Alumni Spotlight: Lily Hambric ’20
Forging Her Own Path
by Cathi Hilpert
Every day, Porter-Gaud students engage in learning opportunities to help them understand the world around them and their place in it. For Lily Hambric ’20, the journey that started as a Cyclone studying oceanography and biology has taken her across the country and the globe conducting field research.
While a student at Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU), Lily worked as a research assistant for a sorority sister who was completing her honors thesis on black-throated sparrows. Through a grant, the pair traveled to the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, where they spent six weeks researching the correlation between black-throated sparrow nest vegetation coverage and predation. Their work was later published in The Wilson Journal of Ornithology.
“I learned that field research is extremely challenging, especially when you have to chase bird pairs over dunes in the hopes of finding their nest,” Lily shares.
A little while later, Lily connected with an OWU alumna and heard about the Kalahari Meerkat Project. She quickly fell in love with the idea of conducting research on meerkats. “I love animal behavior and am looking forward to being back in the field, observing and recording individual and cooperative behavior from the meerkats,” she says. For the entirety of 2025, she will stay at the Kalahari Research Centre, a field site of several long-term research projects on mammal and bird species.
But first, Lily is spending this fall helping to rehabilitate South African penguins through an internship at the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds, an international non-profit organization devoted to the rescue and release of seabirds. “I am extremely excited about this opportunity,” says Lily, who graduated from OWU with a degree in zoology this spring. “I hope it will lead to a career in marine conservation.”
No matter what the future holds, Lily has cultivated a wealth of critical thinking, communication, and collaboration skills that have prepared her to make a lasting and meaningful contribution to our global community. Starting with the science courses she took at Porter-Gaud, she was able to hone her approach to academic inquiry. “The oceanography and human and wildlife biology classes at PG were fun and engaging and encouraged students to learn by doing instead of memorizing.”
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Under the leadership of Athletic Director Al Wilson, Porter-Gaud celebrated a year of remarkable success and dedication across all sports. With several record-breaking performances and championship wins, the Cyclones showed exceptional talent and teamwork. Read on for highlights from winter and spring sports.
WINTER SPORTS
Varsity Boys Basketball
The 2023-24 varsity boys basketball team had a challenging and successful season, finishing with a 21-5 record and earning a first-round bye in the state playoffs. Although the team fell in the second round, the team met and exceeded many of its goals, marking a notable season.
Varsity Girls Basketball
Facing a rebuilding year with only three returning players and the loss of an All-SCISA guard, the girls finished with a 20-12 record. They secured key wins against 5A schools, including a major playoff victory over Laurence Manning. With three All-League players returning and only one senior lost, the girls are poised for a big season in 2024-25!
Bowling
The bowling program at Porter-Gaud remains popular and consistently competes at the top of SCISA each year. This past winter, the girls team won the state championship, the coed team placed second, and the boys team reached the finals. Porter-Gaud was one of the only schools with all three teams in the finals.
Wrestling
Tony Brown '25 won the state title in the 175-pound weight class. Porter-Gaud also introduced a new Middle School team with a strong turnout. The athletics department plans to continue growing this program.
SPRING SPORTS
Sailing
The 2023-24 sailing team had a successful season, competing in five North Point SAISA regattas from Florida to North Carolina. They won the state championship held in Hilton Head Island. The team includes a mix of six upperclassmen and three Middle Schoolers.
Equestrian
The all-Middle School equestrian team had a successful year, placing third at the state championship in Florence. They competed over two challenging days, riding through the heat on day one and battling the wind and rain on day two. Congratulations to Sofia Chaudry ‘30, Emma McKee ‘31, Milo McKee ‘31, Caroline Thiem ‘30, and Sarah Weil ‘27 for their outstanding performances!
Boys Golf
The varsity boys golf team had a strong season last year, finishing third in the state championship. The team also placed first in every regional match in the spring and earned the regional champions title. A few individuals also had some impressive achievements during the course of the season. Teddy Brisson ‘24 recorded a score of 66, or six under par, during the Varsity Bengal Tournament at Columbia Country Club. This was a personal best for him. Gray Holland '24 also had his first-ever hole in one during the state championship – the only one of the season for Porter-Gaud.
Boys Tennis
The boys tennis team entered the 2024 season looking to defend its SCISA state championship. Led by Bryce Bunting ‘26, Nirvaan Patel ‘25, and sixth grader Chase Bunting, the team completed a successful winning regular season. Despite some injuries, the Cyclones made it back to the SCISA playoffs and the state title match. The team was down a starter and everyone stepped up. In the end, Trinity Collegiate won a match that could have gone either way, with many singles matches going into third-set tiebreakers. A young team with many players returning, the boys look to get back to the state finals and bring another state title back to campus this spring.
Baseball
The varsity baseball team finished with a solid 13-11 record, placing second in SCISA AAAA Region I. Despite the team’s youth and lack of varsity experience, the season went well, with five first-time starters working hard every day. The players came together and got better and better as the season progressed, following the team motto “play hard, play smart, and never give up.” Junior Sam Teich set a significant milestone by breaking the single-season strikeout record with 16 in seven innings. The previous 27-year-old record of 15 was set by Trey Duckett. With a young squad gaining experience, the future of PG baseball looks bright. The team is focused on daily improvement and staying active with off-season ball, travel teams, and camps.
Girls Lacrosse
The girls lacrosse team won its seventh consecutive SCISA state championship with a 9-6 victory over Heathwood Hall. The team finished with a 14-3 record and ranked fifth overall by Max Preps in South Carolina. The team was led by captain Scarlett Mayer '26 who was recognized as a U.S. Lacrosse All-American and SCISA Player of the Year for the second time. Fellow captain Charly Sowder '24 was recognized as a member of the U.S. Lacrosse All-Academic team. The team also had six players receive SCISA First-Team All-State Honors and five earn honorable mentions. Head Coach Brent Hilpert was also recognized as the SCISA Coach of the Year.
Boys Lacrosse
The boys lacrosse team concluded the 2024 spring season with a 12-8 record, finishing as runners-up in the SCISA State Playoffs. The young team, which will return all but three seniors, has a promising future bolstered by an impressive incoming freshman class. Postseason accolades included First-Team All-SCISA Honors for Mac Grubb ‘25, Scott Tibbals ‘26, and Max MacLean ‘26, along with several Second and Third-Team nominations. Additionally, Grubb earned a spot on the All-Academic Team for South Carolina, highlighting his exceptional performance both on and off the field.
Girls and Boys Track & Field
The boys track team secured their third consecutive victory at the state track meet, led by recent graduate Trevor Wilder’s 40-point performance. Wilder is attending Brown University to continue his track and field career. The girls team took a surprising runner-up spot at the state track meet. Predicted to place a distant third, they came close to winning, finishing just behind Heathwood Hall, thanks to a solid team effort from many contributors.
Girls Soccer
The girls varsity soccer team had a record-breaking season that will be remembered for years to come. They finished the regular season with a 17-3 record and ended at 19-4, marking one of the most dominant seasons to date. Led by a strong senior class, the Cyclones scored 97 season goals while conceding only 14. They defeated top 5-A teams including James Island, West Ashley, Ashley Ridge, and cross-town rivals Bishop England. After a standout performance in the SCISA semi-final against Hammond, winning 4-1, they advanced to the SCISA state championship. Although they fell to four-time champions Pinewood Prep 1-0 in a hard-fought match, the team is poised to come back stronger than ever.
Boys Soccer
After graduating 10 senior players the previous year, the boys varsity soccer team finished the spring season with an overall record of 12-10 and an impressive +32 goal differential. They won their SCISA AAAA region with an undefeated record of 6-0 and earned numerous top accolades at the local, regional, and state levels. With a large returning varsity roster and a talented JV program, the spring 2025 season is sure to be an exciting one.
Alumni Return for a Fun-Filled Alumni Weekend 2024
Alumni returned home for Alumni Weekend 2024, reconnecting with classmates and enjoying a series of special events, including a talk with Director of Community Engagement and Belonging Dr. Yerko Sepúlveda, soccer games and tennis matches, special awards presented by the Alumni Association, and more.
Alumni Weekend Picture Galleries
Awards Gallery | Alumni Soccer Gallery | Alumni Tennis Gallery | Alumni Party Gallery
Beyond Diversity Event
“I was very impressed with the vision of the DEI effort shared at the Beyond Diversity event during this past Alumni Weekend. The comprehensive approach addressing students, teachers, and staff exemplifies how the most successful organizations strive to improve not just a sense of belonging for everyone but also the overall performance of the organization. But an approach alone is not good enough. It also takes great leadership. Having spent some time with DuBose Egleston and Dr. Yerko Sepúlveda, it is obvious to me that the right leadership is in place to ensure the school maintains its place in the pantheon of not just Episcopal schools but of organizations in any industry." - James McKim '79
Award Winner Highlights
Alumni Weekend 2024 offered a special opportunity to honor graduates who live out the mission of Porter-Gaud and reflect the values of our founder, The Rev. Dr. Anthony Toomer Porter. This spring, the Porter-Gaud Alumni Association presented three very special awards:
- Amy B. Cheng ’05 received the Young Alumni Award
- Greer Polansky Vaughan ’88 received the Buell Cup for Service to Porter-Gaud
- James T. McKim, Jr. ’79 received the Distinguished Alumni Award
We are proud to celebrate our alumni and look forward to seeing their continued impact on our community and beyond. Congratulations to the honorees!
Chapel Groundbreaking
Porter-Gaud leadership broke ground on the school’s new chapel on May 16, celebrating the upcoming construction of the 7,800 square-foot space that will serve as a house of worship and prayer for students and the wider school community.
"Since we moved to our West Ashley campus in the 1960s, building a full-sized chapel has been part of Porter-Gaud’s campus planning and a long-term goal of the school. The new chapel will serve as a visual representation of the school’s commitment to our Episcopal identity and how we live out our mission and core values," said Head of School D. DuBose Egleston, Jr.
The chapel will seat 600 people and create opportunities for fellowship, discussion, contemplation, and worship.
In addition to being used for weekly chapel services, the new building will provide space for meetings, classes, performances, and community events and will feature a sanctuary space, a multi-purpose room, two new classrooms, three chaplain’s offices, and state-of-the-art acoustics and lighting, as well as a tranquil garden and terrace space for reflection and prayer.
The project will also feature a redesigned WATCH tower to honor our school’s founder, The Rev. Dr. Anthony Toomer Porter.
We are grateful for the generous donors who are making this project a reality and look forward to creating a space that will immerse us in the traditions, stories, and values that anchor our community.
The Porter-Gaud Class of 2024
Commencement was held on May 25 and offered a time for celebration and reflection. The event honored the 105 seniors in the Class of 2024. This class included 20 students who had attended Porter-Gaud since the first grade. While it is always bittersweet to say goodbye to our seniors, we know these students are destined for great things and will continue to represent Porter-Gaud well as alumni. We are so proud of our graduates and wish them well as they continue their studies at 52 different colleges and universities spanning 21 states across the country.
Legacy Families in the Class of 2024
The Class of 2024 boasted 15 legacy families, where one or both parents are alumni of Porter-Gaud. Many of these families assembled for a special photo before the Senior Milestone Dinner on May 20.
The group of legacy families includes:
- Francie Daniel Austin ’02, Matt Austin ’01, and Henry Ramsey ’24
- Nathaniel Ball ’88 and James Ball ’24
- Vanessa Daniels Basto ’88 and Olivia Basto ’24
- Melvin Brown III ’87 and Lilly Brown ’24
- Chris Chariker ’90 and Price Chariker ’24
- Anastasia Gatgounis Churdar ’86 and Johnny Churdar ’24
- D. DuBose Egleston Jr. ’93 and Mills Egleston ’24
- Julie Marshall Etters ’88 and Finn Etters ’24
- Elizabeth Rowell Griffiths ’94 and Putnam Griffiths ’24
- Jimmy Hagood ’74 and Catherine Hagood ’24
- Spencer Halford ’93 and Eliza Halford ’24
- Justin Kahn ’84 and Anna Kahn ’24
- Jonathan Krell ’91 and Sadye Krell ’24
- Tim Pierce ’90 and Owen Pierce ’24
- Paul Sperry ’92 and Emily Sperry ’24
- Jay Wisner ’92 and Reese Wisner ’24
Mr. Egleston’s Five Favorite Places on Campus
As a student, Head of School D. DuBose Egleston, Jr. attended O’Quinn (on the original campus at James Island Presbyterian) and then Porter-Gaud for 12 years, graduating in 1993. He has spent more than 36 years on campus either as a student or as a faculty member, and is excited to share his favorite places with us from both past and present:
- My First-Grade Classroom. It was Mrs. Barnett’s room, and we had the door right out to the playground. It was perfect! It’s currently a second-grade classroom for Mrs. Keefe.
- The Oak Trees on the Playground. When I was in the Lower School, our playground was much simpler than the one we have now. We had a soccer field and some metal play equipment, including monkey bars and slides, but we often climbed the trees on the edge of the marsh. To me, those trees were one of the best parts of recess – especially when we climbed out over the water of a high tide.
- The Sound Booth in the Auditorium. I am an introvert, so I wasn’t comfortable on stage other than being in the choir. I do enjoy playing a part and quickly found my place in the sound booth, where I could take on a supporting role for plays, musical performances, and weekly chapel.
- The Track. As a student, I participated on both the cross country and track and field teams and have many fond memories of practices and meets here with teammates. However, the track was in a different place – more of where the current practice fields are – and it was red clay.
- The Upper School Courtyard. One of the spaces I most enjoy passing through on our current campus is the courtyard just outside of the Upper School. It’s both a gathering place for our Upper School students and a welcoming entrance for many campus visitors. Seeing people connect in this space always brings a smile to my face.
When not on the Porter-Gaud campus, DuBose enjoys spending time at his family property on the Stono River, sailing, or at their farm in Bamberg County. Anywhere outdoors!
Cooking Up Community
Our Cyclone community often thrives around a table, where food bridges diverse backgrounds and fosters meaningful connections. During the 2023-24 school year, our first-ever Shabbat dinner, a Black Excellence Society feast, and a lively cooking competition each offered a unique chance to unite and share our rich traditions together.
Black History Month Family Dinner
In February, Porter-Gaud held its second annual family dinner to celebrate Black History Month. Organized by students from the Upper School’s Black Excellence Society in collaboration with the Office of Community Engagement and Belonging, the event featured a dynamic panel of keynote speakers and local Black-owned businesses from across Charleston. The joyful evening was a fantastic opportunity to come together and honor Black excellence.
First-Ever Shabbat Dinner
Porter-Gaud hosted its first-ever community-wide Shabbat dinner in Washington Hall in May. A Shabbat dinner, traditionally observed in Jewish households every Friday evening to welcome the Sabbath, marks a time of rest beginning at sunset on Friday and ending at nightfall on Saturday. This event brought together nearly 200 people from various backgrounds to experience the tranquility and communal spirit of Shabbat.
FLIK Food Fight Student Competition
The Cyclones showcased their culinary skills in an exciting cooking competition hosted by Porter-Gaud in May. Middle and Upper School teams went head-to-head with peers from Charleston Collegiate and Charleston Day School, battling it out in two competitive rounds. Emerging victorious, the Cyclones proudly donated their $1,000 prize to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston, where many Porter-Gaud students volunteer. Thanks to FLIK Independent School Dining and chef Aarti Sequeira, the event was a delightful experience for our community.
The Faculty and Staff Behind Our Mission
Porter-Gaud thrives because of the incredible faculty and staff who bring our mission to life. This section shines light on new professional development initiatives and leaders who guide our mission with fresh energy.
Q&A with David Rowe
Tell us about your journey to becoming an ordained priest.
In 2010, I applied for a job as a worship musician at a Church of England congregation. When the Vicar called to tell me I hadn’t got the job, he said, “As we were discussing you, one person said, ‘It’s a pity we aren’t recruiting for a new Curate [trainee priest], isn’t it?’ and we all agreed. So I wondered if perhaps ordination might be something you’d like to talk about?”
I agreed to meet with him, just to be polite. As I drove there, I prepared my defense: “Well, I’m not an Anglican, and I don’t really believe in ordination anyway…”.
When I arrived, I went into the Vicar’s office and as I was sitting down, he said, “It might help to know that I’m not sure I really believe in ordination, and actually I’m not an Anglican anyway, but I do know that God has called me to be a priest in the Anglican Church.”
It was as if God had completely swept the rug from under me – all my defenses were gone, I had nowhere to hide – and within a few minutes it became very obvious indeed that, much to my embarrassment, God was calling me to become an ordained priest.
I should add that, over the intervening years of discernment and training, I’m quite a different person than who I was in 2010. One thing that has changed is that now I do understand and believe in ordination and that I feel very at home in the Anglican Tradition!
What is your favorite part of being the Lower School Chaplain?
I love working with children. A big part of my job is recognizing the absolute delight that God feels for all of us – it’s the kind of joy that I see in our family dog when I get home, and his tail is wagging so extravagantly that his whole body is shaking. That’s a small picture of the rapturous glee God feels for us. And my job as Chaplain is to try to pass that on: to delight in our students as God does. I try to get to know them and show these wonderful mini-humans how brilliant, fun, unique and likable they are. It’s easy because it’s true! So that’s my favorite thing.
What do you think our students enjoy the most about Chapel?
This is a really interesting question because the children themselves often can’t put their finger on it. Some will say they like a particular song or something we do, but that’s never the whole story.
Last year, one third-grader wrote me a note that said, “I love Chapel because it makes me feel differently about myself and about everything, and after that, I always seem to have a good day.”
That note was striking because she was using very ‘non-religious’ language to describe the transformative effect of coming near to God. He changes us. It’s a magical, peculiar, surprising, unpredictable thing we are all doing together in Chapel, and in some ways, it’s almost better not to try to find words to exactly explain or define it.
What excites you about working with Lower School children?
The wonderful thing about children’s spirituality is that it is real. Small children have genuine spiritual lives, but it is often very different to what we might expect if we presume that adult spirituality is the ‘norm’. For example, when an adult feels reverent, they are usually quiet and thoughtful; but reverence for children often looks far more like exuberance than solemnity. As a result, I learn so much from the children I work with.
What is one thing you would like our community to know about you?
I genuinely like people. People are so interesting; the more you know anyone, the less like everyone else they become to you. I love making friends and getting to know people. They may not all like bananas, cups of tea, and reading Lord of the Rings, but I’m a very forgiving person…
New Learning Space at O’Quinn James Island
O’Quinn James Island recently completed a 1,780-square-foot addition at the end of the main building, replacing the current 2’s classrooms in the “Little House.” This new space offers a modern learning environment tailored to the needs of O’Quinn students, faculty, and staff. Remaining projects include landscaping and a breezeway, which will connect to the new building and offer additional play space for activities like sidewalk chalk and picnics. The expected completion date for these projects is the end of September 2024.
Summer Professional Development Sparks New Initiatives
This summer marked the first on-campus “Summer Collaborative” professional development sessions, focused on innovative teaching practices and collaboration. These wonderful opportunities were completely donor-funded, thanks to the generosity of our community.
In the Lower School, teachers developed impactful project-based learning (PBL) units to enhance problem-solving and critical thinking skills among students. Middle School faculty and staff partnered with Nobis Project to design new Winterim experiences that align with our mission. Upper School faculty used backward planning to create new units aimed at boosting student engagement.
Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of participants eager for future learning opportunities. The sessions also inspired several teacher-led initiatives, including a book study, feedback protocol for unit creation, and partnership to explore classroom engagement strategies.
Building a More Sustainable Future
At Porter-Gaud, we see it as our privilege to care for God’s creation, promote the sustainable use of resources, and reduce harmful impacts on the planet. Here are just a few of the ways we are working to actively foster a culture of environmental sustainability that shapes the way we learn, play, gather, and connect with one another.
Earth Week Celebration
Here's something you don't see every day: a red-tailed hawk and northern white-faced owl in the Middle School library! These special guests joined Stephen Schabel '92 from the Center for Birds of Prey who spoke with our ninth graders about his journey from Cyclone to bird researcher and how studying bird health can teach us about human health. The program was part of a week-long celebration of Earth Week that united all three campuses in opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Here are a few other highlights from the week:
- O'Quinn students participated in a pep rally and created Earth Day-inspired artwork.
- All Lower School students received a packet of "Save the Monarchs" southern wildflower seeds.
- Lyn Tally from A New Earth Project, an organization that works to rid the world's oceans, lakes, and rivers of plastic pollution, spoke to Middle School students.
- The Upper School heard from Faith Rivers James '83 and Rachel Hawes '11, who shared about their work at the Coastal Conservation League. Valerie Howell P'28 '30 '36 from Planet+Purpose Solutions also spoke about how consumers can educate and empower themselves to support sustainable companies.
Greening Up Rock the Dock
When planning last spring’s Rock the Dock event, the Porter-Gaud Parents Association (PGPA) created a party that was fun, memorable, and sustainable. Did you notice these details?
- Email and social media were used instead of print invitations. Auction items were also largely digital to reduce paper waste.
- Balloons and single-use decorations were replaced with reusable decorations like vintage flags and sails.
- The caterer was a member of the Good Catch program, and the menu featured locally sourced seafood. To cut down food waste, four tasting stations were offered and guests were able to choose their portion sizes. Compostable plates and forks replaced single-use utensils.
- Water was served from large glass containers, eliminating the need for plastic water bottles, and soft drinks were served from recyclable glass.
- To reduce waste, gift bags were not distributed.
Oyster Build
Through partnerships with Coastal Conservation League and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, our ninth graders worked together to build an oyster reef to help stabilize the shoreline and encourage the growth of oysters and marsh grass last spring. By working together, our students were able to provide a habitat for young oysters to grow, helping to support marine life and clean our waterways.
Uniform Recycling
Porter-Gaud was proud to partner with East Cooper Community Outreach and My Sister's House during our Gently Used Uniform Sale, donating old uniform shirts for textile recycling to help them raise funds.
Porter-Gaud Strengthens Leadership Team with New Appointments
Babette Hamilton
Assistant Head of Lower School
Babette Hamilton joined as the new Assistant Head of Lower School in July. She brings 34 years of teaching and administrative experience to the position. Previously, she was the Head of High School and Assistant Head of School at Pinewood Preparatory School in Summerville, S.C.
Chris Weaver
Assistant Head of Middle School
Chris Weaver transitioned to the Middle School, now serving as the Assistant Middle School Head. Since joining Porter-Gaud in 2019 as a history teacher for Grades 9 through 11, he has made significant contributions, including serving on the Upper School admissions committee, developing a teacher mentoring program, and acting as Dean of the Class of 2025.
Porter-Gaud Welcomes Abbie Panuccio as Middle School Chaplain
In February, Abbie Panuccio was officially appointed as the full-time Middle School Chaplain, following her interim role last fall.
A native of Greenville and Clemson graduate, Panuccio came into the Anglican Tradition through Christ the Redeemer Church. She is also an online student at Trinity School for Ministry, balancing her studies with her chaplaincy role.
DuBose Egleston, Head of School, highlighted the significance of her appointment: "School chaplaincy is a unique opportunity and calling. Chaplains serve in many roles including teaching, leading worship, and providing pastoral care. In her short time here, Abbie has demonstrated great gifts for building relationships with students, and her heart for the Lord. We are grateful for her ministry to more than 400 students and faculty in our Middle School."
As Panuccio continues her ministry, the Middle School can look forward to her ongoing guidance and care.
A Farewell to Four Beloved Staff Members
Porter-Gaud honored four retiring staff members – Julie Ellison, Alice Helin, Ricky Hicks, and Chris Tate – during an end-of-year celebration in June.
Ellison, Co-Head of Lower School, retired after 24 years of service; Hicks, Assistant Plant Manager, after 18 years; Helin, Upper School Librarian after 25 years; and Tate, Middle School Dean of Students, after 22 years.
Together, the four contributed 89 years of service to Porter-Gaud, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, care, and excellence.
Fine Arts at Porter-Gaud
Spring at Porter-Gaud was a season of creative expression, with students across all grades showcasing their talents through a series of performances and art displays. Below are some highlights from their artistic endeavors.
Middle School Students Shine in Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, Jr.
Performing on a whimsical set in Gwynette Auditorium, Middle School theater students demonstrated their talents in Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka, Jr. on March 7 and 8. Under the direction of Middle School Music Teacher Andrea Elizabeth White, the spring musical featured Taylor Wendell ‘29 as Willy Wonka and Ruth Burger ‘30 as Charlie.
Upper School Spring Musical Rocks Gwynette Auditorium
Upper School drama students showcased their musical and comedic talents in the spring production of School of Rock, performing for large audiences over three nights in February. The laugh-out-loud show featured Gray Holland '24, Tess Ferm '25, Tawes Wenz '24, and Erin Kirby '24 in lead roles, supported by a talented cast under the direction of Ashley Stock, Director of Fine Arts.
Lower School Students Bring History and Social Sciences to Life
Lower School students brought their studies to life in musical performances this spring. The fourth grade’s studies of the American Revolution culminated in their performance of Tell us Betsy, Tell Us, which tells the story of the American Revolution through the point of view of Betsy Ross. The third graders’ project, A Tour of the USA, featured catchy songs such as "This Land Is Your Land" on the recorder, followed by presentations of our nation's regions. Highlights included the catchy "Fifty Nifty" song, the Charleston dance, and "South Carolina on My Mind."
Spring Arts Festival Showcases Talent Across Divisions
Choirs in all three divisions and the orchestra performed during the Spring Arts Festival held in the Wendell Center on April 28. The celebration also featured a diverse display of artwork, showcasing incredible pieces in painting, drawing, ceramics, and photography. This event highlighted the progress students have made under the guidance of Porter-Gaud’s performing and fine arts faculty: Amanda Castellone, Fatma Dogan, Driq Graves, Sarah Holley, Hugh Knight '98, Janet Preslar, Andrea Roule, Amy Stiglic, Ashley Stock, and Andrea Elizabeth White.
Globally-Minded Citizens
Over Spring Break, a group of 18 Upper School students headed to Iceland to explore Reykjavik. The focus of this experiential learning opportunity was on climate change, Viking culture, and life near the Arctic Circle. They hiked glaciers, saw waterfalls, black sand beaches, geysers, and more.
The trip was the first in a series of study trips designed to offer Porter-Gaud students experiences that cannot be replicated through family travel. Through a mix of domestic and international offerings, the Study Trips Program, launched in 2023, helps students to cultivate the attributes of the school’s Vision of a Learner by immersing themselves in new languages and cultures.
“Each experience is designed to facilitate place-based learning that shifts the angle of the lens with which we view the world,” says Holly Hyde, Upper School Spanish Teacher and Study Trips Coordinator.
Cyclone Notes
Alumni share their news and life changes!
Steve Skardon ’70 was recently featured in the Charleston City Paper. He discussed his time in Cuba, including his interactions with Fidel Castro while serving as a staffer for a U.S. House visiting delegation authorized by the Reagan administration. To read the full article, click here.
Adam Vane ’75, founder of Paragon Global Consulting, has devoted his career to identifying what defines a great leader and assisting executives to unlock their full potential. In a recent article, he stated, "Leadership ultimately comes down to earning the trust of your team through open communication, transparency, and embracing conflict. Our job is to equip executives with the mindsets and skill sets required in today's workplace."
Kent Parker ’84 released his first novel, Beneath the Draper Moon, in February 2024. The book combines young love, a nation’s secrets, and family mysteries in a historical novel. This novel is written for readers with a vested interest in romance and mysteries based in history. Notably, Beneath the Draper Moon was named as a Finalist for African American Historical Fiction by the American Fiction Awards Committee.
David Evans ’95 has been named by Dallas Innovates as one of their AI 75, a list of the most influential and innovative people in artificial intelligence in North Texas. To read more, click here.
After spending eight years with Bank of America’s Enterprise Credit organization in Charlotte, Brandon Schaeffer ’03 has accepted an internal opportunity to become a vice president, audit supervisor, focusing on commercial credit risk.
Jason Fowler ’04 is the CEO of Sea Island Builders (SIB) and realtor with Beach Residential. SIB, celebrating 20 years in business, won the South Carolina and Charleston Home Builders Association's Prism and Pinnacle Awards for Best New Construction and Best Remodel in the state in 2023. Jason lives in Mt. Pleasant with his wife, Dr. Lauren Fowler, their two young boys, Gray and George, and their 12-year-young springer spaniel, Birdie Triever. Jason is most likely to be found enjoying time with his family on the beach, boat, slopes, or in their backyard soccer field!
Michael Burris ’06 has been selected as the CEO of the South Carolina Policy Council.
Jeffrey Zucker ’06 co-created, produced, and acted in feature film “The Late Game,” about one night at an adult recreational hockey game. The film is available in the U.S. on Prime Video for rent and purchase and coming soon to more platforms. “The Late Game” was filmed in the Lowcountry, primarily at the Carolina Ice Palace. Jeffrey also hosts the related “The Late Game” podcast on YouTube and other podcast platforms. Separately, he has published over 90 episodes of his podcast “People are the Answer,” where he interviews innovators in social impact.
Davis Saul ’10 works as an education specialist for Rocketship, a culturally responsive educational charter network in the East Bay region of San Francisco. Davis supports students facing significant life challenges, such as having an incarcerated parent or experiencing the death of a family member or friend. In addition to teaching, he is preparing for his first muay thai tournament.
Wesley Mather ’10 and his wife welcomed their first child, Chase Alexander Mather, in July at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston. The family is doing well and settling into their new life.
Elizabeth Thompson Felderman ’11 earned her Master of Education from UNC Greensboro on May 2, 2024. She is currently a middle school world languages teacher at Forsyth Country Day School in Lewisville, North Carolina.
Katherine Proctor Ross ’11 has been named Director of College Counseling at Valwood School in Hahira, Georgia. She previously served as an upper school dean and math educator at The Potomac School outside of Washington, D.C. For more information, click here.
Charles Dulaney ’17 has been selected to Hampden-Sydney College’s 10 Under 10, which honors outstanding alumni who graduated 10 years ago or less. Honorees have demonstrated ongoing commitment to the college through engagement with their regional alumni club, the Hire-A-Tiger program, or other channels of participation. They have made a significant impact in their chosen profession, industry, or graduate program. In addition, they have demonstrated a commitment to being a good citizen through contributions to their community through civic engagement, philanthropic efforts, volunteerism, or advocacy.
Malone Vingi ’17 is a Client Performance Analyst with Roseate Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, a nationally-ranked investment firm based in Charleston. Inspired by the Lowcountry’s wildlife, the firm rebranded to the Roseate Group of WFA, named after the roseate spoonbill bird. The species symbolizes the power of stillness, sensitivity, and self-knowing. The team is launching a donor-advised fund to support local conservation efforts. Managing Director David McCallum (PG Parent) has been the headline sponsor of the Avian Conservation Center’s annual Bird Songs event since 2022.
Tobias Lafayette ’20 has recently graduated from Hampden-Sydney College with a degree in mathematical economics and a minor in mathematics. He is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business analytics at Charleston Southern University.
Marlee Bland ’21 spent her second summer at Sea Fox Boat Company, based in Charleston, honing her skills under the guidance of Tanner Renken ’15, the Director of IT and Marketing and a fourth-generation leader of the family-owned company.
Sara Burns Gibson ’21 is a senior at Wofford College majoring in computer science. She has completed three summers of internships with Microsoft and has secured a full time job with Microsoft after graduation.
Maggie McKay ’21, a student at the University of Alabama studying public relations with a double minor in management and art, interned with the Charleston Mercury this past summer. To read an interview with Maggie, click here.
Submit a Class Note!
Have you gotten married? Have you had a child? Have you gotten a new job or retired after a long career? We love celebrating life with our alumni family! If you have some exciting news to share, please click the link below and submit a news note to be shared in the Spring 2025 print magazine.
Porter-Gaud Magazine is a publication of the Communications Office at Porter-Gaud School.
Publication Staff:
- Brink Norton | Photography, Design, and Layout
- Cathi Hilpert | Writing, Editing, and Story Development
- Patrick Hession | Writing and Photography
- Michael Abro | Alumni Story Development
- Kathryn Sherrod | Philanthropy
- Nancy Egleston | Editing
Please share your news and story ideas with us at communications@portergaud.edu.