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Outstanding Alumni of the Year

Celebrating the impact of esteemed PCDS alumni

Each year since 1990, the PCDS Alumni Association has named an Outstanding Alum or
Alumni of the Year (see sidebar for a full list of past Alumni of the Year). These
individuals have distinguished themselves in service to their communities, professional 
achievement, and commitment to PCDS. We are proud to announce that the 2023
Outstanding Alumna of the Year is Katie Potter '98. 

On Friday, April 28, 2023, the Phoenix Country Day School Board of Trustees and Phoenix Country Day School Alumni Association proudly bestowed upon Major Katie Potter the honor of Outstanding Alumna of the Year. Moved by the service and sacrifice she saw in those around her, Katie wanted to use her education and experience to give back, and set out to become a military lawyer. When Katie joined the Air Force JAG Corps she recognized the power and discretion that prosecutors have as they assist victims through the military justice process. At Los Angeles Air Force Base, she served as a Special Victims’ Counsel representing victims of sexual assault, a role that led to meeting with the Acting Secretary of the Air Force and helped shine a light on the need for additional prevention and support resources. In Katie’s next assignment as an Area Defense Counsel defending military members accused of crimes, she addressed important concerns regarding the inequitable treatment of military members of color. She is proud of the military’s efforts to improve both how they treat victims of sexual assault and the disparity in justice and punishment based on race.

In addition to her remarkable accomplishments both personally and professionally, Katie has been a supportive and active member of the Phoenix Country Day School alumni community since graduating in 1998, even speaking to Upper School students about the importance of using their voices for honesty and truth. Major Katie Potter epitomizes the virtues and goals that PCDS holds dear: we strive to matriculate students who love learning and pursue wisdom; use their talents and skills for the greater good; are adaptable, resilient, and responsible citizens in their local communities, their nation, and the world; and who engage in life with both honor and integrity. Accordingly, Katie Potter, class of 1998, is a most worthy recipient of the Phoenix Country Day School Outstanding Alumna of the Year award.

Past Recipients

2022 Bryan Silverthorn '01 & Lesley Silverthorn Marincola '04
2019 Kimberly Yamanouchi ‘74
2018 The Louis Family
2017 Stanley Casselman ‘81
2016 Christopher Walker ‘65
2015 Bob Simonds ‘81
2014 The Honorable Mae Sue Talley, Founder
2013 Herb Stratford ‘83
Mukesh Vidyasagar ‘93
2012 Leora Romney ‘82
John Schupbach ‘06
2011 Eric Felten ‘82
Matt Rollings
Stanley Casselman ‘81
Jacques DeLisle ‘78
Peter Spiegel ‘88
Apichai Shipper ‘87
Paul Wernick
Rhett Reese ‘87
2010 Kirstin Gormly Ghaster ‘89
Margi Woods Brown ‘85
2008 Rebecca Moran ‘95
2007 Ana Maria Lopez ‘78
2006 Joan Hay ‘67
2005 Arden O’Connor ‘96
2004 Peter Spiegel ‘88
2003 Barbara Jones Hirvela ‘70
2002 Laurie Wray ‘80
2001 Tom Kempner ‘71
2000 Clarissa Simek Robinson ‘88
1999 Fritz Henze ‘67
1998 Ann Brook (honorary)
1997 Cathy & Herman Lewkowitz ‘79
1996 Jim O’Connor ‘77
1995 Mike Pachtman ‘70
1994 Carolyn Polson O’Malley ‘65
1993 Robin Mullen Waldmann ‘72
1992 Cleve Jones ‘72
1991 Steve Talley ‘69
1990 Nick Sakellariadis ‘69