GPS Magazine | Summer 2014

S u m m e r ’14 • Volume 27, No. 2

Inside This Issue:

REDEFINING LEADERSHIP

GPS Welcomes Autumn Graves, New Head of School

2013 – 2014 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Nini Davenport ’77, Board Chair Chris Benz Smith, Ph.D. ’72, Vice Chair Keith Sanford, Treasurer Karen C. Welborn, Secretary Ashley Averett ’95 Kerri Martin Bartlett ’75 Betsy Blunt Brown ’92 Blair Bennington Cannon ’93 Marilyn Sherman Center ’58 The Honorable Marie Williams Cleary ’70 Brad Cobb Fred Decosimo Lizzer Bright Graham ’77 Holly Lynch Harwell ’84 Jody Jackson Jane Kline Claire Hunt McVay ’87 Carter Newbold, IV Mitch Patel Michelle C. Ruest Lisa Reynolds Shanahan ’83 John Spann, D.D.S. Dr. Mary Tanner Randy Wilson Margaret Wheland Cate ’49, *ex officio Dr. Susan R. Groesbeck, *ex officio

Features 3 WELCOME AUTUMN GRAVES The new Head of School shares her thoughts

in an interview with Lela Moore ’94.

8 REFLECTIONS OF LEADERSHIP Three recipients of Girls Inc.

Unbought, Unbossed Awards are examples of how women are redefining leadership.

12 FUTURE LEADERS GPS students reflect the skills that women are

increasingly bringing to positions of leadership.

Elizabeth A. Thompson, CFO, *ex officio

Girls Preparatory School creates leaders by engaging the mind, stimulating the spirit, instilling values and self-confidence, and challenging girls to recognize their membership in the global community.

INSIDE BACK COVER Remembering Randy Tucker

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GPS

GPS Magazine is published by Girls Preparatory School P.O. Box 4736 • Chattanooga, TN 37405 (423) 634-7600 • www.gps.edu

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Head of School, Interim

Dr. Susan R. Groesbeck Assistant Head, Upper School Principal

Jessica Good Assistant Head, Middle School Principal

Elaine Milazzo Chief Financial Officer

Elizabeth Thompson

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Admissions Alumnae/Events Annual Giving Capital Campaigns Communications

Debbie B. Young ’79 Katherine Betts ’76 Bess Steverson Maria K. Matthews ’75 Anne N. Exum

Girls Preparatory School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in any of its policies, practices or procedures.

Editorial Staff

General Editor

Anne N. Exum

Writers:

Weesie Glendenning Cook ’95

Anne N. Exum

Lela Moore ’94

View from the Walnut Street Bridge, edited with Photoshop by Emily You ’14.

Photography:

Jimmy Burgess

Lauchlan Davis ’14

Anne N. Exum

Kendall Jacobs ’04

Lane Brown Park

Lifetouch Photography

Departments 16 18 24 26 28 34 35

May Day Around School Commencement Athletics Alum News Brides Babies Cover: New Head of School Autumn A. Graves visited the GPS campus and several students in the spring. (Cover photo by Lane Brown Park)

REDEFINING

T

Leadership

is magazine’s theme, Redefining Leadership, could h not be more appropriate as we welcome Autumn Graves as the new permanent Head of School. I’m delighted to turn over the leadership of this fine school to her.

Appropriate too is the fact that 2014 has seemed to be a year in which there is an abundance of articles in newspapers, online media, and blogs discussing leadership as redefined by women.

In Daniel Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind, he quotes Paul Ray and Sherry Ruth Anderson, authors of The Cultural Creatives, who “see women’s ways of knowing as valid: feeling empathy and sympathy for others, taking the viewpoint of the one who speaks, seeing personal experiences and first-person stories as important ways of learning, and embracing an ethic of caring.”

L E A D E R S H I P R E D E F I N E D BY Organizations increasingly value practices WO M E N that are considered “female.” Large and small companies are seeking the less hierarchical and more relational, collaborative skillsets. In addition to a GPS graduate’s ability to access traditionally male–dominated professions, she can also extend “soft skills” that are in demand in the work place. The board table at a Fortune 500 company may soon begin to look and sound more like the Honor Council at GPS! In addition to an interview with Dr. Graves by Lela Moore ’94, this magazine looks at non-traditional leadership as described by two alumnae and one faculty member who were honored this past year by Girls Inc. for making a difference in the lives of young women. In another article, seven students identified by the faculty as showing strong leadership potential gathered for a serious and occasionally humorous look at what they’ve learned about leadership from their peers both in and outside their GPS classrooms.

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P R E PA R E D TO L E A D At GPS, we work to support each girl in cultivating her authenticity and in developing her core set of values that will be the compass for her life. From that foundation of being self-aware and centered in what she stands for, a young woman not only will lead her life well but will also envision robust possibilities for herself in the future.

By encouraging girls to think deeply about what truly matters to them, by teaching them how to take healthy risks that are part of living a purposeful life, and by giving them opportunities to have influence now as students, we instill in them the confidence to think of themselves as leaders and as young women who are competent and prepared to work with others to implement change. At GPS, all leadership positions are held by the girls, and this creates an atmosphere where leadership is valued.

It has been my good fortune to work within the extraordinary GPS community this year – all of us linked with purpose to the education of young women. The Board of Trustees has been a constant partner, and I thank them for the opportunity to be at GPS. I came here for an Interim position and found a new home. I envy your living in Chattanooga and thank you for welcoming me. I think the sky’s the limit for GPS! Hats off to Dr. Graves and her lovely adventure with the GPS Bruisers!

Here’s to the Girls!

Dr. Susan R. Groesbeck Head of School, Interim, (2013-2014)

New Head of School

Autumn A.

Graves D

Interview by Lela Moore ’94

“There is a great opportunity at GPS to leverage the experience, the wisdom, and the ideas that already are there at the school and really move from wanting collaboration to expecting it.”

ecember 5, 2013, GPS announced Autumn Adkins Graves, as the new Head of School. Dr. Graves sat down with me at the Harvard Club in New York City, where she has lived with her husband, Vann, while she pursued her doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania. We discussed her move to Chattanooga to assume leadership of GPS. Where do you think GPS can most benefit from your particular leadership?

I was very clear with the Board and the search committee that I need some time to learn about GPS, and then to really assess where I think the school is and how I think my strengths can help as we figure out what the next level is. Where do we want to go next? GPS is already a great school. I don’t want to be the kind of person who comes in and says, “I want to take you to the next level,” because GPS is already at that level. There are already great results and outcomes.

I think my leadership is informed by my experience of having a single-gender education, which was a different kind of single-gender experience than what is offered at GPS. I think it helps that I have worked in a number of different kinds of independent schools and seen different models. There is no one-size-fits-all for every school, but I have a strong sense of the best practices.

I am a pretty open, transparent person, two characteristics often attributed to Generation X women in leadership. However, all women are not the same, and I don’t like to universally define women’s leadership – nor do I like to define men’s – but women do have a more collaborative style, working toward a shared vision.

One of the things I like about Quaker schools [Graves spent nine years working in Quaker schools, as the Upper School Dean of Students at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C. and as an assistant principal at Friends Seminary in New York] is that the collective wisdom is greater than any one individual idea.

No Limits I Prepared for Life I 3

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Sometimes leading means taking a different seat at the table and being very comfortable there.

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But I’m very sensitive to the idea that “groupthink” may dilute one really great idea. There is a great opportunity at GPS to leverage the experience, the wisdom and the ideas that already are there at the school and really move from wanting collaboration to expecting it. I really do expect that, and when people don’t collaborate, I’m perplexed.

Do you think that a woman can lead GPS better than a man could?

I think GPS and the city of Chattanooga are at a time when they are craving a female leader of GPS. But not just any female leader - people want someone qualified and inspirational.

I know several men who have been leaders of girls’ schools who are phenomenal supporters of girls and women’s equality. I would never say someone could be a better leader of a girls’ school just because of biology.

Collective wisdom is greater than any one individual idea.

Right now in my own life I bring something to the table that few men could, and that is that I have experienced sexism.

I’ve lived it, I’ve processed it, I’ve been hurt by it, I’ve tried to overcome it. I think that will influence how I shape our vision and how I think about the ways we need to prepare these girls for a world that is not going to think that just because you’re a GPS girl that you deserve to be heard and respected. How will they manage their careers working with men, and with other women who might not see them as allies?

Randy Tucker’s death left the GPS community reeling. How will his legacy be recognized at the school despite the change in leadership?

It is hard for me to be too specific because I did not have an opportunity to meet Randy. Without question, he embraced curricular innovation and expected teachers to move his visionary ideas into the classroom. I, too, am someone who embraces programmatic innovation and look forward to building upon Randy’s legacy during my tenure.

How do you hope to lead the GPS faculty and staff and help them lead amongst themselves?

I do have an expectation that every employee is somehow connected to furthering our mission. That to me is all part of professional development. I believe that I have a role in shaping professional development more at a macro level. I try to do goal-setting and ask, “How can I be supportive of you?”

Some would consider that mentorship; I consider that good management of the school’s human resources.

We need to celebrate our faculty. Just because you decided to be a teacher does not mean you took a vow of poverty. I think people have this misperception of what it means to be a career teacher, or career administrator. We have to pay a mortgage!

We have to retire someday!

When I look at how much health care benefits cost these days... well, I know for me to be a good employer I have to make sure my employees have retirement benefits and health care. We need to raise money for our faculty.

What makes students good leaders?

I don’t think there is any one characteristic. I think there are several. They are risk-takers. Thoughtful risk-takers, not reckless No Limits I Prepared for Life

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I know I will be imperfect in being balanced all of the time and recognize that achieving personal balance is a work in progress. I think my honesty about this gives me credibility in a conversation about finding individual balance.

What are ways a GPS girl can seek leadership outside the classroom?

I think athletics and the performing arts are important avenues for leadership and follower-ship development as well as [for developing] collaboration, goal-setting and problem-solving skills.

Athletics and the arts are two tools many girls can and should use to find personal balance. These are incredible physical, emotional, and spiritual outlets that GPS must continue to build upon.

My leadership is informed by my experience of having a single-gender education.

risk-takers. They are creative. They have a strong moral compass, and they understand not only what is right and wrong but have ways of articulating that. They are critical thinkers.

Problem-solvers. They are attuned to their followers. They identify needs but don’t think they have to be the sole providers of solutions. All leaders need to be good followers. Sometimes leading means taking a different seat at the table and being very comfortable there.

At GPS we create leaders by developing their voices and allowing them opportunities to practice using that voice. They have these opportunities to lead - and to follow - in the classroom, on the field, in the pool, on stage. We also allow them opportunities to mess up - and what a great environment to do that in! I’d much rather they mess up here and go home to their parents than in college or, worse, their first job, where the stakes are much higher. At GPS the stakes aren’t that high, and we hope they can learn from these experiences.

As a girls’ school, does GPS - and by extension, you - have a responsibility to encourage physical wellness?

I do think that GPS needs to teach our girls about wellness and personal balance. As the Head of School, I am a role model to our students, faculty and staff in this regard.

In our society, we teach girls and young women that they can “have it all.” The problem is that no one can “have it all” all of the time. Instead, we need to help young women to understand that they have a lifetime to achieve it all and must give themselves permission to pace their lives.

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What is your vision to help GPS and the girls become community leaders?

I’m a big believer in working in partnership with the community.

The private school community needs to make a shift in our philosophical framework for community engagement. I’m a big believer in asking what community partners need, not telling them what we can do for them. I know there are some faculty and staff who are already thinking differently about community engagement and want to support a partnership approach.

For our students, I see community engagement as being an important vehicle for teaching many academic and life lessons.

How do we create systemic change so a community problem no longer exists? It’s slow and it might not always be the kind of activity that’s good for a press release or a news story. It’s not all about our taking all of the accolades; its about our being part of an alliance of people who have done something for the community. Chattanooga is primed and interested in GPS taking its rightful role as a partner. I am excited to be joining GPS at this moment in its community service evolution. I know these conversations have started, and I look forward to providing institutional leadership to move them from talk to action.

Part of GPS’s mission statement involves turning girls into spiritual leaders. What are your thoughts on leadership in this capacity?

One of the things I really just love about GPS is that the school celebrates everyone as one of God’s creatures and respects them.

We’re preparing our students to be global leaders. An important component of being a global leader is having faith in a higher power. If you’re a good leader, it’s not just about understanding your own faith and spiritual development; it’s about understanding others and respecting their faith traditions. It’s not just about how we are different; it’s about knowing how much we have in common.

What do you think about GPS’s use of technology in the classroom?

My philosophy about technology is that it’s a tool, not a toy.

It needs to be tied to learning and teaching. I have been slow to thoughtfully integrate technology in my own teaching because, in part, I don’t want to mess up in front of my students and I don’t want to waste their time, so I’m going to stick to what has been successful in the past. I need to help my faculty and staff not be me. To push them out of their comfort zones the way I will be pushed out of mine. And there is room to teach girls how to be responsible with their technology and about integrity around intellectual property.

What is a GPS education worth? Do the results justify its price tag?

Tuition will always be an issue because we are in a service-oriented industry, and we can’t outsource it.

I will be running a business. It’s not just about the uniforms and May Day. I am a businesswoman in Chattanooga and leading one of the major employers in Chattanooga.

GPS is in a unique situation. We were started as a business, an all-women’s business. [The founders] talked dollars. They had budgets. They had income projections. They ran a business for decades, and I think that GPS has an opportunity to work with our girls in a more explicit way to talk about money and fiscal responsibility because we come by that by our heritage.

of the price-tag solution. Our past students must support our current and future students.

This is no secret, but we’ll be moving into a big capital campaign in the first couple of years of my tenure. I want more endowed chairs at the school. That will take some of the pressure off tuition.

I want more endowed scholarships. I want more endowed programs. At the end of the day that takes money and some creativity. I think that exists at GPS. The money is there and the creativity is there.

How will you encourage students to see their value and contribution to the greater community, to be connected with the role of wife and mother, and not only connected to career and community service? Do you have any vision for creating a culture at GPS that includes respect for and promotion of the role of motherhood?

Women fought for me to have choices. I have a choice to be a stay-at-home wife and I have a choice to work. Some women don’t have the choice and have to work outside the home to make ends meet. I don’t think less of women who stay home with their kids. I’m a big believer that your parents need to educate you in the home about how to be a good person and how to interact with your community in a positive way. A lot of GPS alumnae, while they may not be receiving a paycheck, are doing a lot of service for their communities, and instilling that commitment to service in their children is exceptionally important.

It’s important for me to let girls know that you have choices and you have to be smart about the choices you make. Be smart about the job you take and the partner you take. Be really aware of who you are and how you want to be treated.

GPS is richly steeped in history and tradition.

What are things about GPS’s traditions that you most appreciate? Are there new traditions you would like to begin?

I do not know the school well enough to say what new traditions I would bring. It would be disrespectful of the institution for me to make those claims as an outsider.

Dr. Graves posed for many photos with students after being introduced as the next Head of School.

A little less than 40 percent of our girls received financial aid in 2013-14. I take that very seriously because there are many other things families could be spending their disposable income on. We need to increase our fundraising efforts around financial aid. Tuition can be intimidating for some families, and we need to do a better job of articulating that there are options. We also need alumnae to embrace that they are part

I love Cat-Rat. That kind of big sister-little sister relationship, I think, is incredibly important. I like the idea of seniors supporting sixth-graders. I think it really helps create community and I think it gives young girls realistic role models and makes the seniors real mentors.

The senior talks, the moment when a senior stands and delivers, are very important. That’s a very valuable coming-of-age moment.

And I can’t wait to see May Day! I hear it will just blow my socks off. GPS No Limits I Prepared for Life

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GIRLS INC. HONOREES

REFLECT o n

LEADERSHIP Two Board alumnae/trustees and a GPS faculty member were honored with “Unbought and Unbossed” Awards by Girls Inc.

by Weesie Glendenning Cook ’95

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ach spring, Girls Inc. holds its annual “UnBought and UnBossed” awards, which honors Chattanooga women who, through their careers, have made a significant difference in the lives of young women.The title of the awards program comes from an autobiography by Rep. Shirley Chisholm (NY), the first African-American Congresswoman.

At this year’s banquet, three GPS women were among the honorees recognized for their leadership and contributions to improving the lives of girls and women. Board members Dr. Chris Smith ’72 and the Honorable Marie Williams ’70, along with biology teacher Jenise Gordon, were award recipients at the 10th annual program. Two others on the GPS faculty – Suzanne Smartt and Catherine Bolden – have been honored in past years.

Who better, then, to identify the non-traditional ways in which women are leading and what a redefinition of leadership means for young women, GPS students in particular?

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Similarly, Dr. Chris Smith, Director of the UTC School of Nursing and incoming Chair of the GPS Board, believes that leadership is only effective when trust is involved. She explains, “A leader must be trusted and must trust those with whom he/she works.

Becoming a leader is not achieved overnight; it takes time and is based on building relationships with those you are to lead.”

Leadership is only effective when trust is involved.

Three themes seemed to emerge in conversations with the honorees: qualities of good leaders, how women are redefining the topic, and how women can play a role in increasing the number of women in positions of leadership.

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W H AT A R E T H E C H A R AC T E R I S T I C S C E N T R A L TO B E I N G A G O O D L E A D E R ?

Judge Williams, the Circuit Court Judge for the State of Tennessee Judicial Department and a GPS Board member, believes that leaders should have strong listening and analytical skills and not be “burdened by an ego that interferes with consensus building.” To her, leadership is an exercise in responsibility. “A leader must first commit to the values and mission of the group being led and be confident the goals and message of that organization or group are consistent with his or her own,” says Williams. “He or she can then lead with integrity and passion.”

Smith says, “Building credibility is important; honoring confidences and honestly appreciating what everyone brings to the table are imperative.

Team work and consensus building are important, but the true leader will have to make the tough decisions at times.”

Jenise Gordon, GPS biology teacher, two-time Upper School Teacher of the Year, and 25-year veteran of the American Legion

Volunteer Girls State program, echoes this belief in trust and collaboration. She says, “Leadership is the ability to hear all sides of an issue and choose the path that’s best for the institution (group, school, church, etc.).” She recognizes that it is difficult to represent all constituencies as a leader but each stakeholder has to feel as though she’s been heard and trust that the leader will do the right thing.

“Some people actually lead by following,” she says. “So many girls are intimidated by the accomplishments of others, but they fail to recognize that everyone starts from the bottom.

Success, she believes, “sometimes means carving your own path and sometimes it means carrying a heavy load on a well-worn path.”

H OW A R E WO M E N REDEFINING LEADERSHIP

BY S T E P P I N G ( L E A N I N G ? ) I N TO THEIR NEW ROLES? Judge Williams believes that the most effective leaders have learned to be better listeners and to read what the constituency is saying rather than taking things at face value. “Women are assisting in redefining leaders as organized collaborators who are able to tap the talents of those surrounding him or her to accomplish the goals of the group,” she says. “A leader is farsighted and attempts to predict and prevent problems.”

Honored this year by Girls Inc. with “Unbought and Unbossed” Awards are, from left, Dr. Chris Smith ’72, the Honorable Marie Williams ’70, and faculty member Jenise Gordon.

All three honorees agree that the first step in becoming an effective leader is believing in oneself.

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Jenise Gordon, GPS biology teacher

Dr. Chris Benz Smith ‘72, GPS Board Chair

Marie Williams Cleary ’70, GPS Board of Trustees

At GPS: Student Council sponsor

At GPS: manager of the volleyball team

At GPS: member of Forensics Club

Undergraduate: U nion University

Undergraduate: V anderbilt University

Graduate: U nion University

Graduate: U TC; East Tennessee State University

Volunteer: V olunteer Girls State (26 years)

Profession: Director of the School of Nursing at UTC

According to Chris Smith, women are continuing to redefine leadership today as more women are going into STEM-related fields which were traditionally dominated by men. She says that we are past the “June Cleaver” idea of a woman’s role. “The definition of a wife and mother has changed,” says Chris, adding that in many cases, women have “traded the diaper bag for a brief case.”

With more women in the work force, Chris notes that “more men are seeing the importance of family and being a part of child rearing. This sharing of domestic roles has freed women up to be available for additional positions of leadership.”

Women have often been considered poor leaders because they take things too personally, notes Jenise Gordon, who sponsors the GPS Student Council and leads the Environmental Science class in maintaining the wildly successful GPS garden. She writes, “I care deeply about things into which I throw myself. That personal connection is emotional and there is nothing wrong with expressing it. Crying used to be a ‘sign of weakness,’ but I believe it’s the new sign of strength…strength in terms of passion and commitment.”

Dr. Smith also believes that as more women are in positions of leadership, society will accept this as the norm. She offers statistics from the US Department of Labor that show that in 2010, women made up 47% of the labor force, 73% of those working full time.

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Graduate: U T College of Law Profession: Judge of the 11th Circuit Court

“As women become more a part of the workforce on a full-time basis, there will be more opportunities to lead,” she says.

Gordon points to Volunteer Girls State as a program from which a lot can be learned about women supporting women, saying, “We are mavens who connect each other to others who share our philosophy on life.” Gordon and Suzanne Smartt have elevated the importance and prestige of a GPS girl attending Girls State to the extent that this year, there were as many GPS Girls State alumnae back in a volunteer or staff position as there were current students there as delegates!

As for advice for young women, all three women feel strongly that the first step in becoming an effective and positive leader is stepping up and believing in oneself.

“Effective leaders have learned to be better listeners.”

W H AT M U S T WO M E N D O TO E N S U R E T H AT OT H E R WO M E N W I L L C O N T I N U E TO H AV E L E A D E R S H I P O P P O R T U N I T I E S ?

“The more women support and mentor each other,” says Judge Williams, “the more our culture and society become accustomed to accepting leaders without regard for gender.” She advises the future leaders at GPS to “listen carefully” and “be sure your actions speak as articulately as your words.”

Undergraduate: U niversity of Georgia

Gordon says, “Often in high schools, students become pigeon-holed by their peers as jocks, dancers, thespians.” Her advice is for a girl to “stretch yourself by participating in summer programs and other youth organizations” in which a girl may find new friends who “may recognize your strengths more” than her close friends and family do.

“My one regret looking back on my time at GPS,” says Smith, “is that I didn’t seek a leadership position or even try out for a sport or Terpsichord.” Today, with two alumnae daughters and one granddaughter as a current student, she says she’s “amazed that the students have such self-confidence” attributing it to an environment that is “supportive of all girls who want to be leaders and those who want to be followers.”

Smith’s advice is, “Believe you can be anything you want to be, whether it is a member of a team or Student Council president. If you want this badly enough, have faith in yourself. Being at GPS allows girls to begin to gain the skills needed for leadership in the future, whether it is in a big corporation or with a volunteer or service organization.”

GPS Bids Farewell to

Dr. Sue Groesbeck, Interim

Board Chair Nini Davenport ’77 described Sue Groesbeck’s impact on Chattanooga best when she said that in one year’s time, Sue has managed to meet more people in the community than Nini has as a lifelong resident! In addition to sharing her knowledge of the independent school community with the faculty and staff at GPS, Sue has faithfully attended Rotary

meetings and been an active member of both St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and the Mountain City Club, where she’s enjoyed many meetings and meals with alumnae and friends of GPS. Sue is the epitome of what she encouraged students, faculty, and staff to be: resilient, adventurous, and discerning. These photos are just some of the snaphots of her year with us.

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Yo u n g Wo m e n ,

FUTURE

LEADERS

By Anne N. Exum, Director of Publications

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rranging for eight active, involved GPS students to gather for a roundtable discussion about leadership is not an easy task…they are, of course, very busy! An early morning meeting with the promise of doughnuts and juice seemed to pique their interest, however, and they were surprisingly lively at 7:30 a.m. …they’re also usually hungry and eager to socialize.

Soon-to-be freshmen Nikki Goldbach and McCall Waldrop, sophomores Samantha Jackson and Mimi Vance, juniors Susanna LaRochelle and Alyson Parris, and seniors Kelli Marcum and Nia Sanders met each other and me to share what they are learning about true leadership from their experiences at GPS in and out of the classroom and from their peers.

Kelli Marcum ’15 Leadership Opportunities: Mock Trial, Heartwise Ministries Activities: Varsity Swimming, Debate Club, Spectrum, Honors Orchestra Why I admire Ms. Gordon: She’s able to lead even when she’s quiet.

SOFT SKILLS Bob Sherwin is the chief operating officer of Zenger Folkman, a provider of leadership research, assessment, development and implementation programs. In a series of online articles for Business Insider about women and leadership, he offers research that shows women in business outscore men in taking initiative, displaying integrity, building relationships, and inspiring and motivating others.¹ These are the soft skills that women bring to the board room and that position them well for positions of leadership.

So, are these “soft skills” that women leaders bring to the table evident at GPS? Nikki Goldbach cites “listening to others” as a quality she recognizes in good leaders at GPS. In the classroom, Nia Sanders says a leader “notices others’ opinions.” McCall Waldrop describes her class as “coming together” this past year and strengthening their relationships, allowing for many girls to emerge as leaders. At still a young age, she and her classmate Nikki are noticing that “girls like to work together,” something women reading this article already know!

A leader’s presence is felt in her absence.

Susanna LaRochelle ’16 Leadership Opportunities: Key Club Activities: Varsity Swimming, Character Forum, Christian Forum, GPS Ambassador Why I admire Ms. Killebrew: She knows how to get things done.

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Kelli Marcum is fairly profound when she offers the thought that for a leader, “her presence is still felt in her absence.” She and others say they notice when certain girls are missing from their classroom discussions. Kelli also thinks a good leader expresses care for those on her team or in her club. She joined Nia in relating this care to the “cult of domesticity,” where the center of the household (usually the mother) is responsible for training others to act morally.

For example, says Kelli, the adage is, “I’ll make an honest man out of you.”

videos to the student body. Alyson’s vision for the videos is the vision that McCall refers to when she describes a leader as organizing and encouraging her team around her plan. “A leader has to be willing to take chances” to improve the situation or introduce new ideas, she says.

Our vision is shown with passion and excitement.

Alyson Parris, a member of the Student Council, created the popular Bruiser Tube videos to show at Friday assemblies this past year…videos that captured the week’s events, silly contests, and “girl-on-thesidewalk” interviews. In her words, she “discovered her passion,” a characteristic of leadership, she believes. Thus, she was able to inspire others to follow her lead in bringing the much enjoyed

Mimi Vance ’17

“Everyone’s QUIET LEADER not an overt leader,” says Samantha Jackson, “and there are lots of quiet leaders at GPS, girls whose words, however, carry a lot of weight.”

Mimi Vance didn’t think of herself as a leader until she arrived at GPS. “I saw girls helping, encouraging, and leading others, and I wanted that to be a part of me,” she says. Although a girl may not seek out a leadership role, she can still be considered one if she’s respected and is relied upon by others for her wisdom, says Nikki.

Nikki Goldbach ’18

Alyson Parris ’16

Leadership Opportunities: Community Service Council

Leadership Opportunities: Community Service Council

Leadership Opportunities: Student Council, Kaleidoscope Editor

Activities: Girl Scouts, Key Club, Character Forum, Christian Forum, Terpsichord, GPS Ambassador

Activities: Upper School Dance Ensemble, Tutoring at Northside Neighborhood House, Varsity Track

Activities: GPS Ambassador, Varsity Bowling, Candlelight, Character Forum, Key Club

Why I admire Mr. Gaither: He loves what he coaches and cares about us.

Why I admire Ms. Gordon: She always tells us how much of a difference we can make in our community.

Why I admire Mrs. Young and Mrs. Jackson: They joyfully serve as leaders in the GPS community.

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Opportunities for leading at GPS are everywhere, agree the girls.

“Every door is open,” says Kelli, who was new to GPS last year.

“Certainly more so than for a homeschooled student like I was,” she said to the laughter of all. The abundance of opportunities, Nia says, leads to “not one set type of leader at GPS.” The qualities needed to lead Key Club, for example, are different from those that she’ll need to lead Terpsichord this next year.

CO N F I D E N C E I S K E Y Although Nia says that “leadership is loosely defined at GPS,” both she and Susanna LaRochelle see a correlation to confidence, a quality that all of the girls agree is a learned skill at GPS. “Having confidence in your abilities is key,” says Nia. Susanna believes she still has “a lot to learn about leadership,” and is glad that her friends hold her accountable for her actions. As a swimmer, she notices the team’s captains lead by example, not in a top-down way. “The leader creates an atmosphere in which others can learn.”

After tip-toeing around the subject, the girls finally arrive at the “What qualities do you believe you bring to a leadership position

Nia Sanders ’15 Leadership Opportunities: Terpsichord, Honor Council Activities: GPS Ambassador, Amnesty Why I admire Mary Chandler Gwin ’14: She always led with a sense of calmness but determination.

that isn’t better, but different, than a young man or your brother brings?” Samantha refuses to buy in to the “women are peoplepleasers” stereotype, insisting instead that having empathy is good, although Nikki acknowledges that in leadership, “it’s sometimes tough to make a decision and take the chance that everyone won’t like it,” and by extension, you.

L E A D W I T H A PA S S I O N When Susanna describes her brothers as “sometimes more controlling,” Kelli jumps in to agree that women “collaborate and relate well to others.” What about the accusation that women are too emotional?

“Women just aren’t as afraid to show weakness,” believes Nikki.

“Our vision is shown with passion and excitement,” says Mimi, adding that leadership is often social, and women are good at that!

This group of GPS students certainly was. ¹Sherwin, Bob. “Why Women Are More Effective Leaders Than Men.” Business Insider. 24 Jan 2014. Web. 20 June 2014.

McCall Waldrop ’18

Samantha Jackson ’17

Leadership Opportunities: Student Council

Leadership Opportunities: Debate Club

Activities: Student Council, Motion Makers

Activities: Varsity Soccer, Amnesty, GPS Singers, Urban League of Greater Chattanooga

Why I admire Jess Erhart ’14: She has shown me how to look at life with a positive attitude.

Why I admire Mrs. Neal: She is one of the kindest people I have ever met.

No Limits I Prepared for Life

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May Day 100 Years of May Day

Jessica Erhart, a senior admired and respected by her classmates and the student body, was the 2014 May Queen, a title to add to her lengthy list of accomplishments and activities at GPS: member of National Honor Society, Key Club, Christian Forum, and the Curie Society; a GPS Ambassador and editor on the yearbook staff. She was joined on the court by equally accomplished and respected classmates: Emily Cullum, Mary Chandler Gwin, Megan Rohn, Meghna Talluri, and Lucy Whitfield.

The day’s theme, “100 Years of May Day,” recognized an event that began in simpler form in 1914 but that has remained a day of dancing, winding of the May Pole, and a celebration of the senior class.

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1. Three dresses were designed by Madison Waldrop, right. In addition to her own dress, Madison made the gown for the May Queen, Jessica Erhart, center, and for Lauchlan Davis, left. 2. Junior Morgan Estep readies the blue May Pole for the sophomores.

3. Meghna Talluri was the right trainbearer. 4. Members of the May Court, from left, are Emily Cullum, Maid of Honor; Lucy Whitfield, crown bearer; and Megan Rohn, scepter bearer. 5. Mary Chandler Gwin was left trainbearer.

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6. Nicki Graham 7. Class officers McCay Mathis, secretary; and Katie Morgan, president. 8. Copeland Cobb, Madeline Bickerstaff, and Arabi Spears enjoy the promenade.

9. Alyx Labbe and Rachel Hadden pose for a photo in the GPS Rotunda. 10. Kelby Crownover 11. Victoria Norris, Andie Craig, and Morgan Sanborn enjoy photos after the event. 12. Friendships and flowers are on display by Maddy Ward, Natalie Nelson, Emily Stutz, Raven Broom, Rachel West, and Olivia Berger. 13. Madeline MacLean 14. Ashley Martin and Danielle Richardson complement their bouquets. 15. Abbi Harr led the presentation from the breezeway. 16. Margaret Clark 17. Jumping for joy are Jennifer Parker, MaryMadison McBrayer, and Virginia Hammond. (photo courtesy of Debbie Wilson) 18. May Day Committee Chair Taylor Pels.

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No Limits I Prepared for Life

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Around School Class Day 1

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1. Sixth grade award winners were Mae Mae Bennett, Margaret Wheland Cate Award; and Alex Center, Joan Haley Frierson Award. 2. Award recipients in the seventh grade were Olivia Combs, Thedford Award; and Kylie Eiselstein, Ruth Schmidt Award. 3. Eighth grade awards went to Nikki Goldbach, DAR Award; and Meher Memon, Elizabeth Lupton Davenport Award.

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4. Freshmen award winners included, from left, Lori Baxter, Frances Wheeler Scholarship; Tia Kemp, Freshman Cup and Mary Alice Hood Chambers Award; and Mimi Vance, Dora Maclellan Brown Award. 5. Sophomore recipients of awards were, from left, Alyson Parris, Dorris Chapin Wells “Black and Blue� Award; Rachel Raisin, Lisa Blake Scholarship; Caroline West, Duffy-Jarnagin Scholarship; Akia Harris, Elizabeth Collier Farmer Award; and Story DeWeese, Sophomore Bracelet. 6. Junior class award winners were, in front, Ellie Haskins, Palmer Griffin Award; and Katherine Ward, Christian Bryant Award and Laura Holt Outstanding Athlete Award. Standing are Anjali Chandra, Grace McCallie Scholarship; Mackenzie Hobbs, Battle Award co-recipient; Abby Jansen, Sewanee Award for Excellence; Lindsay Rufolo, Battle Award co-recipient; and April Forsthoffer, Sarah Burns Award. 7. Senior honorees on Class Day included, seated from left, Lauchlan Davis, Mildred Peters Award; Bailey Wood, Peggy Thomas 100% Award; and Kelby Crownover, Sandra Martin Award. Standing are Blakley Fine, Robinson Sportsmanship Cup; Katie Morgan, Counts Technology Award; Macy Cox, Fletcher Bright Fine Arts Award; and Jessica Erhart, DAR Award.

8. Jenise Gordon and Jennifer Williams were named Teachers of the Year in the Upper and Middle Schools respectively.

Jenise teaches science and Jennifer teaches English. This is the second year that these women have been honored by their peers with the award.

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Cum Laude Honors Go to Twelve

As one faculty member said of the inductees, girls eligible for Cum Laude are “susceptible to scholarship.” Twelve seniors who exhibited that susceptibility were inducted into the honorary society in May and introduced by faculty and staff members with whom they have developed a bond of friendship and respect.

They will take their tenaciousness, brilliance, and discernment to the University of Texas, Austin; Stanford, Virginia, George Washington, Yale, UCLA, College of the Holy Cross, Pomona, Duke, and Vanderbilt. One will take a gap year to generously serve others.

Madison Bratcher, Anna Carroll, Lauchlan Davis, Jessica Erhart, Fleming Farrow, Mary Chandler Gwin, Shannon Han, Taylor Pels, Megan Rohn, Bonnie St. Charles, Meghna Talluri, and Lucy Whitfield were cited for their scholarship, but also for their mature inquisitiveness and ability to see beneath the surface. Chosen to introduce the inductees were faculty members Dr. Sean Caulfield, Katy Berotti, Beth Gaffney ’79, Callie Hamilton, Cathie Kasch ’72, Carol Killebrew ’79, Linda Mines, Jill Pala ’97, Lindsey Permar, Robin Priest, Keith Sanders, and Diane Walker.

Yearbook Introduces Interactive Feature GPS accomplished yet another ‘first’ in the Chattanooga area by producing and editing the first local high school yearbook to have an interactive feature, and for the fifth time in six years, the GPS yearbook has been inducted into the publisher’s Gallery of Excellence. The prominence of GPS girls throughout the publication matches the theme, “Here’s to the Girls,” the name of the school’s Alma Mater.

By utilizing an app called Aurasma (available for Apple and android devices), videos are included in the yearbook. The app allows a picture to be connected to these videos when scanned by a smart phone or tablet. The interactive pictures are denoted by a class ring image, and the videos show events like the Cat Rat parade, art work from all the students, and even some student-created videos like the Bruiser Tube videos presented weekly throughout the year by the Student Council.

From left are editors Taylor Pels and Christian Shaheen, sponsor Jill Pala ’97, and editor Meghna Talluri.

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Around School Sink or Swim Only two girls remained high and dry at the end of the second annual boat race by students in the engineering class. The craft aptly named Hercules chalked up another successful “labor” and finished the trip down the length of the pool and back.

“Yeah Buoy” and “Shooting Star” almost made it down one length of the pool. “NOT the Titanic” was unfortunately more like its namesake than planned.

The boat’s racers, however, kept in the game by cheering for their classmates.

The engineering class provides tools and materials for student exploration and problem solving in interdisciplinary, hands-on projects. The boat race was a great example of the students’ initiative and problem-solving skills, learning as much from failure as from success. On the winning team, from left, are Skylar Barnett, Meghna Talluri, Shivani Modi, and Danielle Simms.

Tucker Fellows

This first year of the Tucker Fellows Program, with a mission to prepare future leaders to have an effect on the conservation of the Tennessee River, began in mid-June with a class of six GPS students and two students from Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy. The GPS cohort, announced at Class Day, includes, from left, Hannah Prescott, Sarah Roe, Anna Oglesby, faculty member Katye Couch ’92, Ashley-Rose Lynn, Amanda Michaud, and Daphne Thomas. Throughout the two-year program, fellows engage in interdisciplinary scholarship and experiential learning about the many issues impacting their local watershed as well as learning about the historical, ecological, political, economic and aesthetic significance of the Tennessee River.

During the second year in the program, fellows focus on leadership skills while continuing to learn about the river and watershed. They read and discuss the works of current and historic environmental thinkers and they choose a focus and work with local experts, scientific literature, and policy to become more knowledgeable about their chosen topic. They then collect, analyze, and publish data.

Throughout the program, fellows become familiar with the various entities that implement, enforce, and monitor watershed policy. By the end of the program, fellows propose solutions to watershed problems and become life-long advocates for clean, healthy watersheds in the Chattanooga area and beyond.

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Students Walk for Mission Remission The GPS and McCallie student bodies and faculty had much to celebrate after their second annual Mission Remission Walk.

The fundraiser for cancer research raised over $25,000 for the Christian Bryant Foundation, Emily’s Power for a Cure, and Carolina’s Healthcare Foundation. Pictured are rising juniors Oriene Yu and Emma Noles.

New Student Leadership These three girls and their busy councils may help to redefine leadership at GPS in 2014-15. From left are Mackenzie Hobbs, Community Service Council president; Abby Jansen, Honor Council president; and Ellie Haskins, Student Council president.

A Festival of Nations Four Students with varying cultural backgrounds organized and presented the first GPS Culture Fest this past spring. Watching from the front lawn, the student body and faculty viewed a Parade of Nations and enjoyed traditional dancing and singing by fellow students. In traditional dress, from left, are Meghna Talluri, Najia Humayun, Anjali Chandra, and Hira Munir.

cience Students S Garner Multiple Wins Rising junior Ayushi Sinha, pictured, competed in ISWEEP, an international science fair in Houston, won Tennessee’s Stockholm Junior Water Prize, and attended that group’s national conference in Virginia. Her success is just one example of the outstanding science news that we enjoyed this past spring:

DAR History Contest Winner Seventh grader Kit Turner was the state winner of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) American History Essay Contest. Her essay, which won first place locally for the Chickamauga Chapter NSDAR last fall, tackled the assignment, “Pretend you are a boy or a girl during the American Revolution. Using historical facts, discuss how the war is affecting your life.”

Lee Parham, Regent of the Chickamauga Chapter and a popular, frequent substitute teacher at GPS, was on hand to celebrate Turner’s state win.

• At the 62nd annual Regional Science and Engineering Fair, over half of the special named awards went to GPS girls. In all, 16 girls won a total of 31 awards. The Junior Division Sweepstakes winner was a GPS 8th grader, and for the fourth year in a row (!) GPS walked away with the Senior Division Award.

• An Upper School team placed first among a dozen teams at the Regional Science Olympiad.

The Middle School team finished third but also advanced to the state competition.

• All six of the projects entered by Middle School students into the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Virtual Science Fair were accepted for national competition.

• Two teams of ninth grade biology students placed first and second in the state during the eCybermission virtual science fair, a competition in which a team of students researches a real problem in the community and then proposes a solution.

• In a recent Tests of Engineering Aptitude, Mathematics, and Science (TEAMS) competition, a ninth/tenth grade team placed second in our division and tied for 34th in the nation! Two teams of juniors and seniors competed and placed fourth and sixth in the state. In this one-day competition, students “apply math and science knowledge in practical, creative ways to solve real-world engineering challenges,” according to the TEAMS website.

Learning Flag Football In addition to paddle boarding and rock climbing, the eighth graders played a few games of flag football in PE this year.

One team obviously wanted to be remembered as much for their knowledge of English as their prowess on the field.

Note the parts of speech, with one verbal thrown in for good measure.

No Limits I Prepared for Life

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Around School Two Longtime Teachers Take Different Paths Fine Arts’ Carrithers retires after 30 years; Killebrew becomes Principal at The Ursuline School Carol Killebrew ’79

By Anne N. Exum, Director of Publications Seeking some information about the myth of Hades and Persephone, I pulled out a mythology text and noticed the block letters, KILLEBREW, on the top of the closed book. The person who shared her knowledge and artistry to help me teach mythology to seventh graders 27 years ago has unknowingly left her copy of Myths and Their Meanings with me. After 28 years at GPS, Carol Killebrew is leaving her alma mater to become Principal of The Ursuline School in New Rochelle, New York. With her wealth of experience in an all-girls environment, it is no wonder that she was their choice.

Hired in 1986 by Nat Hughes to teach Latin, she loved her students and taught them to love Latin, and then, English: college essays, grammar, British Lit, and so much else. Unless a girl had ‘Killebrew’ for a teacher her sophomore year, she might not know that a subdivision on Signal Mountain has names straight from Macbeth – Dunsinane and Birnam Woods. Students also knew her as the “Demerit Queen.”

If a student forgot her black bow, she made sure to walk the other way when Miss Killebrew approached.

Mary Carrithers

By Cathie Kasch, GPS Fine Arts Department Chair Mary Carrithers has been GPS’s AP Drawing teacher extraordinaire since 1984. Each time visitors enter the Frierson lobby for an art show, they try to buy the student works right off the walls. Mentoring young talent into sophisticated thinkers and artists, Mary and her teaching methods were a unique blend of nurture, provocation and outright humor. She never let a student settle for less than her best. Somehow in that process, the girl was often unaware that she had just been coached out of mediocrity and into excellence. But for all the public accolades her students’ earned, Mary often flew under the radar around GPS. Mary was born in New York to outrageously talented parents. With a vocalist mother and a professional Irish tenor father who was a vocal coach to stars like Marlene Dietrich and Johnny Mathis and a colleague of Mitch Miller and Frank Sinatra, Mary’s home was a revolving door of stars. Not until Mary was visiting a friend who owned a TV (something not allowed in her house) did she realize that Uncle Jimmy (Jimmy Dean) was so famous!

My nickname for her was “ideas.com” because whenever I needed help teaching, tackling a problem, or coming up with a headline in this magazine, I turned to her. Her creativity was on display as chair of May Day and the Winterim program, sponsor of the Student Council and Kaleidoscope. She lent her voice to fashioning ideas or solving problems as a Team Leader, a member of the Faculty Committee, a faculty mentor, and the International Student Coordinator. During her tenure, she coached varsity soccer and served as head coach of the Middle School track team.

Named a GPS Distinguished Teacher in 2002, she completed additional study at Mercer University, Sarah Lawrence College, and the American Academy in Rome.

Dedicated to GPS, her Class of 1979, and to her students, Killebrew will never be a myth at GPS, not a fictitious person. Rather, she will be for many alumnae and colleagues, a legend.

As a student, Mary displayed strong talents in both voice and art. Accepted at the Swiss Opera Company in Lugano, Switzerland, Mary chose instead to pursue painting at Bennington College and in Florence, Italy.

Teaching art and making art have been Mary’s life. She always held high standards for her students and equipped them with the necessary skills. She was twice named Outstanding Teacher, once at McCallie, where she was head of the Art Department, and once at GPS. Her students have scored 4s and 5s from AP judges and won prizes in local competition. Her personal art work is in private collections around the country. We are already looking forward to her next one-woman show, hopefully to be displayed at GPS! She has challenged students and faculty alike to see below the surface and into the realized potential. Mary, thank you for not compromising what you knew could be, for challenging us, supporting us, and for giving wings to the hundreds of girls whose lives you changed.

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Carol Killebrew ’79, center, is pictured with girls in one of her Senior English classes

Others Feted at the GPS Retirement Event in May… and chaperoning sixth graders at Disney

letter about Marla: “Her love for Latin has

World for a future of lazy days on the beach,

inspired me not only to learn the Roman

casual dinners with family, and not getting

history and lessons, but enjoy it, love it, and

out of bed before the sun rises!

indulge in its everlasting legacy…She has

– with contributions from Suzy McKenna,

not only taught me about Romans and the

sixth grade English teacher.

Latin language, but about life, friendship and happiness.” A colleague writes, “Marla is a true scholar; she studied and loved both Latin and Greek. Among her many excellent qualities are integrity, a sense of humor, dedication to her work and her family, and her faith in God.” – with contributions from Dr. Sean Caulfield, Department Chair.

Bess Steverson

Cynthia Graham

For 19 years, Bess Steverson has been an

In charge of the delicious array of salads

integral part of the GPS development team.

available in the Dining Hall every day, Cynthia

In May she accepted the position as Director

Graham served students, faculty, staff, and

of Advancement and Fund Development for

visitors for 12 years and always remembered

the Young Women’s Leadership Academy, the

each person’s favorite salad bar item.

Her patience was always noticeable.

foundation that supports the Chattanooga

Marla Neal

Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA). When

Maria Neal served GPS for 21 1/2 years,

she started at GPS, she was the assistant for

As a part of the serving line, her patience

teaching Latin in the Department of World

Publications, Alumnae & Visions, and Annual

was always noticeable, with indecisive

Languages, and the numerous alumnae

Fund. In other words, “Jack of all Trades.”

faculty and campers in the summer. Chef

who have braved the Stygian depths of

Tom Goetz says he tried to talk her out of

the language hall to see her are testimony

retiring because she’s “one of those people

to her influence over the years. One of her

you can rely on!” Here’s hoping that Cynthia

students recently wrote the following in a

During her tenure, the Annual Fund has nearly doubled in size.

can learn to sleep past 4 a.m. and stay up after 7 p.m.!

Nancy Harr Hired in 1999 to teach math to the first sixth grade class at GPS, Nancy Harr was known as “Mrs. Math Harr” because GPS had two Middle School teachers with the same last name! In the teaching profession for 28 years, Nancy has taught children not just math, but also to swim, knit, crewel, and create the beautiful art of origami.

Her students called her Mrs. Math Harr.

She leaves the world of grading papers, tutoring after school, writing lesson plans,

Nancy Sims Nineteen years ago, Nancy Sims began serving GPS as an assistant in the Athletics office and in the language lab. She then moved to the Associate Head’s office as an administrative assistant and put her people skills to work with the Upper School students.

Students describe her as “a mother to every girl.”

For the past four years, she has been the face of GPS, the front desk receptionist who patiently answers the phone calls, directs visitors, and learns the names of as many girls who pass by as possible. The heart of GPS is in caring for each individual girl, and Nancy has excelled at that. Students describe her as “a mother to every girl.”

– with contributions from Rickie Pierce, retired Associate Head.

In directing 13 Annual Fund drives, she has been the epitome of a good fund raiser – organized, efficient, good with people. During her tenure, the Annual Fund has nearly doubled in size. This year, GPS exceeded the goal of a sustainable million-dollar Annual Fund – thanks to her skills and her focused, hard work. In addition, she has coordinated Reunion parties, managed the corporate division of VISIONS, and been a visible advocate for all-girls education throughout the community.

– with contributions from Maria Matthews, Director of Capital and Major Gifts.

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Commencement

Describing the graduating seniors as “blessings” who “taught us lessons and gave us laughter,” Dr. Susan R. Groesbeck, Interim Head of School, introduced the 96 members of the Class of 2014 at Commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 17.

According to Dr. Groesbeck, the “forward-thinking founders” of GPS could not have imagined the GPS of today. “They would appreciate the kindness and cheers for their classmates” that were in evidence at the preceding day’s Class Day event, she said. Although “the heart of GPS has remained the same” since the founding in 1906, she said, there are “many more fields of study open to these graduating seniors.” Recalling her charge to the class at the beginning of her interim year, Dr. Groesbeck confirmed that this class was indeed “resilient, adventurous, and discerning.”

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2. Macy Cox reprised her Chapel Talk. The recipient of the Patsy Williams Scott Service Award, she will attend the University of Alabama Birmingham. 3. Celebrating their senior year and their college choices are, from left on the front, Emily You, University of Tennessee Chattanooga; Danielle Simms, Brandeis; Josie Roebuck, University of Georgia. Standing are Morgan Sanborn, Carson-Newman College; Lauren Winkler, University of Kentucky; Victoria Norris, Rhodes College, Andie Craig, University of Tennessee Knoxville; and Alyx Labbe, Furman University. 4. Rebecca Jenkins will attend Virginia Tech. 5. Seniors

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wore blue ribbons in memory of former headmaster Randy Tucker. On the left is the recipient of the Jane Henegar Noble Christian Character Award, Jessica Erhart, who is taking a gap year before college; Christian Shaheen, middle, will attend Georgia Tech; and Catherine Kim, right, will go west to California Institute of the Arts. 6. Emily Clelland and Rachel Hadden will both be heading to Knoxville to attend the University of Tennessee. 7. Getting ready for the processional are Lauren Hood, recipient of the Pete Wood Award; Margaret Clark, and Madeline Bickerstaff. They will attend UTK, Furman, and Lewis & Clark College, respectively.

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8. Student Council president Kristen Carter received the Faculty Award. She will attend the University of St. Andrews, Scotland. 9. Posing for a photo before putting on their caps and gowns are Caroline Vance; Wheaton College; Madeline MacLean, Auburn; Maclaine Brock, Samford University; Leah Russell, the University of Alabama; Nicki Graham, recipient of the Laura Handly Award, George Washington University; Lexie Brzezienski, University of San Francisco; and Taylor Pels, College of the Holy Cross. 10. A few members of the National Honor Society are Megan Rohn, recipient of the Roberta Moore Award; Mary Chandler Gwin, Salutatorian and Founders Award recipient; Bonnie St. Charles, and Meghna Talluri, who received the Mary Hannah Tucker Award. They will attend, respectively, Pomona College, Yale University, Duke University, and the University of Virginia. 11. Blakley Fine, recipient of the Barbara Johnson Prickett Award, will attend the University of Georgia. 12. Nine girls, seven schools. In front are Kera Stoops, UTK; Hannah Land, Auburn University; and Lucinda Boyd, University of Dayton. Standing are Anna Carroll, Stanford University; Addison Brewer, UTK; Sharron Bockman and Helena Brooks, both off to Sewanee: The University of the South; Bailey Wood, UCLA; and Alex Stamper, University of Colorado at Boulder.

Family Snapshots

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1. Kelby Crownover and her mom Susan, GPS’s softball coach, share several state championships. Kelby will attend Georgia College.

2. Sarah Haren, is justifiably proud of her daughter, Haley Haren, Honor Council president. Haley will attend the University of Tampa.

2 3. The Thomas family now has two GPS graduates. From left are Taylor ’14, Amy, Caroline ’10, and Jamie.

4. Tara Shanahan, pictured with her mother, Board of Trustees member Lisa Reynolds Shanahan ’83, will attend Texas Christian

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University.

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Athletics

Softball Secures State Title 5

1. The GPS softball team didn’t just squeak out a one-run win over Baylor to claim the 2014 State Championship trophy. They demanded it with a 12-7 overwhelming victory made sweeter by the fact that after losing five times to Baylor, the team came back through the loser’s bracket of the state tournament and beat Baylor twice to win the championship! “This season had a bit of a ‘story book’ ending,” admits Coach Susan Crownover. Winning the state championship after a season with a record of 25-10 “was a great accomplishment for this team,” she says. “Our finish is a testament to how team chemistry, heart, effort, and the belief that you can win any game really matters in softball. We played our best at the end of the season as our seniors – Kelby Crownover, Bailey Davenport, Stephanie George, and Madi Stanley – stepped up to lead our team to victory!”

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5. “This whole season was a joy to watch unfold,” says Coach John Woods after the GPS swimmers finished fifth (out of 108 teams) in the state tournament. The team finished the regular season 20-0 in dual meets and beat the #1, #2 and #4 teams in Tennessee and the #1 team in Georgia, setting two school records in the process. Pictured is the 400 Freestyle relay team of Anna Ward, Susanna LaRochelle, April Forsthoffer, and Kristen Myers, who won the state championship by .01 seconds and made an All-American time. A friendly camaraderie between GPS and state champion Harpeth Hall had each team cheering on the other and yelling, “We love single sex education!”

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2. Even with a very young team that had five new bowlers in starting roles, the bowling team won the Region title for the third straight year. Madi Stanley, pictured, was the only returning starter from last year’s team. She was second in the state in average, and finished sixth in individuals at the State Tournament. Taylor Battle and Taylor Reid also qualified for state individuals.

3 & 4. The GPS varsity track team saved their best for the last two meets of the season. At Spring Fling’s state tournament meet, Rachel Hudson, left, finished third in the discus, and the 4x800 relay team – Sara Corum, Tori Tomokane-Verville, Kate McVay (in back) and Murfee Jones – finished fourth. Corum was also fourth in the 800-meter run. “The 2014 team only had one senior, so the future looks bright for the coming years,” says Coach Stacey Hill.

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6. The 2013-2014 Basketball Bruisers improved to a 14-10 overall record this year, starting the season off strong with an 8-0 record, including winning the Whitwell Thanksgiving Classic and finishing second in the annual Best of Preps Tourney at Chattanooga State. All-Tournament selections included sophomores Akia Harris and Sydney Shutters and juniors Kara Ware and Reagan Williams. Point guard Harris, pictured, was selected to the Division II All-State team.

Four seniors – Kelby Crownover, Katie Morgan, Peyton Pitts, and Arabi Spears – led the Bruisers to a good finish through a tough region schedule, according to Head Coach Jennifer Williams.

The following Bruiser athletes were named to the Best of Preps teams for 2013-14 or were honored with All-State or All-American recognition:

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Cross-Country: Madison Watson Lucy Whitfield, BoP John Franklin Award for Academics Volleyball: Olivia Berger Soccer: Abbi Harr, Akia Harris, Izzy Phillips, Josie Love Roebuck, Keyle Snyder Golf: Emily Blake

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Swimming: Kristen Myers, April Forsthoffer, Anna Ward, Susanna LaRochelle, Mimi Doi Basketball: Akia Harris

7. GPS lacrosse had one of their most successful seasons, finishing 11-8 and earning major victories over Harpeth Hall and Ravenwood. A record five players were named to the All-Region Team: Carly Bourne, Lindsay Rufolo, Raygan Hall, Katie Morgan, and Rachel West. Morgan was also named to the second team All-State. 8. After a 20th anniversary celebration of GPS rowing in April, the varsity and novice teams raced Baylor and retained the Carney Cup for the fifth straight year. The year ended with a trip to the Scholastic Nationals, a regatta that determines the North American champions. At the Nationals, the varsity 4+ won a qualifying position for the semifinals but missed out on the finals by one second. “Although it was disappointing to miss a spot in the finals,” says Coach Anders Swanson, “we left knowing we were one of the fastest crews of the 32 teams entered, and our results drew the attention of the best scholastic teams in the country.” Pictured in the “selfie” by Lauchlan Davis ’14 are, from back, her classmates Bailey Wood, Lauren Winkler, Hannah Fager, Haley Haren, and Davis. 9. Senior Michelle Fleenor was runner-up to the state individual champion at Spring Fling, and the team finished second at State. Fleenor also won the Tennessee State Qualifier in the 18s after school ended, and eighth grader Maddox Bandy came in third in the 14s. “Our senior girls really stepped it up this year,” says Coach Sue Bartlett. Fleenor, Danielle Simms, and Virginia Hammond played admirably through the season, joined by juniors Jennie McBrayer and Analisa Stratienko, and Bandy.

From the Middle School...

MS Golf The Bruisers won the unofficial team title in the Region Invitational for middle school golfers with a two-stroke victory by eighth grader McKenzie Frizzell and a fourth place finish by classmate Hannah Prescott. Sixth grader Darby Curvin finished thirteenth. The team, coached by Rob Riddle, was second in the Hamilton County Middle School Region Tournament.

Frizzell and Prescott were named to the All-Tournament team and were unanimous choices to the All-Hamilton County team. “We are looking forward to having Darby lead the way for the young Bruisers the next two years,” said Riddle, “and having McKenzie and Hannah making strong contributions to the varsity team.”

MS Swimming The GPS Middle School swimming and diving team brought back the Southeastern Middle School Championship trophy for the fifth consecutive year! With an undefeated record, the team was the heavy favorite to win, and they posted a score almost 100 points higher than the closest competitor. Megan Burnette took first in diving. Among the top swimming scorers were Mary Margaret Arrowsmith, Molly Ballenger, Jillian Cantrell, Gwennie Davis, Kylie Eiselstein, Murfee Jones, Abby Large, Ashley Rose Lynn, Hannah Prescott, Emma Scruggs, and CeCe Turner. “An increasing proportion of our swimmers are training year around,” says Coach Pete LaRochelle, “which contributes to the strength of the GPS swimming program as a whole.”

Lacrosse: Katie Morgan Softball: Kelby Crownover, Madi Stanley Tennis: M addox Bandy, Michelle Fleenor, Jennie McBrayer, Danielle Simms Cheerleading: Maggie Ingvalson, Hannah Faith Greene, Morgan Pels, Elisabeth Hale

Bruisers in College...

The following Bruiser athletes have signed commitments to continue their sports at the college level: Lauchlan Davis, rowing: University of Virginia Michelle Fleenor, tennis: Washington & Lee University Haden Gibbons, lacrosse: Centre College Raygan Hall, lacrosse: Gardner-Webb University Virginia Hammond, tennis: Birmingham-Southern College Victoria Norris, swimming: Rhodes College Josie Love Roebuck, soccer: The University of Georgia Bailey Wood, rowing: University of California at Los Angeles

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Alum News

Share Your News!

We love receiving your news and notes, your tweets, retweets, and Facebook posts; your photos and phone calls, your email and letters. Please do keep us posted on your moves, new jobs, travels, mini-reunions, and GPS memories. Stay connected and email anexum@gps.edu or kbetts@gps.edu to share your latest news and photos.

When you send photos, be sure that they are as high resolution as possible (300 is best). If a baby or wedding photo is taken by a professional photographer, provide the name and we’ll credit the photographer in the caption. The magazine is now limiting the Weddings and Births to one page each; thus, a wedding photo that has fewer people pictured will have a better chance of being included.

Examples are bride and groom together or bride with a few alumnae attendants.

50s - 80s Graham Walker Burns ’57 is rightfully proud that her son Lee will be the new headmaster (already is, by the time you receive the magazine) of McCallie School. Gwin Bader Tugman ’67 wrote an article in the Lookout Mountain Mirror about Graham and her large, close-knit family, a Mothers’ Day tribute.

Proving that one can pursue education at any stage of life, Eleanor McCallie Cooper ’64 received her doctorate in education from UTC in December.

GPS Athletic Hall of Fame member Ellen Kovacevich Hanna ’70, a three-time state diving champion, was inducted into the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame in February.

Incoming GPS Board of Trustees Chair, Dr. Christine Benz Smith’72, has been named the Director of the UTC School of Nursing. She has served as interim director since January 2012. Chris earned her Ph.D. in nursing from East Tennessee State University and has been with the UTC School of Nursing for over 12 years.

Over Alumnae Weekend, Dr. Jane Carter ’74 shared some professional information. As Associate Professor of Medicine at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University in Providence, RI, she was the recipient of the 2013 World Lung Health Award from the American Thoracic Society. She serves as president of the International Union against TB and Lung Disease, headquartered in Paris, France.

Melanie Young ’77 shared some very happy news with readers of her book Getting Things Off My Chest. Her book has received a 2014 International Book Award for Cancer Health Topics by American Book Fest. The IBA received over 1200 entries around the world and announced 300 winners and finalists. Melanie has written a second book, Fearless Fabulous You! Lessons on Living Life on Your Terms, scheduled for release in November 2014.

Dr. Louise Freeman Davis ’84 recently completed teaching a course for middle/high school English teachers at the inaugural Louisiana State University Young Adult Literature Conference and Symposium in Baton Rouge. Her five-day course was on the psychology and neuroscience in Veronica Roth’s Divergent series. She also led a session on the depiction of psychological disorders in Harry Potter. Louise is an associate professor of psychology at Mary Baldwin College.

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The many legacies at May Day ’14 made the event a true family affair. From the left in this photo are grandmother Rebecca Train Stimson ’43, Rebecca Stimson ’73, and her daughter Rebecca Jenkins; Emily Cullum and her mother Becky Buckbee Cullum ’83; Lizzer Bright Graham ’77 and her daughter Nicki Graham; Haden Gibbons (mother Dallas Haden Gibbons ’73 not pictured); and Caroline Stitts and her mother behind her, Dee Sikes Stitts ’88. The group of three starting the second row are Dottie Goree Brock ’65, her granddaughter Marshall Rustand, and mother of the May Day senior, Peg Brock Rustand ’88. Next are Katie O’Dell Bailey ’81 and her daughter Betsy Bailey; Madeline Bickerstaff and her mother Joan Kelley Bickerstaff ’79.

On the next row are Eleanor Brock and her mother Meg Persinger Brock ’79, Katie Morgan, Emily Clelland, and their mothers Ann Hodge Morgan ’81 and Mary Ann Pedigo Clelland ’82. On the top row are Lynda Minks Hood ’76 and daughter Lauren Hood; and Tara Shanahan and mother Lisa Reynolds Shanahan ’83.

The generous Class of 1964 enjoyed a wonderful reunion weekend. They were recognized for raising over $64,000, the most raised for the GPS Annual Fund by any 50th reunion class. On the Giving Team were Lynn Hodge, Helen Burns Sharp, and Fain Murphy Webb. The Party Team that planned their Saturday night event included Pat Nelson Smith, Eleanor McCallie Cooper, Charlotte Smith Price, and Cherie Muerth. More Alumnae Weekend news is found on page 33.

On a trip to Italy, Marian Hoffman ’85, right, and her family scheduled a tour in Florence, Italy, on “Renaissance Life.” The Hoffmans have

90s Kathryn Berman ’91 is an actor at the Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, TN.

used a tour company, Context, in the past and have

Amy Whittimore Mahone ’92 works for Baker Donelson Law Firm in Chattanooga and

“been amazed at how smart and professional the

was the lead story in the firm’s weekly update for her successful victory before the

private guides are,” she wrote in an email. When

Tennessee Board for Licensure of Health Care Facilities. According to the newsletter,

they met their American guide, Marian asked her

“Amy was able to convince the board to make a nursing home license change of ownership

how she ended up living and working in Florence.

retroactive by several months…avoiding a host of potential Medicare and Medicaid

She said, “Well, I grew up in Chattanooga,…” and

reimbursement problems.”

the rest was history! Marian discovered that her guide was Monica Shenouda ’90, left.

“She was, of course, brilliant and taught us all sorts of neat things about art, history, and architecture!” said Marian.

Margaret Cleary Dean ’93 has sent news of a career change and a changed reserve assignment. She is now working in the Cyber Operations area at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory as a section supervisor for Communications System

Anne Dicks Shamanski ’87 has been named Assistant Head of School for St. Benedict’s

Engineering. As a member of the Navy Reserves, she is now assigned to the Military

Episcopal School, a Pre-K through 8th grade school in Smyrna, GA, outside Atlanta.

Sealift Command Far East, and will be traveling to Japan, Singapore, and Korea two to

Mary Alice Haney ’89 has launched her new clothing line, Haney, a “demi-couture line of

four times a year.

dresses,” worldwide. After a career in fashion and as a celebrity stylist, Mary Alice decided

Ashley Wolfe Evans ’93 has been named Executive Director of the Volunteers

to create a line that would appeal to those seeking Hollywood glamour. The aim of the design

in Medicine, Chattanooga. The VIM clinic, financed totally by private support, provides

is to “customize a dress to fit a woman’s style and body type,” according to Mary Alice.

medical service at no charge to low income uninsured of Hamilton County. Formerly the

Nicole Pincelli ’89 is the new marketing and sales director at the Mountain City Club in Chattanooga.

In an email announcing the birth of her daughter, Mary-Louise, Amy Predmore ’89 said that she’s living in Charlottesville, VA, where she teaches yoga and meditation and has a math tutoring business. She is married to Steve Jamme.

Development Director of the AIM Center, she is a graduate of Leadership Chattanooga, on the Board of Trustees for the Moccasin Bend Mental Health Institute, and president of the Greater Chattanooga Area Planned Giving Council.

After 10 years of practicing law, Kinna Patel Crocker ’95 has opened her own firm, Crocker Law, focusing on all family law issues. “I have worked extensively with the lesbian gay bisexual and transgender community in the area of marriage equality and equal rights

After an eight-week training course, Misty Thomas ’89 is working for the Southern Baptist

for everyone,” Kinna writes. She lives in Santa Rosa, CA with her wife and beautiful

arm of Missions and is living in South America writing about missionaries and their work.

five-year-old twin daughters.

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Alum News Karah Nazor ’95 has been named by Openwaterpedia as one of the 2013 Women’s 101 Movers and Shakers in the Open Water Swimming World.

Susan Bishop Crispell ’99, has published a work of young adult fiction, Love and Cupcakes. The novel, which Susan describes as a “magical realism romance,” is published by Swoon Romance and is available via ebook on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. Susan earned a BFA in creative writing from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.

Erika Jenks Henry ’99 caught us up with her news. Married to Jordan Henry, they spent a year teaching at a bilingual school in Honduras before having the first of their four girls. Erika has her MPH in maternal child health from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and has worked on a few consulting projects as well as written and edited for a magazine. “We would love to end up overseas doing something humanitarian,” she says, “but in the meantime I am enjoying my four lively daughters, our three chickens and big garden at our home in Oak Park, outside Chicago.” From left are Jordan, holding Coral Dylan; Evangeline Sanborn on Erika’s lap, Sophia Emmaline, and Iris Emmanuelle.

Erin Miller Wallin ’99 is pursuing a law degree at Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law. Emily Schmidt ’99 received her Ph.D. in social and developmental psychology in 2012 and is currently a visiting assistant professor at the College of Holy Cross in Worchester, Mass. “I love teaching,” says Emily, “and I feel very lucky to be able to do it every day. I am reminded on a regular basis of how well GPS prepared me for college and beyond.” Emily lives in Waltham, Mass., with her husband, Ross Shaull, Ph.D.

In Memoriam Mae Betty Helms Bridgers ’34 Mary Curtis Black ’41 Sylvia “Tibby” Quinn Gass ‘43 Hardie Tharpe Brock ’44 Margaret Ann Bagley McMenemy ’46 Norma Raoul Clark ’47 Joy Wright Cody ’47 Jane Allen Kenyon ’48 Peggy Patten Winningham ’49 Shirley Hill ’50 Barbara Matthews Holley ’50 Helen Caine Franklin ’52 Kathleen Darwin Murphy ’53 Sara “Legare” Hobbs Thackston ’55 Sara Jane Prosterman Brown ’57 Betsy Chambliss McLean ‘61 Jayne Harber Boger ’71 Julia “Feetsie” Reilly Fields ’78 Molly Kate Pryor ’99

Stanley R. Tucker, Jr., Retired Headmaster, 1987-2013

’00-’05

Ani Yacoubian ’00 and her family were profiled in Chattanooga magazine as the owners of a successful business, Yacoubian’s, a family business that her father opened in 1969.

Ani earned her degree in business management at Boston University and, as the article states, “is in charge of the women’s fashion end and the ‘tech stuff.’”

Laura Gordon Mobley ’01, who graduated from Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law in May 2013, is at work as a trial attorney for Dale Buchanan & Associates in Knoxville.

Attorney Heather McArthur Mobley ’01 was recognized as one of the 2014 “Louisiana Rising Stars.” A lawyer with Frilot, LLC, a New Orleans-based law firm, Heather was chosen in the Employment & Labor category. No more than 2.5 percent of Louisiana’s lawyers are named to Rising Stars.

A number of GPS alumnae who were on the first GPS rowing teams returned to campus in April to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the program’s milestone year.

GPS was the first area high school to have girls’ crew as a varsity sport. Head Coach (since retired) Floy Wang traced the origins of the sport at GPS, focusing on the enthusiasm of pioneering students and also of the uphill climb for early funding. On the afternoon of the anniversary, GPS rowers retained the Carney Cup for the 5th consecutive year. From left are former rowers Nita Rench Sexton ’99, Andrea Ernest Smith ’97, Kerri Kilgore Lovegrove ’98, Katherine Giles ’96, Abby McGee Haase ’94, Kate Bailey Corum ’97, and Bekah Mason ’98.

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After graduating from Dental School at the University of Pennsylvania, Mayuri Appareddy ’02 completed her general practice residency at Montefiore Medical Center in NYC and her residency in pediatric dentistry at Staten Island University Hospital. She and her husband live in St. Louis, Missouri, where she works as a pediatric dentist in private practice.

Laura Burns Crahan ’02 received a master’s in business administration from the University of Louisville and was promoted to account supervisor at Creative Alliance.

Mae Cooper ‘02 is now the Learning and Development Specialist with the Department of Development and Alumni Relations at George Washington University Now a member of the Design & Intelligence Lab in the School of Interactive Computing at Georgia Tech, Maithilee Kunda ’02 finished her doctorate in 2013 and is teaching classes in cognitive science and computational creativity and is continuing research there.

Creating a name in design is Hadley LeSourd Binion ’02 of Mobile, AL. Her company, Hadley Binion Designs, won two ADDY Awards at the AAF Mobile Bay Advertising ADDY Awards event, one for a print brochure and one for a television commercial.

Hillary Hammond ’03 is a small animal veterinarian in Las Vegas, having graduated in 2012 from the UT College of Veterinary Medicine with a DVM and master’s in public health. Hillary says that a number of other GPS graduates were in her class pursuing a DVM. Allyson Heard ’04 is pursuing a master’s in nursing anesthesia in Pittsburgh.

Nancy McCarty Iannios ’82, a partner at the Core PR Group in Los Angeles, sent GPS a press release about alumna Katie Johnson ’04, pictured at left.

Katie stars in a brand new “anti-commercial” ad campaign for Swedish designer “Happy Socks” in which she, in bright pink hair and fashion designed by Katy Perry’s stylist, puts on her Scandinavian socks and becomes possessed with an irresistible urge to dance. Her performance has received praise from New York Magazine, Indiewire, and Huffington Post.

Elizabeth Kennedy ’05 has taken a position as the Integrated Media Planning Supervisor of Sony Mobile and Sony Playstation at the San Francisco office of her employer, Carat.

Still a food photographer in Nashville, Hannah Messinger ’05 returns to her hometown and her family’s restaurant, Mount Vernon, at least once a month to host the Washington Supper Club. As she described her new venture to a local reporter, “The point of the dinners is to be a place for locals to come and meet one another, learn about, and support Tennessee products.” For more information on days and prices, check out www.washingtonsupperclub.squarespace.com If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy vicariously a thru-hike on the Appalachia Trail, check out a blog being kept by Katherine Vance ’05 and her boyfriend. They started in mid-March and have successfully survived the Smokies, including a threat of hypothermia during a torrential rainstorm. Beautiful photos and lovely anecdotes from the trail make this blog worth your time: www.nicedayforahike.wordpress.com Kelsey Williams ’05 is a certified Cicerone®. This is a professional certification in beer expertise similar to the sommelier certification.

Beth Yetter ’05 graduated from Duke last year with a degree of master of environmental management from the Nicholas School of the Environment and is now residing in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Mary Helen Miller

The Young Alumnae Council met on campus in February to connect with one another, experience current classroom practices, and hear firsthand from current students about their experiences at GPS. On the front row from left are Shelton Swafford Chambers ’00, Eleanor Decosimo ’05, Julia Schaffeld ’02, Lauren Waters Rice ’03, Stacey McCord Sartoris ’01, Alice Smith ’03, and Ashley Moore Palmer ’99.

Standing are Sallie Gray Strang Clayton ’98, Larkin Ade McMillan ’99, Dori Thornton Waller ’99, Rikki Bost Craven ’01, Betsey Evans Kates ’97, Anne Campeau ’05, Raz Mines Dumitru ’99, and Rachel Monroe Cohen ’96.

For someone who, in her words, “is kind of surprised to be spending my 20’s in Chattanooga,” Mary Helen Miller ’06 has nevertheless made a name for herself in her hometown. Miller and three colleagues from the Chattanooga Times Free Press were notified in April that their three-part investigation into the ‘witness problem’ regarding crime in Chattanooga was a finalist (one of three) for a Pulitzer Prize.

“I love storytelling,” she says, “and using the [newspaper’s] website and all its tools as a medium for that.” Indeed, she crafted the online presence for the series, creating extra pieces to complement the main story. But she also conducted interviews and recorded audio segments for sidebar portraits that told the story online visually and with sound.

A graduate of Bowdoin College in Maine, where she completed an interdisciplinary major of art and art history, she was editor of the school newspaper, presaging perhaps her current work. After two internships, one at the Chronicle of Higher Education in Washington, D.C., and another in Boston at the Christian Science Monitor, she switched from print media and completed a seven-week course to learn about radio.

After a year at Chattanooga’s NPR station, during which she produced a documentary on the Melungeon people of East Tennessee, she moved to the newspaper where she thinks her “artistic sensibilities are finding a home in multi-media projects.”

Not one to rest on the Pulitzer laurels, she’s organized a local Women’s Coding Group to address the need for women to be involved in the IT world.

She’s also reached out to learn from the New York Times’ Amy O’Leary, whose multi-media work Miller admires. Another leading radio personality she respects is Chana Joffewalt, who reports for “Project Money” on National Public Radio.

With a new glittering entry on her resume, Mary Helen Miller may not spend her 30’s or 40’s in Chattanooga; she might be working on projects for a larger journalism enterprise or national radio station!

Alum News ’06-’13

Kate Fulbright ‘07, an environmental activist and filmmaker in Charlotte, North Carolina, was recently featured in an interview in Misadventures Magazine, an online publication founded in part by Marybeth Campeau ‘07. The magazine recently won the inaugural Davidson Venture Fund investment from Davidson College. With the investment, Marybeth and her partners plan to print and regionally distribute the magazine “by and for adventurous women” in the near future. In the meantime, the online version can be found at misadventuresmag.com Kristin Holloway Phillips ’07 and her new husband have moved to Nashville, where she teaches sixth grade science at Brentwood Academy and “coaches a little.”

After a magna cum laude graduation from East Tennessee State University with a degree in philosophy, Emily Roberts ’07 enrolled at American University Washington College of Law and graduated there last May. She has moved to New Hampshire to study for the bar exam and begins as a staff attorney with the New Hampshire Public Defender’s Office in August.

As the Market Master for the wildly popular Chattanooga Market, Heather Parman ’09 is involved in publicity, administrative duties, and customer service.

Shyama Appareddy ’10 was invited to a dinner honoring President Jimmy Carter, and attended by his wife Rosalind, this past fall.

As a senior at Emory University, a double major in anthropology and biology, she served as a co-director for Volunteer Emory, supervising a staff of 30 undergraduates in coordinating service trips and social justice initiatives. Shyama received the Knights of Emory Spirit Award, an honor given to two seniors who contribute significantly and selflessly to the university. A Dean’s List student, she was also inducted into Emory’s 100 Senior Honorary, recognizing the most outstanding seniors and their commitment to their passions and for their contributions to the community.

Nisha Boyington ’11, who just completed her junior year at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, is a charter member and served as the first president for the Alpha Sigma Alpha Sorority that recently colonized on the IU campus. Nisha now serves as the vice president of expansion for the Panhellenic Council. She also received an Alpha Sigma Alpha scholarship to attend a summer Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute.

For the second year in a row, Nicole McKinney ’11 was named the MVP of the women’s soccer team at Lincoln Memorial University.

Last fall, she was named to the NSCAA College Division Women’s Scholar All-South Region third team, and for the second time she was a Capital One Academic All-District selection. She is only the second student-athlete in LMU history and the first from either the men’s or women’s soccer program to twice receive academic All-District honors. She received the B. Frank Turner Award, given annually to the most exemplary model of student-athlete. At LMU, Nicole has a 3.94 GPA and contributed seven goals and two assists as a player for the Lady Railsplitters’ soccer team.

Tory Kemp ’12, representing the University of North Carolina Tar Heels track and field team, won the heptathlon at the Virginia Challenge in May with the third-best points total in UNC history.

Mary Portera ’12, Rhodes College diver, won the women’s 1- and 3-meter events in the Southern Athletic Association and was diver of the year for the second year.

It was quite a freshman year at Carson-Newman University for Tiana Mills ’13. After winning both long jump and triple jump championships at the South Atlantic Conference meet, Mills broke three school track and field records at the PowerSox Invitational and was recognized for the female performance of the year.

Lindenwood University lacrosse player Savannah Phillips ’13 was named her team’s “Rookie of the Year” and made second team All Conference

Katie Dorris ’10 graduated summa cum laude this past May from the University of Tennessee Knoxville with a double major in accounting and pre-law. After a summer job at Price Waterhouse in Atlanta, Katie will be off to Washington, D.C., to start law school at Georgetown.

Lia Stamey ’13, a rising sophomore at the University of Alabama, has received a scholarship from Alabama Power and been selected to be on the Parent Ambassador Team for 2014-15.

She will be representing the university by serving as one of 24 parent orientation leaders at the school’s new student orientation program and during Family Weekend 2014.

Sarah Gossett ’10 graduated from UTK in May and starts a nine-month stint in October with the Teaching Assistant Program in France (TAPIF), teaching English to French students of all ages.

Lindsey Wills ’13 was awarded Best Supporting Actress at Oglethorpe University for her portrayal of Josie in By the Bog of Cats. She will be an Oglethorpe freshman orientation leader for the 2014-15 school year.

Centre College senior lacrosse midfielder Sarah Mastey ’10 was voted the 2014 Southern Athletic Association defensive player of the year. Mastey led her league in ground balls, draw controls, and was third in total goals and points. Teammate Audrey Powers ’11 was on the All-SAA first team. Mastey and Powers also earned All-West honors from the Interscholastic Women’s Lacrosse Coaches Association, being named to the first and second team respectively.

Sewanee junior Bronte Goodhue ’11 was the Tigers’ women’s tennis player of the year, the second consecutive time she has been honored as the top player. In addition, she was the Southern Athletic Association women’s player of the year for the second time.

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What a perfect pairing when rising junior Hannah Faith Greene ’16 was paired with MerylAnne Dexter ’10 during her sixth grade Cat-Rat experience. Both have been quite successful in pageant competition. MerylAnne’s title is Miss Country Sunshine, and she competed in the Miss Tennessee pageant in June. Hannah Faith is currently Miss Chattanooga’s Outstanding Teen. She was 4th runner up in Miss Tennessee’s Outstanding Teen competition. During the summer and upcoming fall, she will compete for scholarship money with Sunburst, Cinderella, and Tennessee Teen USA. Those three if won at the Tennessee level go to a national level.

GPS

Alumnae Weekend 2014 The theme was “This is YOUR School. This is YOUR Reunion,” and GPS alumnae came from other countries and states to celebrate. The festivities started with an awards luncheon on Friday, carried over into an All-Alumnae party that evening at the Founders House, and continued on Saturday with a delicious brunch, a winding of the May Pole (not once, but twice!), and class parties that night.

Right: Taking the weekend’s theme to heart were members of the Class of ’89. Front row from left are Tia Wille Kowalewski, Tanja Kraatz Lux, Lisa Fields Wamack, and Amy Edgar Sklansky. A second row includes Shantih Love Crowdis, Julie Shell Bozeman, Calandra Provine Eineker, Allison Cowan Carroll, and Carla Woods. On the top step are Lee “Alexis” Sparks Haakonsen and Jennifer Clarke.

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1. Nini Davenport ’77 was one of two honored with the Distinguished Alumna Award. Seated with Nini is her new grandson, Tillman Douglas, and husband Elliott.

Standing from left are Rebecca Davenport, Alice Davenport ’04, Anabel Douglas, Hampton Douglas, Margaret Davenport Douglas ’00, and Tillman Douglas.

2. Co-Distinguished Alumna Award winner Lizzer Bright Graham ’77 delivered, with Nini Davenport, one of the funniest acceptance talks ever heard at the awards luncheon. They were introduced together as a “creative partnership” and recognized as “dedicated, hardworking leaders.” She is pictured with her husband, Scott Graham, and daughter Nicki ’14. 3. Holly Lynch Harwell ’84 received the Margaret Rawlings Lupton Award of Excellence. She is pictured with her parents, Jim and Mary B. Lynch, and her husband, Mark. Accepting her award, Holly said, “It’s never been lost on me what an opportunity I was given to attend GPS.” 4. Another Margaret Rawlings Lupton Award of Excellence recipient was Julie Betts Brandao ’84. Her proud daughters Emma ’21 and Katie ’17 joined with other family members at the luncheon. “GPS helps us all find our voice and lead others,” said Julie. 5. Outstanding GPS and college swimmer Lindsey Ward Erickson ’94 was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. From left are her parents, Jack and Linda Ireland, Coach John Woods, Evangeline Erickson, Kirk Erickson, Kyrie Erickson, the honoree, and Bill Caulkins. Lindsey’s record in the 50-free is the longest standing school record. 6. At Saturday’s luncheon, Lynn Miller Hodge ’64, on the right, received the Love of GPS Award in recognition of her “sincere love for and exemplary commitment to GPS.” She is pictured with Peggy Evans Thomas and Barbara Seals. According to Maria Matthews, Director of Campaigns and Major Gifts, “Lynn encouraged her classmates to make an historic gift of over $60,000 to the school in honor of their 50th reunion.” 7. Lisa Fields Wamack ‘89 taught her daughter Ruth the intricacies of winding the May Pole. 8. Leigh Pleva, Alice Revenig Chitty, and Katy Bridger celebrated the Class of 2004’s tenth reunion at the All-Alumnae party on Friday night.

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Brides 1994 1999 1999 1999 2000 2001 2001 2002 2002 2002 2003 2003 2004 2004 2005 2006 2006 2007 2010

Beth Salling Cheryl Burk Ericka Gibson Jessica Griffith Kathleen Milazzo Virginia Gregory Heather McArthur Jennie L. Berglund Adrienne Gibson Shea Tankersley Ashley Rutledge Lacey Yerbey Melanie Limerick Natasha Panda Cody Simpson Julie Gibson Bailey Hixon Kati Howell Meredith Morrow

1. What more beautiful place for wedding photos than the historic Walnut Street Bridge? Bride Adrienne Gibson Riley ’02 is pictured with her attendants, from left, sister Ericka Gibson Payne ’99, and classmates Ashley Warren and April Batts. 2. Carly Morrow ’07 and husband Miles Douglas Moss. 3. Lt. Katherine Dann ’02 and husband Capt. Wes Ogden. 4. Mayuri Appareddy ’02 married Dr. Chai Mutyala last November. 5. Heather McArthur ’01 was attended by her twin sister Nikki when she married Larry Mobley in New Orleans. 6. Shea Tankersley ’02 invited friends to an engagement party that turned into a surprise wedding ceremony at which she married Ted Sullivan. 7. Sydney Woods ’04 and her husband Will Bridenstine. 8. Left to right at the wedding of Lacy Yerbey ’03 to Seth Williams are Katherine Betts ’76, Abigail Morgan ’10, Emily Lilley ’03, the bride, Elana Gulas Jollie ’04, Lindsey Yerbey ’00, and Katie Watson Tipton ’03.

John Luehrs Bryan Parker Courtney Payne Jason Hall Travis Johnson Rupert Watts Larry Mobley Travis Greenleaf Pullman Jabruan Riley Ted Sullivan Jacob Patrick McKim Seth Williams Matthew Roberts Rajas Desai Bryan Sly John Michael McCluskey Jonathan Bullard Bill Schmidt Jay Brooks

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Amy Predmore Mary-Louise 1. Mary-Louise Predmore Jamme is the daughter of Amy Kate Wamack Allison-Black Beatrix Harper Predmore ’89. 2. Leo Francis is the son of Hillary Hammond Darria Long Gillespie Madeleine Elizabeth ’03. 3. Ella Austin, the daughter of Heather Scarbrough Ewalt Wesley Moore Briscione John “Jack” Wesley ’02.4. Harper Meadows is the son of Kelly Coker Jacobs ’04.

Betsy Caldwell Cake James 5. Ward get double love from his brother Henry, age 4, and Mary Tenley Garvich Armstrong Charles “Charlie” Hartley Cleveland, age 2, children of Lauren Waters Rice ’03. 6. Ella Kavitha “Kavi” Bareddy Krishna Vyas (B) Jane enjoys a kiss from Molly Ziebel Jackson ’03. 7. Madeline Margaret Davenport Douglas James “Tillman” Elizabeth is the daughter of Darria Long Gillespie ’96.

Meredith Whitaker Kinney McKay Peyton (G) Lauren Worley Knauth twins boys: Braden and Thatcher Anna Barron Gray Nathan Douglas Susan BeVille Forker Simon Matthew Katherine Dann Ogden William “Liam” Robert Courtney Gray Donley Gray Alexander Hillary Hammond Leo Francis Caroline Rose Richards Gardner Staley Katherine 3 Lauren Waters Rice William Edward “Ward” Whitney Webb Nall Natalie Joy Taylor Wilson Walthall Madison Elise Mary Wright Salyer twins: “Amelia” Lilly & Stephen Benjamin “Ben” Kelly Coker Jacobs Harper Meadows (B) Emily Nagle Thrasher Sadie Austin Charly Parker Castelbuono Alivia Riley Brandi Rannick Santos Halle Elizabeth Connor Brooks Overbeek twins: AnnaLouise & Jackson Ellis Phillips Thomas Hawthorne “Brown”

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LEADERS in

EDUCATION

Noted author Dr. JoAnn Deak and NAIS President Dr. John Chubb shared their expertise with GPS faculty and staff.

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r. JoAnn Deak, noted author, educator, and psychologist, spent one of the last days of the school year with the GPS faculty and staff, explaining the good and bad of the adolescent brain and offering advice for generating mindful, not “mind full” learning in the classroom. Dr. Deak’s presentation at GPS was a gift from interim Head of School Dr. Sue Groesbeck.

Dr. Deak is the author of four books: How Girls Thrive, Girls will be Girls, The Fantastic Elastic Brain, and The Owner’s Manual for Driving your Adolescent Brain. She has spoken to schools and at conferences on every continent but Antarctica and is respected internationally for her research on the brain and its connection to learning.

She has been awarded the Woman of Achievement Award by the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools, was given the first Female Educator of the Year Award by Orchard House School, and received the Outstanding Partner for Girls Award from Clemson University.

“Your job as a teacher,” she told the GPS faculty, “is to extend each girl’s uni-focus as much as possible before she leaves.” Multitasking, she said, costs time, leads to mistakes and a deteriorating laser, or uni-focus, in adolescents, and develops a brain that “habituates an increased need for multi-stimulation.” Much better, she said, is a deep, linear focus that “leads to profound thinking.”

Dr. JoAnn Deak

In addition to demystifying brain research and the differences between the genders, Dr. Deak stressed what she calls the “IPO method of teaching.” According to her, a teacher should devote 20 minutes on the input of information, two minutes on deep processing of the information, and a similar amount to the output by the student. As an example of encouraging uni-focus, she said a teacher could have the students read for 20 minutes (no highlighting!), and then have them highlight what they consider two of the main points and share sentences that support their choices. “You need to teach girls to fight through problem-solving and ambiguity and help them fight to figure something out. They need to use, or stretch, every part of their brain.”

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Explaining that girls need “connected” teaching, a belief that a teacher cares about her, she advised teachers to use the word misstep rather than mistake and to acclimate girls to giving an incorrect answer. “Missteps are less costly in a girls’ school,” she said. “When girls can work together, they take more risks, face conflict, and come out sturdier.”

She received laughter and a smattering of appreciative applause when she said the “teachers of adolescent girls should make more money than professional athletes!”

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PS was one of NAIS President John Chubb’s last stops on his yearlong “listening” tour, and representatives of the six NAIS-member schools in Chattanooga – Baylor, The Bright School, GPS, McCallie, St. Nicholas School, and St. Peter’s Episcopal School – were among the audience.

As head of the National Association of Independent Schools, Chubb identified three challenges for independent schools and the opportunities they present.

“The market for schools has changed a lot,” he said, listing more competition, improvements in some public schools, and increased numbers of charter schools as factors. He praised the values-based environment of independent schools, however, an environment that leads to every child being treated with the same respect and diligence. “Our schools are more diverse than most individual public schools” whose student bodies, he said, are “based on residential patterns.”

Another challenge he enumerated is affordability. Acknowledging that “independent schools have become more expensive relative to the marketplace,” he said that “the most important expenditure that schools make is for teachers.” The schools that will be the most successful, he said, are those that “attract and retain the best teachers.” Calling independent schools “professional development environments,” he said, “Public schools are not always an easy environment for experimentation.”

The third challenge Dr. Chubb identified is the demand for evidence of value. “We don’t just use the rhetoric of educating the whole child,” he said. “Independent schools are rich with academic opportunities, fine arts, athletics, and electives…opportunities for kids to learn.” He emphasized that schools must be clear and serious about their values and what they stand for. Values clarification is “an opportunity for us to distinguish ourselves.”

NAIS President Dr. John Chubb

Dr. Chubb has devoted his career to education, working with teachers in K-12 schools; examining issues of key importance to school leaders and policymakers as a researcher; and leading an education consultancy and a think tank.

The death of Stanley R. (Randy) Tucker, Jr., in April stunned the Chattanooga and Independent School communities.

The retired Headmaster served Girls Preparatory School from 1987 to 2013, and his transformational leadership throughout 26 years at GPS made the school one that enjoys a position of great respect among the top independent schools in the country.

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STA N L E Y R . T U C K E MEMORIAL SCHOLA

As a visionary leader, Randy Tucker encouraged both students and faculty R, JR. to reach past their limits and set new RSHIP levels of achievement and excellence.

He grew and changed as a headmaster and as a person. In his early years as headmaster, he was an architect and builder, as the GPS campus tripled in size.

He was always an innovator, committed to making GPS a leader in technology, educational processes, and practices.

As he shared words of wisdom and personal stories with “his girls,” he became an important father-figure to the students. In his later years as Headmaster, he enjoyed a return to the classroom as a teacher of U.S. Presidency.

Teaching fueled him. He was a “Teacher’s Teacher” and a “Leader’s Leader.”

Randy Tucker left a powerful legacy that extends far beyond the Chattanooga community. We can count generations of women who benefitted from his leadership and passion.

They, in turn, have been inspired to achieve their dreams and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

The Stanley R. Tucker, Jr. Memorial Scholarship has been established at GPS to honor the indelible mark he left on GPS – one of vision, innovation, and success. Contributions are still being accepted and will benefit the financial aid program at the school.

One man spent 26 years truly championing the idea that women ARE leaders. He sought to embolden them and educate them to the world around them as well as understand what was in their hearts. Thank you Mr. Tucker for helping us to find our paths.

– Lyndsie Dickerson Olenoski ’01 He loved all of the girls as if they were his own - the good students as well as those who struggled, the strong athletes as much as those who faltered, the driven ones as well as the ones who had lost their way. He was able to reach and inspire all, and he truly loved us unconditionally.

– Dr. Alexandra Martin ’99 Randy Tucker taught me that the most important part of teaching at GPS is not the books or the notes or the technology, but the girls.

– Glen Vey, faculty

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