In this testimonial, Jim Hynes expresses pride in Charlotte Country Day School, describing it as a nationally recognized private institution that sets educational standards for both private and public schools by preparing young people for the modern world. He explains that the campus is named after James Gray Cannon, honoring his pivotal role in keeping the school financially afloat and his visionary leadership, illustrated by an anecdote about a tennis‑court proposal that led to a fundraising challenge. Hynes reflects on the profound influence of senior figures such as Stuart Dixon and Jimmy Cannon, noting how observing their dedication taught him board governance and leadership skills that he later applied elsewhere. He emphasizes that the school's unique culture centers on faculty, asserting that the true essence of the institution lies in the faculty‑student interface rather than its physical facilities.
Chapters
I'm proud that Country Day is a, is a nationally known private school that cares about everyone, and I think it sets the standard for education, not just among private schools but among public schools, about how important it is. to ready young people for the new world. The campus was named for Mr. Cannon in appreciation and recognition for what he did for this school. This campus could have received a huge gift for the naming opportunity, and rightfully it went to James Gray Cannon for his efforts in making this school possible. The plain truth is He kept this school afloat when it would have probably closed its doors for lack of funds. One day he, at a board meeting, he made the motion that we build some tennis courts. He got up and left and I voted against his motion. About 2 months later, I was crossing the street downtown with him. He said, Jim, I heard you voted against my motion. I said, yes, sir, I thought we should raise the money before we built the tennis courts. He said, well, why don't you make that possible? I need a gift from you. Being around the Stuart Dixons and the Jimmy Cannons had a significant impact on my life. Just observing older people and what they contributed and what fulfillment they got from helping other people. Mr. Cannon was a saint, and there are not many saints in this world. He was quiet. A good listener, but when he spoke, people listened. I gained much more than I gave because really this was the first institution that I chaired, and I was with people, the Stuart Dixons and Jimmy Cannons. I learned a lot from them. What I valued was I was exposed To people, very talented people, who had served on a lot of boards that knew how to be a board member, which when I became chairman of other institutions, really I learned most of it at Country Day. Places are special because the culture of the place and the culture they create for both the faculty and the students. It's special because In my judgment, this place understands that the faculty is the school. It's not these buildings. It's not all this groomed whatever. It's the interface of the faculty with the students.
