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.
No Limits I Prepared for Life
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