Herald interview with Ms. Lemon
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.
the Willis Hall HeraldContact: willishallherald@northcross.org
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The StaffEditor-in-Chief: Gracean Ratliff
Assistant Editors-in-Chief: Helen Hertz and Hania Raza Copy Editor: Nadia Hosny Public Relations: Jimmy Dickerson Business Manager: Ryan Thomas Graphics Editor: Haley Vu Photography Editors: Kenzie Raub and Eason Zhou Arts Editor: Ani Eagan Arts and Entertainment Editor: Lauren Boone Sports Editor: Luca Batchen Staff writers: Kerrigan Chaney, Henry Schumm and Dania Nour Advisor: Robert Robillard |
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