Triangle Winter/Spring 2017

WINTER/SPRING 2017

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The combined Brentwood Academy upper and middle school choirs presented a program of Christmas music under the direction of fine arts faculty member Amy Beth Miller Stallings ’08.

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HEADMASTER Curtis G. Masters HEADMASTER EMERITUS William B. Brown, Jr. 2016-2017 TRUSTEE CHAIR Bill Decker

from the

Headmaster Dear BA Family,

2016-2017 BA PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT Jill Holmes

Winter weather has already caused one snow day, but it’s not hard to believe that spring is coming. Although it is not time to start harvesting, I can tell that there’s something going on behind the scenes, down at the root level, in the core of the trees and perennials in my garden. I need to be paying attention!

EDITORS Leah Hoskins Susan Shafer

It doesn’t take much experience as a gardener to know that what you plant will be what you harvest. Galatians 6:7 reminds us that this principle applies to more than just our garden: “Don’t be deceived; God is not mocked. Whatever you sow, that you will also reap!” So one great question for each of us to ponder may be, “What am I planting?” It’s an interesting question because it reminds us that small choices and investments grow into a harvest in our lives.

A few seeds, planted well, and given a bit of nurture, sunlight and water, will multiply into an abundant harvest far beyond those seeds. But this reality still holds: if I want zucchini, I can’t just plant corn; and if I want tomatoes, I have to plant tomatoes. So there are choices to be made, and work to be done.

No gardening discussion would be complete without mentioning the reality that some things grow without being planted! We call those unwanted plants, “weeds.” It’s interesting, though, that some of those weeds can be planted as well, and Proverbs 6:14 and 19 caution us against those who go around “sowing seeds of discord.” My experience with weeds in my life has taught me one indisputable truth – the earlier I deal with the weeds in my garden, the easier it is to uproot them. (If you have a garden, and you have not tried the “action hoe” to help you with the little weeds, I recommend it!)

When should I start weeding and planting? The simplest answer is that I must plant BEFORE I expect to harvest…sometimes well before. So, as the saying goes, the best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago; the second best time to plant a tree is today! We are promised that “peacemakers who sow in peace will reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18). As we work together to nurture and challenge each whole person, let’s encourage each other as we garden. It’s planting season!

Thanks for allowing Brentwood Academy to garden with you, and for being a gardener with us. May God grant a healthy harvest!

Serving him with you,

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2016-2017 ALUMNI COUNCIL CO-PRESIDENTS Dick Cole ‘84 Beth Holder Throckmorton ‘84

STAFF WRITERS Lulu Luton Clark ‘76 Leah Hoskins Jeanne Natwick Susan Shafer CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Carolyn Dobbins Gift Ndam Peggy Peden Leslie Yarbrough ‘04 GRAPHIC DESIGN Phil Goodman PHOTOGRAPHY Andy Collignon Lynda Fadler Barry Robbins Jennifer Vickery Smith

The Triangle magazine is published twice annually under the direction of the Brentwood Academy communications department and is distributed without charge to family and friends of the school.

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

brentwoodacademy.com facebook.com/brentwoodacademy twitter.com/baeagles instagram/ba_eagles_tn

W I N T ER/SPRIN G 2017

Contents 6

The Fine Art of Teaching­­— Debbie Dunn, Art Faculty

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The Heart of a Champion — Gift Ndam, History Faculty/Soccer

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“Napkinisms” — Billy Ivey ‘91

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Earning Global Academic Opportunities ­— Tyler Swafford ‘14

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Feature Story — Life Out of the Nest

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Appalachian Journey — Leslie Yarbrough ‘04

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Fine Arts and Athletics

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4 Questions — Josh Smithson, M.D. ‘93 and Dean of Faculty Jeff Bryant

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Alumni News

Brent wo od Aca de m y Mis s ion 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: While on the Haiti Winterim mission trip, Grace Smith ‘18 paused to chat with a boy whose family will occupy the home built during the trip. Thirty-eight students and faculty served on the six-day trek into the Haitian mountain village of Calabese.

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FAC U LT Y

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Mr s . D e b b i e D u n n , A r t

Fine Art Teaching THE

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ebbie Dunn said she didn’t even know she was interested in art until she took an art history class. Nor did she realize God was preparing her every inch of the way in her career to become a high school art teacher. According to Debbie, “The history of art is the history of life. It has to do with culture and society. Art history sparked an interest in me, and I hope it does for my students.”

Mrs. Dunn is the lead art teacher at Brentwood Academy.

She graduated with a fine arts degree from Vanderbilt University with a combination of art history and studio art, then moved to Houston and began working at an

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Editors’ Note: The Fine Art of Teaching appeared in the August 2016 edition of Home Life, a publication of Lifeway Church Resources, Nashville, and is reprinted with permission.

advertising agency. “I didn’t like the environment. The agency was too fast paced for me,” Mrs. Dunn says, “I did get some good experience though, and it was a process I needed to go through.” The next job was in an advertising department of a family-owned retail store. “I enjoyed that.

I got to do some illustration for retail department ads,” she explains.

That was part of the process, too, moving her into a freelance business after she and her husband, Steve, started their family. There was also a move to Michigan — where Steve, an engineer, was working on his own career, before moving back to Nashville.

In 1998, Mrs. Dunn was given the opportunity to interview for a teaching position. “Looking back, God had been preparing me every inch of the way to say, ‘Yes, I want to go on this interview.’” She was offered the sole art teaching position at BA. “Not that I don’t question every day that I’m good enough, but I knew this was what I had to offer. I had the passion for it,” Mrs. Dunn explains. “But I still had a lack of confidence in teaching, so I decided to get my master’s in teaching at Belmont University. It took me awhile.” Mrs. Dunn earned her master’s in 2004 while her two daughters were attending Brentwood Academy. With newfound confidence, she implemented teaching strategies and methods that allowed her to use her abilities to get what she wanted across to the kids.

Just as art history had opened her eyes, she now sees it open the eyes of her students as they discuss slides. “We talk about Rembrandt’s ‘The Return of the Prodigal Son.’ The painting is so sensitive and conveys the entire feeling of redemption and grace so beautifully,” Mrs. Dunn says with joy. “And, when they really look at Da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper’ they begin to recognize details such as the expressions on the faces of Jesus and the disciples, then the lighting and all the different emphases of focus.

Everything points to Christ. And invariably when they look a little longer they realize that Da Vinci is portraying the moment when Jesus was announcing that one of them would betray Him.”

Discovery is Mrs. Dunn’s goal for her students. And she feels fortunate to be put into the position to shape young minds.

Discovery is Mrs. Dunn’s goal for her students. And she feels fortunate to be put into the position to shape young minds.

“My goal is to open their eyes to be observant of creation and to hone in on the detail and to be inspired by that. I focus a lot on nature and creation … and about not having more or less talent than another. We can all participate in creating and we can have joy through creation,” Mrs. Dunn says.

A specific project she gives students in 10th through 12th grades is to illustrate a Bible verse or verses. “Last year a student did an exceptional job of illustrating Matthew 5:19. It was a beautiful illustration of a man in a boat pulling in fish,” Mrs. Dunn shares. “I tell my students that if they devote themselves to doing well in art, they will do better in their other endeavors. Some of my best students are taking all AP classes. They don’t have to take classes in the arts, but they do it because it offers them the ability to strengthen their minds creatively. I want to raise a generation of innovators,” Mrs. Dunn confides.

Now with three teachers on staff, she explains, “We like to have art connect with everything the students do as a way of life … art transfuses all the other disciplines happening in their lives.”

Makayla James ‘17 (left) and Wren Aronoff ‘17 (right) are AP Studio Art students who have been mentored by Mrs. Dunn throughout their upper school years in art.

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FAC U LT Y

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M r. G i f t N d a m , H i sto r y a n d S o cce r

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he ten-year-old boy ran with remarkable speed and finesse. He had all the marks of a champion, but no cheering crowds rooted for him. He was running for his life in a fearinfested jungle. He could not understand the horror all around him. He only knew he could not stop. Bullets ripped through the night as he ran with hundreds of others. Soldiers ran after them intent on killing them all: men, women, boys, and girls. Somewhere in the panic-stricken crowd was his mother carrying his baby sister. Three other siblings also were running, but it was impossible to know where any of them were. He could not think about family or friends. He had to put all within him to the mind-numbing task of surviving.

Most did not survive. The sick and disabled were left behind to die. No one dared stop to help anyone else. It was every man for himself. Fathers could not protect their families as parents could only scream, “Run!� Many who were running stumbled, fell, and were trampled to death. The air was saturated with the stench of death. Cries and screams penetrated the air relentlessly.

Even breathing was difficult. Blood flowed.

Heart THE

OF A

by Carolyn Dobbins

CHAMPION

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Gift Ndam had lived in war-torn Nigeria all his life, but fallout from the strife had not touched him until that tragic

Ten-year-old Gift Ndam became one of those displaced on that fateful day in 1997.

day in 1997. He enjoyed a perfect childhood in a beautiful pastoral setting where his family were farmers. Their many acres of land were in the Ogoni kingdom located on the coast of the Gulf of Guinea. He had already distinguished himself as a talented young athlete, who not only played soccer, but who also excelled in cross country, track, and long jump. His father was the senior pastor in their church and also taught at the local community school. Gift was loved and protected in a strong family that gave him comfort, security, and protection until all protection was ripped away.

The Ogoni people have been victims of human rights violations for many years. The mistreatment began with the discovery in 1956 of oil in Ogoniland. The land did not just have a supply of oil. It was immensely rich in oil. Much to the dismay of all Ogonis, oil production began there in 1958 with little resistance. People lacked the strength to wage a full-fledged rebellion. Many problems ensued over the next two decades until great unrest led to violent protests. In an effort to quell all unrest among the people, the invaders of the land went on a killing spree. In the chaos that followed, it has been alleged that 27 villages were raided, resulting in the deaths of 2,000 Ogoni people and displacement of 80,000. Ten-year-old Gift Ndam became one of those displaced on that fateful day in 1997.

When gunshots could no longer be heard, the running slowed until the weary runners were walking. With aching bodies that yearned for rest and parched tongues that longed for a sip of water, the walking continued until most had collapsed or permitted themselves simply to stop. Some had run on, leaving the group behind. They did not know where they were going, but they knew they could never go home again. Some gave up, believing all was lost.

Each person was allotted three cups of grain, one fish, and eight ounces of milk per month.

All was not lost. A refugee camp would be the next stop, and for those fortunate to be selected, a better future had to be just ahead. However, better was not to happen for two more grueling years. The camp in West Africa, built for the Congolese people, was never intended to be shared. Of the thousands of people who lived in a small compound, the Ogonis were not part of the “upper class.� In a world of displaced, needy people, they were the outcasts, the lower class. Living in a tent with five other family members would not have been easy under the best of conditions, but Gift and his family did not experience anything good. They lived lives of quiet desperation while surviving intense deprivation.

Food was scarce and rationed. Each person was allotted three cups of grain, one fish, and eight ounces of milk per month.

One water fountain supplied water for many, water that was often too contaminated for human consumption. This brought on the necessity of fetching water from a nearby stream, which

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also carried with it the possibility of bringing home water that was bacteria laden. When rain came, the family caught all the rainwater they could. They had no electricity or anything that would have been classified as a necessity in the land from which they had fled.

The days were long. The children entertained themselves with soccer games, using anything they could find as a makeshift ball. Some, including Gift and his siblings, were homeschooled by parents. Death and disease were everywhere with no access to medical care. Refugees could only appeal to the Great Physician for help. Mostly they lived with a dream, a dream of a better situation somewhere, a dream fueled by faith to hold on until light appeared to dispel the darkness of hunger, thirst, and depression. The light took a long time to come.

Every six months, members of the United Nations visited the camp to choose families to be evacuated. Great disappointment ensued after each visit when the intense pain of not being rescued was greater than any physical pain they might endure.

Through it all, Gift Ndam was constantly aware of God’s presence and cherished the many worship services held under the shade of a tree. Hope would be rekindled as he listened to his people singing praises filled with faith. He listened

intently to the Word, knowing God knew of his situation. His young heart beat with optimism as he held on to the knowledge that God had something great in store for him, leading to an unshakable belief in “the substance of things not seen.” His faith assured him he would see a better world someday, and his strong belief system was bolstered by a deep love for his Heavenly Father and “a heart after God.” Two tortuous years later, the rescue from the refugee camp came.

His family was finally chosen to leave. They were sponsored by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, which enabled them to be resettled in America. They ended up in a small apartment in a foreign land called Memphis, Tennessee.

Communication was difficult with anyone in the outside world, a world they feared as they questioned, “Can we trust these people?” Based on their past experiences filled with “man’s inhumanity to man,” the answer in their own minds was a resounding “NO!” Even going to the grocery store was a challenge, not only because of the language barrier but also because they had not been taught to deal with American currency. They did not know the value of coins and confused dimes with pennies, nickels with quarters. Gift enrolled in school and encountered a myriad of new problems as his diligence and gratitude came up against new giants: students who could not relate to him, attire that did not fit into the culture in which he had been placed, and confusion that began with his first step outside in the morning and continued until he was back with his family in the afternoon.

From Memphis they moved to Nashville and found the beginning of the new life they had long yearned to find. In this new place, they were finally able to establish some semblance of home.

Gift, having overcome the language barrier and a myriad of other challenges, went on to earn his undergraduate and master’s degrees from Trevecca Nazarene University followed by a Masters of Divinity from Nazarene Theological Seminary. His life finally had not only become better, but it had become the best as his talents were recognized and lauded in many different venues. Instead of dreading each day, he enjoyed wonderful days. The wonder continued to accelerate when he was rewarded with an invitation to become part of the Brentwood Academy community as a history teacher

Through it all, Gift Ndam was constantly aware of God’s presence and cherished the many worship services held under the shade of a tree. Hope would be rekindled as he listened to his people singing praises filled with faith.

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and soccer coach in 2012. This world was worlds away from Ogoniland, and his gratitude knew no bounds. He had overcome a horrific childhood and a turbulent teenage rite of passage into manhood. Most importantly, he had emerged as a champion and settled the question: Is God enough?

Ndam world. He was enough when the battle to survive seemed to have no end. Yes, Gift Ndam, chosen by God to be a testimony to anyone hungering and thirsting for Him, has settled the question once and for all. God is good. He is powerful. He is love. He is a great Father. He is enough.

Almighty God was enough when Gift ran for his life as a tenyear-old. He was enough in a tragic place called a refugee camp. He was enough when trial after trial bombarded the

IN HIS OWN WORDS

As you read this, I want you to know that Christ loves you and nothing on earth or in heaven will ever change that.

What is your destiny? Your destiny is what God has created you to be, right from your mother’s womb.

It is God’s original plan for you, before you were created. Your destiny is God’s divine purpose for you. Jeremiah 1:5 says, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I sanctified you, I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Before God gave you life, He chose you for greatness. In God there is no imperfection; remember you are created in His image.

My encouragement to you as you read my testimony is that you continue to grow as a child of God. Spend time in prayer and in the word of God. Listen to Christian music. Watch TV shows or movies that will add to your life, not movies or TV shows that will take away from your life. Hang out with likeminded people. In the midst of life, if you experience failure, know that failure makes us better and stronger. It can help us grow in ways we never imagined, which we may not see at the time of that particular failure, struggle, or disappointment.

(Right) Coach Gift recently traveled with the Winterim mission team to serve in Haiti.

Over two days he helped instruct more than 200 local children in soccer camps. He is pictured during a break, jumping rope with children at a neighboring orphanage.

In conclusion, no one, including myself, has all the answers to life and its mysteries. The more I read my Bible, the more I know and the more questions I have. It’s ok not to have everything figured out. I like that I do not have it all figured out. This forces me and enables me to lean on God. You may not know this, but you have a lot more power to influence than you think. You can have a very positive impact on your friends and on our world. Last but not least, it’s important to give it your all in everything you do. I would encourage you to make this a personal goal— to be the best that you can be, because I truly believe you can do anything you put your mind to.

I am praying for you in the days and years to come. May God complete that which He has started in your life for His Glory. Amen.

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S M S I N I K P NA Thousands with "Napkinisms" Ivey Inspires

by Erin Bognar

Editors’ Note: Napkinisms is reprinted from the Fall 2016 edition of Seasons, a publication of Samford University. Billy Ivey is a 1991 graduate of Brentwood Academy.

Samford University alumnus Billy Ivey is Academy living proof alumnus of the statement, “You don’t have something Samford University and Brentwood Billy Ivey is living prooftoofdothe statement, “You don’tgreat.” have to do something grand to do something great.” grand to do something What started as a way to make his own children smile, laugh or think every day

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32 • Seasons • Fall 2016

turned into a platform called Napkinisms that has reached thousands of people.

Every day, he writes silly notes on napkins and packs them in his children’s lunches. He started posting them on social media, and they went viral. As he continued to post the notes on social media, he went from hundreds of Instagram followers to more than 10,000, and his Facebook album of the napkins has been shared almost 60,000 times.

Suddenly, it was not just about his kids. He received messages from people all over the world thanking him for the inspiration and the

special childhood memories that were brought back to life through Napkinisms.

“I don’t think people are following the napkins so much as they are following the idea. It’s not what I’m writing; it’s that I’m writing. It reminds people of stories or things that their family used to do or when people took time to make their day brighter,” said Ivey.

One woman even told him she was reconsidering her decision not to have kids because she never knew having a family could be so fun.

As his kids’ summer break rolled around, there was no need for packed lunches and notes, so Ivey considered ways to keep the momentum of the Napkinisms movement going. He previously worked closely with Chick-fil-A marketing, and through his connections with the corporation, his friend proposed a plan.

“My buddy from Chick-fil-A said ‘what you’re doing is making a difference. You help share a smile every day, and I would hate to see that stop’,” Ivey said.

The Chick-fil-A Foundation provides free lunches to needy kids in the inner city

ALUMNI

of Atlanta, Georgia, every week. Partnering with the Chick-fil-A Foundation, Action Ministries and the Boys and Girls Club, Ivey began to write on napkins to be placed in each free lunch. The lunches are delivered directly to neighborhoods and summer schools to needy kids.

“The foundation said it needed 300 notes in the next few days, so I sat up three nights in a row and wrote 300 messages.

Most of them were very simple, or silly or simply ridiculous,” Ivey said.

“It’s special that a $10 billion company allows its foundation to do something like this to inspire kids. A company that serves millions of people every day allowing this is pretty remarkable,” he continued.

Over the next couple of weeks, the foundation needed 900 more notes, so Ivey started a website where Napkinisms supporters can submit notes to help him fill lunches. To date, Ivey and his followers have provided more than 2,000 messages to help put a smile on kids’ faces each week.

Ivey has never looked at this as an opportunity to do anything other than brighten people’s days. In the future, he would like to write a book and see Napkinisms keep growing, but right now, he is focused on simply sharing a smile every day with his followers.

“I’m not trying to change the world through this,” he said. “I just hope I can change someone’s day, and let kids know that somebody thinks they’re special. I know now how significant that can be.”

The Chick-fil-A Foundation’s summer lunch program has concluded, but Ivey is still scribbling on his napkins and encouraging others to join him at his site, napkinisms.com. ◗

Billy Ivey

Billy Ivey is a 1996 Samford graduate and former director of alumni programs. He is a writer and brand strategist at an ad agency in Birmingham. Samford has a decades-long relationship with Chick-fil-A, the Truett Cathy family and their family foundations.

Erin Bognar is a senior journalism and mass communication major and served as a summer intern in Samford’s Division of Marketing and Communication.

“I’M NOT TRYING TO CHANGE THE WORLD, I JUST HOPE I CAN CHANGE SOMEONE'S DAY.” — Billy Ivey samford.edu • 33

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Ty l e r Swa f fo rd ‘ 1 4

Tyler Swafford ’14 Earns Global Academic Opportunities and Awards

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o say sports has taught Tyler Swafford ‘14 teamwork, sportsmanship and drive is an understatement. Especially when his life’s work may be to stand up for the most vulnerable and foster freedom and democracy in places where they are fragile.

The Eastern Kentucky University quarterback and former Brentwood Academy All-State QB who aspires to be a human rights attorney, was honored on January 6 as the 2016 recipient of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete Award. Named after the wife of legendary Grambling State coach Eddie Robinson, the award is presented to an FCS student-athlete who excels not only in the classroom, but in the community and beyond. Swafford was also chosen as the Doris Robinson Award recipient from a list of finalists comprising all 13 FCS conferences.

In November, Swafford received the prestigious George J. Mitchell Scholarship, sponsored by the US-Ireland Alliance and named for a long-time distinguished U.S. senator and statesman. The program is designed to introduce and connect generations of future American leaders to the island of Ireland. Applicants are judged on three criteria:

academic excellence, exemplary leadership, and a sustained commitment to community and public service. The program provides tuition, accommodation, and a stipend for living expenses and travel. He will attend University College Dublin as one of 12 Mitchell Scholarship winners in the United States who were chosen from a field of 320.

“It’s a great opportunity to study at a great institution in Ireland and to advance your education and your respective field,” said Swafford.

Swafford is majoring in globalization and international affairs with a minor in business and has a 4.0 GPA. The interdisciplinary studies have combined political science, economics, history and religion Tyler on senior night at BA in 2013 with his parents, Tara and Tony.

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“This is a collective accomplishment. It is no individual honor.

I know I will be representing my family, friends, school, and home community when I am in Ireland, and that is not something that I’ll take lightly.” and helped shape his desire for humanitarian service. His masters study in Ireland will be geopolitics and global economy.

the relief when they touched down in the United States.”

Swafford hopes he can help people in difficult situations as a human rights attorney.

“I think the United States has an indispensable role in the world to lead, to fight for human rights, civil liberties and freedom. Obviously, we shouldn’t get in every quagmire around the world that is out there and look for conflict; I know we’re still war-weary in this country. But I think being the United States, we have a moral high-ground and a special responsibility in the world to provide freedom and widespread opportunity and human rights protection, when they are so under assault today.”

“My Christian faith teaches me to love the least of these and love my neighbor as myself so that would be my goal, to be involved in protecting human rights on a more widespread scale,” Swafford said. “To work with an entity like International Criminal Court or one of the ad hoc communals of the U.N. going after these different strong men or rogue regimes or belligerent groups.”

Swafford was part of EKU’s football team’s mission trip to Haiti in May 2015, where they worked at an orphanage to build a fish and plant farm system that would become selfsustainable. He also was part of EKU’s honors delegation to the Salzburg Global Citizenship Seminar in Austria last May, an experience that included a “profound” trip to the Dachau concentration camp. He completed an independent research project on the evolution of human rights law, from the Nuremberg Trials through the present-day International Criminal Court.

At the seminar, professors challenged the students to become more involved in their local communities. After returning from the trip, Swafford worked with Kentucky Refugee Ministries to help resettle a Syrian family of six to Lexington.

“They were forced to leave their country and flew to New York,” Swafford said. “A beautiful family: two twin daughters, two young boys. You could just read their body language (about what they’d been through). The father was so gracious to all of us. You could see it weighed on them physically. You could see the shock on their faces and also

During semester break in January, Swafford studied American diplomacy overseas and was part of a select group of students visiting U.S. embassies in Paris and Rabat, Morocco, and the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium.

EKU Honors Director Dr. David Coleman ranked Swafford, “among the most insightful and hardest working students in the EKU Honors Program. In addition to epitomizing scholarly excellence, Tyler has demonstrated in multiple ways his deep concern for human rights issues and service to humanity. I am confident that he is going to make an enormously positive impact on our world.”

“I am grateful to the Lord for giving me this opportunity,” said Swafford. “He has placed the right people in my life to prepare me for something like this: my parents, who have always been there for me and pushed me to be my best in all that I do; friends; coaches; and professors. This is a collective accomplishment. It is no individual honor. I know I will be representing my family, friends, school and home community when I am in Ireland, and that is not something that I’ll take lightly.”

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F E AT U R E

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ast fall, staff members from the communication and development offices set out to visit some of Brentwood Academy’s youngest alumni at colleges

and universities across the south and east. Their mission was to capture stories on video as part of an ongoing project to learn how BA is preparing students for life beyond the Eagles’ nest. The video vignettes will be shared on the school’s website and in education campaigns over the next few years.

“I’m majoring in foreign affairs and middle eastern languages at UVA. Pursuing language at BA helped me study two languages at once in college. That curiosity was fostered during my time at BA.” Kara Anderson ’13

University of Virginia

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“This is the beginning of an ongoing process,” explains Phil Goodman, assistant director of communications. “We wanted to hear the stories first-hand from our alumni and capture them on their college campuses because that is where the stories are taking place.”

“We wanted to visit a broad range of schools and alumni to capture a variety of interests and locations,” said Alumni Director Lulu Luton Clark ’76.

Although the list of campuses was diverse, the traveling video crew found clear similarities in their conversations with alumni.

“The two obvious common denominators were how well prepared the students were for the demands of freshman English and how equipped they were to communicate and develop relationships with their professors,” said Mrs. Clark.

(Top) Sarah Pleasant ‘15 at Duke University; (above) India Way ‘12 at Auburn University; (right) Aubrey Collins ‘14 at Samford University.

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“The block schedule at BA helped prepare me for college. Also, I learned how to manage my time by balancing my running schedule with my academic load.”

Brandon John ’15 Auburn University

“I believe my physics and math teachers helped shape me into who I am today. Since I was little I wanted to be an engineer, and now I’m studying mechanical and aerospace engineering.”

Brady Williams ’14

University of Alabama

“My advice to new BA students is to get to know your teachers because they want to get to know you.”

Sarah Storey ’05

University of Virginia

At Duke University, Sarah Pleasant ’15 says she still feels connected to the BA community. “BA goes beyond the diploma. I still feel nurtured, supported, and loved.” Sarah, who was an Academy Dancer while at BA, is continuing her interest in dance at Duke while pursuing a pre-med major.

The tour stopped at Auburn University, the University of Alabama, and Samford University before heading east to American University in D.C., Johns Hopkins University, the University of Virginia, and New York University.

For those alumni who have traveled a little further from the Nashville area to places like Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and New York, they have experienced the importance of being encouraged in their faith during their years at BA. “Moving to New York challenged my faith in ways I couldn’t have imagined,” said Maddie Parrish ’15, a sophomore at New York University. “My faith has been tested here, and I have had to make some hard choices. BA helped prepare me for that.”

“You may forget what you learned in math class, but you will remember that teacher who believed in you,” India Way ’12

Auburn University (Right) BA alumni at Auburn Unversity with Lulu Luton Clark ‘76.

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Jonah Reels ’14, a football player and chorus member at Johns Hopkins University said, “School and a career are important, but what’s most important is the word of God and carrying it with you.”

Another common theme among the young alumni was how they keep in touch with BA teachers and coaches. Most of them still check in regularly and some even send papers for BA faculty to grade before submitting them to their professors.

Aubrey Collins ’14, a junior at Samford University, says she still talks to her teachers. “It makes me feel I am important to them.

Not just for the time I was at BA, but now and in the future.”

(Top) Maddie Parrish ‘15 talks with Phil Goodman and Jeanne Natwick;; (left) Jonah Reels ‘14 at Johns Hopkins University.

MY

BA STORY WATCH THESE ALUMNI AND OTHERS TELL THEIR STORY AND HOW BRENTWOOD ACADEMY PREPARED THEM FOR THE NEXT STEPS IN LIFE.

brentwoodacademy.com/myBAstory

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Cindy Tripp Legacy Honored On Wednesday, November 2, faculty, students, and friends and family of the late Cindy Tripp gathered to honor her legacy with the unveiling of a plaque that will remain permanently on display in the 7th grade den.

The plaque honoring Mrs. Tripp reads: Cindy Tripp made it her life’s work to “aid in the flourishing of others.”

At Brentwood Academy, her influence spanned four decades of service as an English teacher, seventh grade chair, English department chair, and dean of faculty. Titles and accomplishments aside, she is remembered as an encourager of students, faculty, and parents; of putting the feelings and needs of others before those of her own; and for her close walk with the Lord.

Mrs. Tripp’s husband, James, daughters Sarah James Myatt ’02, Emily ’03, and Amber Neeley’11 along with Mrs. Tripp’s granddaughter Abigail Myatt and son-in-law Jacob Myatt welcomed friends to the ceremony.

Headmaster Curt Masters reminded those who gathered why we place markers to commemorate those, like Mrs. Tripp, who have helped shape the lives of others.

(Above, left to right) Jacob Myatt and Abigail look through the Triangle magazine while waiting for the ceremony to begin; James Tripp, Nancy Simpkins Brasher ‘76, Headmaster Curt Masters, Emily Tripp ‘03, and Sarah James Tripp Myatt ‘02 flank the plaque which is on permanent display in the 7th grade den; Headmaster Emeritus Bill Brown and Emily share memories after the ceremony.

“In the Old Testament, people stacked stones as markers to point others toward something they should know. Today we hang this plaque as a reminder of how Cindy Tripp left her fingerprints everywhere at BA. Here she allowed God to use her as a mentor, teacher, trainer, and encourager of others,” Mr. Masters said. “Cindy cared for us, and taught us how to care for one another.”

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Simpsons

Brazil SERVE IN

By Peggy Peden

Travis Simpson ’96 and Anita Howard met in first grade. When both were students at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, they reconnected and started dating and married in 2003.

While still working in construction, Travis began studying at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and earned a Master’s of Divinity degree. Travis decided he wanted to go into foreign mission work. “Anita and I spent a lot of time in prayer,” Travis said, “and in seeking the Lord before we actually knew we wanted to serve in cross-cultural missions. I would say we knew we were

Simpson, have adjusted to Brazil very well and speak Portugese so well that they often act as translators for their parents.

The children go to school in the city of Joao Pessoa, and Anita teaches at their school. They are forming close

Brazil, people will speak openly about their beliefs with you. In America, at times, religion is off the table when it comes to conversation, but in Brazil it is perfectly acceptable to ask someone about their personal spiritual beliefs.”

For Travis, the most meaningful aspect of the experience has been “watching God save people, seeing Him at work, seeing Him truly changing lives. And being able to serve alongside my wife and kids. It’s fun to see them making a difference in people’s lives, to see them do or say something that brings a smile to someone else’s face.”

For Travis, the most meaningful aspect of the experience has been “watching God save people. . .” supposed to come to Brazil in 2014, and God put us here a year later. The biggest influence and impact on me has been when I read the Bible with an open mind and willing heart, when I’ve been open to hear what God has to say and willing to admit my faults, His strengths, and to obey.”

Travis and Anita, with their children Cole, 9, and Alli, 6, committed to a three-year term of service in Brazil sponsored by the Baptist International Missions Board. They began in Virginia in April 2016, with a 10-week study in language, culture, and effective missions practices before moving to Joao Pessoa in the northeast area of Brazil. Cole and Alli, according to grandmother Melinda

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ties. Travis preaches at a small house church and teaches Bible classes in the city. He and Anita work with residents to meet medical, legal, and other needs.

They travel into rural villages with hired translators and plant churches with whom they maintain contact. Groups, often from the U.S., come into Brazil and travel with them.

The biggest challenge, Travis said, has been the language barrier. “I can teach and preach in Portuguese now. However, even at this level in the language, I am still learning nuances, cliches, and vocabulary—which make it difficult to have a truly, deep heartfelt conversation with people over their faith, struggles, successes, and beliefs,” he said. “In

The family has a Facebook page and the Simpson family may be contacted by email at simpsonsservinginbrazil@ gmail.com.

V ETER ANS DAY AT B A

Jimmy Gentry Coach Jimmy Gentry, a retired longtime faculty member and coach at Brentwood Academy, was the guest of honor on Veterans Day in November. The World War II veteran is always a student favorite, and many alumni and parents also joined the crowd to hear him share his life-changing experiences as part of the troop that helped liberate prisoners in the Dachau concentration camp. He served in the 42nd Infantry Division and received the Bronze Star for his service.

As he often does, Coach Gentry began by offering students this advice: “You are going to have to use your imagination.” He followed the advice with colorful word pictures of his days as one of nine children growing up in Franklin, TN. The day before Coach Gentry spoke at BA, a reporter from The Tennesseean came to BA to interview him and captured much of what makes Coach Gentry such a beloved icon. Below are excerpts from Melanie Balakit’s article published on November 8, 2016.

(Left) David Mullican ‘17 and Charlie Waldrop ‘17 posed with Coach Gentry after the assembly.

FROM AN INTERVIEW WITH JIMMY GENTRY

J

immy Gentry is an educator. But his lesson requires no textbook. It’s his life story.

Gentry faced the hardships of the Great Depression and the horrors of World War II. As a foot solider, he saw the deadly impact of the Holocaust. “We walked everywhere, and we were one of the first to get to the Dachau concentration camp,” Gentry said.

“We didn’t know what to expect...It’s one thing to see your buddy get killed in war. It was another to see thousands of people starving to death,” he said.

“Coach Gentry, he’s a tough guy,” said Brad Perry ‘92, senior grade chair at BA. Perry has known Gentry since he was a child, and the two coached football together. “You think about his life experiences—his father died when he was young. He lived through the Great Depression, literally catching rabbits and fish.

He was a war hero,” Perry said. “He had an intensity about him.

Kids wanted to be the best for him, and he pulled the best out of his athletes.”

Gentry also ran a children’s camp at the Gentry farm for nearly 75 years, where he shared skills he learned as a kid, like digging up worms for fishing and gathering eggs from chicken coops. “I see some of the young men I had as students and now they have a family. I’ve had their children in my own camp when they were campers,” Gentry said.

“I’ve just had a good life being involved with young people.”

“You think about his life experiences—his father died when he was young. He lived through the Great Depression, literally catching rabbits and fish.” — Brad Perry ‘92

Gentry has told this story dozens of times at schools in and outside of Williamson County.

It’s a history lesson, the 90-year-old says. Former students say Gentry’s story is a source of inspiration.

After military service, Gentry graduated from college and went on to have a long teaching career and a nearly 70-year coaching career in Williamson County.

“He came back and he’s spent years being a role model and just the greatest example of a man,” said Gordon Kennedy ‘78.

Gentry’s former students still keep in touch with him. Kennedy volunteers to drive Gentry to speaking engagements. He’s driven Gentry as far as Alabama and Knoxville.

“On the one hand, you’d think it’s a favor…but even the quarter of a mile on his driveway is a treasure. Anytime he says, ‘I need a lift somewhere,’ I want to be there,” Kennedy said.

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here can I really begin? At the beginning, I reckon. The very beginning, when I hiked the first three miles of my 2,189 mile journey from Georgia to Maine on the Appalacian Trail, set up camp and realized I had no rainfly for my tent. I was less than a quarter mile down trail from the shelter, so if there was a precipitation issue, I could have taken cover. However, I opted to stay in my tent and therefore spent the whole night beaming my headlight into the darkness trying to identify rogue noises. Relaxing, not so much. Also, not so relaxing was the actual hiking part of the whole “hike the Appalachian Trail’ thing. I ran out of food, I slept (consistently) without a shelter of any kind, I bushwhacked my way through poison ivy, rattlesnake skins, and swarms of black flies.

I contracted gihardia and developed aneamia. I tripped and fell on a very regular basis. I ran out of money. I had no cell service for days on end. I was wet and cold and hungry more times than I can count. And the tears flowed freely during my multiple, lonely pity parties...but, then I opened my eyes and my heart to the human condition.

Opened my heart to share what was quickly becoming an epic adventure with the folks around me who were being just as brutally honest about the pros and cons of life as we currently knew it. Staying vulnerable while testing our greatest strengths. We are all the same. It became so obvious on the trail. I remember days when I thought I couldn’t walk another step.

At the end of the trail: I want to be in the woods again.

What a gift to have been able to spend an entire summer in the great outdoors. I will surely never be the same.

Thanks again for all of the support I have received from friends, family, and angels. It’s going to take a while to wrap my head around each radical generosity.

n a i h c a l Appa Journey

Leslie Yarbrough ‘04 Shares The Story of Her Amazing Through Hike of the Appalachian Trail Editors’ Note: You can read Leslie’s complete blog at http://www. trailjournals.com/TinkTank

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500 Mile Mark

May 14, 2016 At the 500 mile mark, Leslie wrote: …Hiked out of camp at 5:50 this morning…Made it to the Chestnut Knob Shelter...I thought the hill leading up to the shelter was never gonna’ end…

Every single kind word out here means so much, be it via another hiker or a message from a friend back home. It pushes me.

1000 Mile Mark

June 10, 2016 At the 1000 mile mark, Leslie wrote: Did it. 120 miles in 3 days. Crazy. And I feel strong.

Happy Trails from WEST VIRGINIA!

2000 Mile Mark

August 22, 2016 At the 2000 mile mark, Leslie wrote: One more hill. One more climb and we are home free.

My heart faints in relief. It’s been super hard for a while now. But super beautiful. Maine is magical. Just how I imagined it, really. With wild weather and stunning scenery.

The End

September 5, 2016 I can hardly believe the end is here. I couldn’t have done it without the support of family, friends and a whole lot of complete strangers!

I’m so happy I Nobo’d and get to finish in Maine. It’s just so over the top beautiful. Can’t wait for a moose and Katahdin!

It’s finished. We summitted. And it was gorgeous. A gorgeous day, a gorgeous view, gorgeous feelings.

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Fine Arts AT BRENTWOOD ACADEMY

Fall brought music, comedy, and dance to the hallways and theatre at BA. (Above) The BA Academy Dancers were crowned state champions at the TSSAA competition in November. (Middle) The fall play took a comedic turn this year with the upper school performance of “You Can’t Take It With You.” (Right) Amy Beth Miller Stallings ‘08 led the middle and upper school choruses in a spectacular Christmas Concert. Matt Nygren and his staff led the combined bands to put the perfect bow on the season on December 6.

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Athletics AT BRENTWOOD ACADEMY

BACK-2-BACK The Tennesseean called it an “instant classic” as the Eagles prevailed over cross-town rival MBA 42-38 to win BA’s 12th football state title.

The 12th gold ball came 42 years after former coach Carlton Flatt won the program’s first in 1974. The Eagles, led by Head Coach Cody White, won with loads of offense—a Blue Cross Bowl record of 634 total yards. Last season, the Eagles won their first state championship since 2006 with a one-point overtime win against MBA in another dramatic showdown.

Honoring Coach Elliott Coach Floyd Elliott was honored for his years of coaching at the state quarterfinal football game at BA on November 11. He was joined by his wife, Susan, on the field at halftime to be recognized by the crowd, players, and coaching staff. Coach Elliott officially retired from his coaching duties after this season, but continues his role in the math department. BA Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Cody White presented Coach Elliott with a commemorative game ball signed by BA coaches and players.

Coach Elliott came to Brentwood Academy nine years ago after teaching and coaching at Montgomery Bell Academy since 1977. At BA, he has served as math department chair and taught every level of math from intro to AP calculus.

In athletics, he has served as varsity football defensive coordinator and has coached multiple defensive positions. This year he served as head

coach of the freshman football team. He coaches shot put and discus with the varsity boys’ track team. The Brentwood Academy faculty honored him with the Clyde Swift Outstanding Faculty Award two years ago.

Coach White said of Coach Elliott, “I have always admired him as an excellent educator and communicator with his students. That carries over to the field where he, with a gentle spirit, is able to teach conceptually what we do on the field. He gets a lot out of the kids without being a dictator.”

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Repeat Cross Country State Champs For the second year in a row, the varsity boys’ and girls’ cross country teams finished the season with state championship titles.

The boys are coached by Marshall Smith ‘92, and the girls are coached by Cathy Cheeseman.

Girls Meredith Helton 1st Claire Cheeseman 2nd Caroline Archer 4th Kylie Wittman 5th Elizabeth Heckman 7th Boys Carter Cheeseman 1st Davis Holliday 3rd Matthew Porter 5th Matthew McMillan 6th Sam Elwood 7th

The competitive cheer squad made up of Brentwood Academy team members and coached by Grace Ann Flatt Holbert ’90 earned second place at this year’s TSSAA competition.

The sixth grade football team earned a 7-0 undefeated season, winning the championship game against Ensworth 16-8. The team was coached

by Lyle Husband ‘93 .

This is the seventh state championship for the boys’ team and third in a row; the girls repeated this year for the sixth state championship.

Cathy Cheeseman For the second year, Cross Country Coach Cathy Cheeseman was named the Tennessee Coach of Year by the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA).

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Middle School Golfers Shine at HVAC Helen Phillips ‘21 (far right) took first place in the girls’ HVAC golf tournament while Mason Elzinga ‘21 (not pictured) finished fifth in a strong boys’ tournament field. Phillips and Elzinga were both chosen for All-Conference honors.

Allie Raab ’18 Swims on National Stage Allie Raab ‘18, participated in the Junior Pan Pacific Swim Championships in Maui in August. The new member of the junior class completed her competition with a silver medal in the 110M breast stroke and a bronze medal in the 200M breast stroke.

All State Achievements SPRING AND FALL SPORTS TRACK

Middle School Volleyball HVAC Champions The middle school volleyball team defeated Battle Ground Academy for the HVAC Championship. The team is coached by Ellie Collins ‘07, Lisa Johnson, and Doug Campbell.

Joshua Bell ‘16 Ryan Johnson ‘16 George Patrick ‘16 Andrew Powell ‘16 Michael Renner ‘16 Claire Cheeseman ‘17 Thomas Ozburn ‘17 Meredith Helton ‘18 Alayna Holbert ‘18 Camron Johnson ‘18 Victoria Caldwell ‘20

SOCCER

Jennifer Jestings ‘18

CROSS COUNTRY

MS Wrestling Earns HVAC Championship Brentwood Academy was represented by 14 middle school wrestlers at the HVAC tournament held at BA on November 19. Going into the final round, the Eagles still had 12 competitors wrestling and finished the day as champions. The middle school team is led by Coach Steve Widmaier.

Caroline Archer ‘17 Claire Cheeseman ‘17 Meredith Helton ‘18 Davis Holliday ‘18 Carter Cheeseman ‘19 Matthew Porter ‘19 Kylie Wittman ‘20

FOOTBALL

Evan Beddoe ‘17 Josh Higgs ‘17 Jeremiah Oatsvall ‘17 Camron Johnson ‘18 Jackson Sirmon ‘18

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F E AT U R E

STO RY

Th e L a n kfo rd Fa m i l y

Cul2vate

by Jeanne Natwick

Editor’s Note: In the Spring 2014 edition of the Triangle magazine, Courtney Drake ‘96 Lankford and her husband, Joey, were featured as part of a story titled “A World Away.” Along with other BA families and alumni, the Lankfords served in South Africa, helping locals learn skills for sustainable living. We are happy to provide an update on the Lankfords and how they have brought their work back to Tennessee.

T

heir journey began with answering a life changing call from God in 2010, taking them 8,306 miles away from home.

Joey and Courtney Drake ‘96

Lankford, sold their belongings and left the comforts of a good life in Brentwood, TN to build hope to those most in need in South Africa’s poorest communities. This endeavor was through a ministry called Living Way. Joining the Lankfords were Allen ‘94 and Emily West ‘95, the Terrill family (Hunter Terrill ’16), the Coles (Griffin ‘15 and Brady ‘18) and many other BA families that devoted themselves to this ministry. Joey says, “it was a domino effect of faith.”

Living Way’s Agri-Academy is a program (through Living Hope) that empowers those in need by earning their way out of poverty. This ministry equips men and women with the necessary skills to improve their lives through sustainable living. They are taught personal finance, basic business skills, and how to start an income-generating agricultural venture.

In 2015, the Lankfords received a different call. “On Valentine’s night, God was telling me to stay in food, the message was clear to return home.” After 4 1/2 years of serving with Living Way, God called the Lankfords back home to Tennessee to continue their ministry and passion for serving the hungry. Joey shares how South Africa “twisted my view of my role in poverty.” With the need being so great right here in Middle Tennessee, Joey (Above, left) The Lankfords back on the farm in Tennesee; (above and next page) Brentwood Academy students and faculty visited Cul2vate in October for Joe Campbell Service Day, learning how crops are grown and harvested.

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along with his co-founder, Allen West ‘94, cast a vision for Cul2vate. Before he set foot back on Tennessee soil, West and Sonny Terrill had a 501(c)(3) already in place. With Joey and Allen being the dreamers, and Sonny turning the dream into a reality through strategic operations, Cul2vate was officially born. “You can’t have a ministry without messengers,” says Joey. “People obediently said, ‘yes’ and responded to God’s call. God showed up and he will continue to show up.”

Bringing what they had learned in Africa back home, the team established the first Cul2vate location at Ellington Agriculture Center in Nashville.

Through an application process, Cul2vate provides employment for people in recovery, the homeless, and those in need of a job. The program provides agricultural training for locals to grow quality vegetables for the communities that they come from, and receive necessary life and business skills. Half of the food is sold to high-end restaurants and food markets to generate an income, and the other half is given to those in need in the community. Every four months, four to five people go through this program with the goal of job placement within one of the companies they work with.

While helping to improve the lives of these farmers, Cul2vate has the opportunity to touch these people through love and discipleship. They get to see the growth of the food and how that relates to God. “We want freedom, healing and hope here.

It’s about touching the broken with our lives,” says Joey.

The men going through this program are not the only people touched by this experience. Last October, 50 Brentwood Academy students took to the fields of Cul2vate for their Joe Campbell Service Day. Joey shares, “We have had individuals and families from BA come to volunteer, but Service Day was the first time the school has come out.” It was a handson experience for students providing maintenance and farming work. Students broke up into groups, with each group working closely with individuals going through the program. While working together, many of these men shared their personal stories with the students, giving them a true and real perspective of what life looks like for many outside our comfortable world.

“Students don’t have a lot of access to individuals in recovery, so anytime we can have this kind of interaction, we walk away a lot more grateful and closer to God,” says Joey. The experience had a strong impact on the students of Brentwood Academy, and they plan on returning in March to volunteer again.

Joey shares, “Through this volunteer work, they will find themselves better students.”

The hope is to see Cul2vate grow in the future, where God will bring the right people to make any improvements and replicate it. The team has a heart for international missions and would like to build something they can turnkey around the world. “It’s a very applicable kingdom model.” With another location in the Middle Tennessee area and plans approved for an additional spot ready to launch, Cul2vate is growing strong, breaking the cycle of poverty one farm at a time.

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Josh Smithson, M.D. ‘93

What are some life skills you learned during your time at BA that have carried into your career and adult life?

In my medical practice and in my home life I regularly call upon life skills of discipline, integrity, and empathy that I learned at BA. I learned to recognize my weaknesses and appreciate others’ strengths. This is particularly important when working in a team-based approach to problem-solving.

If you could give one piece of advice to current students, what would it be?

If I could give one piece of advice to current students, I would encourage them to have an eternal perspective in their work, in their relationships, and in regard to what they value.

Kristen and I chose BA for Gram because of the Christ-centered education which emphasizes this perspective.

What is it like now to be a current BA parent?

Kristen and I are excited to be a part of the BA community as alumni and now as Gram’s parents. It has been a lot of fun to watch our son become a part of the BA community as a student this year. We are very thankful for the teachers and coaches who model God’s love to our son.

From your viewpoint, how has BA changed since your student and teaching days?

The variety of educational and athletic opportunities at BA has greatly expanded since I was a student. The physical plant at BA and the increase in the number of students enrolled are the major changes that have occurred since I was a student and subsequently a teacher at BA. The number of students has essentially doubled since I graduated from BA in 1993.

4q FOUR QUESTIONS

The Smithsons: Hayes, Josh ‘93, Katherine, Kristen ‘93 and Gram ‘22.

Jeff Bryant, Dean of Faculty Why do you teach?

I love to see people use their gifts and talents in extraordinary ways. Whether brilliant artistry, athleticism, research or service, I feel thankful to have been able to witness great performances. As a teacher, I get to assist young people in extending and refining their abilities. Being a part of that growth is a meaningful vocation.

What led you to Brentwood Academy?

While I was working through an education internship program at Vanderbilt University, the program director told me there was an independent school in the area that was seeking a chemistry teacher. The 7th grade science teacher for BA at the time had completed the same program I was in the year before, and he had contacted the director.

After learning about the mission of the school and interviewing with Mr. Compton, Mrs. Brasher, and Mr. Brown, I realized that teaching at Brentwood Academy was a unique opportunity to serve young people.

What is one thing you want your students to know when they graduate from BA? All of our school structure and all of their study and work was aimed at equipping them to serve God in their own unique and impactful ways.

What is one thing that most students do not know about you?

Next to great science, I get most excited about great music. I have played the piano and sang in different choirs since my youth, and I can sight-read music pretty well. Right now I play the piano in the orchestra at our church. I enjoy listening to all types of music.

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Continuing the Family Legacy at Brentwood Academy Thoughts from Ron and Kaye Knox: It is hard for us to believe that it was over 30 years ago when our older daughter, Kathy, started the 7th grade at Brentwood Academy. Little did we know that this would be the start of a wonderful connection that would have a profound impact on our family. Two years later, our son, David, started BA, and four years later our youngest daughter, Julie, continued the family pattern.

Kathy and David both married BA graduates. Two of our grandchildren have graduated from BA, three are currently students, and two younger ones are future Eagles.

(Above, left to right) Karmen Clift, Judson Clift ‘21, LucyJames Knox ‘21, Luke Knox ‘18, and Kaye and Ron Knox at Grandparents’ Day in 2016.

We are extremely grateful that God had it in His plans to send us all to Brentwood Academy. The school has provided an outstanding education, wonderful friends, and a strong foundation for Christian faith.

How can we show our appreciation?

One way is to contribute to the Annual Fund. Since we know we won’t be around to do this indefinitely, we decided to make a planned gift to BA through our life insurance policy and part of our retirement plan assets. This will ensure that we provide a continuing contribution to help BA be a powerful influence on future students and families.

Perhaps you, too, would like to include BA in your future estate plan.

If you love and appreciate BA as we do, we would encourage you to talk to Assistant Head Ray Mullican ‘80 at 615-523-0623 or ray_mullican@brentwoodacademy.com. Future students and families will thank you!

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BRENTWOOD

ACADEMY

HOMECOMING 2016

Homecoming 2016 was rich with tradition as students, faculty, alumni, and the larger BA family gathered to celebrate with activities for all.

Festivities began on Thursday with “The Rally” pep rally at the stadium followed by the bonfire. On Friday before the football game, the alumni council and parents’ association sponsored the annual Homecoming BBQ; before kickoff of the BA vs. Father Ryan game, the senior football players and cheerleaders were presented; a special National Anthem was sung by alumna Ginna Claire Mason Moffett ‘09 (below, left); and a halftime celebration featured the six 2015-2016 state championship teams along with the Homecoming Queen and court presentation.

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LO O K I N G

B AC K

Andy Anders on Award Editors’ Note: The following pages were part of an earlier Triangle magazine, where the story of Andy Anderson ‘79 and the award named in his honor were featured. Our current students and families need to know the story of Andy and this award, given each year at graduation. Thank you again to Wally Knox ’79 for capturing the essence of Andy’s life and what he meant to his fellow students. Of note is the fact that Andy’s nephew, Laws Anderson, will graduate with the class of 2017. Andy’s sister, Laura, graduated in 1982 and his brother, Matt, graduated in 1989.

by Wally Knox ‘79

E

veryone has probably seen the Andy Anderson Award hanging in the academic commons area.

However, not everyone knows who Andy Anderson was or why there is an award named for him. There is no way I could put into words who Andy was or what he meant to me and countless others or the impact that he had on people. He was the most unselfish person I have ever known! Please bear with me as I attempt to give you some insight into the person of Andy Anderson.

Andy attended Brentwood Academy in the late 1970’s.

He was a member of the class of 1979. He came to BA from Northside Junior High, now known as Brentwood Middle School. Andy was just one of the guys, I thought. Then something happened in August of 1978 that would profoundly affect the family of Brentwood Academy forever. Andy was diagnosed with a brain tumor and it was cancerous. This was just before our senior year. Andy was going to have to have surgery to remove the tumor. Two-a-day football practice had just started when we got the news about Andy’s surgery. All we could do was pray and wait. The football team left for football camp; we are headed to Catoosa County, Georgia out in the middle of nowhere.

While standing in the chow line at football camp we got some great news! Coach Flatt informed us that Andy was going to fly down to Catoosa to be with the team.

Later that day, just before our second practice started, Andy came riding down to the practice field. Mr. Hoover, one of our player’s dads, had flown Andy down on his plane so that he could be with the team that afternoon. It was unbelievable; Andy was not gong to let this cancer get the best of him! What an inspiration to the entire team and coaches! Coach Flatt used Andy as an example of what it means to “give 199%” more than

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once that season. Andy was on the sidelines of every game our senior year, rain or shine, cold or hot, he was there encouraging everyone.

Andy was a trooper; he never complained about anything, especially not about the cancer treatments he was taking. He was tough as nails! Not just in the physical sense, but from a mental standpoint as well. I just remember him laughing and cutting up at the lunch table.

He was not just one of the guys; he was special to all who knew him.

Andy completed his senior year at Brentwood Academy, graduated and enrolled at the University of Mississippi.

Andy loved Ole Miss and the college life. I can remember his coming by to see Bryan (Kennedy ’79) and me to ask how we were doing and how football was going.

Again, he was always thinking of others. Andy completed his freshman year at Ole Miss and the first semester of his sophomore year before withdrawing from school because of his weakening condition. He eventually lost his sight because of the tumor and was confined to his home. I remember going by to see Andy while home for summer vacation. He asked how he could pray for me; it should have been me asking him the question. This is just one of many examples that show who Andy Anderson was, and why we have an Andy Anderson Award hanging at Brentwood Academy.

Andy lost his battle with cancer on October 15, 1981, at the age of 20, but not without an incredible fight. He will not be forgotten. I only hope his spirit of unselfishness will continue to dwell in the hearts and minds of the students at Brentwood Academy. I count it an honor and privilege to have known Andy and to say he was my friend.

Andy Anderson AWA R D

WINNERS

John Windham, 1982

Johnathan Atkeison, 2000

Allison Holleman, 1983

Katie Hagen, 2001

Nell Ann Crowe, 1984

Joanna Causey, 2002

Marjorie Maddox, 1985

Sarah James Tripp, 2002

Pat Bainbridge, 1986

Chelsea Coil, 2003

Beth Pedigo, 1987

Brandon Albright, 2004

Carol Len Frist, 1988

Merritt Goodman, 2005

Parke Brown, 1989

Libby Ford, 2006

Rachel Clift, 1990

Caitlin Burkhart, 2007

Tony Jones, 1991

Sara Norby, 2008

Seth Hagen, 1992

Hannah Margaret Allen, 2009

April Tanner, 1993

Victoria Petway, 2010

Amy Lang, 1994

Robert Hinson, 2011

Thomas McDow IV, 1995

Jaclyn Vanderpool, 2012

Jimmy Armistead, 1996

Caroline Greene, 2013

Andrew Parrish, 1997

Abbie Whitehurst, 2014

Luke Neff, 1998

Allyson Collins, 2015

Rachel Coley, 1999

Madison Reynolds, 2016

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ALUMNI NEWS 1970’s Tom Giddens ‘73 celebrated his retirement from IBM

Corporation on September 1, after almost 33 years in sales and sales management roles. He is enjoying time for new hobbies, travel, and learning what God has planned next for him and his family.

Valerie Battle Kienzle ‘76 spent over 35 years employed

in various writing-related positions as a newspaper reporter, corporate public affairs manager, advertising

account representative, school district communications writer, and freelance writer. She has written two books for Arcadia Publishing: St. Charles and Columbia and the newly released What’s With St. Louis? from Reedy Press.

Randy Hammond ‘77 recently relocated to Charlotte, NC,

from Denver where he served as the managing director for the J.P. Morgan Private Bank in the Rocky Mountain States. He is currently the managing director for U.S. Trust, covering NC, TN, KY, AL, and MS. He was recently named Ambassador of the Year by Legatus, a national Catholic CEO organization.

Children of BA Alumni Nineteen children of Brentwood Academy alumni enrolled at BA this fall for their first semester as students. Along with the returning 92 children of alumni, the total of alumni children at BA is 111. (Front row): Millie Brown (Parke Brown ‘89), Mattie Kate McIntyre (Matt McIntyre ‘88), Sadie Gower (Amy Fulcher Gower ‘94), Braelyn Clift (Bo ‘97 and Lissa Bath ‘96 Clift), Aly Clark (Jim ‘97 and Jennifer Ann Neill ‘97 Clark), Bella Body Lee (Amanda Body ‘97), Ella Hickman (Del Hickman ‘86), Meghan McKinney (Jeff McKinney ‘82) and Mimi Husband (Lyle ‘93 and Amy Neill ‘93 Husband).

(Back row): Peter Husband (Phil Husband ‘89), Davis Greene (Amy Rutledge Greene ‘98), Carson Smith (Peyton ‘02 and Meg Rutledge ‘02 Smith), Griffin Cropp (David Cropp ‘85), Jake Weber (April Tanner Weber ‘93), Jackson Hoppe (Matt Hoppe ‘95), Jake Barker (Amy Partain Barker ‘88), Gus Elliott (Kim Smith Elliott ‘95), and Gram Smithson (Josh ‘93 and Kirsten Ingram ‘93 Smithson). Not pictured: Noah Crook, son of Scott Crook ‘91.

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Keith Wells ‘78 lives in Lewisburg, TN where he is the

plant manager at Calsonic Kansei.

Dan Huff ‘79 was voted the 2016 CMA Musician of the

Year and won Single of the Year for his part on Thomas Rhett’s popular “Die A Happy Man.”

1980’s Jim Mathis ‘80 currently serves as the chief compliance

officer for Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He holds both undergraduate and law degrees from Vanderbilt.

Before law school, Jim spent a year teaching Latin at Brentwood Academy.

Butch Smith ‘80 and his wife, Jennifer, and son, Josh

Smith, a University of Tennessee football player, were honored to host BA alum Derek Barnett ’14, University of Tennessee football player and several other players for Thanksgiving!

Garry Maddox ‘82 serves Brentwood Baptist Church as the

Medical Dental Unit driver and maintenance coordinator.

He earned a B.S. in finance from Auburn University and an M.A. in missiology from Southern Seminary. Most recently, Gary led 15 volunteers from Brentwood Baptist on a disaster relief mission to Sevier County. Garry has also served the Tennessee Baptist Children’s Homes for nine years as a trustee, chairing that board for two years.

Trey Kelley ‘86 retired from the Army in 2012 as a

lieutenant colonel after 22 years and a deployment to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. Trey then worked for Cubic Defense as director of business development until 2013, when he took a job as a senior analyst with SAIC in Huntsville, AL supporting the U.S. Army’s Fixed Wing Project Management Office. In 2014, he was promoted to service line team lead and to program manager. His wife, Viva, is a Department of Army Civilian (Government employee), and is director of international programs for the U.S. Army’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Project Management Office. Oldest son, Thomas, is a Navy civilian aerospace engineer assigned to the F/A18 program in Jacksonville, FL. Youngest son, Taylor, is a third year cadet at West Point, where he majors in mechanical engineering in the aerospace track.

Laura Brumfield Camp ‘87 is the director of operations at

Siloam Health in Nashville. Siloam Health is a nonprofit clinic with a mission to share the love of Christ by serving those in need through health care. Before working at Siloam, she was a practice manager at Harpeth Pediatrics in Franklin for 10 years.

Dann Huff ‘79 Dann Huff ‘79 won the 2016 CMA Award for Musician of the Year.

Huff’s Musician of the Year nomination this year was his 26th CMA Awards nod, and his third win; he last won a CMA in 2004, for Musician of the Year, although he’s also been nominated for Single of the Year and Album of the Year. Until this year, Mac McAnally was on a winning streak in the Musician of the Year category; he had won the trophy every year from 2008 to 2015.

In addition to playing on several artists’ albums, Huff is also a sought-after producer in country music. His many credits include Keith Urban’s “Ripcord,” Martina McBride’s “Reckless,” Brantley Gilbert’s “Just as I Am,” Thomas Rhett’s “Tangled Up” and Dolly Parton’s “Blue Smoke,” among others. Huff also plays multiple instruments, including acoustic guitar, electric guitar, dobro and banjo.

Huff beat out fellow nominees Jerry Douglas, Paul Franklin, Brent Mason and Derek Wells to win the Musician of the Year trophy.

1990’s Jennifer Garman Rowlett ‘97 has joined the law firm

of Adams and Reese as special counsel in the Litigation Practice Group in its Nashville office. Practicing law since 2007, Rowlett has significant experience serving as first chair in insurance defense jury trials. She represents physicians, medical groups, hospitals, and long-term care facilities throughout the state of Tennessee in medical malpractice and nursing home litigation. Jennifer received her J.D. magna cum laude from the University of Tennessee College of Law and her B.A. cum laude in international studies from Centre College.

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Curt Revelette ‘99 and Mason Revelette ‘05 will be

opening their sixth Jonathan’s Grille in Murfreesboro in the near future.

2000’s Ashley Gregoric Clary ‘00 and her family moved from

Norfolk, VA to New Orleans where Ashley is assistant vice president of Imaging Services at Ochsner Health System.

Lauren Peck Cannon ‘01 is the vice president, director of

treasury and director of deposit services at INSBANK in Nashville.

Patrick Hunter ‘02 earned a B.A. at the University of

Tennessee Knoxville and earned a Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Tennessee Health and Science Center in Memphis in 2010. Patrick has a dental practice in Brentwood. He and his family reside in Franklin.

Brittany Hill Youngblood ‘02 is the director of pediatric

services at Monroe Carell, Jr. Children’s Hospital Vanderbilt at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, TN.

Mike MacIntyre ‘84 The awards have rolled in for Mike MacIntyre ‘84, University of Colorado head football coach after a successful season. To date, he has received: • 2016 Walter Camp Coach of the Year • ESPN Home Depot Coach of the Year • SB Nation Coach of the Year • CBS Sports Coach of the Year • Associated Press Coach of the Year • FWAA/Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year • 2016 AFCA Region 5 Coach of the Year • Pac-12 Coach of the Year – selection by the Associated Press While at Brentwood Academy, Mike played on three state championship football teams. At the same time, his father, George MacIntyre, was head football coach at Vanderbilt and also the recipient of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year award and the Walter Camp National Coach of the Year award.

Mike recently signed on for four more years as the Buffaloes’ head coach. Mike is married to Trisha Rowan ‘83 and they are the parents of Jennifer (25), Jay (21), and Jonston (18).

Erin Creasy Ferree ‘00 has assumed a new professional

role as career advisor at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service Graduate Career Center. As a career advisor, Erin supports GSFS and MA Government students and alumni in pursuing internships, post-graduate employment, and long-term strategic career growth.

She helps with thoughtful career discernment, wellprepared job search materials, knowledge of various U.S. government hiring practices and enhanced negotiation skills. Erin is pursuing an executive master’s in leadership from Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business and holds a B.A. in political science from Wake Forest University.

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Kate Austin ‘03 and her family will be celebrating the

10-year anniversary of their business, Austin Funeral and Cremation Services in 2017.

Kyle Booten ‘04 has been awarded the NAEd/Spencer

Dissertation Fellowship. This highly competitive program aims to identify the most talented scholars conducting dissertation research relevant to the improvement of education. Kyle is a doctoral candidate at UC Berkeley’s Graduate School of Education and the Berkeley Center for New Media. His research blends an ethnographic perspective with the techniques of the digital humanities in order to understand online literacy practices. His

Celeste Greene ’04 Celeste Greene ‘04 showed and sold her original art at this year’s Art Show at BA in December. Celeste is pictured with her father, Joe Greene, a 1948 graduate of the Duncan School.

Danielle Faris Hulgan ‘88 “In August 2016, my family of four (husband Todd, son Ford, and daughter Lillie ‘20) traveled to Nicaragua on a mission trip with a group of Vanderbilt Medical Center doctors and students serving with Medical Christian Fellowship. Our group of 25 was hosted by a full-time missionary friend, who organized medical clinics at three different churches in LaConcha, Hiquinohomo, and Managua. The purpose of the trip was not only to provide medical and spiritual care for the patients and communities, but also to train the students on our mission team in both the medical and spiritual aspects of patient care—incorporating faith into the practice of medicine.

My Facebook summary of the trip was ‘PRAISES for medical care and prayer for over 700 people, play and love for a bazillion children, 250 meals served to children in poverty, safe travel and little illness for our team, no complaints from our children in the heat (only Mom complained), a cohesive and agreeable team, wonderful support from Nicaraguan translators and drivers and from the local pastors and churches who hosted clinics. On it goes.’

computational research has appeared in the conference proceedings of CHI and NAACL, and he contributed to a chapter on the future of writing instruction in the Handbook of Research on Teaching (5th ed.). Kyle holds a B.A. in English from Princeton University and a M.F.A. in poetry from the University of Michigan.

Allie Duncan ‘04 works for The Royal Standard, which is

based in Birmingham with showrooms in Dallas, Atlanta, and Las Vegas. Allie lives and works in Nashville as a product designer and private label brand manager for the company.

Beth Gillem ‘04 works for Sage Hill Counseling of Nashville

where she provides a place for individuals and couples to begin to live integrated lives, by helping them explore their story, engage their heart, and develop a deeper passion. Her practice is grounded in the Spiritual Root System as well as other psychosocial theories. With a master’s in marriage and family therapy and global leadership, Beth brings a perspective to her counseling practice that incorporates the psychological, spiritual and physical aspects of a person’s life.

Andrew Hogan ‘04 is a congressional aid in Washington,

It was a blessing to be with my husband, an infectious diseases M.D. at Vanderbilt, and children on the trip, but you need to know it was hard, hot, and sometimes dirty and tiring. I might have cried on the sixth day. I was reminded that I am called to serve, whether or not I get instant gratification. I don’t love foreign missions. I don’t like to be uncomfortable. But I am called to serve the Lord and His people—and to trust Him—in my own community and beyond. He who promised is faithful!”

D.C. for Congressman David Kustoff of the Eighth District of Tennessee.

Editor’s Note: Danielle is a graduate of Furman University and the University of Alabama Birmingham where she earned an M.S. degree in physical therapy. She currently works as a physical therapist in Nashville.

the Los Angeles area. His wife, Jacquie, works in human resources and is currently finishing her degree at Berkeley College of Music for Music Business.

Whitney Tunney Newby ‘04 and husband, Shawn, live in

Raleigh, NC, where Shawn serves as a worship pastor at Providence Baptist Church. Whitney is a registered nurse at a local hospital. They have two children: Liam 4 and Lanie almost 2, with number three arriving in June.

Hunter Palmer ‘04 is a film writer/producer/director in

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Michael Pelster ‘05 is a chief resident physician in his final

year of a dermatology residency at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Next year, he will complete a one-year fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery and dermatologic oncology at St. Louis University in St. Louis. The fellowship involves advanced training in skin cancer, Mohs surgery, reconstructive surgery, and cosmetic dermatology.

Beau Wells ‘05 is a quality engineer at Calsonic Kansei in

Lewisburg, TN.

Kalyn Winston Nelson ‘06 won the Sumner County

Derek Barnett ‘14 In front of a hometown crowd at the Music City Bowl in December, Derek Barnett broke the Tennessee career record with his 33rd sack in the Volunteers’ 38-24 win over Nebraska.

Barnett’s defensive teammates mobbed him and the Volunteers’ bench emptied to celebrate with him after he broke the record. UT fans in the sellout crowd of 68,496 chanted “Barnett” after he broke the record.

“I think that shows you the respect that our football team has for Derek Barnett and the excitement and the unselfishness of our football team that they wanted to go celebrate with him because they knew that was a milestone, that was something very, very special,” Head Coach Butch Jones said. “And that’s one of those moments in time that you’ll always remember.”

Shortly after the bowl game, the 6-foot-3, 265-pound junior declared for the NFL Draft and is likely to be selected in the first round.

“It was very special. My family and friends were here, but it was even more special to be with my teammates. A lot of people don’t see all the work we put in. It gets tough sometimes, but it’s very rewarding to finish with a win and be champions of the Music City Bowl.”

Julia Crownover ‘05 lives in Ulm, Germany, teaching

fourth grade at The International School of Ulm. She loves the students and faculty and has had amazing experiences traveling. She has been to Venice, Italy, and Innsbruck, Austria, along with various other cities in Germany and cities in Portugal. She will be going to Morocco in February.

Kasey Arnold Carmona ‘05 joined the Brentwood Academy

faculty and is teaching middle school speech and debate.

She is a graduate of Christopher Newport University with a major in theatre.

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Reader’s Choice award for best interior designer for 2016.

Kalyn works for Pettis Builders. She and her husband, Alex, are also expecting their first child in April, 2017.

Sarah Stow ‘06 is relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area

to work with Agilent Technologies. Sarah will be performing post-doctoral research as a software application chemist helping to design and improve software for scientific instrumentation.

Leigh Minnigan Valdes ‘06 formed her own training

business, Leigh Valdes Fitness in Brentwood. She is a certified personal trainer and fitness nutrition specialist (NASM).

Matt Storey ‘07 has been promoted to project manager at

Hoar Construction in Alabama.

Jordan Berlin ‘07 is an administrative assistant at Civic

Engineering and IT, Inc. in Nashville.

Dillon Faulkner ‘07 joined the Peach Bowl, Inc. team

in 2016 as the organization’s communications manager, assisting with media operations and public relations initiatives around the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Chick-fil-A Kickoff game, Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl Challenge, and the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Award.

Emily Smith Grgic ‘08 graduated from St. Olaf College

in 2012 with a B.S. in chemistry. She then graduated cum laude with honors from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy with a doctor of pharmacy degree. She is currently a postgrad year one pharmacy practice resident at North Memorial Medical Center, a level one trauma center outside of Minneapolis. Emily lives in Crystal, MN, with her husband, Alan.

Matthew Rosenbaum ‘08 was one of the lead actors in

Studio Tenn’s Battle of Franklin production at the Jamison Theater, The Factory in Franklin. He anchored the piece as “Mint Julep,” a pen name that Todd Carter adopted as a war correspondent. Rosenbaum provided compelling narration throughout, moving in and out of scenes with effortless style, and carefully revealing the weary heart of every soldier.

Rev. Ani Missirian-Dill ‘07 The Rev. Ani Missirian-Dill is the new lead pastor at First United Methodist Church in Modesto, CA, taking over the role in July.

Missirian-Dill has degrees from Birmingham Southern College and Vanderbilt University Divinity School in Nashville. Her experience includes leadership in urban ministry, community development, nonprofit administration, community organizing, public relations, fundraising and education.

In Birmingham, AL, she worked with Harris Early Learning Center, BSC Bunting Service-Learning Center, and the nonprofit Urban Kids and Church Without Walls, a community-based Methodist congregation. In Tennessee, Missirian-Dill ministered to Christ Quest Community Church of Memphis, Christ Quest Kids and Center for Transforming Ministries, a “Communities of Shalom” partnership ministry.

During her time in Nashville, she was part of a team that began Harvest Hands Community Development Corporation, a community ministry. Missirian-Dill also lived briefly in Armenia, working with a non-governmental organization focused on local development.

She has served as lead pastor of La Trinidad United Methodist Church in San Jose and currently is a provisional elder in the Cal-Nevada Conference.

Read more here: http://www.modbee.com/living/ article95306632.html#storylink=cpy

Woody Baron ‘12 For the first time since the 2010 season, Virginia Tech had 13 players honored on the All-Atlantic Coast Conference football team voted upon by the Atlantic Coast Conference Sports Media Association (ACSMA). Senior defensive tackle Woody Baron highlighted the 2016 Hokie selections, as Tech’s only first-team selection.

Caroline Askew ‘09 works as member relations coordinator at

the Nashville Chamber of Commerce.

Rachel Franklin ‘09 earned a M.S. in nursing from Belmont

University in December and is a nurse at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Olivia Holladay ‘10 graduated in May, 2016, from Tennessee

State University with a M.S. degree in counseling.

Kelsie Patton ‘10 is living in Philadelphia and teaching at a

Mastery Charter School of Philadelphia.

Sterett Seckman ‘09 holds the role of technology and

commercialization lead for PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP, New Adventures Asia, and is moving to Hong Kong in early 2017.

Mary Julia Tunnell ‘10 teaches art at Overton High School in

Nashville. She graduated with a degree in art education from the University of Tennessee.

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2010’s William BeAird ‘11 graduated from Middle Tennessee State

University in December, 2016, with a B.S. in concrete industry management. He has accepted a position with Cemex, a global building materials company, in Naples, FL. Shannon Evins ‘11 graduated magna cum laude in May,

2015, from Samford University with a B.S. in nutrition and dietetics. She also had minors in both Spanish and human development and family life education. She completed a dietetic internship at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Completion of the internship made her eligible to take the registration exam to become a registered dietitian (RD). After the internship, she began graduate school at Tufts University in Boston, and is working on a M.S. in nutrition interventions, communication, and behavior change at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. She also works part-time for a nutrition/food technology startup called AVA. Caroline Dodd ‘12 graduated from Tennessee Tech and is a

registered nurse at Centennial Medical Center in Nashville.

Jordan Naile ‘12 graduated in December from the University

of Alabama with a major in history and a minor in communications. She is celebrating by taking a trip abroad.

Carson King ’15 Carson King ’15 is a chemical engineering major at Clemson University, where he is also the punter for the 2016 National Champion Clemson Tigers football team. He is on the Atlantic Coast Conference Academic Honor Roll, Presidents List for earning a 4.0, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars 2016, and the Clemson Dean’s List.

Mallory Campbell Rancudo ‘12 and her husband, Cam,

moved to Kansas City to help plant a church (Radiant Church), which launched in September. Mallory currently teaches seventh and eighth grade math at Kansas City Christian School in Kansas City.

Caroline Greene ‘13 graduated from Baylor University

with a degree in corporate communications, and a minor in religion. She will be living in Waco, TX, and will be working with Chip and Joanna Gaines, the stars of the HGTV show, “Fixer Upper.”

Harrison Stover ‘14 was recently initiated into Phi Kappa

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Landon Fuller ’15

Phi, the nation’s oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Harrison is a junior at Mississippi State University, and is pursuing a degree in biomedical engineering.

Landon Fuller ’15 is a forward on the basketball team for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. He is majoring in biochemistry and premed.

Lindsey Weldon ‘14 and Sommer Grace Weldon ‘16 will

be competing at UDA Nationals with the University of Mississippi Rebelette Dance Team in January.

Madison Brown ‘15 is a sophomore at Auburn University

where she has recently been named vice president of philanthropy for Alpha Xi Delta sorority.

Allyson Collins ‘15 is studying spring semester in Santiago,

Chile, as part of her sophomore year at Lipscomb University.

Sam Maloney ‘15 joined the Louisiana State University

hockey team last year.

Reunions C LAS S

Classes of ‘77, ‘82, ‘87, ‘92, ‘97, ‘02, ‘07, and ‘12

Olivia Cook ‘16 received her Black Belt this year. Olivia is a

freshman at Vanderbilt University.

Breuna Jackson ‘16 was named OVC freshman of the week

for girls’ basketball. Bre plays point guard for the Morehead State Eagles. She averaged 12.5 points and 2.5 assists in Morehead State’s opening two games. She scored 19 points in the 78-73 win over Eastern Michigan.

August 5, 2017 Watch for details from both the Alumni Office and from Class Reunion Chairs.

Easter Egg Hunt FOR CHILDREN OF BA ALUMNI

Saturday, April 8, 2017 Watch for your invitation in the mail!

CHECK OUT THE ALL NEW

SummerAtBA.com CAMPS AND PROGRAMS FOR AGES 5-18

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Marriages Births and

Top Row: Gabriel Arthur Dillon, grandson of Arnold Dillon ‘73; Charlotte Marie Taylor, daughter of Chad ’07 and Sara Taylor; Cameron and Madison Williams ’11 Yaw; Chase and Courtney Kirkpatrick ’07 Misenheimer.

Middle Row: Jacob Palmer Campbell, son of Jason and Ashley Davis ’00 Campbell; Sam ’12 and Corrine Stark; James David Richardson, son Patrick and Eliza Vaughn ’06 Richardson; James Thomas Reed with parents Austin and Christina Priddy ’11 Reed; Reagan Elizabeth Crawford, daughter of Chase and Brittany Carmichael ’03 Crawford.

Bottom Row: BA alumnae at the wedding of Stephanie Sanders Stein ’04; Maddox Claiborne Webb, son of Neil and Elizabeth Richards ’06 Webb; Joseph and Sarah Stark ’07 Murphy; Reed Miller, son of Mark and Alicia Miller ’98 Casey; Winnie and Harry Thurman, children of Josh ’99 and Sarah Thurman.

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Marriages Kelli Clements ’89 to Jeffrey Moore on October 29, 2016

Charlotte Fraser ’09 to John Barker Barrett Smith III on Oct.15, 2016

Leigh Marie Lunn ’92 to Craig Holder on October 28, 2016

Maggie Hardwick ’09 to Ben Batts on July 30, 2016

Jonathon Loffi ’98 to Rebekah Harrison on October 10, 2016

Savannah Ellis ’09 to Todd Locke on April 4, 2016

Rob Lundy ’98 to Brittany Bryant on November 19, 2016

Molly Johnson ’10 to Kyle Fitting on September 17, 2016

Stephanie Sanders ’04 to Jason Steinas on October 28, 2016

Matthew Hamby ’11 to Shelby McDonald on December 3, 2016

Robin Warren ’05 to Chris White on August 20, 2016

Shelby Sanders ’11 to Colton Holt on October 7, 2016

Kourtney Kirkpatrick ’07 to Chase Misenheimer on Sept. 17, 2016

Shelby Tucker ’11 to Hart Rose on November 19, 2016

Toni Portacci ’07 to Adam Redmer on December 31, 2016

Madison Williams ’11 to Cameron Yaw on October 8, 2016

Sarah Stark ’07 to Joseph Murphy on November 5, 2016

Mallory Campbell ’12 to Cam Rancudo on May 21, 2016

Katrina Adlerz ‘08 and Ryan VonDohlen ‘08 on October 15, 2016

Sam Stark ’12 to Corrine Alexis on May 14, 2016

William Mayfield ’08 to Allyson Baggott ’10 on August 13, 2016

Caroline Greene ’13 to Dan Martin on January 29, 2017

Births

Corinne Barfield Kidd ’92 and husband, Brock, a son, David Bayne McCray, born November 3, 2016 Lyle ’93 and Amy Neill ’93 Husband, a son, Josiah Caleb, born and adopted on December 5, 2016 Matt Brown ’97 and wife, Bre, a daughter, Keziah Evangeline, born December 27, 2016 Alexis Goodman Ward ’97 and husband, Jason, a son, Ethan Ryder, born October 1, 2016 Andrew Parrish ’97 and wife, Lauren, a daughter, Hadley Eves, born August 20, 2016 Alicia Miller Casey ’98 and husband, Mark, a son, Reed Miller Casey, born March 28, 2016 Josh Thurman ’99 and wife, Sarah, a son, Harry, born May 27, 2016 Ashley Davis Campbell ’00 and husband, Jason, a son, Jacob Palmer, born August 24, 2016 Jill Crosthwait Reynolds ‘00 and husband, Britt, twins, Bishop Emmeline and Ledger Bennett, born November 17, 2016 Brittany Carmichael Crawford ’03 and husband, Chase, a daughter, Reagan Elizabeth, born March 15, 2016 Chad Fuson ’03 and wife, Katelyn, a daughter, Willa James, from China in July. She was born on January 27, 2015 Tyler Trew ‘03 and wife, Kathryn, a daughter, Stella Grace, born June 21, 2016 Becca McCall Hall ’04 and husband, Seth, a girl, Lucy Copeland, December 16, 2016 Austin Scott ’04 and Sara Beth Lambert Scott ’04, a daughter, Sutton Elizabeth, born October 10, 2016 Addison Edmonds ’05 and wife, Emily, a daughter, Roane Elizabeth, born August 8, 2016 Megan Langworthy Martin ’05 and husband, Chase, a daughter, Virginia Kate (“Ginnie Kate”) born July 9, 2016 Craig Mockmore ‘05 and wife, Elizabeth, a son, William Craig Jr., born July 19, 2016 Bo Knox ’06 and wife, Kendall, a son, Wallace Clifford, born December 22, 2016 Katie Wells Motter ’06 and husband, Chance, a son, Charles Calvin, born July 6, 2016 Eliza Vaughn Richardson ‘06 and husband, Patrick, a son, James David, born August 9, 2016 Elizabeth Richards Webb ’06 and husband, Neil, a son, Maddox Claiborne, born November 11, 2016 Jessica Caudell Frazier ’07 and husband, Russell, a daughter, Stella Jaye, born November 20, 2016 Chad Taylor ’07 and wife, Sara, a daughter, Charlotte Marie, born September 30, 2016 Parker Newton ’08 and wife, Stephanie, a son, Rowan Parker, born January 10, 2017 Olivia Holladay ’10 and DeAndre’ Courtney, a daughter, Delani Leigh, born July 27, 2016 Christina Priddy Reed ’11 and husband, Austin, a son, James Thomas, born August 30, 2016

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Reunions C LASS

‘76, ‘81, ‘86, ‘91, ‘96, ‘01, ‘06, ‘11

Eight classes celebrated reunions last summer with each class holding a party. All reunion alumni, faculty and former faculty were invited to a reception on campus. Thank you to our Alumni Council and all our alumni volunteers who coordinated the activities.

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2001

2011

1991

1976

1981

2006

1986

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THANK YOU PARENTS We are grateful for your participation and the impact it makes for Christ and the world around us through the mission and ministry of Brentwood Academy. Your gift to the Annual Fund enables the mission of BA to flourish and makes an eternal difference in the lives of BA students. This year, our parent community reached the participation goal in record time.

A special thanks to our generous Challenge Gift donors for adding an extra $230,00 so far.

PARENTS

94%

TRUSTEES

100%

FACULTY

99%

CHALLENGE GIVERS GAVE

$230,000 Introducing the Brentwood Academy

SUSTAINERS CLUB Honoring loyal supporters to the mission and ministry of Brentwood Academy for 7+ consecutive years. Look for additional information later this year.

For more information, contact Andi Holbrook, Director of Development at andi_holbrook@brentwoodacademy.com.

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BA GIVER

ALUMNI WEEK OF GIVING

SAVE THE DATE | MARCH 1-7 The BA Giver Campaign is an opportunity for alumni to be reminded about the life-changing work that goes on every day at BA.

OUR GOAL is 100 Alumni Donors in 7 days.

Alumni challenge givers will match every gift over $100.

PARENTS OF ALUMNI and GRANDPARENTS Look for information soon on your unique challenge gift opportunities this spring!

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SAVE THE DATE April 24, 2017 The Governors Club Brentwood, Tennessee

Registration and Sponsorship Information

brentwoodacademy.com/eagleclassic

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Brentwood Academy Leadership Trustee Board 2016-17

Terri Vafiades

Parent Ambassadors 2016-17

Bill Decker, Chair

Kym Whitley

Cayce Powell, Chair-elect

Pete Wittman

John and Mandy Atchley

Adam Black ‘92

Shelly Willis

Nathan and Amy Brandon

Jon Billlington

Chris Woodlee

Tim and Ann Brinkmann

J.Mac Brown ‘83

Leisha Yost

Joseph and Lee Cazayoux

Larry Burkhart

Alfonzo and Neischa Alexander

Brett and Kara Clark

Sharon Moore-Caldwell M.D.

Alumni Council 2016-17

Natasha Freeman

Dick Cole ‘84, Co-president

Eric and Kelley Descher

John Roberson

Beth Holder Throckmorton ‘84, Co-president

Evan and Amy ‘94 Gower

Paul Rutledge

Jeri Campbell Moore ‘73

Mike and Susan Gorey

Sharon Sheriff

Dale Cornwell North ‘75

Ken and Carrie Lanyon

Ben Stanga

Kathy Capps ‘79

Eddie ‘94 and Jordan Lunn

Emily Crockett Tulloch ‘82

Harriet Brown Bailey ‘81

David and Lauren Massey

George Allen West IV D.D.S. ‘94

Andrew Vaughn ‘85

Dirk and Rachael Melton

Scott Cathey ‘86

Dan and Stephanie Murphy

Franye Goad Johnson ‘86

James and Dana Smith

Curtis G. Masters, Headmaster

Angela Peters Lauer ‘88

Kevin and Pam Tyner

William B. Brown, Jr., Headmaster Emeritus

Jonathon Loffi ‘98

Jim and Tara Ward

Ray Mullican ’80, Assistant Head

Matt Jennings ‘92

Dennis and Doris Wells

Paul Compton, Upper School Director

Kristen Ingram Smithson ‘93

Michael and Lisa Wiechart

Nancy Simpkins Brasher ’73, Middle School Director

Kim Smith Elliott ‘95

Andy Bradshaw, Dean of Students

Patrick McCoin ‘95

Rian Berger, Spiritual Life Director

Polly Bibb Douse ‘01

Cody White, Athletic Director

Peyton Smith ‘02

Avery Billington ‘17

Jason Mathews, Admission Director

Meg Rutledge Smith ‘02

Abby Brandon ‘17

Susan Shafer, Communications Director

Elizabeth Edmonds Walker ‘03

Anna Brandon ‘19

Andi Holbrook, Development Director

Hunter Askew ‘06

Sarah Bryant ‘18

Leah Hoskins, Public Relations/Publications

Elizabeth Richards Webb ‘06

Carter Cheeseman ‘19

Lulu Luton Clark ’76, Alumni Director

William Ball ‘09

Claire Cheeseman ‘17

Jason Oggs, Business Manager

Cody Taylor ‘09

Chris Clark ‘17

Administration

Paula Booten, Registrar

Jud ‘93 and Melissa Clift

Student Leadership Team 2016-17 Caroline Archer ‘17

Will Collins ‘19

Shelley Miller, College Counseling Director

Annual Fund Committee 2016-17

Courtney Jones, College Counseling Assoc. Dir.

Kevin and Kathryn Phillips, Chairs

Katie Conder ‘17

Jason Beddoe, Security Director

Bill Decker, Board Representative

Caroline Dean ‘17

Rene Rochester, Faculty Representative

Jackson Harvey ‘18

Grade Level Representatives:

Jordan Harvey ‘20

Jill Holmes, President

Dave and Kelly Aronoff

Bryce Jarvis ‘17

Leslie Henderson, President-elect

Brian and Kathy Berhow

Kennedy Jarvis ‘18

Shannon Barnhill

Ruby Brady

Curtis Johnson ‘20

Shannon Clemmons

Robert and Melissa Collins

Andrew Long ‘18

Cathy Jo Elwood

Mike and Jennifer Comegna

Baylee Mathews ‘20

Kristi Stone Elzinga ‘88

Hal and Amy Conditt

Katherine Nesbitt ‘17

John Gonas

Eric and Kelley Descher

Ben Pearce ‘19

Mary Page Hickman

Jody and Ginny Elder

Paxton Perry ‘20

Karey Johnson

Chad and EJ Jones

Willa Stansell ‘19

Ron Jones

Ken and LaDonna King

Ashlynn White ‘17

Nicole Hardwick Jones ‘90

Rick and Lisa Lovins

Kate White ‘20

Michele Simpson

Tim and Michelle Roberson

Wade Williams ‘20

Christy Stanga

Steve and Michele Simpson

Lauren Williamson ‘18

Lana Thrasher

Daniel and Marlena Taylor

Toby Wilson ‘18

Parents’ Association Board 2016-17

Andrew Comegna ‘17

Pam Tyner

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WINTER/SP RING 2 017

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Brentwood Academy Campus August 2016

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Coming Soon

Brentwood Academy Fine Arts

Showcase

Featuring The Academy Singers and BA Forensics March 16, 2017

Beauty And The Beast 2017 BA Upper School Musical April 20-23, 2017

Spring Dance Show Saturday, May 6, 2017

Concert on the Quad

Featuring the Middle and Upper School Concert Bands May 11, 2017

Spring Chorus Concert Saturday, May 15, 2017

FOR TICKETS VISIT: brentwoodacademy.com/boxoffice