News Archives

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.

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.”

 

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.

 

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.”

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.

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.

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:

“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.

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.

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.

 

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

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.

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. 

We’re thrilled to share that two of our students placed first in the Spring 2025 Carnegie Mellon University Computer Science Academy Creative Task Competition — in the most competitive season yet, with record-breaking entries and global participation!

Join us in celebrating these incredible accomplishments:
Maddie M. '25: First Place – AP CSP Unit 1: Rathian for her piece, Plum Horse 
MJ I. '26: First Place – AP CSP Unit 2: SlyCat, for her piece, SlyCat  

Their success is a testament to their creativity, hard work, and the amazing support they’ve received along the way.

Way to go, Maddie and MJ!

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.

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!

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

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.

Collegiate's winter athletic season student-athletes were honored on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, in front of their peers during the Middle and Upper School Winter Athletic Awards program. The winter season saw student-athletes take on swimming, wrestling and basketball in the longest season for our Oaks, beginning Nov. 4, 2024, and ending on Feb. 25, 2025, with our last basketball game. The winter season saw 4 varsity sports and 12 teams compete with several TCIS semi-finalists and quarter-finalists and several student-athletes go on to be named to VISAA and TCIS teams. Additionally, the middle school Blue girls basketball team were named champions of the Norfolk Collegiate Middle School League 8^th grade division defeating Norfolk Academy in the championship game.

Standout student-athletes were awarded plaques describing their role on their respective teams, including the following awards: Most Valuable Players; Most Improved Players; OAK Award and Outstanding Teammate.

 

“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.”