Transformation

THE PODIUM

Magazine of Sayre School 2018

TRANSFORMATION

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GREETINGS FROM OLD SAYRE What a difference a year makes! Last year, our campus was a construction site and very few of us were in our typical homes - the Middle School moved into Old Sayre, the Lower School took over the Middle School, and the Administration moved to Constitution Street.

Today, you only need to take one step on our campus to see that a remarkable transformation has taken place with the completion of the new Lower School and courtyard linking our main campus.

The theme of this year’s Podium is fittingly “Transformation” and our articles highlight all of its manifestations. After all, a Sayre education is a transformative experience. Consider the advice the Valedictorians and Salutatorians of the Class of 2018 shared with their peers at commencement: “Your outlook, your attitude and the way that you treat others are all in your power, so use that for good.” –Ellie Webb, Co-Valedictorian “No one can take away your determination, your spirit, and your hard work.”

–Will Lain, Co-Salutatorian “The greatest part of being with this group of remarkable, ambitious individuals is that we all make each other better.” -Greg Kimmerer, Co-Valedictorian “Mark my words, you guys are going to do great things out there. Your families believe in you, your teachers believe in you, and I believe in you.” -Edward Morris, Co-Salutatorian Our newest alumni, like those before them, embody the Sayre spirit of camaraderie and a commitment to make a difference in their lives and the lives of those around them. It is that same spirit that shines through our alumni profiles featuring Will Arvin ’85 and his recreation of the Old Taylor Distillery; Ann Bakhaus '74 and her leadership of the Town Branch Commons project; John Lackey’s '81 connection to the Lexington community through his art; Lyndy Franklin Smith’s '97 efforts to mentor the next generation of musical theatre artists; and Holly Wiedemann’s '73 stunning restoration of the Old Lexington Court House.

A commitment to transformative endeavors is a commitment to continuous improvement for ourselves, for our school, and for our world. I am proud and privileged to be a part of a community that embraces that ethos wholeheartedly. The Sayre spirit is second to none.

Go Spartans!

Stephen Manella Head of School

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The New Sayre Lower School This school year began a new chapter in the long and distinguished history of Sayre School. The stunning design successfully blends the old with the new. The central campus is seamlessly tied together around the courtyard plaza and outdoor playground areas, and the entire project anchors the perimeter of the campus.

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Transforming the Bluegrass Lexington and the surrounding areas are forever changing, and these five Sayre alumni are an integral part of the transformation. Whether it is in the arts or community development, each is committed to the growth of the Bluegrass and to making Lexington a better place. Sayre is proud to share stories of alumni who are currently involved in projects for the betterment of Central Kentucky.

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Class of 2018

SAY RE online @sayrespartans

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Athletics

18

Year in Review

sayreschool

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The Arts

sayre-school

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Alumni Events

sayreschool

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Alumni Class Notes

sayreschoollexington

sayreschool 194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Day of Giving

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS SUPPORT! The Podium is a magazine published by

Sayre School. Contributors include:

MY STORY. OUR SCHOOL. Our story began on March 12, 1793 when our founder David A. Sayre was born.

#SAYREFUND WATCH FOR INFORMATION ON

SAYRE'S

DAY OF GIVING APRIL 2019

EDITORS Mary Breeding John and Carolyn Hackworth Barb Milosch Kristin Seymour

DESIGN Barb Milosch

CONTENT Brad Becker Cathy Bilberry Mary Breeding Rob Goodman '89 Leslie Isaacs '69 Bo List Richard Little Stephen Manella Randy Mills Barb Milosch Timothy O’Rourke Annie Papero Delia Pergande Marti Quintero Kristin Seymour

PHOTOGRAPHY

OUR MISSION Sayre School provides an innovative and inclusive learning environment that empowers students to achieve academic excellence, embrace challenge, and cultivate integrity in order to lead purposeful lives in an ever-changing world.

Rebecca Ashby Hilary Brown EquiSport Photos Barb Milosch Patrick J. Mitchell Phillips Mitchell Cassie Redden Shannon Stollings Heather Trout

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INNOVATION EXCELLENCE START HERE 2018-2019 STUDENTS AND FACULTY 552

students preschool through 12th grade

15

average class size

7:1

student-to-teacher ratio

62%

faculty holding advanced degrees

20%

students from diverse racial backgrounds

14

central Kentucky counties represented

23%

students receiving need-based tuition assistance totaling $1.3 million

CLASS OF 2018 RESULTS 100%

college placement

80%

seniors receiving merit scholarships totaling over $6.5 million

$103,000 average scholarship per student 8

seniors participating in intercollegiate athletics

59%

seniors scored 28 or above on the ACT; over 46% of the class scored 30 or above

2018 ADVANCED PLACEMENT HIGHLIGHTS 53

total AP Scholars with an overall average AP score of 4.08

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AP Scholars (3.06 average test score)

8

Scholars with Honor (3.71 average test score)

28

Scholars with Distinction (4.36 average test score)

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AP National Scholars (4.51 average test score, 14% of the senior class)

38%

of the junior and senior classes combined are designated as AP Scholars

75%

of the graduating senior class took at least one AP

93%

of seniors who took one or more exams earn credit scoring of 3 or better (compared with 53% in Kentucky and 61% nationally)

85%

overall AP pass rate (scores of 3 or higher)

MATH & SCIENCE AP PASS RATE

ARTS & HUMANITIES AP PASS RATE

100%

Biology, Chemistry, Physics I & II

100%

French and Spanish

100%

Calculus BC

100%

Music Theory

97% Statistics

93%

English Language

93%

80% History

Environmental Science

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Board Awards

FROM THE BOARD Board Welcomes New Members

W

e are excited to welcome two new members to our Board of Trustees, Class of 2022— Kathryn Hill and Griggs Powell. Kathryn Hill and her husband Jamie have been members of the Sayre community for the past four years, and their daughter, Sally Rose, is currently in third grade.

Kathryn has been an active member of SPA and has headed the Sayre Appreciation committee for several years and is co-chairing the Holiday Celebration this year. She has also volunteered her time in support of the Sayre Horse Show and has helped with the Spectacular Silent Auction. Kathryn is a pharmaceutical sales representative with AbbVie and will join our Enrollment and Marketing Committee.

Griggs Powell was born and raised in Lexington and attended Sayre as a member of the Class of 1990. He and his wife Molly have three children—Maddie, Eli, and Gus. Maddie, their eldest, is in eighth grade at Sayre.

Griggs is a co-owner of P3-Promotional Products Plus and the primary owner of Madd Merch, a promotional merchandise company responsible for large venue sales for events such as Lollapalooza. Griggs is serving on our Advancement Committee.

Congratulations to the Board Award Recipients

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ach 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 19521961. Awards are given 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 daily life of the school providing parent and/or student participation and expression opportunities.

This year’s current parent recipients are Molly and Justin Yandell. These two have truly been a dynamic duo in support of Sayre. Justin has served on the Board of Trustees for the past eight years, chaired the Marketing and Enrollment Committee, and has been a valued advisor on all matters related to our website.

Molly served on the Lower School Head search committee that brought Dr. Papero to us. She has been a stalwart volunteer for Spectacular over the years, serving as Co-Chair of the event and Chair of Live Auction. For the past three years, Molly worked in our Admissions Office guiding prospective families to our community. We are so fortunate to have the Yandells as such amazing ambassadors for Sayre!

The past patron recipient of the Miles Award is Sue Strup, whose leadership of our Board Advancement

and Capital Campaign Committees played a pivotal role in the success of our Building Excellence, Shaping Generations campaign for the Lower School. When Sue takes on a project, she jumps in with both feet, a full heart, and boundless energy. Her passion and support for our community are inspiring and contagious. Her leadership of this campaign is just one example of her dedication to Sayre; when she chaired Spectacular’s Sponsorship committee, she set records. Most importantly, she and her husband Stephen are the proud parents of two Sayre graduates, Spencer '11 and Sydney '17.

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 the form of service to the student body.

One would be hard pressed to find a more fitting recipient of this award than Randy Mills. Randy is completing his 20th year in College Counseling where he has exquisitely and caringly guided our students and families through the college process. Sayre’s college counseling program is by far the best in the region (if not the state!) thanks to Randy. In addition,

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Randy is the consummate supporter of all things Sayre…especially athletics. He serves as the announcer of senior nights, homecoming court…and now football games! Randy’s passion, wisdom and dedication are treasured by our entire community.

Sue Strup, Recipient of the The Miles Service Award Georgia Henrie, Spencer Strup '11, Sue Strup, Stephen Strup

Randy Mills, Recipient of The McClellan Award Grant Mills, Jackson Mills, Emily and Randy Mills

Justin and Molly Yandell, Recipients of the The Miles Service Award

The Trustee Award is given to a current or past trustee of the school who has been singled out by his fellow trustees as a leader in providing guidance and direction to the school through his or her efforts. This year’s designee, Jimmy Thornberry, completed two terms on the Board (eight years), where he served as both the Vice-Chair and Treasurer of the Executive Committee. In addition, he served multiple terms on the Finance Committee as both a member and the chair. Jimmy may at first seem like a man of few words, but he is thoughtful and precise and when he speaks everyone listens. His invaluable input has helped guide Sayre to new heights. Fortunately for us, Jimmy will be with us for a long time. While his daughter Lauren graduated in 2018 and his son Ian will graduate in the Class of 2021, his grandson, James, is in the Class of 2033!

Jimmy Thornberry, Recipient of The Trustee Award Susan and Jimmy Thornberry, Abbie and Michael Thornberry

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Class of 2018

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES & CHOICES (IN BOLD) Amherst College

George Washington University

University of Florida

Asbury University

Georgetown College

University of Georgia

Auburn University

Georgetown University

University of Illinois

Bellarmine University

Georgia Tech

University of Kentucky

Belmont University

Grinnell College

University of Louisville

Bentley University

High Point University

University of Maryland

Boston University

Indiana University

University of Mississippi

Brandeis University

Loyola University Chicago

Bucknell University

Loyola University New Orleans

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

Butler University

Miami University

Carleton College

Midway University

Carnegie Mellon University

Morehead State University

Case Western Reserve University

North Carolina State University

Catholic University

Northeastern University

Centre College

Ohio State University

Clemson University

Pomona College

Colby College

Presbyterian College

College of William and Mary

Purdue University

College of Wooster

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Colorado State University

Roanoke College

Columbus College of Art and Design

Rollins College

Davidson College

Rose Hulman Institute of Technology

Denison University

Samford University

DePaul University

Santa Clara University

DePauw University

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

Dickinson College

Transylvania University

Drexel University

University of Alabama

Duke University

University of California Los Angeles (UCLA)

Eastern Kentucky University Emory University Franklin and Marshall College Furman University

University of Cincinnati

University of Notre Dame University of Oklahoma University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Richmond University of Rochester University of San Francisco University of South Carolina University of Southern California University of Tampa University of Tennessee University of the South Sewanee University of Virginia Vanderbilt University Wake Forest University Washington & Lee University Washington University in St. Louis Western Kentucky University

Williams College Wofford College Xavier University

University of Colorado Boulder University of Dayton

* For a five-year College Matriculation listing, visit www.sayreschool.org/collegecounseling

University of Denver

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SENIORS ON THE STEPS

LIFERS

LEGACIES

Students who have attended Sayre since grade one. Among those in the Class of 2018 were (left to right top to bottom): Mitchell Barber, Edward Morris, Clay Mitchell, Marcus Bowie, Greg Kimmerer, Karim Samadi, Nick Harling, Andy Fahmy, Jack Bergstrom, Dylan Absher, Blanton Vego, Calbi Brewer, Marielena Villaran, Allison Harris, Dee Dee Wheeler, Grace Headley, Tabor Little, Lauren Thornberry, and Lainie Tew

Over the past 164 years, students have followed in their parents’ footsteps graduating from Sayre. Among those in the Class of 2018 were (left to right): Ben Marcum, Mitchell Barber, Tabor Little, Parker Dean, Clay Mitchell, and Marshall Nielson

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS AND COMMENDED SCHOLAR

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he Sayre School graduating class of 2018 included three National Merit Finalists and one National Merit Commended Scholar. Over 1.6 million students took the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). From this number, only 16,000 highest-scoring program participants qualified as National Merit Semifinalists, with the opportunity to continue in the competition to advance to National Merit Finalists. About 34,000 students nationwide earned the designation of National Merit Commended Scholar.

Upon review of grades, an essay, counselor recommendation and activities of National Merit Semifinalists, all three Sayre Semifinalists advanced to National Merit Finalist standing.

Sayre’s Class of 2018 National Merit Finalists and Commended Scholar, with choice of college, are: Ramzi Hamdalla, National Merit Finalist: Carnegie Mellon University Greg Kimmerer, National Merit Finalist: Emory University Edward Morris, National Merit Finalist: Washington University in St. Louis Ellie Webb, National Merit Commended Scholar: Georgetown University 194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Class of 2018

GRADUATION RECOGNITIONS HEADMASTER'S MEDAL There is no written criteria for the medal other than it is to be given to the Sayre student who has given in an outstanding manner to the school.

Within the first weeks of Upper School, this student captured the attention of the faculty. That first impression lasted for the next four years; she is a scholar and a citizen of extraordinary proportions.

When superlatives find their way to this student, they are met with humility, which is one of the reasons her exceptional academic and personal qualities are greatly admired by teachers and peers alike.

Her unwavering integrity, uncommon maturity, and ability to respond to adversity with determination are balanced with a quick wit, a wry sense of humor, and a down-to-earth demeanor.

Her passion is for public service and improving society, and there is no doubt we will all benefit from her commitment.

Mr. Stephen Manella had the honor of bestowing the 2018 Headmaster’s Medal upon Ellie Webb.

"I may be biased, but ever since August 19th, 2014, I have known that there is something remarkable about this class. I remember that first day of high school very vividly. I remember what I wore, and that my day started with Biology and ended with Algebra II... What I don't recall is ever feeling nervous, out of place, or even new. Four years later, thinking back, it's hard for me to remember a time when I didn't know everyone by name, when I had a hard time finding classrooms, and when I didn't realize how noteworthy each and every member of this class is.

As we move on from here, we will continue to mold our personalities into who we will become, and in many ways that is a good thing.

On this day, we know more than we ever have, but we still have so far to go, so much more to learn. As we encounter people who are wiser than us, worldlier than us, or simply different than us, it is important to learn from them. It is also important to not lose sight of this key principle: that you are the one thing in life that you have complete control over. Your outlook, your attitude and the way that you treat others are all in your power, so use that for good.

Additionally, continue to engage with as many people as possible, as their backgrounds, ideologies, personalities, or mentalities may be something that you need a little bit more of in your life."

Ellie Webb, Valedictorian Speech Georgetown University, Class of 2022

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THE OPTIMA AWARD The Optima Award—This is a special award voted on annually by seniors in a secret ballot without nomination. They are simply instructed to choose the one individual who in their opinion best exemplifies the ideals of Sayre.

This year’s recipient is a member of the National Honor Society, the Math Honor Society, a Faculty Award winner, a two-year member of the Upper School’s Honor Council, secretary of the Council this year, and a four-year member of the varsity baseball team. Just this spring he volunteered to do an all-day training to become a Green Dot advocate, trained to step in and help when witnessing verbal, physical or sexual harassment. A highly motivated, intellectually curious, engaging, and fun-loving young man, the 2018 Optima Award recipient is William Lain.

"High school, for each and every one of us, has been a long and strenuous journey, but no one said it was going to be easy. No one said we’d just fly through without any difficulties. But just because the road gets tough, doesn’t mean we can stop trying to move forward. As Dag Hammarskjold, a Swedish diplomat once said, “Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step; only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find the right road.”

Or, if you’d prefer a quote from a person that you will actually know about, here’s one from Babe Ruth who said, “Never let the fear of striking out get in your way.”

To some, this quote only refers to baseball. But to me, its lesson is that the only person who will ever stop you from achieving great things and from being the person you want to be is yourself. No one can take away your determination, your spirit, and your hard work. They can try to discourage you, but they can never change who you are."

William Lain, Salutatorian Speech College of William and Mary, Class of 2022

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Class of 2018

Class of 2018

CONGRATULATIONS

"Class, although we could take more time on thanks, I urge you to appreciate those important to you in the way only you can. Instead, let’s end with some fun. A final Hoo-ray together. A game of MadLibs.

Seniors - Does everyone remember how to play?

I will call out a part of speech and I need you to give me a word. Any word will do--the topic is Us, the Class of 2018, but let’s keep it PG. The gross (adjective) Class of 2018 is Graduating. It’s been a sexy (adjective) twelve years of grade school, filled with Edward (noun) and dogs (noun), but we all agree that there was nothing more satisfying than running (verb) down the Hall to Mr. Leer (name of teacher)’s room for a typically hairy (adjective) class.

We’ll miss Tender Tuesday, as well as Mohsin (noun), but heading off to college is an ugly (adjective) opportunity we wouldn’t give up for even Chipotle (noun). All in all, it’s the end of an era, and I don’t think anything better encapsulates this class than blue (any word).

Truthfully, there is no one word that does justice to this class. During our time at Sayre, we have found out that each one of us is a brain...and an athlete...and a class clown...a Spartan... a Schmee...and much more. We have been shaped by our experience in high school and

our uniqueness will carry us long after we part ways. Mark my words, you guys are gonna do great things out there. Your families believe in you, your teachers believe in you, and I believe in you. Go get ‘em."

Edward Morris, Salutatorian Speech Washington University in St. Louis, Class of 2022

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"Building on the spark of curiosity lit in 2nd grade, and the budding research skills developed in middle school, our sophomore and senior year research papers had us exploring increasingly complex historical questions and policy challenges. Having reached a level of maturity where we could accept it, Dr. Pergande and Mr. Snowden critiqued our ideas and conclusions, making sure our sources were reliable and our logic sound, rather than spoon-feeding us conclusions or solutions. Mrs. Berryman brings out the best in us as well.

While preparing for our senior recital, Mrs. Berryman gave Madigan and me free rein to choose the songs we wanted; and even to change up the program last minute when we realized we were underprepared. Throughout high school, she’s encouraged all the musicians in the senior class to expand their horizons, and to try out new genres and ensembles.

After providing us with all these opportunities, she was happy to let us choose our own path and find our musical voices.

The impact of the freedom and opportunities Sayre has offered up to us is apparent in the senior class. We have aspiring artists, engineers, screenwriters, entrepreneurs, songwriters, future judges, scholars and scientists. The greatest part of being with this group of remarkable, ambitious individuals is that we all make each other better."

Greg Kimmerer, Valedictorian Speech Emory University, Class of 2022

194 N. N. Limestone Limestone Lexington, Lexington, KY KY 40507 40507 ∙∙ www.sayreschool.org www.sayreschool.org 194

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Athletics

SPARTAN WRAP-UP

2017-2018 FALL

Boys Soccer Lexington Herald Leader All-City Honorable Mention: Trey Atkins '20, Matthew Bernard '19, Wick Hallos '19, and Andres Mitchell '18

Girls Soccer Lexington Herald Leader All-City Second Team: Isabel Pergande '18 and Dee Dee Wheeler '18 Lexington Herald Honorable Mention All-City Team: Kate Christensen '18, Alexis Henry '19, and Maggie Little '20 42nd District All-Tournament Team: Isabel Pergande '18 and Dee Dee Wheeler '18

Golf Central Kentucky Bluegrass Conference All-Conference Team: Jack Bergstrom '18

WINTER Boys Basketball 11th Region All-Region Team: R.J. Smith '18 Lexington Herald Leader All-City: Jayden Blanton '18 and R.J. Smith '18 Lexington Herald Leader All-City Honorable Mention: Marcus Bowie '18 All A All-Regional Tournament Team: Marcus Bowie '18

Girls Basketball Lexington Herald Leader All-City Second Team: Dee Dee Wheeler '18 Lexington Herald Leader All-City Honorable Mention Team: Isabel Pergande '18

Swimming Kentucky State Champion 500 Freestyle: Megan Goldthorpe '18

SPRING Baseball Pre-season KHSBCA All-State Team: Cameron Stiglich '18 42nd District All-Tournament Team: Sam Stayton '18 and Cameron Stiglich '18 Lexington Herald Leader All-City First Team: Cameron Stiglich '18 – pitcher Lexington Herald Leader All-City Second Team: Nick Clark '19 – outfielder, Ben Young '20 – utility player

Tennis 11th Region All-Regional Team: Caroline Hager '19, Grace Headley '18, and Shane Landis '21

Boys Lacrosse Commonwealth All-Star Team: Matthew Bernard '19, Jay Rutherford III '19, and Henry Zahn '19

Girls Lacrosse Commonwealth All-Star Team: Olivia Frasca '19, Maggie Little '20, Audrey Sams '20, and Simi Sandhu '21

Middle School Girls Basketball

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During the 2017-18 season the Sayre Middle School Girls Basketball Team, 6th-8th graders, went 11-1 on the season. The Spartans were the regular season champions of the Parochial League, a league made-up of small private schools throughout central Kentucky. Every player got into every game and improved tremendously as the season progressed. This was a spirited team who worked hard and loved to compete.

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194 194 N. N. Limestone Limestone Lexington, Lexington, KY KY 40507 40507 ∙∙ www.sayreschool.org www.sayreschool.org

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Athletics

Did you know?

Eight members of the Class of 2018 signed to play intercollegiate athletics. The student-athletes will compete in the sports of baseball, basketball, golf, swimming, tennis and volleyball. Sayre School athletics is represented at the following colleges this year: Jack Bergstrom, Golf: Belmont University Jayden Blanton, Basketball: Midway University Megan Goldthorpe, Swimming: University of Tampa Grace Headley, Tennis: Centre College Marshall Nielsen, Baseball: Davidson College R.J. Smith, Basketball: Centre College Cameron Stiglich, Baseball: Western Kentucky University Emerson White, Volleyball: Brandeis University

Club 1,000 This past year saw three major accomplishments on the athletic front. First was in volleyball where Emerson White '18 recorded her 1,000th kill for Coach Leigh McCauley Nahra and the Sayre Volleyball Team. She led the team to another 20-win campaign and helped continue the quick rise of the program. With the help of her teammates, Emerson became the first Sayre volleyball player to reach this milestone.

In Girls Basketball, Dee Dee Wheeler '18 added to her already impressive athletic resume when she became the newest member of the 1,000-point club. Battling through injuries and constant attention from opponents, Dee Dee went on to score 458 points in the season.

In Boys Basketball, R.J. Smith '18 finished off a terrific career at Sayre by becoming the newest member in the 1,000-point club. Following in Jake Duby’s '18 footsteps, this makes it back-to-back years for the Sayre program.

R.J. helped continue the boys’ run against tremendous competition and with the help of his teammates, scored 568 points in the season.

Spartans Hit the Slopes Over the past several years Middle School students have embarked on a fun day at Perfect North Slopes in Indiana. Over 24 kids each year have learned, laughed, and grown on the Middle School ski trip. For some, it’s their very first time. For others, it’s a chance to improve their skills. This is a fun learning experience (for the adults, too) and a great way to make memories with new and old friends. We look forward to another winter on the slopes!

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TOUCHDOWN! "It’s exciting to see football return to Sayre. The players and the Sayre community will have lots of great memories on Friday nights in the fall," said Michael Dawahare '79.

I

t’s been nearly 45 years since Babe Walton roamed the sideline, looking like Vince Lombardi, with his gruff smile. He was smiling because he knew he had an arsenal of talent in players like Larry Flynn '67, Toll Hollingsworth '68, Bruce Isaacs '70, Bob Johnson '71, Benny Willis '72, and Michael Dawahare '79. The program enjoyed success as this great coach moved and manipulated the talented players through the schedule.

Sayre Football returned this fall with a high level of excitement. Under the guidance of Chad Pennington, former NFL quarterback, Sayre Football is once again taking the field. While it may appear the program moved quickly toward this endeavor, talks actually began five years ago between Coach Pennington and Head Basketball Coach Rob Goodman '89. With the arrival of Athletic Director Richard Little, it was evident the time was now to bring back football. The response has been overwhelming, from community interest to the number of students who participated this inaugural season.

After months of planning, the return of football became a reality when 35 students in grades 8 through 12 decided to take on the challenge. After additional meetings with parents and players,

the next step was to begin preparing for the season.

With the support of many, the team returned this fall to a new locker room, updated weight room, larger scoreboard on the main field, a storage trailer for away games and new goal posts. New practice equipment, practice uniforms, and game uniforms also added to the excitement.

Anticipation for the first game scheduled in August was huge.

Students of all ranges of experience and size contribute meaningfully as the team relies on athleticism, hard work, commitment and sportsmanship. Players will develop the character traits and life lessons of teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship—the very reason our school provides athletics to its students.

Finally, for football-focused elite athletes, football can be a stepping-stone to be the best version of themselves through grit, resilience, hard work and dedication. The Athletic Department at Sayre adheres to the words of David A. Sayre by providing athletics of “the widest range and highest order.”

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Year in Review

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WONDER EXPLORATION

Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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s a part of PK-4's week honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., students talked about how much better our world is when we come together, with all of our differences, and make something beautiful. Students used a poem and their hand prints to convey this message. They spent time reading books about Dr. King as a young boy, talked about equal rights, and what life was like for Dr. King and his friends before the Civil Rights Movement.

Discovering the World of Animals

P

roject work can go in so many directions and in Kindergarten you never know where the topics may take you! Animals are always something young children have an interest in, but with a topic so broad teachers found it necessary to narrow it down.

After much discussion they decided to embark on a project that helped students learn about animals native to Kentucky, their classification, and their habitats.

The Kindergarten classroom was quickly taken over by insects, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. Rivers, lakes, forests, and gardens were constructed and bears, snakes, frogs, butterflies, and catfish all had a place to live.

Field trips to places like the Salato Wildlife Center in Frankfort and guest speakers with expertise in these areas helped answer student questions and put all of this in perspective for kindergarten children. Sharing their project work with parents and other students in school was a lot of fun and being able to teach what they had learned made them quite proud.

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The Wonders of Native American Tribes

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he study of the North American Native peoples was an exciting unit for our third graders.

Students researched many aspects of a tribe’s daily life and customs. Through non-fiction writing and poetry, each student expressed thoughts about the life and the environment of the tribe they studied. They made connections to landforms of the different United States regions and to the effects those landforms had on the daily life of Native Americans. They wrote and illustrated multi-paragraph reports, which practiced the writing process, as well as formatting a paragraph and rephrasing another author’s words.

Students created dolls wearing clothing of the tribe, as well as another one or two representations of their own choosing. These were shared as presentations with the students as the experts at the culminating event. Finally, in art class, the children created Kachina dolls using the design elements and beliefs of the Native Americans and proudly displayed them at Sayre.

An African Adventure

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econd graders researched, wrote, danced, created, and drummed their way through their study of Africa. Each student chose an animal to research and study in depth. After becoming experts on that animal, they wrote a poem describing the animal’s movements, habitat, defense strategies, and social life.

These poems became the basis for the African play that was performed in February.

Acting as a culmination for their study of Africa, the spring performance was brought to life with the integration of art and music into this in depth study

of a continent half a world away. Art teacher Georgia Henkel helped the children form African masks and draw large animals for the scenery. Music for this play involved drumming, image dancing, and choral response which was taught in music class.

While some stage fright is always expected, our second graders performed like true professionals. The comment always heard at the end of the play is, “Wow, Mrs. Greathouse, can we do it again? That was so fun!”

This is what teaching is all about!

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Year in Review Odyssey of the Mind

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ower School problem solvers successfully participated in a program called “Odyssey of the Mind," bringing in two First Place finishes in the Regional tournament. Odyssey of the Mind provides students with an avenue by which they work creatively to solve a problem. These problems fit into several categories, such as building a vehicle to transport team members around on stage, or building a structure out of balsa wood that can withstand as much weight as possible. Students were grouped into teams of up to seven participants and had the opportunity to choose which challenge they were most interested in solving.

These technical solutions were then presented as part of a dramatic performance to be assessed while competing at the Regional Tournament, followed by competition in the State Tournament. Qualifying teams can continue to the World Tournament!

Last year, the two Sayre teams who competed were comprised of third through fifth grade students from

the Lower School. One team’s problem, “A Stellar Hangout” was to create an intergalactic hangout spot for a variety of alien life. The other team’s problem, “Emoji, Speak for Yourself” presented a challenge in which students were not allowed to speak, and instead had to hold up speech bubbles to advance their emoji-inspired narrative. Both groups placed in the top three teams in the Regional Tournament, and had the opportunity to advance to the State Tournament. Sayre teams performed exceptionally under pressure at both tournaments and became a much more cohesive group in the process. Above all else, teammates learned to hone their skills of improvisation and communication, and each student gained collaborative and presentation skills by the end. Odyssey of the Mind is perfect for students with an interest in theater and improvisation as well as group-based problem solving.

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Inside the Underground Railroad

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ourth graders embarked on a two-month study of Slavery and the Underground Railroad (UGRR).

They began with what they knew about these topics and what they hoped to learn. Children read informational texts, took notes and shared findings with small and whole class group discussions. They went on several field trips for research including the National Freedom Center and the Waveland Plantation and met with guest experts, including Yvonne Giles, a local expert and historian on the UGRR, and La’Shell Williams, who taught children about spirituals and the importance of music during that time. They toured local historical markers downtown as well. Some students visited the Upper School to seek out teacher experts on their personal choice projects, which is a component of project-based learning. Students used many picture books for fact gathering, as well as websites in computer class. Children followed enslaved people and their paths to freedom as part of an interactive activity online. They were also able to choose their own path to freedom.

From all of their findings, they further explored topics of personal interest for extended research and created informational pieces of writing. Last year’s group of students focused on the helpers of the Underground Railroad, and student-created projects explored the Abolitionists, safe houses, quilts, music, everyday life, and survival on the trail to freedom. They also explored multiple novels about Harriet Tubman, a national hero of that time, for book club work. The overarching theme was the journey to “home,” more specifically, “what is home?”

As a culminating activity for the project on slavery and the Underground Railroad, the fourth graders opened up their very own interactive museum. The museum included a self-guided audio tour using QR codes. Pairs of students created projects based on their interests and attached a QR code to it. This QR code was linked to an audio recording of the student explaining what they learned. Children also sang and performed spirituals in small groups that were part of the exhibit through the QR videos. Art, science, computer, music, and library were all integrated into this area of study. In science class, students created individual circuit boards for visitors to learn necessary vocabulary of that time and they researched the North Star. Children made their own journey sacs and dolls that were a comfort for children as they escaped on the Underground Railroad. Beautiful charcoal portraits of the helpers on the UGRR were created in art class, along with vibrant collages that adorned the walls.

Mathematics was used with pattern blocks showing fractional parts of a whole that portrayed symbols of the UGRR. There was a ribbon cutting ceremony prior to entering, and the hallway symbolized large individual panels of paintings and poetry called “Colors of Freedom.” Harriet Tubman with lantern in hand beckoned visitors into the room. The room was dimly lit with candles, and it was filled with nighttime sounds to create the effect of being on the Underground Railroad. Visitors of all Lower School grades, parents and other divisions explored the museum with iPads and cell phones. The museum was entirely student created, including the display and set up of the museum!

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Year in Review

SHAPING NEW MINDSETS

Farm Food

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he evolution of the Sayre Farm has been tremendous! At the Sayre Athletic Complex, Upper School students, teachers and parents in the Sayre community maintain a collection of beehives, a blackberry patch, and an apple tree grove expected to produce a harvest next fall. Chris Zachau, who has installed a game camera on the land, and Audrey Bebensee, who directs botany studies, continue to bring students to the facility at times during the school day.

On the downtown campus, during elective periods, Middle School students work with Chris McGinley and Rebecca Ashby building raised beds, cultivating fruits and vegetables from seed, processing the foods in the Buttery, and selling the final products at the annual Fall Festival and Holiday Bazaar. In addition to pepper jellies, this year's sales included popular new products like hot and sweet pickles, lemon-blackberry soap, and pickled peppers. Increasingly, harvests are being passed along to Bill Barnes and the Buttery staff, who include the foods on the salad bar.

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Finally, in conjunction with other teachers, Brian Radcliffe has introduced some native plant species to the campus in order to foster pollination and a healthier biome.

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Excelling in Math and Science

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n overarching theme of both the Middle School’s science and math classes is broadening and challenging mindsets. In math class, students practice learning from mistakes and using multiple methods to solve problems in order to change fixed mindsets to growth mindsets. Middle School science students work to build their functional scientific literacy skills, which is a set of skills that includes the ability to apply scientific reasoning to real-world scenarios. Students begin to understand that science is ever changing, sometimes uncertain, and often wrought with ethical and moral dilemmas and implications. In sixth and seventh grade, students research, write about, and then debate a socio-scientific issue each week. Also a part of functional scientific literacy, students in all four grade levels are becoming adept at collecting data, creating graphs, and analyzing results of experiments. For example, after debating whether bottled water is harmful or helpful, sixth and seventh grade students recently designed multiple, related experiments to test whether students preferred the taste of tap, bottled or “Smart” water (bottled was the least favorite in multiple blind taste tests across classes). In math classes, Middle School students practice communicating data and results through graphs and charts. As they do in science class, students in math work with real-world problems and data, and this work is differentiated for learners at different levels.

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Year in Review

OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM KYA and KUNA

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ach year, the Sayre Y-Club sends delegations of Upper School students to the Kentucky Youth Assembly (KYA) and Kentucky United Nations Assembly (KUNA).

These experiential learning conferences offer students the opportunity to simulate state government and international diplomacy.

Last November, Sayre sent 51 Upper School students to KYA in Louisville and won recognition as a delegation of excellence while also receiving individual awards for outstanding judicial advocate (Wick Hallos '19), speaker (Benjamin Waltman '20), judicial team (Alex Mills '19, Ren Talbert '19, and Wick Hallos '19), and delegate (Greg Kimmerer '18). Students also served in statewide leadership positions including Supreme Court Justice (Ellie Webb '18), Assistant Media Corps Editor (Madeleine Bruelheide '19), Chief-of-Staff (Kate Christensen '18), and Cabinet Secretary (Mohsin Akhtar '18). In addition, students authored bills signed into law by the mock legislature including: • An act instituting the Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act as a permanent solution in Kentucky for undocumented immigrants – Aya Samadi '20, Skye Park '20, Hanae Yoshida '20, and Olivia Allran '20 • An act mandating breast cancer education as part of the high school health course curriculum in Kentucky – Caroline Parker '20, Rohma Akhtar '20, Laura Rich '20, and Syrah Nash '20 • An act mandating financial literacy seminars for students in the 8th and 12th grades – seniors Greg Kimmerer, Marielena Villaran, Isabel Pergande, Mitchell Barber

In March, 36 students represented Iran, Myanmar, and Catalonia at KUNA. Mohsin Akhtar '18 and Greg Kimmerer '18 served in leadership positions for the conference, as Deputy Secretary-General and President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) while Alex Mills '19 and Wick Hallos '19 were elected to those offices for 2019. Missy Hill '19 and Karuna Lakhiani '19 also led the conference as UnderSecretary of Legal Affairs and a Justice for the ICJ.

Research Projects

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n 2017-18, Sayre’s History Department continued the tradition of crafting research projects that challenge and engage students, hone their analytical and collaborative skills, and draw critical connections between the past and present. At every division level, Sayre’s history teachers use the classroom and community to motivate and broaden students’ understanding of the larger world.

• Mr. Snowden’s A.P. U.S. Government seniors create and present presidential campaigns for fictional candidates before a panel of judges made up of community leaders.

• Juniors in Ms. Bishop’s A.P. U.S. History class research and deliver multi-media “Decades Projects.”

• In preparation for case research, Ms. Morrish’s Supreme Court seniors access legal resources around Lexington, including the Fayette County Bar Association, Transylvania University, and University of Kentucky Law Library.

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• Students in Dr. Pergande’s Global Studies electives debate policy options, from diplomatic relations to human rights, and then present their own policy recommendations. 194 North Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Calbi Brewer interning at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville

Stocks, Neuroscience, and Country Music

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albi Brewer '18 combined two internships: Horse Country Lexington (a start up non-profit based on tourism) and the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. Calbi honed a number of useful skills while working at the Country Music Hall of Fame, as she coordinated and conducted tours of the Hall of Fame Museum, Hatch Show Print (the museum’s iconic print shop), and the historic RCA Studio B; researched and developed a prospect database for the sales team; and staffed and helped run private events.

Calbi says, “I am truly thankful for having the opportunity to live in Nashville for two weeks and work for such an incredible organization. It had a large impact on me and has helped shape my career plans, as well as secure a summer job.”

Grace Headley '18 interned in neuroscience nursing, surgery, and research under Dr. Julia Blackburn, the Director of Neurosciences at UK Healthcare. In addition, Grace shadowed medical professionals in a variety of areas, including the Stroke Program Coordinator, a Stroke Progressive Care Unit nurse, a Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit nurse, an EEG Technologist, an APRN Critical Care

team, a Patient Care manager, and a NICU nurse.

Former Sayre parent and current Board Member Sue Strup was instrumental in helping Grace complete the paperwork required to intern at UK Healthcare. Mrs. Strup also connected Grace with two Sayre parents, Dr. Miller (a pediatric neurosurgeon) and Dr. Quintero (conducting research in a lab), with whom she shadowed and observed as well.

Grace says, “My senior internship provided me not only with an invaluable opportunity to gain insight into future careers in health sciences but also had a profound and immediate impact on my understanding of service to others.”

Michael Dawahare '79, former parent and Board Member, has consistently served as a sponsor for students interested in the world of financial investments and management. Seniors admire Mr. Dawahare’s vast knowledge of the stock market and managing of investments. He sends students to visit a variety of diverse businesses around Lexington to research and to make decisions on what stocks they might invest in if given the opportunity. Seniors watch the stock market each day to check on their investments and to share their ideas on why a particular business is successful or faltering. Mr. Dawahare is available to students and enthusiastically shares his knowledge of the market while encouraging seniors to increase their own understanding of the complexities of the financial world. He is a real-world teacher for seniors exploring this kind of career.

Grace Headley interning with Dr. Julia Blackburn

This year, seniors Mitchell Barber, Zach Coons, Tabor Little, Cleve Merritt, and Woods Rouse all interned for Mr. Dawahare.

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Year in Review

THE GIFT OF GIVING Performance at The Willows at Citation

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ach year, 20-30 Middle School singers spend several weeks learning new songs—not for school performance but for community service! Over the course of several weeks, this service group prepares a cheerful program of music to brighten the lives of a host of elderly Lexingtonians. This year the group went to The Willows at Citation, a nursing and assisted living community.

Dominican Republic Service Trip

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ight Sayre students and two faculty members journeyed again this summer to the Dominican Republic for a service trip. Their focus is clean water, and the group assembled filters with largely sustainable supplies to provide to families in hardto-reach areas of the country. Training is provided by a group called Wine to Water, from Boone, N.C. Participants were Ashton Bell '22, Grace Carey '23, Beverly Castillo-Tellez '24, George Collins '24, Sam Lain '22, Dylan Lynch '22, Aiden Owen '22, and Neo Sanders '22.

Student Council Supports iPad Program

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he Student Council and Middle Market often provide funding to support Middle School activities and initiatives. In recent years, new needs have arisen to support a significant shift in teaching and learning practices sparked by the adoption of a 1-1 iPad program in the Middle School. One benefit of having iPads in class is that students can mirror their screens quickly and spontaneously sharing their work to be visible by their classmates. Using Apple pencils, a growing number of teachers are projecting notes and drawings, teaching with their iPads as they move around the room. This year’s student council funded the purchase of thirteen Apple TVs which outfitted the remainder of Middle School classrooms.

Making A Difference

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uring the 2017-18 school year, Upper School students completed nearly 6000 hours of service both locally and abroad. At year’s end, several Upper School students were recognized for their commitment to serving others.

Sam Perez '18 won the Sayre School Outstanding Community Service Award in recognition of her devotion to the Arthritis Foundation and Natalie’s Sisters, a first-touch ministry serving sexually assaulted women. Sam serves as an Honorary Spokesperson and as an Arthritis Ambassador working with patients and families who receive an arthritis diagnosis.

R.J. Smith '18 and Jayden Blanton '18 won the Philemon Society Award. After completing the Service to Society class, R.J. and Jayden pursued additional service opportunities through an Independent Study course.

They devoted their time and efforts to assist Arlington Elementary School and the Nest, which provides a safe place for education, counseling, and support to children and families in crisis.

Morgan McDonald '18 (pictured on the left) was recognized as the outstanding volunteer for the Shepherd’s House. Morgan, along with Tabor Little, founded and led the Upper School Addiction Awareness Club. The Shepherd’s House is a residential treatment program for men in recovery, and club members completed multiple service efforts throughout the year in support of the House. They also hosted the Shepherd’s House President to speak to Upper School students and faculty.

Halle Cline '18 was awarded the Junior League Service Award. In addition to taking the Service to Society class twice during her Upper School tenure, Halle devoted a significant amount of time and effort to The Lexington School’s Camp Curiosity along with a wide variety of other agencies and causes.

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Service at the SAC

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uring the school year, the Upper School conducted two community service days at the Sayre Athletic Complex (SAC).

Over 20 students and faculty members helped with several projects that included the installation of wind screens on the tennis courts, cleaning of dugouts on both the softball and baseball fields, edging and field maintenance on the baseball field, organization and cleaning of storage areas around the complex, moving equipment for winter storage, cleaning and organizing both press boxes, and weeding of flower beds. With the help of Upper School Science teacher Joseph Mahler, the students worked extremely hard on making the athletic complex look its best. We will continue this tradition annually by conducting one community service day in the fall and one in the spring.

Sayre Derby Days

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n the spring of 2018, Sayre started a new tradition - an event that would honor the Kentucky Derby and horse industry during its most acclaimed week, and at the same time give back to the community. It was an event that brought joy to the kids both young and old. As it was, Sayre Derby Days became part of Sayre.

The idea was simple at first. Create some horse figures, turn the Front Circle into a makeshift track, and choose a charitable organization to support. Once word got out, the entire Sayre community hopped on board for some fun! Middle School Art teacher Anne Allen asked eighth graders Hope Garlington and Ava Greer to create a template of a horse and jockey silks. The templates were then taken to Congleton Lumber, where Chris Thornbury '98 used them to create the horses and silks from wood. Upper School Art teacher Bill Berryman and Upper School Dean of Students Marti Quintero recruited Upper School students to paint the silks.

The school was divided into five groups and each group chose a name for their horse and design of their jockey silks. The horses were painted bright colors and displayed in the Front Circle at the “starting gate.” God’s Pantry was chosen as the charity. As students brought in canned goods, the horses moved accordingly around the Front Circle. Each day, the excitement of the youngest children was evident as they lined the windows of the Buttery yelling for their horse to take the lead! The enthusiasm only grew as the horses approached the finish line. Once the race was over, the winning horse was adorned with the garland of roses, made by Lower School students.

Over the course of the week, there were horse related activities. Speakers were brought in so that students would better understand and appreciate the industry that means so much to Central Kentucky. Monday, Bill Barnes created his own Sayre Derby Pie that the students and faculty enjoyed; Tuesday, Chip McGaughey of Keeneland spoke to Upper School students about opportunities presented from the horse industry; and Wednesday, Amy Beisel from the Kentucky Horse Park Museum spoke to our Middle School students about the significance of Isaac Murphy and his impact on the horse racing community. Finally, on Thursday, the Lower School students held a Derby Hat Parade around the Front Circle. Derby Days concluded on Friday, which was also Pink Day in honor of the Oaks. This year’s winner was Bluemoon, supported by the third through sixth graders.

The event was such a success that Derby Days will become an annual event!

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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The Arts

EXPANDING THE ARTS

UPPER SCHOOL

The 2017-2018 school year was an important year in the lives of Sayre’s artists – students and faculty alike. Below are just some (by no means all!) of the great things Sayre artists are doing in our community – and beyond.

In the Upper School, Sayre’s first crop of graduates designated with a Distinction in the Performing Arts were Andy Fahmy, Jack Healy, Greg Kimmerer, Clay Mitchell, and Madigan Stockham. Sayre also had students participate in the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts: Perry Mains '20 and Tessa Miller '19 (drama), and Henry Zahn '19 (creative writing), as well as alternates Will Peters-Seymour '19 (instrumental music) and Olivia Greer '20 (visual art).

Music Amy Berryman reports a record number of students enrolled in performing arts classes, and those participating in extracurricular activities including KY All-State musicians Skye Park '20 (violin), Missy Hill '19 (flute/piccolo), Shane Landis '21, and Claire Peters-Seymour '21 (Jr. High Chorus). Three students, Nate Scudder '21 (trumpet), Missy Hill (flute/piccolo) and Will Peters-Seymour (jazz guitar), participated in District Honors Band. Will Peters-Seymour also participated in the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music high school jazz combo.

Art The Honors Art Independent Study students who study with Bill Berryman participated in three exhibitions last year. They first exhibited in the Polvino Family Art Center in downtown Nicholasville in an exhibit themed "A Few of our Favorite Things." They created and donated works to hang in the U.K. Children's Hospital, to be enjoyed by patients and visitors. The group ended the school year by exhibiting work at the Breadbox Gallery on West 6th Street, installing the exhibit themselves. Honors, Advanced and 3D Art students contributed figurative multimedia and tape forms, ceramics and jewelry, as well as installing work in the halls and around campus. Students also participated in alternative ceramics firings, castings, and visits to local studios and galleries.

Alana Bloomfield '19 was the first place winner in the Art Connects Holiday Painting Competition sponsored by the Bluegrass Complex of Wells Fargo Advisors. Notecards of her painting titled "Equal Importance" were reproduced and sold to the public. Ben Marcum '18 had a solo jewelry and ceramics exhibit at Mulberry & Lime.

Theatre After a 6-year absence, Sayre saw the return of the Upper School musical: the pop rocking, sock-hopping Return to the Forbidden Planet, directed by Margo Buchanan and musical direction by Jennifer Green. MJ Farrell '20 placed second in the state for the English Speaking Union’s National Shakespeare Competition with monologues from A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet. Story Tepper '19 participated in the School of Creative and Performing Arts (SOCAPA) in New York City this past summer. While there, he studied acting technique – for both stage and film – as well as stand-up comedy.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

Music Each year during the first week of February, the Kentucky Music Educator's All-State Children’s Choir is held in Louisville. Students throughout Kentucky audition and are selected to participate in this prestigious choir.

Three students represented Sayre at the Kentucky Music Educators’ All State Children’s Choir in Louisville: Harper Prosen '25, Kate Yandell '25, and Sally Thalacker '24. Also, in May, the Sayre Middle School Chorus led by Jennifer Green traveled to Kings Island to compete in the Music in the Parks Festival. Sayre was awarded first place in their division and Best Overall Choir out of several schools from Kentucky and neighboring states.

Art Sayre students participated in the Book Bench Project, a collaborative project among Arts Connect, the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, and LExArts, which placed 37 book-shaped benches downtown, each designed and painted by different artists or artist groups. Middle School art students with Art teacher Anne Allen created a bench inspired by former Sayre headmaster William T. Williams' book All Rise, which celebrates Sayre and its long history and involvement with our downtown community. There was a final celebration and auction of benches in November at The Livery.

LOWER SCHOOL

Theatre Students continued the tradition of the Middle School musical, with Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr. in January, and the sixth grade class continued their new tradition – under the direction of Margo Buchanan – of writing and performing their own play as the culmination of their fourth term theatre class. Anna Palumbo '23 participated in the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre production of It’s a Grand Night for Singing, as well as the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music camp in musical theatre.

Art Through the Eyes of Children, the Cuban Art Exchange founded by Georgia Henkel, was exhibited at the Living Arts & Science Center in fall of 2018. The exhibit features the artwork of 20 children from Riera Studio in Havana, Cuba and 21 Lower School artists from Sayre. This year’s Sayre participants include: Annika Barnsley-Byrnes '26, Sophia Cairo '26, Austin Chi '28, Quinn Cornelius '27, Sara Bailey Garlington '26, Briar Garrett '27, Kennedi Griffin '26, Catherine Hunt '30, Alice Karsnitz '27, Kathryn Kinder '26, Mariabella Lanni '27, Robin Lynch '26, Nathan Morgan '28, Ellie Oldham '26, Lucie Pittman '26, Robbie Simon '27, Mia Skinner '27, W.R. Sutherland '27, C.J. Visser '26, Charlotte Wright '30, and Carter Yates '27.

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The Arts Theatre If you walk into any preschool classroom at Sayre you will enter a world of rich project work and meaningful learning. After reading several versions of The Three Little Pigs in Mrs. Bailey’s PK-3 class last fall, the children took an interest in using masks and props to retell this fairy tale and our theater project was born!

Throughout this project, children learned through retelling familiar fairy tales, taking field site visits to a variety of local theaters, and interacting with many guest experts. The children saw a variety of plays including the Lexington Children’s Theater’s The Ugly Duckling, the fourth grade Greek Mythology play, and Jack and the Beanstalk, which was put on by the U.K. Opera Theater.

These preschoolers traveled to a variety of local theaters such as the Lexington Opera House, the Lexington Children’s Theater, and the Woodford Theater. Many guest experts also volunteered their time and expertise

to share their knowledge of costume design, acting mechanics, stage make up, character development, song and voice, props, and much more.

The biggest and the prized jewel of the theater project was the play, The Robber and the Dinosaur, which was completely written and produced by the children. They collaborated with various teachers and experts to make the props, costumes, and set. These three- and four-year-old children created every aspect of this play to showcase their knowledge of theater.

This was an experience that Sayre's rich project work provides students each year, and one they will never forget. Through child-initiated projects children learn about local and relevant topics that interest them and gain new vocabulary, skills, experiences, and knowledge.

Faculty Notes Bill Berryman was invited to demonstrate his craft for people attending the Kentucky Arts Day held in the Capitol Rotunda in February by the Kentucky Arts Council. He also had two works exhibited in the State Capitol Rotunda for the Governor's Derby Exhibit in May. He was invited and taught a workshop in this year’s Berea Festival of Learnshops hosted by the Kentucky Artisan Center. He exhibited for the first time in the Berea Craft Festival at Indian Fort Theater. He currently has four pieces selected for a special exhibit of the Kentucky Guild of Artists and Craftsmen at the Living Arts & Science Center in Lexington. Berryman was the featured artist for Gallery Hop at the Bodley-Bullock House in Gratz Park in November.

Margo Buchanan’s play, Invisible Ink, about enslaved Union spy Mary Bowser, was a semi-finalist for the Eugene O’Neill Center’s 2018 National Playwrights Conference. Her most recent play, Outside Our Doors, was commissioned by a grant from the Greater Clark County Foundation and featured the stories of the marginalized people of Winchester, Kentucky. In the summer, she participated in the local improvisation troupe “Rhonda” at the Del Close Marathon in New York City, the largest improv festival in the world. Her musical Last Call was selected to be performed with Antagonist Productions in spring 2019.

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Last summer, Georgia Henkel traveled to Havana to meet with and interview the participating students in the Cuban Art Exchange Through the Eyes of Children. She also traveled to Baracoa, Cuba to do a workshop and visit with the students and artists who participated in the 2015 exchange. In February, she will return to Havana with all of the artwork for a show opening at Riera Studio.

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Theatre Students Transform Their Craft

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our Sayre theatre students had unique experiences over the summer that helped make use of their artistic talents and prepare them for life after Sayre. Juniors Tessa Miller and Perry Mains were accepted to the Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA) Drama program, while senior Henry Zahn was accepted to GSA in Creative Writing. Meanwhile, MJ Farrell divided her time between competing with the International Thespian Festival, practicing improv in Los Angeles, and apprenticing with Lexington Children’s Theatre (LCT).

While some of their experiences were entirely new, much of what they learned was made easier by their preparation at Sayre. With Mains, the biggest boost was in time management. “The work at GSA was difficult and challenged me mentally and physically. I successfully completed lots of this work through managing my time well.

That work included scene study, yoga, vocal exercises, lots of memorization, and intense physical workouts.”

Miller, meanwhile, appreciated the help she received while preparing for her audition. “It has helped me focus my goals as an artist to truly see the potential in myself to continue a career in the arts and to better myself in my art form.” One of Miller’s most memorable events was performing part of a Shakespeare speech as the preshow for Kentucky Shakespeare Festival’s production of Othello, in front of an audience of over 1,000. She sums up that experience as “invigorating.”

Henry Zahn, while theatrical in his artform, left the acting to the performers and worked behind the scenes – as a playwright, in the program’s writing discipline.

Working with poets, short story writers, and dramatists from across the state, Zahn developed his art on the page rather than the stage. He continues his work in playwriting at Sayre, and meets regularly with his fellow GSA writing alum for community readings.

While Mains, Miller, and Zahn were applying themselves here in the Bluegrass, Farrell was spreading her work across several time zones – including a class with Los Angeles’s famous improv troupe The Groundlings. “I was simply,” she says, “a little kid from Kentucky swimming with the big fish.” She adds: “I’m happy to say I held my own.” She also competed at the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska – performing two monologues she first showcased here in Kentucky. Then it was on to LCT, where she got one of her first tastes of what it takes to be an educator. “It was so much fun,” she says. “After this past summer, I know I HAVE to do some kind of job with kids…I basically got addicted to helping children learn.”

It’s an addiction the Sayre community understands very well.

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Fall Festival

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FALL FESTIVAL

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he 2018 Fall Festival was a pie in the face kind of day. Dunking the Head of School always makes for great fun! This year’s event featured jumping until you can’t jump again and taking home cookies, cakes and cupcakes. Everyone enjoyed face painting, hay rides, sand art and fresh jellies and soaps from the Sayre Farm.

Who could forget the hamster wheel and bubbles galore? And then throw in wall climbing, pony rides and a petting zoo for even more excitement.

Thanks to the Sayre Parents Association (SPA), and particularly SPA President and Festival Chair Dania Fakhoury, for another tremendous Festival at the Sayre Athletic Complex and Farm. And thanks to the Sayre Community for coming out in force to enjoy a day of huge smiles, laughter and good old-fashioned play.

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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New Lower School

New Lower School

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THE NEW LOWER SCHOOL “We now have not only a beautiful school to house and enhance our programming, but also a re-energized, deeply connected teaching community that has come together for the single purpose of being the very best place for young children that we can be," said Annie Papero, Head of Lower School.

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ugust 26, 2018, began a new chapter in the long and distinguished history of Sayre School. On this day the 37,000 squarefoot Lower School was officially dedicated and opened for the 2018-2019 school year following four years of planning, designing, fund-raising, and construction.

Georgia Henkel, graces the Mt. Brilliant Family Foundation’s Pam Sherman Lower Commons surrounded by the Honor Roll of Donors.

Dr. Annie Papero, Head of the Lower School, spoke to the impact of the building, both tangible and intangible. “We now have not only a beautiful school to house and enhance our programming, but also a re-energized, deeply connected teaching community that has come together for the single purpose of being the very best place for young children that we can be.

Distinguished guests, parents, students, faculty, and donors celebrated the newest addition and crowning glory of Sayre’s extraordinary campus.

This stunning design successfully blends the old with the new. The central campus is seamlessly Today represents a new beginning as we officially tied together around the new courtyard plaza and open our new building for the business of outdoor playground areas, while the entire new educating children, but we will carry with us project anchors the perimeter of the campus. for years to come the lessons that construction Among the large crowd was the benefactor of brought to us, as well as our can-do spirit and the Lower School Science room and lab, Deirdre compassionate teamwork. Sayre is a wonderful Lyons, who joined Chair Sue Strup and members place to be, and I invite you to engage deeply with of the Capital Campaign Committee: Pope our community and educational processes.”

McLean '83, Kim Baughman, Dania Fakhoury, Head of School Stephen Manella said in closing, “I Clay Green, Cheryl Johnston, Rudy Schmidt, think it’s worth remembering the significance of a Brooks Scudder, and Langdon Shoop '93, along ribbon cutting. Cutting the ribbon is symbolic of with past Board Chair Ben Haggin '84, current opening a gift. And this facility is a phenomenal Chair Andrea Tew, and Director of Advancement gift for all of us – Mary Breeding. Mayor Jim Gray applauded Sayre for its impact on the downtown landscape and • A gift for our students who will learn, grow its contribution to Lexington since its inception. and be nurtured Further, architects Oslow-Wincutt (Street, Dixon • A gift to our faculty, who now have a facility and Rick) and local contractors Dean Builds that reflects the caliber of their exceptional (David Dean '88 and Blanton Coates) joined in skill as educators the celebration.

Festivities continued inside with natural light pouring through the vast windows of the hallways and classrooms. The Farish Library, Garlington Rooftop Patio and Garden and the Lucy Bryans VanMeter Upper Commons compliment the expansive Innovation, Music and Multipurpose rooms. The gloriously bright mural created by Lower School artists, executed by Sayre’s Lower School Art teacher

• And a gift to our community, where our children will flourish, and where we will gather with pride.

Our collective past, present and our future are wrapped up in this gift.”

We are indebted to those who saw the vision and to everyone who made this magnificent new structure possible. Let the exploration begin!

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Alumni Stories

“Kentucky is a great state and Lexington is a great city. The best parts though are our friends and family. I have been very lucky to have a supportive family and forever close friends nestled right here in Central Kentucky. Thank you Class of '85!�

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WILL ARVIN '85

Kentucky is known for fast horses and bourbon. While Will Arvin '85 is not unfamiliar with thoroughbred race horses, he and his business partners Wes Murry and Master Distiller Marianne Eaves have undertaken the renovation and recreation of Old Taylor Distillery, now called Castle & Key, to produce Kentucky’s next great bourbon. Following in the footsteps of Colonel Edmund Hayes Taylor, Jr., founder of Old Taylor Distillery and bourbon tourism, Will and his partners saw the opportunity to once again produce fine Kentucky spirits at the dilapidated distillery. While others saw disrepair, the partners saw resurrection.

Castle & Key officially reopened to the public September 19, 2018 and Colonel Taylor could not be happier!

What career highlight makes you most proud?

By far the most challenging and personally rewarding career task that I have undertaken has been to resurrect the Old Taylor Distillery in Millville, Kentucky – now known as Castle & Key Distillery.

Some time ago, I had the crazy idea that I really wanted to learn the fine art and science of distillation – with particular regard to the fabrication of Kentucky’s native spirit, bourbon. I decided that the only real way to do this was to build or buy a distillery.

From a quick online search, I found the Old Taylor Distillery, which had been shuttered since 1972, listed for sale. The property had been on the market for years. One thing led to another and I found myself immersed in a very exciting project with some really great partners. I am proud of our talented and passionate team at Castle & Key, and humbled to be a steward of this hallowed ground, that aside from having produced very fine bourbon for many years, is the birthplace of bourbon tourism and southern hospitality under the helm of Col. E.H. Taylor, Jr. dating back to 1877. After nearly five years of renovation work, along with some blood, sweat, and tears, Castle & Key announced its grand opening of the distillery on September 19, 2018. We are now making some really fabulous gin and vodka that have already hit the market. We have barrels of bourbon that are quietly aging in the rickhouse on site, with the first releases to be sometime after 2020.

You decided to stay/come back to the place where you were raised. Why are you so deeply committed to Lexington and Central Kentucky?

Dorothy got it right when she said, “There’s no place like home.” And, who doesn’t get a little teary when the crowd sings My Old Kentucky Home?

I was fortunate to spend four short years away in Lexington, Virginia at Washington and Lee University, but every time I came home, I would always get really excited when I crossed the state line back into Kentucky. I don’t think you ever truly appreciate a place until you have been away and get to come back.

It was always a thrill to bring friends from college back home who were amazed at our Kentucky traditions, especially on a fall weekend of tailgating, horse racing and sipping lots of bourbon along the way. Kentucky is a great state and Lexington is a great city. The best parts though are our friends and family. I have been

very lucky to have a supportive family and forever close friends nestled right here in Central Kentucky.

Thank you class of 1985!

If you could choose anyone, whom would you choose as your mentor? Why? I have been especially fortunate to have the greatest mentors in the world. Both of my parents have been the best mentors a kid could have. They instilled in both my sister (Burch '90) and me a hard work ethic and a great wanderlust. When I was at Sayre, I had mentors like Tom Grunwald, Kevin Simon and Beth Gaunce, all of whom made sure that I stayed out of trouble and out of detention hall. They were each an inspiration and helped me to stay on a thoughtful, solid path. Mr. Grunwald in particular never gave me any slack, on even the smallest things. Not being one for a tie around my neck, I always tried to get away with leaving my top shirt button unbuttoned under the tie.

Whenever I saw Mr. Grunwald in the hall, he would look at me and simply say: “button it.” I sure do miss that. I would choose each of them all over again!

We all have hobbies…what floats your boat?

Water, literally. When I was young, my parents took me on a trip to Mexico where we had a chance to sail the warm Caribbean waters with a newfound friend who happened to be a captain of a forty-foot sloop. I was immediately hooked and since then have always had a passion for sailing on the open ocean. After law school, I hitchhiked from some remote jungle in Costa Rica (thank you, Derek Vaughan '69) down to the Panama Canal via the InterAmerican highway to seek a crew position on a cruising sailboat. After a few hours hanging out at the marina at the Canal, I found myself hired by a nice couple sailing on a large catamaran, and we set out to sail through the Canal and onward through various locations in the Caribbean Sea. If I could snap my fingers and land anywhere right now, it would be sailing under a blue sky in the Caribbean with a bottomless bottle of rum.

What do the next ten years hold for Will?

I have no idea. I like not knowing exactly what lies around the next corner and finding a challenge. As of now, I hope to stay healthy, remain in pursuit of a passion (that does not drive my family crazy), and enjoy lots of Sunday champagne brunches with my friends. A circumnavigation by sailboat within the decade would be cool, too.

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Alumni Stories

ANN BAKHAUS '74 Ann Bakhaus '74 is a woman on the go. She has raised three successful children, joined the family business of Kentucky Eagle 22 years ago, served on numerous boards, raised thoroughbreds and still has time to enjoy the pleasures of fishing and horseback riding. This past summer, Ann handed over the presidency of Kentucky Eagle to her oldest daughter, Tate Russell Sherman '99. Tate, along with her brother Michael '05, will continue the family business.

Today, Ann’s focus is Town Branch Commons where she serves as Chair of the Town Branch Park Advisory Board.

The board is raising funds and overseeing the construction, programing and operations of the transformational nineacre park located between Lexington Civic Center and Oliver Lewis Way. The “People's Park" will bring a piece of our beautiful countryside to the downtown Lexington community for all to enjoy!

What career highlight makes you most proud?

I became active in my father’s business, Kentucky Eagle Inc., over 22 years ago. We celebrated our 70th anniversary this year and I stepped down as President.

My daughter Tate moved into that role. She and my son Michael will take over as the third generation of our family business. I couldn’t be prouder of transitioning our family business to my children.

When I took over the company over 22 years ago there were very few women wholesalers in the nation.

To say that the acceptance of becoming active in the business was not easy is an understatement.

Persistence paid off and when everyone accepted that I was knowledgeable and here to stay, the road became a lot easier. I am very proud of the fact that my daughter is now President of Kentucky Eagle and has not had to travel down the road that I did.

Probably the greatest accomplishment pertaining to my career in the beer business is I worked alongside many of my fellow wholesalers to pass a bill in Kentucky that protected the three-tier system and would not allow brewers to act as wholesalers.

Without this legislation, the three-tier aspect of our business would be dissolved which was put in place for regulation of the alcohol industry during Prohibition.

I also own Keene Ridge Farm; we race and breed thoroughbreds. I was blessed to have bred the 2007 Eclipse Winner, English Channel.

You decided to stay/come back to the place where you were raised. Why are you so deeply committed to Lexington and Central Kentucky?

There was never any doubt in my mind that I would always come back to Lexington and raise my family.

There is no more beautiful place or finer people than in Lexington. We have a wonderful community that offers so much to our citizens. From the beauty of our farmland to the energy of our city and the caring people who live here, it doesn’t get any better.

If you could choose anyone, whom would you choose as your mentor? Why? As many people say... their father was their mentor.

That is in my case, as well. My father was my rock and he always led me to believe that I could accomplish anything that I set my mind to. He was a very determined man who cared deeply about his community and he instilled those traits in me.

We all have hobbies…what floats your boat?

I started horseback riding about four years ago and travel with a wonderful group of gals trail riding all over the US. Many happy memories have been made. I ride my horse Tonto and have just started learning and working with him on the specialized method Liberty Training method and it’s amazing! I also love to be on the water, fish and follow my racehorses.

What do the next ten years hold for Ann? I am a member of Town Branch Fund and we are in the process of raising $31 million to build Town Branch Park that will be on the nine acres directly behind Lexington Convention Center. Town Branch Creek will be day lit throughout the entire park. We hope to have the park fully funded and built within the next five to six years. “The People’s Park” will be transformational to our downtown. It will be held to the highest standards and will offer over 600 free programs a year for our Community. It will also be the new home for Picnic With The Pops!!!

In my free time I will be active with my horses and enjoy a relaxed life with many friends on my favorite island, Eluthera, where I have been coming for 40 years.

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“My father was a big believer in taking care of the community and my family and I are as well. We are very passionate about different things. One of my big passions is leaving something for my community that will benefit our community for generations to come – like our park.

We have a wonderful community that offers so much to our citizens. From the beauty of our farmland to the energy of our city and the caring people who live here, it doesn’t get any better."

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Alumni Stories

"Painting is like conducting an orchestra, playing an instrument and dancing all at once.

You’re standing up straight, you’re moving – and if you screw up, you can paint over it.”

Giving back to the community is important to John. Not only does he open his studio doors to anyone who is interested in watching his process, but he also gives paints and supplies to the North Limestone neighborhood children to encourage their own creativity.

Go to Instagram@homegrownpress to follow John’s work.

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JOHN LACKEY '81 As an urban entrepreneur John Lackey '81 brings a unique visual perspective to Lexington. John’s work can be seen throughout the Lexington community…Bell Court, Kroger, Alfalfa Restaurant, the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Kentucky Arts Council and North Limestone to name a few. Owner of Lexington gallery and studio Homegrown Press, John is a writer, painter, filmmaker, woodblock artist, poet and musician – but he says if he could choose just one art form, it would be painting.

What career highlight makes you most proud?

Using my art to become more tied to and useful to my community is what I am most proud of. I have designed logos for Alfalfa Restaurant, North Lime Coffee & Donuts, and my kids' cross-country team.

I have created many posters for Holler Poets Series, the rock band Wilco, and various local nonprofits/ fundraisers. I have painted murals on the outside of the Euclid Kroger, the inside of Mellow Mushroom, around the studios of the community radio stations (WLXL/WLXU), and on the wall of the Boardroom at the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce. Lastly, I have carved small wood engraving illustrations to grace the covers of gorgeous books by many of my favorite authors, hand set and printed at Larkspur Press in Monterey, Kentucky.

You decided to stay/come back to the place where you were raised. Why are you so deeply committed to Lexington and Central Kentucky?

I was born and raised in Lexington, in the suburbs between the city and the country, in between east and west and north and south. It feels central to things, and being in the center feels like a good thing to do in these polarizing times. One needs to have a border state mentality to not pick a side and fight these days, to stand in the middle and try to hold things together, We The People and all that.

how the sun shines through the billowing clouds down into these beautiful Kentucky landscapes. I oftentimes go trail running through these landscapes as time and knee pain allows, although the pendulum swings back towards the surreal and the abstract from time to time.

If you could choose anyone, whom would you choose as your mentor? Why? I have dozens of mentors, but they just don’t know it; Escher, Van Gogh, Klee, Durer, Kesey, Berry, House, Reece, McClanahan, Tweedy, Davies, Welch, Williams, Lennon, Reed, Adams, Morrison, etc. I guess if I could really bend the laws of time, I would go with Harlan Hubbard, painter, printmaker, farmer, traveler, and fisherman. He built a shantyboat in the mid-40s, took off from northern Kentucky with his wife and a few dogs and floated (no motor!) downstream every winter, stopping and growing crops in the spring and canning them in the fall. He ended up seven years later in New Orleans, making art and music the whole way. I highly recommend his book Shantyboat. It floats my boat.

We all have hobbies…what floats your boat?

I thought we just went over this.

What do the next ten years hold for John?

After studying fiction with Gurney Norman and poetry with Richard Taylor, I have been writing a book of short stories that has somehow coagulated into a novel. I Lexington is where I stopped traveling and came have been working on it at the Appalachian Writers home. I put down roots almost 30 years ago, coaching Workshop at the Hindman Settlement School the last teams and running Scout meetings for my sons, who few years. It is as rewarding as it is difficult. I have are both grown and successful now. I found family at been a board member at the Kentucky Environmental Alfalfa Restaurant and in the Holler Poets. I graduated Foundation and Art In Motion, and currently, am on the from UK in Fine Art/Printmaking and Graphic Design, boards of VIA Creative and Kentucky Writers and Artists was a graphic artist for WKYT-TV and then art director for Reforestation. I have also been putting together a at WDKY-TV. Quitting at the television station, I turned small recording studio with some instruments I have to printmaking around 2002 and taught myself to traded art for, as well as my dad’s old red Gibson guitar paint, first in a studio in the back of Galerie Soleil, and that older Sayre students may remember from his for the past ten years in Homegrown Press Studio & performances during Chapel over his 25 years as faculty Gallery, my space next to North Lime Coffee & Donuts. there. My son plays the Gibson, my brother-in-law Brian Moore plays bass, and I play drums. We are working on Having had a father who taught, coached and spent it. I also make weird little stop motion films that you can summers working at Sayre, I spent the vast majority see on my website, www.homegrownpress.com. But my of my childhood on North Limestone. These days feel greatest hope is to get some time to travel around with like a happy continuation, minus the demerits. my wife, Jenny. We are both workaholics and deserve a The main subject of my paintings these past 16 years little R & R one of these days. Either way, it is all good. has been the particular way that the trees grow and 194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Alumni Stories

LYNDY FRANKLIN SMITH '97 Broadway actress Lyndy Franklin Smith ‘97 and her husband, Jeromy, returned to Lexington in 2010 after living and working in theatre in New York City for several years. Lyndy and Jeromy have also worked in National Tours and numerous Regional Theatres, in capacities both on-stage and behind the scenes. Today, Lyndy is the Artistic Director and Jeromy, the Producing Director of The LEXington Theatre Company, founded by the couple with its first inaugural performance in 2015. Together they bring Broadway stars to work alongside talented young college students from the region, as well as local talent from our community, and present fantastic productions to the Lexington community.

Most recently the couple directed Mary Poppins and 42nd Street for The LEX, directed and choreographed Ragtime and South Pacific for UK Opera Theatre as well as Spring Awakening and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee for UK Theatre & Dance. They have also choreographed seven seasons of UK Opera Theatre's It's a Grand Night For Singing.

What career highlight makes you most proud?

Making my Broadway debut in A Chorus Line in 2006 was an absolute dream come true! Ever since I made my first trip to New York City, at age 10, I knew I wanted to live there and work in the theatre. It was a long road to get there, with a lot of twists, turns and bumps, but when that day finally came and I stepped out on to that stage and heard the roar of the crowd….well, there’s just nothing like it.

That being said, my husband, Jeromy (the Producing Director of The LEX), and I always say that our careers in New York were amazing and full of dream-come-true moments. But it feels like every one of those moments along the way was preparing us for our return to Kentucky and the birth of The LEXington Theatre Company. It’s uncanny how our combined experiences have aligned, providing us with just the right skill set for producing professional theatre here in Lexington.

Now, my greatest joy is not found onstage, but standing in the back of the Opera House watching the shows we’ve created, and listening to our Central Kentucky audiences enjoying them. Hearing that crowd and watching the beautiful casts, orchestras and creative teams making magic…well, there’s just nothing like that either!

You decided to stay/come back to the place where you were raised. Why are you so deeply committed to Lexington and Central Kentucky?

I love Lexington! It’s my home! When Jeromy and I wanted to raise our family, we chose Central Kentucky because we knew it would be wonderful for our kids.

When we arrived, back in 2010, the entrepreneurial spirit was palpable! There were new restaurants, new shops, and an incredible energy in downtown Lexington. We wanted to do our part to contribute to that. We knew we could bring our experience and

connections to Lexington and help to put it on the map, in a theatrical sense.

We hope to contribute to the amazing culture and tourism that is growing here. Great cities have great professional theatres. This is our way to give back to this great city, and hopefully help it to become even greater!

If you could choose anyone, whom would you choose as your mentor? Why? I feel lucky because I’ve had so many amazing mentors in my life! First and foremost, it would be my Mom – Luanne Franklin. She taught me to dance, introduced me to the magic of musical theatre and supported me endlessly on this journey. My two other amazing mentors Wayne Bryan, (Producing Artistic Director of Music Theatre Wichita) and Mark Madama, (Musical Theatre Professor at University of Michigan), are quite responsible for my transition from performer to Director/Choreographer and now Founder and Artistic Director of The LEX. They saw something in me that I did not see in myself and gently nurtured and encouraged those abilities. From my time working with them as a collegiate performer at Music Theatre Wichita to now (as I turn to them just about every week for advice), they have been a constant source of support. With The LEX, Jeromy and I are hoping to pay this kindness and mentorship forward to the next generation of musical theatre artists. If we can do what has been done for us for someone else, it makes our hearts sing!

We all have hobbies…what floats your boat?

Well, my hobby became my job! So, I love my work.

This work is hard…it’s long hours, late nights, high stress, but I LOVE it. Getting to work in your passion is the most amazing gift. People often ask me if I’m tired, but I’m not. I’m fulfilled. It’s an amazing feeling!

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Beyond my work, my other passion is my children. Ben (6) and Andrew (4) are such amazing gifts! They fill my heart, keep me grounded, make me laugh, give me humility and test my strength! Watching them grow and learn is the ultimate thrill. Parenting and preparing them for the future may be the hardest challenge I’ve ever been handed – but the most rewarding as well.

“It’s uncanny how our combined experiences have aligned, providing us with the just right skill set for producing professional theatre here in Lexington.”

What do the next ten years hold for Lyndy?

We have big dreams for The LEX and all it could become and give to Lexington. I know I’m going to enjoy climbing this mountain, learning new things every day and finding joy in giving back to our community. In the midst of it all, I hope my boys turn into fine young men, and that Jeromy and I have time to take it all in and enjoy the ride!

“We hope to contribute to the amazing culture and tourism that is growing here. Great cities have great professional theatres. This is our way to give back to this great city, and hopefully help it to become even greater!

With The LEX, Jeromy and I are hoping to pay this kindness and mentorship forward to the next generation of musical theatre artists. If we can do what has been done for us for someone else, it makes our hearts sing!”

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Alumni Stories

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HOLLY WIEDEMANN '73 Until Holly Wiedemann '73 preserved and restored the Old Lexington Courthouse in downtown Lexington, many may have been unaware of her talents. Unless, of course, you live in Midway, Beattyville or Irvine where old schools have been transformed into highly successful senior housing. During each project, Holly and her crew from AU Associates have taken an old building and turned it into something new, useful, and special. Holly is as important to downtown Lexington as she is to Sayre. Her devotion to both is remarkable.

What career highlight makes you most proud?

I am very thankful to have created a company that has been able to have a profound impact upon the communities we serve. I have been fortunate to create a team that is as committed as I am to repurposing historic buildings, creating affordable housing through urban infill projects, and making a difference. The adaptive re-use of the historic Fayette County Courthouse was one of the most fun projects yet. However, each one we accomplish is our current favorite!

Small businesses are the engines of our economy. AU Associates, which I founded 28 years ago, has created more than 8,700 jobs across Kentucky and West Virginia. We have created housing for more than 1,200 families, and we are still growing. It is very rewarding to feel as though what you do makes a difference.

You decided to stay/come back to the place where you were raised. Why are you so deeply committed to Lexington and Central Kentucky?

As Dorothy said, “There’s no place like home.” I love it here, and being away for two decades was a great experience. That being said, it also makes me appreciate the evolution of Lexington, from a sleepy little burg that was relatively provincial to an invigorated community that still has a small town feel. Our iconic landscape is world renowned, and the kindness and hospitality here are contagious.

I think this is a great place to raise children, and I was excited that Britton '07 and Eliza '09 both had

the opportunity to attend Sayre. I have loved Sayre since first grade with Mrs. Bishop in 1961 (?!). Our immediate and extended family has an intimate and expansive history that extends 58 years. Hard to believe!

If you could choose anyone, whom would you choose as your mentor? Why? I have the mentor of my dreams, and that is my godfather, Ted Bassett. When my father died (his best friend) in 1986, he stepped in. Since moving back to Kentucky in the early 1990s, we have met regularly through all these many years. I value his insight, perspective and mentorship more than anything.

We all have hobbies…what floats your boat?

I love to fly fish with my husband Bart, and I have been an eventer. I love to ride and was able to start back after the kiddos went off to college. I took up banjo, but had to practice out in the barn (the children couldn’t do their homework while I was ‘playing’). I also have enjoyed some art classes for fun, thanks to Mrs. Hernandez, art teacher in the basement of Old Sayre.

What do the next ten years hold for Holly?

Wow! I am now focusing on a succession plan for AU, so in a few years, I will pass the baton, but still remain peripherally involved. I would love to spend more time with family along with fishing, riding, painting and just enjoying life with loved ones.

I have loved Sayre since first grade with Mrs. Bishop in 1961. Our immediate and extended family has an intimate and expansive history that extends 58 years.

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Alumni Events

2018 ALUMNI EVENTS Thomas A. Grunwald Golf Scramble

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Matt Whitman, Danny Harpe, Steve Whitman, Bennett Clark (Past Champions) Ben Davis '13, Steve Roberts, Field Broadbent '10, Ward Roberts '10

Marshall Civils

John Maher, Rob Brotherton, Ted Clinkinbeard, Jeff Rowland

Annie Rardin '01

Jennifer Palumbo, Stacy Robertson, Bradley Sutherland, Emily England

Tyler Nahra '93, Ted Rutkowski '90, Jason Nahra '96, Brad Nahra '98

Carson Asbury '73

Team photo of the 2018 winners - Kav Milward '98, Steve Slabaugh, Clay Lykins, David Fisher

he Thomas A. Grunwald Alumni Golf Scramble was held at Spring Valley Golf Club on Monday, October 8. Alumni, sponsors, current parents, and friends enjoyed a hot fall afternoon of golf (at least it wasn’t raining!) while raising funds to benefit Sayre School. There was a three-way tie for first place this year and after the tie-breaker rules were applied to the contest, the team of Kav Milward '98, Steve Slabaugh, Clay Lykins, and David Fisher representing J. Smith Lanier & Company took the honors. Our heartfelt thanks go out to Chair Cabot Haggin '11, the committee members, teams, and sponsors.

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Reunion Weekend

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he All School Alumni Cocktail party was held on Friday, October 19, 2018. Everyone was delighted to see the new Lower School, the redesign of the main campus including the courtyard, and the Spartan circle dedicated to the late Clayton Chambliss, Headmaster of Sayre from 1989-2012. It was a fun-filled night with special recognition going to the classes of 1968 (50th), 1993 (25th), and 2008 (10th).

Charles Beasley '68, Hardy Griffith '68

Ann Marsh Townzen '72, Jeff Townzen

Jill Winegardner Maple '73, Kim Lovass Willis '73, Holly Wiedemann '73, Tony Rose '73, Renee Turenne Denton '73, Ike Lawrence '73

Jack Spence '83, Paul O’Neill '83

John Johnson '90, Joe Palumbo '94

Heidi Newman, Chris Darman '94, Amy Duncliffe '94

Dougie Hilliard '09, Mary Lloyd Ireland '70, Oggie Hilliard

Go Big Blue! The following day, October 20, the alumni held a tailgate at the U.K. vs. Vanderbilt game. With Sayre securing several parking spaces in the blue lot, the celebration of getting together with old and new friends continued.

Lynn Martin '70, Susan Wagers Weisenberger '69, Jay Weisenberger '69, Martha Buster Martin '69

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George Dickson '94, Richard May '98 194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Alumni Events Celebrity Charity Basketball Game

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ast December, the Sayre Basketball Program hosted a Celebrity Charity Basketball game that was a huge hit with not only the players and fans, but also with the children who received gifts donated at the game. Bob Johnson '71 operates the charity Miracle on East Main, an organization that collects and distributes gifts to those in need over the holidays. Coach Rob Goodman '89 and Dave Redden, a local Lexington photographer, organized the event that included some amazing talent and celebrities. Among those who played were Steve Zahn - Actor; Rex Chapman - NBA, University of Kentucky, Kentucky Mr. Basketball; Jim Master - University of Kentucky, Indiana Mr. Basketball; Charles Thomas - University of Minnesota, Eastern Kentucky University, Kentucky Mr. Basketball; Brad Nahra '98 - Sayre, Arizona State; Keith Farmer - WLEX 18 Sports Anchor; Stephen Manella - Sayre Head of School; and Steve Guynn – Director of Sayre Buildings and Grounds.

The game was exciting as the local media took the lead going into the final minute, only to see victory snatched from their hands on a late three-pointer by our own Brad Nahra. It was a familiar script, but certainly fun to see again. Most importantly were the gifts donated and the awareness brought to Mr. Johnson’s charity Miracle on East Main.

Blue Gold Award Recipients

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resented annually to a senior or seniors who have demonstrated good citizenship, leadership and community service at Sayre, the Alumni Blue Gold award was created by the Alumni Council in 1984. It is the highest and oldest award given by the Sayre Alumni. This year's recipients were Parker Clay Dean '18, son of Melissa '85 and David Dean '85, and Catherine Elaine (Lainie) Tew '18, daughter of Andrea and Bernard Tew. Presently, Parker attends the University of Alabama and Lainie attends the University of Kentucky.

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CLASS NOTES 1972 and 1974

1995

Mic Wilson '74 and Mike Wilson '72 on the field at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. The brothers were three sport lettermen for the Spartans (football, basketball and baseball). Mic is the Executive Director of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and lives in Charlottesville, VA and Mike is the Interim Principal at Princeton High School in Cincinnati, Ohio.

This summer, class of 1995 friends, Tiffany Brown Anderson, Katie North LaMonica and Elizabeth Aulick Robertson celebrated Tiffany’s homecoming from Reno, Nevada with a rowdy play date at Lizy’s house. No one was injured in this gathering, however, many nerf guns, sidewalk chalk and slices of pizza could be found around the yard afterward, which says volumes when considering it involved six children under the age of 10.

Pictured here are Tiffany and Lizy’s boys.

1975 Randolph Hollingsworth '75 is in the process of immigrating to New Zealand - residency application was submitted on August 8th, the same day her resignation as Assistant Provost at the University of Kentucky was finalized. She and her husband, Rich Greissman, will live with daughter Rudo Greissworth '02, her wife Joydah Bernardo and their son Iam Orel Greissworth in Auckland. Randolph continues to coordinate the Kentucky Woman Suffrage Project (http://networks.h-net.org/kywomansuffrage) from afar - the 2020 celebrations for the 19th Amendment are coming up. Randolph and Rich reluctantly leave behind Eliana Greissworth '10 who will graduate from Michigan State Veterinary College in May 2019 and work in Michigan for at least one more year to take advantage of the tuition discount available. Eliana will continue to receive regularly heartrending pleas from her Kiwi family to join them in their new home.

1996 Ellen Rice '96 continues to reside in Lexington. She writes: “My intents are varied as I am employed as the Director of Operations for Thy Will Be Done. We are a non-profit organization that supports the work of composer Angela Rice, my mother. We had an exciting 2018 as her Easter Oratorio Thy Will Be Done was performed at Lincoln Center in New York City in March with the National Chorale under the direction of Dr. Everett McCorvey. This was the first time the performance was performed outside of Lexington and it received excellent reviews. For fans who missed the performance this year, one is planned for Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Centre College with Gregory Turay, The Lexington Singers, and The Central Kentucky Youth Orchestra. My other activities include serving on the OperaLex Board as Corresponding Secretary and serving as Co-chair for their yearly fundraiser, Encore, each May for the past two years. I have recently been appointed to the University of Kentucky Libraries National Advisory Board and am an active member of the Sayre Alumni Council. I like to give back to the community that is home.”

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Class Notes

1997 Ashlea Gullett Beeson '97 and her husband Tim welcomed their son, Owen Thomas Beeson on August 22, 2017. Owen weighed 8 lbs. 10.5 oz. and was 21.5 inches long. Owen celebrated his first birthday in August 2018!

2002 Cady Blackey Brown '02 and her husband Ryan opened their own personalized primary care practice, Downtown Drs. Brown, in September 2018. They will focus on delivering high quality, upbeat primary care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. Cady and Ryan are Board Certified in Internal Medicine and care for patients ages 18 and older. Please call 859.687.6595 or visit www.DowntownDrsBrown.com for more information, or stop by to see their office at 535 W. Second Street, Lexington, KY.

Amanda Bunning Kelsey '04. Two in the middle: left, Jessica Martin Gwaltney '04 and right Sarah Gay Barnett Boswell '04. After a honeymoon trip to Italy, Blair and John reside in Charlotte, NC.

2005 and 2010 Mandy Kaiser '10 and Beth Blackey '05 are shown here after their graduation from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Congratulations, Beth and Mandy! It turns out, it is a small world‌.Beth was Mandy’s Future Spartans coach at Sayre!

2008 Langdon Shoop '93 and Jaclyn St. Clair '08 were married on December 8, 2017 in Lexington. The following day, they held a surprise party for family and friends to tell them the exciting news.

2004 Aubrey Blair Campbell '04 and John Joseph Crowell Choate were united in marriage June 23, 2018 at the Calgary Baptist Church in Lexington. Several Sayre alumni were in attendance. (see photo) Back row, right to left: Kelly Ball '12, Field Broadbent '10, DR Ball '10, Eric Bunning '07, Aaron Moody '04, John Choate, Will Campbell '06, Elliot Neuman '03, Brett Behr '04, Margaret Fisher (she went to Sayre K-2). Front left: Caroline Arnold '05, Amanda Blair Milward '03, bride, Blair Campbell Choate '04, Stacy Blair Forrester '06,

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2015 Alice Edwards '15 was elected in the spring of 2017 to the office of Student Government Vice President for Agnes Scott College where she is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Creative Writing, while carrying a Pre-Med course load. Alice just received a grant to study the Literature of Ireland as part of a faculty led program. In November, on her 21st

birthday, she auditioned for the Jeopardy College Tournament for a chance to represent Agnes Scott College on television. Alice has been accepted into PsiChi, a National Psychology Honor Society, and has received an invitation to join the National Leadership Honor Society Omicron Delta Kappa.

Note to Alumni and Parents of Alumni - Be sure to submit your current email and mailing address so that we may keep you informed of future news and events!

Thank you to all our alumni who have submitted notes for this magazine. Please send news and photos to Leslie Parrish Isaacs '69 and Rob Goodman '89 at alumni@sayreschool.org.

SPECIAL AWARDS Brucie Glenn Rowe Student Government Award

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he Glenn Family has been a part of Sayre School for over three decades having sent three daughters to the school. The youngest of these young women was Brucie Glenn Rowe who loved Sayre and was a beloved member of the Class of 1977. As a student, Brucie was impish, fun loving, and took an active role in nearly every extracurricular activity offered. Because of illness, Brucie could not play athletics, but in both the Middle and Upper Schools she took a special delight in the affairs of the Student Council. Brucie died on April 6, 1998, leaving a wonderful legacy of friendship, joy, and loyalty to those she loved. To honor her memory, this award was established by her parents, friends, and the school.

The 2018 recipient of the endowed Brucie Glenn Rowe Student Government Award given for service, leadership, and devotion to the spirit of the school was Ellie Webb '18 (Georgetown University).

The Marc Goldenberg Science Award

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arc Goldenberg was an Upper School student who was tragically killed in an automobile accident in 1983. Marc loved Sayre and especially enjoyed the science classes that he took as a student. This award is given in his honor to a Junior or Senior who has demonstrated a high interest in science.

This year’s recipient was Eden Fry '18 (Drexel University).

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In Memoriam

IN MEMORIAM Alexis Conrad '94 passed away December 6, 2017. She was daughter of Maxine (Dewitt) Hisle and Richard Conrad. In addition to her parents, she is survived by her brother, Richard (Belinda) Conrad, nephews Finn and Anderson Conrad, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Alexis’ sister, Andria Conrad, preceded her in death.

Clifford M. Denny, Jr '92, son of Elizabeth B. Denny and Clifford M. Denny, died June 13, 2018 in Charlotte, NC. His wife, Corie P. Denny and their daughter, Bennett G. Denny survive him. A service of celebration of his life was held August 4, 2018 at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, in Charlotte/Waxhaw, NC. C.V. Ethington '58, husband of Alma Haggin Ethington '58 passed away September 21, 2018. Mr. Ethington was a past Board member of Sayre School. In addition to his wife of 44 years, he is survived by four children; Stephen H. Ethington (Susan), Shannon Ethington Haas (Carl), John M. Gaver III, and Louis T. H. Gaver (Vicki); sister, Linda Ethington Rupp; nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Jacob Hughes Graves III, died October 6, 2018 at his Leafland Farm residence. Mr. Graves was a past Board member of Sayre School, as well as The Kentucky Hemp Growers Association, Burley Auction Warehouse Association, Lexington Civic Center, University of Kentucky, Transylvania University, Midway College, and the Lexington Chamber of Commerce. He served on the Shriners Hospital for Children Board of Governors for many years and was Chairman from 1997-2001. Mr. Graves is survived by his children who all attended Sayre; Jennie, (Jerry) Clow, Jake (Pam) Graves IV, Laura (Dee) Proctor, Melonie Graves, Andy (Margaret) Graves, Lucy (Logan) Foster, Ben (Mike) Graves, Dan (Lambsy) Graves, 22 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. His wife, Glenna Ritchie Graves, and daughter Cassandra Jolly Graves preceded him in death.

Karl Knapp '77 Karl’s battle with ALS ended October 23, 2018. A memorial and life celebration was held at Stanford University on December 2, 2018. Karl is survived by his mother, Marjorie Knapp Floro, his wife Holly, daughters Haley and Tyler, and siblings Keith Knapp '73, Gail Knapp Morgan '75, Dave Knapp '79 and Linda Knapp Glisson '81.

Lisa Underwood '74 passed away December 9, 2017. She was a past Board member and active in the Alumni Association. Lisa was the daughter of Tom Underwood and the late Jane B. Underwood. Besides her father, Lisa is survived by her husband Richard Young, her brother Trip (Tara Rodriquez), her niece Kassi UnderwoodMurphy '02 (Mike Murphy), and her nephew Rusty (Rachel) Underwood '05. Lisa will be remembered for her “sense of humor, great laugh, and her dedication to family and friends.”

Pat Wellons, mother of Bradley Wellons '86 passed away on April 7, 2018. “Not only was she my mother, but she also touched the lives of many Sayre students and their families through her work as an Adolescent & Family Therapist. Many a Sayre kid would make a very short walk from campus to her office at 117 W. Second Street.

She loved Sayre, supporting me there as a 13-year lifer, and the school as a whole as a neighbor and friend after I graduated in 1986.”

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WISHING YOU THE BEST! Thank you for the memories!

Blythe Jamieson came to Sayre in 2004 and was the school’s first Acting Director of Counseling Services.

Already familiar with Sayre and the school’s culture from consulting and program assistance she’d provided in years prior to her hiring, Blythe quickly developed strong relationships with faculty and students who in turn embraced her gentle and always good-humored way. Blythe was instrumental in guiding the school community through meaningful discussion and adoption of Sayre’s core values of Wisdom, Integrity, Respect, and Compassion. These values continue to anchor our school community today. Blythe and her/ our beloved service Aussiedoodle, Tashi, currently enjoy the quiet of Midway, KY and spending time with friends and grandchildren.

Sara Kuchera joined Sayre’s Fine Arts Department in 2004. Kind, patient and immensely talented, Sara brought boundless enthusiasm to the Lower School music classroom. In the many music programs she oversaw, she buoyed Sayre’s youngest children through their first performances before large audiences. So many of her students went on to become talented and confident on the stage. Sara’s infectious laugh and reliable candor endeared her both to colleagues and students alike.

Sara returned to her native central New York with her husband Ben and their children, Natalie Katherine, Max, and Lincoln - where she will undertake the next chapter in her teaching career.

Mary Ryan, from Kilkenny, Ireland, joined the Upper School Math Department in the fall of 1996. From the spring of 2003 until September of 2006 she served as Dean of Students in the Upper School until the birth of her daughter Amelia. Mary returned to teach part-time at Sayre in 2013.

Mary was known and respected for her low-key, nononsense approach to discipline, for her consistency and fairness, her reliable and thoughtful approach to mathematics, and her ready availability to those who needed extra help.

Mary "retired" in May 2018 to help her husband, Michael, in his very busy bloodstock agency and to be available for Amelia's various after-school activities.

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Faculty Awards

FACULTY AWARDS Board Award Recipient 2018

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f anyone’s image deserves to be next to our core values of Wisdom, Integrity, Respect, and Compassion, it would be this year’s recipient of the Board Award.

After all, she was influential in developing those virtues that serve as the bedrock of our culture: wisdom, integrity, respect, and compassion.

Day in and day out, she was also the gatekeeper, making sure that we were promoting those values through countless programs that touch the lives of our students.

Through her leadership, the scope of counseling services expanded, including, most importantly, our wellness initiatives. Every day she brought a mix of care, expertise, discretion, professionalism, and humor to our community as she advocated for our well-being.

As one of her colleagues noted, “Blythe has served our entire community beautifully, with grace under pressure. She has been the heart of our school, always responding with kids’ interest and wellbeing at the forefront. Warm, kind and wise, she has elevated the level of compassion in our community.”

Although her recent knee surgery has rocked her serenity, she has been our North Star, guiding us, and our students, through turbulent waters to safe harbor. Our counselor.

Our colleague. Most of all, our dear friend, Blythe Jamieson.

Short Awards

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his year’s Short Award winner in Math and Science has a strong understanding of the content of her discipline, but more importantly, she knows how to present the material in a systematic and consistent way that helps students learn. She is consistent in both her presentation as well as her expectations of students. She is demanding, but not overbearing, simultaneously warm and stern. She is organized in her planning and preparation, giving students multiple opportunities on a daily basis to show what they know and get clarification for what is unclear.

She would never expect her students to work any harder than she, but they all know she is determined to help them succeed. In her first evaluation, Head of Upper School Tim O'Rourke said, “her greatest triumph as a teacher, and the point when she will join the ranks of Master teachers, will be when she is able to inspire her students to be as motivated as she.”

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Clearly, her Irish brogue has not gotten in the way of this inspiration and motivation. This year’s Short Award winner in Math and Science was Mary Ryan.

The recipient of the Short Award for excellence in teaching in a general category, Director of Theatre Bo List, loves to say that the number one human fear is not the fear of spiders, but rather the fear of public speaking. Therefore, his job is not only to nurture and grow future professional actors, playwrights, screenwriters, directors, and set designers, but also to help students overcome that fear and find their voice.

He knows that what educators do is not only about preparing students for the next year in school, or for a profession or a vocation; it’s also about preparing them for life, today and every day.

An inspiration to all who know him, Bo sees theatre as a vehicle for humans – young people and adults – to stretch themselves, to find a higher purpose, and to seek and find deep and meaningful conversation, civil discourse, truth and justice, through beautiful language and the attentive, purposeful use of words. Few people live their everyday lives with the higher values so obviously at the front of their minds at all times.

His emphasis on helping students find their voice is married with a powerful desire to see communities – and our school in particular – support their constituents in ways that promote equity, humanity, and quite simply, love. The search for a higher purpose, however, has not gotten in the way of the everyday tasks– he has, in fact, trained and instructed numerous young actors and playwrights, sending his students to the Governor’s School for the Arts, countless summer arts opportunities, to acting and tech roles in local theatres, to the best university programs available in their craft, and on to making their living in the arts. He not only teaches at Sayre but he has also built and runs one of the premier theatre companies in the region, Athens West Theatre. He is a marvelous storyteller, an outstanding teacher, an amazing Director of Theatre, and an incredible human.

Bo’s mantra is that what we do is help young people find their voice.

He once said of one of his students, “He has a marvelous voice, the kind that makes a sound and the kind that comes from within.” This could equally be said of our marvelous Director of Theatre Bo List.

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IN

MY STORY. OUR SCHOOL.

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ayre's story began on March 12, 1793 when our founder David A. Sayre was born. So often, Sayre is referred to as family, as a warm and inclusive community, a home away from home. This year's Sayre Fund, My Story. Our School., celebrates The Sayre Difference. Through videos, quotes, Twitter and Facebook, members of our community shared their Sayre stories and experiences.

An important component of the school’s budget, the Fund provides the opportunity for donors to make tax deductible contributions while supporting the enriched curriculum of authentic, engaging, and complex pedagogy.

Our students, their families, the entire Sayre family thrives in making the Sayre difference. Sayre Fund gifts, large and small, contribute to that difference every day. What’s your story?

WATCH FOR INFORMATION ON

SAYRE'S

DAY OF GIVING APRIL 2019

"Sayre School holds a special place in our hearts on many different levels. Woody and I first met on one of Tom Grunwald’s canoe trips to Canada in 1978. We married in 1985 and had three children, for whom Tommy always liked to take credit in an indirect way. All three of them graduated from Sayre. Clearly, the Snowdens and Sayre will forever be intertwined."

Robin Summerlin Snowden, Class of 1980

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Advancement

LILLIE WEBB LIBRARY DEDICATION

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n exemplary patron, Mrs. Lillie F. Webb was honored once again on October 27, 2017 with the dedication of her portrait and plaque in the Edward Simms Library. Friends and family gathered to unveil her portrait and the framed testimonial to her benefaction that continues to inspire Sayre’s families today.

Lillie Franzheim Webb (1921 – 1996) Sayre School will always be indebted to Lillie Farnzheim Webb for her leadership, kindness, and benevolence. Mrs. Webb, or “Miss Lillie” as she was affectionately known, began her relationship with the enrollment of two of her children, Elizabeth McAshan Carbine ’71 and Michael M. McCullar '74. She served on the Board of Trustees from 1971 to 1985. During her tenure she gave generously towards the construction of the Mary Louise Whitney Lower School building, and shortly thereafter, she led the effort to build the Edward F. Simms Library, which is named in memory of her grandfather. She directed the restoration of “Old Sayre” going so far as to fly to New Orleans to locate and purchase the chandeliers which now hang

there. From its inception, Miss Lillie volunteered and made numerous unheralded donations to the Sayre Spectacular to ensure its success.

Miss Lillie’s affection for Sayre extended beyond its building to the faculty, staff, and students. To encourage the study of foreign languages, she created the Lillie F. Webb Award which is given to two Upper School students based on communication proficiency and cultural appreciation in modern Romance languages. She also opened her home in Mexico to Sayre groups visiting Mexico City. Not content to be a bystander, Miss Lillie could often be found on campus catching up with faculty and staff. She was particularly fond of those students who were as spirited as she and treasured the potential she saw in the spunkiest children.

In appreciation of Miss Lillie’s extraordinary service, Sayre awarded her it highest honors, the David A. Sayre Medallion in 1979 and, in 1985, the Alumni Association Service Award. Always thinking of the students, always constant in her advice, always desiring to do what was best for the school, Sayre would not be as it is today without Lillie Webb.

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A WOMAN RISING TO NEW HEIGHTS Chloe Gifford, President of the Class of 1919

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n 1919, Sir Barton won the 45th Kentucky Derby, and at Saratoga, Man o’ War suffered the only defeat of his career. Carl Sandburg won the Pulitzer Prize and Woodrow Wilson was President.

Closer to home, Chloe Gifford, President of the Class of 1919, delivered the Commencement Address at Sayre. She then became the first woman graduate of the University of Kentucky College of Law and passed the state bar exam at the young age of 21. When she was denied the opportunity to become a judge because of her young age and gender, she returned to Sayre as a faculty member, also serving as Dean of Women for 12 years.

In 1940, she began a distinguished career at the University of Kentucky as Director of Community Services, developing and implementing improvement and volunteer programs for various community organizations throughout the state. In 1980 she was named to the Hall of Distinguished Alumni. She also served as President of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, with members in more than 60 countries. Ms. Gifford died June 2, 1982.

2019 marks the occasion of the 100th anniversary of her graduation remarks on June 3, 1919:

There comes a time in the affairs of a nation when all must stop and look backward at the great achievements wrought.

There comes a time in the affairs of state when those who need guidance look back at the handiwork of their predecessors.

There comes a time in the affairs of school when the glories of the present are lost like the rays of the pale new moon when compared with the golden sunset of the brilliant and inspiring past.

We, the class of 1919, have reached this point today and on the threshold of our new tomorrow, we find ourselves about to be numbered with the splendid women who are the Sayre alumnae. We are proud to be a link in this golden chain and in this spirit of appreciation and loyalty we wish to present this gift today to you, Mrs. Craig, as the president.

This, though a small beginning, we trust will develop into a more potent factor in bringing together the heart of the student body and the alumnae.

So this, the first volume of the “Blue and Gold” is affectionately dedicated to the alumnae of Sayre College, whose loyalty and interests have ever been an inspiration to us.

One can only imagine Chloe’s excitement when the very next day, June 4, 1919, Congress passed the Nineteenth Amendment granting women the right to vote. Chloe’s legacy continues today at Sayre through her grandnieces and nephew, Whitney Simms '05, Laura Sims Graham '01, and Hunter Simms '03, and their mother Board of Trustees member Betty Simms Receski. A bench in the new plaza outside the gym reads “In Memory of Chloe Gifford Class of 1919.”

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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Advancement

SUMMER SABBATICAL

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ower School Technology Coordinator Joan Skees attended the ISTE (International Society of Technology in Education) Conference '18 in Chicago for three days in June. This conference is held each year, but it is rarely close enough for Tech Department members to attend. This is the pinnacle of tech conferences with attendees from all over the world and top-notch keynote speakers and presenters. Joan was able to attend a number of sessions provided by Apple Educators presenting the newest productivity apps on iPads. The sessions were relevant to the increased implementation of iPads into the Lower School classrooms and computer classes. She also spoke with experts on implementation strategies. By attending, Joan is able to infuse her teaching and that of her colleagues with innovative and current practices or add to the general knowledge base of the Tech Department.

F. KEVIN SIMON HISTORY SYMPOSIUM

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lobal Migration – Could there be a more relevant topic for study in today’s world? The 2019 F. Kevin Simon History Symposium will once again bring elite scholars and educators together for a complete day of pedagogy and camaraderie. This year’s speakers include Alex Aleinikoff, Director of the New School’s Zolberg Institute on Migration and Mobility, and Bill Frelick, Director of the Refugee Rights Program, Human Rights Watch. The Symposium will be held February 23, 2019, and is open to all secondary history and social studies teachers. The Symposium has boasted a waiting list for many years now, as its reputation continues to grow and capacity is limited.

The 2018 Symposium “Freedom of Speech and Press in America and Abroad” featured speakers Geoffrey R. Stone, University of Chicago Law School; Jane Dailey, University of Chicago Department of History and Law School; and Ann Cooper, Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. There could be no more fitting legacy for this beloved Sayre faculty member, Kevin Simon, whose teaching inspired so many Sayre students, ending each class with “This class is history!”

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FINANCIAL REPORT REVENUE AND EXPENSES FY2018

$11,239,136 Total Expenses

Total Revenue Tuition & Fees

$11,127,185 $5,708,289

$9,555,367 Instruction

Auxiliary & Other Programs

$871,849 Auxiliary & Other Programs

$1,302,730

Fundraising Activities

$497,862 Admin & Support

$2,563,499

$314,058 Plant FY18 Operating Expenditures

Endowment/Board Designated Support Total Charitable Contributions (Net)

$2,868,441

Annual Giving

$312,049

Restricted Annual Giving

$183,343

Capital Campaign Endowment

$1,552,667

$2,290,542

Sayre FY18 $82,507 Charitable Contributions

OPERATING EXPENDITURES 14% 23%

51.3% 11.7%

Plant Admin & Support Auxiliary & Other Programs Instruction

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS 3% 11% 6%

Endowment Capital Campaign Restricted Annual Giving

80%

Annual Giving

194 N. Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 ∙ www.sayreschool.org

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All School Alumni Reunion

194 North Limestone Lexington, KY 40507 (859) 254-1361 www.sayreschool.org

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Save the Date

10 . 25 . 2019 Classes of 2009, 1994, and 1969 will celebrate their milestone reunions!

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