Gryphon Beat: Juliana Gecker
What are you up to lately?
After Orchard House, I attended Trinity Episcopal School where I played soccer, volleyball, and participated in photography. I graduated with my IB diploma in photography and was honored with the school-wide “Titan Award” senior year. After Trinity, I went to Old Dominion University where I studied Sport Management and minored in Communication. In college, I was vice president of the Sport Management Association, an active member of the National Council of Negro Women - ODU and was inducted into The National Society of Leadership and Success.
After graduation, I worked briefly in sales for the Richmond Flying Squirrels. I then moved on to member services at ACAC where I was awarded Service Member of the Year. Most recently I worked for YWCA Richmond as the Advancement and Events Coordinator. My next steps include receiving my master's in Sport Management to continue to pursue my career in development in college athletics.
What’s something you’re excited to try, learn, or do in the next year?
I am most excited to try new hobbies, travel, and continue my education this year.
What is your favorite Orchard House tradition?
My favorite Orchard House tradition is the Winter Ceremony when the 5’s present their throne to their 8.
Were you on any sports teams or part of any clubs?
Yes! I played basketball and soccer all 4 years.
How did OHMS shape you as a person?
I credit Orchard House with providing me with a strong educational foundation. This helped me be successful in high school and college by instilling strong study habits, the ability to balance school and extracurricular activities, and a small learning environment that helped me thrive.
What do you hope current students get to experience like you did?
Sisterhood. Take the time to get to know each other. Sit with someone new. Build these relationships as they will carry with you.
What was your first job?
My first job was working in promotions for the Richmond Flying Squirrels. I did this during the summers in college while balancing internships on the side. My most memorable moment is dressing up as a nut and participating in the famous “Nut Race”.
Did you or do you have an OHMS role model who supported you?
I would like to thank Mrs. Russo for her faith, patience, and willingness to help me succeed in math. Math was not a strong subject for me. However, her kindness, knowledge, and gentle approach gave me the confidence to build my skills.
What is your favorite thing and the most challenging thing about your job?
My favorite thing about my experience at YWCA Richmond was seeing the impact my work had on the community. Whether it was managing a group of volunteers to help with a project or organizing the annual gift drive for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. The most challenging thing about the job was hearing the survivors’ tragic stories of survival.
Is there a way Orchard House still shows up in your life today?
Orchard House still remains close to my heart to this day as it helped me develop my identity and gave me confidence to not only be myself but pursue anything I want in this life.
What makes you proud to be part of the Orchard House community?
I am most proud of the network Orchard House has. Though there may only be 80 girls, the world is small, and I have had the privilege of connecting with alumni from all different graduating classes.
This coming school year, 2025-2026, will be Mr. Hollander’s last year before he retires! Please share any special memories you have of Mr. Hollander and his class.
Mr. Hollander,
Thank you for your service to Orchard House. I am grateful to have been taught by you, as you pushed me to my full potential in the classroom. My favorite memory is, of course, the 8th-grade trip to Concord. Thank you again. I wish you all of the best on your next endeavors.
