News
News Archives
2024
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Cmdrs. Andersons Speak to Middle, Upper School Students, Faculty about Their Military Journeys
Read MoreCurrent 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
Read MoreNorfolk 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
Read MoreAs 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
Read MoreWe 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
Read MoreShoutout 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
Read MoreMark 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. -
Bess Renn Participating in Haymakers for Hope Beltway Brawl
Read MoreShoutout to Bess Renn '14!
After earning her a degree in Government and Psychology from the University of Virginia, she spent five years in Austin building her career in technology and customer success. Bess now leads the Punchh Senior Customer Success team at PAR Technologies, working closely with brands like Smoothie King, Papa John's, iHOP and Zaxby's to develop custom loyalty programs.Having recently settled in Richmond, Bess has become involved in her community, including participating in the 2024 Haymakers for Hope Beltway Brawl in Washington D.C. on Sept. 19, where she will be stepping into the ring to raise funds for cancer research, care, awareness and survivorship. Visit the Haymakers for Hope website to learn more about Bess' journey.Way to go, Bess! And good luck on Sept. 19!!! -
Reilly Gallagher '20 Gains Invaluable Experience During Kleinfeld Bridal Internship
Read MoreShoutout 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
Read MoreShoutout 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
Read MoreCongratulations 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! -
Grace Georgo '18 Begins Career with Tennessee Attorney General
Read MoreCongratulations, Grace Georgo ’18! She’s working as a law clerk at the U.S. Attorney's Office where she’s responsible for working on legal projects with attorneys from both the criminal and civil divisions.This July, she’ll begin working for the Tennessee Attorney General in the law enforcement and special prosecutions division. This division represents the state and various state agencies—including the state’s law enforcement agencies—defending civil rights cases, tort claims, and the constitutionality of state statutes. It also handles a limited number of criminal prosecutions.This fall she’ll also enter her final year at Vanderbilt Law School. Way to go, Grace! -
Kelly Tiblier '04 Graduates from Liberty University
Read MoreShoutout to Kelly Tiblier '04! She recently graduated with her doctorate in Education with a focus in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University!Way to go, Kelly! -
Ray Tahhan '20 Featured in Old Dominion University Publication
Read MoreCongratulations, Ray Tahhan '20. Ray recently graduated from Old Dominion University with his Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences with a concentration in pre-health.Ray was named a College of Sciences Scholar and he reflects on his time at ODU, his service to the community and the school, his work in the lab on antibodies and vaccines and what his next chapter looks like.
“That was super interesting and super fun, mostly because I got to dive into some of the immunology behind it," he said of his work....I think if students have the opportunity to do research at the undergraduate level in the sciences, they should. It's super beneficial, and it can only help you build practical skills early on, and for me it was a no brainer, and I loved it.”
Ray will be attending Eastern Virginia Medical School's Medical Doctor's Program this fall. Read the article here.Way to go, Ray! -
Seth Smith '20 Spends Summer as Merchandising Intern at Dollar Tree Corporate
Read MoreShoutout to Seth Smith '20! He's a senior majoring in Management and Economics at Old Dominion University. He's also spent his summer as a merchandising intern at Dollar Tree Corporate."It has been an eye-opening experience to observe the inner workings of a Fortune 500 company that generates billions of dollars annually," said Smith. "My team is responsible for researching, selecting and managing many of the products customers see in the over 8,000 Dollar Tree stores nationwide, as well as identifying trends and opportunities in the market."The internship will conclude the second week of August and is his fifth internship during his undergraduate career and his second experience with a Fortune 500 company."I've interned with Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP), The Breeden Company/Breeden Construction, and the newly founded ODU Monarch Internship and Co-Op Office," said Smith. "I've gained a plethora of knowledge from every internship I've completed. If there's one piece thing I've learned throughout my undergraduate journey, it's that internships shape the trajectory of where you go in life, especially in business and when you're in college. I've arguably learned more outside of the classroom by engaging in experiential learning opportunities (including internships or LEAP when I was at Collegiate) than I ever have in a lecture hall."Post-graduation from ODU, Seth plans to apply to the University of Virginia for his master's degree. -
AP Environmental Science Students Study Ecosystems, Culture, Fisheries in Tangier Island
AP Environmental Science, APES, students spent three days with Dr. Frank Thomson and Mrs. Sarah Babkov in Port Isobel/Tangier Island studying the ecosystems, culture, fisheries and economics of the largest estuary in the United States.Read More
The three-day trip was the last field experience for the group, which spent the year getting out of the classroom and traversing throughout Hampton Roads and the state studying what they learned in their class and books firsthand. -
Summer Strength & Conditioning Begins June 10
Read MoreSummer Strength and Conditioning is back, Oaks! Sessions will begin on June 10, 2024, under the tutelage of Coach Matt Talley, and will continue through Thursday, Aug. 1. Sessions will be held Monday through Thursday daily in the Watt-Baker Gymnasium.- 9-10 a.m. varsity/JV athletes and young alumni
- 10-11 a.m. middle School athletes, families and faculty
- Please note that there will be not be training on June 19 and July 4.
We would love to see you there, Oaks!
Questions? Contact Coach Jon Hall at jhall@norfolkcollegiate.org. -
NJHS Inducts 30 New Members
Read MoreNorfolk Collegiate’s Heath Chapter of the National Junior Honor Society, NJHS, inducted 30 new members into their chapter on Wednesday, May 1, 2024. NJHS is a national organization that recognizes outstanding seventh and eighth grade students who meet academic and service requirements.Congratulations to the following students: Mollie A., Laci B., Noah C., Geoffrey C., Duncan C., Blake C., Beatrix D., Charlie D., Colgin F., Mason G., Sanaa H., Charlotte H., Keron K., Elizabeth K., Eli L., Madeline M., Mary Walsh M., Robert M., Athena N., June R., Samuel R., Leia S., Tyler S., Landon T., Austin U., Eliza V., Tobias W., Bridgette W., Kiera W. and Tamya W.The student-run ceremony honored the accomplishments of the new inductees. In fact, to date, the club’s members have performed more than 1,000 hours of community service as of this month with the newest members having performed 635 of those hours! Collegiate’s chapter supports several local organizations, such as the Samaritan House, collecting donations for the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, ForKids, area animal shelters and more.Members must have a cumulative grade point average of 88. Students must also demonstrate attributes of leadership, good character and citizenship, as well as a desire to render service and to provide worthy leadership. To be eligible, students must complete 10 hours of community service prior to joining and must complete an additional 10 hours before the end of the school year.To learn more about Collegiate’s chapter of NJHS, please contact Jill Archer at jarcher@norfolkcollegiate.org. -
MS Conference Spreads Words of Kindness, Inclusivity
Read MoreMiddle school students attended an in-school Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Social Justice conference on Feb. 28, 2024. The conference was titled, “Building a Community of Belonging,” and featured guest speaker Jason Mundy, the director of diversity, equity and engagement at Durham Academy. Mr. Mundy is also the former head of Norfolk Collegiate’s upper school and middle school.Mr. Mundy’s message was, “I’m just a middle schooler; what difference can I make?” It was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s philosophy of nonviolence. The conference opened with an address from Head of School Scott Kennedy, Head of the Middle School Chris Tillson, Director of Diversity and Inclusion (DEI) Dr. Nefertiti Makeda, and a special video produced by the Middle School Allies DEI Club and upper school students who attended a National Association of Independent Schools Student Diversity Leadership Conference.“I thought the conference was amazing, it taught valuable lessons for everyone,” said Laci B. ’28, who serves as the Allies Club vice president. “My goal (for the conference) was to get everyone to try to be kinder and to see things from a different perspective, while our goal for the conference was to share what our club was about and to teach everyone to be more of a kind inclusive person.”Allies President Taylor B. ’28 agreed. “The conference was very educational, and I especially loved our guest speaker, Mr. Mundy. He was truly amazing and discussed some great points. I’m super excited about what the middle school will improve and make it even more exciting next year,” she said. -
Norfolk Collegiate Presents "The Drowsy Chaperone"
Read MoreNorfolk Collegiate is proud to present “The Drowsy Chaperone” at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13, and at 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 14, in the Hackney Theater in the Meredith Center for the Arts. Our amazing student performers will be accompanied by a professional orchestra provided in partnership with Tidewater Winds.Winner of five Tony Awards, "The Drowsy Chaperone" is a loving send-up of the Golden Age musical, featuring one show-stopping song and dance number after another.Why all the awards??With the houselights down, a man in a chair appears on stage and puts on his favorite record: the cast recording of a fictitious 1928 musical. The recording comes to life and "The Drowsy Chaperone" begins as the man in the chair provides hilarious commentary. Mix in two lovers on the eve of their wedding, a bumbling best man, a desperate theatre producer, a not-so-bright hostess, two gangsters posing as pastry chefs, a misguided Don Juan and a delirious chaperone, and you have the ingredients for an evening of madcap delight.The play is open to the public and will be performed live. Admission is $5 for students and $15 for regular admission and cash and card are accepted.For more information, please email Mr. Hoyle at bhoyle@norfolkcollegiate.org or Ms. Gondek at mgondek@norfolkcollegiate.org.We hope you can join us for this wonderful event! -
Women speak about Military Careers During Women's History Month
Read MoreUpper school students heard from a panel of women in the military as part of the school’s recognition of Women’s History Month on March 29, 2024. This year’s theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.”Susan Moore, upper school Math and middle and upper school Design Thinking & Computing teacher kicked off the event and spoke about her time in the United States Coast Guard Academy and the Coast Guard.The panel included Cmdr. Veronica Anderson, U.S. Navy; Cmdr. Brittany Laird, U.S. Navy; YN1 Mackenzie Williams, U.S. Navy; and Cmdr. Amanda Harris, U.S. Coast Guard. Each spoke about their journey in the Armed Forces and at the end, answered questions from the students. -
Mary Faber, an Award-Winning Actor, Singer and Puppeteer Speaks with Students
Read MoreMiddle and upper school performing arts students joined Mary Faber, an award-winning actor, singer and puppeteer for an informal session on what it’s like to live a life in the performing arts.Faber's career reflects her range of talent, from being the lead in “Boss Baby: Back in the Crib” on Netflix to being on Broadway, starring in shows like “Avenue Q,” “American Idiot,” and “How to Succeed in Business” with Daniel Radcliffe and John Larroquette. Her TV roles include Ashley on HBO’s “The Brink,” Macy in Jim Carrey’s “Kidding” on Showtime, and as fan favorite Sweetums lobbyist Kathryn Pinewood on “Parks and Recreation.”Faber, aunt to Thomas W. ’25, spoke about her career and answered a range of student questions.“Most of what I do is voiceover and I love it,” said Faber who also does a lot of work as session singer and as an ADR.When asked what her favorite role has been, “Parks and Rec. was my most favorite on-camera role. She (Kathryn Pinewood) was an evil lobbyist,” Faber said, and was a lot of fun to play.She also encouraged students to try improvisation.“Improve education isn’t just for people who want to be superstars,” she said, “improv is really great way to learn how to interact.” -
Mottinger Named 'Ballin' in the Classroom' Teacher in Local Radio Contest
Read MoreStudents in Nicole Mottinger’s second grade class were surprised yesterday when 𝟵𝟯.𝟳 𝗕𝗢𝗕 𝗙𝗠 Morning Guy Eric and Julianne Worden surprised their teacher and the students with tickets to this Saturday’s Harlem Globetrotters game at the Chartway Arena.The tickets were part of the Ballin’ in the Classroom contest and our very own Mrs. Mottinger was the winner! The contest called on Hampton Roads to nominate “a teacher who knows how to dribble, dunk, and teach; a teacher that is ‘Ballin’ in the Classroom.’” The contest was looking for a teacher who “makes learning come alive by incorporating sports and physical fitness in the classroom.”As a result of the contest, Mrs. Mottinger’s class will get to see the game and they’ll be honored on the court by the Globetrotters this Saturday.“When I found out that my class and I had won the Ballin' in the Classroom contest, I was beyond excited for my students and myself,” said Nicole Mottinger. “I am so proud of my second graders. They show commitment and interest in fitness inside and outside of the classroom every day, and I enjoy helping them reach their fitness goals by running alongside them in the Shamrock Final Mile and helping to coach Girls on the Run.”Shoutout to our families who helped with the nomination process, including Kat Taylor, who said, “Ms. Mottinger is a dedicated, fun and loving teacher! She pushes her students to make and meet their personal goals for both mental and physical fitness. She is a leader with the Girls on the Run program at school, and with the school's participation in the Shamrock Marathon Final Mile run.”Mrs. Mottinger was elated to be honored on Tuesday.“I’m very appreciative to my families who nominated me and the class for this amazing opportunity,” she said. “I can't wait to cheer on our Harlem Globetrotters with my fellow Oaks!”
MARCH 2024 -
Students attend community Diversity Dialogue Day
Read MoreSeveral upper school students participated in the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities’ Diversity Dialogue Day at Old Dominion University. The one-day event brings together students from public and private schools. With the help of trained facilitators, the program works to increase the students’ understanding of what prejudice is, decrease stereotypic attitudes and develop an expanded awareness of discrimination and its harmful effects on individuals and groups. It also works to expose students to diverse perspectives and create connections between peers.Students learned about the LISTEN Model which emphasizes:
LOOK: Look at the person speaking and make good eye contactINQUIRE: Ask open-ended questionsSUMMARIZE: Reflect your understanding of what the person is sayingTAKE NOTES: Write down or make mental notes about what the other person is sayingENCOURAGE: Use positive nonverbal and verbal cues to encourage the person to say moreNEUTRALIZE: Try to stay positive and avoid bias
The goal was to have students leave feeling an increased sense of personal empowerment and recognize the positive impact they can have on their own school and communities. -
Winter Student-Athletes Honored in Ceremony
Read MoreCollegiate's winter athletic season student-athletes were honored on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, in front of their peers during the Middle and Upper School Winter Athletic Awards program. The winter season saw student-athletes take on swimming, cheer, wrestling and basketball in the longest season for our Oaks, beginning Nov. 6, 2023, and ending on March 1, 2024, with our last basketball game.Standout student-athletes were awarded plaques describing their role on their respective teams, including the following awards: Most Valuable Players; Most Improved Players; Team Manager and OAK Award, which honors the impressive attributes in the student to which it’s awarded. “O” stands for overachiever, “A” stands for attitude and “K” stands for knowledge. This is also the first year that the Outstanding Teammate Award is being “given to the athlete who displays inspiring dedication and commitment to their team embodying sportsmanship, character and spirit,” said Director of Athletics Jon Hall. -
Natalia '24 Heads to Poetry Out Loud Regional 2024 Competition
Read MoreGood luck, Natalia C. ’24! She is competing in the regional Poetry Out Loud competition tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024. The competition will have the top three from each semi-final round moving on to the state competition in Richmond.Natalia, Chloe S. ’24, Izzy R. ’24 and Sophie H. ’26 competed for a chance to represent Norfolk Collegiate in this year’s regional Poetry Out Loud competition in December 2023, each reciting from the Poetry Out Loud anthology.Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition that encourages students to learn about and memorize great poetry. The goal of the competition is to help students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence and learn about literary history while exploring contemporary life.Students participate yearly at school, regional, state and national levels. This year, Natalia, Chloe, Izzy and Sophie delivered poignant renditions of the top picks. Two of Natalia’s selections were “All This and More” by Mary Karr and “Mr. Darcy” by Victoria Chang.“Poetry is such an interesting form of writing,” Natalia said of why she is drawn to the form of expression. As for why she selected “Mr. Darcy,” she said, “It was a lot of fun to work out a poem with no punctuation.”Tomorrow’s competition will have the top three from each semi-final round moving to the state competition in Richmond.Good luck, Natalia! -
Kellan H. '30 Takes Home Top Honors in 2024 Middle School Spelling Bee
Read MoreThis year’s middle school spelling bee saw 32 students face off for the first-place honors, competing in 18 rounds and spelling 300 words. The word “gorilla” landed Kellan H. ’30 with the title of Norfolk Collegiate spelling bee champion.Third place was awarded to Jonas E. ’28 and second place went to Grace O. ’29.Words like “amphitheater,” “gastritis,” “Oman,” and “bunion” were delivered to the students by the moderator Mr. Evan Benedict ’04 and the students calmly asked for definitions and usages in sentences before tackling their words.Middle School English Teacher and coordinator of this year’s bee Chrisy Cooper said the event was fantastic. It was evident the students were looking forward to competing against their classmates.Kellan will next compete in The WHRO Public Media Spelling Bee on Saturday, Feb. 10. Good luck, Kellan! -
Oak Delivery Mail System Bustling With Letters
Read MoreNorfolk Collegiate’s youngest Oaks have been keeping their new Oak Delivery Mail System busy and their fourth grade postal workers are loving it!The newest addition to the lower school is not only improving our Oak’s writing skills, but it’s also improving their communication, thanks to the genius of our lower school Science Teacher Melissa Economou.“This system will allow students to authentically write and address letters to friends and/or adults in the lower school no matter what grade,” said Economou. “Fourth grade students will be responsible for checking and delivering the mail.”
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