ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

Bob Johnson ’71 Madison Ave Designs is a full-service innovative company creating turn-key solutions through design, manufacturing, and installation, providing a complete overall look. The business has taken different directions during its 34 years, and it’s about to take another! “I am not retiring. Instead, I am redirecting and returning to fine arts; drawing, painting, writing, and a newfound adventure, documentaries. My daughter, Merritt, has named her business M.A.D. by Merritt, a division of Madison Ave Designs that creates handblown glass, custom paintings, murals, and fine arts…and so, it continues.”

A brandywine maple tree was planted in memory of McGehee Isaacs ’72 by Bruce and Leslie Isaacs. The tree is located at the Sayre Athletic Complex…a perfect spot to honor McGehee. The sign reads: In Memory of McGehee Isaacs ’72 Scholar Athlete 4 years Varsity Football Team 4 years Varsity Track Team 3 years Varsity Basketball Team Student Council Vice President Denison University

Tom Cowgill ’73 of Portsmouth, New Hampshire was in Lexington this summer for a visit. While here he got together with Jay Hollingsworth ’72 and Buck Prewitt ’74 at Mrs. Leslie Hollingsworth’s birthday party.

Holly Wiedemann ’73 implemented her succession plan and sold her company to her long-time employee, Johan Graham, to continue AU Associates’ affordable housing and development legacy. Being a serial entrepreneur, Holly is starting Elkhorn Enterprises, LLC, and has already identified her first project; an 1898 post office in Paris, Kentucky. She will transform that into a patisserie and Airbnb units. Stay tuned! Most exciting, however, is that she and Bart will soon be grandparents and will be spending lots of time in Colorado with their son, Britt van Dissel ’07, daughter-in-law Rachel, and Baby van Dissel!

Janet Johnson ’75 Kenworthy recently retired and sold her business, the Rooster’s Wife, in Aberdeen, North Carolina. Janet says that over the past year, she had time for reflection. “Like the seasons, it is time for a change for the Rooster’s Wife,” said Janet. “I will continue projects in music, but not at the venue.” Janet says she will be doing

The Class of 1980 was set to celebrate its 40th anniversary. However, instead, this close-knit, small class decided to honor its members who were no longer with them, those who had passed away too soon. Led by classmates Lini Kadaba and Dan Eldridge, the class raised sufficient funds for two memorial trees and a commemorative plaque at the Sayre Athletic Complex. The Brandywine Maple trees are prominently planted in a new row between the Pavilion and the Alumni Deck.

Additional funds were donated to the Green Dot (anti-bullying) program in the Upper School. The sixteen contributors to the Class of 1980 Memorial Fund can be found in the Honor Roll of Donors.

some stage managing at other venues and continuing her partnership with the Cameo Theatre in Fayetteville.

Beth Mayhew Blackey ’05 exchanged vows with Thomas C. G. Farris of Lexington on September 4, 2021 at her parents’ farm in Woodford County. Her sisters, Ellie Blackey Davis ’00, Cady Blackey Brown ’02, and Dory Blackey Dale ’08, were Matrons of Honor. Sarah Gay Barnett Boswell ’04 was among the Honorary Bridesmaids. Congratulations, Beth and Thomas!

Ward Roberts ’10 and Sarah Smith were married September 25, 2021 at Saint James Catholic Church in Louisville. The reception was held at the Pendennis Club. Sayre alumni in attendance included the brother of the groom Foster Roberts ’13, Alex Cantrill ’10, Field ’10 and Kelly Ball ’12 Broadbent, Katie McCarthy ’10, Ryan Bacon ’10, Josh Solomon ’10, Nick Klus ’10, Carter Leer ’10, Allen Prewitt ’13, Thomas Richards ’07, Mary Jo Hoffman ’12, Dougie Hilliard ’09, Mason Hoffman ’10, Conrad Bandaroff ’11, Claire Hager ’10 and Hunter Hager ’10. “Sarah and I met at Centre College in 2012 and have been together ever since. We currently live in Saint Matthews in Louisville. Sarah works for Brown Forman Corporation, and I am employed at Lantech.” Congratulations, Sarah and Ward!

Perry Garrett ’11 and Matt Reilly were married August 20, 2021 at Christ Church Cathedral in Lexington. The reception was held at The Apiary. Perry’s older sister Margaret Garrett Reilly ’08 served as Matron of Honor, and Perry’s younger brother Henry ’13 was a groomsman. Jay Reilly, father of the groom, served as Best Man. Perry and Matt reside in Nashville. Congratulations, Perry and Matt!

Wyatt Hood ’16 graduated from the University of Kentucky’s Air Force ROTC program on May 2021. He has been selected to commission as a Second Lieutenant Cyberspace Command Officer. We’re proud of you, Wyatt!

Last fall I had the opportunity to work in Sayre’s Communications Office. I really enjoyed working with the team and giving back to the school. My tasks included capturing photos of all things Sayre, drafting social media posts, conducting a competitor’s analysis, and creating digital media graphics. I had the best time being back and seeing so many familiar faces around campus from a different perspective! I recently graduated from the University of Kentucky. Currently, I am the Inside Sales Leader and Studio Stylist Associate for Astral here in Lexington! — Hannah Brady ’16

Greg Kimmerer ’18 was selected as a Goldwater Scholar, the highest undergraduate science award in the nation. We’re proud of your achievement, Greg!

Philip O’Rourke ’12 accepted a position as Assistant Principal at St. Germaine, a private, Catholic, Pk-8 Blue Ribbon School in the Chicago Suburbs. He is also coaching the 8thgrade girls’ basketball team. He is currently enrolled in a second Master’s program for Administration and Leadership through Loyola Chicago, concluding in summer 2022. In fall 2022, he will become the principal at St. Germaine and transition into an Ed.D. Program. If you’re ever in Chicago, let him know!

Elizabeth Hunter Roberts ’14 and William Kyle Hammer were married June 26, 2021 at Central Christian Church in Lexington. The reception was held at Sayre School in the Thomas A. Grunwald Buttery. Sayre alumni attending the wedding were Maid of Honor Elizabeth Parkes ’14, Bridesmaid Haydn White ’14, Bridesmaid Ellen Ray ’14, Josh Sherman ’99, and Justin Sherman ’04. “Sayre School has played an integral part in our journey to find one another, so it was only fitting that we celebrate our marriage on Sayre’s beautiful campus. As a lifer, the Sayre community has been family to me since 1999 when I began preschool. The following year, I had the honor of being a pre-K4 student in Mrs. Sherman’s class. Little did anyone know I would marry her nephew twenty years later. To be fully known and cared for by your school community is a priceless advantage, unique to Sayre students. The Sayre experience is unparalleled, and we are proud to have had the opportunity to begin our lives together in a place as significant as Sayre School.” Congratulations, Hunter and Kyle!

Ellie Bernard ’16, Kennedy Sabharwal ’17, and Sydney Strup ’17 UK College of Medicine White Coat Ceremony took place July 30, 2021. Pictured are three members of the Class of 2025: Sayre alumni Ellie Bernard ’16, Kennedy Sabharwal ’17, and Sydney Strup ’17. Congratulations, ladies!

SPECIAL AWARDS

The Brucie Glenn Rowe Student Government

Award was established by her parents, friends, and the school and is given for service, leadership and devotion to the spirit of the school. Attending Stanford University, Parker Stewart was this year’s recipient. Clark Kwun, this year’s recipient of The Marc Goldenberg Science

Award, is attending Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. This award is given to a junior or senior who has demonstrated a high interest in science. The Todd O’Neill Award

is presented to a rising 9th grader who is distinguished in the areas of scholarship, athletics, citizenship, and service to the school and consists of an engraved julep cup and $1,000 scholarship. This year’s recipient was Fiona Lee.

ALUMNI BLUE GOLD AWARDS

The Karl E. Knapp Excellence in the Study of Environmental Resource Conservation Award was

awarded to Anna Kate Miedler ’22 and Colin Miedler ’22. This award is named for Dr. Knapp ’77, a Stanford University student and subsequent faculty member. Dr. Knapp attributed his passion for science to his years at Sayre and Science Department Chair Libby Kikuchi.

Presented annually to a senior or seniors who have demonstrated good citizenship, leadership, and community service at Sayre, the Alumni Blue Gold Award was created by the Alumni Council in 1984. It is the highest and oldest award given by the Sayre Alumni. This year’s recipients were William Connor Davis, son of Mark ’89 and Holly Davis, Emerson Laine Goodman, daughter of Rob ’89 and Michelle ’91 Goodman, Jackson Gregory Grau, son of Gregory and Sara Grau, and Abigail Corrine Grunwald, daughter of Andrew ’89 and Jane Grunwald. Connor is attending the University of South Carolina and Emme is attending the University of Kentucky. Jackson is attending the University of Mississippi and Abby is attending Auburn University.

IN MEMORIUM 2021

MACK BAILEY, a former Sayre faculty member from 1965-1970, passed away on January 22, 2021. Mr. Bailey taught science, biology, mathematics, and anthropology during his tenure at Sayre. In 1967, the third edition of The Pillars was dedicated to him. Mr. Bailey is survived by daughters Robin Valle and Vicky Bailey (Don Barber), his son William Bailey (Melvenia), five grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and former student and longtime family friend Hardy Griffith ’67. MARTHA LAIR CLAY ’66 of Lexington departed this life on May 16, 2021. She was the daughter of the late Samuel Clay, Jr. and Dorothy Lair Clay. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Samuel Clay III. Martha is survived by her sister Kate C. Barret; her younger brother Charlton A. Clay (Tom Douglas Parrish); nieces Elizabeth Barret Stilz (Coley), Anne Barret Wallin (Jason), Lauren Clay Barret, Molly Clay Baird, Hannah Ruth Clay, and nephew Samuel Clay IV; and her sister-in-law Whitney Elvove Clay.

SUSAN HYDE PARRISH, the widow of David C. Parrish, Jr., passed away peacefully with her family at her side on March 17, 2021. She was 96. Mrs. Parrish served as a Sayre board member from 1969 - 1972. She is survived by her brother Joseph L. Hyde, Jr., her son Rodes Shackelford Parrish, daughters Helen Parrish Beach ’66 (Charlie) and Leslie Parrish Isaacs ’69 (Bruce ’70); grandchildren Taylor Beach Moloney (Whit), Charles Beach IV (Ceci), David Parrish Isaacs ’99 (Sydney), and William Stewart Isaacs ’01; great-grandchildren Elliott and Fielding Moloney, Louise and Henry Isaacs, and Eliza and Shack Beach. She was predeceased by her sister Harriette Hyde Rowlands.

Horsing Around for 30 Years!

The Sayre Horse Show celebrated 30 years of “Horsing Around” last May! It was a record year for sponsorships, and the pandemic certainly did not discourage riders from competing. As we celebrated, we also remembered those who started the tradition and managed the show for many years. This year’s show was dedicated to the memory of Jocelyn Dickson, past parent. Jocelyn, alongside the late Kelly Fleckinstein (former Assistant to the Head of School), ensured the show’s success.

A special thank you to the following individuals who continue to make the show happen each year – Sally Lockhart, Show Organizer; Jan Whitehouse, Show Secretary; Kelley Corrigan and Mandy Stivers, Sponsorship Co-chairs; Leslie Isaacs, Hospitality; and Barb Milosch, Treasurer and Show Liaison.

This year, past parent Shelley Ryan played a huge role in setting the stage for the show and managing the day of activities. In addition, a genuine thank you to the countless volunteers and Sayre employees Adrienne Clarke, Aaron Simmerman, Steve Guynn, and the Buildings and Grounds staff for their unfailing help.

The Horse Show Committee appreciates everyone’s support in making the Sayre Horse Show a success.

ADVANCEMENT: SPECTACTULAR MONTH OF MARCH

SPECTACULAR MONTH OF MARCH!

Sayre’s Day of Giving and Spectacular were brought together for a Spectacular Month of March in 2021. The month kicked off with Sayre’s second Day of Giving on March 2. Thanks to our wonderful Sayre community, records from the previous years were broken in participation and donations. Many parent volunteers served as social media ambassadors and shared the message all day to their friends and followers.

The Sayre Spectacular took on a different form this year, one of distance. Again, thanks to the Sayre community, the Zoomed auctions, sponsorships, and senior spotlights were embraced enthusiastically resulting in another successful school fundraiser. A Spartan thank you to Silent Chair Katie Maftoum, Class Basket Chair Anu Bansal, Faculty Fun Chair Tiffany Christopher, and Associate Director of Admissions Libby Clay ’07 who was the alumni liaison.

Board member and past parent Anne Pittman worked tirelessly as sponsorship chair, and Leigh Ann Castellanos chaired the senior spotlight sponsors. Special deliveries of a Spartan spread snack and beverage package were made to all corporate and senior spotlight sponsors. Spread taste treats were donated by Susan ’95 and Cole Arimes ’91, Jonathan Lundy, Michael Russell ’05, La Petite Délicat, Yuji Yamaguchi, and Mayuko Ashida. A Spartan strong “thank you” to all Spectacular Month of March volunteers and supporters.

Yard Sign Delivery to Seniors, Faculty, and Staff

Sayre took advantage of opportunities to spread Spartan pride throughout the year by celebrating their faculty and staff and the Class of 2021. The Advancement and Communication teams and more than 30 parent and student volunteers delivered yard signs to the homes of 78 seniors and 136 faculty and staff members. During the weekend of April 24 and 25, volunteers planted signs across Lexington and 11 surrounding communities. Social media was flooded with pictures and words of appreciation from recipients. The buzz of activity was a delightful reminder of the strength of the Sayre community.

ADVANCEMENT: GRANDPARENTS AND SPECIAL PERSONS’ DAY

BY VIRTUAL NECESSITY

Tugging at the heartstrings as only Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Weber can do, the much anticipated and beloved Grandparents and Special Persons’ Day became an opportunity for the Sayre Singers and Spartones to join together in a remarkable and touching rendition of “Already Home.” The video piece was shared with grandparents and those special family members and friends. Each Preschool and Lower School class created unique projects expressing love to those social distancing from the precious children in their lives.

DEDICATED SERVICE TO SAYRE

The Heidi Hosbach Newman Commons

The Heidi Hosbach Newman Commons was officially dedicated on Thursday, January 28, 2021. Honoring Heidi’s contribution to the Middle School as Director and English faculty member, there could be no more appropriate space for this distinction than the center of all student gatherings. Video tributes from students, family, and faculty members filled the room with the warmth and character that defined her legacy to the Sayre Middle School. Congratulations to Heidi for this honor and on her retirement!

William “Bill” M. Barnes Galley

In recognition of his distinguished service to students and faculty for over 20 years, the Buttery kitchen was officially named the William “Bill” M. Barnes Galley in April 2021. Bill, a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, introduced many advancements to food preparation and service while satiating the entire campus day in and day out! Thank you, Bill, and enjoy retirement in beautiful Savannah, Georgia!

Timothy J. O’Rourke Administrative Suite

Honoring his 26 years at the helm of the Upper School, the front offices were named the Timothy J. O’Rourke Administrative Suite this past spring. Starting his long and impressive affiliation with the school in 1995, Tim was instrumental in building the award-winning Lucy Bryans VanMeter Upper School and guiding its curricula and programs into the leading independent school in the region.

Lower School Recognition Wall

Four amazing teachers retired from the Lower School this spring. Each of these remarkable professionals left unique and indelible impressions on the hundreds of students they greeted every day in their classrooms. A tribute to their dedication now hangs at the foot of the front staircase reading: Embracing Our Core Values Wisdom Integrity Respect Compassion With Twenty Plus Years of Dedicated Service to Sayre School Retired 2021: Joan Skees, 33 years Eve Greathouse, 31 years Michele O’Rourke, 26 years Georgia Henkel, 24 years

Thomas A. Grunwald Donor Wall

Thirty select guests were on hand to celebrate the unveiling of the Thomas A. Grunwald Donor Wall in the Thomas A. Grunwald Buttery. Commissioned in 2019 with sculptor Cindy Wolf, the bronze relief of Tom Grunwald is the focal point of the donor wall where approximately 200 donors are recognized for gifts made to the school honoring Tom. The inscription reads: Sharing his love of life, learning and Sayre School while having a kind word for all he met, we honor Tom as a consummate educator, friend and adventurer: a true Renaissance man. Tom reveled in the camaraderie of students and faculty coming together in the Buttery. Richard Turnbull ’74 was instrumental in choosing the sculptor. He shared hundreds of photographs of Tom with her. According to Cindy, the hardest part was changing a 2-dimensional image into a three-dimensional image. Richard added, “It was important that the final product be a work of art and not just a brass plaque.” Clearly Richard chose the right artist whose talents were perfectly suited for this bronze casting worthy of Tom’s memory.

SUMMER SABBATICAL: TERRA COTTA AND BARRO NEGRO

Upper School 3D Art teacher Althea Wiggs spent her summer sabbatical in Oaxaca, Mexico studying ceramics and printmaking - fully immersed in the vastly textured state of Oaxaca. Oaxaca City is rich and vibrant in artistic, culinary, and archaeological legacies. Oaxaca State is known as the land of contrasts, containing everything from the cosmopolitan lifestyle of Oaxaca City to the tropical jungle where the southern tip of Mexico meets the Pacific Ocean. Althea’s journey was as varied as the region she visited. With a gorgeous view from the clouds high on a hill, she spent what she describes as “a magical month in the stars.” Her home away from home was situated in the Colonia de las Estrellas (Colony of the Stars) on Jupiter, Pluton, and Revolucion Streets in an Airbnb owned by Zapoteca sisters from the region who work in filmmaking and education. Her first enchantment was with printmaking on Porfirio Diaz’s mural-framed cobblestone street, abundant with social commentary, creativity, and ancient botanicals on every corner. When not venturing out to the nearby towns to open-air markets, sun-faded cantinas, and archaeological sites, most of the trip was spent walking to the museums and markets for lunch, taxiing through the bustling city, and sitting in one of the many colorful neighborhood parks. There were hikes through the heart of the spectacular Sierras. Parades with puppets and mariachis lined the streets at unexpected moments, as embroidery is woven into a world of traditional and contemporary fashion.

Everything about her visit was rich, but the goal of the trip was to deepen her understanding of traditional ceramics processes. Large families work together to sculpt, mold, glaze, and wood-fire pottery. Her favorites were Tallers Barro Negro (black pottery) and Manos Que Ven (red clay), run by a blind man whose wife helps him with the finishing touches and whose son follows this carving tradition. All were wonderfully welcoming and inclusive. These experiences will fuel Althea’s role at Sayre as she explores with her students a multitude of textures and patterns using various materials and new projects in 3D Art and Ceramics. She hopes to work in the black pottery groundfiring tradition and further research natural fiber and printmaking in contemporary expression. In addition, she continues to set new standards of process-oriented, hands-on learning for the art programs at Sayre Upper School.

NAIS People of Color Conference 2020

In December 2020, six Sayre educators attended the National Association of Independent Schools’ People of Color Conference “New Decade/New Destinies.” Faculty members George Bebensee, Margo Buchanan, Chaka Cummings, Elizabeth Davis, Jeff Oldham, and Ashley Sipple-McGraw attended the

conference, which was offered virtually for the first time. Educators from Sayre have participated in the conference for over twenty years.

Ashley Sipple-McGraw said, “I enjoyed the sessions that I attended at PoCC this year. Of course, it wasn’t the same as being in person, but the benefit is that the sessions are available on demand. Some of the more popular ones reached full Zoom capacity, around 1,000.” Educators who registered were able to catch up on remote sessions throughout December.

Honor Roll of Donors