Harding summer2014

GENERAL NEWS Harding Academy

Nurturing the Spirit • Inspiring the Mind

SUMMER 2014

INSIDE Focus on the Curriculum. . . . . 3 Tara Taylor Profile. . . . . . . . . . 4 Art, Athletic, Academic Awards. . . . . . . . 5–8 Mark Dunkerley ’91. . . . . . . . 9 Class Notes. . . . . . . . . . . . 9–12

CALENDAR August 8 Opening Faculty Meeting August 13 Orientation August 14 First Day of Classes August 24 All-School Picnic September 1 Labor Day—School Holiday September 9 Don Schwartz Distinguished Educator Program Speaker September 11 Circle of Stars Donor Event September 19 Parents Party September 23 and 24 Parent/Teacher Conferences October 2 Headmaster’s Circle Donor Dinner

Go to for the most up-to-date and full schedule of events

Graduation 2014

The school graduated 47 students on May 23. Thirty of them attended Harding for all nine years.

After the graduation program, and as a welcome to the Alumni Association, Class of 2014 members received a framed photo of their class (pictured). The eighth grader’s class gift, combined with a gift from the Parents Auxiliary, has made possible the purchase of a 3D printer. The printer will be utilized in several different curricular areas across grade levels including computer, math, and science classes. The 3D printer will allow students the opportunity to develop and create and then see and test ideas in real space.

Class of 2014 High School Choices Big Picture High School Danti Butler Centennial High School Jake Ferri Ensworth High School Owen Alsup Ben Ambrose MiMi Bond Zara Bracegirdle David Brooks Abbie Browder Ellie Faber

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Maggie Franck Olivia Hansen Henry Hitt Ian MacDonald Lowery Nickels Ashlyn Pacconi Neil Schilling William Sell Jonathan Sink Jack Smith Belle Storms Carrie Lee Sullivan Liza Sweeting Harpeth Hall Betsy Beuter Emma Farrington

Catherine LeMaster Kate Mabry Holly Macdonald Eliza Ossolinski Emma Trichel Montgomery Bell Academy Owen Burns Watson Dill Rob Harvey Jackson Long Michael McGuire Clay Mudter McClain Portis Philip Scholer Carter Smith

St. Andrew’s School— Delaware John McKee St. Cecilia Academy Ally Williams USN Shayna Beyer Mia Boero William Bradshaw Rebecca Page-McCaw Denee Stewart Freeman Webb School— Bellbuckle, Tenn.

Meredith Miller

There are several ways to keep up-to-date with Harding happenings. If you subscribe to Twitter, you can follow tweets from the head of school @HardingAcademy and from the athletic director @HardingAthletix.

If you are on Facebook, alums can request to join the group Harding Academy of Nashville Alumni. There are also group fan pages for Harding Academy; Harding Art Show; and Harding Academy Summer Programs, as well as the head of school blog.

Leadership

Unusual Connections

THE ROSE CEREMONY— A HARDING TRADITION

“I love Texas because Texas is future-oriented, because Texans think anything is possible. Texans think big.“ –Retired Senator Phil Gramm of Texas Why did I choose that quote to start this article?

If you have met me, been in my office or home, or seen my car, you know I am from Texas. Born and bred. I speak with a Texas accent. I wear cowboy boots because they are the most comfortable footwear. And my car—the “Texas Lexus”—is a bumper sticker tribute to the Lone Star state.

Like all Texans, I love Texas. I visit the homeland often, just to get some Texas in my soul.

So why am I in Tennessee? I went to Vanderbilt and fell in love—literally and figuratively—and have now been in Nashville for 22 years. I’ve been at Harding Academy for four whole months, and I can tell you that I’ve fallen in love again. I have a new home.

I love everything about Harding. I love the kids and families and teachers and staff—the people. It’s the people that make Harding the special and wonderful place it is.

When I was interviewing for the director of advancement position, I found Harding reminded me of Texas. There is a passion here, a pride, a caring and disciplined spirit that is so very familiar to me. Everyone I met said the same things: “Harding is magical.” “Harding is special.” “Harding is the perfect place for my child/family/us.”

That theme is strong. Everyone can feel it. It’s in the air.

In fact, if you take the quote above and do just a bit of editing, you’d have a true statement: “I love Harding because Harding is future-oriented, because Harding thinks anything is possible. Harding thinks big.” Here at Harding we are looking to the future. We are thinking big. Our students learn in each and every classroom lesson that anything is possible—individually and collectively. The Harding curriculum is designed for our students to ask questions, to find solutions, to care about the answers and know why they are important, and to care about each other. These important teachings last a lifetime.

In a few short months I have met many families whose children graduated from Harding years ago, yet they are still connected to the school. I have never seen that before.

Anywhere. It was surprising, but I can totally relate. I know what that feels like, and how strong that feeling can be.

One mother shared that she brought her 19-year-old son back to campus to show him the new buildings and improvements to the school. Getting back in the car, he turned to her and said, “Mom, no one loves you like Harding loves you.” That bond, that connection, that feeling of pride and love is an incredibly special thing that you find only a handful of times in this life. Alumni return to campus to get a little Harding in their soul, and they are welcomed with open arms and boundless love. They are home, and they know it.

American author John Steinbeck said, “A Texan out of Texas is a foreigner.” While I have known that feeling, I don’t feel that way today, thanks to the warmth of the Harding community. At Harding, I really do feel like I’m home. I’m so happy to be here.

Texas literally means “friendship.” The friendships you make at Harding last a lifetime.

And that ain’t all hat and no cattle.

To paraphrase a popular saying, you can take the student out of Harding, but you can’t take Harding out of the student. The connection will always be there.

Truer words have never been spoken.

Sheryl Rogers Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations P.S. If I have not met you, stop by to say “Howdy!”

Sheryl Rogers Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations

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ne of the many endearing traditions Harding has introduced over the years is the Rose Ceremony. At the end of the awards assembly for grades four through eight, the eighth graders’ kindergarten buddies hand them each a rose. The gesture is not only a form of congratulations, but for those many graduates who have spent nine years at the school, it is also a poignant reminder of their early days as kindergartners, and the continuing cycle of the K–8 experience.

FIELD DAY

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n April 25, Harding Academy students “took to the fields” for a morning of fun competition.

Organized by grade level, Harding’s annual Field Day activities included relay races, hula hooping, and tug-of-war. Ribbons were awarded for all activities, and the morning ended with ICEEs and a noon dismissal. Pictured is first grader Fuller Hessel running to have his turn at “dizzy bat” with some of his classmates in the background.

GENERAL NEWS Editors: Deb Anderson and Leslie Virostek Class Notes: Katherine Miller Contributors: Fran Scott and Leslie Virostek Photography: Steve Lowry and Kimberly Manz Design: Tracy Alia Web address: www.hardingacademy.org For information or submissions contact: Deb Anderson, 615-387-6311

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Focus on Curriculum

Culminating in Confidence Harding eighth graders lead their underclassmen throughout the year and then set forth on new endeavors with significant self-confidence

by Fran

Scott

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ighth grade at Harding is a special year. By the time students reach their final year, they are experiencing all of the benefits that Harding’s K–8 foundation has provided. The carefully orchestrated educational and developmental transitions are boosting students’ confidence and preparing them for high school and beyond. Teachers with age-appropriate expertise have carefully guided them each year, and students have made the kinds of connections to the Harding community and to each other that keep them grounded yet allow them to continue expanding their horizons.

The culmination of preceding years is manifesting itself in academic areas. Ray Berry, middle school English teacher, says the “real” research paper and two five-paragraph essays that students complete in grade eight are perfect examples of building upon skills learned in previous years. “Now they are analyzing and presenting information, attributing that information to sources where appropriate, yet From left, John McKee and David Brooks

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drawing their own conclusions,” Berry explains.

“Their eighth grade trip to Washington, D.C., is helping them make connections to the curriculum,” she adds, “and in foreign languages those who have worked conscientiously may move straight into a second year of that language in high school.”

Similarly, the school’s math program gives students a leg up on high school mathematics, according to middle school math teacher Jake Madden. Madden notes, ““Even those students who decide to re-take Algebra I after leaving here have an excellent foundation in mathematics. They often tackle more advanced math topics, or eventually place into AP classes, which can lead to testing out of some math courses in college.”

Across disciplines, eighth graders are encouraged to demonstrate critical thinking.

Madden says, “Harding encourages students at this age to be more self reliant and think through more challenges—academically and in life—on their own.”

Developmentally, leadership opportunities abound in eighth grade. Students lead committees such as “We Are Harding,”

Algebra I teacher Jake Madden

fundraising, and communications; they are house captains; they run the school’s weekly assemblies; they are role models to their kindergarten buddies; and they provide leadership in a variety of arts and athletics activities—positions seldom possible for middle schoolers in a conventional K–12 program.

Head of School Ian Craig says, “These leadership opportunities in eighth grade are especially important at a time that’s typically continued on page 12

Harding Academy

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Harding Happenings

Faculty Profile

Tara Taylor

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econd grade teacher Tara Taylor has a the case. As an undergraduate, she was the TARA TAYLOR flexible, versatile style. “I try to gauge assistant sports information director at Education: the climate of my classroom and know Union University and thought she had Tara earned both a bachelor’s degree and a when we just need a break, need to have a found her career field. But when she didn’t master’s degree from Union University in class meeting, or need to scrap the lesson get the job she wanted after graduation, Jackson, Tenn. She also holds Level 1 and try again tomorrow,” she says. “I try to her parents encouraged her to go back to certification in Wilson Reading System. do fun things that the students get excited school to become a teacher. She says, “My Experience: about. For example, I implemented a parents always believed I should be a Before coming to Harding in 2004, Tara classroom economy last year where I started teacher because as a little girl I was always was a fourth grade teacher at Highland ‘paying’ my students for their classroom jobs. playing school with my stuffed animals and Park Elementary, later Arlington Elementary.

They can buy rewards with their money.” By She also taught third grade for a year there. had a whole room dedicated to being my giving students choices and listening to their classroom, complete with a huge ideas, Tara gets students to feel invested. She says, “I want them to feel chalkboard, a student desk, teacher’s manuals, etc.” ownership and that this is ‘our’ classroom, not just mine.”

At Harding since 2004, Tara will become the language arts and Tara says it’s a privilege to have the opportunity to make a difference in math specialist for the second grade next year. Certified in the Wilson the lives of her students. She feels gratified when watching a struggling Reading System, Tara looks forward to using her specialized training to reader gain confidence, seeing a student suddenly understand a math work with students one-on-one and in small groups, and to support the concept that he has been wrestling with, or observing children discover work of her fellow teachers. how to work through problems socially. She says, “I get the opportunity to When she is not at school, Tara enjoys spending time with husband lead and guide these children through all of these things!”

Jason and son Jet, as well as playing tennis, going for walks, and Though she now knows that teaching is her calling, that wasn’t always scrapbooking online. u

K–3 AWARD WINNERS May 20 Assembly

Top IXL math achiever rising fourth grader Emmie Maumus with technology teacher Catherine Stuart Vrettos ’94.

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he Technology Award is presented to the student who actively participates in class activities and whose level of achievement is the result of perseverance and a positive attitude.

Kindergarten—Garrett Lee, William Lennon, Frances Strauss Grade 1—Hayes Anderson, Witt Maxwell, Gracey Ross Grade 2—Sarah Kate Faber, Eli Galentino, Simon Heeren Grade 3—Grant Gilmour, Ella Howard, Grace Moore

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IXL is one of the national math programs used at Harding Academy in the lower school. It allows for individualization and excellence in mathematics. The top three students in each grade level and overall in the lower school are recognized for having dedicated the greatest amount of time to working on IXL.

Certificate winners: Walker Derryberry, Cole Patterson Grade 3—Medal winner: Chase Fields Certificate winners: Charlie Gatto, Nicholas Tesauro, Anna Lindsley, Evans Lindsey, Alex Wang

The Physical Education Award goes to one boy and one girl student from each class in grades Kindergarten—Ben Ferri (8 hrs, 25 min), 1 through 3 who continually demonstrate the RJ Perkins (5 hrs, 45 min), following: Lucy Hermann (2 hrs, 27 min) • A cooperative spirit with teachers and Grade 1—Rowen Beaulieu (18 hrs, 55 min), classmates Davis Arnold (10 hrs, 4 min), • Good sportsmanship Graham Smith (6 hrs, 28 min) • Positive attitude and effort Grade 2—Riley Jones (25 hrs, 49 min), • Steady skill improvement throughout Bella Infante (24 hrs, 22 min), the year Raleigh Maxwell (23 hrs, 55 min) Kindergarten—Ethan Caldwell, Grade 3—Emmie Maumus (33 hrs, 27 min), Charlie Carson, Max Dougherty, Alex Wang (24 hrs, 30 min), Nadia Infante, Caroline Thomas, Helen Park (17 hrs, 47 min) Olivia Zanetti The Continental Math League administers Grade 1—Hudson Frazier, Henry Gatto, a national competition for math students.

Jack Howard, Mia Sjursen, Meg Winston, Students in grades 2 through 8 participate Draper Witherspoon in a series of individual tests. Each test Grade 2—Grace Boero, Lucas Herring, consists of six challenging math problems.

Bella Infante, Riley Jones, Raleigh Maxwell, Medals and certificates are awarded to those Jackson Miller students whose scores were the highest in Grade 3—Jake Frazier, Mary Morgan Haley, their grade level.

Avery Hassan, Anna Lindsley, Nathaniel Nelson, Miles Scarpero Grade 2—Medal winners: Isabel Bassin, Spencer DeCuir, Kenya Gothard, Margaret Grobmyer

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Awards

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2014 u

Winter/Spring Athletic Awards Late Fall Swimming Most Valuable Swimmer: Carter Smith Most Improved Swimmer: Sydney Fowlkes Spirit Award: Carla Cohen Coaches Award: Kate Mabry Ellie Faber ‘14 received the Hustle Award in basketball and MVP in lacrosse.

Winter Swimming Most Valuable Swimmer: Maggie Franck Most Improved Swimmer: Jonathan Sink Spirit Award: Jackson Long Coaches Award: Ashlyn Pacconi High Point Placer: David Brooks

Girls Varsity Tennis

Boys Varsity Basketball

Most Valuable Player-Singles: Maggie Cannata Most Valuable Players-Doubles: Belle Storms and Liza Sweeting Most Improved Player: Catherine LeMaster Hustle Award: Denee Stewart-Freeman Coaches Award: Maggie Franck

Most Valuable Player: Clint Blackwell Most Improved Player: Sterling Craig Hustle Award: Owen Alsup Coaches Award: McClain Portis

Girls Varsity Basketball Most Valuable Player: Abby Andrews Most Improved Player: Zara Bracegirdle Hustle Award: Ellie Faber Coaches Award: Lowery Nickels

Track and Field Most Valuable Player: Greta Galli Most Improved Player: Jack Cahill Hustle Award: Charlie Bracegirdle Coaches Award: Wilson Berry

Winter Cheerleading Spirit Award: Brittney Griffin Most Improved Cheerleader: Catherine Derryberry Most Dedicated Cheerleader: Annie Griffin Coaches Award: Liza Sweeting

Owen Alsup ‘14 received the Hustle Award in both basketball and tennis.

McClain Portis ‘14 took third place in the high jump at the HVAC Track and Field Championships with a personal best jump of 5’6” and received the Coaches Award in both basketball and lacrosse.

Baseball Lowery Nickels ‘14 received the Coaches Award in both basketball and lacrosse.

Most Valuable Player: Garrett Schultz Most Improved Player: Cliff Goidel Hustle Award: Patrick Vandenbergh Coaches Award: Clay Mudter

Boys Varsity Lacrosse Most Valuable Player: Rob Harvey Most Improved Player: William Sell Coaches’ Award: McClain Portis Hustle Award: Michael McGuire

Girls Varsity Lacrosse Most Valuable Player: Ellie Faber Most Improved Player: MiMi Bond Hustle Award: Ally Williams Coaches Award: Lowery Nickels

Maggie Franck ‘14 was awarded the MVP award in winter swimming, and the Coaches Award in tennis.

Boys Varsity Tennis Most Valuable Player-Singles: John McKee Most Valuable Players-Doubles: Ian MacDonald and Watson Dill Hustle Award: Owen Alsup

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Harding Academy

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Awards

AWARD RECIPIENTS

Featured Artists

2014 ARTS AWARDS

Kindergarten

2014 Grandparents Chocolate Invitation

eko Bernard-Mannes–Color N Mouse; Leah Fremont–Robot Collage; J.B. Frederiksen–Little Bird Drawing; Frances Strauss– Chameleon Print

Ross Sonday (2)—Hard Scrabble Harvest Pointillism

First Grade

A

2014 Holiday Card Ava Van Dyke (2)—Winter Scene

ynn Nichols–Arctic Animal W Print; Faye LeBlanc–Clown of God; Brian Tierney–Squirrel Tails; Draper Witherspoon– Sandpaper Monoprint

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Grandparents Chocolate “Favor Art” Award Macy Gilmour (5)—Southwest Watercolor Panorama

2015 Spring Arts Day Invitation

Second Grade

Seventh Grade Collage

2014 Student Art Show and Awards Invitation Peyton Green (5)—Glueline Portrait Ella Howard (3)—Elevator People Eli Beyer (7)—Graphite and Colored Pencil Cole Cahoon (6)—Printmaking

ayla Perkins–Mimbres Clay Pot; L Maddy Hartleroad–Hard Scrabble Harvest Pointillism; Simon Heeren–Leaf Stencil; Max Kohler–Elemenopeo

C D

Third Grade

indsey Parker–Pointillist Native L American Legend; Gabby Land– O’Keeffe Flower; Caiden Bright– Elevator People; Lilly Rauth– Pointillist Native American Legend

Harding Family Connection Card Evans Lindsey (3)—O’Keeffe Flower Pastel

Counseling Office Art

Fourth Grade

Alex Wang (3)—Matisse “La Mer” Collage Julia Townsend (6)—Landscape Painting

Annual Awards K–1—Gracey Ross (1)—Squirrel Tails A 2–3—Henry Huber (2)—Tap Tap Collograph B 4–5—Laura Brothers (5)—Glueline Portrait C 6–8—Hedges Hayworth—(6) Tempera Painting D

aria Carter–Amate Painting; M Will Burke–Loon’s Necklace Print/Collage; Sadie Cahoon– Oaxacan Sculpture; Billy Jones– Mola

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Fifth Grade

en Locke–Glueline Portrait; B Gist Key–Shoe Pencil Drawing; Addison Von Colln–Clay Horse; Juliana Dougherty–Shoe Pencil Drawing

Purchase Awards F

Natalie Richter (4)—Amate Painting E Catarina Carter (6)—Printmaking F

Sixth Grade

2014–2015 Calendar Awards

enry Corwin–Self Portrait; H Daniel McGuire–Landscape Painting; Ingrid Ryan–Landscape Painting; Alston Aron–Clay Box

Calendar Cover

November 2014

April 2015

August 2014

December 2014

May 2015

January 2015

June 2015

Julia Hermann (3)—Pointillist Native American Legend

Bailey Blackford–Dog Collage; Webb Powell–Scarf; Micah Kimble–Gelatin Print; Osayd Alammuri–Gelatin Print

February 2015

July 2015

Eighth Grade

I sabelle Arnold (5)—Glueline Portrait Adam Wang, William Huber, and Claire Slagle (4)—Oaxacan Sculptures September 2014

Darin Hall (4)—Loon’s Necklace Print/Collage October 2014

enya Gothard and Lilly K Caldwell (2)—Clay Leaf, Morgan Dawson (2)—Leaf Poem Collage

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Matthew Haley (7)—Silk Scarf Painting Bella Infante (2)—Santa Collage ika Gothard and Anneliese M Evans (6)—Blue Vase Etchings Emerson Smith (K)—Symbols of My Favorite Things March 2015

Greta Galli, Seve Ortale, Elizabeth Perrone, Anna Perrone, Abby Andrews (7)—Clay Gnomes

ill Higgins (6)—Landscape W Painting

Seventh Grade

Bella Zimberg (7)—Print

Katherine Thomas and Jack Howard (1)—Van Gogh Sunflower August 2015

Will Morrison and Greydon Franck (5)—Southwest Watercolor Panorama

liza Ossolinski–Norman E Rockwell Triple Portrait; Owen Alsup–Andy Warhol SelfPortrait; Owen Burns–Clay House; William Sell–Famous Person Torn Paper Collage

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Awards

AWARD RECIPIENTS

2014 AWARDS ASSEMBLY FOR GRADES 4–8 Accelerated Reader 4—Adam Wang (755.9 first place) 8—Denee Stewart Freeman (541.0 second place), Rebecca Page-McCaw (460.1 third place) Continental Math League Medal Winners 4—Ryan Schmadtke Certificates—Ashley Browder, Cate Frist, Asher Maxwell 5—Natalie Wright Certificates—Zachary Bell, Gist Key, Johanna Ledoux, William Vreeland 6— Daniel McGuire Certificates—Isabel Long, Emma Mirnics, William Tyrone 7—MacAllister Mason Certificates—Elijah Beyer, Jacob Bressman, Clark Kaminsky, Zachary Nelson 8—Jackson Long Certificates— Owen Alsup, Michael McGuire, Elizabeth Ossolinski IXL Math Awards 4—Avery Estopinal (45 hrs, 7 min), Adam Wang (32 hrs, 44 min), Ryan Schmadtke (27 hrs, 19 min) 5—Rachel Westerfield (32 hrs, 5 min), Claire Humphrey (28 hrs, 27, Ruben Boero (22 hrs, 2 min) Duke TIP Recognition— for achievement on SAT and ACT in the Seventh Grade State Recognition Jackson Buschmann, Abigail Erickson, Brandon Hall, Grant Hollomon, Clark Kaminsky, Carter

Koch, MacAllister Mason, Zachary Nelson, Elizabeth Perrone, Garrett Schultz, Patrick Vandenbergh, and Caleb Wilkinson State and National Recognition Bianca Sass National French Exam 7— Bianca Sass (9th in state, 15th in nation) Elijah Beyer, Brandon Hall and Sara Emma Kahane (15th in state) Elizabeth Huffman (19th in state) Elizabeth Perrone (20th in state) 8—Denee Stewart Freeman (1st in state, 8th in nation) Betsy Beuter (2nd in state, 9th in nation) Eliza Ossolinski (6th in state, 15th in nation) Owen Burns (8th in state, 17th in nation) Holly Macdonald and McClain Portis (10th in state, 20th in nation) Ben Ambrose (12 in state) Clint Blackwell (13th in state) Watson Dill (15th in state) Jake Ferri (18th in state) Zara Bracegirdle, Neil Schilling, and Belle Storms (20th in state) National Spanish Exam 7—Premio de Bronce (Bronze Award) Andy Garside, Mencion Honorifica (Honorable Mention) Jacob Bressman and Grant Hollomon 8—Premio de Oro (Gold Award and 2nd in state) Mia Boero, Premio de Bronce (Bronze Award) William Sell, Mencion Honorifica (Honorable Mention) Emma Farrington, Catherine LeMaster and Emily Trichel

National Latin Exam 7—Latin Outstanding Achievement: Jackson Buschmann, MacAllister Mason, Clark Kaminsky Certificate of Merit: Abigail Erickson, Greta Galli, Micah Kimble, Zachary Nelson, Cliff Goidel 8—Summa Cum Laude: Meredith Miller, Rebecca Page-McCaw, Jackson Long, Philip Scholer Maxima Cum Laude: Clay Mudter, Shayna Beyer, Michael McGuire, Rob Harvey Magna Cum Laude: Jack Smith, William Bradshaw, Carter Smith Cum Laude: Ashlyn Pacconi President’s Award of Educational Excellence 5—Isabelle Arnold, Zachary Bell, Ruben Boero, Reid Buschmann, Juliana Dougherty, Greydon Franck, Andrew Garrett, Lainey Garside, Macy Gilmour, C.H. Henry, Caroline Humphrey, Claire Humphrey, Josephine Lampka, Allison Lindsey, Alexandra Lowery, Mason McKee, William Myers, Riley Norris, Alice Scarpero, Emma Sitarich, Natalie Wright 8—Betsy Beuter, Mia Boero, William Bradshaw, David Brooks, Owen Burns, Watson Dill, Emma Farrington, Catherine LeMaster, Jackson Long, Michael McGuire, John McKee, Rebecca Page-McCaw, McClain Portis, Carter Smith and Denee Stewart Freeman President’s Academic Effort Award 5—Maggie Faber, William Stanley 8—Jack Smith and Belle Storms

t Librarian Lisa Montgomery and

t Bianca Sass ’15, winner of both

rising fifth grader Adam Wang, winner of first place Accelerated Reader, IXL Math certificate, Outstanding Chorus/Music, English, and Math awards

state and national Duke TIP Recognition, 9th in state, 15th in nation in National French Exam, and Outstanding Writing award with English teacher Patrick Noon

s Lower School Director Laura Underwood and rising fifth grader Cate Frist, winner of Continental Math League Medal certificate, Outstanding English, Spanish, History/Social Studies, Math, and Physical Education awards

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s From left clockwise, Outstanding Citizen winners: rising fifth graders Darin Hall and Crissa Portis, and rising sixth graders William Vreeland and Andrew Garrett

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Awards

Outstanding Student Awards Band 5—Riley Norris 6—Charlie Bracegirdle 7—Elijah Beyer Chorus/Music 4—Claire Slagle, Adam Wang Chorus 5—Archer Heeren, Abby Mertz 6—Isabel Long 7—John Gibson Lewis Strings 7—Carter Koch English 4—Cate Frist, Adam Wang 5—Natalie Wright 6—Emma Mirnics 7—Greta Galli Writing 4— Elizabeth Allen, William Grobmyer 5—Macy Gilmour 6—Lydia Beachum 7—Bianca Sass French 7—Elijah Beyer Latin 7—Clark Kaminsky Spanish 4—Cate Frist 5—Ruben Boero, Kate Miller 7—Andy Garside History/Social Studies 4—Cate Frist, Jack Pacconi 5—William Myers 6—Catarina Carter 7—Patrick Vandenbergh Math 4—Cate Frist, Adam Wang 5—William Myers 6—Daniel McGuire 7—Cliff Goidel Physical Education 4—Cate Frist, Jackson Tallent 5—Johanna Ledoux, William Myers Science 4— Crissa Portis, Mary Holine Van Mol 5—Natalie Wright 6—Gabriel Bassin 7—Zachary Nelson Technology 4—Billy Jones 5—Weatherly Spence Outstanding Citizen 4—Darin Hall, Crissa Portis 5— Andrew Garrett, William Vreeland

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AWARD RECIPIENTS GRADUATION

t School Spirit Award recipients Watson Dill and Denee Stewart Freeman with physical education teacher Carol Macpherson Caldwell.

Denee also received the Reese Witherspoon Drama Award, was recognized as a nine-year student, and delivered the Student Council President Address during the graduation program.

Art Award Jack Smith Band Award Betsy Beuter Chorus Award Catherine LeMaster Dance Liza Sweeting Reese Witherspoon Drama Award Denee Stewart Freeman and Jackson Long Andrew Potanin Creative Writing Award Rebecca Page-McCaw Geraldine Swystun English Award Mia Boero

s Pictured with Middle School

Pam McKnight French Award Betsy Beuter

Director Jay Codispoti, Harding Scholar Betsy Beuter received both the Band Award and the Pam McKnight French Award. She delivered both the Student Address and Presentation of the Class Gift speeches during the graduation program, and was recognized as a nine-year student.

Latin Award Michael McGuire Spanish Award Emma Farrington History Award Owen Burns Math Award Jackson Long

t Sportsmanship Award recipients McClain Portis and Lowery Nickels with Athletic Director Corby Lucas. McClain also received the Science Award, and Lowery the Yearbook Award. They were both recognized as nine-year students.

Science Award McClain Portis Yearbook Award Lowery Nickels School Spirit Award Watson Dill and Denee Stewart Freemam Sportsmanship Award McClain Portis and Lowery Nickels

s Kate Mabry was the recipient of the Alumni Citizenship Award, which was presented by Alumni Board President Jamie Kever ’00 (right). Kate was also recognized as a nine-year student.

Alumni Citizenship Award Kate Mabry Harding Scholar Betsy Beuter

Nine Year Awards Owen Alsup, Ben Ambrose, Betsy Beuter, Shayna Beyer, Clint Blackwell, MiMi Bond, Abbie Browder, Ellie Faber, Emma Farrington, Jake Ferri, Maggie Franck, Rob Harvey, Henry Hitt, Jackson Long, Kate Mabry, Holly Macdonald, Ian MacDonald, Michael McGuire, John McKee, Clay Mudter, Lowery Nickels, Eliza Ossolinski, McClain Portis, Neil Schilling, Philip Scholer, William Sell, Jack Smith, Denee Stewart Freeman, Liza Sweeting, Ally Williams

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Class Notes

Distinguished Alumni Award Winner

Class Notes 1979

Jeff Steele, an architect with Dollar General, has been promoted to senior manager of architecture and engineering.

1982

Congratulations to Haylee Waddey Hall for her achievements in the Memorial Day 20K in Dallas, Texas. She placed first in the Masters Women category, and second in Overall Women.

1984

Kurt Gilliland was appointed assistant dean of curriculum at the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine.

1985

Allen Hicks and wife Kara welcomed daughter Hadley on December 3, 2013. She joins big brothers Weston and Garrett. The family resides in Great Falls, Virginia, where Allen is a corporate partner at the Washington, D.C., law firm of Hogan Lovells. He specializes in capital markets transactions, and mergers and acquisitions.

1986

Beth Rather Gorman was promoted to executive director of the national Capital area chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) in Washington D.C. She previously served for nine years as the chapter’s deputy executive director. continued next page

Mark Dunkerley ’91

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hen 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award winner Mark Dunkerley ’91 founded the Jubilee Craft Beer Company in 2010, charity was part of the mission. With the slogan “Good Beer for a Good Cause,” Jubilee donates 50 percent of profits to the Oasis Center, which serves Nashville’s homeless and at-risk youth through a variety of innovative programs and services. In his role as the founder of Jubilee, Mark has raised money for Oasis, as well as awareness about the nonprofit and the important work it does.

Thanks to Jubliee, more and more Nashville restaurants, businesses, and patrons have begun to lend their support to the Oasis Center. “I’ve been overwhelmed with the positive reaction and support people have given to Oasis and Jubiliee,” says Mark.

Today Mark, who has a B.A. from Vanderbilt, an M.B.A. from Arizona State University, and a background in sports marketing and fundraising, is the vice president for development at Oasis. Though he continues to organize fun benefit events, such as the summer bash known as “Hot Chicken & Jorts,” he also manages the Oasis Center’s traditional fundraising efforts, with the very serious longterm goal of “putting ourselves in a position where we’re more sustainable.”

Mark remembers when a high school friend first connected him with the Oasis Center in 2009. His initial volunteer work there included “street outreach”—walking around the streets

of Nashville looking for homeless youth who could benefit from the shelter and services of the Oasis Center. He’ll never forget encountering a boy who was just 14, had been kicked out of his house, and had nowhere to turn.

That powerful experience—and others like it—brought into relief what a different experience Mark had growing up in a loving family and in the nurturing Harding community.

Receiving the Distinguished Alumni Award in May at Harding’s graduation ceremony, Mark invoked the lessons learned at Harding—in particular from his fourth grade production of the Wizard of Oz, in which he played the role of the Cowardly Lion. He noted how Harding cultivates the gifts the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion are all seeking. “Harding has developed your brain and your heart in ways that the Scarecrow and the Tin Man could only dream of—and it has positioned you well to have the courage that the Cowardly Lion so desperately wanted,” he told graduates.

“Have the courage to try new things. Get outside of your comfort zone, live abroad, start a business, do something crazy like giving half of your profits away to charity if that’s what you want to do. Because once you get older, you realize that life isn’t about stuff and things. Life is about experiences. And some of the richest experiences come from helping others.”

See also the alumni profile from the Winter 2011 issue of the General News. u

As of July 1, 2014, the following members of the Class of 2010 had provided the school with their college choices: Erin Anderson University of Tennessee Matthew Barker University of Mississippi Julie Becher Dartmouth College Cason Blackwell University of Tennessee Nick Boney Wake Forest University Katie Buzhardt Auburn University Betsy Buzhardt Auburn University Ann-Houston Samford University Campbell Casey Close Vanderbilt University Mary-Grace Cozart George Washington University Nate Currie Syracuse University Harrison Davis Auburn University Maggie Draughn University of Alabama Carrie Ferrelli College of Charleston

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Anne Fioravanti Will Garside Barret Gillum Thomas Green Sam Gregory Benjamin Hays Meg Henderson Charles Herron Leah Hayes McAlister Taylor McRae Abby Mudter McCall Nickels Emily Patterson Bailey Perrone Ellie Powers Claire Ramage

Elon University Vanderbilt University University of Tennessee Savannah College of Art and Design University of Alabama Auburn University College of Charleston University of Alabama Wake Forest University University of Tennessee Miami University University of Tennessee University of Alabama University of the South—Sewanee Tufts University Vanderbilt University

Grey Reames Washington and Lee University William Schilling University of Mississippi Charles Sell University of Mississippi Mary Claire Smalley University of Evansville Elizabeth Smith The University of Chicago Geoffrey Stewart University of Colorado at Boulder Chantal Striepe Carnegie Mellon University Chandler Telfer University of Mississippi Jack Thompson University of Mississippi—

Honors College Leah Wade University of South Carolina Kaitlyn Waggoner Southern Methodist University Ashley Wines Vanderbilt University Katherine Woosley University of the South—Sewanee Ben Yahnian University of Virginia John Yoder George Washington University

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Class Notes continued from previous page

1987

Cary Brothers is a singer/songwriter in Los Angeles. On April 17, Cary’s cover of Level 42’s “Something About You” was featured on Grey’s Anatomy.

1994

Chris Anderson is currently a physician at Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance. Prior to joining the practice, he completed a fellowship in sports medicine and hip arthroscopy at Stanford University Medical Center in Palo Alto, Calif. He served as a team doctor for the San Francisco 49ers leading up to and during Super Bowl XLVII.

1997

Elizabeth Ramsey Hines has accepted a new position as the assistant director of marketing and communications at Boston University’s School of Law. Josh Rosenblatt has accepted a new position as senior associate at Frost Brown Todd LLC, a firm of attorneys in Nashville. Josh’s primary focus is

the electronic payments industry, where his experience with clients includes representing businesses ranging from public companies to start-ups with the following: acquisitions, divestitures, mergers, strategic business transactions, operational matters, and contract negotiations.

1998

Robert Bronaugh is an analytics consultant for WellPoint. Taylor Middleton joins Shareholder InSite, Inc. as an account manager in the Nashville office.

1999

Hays Brandon has been promoted to senior shopper marketing manager at the Coca-Cola Company. She has been with the company in Atlanta since 2007. Dr. Andrew “Cain” McClary, chief resident in anatomic pathology for Stanford University Hospital and Clinics, has been featured in an article regarding his research of a rare form of cancer. http://med.stanford.edu/ism/2014/may/ jaw.html

2003

Claire Kitzmiller is working as a speechlanguage pathologist for Northwest Hospital and Medical Center in Arkansas.

2004

Chase Taylor has been appointed the head college counselor at Aga Kahn Academy in Mombasa, Kenya, the first of a network of about 18 planned academies to be established across Africa, South and Central Asia, and the Middle East, to provide a world-class education to exceptional students who possess strong leadership potential.

2005

Meredith Lawrence is the new social marketing engineer for Pavilion Synergies, a strategic social marketing agency.

Clay Wammack graduated from the University of Mississippi in May 2013, with a B.A. in accountancy, and was awarded the KPMG Graduate Fellowship in Accounting. Clay went on to complete his master’s in

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The Class of 2010 high school seniors reunited on campus on Sunday, May 18, to catch up with one another and their former teachers. They reminisced about their days as Harding Academy students, as well as exchanged exciting news on their future college plans. They had a great time perusing photographs in their elementary yearbooks. Dr. Braden Bell guided them on a tour of the middle school building and theater expansion.

Twelve 2010 Harding alums graduated from Harpeth Hall. From left are Katie Buzhardt, Carrie Ferrelli, Casey Close, Cason Blackwell, Katherine Woosley, Emily Patterson, Maggie Draughn, Erin Anderson, Leah Wade and Betsy Buzhardt. Not shown: Claire Ramage and Anne Fioravanti.

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Class of 2013 members Emily Myers, Susanna Andrews, and Caitlin Williamson smile for the camera at the Harpeth Hall Father/Daughter Dance on April 1.

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Class Notes

accountancy at the University of Mississippi, where he served as graduate assistant to Dr. James W. Davis, Peery Chair of Accountancy. He has now joined the New York City office of KPMG as a tax associate.

2006

Hobey Kuhn recently graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.S. in engineering and computer science with a minor in economics. Brooks Taylor graduated in May from Gettysburg College, and has been hired by travel company Backroad.

2007

Anna Claire Wammack is a junior at the University of Mississippi, majoring in accounting.

She currently serves as vice president of chapter development for Delta Delta Delta sorority. Anna Claire was selected to receive a 2014 Taylor Medal in Accountancy, the highest academic honor conferred by the University. She was also selected to receive the 2014 Accountancy Alumni Chapter Academic Achievement Award.

Anna Claire is also a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Omicron Delta Kappa, Beta Gamma Sigma, and Beta Alpha Psi.

2008

Evan Moskal, a business and technology management student at New York University, has been selected as an admissions ambassador.

He is spending his summer interning with Envision Wealth Planning, a management consulting firm in New York.

2010

Julie Becher, a recent graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, has been named a presidential scholar for New Hampshire. Anne Fioravanti volunteered for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville by chairing their Bunny Hop event on April 13 to help raise funds for the organization. Father Ryan High School senior Benjamin Hays served as vice president of the student body and won the Christian Service Award. The fourth annual Rally Rumble was held Saturday, April 19, at Rocketown. This music festival is in honor of J.P. Jarratt, died of cancer in 2005, and was organized by his Harding classmates Casey Close (event co-chair) and Carrie Ferrelli (stage manager), with Ashley Wines as event promoter. Performers included Carley Luton, Meg Henderson, Ann Fioravanti, Taylor McRae, Thomas Green, and Emmie Wade ‘13. Bailey Perrone had a printmaking piece selected for display at the Renaissance Center for the Middle Tennessee Regional Art Exhibition. Elizabeth Smith is a 2014 National Merit Finalist from Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet. She will be a University Scholar at University of Chicago in the fall. continued next page

CAREER DAY

Erin Graves ‘00, architect, McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Erin showed students photos of her

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The Parents Auxiliary Board gathered for its end of the year celebration on May 13 in the Alumni Courtyard, and celebrated to the tunes of Harding house band Old Dog New Tricks. Incoming president Lara Derryberry (right) introduced president-elect Robin Jackson Faber ’85 (second from right) and Art Show co-chairs for 2014–2015 (from left) Meggin Grobmeyer and Mary Glenn Vreeland.

St. Cecilia Academy held its annual Honors Evening on April 29, and the following women were recognized:

From left, Erin Hirsch Zagnoev ’94, Tom Bailey ’81, Jake Nemer ’97, Erin Graves ’00, and Hutch Martin ’98

residential work and explained the path to becoming an architect. She even had a photo of a shoe she had drawn as a fifth grade Harding student in art class with Mrs. Chambers.

Jake Nemer ‘97, founding attorney, Nemer Law LLC Jake stressed the importance of hard work and maintaining relationships and connections throughout life. His website is http:// nemerlawllc.com/

Anna Caroline Barker ‘13 National Spanish Silver Medalist and Rising Star Dance Company Award

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The Alumni Association hosted Career Day on April 11 for the Class of 2014. During the event, students were offered a glimpse into the possibilities that lie ahead of them. The event was chaired by Erin Hirsch Zagnoev ’94.

Hutch Martin ’98 introduced the three alumni speakers.

Tom Bailey ‘81, founder, Professor Bailey’s Spicy Pimento Cheese Sharing his work history as a waiter, cook, labor economist, marketer for a publishing house, archivist, alumni director, and now entrepreneur, Tom engaged the students on how to start up your own company doing something you love. Learn more about his brand: http://www.professorbaileys.com/

Cate Thompson ‘12 greeted Catherine Stuart Vrettos ‘94 and her two daughters at the Saint Cecilia Academy Alumnae Easter Egg Hunt on April 12. Cate was selected as an SCA Ambassador. She helps give tours, welcomes guests to campus, and represents the school as one of SCA’s best.

Merrie Luton ‘11 Science Medal for Biology and tenth grade overall first place in the Middle Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition Lizzie Rohricht ‘13 All Year Honor Roll Cate Thompson ‘12 All Year Honor Roll and World Language Medal for French II

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Class Notes

Class Notes

Culminating in Confidence continued from page 3

continued from page 11

2011

JoHelen Baulch donned her Harding blue when she returned to campus to perform with the Brentwood Academy Singers at assembly on April 1. The Academy Singers is an auditioned vocal ensemble of 16 students who have the unique opportunity to record a professional-quality CD each year. CDs are available through the alumni office. If interested, contact Katherine Miller at millerk@ hardingacademy.org.

From left clockwise, eighth graders Kate Mabry, Owen Alsup, Liza Sweeting, and Ashlyn Pacconi

2013

Clay Close made the news when he caught a 28-inch walleye while fishing on Dale Hollow Lake. Clem Smith was in the Webb School’s spring play, Pride and Prejudice, held April 25, 26, and 27. Additionally, his mock trial team won the district competition and competed in the state mock trial competition March 15.

Congratulations to the following Harding alumni recognized at MBA’s 2014 Awards Ceremonies:

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awkward for adolescents who are growing into their own in terms of their learning styles, their passions, and their interests. In many K–12 schools, middle school students might receive less attention as compared to the youngest who are in need of more nurturing, and the oldest who are preparing for college. At Harding, eighth graders are the school’s leaders, and our model is helping them and their parents be better prepared for choosing a high school that’s the right fit at this developmental time,” Craig adds.

Whether participating with their parents in choosing the high school they will attend, leading on the field in various sports, or taking more responsibility for learning in the classroom, Harding’s eighth graders have one thing in

Clarke Allen ‘12—Outstanding Academic Achievement in History Nick Boney ‘10—Henry A. Fitts Award for Journalism, Jack Zager Poetry Award

and Wieck Big Red Spirit Award Clay Cavallo ‘11— Wallace Latin Award and Nashville Vanderbilt Club Award Harrison Davis ‘10—Outstanding Academic Achievement in Science Sam Gregory ‘10—Outstanding Academic Achievement in History and Outstanding

Academic Achievement in Fine Arts Coleman Kelley ‘10—Outstanding Academic Achievement in English Parker Logan ‘11—Beth and Dudley Warner Exchange Scholarship Bates O’Neal ‘10—Outstanding Academic Achievement in Fine Arts Grey Reames ‘10—Garrett Fulton Memorial Scholarship Ian Scholer ‘11—Rhodes College Award Stephen Sullivan ‘11—Outstanding Academic Achievement Foreign Language in Spanish Curtis Turner ‘11—Beth and Dudley Warner Exchange Scholarship Sam Weien ‘10—Rusell W. Carpenter Award for Community Service Ben Yahnian ‘10—Outstanding Academic Achievement in Fine Arts, John B. Hayes

Constitution Award and Patrick Hale Scholarship

Lane House Captain Carrie Lee Sullivan ’14 instructs members of her house in a Spirit Week sidewalk chalk activity.

common: confidence. The carefully planned progression that is the hallmark of Harding’s K–8 educational model has instilled confidence at every level in age-appropriate ways that have prepared students well for this final year send-off and beyond. In fact, Harding Academy is experiencing the lowest attrition ever in its 2014–2015 school year, reflecting a vote of confidence by parents that the model works well.

The elite high schools attended by graduates— and their often stellar performance there—is also testimony to the benefits of a Harding education.

Educational researchers, faculty, and administrators often describe the K–8 approach as having provided for the emotional, developmental, and academic transitional needs of a child. Alums often say that, as Harding graduates, they feel good about themselves, have made lifelong friends, and are ready to take on the world around them with confidence. u

The 2014–15 General News newsletters will focus on the grades one through five math and language arts specialists who make up the Learning Effectiveness Team. This series will highlight how Harding students are able to achieve such high success in national tests, and why the middle school is then able to prep its students for acceptance into the best high schools in Nashville and beyond.

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