Country Day is thrilled to have six seniors selected as semifinalists in the annual National Merit Scholarship Competition. Congratulations to Aden Adjei, Ned Henneman, Avi Heyman, Sarah Jane Schultz, Eoin Wilson, and Fiona Wilson.  In addition, seniors Gracie Daters and Jordan Ruben were commended by the National Merit Scholarship program.

The six semi-finalists are among 16,000 semifinalists nationwide, which represents less than one percent of all U.S. high school seniors. The students have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million that will be offered in the spring of 2023. Merit Scholar designees are selected on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

How often does one have to dodge flying water balloons on campus? At least once a year in our Advanced Calculus-Based Physics class! Water balloon target practice has become one of the highlights of the year and a great way to emphasize studies on projectile motion. Students spend time analyzing factors and calculating the velocity needed to project a water balloon as far as possible. On the day of the experiment, student teams test their theories, applying what they learned into target practice!

Over the weekend, WJCL aired a segment highlighting 5th grade teacher Betsy Sampey. Click HERE to watch the short video segment. 

Video intro: Betsy Sampey may teach children how to read and write better, but it’s her methods and attitude that resonate with her students at Savannah Country Day School. “Trying to build that self-confidence and ownership of their own learning is almost just as important as what I am teaching," Sampey said. "And I always tell them it’s okay to get it wrong. A lot of times that’s how we learn is through our mistakes.” And when they make a mistake, she’s right there with a smile and a positive approach.

Despite light rain and lightning, guests gathered on Friday, August 26 to celebrate the official unveiling of Mingledorff Hall, the School's new Upper School building centered in the Quad. Following the remarks, Bud and Shirley Mingledorff, surrounded by family, cut the ribbon and guests were invited to tour the new state-of-the-art facility. The new building houses five math classrooms, five science labs, an energy learning lab, and a maker space. Other building features include an expansive library, conference rooms, common areas for students, Deans' offices, and a second-story outdoor gathering space. 

An annual tradition for rising ninth graders, Freshman Weekend is an opportunity for students to enjoy outdoor activities while bonding as a class. Along with senior mentors and Upper School faculty, Hornets rafted down the Nantahala, created and raced DIY cardboard boats, and participated in various other team-building activities. By the time the weekend concluded, these students were more confident and ready to start the first week of school!

On Wednesday, August 17, the Upper School held its annual Convocation, a ceremony centered on reflection, contemplation, and commitment. The signing of the Honor Book strengthens our students' dedication to the standards of honesty and decency, and it signifies a pledge to both abide by our code of honor and to hold others to the same standard.

The tradition of signing the Honor Book dates back to Country Day's original founding, with some students adding their names amongst family members' names — as far as three generations back!

Saturday’s Multicultural Festival was a great success! Families enjoyed cuisines from around the world, student presentations and activities that represent some of the many cultures of our students. Thank you to everyone who came out for this fantastic event!

As part of the annual Schmidt Lecture Series, we were pleased to welcome Mr. Mark Mathabane, author of the sensational autobiography Kaffir Boy. The story of his struggle to survive under the oppressive system of apartheid in South Africa — and subsequently escaping it — was eye-opening and inspiring to all who attended. Thank you to Mr. Mathabane for speaking to our students and our school community!

Thank you to juniors Britney Brown, Phil-Isabelle Ajayi, and Maya King for creating and leading today's Black History Month presentation. As this year's Black History Month theme is "Black Health and Wellness," the student-led presentation highlighted the recent contributions of several Black American scientists and doctors, including Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, and Dr. Ben Carson. The presentation also included a video that showcased how Black History Month is celebrated around the world.

Congratulations to the following students honored with Scholastic Art Awards. Gold Key: Reagan Carlson, Reed Lotter, and Lauren Sparks; Silver Key: Harry DeWalt, Fina Dooley, Anna Mondy, Jack Owens Myers, John Neely, Jade Perrin, Lauren Sparks (2 awards), and Rachel Wollenburg. Honorable Mentions included Haley Avino, Fina Dooley, Haley Hiltzheimer, Julia McGoldrick (2 awards), John Neely (5 awards), Lauren Sparks (6 awards), Soren Watson, and Rachel Wollenburg (2 awards).