![A group of students walks through a doorway in a hallway with a large "Durham Academy" logo on a green wall in the foreground.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784221112/durham/zxdpyit0859hjxeyjqqr/Branding-cover.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784221112/durham/zxdpyit0859hjxeyjqqr/Branding-cover.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784221112/durham/zxdpyit0859hjxeyjqqr/Branding-cover.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784221112/durham/zxdpyit0859hjxeyjqqr/Branding-cover.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784221112/durham/zxdpyit0859hjxeyjqqr/Branding-cover.jpg","width":1500}])
After Durham Academy’s first brand refresh in 27 years, one thing is certain: Never has its visual identity so closely matched its visible mission.
Durham Academy Magazine
Featured Stories
![A Beautiful Day for a Neighbor]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784051356/durham/kms72u7layiivajidfse/BeautifulDayForANeighbor.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784051356/durham/kms72u7layiivajidfse/BeautifulDayForANeighbor.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784051356/durham/kms72u7layiivajidfse/BeautifulDayForANeighbor.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784051356/durham/kms72u7layiivajidfse/BeautifulDayForANeighbor.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784051356/durham/kms72u7layiivajidfse/BeautifulDayForANeighbor.png","width":1275}])
The intergenerational partnership between DA Preschool and the Solista Durham retirement community is now entering its 13th year.
![Healing the Deal]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784221401/durham/emzazxa84ubyuktkgybi/NoraDennis-thumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784221401/durham/emzazxa84ubyuktkgybi/NoraDennis-thumbnail.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784221401/durham/emzazxa84ubyuktkgybi/NoraDennis-thumbnail.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784221401/durham/emzazxa84ubyuktkgybi/NoraDennis-thumbnail.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784221401/durham/emzazxa84ubyuktkgybi/NoraDennis-thumbnail.jpg","width":1500}])
It’s been two years since Dr. Nora Wilson Dennis ’97 fulfilled the vision that she literally dreamt up: starting her own farm-based mental health practice.
![A student flashes a peace sign while scuba-diving.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784222430/durham/xtfrt8p2glwgilgd0wpu/Scuba.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784222430/durham/xtfrt8p2glwgilgd0wpu/Scuba.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784222430/durham/xtfrt8p2glwgilgd0wpu/Scuba.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784222430/durham/xtfrt8p2glwgilgd0wpu/Scuba.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784222430/durham/xtfrt8p2glwgilgd0wpu/Scuba.jpg","width":1500}])
At the end of each school year, something shifts at Durham Academy. Classrooms empty, but learning does not stop — it expands.
News from Campus
![Michael Ulku-Steiner: The Galvanizing Wisdom from DA Senior Exit Interviews]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784037169/durham/fcg00zmxhtd5fqpchfkv/GalvinizingWisdom2.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784037169/durham/fcg00zmxhtd5fqpchfkv/GalvinizingWisdom2.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784037169/durham/fcg00zmxhtd5fqpchfkv/GalvinizingWisdom2.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784037169/durham/fcg00zmxhtd5fqpchfkv/GalvinizingWisdom2.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784037169/durham/fcg00zmxhtd5fqpchfkv/GalvinizingWisdom2.png","width":1275}])
One relatively new theme to emerge from this spring's conversations: the value of productive conflict.
![The Art of Building Resilience]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784296835/shvoea7rill7xk3ngqfp/DrBeckythumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784296835/shvoea7rill7xk3ngqfp/DrBeckythumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784296835/shvoea7rill7xk3ngqfp/DrBeckythumb.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784296835/shvoea7rill7xk3ngqfp/DrBeckythumb.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784296835/shvoea7rill7xk3ngqfp/DrBeckythumb.png","width":1275}])
In visits to DA, parenting experts Dr. Becky Kennedy and Dr. Tovah Klein shared advice on helping children learn the skill of resilience.
![A young boy in a red shirt sits on a pommel horse in the foreground, while other children and a colorful target are visible in the blurred background of a gymnasium.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784043772/durham/r2bmzsup8wd6a8ikhcd3/JumpKickTry.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784043772/durham/r2bmzsup8wd6a8ikhcd3/JumpKickTry.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784043772/durham/r2bmzsup8wd6a8ikhcd3/JumpKickTry.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784043772/durham/r2bmzsup8wd6a8ikhcd3/JumpKickTry.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784043772/durham/r2bmzsup8wd6a8ikhcd3/JumpKickTry.png","width":1275}])
DA's physical education programs are designed to build more than physical strength. More important, teachers say, is building resilience.
![A dog mascot waves while being surrounded by a crowd of young children.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784220694/durham/uerunnbig32dvx0ko747/Blade1500.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784220694/durham/uerunnbig32dvx0ko747/Blade1500.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784220694/durham/uerunnbig32dvx0ko747/Blade1500.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784220694/durham/uerunnbig32dvx0ko747/Blade1500.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784220694/durham/uerunnbig32dvx0ko747/Blade1500.jpg","width":1500}])
What was it like, you might ask, to be DA’s new mascot in its inaugural school year?
![Press Play on the Future: Class of 2026]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784142317/durham/nbq4ovhowup8whe5wxio/PressPlay5.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784142317/durham/nbq4ovhowup8whe5wxio/PressPlay5.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784142317/durham/nbq4ovhowup8whe5wxio/PressPlay5.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784142317/durham/nbq4ovhowup8whe5wxio/PressPlay5.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1784142317/durham/nbq4ovhowup8whe5wxio/PressPlay5.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1784142317/durham/nbq4ovhowup8whe5wxio/PressPlay5.png","width":2200}])
Seniors look back in gratitude — and forward with courage and hope.
![Two security guards stand beside a white SUV with "Durham Academy Security" written on its side, with a building and trees in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784139313/durham/ouxnathakaj7l22le124/MarkandMartyMagazine2026-KA-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784139313/durham/ouxnathakaj7l22le124/MarkandMartyMagazine2026-KA-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784139313/durham/ouxnathakaj7l22le124/MarkandMartyMagazine2026-KA-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784139313/durham/ouxnathakaj7l22le124/MarkandMartyMagazine2026-KA-1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784139313/durham/ouxnathakaj7l22le124/MarkandMartyMagazine2026-KA-1.jpg","width":1500}])
Sibling security officers Marty & Mark Walkowe are driven by compassion and community.
![A young girl sits with her mother in front of a patterned couch, while two other photos show a mother and daughter smiling and a father holding his child.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784138372/durham/urw3bbvlxxkjiyqufhyr/FamilyTiesThrowback.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784138372/durham/urw3bbvlxxkjiyqufhyr/FamilyTiesThrowback.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784138372/durham/urw3bbvlxxkjiyqufhyr/FamilyTiesThrowback.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784138372/durham/urw3bbvlxxkjiyqufhyr/FamilyTiesThrowback.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1784138372/durham/urw3bbvlxxkjiyqufhyr/FamilyTiesThrowback.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1784138372/durham/urw3bbvlxxkjiyqufhyr/FamilyTiesThrowback.png","width":2200}])
At Durham Academy, there are a handful of parent-child pairs who are not just part of the DA community — they’re literally part of the same DA family.
![A collage of four images, each showing a student reading a book on a white background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784296723/durham/brituy1tbvnnql3hhpra/OffThePage-thumbnail.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784296723/durham/brituy1tbvnnql3hhpra/OffThePage-thumbnail.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784296723/durham/brituy1tbvnnql3hhpra/OffThePage-thumbnail.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784296723/durham/brituy1tbvnnql3hhpra/OffThePage-thumbnail.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1784296723/durham/brituy1tbvnnql3hhpra/OffThePage-thumbnail.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1784296723/durham/brituy1tbvnnql3hhpra/OffThePage-thumbnail.png","width":2200}])
Meera ’38, Claire ’34, James ’31 and Nolan ’29 are ready with recommendations for your next great read.
![A group of young men in green and white lacrosse uniforms, some wearing medals, pose with a trophy on a grassy field in front of a stadium.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784128801/durham/fd5ovsuaiq94v3qjya33/BoysLAXChamps.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784128801/durham/fd5ovsuaiq94v3qjya33/BoysLAXChamps.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784128801/durham/fd5ovsuaiq94v3qjya33/BoysLAXChamps.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784128801/durham/fd5ovsuaiq94v3qjya33/BoysLAXChamps.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784128801/durham/fd5ovsuaiq94v3qjya33/BoysLAXChamps.jpg","width":1500}])
May 16, 2026, reminded us why high school sports still matter: When young people compete for something larger than themselves, extraordinary things can happen.
View This Issue as PDF Flipbook
Explore the DA Magazine Archive
Durham Academy’s magazine was first published in 1974. The annual publication features articles written by various members of the DA community, including faculty, staff, administrators, alumni and students.
We want to hear from you! If you are interested in writing for a future edition of Durham Academy Magazine; want to pitch a story idea or provide feedback; or would like to be added to the mailing list for a printed copy, please contact magazine editor Melody Guyton Butts.
Alumni News
![From the Alumni Board]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784143261/durham/a6mo8l4qw7vpwozbsd4m/AlumniBoard.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784143261/durham/a6mo8l4qw7vpwozbsd4m/AlumniBoard.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784143261/durham/a6mo8l4qw7vpwozbsd4m/AlumniBoard.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784143261/durham/a6mo8l4qw7vpwozbsd4m/AlumniBoard.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1784143261/durham/a6mo8l4qw7vpwozbsd4m/AlumniBoard.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1784143261/durham/a6mo8l4qw7vpwozbsd4m/AlumniBoard.png","width":2200}])
Serving as president of the Durham Academy Alumni Board has given me a renewed appreciation for the strength and generosity of our community.
![Lexie Chen ’25 Leaves a Path of Green in Durham]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784296625/wkadthse4kpxxg9rvo2d/ChenLexie-2_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784296625/wkadthse4kpxxg9rvo2d/ChenLexie-2_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784296625/wkadthse4kpxxg9rvo2d/ChenLexie-2_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784296625/wkadthse4kpxxg9rvo2d/ChenLexie-2_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1784296625/wkadthse4kpxxg9rvo2d/ChenLexie-2_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1784296625/wkadthse4kpxxg9rvo2d/ChenLexie-2_1.jpg","width":2200}])
Last fall, the Durham City Council approved a resolution Chen had co-created and championed during her final year at DA — moving the city toward membership in the Biophilic Cities Network, a global community dedicated to designing cities rich in nature.
![A man in a suit speaks into a microphone at a podium with the Durham Academy logo, while a light green curtain hangs in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1784296084/ovuolbvx0lvbi73ryqk1/BrendanBradley.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1784296084/ovuolbvx0lvbi73ryqk1/BrendanBradley.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1784296084/ovuolbvx0lvbi73ryqk1/BrendanBradley.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1784296084/ovuolbvx0lvbi73ryqk1/BrendanBradley.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1784296084/ovuolbvx0lvbi73ryqk1/BrendanBradley.jpg","width":1252}])
At the 2026 Spring Alumni Reception in April, the Durham Academy Alumni Board honored two individuals who have helped shape future generations of artists, activists, anglers and (hopefully) algebra enthusiasts.