2012-2016

The most recent era of our history began with CA’s first major change in leadership. In 2012, we said a fond farewell to our founding Head of School, Don Berger, who led us so successfully through those initial formative years. Head of the Upper School, Mitch McGuigan, took the helm for the following year as we made an in depth search for just the right person to lead us into our future. In May of 2013 the students had a “flash mob” on the quad to say goodbye to Mr. McGuigan, which was followed in August by a “Shout Out” to welcome Mike Ehrhardt, the Board of Director’s choice to lead us into our exciting future.

With such a strong foundation already in place and the enthusiasm and insight that always comes with new leadership, Discovery, Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence have continued under full steam as we enjoyed traditional events each year as well as new and exciting happenings. Several places on campus took on exciting new looks. As the Fine Arts Center was renamed Berger Hall in honor of the many years of dedication by Don Berger, its lobby underwent a renovation that included an incredible art installation and new furnishings. Additional renovations were completed in the Dining Hall, the new tennis pavilion was completed, and the SEA lobby received new furnishings and wall décor. The most exciting addition was the completion of the new field house, dedicated in 2015 by Mrs. Goodnight.

Our sports teams’ accomplishments soared with a record number of championships in every area and a record number of students accepting sports scholarships at universities. With our athletes’ successes, and the advent of gourmet food trucks at sporting events, Charger fans cheered from the stands. With the X Factor and O Factor clubs, Charger spirit has run rampant!

…every year at Cary Academy brings new inspiration and new adventures to our community.

In academics, there were an equal number of successes by CA students. Our Science Olympiad and Robotics teams have received distinguished awards each year through their hard work and innovative ideas. Our Math Team continued to rise to national levels while our Debate teams continued to excel as always – their trophy cases overflowing. Band, Orchestra and Chorus Ensembles brought home gold awards from a variety of festivals.

The CA community also continued its strong commitment to Community Service. Along with our continued support of so many organizations such as the NC Food Bank, Backpack Buddies, the Blood Bank and Christmas toy collections, new initiatives arose. The ALS ice bucket challenge was held in numerous places around campus and on several occasions there were “Pink Out” basketball games to support Breast Cancer Research, while in 2012 our Jazz Band performed at UNC hospital fundraisers.
There were a number of historic and more thoughtful moments during this period. The 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy saw our students commemorating the event with artistic displays and events. On Veterans Day, middle students invited a record number of veterans to speak to them, and an impressive ceremony was held at the new Veterans Memorial across from the school. On April 5th, 2012 a Memorial was held in the theater to celebrate the life of Gizella Abramson, the Holocaust survivor who had come to CA every year to speak to our 8th graders. From the earliest alumni, our students have said that her visit and talk touched their lives like no other previously or since.

In 2015 a new Strategic Plan was designed and the first steps forward were initiated. Highlights so far include renovations to the second floor of the Upper School and to the lower level of Berger Hall. Curriculum review committees were formed, and a Campus Master Plan was completed. As always, all of these initiatives are designed to foster authentic student engagement and to create world class learning environments for current and future students. As Cary Academy celebrates its 20th Anniversary in the 2016-17 school year, our vision is forward focused on the future, where learning is student centered, individualized and inspirational. Our mission of Discovery, Innovation, Collaboration and Excellence continues to instill opportunities for curiosity and creativity to blossom across all areas of student interest and passion.

20 years ago, who could have imagined what the future would bring? As Cary Academy launches its third decade as a learning community that prides itself of living in a state of perpetual beta, who knows what kind of opportunities and challenges will continue to inspire and excite the Charger Spirit?
Go Chargers!