The Country Day community came together for a special signing ceremony to honor three Hornets who have committed to playing collegiate football. Congratulations to Tyler Scott (Bryant University), Andrew Nicholson (Bucknell University), and Andrew Wynn (University of Tennessee at Chattanooga)! These dedicated student-athletes have been integral members of our Hornet family for years, excelling in football and as multi-sport athletes at SCDS. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and can’t wait to see them shine at the collegiate level!

Last week, nine members of our faculty, staff, and administration traveled to Denver, CO, to attend the 2024 NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC). The conference is an annual professional development experience that enriches the culture and community of independent schools and provides attendees with opportunities to learn, network, and share insights. This year, our SCDS representatives participated in a variety of impactful workshops led by independent school educators from around the world. 

This year’s theme, “Meeting the Moment: Anchoring and Enriching Our Education Futures,” served as a powerful call to action, and attendees were inspired by keynote speakers such as Sekou Andrews, a celebrated spoken word poet; Kenji Yoshino, an NYU law professor and authority on constitutional and anti-discrimination law; and Karen Walrond, an author and leadership consultant who focuses on compassionate, values-driven leadership.

We are proud to have had such a strong presence at this meaningful event and look forward to incorporating the insights gained into our school community!

Congratulations to Cara McIntosh ’26 on winning first place at the 8th Annual Young Writer’s Night, hosted by Savannah Stage Company! On Sunday, December 8, her play Breakthrough was performed alongside works from nine other finalists representing schools across Chatham County. A group of professional actors brought the finalists’ plays to life, and a panel of industry experts selected Cara’s play as the winner.

Cara’s accomplishment comes with a cash prize and is especially meaningful as Breakthrough began as a class assignment for her Drama 250: “Acting Ensemble” course.

Sixth graders visited Junior Achievement’s BizTown at Georgia Southern University’s Armstrong Campus to enthusiastically participate in a capstone simulation concluding a recent civic and economic studies unit in Global Connections. This hands-on experience allowed students to interact within a simulated economy and take on the challenge of starting and running a business.

Over the fall break, 12 students participated in Georgia Tech’s High School Model United Nations Conference. These Hornets represented the delegations of Honduras and Colombia. Andrew Semones and Nico Chiozza participated in a committee conducted entirely in Spanish. In addition, Ramon Barboa won an award for Honorable Mention in the WHO (World Health Organization) Committee. Congratulations!

Eighth grade history students recently took part in The Urban Game, mapping out the growth and transformation of NYC’s Five Points neighborhood during the industrial boom. Through 15 rounds of drawing and redrawing, they explored the effects of rapid urban development and how a city evolves over 50 years. This interactive lesson kicks off the unit on urbanization and city planning in the early 1900s.

We are proud to announce that two of our students, Margaret “Daisy” Salyer and Rachel Shin, have been recognized as National Merit Commended Students in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. This prestigious recognition is awarded to students who place among the top 50,000 scorers nationwide on the PSAT/NMSQT. Daisy and Rachel’s academic achievements, dedication, and hard work have earned them this impressive honor. We congratulate both students on their outstanding accomplishments and look forward to seeing all they continue to achieve.

From Lower School to Upper School, our students eagerly explored our campus gardens while participating in the Great Southeast Pollinator Census! Created by the University of Georgia, this two-day census encourages pollinator conservation and appreciation across the Southeast. Students observed insects and collected valuable data, which our TREE club leaders will submit to UGA and its partners. This meaningful campus service project was a fantastic way for our students to engage with our gardens and start the new year on a positive note.