Herald interview with Head of school Armistead lemon
sept. 2022
Armistead Lemon recently took over as the Head of School and sat for an interview for Journalism class.
Accomplished for being the first female head of North Cross School, Lemon exemplifies leadership qualities. Although she wore muted colors, her shining smile and kind spirit shone through.
Lemon reflected on the many changes she has seen since the time she attended in the early ‘90s. Lemon seems to lead with pride, humility and tenderness as she sees the difference she can make. She hopes to make the school a better place and integrate more diversity.
“To be the Head of the School is the greatest honor of my life,” she said.
Known as Ms. Lemon to students, she graduated with the class of ‘95. She worked as an English teacher and Director of the Upper School at Harpeth Hall before coming back to North Cross. She has two sons now attending the Lower School, Henry ‘33 and James ‘35.
As a leader, she enjoys collaborating with others. She views collaboration as the key to success.
“I think being a collaborator is important,” she said. “There are so many smart people and there are so many ways of approaching something. You want to get all the smart people around you to help you make good decisions.”
“The work is never done.”
What has changed?
“Aesthetics matter to me, space really matters to me. North Cross is beautiful and I love that. To be able to come back and see this place so beautiful is really meaningful. There has been an investment made in the students and the programs.”
What does it mean to be Head of School?
“It is the greatest honor of my life. Honestly, I love this place and have such a debt of gratitude to the faculty, to the staff, to the leadership, to the parents.”
What makes you different?
“I’m a listener and a collaborator.”
What makes a good leader?
“Every day there’s something new, something you did not see coming. You have to be able to roll with it, laugh at yourself and laugh and have fun with others. You have to be willing to not always be liked all the time because you have to make tough decisions and not everybody is happy with those. But you have to try to do the right thing and sometimes make the hard decisions. I think being a listener is probably the number one thing, just being able to listen and really get a sense of what’s important. What are people trying to tell you? What’s not being said? You need to be asking questions. So, I think listening is key. There are just so many things, but being a collaborator.”
What is your [long term] goal for North Cross?
“The most important thing is that North Cross endures. I feel so fortunate to have been to school here in the ‘90s. I’m so glad to be back. My children are in the Lower School, but I would want you all to send your children here someday. So, my goal is for (the school) to be always on an upward trajectory, but even more importantly to be sustainable and to endure.”
What are your [short term] goals at NCS?
“One of them is to get to know everybody in the community and really have conversations and listen. I’m trying to be really careful and respectful of what has happened before. So, there’s no one major change. … I’ve been thinking a lot about professional development for the faculty, support for the faculty and just making sure that we’re continuing to invest in our faculty. That’s really top of mind for me. I also think a lot about the programming that you all get to participate in -- it’s pretty awesome. I know that travel is a big part. And if that’s going to be a big part, I’d love for everybody to be able to travel. It’s a real financial commitment to do that. So how could we create a program where anybody who wanted to travel could do that? I am thinking about expanding opportunities for all of you, and really continuing to invest in our teachers. Those are two things that are at the top of my mind.”
Do any of your future plans for North Cross focus on diversity or people of color?
“I hear people refer to North Cross as ‘home’ a lot and I want that for every student, that sense of belonging, that this is a place where you want to be, a place you want to come home to. Those of you who are boarding are here all the time, right? And those who are day students, many of you spend more time here than you do with your families because of sports. So, it is a kind of home, and it’s important to me that everybody who’s here feels that sense of belonging.”
Where did you go shopping when you were a student?
Lemon and her friends would go to Charlottesville or Greensboro to look for more fashion options.
Accomplished for being the first female head of North Cross School, Lemon exemplifies leadership qualities. Although she wore muted colors, her shining smile and kind spirit shone through.
Lemon reflected on the many changes she has seen since the time she attended in the early ‘90s. Lemon seems to lead with pride, humility and tenderness as she sees the difference she can make. She hopes to make the school a better place and integrate more diversity.
“To be the Head of the School is the greatest honor of my life,” she said.
Known as Ms. Lemon to students, she graduated with the class of ‘95. She worked as an English teacher and Director of the Upper School at Harpeth Hall before coming back to North Cross. She has two sons now attending the Lower School, Henry ‘33 and James ‘35.
As a leader, she enjoys collaborating with others. She views collaboration as the key to success.
“I think being a collaborator is important,” she said. “There are so many smart people and there are so many ways of approaching something. You want to get all the smart people around you to help you make good decisions.”
“The work is never done.”
What has changed?
“Aesthetics matter to me, space really matters to me. North Cross is beautiful and I love that. To be able to come back and see this place so beautiful is really meaningful. There has been an investment made in the students and the programs.”
What does it mean to be Head of School?
“It is the greatest honor of my life. Honestly, I love this place and have such a debt of gratitude to the faculty, to the staff, to the leadership, to the parents.”
What makes you different?
“I’m a listener and a collaborator.”
What makes a good leader?
“Every day there’s something new, something you did not see coming. You have to be able to roll with it, laugh at yourself and laugh and have fun with others. You have to be willing to not always be liked all the time because you have to make tough decisions and not everybody is happy with those. But you have to try to do the right thing and sometimes make the hard decisions. I think being a listener is probably the number one thing, just being able to listen and really get a sense of what’s important. What are people trying to tell you? What’s not being said? You need to be asking questions. So, I think listening is key. There are just so many things, but being a collaborator.”
What is your [long term] goal for North Cross?
“The most important thing is that North Cross endures. I feel so fortunate to have been to school here in the ‘90s. I’m so glad to be back. My children are in the Lower School, but I would want you all to send your children here someday. So, my goal is for (the school) to be always on an upward trajectory, but even more importantly to be sustainable and to endure.”
What are your [short term] goals at NCS?
“One of them is to get to know everybody in the community and really have conversations and listen. I’m trying to be really careful and respectful of what has happened before. So, there’s no one major change. … I’ve been thinking a lot about professional development for the faculty, support for the faculty and just making sure that we’re continuing to invest in our faculty. That’s really top of mind for me. I also think a lot about the programming that you all get to participate in -- it’s pretty awesome. I know that travel is a big part. And if that’s going to be a big part, I’d love for everybody to be able to travel. It’s a real financial commitment to do that. So how could we create a program where anybody who wanted to travel could do that? I am thinking about expanding opportunities for all of you, and really continuing to invest in our teachers. Those are two things that are at the top of my mind.”
Do any of your future plans for North Cross focus on diversity or people of color?
“I hear people refer to North Cross as ‘home’ a lot and I want that for every student, that sense of belonging, that this is a place where you want to be, a place you want to come home to. Those of you who are boarding are here all the time, right? And those who are day students, many of you spend more time here than you do with your families because of sports. So, it is a kind of home, and it’s important to me that everybody who’s here feels that sense of belonging.”
Where did you go shopping when you were a student?
Lemon and her friends would go to Charlottesville or Greensboro to look for more fashion options.
Herald interview with Ms. Lemon October 2021
Gracean Ratliff ’23 --Editor-in-Chief
Throughout your high school years, you seemed to be very involved. What were your goals in high school?
I was very academically focused at North Cross. Something I shared during my interviews with faculty and parents is that I arrived at North Cross in ninth grade, and North Cross was a game changer for me. I loved being in a place that celebrated intellectual curiosity and had a high standard for academics and personal character. I took hard classes and had some successes and some struggles, both of which were important experiences. The Honor Code, too, was very important to me and has remained so.
In terms of life after high school, I knew that I loved studying History and Biology. I had hopes of going the pre-Med route.
Did you accomplish those goals?
Well, I didn't end up staying pre-Med in college. I hit a wall in my college Chemistry classes and had to reevaluate if this was really what I wanted to do. I had to admit that I wasn't enjoying how I was spending my time and energy. I shifted gears and began focusing more on English and Art History classes. I really loved studying poetry, which was also hard but more rewarding for me in the long run.
Did you exceed what you were planning on doing?
By exceed, do you mean go beyond my initial plans? Yes. One thing I love about path -- an individual's path - is that it is a bit like driving up a mountain road in the dark with headlights on. You can usually only see just a little bit ahead of where you are, and that leads you onward to the next turn. My life is different than I imagined it. I don't see changing majors as failure, but as the next turn in the road that was right for me. In that way, I definitely exceeded those initial plans that I had for myself. I ended up in New York after college to pursue publishing (an extension of studying literature), and ultimately went to graduate school for English, where I first became a teacher.
What advice would you give to your younger self? Or, what would you wish you had known in high school?
I was part of a small class at North Cross - between 30 and 40 people. It was a wonderful class! My advice is to take advantage of your time at NCS and get to know all of your classmates well. The smaller class size really allows you to know each other and celebrate each other.
Mackenzie Raub ’24 – Photography Editor
You were in a lot of clubs during your high school years. Which club do you think helped you the most for your future?
I imagine they all helped in different ways, especially with leadership. I really enjoyed being a part of Student Council and working with peers on school issues. I remember running for a class officer position in ninth grade and not being elected, but then trying again junior and senior year. Practicing taking those risks was important for later on when other opportunities arose.
Hania Raza ’24 – Asst. Editor-in-Chief
In terms of diversity, how do you see a school like North Cross?
Every individual on campus brings diversity. It's important to think about who is in a space or a grade or a faculty meeting and think about what each individual brings to that space or group. We all contribute in important ways and offer something by way of our background or experiences. To me, what is essential is ensuring that every individual feels a sense of belonging. So next-level diversity work is creating a sense of belonging for all members of a community to enhance the learning experience.
Henry Schumm ’25 – Staff Writer
What do you bring to this school that may be new or unique?
Certainly returning as an alumna -- that will be something new. I remember and celebrate North Cross for what it meant to me and am excited to know it anew and shine a bright light on all that it offers students today. I am coming from a school -- Harpeth Hall -- that prides itself both on strong traditions and on innovation. We are always working to be a better school; we never rest on our laurels. I will bring that mindset with me.
Ryan Thomas ’25 – Business Manager
What is something from your old school you want to bring to North Cross?
We have a very strong alumnae program here, and I am excited to work with NCS alumni and create some important touchpoints for alums.
Anh “Haley” Vu ’23 – Graphics Editor
Why do you choose North Cross rather than other school?
It was always North Cross for me. I've a very loyal person -- I have deep loyalties to the schools I have attended. I could have stayed at Harpeth Hall, but the opportunity to return to North Cross was a dream come true for me. North Cross set me on my path and I have tremendous gratitude for it.
What is your vision of North Cross under your leadership?
It was clear on my visit to campus and from what I've absorbed as an alumna that North Cross offers so many amazing opportunities to its students -- through its international programming, through CrossWalk, through academics, the arts, and athletics. My vision for North Cross is to strengthen its position in both Virginia and nationally as an outstanding independent school and to shine a bright light on why it is the best educational opportunity in the Roanoke Valley.
Luca Batchen ’23 – Sports Editor
What will change for us students? I think you have this answer recorded --
Do you still contact with classmates from North Cross? Yes! My very best friend in the world is Caro Thomas Williams, '95, and she has been great about keeping our classmates connected even though we now live all over the place.
Jimmy Dickerson ’25 – Public Relations
Who inspired you? I have been fortunate to have strong female mentors -- Ann Teaff (former Head of School at Harpeth Hall) and Jess Hill (current head of school at Harpeth Hall). Wanda Holland-Greene and Ann Klotz are female Heads of School who showed me early on that it is so important to be one's authentic self when leading.
North Cross faculty definitely inspired me -- Donna Satterwhite, who always held the bar high and expected much of us. Hugh Meagher, who as Dean of Students showed us how to hold the boundaries while also finding humor in the day to day; Ed Dickenson and Richard Cook, who did such an excellent job of challenging students to reach their potential; Leslie Shaver, Ann Fishwick, Everl Adair -- their love of literature has inspired a lifetime of learning for me.
Anika Eagan ’23 – Arts Editor
What was your favorite part of being a student at North Cross? What extracurricular did you enjoy the most?
I loved my classes, especially the hard ones! I barely made it through AP Biology but it was worth it. I really loved being part of the volleyball team. Coach Trail and I were state champions teammates in 1994. So many great lessons were learned on the volleyball court.
Throughout your high school years, you seemed to be very involved. What were your goals in high school?
I was very academically focused at North Cross. Something I shared during my interviews with faculty and parents is that I arrived at North Cross in ninth grade, and North Cross was a game changer for me. I loved being in a place that celebrated intellectual curiosity and had a high standard for academics and personal character. I took hard classes and had some successes and some struggles, both of which were important experiences. The Honor Code, too, was very important to me and has remained so.
In terms of life after high school, I knew that I loved studying History and Biology. I had hopes of going the pre-Med route.
Did you accomplish those goals?
Well, I didn't end up staying pre-Med in college. I hit a wall in my college Chemistry classes and had to reevaluate if this was really what I wanted to do. I had to admit that I wasn't enjoying how I was spending my time and energy. I shifted gears and began focusing more on English and Art History classes. I really loved studying poetry, which was also hard but more rewarding for me in the long run.
Did you exceed what you were planning on doing?
By exceed, do you mean go beyond my initial plans? Yes. One thing I love about path -- an individual's path - is that it is a bit like driving up a mountain road in the dark with headlights on. You can usually only see just a little bit ahead of where you are, and that leads you onward to the next turn. My life is different than I imagined it. I don't see changing majors as failure, but as the next turn in the road that was right for me. In that way, I definitely exceeded those initial plans that I had for myself. I ended up in New York after college to pursue publishing (an extension of studying literature), and ultimately went to graduate school for English, where I first became a teacher.
What advice would you give to your younger self? Or, what would you wish you had known in high school?
I was part of a small class at North Cross - between 30 and 40 people. It was a wonderful class! My advice is to take advantage of your time at NCS and get to know all of your classmates well. The smaller class size really allows you to know each other and celebrate each other.
Mackenzie Raub ’24 – Photography Editor
You were in a lot of clubs during your high school years. Which club do you think helped you the most for your future?
I imagine they all helped in different ways, especially with leadership. I really enjoyed being a part of Student Council and working with peers on school issues. I remember running for a class officer position in ninth grade and not being elected, but then trying again junior and senior year. Practicing taking those risks was important for later on when other opportunities arose.
Hania Raza ’24 – Asst. Editor-in-Chief
In terms of diversity, how do you see a school like North Cross?
Every individual on campus brings diversity. It's important to think about who is in a space or a grade or a faculty meeting and think about what each individual brings to that space or group. We all contribute in important ways and offer something by way of our background or experiences. To me, what is essential is ensuring that every individual feels a sense of belonging. So next-level diversity work is creating a sense of belonging for all members of a community to enhance the learning experience.
Henry Schumm ’25 – Staff Writer
What do you bring to this school that may be new or unique?
Certainly returning as an alumna -- that will be something new. I remember and celebrate North Cross for what it meant to me and am excited to know it anew and shine a bright light on all that it offers students today. I am coming from a school -- Harpeth Hall -- that prides itself both on strong traditions and on innovation. We are always working to be a better school; we never rest on our laurels. I will bring that mindset with me.
Ryan Thomas ’25 – Business Manager
What is something from your old school you want to bring to North Cross?
We have a very strong alumnae program here, and I am excited to work with NCS alumni and create some important touchpoints for alums.
Anh “Haley” Vu ’23 – Graphics Editor
Why do you choose North Cross rather than other school?
It was always North Cross for me. I've a very loyal person -- I have deep loyalties to the schools I have attended. I could have stayed at Harpeth Hall, but the opportunity to return to North Cross was a dream come true for me. North Cross set me on my path and I have tremendous gratitude for it.
What is your vision of North Cross under your leadership?
It was clear on my visit to campus and from what I've absorbed as an alumna that North Cross offers so many amazing opportunities to its students -- through its international programming, through CrossWalk, through academics, the arts, and athletics. My vision for North Cross is to strengthen its position in both Virginia and nationally as an outstanding independent school and to shine a bright light on why it is the best educational opportunity in the Roanoke Valley.
Luca Batchen ’23 – Sports Editor
What will change for us students? I think you have this answer recorded --
Do you still contact with classmates from North Cross? Yes! My very best friend in the world is Caro Thomas Williams, '95, and she has been great about keeping our classmates connected even though we now live all over the place.
Jimmy Dickerson ’25 – Public Relations
Who inspired you? I have been fortunate to have strong female mentors -- Ann Teaff (former Head of School at Harpeth Hall) and Jess Hill (current head of school at Harpeth Hall). Wanda Holland-Greene and Ann Klotz are female Heads of School who showed me early on that it is so important to be one's authentic self when leading.
North Cross faculty definitely inspired me -- Donna Satterwhite, who always held the bar high and expected much of us. Hugh Meagher, who as Dean of Students showed us how to hold the boundaries while also finding humor in the day to day; Ed Dickenson and Richard Cook, who did such an excellent job of challenging students to reach their potential; Leslie Shaver, Ann Fishwick, Everl Adair -- their love of literature has inspired a lifetime of learning for me.
Anika Eagan ’23 – Arts Editor
What was your favorite part of being a student at North Cross? What extracurricular did you enjoy the most?
I loved my classes, especially the hard ones! I barely made it through AP Biology but it was worth it. I really loved being part of the volleyball team. Coach Trail and I were state champions teammates in 1994. So many great lessons were learned on the volleyball court.