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Carter Cole ‘21 brings an impressive sports record to the table, winning not only a lacrosse state championship during his freshman year, but also a football state championship during 2019-2020 as a wide receiver.
“My favorite experience at North Cross has been winning the state championship in lacrosse freshman year,” Cole said during an email interview, “Hard practices with the boys led to this achievement.” One of Cole’s teammates in the 2019-2020 varsity football team, Ian Cann ‘23, a fellow wide receiver and a cornerback, sees in Cole an exemplary member that fuels the team’s motivation when asked about his opinion on Cole as an athlete “Cater Cole was a big part of this year's football team.” Cann said, “He wasn't the leader that told you that you need to do this but he was the type to lead the team by example. He pushed everyone to practice harder and compete to be the best player they could be.” Cole’s football coach, Stephen Alexander, shares much of Cann’s sentiment on Cole as a great motivator for the team. “I am very appreciative of Carter's contributions to the football program the past two seasons.” Alexander said, “Even though the program was quite successful in 2019 and 2020, we were struggling with a small roster size. So, Carter joining the team in 2019 was a big boost for us. Not only did he find a starting role as a wide receiver as a junior, he also emerged as a very quality punter. Additionally, Carter is a very well-liked and respected young man amongst his teammates.” Besides having an impressive record in sports, Cole also has a sense of artistry, with his favorite subject being graphics design, taught by Sarah Sledd. “She sparked my interest in graphic design and taught me everything I know on the computer.” One of Cole’s works, featured on the 2019-2020 NCS gallery art show, is called “Dreamville Sorry!”. It is an aesthetic redesign of the board game “Sorry!”, with American record label Dreamville Records, founded by hip hop artist J. Cole, as its main feature. “My game was a redesigned “Sorry!” game,” Cole said. “ I decided to include various artists from the record label as each team on the board and to incorporate color schemes from an album that had dropped closer to the time.” Cole enjoys spending his free time with his friends and family and generally being an active person. He also enjoys indulging himself in art and lacrosse. With all the experience that Cole has gathered as a senior, he advises the newer generations of North Cross to get involved and to use the resources given by North Cross and from their own to do the best they can in highschool. “I would recommend for new students to get involved and to use your resources to your advantage.” Cole said.
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Gabe Zappia ‘21 has contributed significantly to North Cross’ varsity lacrosse team with seven years being on the team.
“I would say my favorite experience at North Cross was athletics and the friends I have made.” Zappia said during an email interview. “The Football and lacrosse coaches and some faculty that I talked with in fifth grade assured me I would get a good education and have a great experience playing sports. Also, Geist Pollock was my ambassador when I visited North Cross and he did a great job recruiting me.” Christopher Pollock, head coach of boys varsity lacrosse, acknowledges Zappia’s potential for a professional lacrosse career. “Gabe is a tremendous player on the lacrosse team,” Pollock said. “He has been a starter since the 9th grade and brings speed, stick skills and a great lacrosse ID to the team. He plays both attack and midfield for the team and has great potential as he moves onto Flagler College.” One of Zappia’s fellow lacrosse teammates, Carlton Ward ‘21, shares Pollock’s sentiment on Zappia being a great contributor and motivator for the team. “Gabe brings a lot of energy to the team everyday at practice,” Ward said. “He pushed his teammates to compete and try to get better. I've been playing with Gabe for 5 years now and he’s always had that energy.” Zappia’s best memories throughout his years in North Cross are all from the moments he shared with his teammates. “...I have three favorite moments in my sports career,” Zappia said. “The first was winning the lacrosse state championship as a freshman because I had a great time playing/celebrating with the team and my brother made the shot to win the game with one second left, I will never forget that. The second was winning the football state championship as a junior because I had a lot of great friends and the whole team had good chemistry. That meant a lot to me because I have practiced with the varsity team since the 7th grade and started playing when I was around 6. The other best experience was the bus ride home after losing the football state championship in my sophomore year. It was not a good feeling after losing, but we bonded and had a good time thinking about the best moments during the season.” Ward states that the enthusiasm of Zapppia leaves a profound impression on new players for the team. Zappia pushes the players out of their comfort zone and to try out new things. Zappia seems to reflect Ward’s statement. He gives new players important advice for the upcoming future. “My advice for future lacrosse players is to do a lot of wall ball and build chemistry with the whole team to play better and make friendships.” Zappia said. “Also, work hard and win some more state championships for the school.” Pollock has enjoyed watching Zappia develop and offers Zappia some advice for college. “My advice for Gabe is to take advantage of every opportunity he will get by playing college lacrosse.” Pollock said. “Be a great teammate and leader. Listen to your coaches and work hard. He picked Flagler as he knows he will get an opportunity to play right away. Work hard this summer before you get to school and everything will take care of itself.” Written by Kevin Dinh Le states that the art course offered by Amy Jackson, of the art department chair and upper school studio art, is her favorite subject.
“I’ll say art class with Mrs. Jackson (has been my favorite),” said Le during an email interview “I have always loved art and from this class I got a chance to have a wider, deeper look at my future career path.” Le’s passion in art has been recognized by Jackson, who sees in Le a very talented artist with an exceptional technical skill and creative approach. Jackson also appears impressed at one of Le’s projects, called ABB (A Better Bite). “Her Facebook initiative is a great example of how she uses her art talents (beautiful digital drawings) for social good (to educate people about healthy eating),” Jackson said. Le also participates in the designing staff of the yearbook staff. Nicki Dabney, the lead staff of yearbook, recognizes Le’s talent for art and her contributions for the staff. “Tammie has been distance learning from Vietnam, and that presents a significant challenge to involvement in making the yearbook, which is largely dependent upon being on campus to take photos, interview students, and work on spreads,” Dabney said, “Tammie is an amazing artist, and luckily, art can be produced anywhere. Tammie's most significant contribution to the yearbook has been her design of our cover and endsheets, projects that required a lot of time and energy. They are unlike anything we have done in the past, and I think students are going to be incredibly excited when they see the final product.” Dabney elaborates further on how Le’s work ethic sets an example for future generations of yearbook staff. “The yearbook is a collaborative project, and being remote can make collaboration difficult,” Dabney said, “Tammie set a good example of logging into class on a regular basis and contributing what she could even though she was not here in person. Tammie remained in close communication with me, which was very helpful because I could assign her new tasks and assess her ability to complete projects. She persisted in reaching out to teachers whom she needed to collaborate with for certain assignments, and she also managed to interview some of her peers and write features on them.” Besides art, Le also shares an interest in bakery. She enjoys her free time doing arts, playing games, baking and hanging out with her friends. Le shares her highschool advice to incoming students of North Cross, saying that they should not be nervous and open up to new people and new teachers “Just don't be scared,” Le said, “put some more confidence and open up to people, especially the teachers!” Le has disclosed in an email interview that she will be going to an art school. Jackson encourages Le to be timely and energetic. “Go to every class and be open to every opportunity!,” Jackson said. Rebecca Kess ‘21 has worked as an emergency medical technician for more than two years whilst being a North Cross student at the same time. Kess was introduced to North Cross when her family relocated to Roanoke from London. “I originally came to North Cross in 6th grade because my family had just relocated to Roanoke from London, England.” Kess said during an email interview. “I love how close everyone is at North Cross. It truly is a family and everyone is so close.” Whilst studying in North Cross, Kess decided to volunteer as an emergency medical technician. Kess’s job consists of responding to emergency calls and delivering patients care and support in a prehospital setting. “Our calls range from helping people off the floor who have fallen, to car accidents, house fires, medical codes, strokes, heart attacks and even to a mass casualty incident,” Kess said. “ Probably one of my most memorable was a few months ago, an elderly woman choked on food and then went into cardiac arrest. We did everything we could and revived her but unfortunately she later passed away at the hospital. One of my earlier calls in my EMS career was a car accident for someone who had overdosed while diving and crashed head on into a tree at high speed. At the hospital we got to go into the trauma bay which was an amazingly cool experience and the man actually ended up surviving the crash.” Kess reflects the stressful nature of being an emergency medical technician when she talks about her personal hardships working in the field. “I think the hardest part of working as an EMT is seeing and dealing with some hard calls.” Kess said. “You see things that nobody should have to see but at the end of the day you have maybe saved someone's life. Additionally the unknown of what kind of calls you are going to get during a shift is hard too. Always having to be ready to go in a split second. I think the biggest thing that has shaped me is to learn to stand up for yourself and to keep your head up no matter what call you have or whatever situation you are put in. Also, that you never know what day might be your last so live life to the fullest and don’t regret anything.” Kess has not enjoyed as vibrant a student life as she would have hoped due to her volunteering efforts, but she does immerse herself in a variety of activities. “...I wish I had immersed myself more in clubs, sports and activities.” Kess said. “Ever since I came to North Cross everyone always told me to and I wish I had listened to them. “ Kess also advises future generations of students who wish to volunteer in the same line of work as hers. “Get experience young and really find out what you love.” Kess said. “It will be a lot of hard work and not always fun but looking back on it I have never had any better life experiences than the ones at rescue. “ Andrew Eigenfeld ‘21 has been at North Cross since his junior year of high school. With his diverse interests and activities, like global studies and astronomy, North Cross has provided him with many great opportunities.
Among his various classes, Astronomy is his favorite subject, as the teacher, Dr. Timothy Naginey, is “easy to have a conversation with.” Eigenfeld added that Dr. Naginey is his favorite teacher. “He has a solid relationship with his close friends and he loves a good laugh.” Dr. Naginey said, “I've really enjoyed having him as a student this year in Astronomy; I always look forward to the well-placed jokes he works into his presentations.” During his years at North Cross, Eigenfeld was also introduced to skateboarding and weightlifting by two of his friends, Andrew Sexton ‘21 and Cole Thompson ‘21, who have both known him for over ten years. Eigenfeld also has an interest in global studies, which is why he attended Model UN, where people from around the world come to play the roles of delegates from their assigned countries. Eigenfeld said he enjoyed it because he was able to make so many new friends. Recently, Eigenfeld presented his DeHart speech, on the topic of the Roman Empire. He explained the collapse of the empire, and if it could have been prevented. “I thought the fact that he wrote his speech about the Roman empire was very predictable, mostly because he was born in Rome,” said Thompson. “He also knows a lot about other countries, especially European ones. So I'm not surprised at the topic he chose for his speech.” Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, much of his time at North Cross has been affected. He expressed that he does not like doing school virtually and that the pandemic has made it difficult for him to participate in sports. “I dislike distance learning and think it is ineffective,” Eigenfeld said. “It was hard to play club sports because of covid.” After high school, Eigenfeld wants to become a Physician Assistant or possibly a medical doctor. Currently, he has not decided which college he wants to go to, but his second choice is Quinnipiac University. Written by Hania Raza Chase Robertson ‘21 is Attending Anderson University in South Carolina to Continue Playing Lacrosse5/18/2021 Chase Robertson ‘21 has chosen to attend Anderson University in South Carolina. He will be able to play at a high level of lacrosse and get a well rounded education there.
Robertson has been interested in lacrosse for a long time. “I constantly wanted to go outside and play,” Robertson said, “so when I was able to begin organized sports, I fell in love with lacrosse and basketball.” He has continued his career in lacrosse at North Cross School since 2019, and he plays defence on the team. The lacrosse team’s coach, Christopher Pollock, said that Robertson has been a great leader for the team throughout the last two years. “He has started the last two years, but has been playing lacrosse for club teams for years with some of the other seniors,” Pollock said. “Chase has been a great addition to the team and North Cross community.” Robertson has also played on the Varsity basketball team at North Cross for the last three years. Shannon Taylor, the coach of the team, said that Robertson is willing to do whatever he can to help the team win. “Chase was the toughest player on the team and often guarded the other teams biggest player, often giving up four to six inches,” Taylor said. “Chase was the heart of the team, he was our enforcer, he was a pleasure to coach.” Robertson said that playing lacrosse and basketball has been his favorite experience at North Cross. “I was able to play lacrosse with the same guys I started my career with,” Robertson said, “at a program that is unmatched in Roanoke.” During the last few months, many sports practices and events have been affected due to COVID-19. Robertson expressed that, with all of the COVID precautions, playing sports has become harder. “I've had to test every week so there has been a possibility of me or my team not being able to play certain games,” Robertson said. “I've also had to practice more spaced out by my teammates and we haven't been able to do certain drills.” For his future life and career, Robertson looks up to his father. Despite coming from a low income background, his father worked hard throughout school to advance in life. “My role model would be my father, Stuart,” Robertson said. “He is able to give me a lot of privileges in life such as private school, a car, and a phone; all stuff he wasn't able to get from his parents. I hope that I am able to provide for my kids the way he has done.” To new students, Robertson’s advice is to “embrace the North Cross community by participating in as many clubs or sports as possible. Also don't over stress about school work, stress doesn't do you any good, especially in school.” Written by Hania Raza Davis Yeaman ‘21 was very happy when he found out he got accepted into Ferrum College. He is following the footsteps of his brother to attend Ferrum, so he can play baseball with him there.
Ever since he was young, Yeaman has been interested in baseball. His brother and father play baseball, so Yeaman wanted to do the same. “Growing up watching my brother play,” Yeaman said, “and my dad always telling me stories when he played.” Yeaman expressed that his brother is his biggest role model. “He pushes me to be better at everything everyday.” Baseball is one of the main reasons why Yeaman came to North Cross School. He has been in the North Cross baseball team since his freshman year of high school, and is now the team’s lead off hitter. Yeaman’s baseball coach, Eric Lawrence, said that Yeaman’s “most notable contribution to the team is his unfailing ability to put the team first.” Lawrence added that Yeaman has “spectacular athleticism and jaw dropping plays.” Lawrence said that Yeaman stays positive and encourages other players. He makes sure that everything on the field is done right and is always the last to leave. “Davis is our ‘go to guy’ for everything,” Lawrence said. “He does anything that is asked of him to the very best of his ability and effort.” During his first year at North Cross, Yeaman said his favorite experience was being able to meet so many new people. Dr. Wanda Finney, the high school and middle school Latin teacher, helped him a lot on his first few days. “I didn’t know where to go or what to do,” Yeaman said, “and she helped me tremendously.” Yeaman added that his favorite class is Latin, as he can be himself, and he understands it well. "Davis engages with the material we translate and discuss,” Dr. Finney said. “He participates actively in class and that includes those where he is on Zoom." Yeaman’s last year of high school has been different because of COVID-19. He said that after the pandemic hit, school has become easier for him. Teachers are being more understanding this year because many students are learning over Zoom. In the future, he plans on going to PA school. “My dad and brother have given me a big interest in going into the medical field.” Written by Hania Raza Sam Clark, Fat Pencil and Fine Arts Distinction recipient, heads to the University of Tennessee5/17/2021 Sam Clark (21), an upcoming graduate, reflected back on his North Cross experience fondly. Clark has led a sports-oriented high school career, participating in three different athletic programs. Clark has been involved in the track and field, cross country, and tennis programs.
Clearly, Clark is interested in athletics, as he has spent countless after-school hours working as a member of assorted sports teams. In fact, one of Clark’s favorite teachers at the school helps out with tennis. Mr. Robillard, our Director of Global Studies and History Department Chair, is a teacher Clark speaks fondly of. “Mr. Robillard and I shared a strong bond over tennis, as he has helped out a lot with the team,” Clark says. “When it comes to teaching the amount of enthusiasm and encouragement that Mr. Robillard provides to his students is unparalleled,” Clark notes about the style of Robillard’s teaching. Aside from school, Clark has a couple activities he likes to do. Clark enjoys the sport golf which he plays with his friends, and working out. Clark’s role model is Chris Bumstead, a 26-year-old Canadian bodybuilder. Bumstead often competes in physique competitions, and has won several titles through his career. Clark’s favorite food is a burrito and his favorite subject is art. When asked the type of person Clark would describe himself as, he said “I like to try and make the best out of any situation.” Hanging on the glass window of the senior center, is a sticky note with Clark’s name on it. The note says that he is committed to the University of Tennessee, where he will be a 2025 graduate. Clark plans to study finance and minor in political science. After college, Clark hopes to live in New York City. Clark has made quite the impression on Mr. Dickenson, English teacher and head coach of cross country & track and field. “Sam was a great part of the team,” Dickenson says about Clark’s participation in track. “He has a great sense of humor, he gets out there, he works hard, he’s dedicated, he’s coachable, he listens, and he’s just a fun guy to be around,” Dickenson adds. Dickenson recalls coaching Clark as a child and his growth throughout the years. Ms. Wenk, SCA advisor, also speaks highly of Clark. “Sam is a quiet leader, which I respect very much,” Wenk says. “Everybody likes Sam, he always puts others before himself.” With graduation nearing, Clark remembers his past years at the school. He remembers his participation in tennis as his favorite high school experience. Clark values the opportunity to have gotten to play with his closest friends in a sport he is very passionate about. He emphasizes the incredible friends he has made here. “Being at this school for 14 years has helped me create a family-like bond with many of my classmates,” he says. Clark is wished the best of luck in future endeavors. Written by Helen Hertz Upcoming 2021 graduate, Caitlin Robinson, has been very involved in upper school activities. Robinson has participated in four years of North Cross soccer, Ski Club, Model UN, and a year of cross country as a freshman. Rachelle Phillips, Spanish teacher and head of GSA, has gotten the opportunity to watch Robinson grow up. Phillips and Robinson met when Robinson was in the 9th grade. Then, a Spanish II student, now a Spanish V student, increase in Robinson’s academic maturity is noted by Phillips.. Phillips recalls Robinson’s enthusiasm while working on the Spanish V winter exam. “She really jumped into it,” Phillips says, “and enjoyed the experience of doing something so official feeling.” Robinson praises Phillips' understanding of the pandemic, and how she is a “super sweet teacher”. Robinson’s hobbies include working out and reading. She describes herself as a “student who values academics with a strong work ethic.” Her hard work has certainly paid off, as Robinson has been accepted and committed to the University of Virginia. Amy Bagliani, STEM coordinator, Computer Science teacher, Coding Club advisor, and Head Coach of the girls tennis team, speaks highly of Robinson. Bagliani has been Robinson’s advisor for the entirety of her four-year high school career. Robinson is also in Bagliani’s Computer Science class. Bagliani recalls asking Robinson what the reason for her taking this course was. “She believes it is a skill she will need in the future,” Bagliani says, “which I also believe.” Like Phillips, Bagliani has enjoyed watching Robinson mature. Bagliani has watched Robinson go from a “young yet secure ninth grader,” to “the mature young lady she is today.” Bagliani is “so excited” that Robinson has been accepted into UVA. “Her hard work and perseverance has paid off”. Exiting high school, Robinson reflects onto her experience. She loves the small class sizes of North Cross. She remembers her 8th grade field trip as her favorite memory. With no further plans than attending UVA, Robinson is set to embark on her journey into adulthood. Written by Helen Hertz If you asked for a list of every event that takes place at North Cross, you will almost certainly find that Chloe Hunt (21) has dabbled in the subject. From varsity tennis, to Willis Hall Herald Editor-in-chief, Hunt has taken advantage of just about every opportunity offered at the school.
“My favorite subject is anything related to global affairs,” is Hunt's response to the standard “Favorite subject?” question. This explains her participation in the Global Studies program, Model UN, and interest in becoming a diplomat or politician later in life. In fact, some of Hunt’s favorite memories at North Cross have been through the Model UN program. “I went on three trips to Harvard Model United Nations and cannot describe the impact that the program has had on me,” Hunt recalls, “Engaging in academic dialogue with students from across the world is something that I hope other students get to experience throughout high school.” Model UN has allowed her to interact with students from all over the world, such as, Peru, Australia, and Myanmar. Hunt expresses that she values being able to hear worldly issues from another perspective after being “accustomed to the American perspective.” Apart from Global Studies, Hunt has been involved in Spanish Club, Green Club, the Fine Arts Program, and has been captain of the tennis team. Hunt has been on the varsity tennis team since she was a freshman. In the regular seasons for the past two years, Hunt has gone undefeated in singles. “The tennis team is really unique in that we are all friends on the court and off the court.” It is unsurprising to hear that Hunt is interested in the Green Club this matter as a lifelong vegetarian and on-and-off vegan. “I like animals and care for our environment and its preservation, so this just felt natural to me,” Hunt stated. Never having had a hamburger or hotdog in her life, Hunt has explored vegetarian options both locally at Cafe Asia, and internationally in Latin America. Hunt stayed with a host family in San Juan in the summer of her 10th grade year. During that time, she had a vegetarian assado she considered “life-changing”. Off campus, Hunt enjoys walking her dogs, reading, working for political campaigns, and spending time with her family. Hunt also mentions a game called “Word Hunt” on the Game Pidgeon application that she is “obsessed” with. In this game, you have a minute to strand random letters together to create words. “A lot of my close friends know this, but I really like words and grammar,” is Hunt's response to the question of “What might people not know about you?” Hunt’s extensive vocabulary is evident when reading her written work or listening to her speak. Hunt plans on attending the University of Pennsylvania in the fall. As previously mentioned, Hunt hopes to work in the United Nations in Geneva. As for living conditions after graduations, Hunt mentioned the possibility of living with Mahum Hashmi, fellow senior and one of Hunt’s closest friends. “She is someone who brings a lot of energy to whatever environment she is placed in,” Hashmi says, “And she motivates me to work harder and achieve my own goals.” Hashmi also describes Hunt as a student who “knows what she wants” whether it be college or an internship. Hunt's favorite thing about North Cross is the community. Hunt offers, “It is easy to find your niche if you just put yourself out there.” Written by Helen Hertz |
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