GPS Magazine | Summer 2016

GIRLS PREPARATORY SCHOOL SUMMER 2016

A sea of smiles hints at the excitement of Commencement

FROM THE DESK OF ANGELA JOHNSON

Dear Alumnae,

Angela Johnson Assistant Head of School for Advancement

The book has closed on another school year, and summer has arrived in a blaze of heat on the GPS campus. The halls have emptied of our GPS girls, and each week a new wave of summer campers swarms to campus excited to learn a sport, to play an instrument, or simply to play with new friends. Now is a time when our faculty refresh and begin planning for the next year. Admission starts a new season of recruiting, and we in the Advancement Office are eager to update our alumnae about the exciting things that are happening for the School today and tomorrow.

In my short time here at GPS, it has been my utter pleasure to meet and engage with a wide array of students, parents, grandparents, alumnae, and friends. All I have met share a deep affection for GPS and a strong commitment to the intellectual, social, and emotional development of our girls. Their unique and special qualities shine through in the classroom, in the boardroom, and in the community, setting the women and girls apart from others. It is clear that GPS graduates move out into the world prepared to meet any challenge they approach and eager to lead purposeful lives.

We are happy to share stories and updates about a few of the ways GPS continues to have an impact. In this issue of Alumnae News, you will find: • The Where ‘O Where’s for the Class of 2016. What an amazing group of young women! It will be a pleasure to learn of their accomplishments in the coming years; • Spotlight feature on the 2016 May Queen, Alyson Parris; • Insights about the return of the Senior Dinner tradition and a re–focus on the longstanding Chapel Talk tradition; and • Alumnae news and updates shared by classmates around the world.

I invite you to make note of the various opportunities to connect with friends or reconnect with the school and our girls. Be sure to make plans to return to campus for Alumnae Weekend April 21—22, 2017, especially if this is your reunion year! Enjoy and refresh this summer! We look forward to seeing you all in the new school year!

Angela Johnson, Assistant Head of School for Advancement

HEAD OF SCHOOL:

Dr. Autumn A. Graves Assistant Head, Middle School Principal:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Elaine Milazzo Head of Upper School:

Jenise Gordon Chief Financial Officer:

The Magazine of Girls Preparatory School

Mark Vosskamp Director of Admission:

Debbie B. Young ’79 Assistant Head of School for Advancement:

Angela Johnson Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing:

Bilda Small Director of Educational Technology & Information Systems:

Daniel Millbank EDITORIAL STAFF General Editor:

Anne N. Exum

Traditions Enhance the Fabric of GPS

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May Day

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Where O Where Go The Grand Old Seniors Of 2016

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A Look Back at 2015-16

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Commencement

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Alumnae News

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Births & Weddings

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Class Day Awards

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Faculty Emeriti

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Writers:

Anne N. Exum Jenise Gordon Photographer:

Amy Walters Design:

DPerry Design Copyright © 2016 Girls Preparatory School. All rights reserved.

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

Athletics H

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SP LL D O YOU

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How Well Do You Spell?

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COVER: The Class of 2016, lined up for Commencement. (Cover photo by Amy Walters)

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

minuscule or miniscule HOW WELL DO YOU SPELL? see page 21

TRADITIONS ENHANCE THE FABRIC OF GPS

Traditional Events Impact Memories of GPS

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radition. Nowhere is that more evident than in the memories of our alumnae. Just mention class rings, uniforms, or May Day on the GPS Facebook page, and dozens of alumnae post comments!

Some GPS traditions are ingrained in the 110-year history of this institution and evoke the nostalgic memories of our school’s alums. They remember their role in Cat-Rat, a tradition that begins each new sixth grader’s sense of belonging and community. It may have been their first opportunity to mentor another young woman. They remember May Day as a celebration of each senior and a tradition that added to the completion of their journey as GPS students.

This year a tradition that had fallen away returned when the Senior Banquet was renewed to honor the Class of 2016. In keeping with the banquet protocol of old, a teacher was chosen to memorialize the class. The seniors chose Mrs. Callie Hamilton, a history teacher who has taught each girl at least once if not twice.

By Jenise Gordon, Head of Upper School

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Mentioning each girl and her talents, mischievousness, interests, leadership, and personality, Hamilton compared their seven years at the school to a kaleidoscope “backlit with friendships.” Noting that kaleidoscope is a Greek word meaning “beautiful to see,” she described the girls as scientists,

TRADITIONS ENHANCE THE FABRIC OF GPS

mavericks, techies, creatives, curious scholars, and optimistic problem-solvers. Looking out over the tables of seniors, she said, “GPS has been enriched by your diversity.

The world needs more like you.”

Hopefully, the banquet continues for years to come as another way of honoring our seniors before they move on to their next stage in life.

The most meaningful traditions should align with the school’s mission and match their original intent. Dr. Autumn Graves, like any true history buff, has spent the last two years asking questions of alumnae, current and past faculty members, parents, grandparents, board members, and students to gain a historical perspective on the traditions at GPS and to better understand why they are so important. One tradition that has captured her attention is Chapel Talks.

After 12 years at GPS, I still continue to be impressed when a senior waxes philosophic about life from her perspective.

Whether the talk is profound, hilarious, or personal — or sometimes all three at once — the talk belongs to the senior, and that is what makes it powerful.

Chapel Talks were originally presented in the West Gym with no guests in attendance. Over time the event evolved. A small number of invitees led to a single-tabled reception in the cafeteria. Then the guest list and the reception grew in size and a larger space and more elaborate decorations were needed, which then required

Several girls opted to repurpose special occasion dresses for the Senior Dinner.

From left are Kali Holt, Tori Hicks, Nicki Backus, and Tigris Nevans.

a move off campus. Guests being asked to attend a lunch elsewhere in Chattanooga required printed invitations. For those who watched this evolution, the change was likely so gradual that few noticed that the planning and implementation of the reception began to completely overshadow the talk!

In order to better accommodate visiting families, all guests will gather in the Frierson Theatre Lobby rather than the Rotunda. The Chapel Talk table will be moved to the lobby as well, so that guests can easily visit with family or leave messages of support before going into the theatre.

How do we redirect the focus to the tradition that matters — the girl expressing herself and demonstrating how, at GPS, she’s found her voice? Wanting to engage our students on this topic, Dr. Graves gave every member of the Class of 2017 a chance to weigh in on that question and suggest potential changes.

The seniors have been encouraged to ask guests to forgo a gift and instead write something meaningful in their Chapel Talk books, an old tradition that has been revived by one of our faculty alumnae members. In addition, the class secretary will gather a copy of each Chapel Talk into a book, which is another tradition lost over the years. Receptions will still be held on campus after school.

Beginning this year, seniors will have a select group of faculty/ staff “coaches” willing to help them tweak the talk and practice the presentation. These coaches, some of whom are themselves skilled in public speaking, can help our seniors in the delivery of their message.

Sweet memories, markers in the journey from childhood to adolescence — GPS traditions will continue to be part of the fabric of our school. It is our goal to ensure that our traditions also continue to be girl-centered and mission driven to enhance the experience of each girl and build memories for a lifetime.

HERE'S TO THE GIRLS 3

May Day Matinee

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lessed with perfect weather, the Class of 2016 created their own memories during “May Day Matinee.”

Head of Upper School Jenise Gordon welcomed the gathering of family and friends, saying, “When I think of a matinee, I imagine an opportunity to escape from the grind of daily life. We take a break from our classes in order to dance, play a little dress up, and enjoy this magical experience.”

In response to those who are curious about the tradition of May Day, a tradition almost as old as the school itself, she said, “Every good matinee has a good tag line, one that entices the potential

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moviegoer into the theater. If I were to coin a tagline for May Day, I would simply say this: ‘Every GPS girl is beautiful on the inside and out.’”

Acknowledging that May Day is a time when we see “external beauty,” she said, “We know the depth to which that beauty reaches because we have watched them grow up. We’ve seen them perform on stage, on the field, and in the classroom. We have watched them give selflessly to their school, community, and each other, and we know they will leave an indelible mark on this world because they have left an indelible mark on our hearts.”

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO BE THE GPS MAY QUEEN? According to Alyson Parris, it’s a mix of excitement, nervousness, and celebration, but most of all, “it’s magical.”

While her classmates were being introduced, she was “nervous” about “hundreds of eyes on me.” But after she walked out and saw her classmates “with their dresses flowing in the wind,” her nerves melted away.

“There was just this amazing cloud of excitement in the air that made me feel like the entire school had faith in me,” she remembers. “There are so many powerful, accomplished, and talented young women at GPS, and the fact that I was the one wearing the white dress made me feel so loved and respected.” To Alyson, May Day is really “a celebration of hard work and achievement for the seniors as well as a party and reflection of the GPS experience for the entire school.”

GPS “loves girls who have spirit, girls who work behind the scenes without asking for recognition, girls who work tirelessly to pursue their passions,” she says.

Those important traits and a sense of loyalty which she says she “learned at GPS” are what Alyson will take to the University of Tennessee Knoxville.

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1. May Queen Alyson Parris is presented to the audience of GPS friends and family.

2. Alli Standefer enjoys the promenade.

3. Lili Anne McClanahan and Morgan Pels ready the blue maypole ribbon.

4. The May Court, from left, Caroline West, Maid of Honor; Charlotte Whitfield, scepter bearer; McKinley Self, Lady of the Court; Hannah Faith Greene, train bearer; Queen Alyson Parris; Rachel Raisin, train bearer; Story DeWeese, Lady of the Court; and Zoë Rustand, crown bearer.

5. Oriene Yu and Laura Zeiser wait in the senior hall before the promenade.

6. Emma Noles is presented as the chair of the May Day committee.

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Where O Where Go The Grand Old Seniors Of 2016 85 Seniors Will Attend 50 Colleges and Universities in 21 States and The District of Columbia Khasia Abdu — University of Tennessee Knoxville Regan Ables — University of Tennessee Chattanooga Emily Anderson — University of Alabama Jen Andrews — Mercer University (GA) Emily Arnold — University of Tennessee Knoxville Nicki Backus — University of Tulsa (OK) Anna Baldree — University of Alabama Malynn Berger — University of Tennessee Knoxville Lexie Berry — Auburn University (AL) Isabella Biscarini — Westmont College (CA) Katie Brown — University of Tennessee Knoxville Tatum Buchanan — Samford University (AL) Allyce Buniak — Washington University in St. Louis (MO) Sophie Caughman — Brigham Young University Idaho Haley Cornett — University of Tennessee Knoxville Kaitlyn Crisp — Rhodes College (TN) Katherine Curtis — University of North Carolina Wilmington Story DeWeese — Santa Clara University (CA) Bella Dowling — Furman University (SC) Darrah Dunagan — University of Tennessee Chattanooga Ivey Fidelibus — Georgia Institute of Technology Cameron Ford — Southern Methodist University (TX) Sophia Gachine — University of Alabama Alexa Gibson — Kennesaw State University (GA) Emma Gibson — Covenant College (GA) Hannah Faith Greene — Berry College (GA) Monica Herrera — University of Tennessee Chattanooga Victoria Hicks — Rensselaer Polytech Institute (NY) Brianne Holsomback — The University of the South (TN) Kali Holt — University of Tennessee Knoxville Gabby Hughes — Huntingdon College (AL) Jessica Kerfoot — American University (DC) Kinsley Kilgore — Tennessee Tech University Emma Kirkpatrick — Auburn University (AL) 6 GPS MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2016

Emilie Krysa — Virginia Commonwealth University Lexie Kyriakidis — Jacksonville University (FL) Susanna LaRochelle — Univ. of North Carolina Chapel Hill Madeleine Longshore — University of Tennessee Knoxville Christina Love — University of California Berkeley Sarah Malloch — University of Tennessee Knoxville Jenna Malone — University of Tennessee Knoxville Mary Melissa Manuel — Rhodes College (TN) Madison McClendon — University of Tennessee Knoxville Caroline Mitchell — Baylor University (TX) Shivani Modi — Mercer University (GA) Emma Morris — Auburn University (AL) Haley Mull — Miami University (OH) Tigris Nevans — Eckerd College (FL) Hope Newberry — Yale University (CT) Emma Noles — Samford University (AL) Abigail Owsley — University of Richmond (VA)

Alyson Parris — University of Tennessee Knoxville Lyndsay Payne — University of West Georgia Carly Perry — Savannah College of Art and Design (GA) Lauren Piersall — University of Tennessee Chattanooga Hannah-Paige Price — Samford University (AL) Rachel Raisin — Georgia Institute of Technology Anjali Ravee — Baylor University (TX) Zoë Rustand — University of Georgia Rye Sanford — Evergreen State College (WA) Meagan Scott — University of Tennessee Knoxville McKinley Self — Auburn University (AL) Samantha Sell — The University of the South (TN) Tess Shaheen — Georgia Institute of Technology Jenna Simpson — Samford University (AL) Angel Sims — Samford University (AL) Āyushi Sinha — Princeton University (NJ) Mary Charlotte Smalley — University of Georgia

Keyle Snyder — Columbus State University (GA) Madison Spurling — Auburn University (AL) Lucy St. Charles — Duke University (NC) Alli Standefer — University of Alabama Hannah Stephens — University of Alabama LaShawn Stutz — Georgia Southern University Bei Su — New York University Maggie Swafford — Arizona State University Mary Lyddon Thatcher — Univ. of North Carolina Chapel Hill Jenna Thorstenson — Tulane University (LA) Kaliya Ware — Mercer University (GA) Tess Wentland — Suffolk University (MA) Caroline West — Johns Hopkins University (MD) Charlotte Whitfield — Vanderbilt University (TN) Ally Wills — East Tennessee State University Oriene Yu — University of San Francisco (CA) Laura Zeiser — The King’s College (NY) HERE'S TO THE GIRLS 7

A LOOK BACK AT 2015-16

85 GRADUATES of 2016 colleges and universities

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in 21 states and the District of Columbia

COLLEGE

will attend OUT-OF-STATE COLLEGES. The private and public split is 53% and 47%.

of the 85 girls in the Class of 2016 received merit or talent-based scholorship offers.

ACADEMICS

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FOR THE 6TH YEAR, GPS WON THE SENIOR DIVISION AT THE REGIONAL SCIENCE & ENGINEERING FAIR NGINEE

The GPS acceptance rate to the nation’s top colleges is 18% compared to 8% national rate.

Twelve seniors were recognized as NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS or COMMENDED STUDENTS.

GPS STUDENTS WON

ELEVEN seniors were inducted into CUM LAUDE for their academic achievement.

1ST PLACE AT • TENNESSEE HISTORY DAY • TENNESSEE SCIENCE SYMPOSIUM • Chattanooga's 6th ENVIRONMENTAL SUMMIT

169 323 STUDENTS TOOK

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ADVANCED PLACEMENT EXAMS IN

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DIFFERENT SUBJECTS

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ALMOST 100 GIRLS acted,

SERVICE

FINE ARTS

sang, and danced in The Fine Art Department's productions of...

The John Steinbeck classic, Grapes of Wrath

The M Middle School pro production, on King Jr Lion

AP Art and College Portfolio students had their work displayed at the Association of Visual Arts gallery.

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The Tony Award-winning musical, Into the Woodss

22 MEMBERS of the Computer Science club taught 3D skills to area middle school students

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GPS MUSICIANS were in the All-State East Orchestra were All-State performers

Middle School girls joined afterschool club Motion Makers to learn and perform modern dance technique.

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20 YEAR PARTNERSHIP with HABITAT FOR HUMANITY. More than $250K raised

by KEY CLUB and, WITH MCCALLIE, built the 20TH HOME in 2015-16

The 3rd annual MISSION REMISSION event surpassed its $20,000 goal for cancer research

ATHLETICS

GPS won the Blue Cross Blue Shield Tennessee Champions Series Award based on athletic excellence and sportsmanship.

GPS ROWERS

WON THE

CARNEY CUP AND THE MID-SOUTH

CHAMPIONSHIPS

Senior athletes – in swimming, golf, soccer, track and field, rowing, and volleyball – signed college scholarships BOWLING and SOFTBALL teams won REGION CHAMPIONSHIPS The TENNIS DOUBLES TEAM won TSSAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP The CLIMBING TEAM won 1ST in new interscholastic league

OUR MODEL UN TEAM //

OTHER

Best Delegation award for the 3rd consecutive year at the Southeastern Conference

FOURTH 4TH TIME IN 6 YEARS THAT A GPS STUDENT WAS SELECTED LECTED FOR GIRLS NATION NAT A ION

GPS girls were named the area’s:

DISTINGUISHED YOUNG WOMAN (formerly Junior Miss) American Lung Association YOUNG WOMAN OF DISTINCTION A presenter at Chattanooga’s first TEDX CONFERENCE Third runner-up at the MISS TEEN USA PAGEANT HERE'S TO THE GIRLS 9

For the Class of 2016, the Journey Continues…

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The GPS 110th Commencement honored the Class of 2016, its legacy graduates, and the faculty and staff who created the “aha” moments in classrooms, stages, and on playing fields. “Life as you know it is about to change,” said Head of School Dr. Autumn Graves before adding the promise that “The core value of the

1. Anjali Ravee and Katie Brown head down the Tucker Academic Walk on the way to the gym.

2. Rachel Raisin, left, received the Faculty Award, and Caroline West received the Founders Award.

3. Haley Mull, left, reprised her Chapel Talk at Commencement. Mary Lyddon Thatcher gave the Valedictory Address.

school, to prepare you for a life of purpose, remains

4. Ayushi Sinha, left, and Lucy St. Charles, were Salutatorians.

always at the school’s heart.”

5. Khasia Abdu receives a congratulatory handshake from Dr. Graves.

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HERE'S TO THE GIRLS 11

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ALUM NEWS

N E W S Carolyn Bridgers Jackson ’61 received the first ever Leadership Award from the United Way of Bradley County.

Anne Clarke Sanders ’70, writing as Adair Sanders, has published the first two books in her new Allison Parker mystery series. As Sick as Our Secrets and What Comes Around introduce the reader to feisty Alabama trial attorney Allison Parker, a lawyer who solves murders. The two mysteries, as well as Sanders’ first book, Biologically Bankrupt, are available from Amazon.

Dana Rogers ’82 has accepted a seasonal position at the R Lazy S Ranch in Jackson, WY. Dana says that her experience as a hospitality mystery shopper in recent years “will ensure that the dude ranch’s guests are well take care of.”

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Lynne Mulligan ’84, a teacher at St. Nicholas School, was one of ten Chattanooga women honored at Girls Inc’s annual Unbought & Unbossed Awards event in April.

This fall, Hadley Rowland ’93 will be the Subject Expert art teacher launching the middle/high school and AP art program at a school in McLean, Virginia. Hadley is a founding faculty member of BASIS Independent McLean.

BASIS INDEPENDENTTM McLEAN

Two GPS alumnae have been named to roles within the Chattanooga entertainment scene. Courtney Keene ’96 is a new event manager at Tivoli Theatre and Memorial Auditorium. Courtney worked for a number of years in the music industry as tour manager and as a personal assistant for music artists.

Carolyn Whitaker ’08 joins Courtney as an event manager/booking coordinator at Tivoli Theatre and Memorial Auditorium. She previously worked in food industry and for local startup American Exchange.

Raz Mines Dumitru ‘99 has been elected and sworn in as the next Regent of the Chief John Ross Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She is the third generation of her family as a member of the DAR. “I'm looking forward to the next three years and all the wonderful work we can do to promote education, patriotism and historic preservation,” she says.

ALUM NEWS

As a biomedical engineering graduate assistant at Rice University, Lindsey Bornhoeft ’02 joined with colleagues at UTC and Rice in a new discovery that guides nanostructures (materials smaller than the human eye can see) to “self-assemble” into something that can be used.

Their “carbon nanotube wires” according to a UTC news story, are “polarized around the field around the Tesla coil…into functional wires.” Describing herself as “infected by the nano-bug,” Lindsey uses words such as beautiful and magic to describe the continuing project and the discoveries being made.

Rebecca Taylor ’03 has moved to Atlanta from San Francisco and is now a postdoctoral fellow at Emory University.

Stephanie Hayes ’04 is the engagement manager for the new Tomorrow Building in Chattanooga, a renovation of the former Yesterday’s restaurant building that will offer apartments to entrepreneurs, creatives, or civic-minded people in a “coliving” environment. Stephanie told Nooga.com that the residents “will have an idea, want to do something, and… have inspiring neighbors that they can call.”

Anna Conn ’07 surprised no one from GPS when she finished the Riverbend 10K on Saturday, June 11. After all, even with a prosthetic right leg, Anna was a member of the GPS varsity tennis team. She’s been an inspiration to many.

Prepare to be inspired even more. Anna joined the running world when she recently received a running blade, which she used in the 10K, and she is training to run a halfmarathon in August. Her goal is to be the fifth person with a blade ever to run a marathon, and whenever that marathon takes place, there will be a lot of GPS people cheering her on!

In June, Anna was the subject of a column in the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

As a writer primarily in the music publishing world, Brittney McKenna ’07 has interviewed many music artists and rising stars in the industry. She counts herself fortunate to have recently interviewed world renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Her story on his collaboration with the Silk Road Ensemble may be read at this link: http://tinyurl.com/ z2xmjsa Since the Wolf family lost their beloved Carrie Wolf McConnell ’07 this year, they have turned their grief into positive efforts, creating a website that her classmates and friends may want to visit.

Carver Lee ’09 is currently working on her master’s in geosciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and the topic of her thesis is a subglacial volcano in Iceland.

The Nashville Business Journal profiled Eller Mallchok ’11 in their May issue. Eller is the Program Lead at Jumpstart Foundry, a seed-stage investment fund. In her job, she works with applicants through the vetting and negotiating stages. The article noted that in the venture capital world, Eller’s age and gender make her somewhat unique.

HERE'S TO THE GIRLS 13

ALUM NEWS

Chadarryl Clay ’12 graduated with honors from Virginia Commonwealth University in May with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. A three-year member of the VCU women’s basketball team, she received the Scholar-Athlete of the Year award two consecutive years.

She will continue her education at VCU’s Pharmacy School this fall and pursue her doctorate degree in pharmacy.

Rachel Davis ’13 is a mechanical engineering major at Quinnipiac University and is spending her summer on a project that aims to modify ride-on toys for disabled children. Partnering with her professor and a team of physical therapy graduate students, she says their projected modifications “are to implement a microcontroller that will take sensor input from an accelerometer attached to the young client’s favorite hat, and output commands to a servo for steering control and to a motor driver for acceleration control.” After the “assistive technologies” are in place, the client will be able to drive and steer the car, and a remote control component will enable the parents to override the child’s driving commands if needed, says Rachel, who will graduate in 2017 in only the second class of engineering majors at Quinnipiac.

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Najia Humayun ’15 is a summer intern at Causeway, the non-profit that uses social innovation to identify, develop, and solve challenges and problems in Chattanooga.

She joins a team that believes that “collaboration and conversation spark great ideas for change.”

A dozen seniors gathered on May Day for the legacy photo with their GPS family alumnae. At the front are Natalie Center Owsley ’85 and her daughter Abigail Owsley; Cameron Ford, with her grandmother Mary Scott Thach Norris ’59 behind her to the left and her mother Ashley Norris Ford ’83 behind her to the right; and Mary Melissa Manuel with her mother Emmaly Wilbanks Manuel ’77. On the second row are Michaela Keefe ’89 and daughter Meagan Scott; and Emily Arnold and her mother Amy Fisher Arnold ’79. Three generations stand on the back left: Zoë Rustand, mother Peg Brock Rustand ’88, and grandmother Dottie Goree Brock ’65. The group

on the right features Tigris Nevans, grandmother Mary Groves Brooks ’60 on the left, and great-aunt Dede Groves ’64 on the right. Melissa Woodall Curtis ’85 is on the top right with her daughter Katherine Curtis. At the top of the steps are Kay Hutcheson Sanford ’79 and daughter Rye Sanford. Behind them are Johanne Dixon Albright ’61, her granddaughter Mary Lyddon Thatcher, and mother Amy Albright Thatcher ’84. Not present for the photo were Ally Wills, who counts a grandmother, Becky Wood Wills ’49 and greatgrandmother, Rebecca Palmer Wood ’18 as legacy alumnae; and Gabby Hughes, whose grandmother is Sherry Liner Simpson ’65.

ALUM NEWS

B I R T H S

Some Photos Of Our Alumnae Children: 1. Emily Evans Byrd ’01 set in this photo of son Rhett Logan, now nearly eight-months old.

2. John Braxton Baptista “Bap” was born to Presh Killebrew Ashe ’94 last November..

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3. William "Carter," new son of Liz Morton Doak ’06, joins sister Catherine Louise “Kaky.”

4. Left to right are the children of sisters Hope Howick Shelton ’96 and Meg Howick Torrence ’99: Jack and Eloise Shelton and Miller and Charlie Torrence. The boys were born two months apart and the girls one month apart!

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5. Virginia Grace Tipton was a pink-ribboned gift for Katie Watson Tipton ’03.

6. Payne is the happy son of Mary-Martha Bullard McDaniel ’03.

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Other births since the last Alum News: Amber Cope Cowley ’99, a girl, Eva Emerson Kathleen Milazzo Johnson ’00, a daughter, Evelyn Marie Megan Hixon Thomas ’02, twins Hadley Elizabeth and Stuart “Crews” Caroline Little Baker ’03, a son, Theodore “Teddy” Adams Alice Smith Harris ’03, a son, Benjamin “Ben” Wilson Mary-Martha Bullard McDaniel ’03, a boy, Payne Alan Charlotte Beene Wells ’03, a son, John Bennett, Molly Ziebell Jackson ’03, a daughter, Adeline Taylor Elizabeth Campbell Griffin ’04, a son, William Kennedy Griffin, V Anna Connell Daugherty ’07, a son, Everett Rhodes

BRIDES

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Alumnae Weddings Emily Crisman ’02, to Nathan Gebele Emily Killian ’06, to Gabe Anderson Lindsey Martin ’07, to Trevor VonCannon Stephanie Ryals ’08, to Amel Komic Bess Wallis ’10, to Barrett Yeiser Davis Kathryn “Ryn” Fager ’11, to Drew Tompkins HERE'S TO THE GIRLS 15

CLASS DAY AWARDS

A W A R D S

With students already anticipating their advancement to another grade level, the traditional Where ‘O Where’s were boisterously and joyously sung at the 2016 Class Day festivities on Thursday, May 19. The prelude to the next day’s Commencement featured awards for academics, character, the arts, and athletics.

1 ACADEMIC Ethel B. Poston Valedictorian …………………………………

Rickie Pierce Salutatorian …………………………………………

Mildred Peters Award for English ……………………………

Eula Lea Jarnagin Love of Language ………………………

John Locke History Award for Excellence ………………

Lois Moyer for Mathematics ……………………………………

Lucy Ann Adams Science Cup …………………………………

Fletcher Bright Arts Award ………………………………………

Computer Science & Engineering ……………………………

Physical Education/SHAPE ………………………………………

William McKenzie Publications Award ……………………

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RECIPIENT(S) Mary Lyddon Thatcher Ayushi Sinha and Lucy St. Charles Mary Lyddon Thatcher Story DeWeese (French); Allyce Buniak (Spanish) Caroline West Haley Mull Su Bei Anna Baldree Ayushi Sinha Mary Melissa Manuel Mary Melissa Manuel and Caroline West

CLASS DAY AWARDS

ACADEMIC/CHARACTER RECIPIENT Founders Award ………………………………………………………… Caroline West Mary Hannah Tucker Faculty Award ……………………… Rachel Raisin

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CHARACTER Seniors

RECIPIENT

Pete Wood Award ………………………………………………………

Patsy Williams Scott Service Award ………………………

Jane Henegar Noble Christian Character Award……

Betsy Chisolm Silberman Award………………………………

Laura Handly Award …………………………………………………

Roberta Moore Award ………………………………………………

Barbara Johnson Prickett Award ……………………………

Daughters of the American Revolution …………………

Juniors

Alyson Parris Rachel Raisin Laura Zeiser McKinley Self Tigris Nevans Alyson Parris Caroline West Jessica Kerfoot

Battle Award ………………………………………………………………

Palmer Griffin Award …………………………………………………

Christian Bryant Award ……………………………………………

William D. Jones Award ……………………………………………

Sophomores

Lucy Newbold Scottie Sandlin Bailey Bryant Phoebe Warren

Sophomore Bowl ……………………………………………………… Meg Marshall Lisa Blake Award ……………………………………………………… Anna Salisbury Dorris Chapin Wells Award ……………………………………… Hollis Gaffney Freshmen

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Marilyn Sherman Center Award ……………………………… Maddie Humble Frances Wheeler Freshman Cup ……………………………… Olivia Combs Dora Maclellan Brown Christian Leader Award …… Myra Brock Eighth Grade Janet Campbell Jackson Award ……………………………… Jadyn Matthews Daughters of the American Revolution ………………… Katherine Bell Seventh Grade Ruth Schmidt Award ………………………………………………… Holland Collett Thedford Award ………………………………………………………… Astha Sinha Sixth Grade Margaret Wheland Cate Award ……………………………… Ellie Taliaferro Joan Haley Frierson Award ……………………………………… Ava Scotchie

5 1. Senior award winners are, front row from left, McKinley Self, Lucy St. Charles, Laura Zeiser, Anna Baldree, and Ayushi Sinha. Standing are Alyson Parris, Mary Melissa Manuel, Tigris Nevans, Jessica Kerfoot, and Mary Lyddon Thatcher.

2. Lucy Newbold, Phoebe Warren, Bailey Bryant, and Scottie Sandlin were junior award recipients.

3. Freshmen award recipients include, from left, Olivia Combs, Myra Brock, and Maddie Humble.

4. Sophomores honored with Class Day awards include Anna Salisbury, Meg Marshall, and Hollis Gaffney.

5. Middle School awards went to, from left, Holland Collett, Astha Sinha, Katherine Bell, Jadyn Matthews, Ellie Taliaferro, and Ava Scotchie.

ARTS The Greene-Hanlin Award …………………………………………

Terpsichord Award ……………………………………………………

The Award for Excellence in Visual Arts …………………

The National Orchestra Award …………………………………

The National Band Award …………………………………………

Excellence in Dramatic Arts………………………………………

Excellence in Technical Theatre ………………………………

Kaitlyn Crisp Emma Kirkpatrick Emily Anderson Gabby Hughes Ayushi Sinha Cameron Ford Isabella Cornea

ATHLETICS Robinson Sportsmanship Cup …………………………………

Mary Alice Hood Chambers Award …………………………

Elizabeth Collier Farmer Award ………………………………

Laura Holt Outstanding Athlete Award …………………

Sandra Martin Award …………………………………………………

Peggy Thomas 100% Award ……………………………………

Story DeWeese Emily Morrison Hannah Kincer Scottie Sandlin Nicki Backus Susanna LaRochelle

HERE'S TO THE GIRLS 17

Thomas, Smartt Lauded at Faculty Emeriti Inductions Two former faculty members, Peggy Evans Thomas and Suzanne Smartt, were honored as Faculty Emeriti on Saturday, April 9, during Alumnae Weekend festivities. Longtime dance teacher Peggy and theatre director Suzanne were lauded by their peers, their families, and many alumnae whose lives they touched. They join Jessica Good, Betty Jo Horton, and Peggy Michaels as 1

Mary Jane Thomas Ruch ’76 introduced her mother, regaling the crowd with stories about what it was like to be both her mother’s daughter AND student. Many of her classmates were present, laughing along at the remembrances of all that Peggy had them do as students in dance.

Hollee Huckaba Brock '87 gave an “artistic” view of Peggy as a mentor, support system, teacher, and friend.

According to Hollee, Peggy was (and still is) a woman who 18 GPS MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2016

was never afraid and opened door after door to new worlds for her students.

Peggy was true to form.

Having been told that she wouldn’t be expected to speak, she got up and commanded the podium anyway. A charter member of the GPS Athletic Hall of Fame, her name is familiar to current students who rehearse and choreograph in the Peggy Evans Thomas Dance Studio. Beginning in 1953, she established a rigorous physical education curriculum

members of the program that began in 2015. and implemented varsity athletic programs for six sports, serving as the coach for most. She also founded and served as director of Terpsichord, Tennessee’s first high school contemporary dance company.

Introducing Suzanne Smart were Upper School Head Jenise Gordon and eighth grade English teacher Amy Piper.

Both are longtime friends of Suzanne’s, having met her through their years at Girls State, a national leadership and citizenship program.

Suzanne, said Amy, brought her “Yes, And” spirit to GPS, teaching drama, graphic design, and improv skills.

Committed to being a teacher “who stands beside,” Suzanne listened to her students, found the good, praised it, and knew the power of laughter, she said.

Describing the “amazing tapestry” that Suzanne wove over her 17-year career at GPS, Jenise told the audience that

if one phrase should resonate with all of the former students in the audience, it would be, “Everyone’s #1 fan.”

she has been honored with 10 Best Actress Awards from the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.

Suzanne Smartt worked in New York City as a professional actress and improv troupe member before joining the GPS faculty. She directed countless GPS actors in the drama classroom and on stage and shared her skills with graphic design students.

A GPS Distinguished Teacher,

Beyond all of the praise deservedly bestowed on Peggy Evans Thomas and Suzanne Smartt, the facts are that both women were effective educators, loved by their colleagues, and modeled creativity, perseverance, patience and curiosity for the students that they adored.

That’s a legacy to which all teachers should aspire.

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4 1. Peggy Evans Thomas, center, was feted by her daughter Mary Jane Ruch ’76, left, and Hollee Huckaba Brock ‘87, right.

2. Suzanne Smartt, center, enjoyed the introductions of Amy Piper, left, and Jenise Gordon, right.

3. Happy to acknowledge the impact that Peggy Thomas made on them as GPS students were, from left, Mary Harper Bach ’71 and Peggy Harper Myers ’73.

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4. Bret Noblitt, a sound and lighting specialist who has worked on many GPS musicals, was present to congratulate Suzanne.

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FALL & WINTER ATHLETICS

N E W S

Fall and winter sports, whether part of the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association or not, compete for state titles at different times, sometimes in different months. Only the spring sports journey together to the same city for their season-ending competition, Spring Fling, affording them an opportunity to be each other’s biggest fans.

Crew and lacrosse teams drew their own crowds of classmates and family to their regattas and matches, and each sport claimed athletes honored with seasonending recognition.

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1. The crew team celebrated their 7th straight win over Baylor to claim the Carney Cup trophy. Both Varsity 8+ and Novice 8+ won their races, coached by former Olympian Megan DirkmaatMcCourt. Rising sophomore Larkin Brown was invited to attend U.S. Rowing’s Junior National Development Camp this summer.

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2. & 3. It takes a lot of tennis balls to compete at Spring Fling. Pictured from left are Barbie Edwards, Autumn Graves, Corinne Spann, and Coach Sue Bartlett, with her hands full! Edwards and Spann competed in the quarterfinals. The duo of Maddox Bandy and Jenna Thorstenson repeated as state doubles champions.

4. The 4x800 relay team of Carley Braman, Tori Tomokane-Verville, Kate McVay, and Mary Margaret Arrowsmith sport their second place medals at Spring Fling, the TSSAA state tournament.

5. Their smiles must mean the team won!

From left are lacrosse players Lindsay Lail, Story DeWeese, Jai-la Hansford, and Avery Campbell. Campbell and Lucy Newbold were named to the All-Region team.

Rising juniors Hollis Gaffney and Kendall McKoon were named as 2016 Brine National High School All-Americans and represented Tennessee at the 2016 Brine National Lacrosse Classic in Richmond, Virginia.

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6. The softball players and coaches pose with their runner-up trophy at Spring Fling.

The team was comprised of very young players, and at one point in the season, not one girl had a driver’s license!

BRUISER BEE:

How Well Do You Spell?

Do you watch the Scripps National Spelling Bee and think, “I can do that”? Do you spend hours playing games like Words with Friends? Or are you a really competitive team player?

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S LL D O YOU

L PE

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Bruiser Bee: How Well Do You Spell? will be an adult spelling bee featuring teams of three. Under the spotlight of competition, each team will have multiple chances to correctly spell a word before they are called out. During the evening, team supporters can make donations and help their team acquire “lifelines” to stay in the game. During any lull in the teams’ quest for the trophy, you can enjoy signature drinks, tapas, or shop in the Silent Auction.

SAVE THE DATE :

If you answered “yes!” then gather two friends or colleagues and sign up to compete in the inaugural GPS Bruiser Bee on Thursday evening, December 1, at the Downtown Marriott.

The goal of Bruiser Bee is for GPS not only to strengthen relationships among alumnae and parents, but also to develop ties with area non-profits, the corporate community, and friends.

Barbaranelle Rowe and Coughlin Cooper ’88 are the event CoChairs, and Alison Lebovitz will be the host for the event.

If you’re interested in sponsoring a Bee Team or donating to the Silent Auction, contact Angela Johnson at ajohnson@gps.edu. If you’re interested in serving on the

Bruiser Bee committee, contact Mandy Senn at msenn@gps.edu.

Watch for your Save the Date and Event invitation. Register your team and stay up-to-date on the first ever Bruiser Bee by visiting www.bruiserbee.com.

Answer to spelling question on the Table of Contents: Minuscule is correct!

Did you get that right? Then you should seriously consider organizing a team to compete!

The Bruiser Bee— How Well Do You Spell?

Thursday, December 1, 2016 6:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Marriott Downtown, Two Carter Plaza

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Chattanooga, TN Permit no. 110 205 Island Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37405