a community center and brought donations to those who had been hit hard, but had not yet received help."There was so much debris everywhere! Of course, there were trees and power lines down, but it was also stuff from peoples’ homes; their beds, toys, blankets, clothes, cars even. It’s hard to describe. It’s like the destruction was so big, it made me feel small (by comparison)," said Ella. "I learned that if everyone comes together to help, we can get a lot done! Something as small as spending a few hours sorting and organizing clothes in a community center means so much to the people we served. We learned about their lives, not just about what happened to them during the storm. They are just like us! It was important to my mom and me that we treat them the way we would want to be treated."In addition to the donations from her Collegiate friends, they also brought donations from their church, ballet school and neighborhood.Way to go, Ella! We 💙 that you exhibited what being a true Oak is...a responsible, engaged and community-minded Oak. -
"Pride & Prejudice" Comes to Collegiate Nov. 15-17, 2024
Mark your calendars to join our upper school students as they present their fall play, "Pride & Prejudice" in the Hackey Theater in the Meredith Center for the Arts at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 16, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17.This vibrant production of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice," adapted from Andrew Davies' hit 1995 BBC TV series is a delightful comedy of manners that follows the witty and headstrong Elizabeth Bennet as she navigates family, society and her evolving (and often rocky) relationship with the proud yet captivating Mr. Darcy. Filled with humor, heart and fantastic performances, this production brings Austen's beloved characters to life in a way that will leave you smiling and cheering for love and laughter. You won't want to miss this timeless classic on stage!Admission costs $5 for students and $15 general admission (cash and card accepted) and benefits Collegiate's amazing theater department. This is open to the public, so invite everyone!For more information, please contact Brendan Hoyle at bhoyle@norfolkcollegiate.org. -
Community Members Share Information with Students About Being Deaf, Hard of Hearing in Today's World
Read MoreSeptember is National Deaf Awareness Month and in the spirit of this year’s theme of love and trust, transcending barriers, and uniting hearts in the spirit of understanding and compassion, Collegiate invited several members of the community to share information with middle and upper school students.With the help of Lauren Gonzalez of GoSign Interpreting, who is the mother of Livia ’33 and Olenna ’36, the panel of guests connected with students about what it means to be deaf and hard of hearing in today's society.Richard Reed and his wife, Chen Reed, along with Shernika Holley, Deaf and Hard of Hearing outreach coordinator with the Endependent Center, explained how each of them came to be deaf or hard of hearing and how it changed their lives. They explained how sign language is used and how various devices help them communicate in their lives. The guests also explained to students how they should communicate with someone in the deaf and hard of hearing community. -
Reilly Gallagher '20 Gains Invaluable Experience During Kleinfeld Bridal Internship
Shoutout to Reilly Gallagher '22! She's entering her junior year studying Fashion Merchandising at High Point University. This summer she had the opportunity of a lifetime interning at Kleinfeld Bridal, the renowned home of “Say Yes to the Dress” and the world’s largest collection of gowns!"My internship allowed me to shadow various consultants, and learn the art of styling and assisting brides in finding their dream dresses, and model the new arrival of gowns for various designers," said Reilly of the experience. "Additionally, I had the chance to network with top designers such as Pnina Tornai, Netta BenShabu, Lazaro, and Randy Fenoli during Kleinfeld’s weekend trunk shows. This experience has been invaluable in pursuing my aspiration to become a bridal and evening wear designer. Kleinfeld’s has been a significant learning experience and has become a home away from home, thanks to the meaningful connections and friendships I’ve formed with colleagues and brides alike."Reilly is also the vice president of events and programming for Kappa Delta sorority where she oversees and plans their formals, philanthropic events, mixers, tailgates and confidence-building activities. She's also active in several honor societies and the Fashion Forward Club.Way to go, Reilly! -
Braeden Thomson '20 Graduates from Cornell University
Shoutout to Braeden Thomson '20. He recently graduated from Cornell University with a Bachelor of Science in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, concentrating in ocean science. He also majored in Environment and Sustainability with a concentration in Environmental Biology and Applied Ecology.As an undergraduate, Braeden engaged in several lines of research with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. In Hawaii, he connected sound and spatial ecology in the Palila, helping to shape approaches for conserving this critically-endangered honeycreeper species. He also earned an honors distinction for completing a senior thesis on the oxidative physiology of black-throated blue warblers, a small songbird common to Eastern North America. In addition to research, Braeden was a teaching assistant for field ornithology and oceanography courses.Braeden took a gap semester in spring 2022 to pursue some extra-scholastic endeavors. In March of that year, he traveled through Europe, volunteering at a refugee camp on the Ukrainian border. From April through mid-August he hiked from Georgia to Maine on the Appalachian Trail to raise money and awareness for the Ukrainian refugee crisis.This summer, he's spending his time at Shoals Marine Lab in the Gulf of Maine deciding what area of research he wants to pursue in graduate school.Way to go Braeden! -
Bren Coakley Graduates From East Carolina University
Congratulations to Bren Coakley '20. She graduated from East Carolina University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Marketing with a minor in Fashion Merchandising. Bren is currently job searching while enjoying some summer family activities and looking forward to starting her new career.Way to go, Bren!
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