by By Mrs. Jill Qualters, Mrs. Amy Wight, and Ms. Taria Conley, Guidance Counseling Department
The tension last spring was palpable. Parents all over the world were trying to navigate a mind-numbing array of online tools, apps, video-conferencing platforms, e-books, and free software. Schools were trying, on a space-race era timeline, to provide the best instruction they could in the face of a pandemic. Students were quickly and unceremoniously yanked from daily routines and told to quickly move to their dining room tables and log in to Zoom.
Fun Fact #1. Dolphins swim in pods. “[They] are social mammals that interact with one another, swim together, protect each other, and hunt for food as a team. Most pods contain anywhere from 2 – 30 dolphins depending on the species and the situation, however there are occasions when pods gather with other pods to form superpods of 100 or even several thousand dolphins!”
by Mrs. Leigh Anne Clay, Upper School Journalism and Middle School English
Even before he walked into my Journalism class at the beginning of his junior year, Michael Russo had an impressive reputation as an exceptional student, an accomplished musician, a talented writer, and a compassionate friend. Since then, I have watched in awe as he has added countless experiences to his long list of accomplishments: peer leader, yearbook editor, newspaper editor, actor, performer, student director, and public speaker. As a CHC legend, he has such fond memories of Lower School, especially Ms. Lechler’s 3rd grade class and Mrs. Thornton’s 5th grade class. Throughout Middle and Upper School, Michael has taken advantage of every opportunity afforded to him - creating even more along his journey. I am simply amazed how he finds the time to practice and perform with the Bay Youth Orchestra, participate in school musical performances and drama productions, all while maintaining a 4.0+ GPA with all advanced and AP classes.
Robert "Robbie" Escalera joined Cape Henry this past year for his senior year. While others may struggle to join a new environment where people have known each other for the last four years, Robbie quickly assimilated into our community. His proactive and positive attitude helped him connect with teachers, peers, and create a memorable final year of high school. While looking toward his next chapter, Robbie's advice to his brothers is to get out of their comfort zone early in high school by trying new sports or clubs and don't hold back.
Cape Henry Collegiate has legends. Students who have spent their entire academic careers as Dolphins. Aleezah Adams is not a legend. However, since arriving at CHC at the start of her Junior year, Aleezah has been able to embed herself in the fabric of this community so effortlessly, you’d think she’s been here her whole life.
by Mr. Jonathan Torch, Upper School Mathematics/Engineering
Grayson Barnes, class of 2020 CHC graduate, will be attending JMU this fall. Grayson was also accepted to The George Washington University, Fordham University, and The University of Miami. However, given our current pandemic situation and also being undecided on a specific university, Grayson has decided to attend college one year in-state at JMU and afterwards to reconsider his college choice. Grayson is looking forward to assuming the responsibilities that come with being a university student. He is excited to take on new challenges, while balancing his personal interest in classical piano. As an educator, it amazes me to see such mature decisions and great role models coming from our youth.
Kindness counts. Turn on the television or scroll through social media feeds and you are likely to feel overwhelmed by the uncertainty and negativity that seems to be coming from every direction. In a time when we are all seeking a little positivity, there is no need to look further than Rachel Moore.
by Mr. Jonathan Torch, Upper School Mathematics/Engineering
Kevin Jiang has worked hard at CHC for the past five years and has gained acceptance into George Mason University! He will be attending classes this fall to start off his college career and he is looking forward to meeting new people, expanding his horizons, and becoming more independent.
There are superheroes amongst us. They don’t necessarily wear capes or have secret identities. They don’t have fancy costumes or even x-ray vision. Instead, they quietly go about making the world a better place.
Gaokao is China’s National College Entrance Examination and can often make or break a student’s chance at getting in to a Chinese university. This is also one of the main reasons why Yezi (Liz) Liu chose to study aboard and arrived in her sophomore year at Cape Henry Collegiate from China. She wanted to explore the option of “test-flexible policies” instead of relying heavily on a score from one exam as well as to become a better-rounded student.
A Leading Independent Coeducational College-Preparatory Day School | Prekindergarten through Grade 12
1320 Mill Dam Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454-2306 | Phone: (757) 481-2446 | Fax: (757) 481-9194
We know, value, and challenge each student. We commit to building a diverse and inclusive community. We graduate independent thinkers and globally aware citizens.