Tandem Friends School News

Upper School Cast of Musical Mamma Mia! Announced

1/17/2025

Following two days of auditions and some callbacks, Director/Producer Ronda Hewitt is thrilled to announce the cast of the spring musical, Mamma Mia!, a wonderful show filled with the amazing songs of ABBA. Rehearsals begin on January 21 and performances will be held March 21-23. Congratulations to the following cast members:

Donna Sheridan - Cora R
Sophie Sheridan - Zella L
Tanya Cresham-Leigh - Elena P
Rosie Mulligan - Evelyn G
Sam Carmichael - Jack N
Harry Bright - Hudson L
Bill Austin - Otis H
Sky - Jude G
Pepper - Fletcher L
Ali - Luci Q
Lisa - Bailey W
Eddie - Eli C
Father Alexandrios - Sawyer R
Featured Ensemble who are dynamic singers, dancers, and actors with comedic chops (in alphabetical order): Henry A, Georgia C, Emory G, Nina I, Toby I, Zeke L, Talia P, Norah S, Alex S
Production Staff: Production Stage Manager - Alex G; Music Director - Tara Scott; Choreographer - Robin Hyer; Assistant Director - Eli L; Director & Producer - Ronda Hewitt

Sophomores Spend Day at UVA Library

1/16/2025

This week, Tandem sophomores spent a day at the newly renamed Shannon Library with teachers Robert Schuster, Casey Reed and Melissa Winder, all teachers on the 9/10 team who will support them throughout their research process. Students enjoyed a class on using databases, and conducted a lot of research across the UVA Library collections for Sophomore Seminar. Students worked really hard all day and were excited about doing their topics due diligence! For the next three months, they will each dive into deep learning about their chosen topics, developing their skills as researchers, writers, and presenters. Check out some photos!

This Week in Sports - Week #20

1/16/2025

Badgers Elevate Level of Play, Excel in the Den! - 1/16/25

In order to be truly prepared, one has to put in the work when nobody is watching. The key moments are when a player is on their own before or after practice, during break times, or in the evenings. Behind the scenes, Sophie has put a lot of work into her jumpshot. Focusing on her footwork, follow through and with great attention to detail, Sophie's shot has dramatically improved. Tonight, in front of an enthusiastic crowd, she put it all together.

Raquel set a screen for Sophie on the block. Sophie set up the screen - faking one way and cutting the other, curling off Raquel's shoulders and catching the ball in the foul line. There was no wasted motion, she had her knees bent and let the ball fly, holding her follow through as if she was reaching for the cookie on the top shelf. Swish! Sophie scored the first of two field goals on the night, and later earned a trip to the line as well, attacking the basket with purpose!

The Badgers came out on fire this evening, scoring nine points in the opening stanza. Annie got a basket after Zuri won the tip off, and was a threat to score everytime she got the ball. Her aggressiveness has been unleashed - Annie can get around any defender - just a little shake of the hips, a quick step, and Annie is off to the races. She scored in the half court, in transition, and tallied a bucket in all four quarters - ten points in all.

The Badgers had a ten point lead at the half, and used the opportunity to run through their offense. The team did not force any shots, but when they got open and it was a high percentage opportunity, the Badgers went to work. Zuri made a key lay-up, Malena had several rebounds, and Raquel set up Hadley with beautiful passing for a big second half. Hadley went to the foul line, beat her defender in transition and scored in the paint. What an effort!

Young Alumni Panel Shares Insights with Upper Schoolers

1/14/2025

We are always so thankful for the generosity of young Tandem alumni willing to share their time and wisdom with our current Upper Schoolers. The Young Alumni College Panel is an annual event of almost 20 years that brings current alumni college students in to share wisdom and answer questions about their college experience with Upper Schoolers. Sometimes they share what it's like to go to college far from home. Some talk about college-level sports. Some chose small schools and some are attending large universities. From what it's like to live in a dorm to how they made the leap from high school classes to college lectures, they have stories to tell about life after Tandem and plenty of great advice to give. Thanks to this year's wonderful alumni panel members, who shared their stories on January 13: Dylan Peifer (2022), Sophie Passino (2022), Devin Malhotra (2023), Anna Warren (2023), Jacob Camarata (2023), Talia Smith (2023). We love having them return to campus to tell their stories.

Tandem Earth

1/9/2025

Tandem Earth is getting ready for Lobby Day in January, when they'll go to Richmond to speak to their representatives about environmental issues, from clean water and wildlife conservation to good governance and climate.

This Fall, they organized a trash clean up, and a bake sale to raise funds after Hurricane Helene. Tandem Earth also helped prepare a clothing swap for our end-of-semester festivities to mitigate clothing waste in our community.

Club President, Junior Will M. shares what the club means to him: "The environment has always been super important to me. Last year I really started trying to get involved in activism, and this has been a big part of that. I think Tandem Earth is really important to me, and that I can try to help my community be better on environmental issues and help myself do better as well."

Another member of Tandem Earth, Hudson L. says, "I joined at the start of this year, and I feel like I haven't been doing enough to help the Tandem community and help the environment at large, and I feel like this is a way to put myself out there and try to bring change to the school and the wider area."

Alumni Holiday Gathering Brings Alums of All Ages Together

1/2/2025

This year's Alumni Holiday Party, held December 21 at Kardinal Hall, brought together a great group of alums and current and former faculty/staff. The evening was lots of fun and full of conversation, laughter, catching up, and delicious snacks and beverages. It was a special treat to have former Head of School Paul Perkinson join us. Thanks to all who came out to enjoy some Badger AND holiday spirit! Check out photos from the evening by clicking on the headline.