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BLUE PRINT T H E M A G A Z I N E of G I R L S P R E PA R AT O R Y S C H O O L
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Proven Through Every Test
GPS Bids Farewell to Dr. Autumn A. Graves
BRUISERS
on blast
SERVE LIKE A GIRL
PRAYERS AT THE POLE
As part of the global student prayer initiative, See You At The Pole, GPS students gathered at our school’s flagpole to pray for their school. Led by Diane Walker, Christian Forum sponsor, the students spent time together to specifically pray for our school—its students, teachers, and leaders. SEPTEMBER 25, 2019
To honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., our students and faculty participated in MLK Day of Service. Through off- and on-campus activities and projects, we were glad to partner with and serve more than 30 nonprofit agencies and organizations across Chattanooga. JANUARY 20, 2020
HERE'S TO YOU, CHEF TOM!
CHEF TOM HANGS UP HIS APRON After 17 years of cooking for the girls of GPS, Chef Tom is retiring. He might be closing the (cook)book on his time here, but we will never forget him! Thank you and happy retirement. OCTOBER 16, 2019
#BEATBAYLOR
RIVALRY WEEK ROCKS
At the end of our annual Rivalry Week festivities with McCallie brothers, we traveled across town to join them on their campus for a picnic lunch and other spirited adventures. Together we celebrated the Bruisers Soccer Team 4-0 victory earlier this week over Baylor School and played some fun relay races. OCTOBER 4, 2019
JUNIOR SWEATSHIRTS
Congrats to our presidents-elect for 2020-21: from left, Emma Dexter, Honor Council; Shreena Patel, Partnerships in the Community; Erin Marshall, Student Council. APRIL 28, 2020
#LEADLIKEAGIRL
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AUGUST 14, 2019
“If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.” —Shirley Chisholm. We LOVE what the Junior Class Leadership Council chose for their #GPSClassOf2021 sisters. May these words on their backs always inspire and remind them to have each other’s backs! NOVEMBER 6, 2019
STAY IN THE KNOW Keep up with GPS on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Above are some of the most popular posts from this year. Be sure to follow us for the most up-to-date happenings and share in the Bruiser conversation. SEARCH @GPSBRUISERS TO FOLLOW US!
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New year, same mantra for Coach Crownover!
Table of Contents
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Head of School Dr. Autumn A. Graves, 2019-20 Interim Head of School Dr. Kirk Walker, 2020-21
ON THE COVER
The Class of 2020 was recognized with a College Decision Day drive-through celebration. Read more about what they were given on page 18. Pictured is senior Leonor Vines who will be attending George Washington University this fall. Photo by Emily Lester.
Head of Upper School Jenise Gordon Head of Middle School Lynne Macziewski Chief Enrollment and Communications Officer Bilda Acuña Small Chief Development Officer Ali Gant Chief Financial Officer Mark Vosskamp Director of Athletics Jay Watts EDITORIAL STAFF Managing Editor Pamela Hammonds Senior Editor Michal Howick ’03 Designer Caitlin Riddle Contributing Writers Anne Exum Rachael Land ’12 Laura Jane Walker Contributing Photographers Jimmy Burgess Emily Lester
In an effort to adopt mindful printing practices, GPS mails one magazine per household. If you would like to receive additional copies, please contact Blueprint@GPS.edu.
ROTUNDA
The framework of each issue
2 | Bruisers on Blast 5 | A Message from Our Board Chair
40 | Class Notes 44 | Weddings 46 | Babies 48 | In Memoriam
CORNERSTONES
The foundation of leadership, values, and purpose
6 | Proven Through Every Test 12 | GPS Bids a Fond Farewell to Dr. Autumn A. Graves
COLUMNS
The impact of our school
54 | A Message from Our Chief Development Officer 55 | Bruiser Bee
COURT YARD
Life at GPS—news and happenings
20 | Celebrating Our Seniors Blueprint is published by Girls Preparatory School P.O. Box 4736 Chattanooga, TN 37405 423.634.7600 | GPS.edu Printed by Creative Business Forms
GALLERY
The recognition and celebration of alumnae
22 | Maymencement 24 | Around GPS
BRING BLUEPRINT TO LIFE
The digital version at GPS.edu/ GPSMagazine provides additional content through links to our website, videos, and photos.
28 | Class Day 29 | Fine & Performing Arts 34 | Athletics G P S .E D U G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L R O T U N D A
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR BOARD CHAIR
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or a school so steeped in tradition, GPS proved remarkably nimble this spring when faced with the unprecedented challenge of closing campus due to the pandemic and continuing school in the broadest sense. The pivot in teaching and learning was remarkable! Our faculty and administrators worked quickly to design an engaging and successful online learning program. While students and teachers would have preferred to interact face-to-face, they utilized technology to experience the next best thing— seeing each other from across the digital screen. Even dance and art classes continued, and we learned about our families and pets as life moved on around us. In this issue of Blueprint, which recaps our entire school year and the personal and professional milestones of our alumnae, you will see that our community thrives. Even while physically distant, we stay together, we support one another, and we even share lunch with friends while Zooming from home. As we anticipate the new school year, operating in a “new normal” and facing much uncertainty, how do we plan? How do we move forward when the way is not clear? What can we count on in this world filled with uncertainty? Here are a few things I know for sure: GPS is a leader among schools for girls. Over the past six years, Dr. Autumn Graves has grown our capacity for academic excellence and for educating girls. We are confident our next head of school will continue this path of excellence in single-sex education. A testament to the strength of GPS is the international attention drawn by our head of school search. Additionally, we welcome Dr. Kirk Walker as Interim Head of School (see page 17). Dr. Walker brings leadership skills developed during a career in education, having led The Bright School, Ensworth School (Nashville), McCallie School, and Webb School (Knoxville). Most recently, he was president of the Southern Association of Independent Schools. I am certain his experience and leadership skills come to us at an ideal time. We are a century-strong institution founded by three women who proved the impossible was truly possible and nothing has held us back. That determination to rise Here’s to the GIRLS! above any challenge will carry us through this year of uncertainty and through this “new normal.” Of this I am certain! As Dr. Rebecca E. Stimson ’73 your Board Chair, I am buoyed by the Board Chair strength I see in our school community.
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Not even a pandemic can keep a GPS girl from the school she most reveres! PERHAPS THE MOST ADMIRABLE TRAITS for an educator in 2020 are adaptability, ingenuity, and compassion. Fortunately for GPS students, their teachers, coaches, and counselors proved proficient in all of these attributes and more.
When the GPS campus closed on Friday, March 13, due to growing concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic’s potential impact on our community, students and teachers packed up their belongings with the hope of returning in a matter of weeks. Then as weeks turned into months, they accepted the fact that the school year would come to a close in a manner no one could have anticipated. ▜
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By Pamela Hammonds
PROVEN THROUGH EVERY TEST
What students and their parents didn’t realize, is that while it took until only the following Tuesday for classes to resume on an online platform, preparations for an unprecedented form of teaching had been in the works for weeks. On February 27, Dr. Autumn Graves, Head of School, sent out a communication to families, assuring them that school administration was tracking the virus and its implications it might present for schools. With guidance from local health experts, including former and current members of the Board of Trustees, as well as information from local and national health organizations, GPS immediately enacted stricter hygiene and health practices on campus. Meanwhile the division heads along with department chairs began preparations for the possibility of an impending campus closure. Phase I planned for teachers posting activities and assignments that students would complete on their own. Phase II envisioned teachers and students meeting online via Zoom (a cloud-based platform for telecommuting and distance education), so they could have face-to-face interactions. Distance learning, synchronous/ asynchronous, and pivot became a part of our daily vernacular. Boy, did we ever learn to pivot!
STAYING CONNECTED
We continued to be amazed at the creativity and love shown by our faculty to ensure our girls not only learned but also stayed connected amid a global health crisis. While it’s impossible to capture each moment, below are some of the most memorable. » M iddle School Advisory continued to meet with fun activities such as scavenger hunts around their houses. Others were prompted to share “roses and thorns”—the highs and lows of their days as a way to both acknowledge the stress and anxiety they might be experiencing and to let them know they’re not alone. » S tudents had a virtual show-and-tell day, where they shared their most prized possessions and told why it was special to them. » S ome girls journaled as though they were historians who were documenting each day of their quarantine, based on prompts provided by The New York Times. » S tudents were posed with a Question of the Day to respond to. » M iddle School Black, Blue, and White Challenges continued with “What’s for lunch? (aka missing Chef Brad), Funky Hair Day, and Dress Up Your Pet days. Girls submitted photos to earn points for their teams. » G lobal Cultures teacher Trish King started a virtual book club for all interested sixth-graders; first selection: A Long Walk to Water. » S ixth-grade girls participated in a GPS Middle School Virtual Game Night spearheaded by Middle School Dean of Students Katie Outlaw with some help from Upper School students. » O utlaw, as one of many faculty members, helped students in sixth-grade Skills class determine the authenticity of information they find on the internet, especially related to COVID-19, asking, Is this news factual? Is it an editorial? Is it satire? A hoax? Such a great life skill! » I n dance, sixth-graders read about the history of a haiku, learned the format, wrote their own haikus, and then put movement to it, performing it all at once online with their teacher, Laurel Moore Zahrobsky ’90.
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EQUAL FOOTING
Perhaps what made the move to learning at home so successful was our teachers and students’ ability to leverage their online platforms with ease. Each Middle School student is issued an iPad before her first day at GPS; each Upper School student has her own MacBook laptop. All students use the Google suite of products, have access to platforms that allow them to virtually meet as groups, and use the school’s MyGPS online resource board to keep up with assignments and messages from teachers. So when a teacher issued an assignment, he or she could trust that each student had the tools to complete the task. “I am so proud of our teachers and the energy, thoughtfulness, creativity, and professionalism they are bringing to this new challenge,” Graves shared with parents. “Their approach is motivated by love for their work and a deep commitment to each girl and her educational success.”
» S ixth-grade Rats performed a special song via video for their senior Cats with a little help from music teacher Mary Baxter, one that they would traditionally perform at Class Day. » A rt teacher Debbie Glasscock led eighth-graders in a self-portrait match project after providing them with the Google Arts and Culture app (thanks to Elizabeth Resnick, our Technology Innovationist), producing hilarious comments from the girls. » S eventh-graders and their mothers were encouraged to have a special lunch together and share their photos, since we were unable to host our annual mother-daughter picnic on the front lawn. » I n order to stay connected and build community, a grade-level GoogleChat was started with each of the four Upper School grades. Students were checked on daily via chat. » F aculty and staff recorded a special video tribute to the Class of 2020 in honor of their College Decision Day. Check out the video on our YouTube channel at GPSBruiserTube. » S tudent Council members posted videos, and teachers met with students in large groups, created contests and activities to help keep morale up, and met weekly via Zoom to hear from reps how the larger student body was doing.
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Graves’ main concern was the health and well-being of the girls, and that included their mental health. “Our girls experienced a major upheaval in their lives,” she said. “Social distancing is most challenging for girls, who are highly relational, and they miss the close interactions with their friends and teachers.” She assured parents that any anxiety or emotional concerns detected in their girls should be addressed and that the school’s support services team was ready to assist. Additionally, deans, advisors, and counselors regularly checked in with each student. At the end of March, GPS held virtual town halls that allowed parents and students to hear directly from Graves, division heads, deans, and counselors, and families were given up-to-date information regarding everything from athletic events and AP exams to alternative plans for May Day and Commencement. Graves met with and communicated exclusively and often with the Class of 2020 about their senior year events, while the GPS Parents group on Facebook allowed parents and teachers to share information and tips for helping support their girls.
THE GPS BRIDGE FUND
When it became evident that COVID-19 was causing families financial hardship through job loss or income reductions, GPS established the Bridge Fund to provide emergency tuition assistance for GPS students and a faculty/staff benevolence fund for GPS employees who are experiencing financial hardship. The Development Team embraced the challenge and immediately set out to raise funds from generous donors. The fund remains active and is accepting donations and applications for assistance. Learn more at GPS.edu/GIVE.
PROVEN THROUGH EVERY TEST
BEST OF PL ANS
» S everal teachers encouraged students to try new recipes. Dr. Brandon Guernsey invited his French students to make his crepe recipe, senior English teacher Kate Dix posted a video tutorial on how to make a cake, and Chef Brad, who runs our dining hall, updated his YouTube channel to include some favorite GPS dishes. » M embers of the junior CLC planned a fun alternative for Ring Day; see the photos on our SmugMug account and visit our YouTube channel to watch a virtual ring toss video the girls made.
Even with clear communications and plans for nearly every circumstance, challenges arose. At the end of spring break, on Easter Sunday, April 12, parts of the Chattanooga area, particularly Ooltewah and Collegedale, were hit with an EF-3 tornado that caused major damage to homes, properties, and the towns’ infrastructure. Some GPS students and faculty were displaced, and many lost power and access to the internet for days. Thankfully our community came alongside those in greatest need and assisted with housing, funds, and basic needs. Phase III of the learning plan was then put into place. This phase allowed teachers and students to still meet in real time to discuss lessons, but also gave them a break from the screen. Some assignments were then given for the girls to complete asynchronously, and a special Sun Day off was announced for Friday, May 1.
» C lass deans and Class Leadership Council members met regularly to brainstorm how they could support and encourage their grade levels.
By the end of April it was clear students and teachers would not be returning to campus for the 2019-20 school year. Plans were announced for celebrating year-end events virtually, AP exams that are traditionally mandatory became optional, and all final exams were canceled. Summer dates for celebrating May Day and Commencement were offered and June camp dates were called off.
» U pper School history teachers Dr. Steve Harrison and Reed Dillard hosted online trivia nights for the girls.
To continue our successful learning platforms, summer classes were offered to current GPS students at no charge, with 202 registrations for 18 classes, including cooking, personal finance, book discussions, history, and world languages.
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@c@c9898% @c@c9696% @c@c9292%
OF PARENTS GAVE GPS AN A/B GRADE FOR OVERALL RESPONSE TO COVID-19
OF PARENTS GAVE GPS LEADERSHIP/ HEAD OF SCHOOL AN A/B GRADE FOR COMMUNICATIONS DURING THE PANDEMIC
OF MIDDLE AND UPPER SCHOOL PARENTS GAVE GPS TEACHERS AN A/B GRADE FOR COMMUNICATION DURING THE PANDEMIC
LOOKING AHEAD
As we approach the 2020-21 school year, every effort is being made for students to safely return to campus. Classrooms are being modified to allow for more room between desks. Class times will be extended to decrease the number of transitions between classes for students and teachers. Hands-free door kicks, soap dispensers, hand sanitizers, and more are being installed. Lunches will be served across campus, and additional covered outdoor areas will allow more students to work outside as weather permits. Students and teachers who choose to participate from home can interact in real time with those on campus. Newly installed technology integrated with iPads in each classroom will utilize cameras that follow the teacher and display the teacher's writing on the screen to remote participants. Everyone on campus will be required to wear a face covering while indoors but can remove it while practicing safe distancing when outside. And students will not use their lockers this year, with additional space provided in classrooms for storing backpacks. But if the health of our students and faculty would benefit from learning at home versus on campus, we will do so with the assurance that we’ve successfully completed nearly an entire semester with virtual learning and can do so again. We are GPS Bruisers and can rise to any challenge and learn and grow from it.
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» E nvironmental science teacher Dr. Brandon Noel took his responsibility for maintaining the GPS Garden to heart and built beds at his home so he could demonstrate for his students proper plant care and propagation in real time. » P hysics and biology teacher Bryant Haynes shared several songs via video recorded especially for his students, including an acoustic rendition of the GPS “Alma Mater.” » U pper School Dean of Students Laura Vedas reached out to each Upper School student individually to see how she was doing. Kate Kerekes kept close tabs on the freshmen as their class dean. » V edas also created a theme of the day for a week (pets, hobbies, etc.) so the girls could share what they’d been doing at home. » U pper School advisors checked in with their advisees regularly and continued to meet weekly during scheduled advisory time. » A bbey Katelyn Pettus ’22 made more than 65 cloth masks as well as 40 headbands with buttons to provide relief for healthcare workers whose ears were becoming raw due to wearing masks with elastic straps. » I n the Middle School, Outlaw and counselor Casey Caldwell Santos '08 reached out to every family to check on their girls' well being.
READ MORE
Throughout the pages of this issue of Blueprint, read more about how our teachers, coaches, and administrators found creative ways to stay connected to students and allowed our juniors to receive their class rings, our seniors to be celebrated for their college decisions, and how Class Day, Eighth-Grade Celebration, and Cum Laude were held virtually, plus more.
t ParenPraise
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Within days of online learning, parents began to send messages to teachers and division heads, letting them know their girls were not just surviving but thriving. Other messages of group prayer sessions being held on behalf of the school’s leadership were shared. Each person below reached out with unsolicited praise and gave the school permission to share their sentiments.
None of this is simple, and it happened so quickly that we really worried the last few months of school would just be very messy. We have been so impressed with GPS’s ability to adapt quickly to an online learning environment. Our daughter has been engaged and interested in the work. GPS taught her how to use all the new tools and apps she needed to be successful. Then she taught us how to use them! GPS faculty also encouraged students to explore new options (especially in the performing arts, which can be tricky online) and use online options to stay connected with friends. We are always grateful for the GPS community, but never more than now. —Heather DeGaetano, P’24
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We want to express our appreciation for what you have done and for what you are doing for our girls. Your thoughtfulness about the social/emotional/academic well-being of our children is to be commended! We are incredibly grateful for the creativity and energy you put into your lessons and additional virtual opportunities for our girls. Your patience, love, expertise, and extensive research (in these uncharted waters) have made parenting much easier while the girls are home. You have been proactive and thorough in your thinking—you have answers for questions that we didn’t know we should have. If we weren’t believers in GPS before (we were, by the way), we certainly are now. —The Carpenter Family, P’24, ’26
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Our daughter is a very active and social kid, as most are, and then the tornado hit, disrupting an already chaotic routine. She got a praise report from Ms. King and then Ms. Mac sent a YGG (You go, girl!) to her regarding the report. It brought the biggest smile to her face and really helped in an already crazy time. It gave her the confidence and reassurance she needed. I appreciate GPS still doing YGGs during this time because it is so needed. —Leah Brumley ’97, P’26
Thank you for all the hard work and care you have poured out on behalf of our girls. I know you are navigating very challenging and unprecedented times right now. Also know that this morning, a group of GPS mamas spent some in prayer (via Zoom) for you. We are asking the Lord to give you an abundance of wisdom, discernment, and stamina as you make hard decisions and lead both the Upper and Middle Schools. I can only imagine the weight and responsibility you feel for so many—faculty, students, staff, and families. Also, the Zoom meeting you held for eighth-grade parents was excellent. It has been a tremendous help for me as I have attempted to come alongside my daughter as we consider the best path for her high school years. We are so grateful for GPS and the positive impact it has had on her and our family. —Kendra Salter, P’24
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Dr. Graves, right, with Dr. Rebecca Stimson '73, Board Chair, on opening day of 2019-20 school year.
GPS Bids a Fond Farewell to Dr. Autumn A. Graves HEAD OF SCHOOL SERVED 2014-20 By Anne Exum
DR. AUTUMN A . GRAVES HAD BARELY SPENT A NIGHT in Founders House, the Head of School’s residence on the GPS
campus, six years ago before she got to work getting to know the school she would soon lead. She began by learning about the history of the school, its unique traditions, and the programming that sets girls schools apart from others.
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Graves worked with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership to rearticulate the GPS Mission Statement and Values in 2016 to better fit the school's goal of educating girls for future success.
Studying the Past to Plan for the Future Eleanor McCallie Cooper ’64, along with her brothers, Spencer and Franklin, invited Graves to dinner and shared the story of GPS Founders Grace McCallie, Eula Lea Jarnagin, and Tommie Payne Duffy. Graves said her natural curiosity and degree in history led to her asking, What were the laws at the time? and, What were women like back then? She went on to read about the entrepreneurial history and innovators of Chattanooga, past and present, and then connected the three learning circles: the human story from relatives of Grace McCallie, the historical context, and the innovative culture of the city. She realized the foresight of the Founders was not only remarkable for their time but inspiring for female entrepreneurs still today. “I didn’t have to live it to understand it,” Graves said. As the new head of school, Graves met others—students, faculty, alumnae, and friends—who believed like her that the Founders and the past could be springboards for the future. “Other people grew along with me,” she said appreciatively. “I asked the faculty, ‘What time, space, and talent do you need?’ and they’ve repaid the professional development investment made in them with the research and work necessary to become what was envisioned by the Founders: the best school for girls, not just a girls’ school.” When she heard from the Class of 2014 that they wanted an administrator who dealt solely with their challenges and anxieties, Graves created Dean of Student positions in the Middle and Upper Schools. She also initiated a support services team that would focus solely on the emotional well-being of students. Graves also enhanced many other initiatives at GPS. She supported Head of Middle School Lynne Macziewski through the revamping of the Middle School program, one that would offer a rich and engaging academic program that lays the foundation for students’ academic paths while developing the vital skills for their future success. And she led the way for additional STEM opportunities for girls, creating a robust, state-of-the-art makerspace on campus and securing funds with the Development team for a dedicated research lab and revitalized classrooms and lobby in the science building.
Graves discovered a chair that once belonged to Tommie Payne Duffy, one of our Founders and had it repaired and reupholstered to be used by each May Queen.
“Reminiscent of our Founders, Autumn has been a strong and visionary leader who approaches a job with her head—through research, thoughtful deliberation, and open discussion—and carries out the job with her heart as evidenced in her passion for how girls learn, the mission of the school, and the public purpose of a private school, while treating those around her with respect and compassion. She leaves us stronger than she found us and for that we are grateful.” —DR. REBECCA EASLEY STIMSON ’73, CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES
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Outreach to Alumnae During conversations with alumnae, Graves heard how important it is for GPS women to connect with each other and how devoted they are to their alma mater; “a loyal crew,” she calls them. The Real Talk programming during Alumnae Weekend became a mini career day for students, allowing alums to share their expertise and experiences by grade levels. The three or four awards that were presented at past luncheons Graves expanded to become myriad awards, recognizing one alumna from each of the classes attending their reunions. She also gave them the opportunity to honor their beloved faculty during Alumnae Weekend by starting the Faculty Emeriti program. A revitalized Lunchtime Learning program offers current students more alumnae intergenerational exposure. “Thoughtfully helping our alumnae and students connect with each other beyond a social connection seemed so simple,” Graves said. That connection became another important aspect of Winterim, as alumnae were matched up with students who shadowed doctors, accountants, lawyers, and even a Navy pilot who offered important career advice. From the east to west coasts and cities in between, Graves enjoyed meeting the school’s alumnae and learning about their career paths, their families, their interests, and hearing them say that they invest in their friendships with other women because of GPS. “They can offer constructive criticism of their alma mater sometimes, but it is clear that they love it,” Graves said. Since 1979, Winterim served as a welcome reprieve from classroom work in February. But after 9/11, travel plans ceased and the program changed to one of mostly local opportunities. Graves revived Winterim, which now offers opportunities for service, learning, adventure, and regional, national, and international travel, including grade-level travel for Middle School students.
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“She did a remarkable job transforming my alma mater and her many contributions to GPS and the Chattanooga community will be long lasting,” —MARY MONCURE WATSON ’74, TRUSTEE
A FOND FAREWELL
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GRAVES RECALLS
memorable
MOMENTS
FROM HER TENURE AT GPS:
» A nnouncing her pregnancy with Chloe in Chapel » R eceiving a $250,000 unsolicited check for financial aid » M eeting an American icon, Olan Mills: “His family created an enterprise that was so much a part of many families’ histories.” » T he soccer team winning the 2014 state championship: "I watched their video where they chanted 'We believe that we will win' over and over. It buoyed my spirits as I worked hard to complete what felt like insurmountable tasks before my maternity leave." » R eceiving a standing ovation from the McCallie Board of Trustees after her presentation about GPS
Collaborating with the Community Wanting to inject a public/private partnership aspect into the life of the school, Graves sought venues that would encourage Chattanooga residents to attend events on campus and programs to encourage students to step beyond Island Avenue. She developed a robust speaker series that welcomed to GPS experts in the field of girl development and brain science as well as those who covered topics such as social media, stress and anxiety, suicide prevention, and depression. Evening presentations allowed parents and educators in the Chattanooga community the opportunity to attend at no charge. She reached out to the entrepreneurs of Chattanooga, encouraging them to participate in Mad, Bad, and Dangerous—an entrepreneurial symposium for women and girls— that eventually became MBD: Girl Edition, a three-pronged #girlpreneurial venture that invited young girls from across the region to start their own businesses and learn how to solve real business and community problems. Eager to see GPS girls engage with organizations in the area, Graves encouraged PIC (Partnerships in Community) to partner with community nonprofits in ways that sought equal influence as membership on the organization’s board as much as deficit-filling engagement.
Graves supported the revamping of the existing advisory program to be more intentionally focused on girls' socio-emotional development. Girls stay with their advisory group from sophomore to senior years, allowing them to strengthen their bonds with their advisors and fellow classmates.
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During Graves’ tenure, the four Cs as outlined by NEA.org—Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity—were adopted by GPS and recognized as leading to a fifth C—Confidence—which is so vital for girls’ 21st-century education.
A Committed and Driven Tenure As Graves drove through the GPS campus when she left at the end of June, she could see the home of Cadek Conservatory of Music, now located in renovated GPS facilities through a partnership with University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. From Veterans Bridge she could see both the new rowing center being constructed next to the Tennessee River, thanks to a partnership with McCallie School, and a renovated tennis center supported by tennis alumnae and their parents. From facilities to faculty, students to alumnae, from friends made in the Chattanooga community to student families, Graves’ focus was always, as she often said, “on the girls.” “In such a short time, she ushered the girls, faculty, and school into the 21st century of independent schools,” said Clay Watson, Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees. “I thoroughly enjoyed serving the school while working with her to make GPS the best school for girls. We, as a Board, will continue to fulfill her legacy while ushering in new leadership for our girls.” Even in her last few months at GPS, diligently leading the school through the unpredictability of a pandemic, her priority remained “to provide our
girls the best education possible.” Her many COVID-related communications to parents and students and even retired faculty and alumnae illustrated her empathy and the transparency with which she communicated about distance learning, plans for end-of-year traditions, and her hopes for the future. Asked what she would say to the next head of school, she offered grace and advice. “Be a cheerleader. This community appreciates real and virtual high-fives.” She also encouraged the next leader to intentionally create one-on-one time with the girls and expressed an appreciation for and trust in Dr. Kirk Walker for his interim year in 2020-21. The Strategic Plan adopted by the Board of Trustees during her tenure called on the GPS community to look in, reach out, and lift up. Autumn Graves fulfilled that mission in her too-short six years as the most recent resident of the Founders House.
“Autumn always conducted herself with warmth, wisdom, empathy, and competence. As Head of School, she beautifully walked the difficult line between reverence for beloved traditions and enthusiasm for constructive change. She undoubtedly leaves GPS a better school than she found it. It was a true pleasure to serve as a Trustee under her inspirational leadership.” — KERRI MARTIN BARTLETT ’75, SECRETARY OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES.
Graves and the Board of Trustees worked for years with McCallie to build a new rowing center on the campus of GPS that will house both the boys and girls rowing programs. The center will open August 2020.
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A WARM WELCOME
NONPROFIT VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE:
MEET DR. R. KIRK WALKER JR,
GPS INTERIM HEAD OF SCHOOL When Dr. Autumn Graves told her GPS colleagues last October that she had accepted a new position in Virginia, there was plausible concern on the part of the assembled teachers and staff. However, when she announced that Dr. Kirk Walker would serve as the interim head of school, an audible relief resounded at the news that the experienced, well-respected leader in education would shepherd GPS for the 2020-21 school year. With 33 years of school administrative experience, Walker’s nameplate has graced the headmaster’s door at several schools, including The Bright School and McCallie School in Chattanooga, from which he retired, and Ensworth School in Nashville. He served as president/executive director of the Southern Association of Independent Schools until 2019 and is currently the mayor of his community, Ridgeside. And then came the call from GPS Board Chair Dr. Rebecca Stimson last October; he thought the topic of conversation might be about good governance or some other issue—familiar territory for him as a former member of the GPS Board of Trustees. “I didn’t think a call from her was unusual,” he said. “Because of my work at SAIS, I was accustomed to receiving calls from board chairs.” After sharing the news of Graves’ resignation, however, Stimson surprised him by saying, “We are asking you to be the interim head of school.”
Within a very short time after the call, he shared with his wife, Patsi, that he thought he should accept the offer. “Since my retirement from SAIS, people had been asking me what I would be doing next,” he said. “I usually replied that I wasn’t sure but that I knew that it would present itself.” The conversation with Dr. Stimson was so out of the blue that, in a very unexpected way, he knew he had his answer. “I am excited and honored to be part of a school community for which I have so much admiration,” he continued. “Both through observing my daughter’s experience as a student at GPS and through my work with the school while at McCallie and Bright, I have appreciated the breadth and quality of the program.” His daughter, Caroline, is a 2004 graduate. Walker says his transition to leading an all-girls school began with a trip to a local bookstore and buying every book they had on raising girls. “GPS is blessed with a great faculty and a strong leadership team who know how to inspire and encourage young women,” he said. Together with them, Walker will be navigating the changes and workarounds for issues caused by COVID-19, a situation not present when he accepted the role. His goals for the 2020-21 school year are the same as they would be for any interim head: to advance the vision of the school and to pave a smooth path for the next leader. As for the pandemic, he said, “The year ahead will have unique challenges for the nation and for all our schools, but I am hopeful that it will also be an opportunity for rediscovering the values that matter and for clearer understanding of our interdependence on each other.”
» SAIS Trustee » Southern Lit Alliance Trustee » 30-year Trustee and Sustaining Trustee for Chambliss Center for Children » President of The Worth Foundation (2013-present), which reviews and awards grants to community-based youth development programs EDUCATION:
» B .A. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Morehead Scholar and Phi Beta Kappa » M.S. & Ph.D. George Peabody College, Vanderbilt University (Nashville)
AN UPDATE ON THE HEAD OF SCHOOL SEARCH Since February, the consultants at Carney Sandoe & Associates have worked diligently to recruit and evaluate candidates for the next head of school at GPS. There has been strong interest in the position, and the candidates bring a diversity of work experiences and expertise. The pool includes people from 21 states and five countries. A number of candidates have ties to GPS and/or Chattanooga. This summer, the search committee will review the top candidates’ files and begin to conduct interviews. Despite a global pandemic, the search remains on schedule, and we hope to make an appointment in the first semester of the upcoming academic year. In closing, we are very grateful to the faculty and staff of GPS. The strength of the school community and its excellent academic program remain top selling points. HERE’S TO THE GIRLS!
Clay Watson, Vice Chair, and Dr. Mary P. Tanner Co-Chairs Head of School Search Committee and Current Trustees
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COURTYARD Read about life at GPS—news and happening—in the classroom, on the field, on the stage, and beyond throughout the school year. From Cat-Rat fun and scholastic achievements to performances and travel, our students found many opportunities to showcase their talents and make new friends and memories to last a lifetime.
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CELEBRATING OUR SENIORS
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MAYMENCEMENT
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AROUND GPS
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CL ASS DAY
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FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
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ATHLETICS
C O U R T YA R D G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U
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g n i t a Celebrour Se
niors!
THE CL ASS OF 2020 began the school year like any other—a rousing opening-day kickoff in Frierson Theatre, complete with nearly 600 voices singing along to “We’re All in This Together” and the unveiling of the theme of the year. This year, their class leadership chose You’re Invited, with a promise that each girl would feel welcome to be herself, to embrace others for who they are, and to see and know others despite their differences.
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What they didn’t know then, and what no one could have predicted, is their senior year would culminate in shelterin-place orders during the midst of a global pandemic. But school work continued at home in mid-March and the push to decide which college each would attend in the fall of 2020 (if they hadn’t already) became more pressing as April came to a close.
NATIONAL MERIT
COMMENDED
STUDENTS
ONE
College Decision Day is typically held on the sunny DeFoor Patio, with cake for all and photos taken in groups of friends and shared college choices.
N AT I O N A L
MERIT FINALIST
8%
COMMIT TED TO
PLAY SPORTS AT THE
CO LLEGE LE V E L
26%
WILL ATTEND ARE
N AT I O N A L H O N O R S O C I E T Y
MEMBERS
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19%
COLLEGE
HONORS PROGRAMS
C O U R T YA R D G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U
Due to social distancing recommendations, we opted to recognize our seniors in a thoughtfully planned drive-thru celebration, complete with well wishes from teachers and administrators and a special box and yard sign placed in each girl’s vehicle. Boxes contained a banner, T-shirt, tote, sticker, cookie, note from her Rat, and her commencement robe. While the celebration was unconventional, the sentiment remained consistent with what we wish each GPS senior on College Decision Day: that all the hard work she and her college counselor put into her college journey will result in her attending the school that best meets her needs and aspirations for her future.
, Here s to the Class of 2020!
83% of the
CELEBRATING OUR SENIORS
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GIRL SCOUT
GOLD
AWARD
CLASS EARNED
$10M IN MERIT,
TALENT, OR ATHLETIC
SCHOLARSHIPS
SUBMITTED
441
DOES NOT INCLUDE FINANCIAL AID
COLLEGE
APPLICATIONS
to
153
17% ARE
FIRST
GENERATION
COLLEGE STUDENTS
SCHOOLS
75
G R ADUAT E S
SELECTED SENIORS SERVED ON:
MAYOR’S YOUTH COUNCIL BOARD OF THE CHATTANOOGA CHAPTER OF FRENCH AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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May Day Commencement for the Class of 2020 Celebrated Al Fresco Amid Pandemic After much assessment and planning to determine the best way to recognize and honor the Class of 2020, a joint celebration of both May Day and Commencement, Maymencement, if you will, was held outdoors on the evening of July 23 on the Smith Courtyard lawn.
Kshama Patel, 2020 May Queen, in the chair once owned by GPS Founder Tommie Payne Duffy.
Each senior was assigned a pod of six chairs on the lawn for her family members to be in attendance, with enough distance between pods to exceed the current guidelines for safely assembling. Face coverings were worn by all, with each girl allowed a quick removal for photos during her presentation at May Day and when receiving her diploma. Upon departure, a lovely gift bag that included an alumna sweatshirt and mug, was given to each graduate from the GPS Development Team. Those not in attendance could view a livestream of the celebration on our YouTube channel and a recording remains there. Here’s to the girls of the GPS! May you always remember your time at your school with fondness for the memories made, lessons learned, and friendships formed. Please come back to visit whenever you can! WATCH THE VIDEO OF OUR FIRST MAYMENCEMENT ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AT YOUTUBE.COM/GPSBRUISERTUBE.
The May Day Queen and Court. See also page 22 for their announcement.
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MAYMENCEMENT
Astra Burke, Ethel B. Poston Valedictorian
Erin Maxwell, voted by her class to redeliver her Chapel Talk at Commencement
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AROUNDGPS Welcome to
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Cum Laude
Nine seniors of the Class of 2020 were honored with the highest academic accolade bestowed at GPS—membership in Cum Laude. The faculty members chosen by the students to induct them are listed below their colleges.
2020 CUM LAUDE INDUCTEES ASTRA SILVER BURKE 1
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Rice University Katelyn Dix
CL AIRE BARGE LINDEM AN 2
Clemson University Diane Walker
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ALLISON M ARIE LOCKHART 3
Tulane University Mary Baxter
JADYN BRISHELL M AT THEWS 4
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Harvard University Jenise Gordon
May Queen + Court In December, the seniors voted for the members of May Court by selecting classmates who ... » » » » » »
represent their senior class in the highest sense are gracious, friendly, and loyal to friends and to GPS are actively and enthusiastically involved in the life of GPS eagerly give of their time and their talents stand for the highest ideals in character and integrity are respected and admired by fellow schoolmates and faculty alike
Then the entire student body voted for the queen and her court.
K ATHERINE GRACE MILLICAN 5
Baylor University Cathie Ault Kasch ’72
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SANA NISAR 6
Augusta University Keith Sanders M ARGARET ANN PRIEST 7
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University of Tennessee, Knoxville Chris Zeller LEIGHT TA EMILY SHERRILL 8
KSHA M A PATEL
May Queen
Back row, left to right
Front row, left to right
JADYN M AT THEWS
FAITH COPEL AND
MEG PRIEST
EVA GOLDBACH
LEIGHT TA SHERRILL
ISABELLE TORRENCE
Right Train Bearer Lady of the Court Crown Bearer
Maid of Honor
Scepter Bearer
Left Train Bearer
Boston University Laura Vedas
ISABELLE STARR TORRENCE 9
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Baylor University Laurel Moore Zahrobsky ’90
WATCH THE VIDEO OF THE VIRTUAL INSTALL ATION ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AT YOUTUBE.COM/ GPSBRUISERTUBE.
C O U R T YA R D G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U
MAGGIE PARSLEY ’21 ASTRA BURKE ’20
Grace McCallie Scholarship Recipient
LILY DUPLOOY ’21
Duffy-Jarnagin Scholarship Recipients
AROUND GPS
SHANZEH RIZVI ’20
The GPS Model UN team participated in the Southeastern Model UN conference, with two teams representing Cote D'Ivoire and Mexico, and Shanzeh Rizvi ’20 taking home an honorable mention for Best Delegate.
GPS Honors Chemistry students and other interested students won the participation award for the most entries in the senior division of the Chattanooga Regional Science and Engineering Fair at UTC and also the achievement award for the most awards earned. Individual and school honors were presented to 19 sophomores and one freshman. TENNESSEE SOUTHEAST REGIONAL CONTEST OF NATIONAL HISTORY DAY 43 GPS GIRLS ENTERED THE CONTEST 34 CAME HOME WITH EITHER A FIRST-, SECOND-, OR THIRD-PLACE MEDAL 13 OF GPS GIRLS’ PROJECTS WERE AWARDED PRIZES 3 TEAMS WENT ON TO PLACE THIRD IN THE VIRTUAL STATE COMPETITION
GPS MIDDLE SCHOOL SCIENCE OLYMPIAD TEAM
» fi nished third in the Regional Science Olympiad Competition at Chattanooga State Community College » were eligible for the state competition at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville
This year GPS received the College Board’s AP Computer Science Female Diversity Award for achieving high female representation in AP Computer Science A during the 2018-19 school year. 4 seventh-graders placed in the finalist group for Redford Stories Environmental Storytelling contest, hosted by The Redford Center, with their PSA video titled “Save the Coral.” 2 GPS teams competed in Mock Trial district finals at the U.S. District Courthouse in downtown Chattanooga, making our school have an impressive two teams in the final four. The teams qualified for the state competition that was ultimately cancelled due to the pandemic. Katie Day ’21 won Best Witness and Shanzeh Rizvi ’20 won Best Attorney.
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EighthGrade Celebration Celebrated, certificated, and charged— the Class of 2024 completed Middle School and will soon cross the lawn to the Upper School! In a virtual celebration, eighthgraders reflected upon their Middle School experience with eager anticipation of the next four years at GPS. The ceremony included a presentation of certificates and celebrations of each girl (that were mailed to them), remarks from Head of Middle School Lynne Macziewski, a charge to the class by Head of School Dr. Autumn A. Graves, a retrospective video that included a collection of photos and memories of the girls’ time in Middle School, and speeches from members of the class.
STUDENTS AND TEACHERS
partnered and served more than 30 nonprofit agencies for MLK Day of Service,
to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. During the CHATTANOOGA AREA
GPS girls were recognized with Aspirations in Computing Awards, presented by The National Center for Women & Information Technology.
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE'S 2019 annual meeting, Girls Preparatory School, founded in 1906, was recognized as one of Chattanooga's century-strong businesses with a rich history of stability and longevity.
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AROUND GPS
GPS STUDENTS SHOW KNOWLEDGE OF WORLD LANGUAGES* NATIONAL L ATIN EXAM, sponsored by the American Classical League and the National Junior Classical League
» 24 students earned awards » 9 silver medalists » 4 gold medalists FRENCH CONTEST/LE GRAND CONCOURS, sponsored by the American
Association of Teachers of French » 13 honorable mentions » 1 bronze medalist » 1 gold medalist
NATIONAL FRENCH WEEK COMPETITION, hosted by the French-
American Chamber of Commerce
» 3 videos from GPS were submitted » 1 named top entry and tied for first place in the competition
Cat-Rat Starting a new school becomes so much easier when you have a designated ally. The GPS Cat-Rat tradition pairs incoming sixth-graders with seniors as mentors and friends. Scheduled school events such as the Cat-Rat reveal, parade, breakfast, and cookie party allow the girls to get to know each other better and potentially inspire additional interactions. GPS alumnae often report lifelong friendships that started with their Cat-Rat pairings.
*Results from the National Spanish Exam were not yet available at press date.
JULIA CAROLINE "J.C." WIEDMER ’22
was selected as the winner of the top prize in the Fifth Annual Paideia Institute High School Essay Contest, earning a full scholarship to the Paideia Institute’s 14-day Living Greek in Greece High School Program. She then worked on her essay, “Hercules Doesn’t Give Second Chances,” with the editor of the institute’s journal, In Medias Res, before it was later published on Medium.com. JULIA CAROLINE "J.C." WIEDMER ’22
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Winterim At the start of the second semester of school, students step outside the classroom and explore cultures and communities different than their own. From visiting a working alpaca farm and riding horses on a ranch to learning more about the civil rights movement, our girls fill their week with hands-on experiences that are sure to inspire them. Some of our Upper School students spend Winterim at destinations far and wide while others stay close to home. Accompanied by teachers, coaches, and adult chaperones, our girls discover passions, learn skills, meet people, explore faraway places, and hone existing talents. And as they make lifelong memories and grow closer to their classmates—and become more confident and competent—we can’t help but wonder if their experiences might spark a field of study or future career. Middle School students spend the week by grades to further their studies in various subjects and grow even closer as a class.
AROUND GPS
ANNSLEY KELLEY ’21 was named the 2021 Distinguished Young Woman of Hamilton County, which qualified her for the state Distinguished Young Women of Tennessee competition. She will compete at the Distinguished Young Women of Tennessee state competition at the Lee University Dixon Center in Cleveland, Tennessee. ANNSLEY KELLEY ’21
INDIVIDUAL STUDENT & TEACHER RECOGNITIONS JULIA STEFFNER ’24 and SARA KATE ELROD ’24 auditioned
separately in Atlanta for the Joffrey Ballet Summer Dance Intensive programs and were both accepted into multiple programs around the U.S. EMERSON COUCH ’24 spent four weeks at a writing camp and completed a book titled The War Against Time. The book was published by A Novel Idea and included her own book signing at Barnes and Noble at Hamilton Place mall.
History and social science/Latin languages teacher DR. RALPH COVINO:
Junior Ring Day Unable to celebrate Ring Day during the school day as planned, our Jolly Juniors drove onto campus and picked up their class rings on a sunny Saturday in May. With rows of teachers cheering for the girls as they pulled into the main drive, Dr. Andrea Becksvoort, history teacher and Dean of the Junior Class, told each girl through her passenger seat window, “Here’s your ring, a note from CLC, and a sunflower because we love you,” before the girls drove on to have their photos taken with their class rings. Let the turning of the rings begin, Class of 2021! FOR A CUTE VIDEO THE GIRLS TOOK WHILE PL AYING A VIRTUAL GAME OF RING TOSS, SEE OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL AT YOUTUBE.COM/ GPSBRUISERTUBE.
» c ompleted coursework through National Geographic on Teaching Global Climate Change as well as Mapping as a Visualization and Communication Tool in the Classroom and the IREX Global/U.S. State Department's Foundations of Global Education program. » became a Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator » was chosen as a summer fellow of the Athena Project » was elected to serve as treasurer and member of the council of the Southeast World History Association (SEWHA) » was chosen as a summer fellow for the Belin-Blank Center for Gifted Education & Talent Development with the University of Iowa Sixth-grade global cultures teacher and PIC sponsor TRISH KING was named 2019 Volunteer Captain of the Year for the Chattanooga IRONMAN competition. She captained registration and race day for IRONKIDS and managed the event's homestay host program, which matches professional racers to hosts, and twice served as a host for a triathlete.
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CLASS DAY Virtual Class Day ceremonies recognized students with awards in academics, character, the arts, athletics, and more.
MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS SIXTH-GRADE AWARDS
Betsy Chisolm Silberman Award Claire Lindeman ’20
Margaret Wheland Cate Award Paulina Proshkin ’26
Laura Handly Award Sana Nisar ’20
Joan Haley Frierson Award Adreanna Calloway ’26
Roberta Moore Award Jadyn Matthews ’20
SEVENTH-GRADE AWARDS
Barbara Johnson Prickett Award Leightta Sherrill ’20
Thedford Award Frances Bohner ’25
Marilyn Sherman Center Award Hannah Grace Kornberg ’23
Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts Cathy Gray ’20
EIGHTH-GRADE AWARDS
Frances Wheeler Freshman Cup Anabel Wilson ’23
National Orchestra Award Allison Lockhart ’20
Dora Maclellan Brown Christian Leadership Award Caroline Clark ’23
National Band Award Heather Ake ’20
Ruth Schmidt Award Gwyneth Parks ’25
CHARACTER AWARDS
Janet Lea Jackson Award Abigail Carpenter ’24
DAR Youth Citizenship Award Ella Harris ’24 BL ACK, BLUE, AND WHITE AWARD
Sophomore Bowl Frances Crowe ’22
UPPER SCHOOL AWARDS
Dorris Chapin Wells Award Mary Kate Johnson ’22
White Team
Battle Award Chapel Cunningham ’21
SENIOR AWARDS
Ethel B. Poston Valedictorian Award Astra Burke ’20
Palmer Griffin Award Erin Marshall ’21
Rickie Pierce Salutatorian Award Meg Priest ’20
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VISIT GPS.EDU/NEWS TO READ MORE ABOUT THE AWARDS PRESENTED.
ATHLETIC AWARDS
Mary Hannah Tucker Faculty Award Kshama Patel ’20
Mary Alice Hood Chambers Award Kennedy Ball ’23
Founders Award Faith Copeland ’20
Elizabeth Collier Farmer Award CJ Polk ’22
Daughters of the American Revolution Award Sarah Foropoulos ’20
Laura Holt Outstanding Athlete Award Sydney Morris ’21
Pete Wood Award Katherine Bell ’20
Robinson Sportsmanship Cup Ella Ensign ’20
Patsy Williams Scott Service Award Li Luffman ’20
Sandra Martin Award Faith Copeland ’20
Jane Henegar Noble Christian Award Katie Millican ’20
Peggy Thomas 100% Award Preslee Brooksbank ’20
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FINE & PERFORMING ARTS AWARDS
Terpsichord Award Isabelle Torrence ’20 & Jillian Tombul ’20
Excellence in Dramatic Arts Leightta Sherrill ’20 Excellence in Technical Theater Li Luffman ’20 Fletcher W. Bright Fellowship Emma Dexter ’21 ACADEMIC AWARDS
Mildred Peters Award for English Leightta Sherrill ’20 Eula Lea Jarnagin Love of Language Award Astra Burke ’20, Latin Erin Maxwell ’20, Spanish Mary Beth Propes ’20, French Lois Moyer Award for Mathematics Meg Priest ’20 Lucy Ann Adams Science Cup Astra Burke ’20 John Locke History Award for Excellence Erin Maxwell ’20 PUBLICATIONS AWARD
William C. McKenzie Award Ella Ensign ’20 & Erin Maxwell ’20
FINE
& PERFORMING
Arts
“A TALE AS OLD AS TIME”
Middle School students performed a magical adaptation of a story about transformation, tolerance, and the ability to see someone for who they really are. Beauty and the Beast JR was the must-see Middle School musical of the season!
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FINE& PERFORMING ARTS
ANTIGONE WINDS, STRINGS, AND MORE
Middle and Upper School students brought their A-game while performing a variety of musical genres during the Fall Instrumental Music Concert. Along with McCallie students, sixth-graders to seniors exuded vibrant energy with many upbeat melodies, from “Forever Flying” to “Skyfall.”
Upper School students presented a modern adaptation by Lewis Galantiere from the play by French dramatist Jean Anouilh, written in 1940’s France as a form of resistance against Nazi occupation. In an act of treason punishable by death, Antigone (played by Annie Thrash ’21) acted on her moral duty to bury her brother, defying the will of the ruthless King Creon.
THE EDGE AND ONWARD
The Terpsichord Spring Concert honored the ongoing legacy of Terpsichord while looking ahead to its growth. Appropriately titled The Edge and Onward, the show began with an homage to renowned dancer and choreographer Erick Hawkins (1909-94) and concluded with a piece choreographed by Terpsichord’s retiring Director, Cathie Ault Kasch ’72.
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FINE& PERFORMING ARTS
SOUNDS OF
READ MORE ABOUT OUR PRODUCTIONS AT GPS.EDU/NEWS.
THE SEASON
In the Winter Choral Concert, GPS Singers, Middle School Girls Chorus, and the GPS/McCallie Coordinate Choir performed “Ave Maria,” “Remembering Decembers,” “A Yuletide Greeting,” and more before closing with a musical tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces. NIGHT WATCH
Empowering Female Artists in Chattanooga
The Terpsichord Thanksgiving Concert centered around one central theme: dreams. The five-piece program opened with “Call It a Night,” followed by three dances, and concluded with the traditional senior duet featuring President Jillian Tombol and Vice President Meredith Bevill.
RISING SENIOR EMM A DEX TER ’21 is the second student to receive the
prestigious GPS Fletcher Bright Fellowship for Artistic and Community Engagement this spring. Awarded to a student who exhibits passion for creative expression and leadership, the fellowship enables a student to share her passion—and that is exactly what Emma plans to do. Emma has pursued the arts at GPS since her sixth-grade year and was selected for the school’s prestigious modern dance company, Terpsichord, her sophomore year. As an AP Art History student and a member of Terpsichord, Emma expressed disappointment with the lack of exposure and praise female artists receive, both historically and in present day. With this fellowship, she intends to organize an exhibition of female artists of all ages in and from the Chattanooga area to showcase their work to the broader public and receive the exposure they deserve. “I am so grateful to have received this opportunity, but I am more grateful to know that I am not alone in feeling dissatisfied with representation of female artists in museums and galleries worldwide,” Emma says. “To bring that kind of progress to my community is really exciting.”
“AN ODE TO JOY”
With movie soundtracks, patriotic overtures, and classical masterpieces, Middle and Upper Schools students showcased their talents at the Spring Instrumental Music Concert. Pieces included Kriechbaum’s lively “Boca Grande,” a compilation medley from Mission Impossible, and a special duet by two seniors, Allison Lockhart on cello and Claire Lindeman on viola.
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FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
THE ART EXIT SHOW
Students from AP Drawing, AP 2D, and AP 3D art classes celebrated the culmination of their visual arts school year with a February gallery showing at Chattanooga WorkSpace. Friends and family gathered to enjoy light bites and to view the students’ pieces.
@GPSFINEPERFORMINGARTS
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@GPSFINEARTS
@GPSFINEPERFORMINGARTS
FINE & PERFORMING ARTS
GPS AND TERPSICHORD PAY TRIBUTE TO THE LEGACY OF CATHIE AULT KASCH ’72 THE SPRING TERPSICHORD CONCERT marked the end of an era. Longtime Terpsichord Director Cathie Ault Kasch ’72 announced her retirement from GPS at the beginning of the school year, and the concert denoted her last as the dance troupe’s director. A veteran teacher and choreographer with more than 35 years in the field, Kasch left Chattanooga after her high school commencement to study with Erick Hawkins at Wolf Trap for the Performing Arts. Afterward she studied both dance and art history at Florida State University (Tallahassee) before returning to GPS in 1988 to direct both the school’s dance curriculum and Terpsichord.
At GPS she was privileged to serve as Chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department and then as the Coordinator for Performing Arts. She also served as president of the Tennessee Association of Dance (TAD) and the executive co-chair of UNITY. Her awards include the 2001 TAD Outstanding Dance Educator, GPS Teacher of the Year in 2005, the 2007 Margaret Rawlings Lupton Award of Excellence, and the 2008 NDEO Outstanding Dance Educator Award. She retired from teaching with a heart full of gratitude for GPS and for all the amazing young women who have brought so much meaning and joy into her life. Associate Director of Terpsichord Laurel Moore Zahrobsky ’90, Kasch’s colleague and former student, coordinated many special moments to celebrate her friend and mentor at the spring concert. Zahrobsky solicited dance videos from Kasch’s former students and compiled them into a special video that was shown at the concert and invited Terpsichord alumnae to perform the closing number. Twenty women returned to dance, including Kasch’s daughter Katie Kasch Bien ’02. A farewell reception followed the closing night’s performances, with special cakes, a scrapbook, and lots of well wishes for a happy retirement and recognition of a decades-long career that changed the lives of many young women. Kasch leaves Terpsichord in very capable hands as Zahrobsky, who has taught dance at GPS for 17 years, steps in as Director and Amanda Byars Wickens ’99 joins GPS as a dance teacher and Assistant Director of Terpsichord.
READ MORE ABOUT OUR PRODUCTIONS AT GPS.EDU/ARTS AND SEE VIDEOS OF SOME OF THE PERFORMANCES ON YOUTUBE.COM/GPS BRUISER TUBE.
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
T
he 2019-20 school year for GPS Athletics was certainly one like no other. Not getting to complete the final two months of our spring semester due to COVID-19 was deflating for all of our coaches and athletes, especially our senior athletes, who have contributed so much to our program. Nonetheless, the unfortunate ending to our year does not cancel out any of the amazing memories from our fall and winter seasons. In some cases, it even created some unique moments of its own as teams found ways to connect online in the spring through video calls and celebrated seniors through virtual senior night celebrations. Some of the overall highlights from this year include the following:
This year marked the launch of the GPS Bruiser Boosters, an organization that had 50 members by the end of the year and raised more than $12,000 for GPS Athletics. Money raised by our new booster club was used to make improvements to our sports medicine and strength programs to improve the overall health and safety of all of our athletes. In early November, GPS received the AF Bridges Award for the TSSAA East Region for the 2018-19 school year. The award is given annually in recognition of the high ideals of ethics and integrity in the teaching and promotion of citizenship and sportsmanship and is intended to recognize an exemplary high standard of behavior from our coaches, athletes, and fans. While celebrating big wins on the field of play is always enjoyable, this recognition is extremely special for our community for what it says about the calibre of the character of the athletes and coaches in our program. In January, a very important member of our athletic staff received some special recognition when Robbie Williams, our Head Athletic Trainer for the last 23 years, was named as the Sandy Sandlin Tennessee State High School Athletic Trainer of the Year by the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society. Robbie stepped down from his role as the head trainer at GPS in the spring, but he is still a part of our staff assisting with evening and weekend contests while also enjoying a new role as the head trainer for Chattanooga FC. Construction started on campus for both the new GPS-McCallie Rowing Center as well as an addition to our GPS Tennis Center, which will feature a new team room and locker room space for our varsity and middle school athletes. Both are projected to be completed and ready for use by the start of the upcoming school year. Our hearts go out to our seniors who had their athletic careers at GPS cut short this spring, but we find comfort in the fact that the relationships and experiences that they had with each other, their coaches, and all of their teammates will stay with them for the rest of their lives. Special congratulations to five seniors who will continue their sports at the collegiate level. (See page 33.) We look forward to a time when we can see all of the Bruisers back on campus, filling our fields, courts, and gyms with their energy, talent, and spirit.
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Jay Watts, CMAA Director of Athletics
ATHLETICS FALL SPORTS » VOLLEYBALL
Volleyball finished as the third seed from the most competitive region in the state and reached the first round of the state tournament after big regular season wins over Chattanooga Christian School, Cleveland, Signal Mountain, and Bradley Central. Senior Preslee Brooksbank was named to the Times Free Press Best of Preps team for her outstanding play throughout the season.
» ROWING
GPS had a memorable season as our rowers represented the school well throughout the fall. At the annual Head of the Hooch Regatta in November, our Varsity 8+ claimed 33rd out of 81 entries in the Women’s Youth 8+. Our final time of 17:27.253 was just over 90 seconds off the winning pace.
» SOCCER
Our varsity soccer team had a tremendous season under the direction of Head Coach Patrick Winecoff. The Bruisers finished the fall with a 17-3 record, a Division II AA East Region Championship, and an appearance in the TSSAA State Semifinals. Sydney Morris ’21 was named MVP of our region, and we learned in October that Coach Winecoff was selected as State Coach of the Year by the TSSAA.
» GOLF
A very young but improving golf squad just missed a state tournament berth this fall. Nonetheless, the Bruisers had memorable regular season region wins over CCS and Knox Catholic.
» CROSS COUNTRY
The Bruisers concluded their fall season with a fifth-place performance (out of 16 schools) at the Division II AA State Meet in Nashville, with our top five runners all crossing the finish line within 82 seconds of one another. Minah Sadrabadi had our top individual effort with a 17th place time of 21:03.77.
» CHEERLEADING
Our cheerleaders who perform with the GPS-McCallie Blue Crew were a part of an exciting state championship football run for the Blue Tornado. The girls were able to celebrate with the Blue Tornado on the field after the final win in Cookeville in December.
MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS:
CHEERLEADING | CROSS COUNTRY | SOCCER | SOFTBALL
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ATHLETICS
WINTER SPORTS » BASKETBALL
The Bruisers had a remarkable season on the hardwood, finishing in a three-way tie for second in the East Region. It would be tough to find a squad that made more improvements during its season than our basketball team. The Bruisers lost to CCS and Knoxville Catholic by 14 and 19 points respectively in their first meeting of the year in January. In the rematch just one month later, GPS beat both squads by 14 and 22 points. Kennedy Ball ’23 and CJ Polk ’24 were named to the All-East Region Basketball Team.
» SWIMMING/DIVING
GPS Swimming and Diving had a strong performance at the TISCA state meet in February, finishing in sixth place overall. Ellie Taliaferro ’22 placed third in the 50-Free and second in the 100-Free. Both of her times in those events were GPS school records as well as NISCA Automatic All-American times. Emma Scruggs ’20, our talented senior who is committed to compete for Georgia Southern next fall, placed eighth in the 100Back and 10th in the 200-IM.
» CLIMBING
The Bruisers finished 14th in the local Interscholastic Climbing League out of 20 boys and girls teams this winter. Becca Hayslett ’23, Chloe Newman ’22, and Evelyn Lytle ’23 all finished in the top half of the league’s individual standings.
» BOWLING
GPS won the East Region Championship after finishing the season undefeated in local competition with two wins each over Baylor, Signal Mountain, and Boyd Buchanan during the regular season. The Bruisers reached the state quarterfinals of the AA team tournament and also had a trio of competitors—Allie Foropolous ’21, Katelyn Beach ’21, and Molly Burnett ’23—all qualify for the state individual tournament. MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS:
BASKETBALL | SWIMMING AND DIVING | VOLLEYBALL
SHAPE: 30 YEARS STRONG & COUNTING A curriculum (a year in the making) based on cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, and body composition, SHAPE (Starting Habits to Attain Physical Excellence) clocked its 30th anniversary at GPS this year. In the fall of 1989, Peggy Michaels, then Head of the Physical Education Department, started designing a curriculum with her staff that proved so effective, SHAPE is still being implemented three decades later. Recognized by the Tennessee Association of Physical Education, Health, Recreation, and Dance as a model fitness/wellness program for the Southeast soon after its inception and earning awards for Michaels (Secondary Physical Educator of the Year) as well as Kim Leffew (Middle School Physical Educator of the Year), SHAPE had humble beginnings at GPS. “Our first weight room was in a broom closet, which housed a few free weights and a single treadmill,” Michaels said. The program has grown and adapted throughout the years and continues to evolve. The addition of Changes and Choices in the physical education curriculum in the eighth grade focuses on healthy choices, risk management, healthy relationships, ethical behavior, and character development appropriate for transition to high school. Health & Fitness and Strength & Conditioning now are offered in Upper School, with nationally certified trainers Beverly Blackwell, PE Department Chair, and Matt Green, Strength and Conditioning Coach, teaching girls the importance of lifelong healthy habits.
Peggy Michaels
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“Because of the school’s continued commitment to a progressive health and fitness program, our girls recognize the importance of starting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, armed with the knowledge and skills to do just that,” Michaels said. “I salute our Founders for making physical fitness a priority.”
ATHLETICS
COLLEGE SIGNINGS PRESLEE BROOKSBANK 1
Volleyball | Nova Southeastern University Davie, Florida KATIE NASH 2
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Rowing | Duke University Durham, North Carolina
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EMMA SCRUGGS 3
Swim | Georgia Southern University Statesboro ELIZABETH WARWICK 4
Softball | Southern Illinois University Carbondale ARIANA WHATLEY 5
Softball | Howard University | Washington, D.C.
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SPRING SPORTS » TENNIS
Before the season was cut short, the Bruisers were only able to scrimmage two opponents, Notre Dame and Silverdale Baptist, and play a regular season match against Webb School of Knoxville. With only three seniors on the roster this year, the team brings back a lot of fire power for 2021.
» LACROSSE
The Bruisers were able to get in two games before their spring season ended. GPS defeated Ooltewah 15-8 on the road before winning their only home game of the year, 20-1, against Signal Mountain. Three GPS players were named to the AllRegion team: Maggie Kay Imorde ’20, Evie Jackson ’22, and Reagan Ziegler ’23.
» TRACK & FIELD
GPS Track & Field was just 24 hours from its first meet of the season in Alabama when the school year was put on hold. The roster for this spring featured 32 girls, making it one of the largest team programs on campus.
» ROWING
With construction on the new rowing center still taking place on campus this spring season, the Bruisers spent a good bit of their training on the ergs at the Tennis Center. The Bruisers were able to participate in the Music City Erg Sprints in February in Nashville as well as a scrimmage event in early March in Oak Ridge.
» SOFTBALL
Softball completed some scrimmages before the season was ended, but no official games were played. The Bruisers were looking forward to a strong season in 2020 with depth in the pitching circle and in the batter’s box. GPS returns 15 of 17 players for next year, which should be a strong one for one of Tennessee’s top programs. MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORTS: GOLF | L ACROSSE | TENNIS TRACK AND FIELD
FOLLOW GPS ATHLETICS ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER. @BRUISERATHLETICS
@GPS_ATHLETICS
@BRUISERSPORTS
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GALLERY On the following pages, read about the life-changing experiences and accomplishments of our alumnae as well as the legacies left behind of those who are no longer with us. We celebrate and recognize the girls of GPS throughout their lives.
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CL ASS NOTES
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WEDDINGS
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BABIES
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IN MEMORIAM
G A L L E R Y G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U
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Class Notes 1970s
1 LYNDA MINKS HOOD ’76 was
recognized as 2019 Leadership Fundraiser of the Year at the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Tennessee Southeastern Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day. In addition to her work as the Executive Director of the Chattanooga Bar Association, Hood is chairwoman for Erlanger Health System Foundation and has an extensive track record in fundraising for local organizations.
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2 TERESA L AWRENCE PHILLIPS ’76
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announced her retirement from Tennessee State as its athletic director. Phillips is the first woman to coach an NCAA Division I men’s basketball team. In addition to other accolades, she was named as one of 10 Legends in Women’s Basketball in Tennessee and is a charter member of the GPS Athletic Hall of Fame. 3 Chattanooga Times Free Press public editor CHRIS SHERRILL VASS ’77 was
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named President of the Tennessee Press Association. She serves as an effective advocate for the newspaper industry in the state.
1980s
4 K ATHARINE MCCALLIE GARDNER ’80, a staff attorney for U.S. Magistrate
Judge Chris Steger, has parlayed her family’s extensive legacy in education into a successful career as an attorney. JULIE JOHNSON GARNER ’80 was
inducted into the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame. Beyond her personal tournament wins, she has coached the Rollins College women’s golf team for more than 24 seasons and has won a record six NCAA Division II titles. Garner has been the DII national coach of the year four times and was inducted into the WGCA Hall of Fame. 5 DR. NOELLE CURREY ’87 was named Tennessee Valley Authority’s 2019 Engineer of the Year. Currey says her interest in engineering began at GPS running the sound boards for musicians and stage shows. TVA estimates the programming she developed has saved the company several million dollars. Currey was a finalist for the Federal Engineer of the Year Award.
5 FRIENDS FROM THE CL ASS OF 1979 continued their decades-long friendship with a recent spring break trip to Florida. Jamy Fuge Bock, Beth Flint Gaffney, Carol Killebrew Meyers, Beth Buckbee Murphy, and Joan Kelley Bickerstaff gathered at Jamy’s home in Pompano to reminisce and to share new experiences. They enjoyed a boat ride with Jamy’s friend Tammy Pierce. Pictured (left to right) are Gaffney, Meyers, Bickerstaff, Murphy, Pierce, and Bock.
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CLASS NOTES
1990s
6 LEE CURETON ’91, chef and
founder of Culinary Creations Catering, was recently interviewed by Females in Food, where she shared how she started and scaled her business in the Chattanooga area. ANGEL A CULPEPPER SUPAN ’92 was
recognized as a Chattanooga Woman of Distinction. A Chattanooga native, Supan is locally recognized as a champion of the visual arts. Her philanthropic pursuits include service to the Hunter Museum of American Art, GPS, Junior League of Chattanooga, and 4 Bridges Art Festival. GPS Veterans Day special speaker
M ARGARET CLEARY DEAN '93 was featured on her local news about her life and career as a U.S. Navy Reserve commanding officer. 7 ERIN GRIST M AY ’93, Business Manager and Co-owner of Maycreate, a Chattanooga-based marketing strategy agency, shared her knowledge with GPS students. She shared client rebranding experiences and the value of a wellmatched internship. 8 DR. ELIZABETH HA MILTON FORRESTER ’94, a biochemist with a
doctorate in cancer biology who teaches AP Biology at Baylor School, confirmed a faster testing method for COVID-19 that gives results within hours using Baylor School’s lab equipment. 9 BETH SALLING LUEHRS ’94 was promoted to Assistant Athletics Director for business affairs at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Now in her third year in the UTC Athletics Department, Luehrs was originally hired as the Director of Business Affairs in January 2018. Luehrs transitioned to athletics from the College of Business, where she joined the campus in March 2017 after 12 years with Unum, where she was Director, Financial Analyst.
10 LONITA BREWER ’99
was featured in the Chattanooga Times Free Press article about Chattanoogans who returned to their hometowns. Brewer, an EPB customer service officer, moved back to the area 10 years ago. She graduated from Tusk University and lived in Boston and Washington, D.C., before moving to Chattanooga.
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2000s
11 RACHEL BOSTON ’00
is becoming a household name with her work in writing, producing, and starring in Hallmark films, including her latest, Check Inn to Christmas.
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DR. PRISCILL A SIMMS-ROBERSON ’00, Assistant Professor of Nursing at the
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, was one of five 2020 winners of the statewide Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award. Dr. SimmsRoberson received her master’s degree at Vanderbilt University in 2006 and doctorate in nursing practice at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2016. In addition to teaching at UTC, she also works as a forensic nurse examiner at Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults and has presented her research in forensic nursing at multiple national and international conferences. 12 A Window into the Twilight Zone, a film written and directed by JENNIFER BERGLUND ’02, premiered in April on YouTube. The film follows the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution oceanographer, Andone Lavery, and her team as they explore the Ocean Twilight Zone, one of the least known habitats on Earth.
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SHARE YOUR NEWS WITH US AT ALUMNEWS@GPS.EDU.
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CLASS NOTES 13 13 CRYSTAL PATTERSON TALLEY ’03
launched her women’s empowerment organization, She+Winz, which includes a forum for women to share their stories. In addition to She+Winz, Talley is an attorney in central Florida and a founding member of the Florida Justice Group. 14 HONOR HOSTETLER ’05
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will serve as Director of Operations at Common House Chattanooga, a social club being developed on Chattanooga’s Southside. Formerly Director of Partnerships at the Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau, Hostelter will oversee all aspects of service, programs and events for the club. 15 MEREDITH NEAL ’05,
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Systems Engineer at TVA, shared her experiences with GPS SWENext club in Bryant Haynes’ classroom. Neal shared her work with turbine engines, and in the past she organized tours of the TVA facilities and a tour of the Chickamauga Dam hydroelectric plant. 16 JANIE PARKS VARNELL ’05
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was included in EDGE magazine’s “Young Guns” feature. A graduate of Auburn University and then Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School, Varnell is a criminal defense attorney at Davis & Hoss, P.C. in Chattanooga. In addition to providing criminal defense, Varnell represents law enforcement officers through their union representatives. She’s a graduate of the 2015 Leadership Chattanooga class.
2010s 17 DR. SUZANNE JOHANNES ’11,
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a recent graduate of Southern College of Optometry, is now seeing patients at America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses. AT TORNEY K ATHLEEN SICILIANO ’11
presented to GPS students participating in the Adulting Winterim, designed to
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give girls a head start in thinking about the real world. Siciliano graduated from James Madison University with a bachelor’s degree and the University of Tennessee College of Law. She’s currently an associate attorney with Chambliss, Bahner, and Stophel, P.C. 18 EMM A MCCALLIE ’13 shared her experiences with students during the IMPACT speaker series. After her Volunteer Girls State experience during time at GPS, McCallie was selected to participate in Girls Nation, where she toured the White House and met President Barack Obama. Her passion for politics carried her to the University of Virginia, where she studied American government and education policy, and she completed an internship with former First Lady Michelle Obama. She taught in Metro Nashville through Teach for America. 19
Focus Treatment Center featured BAILEY DAVENPORT ’14, Assistant Director of Nursing. Davenport started her career at Focus Treatment Centers in 2014, where she worked as a program technician on both Substance Use and Eating Disorder units. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. 20 CHELSEA JACKSON ’15
and her teammates at University of Tennessee, Knoxville cheerleading won their firstever Division IA Coed UCA Game Day National Championship title. MCKINLEY SELF ’16 participated in
her second summer interning in the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division at FBI Headquarters as part of the 2019 Honors Internship Program. 21 MIMI VANCE ’17
was elected as president of the Student Government Association at Lipscomb University. Mimi served on SGA for 2.5 years, most recently in the role of secretary.
CLASS NOTES
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As part of her public writing class at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, A MEERA BHAT TI ’18 served as campaign director for a crowdfunding campaign to benefit Knoxville Habitat for Humanity. The campaign, Home for Heroes, raised donations for the organization’s spring veterans build. Bhatti is a sophomore majoring in accounting and international business at UT. 23 TAYLOR FLOYD ’18
took GPS Associate Director of College Counseling Amelia Mann on a tour of Tusculum University. In addition to giving campus tours, Floyd plays lacrosse for the Pioneers and is majoring in criminal justice with a concentration in forensic investigation. 24 MURFEE JONES ’18
tallied big points for the Generals of Washington and Lee University. She finished first in the pole vault at the ODAC Indoor Championships, clearing 3.41m. It’s the third-best vault in school history for Washington and Lee. 25 DAPHNE THOM AS ’18
completed her Gold Award Project with the Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians. Thomas helped install three aquaponics systems in Swaziland, Africa, to help families with limited resources become more self-sufficient. The design for the aquaponics system was created by a member of GPS Tucker River Fellows, and Thomas took this design with her to Swaziland. Along with her team, she planted thousands of seeds to grow basil, arugula, and kale in this “farming of the future” method while providing a lowcost food source for the people there.
26 CL AIRE CALHOUN ’19
was recognized among the 2019 honorees at the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Tennessee Southeastern Chapter’s National Philanthropy Day for her work with Habitat for Humanity. In addition to Habitat, Calhoun spearheaded a project to create a native plants garden at Middle Valley Elementary School.
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27 JILLIAN CANTRELL ’19
was part of the winning 200-yard medley relay team for Washington and Lee University against Randolph-Macon. The first-year swimmer also finished first in the 100 back and 100 fly against Centre.
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28 L ANE L AWRENCE ’19
and the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology soccer team earned the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Tournament Championship, defeating Hanover College, 1-0. The Fightin’ Engineers played the opening round of the NCAA D-III Women's Soccer Tournament. CAITLIN O’BRIEN ’19 started her college
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lacrosse career in February when the Titans of University of Detroit Mercy squared off against Northwestern University. 27
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GPS was well-represented at the 55th annual Head Of The Charles Regatta in Boston as ALLISON SMITH ’19 and REAGAN LONG ’19 competed in the Championship 8+ with Dartmouth and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
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CONGRATUL ATIONS TO OUR ALUMNAE who competed in the Women's Alumni 8+ at the Head of the Hooch! The Bruisers entry finished second overall ahead of crews from the University of Georgia and Auburn University.
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1 SANA ALI ’12
Weddings
to Salman Sajwani
2 NATALIE BERG ’09
to Keifer Horyna
3 LYDIA BOWMAN ’11
to Thomas Condron
4 MARGARET BROCK ’06
to Thomas Mason Tillett
5 JASMINE BROWN ’09
to Stephen Bravo-Brown
6 MARY ANNA CALDWELL ’11
to Bill Djiré
7 CATHARINE DANIELS ’83
to David Lillard
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8 CAITLIN DAVIDSON ’10
to Hunter Smithburg
MARIANNA DECOSIMO ’09
to William Albert “Will” Harris III 9 RACHEL DURHAM ’13
to Danny Finch
10 MORGAN ELLIOTT ’11
to Ryan Hunton
11 HANNAH FAGER ’14
to Zach Tate Smith
12 LIBBY GIVENS ’12
to Jacob Kusiak
13 L AUREN GLENN ’12
to Greg Reabold
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KATIE JOHNSON ’04
to Nick Stone
14 ELIZABETH “LIZ”
KENNEDY ’05
to Ryan Lucia
19 MOLLY MASTIN ’12
to Chad Marcum
20 ABIGAIL MORGAN ’10
to Matt Lockhart
21 LUCY MORRIS ’09
15 PAY TON LEECH ’10
to Jackson Blancett
16 ANNIE LOVELESS ’02
to Lmair Arain
17 CAROLE MABRY ’09
to James Ingle
to Jeffrey Thode to B en Sollman to Tal Pardo
18 MEREDITH MANUEL ’07
to Chasen Andrew Thomas
UNSA SHAFI ’12 22 MAGGIE VENABLE ’12
23 ANNALYSSA
YOUNGBLOOD ’13
to Adam Schroeder
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WE LOVE HEARING ABOUT YOUR SPECIAL DAY! SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO ALUMNEWS@GPS.EDU.
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a daughter, Blaise Lisette Adams 2 BETSY HARR AKINS ’06
a daughter, Ellis Ladd Akins
BECCA GUNN ALLEN ’07
a son, Jack Lee Allen
3 GRACYN SANSBURY
BANCROFT ’05
a son, Evan Andrew Bancroft 4 LEANNE GROSS BRACKIN ’04
a son, William Quinn “Will” Brackin 5 ELEANOR BRIGHT ’09
a daughter, Edna Hatsuko Kurita Bright 6 GAVIN MCL AUGHLIN
BRODERICK ’07
a daughter, Maeven Priscilla Broderick 7 MEREDITH MORROW BROOKS ’10
a daughter, Liza Grace Brooks
8 PERRI FINE BULLOCK ’08
a daughter, Winnie Reece Bullock 9 HARRIETT CALDWELL ’04
a daughter, Margaret Meera “Maggie” Nandi
LYDIA BOWMAN CONDRON ’11
a son, McCoy Condron
10 BESS WALLIS DAVIS ’10
a daughter, Laurel Elizabeth Davis JENNA CAMPBELL DEMENT ’09
a daughter, Mildred Jane “Millie” Dement 11 ELIZABETH MORTON DOAK ’06
a son, Samuel Steven Doak
Babies 13 MARY CL ARE KENT HOLM ’08
a daughter, Alice Elizabeth Holm
14 KERSTIN FESSLER LINDSAY ’09
a son, Baker Alan Lindsay
CJ JOHNSON LINDSAY ’99
a daughter, Layla Elise Lindsay
L AUREN LORBERBAUM ’04
CAROLINE COFER FAUST ’06
a son, Carson Anderson Donohue
12 ALICE SMITH HARRIS ’03
a daughter, Anna Grey Loughman
a son, Joseph Asher McMillin Faust a daughter, Alice Ruth “Allie” Harris STEPHANIE HAYS ’04
a son, Hays Woolcock
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1 PORCHE WARREN ADAMS ’07
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15 ALI MENA LOUGHMAN ’03
16 MARGARET WELBORN
LOWERY ’10
a daughter, Poppy Lanier Lowery
17 RACHEL COKER LYONS ’07
24 AMY KILLIAN PADILL A ’04
a son, William Daniel “Liam” Lyons
a son, Isaac Alonso Padilla
18 SARAH MCCANDLESS MCLEAN ’02
a daughter, Hensley McCall Paris
daughters, Mary Noble & Adelyn Louise “Addie” Wilson
25 SYDNI PEEPLES PARIS ’03
a son, Oliver Gallatin McLean 19 CARLY MORROW MOSS ’07
a daughter, Isobel Caroline “Izzy” Moss
33 LILLIE NOLES WOLF ’13
a daughter, Scarlett Elizabeth Wolf
26 JILL PAL A PIERITZ ’97
34 COURTNEY RAMSEY WOOD ’06
a daughter, Natalie Joy Pieritz
a daughter, Hadleigh Rose Wood
27 JULIA RAMSEY-THARP ’05
20 AMY WAGNER MULLINS ’01
a son, Henry "Warner" Mullins
21 HOLLY PRESLEY NIGH ’99
a son, Blake David Nigh
22 HEATHER HARRISON O’BRIEN ’03
a daughter, Adalyn Marie O’Brien
23 KATHERINE DANN OGDEN ’02
a daughter, Madeline Claire “Maddie” Ogden
35 NICOLE MCKINNEY WOODY ’10
a daughter, Marcella Joan Tharp
28 L AUREN HAMMOND THOMAS ’07
a daughter, Selah Jayne Thomas
a son, Houston Parker Woody
36 LINDSAY EDMONDSON WYATT ’01
a daughter, Harper Mae Wyatt
29 LEIGH ANNE CASTLEMAN
SANDERS ’04
a son, William Lee Sanders
BRING ON THE BABIES! SHARE BY EMAILING US AT ALUMNEWS@GPS.EDU.
30 KATI HOWELL SCHMIDT ’07
a daughter, Runa Louise Schmidt
31 LISA GALIK SUPRENANT ’03
a son, Warren David Suprenant
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Here's to the girls of the GPS. Here's to Here's to the black and blue. Here's to the h Worthy the school we most revere. Here's Here's to the lessons, too. Here's to the ring w to the hope that we still may be, Proven t vere. Here's to the GPS. Here's to the girl the ring we wear for her. Here's to the blac Proven through every test, Worthy the sch the girls of the GPS. Here's to the lesson the black and blue. Here's to the hope that thy the school we most revere. Here's to the to the lessons, too. Here's to the ring we we the hope that we still may be, Proven thro Here's to the GPS.Here's to the girls of t 1 MARGARET DIVINE LEACH ’43 , of Signal Mountain, died April
5, 2020. A Chattanooga native, she lived on Signal Mountain for the past 17 years. Her daughters, Laura Leach ’69 and Peggy Hermann ’74, are also GPS alumnae. 2 FRANCES CROWELL HORTON ’43 died in New Orleans on May
1, 2020. After graduating from University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, she moved to New Orleans to work as a lab technician at Charity Hospital. She was always ready to help a friend or volunteer in her community at St. Martin’s School and St. Martin’s Episcopal Church and was an avid traveler.
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3 JANE TOLLEY HARPER ’44, of Chattanooga, died December
20, 2019. An inspiring and entrepreneurial woman, Harper graduated from the University of Chattanooga and the Traphagen School of Design. She was a gifted designer with a tasteful eye for children’s clothing via her company and later as a licensed interior designer. She was a board member of the Cotton Ball Association and a volunteer at the Chattanooga Community Kitchen.
4 DR. MARILYN MCWHORTER ’45, of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, died
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April 23, 2019. Born and raised in Chattanooga, she and her younger sister, Sally Lynch Reeve ’52, graduated from GPS. McWhorter received her B.A. from University of Western Florida and then earned her master’s of education and Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She taught at colleges and universities throughout the South and Midwest and enjoyed creating art, particularly watercolor paintings. 5 ELIZABETH “BETSY” MCDONALD ANDERSON ’46, a giving
Chattanooga volunteer, church and civic leader, died June 8, 2019. The widow of Lee S. Anderson, longtime Chattanooga News Free Press editor, Anderson was one of five children of the McDonalds, who founded the local newspaper. She was active in interior design, art, Christian counseling, writing, and traveling.
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6 MARY ANN “CISSIE” DUL ANEY POSTERO ’47 died November 14, 2013. A resident of Scottsdale, Arizona, since 1970 with her husband and two children, Postero was a well-known interior designer, serving commercial and private clients. A talented painter, Postero’s large-scale acrylic paintings demonstrated her designer’s sensibilities and playfulness.
7 MARY ELLEN SELMAN COOK ’48, of Atlanta, Georgia, died September 16, 2019. She attended the University of Georgia, where she met her husband. She was active in the Atlanta Junior League and in her church, where she faithfully served in various counseling roles.
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8 CAROLINE CYNTHEA BRALY TAYLOR ’48 of Nashville, Tennessee, died on April 13, 2020. She graduated from Vanderbilt University and worked at the Tennessee Valley Authority as a cartographer. She served as president of the Tennessee Garden Club. In addition to caring for her family, Taylor and her husband diligently supported alcohol and drug addiction recovery communities.
the lessons, too. Here's to the ring we wear for her hope that we still may be, Proven through every test to the GPS. Here's to the girls of the GPS we wear for her. Here's to the black and blue. Here's through every test, Worthy the school we most rels of the GPS. Here's to the lessons, too. Here's to ck and blue. Here's to the hope that we still may be hool we most revere. Here's to the GPS. Here's to ns, too. Here's to the ring we wear for her. Here's to we still may be, Proven through every test, Wore GPS. Here's to the girls of the GPS. Here's ear for her. Here's to the black and blue. Here's to ough every test, Worthy the school we most revere the GPS. Here's to the lessons, too. Here's to the 9 SUSAN TALLEY FOGO ’49 died December 27, 2019. A lifelong resident of Chattanooga, she was a member of the Brainerd Presbyterian Church and held Bible studies at local nursing homes. She loved sewing and gardening and was a founding member of the Woodmore Garden Club. Her greatest joy was being Nana to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 10 ELEANOR SIGNAIGO DAVIES ’50,
of Chattanooga, died August 8, 2019. A well-known wildlife and family portrait photographer, she is remembered for her love of animals, gardening, and concern about endangered species. She was the first color feature photographer at the Chattanooga News Free Press before pursuing independent photography. She donated her work to support wildlife rehabilitation and had a special interest in birds of prey.
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11 ANNE MCISA AC DORRIS ’52
of Asheville, North Carolina, died on August 12, 2019. After graduating from Memphis State University, she taught school. With her husband, Hugh, Dorris lived in Cobb County, Georgia, for more than 50 years before moving to Asheville to be close to family. 12 PAUL A GARRY SAVETT ’52
died March 22, 2020. A resident of Santa Monica, California, Savett transformed her passion for gardening into an award-winning business. She founded Sweet Adelaide Enterprises, Inc., and sold her signature cooking herbs, salad dressings, and salsas. She enjoyed time with family, traveling with her husband, and giving back to her community. 13 JUDITH TALLEY SECOR ’52 died on March 9, 2020. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Secor taught in public and private schools for 26 years, including in Atlanta, Boston, and Richmond, Virginia. She was active in Salisbury Presbyterian Church, a charter member of Salisbury Women’s Association, a member of the Midlothian Women’s Club, and an avid duplicate bridge player. 14 PENELOPE VAN DYKE MOORE BL ANKENSHIP ’54,
of Florence, Alabama, died June 8, 2019. She worked as a librarian for the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library. She loved to read and knit and was known for her keen sense of humor. Her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly, knew her as the grammar police. 15 MARY ALICE CURREY CARMICHAEL ’56,
of Knoxville, Tennessee, died on April 3, 2020. She graduated from Tusculum University. A vital member of Church Street United Methodist Church, Carmichael spent much time participating in her community and loved her family dearly. She was a longtime member of Ossoli Circle and DAR. 16 NORMA GORDON VIALL SCALES ’56,
of Chattanooga, died September 13, 2019. After an exciting life full of adventures in various states, Scales and her husband retired in Chattanooga. She was passionate about researching her family’s history and sharing stories. In addition to more than 58 years of service to the DAR, Scales was active in her church, Junior League, and other local associations.
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Here's to the girls of the GPS. Here's to the lesso Here's to the black and blue. Here's to the hope that Worthy the school we most revere. Here's to the G Here's to the lessons, too. Here's to the ring we wear to the hope that we still may be, Proven through vere. Here's to the GPS. Here's to the girls of the the ring we wear for her. Here's to the black and bl Proven through every test, Worthy the school we m the girls of the GPS. Here's to the lessons, too. H the black and blue. Here's to the hope that we still thy the school we most revere. Here's to the GPS to the lessons, too. Here's to the ring we wear for h the hope that we still may be, Proven through eve Here's to the GPS.Here's to the girls of the GP 17 MARY ANN MILES HEARD ’57, of Valdosta, Georgia, passed away June 14, 2019. She was a member of the DAR and New Covenant Christian Center. She was actively involved in many Valdosta-area groups, including the Junior Service League, and served her children’s schools. She loved her bridge clubs, Bible studies, reading, and travelling with her husband. 18 MARSHA ROSE DEITCH ’57
died on December 15, 2019. After graduating from GPS, she moved to Nashville and then Boston where she lived for more than 30 years. Her family was fortunate to have her in Atlanta the past several years.
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19 JOYCE CUMMINGS TUCKER ’59,
of Princeton, New Jersey, died July 12, 2019. A Presbyterian pastor, author, and prominent leader in theological education, Tucker received a master’s in religious education from Yale Divinity School and later a master’s of divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary, as well as an honorary doctorate for her lifetime of accomplishments serving the Presbyterian Church. She served as an assistant pastor in Marietta, Georgia. In addition to other roles, she was Dean of Continuing Education at Princeton Theological Seminary. 20 ANN PRICE AUSTIN FLYNT ’60 died October 14, 2019. A longtime resident of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Flynt graduated from Salem College and Wake Forest Babcock School of Management. She was generous in spirit and philanthropic in her giving, supporting many nonprofit missionary, educational, and medical causes around the world. 21 PATRICIA “PATT Y” KEISTER LEWIS ’61,
of Florence, Alabama, died April 13, 2019. She was active in her community, and her love of knitting and travel made her friends around the world. She was active with many groups, including United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Healing Place, and Tennessee Valley Arts Center.
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22 DR. MARIA GRAY PITNER ’61, of Tallahassee, Florida, died July 31, 2019. A lifelong academic and educator, Pitner earned her master’s from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and her doctorate in English from Florida State University. She was a devout member of Holy Comforter Episcopal Church, and she cherished her son and granddaughters. 23 CORINNE GOREE MCGEE ’63,
of Lookout Mountain, died on August 27, 2019. She was an outstanding real estate agent in her career and a dearly loved mother and grandmother. She had a spunky, adventurous spirit, and she loved to celebrate and plan memorable family gatherings. 24 MARILYN “LYN” FRASER JOHNSON SUTTERLIN ’63,
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of Charlotte, North Carolina, died on March 11, 2020, after a healthy life plus 11 years’ experience surviving ovarian cancer. A committed University of Tennessee Volunteer, she was a member and deacon of Sardis Presbyterian Church. She served on the board of both the Barium Springs Home for Children and Florence Crittenton Services and was a lifelong member of the Chi Omega Fraternity.
ons, too. Here's to the ring we wear for her. t we still may be, Proven through every test, GPS. Here's to the girls of the GPS. for her. Here's to the black and blue. Here's every test, Worthy the school we most reGPS. Here's to the lessons, too. Here's to lue. Here's to the hope that we still may be, most revere. Here's to the GPS. Here's to Here's to the ring we wear for her. Here's to may be, Proven through every test, WorS. Here's to the girls of the GPS. Here's her. Here's to the black and blue. Here's to ery test, Worthy the school we most revere. PS. Here's to the lessons, too. Here's to the 25 SHARON MILLS ’65,
of Chattanooga, died May 12, 2020. A graduate of Colorado Women’s College and a strong advocate for women’s rights and all-girls education, Mills served twice as a Trustee of GPS (1988-91 and 2001-07) and was named a Distinguished Alumna in 1996. She chaired the successful effort to raise funds for the Tucker River Fellows in honor of former headmaster Randy Tucker and served on numerous GPS committees, including the Search Committee which led to the hiring of Autumn Graves. Mills was a strong advocate for the arts and worked as a patron of the Hunter Museum of American Art and the Chattanooga Symphony and Opera. Other nonprofits that she supported in her role as a civic leader included the Community Kitchen and the Chattanooga Area Food Bank.
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26 DR. PHYLLIS CHERYL SALISBURY CASAVANT ’68,
of Signal Mountain, died December 25, 2019. She earned an M.Ed. from Duke University and Ed.D. from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She served as the Executive Director of FACES and the Director of Development at the Moccasin Bend Girl Scout Council before becoming Director of the Southeast Tennessee Area Agency on Aging. She worked to increase home service to older individuals, managed the regional Ryan White CARE consortium, and served as Deputy Director of the Southeast Tennessee Development District. She was passionate about causes such as ending homelessness in downtown Chattanooga and helping care for those living with HIV/AIDS. 27 SUSAN ANN HUDSON KONO ’70,
of Oahu, Hawaii, died on June 1, 2019. She was a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her interests were reading, art, and caring for animals. She made her home for many years in Oahu. 28 MARY MOON BALL ARD ’76,
of Chattanooga, died June 14, 2019. Known to her friends as fun-loving and full of unexpected laughter and humor, Ballard received an honorary membership to Terpsichord for her interpretation of modern dance. She helped others organize work and life spaces, expressing her creativity and sense of beauty as a professional organizer. 29 STAFANI MARIE WADE ELLIS ’97,
of Jefferson, Georgia, died on February 28, 2020. She graduated from Western Governors University with a degree in nursing and then obtained a master’s in nursing education. Ellis worked as a nurse with Northeast Georgia Medical Center and was a devoted mother of seven.
REMEMBERING OUR FACULTY AND STAFF
Former tennis coach MARILYN VOGES BROWN died January 8, 2020. 30
Former cheer coach and wife of former GPS Headmaster Randy Tucker TERRI BACHARA TUCKER died January 24, 2020. Former Trustee JAMES DRAKE KENNEDY JR., died February 4, 2020.
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COLUMNS Each year the GPS Development team coordinates fundraising efforts for our school—its students, faculty, and programs—as well as other events on campus hosted by Parent Council. This year’s Bruiser Bee raised money in a spectacular way, with people contributing both in person and online. Read more about the ongoing work done to support not only our current students but also our alumnae near and far.
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
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BRUISER BEE
C O L U M N S G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U
Alumnae WEEKEND 2021 ’0s & ’5s | ’1s & ’6s
April 16 & 17 G P S .E D U G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L C O L U M N S
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
W
hile it’s true that the Development office is charged with fundraising on behalf of the school, a great deal of our work is focused on enriching our alumnae relationships. I am incredibly proud of our team that rallied and adapted this year in ways we hadn’t before. Last fall, we worked to meet with former students across the nation with some intimate gatherings to get to know them on a more personal level. Before long we were hosting our Founders Luncheon and visiting with our longest-serving alumnae. We love seeing friends who walked the GPS halls 40, 50, and even 60 years ago reunite!
INTRODUCING THE GPS 2020-21 ALUMNAE COUNCIL LEADERSHIP TEAM
Council Co-Chairs Lela Moore ’94 (NYC) and Lauren Waters Rice ’03 (Birmingham)
Special Events Committee Chairs Rachel Durham Finch ’13 (Chattanooga) and Lauren Hood ’14 (Chattanooga) Communication Committee Chairs Cate Tinkler Mueller ’83 (Chattanooga) and Jordan Shepherd Chatham ’10 (Nashville) Mentoring Committee Chairs Susan Spicknall Ashley ’07 (Atlanta) and Abigail Tester Hughes ’08 (Chattanooga) Nominating Committee Chairs Robin Hayes Keef ’87 (Chattanooga) and Liz Morton Doak ’06 (Chattanooga)
Also impressive were the number of our alumnae who returned to campus to mentor our girls through Lunchtime Learning sessions, special speaking opportunities during IMPACT, or a club or class. Nothing inspires a GPS girl more than to hear from a woman who has achieved success after having worn the same dress and black onyx ring. Many of our alumnae have been joining GPSAlumnae.org to learn more about mentoring opportunities, and we were excited to welcome the 2020 and 2021 classes onto the platform as they sit on the verge of alumnae-hood. As we entered into the new year, our team was making final arrangements for Alumnae Weekend and finishing plans for our annual fundraiser, Bruiser Bee (see facing page). I don’t have to tell you what a global pandemic can do to a planned get-together of hundreds of people. But we found a way to virtually host the fundraiser and have now combined two reunion years into one for next spring. While we could have hunkered down and waited for sheltering orders to abate, we sensed that our alumnae, like us, craved the connection of friends and loved ones. With the encouragement and direction of a new Alumnae Council Leadership Team, we used our school’s Zoom platform to virtually connect more than 1,000 GPS classmates from around the world by their grad years. If you’re an alumna, I hope you joined in to see what your sisters have been up to. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing friendships rekindled and lost connections reunited. In addition to our Zoom reunions, we encouraged our alumnae to update their contact information through a form on our website and received lots of new emails and phone numbers to allow us to communicate more efficiently. In closing, I would like to personally thank everyone who participated in our recent town halls to discuss their experiences as GPS students who experienced racial inequality—either personally or saw friends treated unfairly. We know these conversations can be exhausting and emotional, but we have already made progress and are buoyed by the shared commitment to do better for all GPS girls who attend our great school. If you want to learn more about this work, please reach out to me at AGant@GPS.edu and I’m happy to share more. Please stay well and I hope to meet with you soon!
Ali Gant, Chief Development Officer
HAVE YOU MADE THE CONNECTION? JOIN YOUR GPS SISTERS ON THE ALUMNAE NETWORK: GPSALUMNAE.ORG, AN ONLINE PLATFORM EXCLUSIVELY FOR GPS GRADUATES
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VIRTUAL SUCCESS Annual Impact Fund event canceled amid a global pandemic Co-Chairs Caroline Caulkins Bentley ’83 & Jenny Johnston P’23
Forty-eight hours before Bruiser Bee | Trivia Edition was to be set up in the GPS main gym, the school campus closed due to the coronavirus. So instead of a trivia contest complete with decor, dinner, and donations, the Bee was canceled while the online auction went on as planned.
Double the auction items were donated and won over last year, and the option to donate to the science building renovation was added to the auction platform, bringing in an additional $155,258 for the school’s science program. Huge thanks goes to the more than 50 volunteers who solicited and distributed auction items, planned the event, and quickly regrouped to make it a success. Plus we extend our esteemed gratitude to our loyal supporters—ticket holders, sponsors, advertisers, and auction winners—who stayed with us even though the event was called off. Your generosity will be felt by the GPS community for years to come.
BY THE NUMBERS
Special Thanks HERE’S TO THE GIRLS SPONSOR:
Mountain View Auto Group
KALEIDOSCOPE SPONSOR:
First Horizon
2020 $191,529
$346,787 $155,258 SPECIAL PROJECT (SCIENCE RENO) AMOUNT RAISED
TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED
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FOR IMPACT FUND INCLUDES AUCTION
274 ITEMS $45,760 50+ AUCTION AUCTION RAISED:
VOLUNTEERS
ONE COMMUNITY
IN AN UNPRECEDENTED SITUATION, YOU, THE GPS COMMUNITY, RALLIED TO SUPPORT BRUISER BEE AND OUR GIRLS.
THANK YOU!
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GIRLS P R E PA R AT O RY SCHOOL
Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Chattanooga, TN Permit No. 110
205 Island Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37405
In an effort to adopt mindful printing practices, GPS mails one magazine per household. If you would like to receive additional copies, please contact Blueprint@GPS.edu.
On campus, at home, or hybrid learning Girls Preparatory School delivers a comprehensive and engaging experience for each girl. Inquire about your girl attending GPS at GPS.edu/Admission.
Where everything begins and ends with what is best for girls GPS.EDU
A college preparatory girls’ school in Chattanooga, Tennessee for grades 6-12
