OUR ALUMNI
Alumni Directory
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Class of 2010
Chad Raines '10
Head of Support at SimpleGrowth, Statesville, NC
Kathleen Elkins '10
Senior Reporter at CNBC
Published October 2018
I graduated from Woodlawn in 2010 with one other classmate. Yes, you read that correctly - there were just two of us. (photo above, 2010)
We were the first graduating class and a bit of an experiment. Woodlawn essentially built new curriculums for us as we progressed through 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th grades. The school took a chance on us - and we, in a way, took a chance on it - and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Here are a few reasons why:
- You can’t beat the academics. As a student at Woodlawn, I always had a feeling that the school work was tough: We were held to a very high standard and expected to be prepared, thorough and analytical in whatever assignment we were working on.But it wasn’t until I went to college at one of the most competitive liberal arts schools in the nation when I truly appreciated Woodlawn’s academic rigor. Woodlawn not only helped me get into Williams College, but it prepared me for the fast-paced and challenging academic setting I would face during my four years at Williams.
- I genuinely loved going to school every day. I am an anomaly among my college friends in that I actually enjoyed high school. Woodlawn was a place that I wanted to go to every day. That’s a testament to the teachers, who care about the students and find ways to make learning fun, and to the students, who not only are your closest friends, but those who push you to be the best person you can be.
- I am a strong, independent woman and comfortable in my own skin because of Woodlawn. While I didn’t fully realize it as a high schooler, Woodlawn was teaching me so much more than how to solve for “x” and analyze Dickinson: Woodlawn taught me how to treat and better serve my community, how to speak up and find my voice, and perhaps most impactful to me, how to be comfortable in my own skin.
At Woodlawn, you’re encouraged to be yourself. At Woodlawn, being different and unique is actually cool. And growing up in that type of environment instilled in me a level of confidence that has been crucial to my success beyond the classroom. Woodlawn shaped who I am today: a confident woman living independently in New York City and pursuing a career I feel passionately about.
Kathleen is currently a reporter for CNBC in Los Angeles, CA. She graduated from Williams College in 2014 with a BA in Spanish and three Division III National Tennis Team Titles.
Class of 2011
Sophia Spach '11
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.
Darius Knott '11
Solutions Consultant at Prophecy International, Atlanta, GA
Sayre Weir '11
Assistant Director of International Student Life at The University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Graeme Earle '11
Senior IP Enforcement Analyst at Epic Games, Cary, NC
Terin Patel-Wilson '11
Software Engineer at Google, Mountain View, CA
Sawyer Bowman '11
Senior Software Engineer II at Instacart, San Francisco, CA
Mallorie Ables '11
Owner of Jars of Dust Pottery, Virginia Beach, VA
Alexa Adams '11
Travel Nurse at Duke Raleigh Hospital, Wilmington, NC
Greg Conn '11
Mental Health Technician at The Carolina Center for Behavioral Health, Charlotte, NC
Isaac Josephthal '11
Actor, New York, NY
Movies include Divorce (2016), Hightown (2020) and New Amsterdam (2018).
Pete Kvilhaug '11
Major Federal Contractor, Washington, DC
Scott Murr '11
Firefighter/EMT, Cornelius, NC
Chandler Zande '11
Director of Acquisitions at Slate Investment Holdings, Charlotte, NC
Class of 2012
Dana Neidinger '12
Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics at Centre College
Paulina Campbell '12
Stage Manager and Theatre Technician, New York, NY
Zach Lingle '12
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.
Cassidy Coutinho '12
Health Insurance Broker, Willis Towers Watson
Emma Haupt '12
Middle School Teacher, STRIVE Prep, Denver, CO
Published May 2018
Hey! I'm Emma Haupt. In just a few short weeks I'll be graduating and completing my eighth and final year at Woodlawn and starting my freshman year at St. Olaf College. I plan to study Organ Performance and Sacred Music. I started playing the pipe organ two years ago and haven't stopped playing since!
Though I'm excited to be heading off to St. Olaf in the fall, I'll be sad seeing Woodlawn in my rearview. Ever since I started at Woodlawn as a fifth grader I have had experiences beyond my imagination. I remember the first time my class went on an overnight field trip to the Columbia Zoo and we had the chance to learn about elephants by touring the enclosure with a zoo keeper. In eighth grade I traveled with a group of Woodlawn students to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico where we explored the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza!
After graduation who knows how far the world will take me, but one thing I know for sure: I'll always be a Woodlawn Trailblazer, blazing my own path through life.
Emma is Director of Music Ministries in Buffalo, New York and also teaches ESL at the high school level.
Tori Rinker '12
Chief of Staff at FiscalNote, New York, NY
William O'Connell '12
Application Developer at Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, Beaufort, SC
Neal Bartl '12
Resident Physician at Atrium Health, Charlotte, NC
Kerne Coreil '12
Camden Griggs '12
SCADA Engineer at Leeward Renewable Energy, Dallas, TX
Joseph Moran '12
Class of 2013
Zack Scott '13
Employed at Ullico, Washington DC
Allie Nagelski '13
Published March 2013
Hi, I’m April Feldman, class of 2013. I’ve been attending Woodlawn School for six years now (wow, does time fly!) and I have to say that one of my favorite parts about the school is the campus. The first thing you notice about a school is its appearance, and Woodlawn blows me away. The campus is set up as a quad - four corners based around the soccer field. We have a gym that looks like a great red barn (which is where our theater group, the Red Barn Players, got their name) and a stone clock tower. One of the best parts is the number of trees. I simply can’t stand a campus without trees! And on nice days you see plenty of classes outside in the shade or on the patio, learning and enjoying the fresh air.
If you’ve been to Woodlawn you've most definitely noticed the old plantation house, Stinson Hall, located at the front of campus. As a girl with a love of history, this old fashioned aspect of campus is amazing. Speaking of a love for history, Woodlawn is all about independent life long learners, so they give you a lot of freedom in deciding what you want to study. For my senior project I’m looking at Victorian dresses (I’m even going to attempt to make one!). One of my closest friends is studying the art of singing and songwriting, and another is basing her project on baking! Woodlawn instills in you the urge to learn and explore your interests. This year, I’m taking an introduction course to Japanese. The lesson plan is designed entirely by me! I worked with the upper school coordinator to find the right resources and create a schedule, and now I’m close to knowing over 100 different Japanese characters. All in all, Woodlawn is a really great place where the atmosphere is excellent and stimulating, while the workload is stuff that you want to do. Goodbye boring, cement school rooms and hello Woodlawn!
April is a recent graduate of UNC Wilmington.
David Keener '13
Published January 2013
Hello! My name is David Keener and this is my eighth year at Woodlawn. I've stayed at Woodlawn all these years because it offers opportunities that cannot be found elsewhere.
One of the greatest things about Woodlawn is the focus on both national and international travel; there are international trips every year and week long class trips for every grade to places like Washington DC, Atlanta GA, and Saint Augustine FL. My favorite trip was a spring break school trip to Greece a couple years ago; I ate the best food of my life and had an amazing time learning about ancient Greek architecture.
Woodlawn allows students, especially juniors and seniors, to enjoy some unusual freedoms. For example, I really enjoy teaching middle school electives because I can focus on my interests in the classes I teach and expose middle schools students to different ideas. I co-taught a Sports 101 elective last year that focused on more obscure sports like Futsol and Parkour. This year I am co-teaching Intro to Prototyping, which involves designing and building a radio-controlled vehicle. Teaching Intro to Prototyping also lets me apply concepts that I have learned through my self-study, Intro to Engineering.
I also like that many classes at Woodlawn are fairly low-key about test taking and instead emphasize the learning process. It is really evident in my senior class: I am a National Merit Commended Scholar and every student in the Class of 2013 has received the designation of AP Scholar.
Lachlan Johnson '13
Employed at Wells Fargo, San Francisco, CA
Forrest Daugherty '2013
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.
Serena Barringer '13
Class of 2014
Sydney Bowman '14
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.
Mary Rood Cunningham '14
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.
Jules Winkle '14
Transformation Associate at Getir, New York, NY
Published November 2012
Hi, everybody! My name’s Jules Winkle and I’m a Junior here at Woodlawn. If you’re considering coming to school here, I know exactly how you feel because I just transferred to Woodlawn this past year. After visiting Woodlawn’s beautiful campus and meeting a few of the students and teachers, I knew it was the right school for me.
Before coming to Woodlawn, I spent most of my free time dreading the next time I had to go to school. Now that I’m at Woodlawn, that feeling has completely disappeared. Everybody, (students, teachers, and staff), is excited and happy to be here! Most importantly, the teachers love their subjects and their enthusiasm rubs off on the students. The opportunities and experiences at Woodlawn are truly rare and unique.
In just a few short months at Woodlawn I have had the most exciting volleyball experience of my life, scaled a mountain during our annual Upper School hike, hosted a Romanian orphan to speak at our school, and am currently hosting a Guatemalan exchange student. I have also learned how to square dance and have met some truly unique and wonderful people. I highly recommend you take a look at Woodlawn School; It’s one of the best choices I ever made!
Jules is a recent graduate of Belmont University in Nashville, TN.
Michael Kaczmarczyk '14
Published June 2013
Hey guys! I’m Michael Kaczmarczyk. I've attended Woodlawn School for the past four years, and I can honestly say that it has been an unreal experience. It's become my second home. I actually enjoy spending time at school as opposed to dragging myself here every morning. There is no sugar coating the rigorous course work that Woodlawn provides, but you do not face any of the academic challenges without a helping hand and a desire to succeed. The teachers are some of the most insightful people that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and they have provided me with opportunities that have enriched both my academic career and personal life.
As an aspiring actor, Woodlawn has provided me with countless opportunities to perform. I even had the honor of writing, directing, and performing in a Red Barn Players (Woodlawn’s Theatre Troupe) original production. Because of my experience on Woodlawn’s stage, I have colleges reaching out to me, asking me to visit campuses and meet their theater professors. Due in part to the helpful recommendations and selfless support of Woodlawn’s faculty, I am also attending an intensive acting course at Oxford University in England this summer. Woodlawn is an unbelievable place with extraordinary people where minds are pushed to the limit and learning does not become a task but a lifestyle. As a rising senior, I look forward to the surprises in my final year, and discovering where my academic journey will take me.
Michael is a current graduate of Pace University.
David Hager '14
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.
Maisie Wills '14
Senior Graphic Designer at Levitate Foundry, New York, NY
Class of 2015
Elia Ramirez '15
Celeste Campbell '15
Michael Muchane '15
Published September 2014
Hello, I’m Michael Muchane, a senior here at Woodlawn. I have been at Woodlawn since the 6th grade, and I can confidently say it was one of the best decisions of my life. Over the past 7 years I have been immersed in a wide variety of experiences, but what has always stood out to me is the close-knit community that is the core of Woodlawn. In my opinion, the ties that exist between all students (Kindergarten through 12th grade) are a large part of Woodlawn’s identity. As a student, when I show up to school, I am not only greeted enthusiastically by seniors and lower classmen alike, but the Common Hour, Intermezzo, and a variety of Woodlawn traditions like the Powder Puff game encourage connections between students of all grades. I have come to know and grow fond of many students in the middle and lower schools due to these types of interactions between classes.
One of the lines of Woodlawn’s Alma Mater says “every student shines”, and what makes that possible is the vast array of opportunities that are available here at Woodlawn. Even though we don’t have a school orchestra, I have performed on the piano quite a few times for students and parents. A good example is “Grand Friends” day, which is a relatively new tradition here at Woodlawn - this provides an audience of over 300 people for both instrumental and vocal performances. Although I may be more instrumentally inclined, I enjoy sports thoroughly and last year became a founding member of Woodlawn’s first varsity swim team. One of the highlights of the season was chanting the oh-so-fitting words “Tiny but Mighty!” before each meet! I’m looking forward to my last and hopefully greatest year here at Woodlawn. Senior year, here I come!
Michael is a current graduate of Wake Forest University.
Meredith Simpson '15
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.
Reilly Milburn '15
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.
Clare MacDonald '15
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.
Rebecca Coutinho '15
Clare Robinson '15
Tyler Ganis '15
Hannah Gantz '15
Abigail Haupt '15
Sarah Moran '15
Class of 2016
Spencer Gazzaway '16
Natalie Buechler '16
Published August 2016
My life at Woodlawn is central to my identity, and I wouldn’t be the same had it not been for this small community where teachers and classmates become a second family. Woodlawn is unique. Where else would you find students playing basketball in a gym designed to look like a traditional red barn or see middle schoolers studying about plants in the campus gardens? As students and teachers we are athletes, artists, musicians, and much more. Sometimes a bit quirky - one friend created a business designing bow ties and a favorite teacher, a former Apple executive, enjoys flying his drone around campus.
At a small school, with ten seniors, there’s no place for exclusion. We support each other and embrace our differences. It’s amazing what you can do in a small, hands-on community that encourages creativity and individuality. Performing a Frozen dance and music number in front of the entire school, creating a PSA on mental health issues, or playing a sport you've never played before — these are the types of things that have given me confidence and determination. I have no hesitation or fear of being myself and shooting for my goals. Being the only girl on the varsity cross country team? No problem! Winning the soccer state championship by beating the undefeated, number one seed? We got this! Woodlawn gave me that belief and conviction, and provided me with the desire to go beyond expectations.
Taylor is currently a junior at Rice University.
Ariana Hoshino '16
Computer Science, Film
Published November 2014
My name is Ariana Hoshino, and I am a junior at Woodlawn. I came to Woodlawn in 7th grade, worried about losing all my friends and the familiarity that came with my old school, but I immediately felt at home. The teachers focused on me as an individual and the students were welcoming and inclusive.
Reflecting on my experience at Woodlawn, there are three main points that come to mind: students support fellow students, teachers support students, and students learn how to support themselves.
When I say students support their fellow students, I am referring to the way Woodlawn students work together, learning how to combine their collective strengths so that they form a better team. I am referring to the helping nature of classmates; helping their classmates understand a topic rather than simply providing answers. Students truly care about other students.
Our teachers support the students by being personally involved in their lives — from asking us about our opinions on Walking Dead every Monday to catapulting students into a passion they might not have ever known existed in themselves. For me, that passion is filmmaking. When I was a freshman, I took a “Medicine in Movies” elective, where a group of girls and I made a PSA about mental health stigmas. The film eventually found its way to the Woodstock film festival where it was recognized and awarded. None of us could have ever imagined we could make such a difference in the area of mental health. But we did.
Although film is my main passion, I can’t ignore all of my other interests I have been able to explore and pursue — photography for the yearbook, competing on the varsity swimming team, designing our 2014 homecoming t-shirt, being the president of the UK in intermezzo of fall 2014, and making elephant toothpaste out of dish soap, sodium chloride, and hydrogen peroxide in chemistry class — these are all just small parts of the sorts of things that have sparked my interests.
And that all leads me to the most important part of Woodlawn: I’ve learned how to support myself. I know what my strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes are, and where I want to go and what I want to do after I leave this beautiful campus and venture out into the daunting “real world.” There is so much to do, so much to see, so much to learn, and so many opportunities to take. And Woodlawn has showed me how to replace the fear with excitement!
If so many wonderful things have happened so far, I can’t imagine what my senior year has to offer. I guess I have no option but to take it by storm. Watch out Woodlawn, here I come!
Ariana is currently a senior at Swarthmore College.
Bella Jacoby '16
Mills Kratt '16
Class of 2017
Amelia Woodall '17
Published January 2016
I'm sitting in a 9th grade biology class when suddenly a senior from the AP biology class runs into the classroom and interrupts our lesson.
“We have a problem,” she says. And just like that, our entire class rushes outside to see a staged murder.
The ninth-grade students are learning about DNA forensics, and the AP biology class wants to help us with a lab. The AP students, much like the rest of Woodlawn’s students, are creative and engaged learners. They take the lesson into their hands and guide us. We complete the lab by interviewing “witnesses,” as well as collecting and testing DNA samples, just as a real forensic scientist would.
Academic adventures like this make the Woodlawn School experience unique.
This is my sixth year attending Woodlawn. I’ve experienced more hands-on learning than I could’ve expected. The academics at Woodlawn School challenge the learner beyond just mastering the materials. The teachers here work hard to connect their classes to other classes and to events in the real world.
I’m a junior now, and I’m researching colleges. I’m thinking about studying ecology or environmental biology. This being said, understanding, as well as being in nature, will help me tremendously in preparing for this path. Nature and the outdoors are large parts of Woodlawn’s philosophy, and that’s one of the many reasons why Woodlawn is such a good fit for me. The various ecosystems on Woodlawn’s campus allow teachers to take their classes down to the wetlands or up to the gardens for hands-on learning experiences.
We occasionally have class, like Spanish, outside on the patio. One time, we were learning about informal tú commands, and our Profe made us play “Simón Dice,” the Spanish version of “Simon Says.” She taught us how to form the commands, then we participated in an activity that required us to think while having fun.
I’ve had the opportunity to engage in many extracurricular activities. This is my fifth year playing for Woodlawn’s volleyball team and will be my second year running track for the upper school. I began playing volleyball in seventh grade at Woodlawn. My coaches taught me the fundamentals of the sport, all while encouraging fair play and sportsmanship. During my sophomore volleyball season, we played one entire game only speaking in Spanish, and we won! It challenged us to use some vocabulary we learned in the classroom and to actually speak the language. The athletics and extracurriculars at Woodlawn are more examples of where learning takes place outside of the classroom.
A gym or track may not be the most conventional classroom, but what I’ve learned from all the different sports teams, clubs, and groups has helped me become a contributing member of society. Woodlawn is a friendly environment, and the determination of the teachers will help you achieve your goals. Challenging yourself outside of the classroom helps you learn who you are.
One thing that concerned me initially was the size of Woodlawn’s student body. Yes, Woodlawn is a very small school, but to me, that’s one of its best features. The current junior class has 17 students. I’ve gone to school with many of them my entire time at Woodlawn. I’ve never bonded more with any group of people in my whole life. They’re like my second family.
The teachers at Woodlawn strongly encourage students from all grades to mix. Students participate in events that range from a game of Quidditch to a round of trivia. These events promote a close-knit community.
Woodlawn’s student body is one of the most friendly, diverse, and accepting groups of people that I know. I’m very lucky to go to school where this much interaction takes place, inside and outside of the classroom.
Amelia is currently a junior at UNC Chapel Hill.
Quinn Schneider '17
Kelsie Milburn '17
Zachery Lorch '17
Zach is currently a junior at the US Air Force Academy.
Claire Stutzman '17
Austen Castellano '17
Matt Childers '17
Kate Cummings '17
James Gartner '17
Lanie Johnson '17
