News

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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!

Donate Items to ForKids Toy Drive through Dec. 12, 2024

12/10/2024

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

11/8/2024

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

11/5/2024

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

11/5/2024

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

11/5/2024

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!