Coach Allen becomes interim dorm director
By Liam Rippel
Many were saddened to hear the news that Josh Kier left his leadership position at the dorm in January. But rest assured Jamiel Allen, the head varsity basketball coach, is ready and eager to fill the role and begin work in the dorms. For those who haven’t met Coach Allen and conversed with him before, you may not know much about him, but you undoubtedly have seen him in the Carter Athletic Center, or walking around the halls of the Upper School, making his rounds and checking on students.
Basketball has always been a huge part of Allen’s life, as he has coached for some years, and played collegiate basketball as a guard at Roanoke College. Allen played under legendary ODAC coach Page Moire, who coached the varsity basketball team in the ‘21-’22 season. Allen was an assistant coach under Moire that year, and when Moire decided to retire, Allen stepped up as the co-head coach in the ‘22-’23 season, where the team ended up earning a state playoff berth and developing a lot of their young players, which has really benefited the team now.
Allen loves basketball, and he plans on bringing over some aspects of basketball with him to the dorm. Allen mentioned that he wants to elect captains of each floor on the dorm, and have those captains make decisions for their floors.
“Major?…, not really.” was his response when questioned about changes he wanted to make, “but definitely some changes.”
Allen has been quick to fulfill this statement, as he already has started informing dorm students of the dinner schedule in advance, which has never been done before. Additionally, he has mentioned that he realizes that he has a fair amount of young adults that he has a lot of trust in. He mentions that with trust comes more responsibility, so things like later curfews for those who earn such privileges may be in order.
“I think kids having new ideas is great,” Allen said. “I want to hear about kids’ ideas.”
It is clear that Allen is willing to listen to suggestions and concerns, and will act on them as such, which is something to look forward to for dorm students. Allen is excited to begin working in the dorms, praising his staff that he finds friendly and hard working. Allen intends to provide a safe environment for kids to be successful and be the best version of themselves, he has said he is going to work hard to be the best version of himself to provide the best chance of success to the kids in the dorm. Allen is excited to begin work, and he has given the international students something to be excited about.
“Everyone here wants to provide the best environment for these kids,” he said.
Many were saddened to hear the news that Josh Kier left his leadership position at the dorm in January. But rest assured Jamiel Allen, the head varsity basketball coach, is ready and eager to fill the role and begin work in the dorms. For those who haven’t met Coach Allen and conversed with him before, you may not know much about him, but you undoubtedly have seen him in the Carter Athletic Center, or walking around the halls of the Upper School, making his rounds and checking on students.
Basketball has always been a huge part of Allen’s life, as he has coached for some years, and played collegiate basketball as a guard at Roanoke College. Allen played under legendary ODAC coach Page Moire, who coached the varsity basketball team in the ‘21-’22 season. Allen was an assistant coach under Moire that year, and when Moire decided to retire, Allen stepped up as the co-head coach in the ‘22-’23 season, where the team ended up earning a state playoff berth and developing a lot of their young players, which has really benefited the team now.
Allen loves basketball, and he plans on bringing over some aspects of basketball with him to the dorm. Allen mentioned that he wants to elect captains of each floor on the dorm, and have those captains make decisions for their floors.
“Major?…, not really.” was his response when questioned about changes he wanted to make, “but definitely some changes.”
Allen has been quick to fulfill this statement, as he already has started informing dorm students of the dinner schedule in advance, which has never been done before. Additionally, he has mentioned that he realizes that he has a fair amount of young adults that he has a lot of trust in. He mentions that with trust comes more responsibility, so things like later curfews for those who earn such privileges may be in order.
“I think kids having new ideas is great,” Allen said. “I want to hear about kids’ ideas.”
It is clear that Allen is willing to listen to suggestions and concerns, and will act on them as such, which is something to look forward to for dorm students. Allen is excited to begin working in the dorms, praising his staff that he finds friendly and hard working. Allen intends to provide a safe environment for kids to be successful and be the best version of themselves, he has said he is going to work hard to be the best version of himself to provide the best chance of success to the kids in the dorm. Allen is excited to begin work, and he has given the international students something to be excited about.
“Everyone here wants to provide the best environment for these kids,” he said.
autumn arrives in winter
By Aadeetri Pandey
Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents that are native to South America. Willis Hall now has a few ourselves in the form of plushies in Autumn Coleman’s class. Coleman first saw a capybara when she went to study abroad in Mendoza, Argentina, and ever since then she has loved them.
Coleman is the new Spanish teacher. She recently earned degrees in education and Spanish from Roanoke College and then went to be an assistant teacher at Glenvar middle school. She was born and raised in Roanoke and went to Salem High School.
She is excited to be teaching in the Upper School and is impressed with her student’s Spanish speaking abilities. She doesn’t have a favorite class because she enjoys the different subjects they have discussed so far. In comparison to her middle school students she feels as if they can have more deep and impactful conversations while also being on topic.
Coleman didn’t always want to be a Spanish teacher. When she first went to college she hoped to be an English teacher. While many of her professors said she should minor in Spanish, it wasn’t until she talked to one of her teachers that they convinced her to major in Spanish. She hopes that one day she can go back to school to get her master’s degree.
While Coleman isn’t a native Spanish speaker it has been a big part of her life. She first started to learn Spanish in sixth grade. It wasn’t till she went to college she realized that she truly loved the language. A lot of her close friends she met during studies abroad don’t speak English and she wouldn’t have met them if she never learned the language.
“My host mom spoke no English. And I adore her. I miss her. I still talk to her. And if I didn’t speak Spanish, I wouldn’t be able to communicate at all with her,” Coleman said. “So those relationships are really special.”
She hopes to continue being able to teach in North Cross but understands if she can’t. She says her welcome to North Cross has been very positive and is excited to see how the rest of the year plays out.
“I love it here,” Coleman said. “Have you ever had that feeling when you go into a room or a new place and you kind of feel like the oddball out? I have not felt that way at all here. That’s great. It’s been really enjoyable. The faculty has welcomed me with open arms. They treat me like I’ve been their friend for a long time.”
Capybaras are the world’s largest rodents that are native to South America. Willis Hall now has a few ourselves in the form of plushies in Autumn Coleman’s class. Coleman first saw a capybara when she went to study abroad in Mendoza, Argentina, and ever since then she has loved them.
Coleman is the new Spanish teacher. She recently earned degrees in education and Spanish from Roanoke College and then went to be an assistant teacher at Glenvar middle school. She was born and raised in Roanoke and went to Salem High School.
She is excited to be teaching in the Upper School and is impressed with her student’s Spanish speaking abilities. She doesn’t have a favorite class because she enjoys the different subjects they have discussed so far. In comparison to her middle school students she feels as if they can have more deep and impactful conversations while also being on topic.
Coleman didn’t always want to be a Spanish teacher. When she first went to college she hoped to be an English teacher. While many of her professors said she should minor in Spanish, it wasn’t until she talked to one of her teachers that they convinced her to major in Spanish. She hopes that one day she can go back to school to get her master’s degree.
While Coleman isn’t a native Spanish speaker it has been a big part of her life. She first started to learn Spanish in sixth grade. It wasn’t till she went to college she realized that she truly loved the language. A lot of her close friends she met during studies abroad don’t speak English and she wouldn’t have met them if she never learned the language.
“My host mom spoke no English. And I adore her. I miss her. I still talk to her. And if I didn’t speak Spanish, I wouldn’t be able to communicate at all with her,” Coleman said. “So those relationships are really special.”
She hopes to continue being able to teach in North Cross but understands if she can’t. She says her welcome to North Cross has been very positive and is excited to see how the rest of the year plays out.
“I love it here,” Coleman said. “Have you ever had that feeling when you go into a room or a new place and you kind of feel like the oddball out? I have not felt that way at all here. That’s great. It’s been really enjoyable. The faculty has welcomed me with open arms. They treat me like I’ve been their friend for a long time.”
Dodgeball tournament raises money for juvenile diabetes research
By Anna Ciccozzi
Scout Kappes ‘26 and her teammates proudly hold up W’s in the air following their win in this year’s Dodgeball Tournament. This November is National Diabetes Month. With the help of Leyton Sturm ‘25, Asst. Athletic Director Christopher Pollock, and the SCA, the Upper School was able to bring back last year’s dodgeball tournament to raise money to combat juvenile diabetes.
“It was a good way to raise money for diabetes,” said Kappes. “There was lots of good sportsmanship going around and it was just really fun.” Kappes’ team consisted of five girls and five guys, who all worked together to secure victories round after round. When it came to Kappes’ strategy for the game, she took a more cautious approach that helped her stay in the game. “I just hid behind everyone until there was a couple people left and then I finally got out there,” said Kappes. Scout will “absolutely play again next year,” as she tries to defend her team’s winning title.
COOKIE SALE HELPS ADD TO JD FUNDRAISER
By Maeve Parker
For this year’s JDRF dodgeball fundraiser, student Lucy Paige Ellett ‘26 decided to bring a new level of excitement to the event with her delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Lucy Paige got this brilliant idea because she wanted to find a way to bring more people into the tournament and encourage donations from our school’s community.
The night before the event, Lucy Paige spent the entire afternoon making over 150 cookies to put in 50 Zziploc bags, to make sure her cookies would be the highlight of the event.
She ended up selling every single one of the cookies with the help of Anna Ciccozzi ‘26 and Suvi Hansen ‘26.
Lucy Paige was extremely excited about the community’s support during the fundraiser.
“The tournament had a really good energy and competitive atmosphere,” she said. “Iit was such a fun thing to do for such a good cause!”
Events like these are what bring our school closer and make everyone feel like they are a part of something special. Lucy Paige summeds up this school spirit. by saying,
“Things like this are super fun to be a part of because they remind me of how much of a family our school is.”
Scout Kappes ‘26 and her teammates proudly hold up W’s in the air following their win in this year’s Dodgeball Tournament. This November is National Diabetes Month. With the help of Leyton Sturm ‘25, Asst. Athletic Director Christopher Pollock, and the SCA, the Upper School was able to bring back last year’s dodgeball tournament to raise money to combat juvenile diabetes.
“It was a good way to raise money for diabetes,” said Kappes. “There was lots of good sportsmanship going around and it was just really fun.” Kappes’ team consisted of five girls and five guys, who all worked together to secure victories round after round. When it came to Kappes’ strategy for the game, she took a more cautious approach that helped her stay in the game. “I just hid behind everyone until there was a couple people left and then I finally got out there,” said Kappes. Scout will “absolutely play again next year,” as she tries to defend her team’s winning title.
COOKIE SALE HELPS ADD TO JD FUNDRAISER
By Maeve Parker
For this year’s JDRF dodgeball fundraiser, student Lucy Paige Ellett ‘26 decided to bring a new level of excitement to the event with her delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Lucy Paige got this brilliant idea because she wanted to find a way to bring more people into the tournament and encourage donations from our school’s community.
The night before the event, Lucy Paige spent the entire afternoon making over 150 cookies to put in 50 Zziploc bags, to make sure her cookies would be the highlight of the event.
She ended up selling every single one of the cookies with the help of Anna Ciccozzi ‘26 and Suvi Hansen ‘26.
Lucy Paige was extremely excited about the community’s support during the fundraiser.
“The tournament had a really good energy and competitive atmosphere,” she said. “Iit was such a fun thing to do for such a good cause!”
Events like these are what bring our school closer and make everyone feel like they are a part of something special. Lucy Paige summeds up this school spirit. by saying,
“Things like this are super fun to be a part of because they remind me of how much of a family our school is.”
Academic Awards spring 2023
Slack Award - James Lee
Valedictorian – Colin Chandel
Salutatorian – Chase Daniel
Willis Hall Director’s Award – Kinsley Alcorn
Scott Robertson Good Citizenship Award – Chase Daniel
Cum Laude Society Inductees – Independent school honor society honoring academic achievement: Isabelle Aujla, Nathan Carey, Chase Daniels, Matt Landry, James Lee, Alexis Teter, Kate Bishop, Colin Chandel, Alex Hammond, Katie Lorens, Sally Terrill
Horace G. Fralin Global Studies Scholar Awards - Isabelle Aujla (Distinguished), Nathan Carey, Chase Daniels, Natalie Jensen, Matt Landry, James Lee, Alexis Teter
STEM Scholar Awards – Kate Bishop (Distinguished), Nathan Carey, Colin Chandel, Alex Hammond, Katie Lorens, Sally Terrill, Kyle Thomson
Fine Arts Distinction Awards – Kinsley Alcorn, Lanaya Cephas, Brooklyn Durham, Nico Eagan (Distinguished), Lani Eliades, Maria Krotov, Gracean Laine Ratliff, Kalani Weed
DeHart Project Award– Nico Eagan
Yearbook Award– Natalie Jensen
Art Award: Gracean Ratliff
Band: Kalani Weed
Drama: Matt Landry
English: Sally Terrill
History: Alexis Teter
French: Isabelle Aujla
Spanish: Chase Daniel
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal – Konur Onufer ‘24
William and Mary Leadership Award – Atillio Ciccozzi ‘24
Newspaper Journalism Award – Eason Zhou ‘24
Excellence in Writing Award– Hania Raza ‘24
The Proctor Award – Aashee Nanda ‘24
Jefferson Award – Ned Tower ‘24
Calculus: Aashee Nanda ‘24
Mathematics: Colin Chandel
Biology - Colin Chandel
Chemistry - Attilio Ciccozzi ‘24
Science - Colin Chandel
Physics - Konur Onufer ‘24
Computer Science: Konur Onufer ‘24
Latin: Jackson Patterson ‘24
Chorus: Kaeleigh Howlett ‘24
Graphic Design: Indira Weed ‘25
Valedictorian – Colin Chandel
Salutatorian – Chase Daniel
Willis Hall Director’s Award – Kinsley Alcorn
Scott Robertson Good Citizenship Award – Chase Daniel
Cum Laude Society Inductees – Independent school honor society honoring academic achievement: Isabelle Aujla, Nathan Carey, Chase Daniels, Matt Landry, James Lee, Alexis Teter, Kate Bishop, Colin Chandel, Alex Hammond, Katie Lorens, Sally Terrill
Horace G. Fralin Global Studies Scholar Awards - Isabelle Aujla (Distinguished), Nathan Carey, Chase Daniels, Natalie Jensen, Matt Landry, James Lee, Alexis Teter
STEM Scholar Awards – Kate Bishop (Distinguished), Nathan Carey, Colin Chandel, Alex Hammond, Katie Lorens, Sally Terrill, Kyle Thomson
Fine Arts Distinction Awards – Kinsley Alcorn, Lanaya Cephas, Brooklyn Durham, Nico Eagan (Distinguished), Lani Eliades, Maria Krotov, Gracean Laine Ratliff, Kalani Weed
DeHart Project Award– Nico Eagan
Yearbook Award– Natalie Jensen
Art Award: Gracean Ratliff
Band: Kalani Weed
Drama: Matt Landry
English: Sally Terrill
History: Alexis Teter
French: Isabelle Aujla
Spanish: Chase Daniel
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal – Konur Onufer ‘24
William and Mary Leadership Award – Atillio Ciccozzi ‘24
Newspaper Journalism Award – Eason Zhou ‘24
Excellence in Writing Award– Hania Raza ‘24
The Proctor Award – Aashee Nanda ‘24
Jefferson Award – Ned Tower ‘24
Calculus: Aashee Nanda ‘24
Mathematics: Colin Chandel
Biology - Colin Chandel
Chemistry - Attilio Ciccozzi ‘24
Science - Colin Chandel
Physics - Konur Onufer ‘24
Computer Science: Konur Onufer ‘24
Latin: Jackson Patterson ‘24
Chorus: Kaeleigh Howlett ‘24
Graphic Design: Indira Weed ‘25
Survey of senior class on may 18-19 using google forms via email
Coach/Dean Alexander leaves for Georgia
Testimonials to a Coach who won 3 state titles
“Over the last thirteen years, Stephen Alexander has been an important part of our North Cross community and has developed the top Division II football program in the state of Virginia. In addition to coaching his team to three state championship titles, he has earned the accolades of three-time VISAA Coach of the Year and six-time conference Coach of the Year. His mission-driven coaching model, with its focus on student leadership and accountability, has set North Cross ahead of its peers. As one parent shared with me at the beginning of last season, it’s the “X factor” that Coach Alexander brings – the focus on family and faith, on being a good person, and on the importance of representing our school well. Coach Alexander’s ability to connect with students and inspire them to be the best version of themselves is a hallmark of his coaching.” - Head of School Armistead Lemon
“Stephen Alexander has been a wonderful addition to the Upper School this year. His impact as the Dean of Students, just this year alone, will carry on for many years to come.” - Upper School Director Stephen Belderes
“I’ve been with Coach A for quite a while now and he has taught me many life lessons that I will carry with me forever. As a coach, he taught all of his players how to act both inside and outside of the classroom. Coach A left a great impact on the North Cross Community and he will definitely be missed.” - Zach Morgan ‘23
“Coach A has taught me many things over the years. He has taught valuable life lessons through football. The emotion that he shows rubs off on his players so they put in the same effort that he puts in.” - Ian Cann ‘23
“Coach A was almost like a second dad for me. Whenever I was having a bad day, he could tell, and he would make it better.” - Dylan England ‘23
“The impact Coach A had on me was out of school strong and in school strong. He led me and always had my back on and off the field, which led to a championship in my opinion.” - Ja’ziel Hart ‘26
“Stephen Alexander has been a wonderful addition to the Upper School this year. His impact as the Dean of Students, just this year alone, will carry on for many years to come.” - Upper School Director Stephen Belderes
“I’ve been with Coach A for quite a while now and he has taught me many life lessons that I will carry with me forever. As a coach, he taught all of his players how to act both inside and outside of the classroom. Coach A left a great impact on the North Cross Community and he will definitely be missed.” - Zach Morgan ‘23
“Coach A has taught me many things over the years. He has taught valuable life lessons through football. The emotion that he shows rubs off on his players so they put in the same effort that he puts in.” - Ian Cann ‘23
“Coach A was almost like a second dad for me. Whenever I was having a bad day, he could tell, and he would make it better.” - Dylan England ‘23
“The impact Coach A had on me was out of school strong and in school strong. He led me and always had my back on and off the field, which led to a championship in my opinion.” - Ja’ziel Hart ‘26
Survey on Phone policy conducted by Google Forms between Oct. 28-30
Belderes explains origin of new phone policy in interview with Herald staff
Stephen Belderes, Director of Upper School, has made many changes to North Cross. One of them is the cell phone policy. The action that led to the idea was when he was giving a tour of the upper school to some parents. Students were all sitting on their phones not interacting with each other. He wanted students to talk to each other and create a pleasant atmosphere. The policy was originally created under the supervision of the previous headmaster Dr Proctor, but it started to take effect in the beginning of headmaster Lemon first year,
“I have seen a cultural change or a cultural shift,” Belderes said. “I don't see nearly as many folks buried in their phones.”
As of the fourth week of school 40 phones had been confiscated. That's an average of three phones a day.
Belderes has been at North Cross for over 17 years; he first started as a math teacher and lacrosse coach. He taught in Dr. Hood's classroom or classroom number 10 for at least 11 years. Then he became the math department chair. When he got promoted to dean of students he had to step down as a lacrosse coach and teacher. Now he is the head of the upper school and only teaches one class, AP Calculus BC. He refers to it as his “oasis.”
“I have seen a cultural change or a cultural shift,” Belderes said. “I don't see nearly as many folks buried in their phones.”
As of the fourth week of school 40 phones had been confiscated. That's an average of three phones a day.
Belderes has been at North Cross for over 17 years; he first started as a math teacher and lacrosse coach. He taught in Dr. Hood's classroom or classroom number 10 for at least 11 years. Then he became the math department chair. When he got promoted to dean of students he had to step down as a lacrosse coach and teacher. Now he is the head of the upper school and only teaches one class, AP Calculus BC. He refers to it as his “oasis.”
Brandon chosen to be dean of academics
DEAN! Chris Brandon, the French teacher and newly named Dean of Academics wore a t-shirt in French for Small World Thursday. He explained that on his shirt is a French joke; one, two, three, four in French is un, deux, trois, quatre. Quatre and cat in French are homophones. Brandon was one of the many teachers who dressed up at school. Spirit Week was fun for him. “I have seen some wonderful outfits,” he said, “some very creative ones.” Brandon sees himself as a resource for students who are struggling academically. Photo and caption by Nhi Le
Cocowitch starts as counselor for Upper School Students
After having lived in sunny, fun and bustling San Francisco, our new counselor picked up her life and moved to Roanoke, Virginia where she is currently raising her four kids: Luke (12), Claire (10), and Grant and Camille (7) while working in North Cross School.
“I’m very excited about Cocowitch,” said Anne-Marie Sloan ‘24. “She’s very nice and very good to talk to if you need something. I think she’s a she’s a great addition to the school.”
Upper School Director Stephen Belderes amplified the compliment.
“Ms. Cocowitch very simply put makes our community better,” he said. “Her level of professionalism and relatability towards our students are perfectly meshed. She is an asset in every way in our community. She has established herself as an essential member of our community.”
Why did you choose to move from San Francisco?
In January 2005 I was living in San Francisco and working as an Academic Advisor at The Art Institute. I went on a trip to New Orleans with some of my friends from college and I met my husband Matt there. We hit it off and exchanged phone numbers and started talking on the phone regularly after that trip, which turned into a long distance relationship between Virginia and California. Professionally, I knew at that point that I wanted to get an advanced degree to become a mental health counselor. Matt went to Virginia Tech and loved it there, so I applied to their Master’s in Counseling program. I moved to Roanoke in July 2007 to start that program and to take a “leap of faith” to see if my relationship with Matt would work out. I had a feeling that it would and I was right! We got married in October 2008 and have four children: Luke (12), Claire (10), and Grant and Camille (7).
Why North Cross?
Honestly, my oldest son led me to North Cross. We have always heard good things about NCS, but didn’t really see a need for it until he had a hard time in 6th grade and needed a different environment. It just happened to work out that the Upper and Middle School Counselor position became available at the same time that we were considering sending Luke here. He is now in 7th grade and very happy. I don’t regret the decision at all; North Cross is a wonderful place and I’m enjoying getting to know everyone.
“I’m very excited about Cocowitch,” said Anne-Marie Sloan ‘24. “She’s very nice and very good to talk to if you need something. I think she’s a great addition to the school.”
Upper School Director Stephen Belderes amplified the compliment. “Ms. Cocowitch very simply put makes our community better,” he said. “Her level of professionalism and relatability towards our students are perfectly meshed. She is an asset in every way in our community. She has established herself as an essential member of our community.”
If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Probably back to San Francisco. While I really do love it here in Roanoke and think it is a great place to raise a family, nothing compares to the Bay Area in my opinion. The city is gorgeous and there’s so much to do. I miss living by the water, being closer to my college friends (I went to UC Berkeley), and I miss the restaurants. I also loved how easy it was to drive to beautiful places like Napa, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite
Why do you want to work with kids and teenagers?
I like working with children and adolescents because it’s such a critical time in life when lots of formative moments happen. A formative moment is an experience that has a lasting impact on a person because they attach a significant meaning to it about themselves. Teenagers especially need positive and supportive adults (other than their parents) to help them see challenges and set-backs as good parts of their “life story,” which build character, strength, and resilience instead of seeing it as a personal flaw or failure. There’s so much positive influence you can have on their self-esteem, identity and personality; it’s very rewarding. Plus, I love the energy and humor that students have! Coming to work here is never boring.
What are some of your long term goals?
My long-term goals on a personal level are to be a good Mom to my four children, to be healthy and active, and to make sure the people I care about know how much they mean to me. On a professional level, I’d like to be seen as a trusted and helpful resource to the North Cross community, to combat the stigma that still exists around getting mental health support, and to maybe write a book one day. We’ll see!
“I’m very excited about Cocowitch,” said Anne-Marie Sloan ‘24. “She’s very nice and very good to talk to if you need something. I think she’s a she’s a great addition to the school.”
Upper School Director Stephen Belderes amplified the compliment.
“Ms. Cocowitch very simply put makes our community better,” he said. “Her level of professionalism and relatability towards our students are perfectly meshed. She is an asset in every way in our community. She has established herself as an essential member of our community.”
Why did you choose to move from San Francisco?
In January 2005 I was living in San Francisco and working as an Academic Advisor at The Art Institute. I went on a trip to New Orleans with some of my friends from college and I met my husband Matt there. We hit it off and exchanged phone numbers and started talking on the phone regularly after that trip, which turned into a long distance relationship between Virginia and California. Professionally, I knew at that point that I wanted to get an advanced degree to become a mental health counselor. Matt went to Virginia Tech and loved it there, so I applied to their Master’s in Counseling program. I moved to Roanoke in July 2007 to start that program and to take a “leap of faith” to see if my relationship with Matt would work out. I had a feeling that it would and I was right! We got married in October 2008 and have four children: Luke (12), Claire (10), and Grant and Camille (7).
Why North Cross?
Honestly, my oldest son led me to North Cross. We have always heard good things about NCS, but didn’t really see a need for it until he had a hard time in 6th grade and needed a different environment. It just happened to work out that the Upper and Middle School Counselor position became available at the same time that we were considering sending Luke here. He is now in 7th grade and very happy. I don’t regret the decision at all; North Cross is a wonderful place and I’m enjoying getting to know everyone.
“I’m very excited about Cocowitch,” said Anne-Marie Sloan ‘24. “She’s very nice and very good to talk to if you need something. I think she’s a great addition to the school.”
Upper School Director Stephen Belderes amplified the compliment. “Ms. Cocowitch very simply put makes our community better,” he said. “Her level of professionalism and relatability towards our students are perfectly meshed. She is an asset in every way in our community. She has established herself as an essential member of our community.”
If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you go?
Probably back to San Francisco. While I really do love it here in Roanoke and think it is a great place to raise a family, nothing compares to the Bay Area in my opinion. The city is gorgeous and there’s so much to do. I miss living by the water, being closer to my college friends (I went to UC Berkeley), and I miss the restaurants. I also loved how easy it was to drive to beautiful places like Napa, Lake Tahoe, and Yosemite
Why do you want to work with kids and teenagers?
I like working with children and adolescents because it’s such a critical time in life when lots of formative moments happen. A formative moment is an experience that has a lasting impact on a person because they attach a significant meaning to it about themselves. Teenagers especially need positive and supportive adults (other than their parents) to help them see challenges and set-backs as good parts of their “life story,” which build character, strength, and resilience instead of seeing it as a personal flaw or failure. There’s so much positive influence you can have on their self-esteem, identity and personality; it’s very rewarding. Plus, I love the energy and humor that students have! Coming to work here is never boring.
What are some of your long term goals?
My long-term goals on a personal level are to be a good Mom to my four children, to be healthy and active, and to make sure the people I care about know how much they mean to me. On a professional level, I’d like to be seen as a trusted and helpful resource to the North Cross community, to combat the stigma that still exists around getting mental health support, and to maybe write a book one day. We’ll see!
Coach becomes Dean Alexander
Stephen Alexander is known as a highly successful football coach, having won two state championships, multiple conference championships and just recorded his 100th win at NCS.
He also ran the dormitory for the first five years, but when resigning from the position, he was left with a difficult choice. Dr. Proctor, the former headmaster of North Cross, talked to him about the job of dean of students.
Alexander grew up with a family that valued athletics, so he became good at sports, particularly football and lacrosse.
“My greatest influence in athletics was my father,” Alexander said in an email. “He was a teacher and a coach of many sports, and I followed in his footsteps in many ways.”
This is his 13th season coaching football at North Cross.
“He pushes us pretty hard in practice,” said Justin Jones ‘26, “and you know he is a good coach.”
He grew up in Western Pennsylvania where football is a very popular sport. That was one of the things that influenced him to stay because he wanted to continue coaching the group of seniors for their last football season. He also wanted to stay in Roanoke for his family because he enjoys it here. Ultimately those were the reasons that made him stay and have the job of dean of students.
In that time he always aspires to do the best of his capacities and understands the significance of each and everyone of his roles at North Cross. “I always circle back to this when I think of Mr. Alexander, ‘’ said Upper School Director Stephen Belderes. “He always says the phrase, ‘be better.’ It’s his motivation and hard work that got him to where he is now.”
“I think he does an amazingly good job in managing our student body, everything from to if you’re wearing a belt or if you’re wearing a blue blazer, just follow the rules,” said Belderes. “He holds everyone accountable, as fairly and equitably as possible.”
The thing that Alexander dislikes about his new job as Dean of Students is that he has to police students about the dress code and the new cell phone policy. He understands the importance of the policies.
“I think it has been a good start to the school year, “Alexander said in an email. “I hope our best days are ahead of us.”
The part of the job he enjoys the most is interacting with students.
“I believe North Cross is full of talented young people with such a wide array of interests,” Alexander said in an email. “That is a fun atmosphere in which to work."
He also ran the dormitory for the first five years, but when resigning from the position, he was left with a difficult choice. Dr. Proctor, the former headmaster of North Cross, talked to him about the job of dean of students.
Alexander grew up with a family that valued athletics, so he became good at sports, particularly football and lacrosse.
“My greatest influence in athletics was my father,” Alexander said in an email. “He was a teacher and a coach of many sports, and I followed in his footsteps in many ways.”
This is his 13th season coaching football at North Cross.
“He pushes us pretty hard in practice,” said Justin Jones ‘26, “and you know he is a good coach.”
He grew up in Western Pennsylvania where football is a very popular sport. That was one of the things that influenced him to stay because he wanted to continue coaching the group of seniors for their last football season. He also wanted to stay in Roanoke for his family because he enjoys it here. Ultimately those were the reasons that made him stay and have the job of dean of students.
In that time he always aspires to do the best of his capacities and understands the significance of each and everyone of his roles at North Cross. “I always circle back to this when I think of Mr. Alexander, ‘’ said Upper School Director Stephen Belderes. “He always says the phrase, ‘be better.’ It’s his motivation and hard work that got him to where he is now.”
“I think he does an amazingly good job in managing our student body, everything from to if you’re wearing a belt or if you’re wearing a blue blazer, just follow the rules,” said Belderes. “He holds everyone accountable, as fairly and equitably as possible.”
The thing that Alexander dislikes about his new job as Dean of Students is that he has to police students about the dress code and the new cell phone policy. He understands the importance of the policies.
“I think it has been a good start to the school year, “Alexander said in an email. “I hope our best days are ahead of us.”
The part of the job he enjoys the most is interacting with students.
“I believe North Cross is full of talented young people with such a wide array of interests,” Alexander said in an email. “That is a fun atmosphere in which to work."