DA Newsroom
FEATURED
![Witnesses to History, Class of 2021 is Ready to Make its Own]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1625166966/durham/whhxanvvhzznfemjinse/G_052821DurhamAcademy_0714A.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1625166966/durham/whhxanvvhzznfemjinse/G_052821DurhamAcademy_0714A.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1625166966/durham/whhxanvvhzznfemjinse/G_052821DurhamAcademy_0714A.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1625166966/durham/whhxanvvhzznfemjinse/G_052821DurhamAcademy_0714A.jpg","width":1200}])
“Wow. We lived through enough history to fill two textbooks,” Emily Norry ’21 told her classmates as they prepared to join the ranks of Durham Academy alumni.
![Undaunted by Pandemic, Cavs Set Sights on Vs. Cancer Fundraising Record]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1624385375/durham/ycnmq8rnxqzub6njuyjy/MicrosoftTeams-image-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1624385375/durham/ycnmq8rnxqzub6njuyjy/MicrosoftTeams-image-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1624385375/durham/ycnmq8rnxqzub6njuyjy/MicrosoftTeams-image-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1624385375/durham/ycnmq8rnxqzub6njuyjy/MicrosoftTeams-image-2.jpg","width":1200}])
Over the last six years, the Brine King of Spring Face-Off Classic — a lacrosse tournament organized each year by Durham Academy varsity boys lacrosse coach Jon Lantzy — has raised more than $300,000 in support of the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation’s Vs. Cancer program.
![‘A Whole World of Stuff We Can Do’]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1625231960/durham/rznwxdxvfeg0oynqejrc/_DA7_0905.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1625231960/durham/rznwxdxvfeg0oynqejrc/_DA7_0905.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1625231960/durham/rznwxdxvfeg0oynqejrc/_DA7_0905.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1625231960/durham/rznwxdxvfeg0oynqejrc/_DA7_0905.jpg","width":1200}])
The first phase of a complete reimagination of the Middle School campus — the Arts & World Languages Center — was completed in early March. The 42,000-square-foot facility opened to Middle School students on March 22.
![With Focus on Sustainability, Students Look to Create a Brighter Future]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1625235094/durham/t9ujjdzbnjfe7fggr7ll/_DA7_4006.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1625235094/durham/t9ujjdzbnjfe7fggr7ll/_DA7_4006.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1625235094/durham/t9ujjdzbnjfe7fggr7ll/_DA7_4006.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1625235094/durham/t9ujjdzbnjfe7fggr7ll/_DA7_4006.jpg","width":1200}])
DA’s 2021 Earth Day celebration spanned an entire week, bringing together Upper Schoolers, Lower Schoolers and Preschoolers to appreciate nature and give the Earth some TLC.
MISSION-DRIVEN
![Senior Service, Reinvented]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1625151835/durham/g3lj8dsgx2bnxkg6rrkm/_IMG_4716.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1625151835/durham/g3lj8dsgx2bnxkg6rrkm/_IMG_4716.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1625151835/durham/g3lj8dsgx2bnxkg6rrkm/_IMG_4716.jpg","width":600}])
The Class of 2021 was able to take advantage of the limitations of the pandemic and worked together to learn more about the community in which they live, even though they had to do so remotely.
![Putting Passions to Paper]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1625151835/durham/xqmnetilbgnhwux79aay/_IMG_7457.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1625151835/durham/xqmnetilbgnhwux79aay/_IMG_7457.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1625151835/durham/xqmnetilbgnhwux79aay/_IMG_7457.jpg","width":600}])
Seventh-graders write about something they feel passionately about using poetic devices.
![Celebrating Two Decades of Music and Family with In The Pocket]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1624289993/durham/vfqshmrz7fcwshfmwagm/IMG_3572.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1624289993/durham/vfqshmrz7fcwshfmwagm/IMG_3572.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1624289993/durham/vfqshmrz7fcwshfmwagm/IMG_3572.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1624289993/durham/vfqshmrz7fcwshfmwagm/IMG_3572.jpg","width":1200}])
In The Pocket is inviting fans to an ITP Anniversary Celebration the weekend of Saturday, Jan. 8, 2022! There will be reunions, activities, jam sessions and rehearsals throughout the weekend, with a concert for the public at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 8. ALL In The Pocket alumni from all 25 years are invited and encouraged to attend!
![Valerie Kennedy]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1614866219/durham/prhvy57qogr8uf7u1otw/ValerieKennedy-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1614866219/durham/prhvy57qogr8uf7u1otw/ValerieKennedy-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1614866219/durham/prhvy57qogr8uf7u1otw/ValerieKennedy-2.jpg","width":600}])
Now, no one thinks twice about a Black parent on the DA board or as a president of the Parents Council. But it was courage and allyship that made this possible.
![Kaitlyn Kushner]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1599008389/durham/pg5oqusajvmcq1jsegvy/KaitlynKushner.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1599008389/durham/pg5oqusajvmcq1jsegvy/KaitlynKushner.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1599008389/durham/pg5oqusajvmcq1jsegvy/KaitlynKushner.png","width":632}])
What an amazing journey this has been. I am so happy that I am able to reflect on where this study has taken me and dream about where it will lead me in the future.
![Families Welcome Pandemic Pets]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1592417439/durham/xxy65sau3cesfi8uy6zv/kendall2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1592417439/durham/xxy65sau3cesfi8uy6zv/kendall2.jpg","width":500}])
No matter the pet, DA families have shown a lot of love this spring.
COMMUNICATIONS STAFF
Leslie King
Director of Communications
C: 678-613-6707
P: 919-287-1729
Kathy McPherson
Associate Director of Communications
Editor, DA Magazine
919-489-6569 (x6144)
Melody Guyton Butts
Assistant Director of Communications
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919-489-6569 (x6145)
Sarah Tart
Brand and Design Manager
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919-489-6569 (x6153)
Jesse Paddock
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919-489-6569 (x6154)
Pat James
Social Media Strategist
Manager, DA Social Media
Tim McKenna
Director of Alumni Engagement
Alumni News
919-489-6569 (x6149)
Durham Academy's Office of Communications is responsible for all DA digital platforms and print publications, including the school's website, social media, photography, videos, e-newsletters, bi-annual magazine, and press releases.
We encourage our accomplished faculty, staff, parents, students, alumni and parents of alumni to notify the Office of Communications about personal or professional news, announcements or achievements. Email us so we can share them!
The last year and a half has created unimaginable challenges for the Class of 2021. But these months have also been ripe with opportunities for the class to learn more about themselves, to put things in perspective, to find moments of gratitude.
DA’s 2021 Earth Day celebration spanned an entire week, bringing together Upper Schoolers, Lower Schoolers and Preschoolers to appreciate nature and give the Earth some TLC.
The first phase of a complete reimagination of the Middle School campus — the Arts & World Languages Center — was completed in early March. The 42,000-square-foot facility opened to Middle School students on March 22.