Something to talk about

I recently found myself in a social conversation with a potential upper school parent about why they should consider North Cross for their daughter. I am capable of conversing on a number of other topics but much to the chagrin of Ellie, this is a topic that I speak on frequently this time of year.

When having this conversation, I always begin with an impassioned recitation of our statistics, all of which are the highest in the Valley, but my big finish is always talking in the abstract about the successes of our individual students. It is not surprising to me that this is the big finish because nothing sells North Cross like the incredible achievements of our students.  We are so fortunate that we attract students with diverse interests and talents but I am afraid to try to mention them all because I am sure to forget an amazing achievement. 

Here is what I propose. I am going to start the conversation off by bragging on a few of our students.  What I need from you is to email me, respond to this blog post, Facebook the school, hit us up on Instagram, call Susan Baker, or write down on a piece of paper the amazing accomplishments of your or your friend’s child.  We will compile a list and I will refer to this list each time I find myself in a conversation.

So, off we go…

Nalin Jha ’19 finished with a gold medal for Chess at the VA Commonwealth Games this past July, finishing above a national chess master. 

Ryan Huddleston ’21, had a solo in Roanoke Opera’s production of Tosca this spring in which Kalani Weed ’23 also performed as a member of the chorus. Ryan is currently in La Boheme.

Olivia Bloch ’19 kept Violet Beauregarde in line as her mother in Mill Mountain’s Production of Willy Wonka, Jr. and who wouldn’t have felt for young Ralphie as Mariah Eakin ’22, playing Esther Jane, made her romantic intentions so persistently obvious in the same company's production of A Christmas Story. 
Chloe Hunt ’21 was in yet another production for Roanoke Children's Theatre as a cast member in their seasonal "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever."
Joe Cranwell, Chester Pruitt, and Neil Evett, all Class of 2018, became Eagle Scouts this fall.

Patrick Daly ‘20 and the fabulous Bao Brothers, Kevin ’18 and Brian ’20 will be performing in the All-District band this weekend.
You get the idea and I do not want you to be bashful.  Anything that has happened in the past year is fair game for our list!

I can’t wait to see what greatness is out there.