Duke School Under the Oak Magazine, Fall 2018

Under the Oak
FALL 2018
BECOMING UPSTANDERS
Students use their knowledge to affect positive social change
PRIME TIME: PURPOSE, PASSION & PLAY
The innovative extended day program for Duke School middle schoolers
2017-18 DRAGON FUND REPORT
Celebration and Recognition of the Honor Roll of Donors
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Under the Oak
DUKE SCHOOL CORE VALUES
WHAT WE DO
Inspire learners to boldly and creatively shape their future.
IDEAS WE LIVE BY
LEARNER-CENTERED
Learners are the center of a dynamic and collaborative
learning, inquiry and discovery process.
ACTIVE INQUIRY
Intellectual curiosity through project-based learning
propels learners to explore multiple paths to creative solutions.
BOLD THINKERS
A deep love of learning and respect for our community
forms bold, critical thinkers for life.
WHY WE DO IT
To prepare the next generation of problem solvers
for our complex world.
EDITORS
WRITERS
MAGAZINE DIRECTOR
HEAD OF SCHOOL
DESIGNER
Nancy Joyce
Candy Thompson
Katie Thompson
Lea Hart
Laura Thompson
Irecka Smith
Dave Michelman
Gina Lorsson
Duke School publishes Under the Oak annually for its
alumni, parents, grandparents and friends. If you would
like to add someone to our mailing list, please e-mail
communications@dukeschool.org. We also welcome
news about alumni for future publications; please e-mail
alumni@dukeschool.org with this information.
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INSIDE this issue
MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL ......................... 4
Ways in which Duke School is innovative.
BECOMING UPSTANDERS ................................. 5-7
Students use their knowledge to affect positive social change.
CREATING BOLD THINKERS ................................. 8
Brooke Murgitroyd ’21 shares her journey as a writer, singer, and recording artist.
CREATING PROBLEM SOLVERS ............................... 9
Nia Stroud ’25 becomes Little Miss NCCU 2017-18.
PRIME TIME: PURPOSE, PASSION & PLAY. ................... 10-12
The innovative extended day program for Duke School middle schoolers.
FROM PRESCHOOL TO BROADWAY ......................... 13
Scarlett Unger ’27 stars as “Lulu” in the Broadway musical Waitress.
BEST OF THE BEST ..................................... 14
Claire McGovern ’18 earns a spot in the 2018 Western Regional Orchestra
A MEANS TO COLLABORATION ............................ 15
Matthew Etherington reflects on the collaborative vision of
performing arts at Duke School.
TRAVELING HALFWAY AROUND THE WORLD TO SEE HOME .........16
Nicole Thompson shares her experience and familiarity when visiting
Yungu School in China.
WOMEN IN PALEONTOLOGY ............................. 17
Paleontologist Abagael West ’03 co-writes She Found Fossils, a children’s book
about women in paleontology.
PETS & POLITICS ................................... 18-20
How project work promotes positive social interactions.
MEETING THE NEEDS OF BEES .............................. 20
Duke School’s 2017-18 second graders build bee hotels on campus.
TO TREND & SERVE .................................... 21
Ava Hoffman ’25 describes her modeling and tennis endeavors.
THE CREATORS OF THE DRAGON TIMES ...................... 22
Amelia Hart ‘22 and Gaby Goodman ’22 create The Dragon Times,
a Lower School newspaper.
GABE SPEAKS: STAYING CONNECTED ........................ 23
Gabe Hart ’17 describes his connection with Duke School’s Makers.
DESIGN THINKING IN PROJECT WORK ...................... 24-25
How design thinking was incorporated in Duke School’s fifth grade Animalia project.
A MESSAGE TO DUKE SCHOOL GRADS ...................... 26-27
Hallie Westlund ’08 addresses Duke School’s Class of 2018
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS ............................... 28-29
Celebrating the destinations of 2014 and 2018 grads.
DUKE SCHOOL WELCOMES GIFT OF SECURITIES .................. 30
The McRae family makes gift of securities to Duke School.
VOICES IN THE COMMUNITY. ............................... 31
Members of the community reflect on their Duke School experience.
DUKE SCHOOL 2017-2018 ANNUAL REPORT ................... 32-42
Celebration and recognition of the Honor Roll of Donors.
SPECIAL THANKS TO DUKE SCHOOL’S 2017-18 EVENT SPONSORS! ...... 43
Celebration and recognition of Duke School sponsors.
ON THE COVER:
Hazel Bouille ‘21 and Caroline Welty ‘21, chorus members of
Duke School’s “Upstanders” Winter 2017 Concert.
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INSIDE OF THE COVER:
Oak tree on Duke School’s campus. Students and faculty use the oak tree as a
regular meeting place and refer to it as U.T.O.T. (under the oak tree).

Message from Dave Michelman, Head of School
Moore’s Law suggests that the speed of
microprocessors will double about every 18
problems.
instance,
For
second
months. Despite the ever-increasing speed
of microprocessors over the last decade (our
phones are amazing), Moore’s Law is still relatively
graders built a bee
hotel on campus
to encourage the
accurate. For better or worse, Moore’s Law seems
population
growth
to be true for many aspects of our life. The pace of
change is remarkable, and Duke School faces the
of native pollinators.
Similarly an eighthgrader
catalyzed
challenge of preparing our children for this fastpaced
life.
We know that to succeed in a fast-paced world,
students must be agile, creative thinkers who can
work collaboratively. We are fortunate that project
work, for which Duke School is renowned, molds
students in that image. Equally important, we
push ourselves every day to serve our students
better and better.
Our newest initiative is to create an environment
where students are encouraged to be true
innovators. To do that, everyone on staff is striving
to become more innovative. Some innovative
donors seeded a grant program in which students
and staff can apply for innovation grants. The
Development Office is now accepting foreign
currency left over from travel. The Middle School is
prototyping Prime Time that allows middle school
students to explore their passions until 6 PM for
no extra charge.
Students are regularly encouraged to propose
an exhibit in the University of Mississippi library
to honor James Meredith, the university’s first
African American student. That student’s portrait
of Meredith will grace the exhibit.
This issue of Under the Oak highlights some other
ways innovation is integrated into Duke School. It
speaks about upstander work the school is doing,
and about training non-Duke School educators
on how to teach project work. In her graduation
message to our Class of 2018, Hallie Westlund ‘08,
reflects on how her Duke School education has
prepared her for a life of service and fulfillment.
Duke School is on the move—getting better and
bolder—while keeping true to its project-based,
student-centered approach.
I hope you enjoy this issue of Under the Oak as
much as I do, and hope you are as proud a dragon
as I am.
“We are dragons, we are real!”
and implement solutions to real-ife community
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UNDER THE OAK

By Megan Whitted,
Duke School Music Teacher
When chorus students Caroline Welty and Brooke
Murgitroyd responded to the 2016 presidential
election by writing a song, I knew we were on to
something. Because several chorus members had
already requested songs from the new Broadway
musical about Alexander Hamilton, I decided our
next chorus theme should be something about our
shared experience as Americans, but also about
a common impulse to speak out. Mason Wilkins-
Lanier described it as “American, but not ‘rahrah’
American.” I started with the idea of telling
the history of American activism through songs,
and Curriculum Director Kathy Bartelmay, steered
me toward the word “upstander.” So, our 2017
chorus theme became American Upstanders.
delved into the “Who was…?” series to find books
about Susan B. Anthony, George Washington, and
Sacagawea. Grace Bell, Lower School librarian,
led us to books about our “founding mothers”
as well.
The chorus sang the National Anthem at the
Durham Bulls game in August 2017. Shortly
after, I read a post by Pierce Freelon about the
song “Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing,” also known as
the Black National Anthem. I invited Pierce to
come to chorus and sing this song with us, and
he generously agreed to sing at our concert
as well. During his visit, he provided students
with context on the song and the history of the
concept of race.
RESEARCH:
LEARNING ABOUT
UPSTANDERS IN
HISTORY
Because Alexander Hamilton is described as
the “ten-dollar founding father” in the Hamilton
musical, we went to the library to investigate
other people featured on American currency. We
Our upstander study then turned to Civil Rights
leaders. We read the Cynthia Levinson biography
of Audrey Faye Hendricks called The Youngest
Marcher, which includes the civil rights song “Ain’t
Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around.” Caroline
Welty, Mason Wilkins-Lanier, Hazel Bouille, and
Giada Tricocci worked with the lyrics of this song
to create their own unique version that would
feature their voices and their convictions.
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“Immigrants, we get the job done!” was a popular
line from the Hamilton musical, and we also wanted
to explore this point of view. We read about Cesar
Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and migrant workers’
rights. We chose verses from West Side Story’s
“America” that featured the immigrant story.
Since Hamilton’s Schuyler Sisters were very
popular, Brooke shared a video of these actors
singing “America the Beautiful” from the 2017
Super Bowl. Their version included the lyrics
“and crown thy good with brotherhood—and
sisterhood—from sea to shining sea.” We liked
this version so much that we decided to include it
in our program as well.
ACTIVISM:
WALKING THE WALK
AND TALKING THE
TALK
Chorus members created picket signs representing
the causes that meant the most to them. The
signs proclaimed: “Stop Hurting Mother Earth,”
“End Gun Violence,” “Equality for the LGBTQ
Community,” “Stop Animal Cruelty,” “Save
Homeless Animals,” “Stop Police Brutality,” and
many more. We held our signs and marched while
singing “Freedom Highway.”
Because our middle school soloists for the
Hamilton selections were portraying real historical
figures, we created roles for our civil rights songs
as well. Geoff Berry, fourth grade teacher, loaned
us dresses from the NC folk festival clogging
demonstration that were perfect costumes for
the Schuyler Sisters, Harriet Tubman, and Dolores
Huerta. A few lower school students sang along
and dressed as a “mini-mes” with their middle
school counterparts.
Based on stories we read about Susan B. Anthony
and women’s suffrage, a group of five second
graders stepped up to sing solos from the song
“Sister Suffragette.” I will never forget Joanie Li
singing the line, “No more the meek and mild
subservients, we” followed by Natalie Sahratian
with, “We’re standing up for our rights militantly!”
Other students took upstanding roles by preparing
speeches to include during the song “Get Up,
Stand Up.” We had speeches promoting recycling,
reading, environmental protection, animal rights,
and fair hunting practices. Genevieve Harris
created a gymnastics team to get in the spirit of
the anthem, “Get on your Feet.”
Brooke’s version of the Andra Day song, “Rise
Up” was particularly meaningful to me because
it speaks about rising up after the experience of
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A group of Duke
School’s 2018-19
chorus members
recreates the
magic of being
upstanders. Their
signs with social
justice messages
represent
the chorus’
performance at
the 2017 Winter
Concert.
weakness and vulnerability. While it matched her
own personal story, I shared my feelings about
seeing my nephew stand up and walk again after
being in a coma for weeks.
Many of our songs were made famous by great
African American and Latino artists including
Gloria Estefan, Michael Jackson, Mavis Staples,
students stepped up to create a dance to fit with
the lyrics. As we looked into the biographies of
these artists, we began to see each one as an
upstander in his/her own right. Through planning,
singing, drawing, costuming, choreographing,
speechmaking, and lots of practicing, we began
to envision ourselves as upstanders as well.
Bob Marley, and Lin-Manuel Miranda. “Man in
the Mirror” became our favorite anthem, and
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CREATING...
BOLD THINKERS
Brooke Murgitroyd performing
on stage at Pali Adventures,
a performing arts summer
camp in California.
Not long after she
began taking singing
lessons, Duke School
sixth grader Brooke
Murgitroyd became
interested in writing
her own music.
Now, she has studio
recordings of two
original songs, a
musical in the works,
and notebooks and
finished tracks feature Brooke’s voice over piano
and a drum beat with backup vocals by Brooke
and Carrie.
In addition to the tight recording schedule and
on-the-spot changes and improvisations, Brooke
was challenged by a cough that kept her worried
about her voice.
“That was kind of a little bit of pressure on me,”
she said. “I was trying to get it perfect even though
I knew, obviously, I couldn’t make it perfect. It was
hard to just let myself loose and just sing.”
voice memos with ideas for future songs.
“I feel like there’s always [ideas] that I think of and
I’m like, ‘I wish that was a song,’” Brooke said.
“But then I can make it a song… It really helps me
be creative and express myself.”
Brooke was inspired to try songwriting after
hearing original songs by her singing teacher,
Carrie Marshall, and watching videos of
12-year-old America’s Got Talent winner Grace
VanderWaal. She performed one of her songs,
“Anymore,” as a fourth grader at a Duke School
Whole School Community Gathering.
Through a summer camp at Moonlight
Stage Company in Raleigh, Brooke recorded
“Anymore” and a second song, “Locket,” in a
professional studio. She said the songs reflect
her style—generally soft pop or “coffee house,”
but sometimes with a more driving tempo. The
In November, Brooke will perform in The Best
Time of the Year, a musical she is co-writing
with other singing students. The holidaythemed
story follows members of a “very crazy
family” competing to take charge of Christmas
arrangements while their mother is stranded in
France. Brooke’s brother, Duke School eighth
grader Andrew Murgitroyd, is also in the cast.
Brooke said she plans to share her recorded songs
with family and friends, possibly on iTunes or as
music videos. She also hopes to record more
songs.
“I really want to
continue doing that
because it was really
fun,” she said. “I would
love to complete an
album.”
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UNDER THE OAK

CREATING...
PROBLEM SOLVERS
It was a few years ago when second grader Nia
Stroud turned to her mom, Tiffany Matthews, and
suggested she’d like to be on the float at the North
Carolina Central University Homecoming Parade.
Tiffany, a proud NCCU alumna, knew that the
university crowns a Little Mister and Miss NCCU
each year, along with their court, which includes a
Little Mister and Miss 1910 and a Little Miss and
Mister Eagle Pride.
As Nia was beginning first grade at Duke School
last fall, she was also preparing to compete for
Little Miss NCCU honors. The competition had a
variety of components
including formal
wear, Eagle wear,
fundraising, and talent.
Nia sang a song from
the movie, Moana and
dressed as a NCCU
Cheerleader.
Mommy was the one
who was nervous,
Nia Stroud, Little Miss NCCU 2017-2018
but said “Whatever
happens, it’s OK and I’m proud of you,” Nia
recalled.
The pageant, open
to five- to ten-yearold
boys and girls,
aims to help these
young participants
make new friends,
build confidence,
and positively impact
their communities.
Nia as Shirley Chisholm.
Winners participate
in the Homecoming parade, football game and
coronation festivities, as well as other events
throughout the year. Once a month, they all meet
together for confidence-building activities and
learning about the power of positive affirmations
and choices.
One very special event was held on the NCCU
campus during Black History Month. Nia and the
other members of the Little Royals court portrayed
famous people in history. In full costume, Nia
represented Shirley Chisholm, the first black
woman member of the U.S. Congress and the
first woman to run as a major party candidate for
President of the United States. Interestingly, Nia’s
mom, Tiffany, and Shirley Chisholm have a little
something in common too.
In the end, Nia took home top honors: being
awarded “Best Eagle Wear,” then crowned Little
Miss North Carolina Central University 2017-2018
and getting that ride on the Homecoming Parade
float.
“My favorite part was the crowning,” Nia said. “I
felt amazing.”
“She’s a Delta and my mommy is a Delta,” Nia
said, referring to the sorority, Delta Sigma Theta
Sorority, Inc., to which both women belong.
What began as a simple desire to “stand-up”
on a parade float led to a truly “upstanding”
experience for young Nia.
UNDER THE OAK
9

By Jenny Murray,
Middle School Director
Giving children an opportunity to…
play -> find passion -> begin to develop purpose
Prime Time is a new extension of the Duke School
Middle School day, replacing the previous after
school program. It is open to all middle school
students and provides a flexible, safe, and
enriching environment for students to engage
in technology, homework help, mindfulness,
outdoor and recreational activities and classes.
The middle school years are a dynamic time of
change and growth as we guide fifth through
eighth graders towards responsible independence
and help them navigate relationships, academics,
and the world around them. Duke School Middle
School has always prided itself on thinking deeply
about practice and theory in all that we do.
Prime Time evolved from our desire to constantly
improve how we meet the ever-changing needs of
our students.
Developmental Designs, the foundation of our
social curriculum, divides adolescent needs into
four categories:
1. Relationship
2. Autonomy
3. Competence
4. Fun
The Middle School faculty and staff design the
school day with these needs in mind. In recent
years however, we noticed that time and outside
pressures were increasingly creeping into our
school day, both during and after school hours.
Pressures of homework, outside sports and
activities, and technology challenged us to find
new ways to meet the group and individual needs
of adolescent students.
Two years and one strategic plan later, we have
Prime Time!
Relationship
Even as peer relationships become increasingly
important for adolescents, they continue to seek
and need connections with kind and caring adults
in their lives. Prime Time staff and programming
hits both targets, allowing for deep face-to-face
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UNDER THE OAK

elationship building under the guidance and
supervision of meaningful staff.
“I’ve really enjoyed it [Prime Time] because I get
to do what I want with classmates and friends
from other classes instead of going home.”
~ Roman, Grade 7
“The people who are here are really nice and kind.
If you don’t know what’s going on or if you need
help, they are there to help you.”
~Ave, Grade 7
Autonomy
When adolescents are allowed to be independent
they feel the power of freedom and learn to make
responsible choices. Prime Time is intentionally
designed for trying new things, making choices,
and exploration. Freedom within the safe
environment of Prime Time will help our students
become more independent and responsible and
ultimately explore and find passions.
Jenny Murray and Eddy Davis.
“I like the variety of choices and that we can go
anywhere that we want. Freedom—that’s the
word.”
~ Jack, Grade 6
“It’s good to be able to choose. It’s the freedom
of middle school.”
~ Caroline, Grade 6
Competence
We all want to feel competent and capable.
This desire is especially strong for our middle
schoolers, who are trying new things and worried
about failing. Competence comes from trying
new things and experiencing both successes and
failures in a safe and supportive environment. With
drop-in sessions, free choice activities, and signup
classes, Prime Time programming is designed
to allow students to constructively explore and
grow their competencies in a variety of settings.
“I was really surprised how much I like it. Now I
go every day, and I get my work done without
distractions.”
~ Avery, Grade 8
“I like checking in [at the beginning of Prime Time]
because I like them giving us freedom, but not
too much. For me it’s reassuring and it gives me
a chance to talk to a grownup and go over what I
want to do.”
~ Gillian, Grade 5
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11

Prime Time Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
“We are hoping that all middle schoolers extend their day in Prime Time - finding a passion and
gaining fun experiences along the way. The choices are fun, innovative, and an entirely new after
school experience from what they have done in the past! We, the Prime Time staff, are excited to
start this journey!” ~ Eddy Davis, Duke School Auxiliary Programs Manager.
Fun
Everyone wants to have fun—especially our
“You have a lot of choices. I enjoy having some
things that are calm like the library and some that
growing adolescents! Our job is to meet this need
for them in a safe and healthy environment. Prime
are more athletic.”
~ Noam, Grade 5
Time programs will change every seven weeks
or so (repeating sessions that continue to be
popular and adding or switching some activities)
to continually keep the offerings fun, exciting, and
enriching!
“Being able to do things that you normally
wouldn’t [be able to do] with friends is different
and fun. I think there are plenty of choices and
trying new things is important.”
~ Collin, Grade 8
Meeting needs as students grow and learn—Duke
School Middle School continues to advance and
innovate with Prime Time!
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While still weeks away from her first dance recital
in May, five-year-old Scarlett Unger already had a
Broadway musical on her resume.
before her first performance. She practiced her
lines at home in the weeks before the show with
the help of her family.
Scarlett, then a Duke School preschooler, was one
of two local girls chosen to perform in the touring
production of Waitress at the Durham Performing
Arts Center. Scarlett appeared in
four performances as Lulu, the
daughter of the titular waitress
and baker, Jenna.
“She likes to make pies,” Scarlett
said of her character.
Lulu appears in the show’s final
scene, set in Jenna’s pie shop,
where she emerges from behind
Scarlett said she was excited and not nervous
during the performances. Despite being on
stage in front of thousands of people, she had no
trouble remembering her lines
and choreography.
“Nothing was hard,” she said.
She said her favorite part of
Waitress was saying “a lot” in
response to another character
who asks how many pie orders
the shop has received. She also
enjoyed her costume—a pair of
a large stack of pie boxes to
Photo Credit DPAC
overalls—and styling her hair. “I
greet her mother and dance with much of the
show’s principal cast.
Scarlett got the part through a competitive
audition open to about 60 Triangle-area four- and
five-year-olds. The production casts two local girls
to share the role of Lulu in each city on its tour.
Scarlett rehearsed her scene only once on stage
did two ponytails and I did two clips that were
two strawberries—a yellow one and a pink one,”
she said.
Scarlett attends weekly dance classes and said
she would like to do more plays in the future. She
lives in Chapel Hill with her parents, Ron and Fabi
Unger, and two older sisters, Sofia and Stella.
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13

Claire
McGovern,
Duke School Class
of 2018, played
cello with some of
North Carolina’s
best orchestra
students when she was selected to the
2018 Western Regional Orchestra last spring.
With the encouragement of her private lesson
instructor, Anna Barson, Claire decided to
audition for the Western Regional Orchestra
earlier this year.
“I wanted to play in an orchestra that included a
lot of focused musicians,” Claire said. “I thought
that would be a fun thing to try—to get a feel for
playing in a higher level orchestra.”
Each year, the North Carolina Music Educators
Association sponsors Eastern and Western
Regional orchestra clinics and concerts for both
middle and high school students. Students must
audition, and those selected are placed into
either honors (advanced) or repertory orchestras.
Claire auditioned by performing part of a solo
piece as well as memorized scales, and sightreading
music. Her hard work and talent earned
her a spot in the honors orchestra.
Once selected, Claire had two months to prepare
on her own to perform at the Western Regional
Orchestra concert. The weekend of the concert,
students played together for the first time and had
seating auditions, with Claire named to seventh
chair. That Saturday involved two intensive, threehour
group rehearsals, followed by the concert at
the end of the day.
It was special “just to see so many people that
care that much about music all working together,”
Claire said. “Our conductor was from Juilliard—
she was really talented at her job.”
Claire, who has played cello since third grade,
continues to take private lessons with Anna,
and was a member of Duke School’s new string
orchestra, led by Duke School’s Director of Bands,
Andrew Lovett.
“She’s always willing to try things,”
Andrew said. “She’ll jump right in to a
new piece; she’s got a great attitude.”
“Because of her experience,
I never really have to worry
about her learning her part,”
he continued. “She’s brought
a lot to the orchestra.”
Claire hopes to continue
playing into college, though
she doesn’t expect to
major in music.
“I doubt I’ll play
in a professional
orchestra, but
I’d like to join an
orchestra or at least
keep playing,”
she said.
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A MEANS TO
COLLABORATION
By Matthew Etherington,
Duke School Performing Arts Teacher
The Broadway Teachers Workshop is an annual
conference of school and community theatre
directors. Coming together with industry
professionals, teachers are immersed in an
Matthew Etherington
experience that could only exist
in New York City. This summer, I
was fortunate to be included and
learn firsthand from Broadway’s
best directors, choreographers,
stage managers, designers,
and actors. We also saw some
amazing shows—talk about
inspiration!
The award-winning musical,
Dear Evan Hansen, confronted
us with cutting edge technology and social media
dialogue. Multi-layered video projections and
live streams enveloped
us into the world of
modern teens who are
struggling to connect.
A revival of Once On
This Island innovated
in other ways. The calm
sandy beach, which
filled the theatre-in-theround,
was transformed
into a stormy night
with torrential rain, then again into a luxurious
interior with persian rugs and upscale furnishings.
The juxtaposition of this authentic island scene,
made possible through creative staging and
contemporary stage effects, was mind-blowing.
As we launch each
new production at
Duke School, we
gather
together
with teachers and
students to build
a collective vision.
Duke School Middle School cast of the 2017
“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” production.
How will we bring this story to life? What stage
design elements, costumes, or props do we need
to build in order to captivate our audience?
Students are challenged to problem-solve at every
step. We ask them to learn new technologies that
automate lighting cues and clarify our microphone
sound. We also get our hands dirty with papiermâché
and paint to mold our sets and costumes
into a colorful backdrop. Student leaders emerge
with passions for costuming, poster design,
choreography,
stage management.
and
Working with our
creative team of
teachers and students
requires a balance—
enough structure to
scaffold our efforts and
meet a serious deadline
and the flexibility to
really listen to new
ideas and explore unknown pathways. If we can
maintain the creative tension and keep everyone
pulling towards the same goal, the results can be
a miracle of collaboration.
UNDER THE OAK 15

TRAVELING HALFWAY
AROUND THE WORLD
TO SEE HOME
By Nicole Thompson, Lower School Director
At the beginning of July, I had the privilege of of excitement and many questions of our own!
traveling to Hangzhou, China with Jenny Murray,
As Jenny and I entered campus, there was a
Middle School Director, to host a Duke School
certain familiarity. Art projects and hands-on work
project training at Yungu School. Yungu School
adorned the hallway walls. The bulletin board at
has just completed its first year in existence with
the entrance featured the students’ “hopes and
first and seventh graders and will continue to add
dreams” for the year as well as several dozen
a grade each year over the coming years.
student representations of their school logo. As
Yungu School was founded by
Jack Ma, a Chinese businessman,
investor, and philanthropist. He
is the co-founder and executive
we toured classrooms, we saw
spaces with carpeted areas
for group work, shared tables
for collaboration, and quiet
chairman of the Alibaba Group.
individual work spots. The
Alibaba is an e-commerce firm—
imagine Amazon on steroids. The
goal of the school and Mr. Ma is to
educate employees’ children and
warmth of their work was felt in
all areas of the school. In short,
it felt like home—like Duke
School.
local students within a progressive
While those things were lovely,
framework. In 2020, the school will
they only scratched the surface.
open a brand new campus to host
As we spent more time with the
its program that will then extend
teachers and administrators, we
into high school. To say their plans
learned that their progressive
are bold is an understatement.
nature was more than just art on
During his travels to China in April,
Dave Michelman, Head of School,
talked with many different schools and their
leadership teams including those at Yungu
School. With one year of project work under its
belt, the Yungu team was looking for guidance
on even deeper work with project. Through
multiple conversations and planning sessions we
were able to set a plan for training with their staff.
Jenny and I set off to Hangzhou with a four-day
training schedule in hand, along with a great deal
Yungu School in China. the walls. Their noted purpose:
We are fully committed to nurturing our students
to grow into happy global citizens and lifelong
learners who are charitable and independent,
with a strong sense of social responsibility.
This reflects so many of the ideals that we have at
Duke School. These shared beliefs made our visit
to Yungu feel like a journey home.
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Women
in Paleontology
Paleontologist Abagael West, Duke School class
of 2003, knows how to dig up stories.
In the field, she looks for lessons in the dimensions
of a sheep’s skull or in the thighbone of an ancient
turkey ancestor that lived alongside the dinosaurs
in present day Antarctica.
Recently, Abagael turned her
attention to unexplored stories
within her own profession.
She Found Fossils, a children’s
book that Abagael co-wrote
with fellow paleontologist Maria
Eugenia Leon Gold, delves into
the lives of famous and lesserknown
female scientists spanning
the past, present, and future of
paleontology.
Growing up, Abagael said, “Neither of us had
seen a paleontologist who wasn’t a white man
… represented anywhere. That, I think, is why we
wanted to do it.”
The authors first had the idea for the book in
2011 while working on their doctorates. After
unsuccessfully approaching publishers, they
decided to produce the book themselves. They
drafted historical biographies, interviewed
contemporary paleontologists, and worked with
illustrator Amy Gardiner to design the book.
Along the way, the writers sought help from their
target audience. Students in Heather Greene and
Mary Beth Hes’s third grade class reviewed draft
pages and helped the authors refine their writing
style for younger readers.
“It was really helpful because some things just
don’t come to mind as questions unless you are the
audience,” said Abagael, whose
mother, Lauren West, teaches
second grade at Duke School.
Abagael has visited Duke School
several times as a guest expert,
talking with students about how
scientists use math and conduct
field research.
Abagael and Eugenia continue
to promote She Found Fossils
and are considering writing additional books.
“There are many, many regions of science, and
there are many, many people who participate in
those areas who are non-male,” Abagael said.
Abagael attended the University of Cambridge
and earned her Ph.D. from Columbia University.
She is currently completing a postdoctoral
fellowship at the Carnegie Museum of Natural
History in Pittsburgh.
Funded by a Kickstarter campaign, She Found
Fossils was released in English and Spanish in
December 2017. A Mandarin translation is in the
works.
Abagael West
Duke School Alumna

How Project Work Promoted Positive Social Interactions
By Carolynn Hageman, Duke School Teacher
One of the reasons I love teaching at Duke School
is that we value our social curriculum as much
as our academic one. As teachers, we strive to
cultivate a kind, empathetic community of children
who are upstanders and work to make change in
the world. We do this work in a variety of ways;
however, it is often woven into our project work.
In 2016, my first grade class did a project on cats
and dogs that was born from conversations and
interactions I observed in the classroom.
One day at lunch, I overheard a group of children
talking about the presidential candidates. The
conversation was growing quite heated and
hostile. I immediately stopped lunch and pulled
the class into a community meeting, where I
explained to them I was concerned about some
of the conversations I was hearing.
I shared with them that I was a Red Sox fan,
but my best friend was a Yankees fan. We each
thought our teams were the best but we were
always kind when talking baseball. We never
called each other names or put the other team
down, focusing instead on what we liked about
our teams. I asked them, when talking about
presidential candidates, to do the same—that
it was okay to agree to disagree, and everyone
was entitled to his or her own opinions. But, I also
realized that this was a bigger issue and it needed
and deserved more attention than just a single
class discussion.
A few days later, I was reading an article entitled,
“Are You a Dog or a Cat Person?” The article
stated that generally, people identified with
one animal or the other. I shared this article with
my first graders and asked them to think about
whether they considered themselves dog people
or cat people. During a short turn-and-talk
conversation, I reminded them to focus on the
positives and keep their conversations kind.
A class poll showed that most members of our
class were dog people. Ever curious, we decided
we would investigate both animals in depth to
learn about each, specifically trying to find out
what factors may determine choosing one over
the other. Furthermore, we wanted to learn how
to share our thinking and opinions respectfully.
Our research included interviews with other
students and faculty members, a veterinarian,
a dog trainer, an animal behaviorist, as well
as several cat and dog owners. Children
documented what they learned through graphs,
charts, photographs, representations, posters,
books, and more.
We visited a local pet store, Phydeaux, which
specializes in selling supplies for dogs and cats.
Half of the class focused on learning about what
items cats need to be happy and healthy, while
the other half focused on dogs. The children
collected information, did observational sketches,
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and interviewed customers and employees.
The groups reported back and we learned the
similarities, differences, and the costs regarding
each animal’s supplies. I particularly noticed that
the students were becoming more positive and
upbeat in their discussions.
one another. As a class, we decided to hold our
own Dog vs. Cat election. Unlike the presidential
election, ours would remain positive. We would
divide into two teams and campaign in ways that
did not make anyone feel bad. We would invite
kindergarten students to vote.
A visiting expert from a local rescue organization
spoke to the children about the large numbers of
homeless dogs and cats in
our community and what
they, as students, could
do to help. This led to a
brainstorming
session,
where we decided to
conduct an adopt-a-thon
and a supply drive. We
created a poster gallery,
fliers, social media posts,
and spoke to the entire
school at a community
gathering. Because of
our efforts, three of the
22 animals were adopted
and many supplies were
collected for the local
shelters. The students
felt empowered that they
helped educate people
and find some animals forever homes. They learned
that they could make a difference in the world!
As the national Election Day neared, the tone of
our conversations had improved for the better.
We had many discussions about how unkindly
the campaign ads and the candidates treated
“At Duke School,
we firmly believe
that within our
strong curriculum
and through
modeling, practice,
and authentic
opportunities,
young children can
develop skills to be
empathetic, kind,
caring citizens. When
this happens, they
will make a difference
in the world!”
A parent came in to talk to us about running a
successful campaign. She had volunteered in a
mayoral election and
had worked in polling
places in the past. Based
on her information, we
made registration forms
for our voters, fliers full
of information about
both candidates, voting
booths, ballots, pins, and
of course, posters with
slogans. We talked to the
kindergarten classrooms
about voting and
informed them about
each of the candidates—
being careful to be kind
and factual. On our
election day, every child
in our classroom had a job
at election headquarters.
Despite early predictions and polling, we were
surprised that Cat won the election! When the
results were announced, not one first grader
reacted by either boasting or pouting—not one
negative reaction at all!
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19

The day after our pet election, we learned the
results of the presidential election. Many of the
children expressed disappointment; however,
it was all shared in a way that was constructive,
honest and kind. It was such a shift from the start
of the year.
At Duke School, we firmly believe that within
our strong curriculum and through modeling,
practice, and authentic opportunities, young
children can develop skills to be empathetic,
kind, caring citizens. When this happens, they will
make a difference in the world!
Meeting the Needs of Bees
By Amy Lau, Duke School Teacher
During our second grade “Critters in the Wild”
project last fall, students noticed a problem—
pollinators were dying. After researching the
issue, they realized humans are partly responsible.
This inspired them to become part of the solution.
Tery and I took our class to visit a Bee Hotel in
nearby Hillsborough, and even met with the
architect. Using the design thinking process,
our students combined their knowledge of
architectural design with what they knew about
bees to create their own hotels. They pitched
the idea to build mason bee hotels on campus to
Head of School Dave Michelman, Lower School
Director Nicole Thompson, and visiting educators
from China.
Dave was impressed and asked, “When do you
need an answer?” Student Avi answered, “Now!”
The answer was “Yes!”
Duke School’s Bee Hotel
The completed hotel proudly resides outside of
Duke School’s second/third grade building. If you
look closely, you can see where some pollinators
have already found a happy home to lay their
eggs!
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To Trend & Serve
It is not unusual to see superlative athletes
associated with designer
clothing lines. There’s Michael
Jordan, Serena Williams, Ava
Hoffman …
That’s right. Ava Hoffman, a
Duke School second grader, is
not only a tennis prodigy; she
is also a model for the Chapel
Hill–based Calzico collection of
children’s clothing.
Ava’s tennis career started at
age three when a friend of her father, Simroy
Hoffman, offered to introduce the sport to Ava.
Sim’s friend happened to be University of North
Carolina–Chapel Hill women’s tennis coach and
North Carolina Tennis Foundation Hall of Fame
member Kitty Harrison.
“Ms. Kitty took her for 40 minutes—said ‘let me
just see how she does,’” recalled Ava’s mother,
Deborah Dorsett-Hoffman. “It was March of
2014.”
Ava now plays several times per week and has
competed successfully in local tournaments—
often playing older children. In August, she
participated in an exhibition at the Winston-
Salem Open, part of the U.S. Open Series.
Ava is well-suited for a sport requiring mental
toughness as well as physical skills. “She is very
focused,” said Deborah.
Ava does admit, however, to getting nervous on
the court. “I just encourage myself to keep trying
and try my best to win the game,” she said. Then,
after hitting a winning shot, she continued, “I
[feel] so proud.”
Fashion modeling actually predates tennis for
Ava. She participated in a photo shoot for Baby
Gap at only 18 months old. Her current role with
Calzico began at age four when a Chapel Hill
photographer displayed a rather large photo of
Ava in her studio window.
“It’s huge!” exclaimed Deborah. “Bigger than
the door!”
A local clothing designer saw the photo and
asked the photographer to contact Deborah to
see if Ava would be interested in modeling.
The designer, Shannon Tennyson, was developing
a collection of clothing for tween girls (ages
6–14) that would be comfortable, versatile, and
confidence-inspiring.
Ava has represented Calzico in numerous
campaigns including a Cary Magazine article and
the Redress Raleigh and the High Heels to Hard
Hats fashion shows.
Ava delights in all of her modeling experiences.
“Honestly, I enjoy all the clothes I get to show,”
she said.
For now, tennis and fashion are
separate endeavors for Ava.
But, if her enthusiasm is any
indication, seeing the “AH”
brand of sportswear may be
something to look for in the
future.
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21

THE CREATORS OF THE DRAGON TIMES
Amelia Hart had just started fourth grade last
year when she decided to write a letter to Head
of School Dave Michelman.
During a Lower School gathering before Winter
Break, Amelia and Gaby shared their plan with
students and teachers. Students in first through
fourth grades were invited to submit their work.
“I think the Lower School needs a newspaper…”
Amelia and Gaby planned to spend free time
the letter began.
at school and after school incorporating those
Dave met with her, and then put her in touch submissions into a publication.
with Auxiliary Programs Manager Eddy Davis to
Submissions started coming right away. There
develop the idea.
were book reviews, comic strips and advice
“The Middle School has the literary magazine, pieces. Students reported on field trips, and on
and we needed
their project work.
something to get
With the help of
our writing out and
Geoff Berry, fourth
our opinions out,”
grade teacher, the
Amelia said.
girls scanned each
In the spirit of
student submission
collaboration, Amelia
and created the
quickly pulled in
publication using
fellow fourth grader
Gaby Goodman to
help her pilot the
Lucidpress. With that,
The Dragon Times
was born.
idea.
Two issues of The
“Amelia pulled me
Dragon Times were
aside during recess
published this
one day,” Gaby said.
Duke School students Amelia Hart and Gaby Goodman
with the first issue of The Dragon Times.
spring. Each Lower
“She started talking
School classroom
about her ideas, and I started giving her a lot of
ideas.”
received a copy. While kindergarten didn’t take
part in submissions, the girls said they wanted
kindergartners to look forward to participating in
Amelia and Gaby met a number of times with
first grade.
Eddy. He wasn’t sure it would work as a Dragon
Quest (an after school class), so they looked at
options to involve as many Lower School students
as possible.
Plans are in place for Lower School students to
continue with production this fall, as Amelia and
Gaby are now middle schoolers.
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Gabe Speaks:
Staying Connected
By Gabe Hart ‘17
I attended Duke School from third through eighth
grades, graduating in 2017. During my time in
middle school, I enjoyed watching the Makers
program grow from nothing into something that
is now a major and thriving part of the school.
In fifth grade, I got word of a new after school
club that Innovation Director Katie Ree, was
starting called the Makers Club. There, you could
do things like build small LED magnets and take
apart computers. This was exactly the sort of thing
I liked to do in my spare time, so of course I joined
as soon as I could. Over the next few years, the
club grew from about eight to so many members
that multiple sessions were required throughout
the year.
In sixth grade, I mentioned to a couple of people
the idea of starting a Makerspace at Duke School:
a dedicated space better suited to having many
people using different tools than the science
labs, which we had been borrowing since the
beginning.
The following year, Head of School Dave
Michelman, invited me to be a student participant
on a strategic planning committee. I helped
introduce my idea of a dedicated Makerspace to
the group. We discussed the different ways that
such a space might look as well as how it could fit
with other parts of school. We ultimately decided
that Duke School would benefit most from a
multi-use creative space that could be used for
many things including Makers and presentation
spaces.
I learned a lot working with the committee. It was
a new experience for me to participate in the
running of an organization. I saw one way that a
professional meeting and committee could look.
Going to Makers Club on Fridays after school is
one of the things I miss most about Duke School.
It was fantastic to have the opportunity to build
and experiment and share ideas with other
people. This is why I have done my best to stay
involved over this past year and a half.
While a student at Duke School, I would go to
summer Makers Camp with seventh grade teacher
Willie Nicholson. I have now moved from camper
to volunteer. These past two summers, I have had
the pleasure of helping run Makers Camp and
sharing all the fun and learning that I have had
with more people.
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23

Design Thinking in Project Work
By Dillon Ross, Duke School Teacher
that focused on architecture, fashion, industrial
design, and graphic design. They saw designers
at work and were challenged to figure out what
all the different design types had in common.
With newly acquired background knowledge, the
students were eager to take on design projects
of their own.
Lucky for them, we had several local animal
organizations that needed help. Personnel
from Hope Animal Rescue, the Museum of Life
and Science, the North Carolina Zoo, Piedmont
Wildlife Center, and the Duke Stream and
This project was developed by Duke School’s
Fifth Grade Team and librarians Elaine Cameron
and Lisa Simmons.
The Animalia project gives Duke School fifth
graders opportunities to learn about the design
process and use it to come up with innovative
ways to improve the world for animals and
humans. Their journey as designers began with
a visit to the North Carolina State University
College of Design. There, the students were
immersed in the world of design by visiting labs
Wetland Assessment Management Park (SWAMP)
all met with students about challenges that their
respective organizations faced. Following the
meetings, the fifth graders returned to school
filled with ideas. They continued the design
process by empathizing with and asking lots of
questions of the various stakeholders connected
to their chosen organizations.
Once students understood the needs of their
stakeholders, they began designing and
innovating. Some groups created physical
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prototypes to help solve the problems. For
example, the groups working with Piedmont
Wildlife Center prototyped tools to enrich the
enclosure of Edgar, the rescued raven. Other
groups prototyped a publicity campaign to
showcase dogs available for adoption at Hope
Animal Rescue.
With the initial prototypes completed, it was
time for each group to get feedback from its
organization. The groups presented their designs
for review to determine what was working and
what was not. This authentic feedback launched
students into the second iterations of their
prototypes, where they made adjustments to
their designs to better meet the needs of their
stakeholders.
At the project culmination, students led tours
showcasing their designs, the design process,
and the integration of the project into their core
classes. This integration included building animal
robots that respond to stimuli in science class
and collecting and graphing animal data in math.
Being responsible for presenting the entire scope
of the project gave our students a chance to show
their families the innovative designers they had
become.
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25

A Special Message to Duke School Grads
Speech by Hallie Westlund ‘08
Hallie Westlund started Duke School in
1997, the year of the fiftieth anniversary
of the school. She attended Jordan
High School and the College of William
and Mary, where she double majored
in government and human rights and
was awarded the James Monroe Prize
for Civic Leadership. Since college, she
has taught English in Ecuador, worked
as a paralegal, and recently began
graduate school at Tufts University.
The following is Hallie’s graduation message to
the Duke School Class of 2018:
Ten years ago, I was sitting where these graduates
are sitting now [Duke School Middle School gym].
Well, actually, I was sitting in the old middle
school gym, which is now the one used by the
Lower School. That was my gym where I played
on the basketball team with no three point line,
had PE every week, and emceed the talent show.
I felt a myriad of competing emotions: excitement,
sadness, anxiety, anticipation—many of the
feelings that these graduates (and parents) are
probably feeling right now.
My eighth grade graduation seems like a long
time ago now, but there is hardly a week that goes
by that I do not think about Duke School and the
profound ways my Duke School experience has
shaped me as I have ventured forward into my life.
For example, here I am, 10 years after I graduated,
and once again Duke School has encouraged me
to get out of my comfort zone and do yet another
thing I never thought I would do. This is the largest
public speaking event I’ve ever done, followed
closely by my eighth grade project presentation,
with its audience of about 65 people who wanted
to learn about the art of Bonsai trees.
I could tell you about my many memories:
100th day celebrations, field days, Colonial day,
competing as Polises in the Greek Olympics, Earth
Day celebrations under UTOT, Science Olympiad,
Battle of the Books, or one of my all time favorite
memories—playing Titanic with Candy in PE (still
one of the best games I have ever played!).
But you all have your own memories. So instead
I’ll tell you where Duke school will take you. You
are all heading on different paths: to different high
schools, and then on to different colleges, and on
again to different careers. Some of you will stay
friends and some of you will never see each other
again. That might seem scary now (it terrified
the heck out of me when I was graduating).
But, I promise that it’ll be OK because you will
forever have Duke School in your back pocket.
I have Duke School to thank for the foundation
it provided that helped lead to my subsequent
successes and my future career path.
One of the most important gifts that Duke School
gave me, and hopefully gave each of you, is an
appreciation for the importance of community. A
community is where you feel deeply connected—
safe enough to be your true self and trust the
people you’re with. You collaborate on shared
goals, have a common purpose, and help one
another. My appreciation of community has
informed each of my school decisions from the
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time I left Duke School. I even chose my upcoming
graduate school, in part, based on the strength of
the community.
than ever. And, as I have continued to observe,
working effectively and collaboratively with
others in groups is an indispensable life skill.
Duke School has also given you and me the gift
of its unique pedagogy. This school stimulates
intellectual curiosity through student-focused
and active learning—a style of learning that
significantly shaped how I approached my
learning in high school, college, and in my life
today. As a three-year-old, I became an expert
on vermiculture and composting. By eighth grade
my friend Hannah and I built a mock speakeasy
in the gym and analyzed the role of speakeasies
on crime rates during
Duke School also helps us engage with our
community through service learning. For me,
these community service projects were among
my first experiences with becoming an engaged
global citizen and from which I began to develop
my passion for social justice and for addressing
poverty, educational inequality, and refugee
rights. I hope that you take the lessons of Duke
School and continue to become engaged citizens.
Find your own passion for bettering the world
whether it be improving
Prohibition. This focus
the environment,
on depth helps us dive
thoroughly into a topic
rather than just learning
broadly about a topic
and then dispassionately
advocating for those less
fortunate than you, or
serving your community
as a teacher, politician,
scientist, or engineer.
regurgitating that
Finally, as you leave this
information on tests.
amazing school, reflect
From early on, we have
on the foundation you
had the opportunity
Dave Michelman, Hallie Westlund,
have built and the ways
to become experts and Kenneth W. Chandler at the Duke School’s
Class of 2018 Graduation.
you have been shaped.
and to learn from our
Your appreciation for
fellow students who have also become experts.
the importance of community, your increased
Intellectual curiosity and passion for learning are
capacity for compassion and empathy, and your
things you will carry with you throughout your
intellectual curiosity and ability for deep learning
schooling and well into adulthood.
allow you to leave Duke School truly prepared to
Another important gift from this school is that
it fosters compassion and empathy. Every time
we collaborated with our peers on a group
project, listened to our classmates give a
presentation, wrote a self-reflection, or embodied
a character from a previous time, we were
learning compassion and how to appreciate the
experiences, perspectives, and values of others.
be lifelong learners, and even more importantly,
to be global citizens. Duke School has given
you the tools to creatively tackle both personal
challenges and global problems and to actively
come up with creative solutions— whether it is
using a locker for the first time in high school or
addressing big problems like the environmental
impact of single-use plastics.
At this time of deep political divide and growing
disparity, we need these invaluable skills more
Graduates, you’ve got the tools,
now go embrace your next chapter!
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27

Alumni Connections: Destinations of 2014 Grads
Congratulations, Duke School’s Class of 2014!
We wish you much success at the following colleges and universities:
Duke University (2)
Elon University
Emory University (2)
High Point University
Middlebury College
New York University
North Carolina State University (2)
Northeastern University
The Theatre School at DePaul University
University of California, Berkeley
University of California, Santa Barbara
University of Michigan
University of North Carolina at Asheville
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (7)
University of North Carolina at Charlotte (2)
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
University of North Carolina at Wilmington (2)
University of Oregon
University of Tampa
University of Texas at Austin
University of Washington (2)
Vanderbilt University
Vassar College
Virginia Episcopal School
Wake Forest University (2)
Wake Technical Community College
Duke School’s Class of 2014 Reunion.
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Alumni Connections: Destinations of 2018 Grads
Congratulations, Duke School’s Class of 2018!
Please keep us updated on your continued success at the following high schools:
Cary Academy
Cedar Ridge High School (11)
Carolina Friends School (3)
Chapel Hill High School
Durham Academy (9)
Durham School of the Arts (3)
East Chapel Hill High School (3)
Eno River Academy
Jordan High School (2)
Riverside High School (8)
Saint Mary’s School
Join Duke School’s Alumni Facebook and
LinkedIn Group – forums for reconnecting
with former classmates while keeping in
touch with Duke School.
Duke School’s Class of 2018 sporting their class t-shirts.
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29

Duke School Welcomes
Gift of Securities
When Keith and Beverly McRae enrolled their son, Lincoln, at Duke School at the beginning
of sixth grade, they were concerned about him attending a school where he knew no one,
at an age when a lot of kids begin to face the struggles of adolescence.
They quickly learned they had nothing to fear.
“Something that stood out to me at that difficult juncture for him, was that he was very
welcomed into the Duke School community by the Duke School Middle School students
themselves,” Beverly said.
Four years later, as Lincoln enters his sophomore year of high school, his parents look back
at his Duke School experience with positive memories, from his success academically to
the friends he made.
It’s for these and other reasons that
the McRaes decided to continue to
support the school through a gift
of appreciated securities this year.
A gift of appreciated securities
(stock) is a unique way to support
Duke School that can often allow
the giver to make a larger gift
than he or she thought possible. If
those securities have appreciated
in value, the person gifting them
has the opportunity to avoid the
capital gains tax that otherwise
would apply to that appreciation if
the securities were sold.
“Special thanks to the McRae
family for their philanthropic
gift and staying connected with
Duke School. DS is sustained
and energized by the shared vision
of parents (current and former),
grandparents, teachers, alumni and
friends working together to provide
an optimal learning experience for
each child.”
~ Kenneth W. Chandler,
Duke School Director of Development
It wasn’t an option Keith and Beverly
had considered until speaking with Director of Development Kenneth W. Chandler.
“It was much more straight-forward than I would have thought,” Keith said. “It’s easy, and
Kenneth was very responsive to brainstorming on that side.”
The McRaes see their gift providing opportunities for students and faculty to continue to
flourish in the future.
“I’d like to continue to support and give to Duke School because the option to send a
child to Duke School was so important to us at the time, and we’d like to keep that open
to the rest of the community in a small way,” Beverly said.
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Friends share their experiences
about Duke School.
My son absolutely loves Duke School! He is always eager to be there. The school’s
creative learning environment keeps him engaged and excited about learning. Whether
it’s going to class or attending a special school event - he lights up when we’re headed
to Duke School. Even when he’s out on break for a few days, it’s not long before he’s
asking, “Mom, when do I go back to Duke School?”
Angela Davis
Duke School Parent & PSO L.I.F.E. Committee Co-Chair
Matthew ‘24
Duke School makes learning fun! It teaches kids how to think and is a nurturing,
accepting and inclusive environment. When I was picking a school for my kids, I was
thrilled to send them here because of the amazing opportunities Duke School provides for
our kids to learn.
Jodi Marshall
Duke School Alumni Parent & Assistant Art Teacher
Taylor ‘13, Ali ‘17, Carly ’18
Makers at Duke School is so important because it provides our students with a space for
making, learning, exploring and sharing that uses high tech to no tech tools. Our Makers
get to sew, build, fly drones, make hover crafts, program and so much more. It is a great
place to let their imaginations run free.
Willie Nicholson
Duke School Science Teacher & Makers Guru
As a former parent, I knew Duke School was a wonderful place. It is an important
reason my children are successful adults today. Now, as a substitute teacher, I am
fortunate to see first-hand the incredible opportunities students have here. What a great
place for our children to attend!
Edie Poole
Duke School Alumni Parent & Substitute Teacher
Emma ‘04, Annie ‘07, Maggie ‘07
UNDER THE OAK
31

DUKE SCHOOL
ANNUAL REPORT
2017 -18
INCOME
EXPENSES
Net Fund Raising
4.6%
Auxiliary Programs
9.2%
Net Tuition and Fees
86.2%
Classroom Resources
and Other Admin Costs
18%
Salaries and Benefits
71.1%
Debt Service
2%
Facilities
4.2%
Auxiliary Programs
4.7%
NET TUITION & FEES
This income is derived from student tuition, The Learning Center
and certain fee charges.
AUXILLARY PROGRAMS
This is income from all camps, after school programs and
educator workshops.
NET FUND RAISING
This category embraces our fundraisers and
Dragon Fund net figures.
2017-18 Fundraising Campaign Highlights:
$507,552 Total Giving
$89,160 Grandparent Giving
*Data is based on a June 2018 year-end forecast.
If you have questions about this budgetary information, please contact Russell Rabinowitz,
director of finance and operations, at russell.rabinowitz@dukeschool.org.
SALARES & BENEFTS AND CLASSROOM &
ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS
These categories include all expenses related to instructional and
academic activity, including faculty and staff salaries and benefits,
programmatic expenses, student support services, classroom
materials and supplies, media centers, faculty development,
technology and laptops, and special programs. All included are
expenses related to Duke School Admissions, Marketing and
Communications, Human Resources, Business, and Development
Offices, etc.
FACILITIES
This category includes all costs related to operations and the
repair and maintenance of school-owned facilities and grounds. It
includes: utilities, waste removal, supplies, repair and maintenance
of campus buildings, grounds, streets, fields and related machinery
and equipment.
DEBT SERVICE
This category represents the payment of interest and principal
on outstanding tax-exempt revenue bonds. The bonds were used
to finance the costs of construction, improvement, renovation,
furnishing, and equipping the existing school.
AUXILIARY SERVICES
These are the expenses of auxiliary service functions such as after
school, camps and similar operations.
32
UNDER THE OAK

33

2017-18 DRAGON FUND HONOR ROLL OF DONORS
Board of Trustees
Lisa Andrews-Lanier
Lawrence Baxter
Garry Cutright
Kisha Daniels
Elise Dunzo
Christopher Gergen
Richard Griffin
Elizabeth Hays
Sheronda Jeffries
Corey McIntyre
Beth Murgitroyd
M.C. Ragsdale
Mark Scullion
Connie Semans
Panna Sharma
Tina Valdecanas
Jeff Welty
Alison Windram
Advancement Committee
and Class Agents
Lisa Andrews-Lanier
Omar Bell
Sheronda Jeffries
Tom Maultsby
Beth Murgitroyd
Gary Pellom
Kelly Robinson
Craig Spitzer
Alison Windram
1947 Society (Consecutive Giving)
20 Years
Kathy Bartelmay and Roger Perilstein
Harris Teeter
Marya McNeish and Bob Robinson
Jane Shears
Candy and John Thompson
Marki Watson
15 Years
Elaine Cameron
Duke University Medical Center
Ida and Dennis Greenhill
Hui Li and Fan Yuan
Debbie Marshall
Becca and Julian Wooldridge
10 Years
Dr. Sandra Adams and Dr. Fred Adams
Dr. Nadia Anderson
Maria Cassinelli-Bernstein and
Fernando Bernstein
Rebecca Dexter
Mr. and Mrs. Gene Doyle
Melissa Ellis and Jeff Doyle
Emily Feldman-Kravitz and Richard Kravitz
Jane and James Hales
Helen Harrison and Tom Truscott
Tekla Jachimiak and Thomas Brothers
Amy and Jamie Lau
Sheronda Jeffries
Susan Sugarman Kirsch and David Kirsch
Carolynn Klein
Kay Kohring-DaSilva and Keith DaSilva
Lori Leggatt and Andrew Foster
Corinne Linardic and Ned Patz
Joel Lipsitch and Abbie Melnick
Dave and Claudia Michelman
Cindy and Gregg Pacchiana
Russell Rabinowitz
Emily and Lee Taft
Cassandra and Wayne Taylor
Melanie and Lars Trost
Alison and Soren Windram
5 Years
Lisa and Elaine Andrews-Lanier
Sumi and Dan Ariely
Stephanie and Vince Aurentz
Katie Bailey and Adam Wenzlik
Meytal Barak and Micky Cohen-Wolkowiez
Mr. and Mrs. William Bell
Geoff Berry
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Betuker
Tia and Martin Black
Mr. and Mrs. David Bowers
Kristin and Steve Bradley-Bull
Lucy and Tom Bradshaw
Tamara Branca and Wolfgang Wagner
Dayna Brill
Susan Cates and Scott Warren
Dr. Kenneth W. Chandler
Tanya Chartrand and Gavan Fitzsimons
Heather Clarkson and Sean Wilmer
Mary and Joe Cooley
Heidi and Jason Cope
Linda Cronenwett and Shirley Tuller
Molly Cronenwett
Donna Culton and Arun Manikumar
Kiersten and Clint Dart
Mrs. Lynn Delicio
Tania and Justin Desrosiers
Elise Dunzo
Maureen Dwyer
Alison and David Eagle
Sarah Ellestad and Ron Przybycien
Eman Elmahi and Husam Hasanin
Lori Etter and Jeff Welty
Katie Garman and Tom Becker
Jeanne Gatling
Victor Gatling
General Mills Box Tops for Education
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Generelly
Annie and George Gentithes
Michael Gilbert
Victoria Goatley
Heather and Bret Greene
Richard Griffin and Lisa Kern Griffin
Tery and Michael Gunter
Jane and James Hales
Leslie Hamilton
Robin Hardie-Hood and Thomas Hood
Beth and Jeff Harris
Jennifer Harris
Kylie and Clint Harris
Lea and Alan Hart
Laurie Ann and Scott Harvey
Melanie Hatz-Levinson and Howie Levinson
Elizabeth and David Hays
34
UNDER THE OAK

Wendy and Paul Henderson
Mary Beth Hes
Sunshine and Joel Hillygus
Kerry Holbrook
Dr. and Mrs. Jack Hollenbeck
Beatrice Hong and Ziad Gellad
Carla Horta
Brian Horton
Neva Howard and Shahar Link
Lisa and Scott Huettel
Andrea Hussong and Patrick Curran
Nancy and Timothy Joyce
Stefanie Kandzia and Ralf Michaels
Sarah and Ryan Lamb
Tiffane Land
Ms. Ann Lawrence and Mr. Steve Leinwand
Charlotte Lee and David Siegel
Mr. and Mrs. Frederic Leubuscher
Ms. Judith Lynch
Julie Marshall
Kristi and Chris Martin
Joy Martin and Ben Philpot
Kristin and Corum McNealy
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Melnick
Gary and Carelyn Monroe
Karen and Steve Munsat
Beth and Ed Murgitroyd
Jenny and Craig Murray
Miriam Ornstein and David Luks
Sari Palmroth and Ram Oren
Judy Panitch and Andrew Hart
Joshua Parker and Kelsey Coons
Natalie and Emiliano Corral
Kirstin and Gary Pellom
Ms. Kathleen Przybycien
M.C. Ragsdale and Karen Popp
Fatima Rangwala and Yousuf Zafar
Katie Ree
Michelle and Brian Reich
Erin and Jerry Reiter
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Richards
Kelly Robinson and Lawrence DeGraaf
Erin and Todd Sarver
Anna and Tuck Satterfield
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Selder
Connie and Truman Semans
Julie Shermak and Steve Goodman
Naz Siddiqui and Casey Jenkins
Irecka Smith
Renee and Joseph Smith
Kim Spancake and Drew Snider
Karen Springer and Alex Herskowitz
Jinda and Kevin Stoll
Jessica and Albert Sun
Nicole Thompson
Mary Townsend and Jon Stiber
Tina Valdecanas and Doug Aitkin
Linda Vargas
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Welty
Jen Wu and Shane McSwain
3 Years
Natalie and Chris Aho
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Anderson
Krissy and Will Anderson
Love and Ian Anderson
Ms. Diane Bailey
Tanja and Dan Bauer
Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Bausell
Sarah and Kenneth Bausell
Lawrence and Sharon Baxter
India and Ryan Bayley
Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Becker
Sylvia Becker-Dreps and Chris Dreps
Alisha and Eric Benner
Dr. and Mrs. Dan Blazer, II
Angie Bolz and Anthony Castleberry
Mr. and Ms. John Bolz
Mrs. Jane Bourne
Laurie Braun and John Taylor
Joel and Beverly Brown
Dr. Manas Chatterji and Ms. Pradipta Chatterji
Mr. and Mrs. Dick Claar
Robyn and Jamie Claar
Mr. Larry Colker
Jim Covington
Lisa Criscione-Schreiber and Eric Schreiber
Dr. and Mrs. Jack Cronenwett
Rachel and Jonathon Cummings
Kisha Daniels
Kiersten and Clint Dart
Angela Davis
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Deason
Mrs. Penny Dietz
Foley Dyson
Matthew and Cleo Etherington
Ben Felton
Kathryn and Pierce Freelon
Mr. and Mrs. John Gardner
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Gayer
Silvia Glaubach and Federico Bugni
Cathy Gracey and Steve Smith
Mrs. Gail A. Granek
Brian Greene
Preeya and Rajan Gupta
Dr. Vasudha Gupta and Dr. Bhupender Gupta
Mary and Stephen Harward
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hesselschwerdt
Keijuane Hester
Daniel Heuser
Sima and Michael Hodavance
Julie and Scott Hollenbeck
Diane Hom and Chris Larson
Sandra and Peter Jacobi
Lisa Kahan and Duncan Higgins
Cara and Ravi Karra
Claire and Matt Koerner
Mrs. Margaret Kohring
Bridget and Jason Koontz
Amy and Naveen Kumar
Jodie LaPoint and Chris Weymouth
Ms. Paula LaPoint
Maggie Lemos
UNDER THE OAK
35

Catherine Linford
Dr. and Mrs. Ian Lipsitch
Jian Liu and Jia Li
Ms. Joan Lloyd
Lingyun Long and Hao Li
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Longnecker
Sharon and Ed Lunk
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Markey
Mollie and Chad Mather
Ms. Brenda Matthews
Tiffany Matthews
William K. Matthews
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Maultsby
Beth and Tim Miller
Catriona Moore and Kyle Lundby
Meghan Morris
Dr. Pedi Neta and Mrs. Ruth Neta
Willie Nicholson
Florence and James Peacock
Susie Post-Rust and Adam Rust
Kelly and Jeff Powrie
Mr. and Mrs. Max Powrie
Tina and Mitch Prinstein
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Proctor
Linda Raftery and Phil Spiro
Dr. and Mrs. Barry Reiter
Charique and Johnathan Richardson
Laura and Barak Richman
Michelle Roy
Mark Russell
Grechen and Jonas Sahratian
Harmony Salzler and Mike Strauss
Whitney and John Sandor
Rich Scher
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Schoene
Gita Schonfeld and Marvin Swartz
Claire and Mark Scullion
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Selder
Panna and Jenny Sharma
Lisa Simmons
Ann Schoene Skye and Jami Norris
Dr. and Mrs. James A. Smith, III
Darryl Spancake
Rona and Craig Spitzer
Jamie Steck
Betsy Strauss
Ms. Nina Streitfeld
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Sugarman
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Sun
Lewanda and Pierre Taybron
Stacey and Eric Tisch
Stephanie and Nathan Vandergrift
Danielle and Samuel Wellman
Rachel Wertheimer
Kia Williams
Nancy Worsham
Mel York and Lake Lloyd
Giving Clubs
Founder’s Club ($10,000+)
Anonymous (1)
Dr. Nadia Anderson
Duke University Medical Center
Richard Griffin and Lisa Kern Griffin
Florence and James Peacock
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Proctor
M.C. Ragsdale and Karen Popp
Ms. Sheila Ragsdale
Under the Oak Club ($5,000-$9,999)
Anonymous (1)
Lisa and Elaine Andrews-Lanier
Tanja and Dan Bauer
Gary and Carelyn Monroe
The Moray Family
Joshua Parker amd Kelsey Coons
Arti Rai and Stuart Benjamin
Julie Shermak and Steve Goodman
Naz Siddiqui and Casey Jenkins
Hull Avenue Club ($2,500-$4,999)
Anonymous (4)
Chuck and Judy Bausell
Lawrence and Sharon Baxter
Mr. and Mrs. William Bell
Laurie Braun and John Taylor
Cathy Bryson
Grainne Fitzsimons and Aaron Kay
Robin Hardie-Hood and Thomas Hood
Kylie and Clint Harris
Elizabeth and David Hays
Kay and Keith DaSilva
Dr. Javad Malek and Mrs. Effat Malek
Mollie and Chad Mather
Dave and Claudia Michelman
Beth and Ed Murgitroyd
Tina and Mitch Prinstein
Fatima Rangwala and Yousuf Zafar
Vanessa and Jacob Schroder
Mark and Claire Scullion
Rona and Craig Spitzer
Melanie and Lars Trost
Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
Jeff Welty and Lori Etter
Stacy Young and David Brown
Erwin Road Club ($1,000-$2,499)
Anonymous (3)
Krissy and Will Anderson
Sumi and Dan Ariely
Kathy Bartelmay and Roger Perilstein
Grace and Omar Bell
Libby and Lee Buck
Susan Cates and Scott Warren
Dr. Kenneth W. Chandler
Tanya Chartrand and Gavan Fitzsimons
Donna Culton and Arun Manikumar
Garry and Keisha Cutright
Sarah Doran and Amanda Patten
Melissa Ellis and Jeff Doyle
Katie Garman and Tom Becker
Jeanne Gatling
Mr. and Mrs. Barna Gibson
Sue Harnett
Keijuane Hester
36
UNDER THE OAK

Julie and Scott Hollenbeck
Diane Hom and Chris Larson
Mr. and Mrs. Joel Huber
Ms. Diane Hundley
Sheronda Jeffries
Leann and Gavin Jocius
Romina and Amir Khandani
Sarah and Ryan Lamb
Susan and Ian Lipsitch
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Maultsby
Corey and Kelly McIntyre
Beth and Tim Miller
Jenny and Craig Murray
Susanna Naggie and Chuck Gerardo
Cindy and Gregg Pacchiana
Shital and Nilay Patel
Kirstin and Gary Pellom
Russell Rabinowitz
Ginny Rollins and Rob Millet
Moira Rynn and Al Caltabiano
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Selder
Connie and Truman Semans
Rick and Suzanne Teaberry
Widmark Family Fund of
Triangle Community Foundation
Alison and Soren Windram
Jen Wu and Shane McSwain
Dragon’s Club ($500-$999)
Anonymous (3)
Natalie and Chris Aho
Susan and BIll Andrews
Amber and Brett Atwater
Stephanie and Vince Aurentz
Mrs. Placide Barada
Mr. and Ms. John Bolz
Mrs. Jane Bourne
Mr. and Mrs. David Bowers
Joel and Beverly Brown
Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn Bryson
Karen and Chris Carmody
Mrs. Gail Daves
Angela Davis
Tania and Justin Desrosiers
Ms. Perry Dowd and Mr. Tom Herzog
Gene and Betty Doyle
Louise and Sean Flynn
Mr.and Mrs. John Gardner
Christopher Gergen and Heather Graham
Brian Greene
Rajan, Preeya, Meera and Siyona Gupta
Dr. Vasudha Gupta and Dr. Bhupender Gupta
Steve and Chasie Harris
Helen Harrison and Tom Truscott
Lea and Alan Hart
Melanie Hatz-Levinson and Howie Levinson
Benay Hicks and Leith Rankine
Jen and Peter Hoff
Elizabeth Howell
Lisa and Scott Huettel
Cara and Ravi Karra
Ms. Jane Kirsch
Susan Sugarman Kirsch and David Kirsch
Mrs. Margaret Kohring
Bridget and Jason Koontz
Amy and Naveen Kumar
Judith Landrigan
Jeanne Langley
Jodie LaPoint and Chris Weymouth
Lori Leggatt and Andrew Foster
Debbie Marshall
Kristin and Corum McNealy
Abbie Melnick and Joel Lipsitch
Wendy Moll and Richard Spangler
Linda Raftery and Phil Spiro
Anna and Tuck Satterfield
Rich Scher
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Sugarman
Lewanda and Pierre Taybron
Candy and John Thompson
Tina Valdecanas and Doug Aitkin
Linda Vargas
Jill and Ben Weinberger
Sally Wood and Niko Schutte
Maroon Club ($250-$499)
Anonymous (8)
Dr. Sandra Adams and Dr. Fred Adams
Chandra and Taro Aikawa
Daria and Farzin Barazandeh
Grace and Mattie Beason
Alisha and Eric Benner
Mrs. Patricia Brinkley and Dr. Thomas Neilson
Mara Buchbinder and Jesse Summers
Robyn and Jamie Claar
Bob and Allyn Kay Cornwell
Dr. and Mrs. Jack Cronenwett
Molly Cronenwett
Rick and Sharon Deason
Penelope Dempsey Dietz
Kathryn and Pierce Freelon
Jing Fu and Wangming Ye
Aggie and Patrick Gallagher
Mr. and Mrs. John Gardner
Victor Gatling
General Mills Box Tops for Education
Vicki and Peter Generelly
Gail Aronoff Granek
Sara and Dan Greene
Harris Teeter
Janet and Paul Hesselschwerdt
Sunshine and Joel Hillygus
Sima and Michael Hodavance
Beatrice Hong and Ziad Gellad
The Houde Family
Chun Hu and Jun Yang
Lisa Kahan and Duncan Higgins
Ann Lawrence and Steve Leinwand
Lingyun Long and Hao Li
The Liss Family
Judith Lynch
UNDER THE OAK
37

Claudia and Steve Markey
Sarah and Kenneth McGovern
Hetal and Abhi Mehrotra
Tom and Nancy Metzloff
Catriona Moore and Kyle Lundby
Geraldine Moore
Vicki and Gilbert Muller
Karen and Steve Munsat
Anne and Phil Napoli
The Peaks Family
Mr. and Mrs. Neil Peck
Kelly and Jeff Powrie
Mr. and Mrs. Max Powrie
Helen and Barry Reiter
Eileen and Gerald Richards
Ms. Robbin Richardson
Monica and Prince Rivers
Kelly Robinson and Lawrence DeGraaf
Anna Rylova and Mike Kuznetsov
Mike Strauss and Harmony Salzler
Lisa and Eric Schreiber
Rina and Bimal Shah
Panna and Jenny Sharma
Moira Smullen and Christopher Marshall
McKenna Snydet ‘15
Jinda and Kevin Stoll
Stacey and Eric Tisch
Sean Wilmer and Heather Clarkson
Nikita and R.J. Wirth
Donor (Up to $249)
Anonymous (25)
Timothy Adams
Ms. Hiroko Aikawa
Madeline Allen ‘08
Dr. Kathy Allman and Dr. Larry Allman
Amazon Smiles
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Anderson
The Anderson Family
Ms. Diane Bailey
Sarah and Kenneth Bausell
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Beason
Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Becker
Sylvia Becker-Dreps and Chris Dreps
Ulysses Bell
Geoff Berry
Tia and Martin Black
Dr. and Mrs. Dan Blazer, II
Mr. Ed Blocher and Ms. Sandy Powers
The Boyer Family
Bob and Barb Bradley
Kristin and Steve Bradley-Bull
Lucy and Tom Bradshaw
Rachel Brewster and James Mulholland
Dayna Brill
Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein and Eric Rubinstein
Eddie Broadie
Holly Brown and Jim Maynard
Leslie Bryan
Jeffery Burch
Elaine Cameron
Maria Cassinelli-Bernstein and
Fernando Bernstein
Natalie Cicero
Mr. and Mrs. Dick Claar
Coastal Federal Credit Union
Mr. Larry Colker
Lisa Connelly and Charles Vance
Mary and Joe Cooley
The Cope Family
Natalie and Emiliana Corral
Jim Covington
Jen Crawford Cook and Steve Cook
Linda Cronenwett and Shirley Tuller
Deryle Daniels, Jr.
Kisha Daniels
Kiersten and Clint Dart
Chelsea and James Davis
Eddy Davis
Dr. Nancy Day Adams and
Dr. Thomas Sinsteden
Mrs. Lynn Delicio
Tracie DeLoatch
Rebecca Dexter
Dan Divis
Florence Dore and Will Rigby
Kelly and Dan Downs
Makayla and Jairon Downs
John and Elaine Druesedow
Duke School Class of 2018
Bailey Dumaine
Kim Duval
Maureen Dwyer
Foley Dyson
Linda and John Eads
Eman Elmahi and Husam Hasanin
Dan Epperson
Dr. Anabelle Estrera and Dr. Clemente Estrera
Matthew and Cleo Etherington
Emily Feldman-Kravitz and Richard Kravitz
Ben Felton
Elizabeth and David Finley
Ms. Judy Finley and Mr. Ken Jenkins
Abby Flynn and Kevin Walker
Garrett Frank
Elizabeth Frankenberg and Duncan Thomas
Josh Friedman ‘99
Holli and Brandon Gall
Jennifer and Dave Gardner
Christy Garth and Trey Blazer
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Gayer
Annie and George Gentithes
Michael Gilbert ‘96
Natalie and Derek Gominger
Cathy Gracey and Steve Smith
Heather and Bret Greene
Ida and Dennis Greenhill
Elizabeth and Taylor Greganti
Tery and Michael Gunter
Jane and James Hales
Beth and Jeff Harris
Jennifer Harris
Laurie Ann and Scott Harvey
38
UNDER THE OAK

Mary and Stephen Harward
Mac Hays ‘16
Karen and Colleen Heller-McLaughlin
Wendy and Paul Henderson
Mary Beth Hes
Daniel Heuser
Lauren Hiner
Kerry Holbrook
Jennifer Hollander
Caren and Jack Hollenbeck
Carla Horta
Brian Horton
Neva Howard and Shahar Link
Lisa Hsu and Tom Petersen
Tonya Hunt
Tekla Jachimiak and Thomas Brothers
Sandra and Peter Jacobi
Pam and Mike Jarvis-Miller
Angela and Jamil Kadoura
Stefanie Kandzia and Ralf Michaels
Mary Lou Kash
The Kash Family
Phadej and Sachivalai Keopunna
Katie and Rob Kingsley
Carolynn Klein
Janeia Knox
The Koerner Family
The Kula Foundation
Sharon Laisure
Tiffane Land
Ms. Paula LaPoint
Amy and Jamie Lau
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Lau
Charlotte Lee and David Siegel
Mr. and Mrs. Pat Lee
Ms. Claudia Leinss
Frederic and Naomi Leubuscher
Marin Levy and Joseph Blocher
Hui Li and Fan Yuan
Corinne Linardic and Ned Patz
Catherine Linford
Jian Liu and Jia Li
Joan Lloyd
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Longnecker
Andrew Lovett
The Luedkes
Dr. Susan Luedke and Dr. Dan Luedke
Sharon and Ed Lunk
Venetha Machock
Elizabeth and Mike Malinzak
Mr. and Mrs. David Malinzak
Lucia Marcus
Julie Marshall
Melissa and Brian Mart
Kristi and Chris Martin
Maria Mar Martinez Pastor and
Jorge Marques Signes
Brenda G. Matthews
Octavia Matthews
Tiffany Matthews
William K. Matthews
Margaret and Richard McCann
Jennie McCray and Kevin Mason
Mr. Don McKinney
Joyce and Matt McKinney
Dr. and Mrs. Sushil Mehrotra
Melvin and Susan Melnick
Neeru and Prithu Mettu
Joyce Miller
Lee Miller
Dr. Paula Mitchell and Dr. Ed Haynes
Meghan Morris
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Mulholland
Megan and Ben Neely
Pedi and Ruth Neta
Network for Good
Bonnie E Nevel and Richard G Newell
Willie Nicholson
Mr. and Ms. John Nicol
Miriam Ornstein and David Luks
Diane and Dale Pahl
Judy Panitch and Andy Hart
Mr. and Mrs. Vasant Parikh
Ms. Sharon Peaks
Gail and Paul Phillips
Ms. Kathleen Przybycien
Elisandra Rangel and Marcos Rangel
Katie Ree
Michelle and Brian Reich
Erin and Jerry Reiter
Charique and Johnathan Richardson
Laura and Barak Richman
Heather and Patrick Ritchie
Bob Robinson and Marya McNeish
Dillon Ross
Michelle Roy
Mr. and Mrs. John Rushing
The Rust Family
Grechen and Jonas Sahratian
Laura and Chris Sample
Whitney and John Sandor
Barb and Don Schoene
Gita Schonfeld and Marvin Swartz
Mrs. Jane Scocca
Theresa and Dave Scocca
Ezzie B. Scott
Akmaral and Saken Shayakhmetova
Jane Shears
Lisa Simmons
Karen Simon
Ann Skye and Jami Norris
Irecka Smith
Dr. and Mrs. James A. Smith, III
Renee and Joseph Smith
Darryl Spancake
Kim Spancake and Drew Snider
Karen Springer and Alex Herskowitz
Jamie Steck
Betsy Strauss
Ms. Nina Streitfeld
Lisa Swinson
UNDER THE OAK
39

Michael J. Szott
Emily and Lee Taft
Jean and Fred Tetterton
Christina and Clay Thomas
Laura Thompson ‘98
Michelle Torian
Mary Townsend and Jon Stiber
Marki Watson
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Weinberger
Bea and Bill Welty
Rachel Wertheimer
Lauren and Mike West
Kim Wheaton and Timothy King
Megan Whitted
Kia Williams
Becca and Julian Wooldridge
Nancy Worsham
Christina and Shane Wyatt
Harriet Bogin Yogel
Mel York and Lake Lloyd
The Zemon Family
Grandparent Giving
Anonymous (16)
Dr. Sandra Adams and Dr. Fred Adams
Kamau and Vida Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Anderson
Dr. Nadia Anderson
Mr. and Mrs. Bolton Anthony
Ms. Diane Bailey
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Baldwin
Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Bausell
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Beason
Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Becker
The Honorable William Bell and
Mrs. Judith Bell
Dr. and Mrs. Dan Blazer, II
Mr. and Ms. John Bolz
Mrs. Ruth Boshkoff
Mrs. Jane Bourne
Mr. and Mrs. David Bowers
Mrs. Brenda L. Brown
Joel and Beverly Brown
Mr. and Mrs. R. B. Chartrand
Mr. and Mrs. Chi-Cheng Chen
Mr. and Mrs. Dick Claar
Mrs. Helen Clyde
Mr. Larry Colker
Charlotte and Ron Craig
Mr. and Mrs. Jack Cronenwett
Linda Cronenwett and Shirley Tuller
Mr. and Ms. Roland M. Crowell
Dr. Nancy Day Adams and
Dr. Thomas Sinsteden
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Deason
Mrs. Lynn Delicio
Dr. Agnes DeWitt
Mrs. Penny Dietz
Mr. and Mrs. Gene Doyle
Dr. and Mrs. Stanley Etersque
Mr. Albert Feldman
Dr. Sarah Friedman
Mr. and Mrs. John Gardner
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Gayer
Mr. and Mrs. Peter Generelly
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Getman
Mrs. Gail A. Granek
Ms. Cleme Grant
Mr. and Mrs. James Gray, III
Dr. Sandra Greene
Dr. Vasudha Gupta and Dr. Bhupender Gupta
Mrs. Sylvia Harlen
Dr. April Harris-Britt and Mr. James Britt
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hays
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hesselschwerdt
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Hilser
Dr. and Mrs. Jack Hollenbeck
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hurtgen
Mr. Gad Janay and Mrs. Marlene Janay
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Kirk
Mrs. Margaret Kohring
Ms. Paula LaPoint
Ms. Ann Lawrence and Mr. Steve Leinwand
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Lee
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Lemuth
Mr. and Mrs. Frederic Leubuscher
Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Lewis
Dr. and Mrs. Ian Lipsitch
Ms. Joan Lloyd
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Longnecker
Dr. Victoria Lubkov
Ms. Judith Lynch
Mr. and Mrs. Steve Markey
Ms. Brenda Matthews
William Matthews
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Maultsby
Mr. and Mrs. Pat McNease
Melvin and Susan Melnick
Mr. and Mrs. Vin Morgan
Mr. and Mrs. Ian Murgitroyd
Dr. Pedi Neta and Mrs. Ruth Neta
Dr. and Mrs. Franc Noel
Marilyn and Peter Ornstein
Mr. and Mrs. Lyle Orstad
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Patz
Florence and James Peacock
Mrs. Barbara Pope
Mr. and Mrs. Max Powrie
Mr. and Mrs. Tim Proctor
Mrs. Kathleen Przybycien
Robyn and Richard Putnam
Anita and Dale Pyles
Dr. and Mrs. Barry Reiter
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Richards
Mr. and Mrs. Epes Robinson
Mr. Ira Robinson
Mr. and Mrs. Randy Rollins
Mr. and Mrs. Donald Schoene
Ms. Meyressa Schoonmaker
Dr. and Mrs. James A. Smith, III
Mrs. Sue Smith
Darryl Spancake
Mr. Gad Janay and Mrs. Marlene Janay
Betsy Strauss
Ms. Nina Streitfeld
40
UNDER THE OAK

Dr. and Mrs. Edward Sugarman
Mrs. Sallie Taylor
Mrs. Norma Thompson
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Tisch
Mr. and Mrs. Ron Trzcinski
Dr. Virgilio Valdecanas and
Dr. Erlinda Valdecanas
Mr. and Mrs. Bill Welty
Ms. Karen Williams
Gifts in Kind
Barriskill Dance Theatre School
The Chandler Group Consulting
The Durham Hotel
Harris Teeter
Lori and Charles Mann
Lee Miller
Jenny and Panna Sharma
Jenny Tanh and Richard Tran
Gifts were made In Honor Of and In
Celebration of Duke School faculty,
staff, students and overall Duke School
community by the following:
Gifts Made (IHO/IMO/ICO)*
Anonymous (9)
Natalie and Chris Aho
Ms. Hiroko Aikawa
Dr. Kathy Allman and Dr. Larry Allman
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Anderson
Mr. and Ms. William Andrews
Kathy Bartelmay and Roger Perilstein
Mr. and Mrs. Bob Beason
Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Becker
Mr. and Mrs. William Bell
Geoff Berry
Dr. and Mrs. Dan Blazer, II
Mr. Ed Blocher and Ms. Sandy Powers
Mr. and Ms. John Bolz
Mrs. Patricia Brinkley and Dr. Thomas Neilson
Jeffery Burch
Dr. Kenneth W. Chandler
Mr. and Mrs. Dick Claar
Coastal Federal Credit Union
Jen Crawford Cook and Steve Cook
Dr. and Mrs. Jack Cronenwett
Dr. Nancy Day Adams and
Dr. Thomas Sinsteden
Mr. and Mrs. Richard Deason
Mrs. Lynn Delicio
Mrs. Penny Dietz
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Downs
Mr. and Mrs. Gene Doyle
John and Elaine Druesedow
Melissa Ellis and Jeff Doyle
Emily Feldman-Kravitz and Richard Kravitz
Meghan Fitzpatrick
Jing Fu and Wangming Ye
Mr. and Mrs. John Gardner
Mr. and Mrs. Alan Gayer
Natalie and Derek Gominger
Beth and Jeff Harris
Dr. Timothy Harward and Dr. Mary Harward
Elizabeth and David Hays
Benay Hicks and Leith Rankine
Dr. and Mrs. Jack Hollenbeck
Chun Hu and Jun Yang
Pam Jarvis-Miller and Mike Miller
Cara and Ravi Karra
Phadej and Sachivalai Keopunna
Kay Kohring-DaSilva and Keith DaSilva
Judith Landrigan
Ms. Paula LaPoint
Mr. and Mrs. Greg Lau
Ms. Claudia Leinss
Ms. Joan Lloyd
Dr. Susan Luedke and Dr. Dan Luedke
Sharon and Ed Lunk
Mr. and Mrs. David Malinzak
Moira Smullen and Christopher Marshall
Ms. Brenda Matthews
Octavia Matthews
William K. Matthews
Sarah and Kenneth McGovern
Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Melnick
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Mulholland
Susanna Naggie and Chuck Gerardo
Dr. Pedi Neta and Mrs. Ruth Neta
Mr. and Mrs. Vasant Parikh
Florence and James Peacock
Ms. Sharon Peaks
Mr. and Mrs. Neil Peck
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Phillips
Linda Raftery and Phil Spiro
Fatima Rangwala and Yousuf Zafar
Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Richards
Ms. Robbin Richardson
Mr. and Mrs. John Rushing
Leah Sansbury and Trip Boyer
Ms. Ezzie Scott
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Selder
Akmaral and Saken Shayakhmetova
Julie Shermak and Steve Goodman
Ms. Karen Simon
Dr. and Mrs. James A. Smith, III
Darryl Spancake
Ms. Nina Streitfeld
Jenny Tanh and Richard Tran
Lewanda and Pierre Taybron
Mr. and Mrs. Rick Teaberry
Stacey and Eric Tisch
Lauren and Mike West
Kim Wheaton and Tim King
Sally Wood and Niko Schutte
Nancy Worsham
Harriet Bogin Yogel
Matching Gifts
The Dowd Foundation
GlazoSmithKline Foundation
Just Give
NVIDIA
Olympus
Smith Gardner Foundation
Wells Fargo Foundation Educational
Matching Gift Program
UNDER THE OAK
41

The following donations have been made in Memory of loved ones,
special friends and former Dragons:
Memorial Gifts
Wayne Daves
Gail Daves
Tom Epperson
Dan Epperson
Hamiltion Memorial Book Fund
Anonymous
Dr. Kenneth W. Chandler
Abby Flynn and Kevin Walker
Sima and Michael Hodavance
Lisa Hsu and Tom Petersen
Leann and Gavin Jocius
Claire and Matt Koerner
Tiffane Land
Debbie Marshall
Zoe McElligott and Tom Kash
Susanna Naggie and Chuck Gerardo
Elisandra Rangel and Marcos Rangel
Whitney and John Sandor
Vanessa and Jacob Schroder
Lewanda and Pierre Taybron
Michelle Torian
Mary Townsend and Jon Stiber
Stephanie and Nathan Vandergrift
Stacy Young and David Brown
L. Cameron Howell III
Elizabeth Howell
Loutte Huffman
Heather and Patrick Ritchie
Gene Levinson
Melanie Hatz- Levinson and Howie Levinson
Shirley Jean Glenn Matthews
Anonymous
Dr. Kenneth W. Chandler
John McCray
Jennie McCray and Kevin Mason
John Neal
Anonymous
Sean O’ Donnell (‘12)
Michelle and Brian Reich
Becca and Julian Wooldridge
William Painter
Venetha Machock
Mary Scott Hoyt
Emily and Lee Taft
Marki Watson’s Mother
Anonymous
DRAGON FUND IS ACCEPTING INTERNATIONAL CURRENCY
Duke School’s Development Office encourages
families to donate unused foreign currency (paper)
and apply it to the school’s Dragon Fund.
Please contact us at (919) 493-9968 for more
information and to give!
Organization Giving
Coastal Federal Credit Union
Duke University Medical Center
Favor Desserts
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
General Mills Box Tops for Education
Harris Teeter
Mynt LTD
Oak Foundation
Progressive Business Solutions
Target
Triangle Community Foundation, Inc
TRUiST
Event and School Sponsors
AHB Center for Behavioral Health and Wellness
The Durham Hotel
Favor Desserts
Fleet Feet Sports
G. Alan Incorporated
Global Aspect Human Capital Advisors, LLC
Gordan Asset Management, LLC
The Happy Tooth Foundation
Harris Teeter
Hilton Garden Inn Durham/
University Medical Center
King’s Red & White Supermarket Inc.
Lanier Law Group
New Hope Animal Hospital
Pivot Physical Therapy
SunTrust Bank
TGA Premier Tennis of Durham
We make every effort to ensure the accuracy of information contained in the
annual Honor Roll of Donors. If you have a question about a listing, please
contact a member of the Development Office at (919) 493-9968.
42
UNDER THE OAK

Special Thanks
to Duke School’s 2017-18 Fire & Wind Dragon Sponsors!
UNDER THE OAK
43

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visit www.dukeschool.org/vision2022.