Ava Lawless ’24, currently attending the University of Virginia, recently had three of her paintings selected for display on campus. Her painting Mt. Fuji is featured in the inaugural student exhibition at UVA's Contemplative Sciences Center, Nature & the Built Environment, while The Rotunda and Break Time are on display at 1515 on the UVA Corner as part of a student-curated exhibition celebrating student artists. Through her work, she captures the spaces and experiences that make UVA a vibrant place to learn, reflect, and connect.

Brandon Rutherford ’24, currently studying at Drexel University, was recently awarded the 2026 Photographic Society of America Scholarship—a national recognition of his work in wildlife and landscape photography.

His work reflects a deep respect for the natural world, shaped by time spent observing and photographing animals in their environments. This past fall, Brandon also sold images to the National Zoo.

Check out Brandon's work here.

Willie Giacofci ’02 recently got together with fellow Class of 2002 alumni Spencer Baumgardner and Amanda Doyle (née Huffman) for a mini class reunion in the San Francisco Bay Area. Always great to see Owls reconnecting!

Ellie McMillen ’03 is excited to share that she has launched C & E Catering, a take-and-bake meal delivery company rooted in local, seasonal ingredients and thoughtfully sourced proteins.

After living in Seattle for 10 years and traveling extensively throughout Europe, South America, Vietnam, and Australia, Ellie brings a global perspective to her culinary work. She previously served as executive chef at The Locke Store and The Buttery in Millwood, VA, for 6 years, during which she developed a strong commitment to seasonal, locally sourced menus.

With this new venture, Ellie continues to bring people together around good food and shared tables.

Check out her delicious meals at chombiescatering.com.

Lilly (Withers) Metcalf ’08 and her family were delighted to welcome their fourth child, Londyn May, on February 20.

Londyn joins big brother Brooks (6) and twins Hazel and Finn (4). The Metcalfs live in Leesburg. 

Melissa Rowe Trimarchi '97 is celebrating 24 years of marriage with her husband, Victor Trimarchi '98—a milestone made possible by Wakefield, where the two first met as students. She shared that without Wakefield—and her late uncle, Trustee Emeritus Bob Roberts, who brought her to the school in the 8th grade—their marriage and their three sons would not exist. Their story began during Wakefield’s early years at Marshall Manor, where learning took place in a setting she fondly remembers as both “weird and magical,” and grew into a lifelong partnership and family. Now that’s a Wakefield legacy love story!

Jessica Haase Ketola ’96 shared that she has opened her own private practice, Jessica Ketola, LPC: Mind & Body Healing, where she offers mental health therapy rooted in an integrative, whole-person approach. Drawing on her background in counseling, creative expression, and mind–body practices, Jessica supports individuals on their personal paths toward healing and growth. Learn more about her work here.