Welcome Back Class of 2009! –Summit’s Newest Alums Return for First Reunion

Members of the Class of 2009 gathered just before the beginning of the school year for a yearbook party held in the spectacular new 9^th Grade Lounge in the Upper School. After many exclamations over the transformation of the former art room into the new lounge space, the alums caught up on who did what this past summer and where they were headed to school this fall (See list below). They then headed out to the covered walkway to see their newly installed named bricks.

Afterward, they toured the Arts and Technology building where they stopped to chat with former teachers. They were amazed at the new facility which houses Digital Media and Digital Music studios, a Media Production Studio­– the new home of Summit’s TV-6, the Robotics Studio, two spacious light-filled art studios, band and music practice rooms, the Black Box Theater, and the Design Studio. Many of the graduates were heard wishing they could return to Summit to take advantage of the amazing state-of-the-art facilities included in the new building.

Part of the summer 2009 construction projects included the renovation of the former Upper School art room into a space designed exclusively for 9^th graders. Bright orange lockers with photos of each student ring the perimeter of the room.  There is a sleek sofa and matching chairs for lounging, and a table and chairs– with more pieces on order. Special thanks go to parent Laurie Whitaker for donating the furniture and for her design expertise. Her son, George, a Summit 9^th grader, served on the Interior Decor Committee along with fellow students Benjamin Carson, Olivia Hinson, and Emily Troxell.

George says he enjoyed the process of helping to take the dimensions, working on a floor plan, and scouring catalogs for just the right contemporary pieces to make the room come together. “I think it was a really good idea to turn the dirty, beat-up old room into the new space,” says George. “It was fun to watch it formulate. It is really cool.” George also gave credit to his aunt who had the ingenious idea of making throw pillows out of t-shirts with school logos.

Ninth graders use the room in a variety of ways throughout each day. Advisor Groups meet first thing in the morning to discuss the day’s schedule and students are allowed to eat morning snack in the lounge. A group often gathers there during free time following lunch in the Dining Hall.

If you haven’t seen the new space, make sure and stop by. Stay tuned for upcoming news on 9^th grade activities.

What is Next for the Class of 2009?

Dana Barnhill…………………………West Forsyth High School

Lasley Cash…………………………….Forsyth Country Day School

Caroline Ciener……………………….R.J. Reynolds High School

Austin Conger………………………….Episcopal High School

Imran Cronk……………………………Forsyth Country Day School

Mimi Daniel…………………………….Mt. Tabor High School

Carolyn Ebeling……………………….Forsyth Country Day School

Mariah Edwards………………………Reagan High School

Gray Eller……………………………..…R.J. Reynolds High School

Sam Falken………………………..……Episcopal High School

Zada Gabriel…………………………….Salem Academy

Jordan Hicks……………………………Magnet Academy for Cultural Arts (Opelousas, LA)

Catherine Hinshaw……………………R.J. Reynolds High School

Trent Holmes…………………………….St. Paul’s School

Savannah Jones…………………………R.J. Reynolds High School

Briana Lawrence………………………..Mt. Tabor High School

Maya Lipscomb………………………..…Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy

Miranda Lipscomb………………………Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy

Hannah Lonsinger………………………Salem Academy

John Mann…………………………………Forsyth Country Day School

Bethany Mann…………………………….Reagan High School

Jack McCall…………………………………Forsyth Country Day School

Hayley Moyer………………………………Reagan High School

Mary Thompson Phillips……………….R.J. Reynolds High School

Leslie Rainey……………………………….R.J. Reynolds High School

Evan Sohmer…………………………..….Mt. Tabor High School

Lauren Spencer…………………………..Salem Academy

Annie Wittenberg………………………..Salem Academy

Summit Summer 2009- A Meeting of the Minds

What do poetry, the weather, sea creatures, choreography, and wind instruments have in common? As it turns out, quite a bit.

Much of the teaching and learning that happens at Summit is about connections. By the end of the two-week Summit Summer “Music, Mind and Reading” camp, students were making connections that improved their reading and listening skills, while allowing them to explore areas that were new to them.

The School first offered the camp in the summer of 2004, after planning the reading element of the program in conjunction with researchers in the Section of Neuropsychology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Peter Perret, former conductor of the Winston-Salem Symphony, directs the music component using the Bolton curriculum, which has proven effective in enhancing reading and related cognitive skills. A professional woodwind quintet serves as the musical faculty, working with the children each day, as did a dance and movement instructor.

Summit teachers Deanna Moss, Barbara Scantland, and Heather Scantland developed themes around which lessons were presented. Children explored weather, animals, and the ocean through poetry, movement, music, and dance.

For instance, the word “tornado” is much more likely to become firmly ingrained in a child’s vocabulary after he has experienced his body whirl in motion, and heard music that evokes the same driving intensity. “The children learned how closely connected our language is to the language of music,” says Barbara. “We talked a lot about how music and movement tell a story as well.”

Last spring, teacher Terry Schaub, from The Carroll School in Boston, was looking at colleges with her daughter when she saw a poster at Wake Forest announcing that Peter Perret would be speaking that evening on the “Music, Mind and Reading” program. In his talk, he referenced the Summit Summer camp. Kerry immediately thought of starting a similar program at her school, and returned to Winston-Salem to spend a week observing our camp. “The idea of incorporating more music into our program is exciting,” said Kerry. “I couldn’t believe the kids could close their eyes and identify notes as played by multiple instruments. It is a marvelous way to help open their neural pathways.”

On the final Friday of the camp, each child proudly marched to the front of the theatre and presented the quintet with a musical score they had written. Using a form of shorthand, the students indicated which instruments were to play their piece, and whether the notes were piano or forte (loud or soft), staccato (short bursts), or legato (smooth). At the end, each beaming composer took a bow. The sweeping compositions soon ended, but it was obvious the young composers’ confidence would soar long after the music was over.

Summit Summer 2009: Setting Sail on their Own

Looking for a sure bet in these difficult economic times? The future businessmen and women who took part in Summit Summer’s “All Aboard the Entrepreneurship” camp have investing opportunities for you. From a technology company that helps clients manage all of their information to chocolate covered fried apples, their ideas were original and innovative.

Camp instructors Erinn and Nelson Diaz led the students through the creative process—from coming up with the idea for a business to choosing a unique name, branding, making a marketing plan, identifying the perfect client, and setting short and long-term goals. They took a field trip to the Chamber of Commerce and got advice from former Summit staff member Nike Roach who owns several small businesses.

Rising sixth grader Joseph Hilleary had fun doing research to find the perfect one-of-a-kind name for his technology company. He also wanted a symbol as part of his logo. When reading about the Greek alphabet, Joseph discovered that several letters had been dropped or changed over the centuries. Thus, Qoppa Technologies was born. “He was excited to come everyday,” says his mom Meg, who let him choose two camps to attend this summer. Joseph says he enjoyed taking part in a more serious camp and learning about business ideas that were new to him. He recommended that a study of entrepreneurship be included in the School curriculum.

Move over Charles Schwab, Entrepreneurship camper Chase Schaub is on your heels. His company, SitLine, manufactures chairs which move along a track so no more having to stand while waiting in line. His potential clients included tourist attractions and theme parks. “Why Stand When You Can Sit,” read his tagline.

On the last day of camp, parents came to hear the students’ plans and watch video presentations of their original, and often humorous, ads. Descriptions and samples of Josh Breakstone’s chocolate covered Fryer Apples made everyone’s mouth water. His plan that “the best advertising is word of mouth” reflected both a play on words and sound marketing strategy. Josh, a rising sixth grader, loved that Summit offered this kind of camp, which appealed to his business sense. He had prior selling experience and had previously operated his own lemonade stand.

Throughout the week, students learned about business ethics, positive thinking, setting realistic goals, brainstorming and taking advantage of a tough economy. After the last class, Josh was busy making a copy of his business plan to share with his grandmother, undoubtedly a potential investor. By 2017 he had planned to be a college student, driving a solar powered car, and making $10,000 a month selling his apples. Sounds like a man with a plan!

Summit Summer 2009- How ‘Bout those ‘Bots!

In the darkened room a light strip circled the perimeter of a large, black table. Surrounding it, two teams of students battled it out. They maneuvered their remote controlled robot cars, trying to force the opponent into the “black hole” in the center. Last one standing won.

These custom-built robots were the culmination of last week’s Summit Summer robotics camp in which students learned the ropes by constructing robots from Lego Mindstorm XT kits before building their own creations.

Students started the week by building a tribot with two wheels on the sides and one in front. Next, they programmed them to follow a simple oval printed on a floor mat. The robot followed the shape based on pattern and color recognition. As the students’ level of expertise progressed, they created ‘bots that could follow more complex patterns. By the end of the week, they built a robot from instructions posted on the internet. One of their finished products was a “power saw” that could cut paper. There was also a puppy, the ever-popular catapult, and a rattlesnake.

If there is a robot workshop on the Summit campus, you can bet rising eighth grader Keenan Rogers is involved. He has attended numerous workshops taught by camp instructors, Director of Technology Chris Culp ’82, and Josh Perry ‘94 a Computer Specialist at the School.  Keenan enjoys the more complicated projects and recently worked alongside Chris and a group of students to build a solar panel from scratch.

Eleven-year-old Pinto Deora, a rising 7th grader at Hanes Middle School, looked forward to attending another Summit Summer Robotics Camp this year. “I love the challenge of building one and being able to tell it what to do,” he says. The future engineer highly recommends the very popular camp to others for the learning opportunities, fun, and great teachers.

These students inaugurated the new Robotics Lab, attending the first class held in the magnificent new Arts and Technology building. The spacious lab contains new power tools for constructing robots and a bank of 11 computer stations line the wall. A real-world robot, called a CNC machine, will enable students to cut out custom pieces for their robots. And, with wall-to-wall cabinets, there is space for lots of ‘bots to come.

2009 Summit Summer camps run through July. For more information on the remaining camps, go to www.summitschool.com/summer

Summit Summer 2009– Stars, Mars, and Candy Bars

Intrigue, plot twists, rings with magical powers, trips to Mars, fairies, and a Michael Jackson dance tribute—the action/comedy “The Stolen Ring” had it all. Summit alum Sally Meehan ‘90, led rising 4th-6th graders on a journey from imagination to realization in the Summit Summer camp “Stars of the Silver Screen.”

On the first day, students brainstormed ideas for the storyline and developed a list of characters and who would portray them. They chose costumes and props and scouted locations around campus as they filmed. Ten to 12 scenes were filmed each day and edited that evening by camp assistant Travis Boyd ’06. The edited segments were put together on Thursday and the finished film premiered on Friday. Camp Director Jeff Turner continued his popular tradition of making a cameo appearance in each film.

“We started by discussing what makes a good story, and how it has a clear beginning, middle, and end,” said Sally, a former Summit teacher who has headed the camp for years. She also served as film editor in the early years of the camp. She has since passed on that responsibility to high school students who are alums of the School. Camp assistants have included Nathan Culp ‘06 and Travis’s brothers, Alex ‘04, and Nick Boyd ‘08. “They know what is appropriate,” says Sally. “As former Summit students, I know them and know they will do the right thing.”

Rising 6th grader Chase Hinson has attended the camp for the past three years. A fantasy film buff, Chase has enjoyed getting to know fellow students in the class. “I am always sad when it is over because there has never been a year when I haven’t made new friends,” he says. Former Summit student David Mulder holds the record for attending the most “Stars of the Silver Screen” camps– six. Both he and Chase are also active in local theater productions.

Grant Cain and sister Olivia, students at Meadowlark Middle School, also enjoy making new friends. Grant, who had a lead roll in the film as John Butterfinger, P.I., liked shooting on campus for the past several years as ongoing building demolition and construction has provided great backdrops.

Sally noted that each student brought something special to the camp. Rising fifth grader, Annecy Daggett, put together fabulous costumes and shared her dance skills, as did Olivia and David. Chase turned out to be a talented mimic who can take on any character, human or animal.

Travis, one of 12 alums working in Summit Summer camps this year, had attended a film camp for older students and was glad that Jeff Turner asked him to assist this year. A recent graduate of Forsyth Country Day, he worked on the tech crew for school productions. He is headed to N.C. State University in the fall, where he plans to further his technical skills as a computer science major.

Last week, sixty-eight campers chose from camps that focused on fitness and food, storytelling, digital photography, sports, and girl power. The Fourth of July holiday inspired a Patriotic Party theme for the Eclectic Experience.

On Friday, Martin Tucker’s Digital Photography students displayed beautiful photographs taken on their trip to Old Salem. The show’s title “The Decisive Moment” refers to the skill of snapping a photo at the right time- not half a second too early, or too late, to capture the perfect image. Rising sixth grader Aditi Pilani said she loved learning the rules of photography. Her favorite part was taking photos and creating her own magazine.

2009 Summit Summer camps run through July. For more information on the remaining camps, go to www.summitschool.com/summer

Summit Summer 2009- Dirt to Delicious

The School came alive once again last week as the sounds of 113 happy campers resonated across the campus. During the first week of Summit Summer 2009, current students and campers from schools around the community attended nine camps. They confidently mastered new math concepts, learned to golf, honed their drawing skills, photographed animals at the NC Zoo, and wrote and starred in an original film. One of the favorite camp offerings was “From Dirt to Dish.”

Teacher Joanne Hinman led her students on a journey during which they learned the concepts of organic gardening as it translates to nutritious and delicious dining.  They started the week with a trip to Mrs. Hinman’s own garden where she explained garden design, plant placement, light orientation, and the basics of what plants need to survive.  This formed the foundation of the concepts of organic gardening—creating the right growing environment and choosing companion plants that help repel unwanted insects.  Students loved picking veggies that were used in dishes they created later in the week. Some favorites were zucchini pancakes and carrot, squash, and sweet potato oven-baked chips.

At the Hinman family mountain home in Low Gap, NC, the budding chefs visited the surrounding organic orchard. They learned about drainage, tree orientation when growing on a slope, and the importance of heritage varieties. All had great fun as they gathered around a campfire to cook foil packs of “camper’s stew” and baked apples.

Since learning at Summit takes place all over the campus, students spent time in the School’s herb garden—noting their favorite varieties. The enormous bullfrog that lives in the pond eyed the children as they explored the banks. Mrs. Hinman led a discussion about nutrition, sources of protein, fats, sugars and carbohydrates. What we need and what to avoid.

After a week of eating nutritious, delicious offerings, the students were more open to trying new foods. Eleven-year-old Nova Mendoza, a student at the Arts-Based Elementary School, was attending her second Summit Summer camp, an annual gift from her grandmother. Last year at drama camp she had the chance to check out some of the other cool offerings and couldn’t wait to come back this year. “I mostly liked experimenting and making new foods,” she said. “I never would have tried squash or zucchini on my own. The zucchini pancakes were surprisingly delicious.”

Rising Summit sixth grader Josh Breakstone enjoys cooking and gardening so “From Dirt to Dish” was the perfect camp choice for him. He loved creating his own dishes and there was a definite gleam in his eye as he recalled the yummy apple with cinnamon, butter and sugar that he had baked over the fire.

Austin Gray had previously attended the “Music, Mind and Reading Camp” and couldn’t wait to come back and try another “fun camp.” He most enjoyed the visit by Graylyn Chef Andrew Mehaffey. “When I first came here I thought what an amazing school. Everyone is so nice and it is so much fun to learn,” says Austin, who attends Meadowlark Elementary School.

Teacher Joanne Hinman hopes that some industrious gardeners have been encouraged and inspired. “We also believe everyone has had his or her taste buds challenged to try new flavors, textures, and colors of foods,” she says. “Go organic, you will be glad you did.”

2009 Summit Summer camps run through July. For more information on the remaining camps, go to www.summitschool.com/summer

Congratulations to the Summit Class of 2009!

Summit’s seventy-sixth Commencement was celebrated on June 5, 2009 as the twenty-eight members of the Class of 2009 became Summit’s newest alums. They shared with family and friends some of their worldly wisdom, reviewed the memorable journey from JrK to ninth grade, played hand bells, sang, and tearfully watched as a slideshow of their ninth grade experience flashed behind them.

Head Michael Ebeling recognized each student, urging them to remember that the word “congratulations” means, “we wish you joy.” He shared excerpts from the recent reflections they wrote about their fellow classmates, and passed on some advice from Summit’s youngest experts.

Kindergartners were asked how they would advise graduates who might be a bit nervous as they head to a new school. Their suggestions: “Call your grandmother and ask her to bake cookies,” “remember the new kids won’t know you are their friends yet,” “when I was scared on a boat I wished I’d had my floaties,” and the go-to answer when seeking advice; “ask your mom.” All of which serves as a reminder that perhaps we do actually learn everything we need to know in kindergarten.

Congratulations Class of 2009 and remember Dr. Ebeling’s parting words, “You will always and forever be members of the Summit School family.”

Dana Alexandra Barnhill                                        Savannah Elaine Jones
Lasley Ann Cash                                                   Briana Nicole Lawrence
Caroline Ellen Ciener                                             Maya Jewel Lipscomb
Elizabeth Austin Conger                                        Miranda Janel Lipscomb
Imran Sekhon Cronk                                            Hannah Rebekah Lonsinger
Marian McAllister Daniel                                        John Randolph Mann
Carolyn Margaret Ebeling                                      Bethany Sierra Mann
Mariah Michelle Edwards                                      John McLain McCall
James Gray Eller                                                 Hayley Rose Moyer
Samuel Gregson Falken                                       Mary Thompson Phillips
Zada Victoria Gabriel                                           Leslie Shannon Rainey
Jordan Christopher Hicks                                     Evan Marcus Sohmer
Catherine Gray Hinshaw                                      Lauren Whitney Spencer
Robert Trent Holmes                                           Anne Miller Wittenberg

View Graduation Awards

View Photos from Graduation

Second Grader Receives Letter from Michelle Obama

Second grader John W. loves to send cards and write letters, not the email variety, but the old-fashioned handwritten kind. His favorite pen pal–Mrs. Keene, his former Summit first grade teacher.

This year, John read the book First Kids and presented his book talk in the form of a letter to the Obama children. He read it to his classmates and gave a copy to his teacher, Mrs. Denning, to post in the classroom. Just for fun, he sent a copy to Sasha and Malia Obama. John’s letter was filled with historical facts about some of the former Presidents’ children. He compared things they did with his personal experiences. (John’s letter appears at the end.)

Imagine the excitement when John opened an envelope addressed to him from The White House. Inside he found a letter and a photograph, both signed by Michelle Obama.

“Dear John,” it began.
“Thank you for writing to our family!
“Our daughters are happily settling into their new surroundings and routines. They’re having fun making new friends and working hard on their homework. The girls really enjoy living in the White House and discovering the history that surrounds them in their new home, The White House is a place that all Americans should treasure and enjoy. You can learn more about the White House and take an online tour at www.whitehousehistory.org. It is not just our house—it’s your house too!…”

“There’s nothing like receiving a response in the mail after you write someone a letter,” says John’s mom Debbie. “John loves to receive mail almost as much as he likes to write it. Maybe the art of letter writing will return with John as the trendsetter.”

(John’s Letter to the Obama Children)

“Dear Sasha and Malia,

I just read a book, First Kids, by Gibbs Davis and illustrated by Sally Wern Comport. It is about kids growing up at the White House. This is the best book ever.

I think that it is cool that you have 132 rooms. We have only 18 rooms in our house.

I found out that first kids can have sleepovers at the White House. I have sleepovers a lot too with my best friend, Max. At my sleepovers we eat dinner while watching Max and Ruby, we play Wii, and we watch a movie.

President Abraham Lincoln’s son, Tad, had a lemonade stand and charged money to the White House visitors for a drink.  I had lemonade stand to raise money for the ABC of NC kids. They have autism, like me. We made $58!

First kids have had dogs, cats, horses, snakes, goats, a badger, and a kangaroo rat for pets. I have a dog at home named Julius Monkee. His best friend is Libby that lives across the street. They like to play with each other. Do you have a pet?

I read that you have a movie theater, bowling alley and swimming pool at the White House. Those would be fun to have at my house.

I hope you enjoy living at the White House. It looks fun for kids.”

Your friend,
John W.
Winston-Salem, NC

Summit School Dedicates Sculpture Garden to Former Head Sandra Adams

Soothing waters flow over symbolic bronze panels. Fanciful creatures live in harmony on ceramic tiles representing earth, water and sky. Intricate mosaic benches with ribbons of color invite rest and reflection.

Current and former staff, parents, students and friends gathered on May 27 for the dedication of Sandra’s Space, a sculpture garden created to honor Dr. Sandra Adams, who worked at Summit for 41 years and served as Head of the School from 1990 until her retirement last year.

The magnificent space was the result of a year of planning and the extraordinary collaboration and vision of three artists with Summit connections. Alumnus and sculptor Duncan Lewis ‘69, created a cast bas-relief bronze water wall containing an eclectic collection of symbols, which students will be encouraged to research and identify. In honor of Sandra’s many years as a Latin teacher, an inscription reads- “Scientia Pluit- Fluit Sapientia,” in translation, “Knowledge Rains- Wisdom Flows.”

Flanking either side are ceramic tile panels designed by Summit pottery specialist Barbara Eure. Prehistoric creatures share the earth, sea and sky with more familiar animals often spotted on the School campus. Monica Weber, Summit parent and mosaic artist, created two benches with flowing lines and strokes of color. She incorporated 36,000 small tiles using the double-direct method in which individual tiles were applied to fiberglass mesh and then adhered to the surface in sections. Monica’s first mosaic project was the Stinnett River in the playground for young children.

“One of Sandra’s greatest strengths was her ability to bring groups together for collaborative work,” said Tom Moore, immediate Past President of Summit’s Board of Trustees. “This beautiful sculpture garden is an example of collaboration at its best and it will bring people together for conversations, partnership, teamwork, and cooperation in the future. Sandra’s Space also brings the visual arts to the front of the school, highlighting Summit’s constant dedication to the arts.”

Surrounded by her family and friends, Sandra said, “I must be the luckiest person in the world to be in a place that represents what I love best at the School that nurtured me. To think, my grandchildren can come to visit this place that their grandmother loved so dearly.”

In 2008, Governor Mike Easley awarded Sandra The Order of the Long Leaf Pine in recognition of her extraordinary service to the state, the community and to Summit School.

Sandra’s Space is nestled in the space between the TLC and the Main Building near the driveway. If you haven’t seen it, take a moment to stop by. Sit and reflect upon the past and dream of the future.

Read more about the artists’ work and the design process in the summer issue of Summit News. Click here to view photos of the construction and the dedication.

Summit Sunday is Great Success

Everyone agreed that Summit Sunday was the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. Fifteen families gathered in the Athletic Center on May 18 where P.E. staff offered two hours of activities and fun. Children and parents warmed up with hula-hoops, basketball, and jump ropes.

Colorful Nerf balls flew in an energetic game of polo hockey in the Eagles Nest Gym. Children jumped and flipped in the gymnastics studio and ran on the track with their parents.

Summit was the second stop in the Stopyra family’s active afternoon. They came after hiking with friends. “What a wonderful way to keep all of my children entertained at once,” said Caroline Stopyra, who watched her husband Tom and sons Sam, Max and Joel play hockey. Vance and Shaida Horner supervised as daughters Yasmin and Sarina covered every inch of the gymnastics studio. “I hadn’t seen all of the facilities and am very impressed,” said Vance. Rising Senior Kindergartner Sarina declared that “jumping off the big thingie” was her favorite part.

Athletic Director Ryan Mihalko enjoyed watching the students share their love for playing in Summit’s beautiful, new facility. “It was truly a great experience for everyone involved and I look forward to sharing it with more families in the future.”

Julie Williams thought it was a “great use of the fabulous facilities” and encouraged other families to take advantage of the opportunity. Her daughter Abby had the most exuberant testimonial- “It ought to be against the law not to come.”