4700 Spring/Summer 2020

4700 ALUMNI WHO INSPIRE SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK RECAP

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2020 Spring/Summer 2020

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

M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T

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A LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL It’s safe to say this edition of the 4700 will be unlike all that have preceded it, as we face the ever-changing circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.

I have never been prouder of the FRA community. It has been a challenge, but we have persevered with grit, determination, grace, and a bit of humor, knowing there is much work to be done. Our success navigating COVID-19 and remote learning is a testament to our students, families, and extraordinary faculty and staff.

As a collective body, we have been nimble, flexible, and innovative in a time when many organizations have struggled.

I look forward to seeing many of you back on campus in the coming months as we will continue with campus improvements by opening the new Crockett and Tansil Fitness Center. I invite you to revisit your FRA experience while you read through these stories and flip through the pictures. My hope is that you relive moments that brought you joy, such as Robert Lewis’s moment of fame on our basketball court in 2016. Remembering his shot and the response of our students still brings tears to my eyes and a smile to my face.

I hope you are encouraged as you hear from Dr. Howard on our efforts to better live out our inclusive Christian mission and stand up against racial injustices in our nation, read about the lessons our students learned while helping clear debris after the tornado that impacted thousands of families in our own backyard, and see our remarkable community response to remote education in the face of a global pandemic. As you reflect on these moments and consider our present circumstances, always know that in the midst of struggles, God continues to promise hope for a better future. As the Apostle Paul wrote: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Please take care and be well.

Sean R. Casey

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A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, COMMUNITY, AND INCLUSION Our country is in the midst of unprecedented national outrage over the racism and inequality that persist in our society. The winds of change are blowing afresh, and people all over the world are affirming the value and meaning of Black humanity. At FRA, we are actively engaged with this work. Our prayer is that we do not lapse into further enmity, but that we embrace the promise of “beloved community,” defined by Martin Luther King, Jr. as a place of mutual flourishing and belonging. As a school, in following Jesus’s example, we denounce all hatred, racism, and vindictiveness, and we steadfastly pursue the path of sacrificial love and reconciliation.

FRA’s commitment to building an inclusive Christian community has already provided a number of exciting opportunities for transformative growth and progress that will only increase in years to come. In addition to existing diversity committees in each division, this past year we formed a diversity leadership council, comprised of teachers from all three divisions, to help lead and oversee our diversity and inclusion initiatives. We created a parent diversity group that meets regularly to support our strategic initiatives through prayer, planning, and participation. We introduced Melanin Mentors, a mentoring group for girls in which upper school Black girls mentor girls in the middle and lower schools. We have reviewed our curriculum to include texts that reflect the diverse cultures of our student body and avoid alienating or marginalizing certain ethnicities. We have pursued greater diversity in the types of speeches and music offered to our students during chapels and convocations, and our Martin Luther King, Jr. all-school chapel featured liturgy and prayer around the subject of racial reconciliation.

Our efforts have spanned our Pre-K-12 community. One of my favorite activities was visiting our lower school classrooms to read to students about inclusion, both early in the year and during Black History Month, when I read books highlighting Black inventors.

We have also worked to build our community’s ability to engage in purposeful dialogue both internally and externally. In the upper school, we launched FRAnk Conversations, a series of panel discussions with faculty and students regarding diversity issues. We invited Narrative 4, a storytelling nonprofit, to train our upper school teachers on fostering empathy through storytelling and used these practices in several classes and advisory groups. We have also continued developing relationships with area charter, independent, and public schools to broaden our pool of student applicants.

Dr. Howard joined FRA in July 2019. He holds a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University, an M.A. in Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, an M.A. in Counseling from San Diego State University, and a B.A.in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. He has recently completed a certification in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University.

This year, we will continue along this path of inclusive Christian community. We will continue to host events like our international family dinner and a wide array of guest speakers, and we will expand our use of story exchange practices in our advisory program to build empathy and unity. We will also review our hiring process to ensure we are succeeding in attracting and hiring candidates from diverse backgrounds. Our faculty will have ongoing professional development around unconscious bias and cultural competence, and my office will work to develop a comprehensive diversity plan.

I sincerely appreciate this community and thank you for your prayers and support as we seek wisdom, grace, and strength to persevere in these efforts. The work is hard, but it is worthy, and I am blessed to partner with each of you for the glory of God.

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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NEW TRUSTEES

Welcoming the New Members of the Board

ALUMNI FEATURE

Alumni Who Inspire: Robert Lewis ’16 Spotlight: Monica Dey ’11 Spotlight: Deven Bhatia ’13 Alumni on the Frontlines

ACADEMICS FEATURE Interim Experiences Remote Learning RoboPanthers

STUDENT LIFE

Spiritual Emphasis Week Service Life: Tornado Clean Up An Exercise in Reflection

CLASS OF 2020

Senior Class Feature Valedictorian and Salutatorian Remarks Matriculations and Acceptances Diploma Ceremony and Graduation Parade

FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS

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Visual Art Show Spotlight: Andrew Kaiser ’20 Spotlight: Jaden Holtschlag ’20, Hayley Jones ’20, and Connor Richardson ’20 Spotlight: Django Mason ’21 Middle School Musical Third Grade Poetry Café

ATHLETICS

Awards and Accolades College Signings Spotlight: Zharia Hutchinson ’20 Spotlight: Benjamin Blahauvietz ’20

ALUMNI CLASS NOTES Alumni Updates Marriages and In Memory Family Additions

WHY WE GIVE The Stumb Family

EDITOR Lindsey McAlister. ART DIRECTOR Angela Claxton. PHOTO CREDITS Lindsey McAlister, Mike Straisinger '80, Ross Bolen, Tiff Canady, Rick West, Clemson University Athletic Communications, Hayley Jones '20, and Django Mason '21. COPY EDITOR Elizabeth Moore. CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mia Ernst, Kelly Huddleston, Brandon Albright, Josh Flegel, Prentice Stabler, Ryan Harris, Rick West, Betsey Bachert, Allison Hammat, Monica Dey '11, Deven Bhatia '13, Bolin Stumb, Florence Chassaignac '95, and Karen White '87. PICTURED ON THE COVER Robert Lewis '16.

2020-2021 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jared Allen Jeb Beasley Victor Berrios Laura Campbell Matthew Denmark Tobi Jane Frankfather Steve Halas Daron Hall Patti Hudgins Dr. Tamika Hudson Kimberly Jackson John S. Larkin II Michael Lindseth, Jr. ’88 Steve Maggart R. Dale Mitchell Rosemary Plorin Jaimie Robinson Andrew Scarlett ’97 Christy Smith Clif Tant ’94, Board Chair

EX-OFFICIOS Edward Alexander, Past Board Chair Sean Casey Joc Collignon ’00 Mark Weeks Charley Williamson ’88

LEADERSHIP TEAM Brandon Albright, Director of Spiritual Life Sean Casey, Head of School Angela Claxton, Interim Director of Marketing and Communications Steve Compton, Director of Technology Ryan Harris, Assistant Head of School for External Affairs and Head of Middle School Dr. Aaron Howard, Director of Diversity, Community, and Inclusion Brenda Huff, Director of the Center for Philanthropic Studies Dr. John Murray, Dean of Academic Affairs Kris Palmerton, Director of Athletics Jay Salato ’03, Head of Upper School Prentice Stabler, Associate Head of School Laura Turner, Assistant Head of School for Finance and Operations Dr. Rick West, Head of Lower School Courtney Williamson, Director of Admission FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 4

Welcoming our newest

TRU ST EE S

JARED ALLEN

JEB BEASLEY

VICTOR BERRIOS

Jared is a former professional football defensive end. After playing college football for Idaho State University, he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent four years with the Chiefs before being traded to the Minnesota Vikings. He spent six years with the Vikings before joining the Chicago Bears as a free agent in 2014. During the 2015 season, Jared was traded to the Carolina Panthers, with whom he played in the Super Bowl. In October 2009, Jared founded his own charity, Jared Allen’s Homes for Wounded Warriors, in order to build handicap-accessible homes for severely wounded military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Jeb is managing director of CoreCivic, the nation’s leading provider of correctional solutions to federal, state, and local government.

Jeb has served in a leadership position as both managing director and senior director for federal, state, and local partnership relations since 2004. Before joining CoreCivic, Jeb was the vice president of government relations for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Middle Tennessee field director for the office of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. He is an active community member, serving on several boards including Special Olympics Tennessee, Easter Seals Tennessee, and Fight DMD as well as being active in the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee.

Victor is a master franchise owner for Jani-King, the world’s number one commercial cleaning franchise company. He is also president and owner of Titan Franchising LLC, River City Franchising LLC, S&B Confluence, JVC Franchising, and Ventanas Real Estate Holdings.

Combined, Victor’s companies do business in five states and have 370 independent franchise owners servicing over 2,200 accounts. Victor is president and CEO of Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit organization which is a leading voice on business issues relating to the Latin community across Tennessee. Victor and Carla actively support Christel House, a charity focused on breaking the cycle of poverty, and contribute time and money to finding a cure for juvenile diabetes and lupus.

Jared and Amy Allen joined the FRA family in the fall of 2017 when their daughters, Brinley and Lakelyn, started kindergarten and pre-kindergarten.

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Jeb and Melissa Beasley’s three children Noah, Ethan, and Olivia attend FRA and are currently in eleventh, seventh, and fifth grade.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Victor and Carla Berrios moved to Nashville eight years ago and joined the FRA family in 2015 when their son David started prekindergarten.

MATTHEW DENMARK

ROSEMARY PLORIN

JAIMIE ROBINSON

Matthew is a licensed stockbroker, insurance producer, and registered investment advisor. He served on the board of directors for Community Bank in Pasadena, California.

Matthew also served as a member of the Asset-Liability Committee and the Strategy Committee at Community Bank. Matthew played professional volleyball for 14 seasons and won 6 championships in 10 years. Throughout his career, he lived in Portugal, Italy, Romania, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Germany, and Puerto Rico and traveled to several other countries for international competitions both as a member of the U.S.A. Men’s National Volleyball Team and as a professional. During this time, he learned several foreign languages and negotiated contracts.

With 25 years of experience in all aspects of health care communications, public relations, and issues management, Rosemary became president of Lovell Communications in 2014 and CEO in 2015. Rosemary has experience in vast issues and crisis communications in both the private and public sectors. She has worked with virtually all major news outlets including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, CNN, and local news outlets across the country and internationally. She has been recognized by the Nashville Business Journal as a Woman of Influence, a Healthcare Hero, and one of Nashville’s Most Admired CEOs. She serves on the board for St. Paul Christian Academy, the Dean’s Advisory Board of the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, the Business Conditions Council of the Nashville Chamber of Commerce, and the board of directors of Entrepreneurs' Organization Nashville.

Jaimie has been an active member of JDRF, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, since her oldest daughter Taylor was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes on April 8, 2012, at the age of 6. That year the Robinsons formed a walk team in honor of Taylor, Tay’s Team, and have been active in JDRF ever since. Jaimie has been affiliated with the JDRF chapters in Boston, Tampa, and Nashville. In Tampa, Jaimie was involved with the auction committee for the JDRF gala as well as a contact person for new families being diagnosed with T1D. Jaimie is starting her fourth year on the board with the Nashville chapter and was the auction committee chair for the 2017 gala. In 2018, Jaimie and Jon co-chaired the gala at Nissan Stadium raising $1.825 million for JDRF.

Matthew and Jennifer Denmark joined the FRA family when their oldest son William started pre-kindergarten in 2018. Their threeyear-old twins, James and Katherine, are excited to start school at FRA in the fall.

Jaimie and Jon Robinson joined the FRA family in 2016 when their two daughters, Taylor and Bailey, started at FRA. The Robinson family moved to Nashville after spending time in Boston and Tampa.

Rosemary and Wayne Plorin joined the FRA community in the fall of 2018 when their daughter Lyla entered seventh grade.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

ALUMNI WHO INSPIRE

Robert Lewis '16 CLEMSON UNIVER SIT Y '20

BY LINDSEY MCALISTER, Communications Coordinator

The goal of the Heart to Heart program is to maximize the full academic and social potential of our students with Down syndrome by giving them one-on-one instruction and opportunities to participate in co-curricular activities at FRA. They are prepared to move to the next level of their educational journey with skills and experiences that will give them the confidence to succeed in any endeavor.

orders in and have fun with my customers. I just love the environment there.”

You don’t have to be on campus long to see and feel how the Heart to Heart students are some of the most beloved members of our community. Former Heart to Heart teacher, Chris Price, sees the impact these students have on campus through their almost-celebrity status.

“Robert is a unique kid,” Dawson said. “He was somebody who absolutely loved FRA, and he, along with Rob Funk, helped set the stage for what Heart to Heart has now become. He has an infectious personality and was always engaged in his classes and with his peers. He absolutely loved being a part of the community in whatever way that meant.”

“When I worked in the Heart to Heart program, a lot of times I said I felt like I was a bodyguard for a celebrity,” Price said.

“Wherever they go, they bring happiness to people.”

After graduating from FRA, two of our first Heart to Heart students, Robert Lewis and Rob Funk, went on to programs similar to ours at Clemson University and Vanderbilt University. Both of them recently graduated from those universities in the spring.

Robert started attending FRA when he was in the fifth grade.

His teacher throughout middle school was Mandi Ashley, and in high school both he and Rob had David Dawson, our Heart to Heart director, as their teacher.

With David’s time being split between both Rob and Robert, this gave both of them opportunities to become more independent.

While at Clemson, Robert learned how to follow a budget, manage his time, and live independently. He plans to move back to Clemson soon to continue working in the restaurant and hospitality industry while living in an apartment with three roommates he met during his freshman year.

He worked various jobs while in college at Clemson Outdoor Lab, Mr. Knickerbockers, and McAlister’s Deli. Currently employed at McAlister’s, Robert does everything from delivering food to customers’ tables, fulfilling takeout orders, refilling drinks, bussing tables, and even cleaning dishes in the dish pit before he was recently promoted to cashier.

According to his mom, Judy, he has developed a following of customers who come in on the days he’s working.

“My favorite part is interacting with new people and getting to know them more,” Lewis said. “I also love to put the FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 8

PHOTO COURTESY OF Clemson University Athletic Communications

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“Robert was driven to be independent,” Dawson said. “I remember when I helped him register to vote. It was one of the proudest days for both of us. I knew both Rob and Robert were going to be successful in college. Robert has had the unique opportunity to go to Clemson and live independently, which not all students with Down syndrome get the opportunity to do. He has absolutely thrived like I knew he would.”

Robert was someone who was always seen around campus.

You don’t have to spend much time with him to get a sense of how he loves being around people and being part of a community. His positive, outgoing personality is magnetic.

“Robert is just an amazing human—take Down syndrome out of the picture,” Price said. “He is smart, caring, and responsible; he’s got all of the characteristics you would want in a friend.”

“Heart to Heart taught me about math and English, helped me with following a schedule, and Coach Dawson and Ms. Mandi taught me how to be prepared and organized in order to get to Clemson and follow my dreams there,” Lewis said.

While a student at FRA, he was a manager for the men’s basketball, soccer, and football teams. He even played soccer his senior year. His coaches all mentioned the energy and excitement he brought to each of these teams.

“His primary role on the soccer team was a manager, but he got on the field some too,” Price said. “He was an important part of the team. He would give a lot of pre-game speeches and get the guys fired up. He brought positive energy and enthusiasm to the program. He was always ready for a laugh, and he was never in a bad mood.”

Being a manager on any team can sometimes be a thankless job. It can be easy for a manager to get discouraged or beat down by the constant routine of grunt work, but according to his coaches, Robert always had a fantastic attitude and was upbeat and encouraging to his teammates.

“He was willing to serve, he would look for stuff to do on the bench, and he wanted his friends who were on the court to be successful,” head basketball coach, John Pierce, said.

“We won a big playoff game and on our way back through Jackson we stopped at Olive Garden, and I guess that became a thing,” Price remembered. “Whenever we were about to win a game, Robert would yell, ’We’re going to Olive Garden, baby!’”

During basketball senior night, the managers traditionally suit up and play if the score of the game allows it. Robert Lewis and Joshua Larkin were the two senior managers who had earned that moment by doing everything that was expected of them all four years of being with the team. For Robert, that night ended up being one that he—along with many members of the FRA community—will never forget.

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everyone was storming the court, I did not know it was going to be that big. Seeing how much FRA and USN cared about me made a huge impact in my life.”

A video that has nearly 467 thousand views on YouTube and is titled “The Most Amazing Basketball Senior Night” is one that Robert admittedly has watched over and over, and in his rough estimate, 85 times. That was the video Robert and I watched together via Zoom, but it surely isn’t the only one. Good Morning America’s video has 1.7 million views, and a video from a local news station has 11 million views.

When he found out that morning, after class with Coach Pierce, that he needed to get ready to put on a uniform that night, his day was made. Just knowing he’d get to wear the uniform— without realizing he might get a chance to play—thrilled Robert.

FRA was playing University School of Nashville—the school Robert’s two brothers attended. Late in the game, FRA was leading, and Coach Pierce put Robert in the game. USN’s head coach put in Robert’s brother, Matthew, to guard him.

With an arena full of people who know the Lewis family, it wasn’t long until fans on each side were chanting “Money Robert” each time Robert had possession of the ball.

“I’ve been playing basketball with my family my whole life,” Lewis said. “Every time I would take a shot, I would yell ‘money.’ In middle school, my brother and I came up with my Instagram name as moneyrobert32, and it just stuck.”

When Robert got in the game, the crowd was anticipating every shot, and his teammates worked hard to give him the ball every opportunity they could. Larkin, the other senior manager in the game, denied each of his chances at a shot by nodding to Robert instead.

“Joshua had been a manager for four years, and he was fantastic,” Pierce said. “He was a super smart guy who loved the team and loved being a part of the team. For him to completely give up any possible glory or spotlight to Robert was special. But that was all around a special team of guys who had zero ego. There was no one on the team who was looking out for themselves, and Robert and Joshua were primary examples of that.”

As Robert gets passed the ball, he takes a shot and misses it.

He runs down to the other end of the court to play defense before his teammates regain possession of the ball. As they all race back, with a few seconds left in the game, Robert stands at the deep corner of the goal on the three-point line as he gets passed the ball again. He is perfectly in view of David Dawson, and his teammates lean so far out of their seats they might leapfrog over him. He shoots, and the ball goes straight in— barely swishing the net. His teammates explode off the bench.

“I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I made it,’” Lewis said. “But when 11 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2020

“If you know Robert, you want him to succeed,” Pierce said. “I’ve been around basketball for a long time, and it is by far the greatest single event in a basketball game I have ever seen.

Anytime you put a manager in, the crowd always wants them to score and do something great, but it was certainly heightened that night because it was Robert and because of the friendly, happy guy he is. For me, as a fan of Robert and a fan of the game of basketball, it was cool to see that night for him and our community. Not in my wildest dreams did I think it would go down like that. I knew if he got a few shots, he might make one, but you couldn’t anticipate that. It was unbelievable.”

The next day, on his birthday, Robert woke up to requests from local news channels, the Today show, and ESPN. Michael Strahan

also referenced the video on “Live with Kelly and Michael.”

Looking back on photos of that game, one shows Robert’s fellow seniors, wide-eyed and locked-in, as Robert jumps and releases the ball from his grip.

“From day one with the basketball team, he absolutely bought in and loved everything Coach Pierce did with that basketball program,” Dawson said. “He was happy and joyful to give his peers water and a towel and to be the hype man on the bench. That’s just what he did, and everybody saw that and saw how excited he was about it. They saw how much he loved all the people who were around him, and that was a great opportunity for all of them to give back to him.”

“I remember that day after class when Coach Pierce told me to get suited up and ready,” Lewis said. “I didn’t know he was going to play me, or that my brother and I would get to play at the same time. When I got in the game, I felt so honored to be in. I didn’t know that video would go viral, but I also kind of love that because it meant a lot for me and my team. I went to FRA, but I also have memories with my brothers' friends at USN, so I was happy they were chanting my name. That had never happened to me before during my basketball career.”

Robert’s highlights at FRA included his senior trip to Disney World with Rob Funk and Coach Dawson, field trips, being an Omega, his friends that he still sees and spends time with today, and most of all soccer, football, and basketball.

“Robert has maintained his personality from the time he started FRA until now,” Dawson said. “He is who he is, and he’s proud of who he is. I’m proud of that and seeing his excitement for living on his own is amazing. He’s shown how he’s excited to do his own budget, his laundry, chores around his apartment, and figuring out meals. I couldn’t be prouder to see how it’s all unfolded. Our goal as a program is to be able to prepare our students to live independently one day and maximize their potential. We want to empower them to be confident enough to do that.”

When Robert was growing up, his dad taught him and his brothers basketball, but Robert also swam and played baseball and flag football. The Lewis men always played basketball together at their house, so you could almost say he was preparing for that three-pointer his whole life.

“My dad taught me to love basketball,” Lewis said. “That’s a game I’ve always loved and that has always loved me. Dunking and three pointers...I go crazy over them.”

Robert’s love for basketball obviously didn’t end in high school. Throughout those four years, he expressed interest in managing a basketball team in college to both Coach Dawson and Coach Pierce.

“When he got a placement to be an intern in the student bookstore at Clemson, I watched that develop from a simple, task-oriented position to seeing him become a staple there,” Dawson said. “To hear about the interactions people had with him and the pride he had in his job, and then seeing that roll

into him becoming a basketball manager for Clemson, was cool. I knew he would get to that level, but it’s just incredible to watch it unfold.”

Robert became a manager of Clemson University men’s basketball program and quickly became just as much of a beloved member there as he was at FRA. He traded in several of his FRA shirts for Clemson shirts. Not to say that he doesn’t own any FRA shirts anymore, because he will eagerly put one on when the occasion calls for it.

Robert’s senior night at Clemson was only a few months ago, and since then he has gotten to look back and reminisce on the friends he made.

“Nine or ten basketball players at Clemson sent me a congratulations video when I graduated, which meant a lot to me,” Lewis said. “Coach Brownell is the best college basketball coach ever. We beat North Carolina, we beat Duke, and I was there in the locker room dancing with the team.”

“FRA impacted my whole life, and I couldn’t do it without them,” Lewis said. “Ms. Mandi and Coach Dawson taught me how to work toward my future, and that’s how I graduated college because of those two. Going through classes and learning time management taught me how to be on top of classes in college.”

“I’m just so proud of him, and I’m not the least bit surprised,” Pierce said. “He’s truly a special person, and he’s a people magnet, so wherever he goes, people are going to love him.

Robert is a team guy in all aspects of his life, so the sport of basketball...it makes sense that appeals to him the most because that’s who he is.” 

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After I graduated college, I immediately moved to Togo (in West Africa) for about a year to work on a pediatric HIV program. I then moved back to the United States, where I started working for a foundation that funds community-based organizations working on children’s rights and education in East Africa. As part of this job, I was able to live and work in San Francisco, Nairobi, and then back in Nashville for a few months.

Recently, I moved back to Nairobi to start working as the Global Partnerships Manager for a start-up company called Penda (“love” in Kiswahili) Health. Penda Health is a for-profit organization with a social mission, aiming to deliver low-cost, trustworthy healthcare to low-income families all over Nairobi, and eventually all over Kenya. What the company does is fundamentally important—delivering high-quality, affordable healthcare to people who need it. It’s not complicated: everyone needs access to good healthcare.

In this start-up environment, I find myself getting to work on anything that interests me, from raising grant and investment capital, to public relations and communications, to community outreach. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been leading all of our most urgent fundraising efforts, as well as spearheading our digital media and community engagement work.

Monica Dey Class of 2011 After graduating from FRA, I went to Stanford University to study Human Biology—an interdisciplinary major combining both biology and social sciences. At the time, I thought I would pursue medicine, so I dutifully took all of my required pre-med courses. But I somehow found myself more drawn to courses on democracy, international development, and community-based research—topics that were not at all directly related to the “hard” sciences.

At the same time, I knew I loved traveling, learning new languages, and living abroad, so after my sophomore year of college, I took a research trip to Madagascar and Uganda to study maternal health. While I was there, I was compelled by the work and questions that arose from that experience, and I realized this was the kind of work I was interested in.

Even though I thought I wanted to be a doctor, I decided to take a different path to focus on international development.

Public health has always been a big interest of mine, and it became the way to combine my love for health, travel, and studying languages.

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Typically, I work on raising capital that supports our innovation work, like our training programs for medical staff, proactive outreach to patients, or telemedicine hotline for virtual consultations. What’s exciting to me is getting to design and pitch programs to donors that reflect exactly what I studied in college. It’s a new kind of “dream” job in that way. I’m getting to pursue my passion, even if it wasn’t what I initially thought it would be.

Mr. Climer was one of the biggest influences during my FRA experience. Without a doubt, he is still one of the most incredible teachers that I have ever had. I have always admired his dedication to teaching his students not only to be precise in learning the rules of French, but also to love the beauty of the language through literature.

I found the rigor of his classes thrilling; there was always something new to explore. While I loved math and science, I found special joy in digging through works of literature, trying to learn new words, and investigate the deeper meanings behind those words. Mr. Climer was amazing at instigating those types of discussions and pushing us to dig deeper. His classes made me love learning, and love learning French, because the way he taught made me feel like I was opening new doors for myself.

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

“The small class sizes at FRA were also beneficial for me. I was able to know my teachers well and get individual help and feedback. I always felt like my teachers had the time and willingness to invest in making me a better student."

That wasn’t something I let go of in college either. I minored in French and initially chose Madagascar for my first research trip because it is a French-speaking country. The grant to support the trip came from the Stanford French department, so all my interests—in French, health, and traveling— happened to come together in an amazing way. I never expected that, and it has taught me that you never know which direction your life is going to go.

While unsurprising, it was Mr. Climer’s ability to help me love learning languages and understand different cultures that shifted my entire career path. I have always loved the sciences and health, but the idea of experiencing life abroad and learning new languages—that was definitely inspired by him.

When I graduated from FRA, I was set on going to medical school and becoming a doctor. Nothing in my path was going to stop me. But by taking a risk to travel and understand a different part of the world, my career path completely shifted. When you’re in school, you don’t truly realize how big your world is; only when you leave do you realize there are so many things you don’t know and should explore.

Academics were the core part of my experience at FRA, and I will always be grateful to FRA for allowing me to take such a rigorous course load that prepared me for life in college.

Through the AP classes and teachers I was exposed to, I could take on challenging college classes, and I always felt prepared. It was hard work, of course, but I had the tools to navigate the university well.

The small class sizes at FRA were also beneficial for me. I was able to know my teachers well and get individual help and feedback. I always felt like my teachers had the time and willingness to invest in making me a better student.

Having the individual attention and investment from teachers was an incredible way to start life from such a young age. It was an environment I felt comfortable in, and I always knew I had a community to count on.

If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to not put so much pressure on having it all figured out—as easy as that is to say now—because things can easily change in an instant.

Of course, it’s important to work hard at whatever you have committed your time to doing, but it’s not the end of the world if you’re not first in your class. Life works out in ways that you don’t expect, and it’s even more important to be open to that uncertainty. 

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FRA was also influential in teaching the interpersonal skill of listening. I spent a lot of time with Coach Tucker, Coach Price, and Coach McDonald. As coaches, they listened to their players’ input and what was driving us. Listening well allows us to go beyond the surface, and get to know people at their heart and who they are.

I am now living and working in Dallas, Texas, at Parkland Hospital and UT-Southwestern Medical Center, which is one of the largest county hospitals in the country, serving essentially all of North Texas, South Oklahoma, and Louisiana.

People go to the ER for something they believe to be lifethreatening or critical, so it’s our job to comfort them. Helping people everyday is what I want to do for as long as my body allows me to, and doing that through medicine is awesome.

I’m currently in an emergency medicine residency, so I’ll be working in that department for the rest of my life. COVID-19 hasn’t deterred me at all. In fact, the rise of this virus and the support that everyone has given to healthcare workers

Deven Bhatia

has made me want to fight this even more. I’m humbled and honored to be where I am right now.

Class of 2013

Everything started to change for me around March. I was in my ultrasound rotation—which is a more relaxed rotation. I

I started at Franklin Road Academy in the fourth grade

had just finished my emergency department rotation, which

after moving to Nashville from New Orleans. Not only

was just a regular routine of seeing patients in the room,

was it a great experience for me, but I became stronger

interacting with them, and finding out if they’re sick or not.

academically and as a person.

I remember being shocked and confused the first day they prevented us from seeing any patients with respiratory

FRA does an excellent job in college counseling. My college

complaints so that we would not contract the virus.

counselors were phenomenal and helped me identify a combined BA/MD six-year program at the University of

And after that, we got taken off the rotation entirely because

Missouri - Kansas City. While I attended UMKC, I had the

they did not want anyone who did not have to be there

opportunity to work in the emergency room at Truman

working and potentially contracting the virus. They put up

Medical Center, which provides care for the underserved

plastic walls, separated out the ER with barricades, and we

population in Kansas City. It really humbled me.

started wearing surgical masks.

My experiences at FRA helped prepare me for work in

I moved over to the pediatric department, but occasionally,

emergency medicine. Interpersonal skills are crucial in my

because some of my co-residents had to be quarantined,

daily life with patient care, and I use the tools that FRA

I’d cover for them. I was always on call during this time,

taught me from the beginning. The most important life skills

and I needed to be ready at any moment to go work in any

I learned were what to focus on, what not to focus on, how

department, stay up to date with new information, and figure

to keep yourself healthy, how to enjoy what you’re learning,

out what my method of practice would be.

and how to enjoy life outside of the classroom.

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ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

There are highs and lows, but we're all finding ways to accentuate empathy and rally together with grace to beat this virus.

I'll never forget in AP U.S. history, during my junior year, Coach Williams told us about President Kennedy stirring the youth to serve their country in a multitude of ways.

That's what it feels like right now—an opportunity to serve our country—and its wonderful people. I'm thankful for it.

We're motivated to help whoever comes in, and we work to quell everyone's fears and help them live healthier and thus

FRA taught me to lead by serving others. It’s humbling to be in my position on the frontlines, helping people who do not have the resources to stay healthy.

happier lives.

I know I’ve achieved something when I’ve helped someone to the highest degree—whether that’s helping save their life, helping a family member or loved one, or just helping them in any way possible.

Now more than ever is a time to come together as a community to help those who need it the most and emphasize optimism in the same way that Mrs. Moix, Mr. Climer, Coach Zab, and Coach Tucker do each and every day.

Ideally, I would love to be working in an ER and serving in homeless clinics 10 years from now. Also, I would love to coach basketball for, if not my own children’s team, underserved children as well. I love the sport, and I think sports can teach you a lot about yourself.

When I began attending FRA, we were starting service learning. We helped build the garden behind the lower school, and I found out I loved serving and helping other people. So I figured, why not make a job out of it?

In everyday life and in every facet, FRA instills a hard-working attitude of, “Nothing is given to you, you need to go earn it.” My favorite verse to this day is Joshua 1:9. FRA taught me that I would make mistakes, but it’s going to be okay as long as I eventually reach the goal.

In my junior and senior years, I was taking five AP classes.

Though my teachers were gracious, they pushed me to hit deadlines and not slack off. Those lessons of rigor and resilience are still with me today. As medical professionals, we are pushed everyday in the ER, but FRA taught me to love the challenge.

I would not be where I am today if it were not for my teachers and coaches at Franklin Road Academy. They motivated me every step of the way to reach my full potential, not only as a student but as a whole person.

I’m still Facebook friends with a lot of my old teachers, and keep up with them. Each person molded me in a different way. My soccer coaches, Coach McDonald and Coach Price, taught me never to quit.

Our teachers believe in us when we do not believe in ourselves, and always put our interests and happiness over their own. I will never see myself as a hero, but instead, my heroes are and forever will be my teachers and coaches. 

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 16

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ALUMNI ON THE FRONTLINES

ALUMNI ON THE FRONTLINES Thank you to all of our alumni currently serving on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.

PICTURED / Top to bottom, left to right: Natalie Walden Bonds '91, Jay Morrison '93, Nancy Kopf Osburn '93, Elliot Douglass Eddy '93, Taylor White '11, Amanda McKinney '09, Greg Simpson '96, Anne Blewett Ferrell '93, Chris Estopinal '03, Jon Rydburg '13, Elizabeth Stark Garbarino '93, Courtney Manning '15, Deven Bhatia '13.

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 18

ANNIE HERRING OAKES '04 Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Grace Pediatrics in Pleasant View, Tennessee

Working as a pediatric nurse practitioner during a global pandemic is an experience I would have never imagined becoming my reality. I am blessed to provide care for many children and their families. Helping keep parents informed on the most up-to-date information concerning COVID-19, continuing to provide preventative care services, and evaluating patients to determine possibility of infection take up the majority of my day to day at this time. My current role in the community is to continue to help keep our children healthy and safe, prevent unnecessary exposure to illness for these children, and aid in flattening the curve in order to help my colleagues in the hospitals from experiencing overwhelming infection rates.

DAVID FREEMAN '02 Inpatient Psychiatrist HCA Mission Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina

I continue to treat patients with a wide variety of diagnoses in the midst of crisis, while training psychiatric residents. My population of impoverished, mentally-ill, and often homeless patients are at a high risk for infection and already encounter barriers to basic care. The challenge during the pandemic has been to ensure an advanced level of screening and treatment for an already vulnerable cohort. I continue to focus on the health of my community and advocate fiercely for their needs. I have witnessed some of the mental and emotional aftershocks of the economic contraction as well as the isolation of quarantine. Be in touch with loved ones, nature, pets, books, old friends—all the things that remind you that you are connected and valued. We will get through this, and I hope we can be proud of how we got through it.

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ANNA CANADY '15 Registered Nurse TriStar Horizon Medical Center in Dickson, Tennessee

I’m thankful for the opportunity to care for individuals in a time of uncertainty. While the fear of getting sick is always in the back of my mind, I am truly thankful to be able to step up and care for these patients. Amongst all the fear, it is comforting to know how many people are praying and how much support the community has shown. We are in this together.

CONNOR TURPIN '10 Registered Nurse Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Hopefully one day I will look back on this period of my life and tell my children that I was able to help people and make a positive impact during this global pandemic.

MARIAH CANADY '12 Registered Nurse TriStar Horizon Medical Center in Dickson, Tennessee

We, as nurses, go into this career to be a comforting voice during scary times such as this. I’m thankful to be in a position to provide that comfort for children and their parents on a daily basis.

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Interim EXPERIENCES >>>>>>>> 2 0 2 0 <<<<<<<<

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INTERIM EXPERIENCES

UPPER SCHOOL INTERIM | Upper school students hiked areas of Tennessee, learned about songwriting

and recording, worked with local mission organizations, learned about interior design, went fly fishing, worked on their culinary skills, took a photography tour of the Southeast, learned about sports business with the Predators and Titans, and visited Chattanooga, Asheville, and Gatlinburg.

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MIDDLE SCHOOL INTERIM | Our fifth grade students went to the zoo and Adventure Science

Center, sixth grade headed to space camp in Huntsville, Alabama, and seventh and eighth grade spent time together as advisories when their Washington D.C. trip was canceled due to COVID-19.

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LOWER SCHOOL INTERIM | Lower school students spent their week on

campus and exploring Nashville as they learned about astronauts and space, tested their archery skills, and developed their art abilities.

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 24

REMOTE LEARNING DELIVERING OUR MISSION THROUGH THE CHALLENGES OF COVID-19 For the safety and well-being of our students, families, and faculty, we transitioned to remote learning immediately following spring break in response to COVID-19. The shift to remote learning presented a number of obstacles, but our community rose to the challenge and made the best of a difficult situation with creativity and grace.

Our division heads shared what we learned as a community and the creative ways our students and teachers connected during these uncertain times.

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REMOTE LEARNING

Q&A AS YOU PLANNED THE REMOTE LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS, WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN GOAL? PRENTICE STABLER, ASSOCIATE HEAD OF SCHOOL: When

we made the decision to move to remote learning, our primary goal was to capture the essence of what makes an FRA education and experience so dynamic and keep those elements strong in a new, virtual context. If you walk the halls of our buildings while we are on campus, you will find classes that are active, participatory, and engaged. Our students own the learning process. They shoulder the cognitive load and collaborate to build understanding in a host of disciplines.

Part of the magic of FRA is the web of close relationships that grows among our students and faculty. As we explored remote learning options, we decided to preserve large chunks of time spent together in groups that had grown close over the year. While many of our peer schools across the country opted for asynchronous models where students worked by themselves at times of their own choosing, we designed a day that used Zoom and Microsoft Teams to keep students connected to the people with whom they had been learning all year.

WHAT WAS THE BEST THING THAT CAME FROM REMOTE LEARNING? PRENTICE STABLER: While we are eager to return to school

in the fall, our time spent teaching and learning virtually built valuable abilities and skills that our teachers and students will bring back to campus in the fall. Our early efforts to preserve community and manageable daily accountability in classes proved a good fit for remote learning and also affirmed the high value we place on building community and meeting regularly while at school. Moreover, our Launch Series and Discovery Fridays accelerated budding efforts to connect our students to parent and alumni leaders and engage in independent learning and exploration projects.

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 26

RYAN HARRIS, HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL: We knew going

uploading of all teacher lessons to a portal that students could

into remote learning that we would need to extend grace

access at any time. The asynchronous nature of teaching in the

to ourselves and our students. Embracing a “learn as we

lower school was very different than the purely synchronous

go” mindset, our teachers, students, and administrators

system used in the middle and upper school. We recognized

had to remain agile in making refinements along the way.

that our families would have very different schedules, and not

It was incredible to see our teachers and students learning

everyone could be online at the same time in a household.

alongside one another through the process. The diligence of

We also understood that lower school students would most

our teachers and their response to the challenges presented

likely need a little more parental assistance for not only

through teaching and learning in an entirely different way is

accessing their lessons, but completing them as well. SeeSaw

reflective of their love and care for our students, community,

also allowed for the uploading of completed assignments by

and school.

students, as well as provided a two-way communication system between the teacher and student/parent.

HOW DID YOU INCORPORATE ENRICHMENTS INTO THE REMOTE LEARNING EXPERIENCE?

After two weeks of purely asynchronous teaching, we began to implement synchronous learning opportunities via Zoom.

Every student received at least two live teaching sessions each

RYAN HARRIS: Our enrichment classes provide opportunities

week through Zoom. These were usually held in small groups

for our students to learn and pursue their passions. For

to provide better instruction, but we ultimately added whole

this reason, it was important to us that enrichment classes

group Zoom sessions so that the students could see their

continued just like all other classes. Dance class continued

classmates and maintain some of the social aspects related to

remotely, PE was active and engaging, art utilized materials

school.

that could easily be found around the house, band and choir continued to practice, rehearse, and perform, and the list goes on! We had to be particularly resourceful, but we made it happen—and it all happened at a high level of quality!

Our advisories continued to meet throughout remote learning.

This was a time for us to connect with our students outside the “classroom” providing opportunity for support and encouragement. It was a nice way to stay connected with one another and provide an outlet for any students facing particular challenges. We had fun with it, laughed together, and prayerfully supported each other just as we would have if we were on campus together.

RICK WEST, HEAD OF LOWER SCHOOL: Every week, teachers

uploaded multiple activities for students to complete so they could continue getting the important elements that come from enrichment classes. Students were encouraged to take a “deeper dive” into any enrichment they wanted by taking weekly required lessons and at least one optional lesson. I am proud of the opportunities the enrichment teachers created because the lessons they provide our students are crucial in developing the whole child.

WHAT WERE SOME SPECIFIC WAYS YOUR DIVISION WAS ABLE TO CATER TO YOUR STUDENTS? RICK WEST: The use of SeeSaw as our delivery system was

a monumental shift. SeeSaw allowed for the recording and

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HIGHLIGHTS

SPIRIT DAYS Virtual learning didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stop our students from showing their school spirit with special theme days each week.

VIRTUAL WAX MUSEUM

ALMOST ALUMNI BREAKFAST

Our fifth grade students presented a virtual wax museum this year. The museum gallery is available at www.franklinroadacademy.com/4700.

FRA Alumni Relations sent our seniors donuts on the morning of their Almost Alumni breakfast, which was presented via Zoom.

LAUNCH SERIES Members of our community shared their expertise through our Launch Series presentations. We encourage you to visit our YouTube channel to watch any presentation you may have missed.

CHAPEL AND CONVOCATION Students across all divisions continued to participate in daily convocations and weekly chapels. All videos are available on our YouTube channel.

DISCOVERY FRIDAYS On Friday afternoons, students, their families, and faculty were encouraged to explore their passions and interests through independent learning.

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 28

Robo Panthers 29 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2020

ROBOTICS

R€cord Numb€r of FRA Robotics T€ams Qualify for th€ World Championship

In March, five teams competed in the VEX Robotics State Competition. After two days of intense competition, the FRA RoboPanthers advanced a record-breaking four teams to the World Championship, originally scheduled to take place in April. Team 97934U, consisting of Campbell Jeffrey, Garrison Harold, and Claire Conley, finished as tournament finalists. Team 97934X, consisting of Stephen Hohnholt, Caleb Huddleston, William Roberts, and Reilly Robinson, entered the competition as the number nine seed and upset the number one seed in the quarterfinal. This incredible win landed them as tournament semifinalists and secured their spot in the World Championship. Team 97934Y, consisting of Thomas Hohnholt, Olivia Maki, Langston Harold, RJ Harding, and Ryan Holman, also had an awesome performance and finished the weekend as tournament semifinalists. The first ever FRA middle school team to advance as tournament finalists was Team 97934W, consisting of Carter Simons, Patrick Hanley, Bailey Bonde, and George Halas.

Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Championship in Louisville, Kentucky, was canceled. We congratulate all of our RoboPanthers on an incredible season.  PICTURED / Top: Stephen Hohnholt, William Roberts, Caleb Huddleston, Reilly Robinson; Middle: Bailey Bonde, Carter Simons, George Halas, Patrick Hanley; Bottom: Claire Conley, Garrison Harold, Campbell Jeffrey.

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S P I R I T UA L

EMPHASIS WEEK

BY

BRANDON ALBRIGHT, Director of Spiritual Life

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SPIRITUAL EMPHASIS WEEK

S

Stories have tremendous power. They drive us to tears through sadness or laughter. They make our hearts beat faster with anxiousness or excitement. We become invested, no

longer a mere viewer, but rather what feels like an active participant drawn into the storyline.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in a great book or an entertaining movie because, at the heart of us, we are all enticed by a great story. One of my pastors shared that we love great stories because God invites us to live one. That has served as the premise for our chapels this year where we’ve explored some of the incredible stories we find in scripture—Abraham, Esther, David, the disciples, amongst others—unlikely heroes, characters who overcame great obstacles, and ordinary people who did extraordinary things. The common thread in all of those stories is a God who is writing a grand narrative and inviting people to be a part of his story.

During Spiritual Emphasis Week, we dove into the theme of a storyline by inviting speakers to come and share about the story of God, reveal how God has been at work in their own lives, and challenge us to be a part of what He is writing in our world today.

The week began with what has quickly become a SEW tradition of gathering in the Scarlett Family Chapel for a school-wide kickoff. This year a highlight of that chapel was Andrew Kaiser ’20 performing an original spoken word, revealing the story of Jesus and the incredible impact He can have in our lives.

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We welcomed Harris III, Baylee Oakley, and Drew Powell as our featured speakers. Harris III, an illusionist, speaker, and storyteller, used magic and illusions to talk about how we are sold a counterfeit version of our own story. He ended by breaking out of a straight jacket and sharing the message that all of us have something in our story that binds us, whether our insecurities or desire for worth and value, and that true freedom comes through Christ.

Baylee, a missionary with Youth With A Mission, shared her personal testimony of how Jesus radically changed her life and brought freedom to her story of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation she experienced after her dad’s tragic death.

Drew, Creative Arts Pastor at Cross Point Church, shared the story of Elijah and revealed how God cares about our physical, psychological, and spiritual needs. Overall, our speakers were incredible, and revealed how our stories become greater when we align with God’s story.

Spiritual Emphasis Week concluded with the opportunity to be part of the storyline God is writing in our city by embarking on our SEW Service Day. This has become one of the highlights of the year for many students as we partner with ministries and organizations across the greater Nashville area and put our faith in action.

It was a special week on our campus. It’s amazing to see the incredible story God is writing at FRA in the hearts and lives of our community, and we are excited to continue aligning our lives to the work He is doing all around us. 

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FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 34

SERVICE

LIFE BY

In the early hours of Tuesday, March 3â&#x20AC;&#x201D;before COVID-19 changed our lives foreverâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Nashville suffered a devastating tragedy as an EF3 tornado cut a wide swath of destruction from downtown Nashville to Wilson County.

The storm and its aftermath impacted many from the FRA community. From Five Points to Mount Juliet, FRA students, parents, and staff took inventory of damaged

JOSH FLEGEL, Service Life Coordinator

homes and automobiles. While many in our community were inconvenienced, the brunt of the storm spared the majority of FRA families.

Unfortunately, the same could not be said for longtime FRA rivals Donelson Christian Academy. At approximately 12:53 a.m., DCA took a direct hit from a storm that had measured winds of 165 mph. The tornado destroyed the elementary school, left the athletic facility in ruins, devastated the upper school buildings, and cleared the campus of dozens of trees. The devastation was total, and almost 10 years after the flood which also consumed the campus, DCA was left with another massive rebuilding job.

While DCA took inventory of the damage, students in the FRA middle and upper schools were preparing for Interim and trip weeks. Each year, these students spend a week in March at an off-campus learning experience.

From middle school trips to Washington, D.C. and local camps to upper school experiences that ranged from local to global, hundreds of FRA students were ready for lifechanging experiences.

However, before most major trips could begin their journeys, the country was beset by the biggest public

35 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2020

SERVICE LIFE

health crisis in over a hundred years. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of all out of town experiences leaving over 200 FRA students looking for alternative plans for the week. For many, those new plans would take them to ground zero of the Nashville tornado.

Over two dozen Tennesseans lost their lives in the deadly storms. Many more lost homes. From Donelson, the storm

“The students fell silent,” Brady said. “You could hear a pin drop in the bus as the scale and the reality of the effects of the tornado hit them square in the face.”

moved swiftly through Hermitage and into Mt. Juliet causing serious damage to Mt. Juliet Christian School and Wilson

It’s hard to describe the destruction. Many of us have had a

Middle School. The students and faculty at FRA were

relationship with DCA that spanned several decades. To see

collectively heartbroken for those that lost their schools.

the utter devastation on their campus compelled so many

Fortunately, our Upper School Service Club had been

of us in our community to reach out quickly in order to offer

preparing for an event such as this.

support and assistance.

Beginning with the devastating hurricanes that hit Texas and

I, along with history department chair, Jon Wilson, were

Florida in 2018, the service club had collected over two tons

scheduled to take a dozen students on a tour of the Nashville

of disaster relief supplies ranging from clothespins and paper

non-profit community for Interim week. The tornado quickly

towels to brooms, mops, and diapers. Since those hurricanes,

changed those plans.

the service club has maintained a disaster relief store in case of another emergency. In addition, a tornado relief drive was

When we took our students to DCA, we were all speechless in

immediately enacted, and FRA families and staff delivered

the face of such destruction. I guess the only blessing is that

piles of supplies to be distributed to those most impacted in

the storm hit that campus at midnight and not at noon. The

the Nashville community.

service trip would spend the week collecting and delivering supplies to churches and depots across Nashville. However,

However, for many students, bringing supplies wouldn’t be

it was a group of students who planned to be scuba diving in

enough. Students and staff alike felt called to do more, and

the Caribbean and visiting laboratories in Chicago who put

soon found themselves clearing debris alongside friends at

boots on the ground at DCA to assist with the cleanup.

DCA who, only a few months earlier, stood on opposite sides of the field as bitter football rivals.

Dr. Brady was supposed to lead a STEM trip to Chicago.

Instead she spent part of the week with her students at DCA.

Most of those who visited the DCA campus that week would

While I was disappointed we wouldn’t be going to Chicago,

never forget what they saw. One of our science teachers, Dr.

I was excited about being able to help,” Brady said. “It was

Sonia Brady, remembers the mood on the bus upon arrival at

hard work, but also deeply personal for me as the tornado

DCA.

passed just a quarter mile from my house.”

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 36

Dr. Brady and math teacher, Brent Berkompas, spent three

it. The impact and the need were real, and I don’t think the

days directing their students through cleanup efforts. They

value of our contribution was lost on us or the students.”

cleared brush, salvaged athletic equipment, and collected supplies to be used for remote learning.

Jay Salato, head of upper school, took a bus of students who had their marine biology trip canceled over to DCA to pray

“For many of our students, I think the work made the

for the school and offer assistance. Mr. Salato was joined by

tornado more real to them,” Brady said. “Our students are

Jeff Wiser, head of security. Mr. Wiser recognized the DCA

regularly involved in service, and sometimes it can be easy

security guards stationed on the campus. In a moment of

to wonder if the work you’re doing is actually making a

levity, he was told, “We may hate you one Friday night a

difference. There was a lot of work to do across Nashville to

year, but we love you today. Thanks for being with us.”

clean up after the tornado. In fact, there still is a lot of work to be done to clean and rebuild. What we did that week

The time working with the DCA community had a profound

was just a tiny part of that work, but it simply needed to be

impact on FRA students as it instilled empathy and a feeling

done, and we had the opportunity to be in a position to do

of unity not usually seen between rival schools.

37 | 4700 Spring/Summer 2020

“I got to see a community come together, except on a much

“The impact this experience had on me and our students

larger scale,” Stephen Vickers ‘21 said. “The majority of

was beyond words,” Salato said. “In fact, as we turned left

people there did not know each other, and they did not even

onto Danyacrest Drive, like we had so many times before

know who they were helping, yet they served there all day. I

for football games, volleyball matches, district tournaments,

got to meet multiple people and families that were affected

and community events, the bus was silent. The students were

by the tornado, and I got to help offer them a ‘shopping

in shock, and some were in tears. We did pray over their

experience’ where there were lots of supplies set out that were

campus, like we had originally planned, but we did so much

donated by people around the country. My job was to hold a

more. The actual physical labor paled in comparison to how

box for them to set supplies in, essentially being a shopping

we were received. We had gone to DCA to bless them, and

cart, and my favorite part of this job was talking to the families

they ended up blessing us. It was a great representation of

—especially the kids—because the amount of joy they had

what it looks like to love fully and live in community with

amidst everything going on was inspiring.”

brothers and sisters in Christ.”

“This experience has shown me

While the current pandemic may be a defining event for our

how a community can really come

learned was not from COVID-19, but from a communal spirit

together in times of need and

times, it might be that the greatest lesson many FRA students and common effort shared between longtime rivals who realized they were part of a family. 

showed me how truly blessed I am,” Hayes Dalton ‘21 said.

Bill Whittemore, head football coach, spent the week working alongside his players and DCA athletes who competed against his team earlier in the year.

“I’m grateful for our hard-working group that never stopped working until our task was complete,” Whittemore said. “They were supposed to be in the Cayman Islands, but instead were asked to do manual labor and never complained. I also enjoyed watching DCA’s openness to a school that they compete against. We united together when reality hit.”

FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 38

An exercise in

REFLECTION

BY ALLISON HAMMAT, Director of Counseling

1.

EVALUATE During these challenging times, I encourage you to make space for private reflection to process the

thoughts, feelings, and uncertainties we have all experienced.

3.

SHIFT YOUR PERSPECTIVE Nothing ever stays the same. We are constantly changing and evolving, both in

the ways we deal with things and the opportunities that

By taking an honest look back and a hopeful look forward,

present themselves. There are some thresholds you can

we can give ourselves permission to reevaluate our priorities.

only cross in one direction, though. Think of something

Note the things that are worthy of our time—the things worth

that has changed your perspective.

celebrating, mourning, learning from, and remembering.

What changes in your daily routine have you enjoyed? What has been the best part of your day?

How did your lens shift? What actions did you or could you take to align with your new outlook?

What have you noticed about yourself that you didn’t notice before?

When we are feeling overwhelmed, it can help to refocus. One way to start is by shifting our mindset to gratitude. Take a moment to think about all of the things that you are grateful for—big and small.

2.

4.

How has this time at home changed you for the better?

ADJUST YOUR SCHEDULE Remember those busy schedules filled with work commitments, social outings, church, service

projects, and extracurricular activities? If you are like me,

RENEW So much has changed in recent months.

While this time has been stressful in numerous

ways, I encourage you to take the time to recognize its

you could feel the battle in your heart when you looked at

gifts. As we begin to restart, we have an opportunity to

your calendar—desperately trying to find balance with your

consciously evaluate our expectations and assumptions,

profession and family and friends squeezing in something

allowing us to create intentional plans moving forward.

every moment of the day.

Consider the ways you spend your time as a reflection of the things you value most. Are the things you value most where you spend most of your time and energy? Are there ways to shift time to better reflect your values?

What habits have you started that you would you like to keep moving forward? What would you like to change?

What do you need to take the next right step toward becoming your best self? What is your hope as we move forward—what words spring to mind?

Are there parts of your old schedule that you can let go?

There is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now. If you or a family member need to talk with someone, I encourage you to visit a professional therapist or counselor. If you have questions about finding someone to talk to, please contact me at hammata@franklinroadacademy.com. 

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WELLNESS FEATURE

SENIOR

S POTL I G H T Celebrating the Class of 2020 Students in the class of 2020 will likely never forget the events of the final semester of their senior year in high school. Through all of the challenges of COVID-19 and the introduction of remote learning, they led the student body with resilience and grace. The senior class demonstrated the true spirit of FRA by celebrating and supporting one another through this time of uncertainty and change.

To our seniors, we are incredibly proud of your accomplishments and encouraged by the creative, caring individuals you have become. We are excited to celebrate and honor each of you in this special feature for the class of 2020.

SENIOR SPOTLIGHT

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS of 2020 UNIFIED.

AVA ACKERMAN Vanderbilt University

ALLY AXFORD University of South Carolina

JADEN BAKER University of Mississippi

I wish I could tell the class of 2020 how memorable and amazing my 13 years have been. I feel like I have 71 brothers and sisters.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m looking forward to a new challenge. I am driven by competition and my desire to learn, so I am thrilled to embark on a new journey in life where I can focus on my major and find something I truly love doing.

I will miss the personal connection with my teachers. They really do invest in every single part of your life. They care. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to come back to our 10-year reunion and see what everyone has done with their gifts and talents.

KENYA BARCUS Western Kentucky University

BRYCE BARRET T University of Mississippi

ANSLEY BAUGH University of Mississippi

I love FRA because it made me learn to love school again and introduced me to many amazing people that positively impacted my life. Our class has a special bond like no other, and we made the best of our situation.

I love FRA because of the superior education I have been provided, but it has also helped me grow as a person.

I love how supportive everyone is of one another, and how invested we are in our community. To see the full circle of former students growing up and sending their own children to FRA exemplifies how special this place is.

My teachers were always by my side in and outside of the classroom. I am grateful for the lasting relationships with them and, because of them, I am confident that I am prepared for any challenge I will face next year in college.

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS of 2020 RESILIENT.

ALIENOR BERTOMEU Undecided

BENJAMIN BLAHAUVIETZ Syracuse University

IRELAN BURKE Mississippi State University

FRA has a great community. One of my favorite memories from my senior year was the homecoming parade through campus. It was a lot of fun, and I had a great time with my friends.

I love FRA because it taught me to overcome failures and strive for success. I grew up with the people in this school. I still say hello to my pre-k and kindergarten teachers when I see them around campus.

I wish I could tell the class of 2020 that each one of them has impacted my life in some form over the past couple years. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see what God has in store for my classmates during the next chapters of our lives.

NOLAN BURKE Lipscomb University

FORD BURTON The University of Alabama

SEAN CASEY University of Rochester

When I head to college, the things I will miss most about FRA are all the relationships I have made since I started in the seventh grade. I will miss the amazing football and basketball games that always got us hyped and were a blast.

I wish I could tell the class of 2020 they truly made me a better person, and because of that, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve become more of a family than anything else. I look forward to coming back home from college and catching up with all my friends.

My favorite memory from my senior year was when our fans stormed the football field after we beat BGA 16-14 on the road. It was great to watch our community celebrate and see the joy it brought everyone.

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS of 2020 DETERMINED.

LIZZIE CHILDRESS Belmont University

KENDALL CLARK George Washington University

ANDREW COX Samford University

As we all graduate, I wish I could tell the class of 2020 thank you. Thank you for being such a solid group of people who encouraged and shaped me into the person I am today.

I will miss the environment at FRA. I know no matter where I go, that will be something that is truly irreplaceable.

The smiles are contagious, and there are always people around for support.

As I think ahead to my freshman year in college, I’m looking forward to getting to focus on studying a subject I’m passionate about, and having teammates to push me to improve.

MAT THEW DEL DUCA University of Toronto

MAT T DERWENSKUS Miami University, Ohio

KEVIN DONNELL The University of Memphis

I love FRA because I was able to make many different friends in different groups, which pushed me out of my comfort zone. I will always appreciate how my teachers and advisor let me talk to them about anything I needed.

My favorite memory from this year was playing Uno in Mr. Kaiser’s room because it was hilarious how competitive we got over a card game.

During his time at FRA, Kevin was named All-Region in football two times. He was a three-year letter winner in track and field and a fouryear letter winner in football for the Panthers.

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS of 2020 KIND.

IAN FATZINGER Gap Year

KHARA FAYNE Alabama A&M University

CAM FRANKFATHER Mississippi State University

During remote learning, the faculty’s effort to make our senior year the best it could possibly be was one of my favorite things. I enjoyed seeing everyone’s take on quarantine and how they positively reflected on the year.

I wish I could tell the class of 2020 to not be afraid of being themselves, and I hope they go on to do big things in college.

I love FRA because it has shaped me into who I am today. The FRA community is the greatest one I have ever been around, and that’s why we call ourselves the FRAmily.

TEANNA FRANKLIN Western Kentucky University

DYLAN GADSEY Samford University

KINGSTON GARDNER Belmont University

As I head off to college, I wish I could tell the class of 2020 I love them, and I’m excited to watch each of them do amazing things in their life.

I love FRA because I have been set up for success, and now have a platform to continue doing what I do for the rest of my life. I am looking forward to taking what I learned at FRA and using it in my future.

I will miss being at a school that has all different ages and backgrounds, which allows me to make deeper and more meaningful connections. It has been the place where I was able to find my passion and make lifelong relationships. Not only was I able to fit in here, I was able to thrive. I grew academically, athletically, and most importantly, spiritually.

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS of 2020 ENTHUSIASTIC.

EMILY GRAVES Seattle Pacific University

WESTON HALL Auburn University

LOGAN HARPER Auburn University

I will miss the extraordinary FRA community, where I have felt loved and cared for every step of the way. I will miss how much joy the people here have brought to my life, and how I always felt welcomed to be myself.

My favorite memory from this year was homecoming week because it showed me how amazing my time at FRA has been. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always admired how people here care for and treat each other.

I wish I could tell the class of 2020 thank you for welcoming me into your FRAmily with open arms. I came in as a nervous sophomore and left as my true self, which was further developed through my relationship with each and every one of you.

COLE HIGGINS Louisiana State University

STEPHEN HOHNHOLT Purdue University

THOMAS HOHNHOLT Valparaiso University

I will miss seeing my wonderful teachers and classmates every day.

I wish I could tell the class of 2020 how much I love them, and how thankful I am for their support during my medical trials.

My favorite thing I did at FRA has definitely been robotics. We did well this year, and the VRC State Robotics tournament was a lot of fun. The quarterfinal match was crazy intense, and it will be a moment I will never forget.

During the remote learning time at FRA, Discovery Fridays were my favorite thing. I learned how to cook a few dishes which was helpful and also fun for me.

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS of 2020 ADAPTABLE.

CHARLOT TE HOLMAN University of Colorado Boulder

JADEN HOLTSCHLAG Indiana University Bloomington

ZHARIA HUTCHINSON St. Francis College

As I head off to college, I will definitely miss the people and closeness of the FRA community the most. Everyone was so inclusive and welcoming, and I will definitely be back to visit.

During remote learning, my favorite thing was how considerate and kind my teachers were. They wanted to always do the best thing for us, which was thoughtful of them.

I will miss the connection you build with other people here at FRA. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. There are plenty of people who relate to you more than you know, and it’s easy to find your place.

JACOB JACKSON Sewanee: The University of the South

CAMPBELL JEFFREY Duke University

HAYLEY JONES Coastal Carolina University

My favorite thing I did at FRA was sports. I created deep bonds with my coaches and teammates who have been a great source of leadership and friendship.

My favorite thing I did at FRA was building robotics, traveling with the team, and competing at the world championship level. This experience helped me develop friendships which will last a lifetime, and also fueled my passion to collaborate globally to solve pressing issues our world faces.

I love FRA because this is the place I’ve created the best memories, deepest relationships, and most incredible passion for many things. I would not have wanted to spend my high school experience anywhere else.

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS of 2020 TENACIOUS.

LOGAN KACZYNSKI Michigan State University

ANDREW KAISER Southeastern University

ANGELINA KAUFMAN Florida Atlantic University

My favorite memories at FRA include helping with volleyball camp in the summer, spending time with my advisory, and going to football games with my friends.

During my time at FRA, I was given an opportunity to thrive by being taught the skills and mindset it takes to build character. The community here taught me how to love beyond the surface, and how to fail forward and grow in my own faith.

During her time at FRA, Angelina was a member of the varsity soccer team and member of Young Life.

SUNNY KIRSCHNER Gap Year

BROOKE LIVELY Western Kentucky University

HANNAH MADONDO University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

During her time at FRA, Sunny was a member of Student Council, Honor Council and the cross country team.

My favorite memory from this year was football games because everyone had a lot of spirit, and it was a great way for the students to come together. I also enjoyed Interim because I was able to make a lot of memories.

During her time at FRA, Hannah was a member of the varsity cheerleading team, varsity soccer team, and track and field team.

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS of 2020 AMBITIOUS.

MAT THEW MAGGART Western Kentucky University

MCKENNA MATLOCK Campbellsville University

EVAN MINNEKER Belmont University

During his time at FRA, Matthew was a member of the varsity football and basketball teams.

During her time at FRA, McKenna was a member of the varsity volleyball team and involved in the Best Buddies Program.

My favorite thing I did at FRA was Jazz Ensemble because it’s how I have been able to build most of my connections here—plus there’s a bonus in having Mr. Chandler as a teacher.

LANDRY MITCHELL University of Tennessee, Knoxville

KIRA MURPHY University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

GARRET T PAVE University of Missouri, Columbia

I will miss seeing the same people that I love, and have seen almost every day for the past 13 years. I have made some of my favorite memories at this place, and it will always have a place in my heart.

As we all prepare to go off to college, I wish I could tell the class of 2020 I’m proud of us, especially after the way we adapted so well to having our last semester turned upside down. I’ll miss all of you.

I love FRA because it’s my home. I’ve been at FRA since kindergarten, and have been blessed to be part of such an awesome family. I know that I can come back anytime, and FRA would welcome me back with open arms.

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS of 2020 CONNECTED.

RYAN PIERCE Clemson University

MASON PRICE University of Kentucky

MILES PRICE University of Kentucky

I’m looking forward to making new friends and experiences in college, but knowing when I come home to Nashville, my relationships with my FRA friends will still be the exact same.

I wish I could tell the class of 2020 I love all of you guys, and we are all going down in history for this one. I will miss the FRA community and the teachers who were so kind to me.

My favorite memory while at FRA was going to England during Interim.

ETHAN RHODEN Cumberland University

CONNOR RICHARDSON Coastal Carolina University

CATIE ROMANELLI Savannah College of Art and Design

Next year, I will really miss all the people I met here. Each one them impacted my life in some way, and have been with me the whole way.

My favorite memory from this year was definitely the closing night of “Cats.”

That night was the culmination of four years of hard work for me and all of the other theater seniors. I’ll never forget that.

Even though I’ll miss my favorite teachers and the community at FRA, I’m looking forward to studying illustration at SCAD and sharing my passion and my art with the world.

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS of 2020 UNFORGET TABLE.

ANA SALVAGNO Northeastern University

MADISON SCHRAW Savannah College of Art and Design

GEORGE SCOT T Boise State University

I’m looking forward to discovering new passions and falling in love with a career that will allow me to make a positive impact. At FRA, I formed relationships I will treasure forever, and I was taught to push myself beyond my limits.

My favorite memory from this year was the senior parade during homecoming week. I loved seeing how excited all of the younger kids were as my friends and I drove by in my decorated car.

I love FRA because it’s a tight-knit community that cares about each of its members. The thing I will miss most about FRA is all the people.

HARRISON SHAFER University of Colorado Boulder

DONAVON SHANNON Valdosta State University

TENNENT GRACE SMITH Marshall University

My favorite memory from this year was the state cross country meet. It was fun to go after working so hard all season.

During his time at FRA, Donavon was a four-year member of the varsity soccer team.

One of my favorite memories from my senior year at FRA was Lunch Bunch on Tuesdays with Mr. Zab and my friends because it would always brighten my week. I also enjoyed working at the tech desk because of the people there.

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS of 2020 GENUINE.

STEVE SOMERS The University of Alabama

CHRISTINA STEARNS Emory University

WILL STEINERT University of Louisville

I will miss the relationships with my teachers. I know I can go to any of my teachers, past or present, with any issue, academic or not, and they will help me no matter the circumstance.

During remote learning, my friends and I would still eat lunch together. It was like we were still together even though we weren’t.

During his time at FRA, Will was a member of the Blue Thunder Drumline and loved performing during parades and at games.

SAM TAYLOR Missouri Western State University

EMMA VANZANT Samford University

SUMMER VO Sewanee: The University of the South

I will miss the culture at FRA. We are all insanely close, which took me awhile to get used to, but once I did, I was friends with many students.

During her time at FRA, Emma was a member of the cheerleading team for four years. She was also involved in the theater program and Young Life.

As I think about my first year in college, I’m looking forward to growing. I am excited to be pushed to go further and continue my education. I can’t wait to be on a new campus with new opportunities and experiences waiting for me.

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CELEBRATING THE CLASS of 2020 DYNAMIC.

KENDALL WARPOOL University of Tennessee, Knoxville

JEREMY WASHINGTON Lincoln University

WILL WHEELER University of Tennessee, Knoxville

My favorite memory from this year was spray painting the hill on Friday morning of homecoming week because it was such a fun time.

During his time at FRA, Jeremy was a four-year letter winner in football and a three-year letter winner in track and field. He was also a member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

My favorite thing I did at FRA was football because some of my best high school memories were made on the field with my guys.

DREW WHITE University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

KELTON WILLIAMSON Auburn University

CHLOE ZOUBEK Villanova University

As we all graduate, I wish I could tell the class of 2020 they have made high school an amazing experience for me, and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m so grateful for all of them and what they have done for me.

FRA has been my home for 14 years of my life. It has provided me my closest friends and my most important memories, but most of all, it has shaped me into the confident and steadfast man I am today. I am forever grateful for this community.

My favorite thing I did at FRA was being a Turner Fellow. I was able to take the leadership skills I learned in Student Council, and apply them to a real-life experience and create relationships that will impact me for years to come.

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VALEDICTORIAN Campbell Jeffrey |

DUKE UNIVERSITY

“

One day we will tell our children about our virtual senior class picnic that got washed away by rain and hail. They will look up from their iPhone 52, and say, “Wow, Mom and Dad, you had it rough,” and immediately turn their eyes back to their phones. We’ll smile, and remember our class. We know that we didn’t just endure unparalleled challenges, but we thrived, meeting each obstacle with humility and grace. We are the FRA senior class of 2020, and we are fearless.

SALUTATORIAN

Ava Ackerman |

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

“

The FRA community has marveled at how close-knit our class is.

This togetherness is part of our collective identity and something we have always taken pride in. I am enormously proud to be a member of this class, and forever will be. While this year did not go as we had planned, it was in God’s design from the beginning. He has shown me our love isn’t confined to the four walls of FRA, but is actually meant for so much more. The world needs this kind of love right now, and it is His desire we carry it with us in the coming days, weeks, and months as we move beyond our local community. I am confident we are capable of rising to this occasion, and am excited to hear of all the wonderful things each of you will accomplish.

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Ontario, Canada

Hawaii

Matriculations Acceptances

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES & MATRICULATIONS Alabama A&M University Appalachian State University Arcadia University Arizona State University-Tempe Arkansas State University Auburn University Austin Peay State University Baldwin Wallace University Ball State University Bard College Baylor University Bellarmine University Belmont University Berry College Bethel University Birmingham Southern College Boise State University Butler University Campbellsville University Carson-Newman University Centre College Clark Atlanta University Clemson University Coastal Carolina University College of Charleston Colorado State University Columbia College Chicago Concord University Cumberland University Davidson College Defiance College Denison University Duke University East Tennessee State University Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emerson College Emory University Fairfield University Florida Atlantic University Florida International University Fordham University Furman University George Washington University Georgia Institute of Technology Gonzaga University Grand Canyon University Indiana University, Bloomington Iowa State University Kansas State University Kent State University Kentucky Christian University Kentucky Wesleyan College Lee University Lincoln University

United States of America

Lipscomb University LIU Post Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Chicago Lynn University Marshall University Mercer University Methodist University Miami University, Ohio Michigan State University Middle Tennessee State University Millikin University Millsaps College Mississippi State University Missouri Western State University Montclair State University Morehead State University Muhlenberg College Murray State University Nichols College Northeastern University Ohio University Otterbein University Pace University Palm Beach Atlantic University Pepperdine University Point Loma Nazarene University Point Park University Purdue University Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rhodes College Rice University Rider University Roosevelt University Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Saint Ambrose University Sam Houston State University Samford University San Diego State University San Jose State University Savannah College of Art and Design Seattle Pacific University Sewanee: The University of the South Shorter University Southeastern University Southern Methodist University St. Francis College Syracuse University Temple University Tennessee State University Tennessee Technological University Texas Christian University The College of Wooster The New SchoolÂ

The University of Alabama The University of Arizona The University of Memphis The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The University of Oklahoma Trinity University Troy University Tulane University of Louisiana Union University University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) University of California, Riverside University of California, Santa Cruz University of Colorado at Boulder University of Dayton University of Denver University of Evansville University of Florida University of Georgia University of Hartford University of Hawaii at Manoa University of Illinois at Chicago University of Kansas University of Kentucky University of Louisville University of Mississippi University of Missouri, Columbia University of Nebraska, Lincoln University of North Carolina at Asheville University of Pittsburgh University of Puget Sound University of Richmond University of Rochester University of San Diego University of South Carolina University of Tennessee, Chattanooga University of Tennessee, Knoxville University of Toronto University of Virginia Valdosta State University Valparaiso University Vanderbilt University Villanova University Virginia Tech Wake Forest University Washington University in St Louis Webster University West Virginia University Western Kentucky University Westmont College Wheaton College Wittenberg University Wright State University Xavier University Xavier University of Louisiana

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GRADUATION PARADE

SENIOR GRADUATION PARADE BY

BETSEY BACHERT,

Director of College Counseling and Community Engagement This year’s diploma conferral was an unforgettable experience for the class of 2020 and their families. The social distancing measures necessary to flatten the curve of COVID-19 were felt in many ways throughout the spring, but on May 23, the energy and love this senior class has for one another and for their faculty was on full display.

Drive-by parades have become an established way of celebration during this time of social distancing, but this particular event went beyond the traditional with multiple stops and photo opportunities for students to create fun memories with their families and teachers.

“Pomp and Circumstance” played throughout the campus on the Scarlett Family Chapel bell tower as students were greeted at the front of campus by Prince the Panther.

Families were welcomed by Brandon Albright, director of spiritual life, with their personalized Senior Chapel rock and prayer. Next, each senior received a cookie decorated with their college logo, and took a photo in front of college signs representing the 72 members of the graduating class. Each senior tossed their cap in celebration and then proceeded to receive a printed composite from Jay Salato, head of upper school. Members of the 12-Year Club snapped a photo in front of their beloved dinosaur at the playground before rounding the corner to receive their diploma.

Students individually walked up the steps to the Weicker Center as Sean Casey, head of school, placed their diploma on a stand for pickup. Prentice Stabler, associate head of school, announced each student with personalized and colorful commentary as they approached the stand. The graduate’s family then celebrated with formal photos before passing through alumni banners, marking the transition to alumni status.

After the diploma conferral ceremony, our valedictorian and salutatorian led a festive parade around campus where faculty members lined up with smoke machines, air horns, and celebratory signs. Huge smiles and tears of joy flowed as students and teachers shouted words of appreciation for one another. The day was a warm and welcome sight for a campus that has deeply missed its students over the past eight weeks. The class of 2020 will formally celebrate their commencement on July 31 with a ceremony on the football field. 

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arts

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FINE & PERFORMING ARTS

VISUAL ART GALLERY | Lower, middle, and upper school students

showcased their talents this spring in the virtual visual art show.

To view the entire collection, visit www.franklinroadacademy.com/4700.

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Andrew Kaiser CLASS OF 2020 // POET

I

I haven't always considered myself an artist. I would write, but I would certainly never go around telling people I was an artist. It never felt like I was performing a poem but more that I was sharing my heart, and performing happened to be the way I was able to share.

When I start writing, I like to start by writing the ways the Lord has been working in my life lately—the people, interactions, and things He might want me to notice and act on or learn and grow from.

I don’t sit down, and say, “I’m going to write a poem.” I start with a free write and see where my mind takes me—see where the Spirit leads me. I write down my feelings, my thoughts, what happened in my day, my struggles. Sometimes they just form that way, and sometimes I get in a flow and add rhyming to it.

“Sticks and Stones” stemmed from a year and a half of notes prior to when I turned it into a poem. It was hard to build up the confidence to perform that piece because I love to bottle up all of my emotions and problems.

“Sticks and Stones” was extremely tough for me to share with other people. I could write it down, but when I started saying it out loud and practicing and performing it, I was having trouble getting the words out. The things I wrote about were real things I struggled with, and writing that in a poem and saying it out loud was way tougher than I expected it to be.

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHTS

The biggest part of this poem is that in a relationship with God, you get to go face-to-face with Him. You also get to go face-to-face with the enemy and your problems, knowing that the Lord is on your side. So this whole poem was written to personify the enemy in a way. I’m speaking to him and calling him out, keeping in mind that because I’ve gone face-to-face with God, I can now go face-to-face with my problems.

The line “sticks and stones were your weapon, but sticks and stones are his way” was pivotal, and one I started writing from. I started putting all of my struggles together—all of the things I had been building up and thought I could never share. I started to see how God was telling me that the enemy was trying to restrict me from loving people, from building people up, from spreading the message that other people are going through the same thing.

It was huge for me to see how God takes even the worst parts of me, and turns them into something good.

The first couple of times I performed, I didn’t expect it to have an impact. I just wanted it to be a statement of my faith in the Lord, and I was extremely surprised to see the amount of people who were affected by it, and said they related to it.

It’s incredible to see how this is affecting students to live into who they are in the Lord. I just want to point people higher, and use this platform to display the beauty and love the Lord offers as well as the hope and peace He brings.

After a performance or after I share a message, it's a huge blessing to hear the ways that the Lord is working through my work. It’s incredible to see how the Lord takes control of that. At Spiritual Emphasis Week, “Sticks and Stones” was hard to share because I had to be vulnerable about my personal struggles. But the Lord showed me how beneficial it can be to talk about my struggles because it’s not a weakness. I didn’t expect it to have this kind of impact, but the Lord has used it in a special way. I know the Lord is bringing hope and life, and He’s active and living and loving.

Coach Albright was the first person I talked to at FRA about my passions in this area, and I was given a platform to share my thoughts in front of the entire high school as a sophomore—that’s kind of a bold move in and of itself.

Every teacher has been incredible. Mr. Chandler offered up opportunities to do spoken word pieces at the Jazz Cafés by writing different pieces about the history of music and jazz. I didn’t even have to ask to do that; Mr. Chandler asked me. The teachers at FRA will pursue your passions with you and give you avenues to do that.

That FRA is a place where you are encouraged to pursue your passions is an understatement. This community is incredibly supportive, and people here go out of their way to help you and come alongside you on your journey.

Watch Andrew’s performance of “Sticks and Stones” by visiting www.franklinroadacademy.com/4700. 

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Jaden Holtschlag, Hayley Jones, and Connor Richardson

W

We cannot thank FRA enough for all they allowed us to do our senior year. In the fall, we were able to take a few days off from school and attend the Unified Auditions in Chicago to audition for musical theater programs at potential universities.

We each performed carefully curated and practiced songs and monologues for around 20 schools at the Palmer House over five days. The interview portions were the most important part because that’s where you’d meet the people you’ll likely be working with for the next four years.

Unifieds helped narrow it down for us—we can all testify to that.

We all three got accepted into the same school that was only taking five males and five females. You’d think that more than 600 theater kids in one room would make the experience overly competitive, but everyone supported each other, and we made friends sitting outside waiting to go in for our auditions.

This experience showed us how lucky we were to have Mr. Bolen. A lot of people didn’t have the luxury we did of having

him help us work on our pieces every day during drama class, help us with interview questions, and even film our pre-screens with his own camera.

We were all so aware of how lucky we were to have the FRA program as well as the faculty to help us get to where we are today. Mr. Bolen and Mrs. Jewell helped us choose and work on specific pieces that made us stand out.

We also got dinner together a few times in Chicago. It was great to have each other throughout this experience and know that we weren’t alone during one of the more stressful times of our lives. However, we were doing what we love to do, and we had fun throughout the process.

Art is encouraged and welcomed at FRA, so we easily fell in love with it.

All of our other teachers understood what was going on in our lives, whether it was applying to colleges and filming pre-screens or preparing audition material. They were understanding and caring during this process for all of us.

Connor and Haley will both be heading to Coastal Carolina University in the fall where they will pursue a Bachelor of Arts in musical theater.

Jaden will be attending Indiana University Bloomington where he will also study musical theater along with a double minor in business and dance. 

PICTURED / From left: Connor Richardson ‘20, Jaden Holtschlag ‘20, and Hayley Jones ‘20 PHOTO COURTESY OF Hayley Jones

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I

I started dancing at the age 12. Both of my parents are musicians, so my brothers and I—along with our parents—have always actively pursued art. I love that, through dance, I have something I can pour my life into while shaping my body and making it my instrument as an artist.

Over the past several years, my family has moved around the country, which has given me a wide variety of opportunities in dance. While in Boston, I trained with the Boston Ballet School and had the opportunity to choreograph my own work for pre-professional ballet students. When we moved to Nashville, I was a trainee at the Nashville Ballet for about a year. I also trained with the San Francisco Ballet for two summers and in the summer of 2019, I studied abroad with the Paris Opera and The Royal Ballet.

My dream for years has been to dance with The Royal Ballet, but ever since moving to Nashville and going back to school, I haven’t had the opportunity to train full time. My life seems to be going in a direction that I wasn’t expecting, but it's still something I am looking forward to.

Ballet dancers tend to map out their lives, but I think the reality is that most people don’t know what they want to do. So it's important to keep trying things and finding creative outlets.

I’ve been teaching at local studios, and have gained more experience as a choreographer. I am able to instill alignment and articulation in my dancers by speaking musicality and making them strong while passing my obsession for dance onto others.

When I was living alone in Boston in 2018, my day usually started at 2 o’clock in the afternoon. My schedule was strict, and online school was not my priority. When I started attending FRA the following year, it was helpful for me to have deadlines and accountability.

I’ve been able to have more freedom within boundaries, which I haven’t had for many years. I’ve also met people I never would have been able to meet elsewhere, and the faculty have been great in welcoming and accommodating me.

Dancing sort of just happened to me. My parents have been instrumental in helping orchestrate my career and training, and I’d encourage anyone to just try things and test them out and see how you like them. 

Django Mason CLASS OF 2021 // DANCER

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Django Mason

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MIDDLE SCHOOL

MUS I CA L

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L

Looking at these pictures warms my heart and makes me look forward to the day we can gather together in a theater again to cheer on these incredibly talented students.

I am grateful that, after four months of hard work, this cast got to shine on the stage.

They were true professionals. The show constantly bounced back and forth between under the sea to life on land. Not only did students have to memorize lines, lyrics, and choreography and execute them with the energy and heart for which a musical requires, but they had to accommodate and assist with large set changes and quick transitions with lots of students on and backstage. They knocked it out of the park, and audiences were on their feet every night.

The show also called for many quick costume and microphone changes backstage. The cast and crew worked together beautifully to support each other, and made it all happen flawlessly.

I always tell students that while people might expect children’s theatre to just be ‘cute,’ I expect it to be more. I expect them to be professional, and I know they can rise to meet that expectation. And they did, indeed.

I couldn’t have been prouder.  WRITTEN BY Mia Ernst, Director of The Little Mermaid, Jr.

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THIRD GRADE

POETRY CAF É

The Swan WRITTEN BY Victoria

Butler

The swan danced on the moonlit water.

The Parrot WRITTEN BY

As graceful as a ballerina dance twirl leap ripple.

Karolina Calderon

She was dancing on dots that mysteriously appeared.

Click click click.

The colorful parrot flies so high.

In the trees it flies by.

Today is a sunny day in marvelous, marvelous May!

Confused she was but without worry she kept dancing on little rippley dots.

Bubble pop bubble pop click click.

The parrot flies high when… (boom! boom! boom!)

The wind blows the trees as hard as waves crash!

Lightning shines in the sky like lights— FLASH!

Knew she never just what those dots were but always happy she kept on dancing like the graceful heron that she was.

Then the storm ends.

The parrot cries.

Her home is no longer but to her surprise…

That’s right.

Ya’ll heard me.

I said…

She’s a heron.

People come to help the animals from all around.

Now the parrot is safe and sound.

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POETRY CAFÉ

Golden Retriever WRITTEN BY Tom

Pillard

Golden, Golden, Golden Retriever So cute and fluffy I ask my parent to buy it All. The. Time.

One day I asked them a million times And this time Mom said “yes” When we were at the store I saw it right away A Golden Retriever Sitting lonely All. By. Himself.

In his cage I told mom to buy him She said “yes” We got it And the two of us were really happy When we arrived home He jumped on the sofa And everywhere.

Golden Retrievers are famous You know?

The world knows about them They are really LOVING!

Glue Dragon WRITTEN BY

Luke Lawyer

The glue dragon cannot be seen for it is too high and wide It is like a ghost in the night it flies in the day and lurks in the night only to find a better appetite It only sleeps when it finds somewhere to stay on hay, on grass, or in a cave It’s as heavy as a 10-billion-pound weight it cannot skate it’s been in more than one crate It can stick to anything if it wants BOOM BOOM BOOM while it stomps

POETRY CAFE |

Students in the third grade participated in the annual Poetry Café event in February. Each student created an original work of art inspired by the mood of their poem.

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S PO RTS ACCOLADES WINTER RECAP

BASKETBALL

ZHARIA HUTCHINSON

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ATHLETICS

RYAN PIERCE

IRIS HELDMAN GIRLS INDIVIDUAL ZHARIA HUTCHINSON All-District, All-Tournament, All-County Team

RYAN PIERCE All-District, All-County Team

MACIE MEDES All-District, All-County Team

IRIS HELDMAN All-County Team

MACIE MEDES FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 70

WRESTLING

ETHAN RHODEN

DREW WHITE

BOYS INDIVIDUAL DREW WHITE State Tournament — 5th Place Region Tournament — 2nd Place

ETHAN RHODEN State Tournament Qualifier Region Tournament — 3rd Place

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BASKETBALL SEAN CASEY

BOYS INDIVIDUAL SEAN CASEY All-District, All-County

KINGSTON GARDNER All-District, All-County

KINGSTON GARDNER

SEAN CASEY FranklinRoadAcademy.com | 72

S P O RTS ACCOLADE S COLLEGE SIGNINGS

SIGNINGS THIS YEAR, NINE OF OUR STUDENT ATHLETES COMMITTED TO CONTINUING THEIR SPORT AT THE COLLEGIATE LEVEL. WE ARE EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT SEAN CASEY, ANDREW COX, ZHARIA HUTCHINSON, JACOB JACKSON, MCKENNA MATLOCK, ETHAN RHODEN, SAM TAYLOR, SUMMER VO, AND JEREMY WASHINGTON WILL BE ADVANCING THEIR ATHLETIC CAREERS.

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COLLEGE SIGNINGS

SEAN CASEY Casey, who will play at the University of Rochester in New York, has been an integral part in leading the Panthers to 16 wins, a state quarterfinal, and a state semi-final appearance during his FRA varsity football career.

“Sean has finished his football career as one of the most impactful quarterbacks we have had at FRA,” Bill Whittemore, head football coach, said. “His passion and work ethic allowed us to expand the playbook whenever we needed, and his leadership and care brought others along. I am proud of the quarterback he has become, and have enjoyed all the time we have spent together. Rochester is getting a dual-threat quarterback who has the qualities to lead and motivate his teammates, and I am excited to follow his career through college and beyond.”

Casey was a four-year letter winner in football and basketball at FRA. He was also a student ambassador, member of the FRA chapter of Best Buddies and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and he has volunteered to work multiple FRA basketball and football camps.

ANDREW COX Cox will attend Samford University and run cross country and track. He was a state champion in cross country his junior year and in the 1600 meters his junior year in track. He has elevated the cross country program and led his team to a third place finish his senior year, which is the highest the team has scored in over 10 years. He has also been able to compete at a high level while also being a member of the National Honor Society and taking on several AP courses during his time at FRA. “Andrew has elevated the program by becoming one of the top three fastest cross country runners in the history of FRA, and he also is the second fastest distance runner to run the 1600/3200 in the history of FRA. Andrew is resilient, hard-working, tenacious, steadfast, and diligent. He has done everything we have asked him to do and more. He will be greatly missed, but I know that he will continue to excel as he continues on to the next level at Samford,” Courtney Gilreath, assistant cross country and track and field coach, said.

ZHARIA HUTCHINSON Hutchinson will attend St. Francis College and play basketball for the Terriers. She has been named All-District twice and was named the Middle Region Tournament MVP in 2018. She also won the FRA Plus or Minus Award in 2019 with 319 points.

She has been a member of the FRA Service Club and an active participant at Gram’s Game Days as well for three years. She is also a member of the FRA Student Alumni Association and FRA Best Buddies Chapter.

“I am proud of Zharia for her unwavering commitment to accomplishing one of her dreams, playing college basketball,” Chris Hart, girls’ head basketball coach said. From day one, she has had an uncommon hustle about her. She loves the game of basketball and has committed to being the best player she can be. From early morning workouts with her mother to playing one-on-one against her teammates before practice, she is consistently trying to get better.

She is not afraid to work hard and accepts challenges with determination.

St. Francis is lucky to be getting a fierce competitor on the court, but even luckier to be getting a compassionate person off the court. I wish her nothing but the best and look forward to watching her make an impact on St. Francis like she has here at FRA.”

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JACOB JACKSON Jackson will attend Sewanee in the fall where he will play football. Jackson is a four-year letter winner in football and two-year letter winner in soccer at FRA. During his football career at FRA, he was named All-Region in 2018 and 2019 and Tennessee FCA All-State Team in 2019. He was named All-District and AllRegion for soccer in 2018.

“Jackson has been an incredible story to follow. He was a quiet, young boy when he entered into high school. Though he still doesn’t say much unless spoken to, he did make a loud splash when he got into one of his first varsity games as a sophomore linebacker. Though he was still undersized at the time, the missile was born,” Whittemore said. “Jacob made a big impact on the success of the program the past few years, not just on the field, but in the spiritual realm as well. Jacob is not only a great football player, but he is a great young man that has served as an incredible role model for others on the team. He received our MurphStrong Award this year as he truly represents a man who rejects passivity, accepts responsibility, leads courageously, and invests eternally. I am proud of Jacob and the career that he had at FRA. Sewanee is getting a great football player and an incredible teammate.“

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MCKENNA MATLOCK Matlock will play volleyball at Campbellsville University starting this fall. Matlock made an immediate impact as a sophomore at FRA. As a middle hitter, her skills were noticed instantly.

She is a well-rounded player who not only was a force out of the middle, but also is a strong server and back row defensive player. Matlock earned an academic as well as an athletic scholarship at Campbellsville University.

“McKenna was an experienced club player when she arrived at FRA,” Brandon Otts, volleyball head coach, said. “She was a quiet leader who always gave her best in practice and in games, but someone who would quickly crack a smile when she spiked a ball, and it bounced off of a player. She was a warrior on the court and confident in her game. To top off her senior season, she was named to the All-Region Team, and helped her team make it to the state quarterfinals. It was an honor to coach McKenna, and Campbellsville is getting a versatile player, but more importantly a better person.”

ETHAN RHODEN Rhoden will attend Cumberland University in the fall where he will run cross country and track. Rhoden has made it on the podium at the State cross country meet all four years of high school, and has placed top 14 in the state every year. During his senior year of cross country, he placed his highest individual finish of 5th place. In track his junior year he qualified for the state meet in the 3200 meters, as well as the 4 x 800 meter relay. Also, Rhoden has contributed to the FRA musicals during his time at FRA. “Ethan has been an integral part of the cross country and track program,” Gilreath said. “He has been team captain for the past three years, and he has helped lead his team in the energy and enthusiasm that he has for the sport. He has a huge heart, but also is tough as nails. He is not afraid to take on challenges, and he always gives 110 percent. Ethan is going to be missed, but I know that Cumberland will receive a stellar competitor that will do well competing at the next level.”

SAM TAYLOR Taylor has committed to play football at Missouri Western State University.

He has been a member of the varsity football team, a three-year letter winner in tennis, and a member of the back-toback regional championship track and field teams over the past two years.

“When Sam arrived at FRA, he had never played football, and I am so glad he decided to give it a try,” Whittemore said. “In looking back over his career, it’s apparent he has fallen in love with the process and hard work that it takes to compete at this level. He has shown a lot of growth on the field: mentally, by his knowledge of the game and physically, by his growth and confidence in the weight room. Both of these improvements have freed him up to play at a high speed, and I am excited and confident for what his future holds.

Sam’s consistently working to improve, and his growth as a man has made him a dynamic leader to our culture and will have an enormous impact on his teammates at the next level. His personality and humility make him an approachable teammate who is willing to invest in others. Missouri Western is getting a talented football player who has the frame to develop into a versatile player in the secondary. I am proud of Sam and what he has accomplished at FRA, and I look forward to watching the next chapters unfold.”

SUMMER VO Vo will attend Sewanee in the fall and play softball. Vo is a three-year letter winner in softball at FRA. She was named All-District in 2019 and served as captain of the softball team. In addition to her athletics career at FRA, Vo was editor of the yearbook for two years, National Honor Society vice president, and a member of the Student Diversity Leadership Team.

“Summer is a player who leads by example. She works hard with a positive attitude, embraces change, and puts her team first,” Alana Hilkin, head softball coach, said. “I’ve never worked with a player who approaches a challenge with such devotion and resilience with a touch of humor. She was the first to show up and the last to leave. She is hard working, reliable, and a strong team leader. Her character and leadership will have a lasting impact on the FRA softball program.”

JEREMY WASHINGTON Washington will attend Lincoln University in the fall and play football. Washington was a four-year letter winner in football and a three-year letter winner in track and field at FRA. "Jeremy has grown leaps and bounds over his time at FRA," Whittemore said. "He has always loved the game of football, and his continued passion has propelled him into a great leader and the opportunity to play at the next level.

Jeremy made strides in the classroom and on the field every year and was a big part of our program's success during his time at FRA. His leadership over the past couple years has been instrumental in our culture as his love for the Lord has spilled over to his teammates. One of the things I will remember most about Jeremy is his love for others. He was a great teammate to the underclassmen, always trying to encourage and teach, all the while taking care of what was asked of him. I am excited for Jeremy to have the opportunity to continue his career at Lincoln University. They are getting an outstanding young man whose faith in the Lord and love for family will continue to take him where he wants to go.”

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ZHARIA HUTCHINSON ’20 Basketballismylife.It’snotallaboutbeingon thecourt;it’sabouttravelingtodifferentplaces, learningnewthings,andmeetingnewpeople.

I remember when I first came to FRA. It was nerve-

Basketball gives you an opportunity to spread your

taught me how to be humble as well as confident in

knowledge of the game to others around you, and connects you with other people no matter who you are. It also gives you the chance to express yourself in many ways—whether that be the team hype man or the leader. There are lots of valuable life-related lessons that can be learned through this one sport, and that’s what I like about it.

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wracking, and I felt like I was going to be alone, and I was completely wrong. As soon as I stepped foot on campus my first year, I was showered with welcomes and got to meet lots of different people. FRA has everything I do, to not be afraid to take risks, and get out of my comfort zone sometimes. Most of all I’ve learned how to be a better leader.

I’m looking forward to moving to New York City. It’s going to be a great adventure, and something I will cherish every moment of. I’m excited to play basketball at the collegiate level and meet new people. 

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

BENJAMIN BLAHAUVIETZ ’20 Prince the Panther formally received a name my freshman year when the older panther suit was retired and the current suit was first worn. Before that, he was just a panther without a name, but he has been around for at least the 15 years I have been at FRA. There was a senior, Jamie Kendrick, who was Prince the Panther for that year and handed the so-called baton to me as a sophomore. I have been Prince for the last three years.

Prince’s goal when he’s on campus or around students is to spread school spirit and make someone’s day better. Prince brings a lively energy to any room as he always tries to hype people up.

I wanted to be Prince because I have grown up loving professional sports and wanting to be a part of it.

While I don’t possess the athletic ability I need to make that dream come true, I can be just as much, if not more, a part of the action by being the face of the team.

I’ll miss everything about being Prince. I loved personifying his mischievousness and energetic spirit.

I loved getting hugs, high fives, drawings, and gifts from the FRA community when I was around campus in disguise.

My hopes and wishes for Prince is that whoever decides to step up and take over this role will maintain his fun-loving character, and have the same passion and drive to be the face of the FRA community. I hope when I come back for my five, 10, and 20-year reunions, I’ll see Prince T. Panther. 

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ALUMNI

CLASS NOTES MEGAN HERSCHMANN ’12 Herschmann recently partnered with long-time friend Rebekah Moody to open a Nothing Bundt Cakes franchise in Asheville, North Carolina. The bakery celebrated its grand opening in March, and the store is currently offering curbside pickup and delivery options.

BO KORPMAN ’12 First Lieutenant Ralph Bo Korpman graduated from the Euro-Nato Joint Jet Pilot Training Program in 2018. He is currently serving as an Air Force instructor pilot at Sheppard Air Force Base and was named the top instructor in the USAF's Air Education and Training Command (a command of 70,000 people and more than 20 different types of aircraft) for 2019.

DRAKE MITCHELL ’16 Drake won the gold medal in the heptathlon at the 2020 Ohio Valley Conference Indoor Championship in February.

The heptathlon consists of seven events, and Mitchell finished in the top three in six events, including a first place score in the 60 meter sprint.

LAUREN PAINTER ’02 Painter was recently promoted to vice president of finance at Lee Company. She joined the company in 2016 as the director of financial operations. She also serves on the non-profit boards for Young Leaders Council, W.O. Smith Music School, and Middle Tennessee Construction Financial Management Association.

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ALUMNI CLASS NOTES

PICTURED / Top to bottom, left to right: Anne Blewett and Andy Ferrell, Libby McArthur and Adam Warren, Tommy Brooks and Ashley Criblez, Tyler Ferrell and Jennifer Nordhoff, Madison Crouch and Casey Queener, Erin White and Cory Cantrell, and Katie Waller and Andrew Rivenbark.

WEDDINGS ANNE BLEWETT ’93 married

IN MEMORY MADISON CROUCH ’15 married CASEY QUEENER ’15 on June 22, 2019.

THOMAS NATHAN (NATE) LOFTIS, JR. ’00

Andy Ferrell on March 14, 2020.

LIBBY MCARTHUR ’13 married

ERIN WHITE ’15 married

STAN STACY ’92

Adam Warren on January 11, 2020.

TOMMY BROOKS ’11 married Ashley Criblez on February 22, 2020.

Cory Cantrell on March 16, 2020.

passed away on August 12, 2019. passed away April 17, 2020.

KATIE WALLER ’11 married Andrew Rivenbark on February 29, 2020.

TYLER FERRELL ’11 married Jennifer Nordhoff on April 4, 2020.

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PICTURED / Top to bottom, left to right: Hudson Ray Madole, Riley Mae Howie, TJ Brooks, Micah Salato, Olive Arianna Ebel, Jackson Dalton Ponchillia, Emery Noel Killingsworth, Luke Wiley Shewmake, and Charlotte Elise Lainhart.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS HELEN HERRING LAINHART ’07 welcomed

SARAH ELLEN DAVIS SHEWMAKE ’06

TOMMY BROOKS ’11

Charlotte Elise on October 9, 2019.

welcomed Luke Wiley on May 20, 2020.

Thomas Michael Jr. (TJ) on April 28, 2020.

DERICA WYATT MADOLE ’13 welcomed

MISSY MURRAY HOWIE ’06 welcomed

KATIE PRICE EBEL ’06 welcomed

Hudson Ray on April 14, 2020.

Riley Mae on April 11, 2020.

Olive Arianna on May 13, 2019.

KENDALL (MANNING) PONCHILLIA ’13 and DALTON PONCHILLIA ’13 welcomed

LYNDSEY ALMON KILLINGSWORTH ’07 welcomed Emery Noel on

KRISTIN (GARMAN) SALATO ’05 and JAY SALATO ’03 welcomed James

Jackson Dalton on April 27, 2020.

February 28, 2020.

Michael III (Micah) on January 25, 2020.

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welcomed

DONOR STOR Y

WHY WE GIVE THE ST UMB FAMILY

Larry and Bolin Stumb, Richard Brush ’85, Florence Chassaignac ’95, Karen White ’87, Erin White ’15, Alexandra White ’14, Drew White ’20, Christopher White ’22, and Marguerite Chassaignac ’33

T

The legacy of our family attending FRA started in 1982 with our son, Richard. Our daughters followed in his footsteps with Karen first and then Florence.

After only a short amount of time, we couldn’t imagine going anywhere else. We knew, when dropping our kids and grandkids off at FRA, they would be loved and cared for every single day. We know this place. We know these people. And we knew our kids would be loved here.

I (Bolin) had the best time volunteering in the Peach Orchard Hill House as a parent. We felt like a family and even had Hale Harris, former head of school, stop by with a detention sheet as a joke because he said we sounded like we were having too much fun.

We have loved watching how our kids get along so well with their teachers. We also love that there are so many alumni who are now teachers. There's a lot of

legacy here. We have strong teachers at FRA, and because of that we have seen how our children, and now our grandchildren, have been prepared not only academically for college but also socially and emotionally.

We support FRA to ensure we’re able to carry on the legacy of kids getting to experience what we did— individually and as a family. We want to put our money toward a place we’re deeply committed to and care about supporting and ensuring future stability. Whether it's a small amount that is donated to the annual fund or the larger contributions, we’re all contributing to the extra opportunities our children are given, the physical facilities, and overall growth of the school.

Giving is a way to say thank you to an institution and a place where you feel you gained so much. We love that FRA feels like a place a lot of people can find their spot and fit in. The friendships that we, our children, and our grandchildren have because of FRA has been a huge part of our lives. We’ve collectively spent so much time at 4700 Franklin Pike. It’s been home.  To make a gift to the Annual Fund, please visit our website at www.franklinroadacademy.com/support.

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FRANKLIN ROAD ACADEMY

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

4700 Franklin Pike Nashville, TN 37220

A POEM TO OUR ALUMNI WRITTEN BY ANDREW KAISER '20 The FRA experience: It’s a supportive foundation offering growth with perspective in an authentic atmosphere.

A community filled with love, laughter, and challenges.

The FRA experience doesn’t end with a cap and gown, but rather evolves through each stage of life.

Whether we are entering the first grade or our first job, we feel the same warm embrace.

There may be a new face, but it’s always the same place.

While corridors change, the FRA culture remains.

It’s more than just a campus, but a home.

Friendships form in the soul.

Faculty that loves like family.

No matter the distance, the connections remain.

FAMILY RISES ABOVE. FOLLOW US @FRAPANTHERS www.franklinroadacademy.com