2025
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June
Seahorses Receive All-State Recognition
Read MoreCHRISTCHURCH, VA -- 24 June 2025Congratulations to Christchurch Seahorses who earned all-state recognition from the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) for the spring season.Alivia Bruce '27 of Gloucester, VAFirst Team, Division II SoftballKayla Hatton '25 of Wake, VASecond Team, Division II SoccerLucia Nunez De La Fuente '25 of Madrid, SpainFirst Team, Division II SoccerMartina Barrientos Garza '25 of Madrid, SpainFirst Team, Division II SoccerBrody Nyitrai '26 of Ontario, CanadaFirst Team, Division I Lacrosse -
Baseball Team
Read MoreThe Christchurch baseball team hosts Fork Union Military Academy (FUMA) on Thursday, April 3 at 4pm. The team then heads to Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg on Saturday, April 5 to take on the Bishops in a double header that starts at 1pm. On Friday, April 11 the team returns to its home diamond to host Catholic High School from Virginia Beach at 4:30pm.The last time the Seahorses met up with FUMA this season on March 22, they came home with a victory, beating the Blue Devils 14-0.Christchurch plays in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division II, which also includes Atlantic Shores Christian School, Blue Ridge School, The Covenant School, Eastern Mennonite School, Fredericksburg Christian School, Grace Christian School, Greenbrier Christian Academy, Hampton Roads Academy, Hargrave Military Academy, Highland School, Isle of Wight Academy, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, Norfolk Christian School, Norfolk Collegiate School, North Cross School, Peninsula Catholic High School, Randolph-Macon Academy, Seton School, The Steward School, Trinity Christian School, and Virginia Episcopal School.Joey Fitchett is the Head Coach. He is assisted by Floyd Crouch and Chad Brown. Team captains are Cameron Byers '25 (son of Chris Byers of Williamsburg, Amanda Kirby of Fredericksburg, and nephew of Floyd Crouch of Saluda), Mac Bargatze '25 (son of Elizabeth Bargatze and Hampton Bargatze of Richmond), and Trey Fitchett '26 (son of Joey and Nina Fitchett of Saluda).The public is invited to come to games at Davies Field on the school's upper campus any day to watch great baseball! -
Baseball Wraps Season
Read MoreThe Christchurch School baseball team wrapped up its 2025 season with a win over Peninsula Catholic High School on the road in Newport News.The Seahorses were down 8-0 at the top of the 7th. Christchurch fought back for a 10-8 victory in the team's final game of the season.Senior Mac Bargatze (Richmond) earned the win. Senior Cam Byers (Saluda) came in and slammed the door in the bottom of the 7th to earn the save. The Seahorses were led on offense by Trey Fitchett (Saluda) 2-4 (2 runs, 1 RBI), Cam Byers 1-3 (2 runs, 3RBI) and Dallas Davis (Topping) 1-4 (1 run, 1RBI).Head Coach Joey Fitchett reflected on the season, " I am very proud. Losing our top two pitchers to start the season was tough, but the team worked hard and got better every day. All season we kept telling them keep playing, on to the next play, and in the final game they did just that. They never stopped playing and walked away with a great win to end the season. Now we start on 2026."The Christchurch baseball team competes in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division II.If you have questions about the Christchurch School baseball program, please call 804.542.4843. -
Blake Berry is VISAA Div II Soccer Player of the Year
Read MoreChristchurch School Director of Athletics and Co-Curriculars John Dehm announces that Blake Berry '25 was named Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division II 2024 Soccer Player-of-the-Year.Blake was co-captain of the Christchurch soccer team which won the VISAA Division II State Soccer Championship this fall.Blake is the son of Jonathan and Lauren Berry of St. Stephens Church, VA. He is a Navigator (the school's admission hospitality team), a prefect, and a member of the National Honor Society. Blake is on the school's varsity boys basketball team, and is an honor roll student.Antony Dentener of Cape Town, South Africa was named to the VISAA Division II All State First Team, and Rafa Garza Gomez was named to the Second Team.Head Coach Matt Schaefer was named VISAA Division II 2024 Coach-of-the-Year. Schaefer is in his 22nd year at the school, where he is also Head Coach of the girls soccer team. Schaefer teaches in the school's math department.Christchurch also won the Division II Boys State Championship in 2022 when Blake was a sophomore. -
Champions!
Read MoreThe Christchurch School varsity soccer team won the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division II State Soccer Championship last night at Segra Field in Leesburg.The team finished the regular season ranked #1 in VISAA Division II. On Monday, November 4, they hosted the division quarterfinals, defeating Virginia Academy 2-0 to advance to the semifinals.In a quick turnaround, the team then traveled to Segra Field for the semifinals, defeating #4-ranked Blue Ridge 3-1 to earn a championship berth.On Monday, November 11, the Seahorses defeated the Seton Hall Conquistadors (Manassas, VA) 2-0 for the crown.To support the team, the school consolidated its academic schedule on Monday to allow fans to travel to the match.Christchurch transported more than 150 students and faculty to the venue in Northern Virginia, to support the team. Head of School Billy Coyle covered the $10 entrance tickets for all students, faculty and staff who traveled to the game.Other schools in VISAA Division II include:Seton School; North Cross School; Blue Ridge School; Eastern Mennonite School; Trinity Christian School; Norfolk Collegiate School; The Covenant School; Virginia Academy; Atlantic Shores Christian School; Highland School; Hampton Roads Academy; The Steward School; and King Abdullah Academy. -
Christchurch Hires Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
Read MoreChristchurch School is pleased to name Scott Barker as Head of the Boys Basketball Program and Varsity Head Coach. Barker has worked with the program for the last two years as an assistant coach, and this last year as head coach of the JV team.Barker, who lives in White Stone, has a wealth of qualifications and understands high school basketball from all vantage points as a head coach, assistant coach, AAU coach, former player, parent of a former player, and college recruiter. He is also a licensed counselor with research emphasis on group cohesion and performance in team sports. He is a published author of articles on motivation and basketball strategy.Barker served as an assistant coach for both the Lincoln University (PA) men's and women's basketball teams. He served as head coach of the men's basketball program at Wilmington College, head coach of the Delaware Dynamite AAU touring team, and assistant coach for the men's basketball program at Delaware Technical and Community College.From 1993-1999, Barker was head coach and general manager for the Delaware Blue Bombers, a professional team in the Atlantic Basketball Association and a developmental league for professional leagues abroad and in the US, including the NBA and the CBA. He was named Coach-of-the-Year for the 1995-96 season.At the high school level, Barker served as head coach of the girls basketball team at Coatesville High School (PA), and head coach for the Lady Titans AAU basketball club. He was founder and director of the Avon Grove Red Hawks Youth Basketball Club from 2003-2007 and director and head coach for the Red Hawks AAU basketball program from 2007-2010. He served as head coach for the Avon Grove High School (PA) boys basketball team from 1999 to 2003.In 2023 Barker created a youth basketball initiative here in the River Realm - Rivah Basketball Association - with focus on player development and community relations. He organized a high school AAU team to play a competitive schedule in regional AAU tournaments from Richmond to Hampton. The team finished in 3rd place at the D3 Boys World Championship.Coach Barker has a Master of Science in Psychology from St. Joseph's University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Delaware.If you have questions about the basketball program at Christchurch School, please call 804.542. 4843. -
Christchurch Hosts and Wins MASSA Sailing Fleet Championship, Qualifies for Second National Championship Race
Read MoreChristchurch hosted 17 schools from up and down the Eastern Seaboard last weeked for the Mid-Atlantic Interscholastic Sailing Association (MASSA) Fleet Championship and Mallory National Championship Qualifier.Saturday was a beautiful, 70 degree day with initial 1.5 foot waves that settled to near flat by the end of the day. Northwest winds in the mid-teen mph with gusts into the low twenties declined gradually throughout the day and clocked slightly to NNW in late afternoon as winds diminished to unsailable by 4:30pm.Sunday dawned with no wind so sailors spent their time enjoying food trucks, music, and Christchurch's beach volleyball, paddle boats and other recreational water toys.Christchurch School took first place in the regatta with 62 points. Severn School finished in second place with 70 points, Southern Regional took third place with 113 points, and Christian Brothers Academy finished fourth with 118 points.The full fleet of schools competing in the regatta, in order of finish:Christchurch School, Severn School (Severna Park, MD), Southern Regional High School (Stafford Township, NJ), Christian Brothers Academy (Middletown, NJ), Hampton Roads Academy (Hampton Roads, VA), Severna Park High School (Severna Park, MD), Norfolk Academy (Norfolk, VA), The Stony Brook School (Long Island, NY), Donovan Catholic High School (Toms River, NJ), Rye High School (Rye, NY), Norfolk Collegiate School (Norfolk, VA), Key School (Annapolis, MD), Sts. Peter and Paul (Easton, MD), Archbishop Spalding High School (Severn, MD), Great Mills High School (Great Mills, MD), St. Mary's High School (Annapolis, MD), Ranney School (Tinton Falls, NJ), and Canisius High School (Buffalo, NY).Not only did Christchurch win the Mid-Atlantic Fleet Championship, but the win qualifies them to move on to compete in the Mallory Cup National FLEET Racing Championship to be held at Connecticut College in New London, CT on May 31 and June 1.The team previously qualified to sail in the Baker Trophy National TEAM Racing Championship in San Diego, CA this weekend. -
Christchurch Softball
Read MoreThe Christchurch School softball team, in only its second year, is on a roll under new head coach Ellie Armistead. After a slow start on the season, the team is hitting its stride with recent significant wins over Norfolk Christian (11-1), Norfolk Academy (15-0), Collegiate School (22-3 and 14-0), Miller School of Albemarle (11-5), and Catholic High School (15-4).The team's home diamond is at the Middlesex County Sports Complex Field #4. Team captains are Teresa Espiritu '26, daughter of Rahn and Annie Espiritu of Gloucester, VA and Avery Thomas '26, daughter of Joshua and Heather Thomas of Cobbs Creek, VA. -
Christchurch to Graduate Sixty-Two
Read MoreChristchurch School will hold its 104th commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 24 at 9:00 a.m. on the Main Lawn and Bell Tower Hill. Mr. William J. "Billy" Coyle will speak. Mr. Coyle is completing his third year as Head of Christchurch School. He is the 17th Head in the school's history.This year’s valedictorian is Reagan Elizabeth Harding, daughter of Rich and Nicole Harding of Reedville, VA. Reagan will attend The College of William & Mary. -
Christchurch to Host 32nd Annual Golf Classic
Read MoreChristchurch School will host its 32nd Annual Golf Classic on Friday, June 6 at the Piankatank River Golf Club in Hartfield. Registration starts at 11:30am, with a putting contest at 12:30pm, and a Captain's Choice shotgun start at 1pm.Registration includes 18 holes of golf with cart, dinner, and awards banquet following play.Sponsorship opportunities are available. To learn more, contact Huntley Galleher at hgalleher@christchurchschool.org .For more information about the Christchurch Golf Classic and to register, go to https://www.christchurchschool.org/alumni/ .golf-classic -
Christchurch to Induct Three into Hall Of Fame Homecoming Weekend
Read MoreThe Christchurch School Hall of Fame Committee is pleased to announce that the Hall of Fame Class of 2025 will be inducted during Homecoming Weekend, October 24-25.This year's class includes a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, an Athletic Achievement recipient, and one inductee in the Special Recognition category. The group will be inducted at 11am on Saturday, October 25 and honored at halftime of the football game at Dischinger Field.This year's inductees are:Colonel Mark P. Vakos '82, Lifetime Achievement:Mark achieved a very high level of military excellence during his 25-year career in the United States Army. He served multiple tours of duty in combat as an army intelligence officer. He was on the ground in the Middle East and has served in the highest levels of military intelligence. He has been recognized with numerous medals and honors for bravery and leadership. He is a shining example of what a Christchurch alumnus is expected to contribute to our nation and the quality of the world.Matthew J. Fluhr '07, Athletic Achievement:Matt was a three-year student leader, member of the National Honor Society and honor roll student. He competed each season on the crew team. He was a six-time Team MVP and won several VA State and national championship awards. In his senior year he was voted male athlete of the year. Matt competed with the 2007 U.S. Junior National Team in the Junior World Rowing Championships in Beijing, China. Matt went on to row at the United States Naval Academy, where he earned a degree in Ocean Engineering. He was a two-time recipient of the Rusty Callow Award, the highest award for a Navy heavyweight rower, and he was a two-year team captain. Fluhr was commissioned as a Surface Warfare Officer and served in the Navy for more than six years. He then became an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Yale University, and is currently the Head Men's Heavyweight Crew Coach at the Naval Academy.Don R. Harris, Special Recognition:Don has been a basketball coach at Christchurch School for more than 36 years, with decades of winning teams and numerous championships on his resume. He is a legendary local sports icon, mentor, and Middlesex County friend and neighbor, coaching and officiating basketball and baseball for the youth in our community, including Christchurch School faculty and staff children. His career spans decades of "junior Seahorses." Don pursues an admirable path of assisting others, both personally and professionally. He extends a helping hand to those who need his assistance. Testimonies offered on behalf of Don's induction came from a wide range of individuals whose lives he has impacted, including student athletes, coaches, and professional business leaders. -
Flowering of the Cross
Read MoreThe Christchurch School community celebrated Women's History Month with a special service on Tuesday which included the traditional Flowering of the Cross. The Flowering of the Cross is a western Christian tradition in which worshippers place flowers on a bare wooden cross, symbolizing the new life that emerges from Jesus' death and resurrection. On Tuesday, the community placed flowers on a cross in honor of special women in their lives. Mollie Brumfield, Director of the School's Learning Skills Program, gave the homily. Many students said that they placed their flowers in honor of their mothers and grandmothers.Flowers and herbs for the cross were provided by Christchurch faculty and staff from their own gardens. Christchurch School is an Episcopal school, one of six in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia along with: St. Christopher's School (Richmond), St. Catherine's School (Richmond), Stuart Hall (Staunton), St. Margaret's School (Tappahannock), and St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School (Alexandria). -
Football Players Earn All-State Honors
Read MoreChristchurch School Director of Co-Curriculars John Dehm is pleased to announce All-State honorees for the 2024 football season. Christchurch competed in the VISFL Division 1 eight-man football league.Congratulations to local seniors Cam Byers and CJ DuNomes who were named to the VISFL All-State team.Byers received VISFL First Team Honors as ATHLETE and Second Team Honors for both Defensive Line and Offensive Line. Byers also served as tri-captain of the team. He is the nephew of Floyd Crouch of Saluda and son of Chris Byers of Williamsburg and Amanda Kirby of Fredericksburg.DuNomes received Honorable Mention honors at Defensive Line. He is the son of Leland and Keyetta DuNomes of Christchurch.Other Christchurch players recognized by the VISFL are:FIRST TEAMQBEli Belizor '26, son of Barbara Belizor of Monroe, CTTight EndBen Pizzano, son of Andrew and Jennifer Pizzano of North Haven, CTDefensive LineTJ Rasheed, son of Kyle Rone and Sophliah Rasheed of Danville, VADefensive BackEli BelizorSECOND TEAMRunning BackChristian Mongillo, son of Nick and Sunday Mongillo or North Haven, CTOffensive LineTJ RasheedLinebackerChristian Mongillo -
Football Players Earn All-State Honors
Read MoreChristchurch School Director of Co-Curriculars John Dehm is pleased to announce All-State honorees for the 2024 football season. Christchurch competed in the VISFL Division 1 eight-man football league.Congratulations to local seniors Cam Byers and CJ DuNomes who were named to the VISFL All-State team.Byers received VISFL First Team Honors as ATHLETE and Second Team Honors for both Defensive Line and Offensive Line. Byers also served as tri-captain of the team. He is the nephew of Floyd Crouch of Saluda and son of Chris Byers of Williamsburg and Amanda Kirby of Fredericksburg.DuNomes received Honorable Mention honors at Defensive Line. He is the son of Leland and Keyetta DuNomes of Christchurch.Other Christchurch players recognized by the VISFL are:FIRST TEAMQBEli Belizor '26, son of Barbara Belizor of Monroe, CTTight EndBen Pizzano, son of Andrew and Jennifer Pizzano of North Haven, CTDefensive LineTJ Rasheed, son of Kyle Rone and Sophliah Rasheed of Danville, VADefensive BackEli BelizorSECOND TEAMRunning BackChristian Mongillo, son of Nick and Sunday Mongillo or North Haven, CTOffensive LineTJ RasheedLinebackerChristian Mongillo -
Musical SS Rappahannock Opens to Public February 14, 15
Read MoreThe Christchurch School Visual and Performing Arts Department is pleased to announce that the annual winter musical will open to the public on Friday, February 14 and Saturday, February 15 at 7pm. The script for S.S. RAPPAHANNOCK is original and was written by students.The production will take place in the David & Wendy Fine and Performing Arts Center in Marston Hall on the school's campus.There are two seating options:1) Reserved Table Seating is $25 and includes light food and beverages - feel like a special guest on the ship!2) General Admission Seating is $10. Concessions will be available.Purchase tickets here: bit.ly/SSRappahannockChristchurch Choral and Performing Arts Instructor Regan Sprenkle is the musical's director. She is assisted by faculty members Dr. Kerry O'Grady and Mr. Jim Robb.production poster by Cherry Phan '25. -
Sailors Qualify to Compete in 2025 National Team Racing Championship
Read MoreCHRISTCHURCH SAILING QUALIFIES TO COMPETE IN 2025 NATIONAL TEAM RACING CHAMPIONSHIPCHRISTCHURCH, VA -- 29 April 2025The Christchurch School sailing team traveled to Annapolis, MD last weekend to compete in the Mid-Atlantic Interscholastic Sailing Association (MASSA) district team race championship regatta at West River Sailing Club.The sailors raced on Saturday in SW winds of 7-15 knots with occasional light showers.Winds on Sunday were predominantly 15-20 knots with moments of 25-30 knots and occasional lulls at 10-12 knots. Wind directions on both days made for gusty and shifty conditions.Christchurch finished second in a field of ten schools including Christian Brothers Academy (Lincroft, NJ), Severna Park (Severna Park, MD), The Stony Brook School (Long Island, NY), Norfolk Academy (Norfolk, VA), Key School (Annapolis, MD), Rye High School (Rye, NY), South River High School (Edgewater, MD), and Archbishop Spaulding (Severn, MD), Severn School (Severna Park, MD) finished in first place.Skippers for Christchurch were Bo Angus (Richmond, VA), Elliott Lipp (Charleston, SC), and Wylder Smith (Guilford, CT). Crew were Bennett Moss (Asheville, NC), Suzie Nguyen (Thu Dau Mot, Vietnam), Malia Deane (Towson, MD), and Simone Moss (Oakland Park, FL).The top two teams qualified to compete in the Interscholastic Sailing Association (ISSA) Team Race National Championship for The Baker Trophy on May 16-18 at Mission Bay Yacht Club in San Diego, CA. The Seahorses won The Baker Trophy in 2019. -
Spring Concert
Read MoreThe Visual and Performing Arts Department hosted a concert and art show during Spring Family Weekend in April. The concert featured the school's choral group, Cantorion, and various solo and instrumental groupings. -
Students Explore Alternative Energy Sources
Read MoreStudents in CCS Science Department Chair Franklin Bell's 11th grade honors science class have been researching alternative energy sources. They studied wind turbine basics, solar extractable power energy source distribution, consumer costs for renewable vs. non-renewable energy, and calculated average wind speeds for our local area.They then used their research for an engineering project. The challenge for the project was to design and build a combined solar/wind unit to generate power for LED lights in a home using the Engineering Design Process. The Engineering Design Process is a systematic approach that engineers use to create functional products and processes, applying science, mathematics, and engineering sciences.Afterwards, students tested and analyzed their designs and outcomes. -
Students Travel to Senegal
Read MoreEighteen Christchurch School students traveled to Senegal for the spring break as part of the school's Global Education Program.As a community, Christchurch aspires to be aware of and actively engaged with the international community. Global Education experiences are designed in-house using relationships with communities and knowledge of places to build a framework for valuable student-driven learning.Aaron Alter is the Director Global Education. Destinations in recent years include India, Senegal, Guatemala, Spain, and China.While in Senegal this spring, students lived in the small village of Niognani. Highlights of the trip include an overnight safari in Niokolo Koba National Park, visiting a school in the city of Rufisque, saltwater and freshwater fishing, attending a professional soccer match at Ajel du Rufisque Stadium, traveling through a mangrove delta to stay at the Hakuna Lodge, and going to Goree Island off the coast of Dakar, where they stepped through the Door of No Return.Chaperones were Aaron Alter, Evan Pausic '17, Nick Smith, and Gidget Valadez.If you would like to learn more about Global Education at Christchurch School, contact Aaron Alter at aalter@christchurch school.org or 804.542.6844. And you can read the students' blog posts at https://www.ccsglobaled.com/category/senegal-2024-25/ -
Trap Shooters Place Third
Read MoreThe Christchurch School trap shooting team has had a terrific first year. The team competed in the Virginia State High School Clay Target League Tournament last weekend in Manassas. The team placed third in the state! 9th grader Brock Miller, son of Craig Miller and Lisa Brock of Alexandria, placed third for JV. Junior Christopher Rhoads, son of Meade '84 and Janie Rhoads of Aylett, placed second for the spring 2025 season and received the All Star award. More than 50 athletes competed in the tournament. The Christchurch team competes in both fall and spring. Their advisor is Director of Admission Billy Burlee. -
2024-25 HONOR ROLLS
Read MoreCHRISTCHURCH, VA -- 10 June 2025Christchurch Head of School William J. "Billy" Coyle and Senior Director of Curriculum and Program Donny Pyles are pleased to announce the Head’s and Dean’s lists for the 2024-25 school year.Students whose grade point average is greater than or equal to a 3.5 and who have no grade lower than a B- earn HEAD’S LIST honors.Students whose grade point average is greater than or equal to a B (3.0) but less than an A- and who have no grade lower than a C earn DEAN’S LIST honors.HEAD'S LIST9th Grade: Alex Bierman, Matthew Bryant, Jaclyn Callis, Skyler Casey, Ayden Claussen, Kaia Deane, Rivers Hickey, Hyoseok Kim, Wyatt Lipp, Logan Orlando, Allie Schaefer, Skyla Schaefer, Rylee Taylor, Kyana Thompson, and Cindy Zhang10th Grade: Alejandra Alcala Martin, Stephanie Bowhey, Charlton Brown, Chase Carneal, Emma Gonzalez Lazaro, Aaron Griffith, Chisato Harada, Quenton Harding, Loc Huynh, Ian Jonson, Ryan Larsen, Gerardo Lozano Sumano, Estella Mayhew, Charli Miltenberger, Hoang Nguyen, Olwen Nguyen, Callie Penick, Duong Gia Bao Pham, Natalia Sanchez Gomez, Wylder Smith, Almudena Vila Medina, and Guanqi Zhao11th Grade: Mare Barasik, Millicent Branflick, Davis Bugg, Finley Caisse, Jacob Carey, Caleb Dymmel, Thomas Emery, Teresa Espiritu, Katherine Fitzgerald, William Flagg, Herman Gill, Trevor Haynie, Harrison Hinton, MaryClare Hodges, Elliott Lipp, Cuong Luong, LeighAnn Matthews, Cara Moss, Minh Tho Nguyen, Nhat Nguyen, Christopher Rhoads, Sienna Rowe, Maya Secaira, Adeline Smith, Barbara Smith, Chuong Tran, Manuel Vieytez Arguello, Lillian Williams, and Edoardo Zagatti12th Grade: Ignacio Alvarez Pedraja, Namiyah Andrews, Martina Barrientos Garcia, Dylan Belliveau, Blake Berry, Antonio Bonilla Yepes, Elizabeth Bowhey, Amparo Cabedo Llorens, Lucia Castillo Ortiz, Jorge Cuetara Godoy, Anthony Dentener, Christian DuNomes, Otto Eley, John Tayloe Emery, Noah Everson, Abigail Fannin, Jarlyne Felix Morel, Esteban Fernandez Cuevas, Rafa Garza Gomez, Reagan Harding, Kayla Hatton, Nhu Ho, Graham Isaacs, Cecelia Jablonsky, Madeline Janzen, Addison Kosek, Margaret Lancaster, Leona Li, Adelaide Matzky, Hoan Xuan Nguyen, Leonardo Nunes, Lucia Nunez De La Fuente, Maria Ordonez Helton, William Paschold, Enrique Reid, Esteban Saura Fortes, Chloe Shurr, Emily Stanaway, and Hannah VanVelzorDEAN'S LIST9th Grade: Andrew Behm, Teal Cola, Trip Crone, Shaun Gill, Viktorija Gobush, Evan Hinton, Nate Isaac, Sydney Latoski, Harrison Leben, Jacob Lewis, Brock Miller, and Lyla Porter10th Grade: Brynleigh Allen, Andrew Claussen, Valerie Edmonds, Alexander Fitzhugh, Pablo Galinda Rocha, Ian Jablonsky, Fernando Maciel de Freitas, Thy Vu, and Olivia Wolff11th Grade: Alexis Foster, Elisabeth Gobush, Linh Ha, Ethan Hardy, Tong Minh Anh Le, Jackson McGrady, Liam McKendrick, Antonio Mendez Belda, Brody Nyitrai, Ben Pizzano, Franco Robbio, and Avery Thomas12th Grade: Bo Angus, Mason Bull, Malia Deane, Simone Forrest, Kate Jonson, Simone Moss, Han Phan, Truyen Tran, and Ryan Trunkey. -
A BEAUTIFUL DAY AT THE RIVER
Read MoreCHRISTCHURCH, VA -- 3 June 2025Christchurch School celebrated its 104th graduation exercises on Saturday, May 24 at 9 am on Bell Tower Hill, overlooking the Rappahannock River.Head of School William J. "Billy" Coyle delivered the commencement address. This was the third graduation for Christchurch's 17th Head of School.Mr. Coyle opened with a welcome and asked all in attendance to observe a moment of silence in honor of Memorial Day Weekend and those who have lost their lives in service to our country.He then went on to congratulate families of the graduates. "Thank you for your belief in Christchurch School and this partnership that we have formed in guiding these seniors, your children. You entrusted us with your most precious gift and together we have watched them grow into impressive young men and women. He praised the work of faculty and staff, "I am in awe of all that we have accomplished together."Mr. Coyle then turned his full attention to the Class of 2025, saying "This class is really, really special. This is my third graduation and my most comfortable. That is because of you and the leadership you brought to the campus. You created an atmosphere that is exciting, embracing, committed and caring. Our community has never felt stronger. This foundation you built will continue to grow year after year. Your leadership has quickly changed our direction. You should all be proud of your soon-to-be alma mater. Thank you."He went on to recap what a great year it was, citing performances, creative work, championship play, academic accomplishments, senior speeches, and global travel. He also acknowledged that there were challenging times. "Throughout it all, you persevered and created this strong community with your senior leadership. It has been an amazing ride."In a favorite CCS tradition, Mr. Coyle addressed each of the sixty-two graduates personally, remarking on the special gifts and talents that each brought to the community, sharing with them what their teachers, coaches, advisors, and hall parents had to say about each one of them. Coyle also noted a bit of history made by the Class of 2025. For the first time ever, the class was split evenly between young men and young women. For a school that opened its doors as an all-boys institution, this is a notable milestone.Coyle encouraged the graduates, "As you walk away, do so with confidence and power. No mountain is too high, no river is too wide." He reminded them, "you have incredible support from this entire Seahorse nation. Your classmates, your teachers, your coaches, and most importantly, your parents and family. You can forever pull your strength from this place. From your experiences here, from that river," he said, pointing to the Rappahannock River in full view, just over their shoulders. "You are unstoppable."He shared with them a reading from Romans 15:13, May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. "Powerful," he emphasized."Always remember to be thankful. Thank those that have helped you get to this point. Thank your parents, your teachers, your mentors, your friends. And take time to reflect on yourselves, on your own accomplishments. And recognize that you did it. You made it. Whatever your new mascot may be, in your heart you will always be a true, blue and orange, fighting Seahorse."Remember this. You didn't graduate from Christchurch School to be mediocre. Go show the world that you are kind, genuine, and unstoppable."May God bless you all. With this very sincere special blessing going out to graduating seniors and their families. Congratulations!"Coyle, Board Chair Lynne Tatum Little, and Senior Director of Curriculum and Program Donny Pyles conferred diplomas. The school's musical group, Cantorion, provided music. Following the ceremony, each graduate rang the Second Century Bell as they passed through the Bell Tower. They then made their way through a faculty receiving line, which is always a highlight of the Christchurch graduation.Graduates included Progress Award winner William Taylor Paschold of Virginia Beach, VA and Chaplain's Award winner Han "Cherry" Phan of Da Nang, Vietnam.The school's highest honor, the Bishop's Award, went to Blake Douglas Berry of St. Stephens Church, VA. The Valedictorian's Award was earned by Reagan Elizabeth Harding of Reedville, VA.Other awards were presented to seniors the previous evening at the Senior Awards Ceremony. Recipients include the following students:12th Grade Outstanding Student Award: Owen Smiley of Urbanna and Weems, VABest All-Around Athlete Award:Namiyah Andrews of Heathsville, VAAnthony Dentener of Cape Town, South AfricaStudent Life Award: Christian DuNomes of Christchurch, VAThe Performing Arts Prize in Theatre:Nana Kufuor of Accra GhanaThe Humanities Prize: Maggie Lancaster of Port Haywood, VAThe Science Prize: Reagan HardingThe Mathematics Prize: Reagan HardingThe Valedictorian's Award: Reagan HardingVirginia Independent Schools (VISAA) Awards of Merit:Namiyah AndrewsJorge Cuetara Godoy of Boadilla Del Monte, SpainAnthony DentenerCJ DuNomesJarlyne Felix Morel of Santo Domingo, Dominican RepublicChloe Shurr of Christiansted, US Virgin IslandsStudents graduating with honors:Namiyah Andrews (Heathsville, VA), Martina Barrientos Garcia (Madrid, Spain), Dylan Belliveau (Calgary, Alberta), Blake Berry (St. Stephens Church, VA), Amparo Cabedo Llorens (Valencia, Spain), Lucia Castillo Ortiz (Madrid, Spain), CJ DuNomes (Christchurch, VA), Abbi Fannin (Hayes, VA), Jarlyne Felix Morel (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic), Esteban Fernandez Cuevas (Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic), Rafa Garza (Mexico City, Mexico), Reagan Harding (Reedville, VA), Kayla Hatton (Wake, VA), Nhu "Emma" Ho (Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam), Graham Isaacs (Folly Beach, SC), CeCe Jablonsky (White Stone, VA), Maddie Janzen (Atlanta, GA), Addie Kosek (St. Stephens Church, VA), Maggie Lancaster (Port Haywood, VA), Leona Li (White Stone, VA), Simone Moss (Oakland Park, FL), Hoang Xuan "Suzie" Nguyen (Thu Dau Mot, Vietnam), Lucia Nunez de la Fuente (Madrid, Spain), Han "Cherry" Phan (Da Nang, Vietnam), Enrique Reid (Tokyo, Japan), Chloe Shurr (Christiansted, US Virgin Islands), Emily Stanaway (Jamaica, VA), Truyen Tran (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam), and Hannah VanVelzor (Norwalk, CT). -
CCS TRAP SHOOTERS PLACE THIRD IN STATE
Read MoreThe Christchurch School trap shooting team has had a terrific first year. The team competed in the Virginia State High School Clay Target League Tournament last weekend in Manassas. The team placed second in the state! 9th grader Brock Miller, son of Craig Miller and Lisa Brock of Alexandria, placed third for JV. Junior Christopher Rhoads, son of Meade '84 and Janie Rhoads of Aylett, placed second for the spring 2025 season and received the All Star award. More than 50 athletes competed in the tournament. The Christchurch team competes in both fall and spring. Their advisor is Director of Admission Billy Burlee. -
March
Christchurch Sailing Hosts Fleet Regatta
Read MoreCHRISTCHURCH, VA - 25 March 2025The Christchurch School sailing team hosted its first fleet regatta of the season on Saturday at the school's sailing pavilion and waterfront. The Seahorses' first team took second place with 91 points and the school's second team took third place with 105 points. Hampton Roads Academy finished first. The "A" Division sailed in the school's fleet of new 420s, and the B Division sailed in the Jack Dozier '65 FJ Fleet. Both fleets were on the water at the same time, with alternating starts. Winds were initially in the high single dits, clocking westerly and climbing to sporty sustained winds in the high teens. Gusts throughout the day, reaching up to 20mph, challenged the sailors. Temperatures reached nearly 70 degrees. Other schools competing in the regatta were: Hampton Roads, Norfolk Academy, Norfolk Collegiate, York HS, Maury HS, Kecoughtan HS, Poquoson HS, Heritage HS, and The Hague School.The team is led by Head Coach Rob Deane and assistant coaches Mary Pryor, Rick Krogh, and Michael Schmidt. Team captains are Adelaide Matzky '25 (Rochester, NY) and Bo Angus '25 (Richmond, VA).The team sails in the Mid-Atlantic Interscholastic Sailing Association (MASSA) district of the Interscholastic Sailing Association (ISSA), as well as the Virginia Interscholastic Sailing Association league (VISA).In other regattas this season, Christchurch placed second at the VISA Maury Fleet Regatta, and first and second at the VISA Kecoughtan Fleet Race Regatta. -
Flowering of the Cross
Read MoreCHRISTCHURCH, VA -- 25 MARCH 2025The Christchurch School community celebrated Women's History Month with a special service on Tuesday which included the traditional Flowering of the Cross. The Flowering of the Cross is a western Christian tradition in which worshippers place flowers on a bare wooden cross, symbolizing the new life that emerges from Jesus' death and resurrection. On Tuesday, the community placed flowers on a cross in honor of special women in their lives. Mollie Brumfield, Director of the School's Learning Skills Program, gave the homily. Many students said that they placed their flowers in honor of their mothers and grandmothers.Flowers and herbs for the cross were provided by Christchurch faculty and staff from their own gardens. Christchurch School is an Episcopal school, one of six in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia along with: St. Christopher's School (Richmond), St. Catherine's School (Richmond), Stuart Hall (Staunton), St. Margaret's School (Tappahannock), and St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School (Alexandria). -
Christchurch to Host Annual Dan Nolan Lacrosse Tournament
Read MoreChristchurch School will host the annual Daniel T. Nolan Lacrosse Tournament "Rumble at the River" on March 21 and 22 at Dischinger Field on the school's upper campus. Participating schools are Kiski School/Saltsburg, PA; Mount Saint Joseph High School/Baltimore, MD; and Christchurch.
The action starts at 4:30pm on Friday, with Kiski vs. Mount Saint Joseph.On Saturday, Christchurch will play Friday's winner at 11am and then Christchurch will play Friday's loser at 1pm.
The tournament is held each year to honor Dan Nolan, beloved Christchurch administrator and lacrosse coach who died of ALS in 1992.
There is no cost for admission and we invite the public to join us on campus for some great lacrosse!The Christchurch team opened its season on Monday with a preseason 15-11 win against St. James School/Hagerstown, MD.The Seahorses compete in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division I, which includes Benedictine College Prep, Bishop Ireton, Bishop O'Connell, Blue Ridge, Cape Henry Collegiate, Catholic, Collegiate School, Episcopal, Flint Hill, Norfolk Academy, The Potomac School, St. Anne's-Belfield, St. Christopher's, St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School, St. Paul VI, St. Stephen's & St. Agnes, Steward School, and Trinity Episcopal.The team is coached by John Dehm, Assistant Coach Evan Pausic '17, and Assistant Coach Max Groen. Dehm, in his 12th year at Christchurch was a standout attackman and captain for the St. Mary's College Seahawks in Maryland. He is also the school's Director of Athletics and Co-Curricular Programs. Groen also played at St. Mary's. Coach Pausic played for Dehm at Christchurch, served as the team's captain, and earned Second Team All-State as a senior. He went on to play defense for the Randolph College Wildcats. -
February
Swimmers to States
Read MoreCHRISTCHURCH, VA - 11 February 2025Congratulations to the following Christchurch School swimmers who qualified to compete in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Championship meet this week at the Jeff Rouse Aquatic Center in Stafford.Hannah VanVelzor '25 (Norwalk, CT) - 500 FreestyleFinley Caisse '26 (Hartfield, VA) - 50 Free, 200 Medley Relay, 100 BackstrokeJimmy Lewis (Lancaster, VA) - 50 Free, 200 Freestyle RelayAnthony Dentener '25 (Cape Town, South Africa) - 50 Free, 200 Freestyle RelayMare Barasik '26 (Antalya, Turkey) - 200 Medley RelayAlex Fitzhugh '27 (Midlothian, VA) - 50 Freestyle, 200 Medley Relay, 200 Freestyle Relay
Harrison Hinton '26 (Wicomico Church, VA) - 50 Freestyle, 200 Medley Relay, 200 Freestyle RelayHead Coach Dave Cola is assisted by coaches Franklin Bell and Carolyn Bell.Christchurch competes in VISAA Division II which also includes:Broadwater Academy, The Carmel School, The Covenant School, Evergreen Christian School, Fredericksburg Academy, Fredericksburg Christian School, Grace Christian School, Greenbrier Christian School, Guardian Christian Academy, Hampton Roads Academy, Hargrave Military Academy, Immanuel Christian School, King Abdullah Academy, Massanutten Military Academy, Miller School of Albemarle, Nansemond-Suffolk Academy, The New Community School, New Covenant Schools, Norfolk Collegiate, North Cross, Peninsula Catholic High School, Richmond Christian School, Roanoke Catholic School, Seton School, The Steward School, Stone Bridge School, Trinity Christian School, Trinity School at Meadow View, Veritas School, Virginia Episcopal School, Wakefield School, Walsingham Academy, and Williamsburg Christian Academy. -
January
Armistead Named Head Softball Coach
Christchurch School is pleased to announce that Ellie Armistead has been named head coach of the school's softball team.Read More
Armistead attended Mathews High School in Mathews, VA. She earned a full softball scholarship to the University of Georgia, where she started four years at shortstop, was an honor roll student, and was in the Leadership Program.
Christchurch School's Director of Athletics and Co-Curricular Programs John Dehm says, "I am so excited to name Coach Armistead Head Coach of our new softball program. There was so much excitement around our first season last spring when we finished fourth in the state. Coach Armistead will nurture the program and bring even more energy to it.”
The softball team debuted last spring, finishing its inaugural season ranked #4 in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association (VISAA) Division II and advanced to the state championship semifinals. “I want to thank Coach Robert Wayne Thomas for taking on our inaugural season last spring. Thomas coached the girls to the state semifinals in our first year of softball. He got the program off to a great start,” says Dehm.
Armistead is also an Admission Associate at the school, and a Hall Parent for the girls' dormitory. She coordinated the strength training program for the football team and is assistant coach for the girls basketball team.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about Christchurch School and its softball team, call Coach Armistead at 804.542.6826 or e-mail her at earmistead@christchurchschool.org.
Christchurch is an Episcopal, coed day and boarding school for grades 9-12. It is located near Urbanna and is one of six schools in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia: St. Catherine’s School (Richmond), St. Christopher’s School (Richmond), Stuart Hall (Staunton), St. Margaret’s School (Tappahannock), St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes (Alexandria, VA), and Christchurch School. -
Christchurch to Host Basketball Clinic
Read MoreChristchurch School will host a basketball clinic for boys and girls in grades 5-8 on Saturday, February 1 on the school's campus.Christchurch coaches Joel Jorgensen and Taylor Carter will host the clinic, assisted by members of the boys and girls varsity basketball teams. Jorgensen is the school's varsity boys coach, and Carter is assistant coach for the girls team.Admission for the clinic is free. Register here: http://bit.ly/3DXCRLlFor questions, please contact Ellie Armistead in the school's Admission Office at earmistead@christchurchschool.org or 804.542. 6826.
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