Alumni Share Milestones from 2021
- Alumni Class Notes
Find out what 2021 brought for your Ravenscroft friends, classmates and teammates around the world.
Students cheer at the 2021 Homecoming football game.
Join Us on Campus for Homecoming 2022: UPDATED!
We are thrilled to invite all alumni to campus for Homecoming 2022 on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022. Every Raven from the Class of 1937 through the Class of 2022 should mark their calendars now and plan to be in attendance for this special event!
The fun will begin on Friday afternoon, with a Homecoming dinner and multiple home athletic events between 4 and 6:30 p.m. It will be a great chance for alumni to gather with friends and classmates and tour the new Olander Center for Student Life at the A.E. Finley Activity Center. There will also be an opportunity to watch Friday’s football game from the Alumni Hall of Fame terrace that overlooks the field.
More details are coming soon. Contact Emily Espenshade with questions.
1974
CLASS AGENT: LYNN WALL MCKINNEY
Joe Christian published a book, “Investing with a Full Deck: What Las Vegas Taught Me About Managing Money,” and founded Far Better Coaching, a performance-coaching company specializing in helping individuals reach their financial goals.
Ravenscroft’s first Morehead-Cain Scholars, Vic Bell and Bill Moss, reflect on the impact of being a Morehead-Cain Scholar in Alumni to Watch, which profiles Ravenscroft’s most recent recipients, Jeanne Morris ’02, Vic’s daughter, Mary Grady Bell ’14, and Sage Crosby ’21.
Jump To
1976
CLASS AGENT: JOEL REAMES
Margaret Mills shared that members of the Class of 1976 got together for a mini-reunion in early December 2021.
Members of the Class of ’76 gathered for a mini-reunion in December 2021: (front row) Libby Holding Ross, Becky Hines Boyette, Allison Elsee, Linda Dabagian Dickerson, Mishew Williams Paynter; (back row) Margaret Mahood Mills, Kathy Purser Laukhart, Vicki Garrabrant Hare, Marsha Sanders Ragsdale, Mary Catherine Kennedy Sigmon, Julie Daniels.
Bill Skinner reflects on his favorite off-campus trip — to Paris during Open Curriculum Week in 1973 — in the feature Voices.
1978
CLASS AGENT NEEDED!
Ann O’Neal went back to school (which was not an easy thing to do) in the summer of 2021 and earned her U.S. Coast Guard Captain’s license. She can now take customers out on her 42-ft. Beneteau Swift Trawler for fun, two-hour casual cruises. Ann has also ventured into the Airbnb business in Raleigh and has a handful of properties available, with more coming soon!
Ann O’Neal 78’s charter boat on a sunset cruise
Patricia Timko Sinclair reflects on the impact of being a Morehead-Cain Scholar in Alumni to Watch, which profiles Ravenscroft’s most recent recipients, Jeanne Morris ’02, Mary Grady Bell ’14 and Sage Crosby ’21.
1979
CLASS AGENT: ALLISON GILBERT HOLMES
William Parrish’s daughter, Lainey, graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in communications in May 2021.
Elizabeth Williams Martin’s son, Philip, graduated from University of Tennessee on Mother’s Day weekend, 2021.
Holden Richard’s daughter, Cara, married Zach Brown on June 12, 2021.
Kirk Summers sent word that he and his wife, Leanne, are now official residents of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, but still spend some time in the New York suburbs. Leanne retired from IBM in April and Kirk is still working there, working from home for the last 15 years. If any Ravens find themselves in New Hampshire, please look him up. Their youngest, Cammie, is entering graduate school for engineering in the fall (Binghamton University) and their oldest, Kate, is a teacher in Fort Collins, Colorado. Kate married Eric Newman in New Hampshire on July 10, 2021.
Kirk Summers ’79 and family at his daughter Kate’s wedding in New Hampshire on July 10, 2021
Shahab Isfahani and his husband, Tim, went on a trip to Amsterdam for his 60th birthday and their 27th anniversary and took an ICE train from there through the Alps to Switzerland. They visited a few cities and ended up in Basel, where they took a river boat on the Rhine River through France, Germany and the Netherlands. Shahab said that the highlight of the trip was seeing his favorite painting of all times, a Van Gogh, in person.
Kelly Corpening Thornton and her husband, Rob, recently traveled to Montana to visit the national parks and a few other sites. One of her favorite places was Whitefish, Montana. Joining Kelly and Rob was her sister, Camille Corpening Klass ’84, and her husband, Hill.
Tom Rice has started his own lobbying company, Westmoreland160, on Oct. 1, 2021.
Margery Johnson Springer’s son, Ford, got married to Grace Barnard on Oct. 16, 2021, on Figure Eight Island.
Dean Shavlik’s daughter, Becca, married Jack Gauss on Oct. 30, 2021.
Allison Gilbert Holmes’s son Stuart graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in economics in May 2021. He is going to be attending UNC for masters in accounting. Her other son, James, graduated in June 2021 from NC State with a degree in environmental science. She has been a preschool teacher for the past five years at White Memorial Weekday School, teaching two-year-olds. She and her husband, Tom, look forward to spending some time at Atlantic Beach.
Nyle Wadford is President of Neuse Tile Service in Youngsville and was awarded the prestigious NTCA (National Tile Contractors Association) Ring of Honor in October 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. This honor is a lifetime achievement award that recognizes service and excellence in the tile industry and the NTCA; only 10 other people have received this honor since its inception in 2004. At Neuse Tile Service, Nyle and his sister, Paige Smith ’82, work closely together to continue the traditions established by their father, Al, nearly 60 years ago.
Nyle Wadford ’79 who was inducted into the National Tile Contractors Association Ring of Honor in October 2021
1980
CLASS AGENT: MARIANNA BASS
Inspired by early American folk potters — and a few Ravenscroft art teachers — Judi Munn produces whimsical work at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Arkansas. Enjoy photographs of her work and a video demonstration in Inspired.
1982
CLASS AGENTS: WILLIAM GAITHER and GENE DANIEL
Phyllis York Brookshire reflects on the impact of being a Morehead-Cain Scholar in Alumni to Watch, which profiles Ravenscroft’s three most recent recipients, Jeanne Morris ’02, Mary Grady Bell ’14 and Sage Crosby ’21.
1985
CLASS AGENT: DENE DAWSON
In October, Kenneth Haywood and his wife, Tammy, co-chaired the 25th annual Ravenscroft Golf Classic, which raised $71K for Ravenscroft athletics and brought in a record number of competitors at 168 — 25 of whom were alumni and 11 more who were alumni parents. Read about the philanthropic impact of the tournament and the inaugural Cox Cup, created in honor of legendary teacher and coach Jimmy Cox, in the Sports & Wellness feature, Fit.
Ravenscroft Golf Classic co-chairs Kenneth Haywood ’85 and his wife, Tammy
Looking to Get Involved?
If you’re interested in serving on our Alumni Council, keeping your classmates connected as a class agent or helping plan future reunions, please contact Alumni Engagement Officer Dan Ressner ’99. Class agents are needed for 1978, 1987, 1991, 1996, 2005 and 2021.
1987
CLASS AGENT NEEDED!
David Doherty retired from the US Army effective Nov. 1, 2021, having served 30 years on active duty and attained the rank of full colonel. David was commissioned a U.S. Army second lieutenant and entered active duty in the Infantry Division in 1991. He subsequently served in Public Affairs and Recruitment. David served throughout the world and was recognized with numerous awards. He and his wife, Erin, have retired in Fort Walton Beach, Florida.
David Doherty ’87 at his U.S. Army retirement ceremony |
David Doherty ’87 with his wife, Erin, and parents, Ed and June, after his retirement ceremony |
Candice White married Chris Klyza on Aug. 7, 2021.
1988
CLASS AGENT: CATHY MYERS CARLINO
David Lanning reflects on the impact of being a Morehead-Cain Scholar in Alumni to Watch, which profiles Ravenscroft’s three most recent recipients, Jeanne Morris ’02, Mary Grady Bell ’14, and Sage Crosby ’21.
1989
CLASS AGENT: SONYA SMITH BEACHAM and AMY COPELAND PETITFILS
Tom Abrahams’ 30th novel, “Buffalo Bayou,” was the #10 Audiobook in the United States for the week ending Oct. 29, 2021. The novel, purchased by Audible Studios and performed by actor Jason Culp, is a noir thriller set in Houston. The novel is based on his 2019 short story, “Tolerance,” which appeared in the Akashic Books anthology Houston Noir.
Author Tom Abrahams ’89 |
Tom Abrahams ’89’s book, “Buffalo Bayou,” which reached #10 on the U.S. Audiobook charts in October 2021 |
Troy Dreyfus reflects on his favorite off-campus trip — the first-ever School in the Mountains, which became a tradition for the eighth grade for many years thereafter — for the feature Voices.
We Want to Hear From You!
Alumni Class Notes are published as part of our now-100% digital Ravenscroft Magazine and will appear on our website. Send us your milestones — weddings and births, degrees and recognitions, promotions, relocations and retirements — via “Share a Story.”
Keep up with fellow Ravens throughout the year via our Alumni Facebook page and any class-specific social media accounts your class agent may manage. We look forward to hearing from you!
1991
CLASS AGENT NEEDED!
Sanna Bryant continues to live and work in Atlanta and is still with Spencer Stuart, one of the world's leading global executive search and leadership consulting firms, as a Senior Analyst within the company’s Healthcare Practice. She said she was very excited for May 2022, when she and Lynn Langdon Miedema '91 will be going to Sonoma, California, for a long-overdue get-together in wine country!
1992
CLASS AGENT: STEPHENIE BUTLER KOVAC
Douglas Myers has been cheering for Rocky Top, as his daughter is a freshman at the University of Tennessee in the architecture program. His son was voted captain of his high school football team as a junior, and he’ll start touring colleges in the spring of 2022. Doug also shares that he recently completed his first 100-mile ultramarathon and is signing up for more!
Stephenie Butler Kovac reflects on her favorite off-campus trip — the 1991 Choir Tour trip to New York City — for the feature Voices.
1993
CLASS AGENT: DAVID ROUNTREE
David Rountree still lives in Los Angeles and got to spend time with his brother Benji ’96 over the holidays, as they had planned to travel to San Diego to watch the NC State Wolfpack play UCLA in the Holiday Bowl. Unfortunately, the game was canceled just hours before kickoff. David is currently working in development on a new television series, based on growing up in the Raleigh area, and still credits his time at Ravenscroft for instilling in him a love for writing. His daughter, Chloe Jo, is currently filming the second season of the television series “Home Economics” on ABC. David hopes to get back to North Carolina sometime soon because he really misses eating at Bojangles! Anyone looking to connect, feel free to reach out on Instagram: Dir._David_Rountree
1995
CLASS AGENT: MATT CANTANDO and JEN MADISON SNOOK
Jen Madison Snook’s son Charlie started PreK at Ravenscroft in August of 2021. Her older son, Christian, is a first-grade Raven. Homecoming festivities were a blast for the whole family!
Jen Madison Snook ’95’s son Charlie ’35 on his first day in the Ravenscroft PreK Center |
Brothers Charlie ’35 and Christian Snook ’33 at Homecoming in October 2021 |
1999
CLASS AGENT: ALLISON DRUMMOND STEWART
Sarah Newell and Chuck Burton welcomed Benjamin Burton on Feb. 28, 2021.
2000
CLASS AGENTS: MELISSA WARREN DOUGHER
Diana Schofield Phillips and her husband, Lawrence Phillips, welcomed daughter Lillian on June 3, 2021. Classmates Carly Apple and Jena Wittkamp Howard threw her a lovely baby shower in Norfolk, Virginia, where Diana works as Director of Psychology at Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughters.
Diana Schofield ’00, center, with Carly Apple ’00 and Jena Wittkamp Howard ’00 at her baby shower thrown
2001
CLASS AGENTS: EMILY TAYLOR FARRELL and JACELYN WHITE MORGAN
Sally O’Herron Hogan and Mike welcomed Miller Grace Hogan on Dec. 15, 2021.
2002
CLASS AGENT: ALAN HAYDON
Allan Haydon and Patty welcomed Charlotte Nancy Haydon on March 15, 2021.
Stuart Presnell and Meghan welcomed Lacy Presnell on Nov. 24, 2021.
Jeanne Morris Maurrasse is profiled as one of Ravenscroft’s Morehead-Cain Scholars in the feature Alumni to Watch.
2003
CLASS AGENTS: ANNA CLAIRE MURNICK PRICE
David Fajgenbaum and Caitlin Prazenica Fajgenbaum ’06 welcomed David Carter Fajgenbaum on Nov. 5, 2021.
2006
CLASS AGENTS: CELESTE ALLEN CHAPMAN
Lauren Janson McIlwaine and Peter welcomed Rory Harold McIlwaine on May 24, 2021.
Leigh Kelly Matta and Brian welcomed Elie Rose Matta on June 8, 2021.
David Fajgenbaum ’03 and Caitlin Prazenica Fajgenbaum welcomed David Carter Fajgenbaum on Nov. 5, 2021.
2007
CLASS AGENT: ROB BYRD
In September 2021, Stephanie Hale Norris and Josh welcomed Finley Hale Norris.
Read about Caroline Fish’s work as a human rights lawyer, her creation of the award-winning Humans of St. Louis social media series and what inspires her in the Arts & Humanities feature, Frame.
Whytney Pickens graduated from Elon University with an MBA. She started a new job as a Business Strategy Manager at ServiceNow in May and relocated to Santa Clara, California, in early July.
Whytney Pickens ’07 receiving her MBA at Elon University in the spring of 2021
2008
CLASS AGENTS: TAYLOR RANKIN, LAUREN MILLER WIECZOREK AND CASEY STEVENSON
In May 2021, Justin Cates and Lindsay welcomed Charles Cates.
In August 2021, Victoria Lippit Creech and Trey welcomed Madeline Grace Creech.
Ryan Sandman married Patricia Mikell on Oct. 16, 2021, in Raleigh.
2009
CLASS AGENTS: KATHRYN FOGARTIE, JACK GREENBERG AND SALLIE KING BOSSERMAN
In June 2021, Cole Gonet and Sara welcomed Henry Edward Gonet.
2010
CLASS AGENTS: CHASE BERNHARDT, NATALIE SALMONESE WILLIAMS AND TYSON PRESNELL
Sarah Beacham Van Iseghem and Curtis welcomed Jackson Tate Van Iseghem on Oct. 15, 2021.
Hillary Margolis is currently attending Yale University in a three-year nurse practitioner program.
Caroline Willauer was interviewed by François Picard as part of France 24’s worldwide coverage of the inauguration of President Joe Biden. She was invited to participate in her capacity as a historian based in Washington, DC, and someone who lived in the city through both Trump impeachments, the Black Lives Matter protests, the events of January 6th and the coronavirus pandemic.
Caroline Willauer ’10 being interviewed on French TV in her role as a historian during the coverage of Joe Biden’s presidential inauguration.
2011
CLASS AGENTS: PATRICK BAILEY, ZAKI HAIDARY AND ALLIE WITHERS PARKER
Haley Barefoot Battle and Staats welcomed Eliza Wells Battle on March 17, 2021.
Wilson Day and Haley welcomed Ella Charlotte Day on Sept. 15, 2021.
Baker Mills graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine in May and began a residency in orthopedic surgery at Duke University in July 2021. He said he's glad to be back in North Carolina and is enjoying living in Durham.
In October, Reeves Zaytoun and his teammates — James Turner ’13, Thomas Sigmon ’13 and Carr Walker ’13 — won the inaugural Cox Cup, a tournament-within-a-tournament at the 25th annual Ravenscroft Golf Classic created in honor of legendary teacher and coach Jimmy Cox. The Classic raised $71K for Ravenscroft athletics and brought in a record number of competitors, 25 of whom were alumni and 11 more who were alumni parents. Read more about the event in the Sports & Wellness feature, Fit.
2012
CLASS AGENTS: ANGELIKA BARTH and LEWIS STOCKS
After six years of event planning for other companies, Amanda Lampuri launched her wedding planning business in the Raleigh market in 2020. Jane Rose Events is now serving couples throughout the Triangle.
Casey Tompkins-Rhoades graduated from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on May 24, 2021, and began residency in plastic surgery at the University of California at San Francisco on June 7, 2021.
Casey Tompkins-Rhoades ’12, member of the Class of 2029 at the University of California at San Francisco’s Residency Program in Plastic Surgery.
Caroline Margolis married Blake Butera on Oct. 23, 2021. Caroline is finishing her third year of law school at Campbell Law. She will be working at Poyner Spruill Law Firm upon graduation.
Cathleen Pruden takes a walk down memory lane in Ravens Rewind, sharing the experience of opening her kindergarten time capsule — a tradition for years in Mrs. Ausbon’s class — after her Ravenscroft graduation.
2013
CLASS AGENTS: EMILY BEDSOLE, BRYANT DOWD AND THOMAS SIGMON
In October, James Turner, Thomas Sigmon, Carr Walker and Reeves Zaytoun ’11 won the inaugural Cox Cup, a tournament-within-a-tournament at the 25th annual Ravenscroft Golf Classic created in honor of legendary teacher and coach Jimmy Cox. The Classic raised $71K for Ravenscroft athletics and brought in a record number of competitors, 25 of whom were alumni and 11 more who were alumni parents. Read more about the event in the Sports & Wellness feature, Fit.
Thomas Sigmon ’13, Carr Walker ’13, Reeves Zaytoun ’11 and James Turner ’13, winners of the inaugural Cox Cup at the 25th annual Ravenscroft Golf Classic on Oct. 4, 2021
In November of 2021, a number of alumni attended the wedding of Andrew Yochem in Nashville, TN. (photo)
Ravens at Andrew Yochem ’13’s wedding: (front row) Jimbo Barnes ’13, Carter Voelkel ’13; (back row) James Turner ’13, Bryant Dowd ’13, Matthew Quesenberry ’13, Carr Walker ’13, Thomas Sigmon ’13, Jordan Bednar ’13 and Kubi Johnson ’13
2014
CLASS AGENTS: MARY GRADY BELL AND HUMZA RIZVI
Humza Rivzi graduated from Boston College Law School in May 2021. He is now a Corporate Associate in the New York City office of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.
Mary Grady Bell is profiled as one of Ravenscroft’s Morehead-Cain Scholars in the feature Alumni to Watch.
2015
CLASS AGENTS: MYKAYLA PERRY, REBECCA QUBAIN AND ALEX WOODWARD
Rebecca Qubain started a new job as a Project Manager in Purdue University's Development Office. On July 24, 2021, she married Quinn Toole in Lafayette, Indiana, with the reception held on Purdue's campus. There were lots of Ravens in attendance, including Sarah Gilleskie Hoverstad ’04, who was matron of honor, and Erin Kelly '15, who was a bridesmaid, as well as, Alex Woodward '15, Dave Babson '15, Andrew Vande Berg '15, Liam King '15; front row - Sara Kasbekar '14, Karinn Kasbekar '16, Moira Pelton '15, Sarah Miller '15, Rebecca Qubain Toole '15, Erin Kelly '15, Sarah Gilleskie Hoverstad '04
Ravens in attendance at Rebecca Qubain ’15’s wedding: (back row) Alex Woodward ’15, Dave Babson ’15, Andrew Vande Berg ’15, Liam King '15; (front row) Sara Kasbekar ’14, Karinn Kasbekar ’16, Moira Pelton ’15, Sarah Miller ’15, Rebecca Qubain Toole ’15, Erin Kelly ’15 and Sarah Gilleskie Hoverstad ’04
2016
CLASS AGENTS: HENRY ATKESON, EMERSON BURKHARDT, MEGAN RAGUSA, LUCY RUSSELL AND ZOE STRAFFORD-PRICE
In May, Justin Barber graduated with honors from the University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering and Applied Science with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. His program included five semesters of co-op, which took him from Raleigh to Barcelona, Spain, and then to Dallas, Texas. Upon graduation, he passed the Fundamentals of Engineering exam, the first part of a national exam to become a licensed professional engineer; Part Two of the exam can be taken after five years of engineering experience. Justin has accepted a position with The Walsh Group in Dallas, where he is now a project engineer working on a 40-story luxury apartment building in downtown Dallas.
Megan Ragusa earned her bachelor’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill having been a member of three national-championship teams. While looking for a post-bachelor program that would allow her to position herself better for medical school, she was recruited out of the NCAA transfer portal by Temple University, starting the entire season as goalkeeper and ultimately leading the Temple defense in being one of the best in the Big East conference. She was recognized by the conference many times over the course of the season and was named to the National Field Hockey Coach Association Division I National Academic Team.
Justin Barber ’16 at his graduation at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering and Applied Science |
Megan Ragusa ’16 playing for the Temple Owls during their 2021 season |
2017
CLASS AGENTS: DOUGLAS DILLON, JORDAN PARHAM, JAXON STOCKS AND NATASHA ZALETEL
Reed Margolis recently graduated from Duke University and will be teaching English in South Korea.
Erin Hughes is currently an assistant coach with the Washington & Lee Women’s Basketball team.
Nolan Irey finished his lacrosse career at Centre College by being named to the Southern Athletic Association All-Tournament team and helping his team qualify for the NCAA Division III men’s lacrosse tournament, where they advanced to the second round. After graduating from Centre, in May 2021, Nolan has moved on to the College of Charleston, where he is pursuing a master’s degree in environmental sustainability.
Nolan Irey ’17 and his Centre College teammates celebrating their victory in the Southern Athletic Association Conference men’s lacrosse tournament
2018
CLASS AGENTS: DASHA TEYF, BELLA CHURCH, RUTHANNE WINSTON AND CAMILO CORRALES GIL
Calvin Atkeson received several honors during his senior year of football at Dartmouth College, including being named to the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association (FCS ADA) 24th Annual Academic All-Star Team; the College Sports Information Directors of America 2021 Academic All-District Football Team; and the 2021 All-Ivy League, honorable mention. Calvin was a starter for Dartmouth when they won the Ivy League championship for two seasons in a row, 2019 and 2021.
Calvin Atkeson ’18, honored as a member of the FCS ADA 24th Annual Academic All-Star Team at the conclusion of the 2021 season
Kathryn Hubbard graduated magna cum laude from Lynn University in May 2021. She is now a proofreader for the financial publishing company Legacy Research Group in Delray Beach, Florida.
Kathryn Hubbard ’18 receiving her degree from Lynn University in May 2021
Quinn Riley had a strong season on the Duke men’s golf team in 2021. As a result of his impressive work on and off the course, he was honored with the NCAA Division I Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar Award. This is the second consecutive year he has received this award.
Quinn Riley ’18, recognized with the Srixon/Cleveland Golf All-America Scholar Award for the second year in a row |
2019
CLASS AGENTS: KEMMIA GHODRAT, MELISSA KONG AND MICHAEL SISSON
Matt Lang is the president of Poole Council for the Poole College of Management at NC State and is an officer in the Supply Chain Club.
Kemmia Ghodrat takes a walk down memory lane in Ravens Rewind, sharing the experience of opening her kindergarten time capsule — a tradition for years in Mrs. Ausbon’s class — after her Ravenscroft graduation.
2020
CLASS AGENTS: KIRSTEN DEBRAH, CAROLINE RUTIGLIANO, and SKYLAR WISEMAN
Sam Rappaport received the Robertson Scholarship at UNC-Chapel Hill in February 2021. The scholarship is largely awarded to incoming first-year students to UNC and Duke, but a few current first-year students are selected to join the cohort starting in the second year.
2021
CLASS AGENT NEEDED!
Sage Crosby is profiled as one of Ravenscroft’s Morehead-Cain Scholars in the feature Alumni to Watch.
In Memoriam
The Upper School English teacher, who taught at Ravenscroft for 38 years until her retirement in 2018, passed away on Oct. 24 at the age of 71.
His Ravenscroft colleagues remember him as “a force that changes your approach to how you want to view your art.”
She worked at Ravenscroft as the administrative assistant for the maintenance team from 2011 to 2020.
A Tucker Street alumnus and the father of four Ravens, he served for many years as the school physician and with his wife, Frances Pugh, was a committed supporter of the institution and its students.