Members of the Hammond soccer team departed Wednesday, July 2, to represent both the school and the United States in the prestigious Donosti Cup in San Sebastian, Spain.  The Cup is one of Spain's most highly regarded and largest tournaments, and Hammond will be one of 200 teams representing 29 countries.  "I am so pleased that our students have such an opportunity for cultural exchange as well as the chance to compete on an international stage," says Chris Angel, Head of Upper School.  "I have no doubt that they will return with a greater understanding and appreciation of the world in which we live."  The team is coached by Adrian Pinasco and Josh Goethe.

Michael E. Collins has been appointed Interim Head of School for the 2008-2009 school year. A veteran independent school educator and leader, he is broadly experienced, having served as a teacher, department head, administrator and Head of School during his more than 40-year career. Collins states, “I am pleased to join Hammond School as its Interim Head of School and commit to enthusiastically work with the board, faculty, staff and administration to advance its mission of education and service to its students and their families.”

Mr. Collins has served as Headmaster for schools in Texas, California and most recently Georgia, where he served as Headmaster of Frederica Academy from 1999-2004. Following his retirement from Frederica, he served as Interim Head for Louisville Collegiate School in Kentucky and Stratford Academy in Macon, Georgia. He was a founding member of the administration of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, the nation’s first public boarding secondary school for students with exceptional abilities in science and mathematics and as a department head at the Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan.

Mr. Collins and his wife, Sally, reside in Hendersonville, North Carolina. They are the parents of two adult daughters and grandparents to six grandchildren.

On Saturday, May 24th, Hammond School graduated 78 seniors, one of the largest classes in recent history. The graduation ceremony was held at First Presbyterian Church and featured David Wilkins, U.S. Ambassador to Canada, as keynote speaker. Chairman of the Board Terry Brown, and Upper School Head Chris Angel awarded diplomas. Junior class members serving as marshals were: Mason Castles, Sam Riber, Thomas Hydrick, and Devon Robinson.

The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes those who have, over time, achieved excellence in their field of endeavor, demonstrated loyalty or service in their personal or professional life, and in doing so, serve as role models for Hammond’s current students and future generations of Hammond graduates.
At Awards Day, the 2008 Distinguished Alumni Award was presented to William McElveen (class of 76).