ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
June 2024

From the Head of School

Flint Hill Alumni,

Recently, we launched the Flint Hill Class of 2024 into the world, ready to make their mark, just as they have done so within our Flint Hill community.

Of these 142 students, about half began in the Lower or Middle School, with the other half joining us in the Upper School. We have 14 seniors who are “lifers” (having begun at Flint Hill in Junior Kindergarten or Kindergarten) and two “almost lifers,” who started in Kindergarten, moved away for a short span, and then returned to complete their education here. We have one senior who is the last of four Flint Hill students in their respective families to graduate, as well as another seven seniors who are the last of three Flint Hill students in their respective families to graduate.

Whether they started with us at age 4 or 14, the members of the Class of 2024, along with their families and our faculty and staff, have been on a journey during their time at Flint Hill. This is the group that entered high school at an uncertain time – the fall of 2020. These students have weathered uncertainty, pivots, and changes, and have emerged stronger, smarter, and – perhaps – more steeled than any 18-year-old should be. They’ve shown grit and determination, while also pressing us to define a new normal that prioritizes health and wellbeing, creativity and connections, and an ongoing commitment to our Husky community.

Throughout their time here, the Class of 2024 has shown a care for one another and this community that reverberated in our hallways, theater and concert performances, athletic competitions, and community events. They have lived our Core Values, and pushed us to be better everyday. Because that’s what good teams do – and we are one Husky team.

Our graduating seniors are eager for college and life beyond Flint Hill, buoyed by the encouragement that I hear from seemingly every one of my alumni conversations – a true sense of self, of connections to classmates and teachers, of academic preparedness for college (every college-aged alum I speak with tells me how they thrive based on the skills and approaches they learned at Flint Hill), and willingness to blaze their own trail on campuses, in the professional world, and in service to a greater good.

Alumni, please welcome the Flint Hill Class of 2024 into your ranks, and know that we – as a school community – are eager to support you and their continued success, however possible.

Patrick McHonett
Head of School

2024 Commencement: It’s All About Community

We were thrilled to welcome back this year’s Commencement speaker Lydia Russo ’06!  Lydia talked to our grads about the unending value of service and community and left them with this, “Look around you at your teachers, your classmates, your family, your friends, these connections you’ve built at Flint Hill will be with you always.” Look out for our upcoming issue of the Flint Hill Magazine next month to read more about Lydia and what she’s been up to since graduating from Flint Hill!

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Senior-Alumni Move-Up Day: Preparing for Life Beyond Flint Hill

The Alumni Office dedicates Senior-Alumni Move-Up Day to equipping the Class of 2024 for life beyond Flint Hill. Through a series of insightful workshops, seniors gained valuable skills and knowledge essential for their next chapter.

The day began with LinkedIn 101, where students had professional headshots taken to create polished LinkedIn profiles. In Money Matters, Mr. Weeks, Chair of the Math Department, taught seniors the fundamentals of budgeting and understanding credit scores. Lindsey Wiley ’16 led College Cooking, demonstrating how to prepare simple meals in dorm rooms. Additionally, an Alumni College Panel featured recent graduates Kori Parker ’23, Emily Hay ’22, Omer Aziz Quintana ’23, and Dyuthi Harikar ’23, who shared their experiences and advice for transitioning to college life.

After an afternoon filled with practical learning, seniors received 2024-branded alumni baseball hats and enjoyed a meal at the Head of School Dinner. A new tradition was introduced as the Class of 2024 selected a faculty member to speak at the dinner. This year's inaugural speaker was Upper School history teacher Doug Schoemer, chosen for his inspiring words and connection with the students.

Reunion Weekend 2024 Recap

The Flint Hill campus buzzed with energy and nostalgia as alumni returned for Reunion Weekend 2024. Among the many highlights was the Class of 2014's time capsule opening, which revealed memorabilia from a decade ago, sparking joy and reminiscence among attendees.

Despite a rainy Saturday on the Peterson Family Field, the spirit of the event remained undamped. Alumni braved the weather to participate in the Alumni Athlete Recognition ceremony at midfield, as we recognized Flint Hill's former athletes.

The weekend concluded with a lively reception at TRIO Grill, where local non-Reunion alumni joined current and former faculty to celebrate. Following the reception, Reunion classes enjoyed their Class Dinners, capping off a weekend filled with cherished memories and renewed connections.

Classes ending in 0 and 5 - Save the Date for your Reunion on Saturday, April 26, 2025

Sharing Their Expertise - Alumni Visitors on Campus

Middle School Audio/Visual Production students produced, recorded, and edited an interview with former NFL player and alum Cole Herdman ’14 for their “Flint Hill Person of Note” video series. The students scheduled 11 interviews with community members in various careers including meteorology, professional sports, law enforcement, and aviation. This was Cole’s first time back on campus since graduating and he was able to catch up with some former coaches and teachers. Cole also returned to campus a few weeks later for his 10th Reunion and was recognized during the Alumni Athlete Recognition during the weekend. Alumni who were interviewed virtually for this project include George Lynch ’89, Jeff Zeberlein ’08, Charlie Dalgleish ’16, Claire Holman ’07, Frances Peyton ’12, Lauren Meier ’19, Marlo Sweatman ’13.

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Cadence Hinnant ’20 spoke to Mr. Schoemer’s 20th Century American History as Told Through its Music class. Cadence graduated from Belmont College in Nashville shortly after he joined this class virtually. Cadence performs with his band CADENCE in Nashville. Mark your calendars for July 18 when he will be playing at Jammin’ Java in Vienna, VA. 

Cadence Hinnant Pic

Honoring Our Retiring Faculty

We want to take time to pay tribute to the three members of our faculty and staff who retired at the end of this academic year. We know how deeply your former teachers and administrators have impacted your life and we’d like to give you the opportunity to say congratulations and share your gratitude with them via the links at the end of each of the tributes below. 

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