Academy news & updates
June 2022
Celebrating the Academy Experience
Upper School Honors Assembly
At last month's Honors Assembly, longtime lower school art teacher Lloyd Cicetti delivered a stirring Cum Laude Address. “I’m not saying that you shouldn’t adhere to tradition, to rules, convention or protocol,” he told our upper-schoolers and guests. “I’m just saying that if you play it safe and take no risks in life, you are destined to lead a dull one.” Watch his full speech, which earned a standing ovation, by clicking here. To view photos and a list of this year's award recipients, click here.
Retirement Celebration for Susan Carter
Family, friends and colleagues of Susan Carter gathered in our art gallery near the end of May to celebrate her 35 years of service to Columbus Academy. Susan is stepping down from her leadership role as Dean of Middle School to transition to a part-time role that has yet to be determined. “I cherish my time at Academy,” Susan stated. “It’s been a wonderful ride!” Learn more about her successful and impactful career by clicking here.
Middle School Closing & Awards
Outstanding student speeches highlighted our recent Middle School Closing Ceremony. For complete coverage of the event, which included student reflections by Jackson Amato and Taylor Gillett, please click here. At the Middle School Awards Assembly, 14 students were recognized across art, language arts, music, physical education, science, social studies, technology, theatre and world languages as well as the Robert Smith Character Award (Chris Hill) and the Frank B. Rasor II Cup (Allison Frickel). View all of the award recipients by clicking here.
LS Concert & 5th Grade Closing
A successful year ended for our Lower School on June 2 with each grade singing a special song for family and friends followed by a collective performance of “Miles of Smiles” and a farewell tune for the fifth-graders. For photos and a video link to all the songs, click here. And complete coverage of our Fifth Grade Closing Ceremony, which included speeches by Head of School Melissa Soderberg and Head of Lower School Mark Hansen, can be viewed by clicking here. Keep an eye on our social media this summer for coverage from the parent-organized Lower School Carnival!
News from the Service Board
A summer opportunity for Columbus Academy families and students to help support our ongoing Blessing Boxes initiative is highlighted in the Service Board's June newsletter. Please click here to learn more about how to sign up to stock Blessing Boxes around Gahanna, read about the successful shoe drive completed by Jaden Gilbert, see a new informative service brochure and more. Click on the following links for more recent service learning news.
Performing Arts Recap
After a successful opening-night performance of “Mamma Mia!” in late April, the final two shows were postponed until mid-May. To watch the final curtain call and presentation of theatre awards, click here. Coverage from our year-end band and choir concerts can be accessed with the following links.
Athletic Accomplishments
The end of our spring sports season was highlighted by high-jumper Alli Klinefelter placing fourth in the state. She broke the school record by clearing 5 feet, 6 inches at the district meet while another school record was set by fellow sophomore Zoya Arnold in the 300 hurdles (48.12 seconds) at the league meet. Click on the following links for more athletics coverage:
More Academy Coverage
Our Student Support Services Team recently released its final newsletter of the 2021-22 school year, and all parents/guardians are welcome to check it out by clicking here. This edition has year-end comments from our counselors and a final update from health class as well as an important note about health forms from our nurses for next school year. Additional coverage of recent events happening within our classrooms, campus and community on our social media has included:
Alumni & Faculty/Staff in the News
Earlier this month, Academy alum Will Westwater ’12 guest starred as a stormtrooper in a scene on episode 3 of the “Obi Wan Kenobi” television series on Disney+. “I remember, as a kid, pointing to the credits at the end of a Star Wars movie and saying to my mom: ‘I gotta believe I can be one of those names!’ Now I am. Honored to be a part of Obi Wan Kenobi.” Click on the following links for more alumni and faculty/staff news: