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On Oct. 3 John Sall, the chair of the CA board of directors, announced that Dr. Michael Ehrhardt will be Cary Academy’s next head of school effective July 1, 2013.

Ehrhardt is current head of school at the Marshall School in Duluth, MN. He earned his doctorate in educational leadership and administration from the University of Minnesota. Prior to that position he served as assistant head of school for operations and Middle School principal at the American School in London. He has been an educator for more than 16 years and has taught courses in social studies, English, and philosophy. He also has served as a director of information technology and library services and assistant upper school principal.

“So impressed”“I am most excited to join the community at Cary Academy,” said

Ehrhardt. “During my visit, I came away so impressed with the individuals I met: students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, administrators and board members. I cannot

Ehrhardt is new head of school

1

The 2012-13 Cary Academy

Fund is underway!

Discover what the CAF

does for CA and who this

year’s co-chairs are in story

on page 3.

A decade of shopping excellenceFor 10 years Holiday Shoppe has impressed customers, promoted scholarships

For a 10th anniversary party the gifts are usually tin or aluminum. But at this 10th anniversary

party they’ll be gifts of handmade jewelry and clothes, ornaments, handcrafted purses and pottery, food, and much

more. And all these gifts will be for sale.The Cary Academy Holiday

Shoppe, that much anticipated annual event and fundraiser, is turning 10. The Shoppe runs this year from Nov. 29 - Dec. 1.

More than 300 volunteers“The Holiday Shoppe has been a huge

success for 10 years and dollars raised increase each year as do shoppers,” said Director of Advancement Lynne Fountain.

“Besides being a fun fundraiser for the CA community, attracting more than 300 volunteers, the anticipated event draws more than 5,000 shoppers. The CA community celebrates 10 years of success and thanks all volunteers past and present for their hard work.”

Personal shopper this yearTo celebrate this major milestone of 10

years, the Holiday Shoppe Committee has added a few new ribbons and bows to the Holiday Shoppe package:

A Birthday Party will take place Friday night, Nov. 30.

A new ordering/payment system for the Sip’n Shoppe Preview Party on Wednesday, Nov. 28, is now online at www.caryacademy.org/holidayshoppe. Tickets are $20.

This year, a personal shopper will be available. Patrons may sign up for a personal shopper appointment at the Preview Party.

The Shoppe is opening early on Thursday, Nov. 29, at 9:30 a.m. In the past the Shoppe has started at 10.

New and past vendorsVendor Co-Chair Diana Saklad said the

committee outdid itself this year in bringing in unique vendors to mark this 10th anniversary.

“In addition to bringing back favorite vendors from 2011, we are also going to treat shoppers to some new and interest-ing artists, clothing and handbag designers, and jewelers, as well as interest them in some culinary delights,” said Saklad. “We will have gifts to dazzle and home decor to make everyone smile.”

The dates and times for the Holiday Shoppe are:

Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 30, 2012, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and 6:30-9 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Proceeds from the Shoppe support scholarships and community service. Find out more about the Holiday Shoppe at www.facebook.com/holidayshoppe. As always, the Shoppe is free and open to the public.

(continued on page 6)

“Great schools are places that bring the head and the heart together in action.”

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2

Mitch McGuigan, Head of School

Mr. Qiao’s OpusOrchestra concert is wonderful night of artistry and teaching

This fall I attended the chorus concert and Jazz on

the Quad. Both were remarkable. Jacquie Holcombe,

Eric Grush, Betsy Ward-Hutchinson and their students

and programs could easily be the subject of this

Access column. Their passion, vision and teaching are

extraordinary.

But rather than share the details of each concert, I

am choosing to share how I felt on Nov. 1, 2012. I am

certain I will feel the same way as I attend events

over the course of the year. There is no doubt that I

am feeling nostalgic as my final year at Cary Academy

and in education unfolds.

The Nov. 1 orchestra concert ended with a

thunderous standing ovation, but it was the thoughtful

orchestration of leadership, musicianship and

performance that sent me home smiling and proud.

Black-tie affair

You know that the evening is special when you see

the Upper School boys in bow ties and tuxedos and

the girls in black concert gowns. The Middle School

boys are not wearing jackets, for their time will come

in later years. They are, however, pulling at their

unfamiliar bow ties. Little do they know that this is all

part of Mr. Yiying Qiao’s vision.

As the audience is filtering in, Mr. Qiao makes

some last-minute adjustments to instruments. With a

nod to Mr. Michael Hayes, Arts Department chair, and

Mr. Shannon Clark, theater manager, in the sound

booth, the lights dim slightly, and Mr. Qiao leaves the

stage. The magic is about to begin.

The concert-masters

Before the maestro takes the stage, the musicians

are in place waiting for one of the four concert-

master students to tune the orchestra. Each

concert-master takes this responsibility seriously, and

it is clear that the orchestra members and audience

know the drill. The concert-master steps to the

conductor’s podium, nods to the musicians, plays a

note, instruments are tuned and posture is adjusted.

Everything is rehearsed and with purpose. This ritual

was repeated four times as two Middle School and

two Upper School orchestras performed. Once tuned,

the concert-master is seated, there is silence for a few

seconds, and all eyes are turned to stage right.

Mr. Qiao’s opus

On cue, Mr. Qiao strides toward the podium, smiles

slightly, bows to the audience, steps to the podium and

raises his baton. He always looks to the left first, then

the right, and his gaze settles back to the middle. He

nods without smiling, sometimes twice if he senses

someone’s focus has drifted, raises the tip of his baton

ever so slightly, and the music begins with a flick of his

right hand.

Throughout each number he communicates tempo,

feeling and encouragement. When each piece ends, he

nods and smiles to his musicians, and he then turns to

nod twice to the audience. I have seen him do this

many times over the years, but on Nov. 1 Mr. Qiao’s

opus crystalized.

Hearing the future

Beginning with the sixth grade and culminating with

the North Carolina Music Educators’ Convention

Orchestra, it was evident that under Mr. Qiao’s

instruction the notes were sweeter and each orchestra

more dynamic than the younger version. With each

succeeding group, younger students and their parents

could see and hear the future.

It must be inspiring for Middle School students to

know that one day they, too, will bring down the house.

It was clearly fulfilling for the seniors to lead their peers.

Wonderful teacher

At the concert reception, I heard parents say they

could not believe that they were listening to high

school students. When I asked Anna Mukamal (‘13) if

she had ever seen herself perform, she said immedi-

ately, “I guess I really lean into the notes, and

sometimes I worry about hitting others with my bow.

Over the years I have gained the confidence to tackle

every note.”

I went home that night dazzled by the musicianship,

the pageantry and the leadership. But most of all I was

dazzled by Mr. Qiao’s opus. Typically an opus is a great

work by a musician, and Nov. 1 was just that. His

symphony is his passion, evident in his teaching and

the pride he instills in his students. Bravo, Mr. Qiao.

Yiying Qiao and his orchestra during dress rehearsal on Halloween for the Nov. 1 concert.

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The theme for this year’s Cary Academy Fund campaign is Move from Darkness into Light. One part of the theme’s message is to show that all CA constituen-cies — students, employees, parents, alumni, grandparents, alum grandparents and board of directors — are needed to make the CAF successful.

But the theme’s major message is more personal: To explain to those same constituencies what the CAF does for the school, to show that their donation does not disappear into the darkness.

Raising awareness“Our goal this year is to raise the level of

awareness of the Cary Academy Fund so our constituents realize all gifts go directly into this year’s operating budget and impact a little bit of everything,” said Director of Advancement Lynne Fountain.

Development Coordinator Dorrys McArdle said, “This summer we learned

from a focus group of parents that many of our families were still foggy or ‘in the dark’ regarding what the CA Fund actually does. We decided to go back to the basics and educate our community on the purpose of an annual campaign — what it supports and make sure everyone realizes their donations just don’t go into a big black hole; they touch everyone and everything at Cary Academy. I really hope our constituencies will take the time to read this year’s brochure so they can be ‘enlight-ened’ and truly understand the value of the CA Fund.”

Parrishes are co-chairsThe co-chairs this year for the CAF are

Doyle and Nancy Parrish, parents of Yates

(‘11) Joseph (‘13) and Broughton graduate Meredith.

“We took this responsibility to show the community, in the school and outside, that parents support their school financially and by volunteering, especially in a transition year,” said Nancy, who is no stranger to volunteerism at CA, having served as a grade-level parent for seventh, eighth, 10th and 12th grades, and as vendor co-chair for the Holiday Shoppe in 2008 and 2009.

Shining light on the Cary Academy FundCAF parent co-chairs this year are Doyle and Nancy Parrish

“ …we have to get engaged. To achieve our expectations takes a community effort.”

Nancy and Doyle Parrish

Founding CA board member William Friday diesWilliam

Friday, the

retired

president of

the University

of North

Carolina

system, died on Oct. 12. Friday was a

founding member of the Cary Academy

board of directors, serving from

1997-2000.

In 2002, to honor Friday, CA started the

William C. Friday Summer Fellowship

Program. The Friday Fellowships provide

financial assistance for faculty to pursue

professional development projects during

the summer that will directly strengthen

them as teaching professionals in their field

of expertise. Over the last 10 years 40

faculty have received the honor and a

complete list of all Friday Fellows recipients

can be found at right.

“President Friday was a hugely influential

educator, so it is very fitting that the Cary

Academy fellowship named in his honor

has had and continues to have such a

powerful impact on the professional

growth of our faculty,” said Dean of Faculty

Dr. Martina Greene. “One need only look at

the list of Friday Fellowship projects

undertaken by teachers over the years to

see how much the program means to us.

President Friday’s legacy lies not only in his

own distinguished record of service and

accomplishment, but in the outstanding

work that he has inspired in others.”

Friday led the UNC system for 30 years,

retiring in 1986. Other notable achieve-

ments in his career include helping create

the Atlantic Coast Conference and aiding

the development of Research Triangle Park.

Friday also produced the long-running,

weekly UNC-TV interview show North

Carolina People.

The William C. Friday Summer Fellowship Program recipients

2012 - Susie Bonsey, Kay Parks

2011 - Michael Hayes, Meredith Stewart

2010 - Jason Franklin, Eric Grush, Kay Parks and Margo Smith, Yiying Qiao

2009 - Robert Coven, Ming-An Lee, Briarly White

2008 - Dawn Bates, Andrew Chiaraviglio, Carole Hamilton, Heidi Maloy and Sarah Ritter, Betsy Ward-Hutchinson

2007 - Ellen Chartier, Conrad Hall, Jacquie Holcombe, German Urioste

2006 - Eric Grush, Jeff Killmer and Heidi Maloy, Palmer Seeley, Yiying Qiao

2005 - Andrew Chiaraviglio, Robin Follet, Josh Hartman and Vince Janney, Todd Shy

2004 - Dawn Gartlehner and Martina Greene, Carole Hamilton, Marcia Rogat, Bill Velto

2003 - Matthew Gardzina, Meredith Steele

2002 - Delia DeCourcy, Lyn Fairchild, Matthew Ripley-Moffitt

(continued on page 5)

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Mickayla Sanders (’13) is no stranger to athletics. And now, as a senior, she is beginning to see her hard work pay off.

Playing since 4Sanders has been playing basketball

since the young age of 4. Though back then it was just something fun to do, her interest increased with age, and she really began focusing on it in the seventh grade.

“My height had a lot to do with my interest,” said the 6-foot tall, slashing wing player. “For basketball, a coach actually saw me at a game and volunteered to work with me to help improve my skills. He introduced me to a traveling basketball team, and from there, my interest intensified.”

Newly hired basketball Coach Mike Zeilman has yet to have Sanders on his team, but he can easily appreciate her talent.

“I have seen her play a few times in the past few years. She is one of the best high school shooters I have ever seen, and she knows how to drive to the basket aggres-sively. I know that she is a very talented player, and I am very lucky to be able to coach her during her senior year.”

TISAC volleyball champsThough basketball is her main focus,

Sanders also enjoys volleyball. “I started playing volleyball my seventh-grade year. It was more of a fun sport to play.”

Sanders and the other members of the Lady Chargers volleyball team had some fun this year. The team won the TISAC tournament Oct. 20. In the first round of the NCISAA state tourney on Oct. 23 the #5 seed Chargers beat Hickory Grove. The team then defeated Covenant Day School but lost to eventual champ Charlotte Latin.

“Mickayla has been an outstanding addition to our Cary Academy volleyball program,” said Coach Melanie Bryant. “She is not only a great athlete but a wonderful person. She is a player that brings heart, spirit and humor to daily practices and matches.”

Sanders holds the CA career record for blocks with 341.

Family provides motivation, supportSanders clearly has sheer talent for

basketball, but she credits her motivation to her family. “My family is my main core for striving to be a solid athlete. They give me 100 percent of the tools I need to

A bright and shining “Flame”Basketball star Mickayla Sanders (’13) signs with Liberty University for basketball

4

succeed, and it pushes me to want more for myself and them.

“Any time I look up in the stands at a game, I see that someone from my family is always present. Especially for basketball season, I will look up and see at least five of my family members all sitting together, smiling and cheering for me. I will cherish that forever.”

She also finds motivation from the results of working hard. “I stay motivated because it is self-gratifying. There is nothing better than proving to yourself that you can achieve what others said you can’t.”

School-oriented, tooSports take up much of Sanders’ time,

but that does not keep her from staying involved in academics and other activities.

Sanders enjoys her psychology classes and stays involved in many clubs and groups at CA. She is a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions, the African-American Affinity group, and the Christian Fellowship Organization.

When she isn’t playing sports or at school, Sanders does what any high school student likes to do: spend time with her family and friends.

Future Liberty FlameOn Sept. 25, Sanders committed to play

basketball for the Lady Flames of Liberty University.

“I am very excited for the opportunities that I will be able to take advantage of there. I think about it every day. I cannot wait to expand my basketball knowledge.”

National Merit semis, commended students

announced

Eighteen Cary Academy seniors

have been recognized by the National

Merit Scholarship Program for out-

standing results on the junior year

PSAT. Nine CA students have been

recognized as National Merit

Semifinalists for scoring in the top 1%

of PSAT test takers in 2011; they will

continue in the National Merit

Scholarship competition and can

advance to finalist standing by meeting

a number of additional requirements.

Cary Academy’s semi-finalists are

seniors Nicole Ackman, Adrienne

Bell-Koch, Ethan Coeytaux, Joseph

Cornett, David Maydew, Anna

Mukamal, Daniel Orol, Sarah

Thalheimer and Orlin Velev. Maydew

was additionally selected as a National

Hispanic Scholar.

Nine other seniors were named

Commended Students in the National

Merit Scholarship Program. Seniors

recognized for this honor are Emily

Aarons, Maggie Birmingham-Corbett,

Katie Birmingham-Corbett, Rachel

Earnhardt, Caelan Harshaw, Adam

Linker, Chase McGrath, Matthew

Owens and Bailey Plymyer. These

students scored in the top 50,000 of

the 1.5 million juniors who took the

2011 PSAT.

Mickayla Sanders (‘13) makes a move toward the basket.

With plans to major in psychology so she can help people in the future, she is enthusiastic about the next step in her education. “I am most excited about being a college student at an awesome univer-sity. I am excited to see my faith and character develop even more.”

— Zelle Brown, Intern

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The time of her visit was hot, crowded and rainy. The Indian weather was filled with monsoons, creating a muddy environ-ment that was difficult for travel. During this time, native people were also on their pilgrimages visiting holy places, making it a busy season to be in India. Despite these factors, art teacher Kay Parks, a recipient of the Friday Fellowship, enjoyed traveling through the country and enriching her understanding of Indian art.

The William C. Friday Summer Fellowship Program provides financial assistance for faculty to pursue professional development projects during the summer that will directly strengthen them as teaching professionals in their field of expertise.

Parks spent two weeks traveling around India in efforts to develop a new unit for the art department. Though she had traveled to India once before, her most recent experience not only gave her new ideas for art projects but also a new perspective on Indian culture that she can relay to her students.

A monsoon of arts and adventureParks was able to visit many places even

if only for a short time. She began her Indian adventure in the Golden Triangle, which includes Jaipur, Delhi and Agra.

In Agra, Parks visited the Taj Mahal. “I don’t believe you can go to India and not see the Taj Mahal. It is one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. It is just an amazing place.”

She also marveled at the marble and carving inlay in the area. “All of the buildings are created with this marble inlay. I was able to go into the shops, and the owners would show you how the inlay is done. These men have been doing this work for many years, and their techniques are passed down among their families.

“I was able to see a lot of the stamping and weaving in different shops, and pick up hands-on material — pictures, videos and miniature paintings — to bring back for my projects. The demos and actually just talking with the shopkeepers and people who make the products was helpful.”

Culturally movingThough Parks spent much time gathering

information about the arts of India, she was also able to learn about the local culture.

“We also believe it is important for our children to see how significant their education is to us, and how it is our responsibility to contribute and work for what we believe in,” she added.

Transparent and accountableTo help educate the community about

the CAF — to move it from darkness into light — the Parrishes have introduced a way for donors to specify the area that they want their contributions to target.

“It gives a donor ownership and the ability to fund their passion,” said Nancy. Added Doyle, “It helps the CAF to be transparent and accountable. Donors want to know what they are giving to, and what the intended results are.”

To shed even more light on the CAF, the Parrishes want to educate the community on what the fund has done in the past and what are its goals in the future.

The Parrishes also are seeking to measure the CAF’s progress as compared to other schools. “Let’s select a peer group of schools to measure against,” said Doyle. “I want us to be at or above what our peer schools do in their annual funds; that way we can be sure we are providing the best.”

Goal of $300,000Fountain said the goal of the 2012-13

CAF is to top $300,000, and she is confident that with the Parrishes’ help it is a goal that can be reached.

“It is important for donors to increase their gifts from year to year,” said Fountain. “If we increase our contributions to the CAF, stretch to the next giving level, and grow the total given, more opportunities exist.”

“The Cary Academy community is quite fortunate to have such generous Founders,”

said McArdle. “The first 15 years have been an incredible gift, and as we transition into the next phase of Cary Academy, I look forward to seeing all our constituencies take more of a leadership role in the direction of our school in various ways, just one being increasing their commitment, both through volunteering and financially supporting the CA Fund. We are excited to have Doyle and Nancy leading the charge, as well as many other dedicated parents working with us to achieve our goals.”

Comprehensive effort requiredIn the end, for the CAF to succeed, the

Parrishes said it will take a complete community effort and support.

“We, as a school, are only as strong as we are willing to make it,” said Nancy. “It is totally our responsibility to support the school we have chosen for the education of our children. We cannot take the attitude that it is the responsibility of the faculty, staff and major donors to educate our children. Each and every family needs to step up and do everything they can to make the school a better place for not just their student, but the community of Cary Academy. It’s about more than one student. It’s about what is best for all.”

“Parents have to contribute beyond tuition; there is a limit to what tuition can pay for,” said Doyle. “The limit is on us. We have to contribute at all levels; this is a global issue. We all want what is best for our children, be it the best teacher-to-student ratio, the best theater classes, whatever, but we have to get engaged. To achieve our expectations takes a community effort.”

Cary Academy Fund continued from page 3

“I went to a location of Mother Theresa’s Missionary of Charities that is home to handicapped children. I was able to have an afternoon with the children, and it was really an eye-opener. I was with the women who were working with the babies and toddlers on physical therapy, and I interacted with them, helping them move their arms and legs, as they were severely handicapped. I still think about them daily.”

(continued on page 6)

Kay Parks and her son, Dylan, in front of the Taj Mahal. Dylan accompanied Parks on her Friday Fellowship trip to India.

Friday Fellowship recipient visits India for the artsUpper School art teacher Kay Parks learns, enhances knowledge through trip

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At Dharamshala, Parks visited the home of the Dalai Lama and the Buddhist temple that is in the area, where she met with the monks. “I actually tutored three Buddhist monks in English for an afternoon, which I must say was very enlightening. This was one of my favorite memories. In my two hours talking with a Buddhist monk, I was supposed to be tutoring him in English, but he enlightened me about Tibet, Buddhism and his life as a monk.”

“Go with the flow”Parks continued to Manali, which was

one of her favorite places. She hiked in the foothills of the Himalayas, something that she found incredible.

She learned so much about the arts and the culture that she “could write books about her trip.” But Parks has a new perspective on the culture, religion and people of India.

“I got a good glimpse into the Hindu religion, the Buddhist religion and the Islam religion. There is so much poverty, which is seen most everywhere. However, the

people there have such a different attitude, a different approach to looking at life,” said Parks. “Through this trip, I’ve learned to let go of the agenda — I can still have a goal — but go with the flow! You can still have a great experience but it may look different than what you intended. And always have compassion, listen.”

Bringing it homeParks is developing a whole unit

dedicated to Indian art, something that has not been done before at Cary Academy. She hopes that this project will remain an integrated part of the curriculum for many years to come. “The students study India in 10th-grade world history, and now they will be able to learn a lot about its arts.”

Parks has four projects planned for this year’s art curriculum, projects that will be tweaked over the years. Tenth-grade

students will create a painting based on a story, historical or mythological, with details in the style of Indian painting; create a carving and inlay out of foam and paper based on the marble inlay of many of the buildings, including the Taj Mahal; dye and stamp fabric based on the prints of India; and create a mandala based on the mandalas of Tibet.

— Zelle Brown, Intern

Friday Fellowship recipient continued from page 3

Kay and Dylan Parks with Angora rabbits in Manali.

wait to work with such talented and dedicated people. However, more impor-tantly, is what the individuals can accom-plish as a team. There is a clear sense that Cary Academy is driven by its mission, and there is nothing more rewarding, and fun, than being a part of a group working towards a common vision.

“As a former journalist, I am a firm believer in context. My early focus will be on getting to know Cary Academy — its people and its programs. At the same time, and before I might be so bold as to offer my own ideas, I expect I will turn to the school’s leadership team and ask: How can I help you do your work better? I bet they will have some great suggestions!”

Technology a powerful forceEhrhardt is excited about coming to a

school with such a technological reputation.

“Technology is an unbelievably powerful force that has been driving change in so much of our personal and professional lives,” he said. “It has transformed industries, such as music and journalism, and the ways we do so many everyday things, such as communicate with friends and do our banking. It makes perfect sense that technology would have a huge impact in the way we learn. Early on in this revolution, the focus in many schools was on the technology itself, but more recently technology has become a tool that we use in the service of learning within our classrooms.

“With more advanced analytical and communication tools, we are now on the cusp of some pretty exciting opportunities to rethink our use of space and time — giv-ing faculty and students new ways to collaborate and the flexibility to do more

cognitively complex work in both the physical and virtual worlds.”

Joining the heard and heartOriginally from Lakeville, MN, Ehrhardt

earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Olaf College. He also has a master’s degree in journalism from Columbia University and a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell.

“I believe that a great school serves a purpose larger than just the individuals within the building. Most certainly, individual students and their personal growth are foundational. However, a great education prepares us to serve in the context of a world beyond ourselves. Ultimately, we learn so that we can be…supportive friends, effective colleagues, moral leaders. Great schools are places that bring the head and the heart together in action.”

Ehrhardt is new head of school continued from page 1

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the Financial Sustainability

Committee. Three of his children,

Sarah (’03), Rachel (’06) and Scott

(’11), are CA alums. Rebecca (’14)

and Ryan (’19) are attending CA now.

“Our family’s history with CA

started in 1998. I bring a somewhat

unique perspective as

part of a long-term

family that has

actively engaged in

most of the available

opportunities in

academics, fine arts

and sports. As a board

member, I plan to

collaborate in

initiatives that benefit

the school community by leveraging my professional skills in

addition to our CA experiences.”

Involved and passionate

Udell’s career focus has been leadership development. She

founded the Umstead Leadership Resources in 2007. She is past

PTAA president and last year sat on

the board of directors as PTAA

president. Her daughter, Jaclyn (’10),

is attending Georgetown University

and her daughter, Alex (’15), is a

10th-grader.

“My most immediate plans/goals

as a board member include insuring

that we facilitate a smooth transition

for our new head of

school and our CA

community. Longer

term, I believe that

CA can be the best

independent school

in the nation and

serve as a model for

both public and

private schools. It’s

our role to insure that CA strategy prepares highly successful

graduates who achieve their goals and dreams.”

7

Board of directors adds three membersDorflinger, Kenney and Udell to bring parent perspective

At its Oct. 3 meeting, the Cary Academy board of directors

added three new members: Dr. Laneta Dorflinger, Jeff Kenney

and Monica Udell.

This expansion of the board comes after several of the consul-

tants Cary Academy has been working with over the last year

recommended that the board expand its representation to include

more parents and increase the board size.

Strong recruiting list

“Noticing the 15 year anniversary of the school and also the

choice of the next head of school, the board felt it was time to take

a look at the composition and operation of the board itself and make

changes that will serve it well for the next 15 years and more,” said

chair John Sall.

“Parents are well motivated stakeholders and are very engaged

with the school, and this would bring important perspectives for

the governance of the school. The Nominations Committee of the

board selected three individuals from a very strong recruiting list.”

Parents “tuned” into school

Dorflinger is a Distinguished

Scientist at FHI 360 (formerly known

as Family Health International). She

served as chair of the Cary Academy

Fund twice with her husband, Dr.

Mark Graham. Their son, Thomas

(’12), is a state champion in track and

cross country and is attending

Stanford. Their daughter, Anne (’15),

is in the 10th grade.

“It is an honor to have

been selected to the CA

board,” she said. “I think

that parents of CA

students are tuned into

the school in ways that the

administrative staff and

other board members may not be. I plan to bring not only a parent

perspective to the board, but also my own career perspective from

working in the biological sciences and international public health.”

CA parent since 1998

Kenney is vice president for Global Risk Management at Oracle

Corporation. He has served on two strategic planning committees,

the Long-Range Facilities Planning Committee, and he co-chaired

“I have several years of in-depth experience regarding the strategies that the board approves and the effects on our community of students, faculty, staff, administration, alumni and parents” — Monica Udell

“We can be a finger on the pulse of existing and newly evolving issues at the school from the view of parents or students.” — Laneta Dorflinger

“I bring a some-

what unique perspective as part of a long-term family that has actively engaged in most of the available opportunities in academics, fine arts and sports.” — Jeff Kenney

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1500 N. Harrison Avenue

Cary, North Carolina 27513

Telephone: 919-677-3873

Fax: 919-677-4002

www.caryacademy.org

i mportant dates

Preview Party— Holiday ShoppeNov. 28

Holiday Shoppe Nov. 29-Dec. 1

PTAA board meetingDec. 11

Homecoming Dec. 21

Holiday BreakDec. 24-Jan. 2

Classes resumeJan. 3

A page on the Cary

Academy Web site defines employees as mentors, catalysts and champions of CA students. After five years of watching my son thrive, I know it’s true. CA employ-ees demonstrate an unmatched level of commitment to students, developing the imagination and reasoning abilities that will make our children the leaders of tomorrow.

That commitment is never more apparent than when the school year begins. Whether it’s your student’s first or seventh time, the traditional hand-shake ceremony cements the bond between students and employees and serves as a foundation for a successful year. Soon thereafter, faculty builds on that foundation with the sense of team engendered on each class trip.

In fact, faculty and staff collaborate all year to do much more than teach the

subject matter that makes Cary Academy a respected college preparatory school. They take to heart CA’s definition of a Cary Academy graduate. They develop creative, communicative team players who epito-mize respect, integrity and compassion.

As you take note of how much CA employees give to your student, please keep in mind that a simple Thank You goes a long way. Your Thank You lets CA’s hardworking employees know that their efforts are truly appreciated.

If you can offer more, the PTAA Employee Appreciation Committee welcomes your help. Throughout the year, chairs Brian Goray, Kerrie Goray (US) and Anne Grimm (MS) plan activities to support faculty and staff. Your donation of a few hours or your time or your baking expertise to help with an employee snack or breakfast can make a dramatic differ-ence. Just e-mail annegrimm00@gmail.com or briangoray@gmail.com to offer your help.

You can also demonstrate your support by sponsoring a Cary Academy employee when you purchase your PTAA Auction tickets. Your sponsorship will offset the cost of an employee joining with parents to celebrate CA’s Sweet 16 and clearly illustrate your commitment to CA’s hardworking staff. Even if the auction won’t fit in your schedule, you can purchase an employee sponsorship.

Every successful adult has a story to tell about the one teacher who inspired them to achieve their goals. That teacher’s name and impact remain with them for a lifetime. Thanks to Cary Academy, our children will have lengthy lists of teachers whose impact they will never forget. And their lists of unforgettable mentors are also likely to include CA employees whose primary job is not teaching. That’s a tremendous gift from Cary Academy to your family. Don’t miss your chance to say Thank You.

— Carol Aupperle, PTAA President ’12-’13

Developing tomorrow’s leaders

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