Zoe Milburn '18
Zoe Milburn '18
Rollins College '22
Zoe Milburn '18
Rollins College ’22
Given to the senior who best embodies the Woodlawn mission. Based on performance throughout Woodlawn upper school career. Chosen by Head of School with input from Upper School faculty.
Rollins College ’22
Vassar College ’21
Published March 2015
Hello, my name is Reilly Milburn, and I am a senior here at Woodlawn. As I finish my fourth and final year at this school, I look forward to the new opportunities I will experience in college. However, none of them would be possible without the many great experiences I’ve had at Woodlawn. From the close ties with my peers and teachers, to the ability to find my passions in work and life, Woodlawn has played a crucial role in shaping my identity.
One of my favorite things about Woodlawn is the ability to try new things, and at the same time delve deeper into areas and interests that you love. For example, prior to my admittance to Woodlawn, I had never played a school sport. With Woodlawn’s inclusive community, I was quickly welcomed into the world of sports, and have been able to participate in soccer, track, and cross-country. As a member of the cross-country team, I was able to help Woodlawn secure first place in our Conference and State championship meets, moments I will never forget. Aside from sports, Woodlawn has given me the opportunity to explore other interests of mine, such as music, journalism, and physics. When I’m not hard at work, you’ll be sure to catch me rocking out at the monthly open mic nights on my beloved electric guitar. With graduation right around the corner, I am very excited for what lies ahead. While I know that college will be different from my high school years, I am not worried. I know that Woodlawn has prepared me socially and academically for my future.
Reilly is a recent graduate of Haverford College and is currently pursing a Ph.D in Astrophysics at UNC Chapel Hill.
Haverford College
Ph.D. student in Astrophysics at UNC Chapel Hill
Employed at Curology, San Francisco, CA
Published June 2014
Hi Everyone! Sydney here—self-proclaimed original Trailblazer! I'm proud to say I'm one of three that has been here the longest of any Woodlawn student so far. I've spent a decade of my life on this campus, and you get to know a place pretty well after 10 years. One thing’s for sure: Woodlawn’s never boring! I’ve seen a lot of interesting things go down on our 61-acre campus through the years. But without a doubt, Woodlawn Day always registers at the top of my favorite traditions. The rumors are true—it involves square dancing. Each fall we pair up with a new partner and re-learn all of the steps to the do-si-do along with the entire school community! Looking back it’s easy to point out our stages of maturity. We loved it as grade school children, were embarrassed by it as middle school students, and now?
Now it’s an important day. We dance to honor our historic plantation campus, and as seniors, we dance for other reasons too. More than a school tradition, Woodlawn Day has become a rite of passage. We are no longer the timid kids who wonder what they have just signed onto by going to a small school with traditions that date back to the 1800’s. Woodlawn has empowered us to dance the Virginia Reel with our calculus teacher, who always dresses the part with a straw hat and overalls. What teen would voluntarily do such a thing? And yet, we understand now that letting your guard down, having fun in silly ways, is what has enriched our lives the most at Woodlawn.
Woodlawn encouraged us to experiment, evolve, and grow into the people we were meant to be. We are artists, scholars, athletes, and so much more. My years here have changed me in ways I never thought they would.
Sydney, Occidental College '18, recently completed a year in Madrid, Spain on a Fulbright Scholarship and is now employed at Lyft in San Francisco, CA.
Occidental College ’18 (Phi Beta Kappa)
BA in Diplomacy & World Affairs, Fulbright Scholar (Madrid, Spain)
Employed at Curology, San Francisco, CA
Credit Suisse Bank
Investment banker at TPG Global, San Francisco, CA
Published September 2012
Hey, I’m Forrest Daugherty, a senior at Woodlawn. I’ve been at Woodlawn since the 4th grade, so I’d say I know a thing or two about it! My favorite part about Woodlawn is definitely the opportunities. I know that sounds boring, but believe me, it’s not! At Woodlawn I’ve traveled the world—I’ve been to Greece and Colombia, where I stayed with my Spanish teacher’s family. Only one person spoke any English! The teachers at Woodlawn will work with you and do whatever they can to help you out, even if it’s giving you access to the kitchen every Monday morning to make breakfast. Thanks Breakfast Club!
More personally, Woodlawn has given me the opportunity to pursue my passion. About a year ago I was introduced to rowing and have been working hard at it ever since. The school gave me space to keep my rowing machine and has been nothing but supportive ever since. Now I’m being recruited to row in college, largely due to the training I was able to do at Woodlawn.
While I can’t wait to row in college, I’ll definitely be making the most of my senior year here at Woodlawn!
Forrest, Princeton University '17, currently lives in San Francisco, CA and is employed at Credit Suisse Bank.
Princeton University ’17
BS in Economics
Credit Suisse Bank
Investment banker at TPG Global, San Francisco, CA
Chief of Staff at FiscalNote, New York, NY
Princeton University ’16
BA in Eastern Studies
Chief of Staff at FiscalNote, New York, NY
Given to a senior who is a leader in word and in action, who lives with integrity and honor, and who consistently inspires and/or supports his or her fellow students. Nominated by Upper School students and chosen by a faculty committee based on those nominations. Based on performance throughout Woodlawn’s Upper School career.
US Naval Academy ’21
Project Manager at Paypal, San Jose, CA
Published June 2015
Meredith is a recent graduate of Pomona College and is currently employed at PayPal in the Bay Area.
Pomona College ’19
Computer Science
Project Manager at Paypal, San Jose, CA
Associate Director at The Block, New York, NY
Published September 2013
Hey, everyone! I’m Mary Rood Cunningham, and this is my sixth and final year at Woodlawn. That’s right, I’m a senior! I don’t know where I want to go to college yet, but I am so excited to make the most of my senior year at Woodlawn. One of the best parts of Woodlawn is all of the fun things we do here. I mean, where else would you square dance to celebrate the school’s history or have your class pet be a komodo dragon?
Of course, there are many other advantages of going to Woodlawn – too many to count - but one in particular is the faculty. The relationships that students are able to build with their teachers are remarkable. I remember comparing my favorite Greek yogurt flavors with my history teacher and participating in the Gatsby dance contest against my teachers, while in 1920s costume. I know that if I am ever confused about anything, I can go to any of the faculty with a question and get immediate help.
Whether running up and down the soccer field, singing in the a cappella group or digging deeply into a novel for English, Woodlawn has really made me who I am. I know I am going to be so sad to leave my second family here at Woodlawn in the spring, but I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Mary Rood is a recent graduate of Davidson College.
Davidson College ’18
BA History
Associate Director at The Block, New York, NY
Employed at Wells Fargo, San Francisco, CA
St. Louis University ’17
BA in Entrepreneurship
Employed at Wells Fargo, San Francisco, CA
Given to a junior who has excelled in the areas of math and science. Based on performance throughout Woodlawn upper school career. Chosen by math/science Upper School teachers.
Dartmouth College ’20
Earth Science and Studio Art
Project Manager at Paypal, San Jose, CA
Published June 2015
Meredith is a recent graduate of Pomona College and is currently employed at PayPal in the Bay Area.
Pomona College ’19
Computer Science
Project Manager at Paypal, San Jose, CA
Paralegal at Ropes & Gray LLP in New York City, NY
Published January 2014
Hello. I’m JP Shaw, a senior here at Woodlawn. This is my 10th and final year at Woodlawn and I can say with true conviction that I could not have spent those ten years at a better institution. There’s absolutely no denying that Woodlawn has played a huge role in making me the person I am today (and I would totally hang out with me, so they must have done a good job.)
People are always shocked when I tell them how long I’ve been at Woodlawn, but it really is a pleasure coming to school each day. The teachers are incredible people, passionate about their subjects and eager to help you learn. The campus is beauty incarnate, and my fellow students ceased to be my classmates a long time ago. They’re my second family, and I’ll miss them dearly as I move into college.
I love the discussion-based learning that takes place, and with a class of 13, there’s no chance you’ll fall through the cracks.
My favorite part of the Woodlawn experience though, has got to be publications. I’ve been a co-editor of the Woodlawn Lamplighter for two years now and have been a contributing author for three. Through the newspaper and the blog I’ve really expanded as a writer, broadening my horizons to include all genres. I think I can best sum up the Woodlawn experience through a statement, a simple statement that I’ve always told people when asked why I like Woodlawn so much. “I know everyone’s name.”
I don’t yet know where I’m headed after I graduate, but whatever college I end up at, they’re going to have a hard time living up to Woodlawn.
JP, University of Pennsylvania '18, currently lives in NYC and is employed at Ropes & Gray LLP.
University of Pennsylvania ’18
Political Science
Paralegal at Ropes & Gray LLP in New York City, NY
Cardinal Health working in Nuclear Pharmacy
Published September 2011
Hey, I’m Zach. I’m a senior and this is my 8th and final year at Woodlawn. My favorite part of Woodlawn is by far the athletics; Woodlawn games are always exciting! Whether it’s being on a team or just watching a game with my classmates, Woodlawn games are always exciting. It’s truly amazing how the Woodlawn coaches are able to put such competitive teams together year after year from a small student body.
For me, Woodlawn has changed how I look at school. I’m really interested in the sciences, especially pharmacy. Woodlawn’s advanced science classes have really helped to further my interest in this area. In my AP Chem class, for instance, I learned the reasoning behind the formulas and was able to see how they worked first hand though the many experiments we conducted. What I leaned at Woodlawn made my summer volunteer work at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center that much more beneficial. In my free time I play soccer with my friends or work on the slow process of applying to colleges. I’m looking forward to the rest of my time at Woodlawn and hope that this will be the best year yet!
Zach recently received his Pharm. D at the School of Pharmacy at UNC Chapel Hill. He is currently employed at Cardinal Health working in Nuclear Pharmacy.
UNC Chapel Hill ’19
Doctor of Pharmacy
Cardinal Health working in Nuclear Pharmacy
Software Engineer at Google, Mountain View, CA
Yale University ’15 – BS in Computer Science
Yale University School of Law
Software Engineer at Google, Mountain View, CA
Given to a junior who has excelled in the areas of English, Spanish, and history. Based on performance throughout Woodlawn’s Upper School career. Chosen by English/Spanish/History Upper School teachers.
Vassar College ’21
User experience designer, LinkedIn, Sunnyvale, CA
Published March 2014
Hi! My name is Clare MacDonald, and I’m a junior at Woodlawn School. Honestly, when I read those words, “I’m a junior,” it’s a little daunting. I’ve been at this school since 5th grade; my formative years of middle school have quickly passed me by in a creative, energetic blur, and already being in the heat of high school seems impossible. Though college applications are on the horizon, my stress immediately dissipates upon walking in the door of Woods Hall, because any other environment would be unimaginable.
We’re more than just your average school. We’re a vibrant, diverse community that supports each other’s various strengths and weaknesses. For example, one of my good friends is a talented visual artist, while another is a Division 1 soccer recruit. Woodlawn adapts to the individual and gives them the materials to succeed in their respective passions, and this could not be possible without our fantastic teachers. The excitement they have for their subjects is contagious in our small class sizes that emphasize challenging, hands-on learning, and complex discussions. Not to mention, they’re always available to discuss the drama of the latest Mad Men episode or rave extensively about a certain band!
If I had to pinpoint my favorite thing about Woodlawn (this is more difficult than one would think), it would be the ability to do anything I’m interested in. From playing three varsity sports to teaching a middle school music elective to co-directing an award-winning medical PSA, I’ve dabbled and experimented in a wide array of topics.
Simply stated, Woodlawn is an integral part of my identity. Well-rounded, with lifetime friendships, I know I have the tools to face whatever college has in store for me.
Clare is a recent graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and is employed at LinkedIn in San Francisco, CA.
UNC Chapel Hill ’19
Political Science
User experience designer, LinkedIn, Sunnyvale, CA
Employed at Curology, San Francisco, CA
Published June 2014
Hi Everyone! Sydney here—self-proclaimed original Trailblazer! I'm proud to say I'm one of three that has been here the longest of any Woodlawn student so far. I've spent a decade of my life on this campus, and you get to know a place pretty well after 10 years. One thing’s for sure: Woodlawn’s never boring! I’ve seen a lot of interesting things go down on our 61-acre campus through the years. But without a doubt, Woodlawn Day always registers at the top of my favorite traditions. The rumors are true—it involves square dancing. Each fall we pair up with a new partner and re-learn all of the steps to the do-si-do along with the entire school community! Looking back it’s easy to point out our stages of maturity. We loved it as grade school children, were embarrassed by it as middle school students, and now?
Now it’s an important day. We dance to honor our historic plantation campus, and as seniors, we dance for other reasons too. More than a school tradition, Woodlawn Day has become a rite of passage. We are no longer the timid kids who wonder what they have just signed onto by going to a small school with traditions that date back to the 1800’s. Woodlawn has empowered us to dance the Virginia Reel with our calculus teacher, who always dresses the part with a straw hat and overalls. What teen would voluntarily do such a thing? And yet, we understand now that letting your guard down, having fun in silly ways, is what has enriched our lives the most at Woodlawn.
Woodlawn encouraged us to experiment, evolve, and grow into the people we were meant to be. We are artists, scholars, athletes, and so much more. My years here have changed me in ways I never thought they would.
Sydney, Occidental College '18, recently completed a year in Madrid, Spain on a Fulbright Scholarship and is now employed at Lyft in San Francisco, CA.
Occidental College ’18 (Phi Beta Kappa)
BA in Diplomacy & World Affairs, Fulbright Scholar (Madrid, Spain)
Employed at Curology, San Francisco, CA
Credit Suisse Bank
Investment banker at TPG Global, San Francisco, CA
Published September 2012
Hey, I’m Forrest Daugherty, a senior at Woodlawn. I’ve been at Woodlawn since the 4th grade, so I’d say I know a thing or two about it! My favorite part about Woodlawn is definitely the opportunities. I know that sounds boring, but believe me, it’s not! At Woodlawn I’ve traveled the world—I’ve been to Greece and Colombia, where I stayed with my Spanish teacher’s family. Only one person spoke any English! The teachers at Woodlawn will work with you and do whatever they can to help you out, even if it’s giving you access to the kitchen every Monday morning to make breakfast. Thanks Breakfast Club!
More personally, Woodlawn has given me the opportunity to pursue my passion. About a year ago I was introduced to rowing and have been working hard at it ever since. The school gave me space to keep my rowing machine and has been nothing but supportive ever since. Now I’m being recruited to row in college, largely due to the training I was able to do at Woodlawn.
While I can’t wait to row in college, I’ll definitely be making the most of my senior year here at Woodlawn!
Forrest, Princeton University '17, currently lives in San Francisco, CA and is employed at Credit Suisse Bank.
Princeton University ’17
BS in Economics
Credit Suisse Bank
Investment banker at TPG Global, San Francisco, CA
Stage Manager and Theatre Technician, New York, NY
Grinnell College ’16
BA in Theater
Stage Manager and Theatre Technician, New York, NY
Given to the female Upper School student who has most impacted Woodlawn’s athletic programs and who embodies the Woodlawn ideals of commitment, hard work, sportsmanship, and team and school pride. Based on performance over the current year. Chosen by Athletic Director.
User experience designer, LinkedIn, Sunnyvale, CA
Published March 2014
Hi! My name is Clare MacDonald, and I’m a junior at Woodlawn School. Honestly, when I read those words, “I’m a junior,” it’s a little daunting. I’ve been at this school since 5th grade; my formative years of middle school have quickly passed me by in a creative, energetic blur, and already being in the heat of high school seems impossible. Though college applications are on the horizon, my stress immediately dissipates upon walking in the door of Woods Hall, because any other environment would be unimaginable.
We’re more than just your average school. We’re a vibrant, diverse community that supports each other’s various strengths and weaknesses. For example, one of my good friends is a talented visual artist, while another is a Division 1 soccer recruit. Woodlawn adapts to the individual and gives them the materials to succeed in their respective passions, and this could not be possible without our fantastic teachers. The excitement they have for their subjects is contagious in our small class sizes that emphasize challenging, hands-on learning, and complex discussions. Not to mention, they’re always available to discuss the drama of the latest Mad Men episode or rave extensively about a certain band!
If I had to pinpoint my favorite thing about Woodlawn (this is more difficult than one would think), it would be the ability to do anything I’m interested in. From playing three varsity sports to teaching a middle school music elective to co-directing an award-winning medical PSA, I’ve dabbled and experimented in a wide array of topics.
Simply stated, Woodlawn is an integral part of my identity. Well-rounded, with lifetime friendships, I know I have the tools to face whatever college has in store for me.
Clare is a recent graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and is employed at LinkedIn in San Francisco, CA.
UNC Chapel Hill ’19
Political Science
User experience designer, LinkedIn, Sunnyvale, CA
Davidson College ’19
Psychology
Health Insurance Broker, Willis Towers Watson
Belmont Abbey College ’16
BA in Psychology
Health Insurance Broker, Willis Towers Watson
Stage Manager and Theatre Technician, New York, NY
Grinnell College ’16
BA in Theater
Stage Manager and Theatre Technician, New York, NY
Owner of Jars of Dust Pottery, Virginia Beach, VA
UNC Wilmington – BA
Owner of Jars of Dust Pottery, Virginia Beach, VA
Given to the male Upper School student who has most impacted Woodlawn’s athletic programs and who embodies the Woodlawn ideals of commitment, hard work, sportsmanship, and team and school pride. Based on performance over the current year. Chosen by Athletic Director.
US Naval Academy ’21
St. Louis University ’21
Senior Project Financial Analyst - Veristat, Cary, NC
Published April 2014
Hey, I’m David, and I’m a senior here at Woodlawn. I came to Woodlawn in the eighth grade, and I can say without a doubt that it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! Since coming to the school I have had countless opportunities to pursue new interests and hobbies. In my first year at Woodlawn I was introduced to cross country. At that point I had never run before, and wasn’t too keen on the idea of running to the point of exhaustion for fun. However, I gave it a try, ended up loving it, and I stuck with it all four years of high school. Because I was given the opportunity to try a new sport, I found a new passion, and I wound up signing with UNC Asheville to run in college! I can confidently say that without Woodlawn, I would have never had the same opportunities.
On the academic side, Woodlawn has helped me out in a lot of ways. The small environment and tight-knit community at Woodlawn gives every student the ability to develop close relationships with classmates and teachers. I love the fact that every teacher knows me as a person, not just as another student. Because of the smaller class sizes, you never feel nervous about asking questions, and you are able to learn the material well.
I am incredibly thankful to have been able to attend Woodlawn. The school has changed my life, and I will carry the memories I’ve made here for the rest of my life. I feel ready for college, and I am definitely going enjoy the remainder of my time here at Woodlawn!
David is a recent graduate of UNC Asheville.
UNC Asheville
Senior Project Financial Analyst – Veristat, Cary, NC
Debt & Portfolio Management Analyst at RealOp Investments, Greenville, SC
Wofford College, BA in Finance
Debt & Portfolio Management Analyst at RealOp Investments, Greenville, SC
Application Developer at Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, Beaufort, SC
Wofford College, BS in Computer Science
Application Developer at Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, Beaufort, SC
Senior Software Engineer II at Instacart, San Francisco, CA
Bowdoin College ’15
BA in Computer Science and Spanish, Minor in Chemistry
Senior Software Engineer II at Instacart, San Francisco, CA
Given to the Upper School student who demonstrated the greatest passion for learning about a service issue and a commitment to serving the community/ies impacted by the issue. Based on performance over the current year. Chosen by Upper School service teachers.
University of Richmond ’20
Chief of Staff at FiscalNote, New York, NY
Princeton University ’16
BA in Eastern Studies
Chief of Staff at FiscalNote, New York, NY
Resident Physician at Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC
UNC School of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine
University of the South (Sewanee), BS in Biochemistry
Resident Physician at Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC
Grader at CGC Trading Cards, Sarasota, FL
Published August 2015
Sophia is currently living in London, where she caught up with Woodlawn art teacher Jackie Royce and reflected fondly on her Woodlawn School experiences. "I still think about Woodlawn and how being a part of that community helped me develop and grow as a person," Sophia says. "I will always remember and cherish all the friendships and memories I made while at Woodlawn." Sophia explains that Woodlawn inspired her to be a creative thinker, to think outside the box, to get involved in new opportunities, to enjoy the outdoors, to be true to herself, and to explore the world in a critical way -- so much so, that she was well prepared for college and beyond. She also remembers her Woodlawn teachers and classmates as a family, saying that whenever they reconnect, it feels as if they've never been apart. "I am definitely a better person because of the time I spent learning at Woodlawn in such a positive and engaging environment," Sophia says. "It’s hard to express in words the impact those four years made on me, but know they were some of the best years of my life. Woodlawn is such a unique and remarkable place -- such a positive, community-based environment -- and I couldn’t have imagined a better place for me. Go Trailblazers!"
Sophia is currently employed with L'Arche (England) as a care assistant.
Elon University, BA
Grader at CGC Trading Cards, Sarasota, FL
Given to the Upper School student who has most impacted Woodlawn’s visual and/or performing arts programs and who embodies Woodlawn’s ideas of commitment, creativity, leadership, and initiative.
University of Richmond ’20
Chief of Staff at FiscalNote, New York, NY
Princeton University ’16
BA in Eastern Studies
Chief of Staff at FiscalNote, New York, NY
Resident Physician at Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC
UNC School of Medicine, Doctor of Medicine
University of the South (Sewanee), BS in Biochemistry
Resident Physician at Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC
Grader at CGC Trading Cards, Sarasota, FL
Published August 2015
Sophia is currently living in London, where she caught up with Woodlawn art teacher Jackie Royce and reflected fondly on her Woodlawn School experiences. "I still think about Woodlawn and how being a part of that community helped me develop and grow as a person," Sophia says. "I will always remember and cherish all the friendships and memories I made while at Woodlawn." Sophia explains that Woodlawn inspired her to be a creative thinker, to think outside the box, to get involved in new opportunities, to enjoy the outdoors, to be true to herself, and to explore the world in a critical way -- so much so, that she was well prepared for college and beyond. She also remembers her Woodlawn teachers and classmates as a family, saying that whenever they reconnect, it feels as if they've never been apart. "I am definitely a better person because of the time I spent learning at Woodlawn in such a positive and engaging environment," Sophia says. "It’s hard to express in words the impact those four years made on me, but know they were some of the best years of my life. Woodlawn is such a unique and remarkable place -- such a positive, community-based environment -- and I couldn’t have imagined a better place for me. Go Trailblazers!"
Sophia is currently employed with L'Arche (England) as a care assistant.
Elon University, BA
Grader at CGC Trading Cards, Sarasota, FL
Phone: 704.895.8653
Campus Address:
135 Woodlawn School Loop, Mooresville, NC 28115
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 549, Davidson, NC 28036
Woodlawn School is an accredited private school providing a project-based learning curriculum for Pre-K – 12 grade academics. Our historic 61-acre campus is located just north of Charlotte, NC in beautiful Mooresville, and within driving distance of Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville, North Mecklenburg, and Concord.
Due to inclement weather predicted to impact our community, we will move to virtual classes for all Woodlawn students, Pre-K through 12th grade, tomorrow, January 9. In addition, all athletic practices and events are postponed.
Please check your email for detailed instructions from teachers, and Woodlawn administration.
Thank you for considering Woodlawn School in your year-end giving. Below are multiple giving options
For questions, please contact Kari McCormick, Director of Development + Community Engagement:
E-mail | 704.895.8653