Alumni Hall of Fame

Virginia La Grange Hearon '64 
Former RCDS faculty member 1981-2016

Ginny Hearon has been a central figure in the Rye Country Day School community for more than half a century, leaving an indelible mark as both a student and an educator. A proud graduate of the Class of 1964, Ginny returned to RCDS in the 1970s and went on to serve the school with distinction for 35 years, retiring in 2016. During her tenure, she taught Pre-K, Kindergarten, and Grade 4, and later found her true calling as Lower School Librarian. In that role, she became a champion for literacy, diversity, research, and collaboration across divisions, inspiring generations of students to become curious, thoughtful, and empathetic learners. Beyond her teaching, Ginny was a leader and innovator: she served as Assistant Principal, coordinated After School Clubs and Summer Mini Camps, and founded Wildchat, the beloved Lower School newsletter. She played a vital role in shaping curriculum, mentoring young faculty, and encouraging professional growth throughout the division. Her deep commitment to RCDS was recognized with many honors, including the Kleinbard Award, the Priscilla Liebman Award, and the inaugural Joel Brockman Chair, which acknowledged her extraordinary contributions to school life.

Ginny’s passion for learning extended well beyond the classroom. She earned advanced degrees and pursued professional training in education, librarianship, and literacy, modeling for her students and colleagues a lifelong commitment to personal and professional growth. She also spearheaded countless projects and initiatives that strengthened the RCDS community, from interdivisional programs to innovative library resources that blended traditional research with new technologies. Known for her warmth, vision, and energy, Ginny built lasting connections with colleagues, students, and families, who fondly remember her encouragement, curiosity, and unwavering devotion to children’s intellectual and personal development.

Outside of her professional achievements, Ginny is most proud of her family. She is the mother of two sons and the grandmother of three, roles that bring her great joy and fulfillment. Her legacy at Rye Country Day is not only in the countless programs she created or awards she received, but in the thousands of lives she touched through her dedication, kindness, and belief in the transformative power of education.

The W. Lee Pierson Distinguished Alumni Award is in memory of W. Lee Pierson, Head of School from 1979-1993, to a RCDS Alumnus/a whose generosity and service has significantly bettered and strengthened our society and school.

Chris Britt '91 

Chris Britt ‘91 is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Chime, a financial technology company founded on the premise that consumer banking should be helpful, easy, and free. Chime builds products that help everyday Americans achieve financial progress by addressing their most important financial needs: avoiding fees, accessing short-term liquidity, building credit and establishing savings. Before Chime, Chris held senior product management positions at Green Dot Corp and Visa, inc. 

In 2024, Britt received the Tulane University Distinguished Entrepreneur of the Year Award. A Tulane graduate with a bachelor’s degree in history, he is also a member of the Board of Tulane. Chris also serves as a Board Member of CoachArt, a non-profit that connects chronically ill children with free lessons in the arts and athletics. 

Chris attended RCDS on scholarship, commuting to school from Mount Vernon, along with his sister, Laurel Britt-Webb ‘88. He was president of his senior class and co-captain of the varsity football and hockey teams. Chris cites the access to education and close friendships he built at RCDS as transformational in his life. 

In advance of their recent IPO, Chris led a team to create the Chime Scholars Foundation and allocated 1% of the company’s equity to fund college and other post-secondary education opportunities for other aspiring students.

Clay Enos '87

Clay Enos, Class of 1987, is a unit photographer who captures film sets’ fleeting moments with quiet dedication. When a stranger asks what he does, Clay says: “Ever seen a picture of Wonder Woman? I took it.” That spark drives his work across dozens of projects, including 18 years with Zack Snyder from Watchmen (2009) to The Last Photograph (2025), currently filming, plus standouts like A Star Is Born (2018) and Justice League (2017). As an IATSE Local 600 member, Clay’s stills, part of campaigns earning Clios, reflect his love for teamwork over personal acclaim. At 55, he values the craft’s joy and the accompanying plane tickets above all else.

At Rye Country Day School (1981-1987), Clay found his path despite academic challenges, serving as class president for his sophomore, junior, and senior years, and as JV lacrosse captain, where he learned teamwork’s value. In the Field House’s rusty Universal Gym, he began a lifelong commitment to health, balancing body and mind through his work. Karen Schlotter’s senior-year photography class ignited his passion, while Morrow Jones and family inspired him with experimental film and music. Dick Pike and Cary Fuller cheered his roles in theater productions, including a memorable A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the Head of School's backyard. These lessons led to Ithaca College’s BFA, his sole application, chosen to avoid wearing a necktie as an adult while his classmates pursued ambitious paths.

Early on, Clay turned his photography passion into mastering Photoshop and HTML, seizing dot-com era opportunities. His travels to over 60 countries included hitchhiking from Bogotá to Brooklyn, an unplanned journey through southern Africa during Mandela’s inauguration, and years of photographing coffee farmers across the Global South, each shaping his perspective.

Clay shares his adventurous spirit with his wife, Kristine. They recently celebrated their 10th anniversary. Splitting time between New York City and their home in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, they embrace travel and new experiences. From the RCDS darkroom to the Hollywood lights, Clay’s commitment to capturing the moment fuels a life of quiet creativity.

Coach Georgette Summers & The 2015 Undefeated Girls' Varsity Lacrosse Team

Since joining Rye Country Day School in 2000, Georgette Summers has been a cornerstone of the community as a teacher, coach, and administrator. She has served as Assistant Athletic Director since 2010, stepped in as Interim Director of Athletics for a year, and has continued to teach Health and Junior Seminar.

As a coach, Georgette Summers’s record speaks for itself. She has guided the Varsity Field Hockey team to 13 NYSAISAA championships and amassed a career record of 288–100–17. From 2001 to 2025, as Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse Coach, she led her teams to multiple NYSAISAA and FAA titles, including an undefeated season in 2015 and a NEPSAC Class B Championship, finishing her lacrosse coaching career with a record of 255–128–2.

Her impact extends far beyond the playing fields. As a health teacher, Life Skills Supervisor, and advisor, she has supported students’ personal growth with the same dedication she has shown her athletes. Her excellence has been recognized with the Frank Effinger Award (2013), the Cohen Excellence in Teaching Award (2017), and the Will McCurdy Advisor Award (2023).

One of the most celebrated highlights of her coaching career came in 2015, when the Varsity Girls’ Lacrosse team completed a perfect 18–0 season, capturing three championships— NYSAIS, FAA, and WNEPSWLA Class B. That year, the Wildcats proved they could beat anyone. The undefeated run, including back-to-back NYSAIS titles, reflected the talent, unity, and leadership of a senior class that left an enduring legacy.

With Summers at the helm, alongside assistant coaches Emily Kutchta and Emily Bennett, the Wildcats played with balance, resilience, and poise. The team’s postseason included dramatic victories over powerhouse rivals, most notably defeating Greenwich Academy twice—ending the Gators’ three-year FAA title streak—and overcoming Hackley for the NYSAIS crown. For Summers, a Greenwich Academy graduate herself, the season held special meaning, "For these seniors—we have eight of them, who have been amazing for four years—it’s been an amazing journey. To finish it off with a perfect season is special.”

The roster’s depth was unmatched. Massaro, Regan, Duarte, Moran, and Verni delivered offensive firepower, while the defense shut down some of the region’s most dangerous scorers. Their ability to dictate pace, strike in transition, and rise to the moment in close games defined their perfect season.

As Senior Captain Julia Massaro reflected, “You have goals for the season, and to succeed in all of them is just unbelievable.”

Together, Coach Summers and the 2015 team etched their names in Rye Country Day history, embodying the grit, confidence, and unity that define Wildcat athletics.

Tony Stein '81

Tony Stein '81 is owner/director—along with his wife, Emily—of Camp Echo Lake in Warrensburg, NY, and he is CEO of the Horizon Group, which owns and operates children’s summer camps in the Northeast United States. Tony grew up at Camp Echo Lake and has devoted his professional life to children’s camps and the children’s camp industry. 

Prior to his full-time involvement in summer camps, Tony worked in marketing for several years following business school. Tony returned to the summer camp business in 1995 and, in addition to his private camp interests, has been involved in leadership positions, both locally and nationally, with the American Camp Association (ACA). This includes his current position as a member of the National Board of Directors of the ACA. Tony has received a number of industry awards and recognitions over the years, both on a local and a national level.

Tony is also a Co-Founder, lifetime Board Member and current Treasurer of Project Morry, a year-round organization that provides a ten-year commitment to young people from under-resourced communities. Project Morry and Rye Country Day School have been long-time partners—the School hosts Project Morry’s school-year program for elementary and high school participants. “RCDS has provided invaluable support for Project Morry over the years,” shares Tony.

Tony’s high school experience at RCDS includes some of the best memories of his life. A member of the Class of 1981, Tony was Captain of both the Varsity Soccer and Basketball teams in his senior year. The unexpected highlight of his four years, however, was performing the lead in a play written by his English teacher Mr. Bockius that was performed in the Upper School Library to parents, students, and teachers.

Tony and his beautiful wife, Emily, just celebrated their 20^th Anniversary. Tony loves to watch the Jets, Knicks, Mets, and Leeds United with his son, Evan (16), and enjoys generally goofing off and being silly with his daughter, Violet (13). The family loves to ski together and mostly, they love spending their summers together at Echo Lake!

Joseph Rue
Former RCDS faculty member and coach 1985-2022

Joseph Rue has dedicated his life to education, science, and community. A graduate of the University Autonoma of Madrid, where he completed advanced research in developmental genetics, Joseph went on to earn multiple certifications in biology, clinical laboratory sciences, and computer science. He began his career teaching at St. John’s Prep and Fordham Prep, where he created innovative courses, launched annual science fairs, and led field trips that connected students to real-world science. 

In 1985, he joined Rye Country Day School, where he taught for 37 years until his retirement in 2022. During his tenure, he brought science to life through courses ranging from Biology and Chemistry to his own electives, Forensic Science and Topics in Biology, while also advising student clubs such as the Environmental Issues Club, Spanish Club, and Community Action Club. Known for his creativity and dedication, Joseph directed International Day for ten years, contributed photographs to the RCDS yearbook, served as an Academic Advisor to countless students, and guided intersession projects and class trips.

Beyond academics, Joseph made an indelible mark on school life as the founder and coach of the RCDS Fencing Team, leading it to numerous league titles and helping to shape the Independent School Fencing League, where he also served as coordinator. His contributions earned him the Kleinbard Award, the Queens Newsday Citizen’s Award, the University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award, and recognition in Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers. In 2022, he was honored as an honorary graduate of Rye Country Day School and chosen as a Senior Class speaker.

Joseph’s commitment extended well beyond RCDS. For nearly four decades, he volunteered weekly as a counselor at Covenant House, supporting young mothers and vulnerable youth, work for which he was named Volunteer of the Year in 1996. He also taught abroad in Spain, Ireland, and China, sharing his love of science and language across cultures. His wide-ranging interests in photography, cinematography, painting, drama, and writing enriched both his teaching and his personal life. In 2023, he published his book Chillin’ in the Stroma, blending his scientific expertise with his passion for creative expression.

Throughout his career and life, Joseph Rue has been a teacher, mentor, coach, volunteer, and artist—leaving an extraordinary legacy of curiosity, compassion, and inspiration.