February 2022
Academy Alumni in the News
Kristie Sun ’15 (pictured), a medical student at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and a public health graduate from Johns Hopkins, served as a co-lead author on a study titled "High Sensitivity and NPV for BinaxNOW Rapid Antigen Test in Children at a Mass Testing Site During Prevalent Delta Variant." The results from the study suggest that rapid COVID-19 testing can be confidently used to screen for children and teens who are infected but not showing symptoms, according to the researchers. Kristie was quoted by U.S. News & World Report saying "We hope that these results can inform educators in developing appropriate testing procedures to keep children in school." Also included in this month's press clips are Jennifer Neal Bardavid ’97, Avishar Barua ’05, Brian Brooks ’87, Evelyn R. Carter ’06, SueSan Chen ’14, Adam S. Cook ’97, Lauren D’Souza ’10, Courtney Gittins ’14, Morgan Harper ’01, Eliana Jenkins ’20, Tom Manning ’84, Todd Y. Park ’90, Rick Ricart ’98, Kiersten Thomassey ’20, Ryan Vesler ’01 and Patricia J. Zettler ’98 as well as an obituary for Gansey Russell Johnston III ’57.

Did you know "Alumni in the News" is consistently the most read section of the Alumni Newsletter? We want to hear from you! If you have clips that you have authored or where you are featured (either in print or on the web), please pass them along for future issues. Press clippings can be sent to Director of Alumni Relations Melissa Clarke Beckett at beckettm@columbusacademy.org.
Remembering Carol Krell
We are saddened to share that former faculty member Carol Krell passed on January 23, 2022, in Athens, Georgia. Known for her toughness, persistence and dedication as well as her rigorous program of reading, writing and diagramming sentences, Carol taught at Columbus Academy from 1973 until her retirement in 1997.

Originally from Pittsburgh where she obtained her master’s degree, Carol considered Columbus her home after moving here in 1950. While she taught all levels during her illustrious career, from second grade to college and even teaching guitar lessons, Carol said she found her niche teaching eighth-graders. According to Carol, “I fell madly in love with teaching and getting to know wonderful young people.” Carol initiated the “Power of the Pen” program – later re-named “Star Writers” – where she attempted to extrapolate even more from her best writers.

In 2014, Carol received the Alumni Service Award, an honor designed to recognize a member of the faculty or staff who has distinguished him/herself through a commitment to the school through service to his/her students. Carol was a teacher who was firm in her instruction and demanded the very best from her students. Many students credited Carol for guiding their transition from simple prose to insightful and thoughtful dissertations on topics as diverse as Chaucer and quantum mechanics.

To read her obituary, click here.
Alumni Career Advice Podcast & Video Library
Did you know we have an online library full of career advice from Columbus Academy alumni? From podcasts to video replays of past career panels, alumni across the country and in varying job fields have volunteered their time to give insights into what makes up their day-to-day work as well as advice on how to get started exploring a career in the arts, business, government/politics, health care, sports and more! This library also included recordings from our Continuing the Quest series and the last two virtual Career Fairs.

Thanks to our Student Alumni Board Representatives from the past two years Aislinn Ahern ’22, McKenna Chow ’22, Patrick Daly ’21, Sejal Jindal ’21, Cassidy Jones ’22, Jared Kass ’21, Nia Law ’21, Suelin Qu ’21, Christopher Shen ’22, Charles Stoner ’22 and Aleeza Yakoob ’22 who have served as hosts of several of these podcast-style interviews, including over 20 episodes that you can listen to from anywhere on your favorite streaming platform.

Save the Date for Alumni Weekend 2022
Alumni Weekend 2022 is a wonderful chance to rediscover Columbus Academy and to renew your lifelong connection to this special place. On September 23-24, we will be thrilled to welcome back all graduates with class years ending in 2 and 7 as well as the members of the Class of 1971 who have been patiently waiting since last fall to celebrate their 50th Reunion. 

Alumni, friends, and family members will gather on campus for two days of celebration, learning and camaraderie. It's a fantastic opportunity to not only reconnect with friends and classmates, but to also see first hand how your alma mater has grown into the school it is today. Weekend events include class parties, campus tours, athletic events, family friendly activities and a free picnic lunch courtesy of the Office of Alumni Relations.

Coming in from out of town? A block of rooms will be reserved at the Aloft Columbus Easton at a discounted rate of $169/night. Click here to book your room at our discounted rate. Reservations must be made by August 23.
Theatre Lobby Dedicated to Susan Neal
“My favorite memories of all are of standing in the theatre lobby after a show and seeing the pride and joy on the faces of the cast and crew as they greeted their friends and families.” That was a quote from the late Susan Neal, so it is fitting that the area outside our Schoedinger Theatre is now named in her honor.

The dedication of the Susan Neal Lobby took place on January 29, 2022, and included an introduction by Middle School Dean Susan Carter followed by remarks from Head of School Melissa Soderberg, Susan’s husband Scott Neal and daughter Jenny Neal Bardavid ’97. The program also included a performance by senior Maddie Kazatsky accompanied by Music Assistant Jenni Kristoff. The piece “Flight” by musical theatre composer Craig Carnelia was selected by Choral Music Director Amy Brooks, who shared that the lyrics made her instantly think of Susan and how she always lived her life to the absolute fullest. After the dedication, a reception took place in the Morris Hall Art Gallery that included a special toast to Susan by faculty member Amy Seymore, a longtime colleague and close friend of Susan’s.

Click on the following links for coverage of the evening's events: photos, video.
Duo of Stellar Vikings Inducted into Athletic Hall of Fame
Columbus Academy's Athletic Hall of Fame grew to 45 members on February 5 as Ed Carter '96 and Katie Walker '02 were officially inducted into the group. Alumni Board president Scott Gurwin '82 presented the newest inductees with their hall-of-fame plaques after they were introduced and gave a reception speech. The duo was then recognized at halftime of the boys varsity basketball game (pictured with Athletic Director Jason Singleton and Head of School Melissa Soderberg).

Ed, a four-sport athlete in tennis, cross country, football and basketball, remarked during his speech of the role that the many coaches and faculty members played in his development as an athlete at Columbus Academy. “I was a lifer at Academy and had some really great teachers and coaches over the years who all contributed to teaching me how to be a better athlete," said Ed. "I was always proud at Academy and to be in this hall of fame now is extraordinary, it's humbling, and it’s an honor to join this group.” He was introduced by his brother Matt Carter '00.


Katie, a three-sport athlete in basketball, track and volleyball, noted the impact of her family's legacy at Columbus Academy and traced its important history leading up to her induction. “My uncle James ’68 and dad Charlie ’69 were two of the first Black graduates at Academy,” Katie said. “I was the first Black legacy graduate at Academy and my uncle James was the first Black person inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. And as I join those who came before me the nine women, the nine Black men and all of the other hall-of-famers I am very honored, humbled and proud to be the first Black woman inducted into the Columbus Academy Athletic Hall of Fame.” Katie was introduced by her former coach Joe Dudas.


We again congratulate both Ed and Katie on this distinguished honor!
School News
Last week, the first grade class taught by Sarah Hansen welcomed three-time Olympian Rick Nash, who shared his experiences as a member of the Canadian men’s hockey team at the Winter Games in Italy (2006), Canada (2010) and Russia (2014). Students had the chance to see his Canadian Olympic hockey jersey and to see, touch and even wear his two gold medals! They also learned that Mr. Nash began to play hockey at age 2 and that it has taken years of hard work and practice to get where he is today. Mr. Nash answered a variety of thoughtful questions from the students and showed them a video of one of his Olympic goals!
This painting titled "Lucid" by Columbus Academy junior Alicia Deng is currently on display at the U.S. Capitol as the winning entry in the 2021 Congressional Art Competition for Ohio's 12th District! Art has been my go-to method of expression ever since I was really young, stated Alicia. I use my artwork to illustrate the light and dark that I see in humanity. Having the privilege of winning gave me a huge sense of acknowledgment that I didn’t really have before, and I hope I can continue sharing this passion with everyone. The Congressional Art Competition is an annual nationwide visual art competition designed to recognize and encourage artistic talent among high school students.
Sports News
On January 19, we celebrated eight more seniors who have committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at the collegiate level: Drake Bellisari (football at Trinity College), Lauren Klinefelter (swimming at The College of William and Mary), Gyvnn Mendenhall (football at Washington University in St. Louis), Kerry O'Connor (volleyball at DePauw University), Mary Kate Prall (swimming at Ashland University), Aditya Reddy (golf at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology), Kevin Reeves (basketball at Bowdoin College) and Sophie Spolter (basketball at Bates College). Wishing continued success to all of these outstanding student-athletes!
Send In Your Class Notes

We love keeping in touch with our alumni, and we want to hear all of your latest news. Here are some of the updates we are looking for:

New family additions
Big moves
New jobs
New schools, titles or degrees
Exciting trips or accomplishments
General updates
Engagements/Marriages

We also love pictures, so you can send those along as well. Fill out our class notes form at columbusacademy.org/alumniclassnotes or send via email to alumni@columbusacademy.org to be sure your message is included in an upcoming issue of Experience, the school's recently redesigned magazine!