Class of 2022 Senior Clap-Out

As each school year draws to a close, one of the most memorable and emotional traditions at Country Day is when teachers, staff, and students line the sidewalks on campus to clap as seniors parade wearing spirit wear from the colleges and universities to which they will matriculate in the fall.

Before the Clap-Out, student council president Zach Corbin '22 addressed his fellow classmates in Keeler Theater one final time. 

"Today is a special day. And it is a special day because me and 69 of my best friends are nearing the end of our journey - our rollercoaster ride is ending. We've been through a lot this year, but we've done it together. We've achieved so much, but I am most proud of how we did it together, as one. Today, as the 70 of us walk the Clap-Out path, we are 70 pieces of one strong class. We represent a fierce Nighthawk spirit that will remain forever on this campus." 

Just a few days from now, the Class of 2022 will graduate and be welcomed into the Alumni Association as proud Country Day Alumni. We wish them every happiness and success. Of one thing they can be certain, they will ALWAYS have a home on Given Road.

Congratulations, Class of 2022!

The Upper School Awards Ceremony

On Thursday, May 19, the Country Day Class of 2022 gathered with the rest of the Upper School for the last time to celebrate the Upper School awards ceremony.  

Among the list of richly deserved awards, Head of School Rob Zimmerman '98 presented the Country Day Award to Margaret Sprigg-Dudley '22. The Country Day Award is the school's highest honor. It recognizes the student who, in the opinion of Upper School faculty and staff, best represents those qualities for which we want Cincinnati Country Day to be known. 

"To have Margaret around is to have another adult in the room, someone with uncommon maturity, keen intellect, and steady competence," said Zimmerman. "She is an incredibly gifted young woman, and she wears her achievements lightly, humbly, and almost unassumingly.” 

Congratulations to all the students who received awards this year.

Head of School Rob Zimmerman '98 presents Margaret Sprigg-Dudley '22 with the Country Day Award, one of five awards she received!

Cam Alldred '15 made his MLB debut on Thursday, May 12, pitching relief for the Pittsburg Pirates with a perfect seventh inning and his first MLB strikeout.  

Alldred attended the University of Cincinnati on a baseball scholarship and was drafted by the Pirates in 2018. This was his first call up to play.

While at Country Day, Alldred was named the Ohio Division IV State Baseball Player of the Year in 2015. He also led the Country Day football team to back-to-back 10-0 seasons and two playoff appearances as the quarterback. In basketball, he led Country Day to the MVC championship and was named Player of the Year and first team all-city.

"Cam is one of the best athletes I've seen in my 20 years at Country Day. As a three-sport athlete, he shined in football, basketball, and baseball," said the associate athletic director, Greg Ross. "I am so proud of him and look forward to watching him pitch in the big leagues. He has earned this opportunity with hard work, persistence, and determination." 

Celebrating our CCDS Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

On May 14, 2022, we celebrated the CCDS Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony.

“The bonds that sports help to create are enduring and indelible,” said Head of School Rob Zimmerman ’98. “Sports is one of the rare experiences in life that can break down divisions, bring people together, and create personal and institutional bonds which are not easily torn asunder.”

The following individuals, all multi-sport athletes during their time at Country Day, were inducted:

Bob Buechner '65 participated in basketball, tennis, and golf. He helped lead the basketball team to a district championship. He was one of the top-ranked junior golfers in Cincinnati as well as one of the top doubles tennis players in Southwest Ohio. He went on to be an assistant boys basketball coach for eight years.

Chris Griffith '81 participated in basketball and track. He received All-MVC honors and All-City honors in both sports. He was a two-time state qualifier in track and placed 4th at the state meet. He held the school record in the high jump for 20 years.

Susan Pepper '95 participated in cross country, track, and swimming. She is a Heinichen Award recipient, presented to top female athletes at Country Day. She was MVC champion for three years in cross country and track and received All-City honors in cross country and track. She was a two-time state qualifier in cross country and track and placed 6th at the state meet.

Ellie Off Pomeroy '96 participated in tennis, basketball, and softball. She is also a Heinichen Award recipient. She received All-MVC honors and All-District honors in tennis, basketball, and softball. She was named First Team All-State in softball and was a state qualifier in tennis.

JR Foster '98 participated in soccer and track. He received All-MVC honors and All-District honors in soccer and track and All-City honors in soccer. He was team captain in soccer and was also named MVP.

Max Dietz '10 participated in football and baseball. He is a McDaniel Award recipient, presented to top male athletes at Country Day. He received All-MVC honors and All-City honors in football and baseball. He was named First Team All-State in football and gained over 5,000 all-purpose yards and scored 58 touchdowns.

JR Foster '98 is congratulated by Greg Hirschauer, his former varsity soccer coach.

Alumnus Spotlight

Rishi Gabbita '21: Prepared to Change the World 

Rishi Gabbita '21 is ready to change the world. The young alumnus was recently accepted into University of Cincinnati's highly competitive dual Bachelor of Science/ Medical Doctorate program. He is researching how to prevent chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), and he has secured a provisional patent for a smart pill bottle device to prevent opioid abuse. 

"Rishi sees things differently than his peers or most people his age because he finds rewards in work itself. He values the grit in others, and it is probably because he too possesses that grit inside of him...although he isn’t always aware of it," said Chuck McGivern, college counselor.  

The program Rishi's been admitted to, called Connections, is a mix of undergraduate and medical school coursework and is early admittance into UC's medical school. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in medical sciences, Rishi will be directly admitted into UC’s medical school the following semester. 

"I was born and raised in Cincinnati. I've been here my whole life. I love everything about it. So, I think the opportunity to stay in Cincinnati and be able to impact the community that has raised me for my entire life is an extraordinary thing," said Gabbita. "During my time at Country Day, I was as involved as possible. It is essential for the current students to do the same. Whether in organized sports or the classroom, get involved and make connections." 

For more on Rishi's story, click here.

Michael Pogue '71 Returns to Join Country Day Faculty

As a long-term substitute teacher for 8th grade English, Michael Pogue ’71 joins the ranks of nine fellow Cincinnati Country Day School alumni who work at the school.

A veteran teacher of 30 years, Pogue talks about why he wanted to return, what he thinks is special about the school, and things he has noticed have changed...and stayed the same.

What made you want to return?

I retired from public education two years ago and then home-schooled my grandchildren during the pandemic. This academic year was my first one without students in a long time, and frankly, I missed them so when I saw that CCDS had openings for both a full-time and a substitute English teacher, I was curious. I enjoyed my years here as a student, and both my children attended Country Day through elementary school. I was curious about what it would be like to come full circle and finish my teaching career here.

Where did life take you between college and now?

When I first got out of college (Trinity College & University of Cincinnati's College-Conservatory of Music), I went into business as a writer and creative director. After 10 years, I decided to create my own ad firm, which I ran for another five years. At age 38, I sold the company and enrolled at Xavier University, where I earned an MEd and my teaching license. At age 40, Princeton City School District hired me to teach 8th grade English and I taught there for 28 years.

What is one thing you've noticed that has changed since you were a Country Day student? 

Girls! We were an all-boys school in grades 7-12 back in ’71. Also, the student dress code has changed quite a bit! Back in my day, students wore coats and ties, which sounds a good deal swankier than it was. In reality, we each kept our one dress jacket and one tie in our lockers all year round. They frayed and we smelled. But, of course, with no girls around, who cared?

What is one thing you've noticed that has stayed the same?

Academic standards and expectations have always been an important part of the Country Day experience. The curriculum here pushes students to explore, discover their capabilities, and excel just as it did in the 1960s when I was a Country Day student. Our GOAT class of ’71 – with only 40 or so boys – produced seven doctors, seven lawyers, seven teachers, and seven ministers of various faiths. We even claim Jeff Spain in the ’71 class, need I say more?

What do you think is special about Country Day?

A lot! Small class sizes…truly talented and dedicated teachers and administrators…a caring, kid-centric environment…a collegial atmosphere among all staff…parents who remain involved throughout their kids’ education…students who are bright, motivated, and well behaved…and of course, lunch! Heck, I’d sub here just to get the lunch!

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2022

Friday, September 23 and Saturday, September 24

ALUMNI RECEPTION

Friday, September 23

5:30 p.m.

Tennis Complex

All alumni gather for a special evening featuring dinner and drinks.

HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME

7:00 p.m.

Brian J. Bortz Family Stadium

ALUMNI BREAKFAST

Saturday, September 24

10:30 a.m.

Upper School Dining Terrace

Alumni breakfast honoring the class of 1972 and 50+ year alumni. All alumni are welcome. Includes the presentation of the Virtue in Action Award.

All events are gratis, courtesy of the CCDS Alumni Association.

Mark your calendars and join us!

Please contact Louise Vaughan, Director of Advancement,

on 513-979-0284 or [email protected] with questions.

The 8th graders brought our dreams alive with Xanadu Jr.! An incredible performance that showcased talent and teamwork.

7th graders enjoying the annual field trip to Cherokee, NC. As well as outdoor fun, the students interacted with members of the Cherokee tribe and through this and other experiences, learned a new understanding of community, responsibility for self and others, independence, and respect for the natural world.

Phil Hinkle '60, Susanna Hinkle Schwartz '93, Leah Schwartz '27, and Hannah Schwartz '29 participate in the annual Legacy Breakfast for alumni and their student-children (and grandchildren!)

7th and 8th graders worked together to build a canoe during CCDX Week in March and last weekend, they got to test their build at the Grand Valley Preserve in Camp Dennison.

1st grade teacher, Jessica Beaudoin, participates in the Closing Ceremony alongside two of her students.

The annual upper school dodgeball tournament...freshmen played the seniors, sophomores played the juniors, and the seniors won out to play...the faculty team. Seniors cleaned up and took home the golden trash can trophy!

We are so thankful for our 62-acre campus at Country Day! Earth Day saw students of all ages enjoying the west woods, the natural playscapes, and so much more. We are committed to taking care of our environment today and every day!

Multivariable calculus students erected new "décor" in the upper school commons. Students created a function, calculated "points" (ping-pong balls), measured fishing line...and untangled it countless times. The final result? A colorful display of their calculus learning!

International Night saw over 300 people enjoying delicious food from around the globe, with more than 100 dishes representing the myriad cultures of the Country Day community, combined with a rich program of international theater, music, and singing.

Another Country Day tradition - 4th, 5th, and 6th graders participated in Field Day this week. From frisbee golf to track and field, the students developed teamwork and a new athletic skill or two, as fourth graders were introduced to their future Middle School friends.

Sure, you could learn about balancing chemical equations at a desk, but Mr. Johnston prefers to teach 8th graders about hydrocarbon in a more hands-on way...with fire bubbles! Learning doesn't get more fun than this!

The Lower School spring piano recital enjoyed a full house to enjoy the fearless and joyful performances of these dedicated pianists.

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who has supported the school this year with gifts to the Country Day Fund. You make a tremendous difference to the experience of our students and teachers.

If you have yet to make a gift, but would like to do so before the school year ends on June 30, please click the button below.