The Webb School Summer 2011 Magazine by The Webb School

Summer 2011

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WEBB THE WEBB SCHOOL

MAGAZINE

WEBB IMPACTS THE WORLD

Someone the world needs

Graduation 2011: Webb sends 48 into the world

Alumni Spotlight: Ridley Shetler ‘07 makes history

International Alumni Profile: Jorge Redmond

18 Also inside:

All 48 students who began their senior year at Webb last fall reached one of life’s greatest milestones on May 27 when they walked across the stage during graduation.

Forty-five years after his graduation, Redmond is owner and CEO of internationally-known Chocolates El Rey, a top-quality, progressive Venezuelan chocolate producer.

Reunion 2011: Webb alumni celebrate the past Generations of Webb graduates came together on April 29 and 30 for Reunion Weekend, a celebratory weekend that called for lots of fun as alumni gathered to reminisce about days gone by.

A Note from the Head of School: Students benefit

Spring recap: Webb kudos & news

Renewing an American Tradition: Football

Alumni Profile: Andy McRady educates in Thailand

International Student Profile: Dong ‘11 brings a

Endowment health attributed to progressive strategies

from rich cultural diversity

comes back to Webb

dragon to Webb

Summer 2011

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Keum Ok Shin Kim believes in serving others, and giving back to the world in return for what she has been given. It’s a simple concept – yet it has greatly influenced the way she and her husband, Muk Hwan Kim of South Korea, have raised their children.

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A NOTE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

Students benefit from rich cultural diversity Greetings!

The Webb School Magazine

This diversity of cultures enriches all Webb students. Imagine classroom discussions with students from a variety of backgrounds sharing their viewpoints, working to find common ground, and learning to respect cultural differences. The fact that we live in a global world is almost a cliché now. Our students benefit from learning from others in the classroom, in the dormitories, on the playing fields, on Diversity Day and other special programs we incorporate into the curriculum, and by just hanging around.

In addition, many of our students seek opportunities beyond Webb. The French Exchange, a Spanish language program in Costa Rica, a trip to Italy – these are just a few examples of Webb students learning first-hand about other cultures and histories, and you’ll see more about those subjects within this issue. Having led such trips previously, I know that the impact of overseas traveling is extraordinary. A student’s view of the world is altered remarkably by such first-hand experiences. For some Webb graduates, similar experiences are the foundation of choosing to work abroad. Andrew

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MAGAZINE

Raymond S. Broadhead Head of School

The school year went out with a bang when a huge storm blew through Bell Buckle just 24 hours before graduation, knocking down a large oak in front of the Administration Building and leaving the graduation area in a quagmire. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the maintenance crew, the area transitioned into a beautiful platform just in time for students to walk across the graduation stage on May 27. All 48 students who started the school year finished, and we’re very proud of the class of 2011. This issue of The Webb School Magazine focuses on Webb – and the world. Webb is truly a global school. In recent years Webb students have represented many countries. This past year, we had students from eight countries, including China, England, South Korea, Nigeria, Vietnam, Brazil, Jamaica, and Taiwan.

WEBB THE WEBB SCHOOL

Joe Iorio Assistant Head of School and Business Manager

WEBB COMMUNICATIONS EDITOR: Sadie K. Fowler Director of Communications Raymond S. Broadhead

DESIGN & LAYOUT: Gayle McClanahan Graphic Designer

McRady ‘86 grew up in Bell Buckle, Tenn., just around the corner from Webb. He graduated in 1986 and has gone on to impact the lives of countless children in Asia, where he first taught and now serves as the assistant principal of an international school in Thailand. You can read more about Andrew McRady on page 24.

Matt Anderson Director of Operations in Admissions / Marketing

While Webb is truly a mixture of many cultures, we have to do our best to ensure that our students take advantage of this unique environment. Beyond the daily interactions, what more can we do to promote better understanding and good will? Diversity Day and the Chinese Club are two present day examples of Webb students reaching out, but we need more. Next year, two Chinese students will teach Mandarin as part of the afternoon program. Will this lead to more foreign language opportunities? We will continue to move forward to promote global understanding, and I am very open to your suggestions.

CONTRIBUTORS

As I close my first year at Webb, I want to thank all of the members of the Webb community for their support, their wisdom, and their patience as I learn more about Webb each day. It has been a very good year for the school, and I look forward to working with the faculty and administration to help make Webb the best it can be for the future. Ray Broadhead Head of School

Claudia Hazelwood Director of Alumni & Development

Alyce Allen Database Coordinator Meredith Crockett Director of Alumni and Parent Outreach Dorothy Elkins Alumni Research Assistant Sandi Jobe ‘95 Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving The Webb School Magazine is published biannually in the summer and winter by The Webb School, 319 Webb Road East, Bell Buckle, Tenn. The Webb School is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization: 62-0401875. The school complies with all applicable anti-discrimination laws and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin in the administration of its educational policies and programs, admissions processes, scholarship and loan programs, employment practices, athletic and other school administrative programs.

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KUDOS & NEWS

SPRING RECAP...

Kudos & news

Additional sixth grade added

The Webb School is adding a sixth grade class to its academic program this fall, potentially opening the doors for 16 more students. In addition to benefitting from diversity, this decision also allows Webb to accept more qualified students who had previously been wait-listed. Additionally, sixth grade serves as the ideal time for students to make the transition into the Webb setting.

Seniors make a W.I.L.D. gift Sharpe earns ABC award

Alexandra Sharpe, a rising eighth grader, received the “A Better Chance Young Leaders Award” this spring. The award is presented annually to up to six scholars, two per grade, nationally, who demonstrate academic excellence and leadership. Sharpe was on the A Honor Roll all year, is a member of the Son Will Society, participates on three sports teams, won both the middle school and county spelling bees and more. The award came with a gift of $250.

The graduating class of 2011 demonstrated their leadership among Webb alumni by dedicating their first class gift of more than $2,500 to help replenish the Outerlimits Wilderness Instruction and Leadership Development Fund. W.I.L.D. is an exciting program that combines the classroom with the outdoors. The class of 2011 voted to dedicate their gift to the W.I.L.D. program on their final night of Senior Survival, an outdoor tradition among Webb seniors prior to graduation. Alumni gifts are a critical part of Webb’s fund-raising future. Alumni participation in giving, no matter what amount, allows Webb to qualify for larger grants from private foundations and donors that can support scholarships, programs, buildings and campus projects, and many other school needs.

Seniors soar to top

In addition to good grades and campus honors, 25 percent of boys who graduated in May, accomplished something rare. Six graduates earned the prestigious distinction as Eagle Scouts.

Summer 2011

Pictured left to right: Phillip Warden of Christiana, George Johnson of Knoxville, Jay (Alex) Bragg of McMinnville, Jared Betts of Lynchburg, Austen Kiser of Christiana and Justin Lowe, also of Christiana.

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Pine becomes new Board Chair

After serving as the Chair of The Webb School’s Board of Trustees for five years, Phil Coop ’66 of Memphis has turned the reins over to incoming Chair George Pine ’68 of New York, N.Y. Vance Berry ’72 of Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., will serve as the new Vice Chair. Other incoming Board members are Walter Manley ’64 of Tallahassee, Fla., Glen Jones ’76 of Nashville and Amy Rogers of Los Angeles. Amy is the wife of Board member and alum Wayne Rogers ’50. In addition to Coop, George Huddleston, Sr. has also rotated off the Board.

Football coach named

David Forrest of Murfreesboro will coach 8-man football at The Webb School in its inaugural season this fall. A graduate of UT Martin and Austin Peay University (M. Ed.), Forrest has more than 30 years of experience coaching at the middle and high school levels in football and boys basketball. See related story on page 22. David Forrest

Head of School Ray Broadhead stands with Paige and Tim Schoonover.

Webb awards full scholarship

Paige Schoonover of Clarksville was awarded a full scholarship to The Webb School. Schoonover, daughter of Tim and Lydia Schoonover, was selected among a field of 11 finalists as the school’s one Honors Scholar of the year. The four-year scholarship, which recognizes students who excel in academics, extracurricular activities and leadership, is valued at more than $154,000. Schoonover, 13, hopes to one day become a pediatrician, and says the warm community environment is what set Webb apart from other private schools she considered.

Juniors get creative

Spring “marked a new era in the history of public performance at The Webb School,” said longtime faculty member L.R. Smith, with the addition of Webb’s junior performance projects. This year, the school transitioned its timehonored practice of having all students declaim (recite a memorized piece of literature) before the student body and faculty to a more comprehensive Public Performance program. The grade-specific program required juniors to develop a topic/project of their choosing; to document their “creation” in a journal; and to prepare and deliver a related 5-8 minute presentation to a group of peers and faculty. Sixty-one individual presentations took place.

The Webb School Magazine

Students serve Middle Tennessee

Webb students chose several regional organizations to serve last April, traveling to Bedford, Coffee, Rutherford and Davidson Counties on Webb’s annual Spring Service Day. Student efforts received a lot of media attention from local newspapers on the various projects on which they served. The Tullahoma News devoted one page of their lifestyles section to the student group that worked with Coffee County’s 5 Loaves 4 Kids. The Shelbyville Times-Gazette recognized efforts of students who read to local children, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, and assisted with local cleanup efforts. Other organizations helped by students include Boys & Girls Club, nursing homes and food banks.

Students and faculty members volunteer on a Habitat for Humanity project in Murfreesboro.

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KUDOS & NEWS

Quiz Bowl members: Blake Cocanougher, Caroline Smith, Sallie Carter and Ryan Pryor.

Webb’s Quiz Bowl team had remarkable success this year. The team finished third in the Dennis Haskins tournament at the University of Tennessee Chattanooga – its best performance there in several years. Ryan Pryor and Caroline Smith were the team’s top scorers, and Pryor was named to the all-star team. Finishing out the varsity team were Blake Cocanougher and Sallie Carter. Webb’s junior varsity team also finished third, and Carson Bryant was an all-star in that division. At the state tournament at Tennessee Tech, despite the absence of senior Caroline Smith, the team finished sixth overall – the best performance delivered by the team since 2005, said coach Ron Smith, coach. The team ended the year on a high note by going to the NAQT national championship tournament in Atlanta, where they finished strong.

Future leaders on display

Three Webb students graduated from Leadership Bedford’s six-month program this spring. Blake Cocanougher, Sarah Ashleigh Hunt and Jessica Popp were among those honored for participating in and completing the many requirements of the leadership development program, along with Sadie Fowler, Webb’s new director of communications. In recent news, Caitie Connor, a rising junior from Murfreesboro, and Scout Turner, a rising senior from Murfreesboro, have been selected to represent Webb in the next class of Leadership Rutherford.

Soccer success

Webb’s remarkable soccer season came to a close in late May when the team lost to Evangelical Christian School of Memphis in the Class A Sub-State Soccer Tournament. The Feet jumped into the competition as the No. 4 seed in the East-Middle region. Highlights of this year’s soccer team included a 7-2-3 regular season record with wins over Class AAA teams Warren County, Lincoln County and Franklin County.

Trap team shoots ahead Davis earns All-state nod

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A good year for Mock Trial

The Webb School’s Mock Trial Team ended the District 3 competition this year just shy of first place. Webb competed against schools representing 10 counties. Team coach Julie Harris, director of admissions at Webb, said Webb’s “A Team” was just one point away from winning first place and advancing to the state competition. Several Webb students were also recognized with individual awards, including Vijay Putatunda ’11, who was voted Best Attorney. Harris said students who participate in Mock Trial are some of Webb’s top performing students who are quick on their feet and not afraid to speak in front of others.

Summer 2011

In addition to being named Basketball Player of the Year for East and Middle Tennessee, recent graduate Miles Davis earned a spot on the All Regional Team and most notably, the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association (TSSAA) AllState team. Davis is attending Christian Brothers University in the fall, where he’ll play basketball. He plans to major in business administration and hopes to follow that up with a master’s degree in healthcare administration.

The Webb School’s Trap team recently placed second in a shoot held at the P&T Shooting Center in Manchester. It was the squad’s best performance of the season, said coach L.R. Smith. Members of the squad are Justin Lowe of Christiana, who received special recognition at the last contest when he earned his Singles Class A award; George Johnson of Knoxville, Wesley Orrin of Lenoir City, Austen Kiser of Christiana, Jared Betts of Winchester and Ben Sax of Murfreesboro. The team wrapped up its 2011 season by competing in the state championships, in mid-June.

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omeone S

the world needs

Kim family takes life-changing trip to Cambodia By Sadie Fowler

Director of Communications

eum Ok Shin Kim believes in serving others, and giving back to the world in return for what she has been given. It’s a simple concept – yet it has greatly influenced the way she and her husband, Muk Hwan Kim of South Korea, have raised their children. “I believe in serving others and giving back to the world,” said Mrs. Kim, mother of Sumin “Kimmy” Kim, a recent Webb graduate. “I always tell my children to become someone the world needs … someone who embodies the Glory of God and the will of God.”

poverty, and an official reluctance to treat the problem.

While on campus, Dr. Heinzl urged students to make travel a part of their continuing education, asking them to value life’s experiences more than money. Those words, along with the heartbreaking story she heard about Cambodia, struck a deep chord inside Kimmy Kim.

from the highest HIV prevalence rate in Southeast Asia, but also from basic medical problems that are left untreated. The more Mrs. Kim learned about Cambodia, the more she was reminded of parts of her own country’s sad history. Korea was once very poor – no better off than Cambodia, she said. “After all the help and aid we received from other countries, we became one of the most developed and wellliving countries,” Mrs. Kim said. “Without that help, Korea would not be where it is today. As part of mankind, as a part of this world, I wanted my children to see there are people to help and to learn the spirit of global service … From Khmer Rouge, it was such a shock to see all those atrocities. We could not help but watch with a depressed mind.”

“Looking at the Mekong River shimmering in the sunset I felt an infinite amount of gratitude filling my heart.”

The family’s most recent efforts to give back carried them all the way to Cambodia, where they took part in a medical mission trip that proved to be as eye-opening for the Kim family as it was impactful for the people of Cambodia.

The Webb School Magazine

The seed to take a trip to Cambodia was planted into Kimmy’s mind a couple of years ago, when she heard humanitarian and founder of Doctors Without Borders (Canada) Dr. Richard Heinzl speak during a Webb chapel session. As part of the Follin Speaker Series, an endowed program at Webb, Dr. Heinzl spoke to students about the poverty-stricken country of Cambodia.

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“My family had regularly gone on service trips through church or through my father’s work, usually just my parents, to be honest, but this time I was the one to suggest a family service trip to Cambodia,” Kimmy said. “I thought that I was too negligent for helping and serving – I had excuses like, ‘I have to study,’ but this was different. I felt inspired.” Kimmy’s mother and father, who is a doctor, readily accepted their daughter’s plea to help Cambodia, whose people not only suffer

Cambodia, a former French colony, incurred waves of violence in the 1970s, when the Khmer Rouge regime ruled the country. Khmer Rouge wiped out an estimated 1.7 million people in Cambodia – all were considered to be “enemies of the state.” Additionally, Cambodia has suffered from the explosion of an HIV/AIDS epidemic, fueled by commercial sex trade, extreme

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The Kims spent two weeks there last summer, helping families cope with medical ailments and minor surgical needs. They visited seven different villages, transforming local churches, all sponsored by the Korean Presbyterian Association, into temporary medical stations. “I was assigned the task of playing with children while my parents treated patients,” Kimmy said. “It was a missionary job … We taught children English, Korean and sang Gospel songs together. I made origami birds for children and my brother blew balloons.’’ Kimmy said the Cambodian girls were much quieter than the everso-active boys – who loved playing soccer with their new South Korean friends. The Kims were in Cambodia during World Cup season, so soccer games sprouted up just about

Kimmy helps her father with a Cambodian patient.

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everywhere in sight. The games were a simple joy that seemed to unify and inspire the whole country. “Every town and village was full of kids playing soccer,” said Mrs. Kim. “My son joined in every game he could, and it was so impressive to see how they all became one when playing games ... Cambodians are doing their best to recover from the painful memories and to live happily and positively.” In addition to spending time with the children, Kimmy enjoyed the rare occasions when she was allowed to help her father by filling out charts and packaging medicines according to his orders. Some of the medical problems the Kims helped with included gum disease and tooth decay, eye problems due to working in the sun, malnutrition (especially women who’ve recently given birth) and injuries such as broken bones that required surgery. “We learned that people who get sick usually don’t go to hospitals because they can’t afford it,” Kimmy said. “When they get sick, they just naturally accept it and live with it instead of trying to treat it, unlike us … That really hurt my heart.” Kimmy’s heart was touched yet again when she met local students in the villages she visited. Kimmy learned that most of the churches (Korean-sponsored) there also serve as schools, and students learn by reading the Bible. If they’re lucky, they might have an opportunity to participate in an extracurricular activity, she said.

“I could see how blessed I was,” Kimmy said. “Compared to the education I receive in America, they had much fewer facilities, but they were enthusiastic and appreciated what they did have.” Cambodian restaurants and food also served as a great reminder to Kimmy and her family about how blessed they are. The conditions were rough, but it didn’t take Kimmy long to adjust. “The kitchens were dirty … but when we became famished we just ate like pigs,” she laughed. “They even had Kimchi (a traditional Korean food). But it was sweet, so should I call it Kimchi? I don’t know ...” Through encounters with Kimchi – Cambodian style – to meeting young students, Kimmy was constantly reminded of the moment she came to America for the first time, feeling like a stranger among new surroundings. “But, like my experience at Webb, I learned that differences in culture and languages are not obstacles to becoming friends, but are bridges that help us to communicate,” she said. Of all the fond memories and lessons learned, for Kimmy, the last church service held at a village near the Mekong River remains the clearest, most enlightening, and most precious memory of all.

So filthy and sweaty was I that I could not care less for possible parasites in the water. Among many old people and their grandchildren playing in the river, one offered me a boiled lotus flower with seeds,” Kimmy recalled. When Kimmy turned to the elderly woman, saying, “Orkun,” (thank you), something became remarkably clear. “I received more than I gave,” she said. “Looking at the Mekong River shimmering in the sunset I felt an infinite amount of gratitude filling my heart.” Kimmy, who plans to attend Washington University in St. Louis this fall, is returning to Cambodia this summer. Her family is joining her. “I want to go to Cambodia regularly, and focus on teaching children,” she said. “I want to get deeper and deeper with my work each time I go … The impression has lasted longer than I ever thought and I hope to learn more knowledge in college to help the people of Cambodia.” Kimmy says she is interested in studying engineering, bioptics, biofuel engineering or chemical engineering. She wants to minor in international health. “Whatever I do … I want to do something helpful to other people,” she said.

“After a battle with children’s lice infection, Roy (a church leader and translator) suggested to my brother and me to go to the river.

Summer 2011

Kimmy sits with the Cambodian children.

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Graduation 2011 T

The Webb School Magazine

he Webb School celebrated its core mission on Friday, May 27, when 48 of its students received the Bible containing their Webb diplomas.

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All 48 students who started the year as seniors made the momentous walk across stage, a remarkable accomplishment, said Head of School Ray Broadhead. “Your doors at Webb are about to close on this phase of your life and you, as a class, will scatter to open many different doors next year as you commence the next phase of your life,” Broadhead said. “You are wellprepared for that journey. You know what it means to be a tireless worker, to work effectively, and to be an accurate scholar.

“I envy each of you, I really do,” said McDonnell, as he congratulated the class. McDonnell spoke of the impact Webb, particularly his study of Latin, had on his life. The subject was challenging, he said, but it gave him the ability to think critically and make good decisions in business and in life.

which honors the student with the highest grade point average for their four years at The Webb School. Kasha Richardson earned the John Hardin Highest Scholarship Award ($100 from Webb) for achieving the highest scholastic average in her senior year.

Brianna Wofford of Manchester, and John Dong of Beijing, China, shared another top award – one that’s rarely awarded to two individuals in the same year. Wofford and Dong each accepted the John Lewis Morgan “You know what it means to live with honor Award, presented annually to the student and character as the core of who has maintained a high your existence … The faculty of excellence in his or “You know what it means to live with honor and standard and I ask you to go forth into her academic work and who character as the core of your existence … this world and ‘pedigree your has demonstrated the highest ancestors.’” The faculty and I ask you to go forth into this qualities of good citizenship in the service of the school. world and ‘pedigree your ancestors.’” Forty-seven graduates are enrolled in colleges and Webb’s graduates have universities and one graduate is joining the In addition to the presentation of traditional committed to attend a number of colleges military, Broadhead added. Bible diplomas, the ceremony included the and universities, including Emory acknowledgement of senior standouts. University, Berry College, Clemson Michael McDonnell, class of 1957, was University, Sewanee, Mississippi State the 2011 commencement keynote speaker. “This is a really nice group of kids,” University, University of Tennessee, McDonnell, a graduate of Yale University, Broadhead said. “They’re artistic, talented, Davidson College, and Auburn University. is co-owner of Orgill Inc., which provides and they’ve honored Webb.” The class was offered more than $1 million wholesale distribution and retail services to in collegiate merit scholarships. the home improvement industry. He is also Caroline Smith of Bell Buckle received the a co-owner of the St. Louis Cardinals. highest academic honor for the class of For a complete list of Graduation Awards 2011 – The Anna Landis Hightower Award, go to www.thewebbschool.com. He encouraged each student to find and/or nurture whatever their “Latin” may be, and challenged students to develop a disciplined mindset.

A. Mary Kathryn Menck and Caroline Smith congratulate each other. B. From left: Tyler Lewis, Helen Bartlett, Matt Steele, Leanne Fouts, and Jared Betts.

C. Brianna Wofford celebrates after receiving the John Lewis Morgan award.

D. Molly Howell and Zach Wagner.

Summer 2011

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Ridley Shetler ‘07 ............... By Sandi Jobe

Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving

“B

ecause of Webb, I’ve had opportunities I would not have had otherwise,” said Ridley Shetler when she visited Bell Buckle in March.

When she received her Webb Bible at graduation in 2007, Ridley Shetler would not have predicted that she would make a mark in history as the first woman accepted into the U.S. Navy’s elite Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate (NUPOC) program. In May 2011 she graduated from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK), with a degree in nuclear engineering, already preparing to embark on a career as one of the very first women in U.S. history to serve aboard a combat-ready submarine.

in leadership dynamics and the additional responsibilities of being an upperclassman seemed oppressive to young Ridley. “During my last two years at Webb, I was almost contemptuous toward the school. I felt that our freedom was being taken away,” she explained. “I had no idea how much freedom we actually had, and how that freedom forced us to be responsible without even knowing it.”

Ridley came to Webb as a freshman day student from Murfreesboro. She credits her grandmother with giving her the opportunity to attend Webb. After the initial shock of adjusting to Webb’s challenging curriculum, Ridley began to enjoy life as a Webb student. “There was a lot of freedom, and I liked how small the classes were,” she said. “You really did get individual attention and support from the teachers. Bill Rice really whipped me into shape in science. Being that close to the teachers, you really wanted their respect. I wanted to prove that I could do well.”

The Webb School Magazine The Webb School Magazine

Webb’s small community also motivated Ridley.

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“Everyone knows what you’re doing,” she continued. “They want you to succeed, and they usually know it when you’re not doing what you’re supposed to be doing.” The small Webb community has always been close-knit like a family. In a similar way to other transitions throughout Webb’s history, a change in leadership in 2005 exposed the student body to a new set of expectations, and a culture shift. As Ridley began her junior year, Albert Cauz succeeded John Frere, who retired after 16 years as head of school. The change

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Ridley Shetler ‘07 tries on her old senior blazer during a recent visit to campus.

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makes history with unique career choice prove both academic standing and responsibility. You’re thrown into leadership and responsibility - they don’t hold your hand and you have to prove you’re ready for that.” Fortunately for Ridley, she received what it took to prove herself at Webb. “Outerlimits was my favorite activity. You could take wilderness skills and forestry, and Mr. Wofford encouraged our leadership skills. He gave us the responsibility to lead and plan the trips. It was so satisfying to see your work pay off.”

She continued, “When I got to college I realized immediately how much I had learned. Other people couldn’t even make themselves go to class. It was a huge culture shock … I figured out that even though I didn’t like some things, Webb taught me how to manage myself.” When she entered college, Ridley didn’t plan to study nuclear engineering. “I thought I wanted to major in global studies,” she said. “But I had taken every math and science class at Webb, and it didn’t take long for me to miss it. I thought about medical school, maybe radiology, and then I switched to the power side of engineering.”

“Several family members served in the military,” she explained. “I’d always thought it would be cool to serve but I never really thought I could do it. Then I talked to an officer recruiter about the NUPOC program … To even get an interview, you had to

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The journey to a career as a submarine division officer occurs in several phases. Twelve weeks of officer boot camp, physical training, and history of military and warfare classes are followed by the NavyNuke Power School. Three years worth of content including reactor theory and theory of nuclear power were crammed into six months of classes. Next comes six months of hands-on experience with a prototype reactor, followed by submarine officer basic training “all about submarines,” Ridley explained. At the end of summer 2012, Ridley will report to base in Georgia or Washington, D.C., for her assignment aboard a guided or ballistic submarine. She is following in the footsteps of generations of Webb alumni, women and men, who have served their country in military careers. “I would handle things differently if I could go back in time to my years at Webb,” Ridley said, with a sentiment echoed throughout decades of Webb history. “I really regret not taking the time to slow down and appreciate what was happening to me.”

Summer 2011

At a different university, this change of focus might not have led Ridley to service on a Naval submarine. Nuclear engineering is only offered at a select few colleges and universities, globally; UTK’s program is the third largest in the U.S. Ridley was quickly hooked on this new field of study, but the Navy still wasn’t an immediate choice for her career.

“I really regret not taking the time to slow down and appreciate what was happening to me.”

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By Sadie Fowler

Director of Communications

Webb classroom moves abroad

ith students attending Webb from eight countries and several U.S. states, and a strong international presence of Webb alumni who have made their mark on the globe, the world indeed comes to Webb as much as Webb extends to the world. Creating globally-minded people who will succeed in both academics and life is Webb’s mission. The school strives to achieve this goal in part by offering a diverse cultural setting on campus as well as a strong academic program that includes several opportunities for students to travel abroad.

“Costa Rica is beautiful,” Frazier said. “I’ll be the first to admit that San Jose itself isn’t exactly pretty, but I think that it was a good experience for the students to see how people live in other parts of the world. Through CRLA, we were all placed with host families, so students got to experience real life in Costa Rica – food, culture and housing.”

“I know first-hand that trips abroad are unique, powerful and invaluable experiences for students,” said Head of School Ray Broadhead. “The trip to Costa Rica was such a wonderful opportunity for Webb students to get a taste of a different culture.”

Micah Rasnick, a rising junior who went on the trip, was paired with another Webb

student in a Costa Rican home. This is where the most learning took place, he said. “We had to speak the language and staying with a family really helped me to improve

From left: Courtney Smith, Hannah Gallagher, Radha Yerramilli, Maya Porter and Claire Coop.

The Webb School Magazine

Whether it be a spring break trip to Italy, a student exchange trip to France, or a study abroad trip to Costa Rica, there are many unique opportunities in which students gladly take part. While students have participated in a student exchange with France for several years now, February’s study abroad trip to Costa Rica was a first.

“In years past, we had taken students to study abroad in Spain,” said Monica Frazier, head of the school’s foreign language department. “After a lot of research, I discovered that Spain would be quite expensive, and I wanted to offer a program that would be more cost efficient so that it would allow more students to participate.” Through help from the Costa Rican Language Academy (CRLA), Frazier organized a trip to San Jose Costa Rica, for 12 students: Alex Bragg, Micah Rasnick, Justin Lowe, Matthew Dilworth, Jared Betts, Ben Sax, Radha Yerramilli, Maya Porter, Hannah Gallagher, Courtney Smith, Claire Coop and Heather Williams.

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Webb students and faculty stand in front of one of the volcanoes in Costa Rica.

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Learning Exchanged my accent pronunciation and reach out of my comfort zone,” he said. With beautiful beaches, rainforests and volcanoes, students witnessed many amazing sights during their week-long trip. Some of the highlights of the busy trip include a trip to the Punta Leona Beach, the Arenal Volcano and a canopy tour through the rainforest. “Near the end of the trip, we went to the volcano, and it was amazing,” Frazier said. “I don’t think the kids realized how big a volcano really is. Of course, we didn’t get too close, but we got close enough!” The group also went to the Tabacon Hot Springs, where water can get up to 140 degrees, and students took some muchneeded time to relax during their winter break from campus. Later, the excursion to the rainforest proved to be the most popular part of the trip for students.

s globalization brings the world closer together, cultural exchange is clearly of fundamental importance in education. Webb’s foreign language department offers numerous opportunities for students to travel. One of the most popular opportunities has been the French Exchange program. “I had never had an opportunity to travel to Europe before this,” said Mary Kathryn Menck, a recent Webb graduate. “I really wanted to get the chance to try out the French I had learned in school ... I learned on the trip that French is a complex language and I want to keep practicing.” The Webb French Exchanges began with a school in Strasbourg, France, as a platform for creating international friendships and inspiring language learning in a cultural context. French students stayed with Webb families for two weeks in the fall and Webb students were in turn hosted by the French families in the spring.

“The zip-line through the rainforest was definitely the most fun part of the trip,” Rasnick said.

“For the 30-plus students from each school who participated, this cooperation helped put French language and culture into real life experiences that form the basis for international bonds,” said Moira Smith, a French teacher at Webb who led the student trip.

The trip to Costa Rica provided students with many learning opportunities, including a chance to improve their Spanish skills. Students took classes for 20 hours while there, during a week when they would have been free from learning at all.

In the last few years, Webb has participated in three exchanges. The partnership helps strengthen the reasoning behind language learning and vastly increases an appreciation for other cultures. Mrs. Smith’s daughter Caroline Smith, a recent graduate, benefited greatly from her experience. Caroline even had to translate for the group one day when her mom was ill.

“Living with host families taught students more because at that point, they were in survival mode,” Frazier said. “They needed Spanish to communicate with these families and they made a lot of progress. They felt so proud after that week we spent there.”

“The exchange trip not only reinforced my intentions to major in French, but I also made many new friends,” said Caroline.

Frazier said she hopes to make the Costa Rican trip one that’s offered every other year. A trip to Spain is also being planned for next year, by faculty Kristen Linton ‘00 and Anelly Arana.

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Webb’s last exchange was in the spring of 2010, and Smith hopes to be able to travel with students to another French region in the future. “More lasting friendships await our students as they branch out from Webb to see the world,” said Smith.

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“I am so pleased with how this trip turned out,” Frazier said. “The students had a wonderful time learning about culture and language. They also learned how to cook some Costa Rican dishes, and they had dance lessons after school each day. I think the students also learned what it was like being in a city versus suburbia, and that was a great eye-opener for them, too.”

Students took various day trips in the Alsace area of France, including a personalized World War I battlefield tour to Verdun with L.R. Smith and a French-American “Saturday night” with music and dancing. A full day in Paris was spent seeing famous sites like the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum and the Eiffel Tower (as did Webb’s founder, Sawney Webb, in the year of its inauguration).

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INTERNATIONAL ALUMNI PROFILE

An International Affair By Sandi Jobe ’95

Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving

“I

guess I was destined to go to The Webb School,” said Jorge Redmond, who arrived in Bell Buckle in the fall of 1962 and graduated from Webb in 1966. Forty-five years after his graduation, Redmond is owner and CEO of internationally-known Chocolates El Rey, a top-quality, progressive Venezuelan chocolate producer. He is also a passionately committed leader for the causes of international business practices and education.

A Family Tradition

The Webb School Magazine

Education has always been a high priority for the Redmond family. Jorge’s father and uncle, William Parker Redmond and Matthew Redmond, graduated from Webb in 1936 and 1937, respectively. After graduating from Rice University, his father, of Irish descent and raised in Louisiana, moved to Venezuela with Standard Oil (now ExxonMobil). There he met Marion Schlageter, a young woman of Swiss descent who had grown up in Venezuela and attended Vassar College, one of the first colleges established for women in the United States.

it wasn’t long before young Jorge was building relationships he would remember for the rest of his life. “Everyone had such camaraderie,” Redmond said. “Randall Turner and I became friends at Webb, and have been friends ever since. Today he is a key part of my business. Billy Farris in Nashville is still a good friend.”

Impactful teachers

Redmond and his wife Astrid have two children who also demonstrate passion for education and leadership in international affairs.

Redmond also remembers some Webb teachers with very colorful personalities. “Mr. Rivela, I remember, the Latin teacher, would go around saying, ‘I’m going to kill you, Mr. Redmond’ when I would forget my homework or do poorly on a test,” he chuckled.

The early days

Other teachers, he says, were exemplary of Webb’s standards of integrity and scholarship.

Young Jorge grew up in Venezuela and attended schools there until he was old enough to travel to the United States for high school and college. It was a difficult move for him, but he dutifully accepted his parents’ decision.

“Mr. Morgan was there when my father was a student,” he recalled. “We called him ‘The Booger’ because he called us ‘boogers’ sometimes. He was tough, fair, and a good person who instilled a sense of propriety and honesty.”

“I knew Webb was a good school, but I didn’t really know or care what a good school was, yet,” Redmond said. “It was just something I knew I had to do. I had to grin and bear it.”

Challenging times

“I remember the day my parents left me there in Bell Buckle. I thought ‘oh my gosh, I’m all alone.’” Despite his early apprehensions about leaving Caracas Venezuela to attend a small, rural school in another country,

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Redmond’s Webb days were not without their challenges: The Webb School was in many ways a microcosm of the social restlessness of the 1960s, as were many independent schools around the nation at that time. It was an era when authority figures and social norms were increasingly distrusted by America’s youth.

In 1963 Henry O. Whiteside, a Webb graduate of the class of 1929, became Webb’s fifth principal. His highly authoritative leadership style is remembered with mixed emotions by many alumni of the 1960s. Like many of his classmates, Redmond recalls tension between the students and the administration at that time, but he also recalls another side of Whiteside’s passionate nature. “I remember the day Kennedy died like it was yesterday,” he said. “Mr. Whiteside convened everyone in chapel. He gave quite an eloquent soliloquy, and he cried.”

Giving thanks Overall, Redmond remembers his Webb days with fondness, and like many alumni he credits his Webb experiences with instilling values he didn’t fully recognize until much later in life. “I was a late bloomer,” he said. “Webb did a lot to help me understand things. When I think of Webb, I think of ‘noli res subdole facere’ [‘do nothing on the sly’]… it was drilled into us. In the beginning you don’t think so much about it. As you get older, and establish relationships with different people, you begin to recognize the value, and how unique that is.”

International influence Before college, Redmond spent a year in Switzerland before returning to the U.S. to attend American University in Washington, D.C. After graduating from college, Redmond spent two more years interning with a bank in Switzerland before his father called him home to Venezuela to help with the family real estate business. Redmond quickly became restless and unhappy in that business. “One day, I went to see an old traditional family-owned chocolate factory,” he said. “It was falling behind, there was no marketing.”

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Seeing potential The world’s largest cacao producer in the 1920s, Venezuela underwent tremendous social and economic changes which shifted focus away from traditional agriculture to industry and oil production. The potential value of Venezuelan chocolate, however, was still high. Chocolate connoisseurs, like wine connoisseurs, correlate certain flavor characteristics with local soil and climate conditions. Redmond saw the potential to build an internationally-renowned business from the traditional-style factory, and in 1973 he was able to buy the owners out and begin the transformation that would take Chocolates El Rey to the forefront of Venezuelan chocolatiers. Rather than continuing to export the best cocoa beans to large foreign manufacturers, Redmond’s business strategy incorporated the domestic production and promotion of high-end finished chocolate products, and eventually expanded production to different chocolate types for domestic consumption and export.

A gourmet strategy Today, despite continuing socio-political and economic challenges in Venezuela, Chocolates El Rey produces gourmet chocolate using state-of-the-art technology and fairly-traded cacao beans from growers and company-owned plantations in Venezuela. It’s the first chocolate company in the world to firmly establish point of origin (a common distinction in the wine industry) as an important distinction in chocolate production. In 2008, Harvard Business School conducted an in-depth case study of Redmond’s business and marketing strategy for use at Harvard and other business schools, globally. “They sent three or four Harvard professors down to research and put the case together,”

Redmond explained. “I went to watch the case presented for the first time to the class at Harvard. It was interesting to see executives from all over the world discussing this case, and come to the conclusion that the decisions that have been made were the proper ones. I got a huge kick out of that.” Chocolates El Rey is becoming a multinational business, with alliances in the U.S. and Europe. Cacao is purchased directly from growers all over Venezuela using fair trade practices; the company is currently registering for Fair Trade certification. Redmond was the founder and has been president of the Association of Cacao Processors; negotiations are underway with Venezuelan governors which, if successful, could quadruple Venezuelan cacao production over the next 15 years.

Continuing Leadership

promotion of educational reform; president of the Centro Venezolano Americano, a binational cultural and education center, and a member of the board of the Universidad Metropolitana, the metropolitan university of Caracas. Venezuelan politics still create many business challenges that relate to education, Redmond said. Although there is a high rate of literacy in Venezuela, there is a weak level of comprehensive higher education, and for this reason Redmond leads a foundation which is currently working on a comprehensive education reform plan for Venezuela. “If more people had access to a higher level of education,” he says, speaking words that would not have been unfamiliar to Sawney Webb in 1870, “they could take advantage of opportunities they can’t even see, as it is today.”

Redmond has always been passionate about business leadership and the importance of education in improving economic conditions for developing nations. In addition to his personal business interests, his past leadership roles (prior to the year 2000) include presidencies of many influential organizations, including: the Venezuelan Chamber of Food Manufacturers; the Venezuelan Confederation of Industry; the Venezuelan-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry; he is also a past member of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Most recently, he is currently a member of the boards for Venezuela Competitiva, Venezuela’s center for the promotion of competitiveness, and the Venezuelan-American Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is also the president of Fundacion Pimjo, a private foundation for the

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REUNIO N 2011

Webb alumni celebrate the past

By Sadie Fowler

Director of Communications

enerations of Webb graduates came together on April 29 and 30 for Reunion Weekend, a celebratory weekend that called for lots of fun as alumni gathered to reminisce about days gone by. Whether alumni attended Friday evening’s dinner and cocktail party, Saturday morning’s 5K run, or a lovely brunch in memory of the late Jack Heffner and the late Trey Tygrett, there was something for alumni of all decades to enjoy during the last weekend in April. “This was my first Webb Reunion, and it was a joy to see alumni

relive those wonderful school days with other classmates and faculty who taught them,” said Claudia Hazelwood, director of alumni and development. The weekend kicked off Friday with a fun and delicious barbecue dinner catered by popular local eatery, the Bell Buckle Café. Webb alumni ranging from the 1960s to graduates from recent years attended the event, which was held inside the Barton Athletic Center. The casual atmosphere served as the perfect setting for old friends to socialize and catch up with one another, as well as with their favorite Webb faculty members. “It was so wonderful to see so many Webb classmates reconnecting and remembering their time on campus,” said Meredith Crockett, director of alumni and parent outreach. “Many alumni traveled from near and far to attend the weekend events. None traveled as far as Sandra Back ’01, who flew in from Korea to attend her 10-year reunion.”

Alex Richman ‘01, Lindsey Fournier ‘01 and Katie Ducey ‘01

Festivities continued the following morning, with the Run for the Congo 5K, organized by Webb’s student council. Students became connected to the Run for Congo Women campaign last year, when Lisa Shannon, founder of the charity, came to speak at Webb as part of the school’s Follin Speaker Series. Run for Congo Women is geared toward helping raped and abused women in Congo (Central Africa) get back on their feet and deal with the trauma that they have been through by hosting runs across the U.S. to raise money and awareness.

The Webb School Magazine

In addition to the run, other activities held Saturday afternoon centered around trapshooting with Webb teacher L.R. Smith, the Outerlimits Ropes Course with Brian Wofford, and the presentation of Webb’s spring play, The Rivals, A Comedy of Manners. Directed by Ruth Cordell, this play is being presented this summer at the famous Fringe Festival in Scotland.

Members of the class of 1961 were James Montgomery, Henry Ray, Ken Chandler, Walter Hale, James Gibson, and Allen Strawbridge.

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“There are three times a year, when the energy on this campus really pops,” said Ray Broadhead, head of school, as he welcomed guests to Reunion. “Those times are

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graduation, the first day of school, and this weekend … The energy here this weekend is wonderful.” Broadhead, along with his wife, Leone, hosted a special class dinner for the class of 1961, who celebrated their 50th reunion this year. Perhaps the most meaningful part of the weekend came during the Saturday morning brunch, when faculty and alumni were honored with special awards, and special tribute was paid to an unforgettable Webb alumnus and a beloved Webb headmaster.

… I was so proud of him. The last time he visited Webb he told me of his new life and his job as mayor. He said he was really making a difference and he was just beaming as he told me.” Del Coggins and Glenn Holliman, both faculty emeritus, evoked nods, laughter and tears as they spoke about Heffner, who served as headmaster of Webb from 1977 to 1989, helping the school to recover from critically challenging times while maintaining traditions and leading it toward its current status as the oldest continuously operating boarding school in the South.

“Saturday brunch started with a tribute to Trey Tygrett (’88) and Jack Heffner,” Crockett said. “With many faculty and faculty emeriti coming to remember their headmaster – many of whom, like Linda Williams, L.R. Smith, Ron Smith and Brian Wofford, were hired by Jack Heffner. We were honored by the presence of the Heffner family and Trey’s many friends.”

“There are certain words that come to mind when you think of him,” Holliman said. “He made an instant impression on anyone he met, and brought a wealth of professionalism (to Webb).”

Adrien Dozier ’88 and Wofford each took a few minutes to speak about Tygrett, who lived in Georgia where he served as the mayor of a town north of Atlanta at the time of his unexpected death.

“My memories are very pleasant about The Webb School,” Coggins said. “But the thing that made it for me was Jack Heffner.”

“You know as a teacher you encourage students partly because that’s what we as teachers do; but you never know the pay off,” Wofford said. “As it turned out, this place called Webb worked out for Trey

Coggins also shared his thoughts on Heffner, stating he was a concise man and a great leader who used his words wisely.

The morning’s program ended with a standing ovation to honor L.R. Smith, who received the John B. Hardin Service Award. See photos: next page

John B. Hardin Service Award L.R. Smith After 32 years of dedication to Webb, longtime faculty member L.R. Smith – a one-of-a-kind history teacher, trap and skeet coach and honor council advisor – was honored with the 2011 John B. Hardin Service Award. Smith’s contributions to society run deep. He helped establish a Boy Scout Charter for Bell Buckle youth, and is also very active in his local church. He currently serves on the board of his family foundation, the Hillsdale Fund, which gives charitable donations to education institutions all over the United States. Throughout his career, Smith has earned multiple teaching awards. Most recently, in November 2010, he received the Hubert Smothers Award from the Tennessee Association of Independent Schools (TAIS).

Distinguished Alumni Award E. Vane McClurg ‘60 Vane McClurg ’60 was honored with the 2011 Distinguished Alumni Award. A loyal supporter of the Webb School for more than 30 years, McClurg, following his time at Webb, graduated from Emory University and Stetson University of Law. Currently, he serves as chairman of the Publix Corporate Governance Committee. While at Webb, McClurg was a member of the Cum Laude Society, Platonic Literary Society, Current Events Club, Typewriting Club, the Oracle, and basketball and baseball teams.

According to Ray Broadhead, head of school, “L.R. Smith is a Webb institution and has influenced countless lives in his 32 years here. His knowledge of the history of The Webb School is invaluable, and he works very hard to maintain the moral character that is the core of a Webb education.”

According to The Sawney 1960 yearbook, “Through his warm personality and quiet, though pleasant air, Vane has gained the respect of the faculty and students. Vane will always be remembered as a fine example of applied perseverance.”

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Smith’s connections to Webb continue with his family. He is married to Madame Moira Judas Smith, who has taught French at Webb for 27 years. Their daughter, Caroline, is a recent Webb graduate.

To this day, McClurg continues to be well-known for his community involvement. He’s an avid supporter of the Lakeland, Fla., Boys’ Club, the Lakeland Regional Medical Center Foundation, Florida College, Stetson Law and more. In 2008, McClurg was inducted into the Stetson University Hall of Fame.

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Alumni Reunion Weekend

Amanda Heck Suttles and Michelle Moore Sorenson represent the class of 1996.

Ken Chandler ‘61 and James Gibson ‘61

Members of the class of 1986 in attendance were: Iain Brackstone, Sanjay Naik, Matt Hull, Will Davis, Taylor Bills, Smith Murphey V, Miree Mishoe and Barbara Grobicki.

Susan Gaither, Melaine Bishop and Jimmy Bishop ‘85

The Webb School Magazine

George Van Zee ‘62

20Paul Gibson ‘01

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Elizabeth Cole ‘01, Stacey Downs ‘01 and Sandra Back ‘01

Arash Grakoui ‘81 catches a laugh during class photos.

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From left: Anne Coggins, Moira Smith, LR Smith, Ann Gorry, Dorothy Elkins, Larry Nichols and Del Coggins.

Del Coggins and Dorothy Elkins

Dean Smith ‘71, Hilton Heineke ‘71 and David Jones ‘71

Lee Woosley ‘78 and Sandra Sanders

Paul Gibson looks for his name on the 2001 senior board.

Jack Bailey ‘72, Vance Berry ‘72 and Wilson Sims ‘72

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Tom Tritschler, Carmel Swanson Tritschler ‘83 and Wade Gaither ‘92

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Rebecca Kieronski ‘83, Bronwyn Weaver ‘83, Addison Walker ‘83, and Mary Chamberlin ‘83 gather around Joe Mooney ‘83.

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By Sadie Fowler

Director of Communications

t’s a Southern tradition, and decades ago, it was a tradition at The Webb School as well.

Early this year, the decision was made to renew that tradition; and it was announced in March that Webb will add an 8-man football team to its fall lineup of sports.

“(It) was my second year in Bell Buckle,” Sims recalled, fondly. “I knew every one of the football players and can tell you something about most of them.”

Athletic Director Scott Dorsett, who came to Webb two years ago, said the addition will bring the community together, attract more qualified prospective students, and excite the Webb community – both current students and alumni who might return to the Bell Buckle campus for a few evenings of Friday night entertainment.

After the program dissolved, many folks over the years hoped the program would return, but often, supporters were met with resistance among opponents of the sport who felt it took away from the strong academic reputation for which the school is known. However, proponents of the sport felt strongly it could add to the school immeasurably – without taking anything away. These proponents needed someone to drive their point home and found that in Dorsett.

The Webb School Magazine

“This will open doors for Webb,” Dorsett said. “The things that make people connect to a school are sports, music, drama or other extracurricular activities. Those memories are what bring people back, and nothing does that like football.”

games as if it were yesterday. Back in 1938, Sims said football had quite a following and there were at least 35 players on the team.

Freshman, Zac Fenner is ready for some football.

Football began at Webb, the oldest continuously running school of its kind in the South, back in 1928, about 58 years after the school was founded by Sawney Webb. Football held its own as an intramural sport through the 1960s, around the time the school began accepting female students. Football was cut, with safety being a primary reason for the decision, and replaced with soccer.

Dorsett garnered the support of alumni and generous donors and began making some progress toward getting football back on the lineup. As momentum took fold from the outside, many on the

Wilson Sims ‘42 was at Webb during the early years of football, and clearly recalls watching the

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“Adding football to Webb’s roster of activities is extremely exciting for our students, faculty, parents and alumni,” said Board member Joseph Mooney, one of four donors who made football possible. “Football will give the boys another sport to play in [the fall] and ultimately will attract more students to Webb … The bottom line is that it’s a fun sport and Webb should be a part of it. I am thrilled to support this.”

Team members listen to coach Forrest on the first day of practice.

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inside could see Dorsett’s point, including the school’s Board of Trustees, and Head of School Ray Broadhead.

Webb will be one of the larger schools to play in the league, which Dorsett described as being one that’s very sound.

“Academics come first, but this allows our male students to have an activity in the fall other than golf or cross country,” said Broadhead, when he made the announcement in March. “Webb needs football to provide an additional interscholastic athletic experience for our boys.”

“Football is a lifestyle down here, and my vision is to see these kids be competitive,” he said. “That’s why we’re starting with 8-man. I don’t want to have to forfeit a game because we don’t have enough guys. We have got to start small and build from there.” One of the subsequent effects of football, and the excitement and attention Dorsett hopes it will bring to the athletic department and the school in general, is the recognition from potential donors. Four donors made football possible after hearing of Dorsett’s plan to bring it back to Webb.

Adding football will reach out to some prospective students, both day and boarding students, who see football as a necessity in the school they choose. “One of the reasons we haven’t gotten kids from some of our competitors was that we didn’t have football,” Dorsett said. “They wanted football and we didn’t have it … I had a parent come up to me last year and say, ‘We really, really like Webb – give me a call when you get football.’” As the school heads toward fall, Dorsett’s first goal is to bring the local community to Webb.

Alex Hulsey runs a drill.

“It’s a Southern tradition in the fall and I think it’s going to attract a lot of people to this campus,” Dorsett said. “Even the little lady who runs the ice cream shop was so excited when I told her about this. She said, ‘Wow, that’s awesome and I think this will bring our little community together.’ “You watch a UT game and what do you see? Half of those people there don’t care about football more than they care about the Man on the Moon, but they’re there – having fun. It’s about the experience.”

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The first day of practice came in early May, and it was evident by the number of boys who turned out for practice that excitement had been building among the student body. “Football is going to bring fire to this school,” said Zach Fenner, a boarding student from Murfreesboro. “It’s going to be great.” As Dorsett, a seasoned-coach himself, looked back and watched 30-something boys be fitted into new uniforms that would soon be stained with mud and grass, he shook his head, thinking about the journey the boys were about to begin. “This is a big honor that no one will ever be able to take away from these kids,” he said. “To be the first kids to play on an interscholastic football team at The Webb School … it’s quite something. In 25 years they will look back during their reunion and say to one another, ‘Wow, do you remember that first game?’” See 2011 game schedule on page 30.

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Dorsett’s other goal in this inaugural season is to see Coach Forrest helps Nick Tilton adjust his shoulder pads. the student athletes compete Forrest will lead the team as they take on successfully. Two parts of that equation are the Middle Tennessee Athletic Conference, starting small with 8-man – and getting the playing teams including Currey Ingram, right person to guide the team to success. Franklin Classical, Aaron Academy and St. Andrews Sewanee. In May, David Forrest of Murfreesboro, Tenn., was hired as the school’s football “His credentials blow people away,” Dorsett coach. A graduate of UT Martin (BS) and said. He’s been in the field of education his Austin Peay University (M. Ed.), Forrest entire life and has put his time in … He has coached at the middle and high school levels in football and boys basketball. He has does a great job teaching the fundamentals more than 30 years of teaching and coaching and is patient enough to teach the details. With Coach Forrest, I think these boys are experience at various levels, and has won going to do remarkably well.” several championships in Middle Tennessee.

“There are a lot of things that are going to happen at this school because of football,” said Dorsett, citing the lights he hopes will be placed on Lagler field, where several sports teams play, as just one tangible example. “And those things are two-fold. We hope it will bring in gifts that will help the entire athletic department. And, we know the emphasis football puts on strength and conditioning will help the boys become stronger in the other sports they play, like basketball and baseball, as well.”

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ALUMNI PROFILE

Andrew McRady ’86 carries on the Webb tradition ...IN THAILAND By Sandi Jobe

Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving

“D

o I hear bagpipes in the Big Room?” Visitors to The Webb School 25 years ago might have asked this question if Andrew McRady was around. He still plays the bagpipes at school when he has the chance; only now his school is on the opposite side of the globe from Bell Buckle, Tenn. And he is no longer a student. Now, he helps run the school.

McRady went on to complete his Master of Education degree at the University of Southern Queensland in Australia. For the past 10 years, he has been assistant principal and social science teacher at Nakorn Payap International School (NIS) in Chiang Mai, Thailand. “The foundation of my educational philosophy was laid at The Webb School,” said McRady. “As a student at Webb, I learned the importance of a strong sense of honor and responsibility. I also learned the value of internationalism and the importance of work. Hanging in the chapel are the flags of all the countries represented at the school; it looks like a miniature United Nations. I came to value the insights from the international students and faculty, and developed a keen interest in the outside world.”

The Webb School Magazine

The mission statement at NIS is “Learning Through Diversity,” and the philosophy of the school incorporates developing students’ concern for others, encouraging open-mindedness and trust, and instilling a personal sense of dignity. Thirty nationalities Since his days as a youth in Bell Buckle, McRady had traveled around the world are represented among the 350 pre-K through 12th grade students and Andrew McRady grew up in Bell Buckle, their families at NIS, which reinforces the Tenn., started playing the bagpipes at the importance of living meaningfully and age of 17, and graduated from Webb as a effectively in a larger world member of the ancient guard in 1986. society.

Learning, labor, service, and diversity

After Webb, young McRady spent a year at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, one of the oldest universities in the Englishspeaking world. He went on to graduate from Berea College in Kentucky, where he met his wife Julie, a teacher who shares his passion for international education.

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Learning is a way of life

Like Webb alumni from all generations, McRady was influenced by the examples set by his Webb teachers. “In my role as teacher and administrator, I try to model

myself after L.R. Smith,” McRady said. “His sense of duty, justice, compassion – they all roll into who he is. He is an outstanding teacher and administrator.” Other iconic Webb legends who have strongly influenced McRady are Mr. Imre Lagler and Mr. Jack Hefner. “Mr. Lagler is always with me; everywhere I go, every day.” McRady said. “I spent five years with him. Two things he always insisted on, one: having a red pen, and today I always carry one. Two: keeping a handkerchief. I can still hear him saying ‘I don’t want to hear your snot! You get a lash!’

Finding common ground

Living, working, and raising a daughter and a son in Asia makes for quite a different lifestyle than McRady grew up with in the rural southern U.S. But his family’s presence at NIS is very important to the education the students receive. “International schools like mine are important in the same way that Webb is important,” he explained. “The international students at Webb will come back to their countries and be the leaders. Economics, politics, business, medicine – they are the future leaders. Those are the same kids we’re educating at international schools. “They will be the bridges that will connect our global community.”

“When you come to the end, you will find that the only things that are worthwhile are character and the help you’ve given to other people.” ~ Sawney Webb

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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT PROFILE

Tianyu “John” Dong ’11 brings a dragon to Bell Buckle

By Sandi Jobe ‘95

Director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving

leepy students snapped to attention when the brightly-metallic fluttering dragon interrupted chapel announcements to stampede onto the stage and dance. Nervous giggles, gasps, and whispers from the student body were followed by applause and cheering when the dragon removed its head to reveal the boy inside. He had their attention! That was how Tianyu “John” Dong began the school year. He was starting a new club, and he attracted a throng of followers who would soon learn from the example of his ambassadorship.

Make your life wider

In a November 2010 blog post to the Webb community, John described leaving his homeland for the United States. “Just before I got on the plane,” he wrote, “my dad gave me a big hug. He then whispered in my ear, ‘If you can’t make your life longer, make it wider…’ I nodded, only vaguely understanding what he was trying to say.” John grew up in Beijing, China, and after one year as an exchange student with a family in Ohio he came to Webb in 2009, his junior year. John was a strong student in China, but when he first came to the U.S. he soon found himself struggling at every subject except math and physics. “I stayed up every night until midnight just to read English homework that took others only half an hour to do.” John said. “I was unable to express my deep thoughts, to show my intellect to my teachers and to gain the approval and admiration of my peers. All I did was listen and translate.”

“I have much more freedom, but I also have more responsibility,” he said. “I started to learn how to take care of myself, and how to be organized.”

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other children. As John put it, ‘sharing is the best part of having something.’”

“He is a student who really knows how to learn,” said math teacher Sandy Truitt. “He is constantly asking himself questions in order to understand his understanding … academically, John is one of the top students in the [class of 2011].”

In China, the dragon is a symbol of leadership, strength, and luck. Sandy Truitt described one of the Chinese Club’s most popular activities to see John’s ambassadorship, which started with the chapel-dragon.

Sharing is the best part of having something

Many international students are quiet at first; John immediately bowled the entire Webb community over with his enthusiasm and appetite for learning. His leadership pulled other international and domestic students out of their “shells,” as well. Students with strong academic abilities can sometimes be so focused on learning that they forget about other people. John, however, tested his abilities in the most difficult way – by teaching others. “John just loves to explain what he understands and to teach other students,” Truitt said. “He would eagerly volunteer to explain homework problems at the board, and, on a number of occasions, he was in my classroom after school in order to help one of his fellow cross-country teammates who was having trouble with the material.” John’s willingness to help was not limited to his peers. He was also committed to community service. “The most remarkable experience I had with John was when he joined the tutoring group that I coordinate,” Truitt said. “The student flourished under John … The last day of the tutoring for the year, the student was doing extra-long subtraction problems successfully, finally earned the reward, a bag of gummy worms. When John gave him the candy, he told him that he should share it with the

A dragon in Bell Buckle and beyond

“I became most impressed with the Chinese Club when I attended one of its standard Friday afternoon tea corners in the library,” she said. “There was John seated at his tea table, brewing different kinds of Chinese tea, serving it, and telling everyone what to look for in the taste of the different teas. Students of all ages and nationalities, as well as faculty members, dropped in for some tea. As we sat around the table some of the students commented on how much they enjoyed being able to relax this way on Friday afternoons. I really enjoyed watching the interaction among the many different kinds of students.” John appreciates that Webb is unique in many ways, and he has long-term aspirations to continue his outreach – teaching others – in the U.S. and when he returns to China. “By coming to Webb and the U.S., I learned Christianity, American history, politics, economics, Latin, and I have friends of many races, from many countries,” he said. “At Webb, teachers have been like my family. Students all know each other here. “Education is a noble job,” John said. “You can see people getting better because you helped them. You may not make a lot of money, but life will be meaningful.” John’s Webb career came to a close with him being named one of two recipients of the prestigious John Lewis Morgan Award (coverage on page 10).

Summer 2011

John’s family chose for him to complete his secondary education at The Webb School.

Despite the early challenges with communication, it didn’t take long for John to resume his place at the top of his class, earning the respect of his fellow students and teachers – and making friends along the way.

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The World comes to Webb;

International families applaud boarding experience

By Sara Withrow

he Webb School attracts students from all over Tennessee, the United States and the world to its Bell Buckle campus, providing a unique cultural mix that enhances learning and generates globally minded graduates.

“Chinese students can bring some culture, habits and traditions to the local people here,” Mr. Wang said. “People can miss out on cultural meanings. This is a kind of interchange, one that will help fill in the gaps of the different cultures and systems.”

“Outside of academic learning, there are life issues and skills attained in the boarding environment,” said Lilleth Dilworth. “(And) I wanted him to have international exposure …We were particularly impressed with the honor code.”

“Webb’s stellar reputation for preparing young people for college, career and life is renowned not only in the South, but across the country and abroad,” said Matt Anderson, director of operations in admissions and marketing.

According to Broadhead, this exchange of ideas and practices is mutually beneficial for the entire Webb community.

For Matthew the independence inherent in boarding life was attractive.

This year the school enrolled students from eight countries (Korea, China, Taiwan, Brazil, Great Britain, Jamaica, Vietnam and Nigeria); and 10 states. Webb has active alumni in 48 states, 35 countries and on every continent. “When you consider a small school, located in the rural town of Bell Buckle, Tennessee, you wouldn’t think of it as having a global influence,” said Head of School Raymond Broadhead. “But with Webb’s international student enrollment and 140-year history of producing highly learned and civic-minded graduates, it definitely impacts the world.”

The Webb School Magazine

Webb’s international students and their families cite a number of reasons for their enrollment, including the school’s college admissions success, its honor code and traditions, and the intimate and rural setting that creates Webb’s Character of Home. For the family of Jenny (Han) Wang, a native of China and a freshman, the broader educational focus at an American school like Webb was appealing. Additionally, Mr. Nanfei Wang, Jenny’s father, said the international exchange is beneficial for his daughter and for society, in general – especially considering the growing global business environment.

“Our international students bring such richness to our school,” he said. “They offer our domestic students and faculty daily opportunities to gain a broader awareness and understanding of other cultures.” Marcela Sampaio, a junior boarding student from Sao Paulo, Brazil, said study in the United States was an experience fully supported by her family. “The states have a better quality of life and my father wanted that for me,” she said. Her father, Marcelo Sampaio, was comfortable sending his daughter to school in America, partially because of his own experience as a high school exchange student in Omaha, Neb., in 1975. “We miss her, but today it is much easier than when I went to Omaha 35 years ago,” he said. “Today, you can talk to your daughter every day. When I was in school you had to write a letter and it took 20 days to go down to Brazil and to get a letter back. You could call, but it was really expensive.” The Dilworths of Jamaica said Webb’s welcoming residential environment was a key factor in their decision to send their son, Matthew, to the school.

“I really wanted that challenge of being away from home and the family,” he said. Dr. Youzhong An of China agreed that boarding offers unique advantages. His daughter, Amy, has studied and lived in a dormitory at Webb for the past three years. An intensive care doctor at Peking University People’s Hospital and professor, An maintains that what people consider “knowledge,” that which is obtained by reading books and studying, is in constant flux; what’s important is to train one’s thinking. “(For example) consider a pearl necklace and knowledge is the pearls,” he said. “The structure is the line; if you don’t have the line, it’s scattered everywhere. If the line is too short or too long, it’s not very pretty. … You can’t learn knowledge in everything; it needs structure to be beautiful.” According to Dr. An, The Webb School does not focus as much on knowledge attainment as Chinese schools, but instead concentrates more on developing thinking skills. “(And) This is good,” he added.

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6/9/2011 12:16:13 PM

A. Gowri Gowda ‘12 models during a fashion show held on Diversity Day B. Harley Walker ‘11 and Kayetlyn Jones ‘12 enjoy Diversity Day

The Webb School

CELEBRATES

By Sadie Fowler

Director of Communications

Founded by former Webb librarian Sandy Sanders, Diversity Day is an annual event that features student and faculty led activities, a cultural talent show, and an international buffet lunch complete with authentic dishes prepared by students and their families.

Some of the day’s highlights included a talent show that featured singing, dancing, fashion and even a sign language demonstration performed to music. The show brought students, faculty and guests to their feet more than once.

Mag Summer 2011.indd 27

Another part of the day brought Webb back to the Middle Ages, when a trebuchet contest was held. Faculty and students from all grades competed against one another after spending several hours building their siege engines during the days that led up to the competition. “The trebuchet construction project was the best project that I have ever done at Webb,” said Daniel Monroy, a ninth grader. “It has taught me how to work with others and toward the success of the team.” Spring Fest, a music festival highlighting student and Webb alumni bands, was also combined with the event this year. A variety of cultural booths were also displayed and featured countries ranging from Korea and Viet Nam to American regions.

Summer 2011

“This is a wonderful tradition,” said Sanders, who came back to campus for a lunch that included French, Greek, Italian, Chinese, Korean and, of course, Southern cuisine. “It exposes our American students to the cultures of other countries that are represented here. I am so glad that Hannah Little (current librarian) continued this tradition.”

cultural diversity

Daniel Monroy, Reed Spivey and Ben Morris stand beside their trebuchet

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Endowment health attributed to progressive strategies D

espite a challenging economic environment, The Webb School’s endowment has achieved returns that rival and surpass larger peer schools’ investment funds, the stock market – and the Consumer Price Index – over the past 10 years. Thanks to a progressive investment model spearheaded by a group of forwardthinking trustees and adopted by the board in 1998, the endowment had a 10-year average return of 6.6 percent (net of fees) for the period ending Dec. 31, 2010, and a fund balance of more than $23 million. “Webb’s endowment performance compares very well to almost any other benchmark,” said Drew Carrington ’83, chairman of The Webb School Investment Committee and managing director at UBS Global Asset Management in Chicago. With more than 20 years of experience in the investment field, Carrington added, “This is the best comparison table I’ve ever seen.”

The Webb School Magazine

An endowment is a permanent fund bestowed upon an institution or individual usually for a specific purpose. Claudia Hazelwood, Webb’s director of alumni and development explained, “The original endowment is never spent. Instead, the funds are invested and a portion of the earning is used each year to supplement income from tuition and annual gifts. There are approximately 70 individual endowments within Webb’s endowment, the majority of which are restricted. “ Prior to Carrington, David McElroy ‘86 chaired the committee; his predecessor was Jim Meadows ’52, who in all, had 18 years of involvement with the school’s endowment until 2007. “My first Board meeting as a new trustee was in October 1982 and I recall Webb Follin (chairman of the executive committee at the time) leading a discussion of the full Board as to how we should invest whatever small amount of money we had,” Meadows recalled. “I think we decided on some bonds.” Back then, the endowment was at $800,000. The Board knew it needed to make the growth of the endowment a top priority. Luckily for the Board, Wayne Rogers ‘50 obtained a matching gift from the William R. Kenan Charitable Trust.

Mag Summer 2011.indd 28

“We were successful in raising our part, $900,000, to get the full Kenan match of $300,000 and for the first time, with this $1.2 million, we had some serious, for us, money to manage,” said Meadows, explaining the Kenan match went on for three years adding a total of $3.6 million to the endowment by 1986. “Webb Follin and Bill Cammack (whose wife Jeanne was on the Board) of Equitable Securities, handled this for us and eventually Ward Cammack ’75 took over from Webb and his father and did an outstanding job until the time commitment became too much.” There have also been other major gifts that have built up the foundation of the endowment over the years. The largest single gift came in 2003 from the estate of Paul Trousdale ’31, whose wife Adrienne Trousdale Underhill served on Webb’s Board of Trustees for many years after his death. Family and friends of Gerald Webb Follin, Jr. ’38 contributed generously in the mid-1990s to create the G. Webb Follin, Jr. Chair in English. In 1984, the estate of W. Bryant Woosley, Sr. ’48, along with other family gifts, also made possible the Woosley Chair of Private Enterprise, now of Technology. Honoring Bryant Woosley’s many years of dedicated service to Webb, the fund ensures that there will always be resources for new innovation to enhance education and learning. Mr. and Mrs. William W. Walker III of Birmingham created the Dorothy Amy Walker’81 Memorial Endowed Scholarship following her tragic death in the fall after her Webb graduation. Each year it benefits a female boarding student. Through their continued gifts, it has now grown to be the school’s largest endowed scholarship. “Thanks to the generosity of friends and our good stewardship over the years, we have built (the endowment) to what it is today,” said Meadows, who specifically chaired Webb’s Investment Committee from 1997 to 2007. Once the foundation had been built up, the stewardship of the endowment became vitally important. According to the NACUBO (National Association of College and University Business Officers) annual endowment

study, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2010, the 10-year return on Webb’s endowment exceeded the average for similar endowments of less than $25 million by 2.7 percent; topped the return for endowments of $25-$50 million by 2.2 percent; was 1.8 percentage points higher than the average return for endowments of $50-$100 million; and exceeded the average return for endowments of $100-$500 million by 1.4 percent. “We outperformed even the largest endowments,” Carrington said. “In the worst economic environment (2008-10) since the Great Depression our endowment was basically flat (-0.1 percent).” In less than two years the fund has recovered from its lowest point to its current healthy position. Carrington credited the endowment’s resilience to the groundwork laid by his predecessor, Meadows; a diverse portfolio that includes alternative investments; and a strong policy and management structure. “Jim Meadows was very far sighted,” Carrington said. “He put us on a path in the late-1990s and the early part of this decade that would take our small endowment to new heights. … I inherited a fund that’s achieving its objectives.” Meadows’ model for Webb’s endowment wasn’t happenstance. He did his homework. Elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees in 1988, he began attending investment committee meetings as an ex-officio member in 1989. A graduate of Yale University and member of Yale’s 150-person Development Committee, Meadows was privy to a different type of fund management that was generating top returns for Yale under the direction of Chief Investment Officer David Swensen in the 1990s. “Swensen’s unconventional approach to institutional investment management was seeping into other major colleges and it seemed to me that Webb should try to emulate the Yale endowment if possible,” Meadows said. At the time, Webb’s endowment had been managed like most small educational endowments, in a traditional manner with an asset allocation of large cap domestic

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According to Carrington, the diversification, with controlled illiquidity, delivers more consistent returns, while safeguarding Webb’s investments.

$112,360

$3,939

$1,073

– Sara Withrow contributed to this article

1980

$12,455,755

1985

$7,124,917

1990

2005 2000

2010

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1965 1970

1975

Webb’s current investment committee consists of Carrington, Steve Graham ’65, Joe Mooney ’83, David McElroy ’86, John Sawyer ’88, Lee Woosley ’78, and ex-officio member Phil Coop ’66.

1995

$3,251,757

Meadows did extensive research, interviewing financial managers at approximately 25 private schools and small colleges who were already following Yale’s strategy to a certain extent. He received valuable feedback regarding their investment practices, as well as referrals for qualified money managers.

“It’s much easier to manage the school with a consistent performance, rather than a performance that bounces up and down. … Ultimately the job of the endowment is to turn the lights on. The investment committee and the board as a whole fully understand that the role of the endowment is to enable the school to provide better education to today’s students and those in the future.”

$572,376

As other universities such as Harvard, Princeton and Stanford began to follow Swensen’s model, Meadows and Webb’s Investment Committee at the time (Norfleet Anthony ’49, Walter Hale ’61, Tom Lisenby ’47, Blair Stephens ’53, Bob Thompson ’65, Lee Woosley ’78, and ex-officio members Jon Frere and Joe Iorio) became convinced that Webb’s endowment would benefit from a similar investment strategy.

The search for an “unconventional” consultant eventually led to the hiring of Joel Mangham

Presently, Webb’s endowment portfolio consists of 30 percent equities (U.S. and global stock); 30 percent hedge funds; 15 percent private equity; 10 percent real assets; and 15 percent cash and bonds – and closely mirrors the portfolio at Yale University.

“Our endowment has done well, but without very generous gifts from our alumni, friends and foundations, our endowment would be nowhere near $23 million,” he said. “Endowment size and growth is far more influenced by external gifts than any internal rate of return. Webb has been blessed to have such tremendous external financial support.”

$21,725,849

“Absolute Return is dedicated to exploiting inefficiencies in pricing marketable securities. Private Equity consists predominately of venture capital and leveraged buyout participations. Real Assets would include investments in timber, oil and gas, and other natural resources,” Meadows explained.

Mangham assisted the committee in rewriting Webb’s investment policy, which is now based on a rolling 12-quarter average of endowment returns to determine spending (or annual income for the school). The effect is a “smoothing” of contributions to the school’s operating budget, which cushions drastic market corrections, like those experienced in 2008, Carrington explained.

While progressive fund management has enhanced the endowment’s growth from approximately $1.2 million in the early 1980s to its current $23 million, Meadows said the generosity of Webb’s donors is the primary reason for its success.

$20,595,548

“Swensen believed that by identifying highreturn asset classes, not highly correlated with domestic marketable securities, investors could achieve diversification without the opportunity cost of investing in fixed income,” Meadows said. “He felt that adding value-based strategies such as Absolute Return, Private Equity, Real Estate, and Real Assets would make for a more risk-controlling portfolio with a strong likelihood of outperformance. Absolute Return consists of event-driven and valuedriven strategies such as merger arbitrage, distressed security investing, and offsetting long and short hedge positions.

in 1998. Mangham Associates, Inc. of Charlottesville, Va., continues to direct Webb’s endowment to this day.

$17,910,970

stocks, small cap domestic stocks, foreign equity and bonds.

Mag Summer 2011.indd 29

6/9/2011 12:16:15 PM

Following are annotated obituaries of alumni who have passed away. To view the announcements in their entirety, visit www.thewebbschool.com/alumni/alumni-home. The Webb School publishes obituaries as they are received from family and friends of alumni. Please submit notices to a_dwebb@webbschool.com.

1930s Joe Venable, Wylie Craft, Marion Marks and others prepare posts for the “new” tennis courts beside the gym in 1964 or 1965, my guess. Ed Johnson‘67

Allen Hughes Cogbill (’39), passed away Saturday, Feb. 26, 2011 at the Methodist LeBonheur Hospital, Germantown. A native of LaGrange, Allen was the second son of Charles Lipscomb Cogbill and Louise Allen Cogbill of LaGrange. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Alice and his brother, Charles L. Cogbill. He is survived by his four children.

1940s

NEW NEWS EVERYDAY

www.thewebbschool.com

David Jeffreys Matton,(’47), born March 2, 1929 in Mexico City, the youngest child of William George Matton, Sr. and Florence “Nan” Lyon Jeffreys Matton, died Monday, March 28, 2011.

The Webb School Magazine

2011 Webb Football Schedule 8/12 Jamboree @Lighthouse Christian Academy 8/26 Christian Community 9/2 Sacred Heart Academy 9/9 Aaron Academy 9/16 Middle TN Heat 9/23 Franklin Classical 9/30 Franklin Christian Academy 10/7 McClain Christian Academy 10/14 Holloway 10/21 SAS

Mag Summer 2011.indd 30

Away Away Away Home Home Home Away Home Home Away

6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm

Survivors include his wife of 31 years, Kathryn “Kay” Vick Matton; his three daughters, Anita Streeter, Barbara Bushong and Carol Matton. Jack Parkin Lynn (’48), age 81, died May 19, 2011. A native of Little Rock, ARK., he was the son of the late Louise Parkin and Jack Thomas Lynn and the grandson of the late Minnie V. and J.H. Parkin and Maria and John T. Lynn. He is survived by his wife, Jean Wills Lynn; two daughters, Laurie McHenry Tinnell and Lisa Ann Karamallakis, one son, Stephen Parkin and seven grandchildren.

SAVE t h e dat e August 13, 2011 • Registration

August 15, 2011 • First day of school

September 16 - 17, 2011 • Parents’ Weekend

November 4, 2011 • WSPA Auction

November 5, 2011

• Alumni Board Meeting and Class Agent Retreat

November 17 - 20, 2011 • Fall Theatre Production

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Alumni Connections 1940s Walter Redden (’49), Jackson, Miss., writes: “Just passed 80. Hugh (Jack) Hunt and I had a scrumptious lunch at Nick’s to celebrate my birthday.”

1950s Pat Nesbit (’57), Tracy City, Tenn., writes: “In 2007 my wife and I opened a small restaurant in Tracy City, Tenn., and since we are on a mountain it is appropriately named Tea on the Mountain (www. teaonthemountain.com). We serve lunch, afternoon and high tea and dinners by reservation. Take a look at our web site and next time you are up our way please stop in. Our son, Robert Jr, currently serves with the 82nd Airborne as Executive Officer of the 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment.

1960s Phil Coop (’66), Memphis, Tenn. Outgoing chairman of The Webb School Board of Trustees and Memphis businessman Phil Coop ‘66 was inducted into the Society of Entrepreneurs in April. Coop co-founded Ensafe, an environmental safety consulting firm in 1980; he currently serves as the president and CEO of the business. What began as a one-room operation on the cutting edge of helping businesses navigate environmental protection regulations and policies has grown into a company with worldwide impact and 15 offices located across the United States.

the business risk exclusions. The book was a project of the ABA TIPS Insurance Coverage Litigation Committee. The writers donated their services and funds generated by book sales are used for scholarships and other charitable purposes.”

1980s Doug Holder (’85), Sarasota, Fla. Doug is currently the Florida State Representative for District 70. He is happily married to wife Shannon. They live in Sarasota with their two children Chase, age 10; and Channing, age 5.

1990s Kathy Dusseau Kloos (’96), Portland, Ore., recently held the grand opening for her practice, Water of Life Natural Health. Kathy is a board certified naturopathic primary care physician, herbalist and licensed massage therapist practicing in Portland, Ore., where she lives with her husband Scott and 2-year-old old son Joaquin Dusseau Kloos (below).

Mag Summer 2011.indd 31

Megan Carroll Lawell (’02), Shelbyville, Tenn., writes: “I currently am teaching at Community High School in Unionville. I live in Shelbyville with my husband Ryan and two-year-old son Harper. We are expecting another boy in June!” Abby Lane Adams (’02), Amarillo, Texas, writes: “I got married Nov. 19, 2010 to Dale Adams. We went on our honeymoon to Kauai, Hawaii.” Laura Smith Oppenheimer (’05), Mobile, Ala., writes: “After graduating from the University of Alabama in December 2009, I moved to Mobile. I work for the Mobile Chamber of Commerce and married Harris Oppenheimer March 17.”

John Wyatt, Jr. (’07), Worcester, Mass, writes: “A new graduate of Worcester Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science in management information systems, I am currently starting my career at EMC as part of the IT Leadership Program. Thank you Webb for giving me the foundation to pursue this future!” Courtney Donaldson Pack (’94), Auburn, Ala., writes: “We are currently living in Auburn, AL I am an English teacher certified to teach 7-12th grades. I am currently teaching 8th grade English. We have three children: Logan (14) is in 8th grade, and Chase (8) and Mary Grace (6) are both in 1st grade. We are loving Auburn! War Eagle!”

Submit ‘Alumni Connection’ news:

Summer 2011

Steve Peters (’73), Fishers, Ind., writes: “I am a co-author of a book published by ABA Publishing.”The Reference Handbook on the Comprehensive General Liability Policy” came out late last year and has sold out its first printing, I co-wrote the chapter 11 on

John T. Bragg, III (’00), Murfreesboro, Tenn., joined Beacon Technologies of Nashville, Tenn., in February as the Rutherford County Account Manager.

Bobby Newman (’06), Senatobia, Miss., writes: “2010 Graduate of The University of Mississippi- Bachelor of Arts in English. Currently working as Director of Youth Ministries at Senatobia Presbyterian ChurchSenatobia, MS.”

Robert Lee (’68), Geneva, Ohio, writes: “Retired from US Government April 30, 2010 after heart related medical problems. Besides, it was time to move on.”

1970s

2000s

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Email: a_dwebb@webbschool.com

6/9/2011 12:16:17 PM

The Webb School BELL BUCKLE

Post Office Box 488 Bell Buckle, TN 37020

The Webb School Magazine

Address Service Requested

Mag Summer 2011.indd 32

6/9/2011 12:16:18 PM