HAPPY 75TH, GSL

Partygoers enjoy looking through old yearbooks, news clippings, and other memorabilia in the Anchor Library during the event.

By Marci Woodmansee ’83

Members of the Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School community – past and present – gathered on campus in August for a festive event that served as both reunion and celebration of the school’s founding in 1947. Some 600 attendees from 14 states came together to commemorate this special milestone. Lemaster Avenue was blocked off street-party style and strung with lights for the event, which featured music by the local band Shufflegrit, a beer garden, and the school’s iconic, red-and-white Bullet bus serving as a photo booth. (See related Bullet story, page 22.) Flanked by Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on the west and the school’s Anchor Center multi-purpose building on the east, young and old alumni mingled with parents, grandparents, and former teachers to share memories of GSL and enjoy reconnecting with former classmates. A wide range of memorabilia items – including yearbooks, press clippings, photos, a vintage letter jacket, and ’70s and ’80s cheerleading uniforms – were on display in the school’s Anchor Center Library, while class composites dating back to the 1970s were available for viewing in the building’s Alumni Lobby. Attendees also had the chance to tour the church to reminisce about school chapel services. Many also took the opportunity to revisit the Middle School activities building and Saints Gym in Morton Hall, where all P.E. classes, pep rallies, and home volleyball and basketball games were held from 1970-2010. The mood at the party was jubilant and attendees were all smiles, with the commonly overheard refrain being, “We should do this every year!” The school received proclamations from the offices of both City of Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris commemorating August 20 as “Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School 75th Anniversary Celebration Day.” Event remarks included a reading of the mayoral proclamation by the Rev. Ollie V. Rencher, Rector of Grace-St. Luke’s Church; a welcome from GSL’s new Head of School Dr. Andy Surber; and comments from Honorary Event Chair and former longtime faculty member Nick Scully. Themes of community, connection, and engagement were shared, and enthusiastic attendees made their love and appreciation for GSL abundantly clear. “We are grateful for our history on this beautiful corner of Central Gardens, and excited about what the future holds for GSL!” Surber said.

“Katie and I had a blast. I hadn't been in the old Middle School in over a decade, and it’s shocking how powerfully the smell of a place can trigger so many memories. I was very wistful walking through the gym, snack bar, stairwells, recounting stories to my wife. I remember how when I arrived from Mississippi I thought GSL was the most urban, sophisticated place I'd ever seen – complete with elevators AND a science lab – and lots of wonderful teachers and smart students. That school meant the world to me and remains such an important part of my education.” - Marshall Bartlett ’03

“I thought the party was such a special event – the atmosphere was awesome, and it was so nice to see so many people there. Thank you again! This is just another great reminder of why our family and many others are so happy to be a part of the GSL community.”

- Ben Barksdale, GSL Parent & Board of Trustees Vice-President

“I thought the 75th reunion celebration was a huge success! I got to see a lot of old friends. It was a great idea to block off the street. It went beyond my expectations. Keep up the good work.”

- Kenny Jabbour ’79

"I came to see all the teachers and my friends. I love that all of my favorite teachers showed up and EVERY SINGLE ONE REMEMBERED ME. That means something.” - Hannah Meacham ’12

"What other elementary school in Memphis can throw down like GSL and get 600+ people to show up? Not a single one. GSL rocks!" - Abby Huber ’10

"Wowzer! The 75th reunion was an amazing event! Reconnecting with past staff & classmates was a joyous homecoming celebration indeed." - Loyd Foner ’79

"It was great seeing so many generations mingling, all with GSL as the common thread." - Daniel Fundo, GSL Parent & Director of Finance & Operations

"The thing I heard most often at the event was 'GSL is my home, and will always be my home.' This is proof that there is no place like GSL." - Ellen Hendry GSL Grandparent, Alumni Parent & Head of Middle School

Price Smith Peacock ’03, Ainsley Ayres Beasley ’03, and Kirkland Bible; Nick Scully; Honorary Event Chair Nick Scully, Chris and Gina Roberts, Kathleen Behnke, Nina Callan, Jeni and Jamie Linkous, Courtney and Charlie Ciaramitaro

Carey Pontius, Teresa Sweeney, x, Sally Clark ’10, McKenna Kohlhof ’10, and Abby Huber ’10