Ms. Calabria: The Class Everyone Wants to Attend

When you meet Christine Calabria, you immediately understand why rumors have it that her class is the least skipped during the day!  Christine exudes joy, competence and a palpable passion for her students and teaching.  Her energy is boundless as she chairs the Multilingual Department and teaches English Language Development, Math I and the PACE class, which is comprised of the newest English language learners.  

Christine arrived at Olympic in 2022 after 17 years teaching sociology at Central Piedmont Community College.  Born in New Jersey, she has lived in Charlotte since she was seven and hails from a long line of educators as her mom and brother are teachers and her grandfather was an assistant superintendent of schools. Christine graduated from UNC-G with a double major in sociology and psychology AND a double minor in dance and Spanish.  She also holds two masters degrees, one in sociology and one in TESL (the teaching of English as a Second Language).  While she was teaching at CPCC during the day, she also taught English to children in China in the middle of the night!  Again, boundless energy!  

Christine describes her classroom atmosphere as one where they like to joke around a lot, but they also get the job done.  Her students typically score on the same level or close to the same level as native speaking counterparts on their Benchmarks and EOCs for Math 1.  They also are working hard to exceed the projected scores placed on them by the state and prove they are more than just a number. 

Christine is the Olympic High School Foundation’s newest recipient of a scholarship that will enable her to pursue her National Board Certification. Her goal in undergoing the rigorous process is to eventually become a facilitator/master teacher.  Usually, the process takes three years, but in true Christine Calabria fashion she will complete it in two.  Certification requires Christine to deep dive into and reflect upon her teaching strategies by analyzing her lesson plans, recording and analyzing her classroom teaching, student work samples, taking exams and more.  

Outside of school, Christine has three miniature schnauzers, enjoys Diamond Art, and is a true Barbie aficionado with over 3000 Barbies and attendance at the Barbie Convention each year!

The Foundation is pleased to be able to support such an energetic, devoted, passionate teacher who has captivated the hearts and minds of her students, some of whom refer to her as Mom. In gratitude to the Foundation, Christine says, “Thank you for helping my students grow even further.” 

2025 Order of the Trojan Induction Ceremony

The Olympic High School Foundation recently hosted the second annual Order of the Trojan Induction Ceremony, a special evening that brought together alumni, educators, community partners and friends of Olympic to celebrate the people who have shaped the school’s legacy. The sold-out event honored four remarkable inductees, alumni Mike Shildt and Beatrice Thompson, and educators Larry Wells and Joe White, whose contributions continue to elevate the Olympic community.

The night opened with a welcome from Principal Casey Jones, followed by powerful remarks from Olympic teachers Mr. Holiday and Ms. Douglas. Mr. Holiday shared a story about showing up for a student in crisis, reflecting the deep care Olympic teachers pour into their work. Ms. Douglas described how Foundation support helped her create the “Zen Den” for Exceptional Children students, a space that now plays a crucial role in student wellness. Their stories offered a moving reminder of why the Foundation exists and how grants directly impact classrooms and student lives.

The first honoree recognized was Mike Shildt, Major League Baseball manager and proud Class of ’86 Trojan. Mike was introduced by Kay Click, a close friend and Olympic graduate, whose heartfelt remarks beautifully framed his journey. Mike spoke with warmth and humility about how his time at Olympic taught him to bring together people from different cultural backgrounds, skills that later helped him lead diverse teams at the highest levels of baseball. His humor, authenticity and gratitude resonated deeply with the audience.

Next, the audience heard from Beatrice Thompson, Class of ’74 and a pioneering force in Charlotte broadcasting. Her daughter, Jamila Rasheed, delivered a thoughtful introduction that set the stage for a speech filled with wit, reflection and joy. Beatrice’s story about Mr. Wells and the band sparked laughter throughout the room and underscored the powerful sense of community that defined her Olympic experience. Her voice and presence reminded everyone why she is such a beloved figure in Charlotte.

The evening then honored Larry Wells, longtime band director whose influence spans decades of Olympic students. Larry was introduced by Alan Sledge, an Olympic graduate and former band director at the school who studied under Larry. Alan’s remarks were personal, funny and deeply respectful, illustrating how transformative Larry’s mentorship has been for countless students. The moment became even more memorable when Ziad Rabie, Olympic alumnus, renowned saxophonist and Artistic Director for Jazz at the Bechtler, surprised Larry with a tribute performance, his first time doing something like that, motivated entirely by his admiration for Larry.

The final inductee of the evening was Coach Joe White, Olympic’s second employee and its first athletic director and coach. He was presented by Coach Dave Johnson, last year’s Order of the Trojan inductee. Coach White’s acceptance speech was powerful, humble and heartfelt. His comment that he accepted the honor for “we, not me” perfectly captured the spirit of community that has long defined Olympic. Hearing him reflect on the impact of the early years of the school, and then seeing the tremendous legacy that followed, reminded everyone in the room of the foundational role he played in shaping Olympic’s identity.

Throughout the evening, guests connected with teachers, alumni and community members while hearing stories that highlighted the profound impact Olympic educators and alumni continue to make. Thanks to the generosity of attendees and supporters, the event also raised significant funds that will go directly toward classroom grants and professional development opportunities for Olympic teachers.

The Order of the Trojan serves as a powerful testament to the lifelong influence of great educators and inspiring alumni. We are grateful to everyone who attended, spoke, volunteered and supported this event, and we extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s inductees.

Special thanks to all of the donors and sponsors who made the evening, and the ongoing work of the Foundation, possible. We are grateful to our Presenting Sponsor CPI Security, in honor of Larry Wells, our Gold Sponsor Cardinal Legacy Wealth Advisors, and our Silver Sponsors Founders Credit Union, Okuma, and Steele Creek Animal Hospital, in honor of Mary Young. Their generosity helps ensure that Olympic’s teachers and students receive the support they deserve.

If you would like to support the Foundation’s work, and help fund classroom grants, teacher stipends and professional development, please consider making a donation. Your support directly impacts Olympic’s teachers and students.

A New Marquee, Built by the Olympic Community

Olympic’s marquee had seen better days. Originally able to display informative messages to the school and community, the sign’s tracks no longer held the letters, and the sign had fallen into disrepair. A community group tried to raise money for a replacement, but their effort fell short. They asked the Olympic High School Foundation (OHSF) to hold the few thousand dollars collected. Years later, OHSF board member Hunt Werner noticed the earmarked funds and declared, “Let’s get it done!”

That directive began a school and community-wide effort that culminated over the summer in the installation of a beautiful new digital sign along Sandy Porter Road. OHSF’s primary mission is supporting teachers through annual stipends, classroom project grants, continuing education and National Board Certification funding. Yet, from time to time, the Foundation funds projects that benefit Olympic as a whole. 

Hunt took point to reach out to Olympic-connected companies to donate time and material. So many different OHS factions came together to support the project that the Foundation’s contribution was only $20,000, less than half the total cost. ALL the companies Hunt approached said yes, donating $30,000+ in time and material.  

Olympic students played a significant role in the project: the conceptual design was done in Mr. Wykoff’s Advanced Engineering Class. The lead student, Vinh Vo, oversaw the actual construction design files while working closely with OHS graduate Sam Winget’s company, Southeastern Architectural Systems & Cardinal Fabrication. OHS students Chris Knox, Elias Cabera led the student masonry team that designed and installed the base for the sign in May, OHS alumnus Charlie Warnke helped with sign fabrication and installation, and Alexseil Parker, Wanda O’Shea and Matthew Wykoff provided invaluable advisory and instructional support for the project.  

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression,” the saying goes. This collaboration among the community, school and Foundation is a great success story for the Olympic family and the Steele Creek community, resulting in a sign that is informative as well as reflective of the excellence and pride of Olympic High School. 

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Thank you to the following companies who donated time and material to this project:

Balfour Beatty

Demolition and Management 

Griffin Masonry

Foundation, Brick, and educational day on masonry 

Southeastern Architectural Systems & Cardinal Fabrication

Metals/sign design, fabrication and manufacturing plant visit for students 

Preferred Electric Company Inc

Electrical

Wesco

Lighting 

Southwood Corporation

Digitals Boards, Design Coordination and Installation

Ms. Castillo: Pursuing Excellence with National Board Certification

As a student counselor at Olympic High School, Ms. Castillo plays a crucial role in guiding students through their educational journey and helping them thrive. With a caseload of approximately 400 students, her work spans a wide spectrum—from assisting students in reaching their academic goals to navigating the college application process, and offering support for mental health concerns. Every day, she tackles the diverse and evolving needs of the student body, ensuring they have the tools and resources to succeed.

In 2024, Ms. Castillo received a grant from the OHS Foundation that enabled her to pursue her National Board Certification—an opportunity that otherwise would have been financially unattainable. This advanced certification equips her with new skills and best practices, including data-driven approaches that allow her to better understand her students' challenges and measure the effectiveness of her counseling. The rigorous process of National Board Certification has given Ms. Castillo an even greater ability to impact her students' academic, emotional, and social well-being.

Being a school counselor is about much more than just offering advice—it is about empowering students to overcome barriers and reach their full potential. Ms. Castillo's role encompasses everything from career counseling to crisis management, and the knowledge she has gained through this certification is helping her make a more informed difference in her students' lives. "I'm so grateful for this opportunity," Ms. Castillo shared, "It’s allowed me to grow professionally in ways that are directly benefiting my students. I feel more equipped to advocate for them, and to be the supportive figure they need to navigate high school and prepare for the future."

Ms. Castillo's dedication to her professional growth mirrors the Foundation's mission of empowering educators to excel, ensuring that the students at Olympic High School receive the best possible support and guidance. By investing in teachers and counselors like Ms. Castillo, the OHS Foundation is fostering an environment where both educators and students can achieve their full potential.

The Olympic High School Foundation is proud to support educators in their professional development, providing resources that not only advance their skills but also amplify their impact on students. With the knowledge and expertise gained through her ongoing certification journey, Ms. Castillo is well-equipped to help her students navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and thrive—both inside and outside the classroom.

Mr. Holliday: Teacher Embraces Basketball Mindset, Encourages Students to Keep Trying Until They Succeed

When Cory Holliday and his wife decided to move away from Springfield, Ohio, they had two criteria: a day's drive to visit family in Ohio and Michigan, and less snow. After exploring several cities in the South and Midwest, Charlotte, NC became their top choice. Once they settled here, Cory began substitute teaching for CMS and, after a few assignments at Olympic High School, realized he wanted to teach at Olympic full-time.

Before teaching, Mr. Holliday worked as a community college administrator in various leadership roles. His passion for teaching, however, began as a student-athlete, inspired by the positive influence of his coaches and teachers. He admits he did not enjoy school but loved basketball, and thanks to his high school mentors, he came to understand the importance of education. He earned a basketball scholarship to a junior college, where he was later inducted into their Hall of Fame, and then transferred to Cumberland College in Kentucky, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Basketball taught Mr. Holliday the value of persistence, a lesson he now shares with his students. “There might be 17 shots to score a goal in a basketball game, and the 17th might be the game-winning shot. I see my students in the same way—it's important to give them more than one shot at getting ‘it’ right.”

Mr. Holliday teaches Digital Marketing and Sports Marketing 1 & 2 and serves as Co-Chair of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) department. In this role, he supports CTE teachers and acts as a liaison between the teachers and school administration.

With support from an OHS Foundation professional development grant to obtain his NC Teacher’s License, Mr. Holliday has brought his skills and leadership, honed on and off the basketball court, to his students and colleagues at Olympic. The OHS Foundation remains committed to supporting educators like Mr. Holliday in their pursuit of professional growth, ensuring they continue to inspire and positively impact Olympic High School students.