GPS Magazine | Blueprint Summer 2019

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BLUE PRINT T H E M A G A Z I N E of G I R L S P R E PA R AT O R Y S C H O O L

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Our May Queen

Celebrated and admired by all

Stories of GPS Girls and the Story of GPS

BRUISERS

on blast #GPSSISTERHOOD

#GPSVOLUNTEERS

650+ students and teachers partnered with 20+ local agencies for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, making GPS one of the area’s largest groups to serve. Chapel Cunningham ’21 (right) teaches a young girl from New City Fellowship about virtual reality.

JANUARY 21

May Day 2019

#HERESTOTHEGIRLS

HEAR YE,

Here’s to the GPS Class of 2019! We were most proud to present and honor them at this year’s celebration of our May Day tradition.

MAY 1

HEAR YE!

#GPSCL ASSOF2019

The Junior Class Leadership Council proclaimed Friday, March 15, 2019, is RING DAY for the #GPSClassOf2020!

Here’s to the RING we wear for HER. Here’s to the GIRLS! MARCH 15

MAY 18

EIGHTH-GRADE CELEBRATION

Congrats to our Presidents-Elect for 2019-20: from left, Eva Goldbach, Honor Council; Jadyn Matthews, Student Council; Claire Lindeman, Partnerships in the Community.

#LEADLIKEAGIRL

MARCH 20

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Our eighth-graders have completed Middle School and are ready for Upper School! Can’t wait for August 14 when they will take their “walk across the lawn” to officially mark the beginning of the next chapter in their GPS story. #GPSClassOf2023 MAY 23

STAY IN THE KNOW Keep up with GPS on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Above are some of the most popular posts from our second semester. Be sure to follow us for the most up-to-date happenings and share in the Bruiser conversation.

SEARCH @GPSBRUISERS TO FOLLOW US!

Table of Contents

ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM Head of School Dr. Autumn A. Graves Head of Upper School Jenise Gordon

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ROTUNDA

Bruisers on Blast A Message from Head of School 13 Bits of Advice for 13-Year-Olds

Head of Middle School Lynne Macziewski Dir. of Educational Technology & Information Systems Daniel Millbank Chief Enrollment and Communications Officer Bilda Acuña Small

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Celebrating the Stories of GPS Girls and the Story of GPS

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Forging a Path of Strength and Leadership

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Chief Development Officer Ali Gant

COURT YARD

May Day Commencement Class Day Welcome to Cum Laude Around GPS

Chief Financial Officer Mark Vosskamp Director of Athletics Jay Watts EDITORIAL STAFF Managing Editor Michal Howick ’03 Senior Editor Pamela Hammonds Designer Caitlin Rozell Contributing Writers Callie Hildebrand Merrell McGinness Laura Jane Walker Contributing Photographers Jimmy Burgess Emily Lester

22 ON THE COVER

Blueprint is published by Girls Preparatory School P.O. Box 4736 Chattanooga, TN 37405 423.634.7600 | GPS.edu Printed by Starkey Printing Co.

Fine & Performing Arts Athletics

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Daughters of 1999 GPS alumnae Meg Howick Torrence and Dori Thornton Waller attend their first May Day and are captivated by 2019 May Queen Myra Brock.

Turn to page 13 to learn more about how the May Queen and Court are selected and what they represent.

Legends of the Hall

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THE QUEEN’S CHAIR

The chair in which the May Queen sits once belonged to Tommie Payne Duffy, one of our school’s founders.

Dr. Autumn Graves, Head of School, had the chair repaired and reupholstered for the sole purpose of the May Queen.

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CELEBRATING THE STORIES OF GPS GIRLS AND THE STORY OF GPS page 6

In an effort to adopt mindful printing practices, GPS mails one magazine per household.

If you would like to receive additional copies, please contact Blueprint@GPS.edu.

Winterim: Learning Without Limits

GALLERY

Alumnae Weekend Class Notes Weddings/Babies In Memoriam ID Those Bruisers COLUMNS

Parent Council Bruiser Bee MBD: Girl Edition

BRING BLUEPRINT TO LIFE!

The digital version at GPS.edu/GPSMagazine provides additional content through links to our website, videos, and photos.

UNDERSTANDING BLUEPRINT ROTUNDA

The framework of each issue

CORNERSTONES

The foundation of leadership, values, and purpose

COURT YARD

Life at GPS— news and happenings

GALLERY

The recognition and celebration of alumnae beyond our walls

COLUMNS

The impact of our school

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A MESSAGE FROM HEAD OF SCHOOL

Celebrating Girls When I look through this summer issue of Blueprint, I am in awe of everything our girls, their teachers, and our staff accomplish in one semester. Of course, behind the scenes, parents, grandparents, and others who love our girls make sure they arrive at school and practices on time and provide the love and support needed for them to persevere and succeed.

As Head of School I had the honor and privilege of celebrating our eighthgraders as they prepare to join our Upper School. Being able to address them as a group provided an opportunity for me to reflect on my own middle school experience—so different from theirs in many ways and yet still so similar. Read my charge to this energetic, talented group on page 5.

Looking at our school and mapping its success with both long- and shortrange plans is the GPS Board of Trustees. This dedicated group heavily invests both time and talents, ensuring everything aligns for students to do well academically today all the while preparing them for their future.

Recently taking the helm as our new Chair of the Board is Dr. Rebecca Stimson ’73, an alumna, daughter of an alumna, and past parent. Stimson joined our board in 2014 and invested a lot of time in the development of our five-year Strategic Plan. (Turn to page 10 to read more about her.) I look forward to continuing to work closely with Becca and the entire board this fall as we enter our 114th year of educating girls.

If you are a fan of GPS traditions, you can’t help but feel warm inside when seeing photos of May Day, Commencement, Cum Laude, and Winterim in this issue. In the Courtyard section (beginning on page 12), you can relive or reminisce on your own GPS experience or that of your daughter. Or perhaps look wistfully at what future GPS girls will get to experience when they come here.

Throughout this issue, and in keeping with this year’s theme of Y(our) Story, we asked GPS alumnae to share their unique perspectives on their GPS experiences and their success beyond our campus. Watch for the “This Is My Story” call-outs in several sections of this issue. I think you’ll see that while GPS adapts over the years to remain a place where everything begins and ends with what is best for girls, many things stay true to our three Founders’ original vision of college preparedness and female resourcefulness.

That can-do attitude that has existed here for more than a century is evident in the lives of our alumnae. We celebrate them each year during Alumnae Weekend (page 39) as well as share individual successes in Class Notes (beginning on page 42). An exciting initiative we launched this year is our GPS Alumnae Network (page 53). With features similar to other social media platforms that allow users to share Here’s to the GIRLS! news and to network, this platform helps all of our former students connect and form groups of similar careers, locations, interests, and more. We can’t wait to hear the stories of friendships rekindled, job and mentoring opportunities discovered, and more as our alumnae join in.

Dr. Autumn A. Graves Here’s to another school year of preparing girls for life!

Head of School

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13 Bits of Advice for 13-Year-Olds HEAD OF SCHOOL’S CHARGE TO CL ASS OF 2023

During the Eighth-Grade Celebration, Dr. Autumn A. Graves, Head of School, recalled what it was like for her to be 13.

With those memories in mind, and with the perspective unique to someone who spends her days thinking about what is best for girls, she shared bits of advice with the 96 girls who will soon cross the lawn to the Upper School.

1 | next to perfect people at a dinner party. They don’t have Perfect people are boring people. You do not want to sit

good stories. They don’t laugh because no one looks perfect when she is laughing hard.

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You are not sorry. When you bump into someone, say, “Excuse me,” not “I’m sorry.” If you wrong someone, be girl enough and apologize with meaning. Don’t just say, “I’m sorry” and move on.

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Only post images and words online that you would be comfortable sharing with your grandmother, minister/rabbi/priest, or me.

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Be OK with kindly removing yourself from unhealthy relationships. Be private and not make your separation a part of a public conversation or be the latest drama in your class.

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Be comfortable with being ambitious. Set goals. Have a desire to achieve. However, do it in a way that is loving to yourself and respectful of others.

Be humble. And remember that everything you achieve, you could not have done alone.

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Be reflective and self-aware enough that you learn from your mistakes. Remember you are not a failure if you fail at something.

Instead, you are a student of life— someone who learns from all types of situations and changes based upon what she learns.

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Remember, you have been put on this earth and in our community for a reason.

You matter.

5 | make sure they know you If you have siblings,

love them endlessly, because blood is thicker than water. Plus, you need someone to join you when you gang up on your parents.

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Make a conscious effort to love yourself. That doesn’t mean be full of yourself. It just means you need to take time to find what brings you joy and do it.

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Be present in the moment and let your mind take the picture. Let your mind absorb how you are feeling in a moment. Don’t try to rush through life. Adulting is hard—enjoy being 13.

8 | show, play a video game, read a book for pleasure.

Give yourself a mental break and watch a favorite

Use these moments to fill your soul with laughter and positive images. Everything you do doesn’t have to be intentional to get you ready for high school or college or life.

12 |

Go with your gut.

Researchers have started to understand the second brain that lives in our stomachs. Don’t ignore that feeling in your stomach when the situation you are in is not good or the friend who wants you to try something doesn’t have your best interest at heart.

13 | Maybe not in the typical school way.

Believe you are smart enough.

You may have other kinds of smarts. Figure that out and celebrate it. Believe you are beautiful. If you are a kind, loving, honest, and confident person, your internal beauty will radiate to others.

You are enough!

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Our Founders: Tommie Payne Duffy Grace Eliza McCallie Eula Lea Jarnagin “Three Muses” by Eve Oldham

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Celebrating

By Michal Howick ’03

the Stories of GPS Girls and the Story of GPS THIS YEAR’S THEME—Y(OUR) STORY—PROVIDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO CELEBRATE BOTH INDIVIDUAL STORIES AND OUR COLLECTIVE STORY.

Our Beginning Girls Preparatory School was founded by three visionary women who courageously challenged the norms of their time, not only pioneering better education for girls but also launching a business of their own.

In the spring of 1906, two young Chattanooga High School teachers, Misses Tommie Payne Duffy and Eula Lea Jarnagin, petitioned the public school board to allow girls to attend for a fourth year in order to prepare for college by taking laboratory science and language classes. Seeing no need for girls to have these courses, the board rejected their request. With in weeks of that decision, the two convinced fellow teacher Miss Grace Eliza McCallie to join them in the creation of a school for girls and received a charter.

Investing $100 each, they placed a newspaper ad, announcing they would open a school for girls. The day the ad appeared, a former classmate of McCallie’s called to say she wanted to enroll her daughter. McCallie recorded Minnie Everett’s name as the first student to enroll in Girls Preparatory School.

That summer the three women would remodel McCallie’s home at 106 Oak Street during the day and plan the curriculum at night, and Girls Preparatory School opened on September 12, 1906, just four months after the announcement of its creation.

On May 27, 1907, the Founders presented the first GPS diploma to Rusty (Ruth) Teas.

Jarnagin recalled how hard they worked to get the girls into the colleges of their choice, advocating for their students—both on their academic preparedness and their character—and, in doing so, opening doors for their students’ futures and laying the framework for the future of GPS. More than 110 years later, the stories and the trajectory of the lives of thousands of girls have been written and shaped because of the tenacity of our three Founders.

Today we remain committed to their initial purpose of founding a school where everything begins and ends with what is GPS Centennial by Patrice Hobbs Glass ’88

best for girls.

THIS YEAR’S THEME, Y(our) Story, was chosen by the senior leaders because they recognized the uniqueness of their class.

In fact, Jenise Gordon, Head of Upper School, said, “If ever there was a class that marches to the beat of their own drum, it is your class.” The theme acknowledges and celebrates who they are—more than 80 individuals with different and distinct personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and passions who together make up one unique, beautiful group.

But how to best communicate this idea of individuality and yet present a message that conveys the cohesiveness of the Class of 2019 and the GPS student body as a whole? While brainstorming ideas for the year’s theme, Molly Milam ’19 considered how people are similar to colors in that everyone is unique but can complement those around her. “While all colors are amazing on their own, together they’re extraordinary,” she said. “No color would be the same without the others.”

Look for the This Is My Story graphic throughout the magazine to read as alumnae share their stories. And see page 19 of this issue to see a graphic representation of how the class colors came together to create Y(our) Story’s design.

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Four generations

of Harris Girls at GPS

W

hen senior Molly Ballenger announced this year’s theme in opening assembly last August, many may not have known her GPS story began more than 100 years ago. The fourth-generation family member to attend Girls Preparatory School, Molly’s legacy began with her great-grandmother, Charlsie Prigmore Harris (’24), and continued through her grandmother, Marian Mathews Harris ’55, and her mother, Lee Harris Ballenger ’81.

Molly ’19 and her mother, Lee Harris Ballenger ’81, celebrated May Day 2019 together and brought along photos of Molly’s greatgrandmother and grandmother, both GPS alumnae.

“If I could say one thing to alumnae or anyone considering GPS, it would be to come spend time here. You will be blown away. If you have daughters, you will want your daughters here; GPS is a very nurturing and

—LEE HARRIS BALLENGER ’81

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And, while Molly’s GPS story and her great-grandmother’s story have shared traditions—the “Alma Mater,” Cat-Rat, May Day, and Kaleidoscope, to name a few—the GPS they both attended looked very different, as they should. In a recent conversation, Lynne Macziewski, Head of Middle School, shared, “If a school—any school—is the exact same as it was 100, 50, 20, even 10 years ago, you’re doing something wrong.” As time passes and the world evolves, so too must our school.

If anyone can speak to both GPS’s evolution through the years and common threads that run through all four generations of Molly’s family, it is her mother, Lee. Lee’s GPS story features several chapters—student, alumna, former faculty, and parent.

“I really fell in love with GPS when I came to work here,” she says. “I graduated in ’81 and began working here in the fall of ’88 as a Middle School counselor. GPS was already a very different place from when I attended. I was a below-the-radar kind of student, but there was a different dynamic when I returned to work here. There were so many more ways for girls to excel. The faculty and staff were really eager to get girls involved and to find their place to shine. They

were looking out for them in a very different, more nurturing way.”

When it came time to decide where Molly would attend middle and high school, Lee and her husband did not want to base their decision on what Lee knew about GPS from 20 years ago, so they looked at GPS as well as other schools. Ultimately, though, after spending time on campus and through their belief in the value of single-sex education, they knew GPS was the best fit for Molly. They could already see her becoming more reserved around boys.

“One of the best things about Molly’s experience at GPS,” Lee says, “is that she found her voice and who she is and to be that person and stick up for that person. The epitome of that is the Chapel Talk. I love that GPS still has Chapel Talks; it is such a great tradition.”

For her Chapel Talk, Molly talked about the rings she wears and what they mean to her, specifically her GPS class ring. “I love wearing it because I love this community. I owe so much to this school: my education, my friends, and the confidence to stand up for myself.

In times where I doubt myself, and I’m scared to take a big step in my life, I see my ring and remember all the times I took a risk and it paid off. I think about my amazing friends who wear the same ring and who love me so well every single day.”

As Molly and her mother’s family pass the century mark of the first Harris woman to attend GPS, the reasons for seeking an all-girls education has changed little since Charlsie Prigmore attended. To be uplifted, nurtured, and taught to believe your voice matters remains true today and will be for decades to come.

Different Paths,

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hen Lynn Harlin Shelton ’93 reflects upon her own GPS experience and that of her daughters, Carolina Kelley ’21 and Merritt Kelley ’22, she finds one of the most fulfilling aspects is to see her daughters benefit from the all-girl environment just as she did.

“They’re very different girls, but both are taking full advantage of all the opportunities here and have found their paths,” Lynn says. What she has noticed, however, is that, while her girls may be true individuals, the place, the people, and the environment allow them to forge their way. She recognizes that supportiveness from her own GPS experience.

tory

Her friends from GPS are the ones who know her on a level “that maybe nobody else does. I know I can always count on them, when it really matters.

There’s a bond that you form that is indescribable if you’ve not been through it.”

Even though Lynn had classmates she wasn’t particularly close to, she feels as though they share a connection still today that is special and important. “That’s really valuable,” she says. “You go through this part of your life together, and that creates something that can’t easily be broken.”

Lynn Harlin Shelton ’93 with daughters Merritt Kelley ’22, left, and Carolina Kelley ’21, right.

“My mom used to joke that there is nothing louder than a bus full of eighth-grade girls,” Lynn says.

“GPS is loud! It’s loud because the girls are not afraid to be themselves and silly and expressive.”

When Lynn is on campus, she is reminded of her mother’s comment when she sees girls running through the hallway, hugging, and having fun.

“I remember that sense of joy,” she recalls. “At the same time, though, it was okay to have a bad day or come with dirty hair, because you were surrounded by friends who would be there to celebrate you and pick you up.”

She sees that same sense of carefree, can-do spirit in her daughters. “They don’t think twice about coming to school and being who they are,” Lynn says. “At this age, in this time in their life, when they’re trying to figure out who they will become, it is such a breath of fresh air for them to be somewhere and really feel comfortable. I think there’s something so valuable in that for girls.”

Lynn describes today’s GPS as a sisterhood that is both so strong and so vital to helping a girl find her footing. “They know that somebody who gets them is always there for them,” she says. “They all look out for and show up for each other. You can’t replicate that. It was a big part of being at GPS for me, and it’s a big part for them.”

“There is just something about the GPS experience—the friendships, the sisterhood. There is nothing like it. I’m so grateful my girls are able to experience it; —LYNN HARLIN SHELTON ’93

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Holly Lynch Harwell ’84 and Dr. Becca Stimson ’73

Forging a Path of Strength and Leadership

By Pamela Hammonds

NEW GPS BOARD OF TRUSTEES CHAIR BELIEVES PARTNERSHIP AND COLL ABORATION ARE KEYS TO GPS FUTURE AS GUARDIANS OF THE MISSION and future of GPS, the Board of Trustees plays a crucial role in ensuring the school will continue to thrive for generations to come. For the past two years, this dedicated volunteer group, along with representatives from the GPS community, has focused on the development and implementation of a comprehensive five-year Strategic Plan for the school. “Much time and thought were invested in the Strategic Plan,” says Holly Lynch Harwell ’84, outgoing board chair. “The work brought trustees and faculty together in charting a path of growth and leadership for GPS.”

While Harwell completed her two-year term, she expressed confidence and optimism that GPS is positioned to achieve the initiatives outlined in the Strategic Plan. “GPS has been a leader in the education of girls since the very beginning,” she adds. “I’m very pleased with the progress we’ve made in ensuring that our school is strategically and financially poised to make an even bigger mark on the world of education.”

As of July 1, Dr. Rebecca “Becca” Stimson ’73 assumed the role of board chair. A GPS alumna, daughter of an alumna, and past parent (Rebecca Hagan Jenkins ’14), Stimson is long-time supporter of GPS, having also served on the board since 2014, most recently as vice chair.

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After graduating from Davidson College, BECCA STIMSON went on to obtain her master’s degree and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Northwestern University. She spent 26 years with the DuPont Company, where she worked in research, manufacturing, market development, business analysis, operations planning, and global business management. She currently teaches chemistry at UTC. “The irony of moving from an all-girls school (GPS) to a formerly all-men’s college (Davidson) likely prepared me for my career in a male-dominated environment,” she says.

Stimson gained a unique perspective on the long-term planning of the school and the goal of positioning her alma mater to not only be a local leader in education but one with national distinction among all-girls schools.

“The educational landscape is rapidly changing,” Stimson says. “The next two years will be crucial in the evolution of GPS to ensure we equip girls who will live and work in a world that we haven’t yet imagined.”

Stimson believes a key element to success is the strong bond of partnership and collaboration that exists between the board and Head of School Dr. Autumn Graves. “I enjoy working with Dr. Graves because her scope is broad with regard to recruiting and thought, and she’s very intentional with how everything aligns with our Strategic Plan,” Stimson says. “She continues to build upon the commitment to a ‘school for girls’ and ‘what is best for girls’—educating them and nurturing their socio-emotional development while ensuring they are academically prepared for college and beyond.”

Knowing from experience the impact GPS has on empowering girls to pursue their passions, Stimson is committed to working with fellow trustees to support this momentum. She served her college alma mater, Davidson College (North Carolina), as a Board of Trustees member and on their Athletic Foundation; she also chaired its Board of Visitors. A high school and college athlete, she was inducted into the Athletic Halls of Fame at both GPS and Davidson College.

As a member of Davidson’s first class of women in 1973, she “played all the sports we started—tennis, basketball, field hockey, and ran one track meet,” she recalls.

Her passion and performances led to the

formation of the Rebecca E. Stimson Award at Davidson—an honor bestowed on GPS alumna and Davidson swimmer Lindsey Martin VonCannon ’07.

The same level of enthusiasm she had in college can still be detected in her commitment to seeing GPS and its students succeed. “A lot of the work we are looking forward to involves the curriculum,” she says, "and a more interdisciplinary, project-oriented method to educating girls.”

Even though she only recently took the helm, Stimson stands on a solid foundation.

As vice chair, she oversaw the governance and nominating process for trustees and for identifying subcommittee members.

“I feel very confident in who is around me, starting with Dr. Graves and the rest of the executive committee,” Stimson says.

“Everyone in the room is ready to speak thoughtfully and think deeply. We have a very collegial board. Even after some members complete their terms, they still want to continue to serve on committees.”

That collegiality, support for the head of school, and a willingness to think and act with purpose are what Stimson considers to be the board’s strengths. But for all the forward-thinking of the board, the commitment to school traditions remains.

“Dr. Graves has encouraged and led a return to our Founders’ ideals of becoming your own advocate and pursuing your passions,” she says. “We understand and embrace the connectedness of our alumnae to our school and the traditions we hold dear. It’s a solid foundation for what we will become as we endeavor to do what is best for our girls and our school.”

GPS BOARD OF TRUSTEES EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DR. BECCA STIMSON ’73

Board Chair, P ’14 CL AY WATSON,

Vice Chair, P ’22 & ’22 AMY THOMAS,

Treasurer, P ’10 & ’14 KERRI MARTIN BARTLETT ’75

Secretary

HOLLY LYNCH HARWELL ’84

Immediate Past Chair

A TERM WELL-SPENT

Two years after stepping in to chair the Board of Trustees, Holly Lynch Harwell ’84 now looks back with fondness at her term. “Serving as the chair is a huge time commitment but has been very rewarding,” she says. “I have so much appreciation for all the staff and faculty and what they do daily to enrich the lives of our girls. It has been a true honor to serve my alma mater in this capacity.”

She has especially enjoyed working with Graves. “Her capacity to think big has added so many great programs to our school. In turn she challenges and encourages all those around her to want the best for the girls and themselves as a faculty and staff.”

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COURTYARD

What happens at GPS during the second semester? The spring musical, concerts, athletic signings and competitions, and of course, our end-of-year traditions. We honor our recent graduates—their journeys and accomplishments—while also celebrating their classmates’ end to another school year.

MAY DAY

COMMENCEMENT ATHLETICS

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CL ASS DAY

FINE & PERFORMING ARTS

AROUND GPS

May Day From left, Caitlin O’Brien, Crown Bearer; Olivia Fannon, Maid of Honor; Myra Brock, May Queen; Ellie Swann, Left Train Bearer; Maya Bhutwala, Right Train Bearer; and Allison Smith, Scepter Bearer.

ON MAY 1, SCHOOL LIFE AS USUAL STOPPED FOR ONE DAY— AS IT DOES EVERY YEAR—FOR OUR ANNUAL TRADITIONAL MAY DAY FESTIVITIES.

Each year, the seniors vote for the May Court by selecting classmates who best represent their class and our school and the ideals and values we hold dear.

When the May Court is announced, the entire student body then votes for the May Queen and Maid of Honor, considering this criteria.

THE MAY QUEEN AND COURT SHOULD BE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SENIOR CL ASS IN THE HIGHEST SENSE. THEY SHOULD BE GRACIOUS, FRIENDLY, AND LOYAL TO FRIENDS AND TO GPS. THEY SHOULD BE ACTIVELY AND ENTHUSIASTICALLY INVOLVED IN THE LIFE OF GPS, EAGER TO GIVE OF THEIR TIME AND THEIR TALENTS. THEY SHOULD STAND FOR THE HIGHEST IDEALS IN CHARACTER AND INTEGRITY. THEY SHOULD BE RESPECTED AND ADMIRED BY FELLOW SCHOOLMATES AND FACULT Y ALIKE.

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MAY DAY Read more on page 8.

A Legacy

of Love

Olivia Barrow ’19, Ms. Kathryne Derryberry Barrow ’88 (mother); Carson Thatcher ’19, Amy Albright Thatcher ’84 (mother), Johanne Dixon Albright ’61 (grandmother); Rebecca Guhde ’19, Betsy Chester ’75 (mother); Adeline Chinery ’19, Heidi Steffner Chinery ’88 (mother); Maya Pastusic ’19, Kaycee Brown Pastusic ’93 (mother); Jacqueline Michaud ’19, Sally Lyons Michaud ’86 (mother); Corley Compton ’19, Margaret Meadows Compton ’90 (mother); Molly Ballenger ’19, Lee Harris Ballenger ’81 (mother), Marian Mathews Harris ’55 (not pictured, grandmother), Charlsie Prigmore Harris ’24 (not pictured, great grandmother); Myra Brock ’19, Dorothy (Dottie) Goree Brock ’65 (grandmother); Molly Milam ’19, Jacquelyn (Jas) Sullivan Milam ’78 (mother); Grace Tucker ’19, Mary Martin Tucker ’53 (grandmother); Mary Kenley Tugman ’19, Kipton Lankford Tugman ’92 (mother); Carter Davenport ’19, Leland Hume Davenport ’55 (grandmother); Jane Wilde ’19, Mary Leland Davenport Wilde ’85 (mother), Leland Hume Davenport ’55 (grandmother).

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MAY DAY

Where you lead, I will follow!

Thank you

I ’ll be ther

e for you!

for being a friend!

Our sixth-graders kicked off our May Day festivities with a showcase of dances that celebrated the attributes of woman heroes in their lives. Happy FIRST May Day to our first-year GPS girls.

This year’s May Day theme paid homage to beloved TV shows, with seventh- through 11th-grade classes dancing to favorite theme songs. The crowd’s favorable reactions to the opening notes of classic shows—particularly favorite girlfriendseries such as Gilmore Girls, Golden Girls, and, of course, Friends—confirmed that this trip down memory lane gave everyone a reason to smile.

VISIT GPS.EDU/GPSMAGAZINE FOR THE LINKS TO THE VIDEO, PHOTOS, AND FULL STORY FROM MAY DAY.

Y ou get the best of both worlds!

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COMMENCEMENT

113 OH, HAPPY DAY! ON MAY 18 WE GRADUATED THE 83 SENIORS OF THE CL ASS OF 2019 IN THE 113 TH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES OF GIRLS PREPARATORY SCHOOL.

th

COMMENCEMENT

VISIT GPS.EDU/NEWS TO READ MORE ABOUT AND VIEW PHOTOS AND THE RECORDING OF COMMENCEMENT, AS WELL AS READ OLIVIA COMBS’ VALEDICTORY ADDRESS AND CL AIRE CALHOUN’S CHAPEL TALK.

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HEAD OF SCHOOL Dr. Autumn A. Graves passionately reminded our graduates that “in a society that keeps telling women we are not enough, I want you to know that you are enough.” She encouraged the girls to remain confident after they leave GPS.

“There will be moments when you will not easily conquer a particular situation,” she said, and then reminded them “to leverage the resiliency and confidence you have grown with the encouragement of your parents, teachers, coaches, advisors, and mentors.”

COMMENCEMENT

MY CHARGE TO YOU, WOMEN OF THE GIRLS PREPARATORY SCHOOL CL ASS OF 2019:

Go save

the

world.

OLIVIA COMBS ’19, 2019 ETHEL B. POSTON VALEDICTORIAN

THE CLASS OF 2019 S U B M IT T E D

492 165 to

COLLEGE APPLICATIONS

SCHOOLS

80% 75% $10M 13% OF SUBMITTED COLLEGE APPLICATIONS WERE

ACCEPTED

OF THE CLASS WAS OFFERED

IN MERIT, TALENT, OR ATHLETIC SCHOLARSHIPS

HERE’S TO THE CL ASS OF 2019!

« IN HER VALEDICTORY ADDRESS,

Olivia Combs, the 2019 Ethel B. Poston Valedictorian, talked about the many privileges she and her classmates have for which they have GPS to thank. “We have been gifted the ability to not obsess over the future,” she said. “I am not worried about our future, because I know that a GPS girl will never stand aside and let the world hurt her. We have been endowed with a beautiful, powerful, feminine strength.”

Olivia closed with a quote from her “personal hero,” Elastigirl, from the movie The Incredibles. “‘Leave the saving of the world to the men? I don’t think so.’” « SENIOR CL AIRE CALHOUN’S

Chapel Talk was voted by her classmates to be presented at Commencement. « AS IS TRADITION, prior to the ceremony,

the members of the senior class formed double lines in the Athletic Commons, through which the faculty walked as they entered the gym, receiving high fives and smiles from their students. At the conclusion of Commencement, the roles reversed as faculty formed double lines through which the newly graduated seniors walked, receiving accolades from their teachers.

Once the graduates reached Frierson Theatre Lobby, they hugged and celebrated the fact that they are now GPS alumnae.

PERCENTAGE OF THE CLASS THAT WILL CONTINUE THEIR SPORTS AT THE

COLLEGIATE LEVEL

G P S .E D U G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L C O U R T YA R D |

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CLASS

DAY Class Day, the last time the entire student body gathers for the school year, marks both the ending of this chapter in our girls’ GPS journey and the beginning of the next. The day’s activities provide the opportunity to reflect upon the year; recognize individuals with awards in academics, character, the arts, and athletics; and look forward to the future.

ACADEMIC + CHARACTER AWARDS UPPER SCHOOL AWARDS

SENIOR AWARDS CL ASS OF 2019

Olivia Combs | Ethel B. Poston Valedictorian Award Charlotte Vance | Rickie Pierce Salutatorian Award Brianna House | Mary Hannah Tucker Faculty Award Olivia Fannon | Founders Award Charlotte Vance | Pete Wood Award Mayson Harwood | Patsy Williams Scott Service Award Myra Brock | Jane Henegar Noble Christian Award Maya Bhutwala | Betsy Chisolm Silberman Award Claire Calhoun

Laura Handly Award

Ellie Swann

Roberta Moore Award

Caitlin O’Brien

Barbara Johnson Prickett Award Allison Smith | Daughters of the American Revolution Award

THANK YOU FOR BEING MY CAT!

At the beginning of the Class Day awards ceremony, the sixth-grade Rats performed a special song, “Thank You for Being a Friend,” the theme song to the hit show Golden Girls, dedicated to the Class of 2019 as a parting gift to their Cats.

WILL YOU SIGN MY YEARBOOK?

Every year on Class Day, the highly anticipated Kaleidoscope yearbook is distributed to all students and faculty and staff. During the all-school picnic, girls sign yearbooks and write notes to each other, immortalizing their memories, moments of thanks, and best wishes.

VISIT GPS.EDU/NEWS TO READ MORE ABOUT CL ASS DAY AND THE AWARDS PRESENTED.

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SENIOR ACADEMIC AWARDS | CL ASS OF 2019

Olivia Combs | Mildred Peters Award for English

Amal Ali, French; Claire Calhoun, Latin; Charlotte Vance, Spanish

Eula Lea Jarnagin Love of Language Award Brianna House | John Locke History Award for Excellence Corley Compton | Lois Moyer Award for Mathematics Ruchi Patel | Lucy Ann Adams Science Cup

MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS EIGHTH-GRADE AWARDS CL ASS OF 2023

Kennedy Ball | Janet Campbell Jackson Award

Hannah Grace Kornberg

DAR Youth Citizenship Award SEVENTH-GRADE AWARDS CL ASS OF 2024

Gracie Pritchett

Ruth Schmidt Award Ella Harris | Thedford Award SIXTH GRADE AWARDS CL ASS OF 2025

Ella Beth Wiedmer | Margaret Wheland Cate Award Mabry Cook | Joan Haley Frierson Award

ATHLETIC AWARDS Myra Brock ’19 | Robinson Sportsmanship Cup

Kylie Eiselstein ’19 | Sandra Martin Award

Caitlin O’Brien ’19 | Peggy Thomas 100% Award

Ariana Whatley ’20 | Laura Holt Outstanding Athlete Award

Nicola van der Merwe ’21

Elizabeth Collier Farmer Award Ansley Blevins ’22 | Mary Alice Hood Chambers Award

FINE & PERFORMING ARTS AWARDS Grace Brody ’19 Greene-Hanlin Award

Carson Thatcher ’19 Terpsichord Award

Mary Kenley Tugman ’19

Wells Award

Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts Claire Lindeman ’20 | National Orchestra Award Lily Luffman ’20 | Excellence in Technical Theater Award Jadyn Matthews ’20 | Fletcher W. Bright Fellowship Katie Day ’21 | National Band Award

FRESHMAN AWARDS CL ASS OF 2022

PUBLICATIONS AWARD Isabelle Torrence ’20

JUNIOR AWARDS CL ASS OF 2020

Alex Center | Battle Award Meg Priest | Palmer Griffin Award SOPHOMORE AWARDS CL ASS OF 2021

Maggie Parsley | Sophomore Bowl Erin Marshall | Dorris Chapin

Frances Crowe | Marilyn

Sherman Center Award Julia Combs | Frances Wheeler Freshman Cup Evie Jackson | Dora Maclellan Brown Christian Leadership Award

William C. McKenzie Award

GRA

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The Class of 2019 posed for the traditional college sweatshirt pic.

SE

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From navy to light blue, to lavender and green, to pink and yellow, and, lastly, white, the class colors represent the chapters of a girl’s GPS story.

In the singing of the traditional “Where Oh Wheres,” students in grades six through 11 bid farewell to the year and their respective grades and loudly express their enthusiasm for moving to the next grade, while our seniors proclaim they are “safe in the college world!” and prepared to step into their new role as GPS alumnae. Another year and chapter in their GPS story—and their personal growth—is complete!

EI

F

BIES

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Wheres

AD BA

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G P S .E D U G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L C O U R T YA R D |

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CUM LAUDE

Welcome to

Cum Laude

Nine members of the Class of 2019 were honored with the highest academic accolade bestowed at Girls Preparatory School—membership in Cum Laude.

2019 CUM LAUDE INDUCTEES A M AL ALI

Emory University | Dr. Steve Harrison OLIVIA COMBS

Brandeis University | Keith Sanders CORLEY COMPTON

Berry College | Erin Davis Sizemore ’98 K YLIE EISELSTEIN

University of Southern California | Chris Zeller BRIANNA HOUSE

University of Georgia | Callie Hamilton L ANE L AWRENCE

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Bryant Haynes, president of Cum Laude RUCHI PATEL

Vanderbilt University | Tracie Marlin Durham ’80 CARMEN RESNICK

University of Oregon | Mark Krawczyk CHARLOT TE VANCE

Auburn University | Jenise Gordon

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In the formal installation, each girl was introduced by a GPS faculty member of her choosing and with whom she has developed a bond of friendship and respect. Faculty who are asked to speak on behalf of a young scholar inducted into Cum Laude consider the honor the highest that faculty can achieve.

Of our five core values—honor, respect, curiosity, individuality, relationships—the one most often mentioned by our former students when reflecting on their GPS experience, is relationships—those formed with their peers and also the teachers they admire and respect. It’s not uncommon to see alumnae on our campus, while home for breaks from college, as they stop by classrooms to check in with favorite teachers and update them on their lives.

“As teachers at GPS, we all get to know our students in the classroom. There are times, however, that we are able to form a deeper connection due to common interests, whether that is based on a mutual love of content, through extracurricular work, or through coaching. When a student selects you to speak on her behalf, you realize you have had a powerful impact on her and are reassured that you are doing what you should be doing.”

—TRACIE MARLIN DURHAM ’80, SCIENCE DEPARTMENT CHAIR

AROUNDGPS CON

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Komal Patri ’20 was awarded admission into the Resident’s Honors Program at the University of Southern California. As part of a cohort of 18 juniors in this highly selective program, Komal will bypass her senior year at GPS. She also received the Presidential Scholarship and was the only student among the RHP applicants to secure this honor.

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Middle and Upper School students competed in the TENNESSEE SOUTHEAST REGIONAL CONTEST OF NATIONAL HISTORY DAY, amassing

GPS STUDENTS EXHIBIT KNOWLEDGE OF WORLD LANGUAGES IN NATIONAL EXAMS

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students were ranked nationally and won medals across all levels in the National French Contest.

Honorable mentions were awarded to 25.

HUNTER MCVAY ’21

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KOMAL PATRI ’20

GPS had the most students entered into the Chattanooga Science and Engineering Fair.

Our Upper School students also received six first-place finishes, six second-place, seven third-place, and an overall participation award for having the

ANISHA PHADE ’23

The newly formed Middle School Math Team swept the area Perennial Math Tournament held at UTC. Three teams of five girls competed and placed first and third. In the seventh-grade individual competition, the girls swept the top three finishes. Anisha Phade ’23 went on to place first in the national competition.

students were recognized for their achievements on the National Spanish Exam.

Gold medals were awarded to Olivia Scotchie ’22, Level 2, and Hunter McVay ’21, Level 3.

Number of students who earned certificates and medals in the National Latin Exam. Each girl enrolled in Latin II Honors earned a Gold Medal.

THE FIRST EVER

STUDENTS AND TEACHERS partnered with 20+ local agencies for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, making GPS one of the area’s

largest groups to serve.

Heather Ake ’20 was named drum major for the Tornado Winds, the GPS & McCallie coordinate pep band, for the 201920 school year, making her the first-ever GPS student to serve in this capacity!

HEATHER AKE ’20

TO READ ABOUT THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE CL ASS OF 2019, TURN TO PAGE 16. FOR MORE NEWS AND HAPPENINGS OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR, GO TO GPS.EDU/NEWS. G P S .E D U G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L C O U R T YA R D |

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By Michal Howick ’03

WINTERIM: Learning Without Limits Students and teachers trade their books and lessons for new experiences and learning beyond the classroom each February during Winterim.

While Middle School students participate in grade-level activities designed to enhance their current curriculum, Upper School students may choose from a variety of options designed by faculty to pique their interests and expose them to cultural experiences that can prove to be life-changing.

“What I love about Winterim is that both students and teachers have agency to choose a subject or adventure that interests them, and the lack of concern for grades leaves us solely to our curiosities and new friendships,” says Corrie White, English teacher. “Winterim helps us all return to the why in education, which in my mind is to be curious together.”

During the week, an Upper School girl might discover her ability to steer a dogsled, navigate a remote trail, dye fabric with plants, or swim with sharks. She might venture to a faraway place where the culture, language, and food are much different from her own. She might hone her test-taking or interviewing skills or learn to drive. Sometimes a potential career path takes root, a new college option is added to her list, or a quiet time of introspection resets her mind and allows her to return to the classroom with a renewed sense of purpose.

Whatever our students do or wherever they go, Winterim provides the opportunity for them to bond with peers and teachers and to learn without limits.

SEE THE COMPLETE LIST OF WINTERIM OFFERINGS TO THE RIGHT AND LEARN MORE ABOUT MIDDLE SCHOOL WINTERIM ON PAGE 25.

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»

UPPER SCHOOL »» ACT/SAT/PSAT Test Prep »» All Things Chattanooga »» Art and Architecture »» Beauty & History of the Appalachian Mountains »» Be My Neighbor »» The Bowdacious Challenge »» Can You Belize We Are Going Scuba Diving? »» Chilean Kayak Adventure »» Costa Rica: Spanish Immersion and Biodiversity »» DNA, Diseases, and More »» Dude Ranch »» Film/TV Acting Intensive »» Four-Day Film Camp »» Haman’s Driving School »» Incredible India »» Journey to the Land of the Rising Sun: Japan »» Math to the Moon »» Mentor Me »» Sunny California College Tour »» Telling Y(Our) Story: The Art of the Interview »» Walt Disney World »» Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge »» Yarn and Ewe *Sign-ups for Upper School Winterim opportunities were made available to the senior class first, then the junior class, etc., as most trips had limited capacities. The Disney trip was made available as an option only to seniors.

UPPER SCHOOL

YARN AND EWE

WINTERIM WIDENS THEIR IDEAS OF WHAT THEY CAN DO AND BE IN THE WORLD. English Department Chair Catherine Ingalls says, “Even a local Winterim brings us into contact with people who demonstrate many different and successful ways of working.”

YARN AND EWE: AN INTRODUCTION TO FIBER ARTS WINTERIM , offered by Ingalls and Corrie White, featured a woman who left the world of fashion design to start her own alpaca farm and sustainable fiber business. The girls then spent a day with GPS alumna Maggie Pate ’03, who also moved from the world of fashion into her current work as an author/artist who uses food scraps and plants to dye sustainable textiles. Ingalls adds, “This kind of experience widens girls’ ideas of what they can do and be in the world.”

MENTOR ME

MENTOR ME provided girls the opportunity to learn more about various careers, fields of study, interests, and more. Miles Slakie ’20 spent her Winterim shadowing Dr. Katie vonWerssowetz Gooden ’98, physician with Galen Medical Group. Other alumnae who served as mentors include Dr. Chris Benz Smith ’72, Dori Thornton Waller ’99, Melody Shekari ’06, Lauren Glascow Starnes ’08, and Calyn Key ’13.

DUDE RANCH

DID YOU KNOW?

In the early 1970s, the GPS Glee Club began taking a winter performance trip. So many students participated in the Glee Club tour that regular classes could not go on as scheduled.

Therefore, the school adopted the Winterim program in 1979 to allow students the opportunity to travel with school groups or to participate in activities on campus or in the community.

WINTERIM OFFERS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCES. Lisa Wilkes, Math Department Chair, says Winterim enhances the GPS experience for students by exposing them to environments they may not seek on their own—certainly true for the students in her M ATH TO THE MOON: A NASA ADVENTURE experience with Katy Berotti, English teacher. Their group traveled to Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, for NASA University—a five-day mathematics and engineering mission where they applied their collaboration, communication, creativity, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills in hands-on projects and activities. “The challenges were creatively and intellectually invigorating, but they were also occasionally frustrating,” Berotti says. “Programming a robot for an obstacle course can take a lot of trial and failure! I appreciated seeing girls—without the external pressure of grades and bells that forwarded them to the next class—choose to persevere. It was a good experience not despite its being hard, but because it was hard.”

With teachers Diane Walker and Dr. Ralph Covino, students journeyed to Arizona’s famous White Stallion Ranch, an all-inclusive DUDE RANCH that mixes Old West adventure with modern comforts. During their stay, they honed equestrian skills, maintained the ranch, learned about sustainable tourism, and more. “The Dude Ranch

trip allows us to arrange an experience that many have not considered or done before.

About two-thirds of our travelers had never been on a horse,” Walker says. “Because our trip fills up so quickly, it is challenging for an entire friend group to book, so the opportunity to room for a week with girls they may not know well is huge.”

Some seniors decided to venture to Ely, Minnesota’s WINTERGREEN DOGSLED LODGE , where they learned how to dogsled, care for the sled dogs, cross country ski, and more. “Dogsledding was a great experience,” says Reyna Patel ’19.

“There is nothing like seeing snow covering every inch of the ground and green trees. The purpose of Winterim is to experience new things and that was way beyond accomplished. This experience was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I will always look back on.”

DOGSLEDDING

MATH TO THE MOON

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This Is OUR Story TWO ALUMNAE JOIN GPS TEACHER AND CL ASSMATE TO OFFER A WINTERIM TO JAPAN, A SHARED PL ACE IN THEIR OWN STORIES

JAPAN

WINTERIM PROVIDES OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPLORE NEW CULTURES. Using a tour company allowed Kate Kerekes, world languages teacher, and Dr. Brandon Noel, science teacher, to offer a truly interdisciplinary (biodiversity and Spanish) trip to COSTA RICA at a great group rate. During their trip, the girls had a Spanish-speaking lesson and quiz each morning. They learned about ecotourism and bats and their habitats, plus how to create and use biogas, harvest yucca and heart of palm with a machete, and milk a cow. “Being able to provide the opportunity for students to experience a second language and culture studied in an authentic setting was incomparable,” Kerekes says. “The girls’ confidence and knowledge of the language grew as they interacted and connected with the people and culture of Costa Rica. They learned folk dances from teens and were hugging each other by the end.”

“The four days of Winterim create a different rhythm for teachers and students. Time moves differently—a welcome change from days divided into 45-minute blocks—and the relationship between teachers and students can be more relaxed. I always think of Winterim as a time when we’re all just existing as people, rather than as students and teachers.”

COSTA RICA

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— C ATHERINE INGALLS, ENGLISH DEPARTMENT CHAIR

C O R N E R S T O N E S G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U

Fourteen GPS seniors traveled to Japan with teacher Annie Loveless ’02 and two of her GPS classmates, Amy Vetter Hinds ’02 and Katherine Dann Ogden ’02; both previously lived in Japan. “Our goal was to share our love of Japan with the girls,” Amy says. “We wanted to provide them with as many experiences as possible and for them to fall in love with the beautiful Japanese culture—from art and architecture to food and transportation. It takes a lot of courage to travel, especially to a foreign country with a language and customs that are extremely different from one’s own. Each girl learned something new about themselves while on the trip.”

“For many, this was their first time traveling out of the country and to a place that is fundamentally different from the United States with respect to values, social etiquette, and history,” Katherine adds. “It was eye-opening to see them express some of their concerns, help each other, and push through some of their reservations.”

A U.S. Naval Aviator formerly stationed in Japan, Katherine says one of her favorite parts of the trip was touring the naval base at Yokosuka. “I think it’s rare that GPS girls get to see how many Americans are stationed in other places in order to uphold diplomacy and serve their country. I think the eyes of every student on this trip (and I imagine other Winterim trips as well) were opened to how big this world really is—how differently people can live but how we all strive to create better lives for ourselves and for those around us.”

Although Amy graduated from GPS 17 years ago, she found many similarities between current students and memories of her time at GPS. “From their silliness to their feelings about certain classes, their excitement and fears of college to their dreams for the future, it was so enjoyable to connect with each one on some level.

“What struck me the most was how these girls were already such strong, confident young women,” Amy adds. “I know that the faculty and staff at GPS have been influential in building the girls’ confidence and willingness to explore and take chances. One of our girls had never flown on an airplane before! But the only way we grow is by embracing the new and unknown.”

MIDDLE SCHOOL “Winterim trips give us the extended opportunity to travel and visit institutions or take part in cultural experiences that enhance our current curriculum. We know that girls learn best when they experience something together, discuss it in the moment, and share their thoughts and process their ideas with their peers and their teachers. Most importantly, our girls continue to bond with their classmates and build the sisterhood that is so important to them and to our community as a whole.”

—LYNNE MACZIEWSKI, HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL

SIXTH-GRADERS STAY LOCAL

Our sixth-grade students focused on building empathy and learning from the lived experiences of others both in the local community and around the world— expanding upon their studies in global cultures and English. The girls connected local stories to books they were reading by interviewing area refugee families who have resettled in Chattanooga. Our students served the surrounding community and existing partnerships with hands-on projects such as trail maintenance and meal preparation. Other experiences included taking a yoga class, hiking, swimming, and skating, plus visiting the Creative Discovery Museum.

SIXTH-GRADERS

EIGHTH-GRADERS TOUR CITIES OF THE SOUTH

To build upon the Civil Rights’ topics in their Citizenship In Action class, the girls first explored the role Chattanooga played in the Civil Rights Movement with a tour of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and the African American Museum. Later they visited the National Center for Civil and Human Rights in Atlanta, Georgia, and, in Birmingham, Alabama, Kelly Ingram Park and the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum to discover more about the protests, violence, and actions that finally led to the nation’s support of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. These visits and experiences laid the groundwork for both the reading of To Kill a Mockingbird and an inquiry-based Civil Rights project.

Other experiences included Zoo Atlanta, World of Coca-Cola, and an overnight stay at McWane Science Center and Museum in Birmingham, where they participated in once-in-a-lifetime science activities late into the evening to answer this question: Do the dinosaurs really come to life at night?

SEVENTH-GRADERS

SEVENTH-GRADERS HIT THE STATE CAPITAL

Before heading to Music City, our seventh-graders participated in a design thinking challenge, using their understanding of sound, tune, and pitch to build, test, and improve their own musical instruments. Once in Nashville, they visited the replica of the Greek Parthenon—which complemented their English class’ mythology studies—attended a show at the Grand Ole Opry, worked with a recording artist, visited the Frist Museum, and viewed the Young Tennessee Artists exhibition. To learn more about Tennessee history and the artifacts that represent the state’s social, political, economic, and cultural history, they visited the Tennessee State Museum and the Tennessee State Capitol building, where they met and saw their state politicians in action. A great way to learn more about democracy and the application of the debate and dissent process!

EIGHTH-GRADERS

During a tour of Vanderbilt University, seventh-graders and their teachers met GPS alumnae Dr. Maithilee Kunda ’02, Sarah Whitney Anderson ’12, and Lucy Whitfield ’14 to hear about their experiences at GPS, in college, and in their chosen career paths.

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FINE

Arts

& PERFORMING

From left, Sarah Kalla ’22 as Chava, Maya Bhutwala ’19 as Tzeitel, and Olivia Combs ’19 as Hodel.

BRINGING FIDDLER ON THE ROOF TO LIFE Artists on stage and technicians behind the scenes performed Fiddler on the Roof as the GPS/McCallie Upper School spring musical. The performance of this memorable story with universal themes beautifully showcased the students’ talents.

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FINE& PERFORMING ARTS

NIA SANDERS ’15 During her time at Brown, Nia pursued a double major in computer science and performance studies. Through performance studies, she was able to continue her study of dance through a theoretical framework by taking courses such as Peformativity and the Body, The Activist Body, and Digital Performance. She continued her practical dance training by performing as a member of Brown’s Dance Extension Company and most recently choreographed a 20-minute dance piece as the recipient of the Theatre Arts and Performance Studies (TAPS) Department’s senior slot opportunity.

“GPS laid much of the foundation for the ways that I approach not only performing but also creating my own works. I tell people all the time that I have my GPS dance teachers, Ms. Kasch and Ms. Zahrobsky, to thank for the ways they challenged and encouraged me to explore and dive into my ideas while I was in Terpsichord. I look back at my choreography from high school and compare it to now, and both of their influences are still very present in my work.”

Finding Center in Ceramics WORKING WITH CL AY ON A WHEEL , a potter learns to center the clay, focusing mind and body on the spinning wheel to create a form. This sense of focus translates to handcrafted pieces, and students learn to work with a dynamic medium for self expression.

Catherine Gray ’20 rediscovered her love for ceramics through classes at GPS. Having started at a younger age, she strayed from clay for years until enrolling in Art I as a freshman. Since then, art has served as an outlet for her creativity and inspiration for her class projects—even in classes such as English.

...

Cathy appreciates Deavers’ creative solutions for pieces, even when she doubts her work or fails at making something. “She always comes up with a solution—there is no such thing as failing,” Cathy says. “Even if you end up with an awkward-looking bowl, you can always find a way to transform it into something awesome.”

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I IS

Under the direction of Julie Deavers in Ceramics II, Cathy has found her passion in pottery and produced impressive pieces. “Cathy is a great student to teach,” Deavers says. “Some students have a knack for a particular art form, and for Cathy, that is ceramics.”

TH

“For so long I thought ceramics was just a bowl, then a plate, and then another bowl that is slightly different. But with ceramics you can make anything,” she says.

my story

Cathy calls her decision to enroll in Ceramics I the best decision she’s ever made. Nearly a decade after her first encounter with clay at age eight, Cathy was delighted to find something new in clay.

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FINE & PERFORMING ARTS

THE EXIT SHOW A group of students from AP Drawing, AP 2D, and AP 3D art classes celebrated their visual arts careers with a February gallery opening at Chattanooga WorkSpace. Art teacher Julie Deavers commends the students on their strong conceptual work.

180° CHANGES Paying homage to Isadora Duncan, the mother of modern dance, the Terpsichord Spring Concert looked backward and forward on a journey through movement, including pieces set to Macklemore and band Bon Iver.

“NOW SPRING IN ALL HER GLORY” Singers welcomed the season with lively songs from ensemble voices and solos at the Spring Choral Concert, including a performance from the Senior Ensemble and “Songs of a Disney Princess” from the Middle School Girls Choir.

“WHEN RHINOS DO THE RHUMBA IN THE RAIN” With Japanese folk music, Celtic rock, and classical masterpieces, Middle and Upper School students showcased their talents at the Spring Instrumental Music Concert.

Pieces included Mozart’s turbulent “Amadeus” and a compilation medley from The Lion King.

“WE ARE THE LIGHT” Nearly 40 Motion Makers dancers expressed through movement and their voices what it means to be a woman today.

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FINE & PERFORMING ARTS

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Lifting as She Climbs IS

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JORDAN ROBINSON YARBROUGH ’99 “I’ve been interested in art for as long as I can remember, but it wasn’t until I landed in Mrs. Carrithers’ AP Art class my junior and senior years that my mere interest in art turned into a passion. That class was more than just learning about technique. It was about learning who we were as artists and cultivating our individual talents. Mrs. Carrithers saw things in each of us we hadn’t yet discovered, fostered our creativity, and then taught us how to make the most of it. Those two years are the base of some of the most important things I’ve learned about my art, and really, life, to be perfectly honest. In order to find our voice in the fray, we must let go of the notion that one size fits all. GPS tells us we can do it and Mrs. Carrithers made me believe it. I am forever grateful to them both.”

JordanRobinsonYarbrough.com

RISING SENIOR Jadyn Matthews ’20 received the prestigious GPS Fletcher W. Bright Fellowship for Artistic and Community Engagement this spring.

Awarded to a student who exhibits passion for creative expression and leadership, the fellowship enables a student to share her passion—and that is exactly what Jadyn plans to do.

A long-time dancer and Terpsichord member, Jadyn was selected for not only her accomplishments in dance but also her desire to share her passion with the greater Chattanooga community. She’ll attend master classes with Kelly Seph White, a New Orleans and New York dance instructor, and then use her knowledge to teach young children in the Chattanooga area.

When she returns from working with White, Jadyn will teach at Glenwood Learning Adventure Days at New City Fellowship. She will be guided in her teaching by fellowship sponsor Cathie Ault Kasch ’72, GPS Performing Arts Coordinator and Director of Terpsichord.

Jadyn plans to pursue dance throughout college and possibly as a career. She hopes that a better understanding of the culture and techniques behind AfroCaribbean dance will help develop and inform her creative voice and style.

“With this fellowship, I hope to give back to the Chattanooga community and the center and children who have inspired me to live a life full of dance, community involvement, and volunteerism,” Jadyn says. “To immerse in study with and learn under a multicultural dance professional is invaluable. I’m honored to then be able to share what I have learned to benefit others, lifting as I climb!”

READ MORE ABOUT OUR PRODUCTIONS AT GPS.EDU/NEWS. @GPSFINEPERFORMINGARTS

@GPSFINEARTS

@GPSFINEPERFORMINGARTS

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ATHLETICS

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my story

TAYLOR BATTLE ’15 Tusculum University ’19 Softball

2019

» R ecipient for South Atlantic Conference Minority Postgraduate Scholarship » Record holder for most career stolen bases » All-SAC second team 2018

* SPRING SPORTS TENNIS | L ACROSSE TRACK & FIELD | ROWING SOF TBALL | MS GOLF MS L ACROSSE | MS TRACK & FIELD

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» L ed SAC in triples » All-SAC honorable mention » Tied the school record with 2 triples, 1 double, and 12 total bases in a single game » One of the top defensive outfielders in the league, making only one error in 100 total chances including 3 outfield assists

AN ALL-GIRLS ENVIRONMENT

benefits girls in many ways—and that’s obvious on the fields and courts.

As Athletic Director Jay Watts says, “Girls’ schools do not strive to be equal-opportunity providers like a coed school. We are an every opportunity provider for our girls.”

BASKETBALL | SWIMMING/DIVING CHEERLEADING | CLIMBING | BOWLING MS BASKETBALL | MS CHEER MS SWIMMING/DIVING | MS VOLLEYBALL

WINTER SPORTS

C O U R T YA R D G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U

“Throughout my high school experience at GPS, I learned to work through adversity, which helped mold me into the person and player I am today. GPS taught me to have self-discipline and to always believe in myself no matter how impossible something may seem. I gained a true meaning of teamwork along with good sportsmanship and learned to always play with a purpose, never get outworked by the opponent, and believe you are the best.”

Taylor recently graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in biology and plans to attend graduate school for physical therapy.

» TRACK & FIELD

Nine girls advanced to the state meet with an overall eighth-place team finish, and three girls participated in the state pentathlon.

Minah Sadrabadi ’22 finished as state runner-up in the 3200-meter event. In addition to competing in four state events, Nicola van der Merwe ’21 tied the school record for pole vault by jumping 10 feet at the regional meet.

» ROWING

The Varsity 8+ team finished sixth at SRAA National Championships. The crew took third in the Women’s Youth 2 at the USRowing Southeast Youth Championships, which qualified them for the USRowing Youth National Championships in June.

» BASKETBALL

“We built a solid basketball foundation this season, and I was pleased with our ability to defend on and off the ball.

I’m most impressed with our team unity and willingness to not give up on plays.” —Head Coach Janna Eichelberger

» SWIMMING/ DIVING

The February TISCA State Swimming and Diving Meet resulted in the Bruisers breaking school records and bringing home some hardware.

Ellie Taliaferro ’22 led the way with an individual runner-up medal in the 50-yard freestyle, and she set new school records for both the 50- and 100-yard freestyle. The Bruisers finished sixth place overall.

» CHEERLEADING

The All-Girls Varsity Blue Crew cheered their hearts out for the Bruisers and Blue Tornado all season long! Seniors Grace Brody, Grace Fullam, Hana Maraqa, and Riley Wilson wrapped up four great years.

» CLIMBING

“I was pleased to see the number of students interested in indoor climbing this past season. I’m hopeful this trend will continue!”

—Head Coach Sean Caulfield

» BOWLING

With four state individual qualifiers and a team TSSAA Division II regional runner-up title, the bowling team showed great leadership and celebrated each other’s successes. The team’s second place finish at the Lindsey Hammer Wilson tournament was a memorable moment.

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my story

The lacrosse team finished as state quarter-finalists with a 13-4 season overall.

The softball team finished as state runner-up at Spring Fling. Senior pitcher Hannah Sanders was the region tournament co-MVP, and all-region recipients included Ansley Blevins ’22, Kaitlyn Songer ’19, Elizabeth Warwick ’20, and Ariana Whatley ’20.

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» LACROSSE

» SOFTBALL

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GPS Tennis qualified for Spring Fling, a final-four state tournament. They won the C Division of Decoturf National High School tournament, where Ava Scotchie ’22 and Erin Ensign ’23 were on the AllTournament Team. Barbie Edwards ’20 and Mary Kate Johnson ’22 qualified for individual doubles at the TSSAA state tournament.

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» TENNIS

LINDSAY RUFOLO ’15

Davidson College ’19 | Lacrosse » Senior Captain (2018-19 season) » Awarded Coach’s Award junior year (Spring 2018) » Awarded Most Improved Player freshman year (Spring 2016)

“Being a GPS athlete taught me humility and perseverance.

The athletic community at GPS as a whole encourages studentathletes to work hard and to know that no goal is too large to achieve. Playing sports at GPS helped me understand the importance of determination, passion, and teamwork. My athletic mentors fully supported and encouraged me during my time both at GPS and then at Davidson College and will continue to do so in the future, which is something unique and really amazing.”

Lindsay received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in English and a minor in Hispanic studies. She will soon begin a post-graduate internship program with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, working in major gifts for the USA Swim Foundation.

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COLLEGE

SIGNINGS

my story

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SHELBY WALTERS ’18

Duke University ’22 | Softball

In her first year as pitcher for Duke University, Shelby now holds the record for most strikeouts in a single game, 12 against NC State.

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“Through GPS, I learned all about time management. Playing for a D1 team is challenging, but knowing how to use your time well is so important. GPS also taught me the most efficient way for me to study. On the athletic side, Coach Crownover taught me that nothing comes easy and that I would have to work for everything I wanted.

I’m so thankful I got to play for her. To the girls pursuing college athletics: never give up if you are not getting attention from the school you want. Always keep working for what you want.”

Shelby wants to pursue medicine and is considering a major in either evolutionary anthropology or biology. “I don’t have everything figured out yet, but that is what is so great about college. I have been exposed to many different topics. I am taking Italian and never in a million years would I have thought that I would explore that avenue!”

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L ARKIN BROWN 1

L ANE L AWRENCE 6

Rowing | University of Virginia

Soccer | Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

JILLIAN CANTRELL

REAGAN LONG 7

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Swimming | Washington and Lee University

Rowing | University of Tennessee

ANNA CROXALL

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Soccer | Tennessee Tech University

CAITLIN O’BRIEN 8

Lacrosse | University of Detroit Mercy

KENDALL CRUM

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MEGAN PFAFFLE 9

Volleyball | Allegheny College REBECCA GUHDE 5

Rowing | Marietta College

Soccer | Huntingdon College ALLISON SMITH 10

Rowing | Dartmouth College

LIZZY WALLEY 11 | Rowing | Jacksonville University FOLLOW GPS ATHLETICS ON FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, AND TWITTER. @BRUISERATHLETICS

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@GPS_ATHLETICS

@BRUISERSPORTS

legends of the hall THE 2019 FACULT Y EMERITI INDUCTEES

Not all faculty emeriti inductees spent their time in the classroom. While many of them were teachers, they also coached. They were administrators. They worked in Admission. In addition to guiding hundreds of girls through the school, they shaped the culture and environment of learning at GPS for decades. We celebrate their crucial contributions to the legacy and the future of our school.

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LEGENDS OF THE HALL

Debbie Bohner Young ’79 Teacher and Coach, Director of Admission BS in Physical Education, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

“I am forever changed and profoundly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside incredible colleagues and with hundreds of incredible young women over the years, many of whom became like family to me.”

A

champion of her faith. Of her family. Of GPS. That’s how many, including Debbie Bohner Young’s son Wes, describe the former student-athlete, teacher, coach, Director of Admission, and now faculty emeriti inductee.

After graduating from GPS in 1979, Young obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from the University of Tennessee, —DEBBIE BOHNER YOUNG ’79 Knoxville. She taught PE from 1989 to 1993 and coached varsity and Middle School volleyball as well as varsity track and field. Along with colleague Peggy Michaels, she helped create the SHAPE program, a unique physical education program that connects to what the girls are learning in their core classes. She was later inducted into the GPS Athletic Hall of Fame.

» W HEN I CLEANED OUT MY OFFICE , I FOUND: a compilation

of notes and letters from girls and families over the years.

» F AVORITE MEMORY: Seeing the faces of sixth-graders on

Opening Day as they prepare to enter Frierson Theatre to a thunderous welcome.

» S UMMER JOB HELD: After finishing Middle School, Kathy

McCallie and I cleaned the McCallie Lake as our first summer job experience.

» B EST MEMORY INVOLVING A COLLEAGUE: The year I ran

with Peggy Michaels on my back through the state cross country course at Steeplechase so we could cheer on the team from several points along the course. As Peggy’s MS progressed, she could no longer make the trek back and forth across the course, so plan B was to put her on my back and carry her back and forth. Lots of laughs and precious memories we will never forget!

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In 2007, Young took on the role of Director of Admission and introduced hundreds of girls and their families to the heart of GPS. She also revamped the admission student ambassador program, through which she witnessed the growth of confidence in so many young women while also being inspired by the unique story each girl brings to the ambassador experience.

As her classmate and former colleague Carol Killebrew ’79 recalls, Young always stepped up—from remembering colleagues’ sentimental anniversaries to supporting a team she wasn’t acquainted with, like when she stood in for Killebrew as assistant soccer coach during a state playoff tournament in Nashville.

“At the time, Debbie didn’t know anything about soccer except that it took a long time to score. She didn’t know the rules or the positions, but she knew every player’s name and was the team’s cheerleader,” Killebrew says. “She did not have to take on this responsibility, but when she heard there was a need, she was the first to step in.”

LEGENDS OF THE HALL

Rickie Pierce Associate Head of GPS and Principal of Upper School BA, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga; MA in British and American Literature, Emory University, Atlanta

R

ickie Pierce’s 28-year tenure at GPS would not have happened if not for the persistence of then-Headmaster Dr. Nat Hughes. Pierce was happily employed as an English professor and Assistant to the Chancellor at UTC when Dr. Hughes asked her to lunch and offered her a job. She initially declined but, after several meetings with Hughes, she decided to give it a try.

The GPS community is eternally grateful for that decision.

As Associate Head of GPS and Principal of Upper School, Pierce initiated a community service program and reignited the Cat-Rat tradition, nurturing it into the heart-strong, bigsister mentor program it is today.

“Rickie had an expectation of excellence,” said former theater teacher and faculty emeritus Suzanne Smartt, whom Pearce hired in 1998. “She always assumed the best of others and operated on that assumption. She has a thoughtful, spiritual leadership—complimenting when deserved, correcting when needed, agreeing or disagreeing always with dignity and love.”

Pierce was a teacher of teachers and continued that tradition after retiring from GPS in 2010. She returned to UTC as a Professor in Residence in the School of Education, where she worked with Hamilton County’s first-year teachers.

She has held leadership positions on countless boards and organizations across Chattanooga, with honors and awards too numerous to mention. Most notably Pierce served as president of the board at Girls, Inc., Kiwanis Club of Chattanooga, and Chattanooga Women’s Leadership Institute. In 2010 she won the Tennessee Woman of Distinction and Chattanooga’s Distinguished Service Awards.

When you look at her immense contributions and accolades in the Chattanooga community, GPS is fortunate to be the school in which she poured so much of her heart for so many years.

» B EST MEMORY INVOLVING A SCHOOL TRIP: When

I started at GPS, we had no senior trip. When seniors requested a trip, (former Head of School) Randy Tucker and I asked them to give us a list of desired destinations.

Following Hawaii and a cruise was Disney. We decided Disney was a go, and thus began “Rickie, my planning and chaperoning some 20 you are an senior trips to Disney World!

empathetic listener.

» I N MY OFFICE , YOU’D ALWAYS FIND: owls! I had a few owls in my

office when I came to GPS because of memories of sorority days, but many girls evidently decided an owl would be a great principal gift. I moved more than 100 owls home upon my retirement!

You have foresight and understanding of stewardship, are committed to the growth of people, the building of community, and the development of humanity. You modeled your heart for us in a life filled with love of learning, endless curiosity, and consideration for others.”

» S ECRET TALENT: I studied piano for years

—SUZANNE SMARTT, FORMER GPS THEATER TEACHER

and played the organ at many friends’ weddings.

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LEGENDS OF THE HALL

Starlet Light Speakman ’59 English teacher, Head of Middle School BA, University of Chattanooga; M.Ed., University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

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hortly after donning her first GPS uniform in seventh grade, Starlet Light Speakman decided she wanted to one day teach at her alma mater. She ended up dedicating 32 years to leading and shaping young women—as a teacher, a principal, and ultimately Head of Middle School. She was known on campus as a straight shooter, an excellent reader of people, and (as many students recall) an infamous enforcer of grammar.

Speakman taught Middle School English and Latin for three years before leaving to start a family. She returned in 1979 and taught seventh-grade English until 1986, when she became principal of seventh and eighth grades.

She played an important role in customizing a middle school program for GPS, overseeing the addition of sixth grade in 1999—the first time GPS had added a grade since 1913. She helped create the Middle School assembly, grade-level teams, the Learning Center, and eighth-grade celebration. She also coordinated regular meetings among the heads of private middle schools in the region to encourage communication and sharing ideas.

Outside of school, Speakman served as a mentor for women in the community through her involvement in the Junior League of Chattanooga. In addition to serving as the club’s president, she became an advisor for the organization’s magazine, Jottings, as well as a member of the Community Research Committee and Sustainer Advisory Committee.

No matter the role, Speakman possesses a rare gift for servant leadership, serving as a mentor for a younger generation, having their backs, leading by example, all with the organization’s interest as her focus.

»B EST MEMORY INCLUDING COLLEAGUES: Sally Akins, Mary

Baxter, and I would meet at GPS each morning and walk across the Walnut Street Bridge and downtown and along the riverfront near the Aquarium and Hunter Museum. We’d then return, shower, dress, and start our day at GPS. My goodness, how I loved these early morning jaunts!

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» H OW I FOUND GPS: My father had a

client who was a very influential, strong, outstanding leader in Chattanooga. She was a GPS alum, and she convinced my father that he had no other choice but to send his two daughters to GPS. Early on, I formed the ambition of returning and teaching at GPS. I applied right out of college but had to wait two years until I was hired.

C O R N E R S T O N E S G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U

“You were filled with patience as [I] diagrammed the same sentence on the chalkboard for the third, fourth, and possibly fifth time. You never once looked at your watch and for that I thank you.”

—DR. CHRISTINE “CHRIS” BENZ SMITH ’72

» T HE GIRLS WOULD BE SURPRISED TO KNOW THAT:

I got in BIG trouble when I put a tack in the seat of my eighth-grade teacher’s chair. Also, I was sent to the principal’s office for talking/inattention in class.

I had fun when I was a student!

LEGENDS OF THE HALL

TODD WELLS SAYS GOODBYE LONGTIME SENIOR ENGLISH TEACHER ENDS GPS CAREER IN 2018-19 SCHOOL YEAR For a quarter of a century, having Todd Wells for English was seen as a rite of passage for most GPS girls, a badge of honor even. Rising seniors were known to admit they were anxious for his class; they had heard stories of the legend and that he and his class were not easy and unlike any other thus far.

When honoring Wells for his 25 years at GPS, Sarah Young Jackson ’06, his former student-turned-colleague, said, “I had to become a scholar and weaver, or maybe unraveler, of legend. Because that is what Todd Wells has become at GPS—legendary— maybe even mythological. He is as much a symbol as he is a teacher of senior English.

I am sure you do an admirable job teaching Moby Dick, but it is not what has made you a legend.”

Ever the agitator, or foil as Jackson used, Wells pushed girls out of their comfort zones and challenged them to question everything they knew or thought. To think big, think deeply, think critically, and think well—some even say he taught them how to think.

He taught them that, whatever position or stance they held, in discussion or in writing, they must be able to back it up—to present their thoughts, opinions, and beliefs, having considered all sides and all information effectively and respectfully.

“I watched him as a colleague and good friend,” says Jane Henegar, retired GPS teacher and longtime colleague of Wells. “Up close, despite the challenges he gave the girls— sometimes noisily—it was easy to see he is a softie. He cares a great deal about the girls and wants them to think through, to be strong, and to have courage.”

On the last day of classes for the Class of 2019—and his, too—Wells pulled books from the shelves in his classroom, stacked them on the floor near the door, and told the girls to help themselves. In a matter of minutes, a line of seniors formed, waiting to have him sign the books they had chosen or their own books. Just as his name is now inscribed inside their novels and literary classics, so is his impact on the stories of hundreds of GPS girls over the past 25 years.

What students received in Wells’ class went far beyond the literature read and the papers written. In his class, they learned who they are, what they stand for, and how they view the world and others. “I had lots of wonderful teachers during my time at GPS, but none of them prepared me for the ‘real world’ more than Mr. Wells,” an alumna shared. “He opened my mind and my eyes to a world I had never been exposed to, and for that I will be eternally grateful.” A life-changer, said a past parent about Wells’ impact on her daughter’s life.

Legend. Life-changer. Beloved teacher.

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GALLERY Once a Bruiser, always a Bruiser. Staying connected with the girls of the GPS throughout their lives allows us to celebrate their experiences, accomplishments, and newsworthy events. We also remember and honor those who are no longer with us.

CL ASS NOTES

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WEDDINGS & BABIES

G A L L E R Y G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G P S .E D U

IN MEMORIAM

ID THOSE BRUISERS

Alumnae Weekend

Back to where it all began

This Is M y Story REAL TALK PROVIDES ALUMNAE THE OPPORTUNIT Y TO SHARE THEIR STORIES

Taylor Pels ’14

On the Friday of reunion weekend, 11 alumnae volunteered for Real Talk, a program created four years ago out of a desire to provide an intentional, thoughtful platform for our alumnae to share their own wisdom and experience— their stories—with their younger GPS sisters. During IMPACT period, alumnae spoke to students grouped by grade-level on relatable topics.

• Emily You ’14 | Seniors How to Open Doors of Opportunity

Lela Miller Moore ’94

• Heather Parman Miller ’09 | Juniors | Resilience • Lauren Lawrence Swanson ’09 | Sophomores Unexpected Life Paths • Lela Miller Moore ’94 Freshmen | Personal Branding

Emily You ’14

• Marissa Shrum ’99 Eighth-graders | Unexpected Life Paths

• Tara Shanahan, Emily Cullum, Emma Berry, & Lucy Whitfield, Class of 2014 | Seventh-graders How to Balance Personal Growth and Friendships • Taylor Pels ’14 Sixth-graders | Balancing Responsibilities/ Personal Time During Chapel, all students heard how Amy Edgar Sklansky ’89 (right) became multi-published.

While interviewed by Upper School Dean of Students, Sarah Young Jackson ’06 (left), Sklansky shared her path from reading aficionado to children’s book author.

50TH REUNION The Class of 1969 gathered at Founders House for a special reception and raised a toast to 50 years. Corinne Anderson Adams presented her classmates with a book—a compilation of snapshots from their yearbooks—and also a collection of bios and blurbs about their class titled From There to Here celebrating their shared GPS story.

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ALUMNAE WEEKEND

From left, Dr. Autumn A. Graves, Carney, and Dr. Becca Stimson.

2019 Distinguished Alumna DR. L AUREL HAWTHORNE CARNEY ’79

A full professor and researcher in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Rochester, Carney and her team are dedicated to helping those with hearing loss. She received her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from MIT and her master’s and doctoral degrees, also in electrical engineering, from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Then Carney completed a postdoctoral fellowship in psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and began a distinguished career as a professor and researcher. She is widely published, has won numerous accolades, and is a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Neurophysiology.

2019 Margaret Lupton Award Of Excellence

2019 Notable Alumnae Honorees

TO READ THE FULL BIO FOR EACH OF THE HONOREES, VISIT GPS.EDU/NOTABLEALUMNAE.

»» HELEN BURNS SHARP, Class of 1964 | Community Advocate, Former Urban Planner and Developer »» THE CL ASS OF 1969 | Special 50th Reunion Recognition—for resilience, compassion, determination »» DR. MARY KATHERINE L AWRENCE, Class of 1974 | Board-Certified Internist, Medical Clinic Founder and Director, Philanthropist »» DR. L AUREL CARNEY, Class of 1979 | Auditory Neuroscience Physician, Professor, Award-Winning Researcher »» DR. JANET WEST BATANGHARI, Class of 1984 | Scientist, Teacher, Editor, Champion of Underserved Women and Children »» AMY EDGAR SKL ANSKY, Class of 1989 | Children’s Book Author »» LEL A MILLER MOORE, Class of 1994 National Writer and Reporter »» MARISSA SHRUM, Class of 1999 | Creative Marketer, Brand and Community Strategy Leader »» TAYLOR WARREN, Class of 2004 | Field Epidemiologist, Health Volunteer, Consultant »» CHELSEY SMITH, Class of 2009 | Bioengineering Ph.D. Candidate, Graduate Research Program Fellow »» ANNA CARROLL, Class of 2014 | Product Engineer, Philanthropist

TAYLOR WARREN ’04

Taylor Warren works for the World Health Organization as a technical officer in Geneva, Switzerland, in support of operational readiness—preparing countries for emergency response. She worked in the public health field in Guinea, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Kenya, Darfur, South Sudan, and Nigeria. After earning her master’s degree in public health in forced migration from Columbia University, Warren spent a year with Catholic Charities, working in infection prevention and control and supporting ebola response in Guinea and Liberia. She then spent three years as a field epidemiologist for Médecins Sans Frontières (France’s Doctors without Borders). Her humanitarian work began soon after her college graduation, when she became a health and youth development Peace Corps volunteer in Rwanda.

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From left, front row: Lawrence, Shrum, and Batanghari; back row: Carney, Sharp, Moore, and Sklansky.

ALUMNAE WEEKEND From left, Miller, Cooper, Woods, Rix, and Brown.

Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees » » JASMINE BROWN ’09

Volleyball and Track & Field • member of the Bruisers State Championship volleyball teams (’07 & ’08) and track (’07) • all-tournament team honors (’07) • MVP (’08) • won state in 300-meter hurdles (’08) and triple jump (’09); second in pentathlon (’08) • lettered all four years in volleyball, basketball, and track at GPS • earned a scholarship to play volleyball at the University of Tennessee

» » CHRISTINE ANDERSON COOPER ’09

Swimming

• four-year varsity swimmer at GPS (’05-’09); team captain (’08) • 4x All-American in breaststroke and individual medley and free relays • holds GPS record for the 200 IM, 400 freestyle relay, and 200 free style relay • placed in the top eight in all her events during the Tennessee State Championships • received the Sarah Burns Award as the top point-earner on the team at the Tennessee State Championship (’06, ’08, ’09) • swam for the University of Miami (Florida) (’09-’13) » » HEATHER PARMAN MILLER ’09

Volleyball and Track & Field

• member of the Bruisers’ State Championship volleyball teams (’07 & ’08) and track (’07) • 3x all-state and all-region player • 2x all-state tournament player • state leader in aces and assists, runner-up in kills (’08); holds GPS record for kills • Prep Volleyball All-American and Best of Preps Volleyball Player of the Year (’08) • Neely-Merrill Award winner at Best of Preps (’09) • won state in discus throw (’09) • earned a volleyball scholarship with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Josie Rix ’09

» » JOSIE RIX ’09

Soccer

• leading goal-scorer for the Bruisers soccer team (’06) • selected 3x to the TSCA all-state team and Best of Preps • selected for the TSSAA All-Region team (’05 & ’06) • DAR Community Servant Award and GPS Battle Award winner • member of the state Olympic Development Program and 2x Region III ODP team pool player • led her club team to a state championship

Christine And

erson Cooper

’09

» » COACH JOHN WOODS

Swimming

• GPS Head Varsity Swim Coach, Aquatic Director, and PE teacher (1991-2018) • set and broke numerous records, featured 75 All-Americans, graduated one 4x National Champion, sent dozens to swim at the collegiate level • 5x Tennessee High School Coach of the Year • head swim coach and director for Scenic City Aquatic Club’s program (1991-2013) • coached a 4x national (club) champion team, 12 individual national championship finalists, 7 USA national team members, 3 Olympic swimmers, and had at least one swimmer in the Olympic trials (19802004) • Southeastern Swimming Coach of the Year (1994) • USA Swimming national team coach (1986-2002) • competed at Auburn University (1971-75)

Jasmine Brow

Heather Parm an

n ’09

Miller ’09

TO READ A FULL BIO OF OUR HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES, VISIT GPS.EDU/ATHLETICS.

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Class Notes 1960s

1 BET T Y BUCHANAN MURPHY ’60 recently published a new book, Martha’s Prayer Book: When busyness is next to Godliness, that includes 40 conversations with God, with scripture and thought-provoking questions. She’s a lifelong educator and wordsmith. Her books are available on BettysPen.com, Amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble.

SUSAN PORZELIUS SPURGEON ’61 retired and moved back to Chattanooga in 2010 after a 44-year career as an engineer.

She published her book about her life and life’s mission, Chattanooga Hugs: One Woman’s Response to a Lifetime of God’s Pokes, and founded Chattanooga HUGS, an organization committed to spreading positivity wherever crowds gather. She regularly celebrates birthdays with classmates, including a 72nd birthday with 18 of her classmates at Santa Rosa Beach.

Her book is available online on Amazon.com.

1970s

CHRIS BENZ SMITH ’72, former chair of the GPS Board of Trustees, was awarded the Carolyn Thompson Roger Brown Community Engagement Award for her continuing work connecting the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to area communities. Smith, Director of the School of Nursing at UTC, was also appointed as Chief Health Affairs Officer at UTC. She will work directly with the Student Health and Student Counseling Centers.

2 DONNA MCKENZIE ’79 graduated from the International Travel Management Institute in 2017 after 30 years as an educator and educational consultant. She’s leading student tours in Washington, D.C., and New York City as well as adult tours in Chattanooga. This fall she will lead adult tours in New England, and in 2020 she’ll be leading four European tours for adults including the Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany.

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3 LISA HENDY ’90 was named Chief Ranger of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. When she assumed her new position in April, she became the first woman to hold the Chief Ranger post in the park. She also has served at Big Bend, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Arches, and Rocky Mountain National Parks.

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Order Murphy’s book on bettyspen.com, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble.

2000s

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4 PHOEBE SMITH MOUNT ’02

recently graduated with her master’s degree in teacher leadership from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and celebrated with her daughter, Willow, and her students at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy, where she has been teaching sixth-grade science for the past eight years.

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5 Friends from the GPS Class of 2005

recently got together with their babies and shared this adorable photo taken by DANNA MYAT T ’09. From left, BRIANNE MYAT T QUARLES with son Griffey Gordon, WHITNEY SCHULTZ PHILLIPS with daughter Lillian Holland, K ATIE CLINGAN BRADLEY with son William Byrum, LINDSAY WAT TS M AUNEY with daughter Laurel Grace, and JOY HALL BAKER with daughter Betty Elaina.

The GPS community remembered

CARRIE WOLF MCCONNELL ’07 as the

city of Cleveland, Tennessee, proclaimed March 14, 2019, Carrie Wolf McConnell Day. She received a heart transplant at the age of seven and graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a master’s degree in professional school counseling. When she passed away in 2016, she gave the gift of life to 12 others through organ donation.

PORCHÉ WARREN ADAMS ’07 recently graduated from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (Suwanee, Georgia) and in July began a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga. “I’m so excited to be back in Chattanooga to train,” she says. “I’m very grateful for the lessons and values GPS taught me that I have carried with me through this journey.”

MICHELE DONIHE LEGERNES ’09 is a marine ecologist, U.S. Coast Guard Boat Captain, and scientific diver with a secret love of sharks. As CEO of Zing Ocean Conservancy Virgin Islands and co-founder in Norway, she and her husband, Jonas, are raising awareness of marine debris through clean-ups and collaborative partnerships. She started the nonprofit in 2017 while finishing her master’s degree in marine ecology from the University of the Virgin Islands. Michele holds bachelor’s degrees in cell and molecular biology and psychology from King University (Bristol, Tennessee). She started her marine biology career studying great white sharks with Oceans Research in Mossel Bay, South Africa.

6 L AUREN L AWRENCE SWANSON ’09, recently recognized as a Chattanooga

Business Elite, began her teaching career at Lakeside Academy of Math, Science, and Technology in 2014, where she is currently the third-grade team lead. In 2018 she pursued entrepreneurship as the co-owner of Teach Like A Boss, a company designed to reinvigorate teachers and assist them in reaching true success in the classroom. She and her business partner, Chelsie Durham, became “teacherpreneurs” in the fall of 2018 and won The Innovation District Award. The duo is currently planning to aid and inform more than 100 teachers with their summer session. Swanson spends her free time volunteering in youth ministry and spending time with her husband and two daughters.

Class Notes

L AUREN BARLEW ’05 joined Women’s Surgery and Aesthetics Center as a nurse practitioner. She’s dual-board-certified in women’s health and adult primary care.

She earned a master’s of science in nursing from Vanderbilt University in 2012 and has spent the past six years as a nurse practitioner in Chattanooga.

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SEE PAGE 51 FOR WAYS TO CONNECT WITH YOUR CL ASSMATES AND ALMA MATER.

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Class Notes

2010s Order Heald’s book on Amazon.com

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7 HALLIE HEALD ’10 published her latest book, 41 Reasons

I’m Staying In: A Celebration of Introverts, which is filled with illustrations that embrace the art of declining invitations to social gatherings. During her senior year at Westmont College, Heald committed to paint a portrait a day. By graduation, she amassed an impressive portfolio. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, and works as a full-time artist. She illustrated The Women Who Made New York and paints commissioned portraits. She returned to GPS recently to share her story with students during Chapel.

8 KIMBERLY REID ’13 was recently recognized as the 2019

Outstanding Graduate Student in the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

With a degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Memphis, Reid hopes to use her MPH to address maternal and fetal health disparities in minority communities and is interested in pursuing a medical degree to become an OB-GYN. 9 INDIA GREEN ’13

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graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (Suwanee, Georgia) with her Master of Science in biomedical sciences May 22.

Prior to graduation Green was awarded the Faculty Award in Biomedical Sciences Organizational Leadership Concentration for outstanding academic achievement and for representing the highest ideals of the graduation program.

10 MEGAN ROHN ’14

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won a Fulbright scholarship for her 2019-20 academic year at Pomona College (Claremont, California) to teach English in Lithuania. She’ll help run an English newspaper to teach local students about American culture and work as an English teaching assistant.

Currently she works at the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C., and previously studied abroad in Germany and held an internship in New Zealand to help elect the country’s first female prime minister.

EMILY YOU ’14 received one of five Tennessee Governor’s Management Fellowship positions, a two-year program designed to involve and expose young graduates to all aspects of state government. She graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2018 with a degree in political science and government.

After swiping her 62nd career stolen base against Coker College, former GPS softball standout TAYLOR BAT TLE ’15 is now the all-time leader in that category for Tusculum University. The senior biology major, who recently graduated cum laude, batted .336 with 19 runs scored and seven triples.

11 ANGEL A BONDS ’15

received the Alpha Phi Sigma Senior Award for Achievement in Criminal Justice. She will be graduating cum laude in May from Mercer University with double majors in psychology and criminal justice. She will begin Georgia State University’s Master of Social Work program this year.

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12 ALEX ANDRIA GEORGE ’15

received the highest honor of her business school as the Class of 2019 Outstanding Graduate of the Howard Dayton Business School of Asbury University. Pictured with her advisor, Emily Walsh, George’s name will forever be on the wall of the business school. She’s continuing in an MBA program at Asbury University.

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13 M ALYNN BERGER ’16 completed

14 RACHEL RAISIN ’16 was awarded as Outstanding Leader of the Junior Class at Georgia Tech in recognition of her outstanding leadership through involvement inside and outside the classroom and her ability to lead others by example and direction.

MCKINLEY SELF ’16 was elected vice

president of the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering’s school council at Auburn University. She will meet with and represent all of the organizations within engineering and work on their behalf to improve the quality of each student’s experience. Majoring in industrial and systems engineering, Self credits GPS teacher Bryant Haynes for her decision to pursue engineering and GPS for giving her the confidence to pursue a leadership position.

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As a junior at Santa Clara University (Santa Clara, California), STORY DEWEESE ’16 participated with SWE++ in an initiative to teach middle school girls the basics of coding to make them more inclined to study computer science in high school and beyond. “My goal was to help middle-schoolers get a first experience with coding,” says DeWeese, a computer science and engineering major and co-chair of the SWE++ committee, in an article on her school’s website. “I wanted to provide a program for middle schoolers that didn’t have the opportunity to learn about programming.” Developed in partnership with the Society of Women Engineers, Association for Computing Machinery-Women’s Chapter, and Association for Computing Machinery, DeWeese along with a classmate established SWE++ at Santa Clara University and serves as co-chair of the committee.

15 SARAH GOODRICH ’17 had a

top 10 finish in USA Climbing 2019 Collegiate National qualifiers competition and a top 20 finish in National Finals in bouldering. A former captain of the GPS climbing team, Goodrich has climbed since Middle School and daily since high school. She’s studying mechanical engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, a five-year program that requires four semesters of cooperative education that provides hands-on experience in the workplace. Her first co-op starts this summer.

We loved reading where ANNE M ARIE BONADIO ’18 recently shared her GPS story and how attending an all-girls school changed her life on the media platform The Odyssey. “The girls at that school helped make me who I am today. I am confident and unafraid to put myself out in society,” she wrote. “I am proud of who I am and proud that I have such a wonderful education. I cannot thank the teachers at that school enough who helped make me who I am.”

SHARE YOUR NEWS WITH US AT ALUMNEWS@GPS.EDU.

Class Notes

a semester at the Disney College Program, where she made lifelong friends from across the globe. After a semester at the Happiest Place on Earth, she jumped back into engineering classes at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She was recognized as the Biosystems Engineering Outstanding Sophomore of the Year. She’s spending the summer in Yellowstone National Park riding horses.

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BABIES HALEIGH SHERBAK BENNETT ’05 1

ANNE HOLT OLLIC ’10 11

a daughter, Mary Stratton Bennett

a son, Henry Ehrichs Ollic

KAT Y MENA-BERKLEY ’99 2

MARY STEWART “MOOKIE” WHITE ORMSBY ’07 12

a daughter, Kairos “Kai” Stavroula Berkley MERRY MADELINE MOORE BISHOP ’05

a daughter, Merry Calloway Bishop CASSIE MOSS BOYD ’03 3

a daughter, Stella Rae Boyd

REBECCA LIND BROOKS ’01

a son, Edward Truman Brooks

CHRIST Y JOHNSON BROWN ’02 4

a daughter, Caroline Elizabeth Ormsby COURTNEY ROARK POORE ’01

a daughter, Eleanor Ancel Poore

MAGGIE L AROCHELLE RICHARDS ’03 13

a son, Theodore Wendell Richards MARY WRIGHT SALYER ’03

a son, Clayton “Clay” Salyer

a son, Alexander Christopher Brown, seen here with big sister Charlotte

a son, Wiley Hudson Streip

DEANNA GARDENHIRE BROWN ’02 5

EMILY NAGLE THRASHER ’04 15

KATE BURK STREIP ’03 14

a son, Evan Christopher Brown seen here with big sister Ellie

a son, Beckett Jackson Thrasher

BAILEY HIXON BULL ARD ’06 6

a daughter, Naomi Grace Gavin

a son, Emerson James Bullard ANNA HOLT DANAU ’04 7

a son, Dexter Victor Danau

KALLEN TRACHSEL ’06

L ACEY YERBEY WILLIAMS ’03 16

a daughter, Anna Blake Williams

a daughter, Lauren Jean Worthington

ELEANOR POWELL HILDEBRAND ’06 9

WEDDINGS

a daughter, Dottie Elizabeth Hildebrand AMY VETTER HINDS ’02 10

a daughter, Cecily Jane Hinds ASHLEY LINDEMAN KENT ’11

a daughter, Charlotte Blair Kent

TAYLOR TUCKER MASSEY ’02

a son, John “Jack” Stanley Massey

BRING ON THE BABIES! SHARE BY EMAILING US AT ALUMNEWS@GPS.EDU.

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ERIN MCKOWN WORTHINGTON ’01 17

BETSY HOBACK GART ’04 8

a daughter, June Elizabeth Gart

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MARY HOWARD ADE ’04

to Fynn Glover

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CASEY CALDWELL ’14 1

to Stephen Santos

SHELBY DALE DEWEESE ’11 2

to Joseph Green

KATHLEEN ELLISON ’07

to Yaniv Barzilai

L AURA L AUGHLIN ’10 3

WE LOVE HEARING ABOUT YOUR SPECIAL DAY! SEND YOUR PHOTOS TO ALUMNEWS@GPS.EDU.

to Nate Dickinson

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Here's to the girls of the GPS. He Here's to the black and blue. Here's to Worthy the school we most revere.

Here's to the lessons, too. Here's to th to the hope that we still may be, P vere. Here's to the GPS. Here's to t the ring we wear for her. Here's to th Proven through every test, Worthy the girls of the GPS. Here's to th the black and blue. Here's to the hop thy the school we most revere. Here's to the lessons, too. Here's to the ring the hope that we still may be, Prov Here's to the GPS.Here's to the gi ring we wear for her. Here's to 1 EVELYN L ANDRESS CHAMBERL AIN ’35

2 1

died on December 15, 2018, five days after her 101st birthday. Chamberlain graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and raised five children on Lookout Mountain.

She was a member of Church of the Good Shepherd for more than 75 years. In addition, she was a longtime member of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross and an active supporter of the Tennessee Camp for Diabetic Children.

3

2 CATHERINE DOUGL ASS “DUCK Y ” ANDERSON K AIN ’43 passed away May 15,

4

2019. Ducky was a lifelong resident of Chattanooga and graduated from Stephens College (Columbia, Missouri) as a music major and then The Kingsmith School (Washington, D.C.) She worked at the Pentagon until the end of World War II. After moving back to Chattanooga, she worked for Miller Brothers and started their bridal department. Her love of design and decorating led her to begin her own business, Kain Interiors, Inc., which she ran for many years. A lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, she also served on the board of the Cotton Ball Association, was an emeritus member of the Junior League of Chattanooga, a member of the Junior League Garden Club, and a member of the Chickamauga Chapter of the DAR.

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3 CATHERINE “KITTY” OEHMIG STONE ’44 passed away on December 31, 2018. She

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10

graduated from the University of Chattanooga (now UTC), where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. She worked as a professional field director for the Girl Scouts, taught kindergarten, and was an active community volunteer, serving on the boards of The Children’s Home, the local Audubon Society, and the Hamilton County Rescue Squad, as well as being the only woman board member of the Chattanooga Air Pollution Control Board, which developed a plan to clean up Chattanooga’s air pollution in the ’60s and ’70s. She was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church and belonged to the Mayflower Society and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

ere's to the lessons, too. Here's to the ring we wear for h o the hope that we still may be, Proven through every te Here's to the GPS. Here's to the girls of the GPS he ring we wear for her. Here's to the black and blue. Her Proven through every test, Worthy the school we most r the girls of the GPS. Here's to the lessons, too. Here's he black and blue. Here's to the hope that we still may the school we most revere. Here's to the GPS. Here's he lessons, too. Here's to the ring we wear for her. Here's pe that we still may be, Proven through every test, Wo s to the GPS. Here's to the girls of the GPS. Her g we wear for her. Here's to the black and blue. Here's ven through every test, Worthy the school we most reve irls of the GPS. Here's to the lessons, too. Here's to t o the black and blue. Here's to the hope that we still m 4 HELEN “BROWNIE” CAULKINS BROWN ’52

died on Sunday, January 13, 2019. Brown attended Vanderbilt University and settled in Pulaski, Tennessee, with her husband. She raised two boys and was the accountant in the family business, Brown’s Car Center. She was a deacon and elder in First Presbyterian Church and on the board of directors of the Giles County Public Library.

5 CATHERINE “CAY ” JONES GRAY ’52

died March 2, 2019. She attended Hollins College (Roanoke, Virginia), where she earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology and received a master’s degree in education in school counseling from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She served for 20 years as a guidance counselor in the Chattanooga City School system and had a second career as a garden designer, founding Mainly Natives, which reflected her interest in native plants. In addition to being a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd on Lookout Mountain, Gray was a founding member of the Lookout Mountain Land Trust, a member of the Fairyland Club, and a former member of the Junior League of Chattanooga.

6 JANE EAGAR L A MKIN ’55

died February 11, 2019. After earning her bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Georgia and a master’s in education from Georgia State University, Lamkin taught in independent schools in Georgia for more than 40 years. She also taught children to swim for more than four decades and continued swimming throughout her life. An active volunteer and supporter of the arts, she served on the boards of the Atlanta International Museum, the High Museum Art Education, and the Smyrna Library. She was a docent and docent emeritus at the High Museum of Art. She shared her appreciation of the arts with students, writing and publishing an art history curriculum that was used in several Georgia schools. She also served as a deacon at Northside Baptist Church.

7 JULIA WILSON CORLEY ’57 passed away on February

19, 2019. A longtime resident of Lookout Mountain, Corley served as a volunteer in various roles at Memorial Hospital for 52 years. She was a devoted member of Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church.

8 PA MEL A WHITE JONES ’69 died on September 30, 2018. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in library science. She and her husband, Yogi, moved to Manhattan and Sandy Hook, Connecticut, where they raised their two daughters for 28 years. They moved back to Chickamauga, Georgia, in 2005 to be closer to family.

She had a zest for life and kept her family and friends at the center of her life.

9 M ARGARET CHRISTINE ENSIGN WRIGHT ’91

passed away February 5, 2019. Christie graduated from Converse College (Spartanburg, South Carolina) and received her master's degree in education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and an education specialist degree from Tennessee Technological University.

She was a middle school teacher in Walker, Catoosa, and Whitfield counties for 14 years. Known for her wit and humor, Wright’s life was centered on family and friends; she was a devoted mother to Jack and husband to GPS digital art & media teacher Lee Wright.

10 K ARRAH LEARY ’05 died February 8, 2019. After GPS, she graduated from Furman University (Greenville, South Carolina). She obtained her Juris Doctorate from the University of Tennessee Law School and was licensed to practice law in Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. She had a passion for those in need and loved traveling and sharing her talents of music and theater with others.

REMEMBERING OUR FACULTY AND STAFF

NANCY BROCK , GPS volleyball coach 2012-15, passed away March 27, 2019.

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•

ID Those BRUISERS LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS!

Members of the GPS Pep Club (known now as the GyPsieS) have always supported their fellow Bruisers with colorful banners, loud cheers, and clever chants. Can you ID these students?

SEND YOUR BEST GUESS TO ALUMNEWS@GPS.EDU AND YOU MAY WIN A GIFT FROM THE BOW!

*

THEY ID’d THOSE BRUISERS!

CL ASS OF 1980

When our last issue hit mailboxes, we received emails from quite a few classmates of Sarah Elizabeth Abernathy and Rita Harris from the Class of 1954.

Handy charging pouches were sent to our first-torespond: Ann Walker Abney ’54, Graham Walker Burns ’57, LJ Powell Huffaker ’54, Amy Hoover Frierson ’54, Bev Hall Rutledge ’53, Sarah Stephenson Strain ’54, Sylvia Eubanks DeBorger ’54, Dorothy McCall Weaver ’54, and Donna Hastings Lewis ’54.

While perusing old yearbooks, we found this photo of girls from the Class of 1980 as they burst through the doors of the Rotunda. So we wondered, how would girls from the Class of 2020 look— nearly 40 years later!—as they recreated the same photo? Sure the dresses were a little longer then and the footwear is different, but we think they pretty much nailed it!

HERE’S OUR CHALLENGE TO YOU!

CL ASS OF 2020 Special thanks to, from left, Riley Labbe, Morgan Massengale, Jadyn Matthews, and Haven King for recreating this photo for us.

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Find a fun photo from your yearbook and recreate it.

Send both then/now photos to us at ALUMNEWS@ GPS.EDU or post them to social media and tag us with #GPSTHROWBACK . We will send a prize to our favorite submission. We hope you have fun recreating a GPS memory!

WH ER E

T H E GPS SISTERHOOD E N D U R E S

N E T W O R K

Alumnae Connect

INTRODUCING THE GPS ALUMNAE NETWORK The GPS Alumnae Network is an online platform that provides a dedicated space for our alumnae to connect with each other and continue the long tradition of sisterhood beyond their time at GPS. With a similar setup to popular social media platforms—including a news feed, groups, events and job postings, and mentoring and volunteering features—connecting with the GPS community is virtually effortless!

T H E O N L I N E P L AT FO R M E N A B L E S YO U TO : »»

CONNECT | Find and connect with your GPS classmates and fellow graduates.

See what they have been up to, reminisce, gather together, and stay in touch.

»»

EXPAND | Leverage the shared history you have with thousands of GPS alumnae to expand your professional networks. Meet new people and open new doors—for yourself and others.

»»

CONTINUE THE TRADITION | Explore the many opportunities for you to engage with your alma mater and the hundreds of GPS girls who are following in your footsteps. Act as a mentor or share your story and experiences with current students, serve on the alumnae committees, volunteer for or sponsor GPS events, and support the school’s fundraising efforts. Soon you can also connect with current students via the mentoring feature.

join today at

GPSALUMNAE.ORG

VISIT GPS.EDU/ALUMNAECONNECT FOR DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO REGISTER AND CREATE YOUR ACCOUNT ON THE GPS ALUMNAE NETWORK PLUS INFORMATION ON THE MANY OTHER WAYS YOU CAN STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR CL ASSMATES AND ALMA MATER. G P S .E D U G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L G A L L E R Y

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COLUMNS

Each year GPS hosts a fundraiser to support our school—its students, faculty, and programs—as well as other events on campus hosted by Parent Council. This year’s Bruiser Bee raised money in a spectacular way, with people contributing both in person and online. Also read about how GPS reaches and empowers Mighty, Brilliant, and Determined girls from across the region.

PARENT COUNCIL

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BRUISER BEE

MBD: GIRL EDITION

Finals week snack break!

Daughters and Donuts

Supporting Each Girl, Supporting the School As a school, GPS is known for building relationships—among students, between faculty and staff, and ones ultimately supported by parents and alumnae. Parent Council further boosts those relationships by coming alongside teachers and students at key moments during the school year. Parent Council provides a platform for community available to all GPS parents so they may support the girls and their teachers. This support takes a few different forms—by initiating parent-student events, building community among parents through programming and events, and creating teacher-appreciation activities.

Before serving as president of the Parent Council board, Alisa Stipanov, mom to Anna Kate ’21, volunteered for teacher-appreciation activities. “The Parent Council involvement speaks to the strong culture at GPS,” Stipanov says. “By connecting parents, faculty and staff, and students, we’re a stronger community. My initial interest was the teacher appreciation—the girls are so blessed to have the amazing faculty and staff it takes to make the magic happen.”

Hungry for more and eager to support Parent Council initiatives? Take advantage of Bruiser Eats. Recently established

by GPS Chef Brad Grafton and Parent Council leaders, Bruiser Eats events feature prepared foods for purchase that help parents save time and provide delicious meal options while supporting our girls.

CONNECT WITH THE DRESS The GPS uniform is an iconic symbol that ties current students to our alums across decades. Used uniform sales have long been a way for girls and their families to consign and buy gently used uniforms, and the tradition gained even more traction with the opening of The Golden Buckle.

Named by student Maggie Eslinger ’18 and located in the Davenport Middle School building, The Golden Buckle is staffed by volunteers and provides a venue to purchase or sell uniforms, all while supporting the school.

“We’ve been able to simplify the process with a storefront and raise more money for the school,” says Michelle Scotchie, parent of Ava and Olivia ’22 and past Parent Council President. “As a volunteer with Parent Council, it’s great to get a glimpse of part of my daughters’ lives while at school.”

PARENT COUNCIL SUPPORTS GIRLS AND THEIR FAMILIES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WITH EVENTS AND OPPORTUNITIES TO STRENGTHEN THE BRUISER COMMUNIT Y.

Class reps who serve as liasons between the school and parents.

A fall flu shot clinic

Parent/daughter events such as Daughters and Donuts, Faculty/Staff Appreciation Week, and student study breaks

A fall Meet on Main social event for parents

Quarterly book club for parents

TO LEARN MORE, EMAIL COUGHLIN HAVERT Y COOPER ’88, DIRECTOR OF PARENT ENGAGEMENT, AT CCOOPER@GPS.EDU. G P S .E D U G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L C O L U M N S

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Teams Take on Trivia at Bruiser Bee Q: What takes dozens of volunteers hundreds of hours to organize and generous sponsors to support?

A: Bruiser Bee | Trivia Edition

Special Thanks HERE’S TO THE GIRLS SPONSORS:

First Tennessee Mountain View Auto Group

KALEIDOSCOPE SPONSORS:

M&M Industries Southeastern Spine & Neurosurgery

The winning team, Shama Lama Ding Dong.

Nearly 300 parents, alumnae, faculty, and other supporters of our school attended Bruiser Bee | Trivia Edition, GPS’s annual fundraising event. A tireless team of volunteers, led by co-chairs Laurie and Jason Eck, parents to Katie ’20 and Caroline ’21, ensured the night was not only fabulous but also fruitful.

If you attended Bruiser Bee, won an auction item, were a corporate sponsor, or helped behind the scenes, please know that your contributions are appreciated. Be sure to mark your calendar for next year’s event as tickets this year sold out quickly. See you at The Bee!

BY THE NUMBERS

$287,315 142 TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED

$42,465 TOTAL FOR AUCTION

TOTAL FOR PADDLE RAISE

$100,000

?14

Bruiser Bee Co-Chairs Laurie and Jason Eck

2019

+ 35 ITEMS AUCTION

TRIVIA QUESTIONS

VOLUNTEERS

296

ATTENDEES

SAVE THE DATE | BRUISER BEE | MARCH 14, 2020 54

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Tish Shomaker Gailmard ’83, Reverse Pitcher for Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center

THE REVERSE PITCHERS

Clumpies Ice Cream Co. Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center ChessNinja NDP Advertising and PR Agency Creative Discovery Museum Adventure Sports Innovation SCHOOLS REPRESENTED

Chattanooga Charter School Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy Chattanooga Valley Christian Heritage (north Georgia) East Lake Academy East Ridge Middle School Girls Preparatory School Homeschools Lookout Valley Middle Normal Park Ooltewah Middle High Signal Mountain Middle High SPONSORS & IN-KIND DONORS

Coca-Cola Pinnacle Financial Partners SunTrust Society of Work Women Repair Zone Il Primo Dish T’Pass Domino’s Pizza Northshore Maple Street Biscuit Company Little Debbie Chattanooga Bakery, Inc. Clumpies Ice Cream Co. Northshore Pediatric Dentistry

GOT A PROBLEM?

Girls Can Solve It!

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MBD: GIRL EDITION 24HOUR GENERATOR SEES RECORD PARTICIPATION

pen to students from schools across our area, MBD: (Mighty, Brilliant, Determined) Girl Edition 24Hour Generator brings together middle school students to work in teams to solve real-world business dilemmas. Generous sponsors allow each girl to participate for free.

With Public Education Foundation and The Company Lab as strategic partners, the MBD 24Hour Generator employs Co.Lab’s Co.Starter reverse-pitch curriculum to help girls generate solutions for community partners’ predicaments. This March, 49 girls from 11 area schools worked with a team of more than 50 volunteer facilitators, mentors, chaperones, special guest speakers, judges, and reverse pitchers for an intense, productive 24-hour session on the campus of GPS. Ten teams of girls listened to representatives from area businesses and nonprofits reversepitch their problems—most of which pertained to audiences of the girls’ peers. For example, ChessNinja wanted to know how to

attract more girls to their business as their current customer base is mostly young males.

Creative Discovery Museum asked: How do we attract more tweens (kids ages 10-12) to the museum?

In fact, so impressed were both Thomas Lane, owner of ChessNinja, and Henry Schulson, executive director of Creative Discovery Museum, with the girls’ presentations, followup meetings allowed more ideas to be shared in a more direct consultative environment.

“It’s really amazing to see students work together—most with girls they’ve never met before the Friday afternoon they arrive on campus—to come up with creative, completely doable solutions and then present them to adults,” says Lauren Hayes ’02, Director of Alumnae and Community Engagement for GPS, who coordinates both MBD events. “You can see their confidence build overnight, and our follow-up surveys showed that nearly all of them would do it again.”

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT, VOLUNTEER, OR SPONSOR OUR #GIRLPRENEUR EVENTS, GO TO GET YOURMBD.COM.

DECEMBER 7

Save the Dates MARCH 27-28, 2020 G P S .E D U G I R L S P R E P A R A T O R Y S C H O O L C O L U M N S

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