Honoring our CCDS Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Pictured above (from L to R): Head of School Rob Zimmerman '98, Kyle Kistinger '12, Erika Armstead '12, Meridy Vollmer McLane '01, and Marc Comisar '71

On May 13, 2023, the Cincinnati Country Day School community celebrated the Class of 2022 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees – Marc Comisar `71, Meredith “Meridy” Vollmer McLane `01, Erika L. Armstead `12, and Kyle Kistinger `12. 

“The stories of how Country Day changed the lives of our student-athletes never fail to inspire me, and they reaffirm my faith in the power of athletics as an essential element of a Country Day education,” said Head of School Rob Zimmerman `98 to open the ceremony. “At Country Day, we firmly believe that athletics are not an ‘extra-curricular’ activity; rather, they are central to the mission of our school. These inductees remind us of the standard of excellence to which we aspire, perpetuate our culture of success, and connect us to our history and our future.” 

Meridy Vollmer McLane `01, who Coach Steve Conner called one of the most naturally gifted athletes he has ever seen, was a three-sport athlete, playing soccer and basketball and running track during her years at Country Day. She was a state runner-up in high jump and received multiple league, district, and regional awards.

“This is a great honor. As a current parent of three Country Day students, I can see so much more clearly the love and dedication of this faculty and staff,” said McLane. “My coaches pushed me to try everything, which helped me be more versatile in so many areas of my life. The fact that Coach [Steve] Conner and Coach [Theresa Hirschauer] Hirsch are still here is a testament to their dedication and passion. Country Day played such an important role in my life and continues to be a great source of friendship and memories.” 

Erika Armstead `12, a three-sport athlete, essential to the volleyball, basketball, and track teams, and a state champion in long jump, with the third farthest jump in Division III championship history. Erika agreed with Meridy’s sentiment about the dedication of the school’s faculty, staff, and coaches. 

“Country Day has such an incredible community. Someone was always cheering for me, picking me up when I was down, or congratulating me, whether it was at a game or in the classroom,” said Armstead. “I want to thank everyone – my coaches, friends, teammates, and opponents – for making me the woman I am today and for giving me the opportunities, faith and push that I never knew I needed.” 



Gratitude was a common theme throughout the afternoon, and Marc Comisar `71, who was a key member of the back-to-back undefeated football teams of 1969-70 and 1970-71, touched on how that gratitude extended beyond the field, courts, and tracks. 

“I am grateful to my parents for giving me the opportunity to go to Country Day. I came to Country Day in 7th grade to play sports. I saw them playing out in the fields one day when we drove by, which made me want to go here but I didn't realize at the time what kind of education I would get; it should be the model for all schools. I can't tell you what it means to me to receive the great teaching I did here [at Country Day] – it changed my life.” 

All the inductees spoke about their life-changing experiences at Country Day, including Kyle Kistinger `12, who still holds the school record in three events: 800m (1:58), 1600m (4:18), and 3200m (9:43). 

“I'm fairly certain there is not another school in the state or country that has this level of faculty interest in their students, and it speaks volumes. It is a tremendous testament to their dedication to creating an environment for kids to learn and feel comfortable. The fact that some of my closest friends to this day are in this room with us shows how much this school fosters relationships that will hopefully last a lifetime. It's been a pleasure to be involved in the Country Day community; my family and I will certainly continue to be involved moving forward.” 

The purpose of the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame is to honor former Country Day athletes, coaches, and members of our community who have contributed to the strong tradition of Country Day athletics. For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit https://www.countryday.net/alumni/awards.

Event highlight: Current Country Day student John McLane '36 celebrates the induction of his mother, Meridy Vollmer McLane '01, into the CCDS Athletic Hall of Fame.

Celebrate This Year's Retirees With Us!

At the close of this school year, we will bid farewell to three Country Day legends: Merle Black, Beth Langenbahn, and Ashley Ward. After a collective 83 years of service, these incredible educators are retiring. To celebrate these three legends, please join us for drinks and appetizers on Tuesday, May 30 from 5-7 p.m. EST in the Carey Family Amphitheater on the CCDS campus.

Click here to RSVP. We hope to see you on May 30 for this special occasion as we toast our 2023 retirees! 

If you are unable to attend but would like to pass along a farewell message, please click here to complete the form.

And for those wishing to make a gift in honor of one or more of our retirees, please click the button below, directing your gift to faculty/staff support. You will have the opportunity to insert the name of the individual you wish to honor.

Fifty-one People Take Oath of Allegiance to the United States on Country Day's Campus

On April 27, Cincinnati Country Day School hosted a naturalization ceremony on our campus during which 51 people – including two Country Day parents! – were sworn in as U.S. citizens.

"Here today, everyone wins," says U.S. District Court Judge Susan Dlott. "You can become whatever you want to be in this great country of opportunity. You have shown your commitment and eagerness to take on the responsibilities of being an American citizen. It's our high honor and privilege to welcome you." 

The Carey Family Amphitheater was designated as a United States courthouse for the day as we welcomed America's 51 newest citizens from 31 countries as they took the Oath of Allegiance to the United States of America.

“We are a four-nation family and to finally all be united as Americans is very special,” said Martin Hettich, Country Day parent, who, along with his wife Nina, became U.S. citizens that day. “And the fact that the ceremony happened here at this school where we’ve dedicated so much makes it incredibly significant to us.”

For the ceremony, Greg Miller, choir director, sang the National Anthem and members of the Class of 2029 led the Pledge of Allegiance. Students from all divisions sat in attendance. Head of School Rob Zimmerman `98 provided a welcome to all in attendance, with a special message to the new citizens.

“Today, you are as American as anyone else in this country…You have worked hard, sacrificed much, and committed yourselves to our American experiment in self-government. Congratulations to you all; we welcome you with open arms,” says Zimmerman. “This is also a momentous occasion for those of us who have been American citizens for much longer because today serves as an act of renewal, rebirth, and revival for us all…Your purposeful commitment today challenges all of us to be worthy of the country you have sacrificed so much to join.”

Giving Day Recap

On Giving Day, alumni, families, grandparents, friends, and our faculty and staff came together to raise more than $175,000 – bursting though our goal for the day. On behalf of our students, faculty, and staff, THANK YOU! We couldn’t be more grateful for the generous show of support from our community. 

A Visit with Daryl Davis: Power in Dialogue

This month, Country Day had the privilege of welcoming world-renowned blues musician and activist Daryl Davis to our school. Davis believes there are five basic tenats that help foster civil conversation and effect change.

"No matter how far I travel or how different someone might seem, I always conclude that everyone is a human being who wants to be loved, respected, heard, and treated fairly, and wants the best for their family,” says Davis. “There is power in dialogue. You don't have to agree with someone but you have to at least respect their right to express their views.”

His work to foster respect and understanding through civil discourse inspired one of our Upper School students, Addison Heimann `24 (son of Rob Heimann '90).

“One of the best aspects of this event is that it was all student-led,” says Rob Zimmerman `98, head of school. “Addison did all the work to make the event happen. From an idea he had in a history class, he researched speakers, arranged for Mr. Davis’s visit and raised money to bring him to campus. We are proud of his leadership.”

Davis goes into more detail about his work in his book, "Klan-destine Relationships: A Black Man's Odyssey in the Ku Klux Klan." Davis, well-known, also has a Ted Talk during which he talks through his experiences befriending Klansmen and attending KKK rallies on his journey to understanding perspectives so different from his own.

“I was simply the impetus for change; they made the change happen themselves. We cannot let our country tolerate hate - it doesn't belong in any century let alone the 21st," continues Davis during his presentation to Upper School students. "We need to cancel our cancel culture; we’re living in Space Age times so why are we using Stone Age minds? We each have a choice about the direction our country takes – one in which we sit back and watch what it becomes or one in which we stand up and make it become. I can't answer that for you, but I want to stand up because life is great without hate."

Davis challenged the audience to “walk across the cafeteria,” explaining that many people, regardless of age, tend to gravitate toward who and what is familiar in the cafeteria, often sitting with people who look or think alike. “Once or twice a week, I encourage you to walk across the cafeteria and sit with someone else and I guarantee you will learn a thing or two. Engaging with others is how we break down barriers.” 

Click here for more pictures from his visit, along with a video of his jaw-dropping piano performance. His incredible talent makes it easy to see how he played with the likes of Chuck Berry and was friends with people like Elvis Presley! 

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend 2023

Friday, September 22 and Saturday, September 23

ALUMNI RECEPTION

Friday, September 22

5:30 p.m.

Wright Family 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 23

10:30 a.m.

Carey Family Amphitheater

Alumni breakfast honoring the Class of 1973 and 50+ year alumni. All alumni are welcome. Includes the presentation of the Virtue in Action and Distinguished Alumni Awards.

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

Mark your calendars and join us!

Please contact Peter Fossett '80, Associate Director of Alumni and

 Legacy Giving,

at 513-979-0283 or fossettp@countryday.net with questions.

Summer Reading Faculty Picks

Need a good book to read by the pool this summer? Look no further! Our talented faculty have put together a list of some of their favorite books to provide inspiration for upper school students and their summer reading assignments. And the list is so good, we want to share it with you! Click the button below to check out their picks, and be sure to let us know what you're reading this summer!

The Nominations Committee of the Alumni Council has recommended that the following alumni be approved to join the Alumni Council for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2023:

• Nathanial H. Adams '12
• Sally D. Hernandez ’05
• Lauren P. Legette ’07
• Dale R. Mitchell, Jr. ’97
• Mary E. Mitchell ’92
• Anne L. Pohlman ’04
• Robert M. Shively ’06

If you would be interested in being considered for a future role on council, please click here.

A great Country Day tradition: Seniors' Last Bell. So many emotions...so many hours spent in these halls and with each other. You will be missed, Class of 2023!

When you are studying amphibians in the classroom and find a toad on the playground, learning comes alive!

The 8th grade made 'em laugh in Singin' in the Rain Jr.! An incredible performance that showcased the students' talent and hard work.

4th graders toured the Ohio Statehouse and even had the opportunity to meet with Representatives Ingram and Isaacsohn. Thank you to everyone involved for a great day of learning!

History teacher Jen Faber for the win at 7:30 a.m. with red, white, and blue snacks and supplies and a themed prep area for the APUSH exam!

Lower School students in Fitness Club trained throughout the semester for the 26th mile of the Flying Pig marathon! Fitness Club focuses on overall health and wellness and, man, did these students show an incredible amount of growth and stamina!

WCPO and the Ohio Lottery Commission saluted (from left to right) Joshua Williamson `23, Will Donovan `23, and Emil Hettich `23 as high school top achievers with the Best of Class 2023 designation. Congratulations to these three incredible scholars!

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.