4700 Fall/Winter 2019

4700 Weicker Center for Student Life

A TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT

SPI R I T O F

Fall / Winter 2019

2019-20 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Edward Alexander, Board Chair Roger Brown Rafael Calderon Laura Campbell Tobi Jane Frankfather Greg Hagood Steve Halas Daron Hall Patti Hudgins Dr. Tamika Hudson Kimberly Jackson John Larkin Michael Lindseth '88 Steve Maggart Ann McKinney John Mick

Mission Statement: Franklin Road Academy provides a challenging educational experience in an inclusive Christian community with an unwavering commitment to develop leaders of integrity and purpose.

R. Dale Mitchell Andrew Scarlett '97 Christy Smith Clif Tant '94

E X- O F F I C I O S Sean R. Casey Joc Collignon Mark Weeks, Past Board Chair Charley Williamson '88

LEADERSHIP TEAM Brandon Albright Director of Spiritual Life Sean Casey Head of School Ryan Harris Head of Middle School Aaron Howard

Director of Diversity, Inclusion and Community

Brenda Huff

Director of the Center for Philanthropic Studies

Jill Johnson Director of Advancement John Murray Dean of Academic Affairs Kris Palmerton Director of Athletics Prentice Stabler

Head of Upper School / Associate Head of School

Laura Turner

Director of Finance & Operations

Rick West Head of Lower School Courtney Williamson Director of Admission

I

Impact! As a faculty, we often talk about our desire to be high-impact educators who make a difference in the lives of our students. As you read this issue of the 4700, I hope you sense the impact that is taking

place on our campus for current and future generations of FRA students. As you read about the transformative impact of our newest space, the Weicker Center for Student Life, I am mindful the greatest impact takes place because of people like George Weicker and so many other extraordinary educators over the years who are committed to our students and our mission. While we are excited about the physical improvements to our campus and the positive effect they have on our community, we are about people and the transformative nature of the FRA experience. I hope you enjoy this edition, and thank you for your ongoing commitment to FRA . We are blessed to be part of this remarkable community.

SEAN R. CASEY

Contents WEICKER CENTER

F E AT U R E

1

HOW WE HIRE

1

Weicker Center for Student Life: A Transformative Impact

ACADEMICS

7

Senior Spotlight

15

How We Hire

15

CHAMPIONS

AT H L E T I C S

33

2019 Fall Recap

C AT S

33

ARTS

39

39

Fall Highlights

COPYRIGHTED 2020 BY FRANKLIN ROAD ACADEMY. Franklin Road Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, nationality, religion, or ethnic origin, or the administration of its educational and admission policies, scholarships, athletic, and other school-administered programs. Franklin Road Academy is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Southern Association of Independent Schools. The 4700 is a bi-annual publication of the communications office.

EDITOR / Leah Davis Glenn. CREATIVE DIRECTOR / Courtney Williams. CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS / Jessica McIntosh, Mike Straisinger, Lindsey McAlister, Ross Bolen. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS / John Murray, Aaron Howard, Sonia Brady, Jenna Lamm, Bob Chandler, Ed Zaborowski, Alisha Hayes, Beth Somers, Steve Somers, Hailey Williamson, Kelton Williamson, Ballard Boyd, Ashna Dadlani, Dane Carder, Kristen & Cullen Douglass, Barbara Esteves-Moore, Lindsey McAlister.

4700 SPIRIT OF FRA

F E AT U R E

21

A L L- C O M M U N I T Y TA I L G AT E

21

Spirit of FRA: 12-Year Club Seniors and Parents

ALUMNI PROFILES

F E AT U R E

47

Alumni Profiles

EVENTS

29

32

Homecoming, Grandparents Day, All-Community Tailgate

LEGAC Y BRE AKFA ST

47

ALUMNI

68

65

Class Notes

67

Announcements, Events, Alumni Weekend

73

Donor Spotlight

Weicker Center for Student Life

A TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT The Weicker Center for Student Life opened in August 2019 and has made a transformative impact on our campus. Named in honor of legendary teacher and coach George Weicker, the Weicker Center has approximately 38,000 square feet and features a state-of-the-art dining hall for middle and upper school students, four dynamic classrooms, cafĂŠ and spirit store, a dance/yoga studio, new wrestling room, Heart to Heart classroom, and commons spaces for collaboration and fellowship outside of the classroom. Associate Head of School Prentice Stabler and Heart to Heart Director David Dawson reflect on the impact this building has already made on our campus.

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F E AT U R E

T

The opening of the Weicker Center for Student Life this summer brought an incredible level of enthusiasm to the FRA

campus. The beautiful exterior, plentiful natural light, plethora of community spaces, and name, which paid homage to one of FRA’s great teachers and coaches, has had an immediate impact on our school.

Our goal in building the Weicker Center was to take the strengths of FRA — relational community, exceptional academics, and integrated spiritual and service life — and build upon those strengths. We wanted to create a place that reflects our school and enhances it. FRA provides extraordinary interactions between students and faculty as well as an excellent academic experience, and this space mirrors those interactions and the quality of the FRA academic experience.

After a semester living in the building, its impact continues to grow. From families gathering in the Weicker Commons to enjoy coffee while waiting for the end-of-afternoon dance classes to students studying in groups in the various study areas, people fill every part of the space from morning to evening.

A foundational belief during the Weicker Center’s design was that if the building provided spaces to build community and gather in various ways, our community would continue to thrive. The realization of that dream is on display every day. Breakfast time each morning finds Bible studies, elementary school families, groups of middle and high school students, and faculty all coming together in one space to enjoy one

“The transformation is unbelievable. In life, food is really important. Sometimes we miss how important it is in culture to sit down and share food. Sharing meals was a big part of Jesus’ mission. We didn’t know what we were missing…the enjoyment of being together. The great thing about the Weicker Center is it highlights who we are. It doesn’t change who we are, but it instead reflects who we are.”

another and build the bonds that make FRA special.

The academic spaces similarly reflect their

– JOHN PIERCE ’89 – UPPER SCHOOL RELIGIOUS STUDIES AND BOYS BASKETBALL COACH

goals. Students take their cues from the spaces they inhabit, and the modern, flexible Fall/Winter 2019 | 4700

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classroom spaces reflect the collaborative learning that we want students to engage in throughout the day. Our mission guides all that we do, and having the Center for Philanthropic Studies, Spiritual Life, and Diversity, Community, and Inclusion offices all at the center of the building ensures that these offices remain at the core of our school.

Another way the Weicker Center is connecting our community is through our dance program, the FRA School of Dance.

Last year, we made the decision to partner with Nashville Dance Center as we looked to build a dance program that gives students the opportunity to learn and enhance their craft beginning in lower school and moving all the way through middle and upper school. Because of this collaboration and the intentional creation of a large, light-filled dance/yoga space in the Weicker Center, the program has already grown leaps and bounds.

Most afternoons, you can find the new studio full of tiny dancers twirling, leaping, and balancing as they learn coordination, flexibility, and how to control their movements. Middle and upper school students are able to choose dance as an elective, and we are excited to offer a dance team option for those who want to perform at athletic events.

“I think it is great for parents to see this great space because they come in and see that FRA is investing in this program, and they are willing and eager to see it grow. I’m looking forward to seeing how the lower school enrichment will translate as they move up into middle and high school,” said dance director Sarah Rigsby.

“This gathering place reflects the fact that campuses are changing. During Tymon’s (’19) college recruitment process, we visited many different college campus facilities for students.

The Weicker Center looks just like what we saw at all the college campuses we visited.

The learning environment is changing, reflecting the collaborative approach to education. The Weicker Center represents FRA saying, ‘We’re here for what’s next.’”

The Weicker Center has grown to the physical and figurative hub of the school in just a semester. I am excited to see its impact grow

– DALE MITCHELL – FRA PARENT

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links the back of the building to the upper school and even more fully integrates this incredible space into our campus.

HEART TO HEART Part of the mission of the Heart to Heart program is to “prepare our students to lead productive lives beyond their years at FRA .”

The Weicker Center has made a tremendous impact on this and all other components of Heart to Heart. Located on the third floor of the new space, the brand new Heart to Heart room is equipped with an ample amount of space, a new Promethean board, new work tables, comfortable seating options, and a fully operational kitchen. These upgrades have been a blessing to the students and teachers of the program. Heart to Heart now has a home base that is easily accessible to all three divisions of the school. The open feel of the room offers plenty of daylight and provides a welcoming and comfortable environment that promotes learning for the students. A major addition has been the kitchen. Access to such a space allows the teachers to instruct the practice of enhanced living skills for the students of the Heart to Heart program as we prepare them for independent living once they leave FRA .

Being centrally located, this new room also encourages organic interactions among Heart to Heart students and their peers. Frequently, students are dropping in to say hello as they head to and from their classes in the Weicker Center.

Outside of the Heart to Heart room, the café has also provided invaluable opportunities for the students to learn job skills. The students are able to work as café interns throughout the week, interacting with customers, making drinks, working the register, and stocking items. We are thankful for this new space!

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“You use all your senses when you’re learning so the environment, the noises, the smells make a difference. It is much lighter with natural, ambient light in the classrooms, and we can move the furniture around to create spaces we need for our work. When students feel at ease, that helps them academically.”

– KELLY HUDDLESTON – UPPER SCHOOL TEACHER

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Senior Spotlight ANDREW COX I HAVE ATTENDED FRA SINCE… Pre-K5.

DURING MY TIME AT FRA, I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN… soccer, cross country, track and field, and the band.

Q A 7

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THE PERSON WHO HAS TAUGHT ME MOST AT FRA IS… It’s hard to say who has taught me the most because it seems most people would fit the bill for this question, but I would have to say Coach Gilreath. She has shown me more than just how to improve my running, she has helped me improve in life. It’s special when someone else takes on your dreams as their own.

MY MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE/MOMENT AT FRA IS… going to Disney with the band sophomore year because there were many laughs and great memories that I will cherish for a lifetime.

MY BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT DURING MY TIME AT FRA HAS BEEN… winning state in cross country my junior year. It was something that was unexpected and a culmination of years of hard work.

ACADEMICS

THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A 12-YEAR CLUB

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FRA HAS TAUGHT

MEMBER IS… the years of friendships and bonds that

ME IS… not to be afraid to set goals high and that even

I’ve formed with students and teachers.

if I fail, that’s okay.

OVER THE LAST 12 (OR MORE YEARS), I HAVE BEEN PUSHED OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE BY… learning to play an instrument in the band.

‘‘

I am focused, driven, and conscientious.

I have a secret talent for making paper airplanes.

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Q A I am passionate, intentional, and positive.

I speak French.

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AVA ACKERMAN I HAVE ATTENDED FRA SINCE… Kindergarten.

DURING MY TIME AT FRA, I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN… a number of sports, but basketball and tennis have been the two that have stuck with me. I’m the president of our chapter of the National Honor Society and lead our annual service project, Dance Marathon. I’ve also been involved in Best Buddies since middle school and currently lead our high school chapter, I’m on the leadership team for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and I’m a student ambassador!

‘‘

If I could be a teacher for a day, I would definitely teach history.

THE PERSON WHO HAS TAUGHT ME MOST AT FRA IS… Lisa Zenner. Coach Zenner has been my advisor

OVER THE LAST 12 (OR MORE YEARS), I HAVE BEEN PUSHED OUT OF MY COMFORT ZONE BY

for the past four years of high school, and she is what I

TRYING… to be a leader. The faculty have always

like to call my “school mom.” She has been much more

encouraged us to be leaders in our community and

than a teacher to me and has been an important mentor

have set great examples for us. When I was in lower

to me for years now. She has taught me that I don’t

school, I was learning about what serving others looked

have to be perfect to succeed. Coach Zenner constantly

like on a basic level. As I transitioned to middle school,

reminds me that failure is a natural part of life, and that

I was challenged to put the interests of others before

it is only a springboard for more growth. She never fails

myself. Finally, in high school, I’ve been challenged to

to celebrate me and my achievements, but is also right

do not necessarily what others are doing but what is

there to encourage and inspire me when I’ve

right. I’ve learned that being a leader primarily consists

fallen short.

of being attuned to the needs of others, and this requires daily and conscious practice. Thankfully, FRA

MY MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE/MOMENT AT

has helped me shift my mindset to one of servanthood

FRA IS… my interim trip sophomore year, a mission

following in the footsteps of Christ.

trip to Nicaragua. I had never been out of the country without my family, and being one of the younger ones

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FRA HAS TAUGHT

on the trip, I was a little nervous. Before we had even

ME IS… the importance of a strong foundation. As

gotten off the plane, I was already laughing and playing

I’ve gotten older, I have become more and more

card games with upperclassmen. When we got there,

appreciative of the Christian aspect of my school.

in order to enter into a time of intentional service and

Whether it be on mission trips, service projects, Bible

reflection, we turned off our phones for the week. This

studies, or just daily conversation, I’ve gotten to witness

disconnect actually led us to be more present and

Christ at work in the lives of my friends and teachers.

aware of the needs of those we came into contact with.

I’ve learned that there is no stronger foundation than

What I experienced that week was community, both with

Jesus Christ, and I am grateful for the opportunity to

Nicaraguans and the teachers and students on the trip

further develop my faith at FRA.

with me. From daily worship to celebrating birthdays, I made new friendships and also strengthened

I LOVE FRA BECAUSE… this school has provided me

existing ones.

with an environment that constantly pushes me toward growth as an individual and as a student. I’m so blessed

THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A 12-YEAR CLUB

to have attended a school where I absolutely love

MEMBER IS… watching myself and my friends become

the teachers and students I see daily. I am extremely

the big kids and get to love on the younger students.

grateful that I can both laugh with and learn from my

When I was little, I loved getting to watch and interact

teachers, because they are genuinely interested in me

with the older students, and it was always a highlight

as a person. I get emotional thinking about leaving my

when we got the chance to be in community with them.

peers when I go to school next year because I think it will be hard to find a community that supports each other so well.

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Q A HANNAH MADONDO I HAVE ATTENDED FRA SINCE… Pre-K4.

cared for me all these years like they would their own

daughter. I will miss the love.

DURING MY TIME AT FRA, I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED

IN… soccer, track, cheerleading, Best Buddies, Young

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING FRA HAS TAUGHT

Life, and service club.

ME IS… responsibility, how to care for others, how to

speak up, how to handle tough situations, and most of

THE PERSON WHO HAS TAUGHT ME MOST AT FRA

all, how to love everyone around me. Because of FRA, I

IS… Coach Tucker. I have known him for most of the

have learned to consider others' situations before I say

years I’ve been here, and he’s taught me how to love,

hurtful things, how to commit to all activities, and live

never give up, and live every day to the fullest.

every day as it may be my last.

MY MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE/MOMENT

I FEEL PREPARED FOR MY FIRST YEAR OF

AT FRA IS… probably the 4th grade talent show. I

here have given me. They never hesitate to help me

overjoyed when everyone loved the gymnastics routine

when I do not understand something and will work for

I did to, “I love Rock and Roll.”

however long I need it until I do. I feel lucky to have the

administration I have had at FRA, because I do believe

WHEN I THINK BACK ON MY TIME AS AN FRA

they are some of the best of the best to learn from.

STUDENT, THE ONE THING I’LL MISS THE MOST

IS… the amazing community that is formed around

I LOVE FRA BECAUSE… the love that is shared all

me. I love being able to know just about everyone at

around. There is never anyone who hesitates to help

this school, and they really are my FRAmily. Going to

you out when you need. I cannot find any others words

college is going to be tough because I will have to

to describe why I love it, but that it is love.

leave students who have quickly become my brothers and sisters, and leave an administration who has

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COLLEGE BECAUSE… of all the support the teachers

remember everyone’s dances, and I remember feeling

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‘‘

I am determined, outgoing, and caring.

I would definitely teach wellness or dance or something that I am not bad at so I don’t make students fail at life —haha!

On rare occasions and certain notes, I can slightly sing.

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Q A I am spontaneous, passionate, and enthusiastic.

JADEN HOLTSCHLAG I HAVE ATTENDED FRA SINCE… Kindergarten.

IF I’M NOT IN THE CLASSROOM, YOU CAN FIND ME… in the theater, choir room, dance room, or Mr. Kaiser’s room.

MY BIGGEST PASSION IS… definitely theater, and that passion began at FRA doing the shows in the middle school. I did not fully realize this is what I want to do

‘‘ I can clap with one hand.

If I could be a teacher for a day, I would teach AP Language & Composition.

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professionally until eighth grade. I believe FRA theater

place and senior year, specifically, so much more fun.

has prepared me for my future.

MY DREAM JOB WOULD BE TO… perform in a show on a cruise line on a national tour.

THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING A 12-YEAR CLUB MEMBER IS… watching FRA grow and change. With the addition of the Weicker Center, it is cool to say that I was at FRA before all of the new things were done. I

THE PERSON WHO HAS TAUGHT ME MOST AT FRA

could not tell you why, but being able to say I went to

IS… Mrs. Jewell. She has been such a great mentor to

FRA before all of the new stuff is so awesome. However,

me, and has really helped me reach my full potential as

seeing all the new things being added is so cool to see

a singer. I have had her for eight years now as a choir

how FRA is growing for the better. It has been cool to

director, and she has helped me improve tremendously,

watch how through all of the changes, the one thing

primarily with vocal control and breath support. Any

FRA values the most is the community.

time I had a problem, she would always be there with open doors to listen to me.

I LOVE FRA BECAUSE… it is such a community. After being here for 13 years, it is so incredible that I still feel

MY MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE/MOMENT

this community. FRA is unlike any other school because

AT FRA IS… definitely the senior parade. I remember

it brings people together and allows for high schoolers

being in middle school and looking up to those seniors

to hang out with middle school and lower school

in awe, hoping one day I could be like them. Any time

students. Consistently, FRA shows us how much they

one of them would either wave at me or throw candy

value community, which is something I am looking for

my way, I remember how excited I would get to be

at my future college. I love FRA because it has helped

recognized by the big seniors. It’s crazy to think about

me prepare for my future by allowing me to take the

how much I looked up to these seniors, especially being

courses needed to best prepare. I love FRA because

a senior now.

there are no limits or boundaries put on you as students in regard to how many sports, clubs, and activities you

MY BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT DURING MY TIME

can be involved in. It is so incredible that you can be

AT FRA HAS BEEN… serving as the president of the

involved in everything!

Vocal Ensemble. All my life, I have looked up to the past presidents and hoped to one day to be in that position. They show true dedication, leadership, and talent. Being able to lead and guide the choir is a huge deal for me. I have loved every minute of choir, and I am so grateful that the underclassmen had faith in me to lead them well.

WHEN I THINK BACK ON MY TIME AS AN FRA STUDENT, THE ONE THING I’LL MISS THE MOST IS… the teachers. FRA is so rare because the teachers are your friends and are always there to help you. Two who instantly come to mind are Mr. Bartha and Mr. Kaiser. Not only are they great educators, but they also care deeply about me and help me with all of my endeavors. It’s going to be so different next year, but that’s mainly because FRA’s teachers help make this Fall/Winter 2019 | 4700

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recruitment hiring integration community support lifelong learning

the foundation for extraordinary

HOW WE HIRE BY

JOHN MURRAY, Dean of Academic Affairs

CONTRIBUTING FACULTY: AARON HOWARD, ALISHA HAYES, BOB CHANDLER, JENNA LAMM, SONIA BRADY, ED ZABOROWSKI

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B

Because we know that at the heart

position on our website and list each position with

of any excellent school are great

several regional and national independent school

teachers and coaches, we spend

recruiting firms. I, along with the appropriate

significant time, energy, and

division head and department chair, review

resources identifying, recruiting, hiring, and

applications, and those candidates appearing

developing talented, committed educators

to meet our five criteria are selected for phone

from across the country. We are engaged in

interviews. A small number of candidates, typically

this process throughout the school year and

three or four, are selected to spend an entire

summer, and at its foundation is a clear vision

day on campus where they each meet with me,

of what characterizes a great FRA educator.

Mr. Casey, and other members of the leadership

First, we are looking for educators who feel

team, teach a lesson to a class of students with

a deep connection to our mission to provide

multiple teachers and leadership team members

a challenging educational experience in an

in attendance, meet with a variety of teachers, and

inclusive Christian community with an unwavering

take a tour of campus. We then collect feedback

commitment to develop leaders of integrity and

from everyone, and a recommendation is given to

purpose. Second, we are looking for educators

Mr. Casey.

who are passionate about helping young people learn and grow in a variety of ways. Third, we

The process does not end when an outstanding

are looking for educators who love their subject

candidate accepts an offer to join our FRAmily.

matter and have demonstrated expertise in

Our onboarding process when they start is

teaching their subject matter. Fourth, we are

designed to bring them into our culture, provide

looking for educators who are committed to their

them with the essential knowledge and tools to

own ongoing learning in the teaching profession.

get started, and connect each individual with

Finally, we are looking for educators who value

multiple people who will provide ongoing support

collaboration and are interested in being part of

and encouragement as they fully integrate into

a true community.

our community. In many schools that support and encouragement wanes over the course of the first

We work to identify teachers and coaches

year. The goal at FRA is that it never wanes. Every

with these characteristics throughout the year.

teacher, coach, and staff member, whether new

We often meet with local educators or those

or a 32-year veteran, co-creates a professional

relocating to Nashville and maintain files on

learning plan annually to ensure that we are truly

those who meet our criteria. In addition, as

a community of learners who always strive to

we attend conferences, we work to expand

improve our craft.

our networks and take note of individuals who impress us as being potential fits for the

There have been numerous physical improvements

FRA community. Due to these efforts, when

to our campus over the last few years: a new

positions do open up, we frequently have a list

road creating a loop around campus, a renovated

of good candidates. In fact, multiple faculty

chapel, a lower school canopy, and the Weicker

members have been hired through this ongoing

Center for Student Life. These new spaces

identification process.

were designed and built to be reflective of the extraordinary interactions happening on

In addition to contacting candidates already

our campus. Yes, the heart of a great school is

identified, once a position opens up, we have

found in great teachers and coaches, and we will

several different ways of actively recruiting

continue to make this a priority.

outstanding candidates. We post every open

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AARON HOWARD, 2019 I graduated from UCLA and immediately began teaching third grade in a public elementary school in Los Angeles. After a few years in this position, I knew I wanted to earn an advanced degree and continue working in educational institutions, so I pursued a master’s degree in counseling from San Diego State University. It was harder than I assumed it would be to quickly find an admissions or academic counseling position, so I started to do social work for a foster care agency. Soon thereafter, I was hired as a full-time worship pastor for Mountain View Church in Temecula, California. It was through this position that I learned how to collaborate with peers on decision making, engage in strategic planning, manage teams well, and plan and execute large events. That job was a lot of work, but a lot of fun, and I am still in communication with the people I served alongside at that church.

I felt the call to begin preaching more actively, so I enrolled in Fuller Theological Seminary, where I studied both theology and ethics. Through my ethics courses, I researched the issues of diversity and racial reconciliation that had been important to me since I was a child. I enjoyed these classes so much that I decided to pursue a doctorate in ethics at Vanderbilt, so my family moved from Southern California to Nashville!

I served as a professor at Vanderbilt, teaching both Southern Religion and Culture and The Social Roles of Religion in the thought of Martin Luther King, Jr. During this time, I served as a teaching fellow for numerous classes in ethics, theology, and history. Toward the end of my degree program, I began teaching Religious Studies at an independent school here in Nashville.

After three years teaching there, in 2019, I accepted the position as director of diversity, inclusion, and community at FRA. My colleagues at FRA are indefatigable! It is astounding the support they provide for students and one another and how they teach leadership. The diligence, tenacity, passion, and intentionality of the faculty have been demonstrated to me many times over. There is genuine love and concern for every student. I get so motivated and encouraged to reach the bar they have set! My FRA colleagues work so joyfully and sacrificially that I can’t help but be inspired by them.

BOB CHANDLER, 1992 In high school it became clear to me that I wanted to pursue a career in music. My father was my band director, and music seemed to be a natural fit for me.

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In 1983, I entered Middle Tennessee State University.

Late in my junior year, I postponed my graduation from university when I accepted a job as the saxophonist for the band Sawyer Brown, who had just been signed to Capitol Records. With Sawyer Brown, I traveled on the Kenny Rogers, Hank Williams, Jr., and Alabama tours, and had a full calendar of performance dates. It was a tremendous experience that included television, award shows, and large music festivals.

After a year on the road, I returned to MTSU to complete my music degree. Following graduation, I became a graduate teaching assistant with the music department at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and continued working as a musician doing musicians union contract work, including Broadway road shows, Ringling Bros. and Barnum Bailey Circus shows, as well as corporate music events.

It was in 1992 that I decided that I wanted to begin building my music education career through the independent school system. During this time I was able to teach at FRA as well as another independent school and then in 1999 the opportunity to return to FRA presented itself. FRA’s mission and community had always resonated with me. My sons were only six months and three years old at the time, but already my wife Sherri and I knew it was where we wanted to enroll our sons. And I knew it was where I wanted to continue my music education career.

I knew the faculty, I believed in FRA’s mission, and knew that it was not only the right place for me, but the best place for our family. My sons are both alumni now, and I continue to grow and be motivated by my role here. I am the biggest fan of my colleagues at FRA. I’ve now had the privilege to watch them from the eyes of a parent, as well as the eyes of a colleague.

Our teachers constantly amaze me with the energy, love, and expertise they share daily with our students and each other. My colleagues continue to be uniquely innovative, highly driven, and passionate educators.

Our Faculty Fellows Program has brought talented, highly engaged, early career educators to walk alongside our students and staff, and their contributions to our school climate have been energizing! Year after year, our leadership has placed outstanding new faculty in key positions, helping us grow to be the best school in Nashville. With new course offerings, signature programs, and facility improvements, we are not standing still.

The students at FRA are like family to me. We share so many moments in the creative process of music making. As a band director, there are many students I will teach for eight years of their FRA journey. I love this responsibility! I grow to know their families, and I see

AARON HOWARD, DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, INCLUSION, AND COMMUNITY Ph.D., Vanderbilt University; M.A., Fuller Theological Seminar; M.A., San Diego State University; B.A., University of California, Los Angeles

BOB CHANDLER, BAND DIRECTOR, INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC GRADES 5-12 B.M., Middle Tennessee State University

JENNA LAMM, ENGLISH TEACHER – GRADE 7 B.A., Vanderbilt University

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SONIA BRADY, PHYSICS I, AP PHYSICS 1, INTRO TO ENGINEERING TEACHER Ph.D., Vanderbilt University; B.S., Trinity University (San Antonio, TX)

JENNA LAMM, 2016

ED ZABOROWSKI, ALGEBRA I, GEOMETRY HONORS, AP CALCULUS TEACHER B.S., Vanderbilt University

ALISHA HAYES, LOWER SCHOOL TEACHER – GRADE 1 Ed.D., Tennessee State University; Ed.S., Tennessee Technological University; M.Ed., Lipscomb University; B.S., Tennessee State University

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tremendous musical and social growth. I love seeing potential in a student and watching how they learn. They are becoming lifelong learners and leaders during their time at FRA. I love to see our students succeed, and I even love to see them work through the challenges that develop character, build confidence, and instill resilience.

Witnessing our students overcome challenges, growing, and succeeding, is a true joy. Our students and their families, continually inspire me to be my best.

When I decided I’d like to teach at an independent school, I looked all around Nashville. Through my appraisal, not one school compared to FRA. The community at FRA is unparalleled — we are truly a FRAmily. FRA’s mission of Christian inclusivity combined with the academic rigor resonated with me because I believe it is imperative to educate the whole child. I am proud to teach in a school that helps students advance academically while simultaneously motivating students to grow in empathy, kindness, and grit.

My colleagues truly impress me on a daily basis; I am beyond blessed to

work alongside such talented, compassionate professionals. As a teacher, they motivate me to try new activities, incorporate new technologies, find ways to address the needs of our diverse learners, and take educational risks. Additionally, they inspire me to give back to the community, grow spiritually, and be the best version of myself. I never lose sight of my own experience as a student. Many of these notions guide my teaching practices, and knowing that I impact the lives of each of my students during such a monumental stage of their lives inspires me to work hard for them each day.

SONIA BRADY, 2017 I moved to Nashville in the summer of 2011 to start a PhD program in chemical and biomolecular engineering at Vanderbilt after earning my BS in engineering science (summa cum laude) from Trinity University.

After my first semester as a teaching assistant at Vanderbilt, I knew teaching was going to be a large part of whatever I ended up doing. At the time, I figured that I would end up teaching at a small liberal arts university, but during my time at Vanderbilt, I started doing volunteer work in local middle schools through the Vanderbilt Student Volunteers for Science (VSVS) program. My work with VSVS then led me to become a science teaching fellow through the Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach. By the time I was starting my last year of graduate school, it had become clear to me that K-12 education was where I was being called more so than higher education.

It was during my last year of my PhD program that I also earned my teaching certification and that I met informally with Mr. Casey. I interviewed for a position at FRA in October and signed a contract before the first of November for the following school year. I had intended to visit as many school settings as possible, but I fell in love with FRA my first time on campus. God made it abundantly clear that this is where I was supposed to be and that this was the job that He’d been preparing me for.

ED ZABOROWSKI, 1980 I chose a profession in teaching because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people.

I lost a close friend from high school at the age of 20, and that weighed heavily on me. I always wished there was more I could have done, and so I set out to help students make the right decisions in their lives. That has been the primary focus of my teaching career.

teaching position because I liked what I saw here — a small school with a family atmosphere.

And, while I played football in college, I had previously never considered how coaching and athletics could be an additional avenue of development for myself and the student body. I coached several sports in my first years at FRA and then transitioned into the role of director of athletics — a position I served in for 12 years!

I have stayed at FRA for several reasons. One was that my own children spent 15 years of their lives here. That was a special time for me. By the time they graduated I just felt like a fixture in the community. I wanted to continue to make a difference and grow as a person and educator. I still get butterflies in my stomach before every school year because so much is unknown. Will I make a connection with this new group of kids? Can I make a difference in their lives? Can I help them grow spiritually and emotionally? My goal as a teacher has remained the same: I want to help young people excel.

ALISHA HAYES, 2018 Prior to my interview at FRA, I had a feeling that it would be more momentous than the others. I was reassured by a friend’s words of advice over the phone.

She told me to “just trust your gut, and let God guide.”

Walking through the door at FRA, I felt tremendous gratitude not just for the opportunity to come and interview, but I immediately felt welcomed and at ease, greeted by smiling teachers at the door.

As the interview process continued, the strength of this community of educators became clear to me. I probably interviewed with seven or eight different staff members from across the campus, and each time I felt immediately welcomed and respected. I was also able to participate in a Friday chapel. I listened to children sing and saw the community come together to worship.

Looking out into the sea of students and faculty, I knew this was what God had chosen for me.

It wasn’t an accident that I met the most amazing people at the People of Color hiring fair, and how I had dashed home to apply online. It’s evident to me that I didn’t chose FRA on my own, FRA also chose me.

What I love most about FRA is that everyone here wants to be here. As a teacher, I want to instill in my students that being loving, caring, and respectful is of the utmost importance. I am motivated each day by how my colleagues love and are committed to this school and the children. We unite as one through everything. Our division head, Rick West, is professional, understands children, respects and listens to the teachers, is encouraging, and always has a smile on his face. This is one of the most joyful places I have ever worked.

I began teaching at FRA in 1980 right out of college. Following my interview, I accepted a

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SPIRIT OF 12-YEAR CLUB SENIORS AND PARENTS

Beth Somers // Class of 1984

I

I started kindergarten on the first day FRA opened in 1971, and after leaving for two years when my father was transferred to New York, I returned in eighth grade and graduated in 1984.

When I think back to my time as a student, a few things come

to mind. I remember Mrs. Helen Dale, my favorite teacher, who was my third-grade permanent substitute teacher. She also became my English and geometry teacher my sophomore year, and she was the sponsor for the girls’ service club, the Anchor Club. Back then, a service program was a new thing, so she started that service mindset on our campus.

One of my favorite memories from my FRA years is the all-school photo, which would have been probably 24 inches wide. Some of the teachers like Damon Region and Coach Bartlet would start on the left side as the camera panned, and they would run behind us. When the photo was printed, they would end up on the right side of the photo as well. If you went to FRA back in that era, it’s just a funny photo to go back and look at. I also remember Mr. Bradshaw surprising all of us with a fun day in the spring. We were always anticipating the day when Mr. Bradshaw would shut the doors for the day, and everybody would go and play in the park. It was a blast.

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F E AT U R E

BETH AND STEVE

2020

1984

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When it was time for us to choose a school for our

made on the playground in kindergarten the second

three boys – George, Steve, and John – we chose FRA

week of school.

because I wanted them to have the exact same school experience I had. FRA is every bit of what it was for

Like George, I still have lunch every two or three

me and even more today. The opportunities our sons

weeks with two friends from first grade. I don’t know

have had here has been amazing, and I am excited

how you can put that kind of bond into words.

to say that each of them has been able to have a different personal experience while also enjoying the

Steve, who is a senior this year, loves the academics.

same things I did as a student. I hope one day they

He has taken many AP courses and loves the

look back and realize what they had just like I do.

challenge of academics. He has also been part of the cross country team for four years. Many of his

As a parent, I continue to thank my parents because

teammates have been together since lower school,

of the sacrifices they made so I could attend FRA, and

and that’s fun to watch. I’m excited to see his path.

I am proud to be able to make those same sacrifices

It has been exciting to see the relationships and

for my own children. The academics, spiritual life, and

the friendship in his class and those in other grade

the culture are things that are invaluable.

levels grow. Again, that was similar to my experience.

When I was here, I had friends who were older often

The thing about FRA is that it offers unique

due to them being my teammates, and I have kept

experiences for everyone. My boys are different, and

up with many of those friends throughout the years.

each of them has found what makes them happy.

Classification of your grade was not important, and

My son George, who graduated in 2016, played

I see that with Steve's friends. He communicates

five sports in high school and took a number of AP

regularly with a junior in college who was a lunch

courses. His advisor, Rod Jones, had a profound

buddy with Coach Zenner and the lunch bunch. I

impact on George and the others in his advisory. I

love that because, in a way, they are mentoring his

don’t know that students participating in advisory

experience. He knows a little about what’s ahead for

really understand how critical that program is. The

him because those relationships – such deep-rooted

program is unique because you aren’t necessarily

friendships – have continued.

in a group with your best friends, but you develop such a strong bond. I think programs like this allow

John, who is a sophomore, has many classmates who

students to develop friendships with people who

will be part of the 12-Year Club. Those friendships

have different interests and friend groups, so they are

are very strong. I coached his basketball team for

more prepared for college and in the workplace.

four years, so I have close friendships with a lot of those parents. My husband also helped coached the

George was well-prepared for college, and I

baseball team for those boys. Again, I think it goes

can’t imagine re-scripting his senior year. It was

back to a sense of community. It is going to be fun to

phenomenal from start to finish, from football to

see their class over the next couple of years as they

soccer to great friendships of 13 years. And his

finish out and finish strong.

relationships from FRA are still as strong as can be.

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He and his friends from FRA text each other from

John has Coach Zab as his advisor. Coach Zab was my

college often if not daily. That’s a support system that

calculus teacher as a senior, so it’s amazing that he is

will continue. His best friend today was the friend he

spending all that time every week with my son when

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he taught me 35 years ago in the classroom. I think

grown with things like Angel Buddies and Service

those relationships are unique. Coach Tucker has a

Day, but at the core it’s still planting seeds for

great relationship with George, my oldest, and I know

your spiritual life as a person.

they text back and forth, and they grab lunch every once in a while. As a mom, you can’t really explain,

When I drive through the campus today, and I

how that feels for your kids to be loved and have

come into the front gates, it’s so different. The

other role models like that.

acres look so different, yet the spirit of the school is the same. The new Weicker Center has opened

I love the fact that some of the traditions the boys

doors for socializing and friendship that you can

have participated in are ones that I also did as

experience before and after school. Even though

a student. For instance, I’ve seen all three boys

we’ve grown as a school physically, FRA is not

participate in spray painting The Hill. It is funny to

about the buildings. When I come on campus, it’s

me because when I was here the first year of the

the same feeling I had when I was a student. I get

school, they were just trying to get the grass to grow

a sense that my kids are getting what I wanted

on The Hill. That was Coach Andrews’ – who was the

them to get. So many things have changed, and

football coach – big adventure. Today, when you walk

yet so much remains the same.

up to The Hill, it’s this gorgeous turf that overlooks Nashville. The Hill overlooks the beautiful soccer

My boys roll their eyes when I say those were the

field, track, baseball, and softball fields, which makes

days, but I love that we share so many memories.

me smile to think of how far we’ve come from the

I love having Bill Bradshaw’s grandchildren walk

beginning. The spray painting of The Hill is a big deal

the halls today. Every time I see them on campus,

for all my boys, and they have eagerly awaited that

it makes me smile.

Friday of Homecoming week to be able to do that each year.

Steve Somers // Class of 2020

Spiritual Emphasis Week is also huge for me.

I became a Christian sitting in the high school

I’ve been here for 12 years, and one thing I love

auditorium when I was in eighth grade during

about FRA is that my mom and my brother had

Spiritual Emphasis Week. It holds a special place for

some of the same teachers I have and my brother

me. Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Billy Sprig, and

will have. Being able to share the same memories

Kathy Troccoli performed. I remember Amy Grant

as them and build on that has been the most fun

sitting on a bar stool on the high school auditorium

thing about going here.

stage in a button down and jeans and really no one knew who she was, while Michael W. Smith was

I love that my mom, brothers, and I all attended

playing the piano in the high school auditorium. I

FRA because we have gotten to see the school at

always looked forward to Spiritual Emphasis Week

different stages. My mom attended right at the

because I knew it was going to be special, and so,

beginning; my brother was in high school during

I’ve always looked forward to that for my own boys. I

a time of transition; I’m reaping the benefits of

think, as an adult, the more you look back, the more

the beginning of campus improvements like the

you realize the seeds that were planted during that

chapel renovation and the Weicker Center; and

week. Spiritual Emphasis Week has evolved and

my younger brother will have access to even more

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upgrades like the athletic center.

strive to be something, knowing we are setting an example in the classrooms, on the playing fields, and

It’s also funny to think about having the same

in the community. Also, the Christian environment

teachers as my mom. Coach Zab was her teacher,

sets our school apart. I know there are a lot of

and he taught me geometry my sophomore year.

Christian schools, but we value that and put it at the

It was a hard year because our house had burned

forefront of everything.

down over that summer, and I wasn’t a great student during that time. Even though geometry was not

While the 12-Year Club is a close group, I would also

my best or favorite subject, Zab and I had a great

say that the small community allows everyone to get

relationship in as well as outside of the classroom.

involved in all areas of the school and make friends

He was and is a great teacher. Teachers like Zab who

with different people in different ways. Because

have had multiple members of our family have always

of the small size of our community, we are able to

understood our different personalities. I’m different

participate in many different things. I’ve been a

than my older brother, and I feel like my teachers all

member of the cross country team for four years, as

recognize that. It’s cool for us to grow up with the

well as Best Buddies and National Honor Society. I

same teachers who know us. I’ll miss it.

was also the basketball manager for two years and am a student ambassador.

When I look back on my experience, one of my favorite memories happened in second grade. It was

I remember joining the cross country team freshman

Homecoming, and it was my birthday that Friday. I

year. I wasn’t excited to go to practice because I

was paired with a senior football player, and we got

didn’t know anyone at first, but I met two girls a year

to run out in front of the whole school at the pep rally

older than me and we quickly became good friends.

(something that is still done today), and I was just so

I ended up being in French with one of them, and

excited because it was my birthday. And, this year,

the other girl and I signed up for a random class just

being part of the senior parade during Homecoming

so we could take it together. And also with my older

week is also one of my favorite memories.

brother having gone here, I was friends with a lot of his friends. In classes you’re mixed with students

FRA has taught me a lot – how to work hard and

in every grade, so you obviously make friends with

persevere and how to take care of myself. I know how

everyone in your classes.

to work hard but that also I’m a person who needs to have morals and values. I’ve been pushed by teachers

As I look forward to next year and beyond, I know

to take hard classes with them saying, “I know you

I’ll miss the relationships and moving through

can do it.” These same teachers and classes have also

high school with the same people – not only my

challenged me as a person, and I have loved forming

classmates but teachers as well. I’ll miss the tight-

new relationships with my teachers.

knit community; I’ll miss advisory; and I’ll miss the teachers. But I know that FRA will always be a big part

I know that FRA is unique. The connection between lower, middle, and upper school students is important, and I remember being a lower school student and knowing all of the high schoolers’ names.

I know that relationship lets us as older students

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of our family.

HAILEY AND KELTON 1985

2020 Hailey Williamson // Class of 1985

I

I started at FRA in 1972, which was the year after the school was founded, and I was a student here for 13 years. I mean, I was here through my whole childhood, and I could probably go through and name every teacher I’ve had through eighth grade.

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I remember my dad helping Mr. Bradshaw shovel

I’m realizing that these are the lasts. But the truth

snow to get the doors open on a snowy day. It’s fun

is, I’m always going to be plugged into FRA.

to see my parents’ sense of ownership in FRA even today. They see themselves as “founding parents,”

As a parent, I look back at my boys’ experiences,

and it’s true. We all have a lot of sweat equity here.

and while they are different people in their

I’m a nostalgic guy, and I love that I am still involved

personalities and interests, I can honestly say that

and plugged into this community.

FRA means to them what it means to me. Hale, who is a student at Samford, will come home and FRA

When I think about my time at FRA, the first thing

will be his first stop. To me, that is huge.

that comes to mind is sports. I played football, and baseball was my biggest sport. I was actually here

FRA has obviously been a huge part of my life –

when the baseball field was built, and we played on

52 years to be exact. I can’t imagine my family

it my junior year and won state that year. I remember

anywhere else. I learned how to be genuine and

helping rake the field during P.E. It’s always been

how to treat people with respect. FRA shaped me,

such a community, and now, when I go to the South

and I look back and know that it was the perfect

Campus where the Scarlett Family Chapel is, I think

place for my family.

“this is where my fifth grade class was.” It doesn’t look like it used to, but there are spots on campus that I’m reminded of specific moments – like I

Kelton Williamson // Class of 2020

remember where I was when President Reagan got shot. And then there are parts of campus that have

As a senior now, it is crazy to think about how much

been changed for so long that I don’t even think

I have grown and all that I’ve learned since starting

about the old. The commons area, which was the

at FRA in pre-k4. I’ve always loved the opportunities

center of our school activity in high school, is now

that are available here – I can come in and play

just a pass through.

football and also design my own tennis shoe. I can take all the AP courses I want, knowing I have

While a lot of the campus has changed, the heart of

teachers who are here to support me. I literally have

the school is still the same. And that is why, when the

a teacher who is just as excited for me to create my

time came for us to choose a school for our boys,

own shoe as I am to finish. Coming to FRA at such

Hale and Kelton, it was a no-brainer. There was no

a young age, I didn’t understand the full gravity of

doubt in my mind that FRA was where I wanted them

the experience I was being put into. I just knew my

to be. I love that they were able to experience some

dad graduated from here, and he loved it. And, as I

of the same things I experienced as a student like

grew older, I understood why. Everyone in my family

nights on The Hill.

has been involved here. My mom works here, giving back to the place that has given so much to my

Spiritual Emphasis Week started when I was here. I

dad, my brother Hale, and me. You can ask any of

remember those weeks being influential on me,

us, and the word we would use when talking about

and it is cool that my boys were and are able to

FRA would be thankfulness.

experience it as well. With Kelton now being a senior,

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When I talk with my dad and Hale about our

about learning how to be a good man. FRA prepares

experiences, there are a lot of similarities. It’s never

you in a way that gets you excited and proud of the

been too big of a community, and it’s never been

information you’ve learned, but it isn’t a stopping

too small. My dad tells me that he was friends with

point; it is building you up for the rest of your life. I

everyone in his class and that everybody knew him. I

can attribute almost everything I’ve learned, all my

like to consider myself the same way. All three of us

experiences, and my character to this school.

played football, and it’s a cool feeling to know that we all shared the same sideline. The Hill is one of

One of the biggest changes I’ve seen since I started

the coolest parts about the FRA campus. It doesn’t

here has to be the campus. Obviously the new

matter if it is a game, two-a-days, workouts on the

building is a huge change. I remember the pathway

field, the view never changes. It is cool that all three

going up to The Hill and doing hill sprints up the

of us were able to play on that field, take in the views,

pathway. It’s definitely different looking back to

and experience playing for FRA.

those workouts in middle school to now standing in that commons area and remembering what used to

Even going back to lower school, I remember being

be there. The Weicker Center is awesome, though.

so excited about coming to FRA. The first memory

I know this may be cheesy, but I love it because it

that comes to mind is in kindergarten. I remember

builds community – it isn’t just for one grade level,

being in class with Landry, Weston, Steve, Andrew,

it’s for the whole school. I’m also excited for the

and Kendall, and it is cool to know that they are

new weight room and what amazing changes that

people who I’m now graduating with and to see how

will bring. Thinking about what is coming to this

much our friendships have grown. From playing on

community in the future gets me excited. I’m looking

the playground then to graduating together, they

forward to coming back and seeing all the changes

are some of my best friends and will be for the rest

while also seeing the things that have and always will

of my life. That’s the thing about FRA. I have these

be the same – the community and the teachers who

friends, who have been here since the beginning,

have made such a big impact on my whole family.

and I have great friends who joined our class along the way. Along those same lines, the teachers have

FRA was a big part of my dad’s life, and I’m so glad

become my friends. I know people talk about how at

I can say it’s a big part of my life, too. I couldn’t

small schools your teachers know you, but at FRA it

imagine going anywhere else. It’s been so significant

goes a little further than that. Our teachers want us

to my family, and I know that when I look back, I’m

to succeed, and they are passionate about we are

always going to be thankful that my dad, Hale, and I

passionate about. They go to our games, support us

can all say FRA is a place where we grew up.

in plays, and support us in whatever we love to do.

Personally, the football coaches have been the most influential. They take time out of practice to talk about faith and what it takes to be a man in today’s world. So many lessons have come from that, and the main one is that football isn’t just about winning. It’s

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EVENTS

HOMECOMING

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EVENTS

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G R A N D PA R E N T S D AY

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A L L- C O M M U N I T Y TA I L G AT E

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SPORTS ACCOLADES FA L L R E C A P 2 0 1 9

GOLF

TZUNAMI POLITO & EMILY WILSON

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AT H L E T I C S

GIRLS TEAM TSSAA Division II-A District Champions, Region Champions, State Champions

GIRLS INDIVIDUAL TZUNAMI POLITO

(PICTURED)

State Champion, Individual Region Champion, Tennessean All-Mid-State

EMILY WILSON

(PICTURED)

State Tournament – 3rd Place; Tennessean All-Mid-State

BOYS TEAM TSSAA Division II-A District Champions; State Tournament – 3rd Place

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VOLLEYBALL

JESSIE HUDDLESTON

GIRLS TEAM TSSAA Division II-A Regular Season District Champions

GIRLS INDIVIDUAL JESSIE HUDDLESTON

District MVP; All-District Tournament

EMILY GARDNER All-District

MEG EUBANKS

All-District 2nd Team

ANNA TAKAHASHI

All-District Tournament

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(PICTURED)

BOYS TEAM State Tournament – 3rd place

BOYS INDIVIDUAL ANDREW COX

(PICTURED)

State Tournament – 3rd Place

ETHAN RHODEN

State Tournament – 5th Place

WILL BRAAM

State Tournament – 10th Place

CROSS COUNTRY ANDREW COX

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FOOTBALL JACK NORRIS

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SEAN CASEY

BOYS TEAM Region Runner Up

BOYS INDIVIDUAL JACK NORRIS (PICTURED) Region Kicker of the Year All-Region

JOSIAH JACKSON, JEFFERY VERCHER (PICTURED), SEAN CASEY (PICTURED), KINGSTON GARDNER, KEVIN DONNELL, JACOB JACKSON All-Region 2nd Team

SAM TAYLOR, WILL WHEELER, HAYES DALTON

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arts 39

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ARTS

Cats | Our upper school students put on the purrfect rendition of Cats in this fall's musical.

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4th Grade Visual and Performing Arts Show | Our fourth grade students showcased their visual and performing talents in this annual event.

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Band & Choral Concerts | Our band and choral students welcomed the Christmas spirit in their annual Christmas concerts.

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Cocoa & Carols | The sights and sentiments of the season were on full display when our arts students performed their musical and performing talents in this always-popular production.

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A L U MN I

PROFILES We are always amazed at the work our alumni are doing in their professional lives and communities. In this section, alumni share their stories about life after graduating from FRA .

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F E AT U R E

ASHNA DADLANI '16 University of Wisconsin-Madison '20, Client Services Team Associate, AlphaSights, New York City I first came to Franklin Road Academy when I was four years old, and I was presented with so many great opportunities that helped shape me into the person I am today. My time at FRA was so rewarding, and I am thankful to all of the faculty and students who helped me grow and succeed. Since graduating in 2016, I have been at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where I am about to finish my senior year. I am double majoring in International Studies — Global Security and Political Science with a minor in European Studies, topics I love because they open up so many opportunities for me and allow me to learn about current events taking place all over the world.

I realized my love of learning about these subjects during my time at FRA because of the wide range of classes that were offered. One class in particular, AP European History, was one of my favorite classes because it made me curious about learning more about the world. In college, I have been able to further my studies stateside as well as abroad. During the spring semester of my junior year, I traveled to Barcelona, Spain, where I tried a lot of new foods, practiced and refined my Spanish-speaking skills, and took part in many Spanish cultural events. I also took classes that are not offered in the U.S. — like a class dedicated to the urban planning of Barcelona — studying the

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Buddies chapter at FRA , and I wanted to continue this

I WAS ALSO ABLE TO STUDY THE CATALONIAN CULTURE WHILE WATCHING THE SEPARATIONIST MOVEMENT TAKE PLACE RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME.

through college. At FRA , I served as the vice president for two years and helped organize fun and interactive events for all members of Best Buddies at school. This chapter was promotional, which allowed our students to connect with all the buddies across Middle Tennessee and spread the mission and values tied to this wonderful organization. Since Best Buddies was such a big part of my life at FRA , I wanted to continue working with them after I graduated. Thankfully, my university also had a Best Buddies chapter, so I was able to join and continue being a member. In my freshman year, I switched from a leadership role and became a peer buddy, which was something I had always wanted to do. Going to college, especially one far from home, was difficult at first, but

works of Antoni Gaudi, and visiting his architectural masterpieces. I was also able to study the Catalonian culture while watching the separationist movement take place right in front of me. Studying abroad also allowed me to travel around Europe and Morocco — experiences that were life-changing, and I am so grateful to have had this amazing opportunity.

The activities and clubs I partake in at UW-Madison were largely influenced by the opportunities given to me at FRA . For instance, because I was a student ambassador at FRA , I had the confidence and experience to apply for a tour guide position, which has been one of the most rewarding experiences at UW-Madison. I was able to easily transition from meeting prospective families and giving them tours of FRA to doing the same thing for prospective students in college. While my university’s campus is much larger, I would not have been comfortable doing this job if I hadn’t been exposed to it in high school. Another club I am still passionate about is Best Buddies. I was fortunate enough to be part of the group that brought in and integrated the Best

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having the consistency of Best Buddies helped me feel more at home in my new city.

Another great experience I was able to attain in college because of my experiences at FRA was becoming the membership vice president for my sorority on campus.

FRA allowed me to become a leader at school, and I was able to use these skills in my organizations in college. This role required me to organize and run

spring recruitment while balancing my job and my

such an incredible experience, and I am excited to finish

classes. I was prepared to face all of these obstacles and

college strong and enter the workforce right away. I

be a strong leader because I learned how to balance

am excited to move to a brand new city and continue

schoolwork, sports, and being involved and leading

growing, but I will always remember who helped me get

multiple clubs while at FRA . Many of my college friends

to where I am.

were not exposed to this and struggled early on while I was more prepared. Being prepared made my transition

The friendships and connections I made at FRA are the

a lot easier, and I have FRA to thank for that.

ones I hold close to my heart. I was a student at FRA for 12 years, and through this school, I met some of my best

Last summer, I was blessed to get an opportunity to

friends and was mentored by some of the best faculty

work for Kohl’s Corporate, and all of the skills I learned

members. Some of my classmates I am still in contact

in high school and college helped me prepare for this

with include Haylee Ferguson, Josh Schwaner, Drake

opportunity. I was a marketing intern for 10 weeks, and

Mitchell, Olivia Green, and Rob Funk, just to name a

I was able to learn about how a Fortune 500 company

few. It is rewarding to have these lifelong friendships,

functions and work with multiple marketing teams

especially those who I have been able to turn to during

to create plans for the future. The best part about the

harder times. Whenever I come back home, I always try

internship was doing real work for the business and

and make an effort to see my friends or visit the FRA

making a huge impact. The highlight of this experience

campus. Going back to campus is always so fun and

was definitely working with six other interns to

exciting. There are always new additions that make this

research, develop, and execute a new experience for the

place even more special, but it is always nice to see all

customers on the website. We were given full autonomy

the faculty who helped shape my life. My favorite spot

over this project, and we worked together for eight

on campus is definitely the bench outside the Seabury

weeks to create a new function. We had to create it

Family Conference Center. This bench is special because

ourselves, back up our reasoning with research, and

it is dedicated to my sister, a former student at FRA . This

test it out to see if it was a project the customers would

dedication meant a lot to my family and proves that FRA

actually enjoy and if it would bring more revenue for the

is a huge family.

company. This was rewarding because now when people go onto the Kohl’s website, they will be able to see a

The 12 years I spent at FRA were some of the best years

feature I helped create.

of my life. It is such a great experience being able to learn and grow at the same school, and I know that none

All of these experiences allowed me to grow and

of my achievements would have been possible without

eventually get a full-time job after graduating college.

this place. I was able to find my best friends, discover

I am excited to work for a company called AlphaSights

my passions, and grow into a strong woman who has

in New York City as an Associate for the Client Services

the tools to be successful in the future. FRA gave me the

Team. FRA and the UW-Madison gave me so many

foundation and knowledge to prosper, and I am forever

chances to prove myself and helped me develop skills

thankful to this school and everyone in it.

that allowed me to achieve all of the goals I set. This is

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BALLARD C. BOYD '00 Segment Director and Field Producer, CBS' The Late Show with Stephen Colbert I grew up loving movies and stories. When I was in third grade, I even tried writing my own novel, but I didn’t really have that much of a grasp on storytelling yet. Soon I was re-enacting and videotaping sketches and routines from SNL and David Letterman at sleepovers with friends.

I joined FRA in seventh grade and was there through high school. I made my first “official” short film for my sophomore English class (instead of writing a paper on The Catcher in the Rye). It was terrible, but I had to start somewhere. I was active in the arts: I played trumpet in the band, sang in chorus, and acted in almost all the plays and musicals. I spent a fair amount of my afternoons and weekends making videos with friends. I made videos for multiple English classes and even a physics class. My early film projects were edited by hooking two VCRs together, playing one and hitting record and pause on the other to stitch the footage together.

During my time at FRA , I was lucky that so many teachers were open to my experimenting with videos for my projects. I’m still grateful for that. In my senior year, enough students had taken an interest in filmmaking that the school let us design our own screenwriting course for one of our class writing requirements! That same year, a short film I made on the side was selected as a finalist in the National Children’s

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Film Festival and aired on HBO Family as part of a

cities before eventually deciding that I felt relatively at

program of student made movies called 30 by 30:

home in NYC. I made the move to Harlem at the top of

Kid Flicks.

2008 without a plan for a job.

After graduating from FRA , I attended Emerson College

Moving to New York was terrifying; I had friends but

in Boston, where I graduated magna cum laude with

no job. It was up to me to make something happen. Even

a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production. I wrote

though friends welcomed me and helped me move in,

and directed films during college, but making the

the first night I had no air conditioning, my lofted bed

leap to move to Los Angeles or New York was super

took up pretty much the entirety of my 8’ x 12’ room,

intimidating. Plus, even with training, I had no idea how

and it was so hot that I had to resort to sleeping on the

I would get a job.

floor beneath my bed with a fan just to sleep through the night. Luckily, the terror and worry I had made a terrible

Emerson taught me the basic building blocks of movie

mistake only lasted four days.

making, but my craft still needed to be honed to be up to par with those being paid to do it. So I moved back to

It took me about a year and a half to figure out how to

Franklin, Tennessee, and scooped ice cream at the Ben

consistently pay my bills, and I did a lot of odd jobs,

& Jerry’s on Main Street for almost a year. At the end of

including catering, data entry, hosting trivia-based

2004, I got the opportunity to move to Boulder, Colorado,

scavenger hunts, and making yoga videos for people on

to work for a non-profit in their video production

Craigslist. But despite this, I continued to use almost all

department. I leapt at the chance.

of my free time to make videos.

The non-profit video work wasn’t that challenging,

My friend and roommate at the time, Dave, introduced

but the silver lining of Boulder is that I started doing

me to a comedy troupe at Pace University started by one

comedy on the side with a friend from college named

of his best friends from middle school. The group was

Dave Burdick, who was a comedian, comedy writer, and

just starting to make a name for itself in the early days

journalist. Dave convinced the program council at the

of YouTube with weekly sketches online. I offered to

University of Colorado at Boulder to pay us to put on

direct their videos (which meant I would shoot and edit

a new original comedy variety show every six weeks,

their videos for free), and they agreed. It ended up being

featuring stand-up, sketches, sometimes a musical act,

one of the best situations I could’ve imagined. Within

and original videos, which I was directing. Over the next

that first year and a half, we made about 40 videos in all

couple of years, our show, “Secret Circus,” added a third

manner of styles (music videos, commercial parodies,

Emerson comedian to our team, and I began to perform

character pieces, list videos, etc.), and I now realize, that

in the live sketches. Soon we had built a following.

early time just making a TON of videos with a team of comedy writers and performers was a tremendously

After living in Colorado for three years, I knew I still

formative time for me because it got me in regular

wanted to make movies and that would necessitate

practice honing my craft.

making the jump to LA or NYC. I visited friends in both

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As someone who loved all kinds of movies and directors,

Sporting Goods, 3M, Bounce, Longhorn Steakhouse, and

such a big part of my time with this troupe was

Ace Bandages.

attempting to lampoon or rip-off other people’s styles, in order to best sell parodies. And making a new video

In the middle of that, I helped a friend who worked

every week got me less protective about my work. If I

at Google make a comedy sketch with some of his

messed up something and it wasn’t perfect, instead of

department colleagues for a company contest. I didn’t

beating myself up, I’d just say “What can I do differently

expect much to come of it, and the worst case scenario

next time because we’re shooting again on Saturday.”

was that I could include Google as a company that I had

Iterating over and over and getting regular feedback

“worked with.” The video didn’t win the contest, but it

from audiences radically transformed my skills. Slowly, I

did end up getting passed around Google, and within

even began to develop techniques and tricks to make our

a couple of weeks, it had been viewed by 30 percent of

productions look like they cost more money than they

the entire company staff worldwide! It even got me an

took to make.

interview and led to me working for Google for two years, writing and directing commercials in-house for

The whole time I was continuing to dive further into

Google products.

the comedy scene, going to improv and stand-up shows, meeting other comedians, actors, writers, and

While commercial work was paying the bills, I used

performers and starting to build a network of other

a portion of that income to subsidize other creative

like-minded friends. When we did work that we were

projects that I might not otherwise have been able to

proud of, we’d share it with each other. Then, friends of

raise money for: a web series featuring Jim Belushi, a

friends started to ask if I would help them with some of

few comedy sketches that aired on Comedy Central &

their videos. I was more than happy to do it, knowing it

Logo, and a handful of music videos, both comedic and

could help build my portfolio. Through these projects,

not. A surprising/not surprising fact: there isn’t a lot

I got the opportunity to direct, first, a series of short

of money out there for music videos since everyone

commercials for Mountain Dew to accompany a web

started streaming music, but they can still be fun ways

series; and second, a series of sponsored sketches with

to visually experiment if you can make them cheaply!

Captain Morgan for a sports blog leading up to the

In 2014, my music video “Runaway” for the Middle

Super Bowl. I did both for incredibly little money, going

Tennessee-based band Self made it on Rolling Stone’s

so far as to actually shoot all of the Mountain Dew

“Top 20 Most Awesome Music Videos of 2014” list as

commercials (with the bottles moving like puppets) in

number 10 for the year.

front of tiny sets built in my dining room, and recruiting my roommate to voice some of the characters with me. I

Then in 2015, I had brunch with a couple of friends,

barely broke even, but it turned out that making comedy

one of whom was a production assistant at The Colbert

on the internet translated well to commercials.

Report on Comedy Central. Stephen Colbert had ended that show a few months earlier to take over The Late

Over the next few years, I developed relationships

Show from David Letterman, and the new show was just

with several ad agencies to take on writing as well as

starting to gear up and hire folks.

directing spots for companies like Wild Turkey, DICK’s

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As I said, I was a huge Letterman fan in middle school,

before the show premiered in September. Immediately

and he was a big part of my early comedy influences.

I got to direct Stephen in promos for the internet

In college, I had become a huge fan of Jon Stewart and

because he was just itching to get back in front of a

Stephen Colbert while watching them just about every

camera leading up to the show’s launch. For the first

night with friends in our dorm.

two seasons of the show, I worked as a digital producer, shooting, directing, and editing over 140 videos (being

I had met this particular friend at an Emerson College

promoted all over the internet) just in the first six

alumni mixer a few years before. The morning of our

months of the show. Even though these videos were

brunch, she shared she was moving over with Colbert’s

initially supposed to only be used as promotional

new show on CBS and let me know the staff was looking

material for the web, our sketches started to catch

to hire a “digital producer” and encouraged me to apply.

the eye of Stephen and our head writers, who begin

The job wasn’t clearly defined, but I felt I didn’t have

updrafting some of them onto the TV show itself.

anything to lose by applying! I sent over a smattering of different samples of my work. The interview went well,

Over the first two seasons of the show, more and more

and I was hired as one of three digital producers on their

“digital” videos started being put on air, to the extent

digital and social media team for the new show.

that by the end of season two, I had almost 50 segments that had aired on TV. So in season three, I moved

I started at The Late Show in July 2015, two months

to the field department, where I now direct full time for broadcast.

The field department covers all of the comedy pieces that don’t happen in front of a live studio audience, including traditional “field pieces” that are unscripted comedy bits filmed on-location (like “Stephen Visits NASA” or any Daily Show segment with a correspondent). These are almost like comedy documentaries. You go into the field with a plan, structure, and some jokes, and then improvise based on what arises, and the piece is largely constructed and “written” in the edit. Additionally, we produce the “scripted pieces” that include written sketches done with celebrities, commercial and movie parodies, and music videos (like most of SNL’s “Digital Shorts”).

Because we’re an hour-long nightly comedy talk show on five days a week, we always have a need for field pieces. Sometimes we have a good amount of lead time

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to produce, shoot, and edit a segment, so we could take

which we work still necessitates that I use the tricks I’ve

several days or a week to put together an elaborate and

learned over the years to make our sketches look like

involved segment. Other times we’re responding to

they had more time and resources than they do. The fact

something that just happened that day in the news, and

that they air on CBS is still bonkers to me!

for those situations, we sometimes have to shoot a full commercial parody in a matter of hours, then tape it in

Almost all of the opportunities I’ve gotten have been

front of a live audience that afternoon at 5:30 p.m. in

built through connections with people and relationships

order to air it at 11:35 p.m. that night.

that I’ve developed over the years combined with the dedication to continually make more and more work, not

We’re now in our fifth season and currently the #1

just to get better at my craft, but because it’s essential

rated late night show in America. I’ve directed almost

and always exciting to do — whether it’s crafting

100 segments for the show, and in 2018, I joined the

an elaborate one-of-a-kind paper pop-up book for a

Director’s Guild of America. I’ve gotten to direct pieces

commercial for Google, or directing a sketch about time

not only with Stephen, but with Samuel L. Jackson, Jeff

travel in someone’s basement in Colorado.

Goldblum, Emma Thompson, Tony Shalhoub, Bryan Cranston, Keegan Michael-Key, Bob Odenkirk, Whoopi

My time in Colorado also led me to meet my wife Kelsey,

Goldberg, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and a whole mess

who is an educator and writer. We live in Queens in New

of others.

York City about a 45-minute commute from my office in Manhattan.

HOW I WORK IS INCREDIBLY REMINISCENT OF WHAT I USED TO DO IN THE AFTERNOONS WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL...

Even now, a little bit of our free time is reserved for personal projects because we’re always looking to stretch ourselves or scratch our creative itch a little bit more. In addition to her day job as a movement specialist at a nursery school in Manhattan and a private practice in educational kinesiology, Kelsey teaches several online workshops throughout the year and is working on a new book. As for me, the last couple years I have been writing a script for a feature film to direct.

I attached a producer to the film this past July, and we just began pitching the project to production companies

I still mostly shoot and edit my own sketches, so how I

with hopes to go into production this spring in

work is incredibly reminiscent of what I used to do in

New York.

the afternoons in high school: grab a camera and make

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funny videos with friends. Now, I just have more people

Going from watching David Letterman as a kid to

to help, scripts from some of the funniest writers in

standing in the wings of that same theatre and watching

the industry, and access to famous people to work with.

Stephen and a live audience reacting to things that I

But even now, with all these resources, the speed at

directed, is still surreal and very, very cool.

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MORE THAN OUR STORY – WE ARE INFINITE, SPIRITS. BE KIND. DO YOUR BEST.

DANE CARDER '81 Artist & Owner, Dane Carder Studio, 438 Houston St. #262 danecarder.com

My path has not necessarily been an easy one. Life is unpredictable. Luckily through all peaks and valleys, storms, and surprises, there is a solid rock upon which we can stand... faith.

In the middle of my high school experience at Franklin Road Academy, my father died suddenly of a heart attack. This traumatic event obliterated

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all faith and belief within me, and I roamed recklessly

Renaissance masters, a grand inspiration buzzed

through the rest of high school using humor and

inside of me. In 1999, I left college for the final

rebellion as a means of surviving. Since graduating 30

time, deciding to help my brother build his house,

years ago, I have experienced many dark days, and I

which I eventually painted. This led to me starting

have basked in the radiance of recovery. My story is as

a painting business that I operated for 12 years.

regular and dramatic as the four seasons – life, death, and rebirth. This, I believe, is the essence of the human

In May 2000, several events led to my commitment

condition, and I am grateful to have embraced the

to healing the deep wounds in order to lead a

entire spectrum.

fuller life. I suffered what I was sure an aneurysm or something similar and was struck down by

After graduating from FRA , I was a bit of a wanderer,

the worst pain I had ever felt. Early tests from

but I landed back in Nashville, where I enrolled at

doctors weren’t clear, but after several days of

Watkins College of Art to take a graphic design class

suffering, it was determined that I had contracted

and Nashville Tech, where I followed my interest in

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Physically and

photography – a craft I still use today. I also started

emotionally spent, I decided to seek help in therapy.

painting again as well as writing a lot of bad, sad poetry.

During this time, I reflected on my dad’s struggles,

This was the beginning of my steady lifelong pursuit of

and I didn’t want to follow his difficult path. The

authentic expression through the arts.

apparent option was to live under the influence of a higher power; it was time to surrender. All of the

I remember the exact moment in the fall of 1994, in the

blessings that have come since then are certainly of

midst of working on a painting, when I realized that I

divine nature.

was destined to be a painter…an artist. There was magic happening on the canvas in front of me; beauty was

I rented my first art studio and began to get more

being born out of nothing. And, in retrospect, I now

serious about pursuing a career as an artist. As I

see that it was actually being born out of everything.

ran my interior painting business, I always allowed

All of the sadness and all of the joy, the hurt and anger,

for studio time, and I discovered that, if I was away

and the love, it was all available to me as I painted.

too long from the Muse, grumpiness would find

The numbness of my sadness and depression from

me! It became somewhat of an obsession. Having

my father’s traumatic death was tempered with this

surrendered my tired, destructive vices, I latched

practice, so I leaned into it as often as possible

on to a habit that served a greater purpose. My

– and I still do.

desire was (and is) to create beautiful objects that add something positive and of value to the world.

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Poetry and painting were always my companions as I

From early on in my quest to be an artist, I feared

navigated through the darkest times. While attending

that my financial security would be elusive. The

MTSU in the summer 1996, I studied in Italy for six

“starving artist” scenario seemed too common to

weeks. Witnessing the pinnacle of artistic achievement

be a myth, and my dream of being a husband and

in the works of Michelangelo and many other

father seemed unlikely without a steady income. I

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remained determined to find a way to make both dreams

“enough” means. In dissecting depression to understand

a reality.

and heal it, I came face to face with shattered self esteem and insecurity (an epidemic of sorts). Even after

For about a year, I shared a studio with a more seasoned

success in exhibiting art in galleries and museums, and

painter, who served as a mentor as I stumbled into my

being featured in publications such as Nashville Arts

art career. His willingness to converse on a diverse

Magazine and Garden & Gun, I still often felt neglected

range of topics helped fill the void that my departure

and rejected. This sort of feeling has been a test for me…

from college had created. Experience in the art world

am I going to quit, or am I going to persist?

cannot be taught in school, and I found this hands-on approach to fit my learning style. I began showing work

Around 2008, I sought to be of service to the local art

in restaurants, as I didn’t yet feel ready for art galleries.

scene through exhibiting other artists in my studio/

Patience and faith allowed me to progress at a natural

gallery, threesquared. This project offered an alternative

pace, and before too long, I found my way to showing

space for art shows that was more DIY, and less high-

paintings at Cumberland Gallery, one of Nashville’s

brow contemporary gallery. I found great joy in being

premier galleries.

of service to artists and the community in creating an environment where art was shared and conversations

Meanwhile, between 2003 and 2007, I fell easily in love

and relationships blossomed. With the help of a

with a friend of my younger sister, we married, and

co-curator, I carried on threesquared for about

had two daughters. This experience put all of life into

five years.

perspective, and it provided another essential education.

The greatest life challenges and the most beautiful rewards seemed to both spring like geysers from this new family.

Having a spouse and children, for me, is like going to graduate school on how to be a fully realized, healthy human being. This, I believe, is the purpose of our journey here on Earth. I am so grateful for my teachers, Danielle, Violet, and Tweel, and for the opportunity to learn and grow in a loving environment.

I have had the great fortune of selling enough paintings over the years to keep me consistently invested in pursuing this passion. Though money has never been the goal, nor has it equated to much of a “salary,” I

I FOUND GREAT JOY IN BEING OF SERVICE TO ARTISTS AND THE COMMUNITY IN CREATING AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE ART WAS SHARED...

have slowly adapted my mindset to understand what

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In 2013, when I had emotionally come to the end of

no such people as “them.” Like the dynamic of the Civil

my interior painting career, a simple one line email

War, our disagreements and fighting and warring are

to a Memphis art gallery owner altered my path for

“brother against brother.” My paintings are meant to be

four years. I parlayed my studio/gallery experience

lessons/expressions in love.

into a gallery director job and opened David Lusk Gallery Nashville in the winter of 2014. That experience

Constantly, our choice is either to fight (our ego

delivered a cycle of highs and lows, as I soared by

separating from others) or to love (accepting that we

sharing so much beautiful art with visitors but sank as

are, in essence, the same). When I began the series, I

I found the commercial aspect of the gallery business

envisioned a 30-year arc of paintings, where the images

disheartening. Nashville has long struggled to be an

began as direct reproductions of the photographs, and

“art collecting” town, and this reality hit hard as I

slowly deconstructed into complete abstraction. At this

worked tirelessly over three years to gain traction in

point, I feel that I am halfway through this monumental

sales for the gallery. As grateful as I was to have had the

work. Along the way, I have fabricated artistic projects

opportunity to be the director of the gallery, I remain

for myself to expand the scope of my output.

more grateful that I was “let go” from that job. I had hit “mid-life” at that time, and I suddenly found myself

In 2011, I set out to take one photographic portrait every

with a wide open road before me — an open door to

day for a year… documenting one random encounter

intentional reflection and dreaming. Fortunately, this

each day with someone who crossed my path. Those

involved digging up some of the deepest roots of my

can be found at www.us365portraits.blogspot.com.

depression, and coming to an understanding that “I am

For poetry’s sake, I wrote one poem every day for the

enough,” regardless of all external factors. I no longer

year in 2005. In 2019, I wrote one blog post every day,

needed to prop up my esteem with “success” in the art

expounding on some bit of minutiae (linked through

world or professional and financial realm, and I could

my website). I am fascinated and inspired by creative

finally be at peace with being who I am, as I am.

habits such as these, or any such endeavor that works to elevate/expand the life experience. My studio practice is

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For about 13 years, much of my artwork has referenced

consistent, and I am often working toward an exhibit or

Civil War photographs, as I have sought to communicate

producing a thematic series. In the last two years, I have

the depth and glory of what it means to be human. My

returned to making purely abstract paintings alongside

story of loss, grief, and recovery related with that of the

the historic images. I recently had a show at Red Arrow

Civil War — unimaginable tragedy and rehabilitation

Gallery in Nashville, and in March I was included in an

experienced at a personal and a national level. Carl

exhibit at Tew Gallery in Atlanta. I work out of Dane

Rogers said, “What is most personal is most universal.”

Carder Studio in Houston Station, and the studio is open

With my paintings, I am unwrapping the construct of

to the public for visits by appointment or drop-in

“us vs. them” and seeking to illustrate that there really is

(call first).

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PORTRAITS / US365PORTRAITS.BLOGSPOT.COM

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JIM’S STEAK & SPAGHETTI / FACEBOOK

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Currently, another project I am focused on is Jim’s Spa-

I’m a nature lover, a regular visitor to Radnor Lake,

ghetti Sauce. Opened in 1938 by my grandfather, Jim’s

and if hiking isn’t fast enough, I turn to running. I

Steak & Spaghetti House in Huntington, West Virginia,

have completed 12 half marathons, and just last year,

is a classic American diner with an excellent spaghetti

at 46, ran a personal best 1:40:08. I remain committed

sauce. Just last year, it received a prestigious America’s

to “recovery,” and that has lent itself to always

Classic Award from the James Beard Foundation. My

seeking ways to refine and expand the experience of

mom (Jimmie), who worked in the FRA cafeteria for nine

being human, striving to obtain the most consistent

years, my brother Shawn (’84), and I have teamed up to

connection with God/love.

produce and sell the “small batch” sauce in Nashville. It is sold frozen, direct to consumer, and is a classic Italian

Through years of depression, and the various twists

Bolognese. I feel tremendous gratitude and joy in being

and turns of the journey, I kept a faith that knew that

of service in helping families solve the problem, “what’s

all would be well. A couple of my best friends from

for dinner?”

FRA have been beside me all along. Those relationships operated like life jackets when I barely kept my head

Visit www.jimsspaghettisauce.com for more details.

above water. Now, we regularly celebrate together as we share life events of all sorts. Coach Tucker’s influence

When I am not engaged in art or spaghetti sauce, I

on my life cannot be minimized. As a coach and teacher,

can often be found on the soccer sideline, watching

not only did he instruct me on the football field and in

my daughters play. My family is certainly the source

the art room, but he showed me by example how to be a

of my greatest joy. My wife, Danielle, is a pediatric

“good man.” I am blessed to have had his presence in my

occupational therapist, and she runs Pediatric Therapies

life. I am grateful for my 13 years at FRA , as I learned the

in Cool Springs. Her patience, love, compassion, and

value of friendship, truth, integrity, and faith, tools that

generosity have helped countless families navigate

will surely sustain anyone through anything.

raising children with special needs.

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U P D AT E S

ALUMNI

class notes Taylor Casey ’16 joined the 1,000-Point-Club at Washington and Lee University.

Spence Jones ’16 played in the 2019 College Football Playoffs, representing the University of Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl.

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ALUMNI

Mason Mingus ’13 won the 35th annual All-American 400 at Fairgrounds Nashville Speedway.

Allison Clark ’18 won the National Dance Championship with the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Amelia Young ’13

recently began working

at NBC affiliate WBIR in Knoxville, Tennessee, and she is excited to be back in Big Orange Country near her alma mater University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Stacey (Tharp) Davenport ’95 was elected Commonwealth’s Attorney for Chesterfield County, Virginia. She is the first woman ever to be elected to lead the County’s prosecutor’s office and will serve a four-year term.

Abigail Nelson ’09 married Paul Gordon on October 22 in Phuket, Thailand.

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BIRTHS

PICTURED / Top to bottom, left to right: Lily Katherine Beach, Taran Michael Turpin, Nathan Smeykal, Scarlett Graves Nelson.

Kristian Canady Beach ’06 and husband Joey Beach welcomed Lily Katherine Beach on October 30, 2019.

Chase Turpin ’08 and wife Gena Curl Turpin welcomed Taran Michael Turpin on November 22, 2019.

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Zach Smeykal ’08 and Emily Canady Smeykal ’08 welcomed Nathan Robert Smeykal on August 28, 2019.

Katie Tygard Davis ’08 and husband Derrick welcomed Scarlett Graves Davis on June 4, 2019.

EVENTS

FRA Alumni Current Parent Legacy Breakfast

Fall/Winter 2019 | 4700

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EVENTS

Welcome Party for Director of Alumni Relations, Nik Simpson

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4700 | Fall/Winter 2019

EVENTS

Alumni 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

12-Year Club Luncheon Fall/Winter 2019 | 4700

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Join us for

MAY 1 - MAY 4 | 2020

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4700 | Fall/Winter 2019

ONE WEEKEND FOUR EVENTS COUNTLESS MEMORIES

FRIDAY | MAY 1

COCKTAIL RECEPTION AND HALL OF EXCELLENCE PROGRAM Weicker Center Dining Hall | 6:30 p.m.

All alumni invited

SATURDAY | MAY 2 REUNION PARTIES

’80 // ’85 // ’90 // ’95 // ’00 // ’05 // ’10 // ’15

Invitations to follow for reunion year classes

SUNDAY | MAY 3

FAMILY BRUNCH AND CAMPUS TOURS Weicker Center Dining Hall | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

All alumni and families invited

MONDAY | MAY 4

FRA GOLF CLASSIC Hillwood Country Club | 12:30 p.m.

Register today!

FRANKLINROADACADEMY.COM/ALUMNI For questions, contact Nik Simpson at 615-369-4635

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why I give The Douglass Family

I

I (Cullen) attended FRA from second grade through high school, and during that time, I was not considered a great athlete or scholar.

But, I have super memories of experiences with my teachers and classmates, and FRA gave me a platform to succeed in life, regardless of where I was going or what I was doing. I felt loved, respected, and ready for the next chapter in my life.

When we began the process of looking at schools for our two boys, Currey and Harrison, we gave them plenty of options. It may have seemed an obvious choice with an alumnus as a father, but we strongly believed the boys should have input on where they felt most drawn so they could feel they had the best chances to thrive and succeed, have fun, and make memories. We were even prepared to be at different schools if that seemed what was best for each child. As the decision process carried out, each family member continued to be drawn to FRA because it was clear that it would provide two different children all the varied opportunities and experiences we all hoped for their unique wants and needs. Time and time again, we are affirmed of the decision to become part of the FRA community.

Our boys entered in the fifth grade, and they were immediately welcomed and quickly found a comfortable place that made their entry into middle school as easy as any parent could hope. Despite being twins, they each have been appreciated for their own unique abilities and talents and each one continues to find his own personal ways to connect and participate. Both have many friends in their own grade as well as other grades, which really emphasizes the culture of community and support. Being involved in different areas of school life has also given the boys the opportunity to get to know coaches, and faculty members who have encouraged them, challenged them, cheered for them, and prayed for them. We witness regular interactions with adults that are always sincere and genuine, and supportive, not only with our boys, but with our entire family. That tells us that FRA isn't putting all kids into the same square peg or round hole, they are doing what each kid needs just like a parent.

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PICTURED / Left to right: Kristen, Cammie, Harrison, Cullen, and Currey

We are particularly excited to be part of the FRA community right now. In just a few years, we’ve seen so much growth, not only with campus renovations and expansion, but with the general attitude and unified, positive feeling among faculty and students. A true sense of culture is becoming more clearly defined, and we are excited to get to be part of it, and that our sons and all students reap the benefits. In the future, we would love to see this upward trajectory continue to reach out even further to the greater community.

Giving in general is a priority in our family, and it has been so even before we had children. We believe that giving back to God is a direct response to the grace and blessings we receive daily. We strive to be good stewards of our time and talents in addition to any financial gifts we can return to those around us. We invest in our church and our community, and our biggest investment is in our children and human capital. That's why we invest at Franklin Road Academy. We are grateful that FRA provides opportunities for students to experience the value of giving back with awareness, education, volunteer opportunities, and the overall culture of caring for others the way God cares for us.

Our hope is that FRA continues to be a Christian-based place that focuses on giving kids a foundation to go forward for the rest of their lives. There is not a more important investment than our children. We spend all this time and energy in helping put them on a platform to live life, and FRA is such an important and unique place in creating that life for them. That is why we continue to support and invest in FRA .

This will always be your school .

SEAN R. CASEY, HEAD OF SCHOOL

S MALL C L ASS SI Z ES

EXPE R I E N T I A L L E A R N I N G FOR STUDENTS

O PPO RT U N I T I E S F O R

S P I R I T U A L D E VE L O PMENT

THE CAMPUS HAS GROWN AND BUILDINGS HAVE CHANGED, BUT THE HEART OF FRA REMAINS THE SAME.

Thank you Thank you to the 2019-20 donors to the FRA Annual Fund for helping us fulfill our promise to provide a challenging educational experience in an inclusive Christian community.

Join us Your investment in the FRA Annual Fund ensures that current and future generations have a full FRA student experience. To join FRA alumni, parents of alumni, current parents, grandparents, and friends in supporting your school, go to:

FranklinRoadAcademy.com/support/give-now

FRANKLIN ROAD ACADEMY 4700 Franklin Pike Nashville, TN 37220

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1093 Nashville, TN

Join us!

SPR ING 2020 C O M MUNITY EVENTS Friday, February 28 - Sunday, March 1

Middle School Musical | Fri. & Sat. 7 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. | FRA Theater

Friday, March 6

Stars & Guitars | 6 p.m. | The Omni Hotel Nashville

Friday, April 24 - Sunday, April 26

Upper School Drama | Fri. 7 p.m.; Sat. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.; Sun. 2 p.m. | FRA Theater

Friday, May 1

Cocktail Reception & Hall of Excellence Program | 6:30 p.m. | Weicker Center for Student Life

Sunday, May 3

Alumni Family Brunch & Campus Tours | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Weicker Center for Student Life

Monday, May 4

FRA Golf Classic | 12:30 p.m. | Hillwood Country Club

Saturday, May 9

Jazz Café | 7:30 p.m. | Turner Quad

Monday, May 11

5/6 Grade Band Concert | 7 p.m. | Scarlett Family Chapel

Wednesday, May 13

Spring Choral Concert | 7 p.m. | Scarlett Family Chapel We hope to see you at these community events this fall!

Visit our website for a complete list of events