Climbing To Greater Heights by Sayre School

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Upper School Theatre • March 10-12, 2023

2024 FINE ARTS SPRING CALENDAR OF EVENTS MS Art Exhibit Opening—C.V. Whitney Middle School Friday, January 5, 2:45 PM

US Art Exhibit Opening—Upper School Whitaker Family Atrium Wednesday, January 17, 10 AM MS Musical “Madagascar Jr.”— Farish Theatre Friday, January 12, 9:50 AM and 12:30 PM Saturday, January 13, 2 PM Sunday, January 14, 2 PM

US Spring Musical—Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center Friday, March 8, 7 PM Saturday, March 9, 7 PM Sunday, March 10, 2 PM

US Spring Concert—First Church Of God, Winchester Tuesday, March 26, 6:30 PM

US Art Exhibit Opening—Upper School Whitaker Family Atrium Wednesday, April 17, 10 AM US Recital—TBA

Wednesday, April 17, 7 PM

LS/MS Spring Concert—Lower School Limestone Commons Friday, May 17, 8:30 AM

LS Art Exhibit Opening—LS Campus Thursday, May 20, 3:30 PM

56 37

56 10 Class of 2023 18 Student Experience

THE PODIUM is a magazine published by Sayre School.

38 Innovation

EDITORS

56 FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS

John and Carolyn Hackworth Adrienne Kim Clarke Barb Milosch Heidi Newman Kristin Seymour

Sayre provides a foundation for success for each and every Spartan

CONTRIBUTORS

48 Meet the Moment 50 Faculty Excellence

Athletic Coaching Staff Brad Becker Cathy Bilberry Laura Bonzo-Sims Clint Calzini Ben Graves ’85 The Fine Arts Department Stephen Manella Barb Milosch Jacki Neistat Marti Quintero Sayre School Faculty Kristin Seymour Nance Everts Julianne C. Waldron ’93

64 Alumni Learn how our alumni are achieving greater heights

ON THE COVER Lauren Eberth ’19 hiked to Lago Bleu in Champoluc, Italy while attending the International Conference on Serpentine Ecology this past summer. Story on page 64.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Rebecca Ashby Adrienne Kim Clarke Lindsay Joyce Mark Mahan Barb Milosch Phillips Mitchell Redden Photography

DESIGN

Noe Design

SAY RE online sayreschool sayreschool sayreschoollexington sayreschool @sayrespartans sayre-school

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All Rise To Our Sayre Community,

On the mantle in my office is All Rise, the history of Sayre written by William Williams, our 19th Head of School who served from 1976-1990. Discussing the founding of Sayre, he states that the history of institutions is full of stories of their “hopes and aspirations.” As I reflect on our school’s incredible 169-year legacy, it’s clear that our commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and the holistic development of every student remains as steadfast as ever. All Rise refers to a tradition, begun in the 1960’s, of students standing to mark the commencement of chapel or what we refer to today as assemblies. While the “all rise” tradition has faded away, the gesture of a community rising together provides a powerful symbol of our greatest strength--we climb to far greater heights by working together toward a common goal. This year, we find ourselves at the threshold of an exciting journey—a movement—a moment that signals us to unite as champions of Sayre’s future and create a transformational impact. As with every year when we kick off The Sayre Fund, the annual appeal for the school, we entreat everyone in our community to come together and participate because each gift makes a real difference for both the present and future of Sayre. This remains true. Yet, this year’s Sayre Fund reminds us to “Meet the Moment” and recognize that what we do today to support Sayre will be the foundation of who we are tomorrow. Our bold goals as Kentucky’s oldest independent private PK-12 school transcend across our institution: from offering the highest in academic achievement and cross-campus innovation to growing a top-flight athletics program and supporting our world-class faculty. But, we want to do even more. Here, history is not just something to be learned; it’s something to be made. Through the dedication and expertise of our faculty, the engagement and generosity of our parent body, the hard work and vibrance of our students, and the accomplishments of our alumni who are making their mark in the world, the Sayre Difference is evident. We have a unique gift in the connective power of our school, and each of us plays a role in propelling Sayre forward to Meet the Moment. Let us ALL RISE and meet this moment head-on and ensure that Sayre’s legacy continues to flourish for generations to come. Go Spartans!

Stephen Manella Head of School

2023 BEST IN CL ASS

38M

84%

FACULTY WITH ADVANCED DEGREES

IN SCHOLARSHIPS

FACULTY-TO-STUDENT RATIO

in last four years

7 10 TOP 3 OUT OF

STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN A SPORT

PRIVATE SCHOOL IN STATE (PK-12) —Niche

ATHLETIC COLLEGIATE SIGNEES

8,000+ SERVICE HOURS

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7:1

63%

ACCEPTANCE RATE FOR EARLY DECISION

OLDEST SCHOOL IN STATE (PK-12)

From the

Board

A Letter from The Chairman of the Board of Trustees When I first heard the words “my heart feels safe at Sayre” from a recent graduate about her time as a student, it reaffirmed my belief that we have a very connective community with a culture focused on individuals. That student’s sentiment genuinely captures the mission of Sayre and what we desire for Spartans today and in the future. For nearly 170 years, Sayre has delivered on its commitment to provide an innovative and inclusive environment that empowers young learners to achieve excellence, embrace challenge, and cultivate integrity. Plenty of independent schools provide a robust learning environment that challenges the student body. The connections we form and maintain are the difference – the Sayre Difference. This institution has been on a rapid trajectory since its founding in 1854: campus expansion, enhanced scholastic programming, new technology, increased student population, and advancements in both the arts and athletics. While the school continues to change and innovate, the heart and soul of Sayre remains as strong as ever. As parents, we can be confident knowing our children are in a safe environment that challenges them to succeed in and outside the classroom. Land, buildings, and equipment cannot provide that experience alone. Our capable and devoted faculty perform that remarkable task each day. I am proud of the team we have and am grateful for their work. As trustees, we have pledged to advance Sayre’s mission and ensure the integrity of the institution continues for the next 170 years. We are responsible for decisions regarding the school’s budget, compliance, and real estate while also entrusted to provide the guidance needed to navigate the future. Though we are a diverse group with a variety of talents and backgrounds, as a collective we have one central goal: moving Sayre forward and inspiring a culture of philanthropy. During a recent meeting, we were able to visit classrooms and observe students across all three divisions of campus. This perspective was extremely valuable as we had not seen certain aspects of the school in some time. It also created space to reflect on where we have come from and where we want to go. It is our culture that “makes us feel safe” and our connection that will move us forward as a world-class learning community. Our moment is now. We must build upon the long-standing connections to each other, find common ground, and continue to advance our school. On behalf of the entire Board, we are leaning into our role as advocates for Sayre. We will focus significant effort and time to review and broaden the philanthropic culture within the community. As parents, past parents, grandparents, and alumni, I hope you will join us in this worthy endeavor. Sincerely,

Michael Thornberry Chair

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BOARD AWARDS Each year, the Board of Trustees honors four individuals for their distinguished service to Sayre. THE MILES SERVICE AWARD is named in honor

of Dorothy Moomaw Miles, Headmistress of Sayre from 1952 to 1961. Awards are presented to both a current parent and a past patron (traditionally a past parent or parent of an alum) who have been actively involved in the school’s daily life, providing opportunities for parent and/or student participation and expression. This year’s current parent recipient is KATIE

MAFTOUM. Year after year, Katie has

enthusiastically supported our community through countless volunteer hours for SPA and Sayre Spectacular, organizing class baskets and serving as Silent Auction Chair in 2021 and 2022. In addition, she has coordinated the Fall Festival for the past three years, transforming the Sayre Athletic Complex into a fun-filled playland for our youngest Spartans. Katie’s commitment and positivity have touched the lives of students in every division of Sayre. She and her husband Sami have three daughters in the Lower and Middle School—Hannah and Sarah in third grade and Julia in sixth grade. We are fortunate that the Maftoum family has many more years with us at Sayre! The past patron recipient of the MILES AWARD is Shelley Slabaugh, who, quite simply, has the Midas Touch. Her exquisite leadership of the 2022 Sayre Spectacular created a magical evening for everyone in attendance while establishing a fundraising record. She has played an equally impactful role for the Booster Club, serving as the President. When Shelley sets her sights on a goal, she brings a creative flair while exceeding all expectations. Her impressive ability to execute any vision has enabled her to promote and support our students’ passions and our faculty’s devotion. Shelley and her husband Tommy are the proud parents of Sammy ’22 and Charlie ’25.

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THE MCCLELLAN AWARD is named in honor of

Major Henry Brainerd McClellan, Sayre’s most distinguished and longest-tenured Headmaster, who served Sayre from 1870-1904. The recipient of this award is to be a friend or organization of the school that has made significant contributions in service to the student body. This year’s recipient is CHAD PENNINGTON, who has brought much more than football back to Sayre. It is impossible to adequately measure his positive impact on our community—from shaping the lives of young men for the better, fostering spirited engagement within our entire community, and inspiring support for Sayre through his leadership, integrity, and generosity. Thanks to Chad and the indomitable support of his wife Robin, we are winning both on and off the field. The Penningtons have three boys – Cole ’22, Luke ’25 and Gage ’27.

THE TRUSTEE AWARD is given to a current or past Trustee of the school who has been singled out by their fellow trustees as a leader in providing guidance and direction to the school through their efforts. This year’s designee, MORGAN FISTER, completed two terms on the Board, bringing an impressive array of strengths and financial acumen to critical areas of board leadership and oversight—serving on the Executive Committee as Vice-Chair and then Treasurer. His eight years of service on the Finance Committee, including two as Chair, was pivotal to Sayre’s success as we strengthened the school’s financial stability, expanded our footprint with the purchase of real estate adjacent to campus, enhanced employee benefits, and funded Provision for Plant Replacement, Renewal and Special Maintenance (PPRRSM). We are so grateful for his commitment and service. Morgan and his wife Taylor, are the parents of two Sayre graduates, McMillan ’18 and Sims ’20.

Miles Service Award recipients left to right: Katie Maftoum and Shelley Slabaugh

WELCOME NEW BOARD MEMBERS SARAH MCCREADY BOSTON ’94. A lifer at Sayre,

Sarah resides in the New York area but maintains close ties to and regularly visits Kentucky for family business. Sarah graduated cum laude from Bowdoin College in 1998 and the University of Maine School of Law in 2003. Sarah is married to Hugh Chester Boston III, and they have two children, Richard and Isabel. Sarah currently serves on the Board’s Finance and Investment committees.

GARYEN DENNING. After graduating from Wake

Forest University, Garyen went on to earn his MBA from the Warrington School at the University of Florida. He and his wife Bethany are the parents of Turner ’26, Emma ’28, and Max ’32. Garyen serves on the Board’s Outreach Committee.

WILLIAM “BUSH” GESS ’06. Bush is a Sayre lifer.

After Sayre, he earned a Business and Marketing degree from High Point University. Bush is married to Margaret Barr ’05 (also a Sayre lifer). They have three children - Louise “Ouisie” ’35 and William “Henning” ’33 at Sayre, and George ’38. He is serving on the Governance and Finance committees.

KATIE MCCARTHY ’10. Katie received her

bachelor’s degree in Integrated Strategic Communications from the University of Kentucky where she played collegiate tennis. Katie is serving on the Board’s Outreach Committee.

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CLASS OF 2023 CLASS OF 2023 PERFORMANCE

seniors are attending 36 different colleges in 17 different states, District of Columbia, and the United Kingdom

87%

of seniors received merit scholarships, totaling over $9.3 million

$169,000

average scholarship per student

83%

of the senior class completed one or more AP examinations

50%

of seniors scored 28 or above on the ACT; 34% scored 30 or above

National Merit Finalists

seniors are participating in intercollegiate athletics

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American University Appalachian State University Arizona State University Auburn University + Austin Peay State University Baylor University Bellarmine University Belmont University Brown University Butler University Centre College + Chapman University Clemson University + College of Charleston Colorado State University Denison University DePaul University DePauw University 12

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Duke University Eastern Kentucky University Eckerd College Elon University Emerson College Emory University Florida Institute of Technology Florida State University Furman University George Washington University Goldsmiths University of London Hampden-Sydney College High Point University Indiana University James Madison University Johnson & Wales University Kentucky Wesleyan University King’s College, London

Lehigh University Louisiana State University Loyola University Chicago Marshall University Miami University Michigan State University Midway University + Morehead State University New York University North Carolina State University Ohio State University Pace University Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Pomona College Pratt Institute Purdue University Rhodes College

Class of 2023 Acceptances 100% of the 2023 graduates matriculated at four-year colleges and universities Two or more students attending from the Class of 2023 designated with + Matriculations in bold

Rice University Roanoke College Robert Morris University Samford University Savannah College of Art & Design School of the Art Institute of Chicago School of Visual Arts Seton Hall University Sewanee: The University of the South Southern Methodist University Syracuse University Texas A & M University Texas Christian University Transylvania University + Tulane University University of Alabama University of Arizona University of Arkansas

University of Central Florida University of Cincinnati + University of Florida University of Georgia University of Kentucky + University of Liverpool University of Louisville University of Lynchburg University of Maryland University of Miami University of Mississippi University of New Hampshire University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University of North Dakota University of Oklahoma University of Oregon University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh

University of South Carolina + University of Southern California University of Southern Indiana University of Tampa University of Tennessee University of Texas at Austin University of Texas at Dallas University of Virginia University of Washington University of Wisconsin-Madison Vanderbilt University Virginia Tech + Washington and Lee University + Western Kentucky University + Wofford College Xavier University

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lifers

lEGACIES

A lifer is a student who has attended Sayre School since first grade or 12 years or more.

For over 167 years, students have followed in their parents’ footsteps by graduating from Sayre. Among those in the Class of 2023 were:

Ania Ansari Glenna Conley Cate Davis Mohib Haider Matthew Hustler Mary Jann Grady Johnson

Graham Johnson Sophia Lee Olivia McMahon Mallory Pitman Sophia Richardson Mia Robertson

Brady Atkins Cate Davis Grady Johnson Graham Johnson Jake Nahra Anna Palumbo

Mallory Pitman Christian Richardson (not photographed) Mia Robertson Henry Turner

Diplomas of Distinction Sayre offers Diploma Distinctions in five discrete areas to recognize students’ affinities and accomplishments in these different disciplines: Distinction in Creative Arts, Distinction in Engineering, Distinction in Global Studies, Distinction in Service, and Distinction in Sustainability. Seven members of the Class of 2023 earned recognition for their work in four of the areas.

Max Cairo, Distinction in Engineering Dakota Musgrave, Distinction in Creative Arts Emily Hardeman-Erbar, Distinction in Sustainability Anna Palumbo, Distinction in Creative Arts Cecelia Huntress, Distinction in Creative Arts and Eldon Stephan, Distinction in Creative Arts Distinction in Global Studies Addie Stockham, Distinction in Creative Arts

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NATIONAL MERIT

FINALISTS

HONORED

Sayre proudly reported the Class of 2023 National Merit Finalists in the 68th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program! Sam Quintero and Dakota Musgrave were declared National Merit Finalists, making their mark through outstanding academic performance. Sam is in his second year at the University of Kentucky, graduating from Sayre at the age of 14 with 25 college credits! Dakota was the Class of 2023’s Co-Valedictorian and currently attends Vanderbilt University, where she is pre-med, majoring in medicine health and society, with a minor in Spanish.

AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS YEAR’S SEMI-FINALISTS Arushi Bansal, Dylan Clarke, and Katherine Xu!

The HEAD OF SCHOOL Award Addie Stockham

A tender heart whose service to those in need warrants distinction. A role model to younger students…A leader among his peers…And an ambassador for all that is best in Sayre.

The OPTIMA Award Sophia Richardson A confident, independent young adult…Facilitator and leader making her mark in clubs and athletics…Always cheering on her classmates and teammates…Contagious optimism and enthusiasm…Exceptional sportsmanship…One of our finest.

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Excerpts from

Graduation

Keep an eye on the future while making good choices in the present. Practice a compassion that reaches the most vulnerable… Find ways to regularly express gratitude and love in all that you do…” DR. CODY FOSTER – Charge to the Class

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This community developed into my home, a place of vulnerability, self-exploration, and connection. It taught me respect, wisdom, integrity, compassion and an appreciation of adversity. Most importantly, it taught me that I am going to fail.”

We've blossomed into scholars, athletes, and artists because of a plethora of “little things.” In the moment they may seem insignificant, but before you know it, four years go by and you find yourself reminiscing on those moments, amazed at how they’ve molded you into a capable young adult. ‘Little things are the hinges on which great results turn.’”

HENRY DECKARD, Co-Valedictorian Address

EMILIE DORRESTEIN, Co-Salutatorian Address

ELIZA MULLINS, Co-Salutatorian Address

DAKOTA MUSGRAVE, Co-Valedictorian Address

What I have for you all today is an acronym: ‘bad,’ B-A-D. Break, Adapt, and Devote. Breaking routine is what helps us determine the things that are worth holding on to…We had to adapt to new teachers and new homework loads.…D-Devote. We are devoted to Sayre and Lexington, our home.”

‘Tell me something I don’t know.’ When my grandfather would ask me this question as a young girl, I just saw it as his special way of sparking conversation. However, as I look back on it … he was ingraining a sense of curiosity and inquiry in me that I have not been able to shake since. So, today, I want to reflect on our pursuit of inquiry, and encourage you to proceed with this mindset – one where you find something in each day that you didn’t already know.”

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Sayre Spartans Play

Next-level

TEN members of the class of 2023, the most in Sayre’s history, are competing in intercollegiate athletics this coming fall!

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STUDENT EXPERIENCE BASEBALL—Grady Johnson, DePauw University; Raymond Saatman, University of Kentucky; Addie Stockham, Eastern Kentucky University; Dirk Visser, Midway University. NOT PICTURED: Graham Johnson, Western Kentucky University BASKETBALL—Kylee Dennis,

University of Southern Indiana; Sophia Richardson, Centre College

GOLF—Hayden Adams,

University of Pennsylvania

LACROSSE—Tommy Mullikin,

Robert Morris University; Sophia Richardson, Centre College

TENNIS—Tyler Fox, Kentucky Wesleyan College

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ATHLETICS

S AY R E

FALL SPORTS ’22 FOOTBALL Chad Pennington Seniors: Brady Atkins, Rudy Conley, Jake Nahra, Nicholas Willis, Zaid Yasin The 2022 football season saw the Spartans finish with a 5-5 regular season record with statement wins over Williamsburg, 35-21, and a senior night victory over Paris, 15-12. The 2022 football seniors played a key role

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in helping the program finish its third varsity season since its inception in 2018. Significant contributions and production also came from the team’s junior and sophomore classes that will pave the way for future success in 2023 and beyond. Brock Coffman ’25 was named 2nd Team All-City, while Brady Atkins ’23, Jack Bernard ’24, Tyler Francis ’24, Ben Matheny ’24, Kaemon Peavler, Luke Pennington ’25, Charlie Slabaugh ’25, Travis Smith ’24, and Nicholas Willis were named Honorable Mention All-City. The future is bright for the Sayre Spartan Football Program!

VOLLEYBALL

BOYS SOCCER

Leigh Nahra

Griffin Miller ’11

Seniors: Isabelle Brogden, Katherine Croce, Maggie Pulliam

Seniors: Brady Atkins, Wyatt Boone, Henry Deckard, Chuck Jefferson, Christian Richardson, Raymond Saatman, Witt Wood, Zaid Yasin

Captains Katherine Croce ’23 and Maggie Pulliam ’23 plus a talented squad led the 2022 Sayre volleyball team to another successful season. The Spartans won the Frankfort Invitational Tournament, picked up two district (42nd District) wins, and knocked off nine teams in the 11th Region. Stand-out Anna Mullikin ’25 racked up almost 300 digs and had over 90 aces during the season. Katherine Croce ’23 tallied over 350 kills (averaging four per game) and was named to the District, Region, and All-City Teams. Maggie Pulliam ’23 had almost 800 assists in her senior season. She was honored later for her overall achievements and is the current record holder for most assists at Sayre. Six rotation player Reese Collins ’24 continued leading the way and was recognized as Frankfort All-Tourney MVP, All-District, All-Region, First Team All-City, and All-State. Reese finished the season with over 480 kills (averaging 5.3 per game) which landed her in the top four for Kill Leader in the state. Reese shattered her record for most kills in a season, was recognized on the American Volleyball Coaches Association Phenom list, and committed to Buffalo University with a D1 volleyball scholarship. The eighth Sayre varsity volleyball season proved to be Spartan strong, with an overall record of 25-7.

Despite being hit by the injury bug, the varsity boys soccer team finished the year with a 6-8-3 record under former Head Coach Todd Bretz. While the team had several seniors, their season was aided by the development of the younger players to remain competitive all season. Learning to play together, the team was rolling by the end of the year, scoring 19 goals over the last five games. Brady Atkins ’23 and Braeden Collett ’25 were recognized for their hard work and contributions throughout the season by being named Honorable Mention All-City.

GIRLS SOCCER Mike McKinney Seniors: Abby Clark, Gigi Cornett, Leah Keelen, Maddie Powell

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The Sayre girls soccer program continued to compete against the top teams around the state and finished the season with a record of 12-9. They played against top local teams and traveled to Tennessee where they played three games in Nashville against some of the top teams. The regular season saw the team win over Tates Creek just before the District Tournament. Team highlights include:

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All-A Regional Finalist, All-Tournament Team: Katherine Monohan ’25 and Juliette Longbottom ’24; District Finalist, All-District Tournament Team: Katherine Monohan ’25 and Gigi Cornett ’23; All-Region Honorable Mention: Gigi Cornett ’23 and Juliette Longbottom ’24; and First Team AllRegion: Katherine Monohan ’25. The girls program continues to grow, and last season’s competition helped them learn to compete at a high level.

CROSS COUNTRY Stewart Stevens Seniors: Sophia Lee, Dakota Musgrave The boys and girls 2022 cross country teams had success in both Middle and Upper School Divisions. The girls had great success with Dakota Musgrave ’23, Sophia Lee ’23, Lauren-Clay Musgrave ’25, Abigail Turner, and Molly Chambers ’28. The girls finished third in the region and went on to state, placing eighth out of 27 teams. The team was led by Molly Chambers ’28. The boys had a competitive season and qualified for state. Jack O’Daniel ’25, John Bradley ’25, Jack Johnston ’25, Rowan Bailey ’26, and Dan Calzini ’24 had great seasons.

BOYS GOLF Rob Goodman ’89 Seniors: Hayden Adams, Graham Johnson, Clay Monohan, Addie Stockham The 2022 boys golf team enjoyed a successful campaign, culminating with one individual competing in the State Championship at Bowling Green. The Spartans won several match play competitions, led by Clay Monohan ’23, Addie Stockham ’23, Graham Johnson ’23, and Hayden Adams ’23. The team finished the season with a strong showing in the Region

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Tournament. The seniors were joined by underclassmen Turner Denning ’26, Thomas England ’27, and Bennett Grau ’26 in match play and tournament play throughout the season.

Hayden Adams went on to win Conference Player of the Year and was joined on the All-Conference Team by Graham Johnson. While the Sayre Team ended up in 13th place in the Region Tournament, Hayden won the 9th Region Championship and secured his spot in the State Tournament. He would finish tied for seventh place at the State Tournament. Overall, it was a very successful and fun season on the course.

GIRLS GOLF Ron Wetzel Seniors: Emilie Dorrestein, Emily Hardeman-Erbar, Anna Palumbo Once again, the Sayre girls golf team took on several of the top teams in the area this season. The team played in five 18-hole tournaments; their best finish was sixth at the Montgomery Invitational. They also finished 2-2 in the 9-hole matches. Emilie Dorrestein ’23 qualified for the All-A State Tournament. Arushi Bansal ’24 was the first alternate. Many of the younger players gained valuable experience and will hopefully benefit from this in future years.

WINTER SPORTS ’22-’23 BOYS BASKETBALL Rob Goodman ’89 Seniors: Grady Johnson, Graham Johnson, Davis Miller, Clay Monohan The Spartans had another successful basketball season against a very

demanding schedule. City wins came against Tates Creek and Henry Clay. Sayre swept Henry Clay (two games) and Scott County (two games) during the regular season for the first time in school history. The first win against Scott County, a highly successful program historically, was the first in boys basketball history. The Spartans finished the season as runners-up in the 42nd District regular season (highest finish in school history). Sayre hosted the All-A 11th Region Tournament and finished as runner-up. The boys basketball team finished with a 19-10 record. The JV team won the 11th Region Tournament. Several players were recognized throughout the season for their accomplishments, including Ian Reesor ’24 named All-Region, All-City, and All-District; Davis Miller ’23 named All-District and All-City Honorable Mention; Graham Johnson ’23 an All-City Honorable Mention; and Grady Johnson ’23 named to the All-A Region Team.

GIRLS BASKETBALL Eric Kinder Seniors: Kylee Dennis, Sophia Richardson The 2023 girls basketball program finished 15-15 this year while playing what might be the most competitive schedule the program has ever played. The team competed in the All-A Regional Tournament and lost a remarkably close game in overtime to the tournament’s eventual champion. Several teams on the schedule played in their Regional Championship games and were ranked among the top teams in their regions throughout the season. The team was led by Kylee Dennis ’23 and Sophia Richardson ’23. Kylee Dennis ’23 averaged 28.7 PPG and was the second-leading scorer in the state. Kylee Dennis ’23 was named 11th Region Player of the Year and was one

of 16 candidates for Miss Basketball. She also represented the Kentucky seniors in the Kentucky/Indiana All-Star Game. Sophia Richardson ’23 averaged 14 PPG. She was named the AllRegional Second Team and was a vital leader on the team. Sophia Richardson ’23 was named 2nd Team All-42nd District, and Kathryn Kinder ’26 was named Honorable Mention.

SWIMMING Rollie Mills ’16 Seniors: Max Cairo, Grace Carey, Dakota Musgrave, Mallory Pitman The Sayre swimming team had an outstanding season with a solid regional and state presence. Overall, Sayre placed seventh out of 15 schools in the region - a fantastic number, considering that it is a point-based system and the team competed against large schools. Max Yeoh ’25 won 1st place at the Regional Meet in the 500 Yard Freestyle, and there were top eight placements from Mallory Pitman ’23, Dakota Musgrave ’23, Grace Carey ’23, and the Girls Relays. Mallory Pitman ’23, Dakota Musgrave ’23, Max

Yeoh ’25, and the Girls Relay qualified for state. At this meet, Max Yeoh ’25 brought home 6th and 7th place in the 500 Yard Freestyle and 200 Yard Individual Medley, respectively, while also breaking a long-standing Sayre record in the 200 IM. Thanks to support from our fantastic Sayre families, a successful community service project took place. The swim team made sandwiches for a local women’s shelter.

DIVING Jamie Palumbo Seniors: Glenna Conley, Cate Davis, Eliza Mullins The Sayre dive team had another outstanding season, competing against Kentucky’s top divers and teams. Highlights include Scott County Diving Invitational (14 teams competing) - 2nd place Girls Team, 4th place Boys Team, 2nd place Combined Team; Kentucky High School Diving Invitational (28 teams competing) - 12th place Girls Team, 9th place Boys Team, 5th place Combined Team. Our postseason was also outstanding: KHSAA Region 8 Diving Championships - 2nd place Girls Team, 6th place Boys Team, and 4th place Combined Team; and the KHSAA

State Diving Championships—Glenna Conley ’23, Mackenzie Johnson ’25, and Patrick Donworth ’27 qualified for

the 2023 State Championships.

SPRING SPORTS ’23 TENNIS Charles Matthews Seniors: Hayden Adams, Annie Brown, Addie Farris, Tyler Fox, Clay Monohan, Jaya Murty Sayre Tennis had another successful season. Teams for both boys and girls had winning seasons with solid play from everyone. The boys competed in the North Laurel Classic for the first time this year and finished as overall runners-up; they snagged a win in the #1 singles spot and second place for #2 singles. The ladies finished a solid season with a deep roster of players who played tough matches in both regular and postseason play. Even those not qualifying for the state competition fell to higher-ranked players during the regional tournament. Greer Webb ’24 and Tyler Fox ’23 were named AllRegion. Tyler Fox ’23 advanced to the

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Region Finals, Greer Webb ’24 to the Region Semi-Finals, while Olivia Watson ’25, Jack Backer ’24, and Ben Fallon ’25 played in the Region Quarter Finals.

all-time leader in goals scored. Toko Ashida ’24 was named an Academic AllAmerican for her achievements in the classroom and on the field.

GIRLS LACROSSE

BOYS LACROSSE

Anna Cook

Adam Reel

Seniors: Isabelle Brogden, Emily Hardeman-Erbar, Sophia Richardson

Seniors: Brady Adkins, Wyatt Boone, Colt Cook, Henry Deckard, Chuck Jefferson, Tommy Mullikin, Christian Richardson, Nick Willis, Witt Wood, Zaid Yasin

Sayre Lady Spartans came off a winning season in 2022 and hit the ground running in 2023! With an overall record of 15-4, the Spartans continued to set the standard for lacrosse excellence. The team participated in the Braveheart Tournament in Louisville for the first time. Anna Mullikin ’25 was selected for the Braveheart All-Tournament Team. The Sayre girls lacrosse team continued to dominate their division of play. They won the District and Region before falling in the finals of the Commonwealth of Kentucky League Championship. Sophia Richardson ’23 was named All-American and recorded over 100 assists. Isabelle Brogden ’23 and Anna Mullikin ’25 each scored over 100 goals, and Anna became the school’s

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The 2023 Spartan lacrosse team had one of the best seasons in school history despite the 10-10 record. After graduating a large group of accomplished seniors, the team was in rebuild mode to start the season. The team included four freshmen starters who needed time to adjust to the high school level of play with a new goalie who had never played lacrosse. Kristian Middleton ’26 answered the call to be the goalie and made an impressive firstyear improvement from start to finish at one of the most challenging positions in sports. The team started slowly against some

talented competition, but came out of the gate to a 3-8 record with two losses by a goal (one in OT) and two others by two goals. From there, the team won the remainder of their games except for a loss to Lexington Catholic, who later won the state title. That streak included a five-goal victory over rival Henry Clay. The streak at the end of the year led to Sayre’s first-ever district championship with a 5-0 record in district play. The team then advanced through the playoffs to the semi-finals for the first time. Unfortunately, the season ended with a disheartening loss in overtime to Henry Clay. While the team had one player receive honors, several others deserve to be mentioned. First-year lacrosse players Brady Atkins ’23 and Chuck Jefferson ’23 were tremendous on the defensive side of the ball. Wyatt Boone ’23, one of our captains in only his second year of lacrosse, became one of the state’s best on-ball defenders, and caused four turnovers in the eventual loss to Henry Clay. Calvin Perez ’24 and Wilkes Offutt ’24 made significant

11th Region Tournament. It was a heartbreaking loss for the Spartans, who were ranked in the top five in the state for most of the year. Five of our six seniors moved on to play at the collegiate level: Raymond Saatman ’23, University of Kentucky; Addison Stockham ’23, Eastern Kentucky University; Graham Johnson ’23, Western Kentucky University; Grady Johnson ’23, Depauw University; and Dirk Visser ’23, Midway University.

Graham Johnson ’23: 11th Region

Stewart Stevens

The Spartans had the largest roster in school history, with 37 players across three teams.

Tournament Team, 11th Region All-A All-Tournament Team.

Seniors: Sophia Lee

Addison Stockham ’23: MVP of All-A

contributions to the team and are the Captains of the 2024 team.

Tommy Mullikin ’23 earned All-

Conference, All-State, and All-American honors on his way to setting the state record for career points at 368. It was his second All-American selection. He is playing at Robert Morris University and is the first Spartan to represent Sayre at the Division 1 NCAA level in lacrosse.

TRACK & FIELD

Sayre track & field had a fun and fast season that saw many personal records, broken records, and even some state placers! The team’s hard work allowed consistent improvement throughout the season and resulted in outstanding performances at the regional meet. The Middle and Upper School teams took home 71 top 10 individual and team finishes. Special congratulations to the lone senior, Sophia Lee!

State Tournament, 11th Region Player of the Year, PBR Pitcher of the Year, 42nd District All-Tournament Team, 11th Region All-A All-Tournament Team, 1st Team Herald Leader All-City Team, 1st Team KHSBCA All-State Team.

All-A All-Tournament Team, KHSBCA Honorable Mention All-State Team, 11th Region All-Tournament Team, 1st Team Herald Leader All-City Team, All-A State Tournament Team.

Raymond Saatman ’23: 2nd Team

KHSBCA All-State Team, 11th Region All-A Tournament MVP, 2nd Team KHSBCA All-State Team.

Grady Johnson ’23: 11th Region All-

Dirk Visser ’23 and Brock Coffman ’25: 42nd District All-Tournament Team.

Charlie Slabaugh ’25: 42nd District

All-Tournament Team, All-A State Tournament Team, 1st Team Herald Leader All-City Team.

Reed Beatty ’25 and Owen Murphy ’25: All-A State Tournament Team.

BASEBALL Kevin Clary Seniors: Rudy Conley, Grady Johnson, Graham Johnson, Raymond Saatman, Addison Stockham, Dirk Visser The 2023 Sayre Baseball program continued to reach new heights with its first All-A State Championship (the first for any sport in school history). The Spartans also won the 42nd District Tournament for the third consecutive year. The team finished their outstanding season with a record of 29-9. They made the semifinals of the

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ARTS

THE

LOWER SCHOOL ART Lower School Art Night was a colorful

and captivating display of creativity! Families flooded into the transformed halls of the lower school to view their students’ artwork. The air buzzed with excitement and pride. Over 250 imaginative pieces covered the walls, each piece a testament to the unique perspective of its creator. The diversity of artistic expression was impressive, from finger-painted rainbows to meticulously crafted collages.

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A centerpiece of the show was the interactive “photo booth,” where artists took on the role of portraitists. Fourthgraders sketched live portraits of their sitters while inside the booth. Laughter and shared smiles filled the lobby, creating memories as cherished as the artwork! The melodies of a pianist from the upper school elevated the event’s atmosphere. Students enjoyed seeing the art their peers had created throughout the year! The art show was a testament to the students’ creativity and the school’s nurturing environment. It celebrated the power of self-expression

and the potential of every young artist, and the event left a lasting impression on all who attended.

FOURTH GRADE MURAL PROJECT Fourth-grade artists studied murals as a community art form with their changemakers unit. They began by taking a walking tour of the murals in downtown Lexington. After discussing the attributes of a strong artwork, they split into groups to create a mural design for Sayre’s campus. Their sketches displayed high levels of creativity and craftsmanship! Fourth-grade muralists then presented their designs to a panel of Sayre administrators, including Stephen Manella, Clint Calzini, Jacki Neistat, and Kristin Seymour. After choosing a design, students in both classes began working diligently to execute their 5ft x 7ft painting! Along the way, they learned invaluable lessons about teamwork.

MUSIC Lower School students worked hard in the music room to add their creative skills to many classroom projects and culminations. This included a new project in the third grade about immigration and the process of travelers on the path through Ellis Island. Third-grade students took over the Lower School and the surrounding campus on a Friday evening to take their families on a musical pathway through the citizenship process. PK students also put on their first themed Jubilee as they sang, danced, and thoroughly entertained their families with all things “bug.”

The two after-school choirs in the Lower School also had an exciting year. Both groups had record participation numbers, almost 50% of the number of students eligible to join. The groups sang in several performances throughout the school year, including a powerful showing at Grandparents/Special Person’s Day and several individual concerts. Fourthgrade students also performed two encouraging pieces with important messages at their promotion ceremony, marking their ascent to the Middle School.

MIDDLE SCHOOL ART From community engagement through the arts, visiting art exhibits, and meeting artists inside our studio and in galleries, students explored the many opportunities to appreciate artistic contributions. Because of our downtown location, students interacted with the beloved LexArts HorsePlay public art installation. They visited their horse, “Blue Grass Queen,” which proudly stood on Vine Street alongside a fantastic herd of artfully rendered horses. We had the great fortune to meet author and sound producer Beth Pride and Impressionist painter Kelly Brewer at their collaborative art installation, The Commonwealth of Kentucky, at the LexArts gallery. This powerful show shares the stories of seventy Kentuckians and their unique life experiences through portraiture and oral history. The Living Arts and Science Center hosted two events that showcased student works. Artist Pamela McDaniel chose Madeline Mullikin’s ’29 whimsical drawing of a

chicken as inspiration for a beautiful oil painting featured at the annual ReImagine Exhibit. Thanks to Dr. Sylvia Cerel-Suhl, students folded and contributed origami hearts for the KidsArt4Hearts, teaching students the three-part health lesson, “Let’s move! Eat right. Don’t smoke.” The folded hearts culminated in a public art installation that seeks to raise public awareness of healthy lifestyle choices creatively.

MUSIC Students participated in the audition process for All-State Chorus, sang in the Middle School Chorus, and performed in a combined concert with the Lower School choirs. Students worked hard in the musical elective to present an exciting performance of Matilda, Jr. in January. In class, students continued their study of acoustic guitars, and eighth graders had a special opportunity to learn acoustic guitar, electric guitar, bass, drums, and singing in preparation for a public performance at their eighth-grade recognition ceremony.

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THEATRE In January 2023, the Middle School presented Matilda, Jr., with music and lyrics by Tim Minchin and a book by Dennis Kelly. The play was presented at the Farish Theatre in the Central Public Library in downtown Lexington by a cast of 23 seventh and eighth graders. It was directed by Neil Nash, with music directed by Kiana Harbie, and choreographed by Anna Cook.

UPPER SCHOOL 3D ART Students made elaborate accordion fold books inspired by the work of Basquiat and Samo and kinetically moving sculptures inspired by Alexander Calder’s Circus mobile and stabiles. They explored multiple Paper Crafts, including The Conference of the Birds, alighted with beautifully animated owls, peacocks, and eagles, and they completed a Reed and Wire Lanterns project based on ocean creatures, wonderfully illuminated and very dynamic. Weekly figure drawings coaxed advanced 3D Art students’ observational and dimensional rendering skills; various transfer prints and collages showed up in self-portraits which exemplified the readymade and assemblage/collage sculptures of Rauschenberg and the repetitive work of Roy Lichtenstein, and Kehinde Wiley’s wall-paper of a historical and contemporary culture. Students also crafted wire sculptures reminiscent of Ruth Asawa’s hanging forms. Ceramics students learned about native plant species in the rain garden. They then sculpted them into relief tile mosaic forms, made functional pieces on and off the wheel, explored

various firing temps and glazes, and constructed elaborate animals for the magnificent Modern Bestiary assignment. Advanced Art and Ceramics students were also featured at the Living Arts and Science Center with their bold and sophisticated solo show, followed by Eldon Stephan’s win in the high school juried show. Students celebrated Scholastic awards for Ela Moss and Lily Beck and numerous awards for Eldon Stephan, whose works were distinguished by a number of gold and silver keys at the Scholastic Art Show at the Art Academy of Cincinnati. Eldon was also honored with a fifth nomination to the American Visions grand jury competition in New York City, won the Sister Cities competition, and was featured at the 5th/3rd Bank Art Show in downtown Lexington, where he posed with Mayor Linda Gorton. He is now attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

2D ART Senior Eldon Stephan finished his senior year on a powerful note! He was a Scholastic National Medal Winner, and his senior internship at the Living Arts and Science Center had him create a mural featuring animals in the Exploration Room. He received a Distinction in Creative Arts with his diploma. Eldon not only received a 5 on his AP Drawing Exam from the College Board but was only one of 308 students worldwide to receive every point possible on his AP Drawing Exam!

MUSIC Max Cairo ’23, Anna Huntress ’25, and Sophia Cairo ’26 auditioned and were

consecutive years for Max as a member of the All-State Guitar Orchestra.

Joey Montanez ’26 participated in the District 7 Kentucky Music Educators Association 9th Grade Honors Band.

THEATRE The fall Upper School theatre production consisted of two one-act plays: This a Test, a comedy by Stephen Gregg, and Booby Trap, a drama by Ed Monk. The plays were presented at the Lexington Children’s Theatre the weekend of October 21-23. They were presented by a cast and crew of 24 students, led by Henry Deckard ’23, Eliza Mullins ’23, Mary Jann ’23, Anna Palumbo ’23, Mia Robertson ’23, and Celia Huntress ’23. The production was directed by Neil Nash and assistant directed and stage managed by Ethne Fleming ’25. The final Upper School production was the musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, by Rachel Sheinkin and William Finn. It featured a cast and crew of 12 students led by Henry Deckard ’23, Eliza Mullins ’23 and Mary Jann ’23, and included an appearance by Director of Technology, Jason Whitaker. It was directed by Neil Nash, with music directed by Marcus Thomas and choreography by Grace Hensley. Lastly, on December 15, 2022, a public reading of original scripts was held on the Sayre campus. The short plays were written by the students in the Upper School Playwriting class and were read aloud by a collection of actors from the Lexington community (secured with the generous help of Bo List) and Sayre students.

selected to perform in the Kentucky Music Educators Association All-State Guitar Orchestra. This marks four

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Senior

The goals for Sayre’s unique Senior Internship program, a transition period with greater individual freedom and responsibility, include an introduction to the work world and an opportunity to pursue a career-related or service-related interest.

Internships

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THEIR

VOICE

GOVERNOR’S SCHOLARS PROGRAM By Arushi Bansal ’24 Sayre’s College Counseling department encouraged me to apply for the Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP). I had learned about how amazing the program is through Anna Palumbo ’23. Besides Anna’s positive words and fun stories about GSP, I became interested because of the excellent scholarship opportunities for colleges across Kentucky. The five weeks I spent at GSP at Morehead State University introduced me to like-minded, passionate students with a vision for their future and a desire to positively impact our Kentucky community. Although spending five weeks on a college campus the summer before senior year may sound atrocious, I have never felt more prepared for college. My focus area was Forensic Science, and I was also assigned to a social justice class. My classes strengthened my aspirations to enter the healthcare field as a physician while addressing socioeconomic disparities

and injustices, such as unequal access to healthcare. Besides clarifying my future career goals, GSP provided me with a community of people—students, professors, and administrative staff— who encourage each other to show their full potential and people of different backgrounds who respect everyone’s beliefs. I highly recommend GSP for every rising senior!

On Another Note: Arushi represented

Sayre and Kentucky at the national level at the Youth Governors Conference in Washington, D.C. Arushi attended leadership training workshops, received her pin as an official Youth Governors Association member, and discussed civic education bills at the United States Capitol with Kentucky Rep. Andy Barr and members of Rep. James Comer's and Senator Mitch McConnell’s staffs. Additionally, Arushi and another youth governor were awarded a $5,000 grant for their winning proposal to bridge civic gaps in Kentucky.

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KENTUCKY GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS By Dan Calzini ’24 I initially learned about the Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP) through Dr. Bonzo, and after further research, I learned about the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA). GSA appealed to my interests in the creative arts, specifically creative writing, so I pursued that over the GSP. The main impetus for my application was my passion and interest in writing. My time at GSA was one of my life’s most transformative, enlightening, and fun experiences. During my time at University of Kentucky, I met some of the most amazing and talented people from all over the Commonwealth. I worked on my creative art in a constant, rigorous, and dynamic environment of like-minded artists who pushed and supported me to grow and advance my skills. The teachers are your peers and, in my experience, some of the funniest, most fascinating wells of information and wisdom.

As a graduate, you become eligible for a plethora of scholarships to Kentucky schools. I intend to study English and creative writing in college. GSA offered affirmation that pursuing a creative passion at a higher level is possible. After attending GSA, I am more comfortable and eager to be independent as a student and person. GSA exposed me to a myriad of creative and talented people across different art forms, allowed me to connect with diverse people, and fostered lifelong friendships. Overall, GSA was a fantastic academic and personal experience I would implore any young artist to pursue.

GOVERNOR’S SCHOLARS PROGRAM By Dylan Clarke ’24 I first learned about GSP through Lindsay Whitaker ’22. Mr. Whitaker is friends with my mom and spoke highly of the program. I knew that it would be a long, sometimes difficult, application, but I knew that it would make applying for college much easier and teach me a lot of things about myself. My five weeks at Murray State University included some of the best experiences that I have had. I learned so much about myself and how I manage my time and my relationships with people. It was my first time being around so many contemporaries as there were 350 scholars at Murray State but only 53 people in my grade at Sayre. It gave me a preview of the full college experience and the freedom to make my own decisions. Joining many different clubs showed me the endless opportunities that are available to me once I get to college. My focus area was Business, Accounting, and Entrepreneurship

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where we learned about the intricacies of running a business through playing Monopoly. My general studies class was called A “Moral” Calculus, in which we discussed the philosophical implications of violence and if/when it was necessary. The skills that I learned in my focus area solidified the fact that I want to study finance in college, and the discussions we had in my general studies class made me think more deeply about violence in our society. One of my favorite experiences at GSP was when my general studies class took a field trip to Fort Campbell and I had the opportunity to rappel off a platform exactly as recruits did at the Air Assault Academy. This was something that I would have never had a chance to do if not for attending this program. I would absolutely recommend this program to any juniors interested because the arduous application process is absolutely worth it. Your time spent in the program will never be forgotten.

DIVERSITY CELEBRATION DAY AT SAYRE T

he Spartan Diversity Leadership Club (SDLC) planned a Diversity Celebration Day for grades 5-12 on Saturday, March 4. Cathy Bilberry, Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator at Sayre’s Upper School, said, "The programming at the conference encouraged not only students of color but also allies to explore and celebrate their identities. Everyone was welcome!”

ABOVE: In the Bollywood Bops workshop, students learned cultural choreography for traditional and contemporary Bollywood music (including the Oscar-winning song, Naatu Naatu). —Arushi Bansal ’24

The club organized an exciting lineup of events, beginning with the keynote speaker and current Sayre parent, Kristi Middleton. Ms. Middleton, the Diversity and Community Program Manager at Lexmark International, shared a powerful message about allyship as she indicated the five C’s (Comrades, Cheerleaders, Counselors, Confidants, and Connectors), the kinds of people we need to be and to find. A live Bluegrass band, an athletic clinic hosted by Coach Charles Thomas, interactive options like the pasta-making workshop hosted by Dr. Clint Calzini, and the Mehndi workshop hosted by Ania Ansari ’23 made this an exciting celebration with something for everyone. Multicultural lunch options at the event included favorite Indian, Mediterranean, and Mexican dishes. Finally, participants left with a student-designed t-shirt to commemorate the special day.

Sayre’s blood drives have

170 units of blood from 181 donors. collected over

Second Grade

Authors and Poets!

hat does it take to become an author? Second graders pondered this question as they embarked on their end-of-the-year Author Project. Mary Priestley, author and Sayre grandparent, visited with the students during class. She shared her writing journey with a copy of her book William’s Wildflowers. Students explored literary spaces within the downtown community, including the Carnegie Center in Gratz Park, where they brainstormed characters, settings, problems, and solutions with a

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local author. Children learned how libraries organize books at the Lexington Public Library, and each received a library card. Through these experiences, students learned how reading and writing are interconnected and were eager to share this new knowledge with others. In the classroom, students studied the genre of realistic fiction. Writing became their passion, and they learned how to conceptualize, draft, edit, revise, and publish their work. Students shared real fiction stories with

their families and invited them to write their own! National Poetry Month coincided with the second graders’ study! To create excitement for poetry in the community, the children wrote poems, read them during morning announcements, and made a PoetTree. It was an opportunity for all classes to write poems on paper flowers or leaves and add them to the tree. The Poet Tree resulted in a beautiful work of art reflecting the love of poetry across all ages.

SERVICE THE SERVICE TO SOCIETY CLASS is designed to instill the critical aspect of good citizenship – giving back to one’s community. Throughout the course, students devote significant time and energy to volunteer service, collectively and individually. Additionally, students engage in a wide variety of fundraising efforts. At the conclusion of the semester, students determine which agencies should benefit from these funds. This class serves as the foundation for the diploma Distinction in Service, allowing students to pursue their devotion to serving others in our community. Throughout the 22-23 school year, students in the class worked at Arlington Elementary one morning each week, a partnership that has existed for nearly ten years. They served both students and teachers during their time there. As a result, students in the fall semester donated $1,000 to support work in those classrooms. Students in the spring semester worked to reinvigorate the 3v3 basketball tournament. A longstanding tradition in the Upper School, the tournament had been paused during COVID restrictions. Addie Stockham ’23

led the effort to bring back the excitement of the game, complete with rivalries and half-court shots. Students in the spring semester donated $1,000 to the Lighthouse Ministries to help construct shower and hygiene services for their clients. Since its founding in 2006, students in this class have donated THOUSANDS of dollars and THOUSANDS of hours of service to our local community. Sayre has partnered with the LIGHTHOUSE MINISTRY for more than ten years to support their Thanksgiving meal efforts. Preschool, Lower School, and Middle School students join together to donate side dishes for the meal - instant mashed potatoes, stuffing mix, gravy, green beans, and corn. Students and faculty in the Upper School collect new socks for the guests at the meal. Students create gift bags for each guest using the socks, treats, and snacks to take with them. Additionally, individual students and students from the Nutritional Chemistry and Service to Society classes join together to make pumpkin pies for dessert. This school-wide effort unites the entire Sayre community to support the excellent work of our neighbors.

Have you found your way around the new MONOPOLY: Lexington Edition to Sayre School?

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THIRD-GRADE IMMIGRATION PROJECT A

fter researching their family heritage and creating a family tree, students learned about immigration in the United States by creating a timeline spanning over 500 years and participating in a virtual Ellis Island Tour. Next, students investigated the experiences of people who immigrated through Ellis Island in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Students examined the diverse backgrounds of many immigrants who entered the United States, and each student took a walk in the footsteps of a famous immigrant by researching their immigration story, settlement, and life in America. The teachers were able to truly teach this topic authentically after spending their Fall Break in New York City on a trip funded by Sayre’s professional development budget, visiting and participating in all of the tours and educational options at Ellis Island and the National Immigration Museum. Through their exploration, Julie Renner and Victoria Baker brought this topic to life. The project culminated with a “Follow in the Footsteps” adventure of a famous Ellis Island immigrant. In an attempt to dramatize history, students explored the process of arriving and walking through the immigration process at Ellis Island. Students portrayed a famous immigrant and recorded their journey from their home country through the Ellis Island immigration process to their new settlement in the United States. This recording led visitors through the necessary steps as they journeyed throughout the school on their quest for freedom.

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New Zealand

Summer Trip to

tudents visited New Zealand for their Island Geology and Ecology trip. Their Māori tour guide made their stay memorable and magical. Students began their expedition whale watching in Kaikōura. They paddled in a Waka (a traditional canoe) to Lake Takapó to visit the Dark Sky Project Base. Students learned about the creation of stars and the differences between the visible stars in the Southern Hemisphere and those in the Northern Hemisphere. By the time the sun set, they were ready to begin looking for the stars like Centaurus, found only in the Southern Hemisphere! Lake Takapó is one of only eleven International Dark Sky Reserves worldwide. Students bungee jumped at the Kawarau Bridge, the birthplace of bungee jumping, and took a gondola ride for a stunning view of the Remarkables mountains. A visit to the Fiordlands included a threehour tour of Doubtful Sound, home to beautiful waterfalls and clear, calm waters. These waterfalls create a layer of fresh

Christchurch (Ōtautahi in Maōri), the group visited the International Antarctic Center to learn about the research going on in the Antarctic.

water over the saltwater streaming in from the nearby Tasman Sea. Whales come into the sound to rid themselves of parasites that do not survive in the freshwater layer. The darker freshwater layer allows deepsea organisms, like black coral, to live at shallower depths. Students visited Franz Josef Glacier as they learned about glaciation (also important in the formation of Doubtful Sound). During the trip, students saw kiwi birds, tuatara, and the smallest penguins in the world - little blue penguins! In

Before the trip, students listened to the History of Aotearoa, New Zealand Podcast by Thomas Rillstone. Gaining an understanding of and respect for Māori culture, including learning Māori names for the places visited, was an essential part of their trip. Students documented the trip in a daily journal. Journal entries demonstrated a proper understanding of the science taught on the trip and referenced the podcast. Island Geology and Ecology is taught to students who travel with the Science Department faculty. Students learn about the geology that forms islands and the unique flora and fauna that evolved there. The course is taught biannually, and locations of previous studies have included Dominica, the Galapagos Islands, and Iceland.

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ability

Sustain-

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Our first campus water bottle refill station was donated to our school with funds acquired by BYSC members that included Cavitt Bradley ’13.

INNOVATION

BLUEGRASS YOUTH SUSTAINABILITY COUNCIL (BYSC) empowers students from high schools across Lexington to get involved in sustainability initiatives that improve both the city and their high school community. Sayre has been strongly represented since the council’s inception in 2011. This year’s representatives included Sophia Lee ’23, Emily Hardeman-Erbar ’23, and John Bradley ’25. Members of the council meet monthly and communicate closely with members of their project committees.

In August 2023, the latest donation from the BYSC arrived at the Upper School: a new solar bench!

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BATTLE OF “Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready? It’s robot fighting time!” is the refrain that begins every episode of “Battle Bots.” Each episode pits up to 250-pound robots against each other. And these aren’t just any robots, but ones built with disassembling the opponent in mind. The results mix exciting action, interesting engineering, and physics.

John Fleming, Lower School technologist, and Jackie Lomore, Lower School science teacher,

took inspiration from the show to create the first annual Lower School Battle of the Bots Competition. Teams of two were challenged to develop the robot’s body using a plastic cup and craft supplies such as popsicle sticks, toothpicks, egg cartons, and more. Each cup was placed upside down on a spherical robotic that provided

THE BOTS motion. Drivers controlled the bots using iPads. After completing their builds, the students participated in a double-elimination tournament. The rules were simple: knock the other team’s cup over or last two minutes and let the decision go to the judges. With great anticipation, the students gathered around the arena, made of rope strung through pool noodles. The teams took their turns seriously. They test-drove their robots before each round. Their faces tightened with concentration during the countdown. 3…2…1…fight! Everyone cheered as the bots circled each other in the arena. Each team had a different strategy. Some drivers were aggressive, which scored them points with the judges but could result in knocking their bot over. Other groups took a more defensive approach. If a team lost a round, they could go to “the pits” to correct any problems they observed during the last round. At the end of the tournaments, the winners from each class received a 3D-printed nut, another nod to the show. Beyond the prize, the students enjoyed building and driving their bots and watching the competition unfold. It was a joyful way of learning!

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MS TECH CLUB Now in its fifth year, the Middle School Tech Club meets once a week after school. The club comprises 8-12 students in grades 5, 6, and 7. “In past years,” said Brad Becker, one of two faculty sponsors, “the club has followed the interests of students who signed up. On any given day, there might’ve been a couple of students working on self-paced Java programming online while several others constructed battle bots or tested tiny indoor drones.” In the past, the club members have also been very involved as a team in meeting the school’s increasing demand for live-streaming events. Lower School Tech Coordinator John Fleming brings to Sayre a significant body of experience and enthusiasm for teaching kids Lego Robotics. Starting last year, the Middle School Tech Club expanded into competitive Lego Robotics. “My hope,” he said, “is that in time, even as soon as this spring, our Middle School can field a robotics team that can compete with other schools in Fayette and surrounding counties.”

Coding with Python THE AP COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES (CSP) students learn how to code using Python, a language commonly used for data analysis and visualization, in addition to developing websites and software. They apply their knowledge of coding to create programs that display their creativity. Examples of past programs students have designed are games or taking a TI-84 Plus CE calculator and using it to move a TI-Innovator™ Rover in a specified way or to a specified position. Additionally, students could use the TI-84 Plus CE Python coding to program the calculator to play specific sound tones to create songs. Students learn to apply specific coding elements, such as if statements, loops, and functions, to make their code more efficient.

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ENGINEERNG

DISTINCTION

EXPERIENCES

In 2021 Sayre unveiled its Distinction In Engineering. The Distinction in Engineering is a rigorous sequence of courses that will prepare Sayre students for success in post-secondary education in fields that require sophisticated and higher-level skills in science, mathematics, and technology. Students who complete the distinction will be well prepared to pursue the study of engineering, science-related fields, mathematics, and computer science. In addition to their academic coursework, students are expected to apply what they have learned to the real world by completing an internship or conducting research in a lab. In 2022, Max Cairo ’23 was the first student to earn the distinction, and this year Sayre is excited to have three students (Toko Ashida ’24, Beverly Castillo-Tellez ’24, and Daria Pfister ’24) who will complete the requirements for the distinction in May 2024. The three have avid interests in engineering and spent their summer gaining valuable real-life experiences while working towards the Engineering Distinction.

At Gray Construction, Toko, Beverly, and Daria completed a 38-hour shadowing experience that allowed them to gain first-hand experience working alongside the engineers. The three shadowed two departments, Mission-Critical and Spencer Bristol-Gray AE. They spent two days with each department and shadowed various team members.

Beverly: “I chose to earn the distinction because I was hoping it would clarify what engineering path I wanted to take.”

At Mission-Critical, they shadowed project engineers who work in the construction of data centers and are in charge of the outreach to all the subcontractors. During their time at Mission-Critical, they sat in on meetings, learned the negotiation process, and saw the construction process and its many complex layers. At Spencer Bristol-Gray AE, they shadowed three people from three different engineering departments: mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and civil engineering. Here, they got to see what engineers in each field do and what their future could look like if they pursued a career in each respected field.

Daria: “I decided to earn the distinction because I really enjoyed AP Physics 1

In addition to their summer shadowing experience, Daria and Toko applied to

The three participated in a shadowing experience at Gray Construction and both Toko and Daria were selected and participated in the UK Engineering Dean’s Academy. In their own words, here is why they each decided to pursue the distinction: Toko: “I decided to pursue this distinction because I didn’t know what I wanted to do in the future, and I was interested in engineering and wanted to know more about it.”

and wanted to see how I could get a career in a similar field.”

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Sayre is excited to continue nurturing curious and talented students and help advance them to future STEM careers.

By Toko Ashida, Beverly Castillo-Tellez, Daria Pfister, and Joseph Mahler

the very competitive UK Engineering Dean’s Academy. They were part of a small number of students selected to participate. The two visited the UK Engineering Living-Learning Program in early August and spent a night in the dorms. Throughout the program, they heard from various professors, students, alumni, and professionals about the path to becoming an engineer, the college experience in STEM fields, daily life as an engineer, and more. As part of the program, they had to compete in a scavenger hunt to find materials to create a projectile that would drop from a ledge and fall as slowly as possible to a small area of the ground -meaning it would need to

move slowly and straight downward. A challenging task to complete! Although the two worked in different groups, Toko and Daria helped lead their teams to tie each other for third place out of 17 groups. This experience gave the two valuable insights into the path of becoming engineers, and in Daria’s words, “made me feel more confident in my decision and ability to become an engineer and successful in a difficult field. The Dean’s Academy was a great experience because it answered many of my questions about becoming an engineer. It helped me develop a plan for what engineering discipline I want to pursue and how to make that plausible.”

Sayre is excited to continue to nurture curious and talented students like Toko, Beverly, and Daria and help them advance to future STEM careers. The Engineering Distinction is a beneficial experience for those who wish to explore and prepare for the engineering field. In pursuing the Engineering Distinction and having curiosity about engineering, Toko, Beverly, and Daria have gained new insights for their future careers. They hope their experiences encourage other students to pursue and have hands-on experience in the engineering field.

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Lab experiences are an essential part of science classes at Sayre.

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Equipment

Enriches

Science Lab

L AB EXPERIENCES are

an essential part of science classes at Sayre. Using Vernier LabQuests, ninthgrade biology students investigate conditions that cause changes in skin surface temperatures. In Health class, students learn how nerves and muscles work together. They use hand dynamometers to test their grip strength and electromyography sensors (EMGs) to measure the nerve’s muscle stimulation. Thoughout their tenure in the Upper School, Sayre students learn to design and conduct experiments using various scientific equipment. Learning about the carbon cycle is part of the primary biology curriculum. At Sayre, students measure rates of cell respiration by using sensors that can detect both the amount of carbon dioxide released and the oxygen used. A comparison of these rates between germinating and non-germinating peas leads to discussions about the purpose of cell respiration and why germinating peas might need energy. Graphed data is labeled and explained in the online assignments they submit. Later in the year, students study cell structure by examining a variety of protists under the microscope. Using high-quality cameras, they capture images of protists moving and eating. Students apply their knowledge of cell structures by labeling these images on their laptops and

By Debbie Wheeler

inserting these labeled images into their online work. AP Environmental Science students visit Tremont, an environmental camp in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While conducting labs at Tremont, AP Environmental Science students use probes to compare environmental conditions (temperature, light, relative humidity, wind speed, and direction) on either side of a mountain ridge and relate those conditions to the types of plants, animals, and fungi. They also analyze data from two stream sites for 1st and 3rd order streams to determine water quality. Measurements include temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, nitrogen, phosphorus, pH, turbidity, and flow rates. This allows students to practice using probes and other equipment they’ve used in the classroom while in the field, mimicking the kinds of data collection done by college students and researchers. AP Biology students use Vernier gas probes to investigate enzyme activity and how it changes by varying environmental factors. A colorimeter allows students to calculate the rate of photosynthesis in different light conditions. In genetics, students use gel electrophoresis to construct a pedigree chart and determine the probability of fraternal twins inheriting Huntington’s Disease. The MiniOne equipment students use

in this process introduces students to clinical diagnostics and the science of immunology through PCR amplification of DNA and ELISA antibody tests. In Chemistry, Vernier gas pressure sensors teach the relationship between pressure and other gas variables like temperature (another sensor), volume, and number of molecules. Not only will students feel what happens to pressure during changes in these other variables, but with the Verniers sensors and LabQuests chemistry, students will see a graphic relationship between the factors. Later in the year, differential voltage sensors allow students to rank the reactivity of various metals and use that information to predict which metals are more reactive with acids. This activity strengthens their application skills and ability to identify trends. AP Chemistry students have a more comprehensive array of Vernier probes for data collection. The pH meters provide much more precise readings than pH test paper and allow the generation of a graph of pH change over time as solutions are mixed (titrated). The shapes of the graphs produced during the titration of unknown solutions are compared against those previously generated for acids with known concentrations. This comparison allows students to identify the strength of their unknown acid and other

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From day one Sayre students properties. For example, conclusions are “doing” are made about which is more acidic after titrating orange juice and apple science and are juice. The purchase of Vernier full spectrum spectrophotometers a few fully immersed years ago brought with them the ability to analyze the entire spectrum of a in the scientific colored solution, which was previously taught through reading and video. process. With the new spectrophotometers, an abstract concept comes to life. Students can now use spectrophotometers to identify the peak wavelength at which to take their measurements and then analyze a series of diluted solutions matching the concentration with the level of light absorbed. Using this technique, students investigate the percent copper in brass, an action which exactly mimics a standard process used in industry to test for quality control of various products, including metal purity.

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In all the physics classes (AP and regular) taught at Sayre, a variety of technology is incorporated to allow students to have hands-on experiences with the concepts they are studying and to engage in scientific argumentation to communicate what they have learned from those shared experiences. In the lab, students use the latest Vernier equipment and probes to study various topics ranging from simple 1-D motion to the behavior of magnetic fields around current-carrying wires.

The physics classes are equipped with the latest generation of Vernier LabQuests as well as the accompanying physics probes. Some of the probes used in physics are motion detectors, accelerometers, force probes, photogates, light sensors, voltage and current probes, pressure sensors, and magnetic field sensors. Also, the physics classroom has a class set of iPads and pencils, which allow students to communicate lab results quickly and easily with each other, facilitating students’ understanding of topics. Finally, the iPads are also used for students to wirelessly present problem sets/questions to the class. Lab experiences engage students, solidify learning, and heighten analytical skills. We all learn by doing. From day one, Sayre students are “doing” science and are fully immersed in the scientific process.

A NEW

INN O VATIVE SPACE T

hroughout the academic year, Emily Libecap, in collaboration with John Fleming, embarked on the exciting journey of establishing a small-scale makerspace. The primary aim of this makerspace is to offer students an exceptional avenue to deepen their learning experiences and unleash their creativity through an array of tools that go beyond the conventional classroom provisions. This innovative space boasts impressive equipment, including a vinyl cutter, a button maker, a 3D printer, and various crafting tools and resources. It is a dynamic hub where students can explore their passions, develop new skills, and express their comprehension of different subjects in imaginative and hands-on ways.

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MANY MOMENTS.

“ SAYRE MEANS ‘FAMILY’ TO ME…I GIVE TO KEEP ITS LEGACY GOING.” Gess Bush ’06, parent and Trustee

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“ I LOVE THE SAYRE EXPERIENCE AND WANT OTHERS TO HAVE IT TOO.” Sarah McCready Boston ’94, Trustee

ONE SAYRE.

“ SAYRE WAS THERE FOR ME WHEN I NEEDED THEM MOST.”

“ MY CHILD’S EDUCATION IS NOW ON A JOURNEY.”

Katie McCarthy ’10, Trustee

Garyen Denning, parent and Trustee

FACULTY EXCELLENCE

And the

Winners Delia Pergande

Are…

2023 Board Award A master teacher…cherished colleague… with a great sense of humor, Delia is a light in the lives of our students and teachers.

Ola Samadi

Short Award for Excellence in Math and Science A true Spartan, with a willing heart…, Ola always does what is best for the students and for Sayre.

Andrew Turner

Short Award for Excellence in the General Category Leaning into difference and pushing beyond one’s comfort zone, Andrew reaches everyone in a classroom.

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Summer Sabbatical DR. NANCE EVERTS , Chair

of the Upper School World Languages Department, participated in a 10day teacher language seminar at the University of Alicante on the eastern coast of Spain. The university enrolls 26,000 students and is renowned for its school of advanced language studies. Alicante is a small city on the Costa Blanca, or White Coast, on the Mediterranean. Its population is 331,000, nearly the same as Lexington’s. Both Spanish and Valencian are official languages in the province and appear on street signs, the metro, and many other public places. The ninth-century Moorish Santa Bárbara Castle overlooks Alicante and offers panoramic views of both the city and port below. With a legacy of over 1,000 years, it has seen the influence of Roman, Moorish, and Christian civilizations. The modern city below is extremely walkable and a palmlined esplanade invites visitors to stroll the harbor, explore the historic quarter, and visit outdoor cafes. One can enjoy beaches near the city center or take a short streetcar trip up the coast for both relaxation and seaside dining. Nance’s housing was on the university campus, a sprawling, modern research

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facility that hosts both international students and instructors in the summer. Classes met daily at 9:00, followed by a break at the campus cafe for a pastry and coffee, and then more instruction until 1:00. Seven instructors from around the U.S. participated in the seminars and were taught by a different faculty member of the university every day. Each professor was a specialist in their field. A new topic was covered each day, such as the development of speaking skills, intercultural awareness, student motivation in language learning, and technological resources that promote creativity in the classroom. Nance describes the experience as, “The most rigorous and thorough professional development I’ve ever had. The professors supported us, and collaborative work led to discovering strategies that would lead to greater student success. They knew American students and our challenges as instructors, and they were there to help us in meeting our goals. We all wanted to continue the seminar and to have the opportunity to do and explore more.”

At 5 PM the teacher cohort met up again with planned and independent activities. A half hour ride on the city tram downtown led to beach excursions, dining out, movie night, and strolling along the harbor. One of Nance’s best memories is eating dinner in outdoor cafes at 10 PM, the typical dinner hour, and being surrounded by families enjoying a break from the sun. Her favorite activity was a four-hour cooking class, which culminated in three different paellas and animated discussions about which was the most authentic for this region versus elsewhere in the country. The best part is the authenticity of immersive experiences, according to Nance, “hearing conversations on the tram, ordering food, asking for directions, comparing teaching experiences with professors, talking to the taxi driver about upcoming elections, are all everyday exchanges that are not only enriching, but also humanizing and heart-warming. Nothing takes its place, and it's why I encourage my students to see the world and be open to others.”

INNOVATION IN EDUCATION:

DR. CODY FOSTER Dr. Cody Foster annually attends the yearly conferences offered by

the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations (SHAFR) and the American Historical Society (AHA). In fact, Dr. Foster just recently presented a paper at the SHAFR on President Lyndon Johnson and the Vietnam War. He was also the 2023 recipient of the Clements Award in Innovation in Education, a distinction sponsored by the University of Kentucky Libraries, The Clements Family, and the Wendell Ford Public Policy Research Center. In accepting the award, Dr. Foster stated, “In an age where educators must nervously approach contentious issues, the students, parents, and administrators at Sayre School hold firm that a true study of the past is essential for preparing young minds for what the future can hold.” Photo by Mark Mahan

DEI-B LIBRARY L

ower school teachers set out to implement their understanding of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. Teachers selected fourteen books, each sharing a message of inclusivity and belonging. Over the summer, the teachers took home two books and wrote lesson plans for their age group. These lessons included topics covered, essential questions to ask students, and other resources they found to enhance the book and discussion. Lesson plans and books were collected to create a mini-library for a read-aloud or to instill more belonging lessons into the classrooms. The planned lessons allow students to engage in meaningful texts that move beyond the words on the page and extend into our understanding of how we think about others, how we treat community members, and how we expect others to treat us.

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DR. MICHAEL THOMPSON I

n November 2022, Sayre welcomed to campus one of the most influential educational psychologists in the world of independent schools and beyond, Dr. Michael Thompson. Michael Thompson’s career spans forty years and ten books, including Mom, They’re Teasing Me: Helping Your Child Solve Social Problems; Raising Cain: Protecting the Emotional Lives of Boys; and Best Friends, Worst Enemies: Understanding the Emotional Lives of Children. That last title captures it all: friendships in childhood are crucial, complex, and enormously tricky. The book and its companions are a helpful guide to parents and educators alike, and thus Sayre inaugurated a whole-school read of the book in preparation for Dr. Thompson’s visit. Faculty read it as their summer read, and parents were invited to read it and attend book discussion events on campus throughout the first semester.

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Michael Thompson’s campus visit included speaking engagements with the Middle School, Upper School, faculty, and parents. The themes included helping navigate the changing relationships that are part of all children’s experience, how to develop resilience and independence, and when to seek help. With the student groups, Dr. Thompson shared a sociological look at friendships, helping kids see that the number of friends one has is not the key ingredient to happiness, but the quality of supporting one another, whether with classmates, in pairs, or in friend groups. With a well-attended parent evening event, the new parent education series was a success, and a second year is underway. Kentucky Poet Laureate Silas House launched year two of our Parent Education Series in October 2023.

ADIOS, AMIGAS Linda Froehlich Dr. Linda Froehlich came to Sayre at the start of

the 2002 school year to chair the World Language Department. Fluent in three languages, Linda did a great deal to deepen and enhance World Language offerings and taught French at the AP level and in grades 8-12. She also taught beginning courses in German (her native language) and Latin. Linda implemented the Lower School language program with Spanish (Pre-K through grade 2) and French (grades 3-5). She organized many cross-divisional Language Immersion Days, which allowed her students to host a day in France, including music and food. Always affable and involved in the life of the school, Linda will be greatly missed. She looks forward to reading, traveling, and bike riding with her husband Steve.

Linda Beck Mrs. Linda Beck joined Sayre’s World Languages Department in 2014 as an Upper School Spanish instructor following several years of teaching Spanish and chairing the Language program at Lafayette High School. Linda was named Fayette County Teacher of the Year and Kentucky Teacher of the Year. Awarded a Kentucky Department of Education grant, Linda created a Kentucky Teacher Forum. Linda brought a great deal of experience and enthusiasm to the program. Students cherished her as their teacher and advisor, and her colleagues enjoyed what she brought to the faculty community. We will miss her a great deal.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Linda Beck and Linda Froehlich

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FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESS By Heidi Newman

On August 17th, Sayre’s campus was filled with giggles, hugs, and laughter. Students armed with backpacks, brand new school supplies, and a “can do” attitude entered classrooms where their teachers were awaiting their arrival with open arms and welcoming smiles. These boys and girls, these young men and women, were ready to learn, and their joy was palpable.

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Yet, this is not a unique vibe. In fact, this is the energy that one discovers throughout the year at Sayre. So, what does Sayre do to engender this enthusiasm? How does Sayre cultivate this love of learning? To answer this question, I looked to Sayre’s mission statement which focuses on Sayre's innovative, inclusive, and challenging academics that empower children to thrive in an ever-changing world. The statement articulates the core of Sayre’s success. So, by the end of my research, I uncovered a direct link. Sayre’s students achieve academic excellence and embrace challenge because their teachers, across the divisions, model a love of learning and believe that education is a lifetime pursuit that brings unmitigated joy and satisfaction. Sayre’s faculty is committed to a growth mindset, and they promote joyful learning by advocating and modeling the ability to stretch boundaries, venture outside comfort zones, take risks, and view learning as a dynamic process. Here are just some examples:

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• Ashley Bailey, a veteran of project-based

learning in PK, headed to Napa Valley to attend the Project-based Learning World 2023 Conference. Here, she shared her success with project learning even among the smallest students, and among over 1,500 educators, she designed a door project, a weeks-long activity focused on all sorts of doors that open into all kinds of worlds. She honed her craft, but she also came away with something new for the tiniest of Spartans. Ashley delved into the role of peer editing, a technique frequently used among middle and upper school students. Would our two- and three-year-olds be successful critiquing the work of others? Well, of course, they would, and in the process, they will discover that the best work is honed over time.

• I n third grade, students studied

immigration, and their teachers, Julie Renner and Victoria Baker, brought the experience alive in the classroom. To do that, both spent days in New York on a self-guided tour of Ellis

Sayre’s faculty is committed to a growth mindset, and they promote joyful learning by advocating and modeling the ability to stretch boundaries, venture outside comfort zones, take risks, and view learning as a dynamic process.

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Island and walked the path of those men and women who entered the United States through the federally owned island in New York Harbor, where, from 1892 to 1954, nearly 12 million immigrants were processed. Back in Lexington, students, according to Julie, “reenacted the immigration process, including the arrival of the boat, baggage claim, registration, health checkpoints, the ‘Stairs of Separation,’ the train station, and the ‘Kissing Post’.”

• Christy Babbit, a second-grade teacher,

headed to Orlando, Florida, and the four-day CGI (Cognitively Guided Instruction) National Conference for the 2022-2023 academic year. She engages second graders in dialogue about math, enforces the idea that there is not merely one way to solve a problem, and encourages flexibility and efficiency when approaching math problems. Christy returned to Sayre recharged and revitalized, introduced math journals and portfolios, and increased her use of Cuisenaire rods, Unifix cubes, and base ten blocks. Yes, successes were celebrated, but mistakes were also celebrated. After all, growth and development are rooted in our errors.

• Sayre Middle School math teachers

attended three conferences last year, two virtually and one in person. The conference “Using Guided Math to Catch Up Students Who Have Fallen Behind and Accelerate the Progress of All” presented ways to address any gaps students may have experienced during the pandemic. Further, “Illustrative Math” and the 2023 Kentucky Center for Mathematics Conference provided tools to challenge and differentiate instruction and engage students

in the art of mathematics. Math is a subject of active and intentional discussion, not simply information delivered in lectures and enforced through a list of problems to conquer. In an interview, Kat Calzini, Martha Heil, Ola Samadi, and Melissa Volpert talked of their excitement at uncovering new techniques to engage their middle schoolers and their delight in doing so together. They collaborate and consult in their quests to bring the best and the most innovative approaches to their students.

• Maggi O’Neill, a veteran chemistry

instructor in the Upper School, was interested in learning more about the art of education. What makes great teaching, and how does a school mentor great teachers? Her search led her to Harvard and its Instructional Leadership Certificate. Through four courses taken asynchronously, Maggi joins a community of peers to excavate the intangibles of teaching and align one’s mission, vision, methods, decisions, and assessments in a clear language of practice.

• Adam Samples, a 21-year veteran in

the teaching of Upper School mathematics, headed to the Innovative Schools Summit in Las Vegas for additional resources in social and emotional development. He aimed to increase his connection with students by tapping into individual interests and elevating the conversation around mathematics. By the conclusion of his stay, Adam was rejuvenated and ready to try new activities and to remember the session’s message: default to compassion.

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Yet, for Sayre, not all professional development is seen as time away, as a trip to another city to attend a conference. An individual can also pursue professional development virtually, on campus, through books, or with a visit down the hall. It can be attained by teaching other educators. Like all learning, acquiring professional development is a dynamic experience, and Sayre’s faculty and staff have allowed themselves to give full expression to their creativity. Lower School Music teacher Marcus Thomas wanted to establish stations for his preschool students, allowing more autonomy and differentiation. Therefore, he teamed up with Ashley Bailey and her preschoolers. Marcus praised Sayre’s community of learners. “My favorite thing about Sayre is this professional community that we have. I am not sure I have worked in another school or building where I have felt so perfectly comfortable walking up to a colleague and saying, ‘Teach me something.’” He feels it is essential for children to see teachers working together and learning. Our children learn from This collaboration reinforces the educators who learn, school’s belief exude joy, encourage full that education is a lifelong journey. engagement, and ask

students (and themselves) to take risks and step outside their comfort zones.

Sayre’s faculty growth and development does not exist in a vacuum. It is nurtured from the top down. Sayre’s Board and Head of School Stephen Manella have ensured that the funds are available for faculty development. In fact, the funds set aside have nearly tripled in the past five years. Further, the Division Heads, Clint Calzini, Kristin Seymour, and Jacki Neistat, have set professional growth as a priority and have instituted a “Sayre Growth and Appraisal” model designed “to promote reflection, inquiry, and action within one’s professional practice.” It is a model for “reflection and analysis of current teaching practice to inform and guide continuous improvement.” Each year, faculty members are placed in one

of five modes, and one of those modes is called the “Inquiry and Professional Growth Mode.” According to the Sayre School Growth and Appraisal Handbook, this mode is a year of significant reflection and action. Engaging in and applying professional development resources (books, workshops, graduate-level courses, school visits/collaborations) is expected, and funding is provided.” For the division heads, this focus on professional development is a win for all concerned. Head of Upper School Clint Calzini states that nothing stays static. Educational content, curricula, and pedagogy are dynamic. For Kristin Seymour, Head of Middle School, professional development helps teachers hone their craft and, in the process, refreshes them and reignites their passion. Head of Lower School Jacki Neistat believes professional development takes many forms and stresses the collaborative elements. This summer, 100% of the Lower School faculty were retrained in the Responsive Classroom Model and kindergarten through fifth grade faculty received training in their new math curriculum, Reveal Math. Further, Sayre, itself, continues to advance the professional development of all. Michael Thompson, an internationally recognized child psychologist, school consultant, author, and international speaker, came to Sayre in November of 2022 to speak to faculty and families. Summer reading for faculty is a longstanding tradition. Finally, Sayre will host the 2024 KAIS (Kentucky Association of Independent Schools) Conference in the spring. Learning is at the very heart of Sayre School; it is woven into its very fabric. Our children learn from educators who learn, exude joy, encourage full engagement, and ask students (and themselves) to take risks and step outside their comfort zones. Perhaps that is why 80% of juniors and seniors choose to take Advanced Placement classes. Perhaps that is why a walk on Sayre’s campus, regardless of the month, reveals an energy and enthusiasm for learning that is palpable. Perhaps this is how, above all, Sayre has made its mark and provided a foundation for success for each and every Spartan.

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ALUMNI 64

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Lauren Eberth Class of 2019 Lauren Eberth has always had a passion for science. While at Sayre, she was awarded Eighth Grade Excellence in Science and, as a senior, the Marc Goldenberg Science Award (see page 72). Lauren continues to make her mark at Furman University by receiving one of eight James B. Duke Scholarships which provide full tuition. Lauren received the Nora Mullens Biology Award during her first year at Furman. Each year, the Biology Department presents the award to the most outstanding first-year students taking their first biology course. While in the Upper School, Lauren gained a solid foundation for her later success in college and even scored a five on her AP Biology exam. This AP score allowed her to take an upper-level science course in genetics as a college freshman. As such, she tied for the highest overall grade in her class at Furman for their first biology course. As a junior, Lauren presented a poster of her research work at the Association of Southeastern Biologists Conference 2022 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Her poster was titled “Characterization of nuclear microsatellite loci to assess clonal structure in the rare Oconee bells.” She was also co-author of the subsequent manuscript, “The importance of understanding clonal structure for species listing and recovery: Case studies from the rare Oconee bells and the federally endangered bunched arrowhead,” which was submitted to The American Journal of Botany in June 2023.

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During her senior year, Lauren returned to the Association of Southeastern Biologists Conference 2023 in WinstonSalem, North Carolina. This time, she presented a poster on her research work, Modeling Species Distributions of Select Obligate Metallophytes in Response to Climate Change. In April 2023, Lauren was awarded the Elizabeth Thackston Taylor Botany Medal (established in 1942 at Furman) for the graduating senior with the greatest interest and aptitude in the field study of plants of the Piedmont. Lauren graduated in May 2023, Magna Cum Laude, with a B.S. in Biology (environmental and conservation track). She is a member of the Tri-Beta Biological Honors Society and the Phi Eta Sigma National Honors Society. She maintained the honor of being on the Dean’s List every semester of her four years, and she tied for the highest score on the Furman Biology Major Field Test for graduating seniors. She will receive the recognition of the Rex Eugene Kerstetter Award with her name on a plaque in the Biology Department at Furman. After graduating from Furman, Lauren was invited to present two posters of her research work at the 10th International Conference on Serpentine Ecology in Nancy, France.

Lauren is now continuing her studies at the University of Georgia and is pursuing a Master’s in Horticulture working with ornamental plants. “As one can see from Lauren’s accomplishments, she has a love of learning and a sincere interest in understanding the natural world,” said Rachel Holsinger, Upper School Science Teacher. “She has an appreciation for wild areas, which inspires her travels and her interest in conservation. Having traveled internationally with her on many Sayre-related trips (Galapagos Islands, Iceland, and New Zealand), I know that she thrives on academic conversations and takes the most stunning photographs of nature, primarily plants. I am honored that Lauren has mentioned that my teaching helped her have a solid foundation in college, but her work ethic allowed her to earn the highest average that year in AP Biology every single term. I cannot wait to see all she accomplishes in furthering scientists’ understanding of the plant world.”

What do you enjoy most about your work? As a Master’s degree student, I enjoy horticultural ornamental breeding, increasing my plant knowledge, honing my technical skills, and learning about new plant species.

Tell us something unexpected about yourself? When I was an undergrad, I discovered the joy of creating aquariums. I built a 5 ½ gallon aquarium and learned more about fish aquatics and ecosystems. I have planted a black water filled aquarium and filled it with snails, plants, and fish. It mimics their natural environment, which is high in tannins.

When you were a student at Sayre School, which teacher influenced you the most, and why? Mr. Mills was very influential in my college search. He helped me better understand my educational goals and my life plan.

What is one thing on your bucket list you cannot wait to accomplish? Starting a 50- to 55-gallon aquarium. But first, I need to start with a 30-gallon aquarium, and I’m planning that very soon.

What was your Sayre Moment? The Sayre Summer Trip to the Galapagos Islands. Mrs. Wheeler and Ms. Holsinger worked with the natural parks services, and we gathered data on tortoises. This was helping the national park with their census.

GIFTS FOR ALUMNI FROM THE SAYRE SPARTAN SHOP Shop online 24/7 or call (859) 254-1361 Campus hours: Tuesdays 2-3:30pm Thursdays 8-9:30am sayreschool.org/ spartan-community/ spartan-shop

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Keith Knapp Class of 1973 Dr. Knapp teaches in the University of Kentucky College of Public Health (his alma mater) and currently serves in the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services as Senior Advisor on Adult Programs in the Office of the Secretary. His leadership career in health care administration has spanned four decades, most recently serving as CEO of Christian Care Communities, Kentucky’s largest not-for-profit, faithbased provider of senior living and long-term care services. Dr. Knapp received his BS (Arts & Sciences) and

Ph.D. (Gerontology) from the University of Kentucky and his MHA from Xavier University. He has served as the governing board chair for the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA), National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) and the NAB Foundation, Kentucky Board of Licensure for Long Term Care Administrators, and Leading Age Kentucky. He is a NAB-qualified Health Services Executive (HSE), KY-Licensed and ACHCA-Certified Nursing Home Administrator, as well as a Fellow of ACHCA. In 2006, Dr. Knapp was named by ACHCA as the nation’s long-term care “Administrator of the Year.” In 2023, he was inducted into the ACHCA Hall of Fame. Dr. Knapp currently serves as a member of 1) the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky’s Community Advisory Council; 2) the board of directors for Honor Flight – Bluegrass; 3) the board of directors for Volunteers of America National Services, Inc.; 4) the board of directors of the NAB Foundation; and 5) NAB’s academic accreditation program review committee. In 2021, he co-authored “The Health Services Executive: Tools for Leading Long Term Care and Senior Living Organizations.” His research areas of interest include the ethical dilemmas and challenges surrounding a) the medical treatment of (and social supports for) older offenders, b) workforce development in post-acute care settings, and c) family dynamics in the long-term care setting.

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What do you enjoy most about your work?

What is one thing on your bucket list you cannot wait to accomplish?

Short-term: Contributing to the protection of – and enhancing the well-being of – frail elders living in Kentucky’s senior living communities. Long-Term: developing skilled leaders for tomorrow’s health and human services fields.

A Canadian Train ride with an Alaskan cruise.

Tell us something unexpected about yourself? I shook President Obama’s hand when he visited Louisville during his 2012 reelection campaign.

When you were a student at Sayre School, which teacher influenced you the most, and why? Andrea Brownstein. She stretched me to critically think about unfamiliar topics and perspectives that differed from my own. Also, Earl Oremus – to this day, I dare not say something is “terribly unique.”

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What was your Sayre moment? I have three of them: Third-place finish in KSHSAA Class A swimming championships with four male swimmers. Of course, Dr. Lloyd Ireland finished in first place for the girls all by herself as a TEAM! Our senior play: The Man Who Came to Dinner (comic relief character, Beverly Carlton, a British actor & playwright). Finally, the Sayre Upper School Pep Band – the island of misfit toys, who weren’t athletically talented enough – on the ground - to make either the football or basketball teams…but we made LOTS of sound to get the crowds riled up!

Philip Wilder Class of 1986 Philip Wilder is a classical music industry specialist with over 30 years of multifaceted experience as an artistic programmer, educator, fundraiser, marketer, and public relations consultant. He has also produced many recordings and films as a producer and musician. Philip Wilder graduated from Interlochen Arts Academy, the Eastman School of Music, and the DeVos Institute of Arts Management. He began his professional career as a member of the San Francisco-based vocal ensemble Chanticleer, where he became Artistic Administrator, Assistant Music Director, and founding Director of Education.

Philip Wilder served as executive director of the New Century Chamber Orchestra (one of the world’s few conductor-less chamber orchestras), guiding the orchestra’s strategic planning and day-to-day business. He worked closely with New Century’s music director, Daniel Hope, to organize the orchestra’s ambitious artistic programming, recording activities, and concert seasons in the Bay Area and on tour.

During his 16-year association with Chanticleer, he performed in over 1,000 concerts worldwide and fostered collaborations with many composers and performers. These include Sir John Tavener, Frederica von Stade, and Dawn Upshaw. He performed on 14 Chanticleer recordings for Warner Classics and Chanticleer Records. His recordings garnered four Grammy nominations and received two Grammy awards. As Chanticleer’s founding Director of Education, he developed and implemented programs for music students in San Francisco and across America, including its “Singing in the Schools” program and the Chanticleer Youth Choral Festival, an annual event for San Francisco Bay area high school students.

Philip Wilder is a passionate advocate for classical music and music education. He has teamed up with documentary filmmaker Owsley Brown III on film projects that share stories of music’s profound impact on people and their communities. He served as Series Producer of the PBS web series Music Makes a City Now, which chronicled the first season of the Louisville Orchestra’s dynamic Music Director Teddy Abrams, and music consultant for the award-winning documentary film Serenade for Haiti, which received its world premiere at HBO’s DOC NYC Festival in 2016. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago. He was executive producer of the Grammy-nominated recording Gods and Monsters and the complete

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Benjamin Britten Songs for Tenor for the London, England-based AVIE recording label.

What do you enjoy most about your work? The fact that I get to work in music. I’m always traveling and meeting young musicians and enjoy working with young people as they create music.

Tell us something unexpected about yourself? I have been a competitive swimmer since I was five years old. In high school I had to choose between swim practice or singing in the choir at Christ Church Cathedral. I chose to sing and looking back, I am very happy with that decision. I was given the opportunity to swim professionally but chose music instead. I am very glad I did!

When you were a student at Sayre School, which teacher influenced you the most, and why? Tom Grunwald. I was a sophomore-year transfer student, and he helped me transition from public school to Sayre where I excelled academically. I was amazed at how much time Mr. Grunwald set aside to work with me.

What is one thing on your bucket list you cannot wait to accomplish? I’ve never been to South America. I can’t wait to plan a trip, and it’s the top of the list.

What was your Sayre moment? The junior year trip to Washington, DC. The trip was so incredibly impactful, and I could not believe how much I learned. Also, how many times the Sayre School bus broke down on the interstate. They even had us push the bus down the road to jump-start it.

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Benjamin McGrath Class of 2010 Benjamin McGrath is a lifer and a proud alumnus of Sayre School. He graduated as a member of the Class of 2010, and his educational pursuits led him to Murray State University, where he dedicated himself to Civil Engineering. In 2015, Ben’s career took off when he was offered a position with AECOM Hunt. He started his career in Louisville where he contributed to the new construction of the Kentucky Convention Center. His dedication and skills quickly became evident and led to his rise within the company. By early 2019, Ben was asked to relocate for an exciting new project in Las Vegas, where he worked on the groundbreaking MSG and LED project. His role as Project Manager of Electric and Vertical Transportation at the MSG Sphere showcased his exceptional leadership and technical prowess. This groundbreaking theater, known for its immersive digital experience, celebrates the Sphere’s unique architecture by utilizing vast amounts of data to create abstract imagery inspired by space and nature. Outside of work, Ben has enjoyed ski trips to Park City, Utah, weekend trips to San Diego with friends, or camping year-round at any of the five national parks in the Las Vegas area.

What do you enjoy most about your work? There are two points of satisfaction I get from being a project engineer. There is something new to solve each day, and I get a great sense of accomplishment from my connection to the public who gets to enjoy my work. Over the past five years being on this project, I have seen the general public’s interest go from completely unaware of the Sphere project, to the Sphere’s being the hottest ticket in town.

Tell us something unexpected about yourself? When first moving from the horse capital of the world to Sin City in the middle of the desert, I thought I was crazy because there is nothing here that remotely resembled home. But as the years pass, I have grown to love the community I have built and feel comfortable where I am. However, I do still want to make it back home eventually.

When you were a student at Sayre, what teacher influenced you the most and why? I was taught by many excellent personalities at Sayre School. The most memorable is Anne Gross. To this day, I think of her anytime I need to multiply 12x12.

What is one thing on your bucket list? While moving out here, I made a bucket list of the west that I wanted to accomplish during my time in Las Vegas. One item I would still like to do that I haven’t yet is visit the vineyards of California.

What was your Sayre moment? Although some would not want me to encourage the upcoming class of 2024, my Sayre moment had to be orchestrating our senior prank. Aside from that, what I appreciate now more as I’ve joined the workforce are all the extended trips Sayre scheduled for us.

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My fellow Sayre alumni, SAVE THE DATES Golf Scramble September 26, 2024 Alumni Reunion October 26, 2024

As the new Sayre Alumni Association Chair and a new member of the Sayre School Board of Trustees, I am deeply honored and excited to embark on this new journey, leading our beloved school’s Alumni Association. Sayre holds a special place in all our hearts. As Chair, my primary goal is to strengthen the bond that connects all of us and celebrate the institution that brings us together. We are dedicated to reaching out to every alumnus both near and far to reconnect them with our alma mater. Whether you’re in Lexington or located throughout the world, we want to build bridges that allow us to come together, celebrate our shared memories, and forge new connections. We’re looking forward to new events for all of us in 2024 – from pickleball get-togethers and football tailgates to Sayre game watch parties and regional gatherings in cities where you are nationwide. I hear it over and over, “Sayre Alumni really move the needle,” both across our state and across industries worldwide. We want to highlight and recognize your accomplishments and learn how your Sayre experience has been the bedrock and foundation of your success. Your “Sayre Moment” and your stories are emblematic of the enduring value of a Sayre education and the profound impact it has had on all our lives. Walking back on Sayre’s campus in this new capacity made me emotional! What a privilege to be able to give back to the place that has given me so much – an unparalleled education and friends to last a lifetime. I cannot wait to get started, and I encourage you to reach out with your ideas, suggestions, stories, and your “Sayre Moment” – I would love to hear them. Together, we’ll make the Sayre alumni community stronger and more vibrant than ever. Wishing you all the very best and looking forward to our journey ahead. Thank You and Go Spartans!

Katie McCarthy ’10

SPECIAL AWARDS In honor of Brucie Glenn Rowe, Class of 1977, 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. This year’s recipient was DAVIS MILLER ’23.

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The Marc Goldenberg Science Award is given to a junior or senior who has demonstrated a high interest in science. This year’s award was presented to CAROLINE KATKO ’23.

Class Notes Mary Midkiff ’73

Mary married a British man and lives in Essex, United Kingdom, about 40 miles from London. It was hard leaving friends and family behind, but she has embarked on a new journey. Mary is working for Writtle University College in administration and is waiting for an equine lecturer position to open.

J.P. is the Information Technology Director for the Teachers’ Retirement System of the State of Kentucky.

Langdon ’93 and Jaclyn St. Clair Shoop ’08

On September 7, 2023, Nathaniel and his wife Christen welcomed their daughter Brooklyn Noelle Arnold into the world.

Athena Frasca ’19

Athena accepted a new position as the Bringing Baffin Back Watershed Coordinator with the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M. Athena will collaborate with watershed stakeholders, develop outreach and educational resources, and lead efforts to implement restoration and management activities to influence the Baffin Bay watershed health and water quality.

The Karl E. Knapp Excellence in the Study of Environmental Resource Conservation Award was awarded to EMILY HARDEMAN-ERBAR ’23. Dr. Knapp ’77, a Stanford University student and subsequent faculty member, devoted his professional career to science, earning numerous awards and patents.

We want to hear about your successes and so do your classmates. Let us share your achievements and milestones with your Spartan friends! High resolution photos are welcome as well.

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Nathaniel B. Arnold ’11

David Mohr ’74

After many years in the business world serving as an expert in information technology security and control, David recently ended his cybersecurity career and is enjoying retirement. Travel and photography have been his passions. He and his daughter Katherine toured Portugal last year and plan to visit Spain with family this year. David’s wife (April Mohr) is still serving as a tenured Professor of Accountancy at Jefferson Community College and consults for McGraw-Hill. They enjoy frequent beach vacations, pickleball, and their church.

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Langdon and Jaclyn welcomed their future Spartan Delpha Claire, on March 5, 2023. Delpha Claire will join the Sayre School Class of 2041.

Ann Bakhaus ’74

Ann received the Legacy Award from the National Association of Women Business Owners.

Our alumni are outstanding, and we want to hear all about you!

Jon P. Cordray (J.P.) ’75

EMAIL US: alumni@sayreschool.org SEND US A LETTER: Sayre School Office of Alumni Affairs 194 N. Limestone Street Lexington, KY 40507 LOG IN TO YOUR PORTAL: www.sayreschool.org/alumni/ alumni-portal

The recipient of the Todd O’Neill Award was LIZZIE STEPHENS ’27. This 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.

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In Memorium ANN RODGERS ASHLEY Ann Rodgers Martin Ashley died on October 21, 2023 at the age of 83. Born in Lexington, she attended University High School and graduated from the University of Kentucky (UK), where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. At UK, she was crowned Kentuckian Beauty Queen and represented UK at the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival. After graduation, she participated in the Maid of Cotton contest in Memphis, TN, where she was named a top ten contestant. Her entire career as an adult was spent as a teacher, primarily in middle school math, but she also served as Head of the Special Education Department at Sayre School. She is remembered fondly by many of her students as “Mrs. A.”

GLENN “GUS” BELL Glenn Byron “Gus” Bell, beloved father, grandfather, friend, and horseman, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2023. Gus was born on July 24, 1942. He was preceded in death by his mother Norma Bell, father Robert Marcum, sisters Bobby Looper and Beverly Bell, and cousin Jay Spurrier. He is survived by longtime companion Barbara Beaney of Danville; his children Jessica Bell of Atlanta, Georgia, Patrick Bell ’88 (Vanessa), and Desha Bell ’89, both of Lexington; niece Cynthia Looper; and cousins Allison Spurrier, Katherine Spurrier Ferster (Todd), Hunter Spurrier, and four granddaughters, Casey Cherry, Zaida, Rilke, and Parker. Gus was a graduate of Lafayette High School and a proud Marshall University graduate, where he was an accomplished football player. Subsequently, he served from 1964 to 1968 as a Commissioned Officer in

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the US Army as a helicopter pilot in the 173rd Airborne Brigade. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Air Medal with 27 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Gus worked in several capacities as an educator, administrator, and Board of Trustee of Sayre School. He was admired and beloved by his students and colleagues in those roles. He loved his Sayre family of mentors and friends from that era and felt lucky to maintain those relationships. Gus worked for nearly 45 years as a thoroughbred bloodstock agent. He prided himself in having relationships with folks from all walks of life, treating everyone he met with respect, and having his storied golf handicap of 6. In addition, Gus was a pillar of the recovery community in Lexington for more than 35 years and served as a mentor to many people. Gus had a keen ability to secure people’s confidence in recovery when others failed. Embodying servant leadership, he never expected anything from people he could not give himself, but he was always willing to help anyone who wanted to help themselves.

HARRIET DUPREE BRADLEY Harriet Dupree Bradley died peacefully at home on October 31, 2023, at the age of 62. She was born in Harlan, KY to Thomas Parmelee Dupree, Sr. and Clara Galtney Dupree. She was preceded in death by her parents. Harriet is survived by her husband of 32 years, Guy Alexander Bradley, Sr., and her son Thomas Binford

Bradley ‘19, both of Lexington; her step-children whom she loved as her own, Guy Alexander Bradley, Jr. (Anna Frances) of Birmingham, AL; and Sara Peyton Bradley of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, and their children Mary Bradley, Guy Bradley III, and Ridgely Bradley. After graduating from Sewanee in 1983, Harriet went on to study at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts and eventually opened her own catering business. Over the course of her career, Harriet served everyone from Queen Elizabeth of England to Aretha, the Queen of Soul. While Harriet could certainly hold her own with any visiting dignitary, she often said that her greatest privilege was being a part of so many significant moments in the lives of her clients here in Lexington and the surrounding area. From the happiest celebrations to the most difficult losses, she was there to feed, to serve, and to love. It was a true calling.

LARRY GILROY DICKSON Dr. Larry Gilroy Dickson peacefully passed away on October 30, 2023, surrounded by his children. He was born in Detroit, Michigan in December 1934 to the late Basil and Helen Dickson. He was a devoted husband and father. He graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in Chemistry and the Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1959. Larry was a retired Captain of the Navy where he served at Bethesda Naval Hospital, in Guam, in Egypt and onboard the USS Tanner. He retired from the Navy in 1983 and moved to Kentucky where he worked at the University of Kentucky’s Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and the Central Kentucky Blood Center, and he

served as a professor at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He was a long-time and active member of St. Hubert’s Episcopal Church. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Jocelyn, and daughter, Laura Margaret. He is survived by children Amelie (Timothy), Elsbeth, Bridget (Andrew), George, and grandchildren Grant, Trey, Helena, Marion, Ben, and Claire.

driving over the farms on a pretty day. Later in life, he and Betty took up golf. He adored his Labrador Retrievers when living on Gesdale Farm. In 1964, Bill purchased Winges Concrete and Asphalt Company and was president until it was sold in 1998. He was a partner in the development of the Hartland subdivision in Lexington. He always spoke fondly about his

Sayre is grateful for the generosity of the late Mr. William B. Gess, Jr. who through a planned gift, established the Gess Family Scholarship offering tuition support for children of Sayre alumni. WILLIAM BUSH GESS, JR. William Bush Gess, Jr. peacefully passed away on April 5, 2022. Bill was born in Lexington on June 16, 1932, to William B. Gess, Sr. and Jane Hamilton Gess. He was married for 61 years before the death of his beloved wife Betty Fauntleroy Pursley. Bill was preceded in death by his sister Mary Germond and his brother Alexander Gess. He was educated at Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he played basketball and tennis. Bill also attended the University of Kentucky. He served in the Army and was stationed in Germany for two years. He and his wife Betty traveled all over Europe before coming back home. He enjoyed his vast vegetable garden and

daughter Diane Gess Alverson ’77 (Bill) and his son William Bush Gess III ’78 (Edie Howard ’77). He was blessed with five grandchildren: William Hamilton Alverson, Lloyd Allen Alverson, Anne Lawrence Gess Smith ’03 (Madison), Benjamin Alexander Pursley Gess ’06 (Lucy), and William Bush Gess IV ’06 (Margaret Barr ’05). He also adored his six great grandchildren: Carter Emory Smith, Virginia Elizabeth Smith, William Henning Gess ’33, Louise Fauntleroy Gess ’35, George Standish Gess, and Lawrence Kelley Gess.

LESLIE HOLLINGSWORTH On February 17, 2023, after 96 years, Leslie Hollingsworth left her family and friends to sing with a new chorus. Leslie was the beloved mother of Toll, Denzil, Hunter, Jay, and Fred. Leslie was born on

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September 10, 1926. After graduating valedictorian from Lawrenceburg High School, Leslie took her first year at Park College in Missouri, then transferred to the University of Kentucky, where she marched in the band with her baritone, joined Chi Omega Sorority, and met her husband Donn Hollingsworth, former Headmaster at Sayre School. She graduated salutatorian with the Mortar Board Honor and a degree in library science. They had five children and enjoyed 28 years together. In 1961, Leslie was an integral support as a gracious hostess at Sayre. Her home was open to all who showed up at her door. She truly lived by the motto, “The more, the merrier.” Her house was always full of people, laughter, and music. Leslie taught music to the choir and orchestra at Sayre during the ’60s and early ’70s. During the last four decades, Leslie had new adventures; she became a House Mother for the Chi Omega Chapter at Ohio State, retired to Napa to live with her daughter and helped raise grandchildren. She summered in Kentucky, celebrated the Kentucky Derby with old friends, and traveled abroad. She was preceded in death by Donn Denzil Hollingsworth, her sister Nancy Fillmore Toll Smith, and her son Toll Hollingsworth. She is survived by her sons Denzil McKrell (Elise) and Jay Fillmore Hollingsworth ’72 (Judy), daughters Hunter Burgess Hollingsworth ’70 and Fred Hollingsworth Blakely ’77, grandsons Christian “Boon” Paff, Ben, Hunter, Noah and Joel Blakely, and Bryce

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Hollingsworth, granddaughters Chase and Cassandra Paff, Rachel ’08 and Kendra Hollingsworth, Jesse and Leslie Blakely, great-granddaughters Jayla and Kali Daniel, Mary Oliver Blakely, and great-grandsons Gabriele Saracino, Luke and Mark Paff and Parker Reecer Blakely. She was the Grande Dame of the “Aunt Hill” with numerous beloved Hollingsworth, Wiedemann, and Smith nephews and nieces.

SARAH LEER Sarah Leer peacefully passed on April 19, 2023. Sarah was born in Beckley, West Virginia, to Roy and Sarah Riley Cunningham. She attended Fairfax Hall for Girls in Waynesboro, Virginia, and completed her education at the University of Kentucky. Sarah was a voracious literarian, discerning gourmand, and passionate aesthete. Married to George McDaniel Leer, predeceased in 1996, Sarah was a longtime Bourbon County resident, where she raised her two sons on their family farm. Her professional life was defined by entrepreneurship in agriculture, fashion, dining, and entertainment. Profoundly important to Sarah was her charitable dedication to the significant institutions in her life. Delta Delta Delta sorority, Girl Scouts of Kentucky’s Wilderness Road Council, Sayre, and The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd were all foundational to her identity. In March of 2006, Sarah became the Middle School Administrative Assistant. She loved being in the Middle School office, interacting with children and watching

them grow. After 11 years, Sarah retired in June 2021. Sarah is survived by her sons Courtland Hunt Leer ’04 (Leslie Stoll) and Carter Monroe Leer ’10 (Lucy Alison), brother Alexander Cunningham (Jill Brown), nephew Hunt Cunningham, grandchildren Margaret and George Leer, and many more family and dear friends.

ALLAN P. NAHRA Allan Peter Nahra passed away suddenly on January 19, 2023, at the age of 76. Al was born on February 13, 1946, to Lebanese immigrants Alia and Maflah Nahra in Cleveland, Ohio. He spent his early years working in his father’s grocery store, pestering his older brothers and sisters and many dear cousins, and riding his bike around Cleveland’s east side. Upon graduating from Shaw High School, he enrolled in Bowling Green State University, where he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and graduated with a bachelor’s in business. In 1975, Al got the opportunity of his lifetime to open a McDonald’s franchise in Nicholasville, Kentucky. It didn’t take long for Al and his wife Carole to get involved in their new community and form relationships with so many special people. His commitment to helping others led him to volunteer his time and resources to many organizations.

As a founding member of the Ronald McDonald House in Lexington, his impact on RMHC is awe-inspiring and immeasurable.

Murrell, Trudy Tibbs, Mary Joan Oexmann, and JB Oexman.

Al was an avid golfer and tennis player. For the last 40 years, Al spent countless hours in the bleachers or on the sidelines at sporting events around town. He was passionate about where all his children and grandchildren attend(ed).

Donna Sue “Susi” Slone, 72, widow of Paul Pete Allen Slone, passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2023. Susi was born in Glasgow, Kentucky, on June 28, 1951, to the late Albert J. Goode and Margaret Elois Jones. Susi was loved by many students at Sayre. During the school year, Susi served as a sous chef, and in the summer months, she worked with the children attending Sayre’s Summer Safari program. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Paul Slone; brother, James Coffman; sister, Marva Davis; and grandchildren, Chancey Carmichael, Cameron Slone, and Peyton Slone. In addition to her husband, Paul, she is preceded in death by a sister, Leslie Meshell Coffman.

Al was preceded in death by his parents Alia and Maflah; his brothers Joe and Vic; his sisters Essine, Evelyn, and Elaine; and his daughter-in-law Elizabeth Carey Nahra. He is survived by his wife, Carole; their four children Stephanie (John) Johnson, Tyler Nahra, Jason (Leigh) Nahra, Bradley (Adrianna) Nahra, all of Lexington; as well as his nephews Anthony (Kari) Rutkowski of Chicago, and Ted Rutkowski (Lexington); and his fourteen loving grandchildren, Nina, Reed, Laine, Graham, Grady, Jake, Nick, Woods, Oakes, Harbour, Frances, Brady, Davis, and Lyla.

HENRY E.R. OEXMANN ’74 Henry E.R. Oexmann passed away on December 20, 2022. Henry graduated from Sayre School and the University of Kentucky. He played football for Sayre and excelled in mathematics. Henry enjoyed traveling, especially visiting his only aunt and uncle and cousins in Wiltshire, England. He worked for Rockwell International and Boeing Industries as an electrical engineer. Henry was a gentle soul known for his kindness to everyone he met. Henry is survived by his siblings: Elizabeth

DONNA SUE “SUSI” SLONE

CHARLES MATTHEW “MATT” TIERNEY Charles Matthew Scott Tierney died September 11, 2023, at the age of 83. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on March 24, 1940, to the late Lewis Clark and Helen Scott Tierney. Matt graduated from Avon Old Farms School in Avon, Connecticut, and the University of Cincinnati, where he majored in Radio and Television Communication. Upon graduation, he bought and managed WPDX radio station in Clarksburg, West Virginia, and Tygart Lake Boat Marina in Grafton, West Virginia. In 1970, Matt moved to Lexington to manage Leatherwood Farm, which had been in his family for many years. In addition, he was Secretary and Treasurer of the Tierney Corporation, a mining and land

development company founded by his grandfather Laurence Tierney, in 1912. He also spent many years as a realtor in A. S. DeMovellan Real Estate. Matt was involved in several community organizations and boards, including The Humane Society, Keeneland Club, The Thoroughbred Club, and the Iroquois Hunt Club. He also served on the City of Lexington’s Flood Water Planning Board, the Antique and Classic Boat Society, Inc., and, as an avid University of Kentucky sports fan, the President’s Club. Matt was devoted to his family and friends and loved spending time with them. He enjoyed boating, fishing, hunting, and traveling in his RV, as well as yearly family trips. He will be remembered for his generous spirit, quick laugh, and ready smile. As a member of the West Virginia Air National Guard for six years, he was training in New Jersey when he was called to the scene of a plane crash. He was recognized for being part of the rescue operation, which saved the pilot’s life. Matt is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Cinson Tierney; daughter Heather Meade Tierney ’86; and son Matthew Peyton Tierney ’89.

Sayre is grateful to Mr. C. Matthew S. Tierney, who passed away on September 11, 2023, for directing memorial gifts in his honor toward supporting the school.

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GRANDPARENTS & SPECIAL PERSONS’ DAY

THANK YOU Grandparents and special friends are a vital part of our Sayre family. We appreciate their engagement and support, which profoundly impacts our students’ lives.

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…and