Triangle Spring 2023

BRENTWOOD ACADEMY MAGAZINE

SPRING 2023

BEHIND THE MIC

WITH THE BOLING BROADCASTERS 1

from the

Headmaster Dear BA Family, If you ask our students to name the “three E’s in Brentwood Academy,” you may get a resounding answer: “Encourage, Encourage, Encourage!” While some may point out that technically there aren’t three E’s, we use a little bit of mathematical license to emphasize the significance and importance of our ability to encourage each other. In his book Orthodoxy (summer reading for BA faculty several years ago), G.K. Chesterton states that “the only courage worth calling courage must necessarily mean that the soul passes a breaking point—and does not break.” When we encourage others, we offer companionship and compassion, sharing in the moment whatever the circumstance, aiming to fill others with courage, spirit, or hope. Because we don’t always know when those around us are facing those critical moments, even those breaking points, the act of encouraging others can have a deeper impact than we know.

While we pursue the goal of nurturing and challenging each whole person, we recognize that challenges, though often uncomfortable and sometimes not what we would choose, provide an opportunity for our greatest growth and for others to contribute their greatest nurturing and encouragement. The stories in this edition of the Triangle reflect those opportunities through students overcoming challenges that have formed their character and their identity in Christ, through faculty who have pursued growth and excellence, and through alums who have pursued a career in the public eye.

As Dr. Jerry Root from Wheaton College has shared, stories can “invite us to see ourselves and our need for grace at that moment.” As we consider the stories in these pages, of challenges faced, endured, and overcome, may those stories remind us of our identity in Christ, our need for His grace, and our need for each other. And I trust that as you consider your own story, you find evidence for confidence in God’s faithfulness and a hope that comes through his purposes at work in your life. May God encourage you as you read. And perhaps as you read, you may think of ways in which your own story of God’s grace might be an encouragement to someone, as we continue to live out the mission and ministry of Brentwood Academy: nurturing and challenging each whole person – body, mind, and spirit – to the glory of God. With confidence in God’s love and his continued work, on behalf of all the BA community, thank you for the part you play in living out our mission for his glory.

In Him,

Curt Masters

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HEADMASTER Curtis G. Masters HEADMASTER EMERITUS William B. Brown, Jr. 2022-2023 TRUSTEE CHAIR Buddy Bacon ’82, Chair EDITOR IN CHIEF Kristin Vazquez COORDINATOR Jennifer Vickery Smith EDITORS Holly Grenvicz Leah Hoskins Jason Powell Kristin Vazquez STAFF WRITERS Maggie Aultman Alyssa Hall Jennifer Vickery Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kristin Vazquez Harrison Chapman ’23 Sadie Gower ’23 Jayson Nixon ’23 GRAPHIC DESIGN Phil Goodman Erin Monaghan PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Biggs Andy Collignon Phil Goodman Fifth & Broad Jennifer Vickery Smith The Triangle magazine is published under the direction of the Brentwood Academy Office of Communications and is distributed without charge to family and friends of the school. Additional copies available upon request.

Brentwood Academy 219 Granny White Pike Brentwood, TN 37027 615-373-0611

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Contents 5

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Asking Why: Sadie Gower’s Story

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Christian Life at Brentwood Academy

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FACULTY FEATURE Josh Davis, Dean of Academics

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Sister Cities: Harrison Chapman ’23

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT Behind the Mic with Boling Broadcasters

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Mensi Stiff ’23

22

Music Faculty Strike a Chord

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FACULTY FEATURE Working with the Best: James Wilhoit

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FACULTY FEATURE Meet Coach Andy Blackston

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Deuce Scott ’23

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Alumni News

Brentwood Academy Mission Brentwood Academy is a co-educational, independent, college preparatory school dedicated to nurturing and challenging each whole person­— body, mind, and spirit — to the glory of God.

ON THE COVER Wes ’03, Will ’15, and Ronnie Boling

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Asking Why SADIE GOWER’S STORY

Sadie Gower ’23 gave a senior testimony in upper school chapel in September, and this is the transcript of her message.

M

y life is sort of like a book, with certain chapters focusing on several experiences that have yet to be finished. Do I know when it’s going to be finished? No, but that’s okay, because I

don’t have to. My life story is basically what I have learned so far, and I hope that maybe others can learn a little from this too.

It all started when I was born in the glorious year of 2004, the year where jeans with skirts was somehow a thing… just kidding, I’m not going that far back. I had a normal childhood. I grew up in a Christian environment and went to Sunday School, and my favorite show was the Backyardigans. I had two wonderful parents and two wonderful sisters. One of them is currently a junior at Wake Forest, and the other is a freshman at BA. How were any of them supposed to know how a single day in 2007 would seemingly determine the rest of my life?

“Your daughter will not go to school, she will not get a job, she will not be able to live on her own, and she will never be able to communicate with others properly. Her chances of success are very slim. I am so sorry.”

My parents and pre-school teachers started to notice something about me was off. Very off. I wasn’t talking very much; of course when you’re three you’re not really supposed to, but three year olds are at least expected to say small sentences, respond to questions, and say coherent words. I couldn’t do any of that. Around November 2007, I was taken to be evaluated by a speech behavioral therapist.

They sat my parents down after observing me for a while and told my parents something no parent would want to hear. They told my parents I had a very severe developmental delay, putting me in the bottom 5% of language comprehension for kids my age. With this level of severity, they told my parents this: “Your daughter will not go to school, she will not get a job, she will not be able to live on her own, and she will never be able to communicate with others properly. Her chances of success are very slim. I am so sorry.”

My parents were heartbroken, of course. My mom recalled that all she could feel was fear and sadness, not because I wouldn’t go to school or be able to talk or anything like that, but because I would not be able to comprehend the love Jesus has for me. She asked, “Why, God, why?”

That’s a question I undoubtedly think everyone has asked at some point in their lives. I know I have asked this question a ton.

“Why me?”

“Why are you doing this, God?” “What’s the point of this?”

My mom was asking those questions too. She was at a cafe with a friend, crying to her about my situation. The friend looked at my

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mom and said, “Why haven’t you ever read Exodus 4?” She went on

“normal “ school when I was five. I was caught up with my peers, I

to quote,

was making friends, I was talking better, and this is the happy ending for me!

“But Moses said to the Lord, ‘Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since I have spoken to your servant, for I am slow of

Nope. Not even close.

speech and of tongue.’ Then the Lord said to him, ‘Who has made

Even going through elementary, middle, and high school knowing

man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it

I had had a developmental delay, I still felt something was missing,

not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and

something that made me different. Back in 2020, I was almost 16

teach you what you shall speak.” Ex. 4:10-12

years old. I was a freshman in high school, and one day in February my therapist who I saw regularly for anxiety and depression sat me

Her friend said, “If God can save his people through a man like Moses

down with my parents and said, “Hey, so turns out the development

here, think of how much He can do for your daughter.” My mom was

delay when you were little was not actually just a development delay…

stunned. She had never known this verse. But in that moment, God

it was also autism.”

told her, “ I will take care of your daughter. I will be with her.” And with God with you, as the Bible says, you shall not fail. So, with a sense of

How? How did they miss this? I’ve walked around with this

hope, my mom and my dad did all they could to assure I might have

undiagnosed for almost 13 years?

even a slight chance of overcoming the odds. They put me in speech therapy and a specialized therapy called Applied Behavioral Analysis,

I will remember that moment for the rest of my life. I was so numb,

and various programs, one of which was called Regional Intervention

and yet still felt so many emotions. I remember feeling conflicted.

Program, or RIP, the same acronym engraved on tombstones.

To an extent, I was relieved to finally understand why I always felt different, why I hated lack of routines, why I had a fascination over

Miraculously, after a couple of years, I was able to go to

U.S. presidents, and why I ran away at the sound of a toilet flushing. I was also very upset, knowing that I would live the rest of my life with something that hinders me daily. But in the forefront of my mind, I was just asking, “Why, God, why?”

Like I said earlier, I feel like everyone has asked these kinds of questions at some point:

Left: The Gower Family, left to right: Sadie ’23, Amy ’94, Evan, Betsy ’26, and Mary Grace ’20 Top right: Sadie at age 4

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We don’t have to know. We don’t have to see. All we have to do is trust in God that He will create the most beautiful rainbow from the darkest storm. If those doctors who diagnosed me saw me up here today, they probably would think there had been a mistake. But there wasn’t. There had just been God. “Why did you have to take this person away from me, God?”

my fears and has given

“Why do I have to suffer from this when everyone else is doing

me a chance when the

fine?”

world did not, and that

“Why can’t I just be happy?”

means everything to me.

“Why?” What I have come to For me, it was, “Why do I have to be autistic?” You could have

realize is that our trials

chosen anybody else, but it had to be me.

and tribulations are meant for

something

so

much

I have struggled with this question every. single. day. And I have to

better than we can fathom.

admit, I do not know the answer.

Sure, maybe we can’t see it now.

I am just now starting to realize that

But isn’t that the point?

God has given me autism for a reason.

Whenever I ask God these why questions, I always hear this voice

Though the cards were stacked against me, he has paved the way

saying, “Trust me. I know what I am doing. You will be alright. You

to allow to me to have a chance at college when nobody thought

are my daughter, and I love you.”

I could get past elementary school. I don’t know what my purpose is yet, and I don’t understand why I have gone through all I have

God is an omniscient God. He knows everything. He knows

gone through. But, at least I can look back and see how far I’ve

everything we don’t know. He has our lives planned before we

come, which gives me hope and assurance in God that the future

even open our eyes. Psalm 139:1-6 says, “You have searched me,

will be even greater.

Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my

We don’t have to know. We don’t have to see. All we have to do is

lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on

trust in God that He will create the most beautiful rainbow from

my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me in behind

the darkest storm. If those doctors who diagnosed me saw me up

and before, and you lay your hand upon me. Such knowledge

here today, they probably would think there had been a mistake.

is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.” In the same

But there wasn’t. There was just God.

Psalm God also assures us that he has created us with a purpose that is far greater than anything we can imagine. Psalm 139:13-14

My prayer is that for anyone going through something, whether

says, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together

it’s a loss of a loved one, or a missed opportunity, or trouble with

in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and

school and friends, that they can have assurance in God that even

wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

though there will be hard times, God will be with them, and they will not fail. God has a purpose for you and your life. If and when

God has allowed me to go to school. God has given me family and

you ask, “Why, God, why?,” He has an answer. Trust in Him. It is so

friends that I am able to love and connect with. Most importantly,

worth it.

God has given me a relationship with Him. God has extinguished

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CHRISTIAN LIFE AT BRENTWOOD ACADEMY SENIOR THEME VERSE RETREAT BA seniors began the year as always, by setting the tone for the student body through their Bible verse and service project selection at the Senior Verse Retreat. “The theme verse retreat is such a great way to start the school year and to bond with other seniors that maybe we haven’t interacted with as much throughout the years,” says Sutton Schottenheimer ’23. “There’s something about getting away and experiencing God in a different setting outside of school that is super impactful and amazing.” Continuing the strong tradition of senior leadership at BA, this year’s seniors selected Philippians 2:3–4 (ESV): “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Students personally experienced this verse at the retreat when BA faculty and staff washed the feet of each senior and prayed with them, modeling servant leadership and inviting the seniors to lead BA in this manner as well. This year’s seniors chose A Door to Hope as BA’s service partner this year, honoring the life of Luke Knox ’18 (see page 39) by supporting an organization he had worked with during his time as a student at BA. Once at school, students encountered more enhancements to Christian Life programming, including chapel. Instead of meeting weekly in their respective gymnasiums for chapel time, middle school moved to meet in Dens and upper school meets in the Theater. This simple change in location brought a much more personal, structured, and powerful environment to this meeting time. The new location also brought an additional opportunity to upper school students – the chance to engage in worship in the time leading up to the speaker’s message. We have seen the Lord move in mighty ways this year in these spaces, and we look forward with great expectation to many more to come.

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Christian Life faculty member Linus Nguyen speaks at the Senior Theme Verse Retreat in Dickson, TN.

UPPER SCHOOL CHAPEL After taking place in gyms for several years, upper school

NEW ROLES

IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE DEPARTMENT: MR. FREDDIE SCOTT - CHRISTIAN LIFE DIRECTOR MR. JD BINGER - MIDDLE SCHOOL CHRISTIAN LIFE DIRECTOR MR. LINUS NGUYEN – CHRISTIAN LIFE FACULTY

chapel has returned to the theater, and middle school chapel has moved to the 7th Grade Den. This change of location, along with the addition of a time of worship at the start of each upper school chapel, has resulted in a fresh experience for students. Elizabeth Baldock ’23 remarks, “Having chapel in the theater feels more intimate, and worship at the beginning really sets the tone for the whole time we are together. It feels more like a church community, and I think we all really like that.” Students and faculty speak during chapel, sharing their testimonies and teaching lessons from Scripture. Check out Sadie Gower’s chapel transcript on page 5 for an example of a message heard by our students this year.

UPPER SCHOOL CHAPEL IS FILMED REGULARLY AND POSTED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL. @BRENTWOODACADEMY_TN

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FACULTY FEATURE

MEET

JOSH DAVIS DEAN OF ACADEMICS

W

hen Josh Davis and his family arrived in Middle Tennessee in the scorching triple digit heat of July after leaving Santa Cruz, CA, they experienced the soggy reality of living with humidity while also feeling refreshed by the welcoming warmth of people’s kindness and

generosity. Events throughout the year such as the Christmas tree lighting in downtown Franklin, with accompanying faith-based music and hearing people speak publicly of Jesus’ birth, were almost as surprising to their family as discovering fried pickles. Moving to a place with a pervasive Christian culture has refreshed Mr. Davis as much as it has inspired him to intentionally expand the vision of the faculty and student Brentwood Academy experience as our new Dean of Academics.

FUN FACTS ABOUT JOSH DAVIS Favorite outdoor activity? Hiking with the family; former life – rock climbing and kayaking

What’s your favorite thing to do with your kids?

Hiking, cards, board games, reading, wrestling, almost anything!

Favorite fruit? Mango If you could be an Olympic athlete, which sport would you choose? Soccer When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? Missionary, lawyer If you could have any superpower, what would you choose? Healing (Is that a superpower? – Like Lucy’s cordial in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe?)

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Favorite time of day? Right now, an evening by the fireplace.

If you had time, what would you like to try as a hobby that you haven’t tried yet? My kids are learning the piano, and I wish I played too. I enjoy tinkering. I love baking bread but haven’t yet ventured into the sourdough world.

The Davis Family

A voracious reader, typically reading several books at a time,

Chicago, including a Christian club and church youth group.

Mr. Davis brings a thoughtful approach to his role at BA,

Mr. Davis commented on the profound impact The Brothers

reflecting that “God is constantly interested in our holiness and

Karamazov had on his faith after college, sharing that “Alyosha’s

our development, sometimes writing a good story in a way

story and forgiveness was an answer to my rationalism and

we don’t anticipate. He develops our character through it and

pointed to something rich and beautiful that messed with me in

provides new opportunities, new ways to serve. God made a

the right ways.” That story, along with Chesterton’s Orthodoxy

clear path for us to come to BA. We’re excited about what will

and one of Timothy Keller’s sermons on self-forgetfulness, has

come because of it. He constantly redirects our expectation so

helped him define his faith and “see the gospel differently.” Mr.

that we’re more honed on him.” Mr. and Mrs. Davis have four

Davis shares that he would’ve encouraged himself as a high

children, two girls and two boys, between the ages of two

school student to “focus on who I am before God and how I can

and eleven. They look forward to exploring outdoor activities

love my neighbor effectively.”

offered in this area, including kayaking on the Harpeth River, along with continuing to build community through their

We are excited and thankful to have Mr. Davis and his family

involvement with church and school activities.

join our BA community this year, and we look forward to his continued thoughtful, visionary contributions to the mission

While reflecting on moments that defined Mr. Davis’ faith, he

and ministry of Brentwood Academy—dedicated to nurturing

shared about the faith of his parents, noting that they “loved

and challenging each whole student, body, mind, and spirit, to

God and loved me,” along with how he was involved in many

the glory of God.

activities in his large, very diverse high school just outside of

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HARRISON CHAPMAN

HARRISON CHAPMAN ’23 EXPLORES ARGENTINA

L

Sister Cities Harrison overlooking the Andes Mountains

iving in a new home, with a new family, in a new city, and in a new country for two weeks was one of the most fun experiences of my life. After discovering my love for the language in Señora Bauchiero’s class my sophomore year,

the two-week long exchange trip to Mendoza, Argentina offered by Sister Cities of Nashville sounded to me like the greatest idea ever. And somehow, I convinced my parents to let me escape the country and my life in Nashville for two weeks with a group of fellow students to embark on an adventure in South America.

After almost a full day of travel, arriving in Argentina felt surreal. Being sleep-deprived and full of adrenaline, the first few hours felt like a dream. I was completely immersed in a new language, culture, and lifestyle, and I was having the time of my life. My host family, the Quercettis, welcomed me with open arms, a fat kiss on the cheek (a common familiar greeting), and treated me like family.

The very next day I started going to school with my host

Recognizing the value of language in being able to share my faith will continue to be a motivating factor that will propel me to keep on learning and studying Spanish in preparation for future opportunities.

brother, Nacho, who happily let me disrupt his classes to socialize and tell other students about Nashville and the USA. I discovered that while many of the adults in the community were religious, most of the teenagers were not.

Recognizing the value of language in being able to share my faith will continue to

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be a motivating factor that will propel me to keep on learning and studying Spanish in preparation for future opportunities. Building relationships with the people there because I could speak their language allowed me to connect with them in a way I would not have been able to otherwise.

Some of the most fun I had during the trip was roaming through sidewalks of downtown Mendoza with Nacho and his friends during the school’s one-hour lunch break trying to buy food. A couple of times we would buy food and eat it on top of Nacho’s dad’s hotel during the middle of a school day! The view of the city and of the Andes Mountains was incredible from up there. Other times at school included helping kids practice English, learning how to dance, listening to music, and even learning how to cook empanadas from the lunch ladies. For once in my life, I never The sand dunes of Los Altos Limpios

wanted school to end.

With the other students from Nashville, I got the opportunity to see Mendoza, Argentina at its finest. We spent our time exploring the vast wine vineyards of the outer city, eating candy till we were sick in a chocolate alfajores factory, and learning the rich history of the city at museums and parks. One of my favorite memories was trekking through the Andes Mountains for a weekend excursion with the group. We saw green, rocky, and snowy mountains along with unique wildlife like alpacas as we ascended the long mountain range. Just a few days later, after we returned to Mendoza, we drove with a class from school south of the city to the hot, open desert and sand-dunes of Mendoza. The stark difference in temperature and geography from the mountains was insane, but both were equally fun even though I faceplanted into the sand trying to race some of my friends down one of the dunes. I had sand in my ears for the rest of the trip, but it was well worth it.

Towards the end of the trip, the delegation from Nashville and I had the opportunity to meet the mayor of the city of Mendoza. On top of the town hall, we were greeted by the mayor and his officials with the aroma of fresh sandwiches and a live professional Tango performance outside.

Harrison, far right, zip lining with new friends in the Andes Mountains

The dancers invited us to dance with them, which went just about as well as you would expect. The

only thing they were impressed with was the fact that I was in short sleeves in almost 40-degree weather. The mayor was very fun to talk to. He talked to us about his experience in Mendoza and in the USA as well. We were all honored to have met someone so important.

The lessons and experience I gained in Argentina are too much to put into words. I really appreciated the emphasis and closeness of family and relationships in the community. Whether it was hosting a carne asada cook-out for our friends or helping Nacho’s abuela down the street, the way the Quercetti’s treated their friends and family left an impression on me. Furthermore, everywhere I went, new people would literally greet me with open arms and treat me like I was their own brother.

The hospitality and friendliness I was shown is the best culture shock a person can experience and made me feel very welcome and wanted. Mendoza, Argentina is a very special city, and I am honored and thankful to have been able to represent my city through Sister Cities of Nashville.

Harrison receives appointment to the United States Naval Academy from Tennessee Congressman Mark Green

Expand your World WINTERIM PROGRAM ALLOWS STUDENTS TO LEARN BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

U

pper school students began 2023 by participating in Brentwood Academy’s unique educational enrichment opportunity known as Winterim. Every year students in

9th-12th grade get a break from the classroom to engage in handson learning both locally and across the globe. Our specialized travel courses allow students to take part in community projects, experience cultural immersion, and provide opportunities to learn in settings they never thought possible. Offerings this year included exploring natural and ecological wonders in the Bahamas, getting lost in the history and culture of Puerto Rico, studying marine biology in the Florida Keys, developing the craft of boomerang making from a national champion, experiencing immersive wilderness education in the Wild West, honing culinary skills at Sur La Table, and many more. We cannot wait for all of the exciting opportunities awaiting students in 2024!

Winterim is designed to challenge students to expand their worldview and knowledge through exposure to new ideas, cultures, and skills.

We aim to inspire students, stoke their

curiosity, and develop a lifelong love of learning.

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Inspired O

CHRISTIAN LIFE WEEK

ne of the highlights of the Spring semester for the BA

On Friday we celebrated Grandparents’ Day at BA. As students

community is Christian Life Week – a week set aside to

welcomed their special visitors, we also welcomed our featured

encourage, challenge, and inspire our students in their faith.

guest, Steven Curtis Chapman, who shared about his faith and

Monday began with our schoolwide Joe Campbell Service Day,

God’s faithfulness as he led us in a time of meaningful corporate worship.

named after a beloved BA faculty member who embodied Christian service. The middle school students were visited by several locally operated service organizations discussing what they do and

Scan the QR code to watch the CL Week recap video.

why it matters. Students were face-to-face with passionate and philanthropic leaders who act as the hands and feet of Jesus on a daily basis. BA hosted representatives from Camp Wonderfully Made, Mercy Ships, Justice and Mercy International, and 147 Team to meet with the middle school students. Meanwhile, upper school students set out to engage in acts of service throughout our community.

On Tuesday, Brent Gambrell of A Door to Hope ministries talked to our students about taking courage from Jesus who gives of Himself so freely on our behalf. Wednesday featured James Mitchell, the team chaplain for the Tennessee Titans. Mitchell challenged students to love God with everything they have throughout their whole life. Thursday brought one of our favorite return guests, Phyliss Masters, mother of Mr. Curt Masters. Mrs. Masters shared part of her testimony as well as the encouragement to routinely and intentionally memorize the Word of God.

SERVICE LOCATIONS FOR JOE CAMPBELL SERVICE DAY INCLUDED THE FOLLOWING: Show Hope Radnor Lake Mother to Mother Graceworks Williamson County Animal Shelter Cul2vate Hospitality House Grandberry Elementary Sarah Cannon Cancer Center Soles to Souls

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

BEHIND THE MIC

with the Boling Broadcasters

T

he experience of most sports fans in the Nashville area has likely included the voices of Ronnie Boling or his sons, Wes ’03 and Will ’15, whether at BA or

on the radio or on TV. All three grew up with a love for the game day atmosphere, inspired by John Ward, the Voice of the Vols, and Bobby Denton, the Voice of Neyland Stadium, bonding during family vacations centered

“I represent not only my school, but my Lord as well.

My faith impacts me every time I open my mouth on the microphone, with a higher calling to be a person of grace and dignity and class.” – Ronnie Boling

around sports. Their love for this experience grew into participating in these athletic events together, as they contribute from behind a microphone.

Although the closest they have come to all three of them working the same event was when Will ran track his junior year at BA, Wes broadcasted, and Ronnie was the PA, they all value their connection with each other through their hobby that became their profession, or more accurately, their vocation.

Ronnie stepped into this field first when asked to be the Voice of the BA Eagles in 2008. He says, “I immediately said yes, it was something that I was really interested in doing. It was the

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Wes ’03, Will ’15, and Ronnie Boling

entry into something that has become very special to me. As a

All three were impacted by their experience with the Speech

kid, I was not very coordinated, but I loved athletics. So when I

and Debate Team (formerly called the Forensics Team) at BA

was younger, I was the manager of the basketball team, and I

and found it to be influential in building skills that would support

got to be on the team and a piece of the team, to be an athlete

their passion for playing a role in game day experiences. The

without wearing a jersey, and being the Voice of the BA Eagles

opportunity to fail, recover, and try again fosters resilience and

has been a similar experience.” While his primary role has been

grit, and Wes notes, “The best thing any school can do is to

with football, and basketball at BA, Ronnie has also done work

allow students to fail safely. That means something might not be

with TSSAA, as the PA announcer for both track and field and

done in a premium way by the student, to let a student learn.

baseball. Wes, Ronnie’s oldest son, recalls an influential moment

One area where I experienced

while he was a BA student, when former BA faculty member

that was through impromptu

Adam Black ’92 spoke at Baccalaureate and said it never hurts

speaking on the BA Forensics

to ask for opportunities, encouraging students to be assertive

Team, working to package

and aggressive in pursuing goals. Wes encourages others to do

a topic I didn’t know was

this as well, reflecting on how taking that approach resulted in

coming in a way that was

various job opportunities, including beginning his career as a

intriguing and interesting to

sports reporter for WVLT-TV, the CBS affiliate in Knoxville, and

audiences, to have a receptive

having the opportunity to be the radio voice of Nashville Soccer

and supportive audience, to get ready for the real world.” Will

Club for the past five years. Will, Ronnie’s younger son, notes the

agreed, stating that forensics, specifically extemporaneous

value of finding good mentors and the impact they’ve had on his

speaking, helped him practice “succinctly getting information

career path. He currently hosts Ramon, Kayla, and Will on 104.5

communicated in an intelligent way with little preparation.”

The Zone, along with broadcasting for University of Tennessee

Ronnie also had experience with the BA Speech and Debate Team

athletics on the SEC Network+ and The American Track League

as he had the opportunity to travel and be a judge, learning the

on ESPN.

difference between strong and weak oratories, which influenced his role as a PA announcer at BA.

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broadcasting remotely, which has recently become a trend.

While they acknowledge the practical reasons supporting that approach, they highly value the opportunity for broadcasters to experience the synergy between the energy of the crowd and the events on the field so they can share that story with the audience as well.

Ronnie, Wes, and Will all note a higher calling in their work that extends beyond the moment and into eternity. While Ronnie values the way he represents BA in each moment he is on the Wes recalls a moment when he took a risk by trying something new because of the supportive environment at BA. When he was working as the PA announcer for the BA baseball team, he had selected his sister, Claire ’05, to sing the national anthem before the game. Claire, now a classically trained vocalist with an MA in vocal performance, was about 100 yards away when the umpire signaled the start of the game. Wes knew they didn’t have time to wait, so he picked a note and started singing the national anthem. Wes recognizes the significance of this moment, noting that he “felt the freedom and support to be able to step outside my comfort zone and start singing, which showed the family atmosphere and community at BA, that even though a student might not be comfortable doing something, they won’t be ridiculed.” Will also values his experience at BA, recognizing that his academic and athletic experience at BA worked in tandem to help him learn to manage his time well, which, as he says, “prepared me well to wear a lot of different hats as a broadcaster now, to budget my time with the radio show in the morning and games throughout the week.”

For Wes, his biggest challenge and favorite moment in broadcasting align when there is an opportunity to be silent, stating that they are “not tasked with creating the moments but with delivering the moments to the audience.” Sharing in the experience by letting the crowd speak for the moment, letting that reverberate through the silence as everyone watching reacts together, helps shape the story they are delivering.

Will elaborates by stating, “the story is ultimately not me, it’s whatever is happening on the field or on the track and giving it a caption, to allow the audience to feel it more deeply, to see the beauty of the story. Ultimately, we’re storytellers, giving more details, and getting out of the way to let the story speak for itself.” They all hope that the future of broadcasting will continue to value in-person broadcasting, instead of

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sideline or in the press box, he notes, “I represent not only my school, but my Lord as well. My faith impacts me every time I open my mouth on the microphone, with a higher calling to be a person of grace and dignity and class.” Will also reflects on being part of a career based on personality, saying that “there’s a lot of darkness in that and competitive aspects that aren’t good, but I can be a light in the industry to show my peers that there’s a reason that life with God is better than life without Him.” When faith permeates every aspect of life, each moment becomes sacred. Wes explores this idea by saying, “If we define worship as communion with God, then worship is bigger than singing hymns. It’s a state of gratitude and a state of being, where we are being where we’re called to be, knowing God is most satisfied when we’re most delighted in Him, and being called to worship God through that delight and gratitude. The moments I feel closest to God, when I’m most inclined to say thank you and feel the pleasure of God, are when I feel the pulsing of the crowd.” The purpose of telling the story of each sporting event tasked to Ronnie, Wes, and Will profoundly connects to telling the greater story of the hope we have because of Jesus through their interactions with the people they encounter, their understanding of the responsibility of their platform, and their passion for their vocation. What a privilege to have had these men contribute to the BA experience as the Voice(s) of the BA Eagles!

Winterland Wonder

SECOND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS IN BRENTWOOD DRAWS LARGE CROWD TO BA’S CAMPUS

On December 4, 2022 Brentwood Academy invited the

Multiple food trucks and family activities such as a petting

community to a winter wonderland for the 2nd annual

zoo, human snow globe, and photo areas were spread

Christmas in Brentwood, with live entertainment, holiday

throughout campus.

activities, treats, and a presentation of the gospel.

New to the event this year was a dedicated area for Alumni BA hosted about 4,500 people from the surrounding area

to enjoy hot cocoa and Christmas crafts with Mrs. Clause

on campus for this event, highlighted by Christian music

for little ones of alums.

recording artists Point of Grace leading carols along with our Academy Singers. Event goers also enjoyed student

Be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s event on

performances by Noelle Albrecht ’25 (ballet), a reading by

December 3, 2023. See you then!

BA speech team member Haley Warren ’23, and Christmas song selections by the Academy Juniors. Members of BA’s jazz band greeted those in attendance with festive Christmas tunes upon arrival.

SAVE TH E DATE C H R I S T M A S I N B R E N T W O O D D EC . 3 , 2 02 3

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Mensi Stiff

M

ensi started throwing shot put at BA in 6th grade because, as she recalls, “Coach [Jennifer Ann] Clark made me.”

She remembers crying because she was required to

throw, identifying this event with the villain who happened to be a thrower in Matilda, a movie she loved when she was younger.

However, when she was in 6th grade, Mensi tied BA’s 6th grade throwing record. That taste of success encouraged her to continue with the event and to begin competing in discus as well, and two years later, Coach Bill Evans connected Mensi with Coach Steve Wade, who initially offered to coach her for ten practices to see what she could do. Their time together wasn’t limited to those ten practices, and he is still coaching her today because of Mensi’s incredible growth and potential.

When Mensi reflects on the way she has been encouraged in her throwing, she speaks of how powerful it has been to have a coach believe in her, especially after facing and overcoming some challenges in her earlier years. She recalls a time when she had a goal to throw over 40 feet. After accomplishing the goal, Coach Wade gave her a K-cup that he had written on before practice: “Congrats, I knew you could do it.” Knowing that he believed she could do it before she accomplished her goal encouraged her to pursue additional goals. Mensi’s accomplishments to date include winning six state championships in shot put and discus, holding the Tennessee state record in both events, winning the gold medal in shot put and a silver medal in discus at the 2022 Nike National Championships, and being named the top shot put and discus recruit in the U.S. for the class of 2023. Mensi was also a Track and Field News All American in both events, the only female thrower in the country with that distinction.

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Top: Mensi meets with BA College Counselor, Shelley Miller Bottom: Mensi addresses the Tennessee State Senate where she was recognized with a formal Senate proclamation

COACH WADE COMMENTS ON MENSI’S CHARACTER AND WORK ETHIC BY SAYING THE FOLLOWING: “Mensi has the determination, work ethic, and makeup of a champion. Her ineffable gold medal demeanor in sports and her love for her family and friends are only outdistanced by her true love for the Lord. Mensi’s heart and her guidepost for life are centered on Deuteronomy 6:5 which reads, ‘And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.’ Whether she’s winning or struggling, Mensi’s spiritual growth and her athletic pursuits are truly interwoven. She

the Senate works in class at BA. They responded to her comments with a standing ovation. Coach Wade remarked, “She was an amazing ambassador for Brentwood Academy. It was all rather surreal.”

While Mensi’s goal is to compete in the Olympics, and she has achieved

emits the confidence of knowing she’s never walking

a college scholarship to the University of Mississippi among many other

alone. As a coach I’ve personally grown by witnessing

accolades, her priorities are clear. Mensi reflects, “I put it all out there, but I

Mensi’s God-centered approach, much of which has

never gave more than God wanted me to give. God is first, track is second.

A lot of people are willing to give up anything to compete at such a high

been foundationally supported and augmented by the

level, but I always check first to see if it’s what God wants me to do. I have

faith-based, college prep education she has received

also learned to compartmentalize—to not let track define who I am and to

at Brentwood Academy.”

know who I am outside of track.”

Mensi says, “No matter what I want in my life, I have to give it to God. Having to give it over to God and following His path is so much better than I would’ve dreamed. I wouldn’t have thought this would be the path,”

Mensi advises others to train and work hard, not caring what anyone else

still reflecting in amazement on her original view of throwing and where

thinks or says. She states, “When I was in middle school, I let many other

she is now. Throughout Mensi’s years at BA, she has made the hour-long

people define my happiness. I have learned to give my happiness to God

drive to and from Lewisburg each day. While thinking about BA’s impact

and to serve others. Be confident in yourself—don’t make decisions based

on her life, she comments, “BA has impacted me in so many ways and has

on other people.” Mensi says that her sister McKinley has always advised

truly been such a family to me. Through BA God has blessed me with my

her that quality is more important than quantity in friendships, and she

coach, and I don’t think I will ever be able to thank God enough for that.

has held to this advice while confidently stating, “I keep remembering

Every year BA has pushed me in my faith and brought me closer to God,

that as long as I’m on God’s path, I’ll end up where I need to be.”

while also providing such a wonderful community of Christ-like examples for me to look up to. My faith and my athletic life have been incredibly

Recently, Mensi received recognition for her achievements at the

impacted by BA in the absolute best ways possible.”

Tennessee State Senate. The Proclamation in her honor included this statement: “Mensi Stiff epitomizes all that is good in today’s student

Mensi’s path to throwing reflects the BA mission—to nurture and challenge

athlete; as she has achieved a high level of success in sports while evincing

each whole person. Mensi was challenged to throw, to do something she

great character both on and off the field.” After receiving the honor, Mensi

never would’ve chosen for herself. As a result of her willingness to trust

was asked if she wanted to address the Senate. She says she took a deep

her coaches and walk down that path, she was nurtured and encouraged

breath and stepped up to the microphone, sharing that her successes

along the way as she developed this incredible skill that will continue

are also because of her parents, her coach, and God, and that she loved

to open doors for Mensi to live out her faith through her words and her

getting to watch the Senate in action after recently learning about how

actions, to the glory of God.

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FACULTY STRIKE A CHORD Brentwood Academy has a uniquely strong music faculty, with each faculty member bringing years of professional experience into their classrooms. Fine Arts Director Matt Nygren comments, “All of the band faculty are at BA because they want to share their gifts in a God-centered environment, in addition to being in a school where the arts are very well supported and resourced with fantastic leadership.”

MATT NYGREN Roles: Fine Arts Director, Assistant Band Director, AV Tech, Boomerang Guru Education and Experience: BA Applied Trumpet (Jazz Studies) VCU Pro credits (trumpet, arranger) short list: The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Ojays, Brenda Lee, Franki Valli, The Mavericks, The Richmond Symphony, The Great American Music Ensemble Mr. Nygren has multiple arranging and trumpet credits on Nashville artist records.

Family: Mr. Nygren’s daughters both attended BA (Karley ’21 and Kelsey ’23).

“The beauty of this place is we say that out loud, we’re going to know each student. When you put that in the framework of being ministerial, here we go, we’re changing lives. This gift of music from God is probably one of his most profound gifts to mankind, an element of natural revelation. I love to be part of this God-centered mission, specifically being able to teach band, getting to share God’s profound gift of music with our students in this Christ-centered setting.”

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JEFFREY SCOT WILLS Roles: Lead band director, woodwind instructor, rock band, jazz ensemble Education and Experience: MA in Jazz Studies from UTK Pro credits (sax, guitar, keys, etc.) short list: Take 6, Donna Summer, Englebert Humperdink, T. Graham Brown, and many more. His primary instrument is saxophone, but he plays everything else. Mr. Wills has written and produced 15 albums of his own in a wide variety of musical styles and has played on multiple albums.

Family: Mr. Wills has two daughters in the arts (one in visual arts, and one in music).

“When people ask what I do, I say, ‘I work with kids, and sometimes I get to teach music.’ We can speak into their lives, not just with the lessons we’re teaching, but on a far broader scale. I have a theme song I play when I’m going to teach a life lesson. We call it, ‘Life lessons with Mr. Wills.’ For example, when you make a mistake, your mistake is now in the past. Same thing in music. If you make a mistake in music, you can’t fix it but can only move ahead. BA is a ministry, and it’s as much that as it is teaching music.”

RICK PALMITER Role: Low Brass Instructor Education and Experience: MA Music Education Peabody School, BME from George Peabody College for Teachers, MME from Peabody College of Vanderbilt University. Mr. Palmiter has been teaching students band instruments for 48 years, in schools and privately.

Pro credits: Mr. Palmiter traveled with the Continental Orchestra for two summers, traveled through Europe twice, and traveled with a Christian group (including going to China with them one summer).

“Last year I prayed about retiring and kept thinking about it, but I just feel this is still what the Lord is asking me to do. I want my students to know that I have a faith in Jesus when I pray with them at the start of each class, and I want them to know that salvation is through Jesus Christ. Acknowledging Him in the classroom is the most important thing we’re doing here; music is secondary to our relationship with the Lord. The BA program is strong, and the only reason we can do what we do is because we have a sectional approach. One teacher couldn’t do what we can get accomplished with all of us.”

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JOE SMYTH Role: Percussion instructor Education and Experience: BA Music Composition Berklee College of Music, MM Music Composition and Percussion Performance, University of Miami. Mr. Smyth’s primary passion has always been in 20th century orchestral/classical music.

Pro credits: Joe is a member of the Matrix Percussion trio, specializing in modern percussion music. He is also the longest continuously signed (to a major record label) country drummer in Nashville history, having been the drummer for the Sawyer Brown Band (Curb Records) since they won Star Search in 1984. All of Mr. Smyth’s students gain experience across the entire family of percussion instruments (30+ instruments) rather than specializing in just a few.

“BA is such a wonderful place, and it starts with the faculty. Everybody is playing for the same goal, which is to educate and bring up amazing young people. Students are watching you, how you handle yourself, how you handle situations, who is God in your life. I’ve never seen a music team work more closely together than we do on a regular daily basis. We have lunch together every day, and we’re talking about what works and what didn’t work. It’s like having a teacher meeting every day over lunch.”

DAVID WISE Role: Academy Singers Pro credits: Over the past two years Mr. Wise has produced thirteen cruise ship shows. Mr. Wise is also anticipating the full production of his new musical Esther in summer of 2024. This Broadway type musical has been written by Mr. Wise and Mr. Jeremy Johnson and is aiming for a full Broadway run.

They are currently working on a concept CD with many Broadway celebrities. This past year, Mr. Wise and Mr. Johnson won the Paris Film Festival Award for Best Original Song “Something to Say” from the independent film Into the Spotlight.

Family: Mr. Wise is married to Heather, and they have 4 children (Hannah, Taylor, Dawson, and Autumn).

“The students at BA have changed my life more than I’ve changed their lives. They want to be part of the Academy Singers, and we get to keep Christ at the center of that. I’ve been able to share all the ways God has been gracious with me, and it’s so cool because I get to interweave that into what we’re doing. Where else is there a place where we get to do excellence to this extent and where we can do all kinds of music? It changes these kids. You see that growth and it encourages you, and it just makes you never want to leave.”

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ALLY HARD Role: Chorus Education: BA Music from Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music Pro credits: Mrs. Hard is a member of the Nashville Symphony Chorus and sang with the Houston Symphony Chorus while in Texas. Mrs. Hard’s primary instrument was the clarinet, but she switched from winds to vocal arts throughout her collegiate career, studying both classical and jazz voice as well as singing in multiple choral ensembles. For several years Mrs. Hard was a staff Soprano Section Leader for the choir at Westminster Presbyterian Church. She also assisted with the children’s choir there, working primarily with the first through third grade children.

“For me singing is a form of prayer. There’s emotion involved, the whole body, and it becomes prayer and praise. I also love when students discover the wonderful, beautiful gifts that God gave them that maybe they didn’t realize that they had. Some of my best theology I learned from church choir, and I bring that experience into my teaching at BA.”

UPCOMING CONCERTS April 11 at 7 PM Rock Band

April 13 at 7 PM Jazz Band

BRENTWOOD ACADEMY BAND ROOM

BRENTWOOD ACADEMY BAND ROOM

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Advisory PROGRAM

T

he Advisory Program has a rich history for students

middle school advisory groups are learning about positive

and faculty at BA. The program's main values have

character traits in the WOW video series (WOW: Words of

stayed consistent over the years. BA aims for the

Wisdom from BA Alums). The upper school students meet

advisory experience to produce opportunities for group

with co-groups to engage in a curriculum designed to equip

bonding, faith building, and character development. This

them to navigate the complex world of social media. A new

school year our upper school advisory groups are multi-

experience coming later this year is a field day where all our

grade in hopes of promoting leadership and connection

advisory groups will compete. There will be an upper school

between grade levels. This year’s senior class has had the

and middle school division and the games are creative and

opportunity to connect with younger classmates. Some have

fun and will promote bonding between team members and

shared their faith testimony, and others have given advice

their advisors. We continually look for ways for our advisory

on how to be successful in lower grades. Advisory groups

groups to be an avenue for “nurturing and challenging each

participate in curriculum to develop important life skills. The

whole person.”

BA College Counselor Brian Beckley meets with his advisory group

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NURTURING & CHALLENGING EACH WHOLE PERSON...

TO THE GLORY OF G OD

We seek to nurture the whole person — spiritually, intellectually, and physically — so we work to ensure that strong academics and challenging athletics prosper together in an environment where God is the foundation. To be effective, this model of education requires a spirit of cooperation rooted in wholesome relationships, which we strive to cultivate every day.

Get the Brentwood Academy experience firsthand and see if our community is right for you and your family! Tours are available daily by appointment.

Campus Tours AVAILABLE DAILY SCHEDULE A TOUR brentwoodacademy.com/starthere 27

WORKING WITH THE BEST AN INTERVIEW WITH COACH JAMES WILHOIT

FACULTY FEATURE

J

ames Wilhoit, BA History teacher and football kicking coach, shares about how he came to BA and about his recent experience as a kicking coach for the Tennessee Titans.

Q: Can you share a little about your kicking career and what led you to BA? I was an All-SEC kicker at UT. After I graduated, I went to camp with the Baltimore Ravens, and during NFL camp I realized I wasn’t good enough to make an NFL team. The big part is that it wasn’t a lack of talent, but it was the mechanical aspect. I didn’t have the polish, there were questions I still had about my technique, but there wasn’t a coach to help me. After I got released from the Ravens, I went through the process to find who knew about kicking and how they could help me get into the NFL, and I connected with Coach Gary Zauner, a former NFL Special Teams Coordinator.

I ended up working with him as his assistant. I took everything I owned and moved to Arizona for two years, and then I learned from another premier kicking coach for another two years after my time in Arizona. My goal was to be a kicking coach and to support my family by doing that. I went back to TN and started training kickers in TN, and I realized it was a risk to just be a kicking coach and not have a more stable job. I wondered what would be another job I could do while I’m waiting for these kickers to get out of school? And I thought, “Why don’t I teach?” So, I went back and got my MA in Education at Union University, and I started teaching at Mt. Juliet High School.

I didn’t know how much I would enjoy teaching, and I really started to love it. At Mt. Juliet I taught AP U.S. History, and I started to connect with Coach White while I was teaching and coaching there. The two of us worked something out where I could use the BA football field for some of my camps, and in exchange I would help with the BA kickers. I would work with the BA kickers on Sundays and Mondays. Working with BA kickers on Mondays was especially difficult because I would train the Mt. Juliet kickers and then drive across town and work with BA kickers. I told Coach White all the while that if there was ever an opportunity to teach at BA, I would love to. When my youngest child was 6 months old, I had an amazing opportunity to teach at BA. I was so impressed by the students and by how we could talk about Christ openly. It was like a dream coming to BA, and I’ve been here for six years now.

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Q: Can you talk about your approach to teaching History?

I’m big on self-reflection, and after each break, I like to just to be able to sit back and process how the year went. I think I learn as much from the students as I do anything. You start to realize how you can teach something better or connect with something. For me, the material is the material, but you’re teaching people. It’s not just a job, it’s something where you’re making a connection. It’s bringing history alive and making it interesting. The best teachers I’ve had, I’d look forward to going to their class. It has been my hope that students leave my class with an experience they’ve enjoyed because I’ve brought it to life.

Q: You recently had an amazing experience of coaching with the Tennessee Titans. Can you share about that experience?

After a few years at BA, I had reached my dream, doing what I love. I thought if there was anything better than this, what if I could coach for the Titans? I had a contact for the Titans, and I reached out, but they said they didn’t need any help that first year. I told Coach White about it, and he has always been supportive of people reaching their professional goals. My dad passed away a couple of years ago, and right before he died he told me, “James, I’m proud of everything you’re doing, but I think you deserve a chance to work with the best.” Two weeks later, I got a call from the Titans, working out a schedule where I could teach A1, A2 and B1, B2 at BA and be available to help our kickers and coach for the Titans as well.

We had three game-winning field goals in the 2021 season and gained the number one seed in the AFC. The Titans had only made 63% of their field goals in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, which was the worst in the NFL over a two-year span, and we made 85% this past year and 84% the year before. We also broke an 80-year-old NFL record last year for the highest punting average in a season. Our punter was a rookie, and they put his jersey in the NFL Hall of Fame. I was proud of what we accomplished. It was amazing to have that experience.

I got to sit and watch the best kickers and punters in the world warm up before the game. I would watch their technique, watch their routines. The NFL game is a little bit different, but there are little details of special teams that I got to pick up. Being around Mike Vrabel—I was in all of the staff meetings, all of the Special Teams meetings, and being around him has made me a better coach and has made me look at things differently.

I would like to mention that Coach White, Mr. Bradshaw, and Mr. Masters allowed me to pursue my passions, and that is very special and different. Not everyone would allow you to do that. This is a special place.

Left to right: Toby Wilson ’18, James Wilhoit, and Issac Way ’16

NEXT LEVEL TRAINING BA kickers receive NFL-level training from Coach Wilhoit, resulting in these BA alums continuing their kicking career at the next level:

Isaac Way ’16 -- Ole Miss Toby Wilson ’18 -- Tennessee Harrison Smith ’18 -- Vanderbilt Teagen Lenderink ’21 -- Liberty Daniel Perez ’22 -- Auburn George Laster ’23 -- Navy

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A R T

T E A C H E R

O F

T H E

Y E A R

JANET LAWS I M PAC TING TH RO UGH ART

Mrs. Laws has been Teaching AP 2D Art and Design for four years. Last summer she travelled to Salt Lake City to assess AP projects, which “was a wonderful experience, seeing all the other artwork and meeting all these other teachers.” Mrs. Laws loved the opportunity to “continue to see what’s out there and to think how we can bring it back to BA to help students find their artistic voices and be creators, to enjoy art for art’s sake and as an academic pursuit.”

Mrs. Laws has been at BA for 23 years, and she states, “I’ve had the fortune of teaching seniors I taught in middle school, seeing them come full circle” many times. She loves when students return from college and tell her they are “pursuing art in college. They remember some of the projects they did at BA that made them want to study and pursue art even further.”

Mrs. Laws states, “I pray every day that I am living my life in a way that shows Jesus through my words, through my actions, through my smile, through where I am, and it’s so wonderful Janet with art student Finley Dennis ’23

to be at BA where that’s supported and encouraged.” We are

Brentwood Academy Visual Arts faculty member Mrs. Janet Laws

as part of our BA family, and we are thrilled but not surprised

received the honor of being named both Tennessee’s Secondary Art

that she has received these awards!

thankful to have such a talented, caring Visual Arts teacher

Teacher of the Year in 2021 and the 2022 Tennessee Middle Region Art Educator of the Year by the Tennessee Art Education Association. Mrs. Laws inspires her students by teaching with a growth mindset, telling them every day, “if you want to be better at art, you just practice more.” She loves her classroom in the little yellow Art House, stating that “it is a happy and joyful place.” Many of her students feel the same way as they experience art with Mrs. Laws as a “wonderful confidence builder” as she warmly shares that “the greatest thing is that sense of pride you see in a student when they hold their piece up and they look at it, and they’re like, ‘Wow! I did this!’”

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Junior Nihri DaSilva, student of Mrs. Laws, was awarded a Gold Key from Scholastic Art & Design. DaSilva’s piece “Prayer” was displayed as part of the regional exhibit of Gold Key award winners at Cheekwood.

In addition to her Gold Key, DaSilva’s piece was nominated to be one of the Middle Tennessee region’s finalists in the Scholastic Visions Award.

WE ARE FAMILY BA FAMILY UPDATES PROVIDE COMMUNITY AND COLLABORATION

B

rentwood Academy’s Office of Community Engagement, along with Mr. Curt Masters, host a series of BA Family

If you missed the live events, you can listen to them on the BA Podcast!

Scan the QR code to listen to the BA Family Updates.

Update events on campus. These gatherings aim to

foster community and collaboration and to allow parents to learn more about key areas of the Brentwood Academy mission with the opportunity to engage in conversation about four areas. The first event featured an update on the State of the

School with Mr. Jason Mathews, Mr. Freddie Scott, and Mr. Curt Masters. During our Academics session, parents had the opportunity to hear about advances in academics at Brentwood Academy, meet our new Dean of Academics, Mr. Josh Davis (see page 10), as well as hear from Middle School Director, Mrs. Jenny Cretin, and Upper School Director, Mr. Andy Bradshaw.

Our Christian Life update included introductions from several members of the department including Mr. Freddie Scott, Mr. JD Binger, Mr. Matt Brown ’97, and Mr. Linus Nguyen.

B A F A M I LY U P D A T E – A T H L E T I C S

May 4 | 8 AM & 5:30 PM Our next update will focus on Athletics and will be held on April 27 in the Fine Arts Lobby. Join us at 8:00 AM or 5:30 PM to hear from Mr. Jason Mathews, incoming Athletic Director, and Coach Jacob Gill, BA’s new head varsity football coach.

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FACULTY FEATURE

COACH BLACKSTON HEAD BASKETBALL COACH

C

oach Andy Blackston joined Brentwood Academy as head boys’ basketball coach this past summer. In addition to coaching the boys to a state championship, the team posted a phenomenal 30 - 3 record. Blackston attended Lipscomb University and moved back to the Nashville area after coaching at Madison Academy in Huntsville,

Alabama for sixteen years. Senior basketball team member and “Player of the Game” at the State Championship, Jayson Nixon, sat down with Coach Blackston for this interview.

Jayson: Coach Blackston, tell me about your journey to Brentwood Academy: I went to college at Lipscomb University, and we did some

Jayson: You had a major unexpected surgery this year.

How would you say the BA community helped you and your family through that?

camps here at BA. I’ve always known Brentwood Academy

Oh, well, you don’t have two hours, do you? They’ve been

as a school is very prestigious, and their sports program is

awesome, man. Whether it was students showing up at my

also prestigious – their basketball program and their football

house like you or just the team showing up and hanging out. I’ve

program. This was good timing because I wanted to be a part of

really never experienced that before. And then just to see the

a program like BA. Also, I like the challenge of coaching in the

outpouring of the community, the support from administration,

Nashville private school league.

from Mr. Masters to Mr. Bradshaw to Mrs. Cretin, the support of the teachers, and then just the support of the BA family at large.

My wife was ready to make a change, and my son was already

It has just been pretty overwhelming, man. And it’s one of those

coming to Nashville to play basketball at Trevecca University as

things that you’ll never be able to repay to anybody, but you’re

a freshman on their basketball team. I thought this would be a

just thankful. It is nothing but a blessing.

good move for my daughter too. She has been challenged in ways that are really unique. All of these pieces came together at the right time.

Jayson: Who do you, or did you look up to for coaching?

I found out I wanted to be a coach when I played for Don

Jayson: What is your favorite part of being at BA so far?

Meyer, who was just a guy that helped coaches, whether you

I love the pursuit of excellence and all the dimensions, whether

were Mike Krzyzewski at Duke or Pat Summitt, or whether you

it’s spiritual, trying to be able to receive from the Lord, whether

were the middle school coach down the road, he loved helping

it’s the academic, the push academically to stretch and grow

coaches. I realized he made such a big impact on my life. I was

and to compete in the classroom, or whether it’s competing on

his point guard for five years, and once he knew you were a

the field or the court or whatever. It’s a unique place.

coach, man, he really tried to help you get ready. All the stuff he did for coaching that spread throughout Middle Tennessee,

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even further in the coaching academies that we were part of

maybe than winning state championships or OVC championship

as players, he made you realize you wanted to have that kind

or whatever, little things that have happened that have been

of impact on somebody else. And so when I saw the impact

good for my coaching career, but to make an impact like that

he had on me and everybody else, it made me want to have an

on somebody’s life long term. Those are good memories, man.

impact like that on kids, and that’s why I got into coaching. He was huge.

Jayson: What is a fun fact that people do not know about you?

Jayson: What is one of your most memorable moments as a coach or a player?

A fun fact. That’s a good question. I like to play the guitar.

coached in a few different places in a few different

Jayson: Wow. I did not know that. That’s crazy.

levels, it’s hard to narrow down one memory, but

Yeah. I like to play the guitar. I played in a band

it’s probably just my players. And just seeing

before. I played in my worship band at church

players that played so hard for the program and

for a long time, and I like to close the door and

what we were trying to do. And then just maybe

play the guitar. It’s just fun. I learned to do that in

when they asked me to do their wedding, because

college at Lipscomb.

When you’ve coached for 21 years and you’ve

I’ve done several of my players’ weddings, and oh, okay, they play for me. And you know, coaches

Coach, how did it feel to win the state championship?

don’t connect with every player the same. And

I’ll tell you what was special about getting to

every player doesn’t have the same experience.

coach your team, and this is unique in coaching,

that’s a really, really neat thing when you realize,

but I was pulling for you all as individuals as much So it’s not like every single player, but when you get a couple players that really still want to talk to

as a team because I wanted you to complete the journey. You have come so close in the last three

you and stay connected after they play for you, and you see them

years. You guys were unselfish and willing to sacrifice for each

have families and you get to do stuff like that, you’re like, “Okay,

other. You can’t help but cheer for a team with that kind of vibe.

well it’s got to be about more than winning and losing.” And so that’s what I’ve always tried to do and as a Christian coach or a coach who’s a disciple. And so just to be able to experience

Jayson: Thanks Coach Blackston. We’re glad you’re at BA.

some of those moments probably are more important to me

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Deuce Scott

Hearing Loss is Perspective Gained

D

euce Scott has a reputation of being a strong student, a standout athlete, and an exemplary leader. His wisdom beyond his years has drawn the attention of his teachers and classmates alike, and his life experiences have resulted in

a unique perspective on life and gratitude for the challenges he has faced.

Deuce recalls being in preschool and getting in trouble for not listening to his teacher, only to find out that there was a good reason for it! After his parents took him to an audiologist where Deuce received a diagnosis for partial hearing loss, he received hearing aids at the age of three years old. He still recalls when he first got them and noticed the hum of the air conditioner inside and the sound of birds chirping when he went outside.

As he reflects on his journey from his preschool experience to his experience at the Mama Lere Hearing School, to his experience at BA, he states, “Hearing as I do allows me to see life differently. I also had surgery on my knee during my freshmen year. The challenges I have faced have brought me closer to God. Having a hard life makes life more enjoyable because of having a different view than others have.

Life is so fast paced, and I can slow down and see life differently.” He adds, “As a Christian, God pushes you through trials and tribulations, not to harm you, but to make you stronger as a believer and follower of Him.” His maturity and willingness to embrace a challenge have resulted in character with deep confidence and grace.

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Growing up in a family who always prayed for him, Deuce remembers the influence of his father’s guidance and always being in a church environment. His experiences helped him understand that “looking through God’s word and knowing His love is the answer to a happy life.” Deuce referred to a valued gift of a devotional that he reads almost every day, saying that “it allows me to go through the day, thinking about God.” Although Deuce wears his hearing aids in class, he doesn’t wear them when playing football or running track. When he plays defense, Deuce says that his teammates will echo the play until he hears it. When he plays offense, he is positioned next to the quarterback and watches hand signals.

Coach Brian Lilly shares some reflections about knowing and coaching Deuce throughout his career at BA: When I met Deuce on his shadow day back in 2017, I knew he was a special young man and that God had great things planned for him.

While he came to BA as a great football player, we found that he was an even better young man as the years passed.

Deuce’s faculty advisor, Dr. Jason Powell, reflects on Deuce’s

Deuce has always flourished on the football field, especially since it is a sport where play calls are signaled in to players. At running back, he could always see the signal, plus the quarterback was beside him. We made sure that he always knew where the signaler was on defense to ensure he got the call even if he may not have heard it. There were countless times that we had to check a call, and never once did Deuce struggle making the adjustment.

character as well by saying, “Deuce has a broad perspective and

In track, Deuce ran the first leg of our state qualifying 4x200 where he would be speaking our word cue to the next runner to receive the baton rather than hearing/receiving. This was a great change that helped take our team to the next level.

Deuce expresses the importance of knowing where to find his

maturity that helps him engage in the moment. He is a thinker, a relator, and is willing to do the hard work. By his actions, Deuce has earned the respect of his classmates, teachers, and coaches.” Deuce has made an incredible impact through his presence at BA, and Deuce notes the impact BA has had on him as well: “BA has impacted me in many ways; from learning that everyone is different, learning how to communicate with everyone that isn’t like me, and most importantly learning to put God first.”

identity, stating, “Don’t be afraid to be yourself because wanting to be like someone else is not who God intended you to be. He made us all to be different and unique. Being the same as others is cutting short the journey God has for you.” Deuce lives out this advice by being confident in his identity and embracing the challenges he

It has been amazing to see a perceived weakness and an easy excuse never become such a thing or be spoken into existence by him. I’ve always said that Deuce Scott is the embodiment of the Brentwood Academy mission statement, and I am proud to be a part of his amazing story.

faces, turning them into strengths because of how he has allowed them to shape his faith, his character, and his work ethic.

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THE ALUMNI GARDEN LAY ING A FIRM FOUNDATION & PAV IN G A PATH FOR THE FU T U R E

W

e invite our alumni to participate in our Alumni Garden with a custominscribed brick. Each brick symbolizes the foundation and the path traveled as a graduate of Brentwood Academy. The bricks are a focal point of the garden and are a beautiful way to mark a legacy.

The cost of each brick is $300, and funds raised support the Endowment Fund. Bricks will be inscribed with the name and graduation year of each alum. Bricks may be purchased by alumni, their parents, or others in honor of a Brentwood Academy graduate.

TO PURCHASE A BRICK, SCAN THE QR CODE:

Questions: Contact Kelly Smith, kelly_smith@brentwoodacademy.com

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A LU MN I ASS OCI ATI ON

2023

CLASS REUNIONS AT B R E N T W O O D A C A D E M Y

We had so much fun celebrating our alumni reunion years last fall, and we’re already looking ahead to next year’s reunions! If you graduated from one of the classes below and have an interest in planning your class reunion this fall, please reach out to Kelly Smith at Kelly_smith@ brentwoodacademy.com.

1973 1998 1978 2003 1983 2008 1988 2013 1 9 9 3 2018

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GRANDPARENTS’ DAY AT B R E N T W O O D A C A D E M Y

For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. Psalm 100:5 On Friday, January 27, Brentwood Academy welcomed hundreds

One grandmother summed up the day perfectly when she sent

of grandparents and special guests to campus for our annual

this sweet note of gratitude to the development office: “It was

Grandparents’ Day celebration. Students and their families heard

a very special day...[my granddaughter] and I are very close,

from Grammy Award-winning Christian music artist Steven Curtis

and this was a special time for both of us! I love that Jesus is

Chapman, who performed and shared about his faith journey.

so special at BA and so enjoyed the heartfelt words of each

He spoke about numerous accounts of God's faithfulness and

speaker. The Grandparent gift mug is perfect, and l will pray for

how God has shown up in the brokenness throughout his life

all involved at the school each time I use it. Thank you!”

and the lives of others. After the program students were able to introduce their grandparents to teachers, show them around

We are grateful that so many grandparents were able to join

campus, and shop at the bookstore.

us. Please save the date for next year’s Grandparents’ Day on Friday, April 19, 2024!

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e p o H

IN THE H URTIN G

After the tragic passing of Brentwood Academy graduate Luke Knox ’18 in August of 2022, BA students raised money for the school’s service project in memory of Luke. Students raised $21,000 by asking for donations in increments of $9 in honor of the jersey number Luke wore during his time as a student-athlete at BA. The donation was presented to A Door to Hope during half-time at our Homecoming football game. A Door to Hope is using the funds to assist with building a school in the Dominican Republic to help serve Haitian refugees.

The ministry plans to name a classroom after Luke in honor of the mission work he participated in as a student during a Winterim trip with Brentwood Academy and A Door to Hope.

Scan the QR code to watch a short video about A Door to Hope.

Seniors Harrison Chapman, Mason Peden, and John Matthew Gonas present a check to representatives of A Door to Hope.

In Loving Memory In Loving Memory of our Brentwood Academy graduates who passed away this past year.

Don O’Donnell ‘78 Keith Wells ‘78 Chris Smith ‘90 Luke Knox ‘18 39

New enclosed Chapel on the north side of the campus

T

he next phase of building projects in Brentwood Academy’s

Christ-centered relationships are the heartbeat of Brentwood

master plan reflects the Forward in Faith vision. Growing

Academy, and our master plan will provide intentional spaces for

out of our strategic plan and supported by our mission

our BA community to worship, learn, and grow, to nurture and

and statement of faith, these projects will enhance the impact of

challenge each other for generations to come.

BA’s mission, benefitting each family while providing a tangible sign of the school’s commitment to Christ.

As we move Forward in Faith to Phase 2, we want to offer many thanks to our Phase 1 Steering Committee for a job well done!

The Forward in Faith vision is a multiyear plan, and we are early in this journey. God has blessed our school through generous

CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS:

and enthusiastic donors, committing more than $5 million in

Scott and Andrea Louderback

HONORY CAMPAIGN CHAIRS:

the first phase. During this phase, planning and design work

Jon and Terri Bolden Ward ‘93

Dick and Carol Wright

took place, city approvals were obtained for upcoming projects, and a major renovation of our fitness center in The Rock was

LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE:

completed.

Michael and Paula Blanton Del ‘86 and Mary Page Hickman

The master plan contains many exciting elements and requires a

Tim and Carissa Pereira

long-term strategy to complete all phases. The next two Forward

Jason and Amy Powell

in Faith phases approved by the Board of Trustees include the following:

• An enclosed chapel and a new traffic-controlled main entrance at Virginia Way, with an additional 60 parking spaces,

• The Bill and Beth Brown Center for Academics and Student Life, and

• Updates to the existing campus, which will be integrated into each phase.

New traffic-controlled main entrance at Virginia Way

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B R E N T W O O D

A C A D E M Y

ALUMNI NEWS Brentwood Academy alumni now number 3,888 after the 2022 graduation. The following are alumni-submitted updates.

Alumni are invited and encouraged to send their updates to kelly_smith@brentwoodacademy.com.

Trey Kelley ’86 retired as a Lieutenant Colonel from the Army

in 2012. He is now a defense contractor working for SAIC, supporting the Army’s Fixed Wing Project Management Office as a Senior Acquisition Analyst.

Laura Camp, MBA, SHRM-SCP, ’87 founded Nashville HR in

2022. Laura is a seasoned HR professional with nearly 20 years of human resources experience. Most recently, Laura worked as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Human Resources at Siloam Health in Nashville.

Matt Hoppe ’95, a graduate of Samford University and

Belmont University graduate school, is continuing to pursue his love of education and coaching at Clarksville Academy in Clarksville, TN as the head varsity boys’ basketball coach and Athletic Director.

Paul Mayo ’98 and his wife Kristin were married in 2004

and have a seven-year-old daughter.

Brittany Cunningham ’99 graduated from Nell Hodgson Lisa (Lanier) Syler ‘73 celebrates 43 years of marriage

in June and is the mother of three and grandmother of four girls. Lisa owns a craft/painting business (Facebook: @craftinandcruisin). She and her husband own a motor home where he cruises and she crafts as they travel. The couple has participated in mission work in the Dominican Republic and 12 trips to Uganda. Lisa enjoys leading Bible studies and camping with the Tennessee sunshine Travelers.

Jim Beard ’82 enjoys spending weekends in the North

Georgia mountains, helping underserved kids gain access to technology through the Inspiredu program, and helping underserved seniors gain access through BH Technology Group.

Woodruff School of Nursing at Emory University with a Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) in December. She works in Population Health at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Curt Revelette ‘99 and Mason Revelette ’05 opened their

11th restaurant, The Rutledge, inside the Four Seasons Hotel & Residences in downtown Nashville. This is the second Rutledge location, the first located in Cool Springs.

A new Jonathan’s Grille is under construction in Gallatin and expected to open in June. The brothers have launched a wine label, entitled Revelette, with placement in several 5-Star hotels around the country.

Polly Bibb Douse ’01 graduated from Trevecca Nazarene

University with a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Polly opened a mental health private practice in Brentwood, called Therco, LLC. She offers individual therapy for teens and adults as well as pre-marital and couples therapy.

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Patrick Kenny ’01 was promoted to President and

Chief Operating Officer of Kenny Pipe & Supply in December where he has worked for 22 years. Patrick holds degrees in entrepreneurship from Belmont University and an MBA from Vanderbilt University.

Kenny played an integral role in the growing success of the business, helping open new locations in both Johnson City and Chattanooga and serving as branch manager in Murfreesboro.

Kimberly Sperring ‘04 recently started a new position as a gynecologic oncology nurse practitioner in September at Centennial Medical Center. Previously she spent 14 years as an ICU RN at MSICU. Kimberly has two children, Levi (11) and Lilly (8).

Philipa Davies Booyens ’05 recently had her third book

published, entitled Break the Dawn.

Allison Renfro ’05 will marry Sam Berry of Cincinnati,

Ohio on May 27, 2023 at the Renfro Farm in Franklin, Tennessee. The couple will reside in Franklin after the wedding.

Parker Cason ’05 is a record producer and audio engineer.

An album he produced, People Talk, is to be released on March 31 with songs by Lauren Morrow. Parker has three children, Jupiter (4), Coco (2), and Phoenix (1).

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Ginna Claire Mason Moffett ’09 made her big

television debut in a Hallmark Christmas movie called A Holiday Spectacular in 2022.

Kathleen Dixon Jaquish ’05 was recruited by BlueCross

BlueShield of Tennessee to join their legal team last year.

Kathleen was with UnitedHealthcare the six years prior.

Michael Lebowitz ’07 graduated with honors from UT’s

Executive MBA program in Supply Chain Management in December 2021 and works for Google. He and his wife Kati live in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.

Ben Davies ’08 is producer of the Michael Knowles Show

at The DailyWire.

Amy Fadler ’08 teaches American History at Summit High

School in Williamson County. She and her partner teacher raised the test scores for their subject area from 47% to 74%, gaining recognition from the superintendent and school board.

Will Reynolds ’13 traveled in the summer of 2022

with a friend on mountain bikes from the Mexican/ American border near El Paso Texas to Banff Canada.

The Great Divide Trail is a mountain bike route that parallels and sometimes shares the same trail as the Continental Divide Trail. The trek was a total of 3000 miles.

Cooper Smith ’16 is a video/film director and

Alex Brinkmann Button ’16 graduated April 30,

production company owner. Cooper explored Europe this past year and most recently traveled to Africa to produce a documentary for a ministry. Cooper’s primary work is in the music industry working with artists such as the band Alabama, Dustin Lynch, Sam Hunt, and Conner Smith ’19.

2022, with her Doctorate in Pharmacy from Samford University. She was presented with the Past President Award for the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists. She is a pharmacist at Vanderbilt Medical Center in the Poison Control Center. Alex is pursuing her CSPI, Certified Specialist Poison

Maria Tesla Arnold ’18 graduated with honors from Catawba

Kara Parkey ’09 is Chief of Staff for MX Technologies,

Lyla Dyer ’18 is a chemical engineer at Boeing in Charleston,

Inc., a financial technology company in Salt Lake City. She is also the current President of the National Organization of the Association for Financial Technology. She resides in Nashville.

College on May 7, 2022. She was honored with the Whitener Award, the highest honor awarded in the graduating class.

South Carolina. She will be marrying Bradley Bailey of Columbia, South Carolina, on April 8, 2023.

Carlos Calloway Jr. ’11 was recently promoted from Reliability

Engineer to Facility Projects Manager for PepsiCo.

Courtney Fadler Dant ’12 recently completed her Masters in

Education from Cumberland University in Creative Writing and is now a literacy specialist. She continues to teach 1st grade at Notre Dame Academy in Louisville, Kentucky.

Sam Fadler ’15 works as the Associate Golf Professional at

Shoal Creek Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama. He and Katie Fuller ‘16, became engaged on December 25, 2022.

Vance Lipsey ’15 and his wife, Karas, are living in Lake City, Colorado, where Vance accepted the position of Town Manager in the spring of 2022.

Sara Norton ’15 graduated from Vanderbilt University Law

School in May of 2022, earning the degree of Doctor of Jurisprudence (J.D.). She is an Associate in the Nashville office of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings.

Daisy Adkins ’17 graduated from Florida State University in

2021 with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.

She is the Programming and Artist Manager at Noelle Hotel Nashville, partnering with local artists of all kinds, hosting community events in order to bring guests an authentic Nashville experience.

Anna Jones ’18 graduated magna cum laude from

Samford University in May, 2022, and started her Masters of Social Work with a trauma certification at the University of Tennessee Knoxville in August, 2022. Anna is currently working at a child advocacy center in Sevierville as part of her degree.

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Abbey Brown ’19 graduated from Clemson University

in December, 2022, with a B.S. degree in Management with minors in both Athletic Administration and Sports Communication. She is working now for Mississippi State in their marketing department for athletics and is working toward her graduate degree in Athletic Administration.

Jackson Hoppe ’21 now attends George Washington

Kate Merrill ’18 graduated summa cum laude in May, 2022,

Kendall Dyer ’19 will graduate from Auburn in May 2023

from The University of Alabama with B.S. degrees in finance and marketing and a M.S. degree in marketing with a sales concentration. She now works for Acadia Healthcare in Franklin as a Financial Analyst.

University, where he is a Presidential Scholarship recipient. He is currently in his second semester as an intern on Capitol Hill for Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). He also serves as the Director of Public Relations for GW College Republicans and is an engaged member of his fraternity, Beta Theta Pi.

with a degree in exercise science. She will enter Belmont University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy program in August of 2023.

Will Taylor ’19 is attending Cumberland School of Law at

Samford University.

Jasmine Swain ’21 released her first original song Conner Smith ’19 will spend the summer touring

with country music artist Luke Bryan as well as headlining shows at college venues. Conner played iconic venues such as Red Rocks and made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry this past year. Follow along at www.connersmithmusic.com.

Kathryn Stockhoff ’18 accepted Morgan Stanley’s Client

Service Associate position in their West End office and will be working with the Nashville Legacy Group. Kathryn is currently a student at Belmont University majoring in International Business.

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entitled 2002 Blue BMW on all streaming platforms.

Gannon Tissot ’19 was accepted into Samford University’s

Physician Assistant program and will start in August 2023.

Lauren Munnell ’21 has an internship with the University of

Mississippi Business School for the 2023 school year where she will be writing their magazine and doing social media.

ALUMNI

DAY OF GIVING APRIL 4, 2023

SCAN TO GIVE NOW!

Join Brentwood Academy alumni on April 4 for Alumni Day of Giving!

This 24-hour giving day is a chance for alumni everywhere to support Brentwood Academy’s four strategic objectives: The Whole Person, Academic Excellence, Community, and Financial Strength.

ALUMNI

Easter Egg Hunt SATURDAY, APRIL 1 AT 10:00 AM For children of BA alumni, their parents, and grandparents!

Egg Hunt • Pictures with the Easter Bunny • Snacks • Games Bring Your Own Basket! Hunt Starts at 11:15 AM Check-in at the Fine Arts Lobby RSVP by March 27 www.brentwoodacademy.com/egghunt

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Marriages

2

ALUMNI

1

1

Hannah Margaret Allen ’09 to Grant Schumacher on May 7, 2022. They live in Brooklyn, NY.

2

Kaitlin Abbey ’11 to Creed McClellan on October 1, 2022.

3

Emily Daniels ’12 to Blake Henry on April 23, 2022 at Ravenswood

4

3

Mansion in Brentwood, Tennessee.

4

Jordan Gottschalk ’13 to Chase Smith on September 24, 2022.

5

Laura McBride ’14 to Matt Griffith on December 4, 2022.

6

Cameron Spooner ’14 to James Wilson on November 19, 2022.

7

Julianne Rodgers ’14 to Grant Miller ’14 on March 26, 2022.

8

Tucker York ’14 to Kate Alexander ’15 on October 22, 2022.

9

Griffin Cole ’15 to Garin Shelton on September 4, 2022 in Nashville.

5

They live in Tyler, TX. Forrest Wright ’15 to Andrea Lopez, ’15 on December 22, 2022.

Alex Brinkmann ’16 to Jacob Button on June 11, 2022 at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens.

10

Haedyn West ’16 to Grayson Linde on September 9, 2022 in Seaside, Florida.

Sam Nichols ’17 to Catherine Creighton on April 16, 2022.

6 7

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8

9

10

Births ALUMNI

1

6

1

7

2

5

8

Jessamine Buck Pugh ’98 and husband, Chad, welcomed Ambrose Everett, on April 2, 2022. Ambrose joins Jonah Berryman (9), Remsen Van Gilder (7), and Beatrix Beach (3).

2 3

Lauren Cannon ’01 and husband, Shawn, welcomed Caroline Rose on November 2, 2022.

11

Allison King McCord ’01 and husband, Britt, welcomed Levi Grimes on September 9, 2022. He joins brother, Weston (6).

Seth Goodman ‘04 and wife, Jenny, welcomed Reid Fort on December 28, 2022. He joins brother, Thompson, and sister, Sallie.

Jordan Carnell Hajacos, ’04 and husband, Matt, welcomed their second son, Milo James, on October 12, 2022.

4

Flem Smith ’05 and wife, Ashley, welcomed their second child, Fleming Smith V, on November 2, 2022.

5

Emily Henninger Stephenson ’07 and husband, Jud, welcomed Colette Coupery “Letty” on September 16, 2022. Mack

15 3

and Noah are proud big brothers.

6

Emily Ralls Andersen ’08 and husband, Jonathan, welcomed twins, Simon and Bridget. Brother, Patrick, is three.

7

Forrest Jackson Reynolds ’08 and wife, Toree, welcomed twin daughters, Myra Claire and Laurel Lee, on July 6. They

4

join brothers Walker (4) and Davy (2).

8

Beth Browner Constantine ’09 and husband, Bryant, welcomed their third son, Ford Browner, on October 24, 2022.

9

Emily Rodgers Hufham ’09 and husband, Bobby, welcomed a daughter, Sutton Alan, on April 12, 2022.

10

Jay ’10 and Maggie Luna ’10 welcomed Hayden Beau on March 20, 2022.

11

James Reynolds ’10 and wife, Melissa, welcomed Dorothy Mae on December 31. Big brother is James Lambert.

12

John Baker ’11 and wife, Hannah, welcomed their first child, Forest Sanford, on December 1, 2022.

13

Joshua ’11 and Katherine Clemens ’11 Davis welcomed their third child, Ellie Mae, on December 20, 2022. She joins

14

10

17

siblings Ford and Virginia.

14

Faulkner Emerson Parker ’11 and her husband, Chase, welcomed Ella Caroline on January 19, 2023.

15

Caroline (Dodd) Foote ’12 and husband, Daniel, welcomed Joanna Ruth on March 23, 2022.

16

Faith Whatley Jackson ’13 and husband, Robby, welcomed a daughter, Katherine, on April 18, 2022.

17

Shelby Collins Rose ’14 and husband, Walker, welcomed daughter, Magnolia Mae “Mimi,” on March 18, 2022.

18

Shannon Raab ’20 welcomed Alana Joyce Raab on August 24, 2022.

19

James Adcox ’22 and Bailey Binford ’22 welcomed a son, James Murray Adcox V on June 7, 2022.

13

12

19

16

18

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CAMPS AND PR OGRAMS FOR AGES 5-18

summeratba.com

Scan the QR code to see the 2023 Camps and Programs

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