Cannon School News

Under a cloudless Carolina sky on Friday, May 23, Cannon School marked a joyful occasion: its 27th Commencement ceremony. Cannon’s Commencement is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of our most senior Cougars and recognize the personal drive and hard work that led them here. Beginning early that morning, families, faculty, and friends gathered to honor the graduating Class of 2025—an exceptional group remembered for their big hearts, deep sense of togetherness, and an unwavering commitment to staying true to themselves and each other.

With 111 students, the Class of 2025 stands as the second largest in the school’s history, bringing the total number of Cannon graduates to 2,011. Representing 17 zip codes across the greater Charlotte area, this class was both geographically diverse and deeply rooted in the Cannon community. Twenty-two students were recognized as “lifers,” having begun their journeys at Cannon in Junior Kindergarten.

The ceremony featured inspiring remarks from Head of School Mike Drew and outgoing Board of Trustees Chair Karin Cain. The keynote address was delivered by Danny Scurlock—a beloved parent, coach, advisor, and faculty member—whose daughter Sydney was among the graduates. In his heartfelt speech, Scurlock encouraged students to “always be real and be present,” reminding them to surround themselves with people who tell the truth and hold them accountable. “These are the people who help you grow,” he said.

Valedictorian Annalise Leck posed a powerful question to her classmates: “What do we do with all the help we’ve received?” She challenged them to pay it forward and to carry on the Cannon culture that has shaped their identities. “Let our legacy not just be defined by where we go,” she said, “but by who we lift up on the way there.”

In a remarkable first for Cannon, this year’s class featured a three-way tie for Salutatorian honors. Ian Kuo reflected on the enduring power of community, calling the day “a beautiful reminder that there will always be people who walk with us through life, no matter the season, no matter the challenge.” James Ter Poorten urged the audience to view the day not just as a celebration of an ending, but as recognition of the journey—"a culmination of all the little steps we’ve taken”—that brought them here. Ada Hicks offered a poetic metaphor, comparing graduation to the flight at the beginning of vacation—“a departure full of anticipation and joy.”

As the diplomas were handed out and tassels turned, the spirit of Cannon’s mission and the legacy of its graduates echoed clearly: one of connection, learning, and preparation for the journey ahead.

Each school year, Cannon School proudly marks the academic progress of its students through a cherished tradition: the Moving Up Ceremonies. Held in the Cindric Performing Arts Center (CPAC), these special gatherings honor the achievements of students at pivotal moments in their educational journey. This year’s ceremonies, held on May 28 and 29, celebrated the Kindergarten, 4th Grade, and 8th Grade classes as they prepared to take their next steps at Cannon.

These ceremonies are more than milestones—they celebrate the journey of becoming. As our students rise to meet new challenges and opportunities, we celebrate their courage, their achievements, and the bright paths ahead.

Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony
On the morning of May 29, young members of our school community took the stage with pride and excitement. The Kindergarten Moving Up Ceremony was filled with joyful energy as students performed songs for their families and received their certificates from Head of School Mike Drew. This milestone marks the next step of their Lower School journey, an exciting transition made even more memorable with a post-ceremony reception in Gay’s Garden.

4th Grade Moving Up Ceremony
That same day, the 4th Grade Moving Up Ceremony ushered in the next chapter for the Class of 2033 as they prepare to join Middle School in the fall. Dr. Regina Nixon, Head of Lower School, and Ms. Carla Moyer, Head of Middle School, welcomed families and recognized the hard work and growth of the class.

A highlight of the event was a series of student reflections on Cannon’s core values. Representatives Thomas G., Rashik B., Brynn S., Eslyn S., Andrew K., Nico B., and Avery R. each spoke thoughtfully, offering insight into the character of the Cannon community. Mr. Drew then presented certificates to each student, and the ceremony concluded with a class musical performance—a fitting end to their Lower School experience.

8th Grade Honors Night
On the evening of May 28, the Class of 2029 gathered for 8th Grade Honors Night, a promotion event that celebrated their Middle School years and prepared them for the transition to Upper School.

The evening featured several student speeches and a series of special recognitions. Charlie Z. and Kaylee S. received the John Riley Leadership Through Service Award, while Reid C. and Rani C. were honored with the George W. Liles Citizenship Award. The prestigious McWhorter Medallion was awarded to Sam G. and Rumaisa S.

In addition to award presentations, the ceremony included a moving series of student reflections delivered by candidates for the Liles Citizenship Award—Rani C., Reid C., Cayden F., Sam G., John H., Grace K., Reid K., Kaylee S., and Rumaisa S. Their words captured the journey of growth experienced in Middle School.

Dean of 8th Grade Students Christiana Holyer presented each student with a certificate of completion, formally recognizing their promotion to Upper School. Head of Middle School Carla Moyer and faculty member Lori Macdonald offered remarks, sharing reflections on the class’s unique spirit. Dr. Fabio Hurtado, Head of Upper School, was also on hand to welcome the rising freshmen and celebrate their bright futures ahead.

The ceremony offered a heartfelt tribute to the accomplishments, personal growth, and meaningful contributions of the Class of 2029. With proud families looking on, it served as a powerful reminder of the transformative nature of the middle school experience.

Following a strategic and inclusive planning process earlier this year, Cannon School has announced the appointment of long-time faculty member Krista Johns as its first-ever Director of Arts. Johns will officially assume the newly created position at the start of the 2025–2026 academic year.

Johns, who has served the Cannon community since 2007, brings more than 26 years of teaching experience and a deep commitment to arts education. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the school’s continued investment in the arts and follows the completion of an internal search process.

"Krista brings a heartfelt vision and steadfast belief in the power of the arts to transform students’ lives," said Head of School Mike Drew. "Her leadership reflects warmth, innovation, and an enduring commitment to student growth."

As the former Director of Visual Art and Lower School Art Teacher, Johns led a number of impactful initiatives at Cannon. Among her accomplishments are the implementation of the Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) approach, revitalized student exhibitions at the Mint Museum, and the development of partnerships with the Cabarrus Arts Council. She was recently honored with the prestigious Kimbrough Fellowship, which will support professional development for the entire arts faculty.

Johns’ contributions extend beyond the classroom. She has served on key committees such as Arts Jam and has played an integral role in advancing arts integration across academic divisions.

Reflecting on her new role, Johns said, “Teaching at Cannon has been the greatest gift and I have been honored to serve as the Director of Visual Arts for the past three years. We have an incredible art department, and I am excited to work with them to help advance our programs. I am eager to learn more about ways I can support and advocate for our amazing arts faculty.”

Mr. Drew expressed gratitude to the Cannon arts faculty for the extraordinary talent, dedication, and passion they bring to their roles. “Their work each day reflects a deep commitment to students and to their craft, and it is this collective strength that makes the arts such a vital part of the Cannon experience,” he said. “I’m grateful for the many voices and perspectives that helped inform this decision and for the continued spirit of collaboration that will guide the arts forward.”

Cannon School is proud to announce that Eleanor Avett '27 has been selected for a 2025 Achievement Award in Writing, given by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). 

The NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing is a school-based writing program established in 1957 to encourage high school students to write and to recognize some of the best student writers in the nation. Only students who are juniors may participate. Schools in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, US territories, Canada, and American schools abroad are eligible to nominate students for the writing program. 

This year, schools nominated 680 students. From the United States, students were nominated from 41 states and Washington, D.C. Internationally, teachers nominated students from China, Guatemala, Jordan, South Africa, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Thailand. Two to three independent judges evaluated each submission holistically on content, purpose, audience, tone, word choice, organization, development, and style. 

“Eleanor’s writing reflects not only exceptional creativity, but also a rare depth of thought and voice well beyond her years,” said Upper School English teacher Annalee Taylor, who nominated and submitted Eleanor’s original work We Are in the contest. “Her ability to illustrate emotion, passion, and purpose through language makes her richly deserving of this national recognition. We’re incredibly proud of her achievement.” 

For more information about the NCTE Achievement Awards in Writing, including past winners, see http://www.ncte.org/awards/achievement-awards-in-writing/. 

The National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE) is the nation’s most comprehensive literacy organization, supporting more than 25,000 teachers across the preK–college spectrum. Through the expertise of its members, NCTE has served at the forefront of every major improvement in the teaching and learning of English and the and the language arts since 1911. 

This morning of May 16, the Cannon community gathered for one of the most anticipated events of the year: Yearbook Dedication & Distribution Day. Volume 56 of The Flashback was officially unveiled, carrying the 2024 theme: Small Moments, Big Memories. And true to its name, this year’s edition honored the everyday experiences that become unforgettable, all brought to life through the creativity, vision, and heart of three talented seniors—Editors-in-Chief Lily Wittgraefe, Maryanne Lewis, and Claire Nelson. 

For four years, these students were an integral part of the yearbook program, mentored by yearbook director Michelle Zelaya. From their first days on staff as freshmen to their final moments as leaders, they poured themselves into every detail—design, theme, photography, captions, and countless behind-the-scenes decisions that transformed The Flashback into more than a book. It became a living time capsule of the school year, something that will endure long after graduation. 

The creation process remained a tightly held secret. The theme, cover, dedication, and layout were kept confidential until the May 16 reveal—no sneak peeks, not even for faculty or staff. “We want it to be a true surprise,” Lily said, estimating that she and her fellow editors devoted close to 400 hours to this year’s volume. Planning began before the school year even started, with brainstorming sessions and a long list of possible themes. Once class was in session, the real work began and never let up. 

This year brought new challenges. With several new staffers joining the team, the editors spent extra time teaching, guiding, and building a sense of community. They rose to the occasion with focus and grace, organizing, delegating, and setting clear goals to ensure the book came together on time. The result was a beautiful, cohesive volume they were incredibly proud of. 

Each editor had her own perspective on what made Volume 56 special. For Maryanne, it was the senior section, “designed exactly how we wanted,” she said. Lily highlighted the meaningful incorporation of the theme throughout each page. Claire pointed to the subtle details that made the book inclusive and representative of every student. “There’s something for everyone,” she said. 

Their passion ran far deeper than meeting deadlines. For Lily, the yearbook was “a tangible representation of the school year”—its emotions, successes, and challenges. Maryanne hoped students felt a burst of joy the first time they flipped through the pages. And Claire, who plans to major in Graphic Communications in college, reflected on how yearbook shaped her love of design and storytelling. 

As they looked back on the four volumes they helped create, the editors reflected on their growth—in creativity, confidence, and collaboration. Their advice to future yearbook staffers? “Don’t be afraid to try new things,” said Claire. “Be open to listening,” added Maryanne, “because everyone’s opinions matter.” And Lily summed it up best: “Be open to feedback—and have fun!” 

As the school flipped through The Flashback, Vol. 56 for the very first time, every page reflected the energy, passion, and vision of three students who made yearbook not just their class, but their legacy. 

A special moment during the ceremony was the announcement of this year’s yearbook dedicatees—a tribute to individuals who have made a lasting impact on the school community: 

• Danielle Robinson, Lower School dedicatee 

• Donnie Hayes, Middle School dedicatee 

• Jennifer Weakland, Upper School dedicatee 

• Danny Scurlock, Staff dedicatee 

Congratulations to Lily, Maryanne, and Claire—and heartfelt thanks to our honored faculty and staff—for making this year’s edition a celebration of small moments and big memories. 

As the Class of 2025 at Cannon School embarked on the final phase of their academic journey in Upper School, one of the most significant milestones in their education was the Capstone presentation. Capstone projects, designed to allow students to reflect on their time at Cannon and contribute something meaningful to the school community, not only marked the culmination of their academic careers but also provided them with an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. 

Capstone is a signature learning experience for seniors involving three core components: brainstorming and planning, developing the project deliverable, and presenting the work to the community. Starting in November, seniors began reflecting on their most impactful learning experiences and accomplishments, with guidance from their advisors. Through this introspective process, students explored how their individual passions could make a difference at Cannon or beyond. With the help of mentors, they designed a project that aligned with their skills and interests, aiming to have a tangible impact. 

The deliverable phase, which took place over the winter and spring months, was the heart of the Capstone experience. This is where students dove deep into their projects, devoting significant time and energy to creating something of value. The form of the deliverable is flexible, but it is expected to be far more than a singular activity—Capstone projects are meant to reflect the students’ intellectual growth and community involvement, ultimately leaving a meaningful mark. 

In April, seniors showcased their work through a 20-minute public presentation, highlighting the goals, process, and outcomes of their projects. These presentations were a celebration of personal growth, intellectual exploration, and community engagement. Members of the Cannon community, including faculty, alumni, parents, and peers, watched and evaluated the presentations, ensuring that the students’ efforts were not only recognized but also contributed to a wider conversation about learning and leadership. 

This year’s Capstone Projects exemplified the diversity of talent, passion, and creativity that defined the Class of 2025. Here are just a few of the remarkable projects: 

Cars for a Cause 
Seniors Cannon Leatherman, Henry Anthony, John Kroll, and James Fisher channeled their love for cars into an event aimed at raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer research. "Cars for a Cause" brought together car enthusiasts, students, and families for a day of eye-catching vehicles and meaningful conversations. The event was more than just a fundraiser—it was a chance for the students to develop leadership, communication, and event coordination skills while supporting a cause close to their hearts. 

Service Dogs for Mental Health 
Piper Berini and Emma Farley combined their passion for animals with a commitment to mental health by bringing a therapy dog to the Cannon community. Their Capstone project focused on the mental health benefits of therapy dogs, particularly in reducing stress and anxiety among students and faculty. By partnering with the K9 Responder Academy, Piper and Emma not only created a memorable experience but also sparked a broader conversation about the importance of mental health support in schools. 

Rally for HUGS Pickleball Tournament 
A team of seniors—Cameron Carlock, Grant Watkins, Josiah Stewart, Aidan Ristich, and John Murash—organized Cannon’s first-ever pickleball tournament to benefit HUGS Camp, a summer camp for individuals with special needs. The event raised over $700 for the camp while promoting inclusivity and community engagement. The tournament was open to all skill levels, creating a fun and supportive environment for everyone involved. 

Microeconomics at Cannon 
Grant Springate and Bennet Miller took an academic approach to their Capstone, advocating for the introduction of an AP Microeconomics course at Cannon. After conducting extensive research and gathering feedback from alumni, they successfully convinced school leadership to add the class to the curriculum for the upcoming school year. Their perseverance in navigating challenges taught them valuable lessons about advocacy, persistence, and the impact of student-driven change. 

Each Capstone experience served as a testament to the power of reflection, hard work, and community engagement. These projects are not just the end of our seniors’ Upper School careers; they are the beginning of a lifelong commitment to learning, leadership, and giving back.   

Cannon School is proud to announce the top academic honors for the Class of 2025. After four years of dedication and academic excellence, these students have earned the distinction of Valedictorian and Salutatorian based on the highest cumulative grade point averages in their class.

Annalise Leck has been named Valedictorian, achieving the highest GPA among her peers. Her outstanding academic record and service leadership exemplify Cannon’s core values of courage, integrity, passion, respect, teamwork, and kindness.

A rare academic achievement marks this year’s class, as three students share the honor of Salutatorian: Ada Hicks, Ian Kuo, and James Ter Poorten, each earning the second highest GPA in the class. Their shared distinction reflects an exceptional level of commitment, intellectual curiosity, and leadership.

Cannon School will honor these students, along with the entire graduating class, at its Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 23, held on campus.

“We are incredibly proud of these students and their achievements,” said Mike Drew, Head of School. “Their hard work and character have deeply enriched our school community and set a strong example for future generations of scholars.”

On Friday, May 9, Cannon School's 8th graders took center stage—literally and figuratively—as they presented their Cornerstone Projects to an audience of proud parents, supportive teachers, coaches, advisors, and peers. These presentations were the culmination of a thoughtful and meaningful journey through the 8th Grade Cornerstone process, a signature learning experience that challenges students to reflect on their personal growth during middle school.

So what exactly is Cornerstone?

Cornerstone Projects are a key experience for 8th graders at Cannon, rooted in the school's commitment to developing adaptive expertise. Students are asked to explore twelve essential habits that form the foundation of adaptive expertise: risk taking, meta-cognition, reflection, purpose, empathy, flexibility, communication, mastery, curiosity, creativity, autonomy, and synthesis. After thoughtful reflection and planning, each student chooses one habit in which they’ve experienced significant growth and prepares a presentation that highlights their personal journey.

The process is both introspective and expressive. Students share stories of struggle, perseverance, and triumph, connecting their growth to meaningful learning experiences and relationships that shaped them along the way. The result is a powerful showcase of how these young people come to understand themselves and their potential more deeply. 

Edward M. ’29 reflected on the habit of Mastery through his journey in golf and music. He candidly shared how he used to have a love-hate relationship with golf, frustrated by results that didn’t match his expectations. But through the guidance of Coach Marks, who taught him to treat golf as a thinking game rather than chasing perfection, Edward began to redefine what success looked like. He also credited his father, his “unofficial golf coach,” for modeling persistence and honest feedback. For Edward, mastery came to mean showing up, training hard, and learning through the process, not just the outcome.

Kaylee D. ’29 chose Communication as her focus. Her experiences with middle school volleyball and volunteering at Special Olympics revealed to her that communication is about more than just talking—it’s about listening, understanding, and being present. She shared that learning to speak up during a tough volleyball season helped her grow as a teammate, while asking for help during Special Olympics events allowed her to better support others and ensure things ran smoothly.

Charlie Z. ’29 highlighted his growth in Reflection through his leadership roles in lacrosse. Serving as captain for both his club and school teams, Charlie faced moments where outcomes didn’t match expectations. He used those moments to learn about humility, accountability, and self-awareness. Through reflection, Charlie learned to adjust his mindset and become a more thoughtful leader. 

Kaylee S. ’29 focused on Risk Taking, inspired by her involvement in theater and all-state chorus. Initially drawn to theater to conquer her stage fright, she learned that the road to confidence is paved with setbacks and self-compassion. Auditioning for all-state chorus pushed her out of her comfort zone again, reinforcing the value of trying new things even when the outcome is uncertain. For Kaylee, taking risks became a path to self-discovery and resilience.

The Cornerstone presentations offered more than just stories. They offered glimpses into how Cannon students are learning to think deeply, act courageously, and grow authentically. Each student reminded us that middle school isn’t just a bridge to upper school, but also a critical time to discover who you are becoming.

Congratulations to the Class of 2029 on a powerful and inspiring Cornerstone experience!