Jacksonville Country Day School

Two Jacksonville Country Day grads named 2011 valedictorians

When a class graduates from elementary school, many of the students will go on to highly successful secondary school careers. Potentially one of those students could eventually become valedictorian when he or she finally becomes a high school senior.

But when two students from the same elementary class become valedictorians at their respective high schools, people take notice.

Ajay Shroff, who attended Jacksonville Country Day School from kindergarten and graduated from the sixth grade in 2005, is valedictorian at The Bolles School for 2011.

Tammie Tam also attended Jacksonville Country Day School beginning in kindergarten and graduated from sixth grade in 2005. She is this year's valedictorian at Episcopal High School.

"I think I was prepared well academically, because it was easy to keep up with the level of schoolwork at Bolles after coming through JCDS," said Shroff.

Tam agreed. "Not only was I prepared for my new classes, but I also had a head start in learning about my passions," she said. "I knew I wanted to pursue music further, because JCDS also gave me the opportunities to explore it as well as other areas."

Both students recalled some inspirational moments while students at Jacksonville Country Day.

"I remember reading Edgar Allan Poe's 'Annabel Lee' with Mrs. Stabler," said Shroff. "I think that was the first time I ever actually liked a poem."

Ruthanne Stabler, now director of curriculum, was a language arts teacher for sixth grade in 2005, and remembers Ajay and Tammie very well.

"Ajay in sixth grade exhibited a keen, inquiring mind and superior analytical skills," said Stabler. "Everyone liked Ajay, whose actions showed responsibility, kindness, perseverance, and respect."

Tammie Tam learned some lessons in sixth grade that have stayed with her.

"If I had to choose a teacher who taught me something that I now realize is important, it would be Mrs. [Donna] Hamm," said Tam. "I never truly appreciated the value of public speaking skills until I had to do class presentations, make speeches, or just read aloud in middle school and high school."

Indeed, Tammie Tam has mastered her public speaking skills, and offered remarks to the sixth grade class at the 2011 Jacksonville Country Day graduation.

"A gentle, courteous student, Tammie as a sixth grader loved to read every book in sight," said Stabler. "It is no surprise to me that students who read constantly surge to the top academically.

Jacksonville Country Day School Dancers Attend Episcopal Dance

The JCDS dance teacher, Emily Dickert, who attended Episcopal in Middle School, arranged the visit with Episcopal. JCDS dance students wanted to see the Episcopal dance program first hand.

JCDS students participated in Dance 2 and 3 classes, and performed their own piece for the Episcopal Advanced Dance class and Theatre 2 and 4 classes.

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