GDS ANNUAL REPORT 2223

2022 

2023 

ANNUAL 

REPORT

Recent rankings of U.S. schools confirms that Gaston Day School 

is ranked one of the top private schools in the state. 

1 

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TOP 200 

NATIONAL 

PRIVATE SCHOOL 

# 3 # 2 # 1 

IN 

north carolina 

FOR BEST PRIVATE 

SCHOOLS K-12 

IN THE 

CHARLOTTE AREA 


SCHOOLS K-12 

IN 

GASTON COUNTY 


SCHOOLS K-12 

The beloved annual GDS tradition of Sunship Earth that forms friendships for years to come!

Head of School Message 

Dear Gaston Day School Community, 

I am honored to address you as 

Gaston Day’s Head of School; 

it is with great pride that I 

present to you the 2022-2023 

Annual Report for our beloved 

institution. 

First and foremost, I want to celebrate 

the heartbeat of Gaston Day School: our 

remarkable students. Their resilience, 

passion, and commitment continues to 

illuminate our hallways, making every 

day a testament to the excellence that 

has defined our institution for 

generations. As we move forward, our 

students will continue to be at the 

forefront of our efforts, and we remain 

dedicated to fostering an environment 

that nurtures their growth, curiosity, and 

creativity. 

Our distinguished faculty and staff also 

play an indispensable role in upholding 

the Gaston Day School legacy. They are 

committed to serving our students and 

supporting their development. It is their 

love for teaching and their tireless 

efforts that empower our students to 

thrive academically, athletically, and 

artistically. 

Our success also comes from your 

belief and support of our mission: “to 

educate students and prepare them for 

academic success and responsible, 

productive lives.” Without supporters 

like you, we would not be where we are 

today: one of the best independent 

schools in the Carolinas. Your time, 

talent, and treasures allow us to deliver 

an unparalleled educational experience. 

In closing, I want to express my 

gratitude to each member of the 

Gaston Day School community. 

Together, we are the stewards of this 

remarkable institution, and together, 

we will continue to build a future filled 

with excellence, growth, and 

achievement. Thank you for your 

unwavering support and dedication to 

Gaston Day School. I am excited to 

embark on this journey with all of you, 

and I am confident that the future holds 

great promise for our students and our 

school. 

dhobson@gastonday.org 

2

3 

Board of Trustees 

Morkor Newman, Chair - Board of Trustees 23-24 

As we reflect on the past 

year, I am reminded of the 

extraordinary journey our 

school has undertaken, and 

it fills me with great 

optimism for the future. 

One of the cornerstones of our school's 

success has been the unity and 

commitment of our Board of Trustees. With 

the dedication of each member, we have 

been able to capitalize on new 

opportunities and steer Gaston Day School 

towards new heights of excellence. Our 

shared vision for the school's future and the 

collective wisdom of our board have been 

vital in shaping our institution's identity. 

This past year marked a significant 

milestone as we bid farewell to Dr. Richard 

Rankin, who served as our Head of School 

for an impressive 22 years. His leadership, 

vision, and dedication have been cemented 

in the history of our school. As we transition 

to a new chapter in our school's history, I 

am delighted to report that the transition to 

our 8th Head of School, Davidson Hobson, 

has been remarkably smooth. Mr. Hobson 

brings a wealth of experience and fresh 

perspectives to our institution. 

Looking ahead, our school is poised for an 

exciting and bright future. In our strategic 

plan we are focused on four pillars to 

support student achievement at Gaston 

Day School: culture and community, 

academic investments and innovation, 

attracting and retaining talent, and 

the financial strength and 

sustainability of the school. 

In closing, I want to express my 

heartfelt gratitude to each member of 

our Gaston Day School community— 

parents, students, faculty, staff, and 

alumni. Your support and commitment 

to our mission has been pivotal in our 

success. Together, we are writing a 

story of excellence, innovation, and 

inspiration that will continue to 

resonate for generations to come. 

Thank you for your trust in Gaston 

Day School and for your dedication to 

the betterment of our community. 

Warm regards, 

Morkor Newman

Our Board of Trustees 

23-24 

(not all Board members pictured) 

Morkor Newman, Chair 

LeeAnn Harris, Vice Chair 

Ernest Sumner, Treasurer 

Pamela Warlick, Secretary 

Tamara Burrell 

Jeff Colyer 

John Connor 

Ben Hinton 

Betsy Hurst 

Lauren Lebioda 

Jeff Simpson 

Jeff Vanacore 

Ex-Officio 

Liz Sisk, Parents’ Association President 

Davidson Hobson, Head of School 

4

Gaston Day School Fund 

AT A GLANCE 

TOTAL RAISED 2022-2023 

$360, 596.30 

We love our school family! When 

we were considering enrolling, an 

alumni told us Gaston Day was 

“life changing”. We had no idea 

how accurate that comment would 

come to be! 

I give for our students and our 

mission: “to educate our students 

and prepare them for academic 

success and responsible, 

productive lives.” 

We are thankful for Gaston Day! 

We are fortunate to have widespread support 

for the school's top giving priority, the Gaston 

Day School Fund, which includes restricted 

and unrestricted gifts to the annual fund, gifts 

to the Spartan Athletic Club, and gifts to the 

Theater Guild each year. 

The Gaston Day School Fund is critical in 

supporting the growth and development of 

our school. While tuition at Gaston Day 

covers the essentials, philanthropic gifts to 

the Gaston Day School Fund ensure that we 

have the very best resources available for our 

students, faculty, and staff and the flexibility 

to respond to emerging opportunities and 

needs throughout the school year. 

We are grateful for the generous support 

from parents, alumni, faculty, staff, parents of 

alumni, grandparents, and friends of the 

school in support of this important annual 

fundraising effort! 

www.gastonday.org 

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6 

The Richard E. Rankin Jr., 

‘75 Strategic Priority Fund 

In honor of Dr. Rankin’s years of service and 

his retirement, Gaston Day School established 

The Richard E. Rankin, Jr. ‘75 Strategic 

Priority Fund. This fund will allow the School 

to pursue strategic opportunities as needed 

and with maximum flexibility as 

circumstances change over time. 

Spending from the fund will be determined 

based on strength of connection to highpriority 

areas, impact on members of the 

community served, return on investment, 

leveraging of external funding, and 

congruence with Gaston Day School’s 

missions and vision. 

TOTAL RAISED 

$55,586.00 

PHOTOS FROM DR. RANKIN’S RETIREMENT CELEBRATION - APRIL 2023

Alumni Spotlight 

Lulu Brase: A Spartan's Journey from Court to Director 

It's not often you come across someone with as much heart, 

dedication, and passion for her alma mater as Lulu Brase, 

Gaston Day's current Athletic Director 

and proud alum from the class of 2009. 

With an athletic and academic journey 

that has been nothing short of 

spectacular, Brase is the epitome of 

what it means to bleed Spartan blue. 

"I'm the Athletic Director here at Gaston Day, and 

I'm a proud alum of the class of 2009," Brase 

begins, a glint of nostalgia in her eyes. Having 

spent her entire middle and upper school years at 

Gaston Day, Brase was deeply influenced by the 

exceptional teachers and coaches she 

encountered. They changed her trajectory, leading 

her to pursue college basketball at Colgate 

University in upstate New York. After exploring 

the world through sports and receiving a topnotch 

education, Brase was drawn back to the 

classroom as an English teacher. Her love for both 

sports and education seamlessly blended into her 

role as the athletic director. 

The foundation laid by her teachers sparked a 

profound curiosity within Brase. She recalls, 

"teachers invested in me, they changed my 

trajectory, and I always wanted to give back." 

Now, as the athletic director, she's doing just that, 

giving the next generation opportunities to 

discover their passions, whether it's sports or 

academics. 

Gaston Day's philosophy resonates deeply with 

Brase. "Everything we do is genuine," she 

emphasizes. This authenticity drives the 

relationships the teachers forge with students. 

Whether it's a pat on the back or a gentle nudge 

towards improvement, the experiences and 

interactions at Gaston Day are rooted in sincerity. 

Brase's vision for Gaston Day extends far beyond 

the school's boundaries. She sees the institution 

playing a pivotal role in the global community. In 

today's fast-paced world, inundated with 

information, Gaston Day equips students with 

critical thinking skills, enabling them to navigate 

the complex web of information and formulate 

educated opinions. Moreover, through sports, 

students learn the importance of teamwork, 

understanding roles, and supporting one another, 

vital life skills in today's ever-changing world. 

When it comes to success, Gaston Day offers a 

unique perspective. Brase believes that success 

here is subjective, ranging from excelling in 

academics or sports to achieving personal 

milestones. The school's ethos encourages 

students to surpass their own expectations and 

discover their passions. 

"We don't do things just because we've always 

done it that way. We're intentional about it," 

Brase highlights, underscoring Gaston Day's 

culture of continuous improvement. This 

collaborative and inclusive environment 

empowers both students and staff to reach their 

utmost potential. 

Reflecting on her own journey, Brase shares her 

fond memories of both playing the trombone in 

band class and shining on the basketball court. 

This duality embodies Gaston Day's philosophy— 

embracing and excelling in multiple realms. 

She leaves with an inspiring message for 

prospective students: "Come to Gaston Day, and 

be open-minded. Opportunities you never 

thought possible suddenly become achievable." 

Brase's fervor for Gaston Day is contagious. As 

she enthusiastically reiterates, "It's a great day to 

be a Spartan," her optimism and vision for the 

school's future shine through. With leaders like 

Lulu Brase at the helm, Gaston Day's legacy of 

molding high-performing individuals in an 

inclusive environment is bound to continue for 

generations to come. 

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Open Doors 

Gaston Day School's unwavering 

commitment to providing an 

exceptional education for all students 

is exemplified by the Open Doors 

Scholarship, generously sponsored by 

current GDS parents, Jeff and Jennifer 

Simpson. Their passion for equality in 

education drives this need-based 

financial aid program, designed to 

make the Gaston Day School 

experience accessible to a broader 

spectrum of students and families. 

A Bridge to Opportunity 

The Open Doors Scholarship serves as a 

bridge to education's boundless 

possibilities. Recognizing that financial 

constraints should never stand in the 

way of a high-quality education, this 

scholarship embodies the Simpson's 

belief in equal access to excellence. 

Investing in Potential 

At Gaston Day School, the holistic 

educational experience extends beyond 

the classroom, nurturing academic 

excellence, personal growth, leadership 

skills, and a strong sense of community. 

The Open Doors Scholarship invests in 

the potential of students from diverse 

backgrounds, ensuring they can partake 

fully in these transformative experiences. 

Inclusive Excellence 

This scholarship aligns seamlessly with 

Gaston Day School's vision of 

inclusivity and equity in education. By 

eliminating financial barriers, this 

scholarship empowers students from 

all walks of life to engage fully in the 

rich educational tapestry offered by 

the school. 

A Brighter Future for All 

More than just financial aid, the Open 

Doors Scholarship is an investment in 

the future. It empowers deserving 

students to unlock their potential, 

pursue their aspirations, and emerge as 

the leaders of tomorrow, regardless of 

their financial circumstances. 

Jeff and Jennifer Simpson's 

commitment to this scholarship is a 

testament to their dedication to 

ensuring all students have access to 

the same world-class education that 

their own children have the privilege of 

experiencing. The Open Doors 

Scholarship stands as a beacon of 

hope and opportunity, embodying the 

values of equality and inclusivity that 

define Gaston Day School. 

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9 

Empowering Students 

At Gaston Day School, education is not just about academics; it's about 

nurturing a strong sense of community and empowering students to reach their 

full potential. The Ralph S. Robinson, Jr. and Sally M. Robinson Family 

Scholarship exemplifies this commitment by making a Gaston Day School 

education accessible to more students and families. 

Mission-Driven Commitment 

Ralph S. Robinson, Jr. and Sally M. 

Robinson are proud alumni parents 

who hold Gaston Day School's 

mission close to their hearts. Their 

dedication to the institution has 

inspired them to create this 

scholarship, ensuring that the school's 

values and opportunities continue to 

impact future generations. 

Need-Based Financial Aid 

The Robinson Family Scholarship is a 

need-based financial aid program 

designed to bridge the gap between 

aspiration and access. It recognizes 

that financial constraints should not 

limit a student's ability to benefit from 

the unparalleled education and 

experience offered at Gaston Day 

School. 

By providing crucial financial support, the Robinson Family Scholarship empowers 

deserving students to pursue their dreams, embrace a culture of excellence, and 

contribute positively to their communities. 

Through the Ralph S. Robinson, Jr. and Sally M. Robinson Family Scholarship, the 

Gaston Day School community extends its reach and strengthens its commitment to 

fostering future leaders, scholars, and citizens who will carry forward the values and 

traditions of this esteemed institution. 

Aspiring students and families are encouraged to explore this scholarship 

opportunity and embark on a journey that not only enriches their lives but also 

perpetuates the enduring legacy of Gaston Day School. Together, with the support of 

scholarships like these, the Gaston Day School community continues to shine brightly 

as a beacon of educational excellence.

LEADING IN EDUCATION 

Move Over 

Warhol 

Gaston Day's Fine Arts program 

consistently is recognized and awarded 

in areas of drama, art, and music. 

Blutopia is Gaston Day School's literary 

and art magazine entirely developed, 

created, and published by the students 

themselves. 

Blutopia has been recognized 

repeatedly on the state and national 

levels; including numerous Scholastic 

Art and Writing Awards and in the North 

Carolina Scholastic Media Association's 

Literary Magazine Contest. 

Robotics and Research - 

More Than R2D2 and C3PO 

After years of operating a joint-school 

robotics team competing in FIRST 

Robotics where they placed 4th in state 

level competition, Gaston Day launched 

its own VEX Robotics Club and qualified 

for Technology Student Association VEX 

Nationals in 2023, the first year of joining 

the competition. 

Gaston Day students commit to 

collaborative and independent research. 

Recent collaborative projects include 

biological research where Gaston Day was 

the only high school that presented at the 

Annual NKH Conference in Boston. 

Gaston Day research teams previously 

competed in the iGEM competition for 

over a decade and won various Silver, 

Gold and Bronze awards. 

10

2001 Gaston Day School Road 

Gastonia, North Carolina 28056 

gastonday.org 

It's A Great Day To Be A Spartan! 

Roughly 70% of GDS students in 6th-12th grades participate in one or more sports. Gaston Day 

has a proud athletic tradition. We have been home to state champions, athletic award recipients, 

and individuals receiving college athletic scholarships. We have also been home to studentsathletes 

who gave their best to their team on a daily basis without much public recognition. We 

take great pride in everyone who has worn a Spartan uniform through the years. 

9 

College 

Athletes 

five in 21-22 

four in 22-23 

7 

State 

Championships 

five in 21-22 

two in 22-23 

21-22 

Wells Fargo 

Cup 

Champions 

OUR MISSION 

TO EDUCATE OUR STUDENTS AND PREPARE THEM FOR 

ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND RESPONSIBLE, PRODUCTIVE LIVES.

GDS ANNUAL REPORT 2223

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