Art teacher Christopher Hoppin wins Inspirational Faculty Award
Saturday, June 12th, 2010
As a faculty team leader, teacher and coach, Christopher Hoppin serves as a remarkable role model for our teenage Tarriers at a time when they are learning much about themselves and looking to answer the quintessential question, “How do I fit in?” This exploration is a challenging process for most middle school students and Christopher patiently guides them with great humor and care. He knows these students well and, through his optimism, creativity, kindness and high expectations, he elicits the best in them, unveiling characteristics they were often too shy or fearful to show. He helps make middle school a wonderful time in students’ lives by seamlessly encouraging both their creativity and their self-discovery. Read the rest of this entry »
CWA’s college counselors work closely with students to identify a list of schools that may be a good fit for them and then help them craft applications to each school. The advice they give every student is different, but it’s a pretty safe bet that they always tell students they should never, under any circumstances, apply to just one school. “The thing was, there was only one school I wanted to go to,” says senior Ben Mishkin. “So I figured, why apply anywhere else? I think I just about gave everybody heart attacks, especially my parents, my college counselor (Katie Ryan) and my advisor (Wes Wesby).” Ben gambled big and he came up a winner. The one and only school to which he applied is St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, and he got in. 
Chris Steele was a 1982 graduate of Charles Wright. As a student, he threw himself at what Charles Wright offered. He played soccer, took an active part in Donn Laughlin’s drama productions, both backstage and onstage, and was a talented art student. His particular love was the outdoors, and those who went on trips with Chris recall his passionate enthusiasm for hiking and climbing. Chris died of cancer in 2002 after a long struggle. His family and friends have established an award in his memory, an award to honor a Charles Wright staff member who has made an outstanding contribution to the school and its students and faculty. 
At the end of every school year, CWA administrators recognize faculty and staff members as they celebrate the completion of their fifth, tenth and fifteenth years at Charles Wright. At today’s employee recognition event, 25 faculty members will be recognized as they reach major milestones in their careers. A total of 14 faculty and staff members are finishing their fifth year on campus. Six others are finishing ten years. Richard Kalustian, a Middle School science and math teacher, has reached 15 years. Helen Bingham Rowles, now teaching fifth grade, is celebrating 20 years. Phyllis Kriese has been at the receptionist’s desk in the Upper School for 30 years. Lower School music teacher Judy Herrington has been teaching here for 35 years. Steve Daniels, the eighth grade earth science teacher, is completing a remarkable 40th year at CWA.
This evening CWA Headmaster Rob Camner emailed faculty, staff and board members to share the sad news that Bob Minnerly, his predecessor, passed away today. Minnerly served as CWA’s Headmaster from 1986 to 1996.
CWA claimed the state boys tennis team championship this weekend, the school’s third title in four years. CWA also won the state title in the 4×100 meter girls relay for a second consecutive year and won the boys doubles tennis championship.