Cincinnati Country Day School
April 2022 Alumni Journal
Spring has sprung on campus!
Wishing our Country Day community health and happiness as spring blooms.
Students returned to campus on April 4, rejuvenated from spring break and ready to launch into the final eight weeks of the school year. While the halls are once again buzzing with learning, the warmer weather has also seen our campus come into its own, with the spilling of classes into the great outdoors and students exploring their natural world.

Spring sports - boys tennis, baseball, softball, track & field, and lacrosse - are all in full flight and enjoying early success. Follow CCDS Athletics on Twitter (@CCDS_Sports) for updates on their progress.

We hope you enjoy the April issue of the Alumni Journal. As you can see, there's lots happening over the next few weeks, so look forward to a packed journal in May!
As every second grader knows, there's nothing like a good old-fashioned mud romp to make the best out of a rainy day!
Giving Day - Tuesday, May 3
Country Day's success is deeply rooted in the generosity of its current and past families, alumni, grandparents, and friends to deliver resources to support our talented students, dedicated faculty, and enriching programs. From its founding in 1926, the school's students have stood on the shoulders of those who have gone before.
As we celebrate Country Day, please consider taking the opportunity to reflect on all that Country Day gave you and give back. We need your support to reach our Country Day Fund goal of $1,000,000 for the year!

#GivingOnGiven
#WeAreCountryDay
Alumna Spotlight - Jessica Dessner '91
One of the pillars of a Country Day education is honing one’s ability to be a good steward, acting in service to others through our five character virtues. We see this displayed – in big and small ways – every day on our campus. We also see it showcased through the thoughtful acts of our alumni, as is the case with Jessica Dessner ’91.

Jessica and her spouse, Ole Sondresen, live in the Piedmont region of Italy and are hosting Ukrainian refugees and raising funds for immediate and continued relief efforts. Jessica has aggregated efforts with other residents in Alba and together they have produced extraordinary outcomes. To date, over 100 Ukrainian families have been provided with support, housing, and everyday necessities because of their efforts.

And while Jessica and Ole have lived in Alba for less than a decade, her ancestral roots go back much further. Her grandmother escaped from Odessa, Ukraine over 100 years ago during the Russian Civil War.

“There is absolutely an emotional connection to what is happening now and what happened back then,” said Steve Dessner, Jessica’s father. “What Jessica, Ole, and their community are doing to support these Ukrainian families is remarkable…although I’m not surprised – Jessica is a force of nature and always has her heart in the right place.”
REMINDER!
Alumni Event Calendar
Mark your calendars and please join us!

Please contact Paula Brock, Director of Donor Relations & Legacy Giving, [email protected] or 513-979-0282.
Legacy Breakfast
Tuesday, April 19, 7:30 a.m.
Dining Terrace, CCDS

An opportunity for alumni who are also current parents at the school to connect over breakfast with fellow alumni parents and their children. Please RSVP to [email protected] or 513-979-0282
CCDS Athletic Hall of Fame
Saturday, May 14, 12:00 noon
CCDS Dining Terrace

Please join us for a luncheon as we honor our Athletic Hall of Fame inductees:

Bob Buechner '65
Max Dietz '10
J.R. Foster '98
Chris Griffith '81
Susan Pepper '95
Ellie Off Pomeroy '96
Trustee Reunion
Friday, June 3, 5:00 p.m.

A reminder to our former trustees to take this opportunity to reconnect with fellow trustees - both current and former. An invitation has been sent separately.
Homecoming & Reunion Weekend
Friday - Sunday, September 23 - 25
Various locations on campus

An overview of the main weekend activities was included in the March journal.
Upcoming School Events - Alumni Welcome!
PA Speaker Series
Essential Parenting Conversations - and How to Have Them
Tuesday, April 19, 7:30 a.m.
Keeler Theater, CCDS

Michelle Icard will speak on topics covered in her most recent book. Most appropriate for parents and guardians of children in 4th through 9th grade. Please RSVP here.
Upper School Visual Art Show
Friday, April 22, 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
CCDS - Messer Gallery, Dining Terrace, and Upper School

Evening includes reception, opportunity to view art displays, and artist talks, including several AP art students discussing their work. Everyone welcome!
International Night
Monday, April 25, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Carey Family Amphitheater

In the spirit of community and connection, enjoy delicious food from around the globe, and experience entertainment from students and members of the Country Day community.
Please RSVP here.
REMINDER!
Alumni Awards - Nominations Open
Country Day alumni are some of the most accomplished citizens in the world. Each year, we recognize a small group for their accomplishments at Country Day and in the greater community.

Distinguished Alumni
The CCDS Alumni Council elects one or more Distinguished Alumni to be honored in recognition of their contribution to the School, their contribution to the community, or their professional achievement.
Virtue in Action Award
The Virtue in Action Award recognizes members of the Virtue in Action Society (those alumni that are celebrating their fiftieth reunion year or more) for their dedication, attitude, and motivation expressed through volunteer service to the community. These alumni exemplify our motto, Virtue in Action.

Athletic Hall of Fame
The Athletic Hall of Fame honors former CCDS athletes, coaches, and members of our community who have contributed to the strong tradition of CCDS athletics.

Arts Hall of Fame
This award recognizes former Country Day students and community members for their contributions in the fine, musical, performing, and literary arts in the CCDS Arts Hall of Fame.

For additional details, a list of prior honorees, or to nominate an alum, teacher, or coach for any of these awards, please click on the link below. 
Pictures of the Month
Nothing but smiles at our annual Lower School Curriculum Night. We enjoyed an exciting lineup of activities to explore and celebrate both science and baseball.
Students displaying their talents at the Lower School Talent Show. Between the diversity of acts and the respect shown by the young audience, the show was the perfect showcase of our Character Virtues - Respect, Responsibility, Courage, Compassion, and Integrity.
Who said egg hunts are just for little kids? Juniors in Ms. Brown's English class had fun searching for eggs that were hidden over the upper school campus. What was inside? Slips of paper with literary devices or examples of text! The students then worked together to correctly match the device to the example.
Students are excited to embark on the traditional sixth grade trip to Camp Joy.
Zak Butler '05 speaks to the Computer Science II class via Teams to talk about cybersecurity and life at Google. As a threat analyst for Google, he shared that his favorite aspect of his job is to "stop harm and prevent disinformation campaigns."
Emma Kate Schnieber '24 set a new school record for pole vaulting, clearing 8'9" and beating the previous 8'6" record by three inches. Congratulations, Emma Kate!
Sarah Zimmerman '22 was named LaRosa's MVP of the Week! An honor student and academic all-state performer, who is also active in community service, Sarah will play both basketball and soccer at the collegiate level.
Take me out to the ball game! In honor of Cincinnati Reds Opening Day on April 12, students enjoyed hot dogs, Coneys, and red cookies at lunch! 
And finally, a reminder...!

Join fellow alumni and their families in making a gift to the Country Day Fund on Giving Day. Gifts made by clicking the link below will count toward Giving Day and help us reach our fundraising goal.

Thank you for your support!
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